text:
A multilayered film exhibiting good transparency, welding resistance, puncture resistance and impact strength having an outer layer selected from the group consisting of: (1) homopolymers of polypropylene, (2) ethylene/propylene copolymers and (3) blends of (a) high density polyethylene and (b) propylene and ethylene block copolymers; an inner layer of a different composition from the outer layer and selected from the group consisting of ethylene and α-olefin copolymers, and ethylene and α-olefin copolymers blended with low density polyethylene; and a complex intermediate layer joining the outer layer to the inner layer, the complex intermediate layer having a plurality of sublayers defining an upper nucleus B1, a core B2 and a lower nucleus B3, the upper nucleus being a propylene and ethylene copolymer and the lower nucleus being an ethylene copolymer with an ethylene content greater than the upper nucleus.
1. A multilayered film having good transparency, welding resistance, puncture resistance and impact strength comprising:
an outer layer selected from the group consisting of: (1) homopolymers of polypropylene, (2) ethylene/propylene copolymers and (3) blends of (a) high density polyethylene and (b) propylene and ethylene block copolymers;
an inner layer of a different composition from the outer layer and selected from the group consisting of ethylene and α-olefin copolymers, and ethylene and α-olefin copolymers blended with low density polyethylene; and
a complex intermediate layer joining the outer layer to the inner layer, the complex intermediate layer having a plurality of sublayers defining an upper nucleus B1, a core B2 and a lower nucleus B3, the upper nucleus being a propylene and ethylene copolymer having a first ethylene content and first melting point temperature and the lower nucleus is of an ethylene copolymer having a second ethylene content and a second melting point temperature wherein the second ethylene content is greater than the first ethylene content and the first melting point temperature is higher than the second melting point temperature.
2. The film of
3. The film of
4. The film of
5. The film of
6. The film of
7. The film of
8. The film of
9. The film of
10. The film of
11. The film of
12. The film of
13. The film of
14. The film of
15. The film of
16. The film of
17. The film of
18. The film of
19. The film of
20. The film of
21. The film of
22. The film of
23. The film of
24. The film of
25. The film of
26. The film of
27. The film of
28. The film of
29. The film of
This Application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/IB98/00204, filed Feb. 24, 1998. International Application No. PCT/IB98/00204 is hereby incorporated by reference, and made a part hereof.
The present invention concerns films, sheets, foils and similar flexible, transparent composites consisting of several coextruded layers having high inter-layer compatibility and adhesion, suitable, in particular for the manufacture, by forming-filling-sealing processes (F-F-S), of containers. Such containers include bags of fluids, particularly of infusional solutions which must be sterilized in an autoclave with steam at about 121� C. or more, and must have, besides transparency and good welding resistance, high resistance to puncture and fall. The films generally comprise at least an outer layer (A), and inner layer (C), and a complex intermediate layer (B) between (A) and (C). The outer layer (A) goes into contact with the soldering means during said F-F-S process and has a melting temperature of at least 130� C. The outer layer (A) also has a high mechanical strength to sustain the filled up container during the sterilization phase. The inner layer (C) is destined to go in contact with said fluids and, once the container is formed and filled up, is responsible of the soldering hot or cold seals. The complex intermediate layer (B) between (A) and (C) is particularly important for the adhesion, transparency, mechanical resistance, and shock absorption of the film. Intermediate layer (B) comprises substantially olefin polymers in absence of adhesives and crosslinking compounds.
In patent application (Swiss Pat. Application No. 3771/93, corresponding to EP-A-0658421) is described a multilayer coextruded film substantially of the above type, i.e. having the characteristics indicated as prior Art in the preamble of the present specification and relevant claim 1. In said Application (the description of which is intended to be herein incorporated), the outer layer (A) and the inner layer (C) had the same symmetrical composition (i.e. the same sterilizable polyolefin PO-STERI) whereas the intermediate layer (B), (not sterilizable, with melting point below 121� C. and thickness from 50 to 200 microns) was constituted by polyolefins selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyolefins, ethylene-butene copolymers with density below 0.9 g/cm3 and relevant blends. The materials of layers (A and C) (having a thickness from 10 to 80 microns) were selected among: polymers and copolymers of propylene with ethylene and/or butylene; polymers or copolymers of ethylene with an alpha-olefin having six carbon atoms; relevant blends with or without minor amounts of elastomers. The following symbols will be used to indicate: PP, the propylene polymers and PE the ethylene polymers which can be linear (L) and have low (L), medium (M) or high (H) density (D).
In the examples layers (A) and (C) were both and contemporaneously PP or C8-LLDPE (linear, low density polyethylene with small amount of octene, (8)) whereas (B) could be also polyolefinic recovered and regranulated material. Similarly in EP-A-0216506 (classified X i.e. considered relevant in the Search Report of said EP-A-0658421) medical bags are described which are formed by laminates consisting of layers (A) and (C) both equal and selected among LDPE, HDPE or ethylen-alpha olefin copolymers with a density of at least 0.920 g/cm3 whereas (B) is an ethylen-alpha olefin copolymer having density below 0.935 g/cm3. The necessity of having layers (A) and (C) of symmetrical composition was, in general, attributable to the fact that, in so doing it reduced the difficulties of the intermediate layer (B) to confer adequate compatibility and adhesions between said layers (A) and (C) which just because they had a same coposition were already compatible.
The experience has, however, demonstrated that it is neither easy nor sure to confer with a sole layer (even if very thick) of the material of (B) adequate adhesion, particularly after sterilization, to layers (A) and (C) not withstanding their equal composition. Indeed in the case of infusional solution pouches the problems to face are two-fold and concern not only the evaluation and selection of the (A) and (C) couples more suitable, for instance, in terms of viscosity, but also the problems in terms (f.i.) of the acceptability by the "PHARMACOPEA" for which interlayer adhesion values are to be respected which must be very high and critical, indispensable to guarantee an acceptable behaviour of the structure. There is moreover the current request of bags with always increasing solution volume, which must therefore show resistance characteristics adequately higher.
The main object of the present invention is that of providing coextruded films and relevant containers having a "maximum maximorum" of characteristics, in particular an optimal combination of excellent values, including the adhesion between terminal layers (A) and (C) of different composition the compatibility, transparency, softness, fall resistance, seal strength, and the absence of transfer of decomposition products in the solutions etc.
This and other objects are reached with the films and related containers having the features recited in the claims. It has indeed been found that by advantageously using layers (A) and (C) of different composition and, between them, a discreet series of substrates B1, B2 . . . Bn critically distributed with gradients as well of their content of combined monomeric ethylene (E) units, as of their melting (softening) temperature, it is possible to obtain films and bags able to satisfy even the most impellent exigencies, including: resistance, machinability, and presentation, etc., in addition to the Pharmacopea specific requirements.
The different aspects and advantages of the invention will more clearly appear from the following description made with reference to both the examples and the accompanying drawing in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross section of a multilayer film according to the invention; and,
FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams which emblematically represent the spatial variation of the ethylene contents, respectively of the melting temperatures in the various layers.
Just to fix immediately the ideas, in FIG. 1, a composite film is represented which comprises, according to a first feature of the invention, two terminal layers (A) and (C) asymmetrical, i.e. of different composition (and characteristics) and a discreet number of "n" intermediate substrates B1, B2 . . . Bi . . . Bn−1, Bn having gradients of ethylene content and of melting or softening temperature (Tfr).
According to an other preferred feature of the invention:
a subnumber "mc" of the central substrates B1 . . . Bmc virtually forming a nucleous or core CO has the minimum softening temperature and gradients of E-content and of softening temperatures minimum or even null;
a subnumber "ms" of substrates from B1 to Bms which virtually form an upper nucleus Bs show increasing ethylene contents and melting temperatures decreasing from the maximal temperature (Tmax) of (A) (about 140� C.) till the minimal temperature (Tmin) lower than the sterilization temperature (121� C. Tster);
a subnumber "mi" of substrates located under the substrates of the core CO, lower nucleus showing still increasing ethylene contents and softening temperatures also increasing from the above mentioned minimum temperature (Tmin; below 121� C.) to the layer (C) temperature (Tc at least equal to the sterilization temperature Tster i.e. 121� C.). Obviously, ms+mc+mi=n.
In FIG. 2 are represented the terminal layers (A), (C) and the intermediate layer (B) consisting of a sequence of sublayers (B1, B2 . . . Bn).
Layer (A) consists substantially of combined monomeric units of propylene, possibly with minor quantities of ethylene; preferably (A) is selected between: PP homopolymers with PE low content; in border-line case, it could be also HDPE in admixture with block copolymers PP-PE; layer (C) consists substantially of ethylene combined units possibly with minor quantities of alpha-olefins; preferably (C) is selected between: LLDPE preferably in the form of copolymer with an alpha-olefin mainly octane and, subordinatively, butene, hexene; blends of said LLDPE and a LDPE prepared with high pressure process.
The central layer (B), i.e. the sequence of sublayers (B1, B2 . . . Bn) must show a high affinity with the terminal layers i.e., (A) and (C)) to assure a perfect compatibility and adhesion of the whole structure as well at high temperature as at ambient temperature. Only in this manner it is possible to reach a maximum of the structure mechanical characteristics (including the puncture-and fall-resistances) by involving all the layers in this function of sustain and stress absorption in particular of the deformation.
According to a further feature of the invention, the substrate number is as high as possible however they form preferably successive perfectly compatible couples; this allows to pass through successive stages from the PP kindred face (A) to the PE kindred face (C) by maintaining a perfect cohesion and transparency.
In the practical experience it has been ascertained that if, on one hand, "n" cannot be infinite and, on the other hand, only one substrate of (B) is not sufficient to assure the optimal combination of desired characteristics, particularly satisfactory results begin to appear already with two, better, three substrates possibly repeated several times; with such repetitions one succeeds in creating the sequence of characteristics suitable to optimize the inter-layer adhesion and the homogeneity of the structure.
In said structure (here described with general terms) the parameters which can give an indication of the affinity of the materials present in the successive layers, are the ethylene content (CE) and the softening point even if other primary characteristics are of fundamental importance (crystallinity degree, morphology in the solid state, contact angle etc.). In the practice for the PP-PE copolymers particularly adapted to form the substrates, have been selected the products with increasing ethylene content and for the linear PE have been preferred the products with increasing copolymeric content in order to reach an optimum of adhesion between the two terminals. It has been surprisingly ascertained that there is a good compatibility between the random copolymers richer of ethylene and the so called polyethylenes with very low densities (VLLDPE) and these blends can bring about the term of passage through the structure PP-similar and those more PE-skin. These blends, already obtainable through a simple physical mixing and a successive extrusion, are further improved by a preliminary phase of mixing on the molten mass compounding and are rendered more suitable to the above described use if added with synthetic elastomers such as the polymers SBS, SEBS and the like or with polyolefinic rubbers such as the PP-PE-EPDM copolymers. In the examples some of these structures are reported which have contributed to reach the desired characteristics of interlayer adhesion and of sealing strength, fall-and puncture-resistances, transparency after steam sterilization and machinability requested for the specific use of flexible pouches.
As a further object of the invention concerns the coextruded multilayer structures, in the following examples are reported structures suitable to the planar-head coextrusion called "cast extrusion". Anyway the invention cannot be limited to this technique but can also be embodied by blow coextrusion followed by tubular quenching or sequential coextrusion from separate heads, which allows the extrusion in sucessive steps of different materials which, once cooled, are wound together as a single sheet.
In one particularly simple embodiment, the structures of the invention have been realized on one cast-coextrusion line consisting of five mono-screw extruders with independent controls, able to melt and feed with good precision up to five different materials with the desired reciprocal flows: the molten materials are then convoied, still separately, to a system layer parallelization and of stabilization of the desired sequences which feed then a flat die for the final formation of the sheet in a molten state.
At the exit of the screw die the sheet is quenched by contact with a rotary cylinder innerly flown by a cooling liquid, and the linear speed of the cylinder in respect to the speed of the outgoing molten mass from the screw die allows to control at will the multilayer structure thickness. The more external layers are possibly provided with sliding or antiblocking conventional agents to improve the machinability of the pouches. With the film samples of the examples, pouches are conventionally formed and filled with infusional solutions and then are sterilized in autoclave at 121� C. and counter-pressure of 2 bar per each total cycle (heating, sterilization and cooling) of 60 minutes. The following structures (particularly the simple structures summarized in Table 1) are manufactured at the same extrusion speed and by maintaining constant the total thickness of 200 microns. The main functional characteristics of the so obtained films are tested and validated according to the conventional methods, 72 hours after the extrusion. The simple materials cited in the Table correspond to the following types and characteristics:
A) PP COPO: random copolymer PP-PE with ethylene content from 3 to 3.5, MFI (melt flow index) measured at 230� C. comprised between 9 and 12; melting point 148-152� C. Typical commercial polymers are: BOREALIS RE 764 or DAPLEN KFC 2004;
B1) PP COPO of high ethylene (content): it is again question of a random PP-PE copolymer but with ethylene high content (7-10%), MFI at, 230� C. of 12) melting point of 132� C. Typical commercial product is DAPLEN MFC 2110 SB;
B2) PP compound: random copolymer with low ethylene content (lower thn 15%) blended and hemogenized with block copolymers of the type SEBS, EPOM. The elastomer content can be between 20 and 30% and the MFI at 230� C. can be between 2 and 8. There is a version totally obtained in the polymerization phase but with similar characterristics called ADFLEX C 200 F made by MONTELL Company.
B3) VLLDPE: linear polyethylene with very low density (about 0.900 g/cm3) generally obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with comonomers such as butene, hexene or other alpha-olefins, in the presence of stereospecific catalysts. The product utilized in these tests is "CLEARFLEX" CLDO commercialized by the Company "POLIMERI EUROPA" with a comonomer content below 20%, MFI at 190� C. of 3 and melting point of 115� C.
C) LLDPE: linear polyethylene (analogous to the above VLLDPE) prepared by stereospecific polymerization of ethylene with small amounts (below 10%) of comonomers of the alpha-olefin type. In a preferred embodiment two further substrates B4 and B5 were added as follows:
B4) MDPE: medium density polyethylene prepared with a conventional process (high pressure) in autoclave and characterized by a relatively high density (d=0.933 g/cm3) which imparts particular stiffness gifts to the film. MFI at 190� C.=2.5-3.5.
B5) LDPE: copolymer with butene or hexene at a parity of all other conditions.
As anticipated, optimal results are obtained by repeating, several times, substrates formed of couples like B1-B2, B2-B3, B3-B4 or of triples like B1-B2-B3, B2-B3-B4, B3-B4-B5 etc.
In addition to the examples according to the invention, two products are reported in the Table, which have structures not corresponding to those of the invention, (examples 4 and 5) having thus poor properties to confirm that a particular composition is needed to reach the characteristics requested for the specific utilization with pouches.
In the diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 are emblematically represented the spatial variations (Y axis) of the content of ethylene combined monomeric units (E on axis X in FIG. 2), respectively of the melting-softening temperature (Tfr on axis X of FIG. 3). Significantly the variations of these two important parameters are more marked (stronger) in the two major zones A-As and C-Ci above end below the core CO in which, on the contrary, E and Tfr can vary even in a negligible measure. Gradients of E and Tfr are generally present in said major zones A-AS and C-Ci but they could be minimal or negligible in the central zone CO. In said Figures the dashed curves represent other possible laws of variations of E and Tfr.
From FIG. 2 appears that in the central zone BC the ethylene content E can be constant (curve 2, zero gradient=GR=0) or linearly vary (curve 3, constant gradient GR=cost) or have no linear variations (variable gradient GR=var.). From the foregoing it will observed that numerous variations and modification may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
Just days after being dumped by her baby daddy Antwuan Cook, Fantasia is pregnant AGAIN! The "American Idol" winner confirmed the pregnancy on Instagram.
Fanny who recently broke down in tears while performing in Trinidad, was just dumped by Antwuan for "Bad Girl Club" cast member Kendra James.
WTF! Did Antwaun Dump Fantasia For A Reality Star?!
This will be Fantasia's third child that she'll be raising as a single mom. Fanny, how will you manage your career taking care of three kids???
Not a good look!
[VIDEO] Fantasia Performs with Joshua Ledet on American Idol Season Finale
Like WZAK on Facebook to stay on top of the latest celebrity news and gossip:
Fantasia Shows Off Her Post Baby Bod!
- WZAK Stone Soul Picnic – Buy Your Tickets
- Missed The Essence Music Festival This Year? Check Out All The Highlights!
- Cosby Kid Coming Back To Prime Time!
- OMG! Usher's Step Son Declared Brain Dead!
- Matthew Knowles Says Two New Destiny's Child Reunion Albums And Tour Are On The Way
- Local Akron Woman Dies Hours After Meeting President Obama
- Heidi Who? Seal Looks Like He Has a New Boo
- George Zimmerman Release from Jail After Posting Bond!
- Donna Summer's Daughters Reportedly Fighting Over Fortune
- Tyler Perry Says President Obama Made Him Stop Drinking
- Oprah Buys Family Business In Foreclosure, Why is Family Upset?
WZAK Stone Soul Picnic [LINE UP]
https://ronewzakcleveland.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/slick_rick_small1.gif?w=180&h=180&crop=1 https://ronewzakcleveland.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/def5.jpg?w=180&h=180&crop=1 https://ronewzakcleveland.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/michael-baisden1.jpeg?w=180&h=180&crop=1 https://ronewzakcleveland.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/dougefresh2011betnetworksupfrontnwfok_hlv-3l1.jpg?w=180&h=180&crop=1 https://ronewzakcleveland.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/whodini.jpg?w=180&h=180&crop=1

subset: commoncrawl


text:
KEVIN DIXON: "Having a rotten time in Torquay"
Posted: October 12, 2012|
The English Riviera website assures visitors that "the warmest of welcomes awaits on the English Riviera, South Devon's Beautiful Bay," writes local historian Dr Kevin Dixon.
Yet, some past visitors haven't enjoyed their visit as much as they should have done.
Indeed, the locals can sometimes be a bit unfriendly.
In 1750 the brig St. Peter was wrecked "about a mile west of Torre Abbey. Immediately, the country people came down to plunder the wreck and even robbed the captain of his watch."
Related content
KEVIN DIXON: How Ray Winstone conquered Torbay
KEVIN DIXON: Evil gangs in Babbacombe and Skinheads in Torquay
KEVIN DIXON: How Torbay impersonates the world
KEVIN DIXON: Indiana Jones and his Dad came from Torquay
KEVIN DIXON: Corrie, Brookside & Emmerdale's Zak in Torbay
KEVIN DIXON: Compassion and caring in short supply in 19th Century South Devon
KEVIN DIXON: Torbay and some movie love scandals
KEVIN DIXON: Torbay says 'Down with this sort of thing'
KEVIN DIXON: The Lavender Marriage of Winnaretta Singer and Prince Edmond
KEVIN DIXON: Halloween Special on Occult Torquay
A year later the wreck of a French vessel under Waldon Cliff almost led to a battle between the locals of Torre and the Torwood estate. Waldon Hill was Cary ground, but the Torwood men came along from the harbour with the local customs officer and did "much pillaging and wanton damage".
The Cary steward strengthened his forces by recruiting half a dozen men from the neighbouring Cockington estate and discouraged the Torwood folk from carrying on their thievery. We don't know what happened to the French sailors while the locals were pillaging their ship.
As is the case today, Torquay was growing rapidly in the nineteenth century. Author Mary Anne Evans (1819-1880) is better known by her pen name George Eliot. She visited Torquay in 1868 and wasn't that impressed with its overdevelopment:
"I don't know whether you have ever seen Torquay... It is sadly spoiled by wealth and fashion, which leaves no secluded walks, and tattoo all the hills with ugly patterns of roads and villa gardens... Everywhere houses and streets are being built, and Babbicombe will soon be joined to Torquay... We should not come again without special call, for in a few years all the hills will be parts of a London suburb."
However, once she returned home, she had mellowed a little and admitted in a later letter:
"…we became deeply in love with Torquay in the daily heightening of spring beauties, and the glory of perpetual blue skies."
When Canadian Isabella Cowen visited in the 1890s she found it rained a lot:
"Torquay weather outdoes anything else I have encountered in the way of fickleness. The explanations and apologies for the state of the atmosphere are getting to be a very monotonous theme of conversation."
As a health resort, the town had a high population of the sick and disabled:
"Torquay has a seeming monopoly of invalids. Some days I found the pleasure of our walks along Rock Walk and the sands perfectly destroyed by the number of infirm old people and still more lamentable, deathly looking young people who haunt that particular place of pleasure."
We also had a fondness for alcohol with locals and visitors being drunk at all times:
"Intemperance is too common a vice here and too fruitful of the misery both here and elsewhere to be made light of… As long as an Englishman can keep upon his feet he is considered quite respectable."
The children's author Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) came from an affluent family which had the resources to travel extensively. The Potters would leave their Kensington home for several weeks to allow their servants to tackle the spring-cleaning.
In March 1893 Beatrix visited Torquay. She found her accommodation unsatisfactory:
"I didn't much want to go. I did not take to what I had seen of Torquay… I sniffed my bedroom on arrival, and for a few hours felt a certain grim satisfaction where my forebodings were maintained, but it is possible to have too much Natural History in a bed. I did not undress after the first night, but I was obliged to lie on it because there were only two chairs and one of them was broken."
Anstey's cove was "curiously pretty but rather too much of a show place", while St. Marychurch was "a most dreary suburb".
Then came the turn of Kent's Hole – which we now call Kent's Cavern:
"I can imagine no more unlikely or unromantic situation for a cavern. It is in a suburb of Torquay, half way up a tangled bluff, with villas and gardens overhanging the top of a muddy orchard with some filthily dirty cows in the ravine below…"
Even invisible locals could be a little hostile to outsiders. In 1920, the writer Beverley Nichols, his brother and a friend, Lord Saint Audries, visited Torquay's version of Amityville, 'Castel a Mare' in Middle Warberry Rd. The three ghost hunters were violently assaulted by unseen spirits.
The supernatural similarly affected Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) who lived in Maidencombe's Rock House in 1896.
Rudyard also took a dislike to Torquay's conservatism: "Torquay is such a place as I do desire to upset it by dancing through it with nothing on but my spectacles. Villas, clipped hedges and shaven lawns, fat old ladies with respirators and obese landaus."
Yet, it was Rock House itself that really disturbed Kipling. He began to complain about "a gathering blackness of mind and sorrow of the heart" whenever he entered.
Even thirty years later when he revisited Rock House, it was "quite unchanged, the same brooding spirit of deep, deep Despondency within the open, lit rooms".
Perhaps some locals can be a bit judgemental.
Arnold Ridley was an actor, writer, and a Torquay schoolmaster. However, he is probably best known for his role as Private Charles Godfrey in the 80 episodes of the TV series Dad's Army which ran from 1968 to 1977.
Ironically, Arnold played the only conscientious objector in the Home Guard platoon of Walmington-on-Sea.
Yet, Arnold fought for more than a year on the frontline during the Great War. He went 'over the top' at the Battle of the Somme, and was wounded three times and suffered from shellshock, blackouts and terrible nightmares for the rest of his life.
In Torquay town centre in 1917 Arnold was handed a white feather by a tall young woman wearing a fox fur. This was the symbol of cowardice given to young men who weren't in uniform. She didn't realise that he had served with courage, and been stood down from duty.
He took it without comment. When he was asked why, he answered: "I wasn't wearing my soldier's discharge badge. I didn't want to advertise the fact that I was a wounded soldier and I used to carry it in my pocket."
Other residents can be unforgiving.
Author and poet William Pryor is the great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin. He was also a heroin addict for 12 years in the 60s and 70s.
In 1972 William moved to Torquay and opened Cosmic Books in Market Street. His autobiography records how in 1973 he was "busted by local drugs squad as customer of local pushers of 'Chinese' (heroin)". He turned Queen's evidence against his suppliers and was assaulted by their friends "knocking four teeth from his head".
Finally, we have Mick Jagger damning with faint praise. In August 1964 the Rolling Stones used the Grand Hotel as a touring base for five days. He told the Torquay Times that Torquay was "a great town. But I shouldn't think there's much to do in the winter".
On the other hand, most visitors do have a great time in the Bay...


text:
Burglars target seven schools in one week
Posted: January 17, 2013|
Burglars have stolen cash, computer equipment and diesel from seven schools in one week.
The schools in South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire were targeted between Thursday, January 10 and Wednesday, January 16.
Foxton Primary School was the first to be targeted.
Money was stolen from the school between 6.30pm on January 10 and 7.50am the next day.
Computer equipment was stolen from Longsands Academy between 6pm and midnight on Monday.
The same night burglars also targeted Pendragon Community Primary School in Papworth and stole cash.
Diesel was stolen from Kimbolton School between 6.50pm on Tuesday and 6.50am the following day.
Great Paxton Primary School was hit at about 9pm on Wednesday and money was stolen.
At about 7.45pm on the same night, money was stolen from Dry Drayton Primary School and Haslingfield Endowed Primary School.
A spokeswoman for Kimbolton School said: "We can confirm that there was a break-in at the school between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
"However, although a quantity of diesel was stolen, it was a largely unsuccessful attempt as the culprits did not enter the main school building."
Det Insp Ian Simmons said: "I am keen to hear from anyone who may have any information about these thefts.
"We're working with Cambridgeshire County Council and local schools giving them crime prevention advice and asking them to remove cash from their schools.
"I have officers reviewing CCTV footage, but I would like local residents to call us if they have any information or see anything suspicious in the area."
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


text:
Posts Tagged 'climate change'
Climate Change and Humanity: Postscript.
A personal viewpoint after reading Tom's essay Is Climate Change a Crime Against Humanity?
Last Thursday, July 3rd, I republished a post, what Tom calls a Tomgram, from TomDispatch comparing the USA's attitude to the very small risk of a country exploding a weapon of mass destruction, WMD, over American soil to the 95% risk of the USA being harmed from the effects of climate change. Here's an extract from the central part of Tom's essay:
So here's a question I'd like any of you living in or visiting Wyoming to ask the former vice president, should you run into him in a state that's notoriously thin on population: How would he feel about acting preventively, if instead of a 1% chance that some country with weapons of mass destruction might use them against us, there was at least a 95% — and likely as not a 100% — chance of them being set off on our soil? Let's be conservative, since the question is being posed to a well-known neoconservative. Ask him whether he would be in favor of pursuing the 95% doctrine the way he was the 1% version.
After all, thanks to a grim report in 2013 from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we know that there is now a 95% -100% likelihood that "human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed warming [of the planet] since the mid-20th century." We know as well that the warming of the planet — thanks to the fossil fuel system we live by and the greenhouse gases it deposits in the atmosphere — is already doing real damage to our world and specifically to the United States, as a recent scientific report released by the White House made clear. We also know, with grimly reasonable certainty, what kinds of damage those 95% -100% odds are likely to translate into in the decades, and even centuries, to come if nothing changes radically: a temperature rise by century's end that could exceed 10 degrees Fahrenheit, cascading species extinctions, staggeringly severe droughts across larger parts of the planet (as in the present long-term drought in the American West and Southwest), far more severe rainfall across other areas, more intense storms causing far greater damage, devastating heat waves on a scale no one in human history has ever experienced, masses of refugees, rising global food prices, and among other catastrophes on the human agenda, rising sea levels that will drown coastal areas of the planet.
Tom's essays had many great links to background research papers and other supporting material. The penultimate link was embedded (my italics) in this sentence: "In the case of a major exchange of such weapons, we would be talking about "the sixth extinction" of planetary history." That linked to the Amazon page describing the book, released earlier this year, of the same name written by Elizabeth Kolbert, as follows:
A major book about the future of the world, blending intellectual and natural history and field reporting into a powerful account of the mass extinction unfolding before our eyes
Over the last half a billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are currently monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. This time around, the cataclysm is us. In The Sixth Extinction, two-time winner of the National Magazine Award and New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert draws on the work of scores of researchers in half a dozen disciplines, accompanying many of them into the field: geologists who study deep ocean cores, botanists who follow the tree line as it climbs up the Andes, marine biologists who dive off the Great Barrier Reef. She introduces us to a dozen species, some already gone, others facing extinction, including the Panamian golden frog, staghorn coral, the great auk, and the Sumatran rhino. Through these stories, Kolbert provides a moving account of the disappearances occurring all around us and traces the evolution of extinction as concept, from its first articulation by Georges Cuvier in revolutionary Paris up through the present day. The sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy; as Kolbert observes, it compels us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human.
Here's an interview of Elizabeth Kolbert taken from the Democracy Now programme. It's a tad under 20 minutes so easy to put aside a little of your time to watch it.
Published on Feb 11, 2014
February 2014 on Democracy Now!
In the history of the planet, there have been five known mass extinction events. The last came 65 million years ago, when an asteroid about half the size of Manhattan collided with the Earth, wiping out the dinosaurs and bringing the Cretaceous period to an end. Scientists say we are now experiencing the sixth extinction, with up to 50 percent of all living species in danger of disappearing by the end of the century. But unlike previous extinctions, the direct cause this time is us — human-driven climate change. In "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History," journalist Elizabeth Kolbert visits four continents to document the massive "die-offs" that came millions of years ago and those now unfolding before our eyes. Kolbert explores how human activity — fossil fuel consumption, ocean acidification, pollution, deforestation, forced migration — threatens life forms of all kinds. "It is estimated that one-third of all reef-building corals, a third of all fresh-water mollusks, a third of sharks and rays, a quarter of all mammals, a fifth of all reptiles, and a sixth of all birds are headed toward oblivion," Kolbert writes. "The losses are occurring all over: in the South Pacific and in the North Atlantic, in the Arctic and the Sahel, in lakes and on islands, on mountaintops and in valleys."
Elizabeth Kolbert, is well known for her reporting on global warming as a staff writer at The New Yorker magazine, which led her to investigate climate species extinction. Her new book is The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. In 2006, she wrote Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change.
Make no mistake, that short video interview doesn't pull any punches. Just as Kolbert's book. It is very tempting to want to hide, to close one's ears and eyes and pretend it's all a bad dream and, soon, we will awaken to a bright, new dawn.
(Now for something really lovely! It's 1:40pm on Sunday, 6th)
I took a quick break to think about my next sentence. I was looking for some words that would encourage us all to do something! Because as John Hurlburt recently wrote: "Failure to act condemns us to death as a species of fools."
In that short break I saw that someone else had signed up to follow Learning from Dogs. That person describes herself as Elsie Bowen-Dodoo. Her blog is called BowenDiaries. On her About page, Elsie writes:
Elsie Bowen-Dodoo. Living life with a purpose. Persevering to inspire all races.
I write to inspire people hoping that they reading my articles and stuff will be touched to do something positive in their lives.
We really can all make this world a better place to live in.
Talent should not be wasted.
This is the picture on Elsie's home page.
So here's my take on where we, as in all mankind, are at.
- We have to turn our backs on growth, greed and materialism.
- Each of us must place caring for our planet our highest priority in life.
- Each of us must be alive to making a positive difference.
- Being true to what we know is right will set us free.
- This will also create ripples of positive energy that will set others free.
- That is the only sustainable way to go.
Let me close by returning to dogs. After all this blog is called Learning from Dogs! By recognising, of course, that these are challenging times. As we are incessantly reminded by the drumbeat of the doom-and-gloom news industry every hour, frequently every half-hour, throughout the day. A symphony of negative energy.
Yet right next to us is a world of positive energy. The world of dogs. A canine world full of love and trust, playfulness and relaxation. A way of living that is both clear and straightforward; albeit far from being simple. As anyone will know who has seen the way dogs interact with each other and with us humans.
In other words, dogs offer endless examples of positive behaviours. The wonderful power of compassion for self, and others, and of loving joy. The way to live that we humans crave for. A life full of hope and positive energy that keeps the power of negativity at bay.
That is the only way forward!
Market forces.
A powerful essay from Paul Gilding.
Having our good friends, Andy and Trish, with us for a few days means, quite rightly, that time with them is top of our list; so to speak.
Thus I want to republish a recent post from Paul Gilding that seems to me to be right on the mark.
But first an apology. About 10 minutes ago (07:40 US PDT yesterday) I pressed the 'reblog' key over on Paul Gilding's posting in error. Subscribers to Learning from Dogs will have been sent an email to that reblog and then discovered that I had deleted it, in favour of this approach!
If you want to know what addressing climate change will really be like for business and investors, then take a look at today's electricity and energy markets. Driven by climate policy, technology development, business innovation, NGO campaigns and investment risk analysis, creative destruction is inflicting itself upon the sector with a vengeance – and the process has just begun.
Value is being destroyed at an incredible scale with just one example being European utilities losing $750 billion in market cap in recent years. Another is the huge losses in value for coal companies and the cancellation of a large number of new coal mining projects around the world as the forecast growth in China and India evaporates. As I argued in my last Chronicle, Carbon Crash Solar Dawn, this is not a temporary market blip but a fundamental shift. Company strategies and business models that have been working for generations are collapsing. In parallel we see the creative side of the process, with new industries being built, entrepreneurs flourishing and massive wealth being created. Now the market is working, as it should, allocating capital to the places where risk and return are best aligned. It is at once a beautiful and brutal process to observe.
This is an important inflection point to acknowledge, with significant implications that should reframe our thinking about these issues.
For a start it means, climate policy and its economic consequences have now shifted from future forecasts to present reality. This reality, with all its brutality for existing businesses, give us important insights into what to expect as the world wakes up to climate change. Business is already waking up to what that means in a market economy – creative destruction unleashed to destroy slow responders.
This suggests that traditional corporate responsibility, which argued sustainability was good for all businesses, is outmoded and not helpful. We have moved into an era of win/lose rather than win/win, and with that, sustainability is shifting from 'environmentalists vs business' to 'business vs business' as I covered in this earlier Chronicle.
Taken together this means we need to change the way we talk and think about climate change and business. Sustainability is not good for many businesses – in fact it means they'll have to go out of business. This is what sustainability at its core is all about – things that are unsustainable will stop.
While on the one hand this is blindingly obvious, it is a conversation many in business and politics don't want to acknowledge. So when the previous Australian government brought in its carbon pricing scheme, it went to great lengths to argue that Australia would still have a healthy coal industry. And President Obama's new regulations on CO2 emissions in the US power industry are likewise being positioned as being as much about health and air pollution as climate policy.
But as Michael Grunwald argues in this Time Magazine piece on "Obama's War on Coal" – a phrase used by the coal industry to suggest this is unfair and unreasonable – it's time to face up to the reality of climate action. It is a war on coal, pure and simple. Grunwald calls it the "just but undeclared war ". But rather than "just" with its moral overtones, we could simply argue it is "necessary" based on any objective analysis of what's good for the economy and for society. What is necessary is to move a range of companies out of the economy and replace them.
Coal is first in the firing line. As a major cause of CO2 emissions and with the lack of market support for Carbon Capture and Storage suggesting "clean coal" is either a delusion or at best an expensive PR campaign, coal simply has to go. That means coal companies will go out of business, and then oil companies and gas companies will follow them.
This is not a problem at all for the economy, as they will be replaced with new companies and new industries, which will create new jobs, new wealth and new innovations. But it is a major problem for the incumbents who will cease to exist and for their owners who will lose their money. Unless we have that conversation honestly and openly, we are setting ourselves up for pain and suffering we can easily avoid or at least minimise by thinking through the consequences and being better prepared for their departure.
Of course the best way to minimise the pain would be for fossil fuel companies to transition to new areas of business, to use the great wealth they have created to diversify into sustainable sources of profit. But most of them won't. It's not that they couldn't – it's just that they won't. And it's not just coal but also oil and gas who are, for the most part, in strong denial about what's coming and so won't be prepared, as well explained in this article by Giles Parkinson at RenewEconomy.
We shouldn't be surprised. History shows how rare it is for companies to transform and survive major market and technology shifts. That's why the average life expectancy of a successful multinational is only 40-50 years. And that's why the financial markets – who act without ideology based on looking at the data – are rapidly responding. They are stripping value from fossil fuel exposed utilities and the resource companies that provide their fuel. They are also downgrading credit risk, with Barclays recently issuing a warning the investors should no longer see utilities as a "sturdy and defensive subset of the investment grade universe". The report concluded: "We see near-term risks to credit from regulators and utilities falling behind the solar plus storage adoption curve." No doubt Deutche Bank considered these risks when they recently announced they wouldn't consider funding a major new coal port next to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
So while the idea of "war on coal" is in some ways an accurate summary of the momentous threats the industry faces from a range of forces that are consciously and deliberately coming after them, we could also just see this as how markets work.
Fossil fuels provide us with energy, but they also destroy value across the economy – by driving climate change, damaging health and increasing costs for taxpayers while imposing unmanageable risks on other companies who rely on a stable climate for their business success. So the market is simply doing its job, pricing in some of these costs using the proxies of regulatory, credit and technology risk.
The market is working …. and fossil fuels are losing.
Hope you agree with me that it's a great essay and, also, I hope you followed the links – they are all very interesting.
Those of you who are not familiar with Paul Gilding can find out more about him here. Plus the following TED Talk by Paul is highly recommended viewing.
Not seeing the wood for the trees!
A postscript to the last two days.
This week is taking on a life of it's own, so far as Learning from Dogs is concerned!
For when I penned Monday's post, Running on Empty, I had not yet read George Monbiot's essay Are We Bothered?. When I did so, it struck me as the perfect sequel to Monday's post and formed the crux of yesterday's post The nature of delusions. That second post also included a personal account of my delusion with regard to ocean sailing and seemed sufficiently wordy not to be extended by my further reflections.
Thus the decision to run over to a third day!
Let me offer, first of all, my own reflections to George Monbiot's concerns. That I distill, using his words, to: "The more we consume, the less we care about the living planet." Expanded in his concluding paragraph:
So the perennially low level of concern, which flickers upwards momentarily when disaster strikes, then slumps back into the customary stupor, is an almost inevitable result of a society that has become restructured around shopping, fashion, celebrity and an obsession with money. How we break the circle and wake people out of this dreamworld is the question that all those who love the living planet should address. There will be no easy answers.
When I first read Mr. Monbiot's essay, I found myself nodding in agreement. Yet, upon further reflection, I became less sure that "a society that has become restructured around shopping, fashion, celebrity and an obsession with money." was the core of the issue. I think it is a symptom.
Stay with me awhile I take a small deviation. To dogs, and other animals.
Many creatures have a powerful and instinctive means of assessing danger. One only needs to observe the wild black-tailed deer that frequent our property to know that the slightest hint of danger or the unknown has them dashing away to safety.
Dogs are the same in that they will run early on from a danger.
Humans also have the propensity to be cautious about a clear and present danger. However, it's my proposition that when the danger is unclear and when that danger threatens the very essence of who we are and the world that we have constructed around us, we can be blind to the point of madness. I can think of many examples in support of that thesis and I'm sure you can too.
Yes, we have "a society that has become restructured around shopping, fashion, celebrity and an obsession with money." But I contend only because of the power of capitalism, of the power of modern marketing and advertising and the allure of being 'one of the crowd'.
So back to my proposition. It is this.
That when our lives are threatened by something unclear, complex and, ultimately, of devastating impact, we are very reluctant to embrace it and even more reluctant to both embrace it and escape to safety; whatever the latter implies.
Mankind's effect on the environment, the rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere, the increasing acidification of the oceans, the growing concerns about global weather, and on and on, are the most unclear, the most complex and the most devastating of futures to embrace.
So it really is no surprise to see mankind in general behaving as though this is a bit of a hangover, and an aspirin and a good night's sleep will sort it! Especially when there is so much money and control invested in selling the same message; the message that there really is nothing to worry about.
There will be a so-called 'tipping point'. A point in our awareness where the urgency to prevent the destruction of the biosphere will be paramount. And it will be a miracle if when that point arrives it isn't far too late to save us.
I truly hope that I am wrong.
Remember what I wrote in yesterday's post? About experiencing an Atlantic gale?
Fewer than 48-hours before my estimate of coming into Horta Marina on the Azores island of Faial, Songbird of Kent was struck by an early, fierce Winter gale. I seem to recall it was touching Force 10 Beaufort Scale (54 – 63 mph or 48 – 55 knots).
Anyway, it just about finished me off: literally as well as psychologically! I was so frightened, so utterly scared that I could think of nothing else other than getting to Horta and never going sailing again.
It revealed my delusion!
That was my 'tipping point' when it came to ocean sailing.
The gale subsided and I motor-sailed the 150-odd miles to Horta without any break for sleep or rest. Came into the harbour early in the morning after the second night since the gale. As soon as I was securely berthed, I closed the boat up and found a local hotel where a hot shower and a clean bed could restore a part of me.
Within a week, I had engaged a crew to sail the boat to Plymouth in South-West England and I flew back to England on a commercial airline.
Once Songbird of Kent arrived at Plymouth, she was put up for sale at a price that wouldn't delay matters and that was that!
Oh, and I have never read any more books about single-handed ocean sailing. (But see my P.S.!)
In yesterday's post, I referred to Les Powells. Remember when I was in Larnaca, Cyprus? This is what I wrote:
Living on a boat close to me was Les Powles. Many will not have heard of Les but this quiet, softly-spoken man knows a thing or two about solo ocean sailing. As an article in The Guardian newspaper explained (in part):
In the 1980s and 90s a British man called Les Powles sailed three times round the world – always single-handedly, once non-stop. He couldn't afford a radio transmitter, and on his greatest adventure he didn't speak to anyone for 329 days. At 84, his circumnavigating days are now behind him, but he still lives on his boat, the Solitaire. What's the appeal of sailing, I asked him. "It's the solitude. When you're out at sea on your own, there's no government or bankers to worry about. You're not responsible to anyone but yourself."
Three times around the world – solo!
Thus getting to know Les was a great inspiration in getting me over the hurdle of can I really do this! (Les once said to me "the first three days are the worst!")
Anyway, I have discovered that Les is living happily on his boat in Lymington, England and has written a book about his sailing life.
It has been ordered and arrives today. This one will be read – from the comfort and safety of our rural home in Oregon!
The nature of delusions.
Sometimes the truth isn't so obvious!
Yesterday, I wrote a post under the title of Running on empty! I listed just a few recent items that had left me feeling very dispirited. Trust me, not a familiar place!
I also raised the question ……
All of this is sending out a message. The message that if we are not very, very careful this could be the end-game for human civilisation on this Planet.
But do you know what really puzzles me?
It's that this message is increasingly one that meets with nods of approval and words of agreement from more and more people that one sees going about one's normal life.
…… then didn't expand on what was puzzling me!
Let me come at this again; in full!
But do you know what really puzzles me? It is the terrible lethargy across so many societies. The lack of any substantial social and political force for change. Especially, when so many scientists involved in climate research are warning we are leaving it dangerously late.
I'm no psychologist; far from it. But I want to recount a true story that gave me an insight into one of my own delusions. Please stay with me because it does have a message at the end of it! ;-)
Many years ago, I spent 5 years living on a boat in Larnaca in Cyprus. My boat was a wonderful heavy-displacement ocean-going yacht. A type known as a Tradewind 33. Here is a picture of my boat.
For years I had devoured all the books written by the great yacht sailors who had sailed the oceans, many of them completing solo circumnavigations of the world. Part of me wanted to sail the oceans.
Living on a boat close to me was Les Powles. Many will not have heard of Les but this quiet, softly-spoken man knows a thing or two about solo ocean sailing. As an article in The Guardian newspaper explained (in part):
In the 1980s and 90s a British man called Les Powles sailed three times round the world – always single-handedly, once non-stop. He couldn't afford a radio transmitter, and on his greatest adventure he didn't speak to anyone for 329 days. At 84, his circumnavigating days are now behind him, but he still lives on his boat, the Solitaire. What's the appeal of sailing, I asked him. "It's the solitude. When you're out at sea on your own, there's no government or bankers to worry about. You're not responsible to anyone but yourself."
Three times around the world – solo!
Thus getting to know Les was a great inspiration in getting me over the hurdle of can I really do this! (Les once said to me "the first three days are the worst!")
Thus it came about that I departed Larnaca and worked my way Westwards along the Mediterranean, eventually arriving in Gibraltar. After a few days getting 'Songbird' ready for my first ocean leg, Gibraltar to the Azores, I took a deep breath and headed West out into the Atlantic Ocean. Frankly, I was a tad too late to be starting out but the thought of spending a Winter in and around Gibraltar was too much to contemplate and, anyway, it was only 8 or 9 days sailing to the Azores; a distance of 1,125 land miles or 980 nautical miles.
Fewer than 48-hours before my estimate of coming into Horta Marina on the Azores island of Faial, Songbird of Kent was struck by an early, fierce Winter gale. I seem to recall it was touching Force 10 Beaufort Scale (54 – 63 mph or 48 – 55 knots).
Anyway, it just about finished me off: literally as well as psychologically! I was so frightened, so utterly scared that I could think of nothing else other than getting to Horta and never going sailing again.
It revealed my delusion!
It proved that I had been in love with the courageousness of those many ocean sailors that I had read about. In love with the idea of a solo Atlantic crossing and being seen as a courageous hero. But, in truth, utterly in denial about what ocean sailing was really about!
So with the theme of delusion in your head, have a read of a recent post by George Monbiot. The post is called Are We Bothered? It is republished with the kind permission of George.
Are We Bothered?
May 16, 2014
The more we consume, the less we care about the living planet.
By George Monbiot, published on the Guardian's website, 9th May 2014
That didn't take long. The public interest in the state of the natural world stimulated by the winter floods receded almost as quickly as the waters did. A YouGov poll showed that the number of respondents placing the environment among their top three issues of concern rose from 6% in mid-January to 23% in mid-February. By early April – though the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had just published two massive and horrifying reports – the proportion had fallen back to 11%.
CarbonBrief has plotted the results on this graph:
Sustaining interest in this great but slow-burning crisis is a challenge no one seems to have mastered. Only when the crisis causes or exacerbates an acute disaster – such as the floods – is there a flicker of anxiety, but that quickly dies away.
Why is it so difficult to persuade people to care about our wonderful planet, the world that gave rise to us and upon which we wholly depend? And why do you encounter a barrage of hostility and denial whenever you attempt it (and not only from the professional liars who are paid by coal and oil and timber companies to sow confusion and channel hatred)?
The first thing to note, in trying to answer this question, is that the rich anglophone countries are anomalous. In this bar chart (copied from the website of the New York Times) you can see how atypical the attitudes of people in the US and the UK are. Because almost everything we read in this country is published in rich, English-speaking nations, we might get the false impression that the world doesn't care very much.
This belief is likely to be reinforced by the cherished notion that we lead the world in knowledge, sophistication and compassion. The bar chart puts me in mind of the famous quote perhaps mistakenly attributed to Gandhi. When asked by a journalist during a visit to Britain, "What do you think of Western civilization?", he's reputed to have replied, "I think it would be a good idea."
Our erroneous belief that we are more concerned about manmade climate change than the people of other nations informs the sentiment, often voiced by the press and politicians, that there's no point in acting if the rest of the world won't play its part. For example, last year the Chancellor, George Osborne, remarked:
"I don't want us to be the only people out there in front of the rest of the world. I certainly think we shouldn't be further ahead of our partners in Europe."
But we're not "the only people out there in front of the rest of the world." In fact we're not in front at all. As this map produced by Oxford University's Smith School suggests, we are some way behind not only some other rich nations but also a number of countries much poorer than ours.
As for the US, Australia and Canada, they are ranked among the worst of all: comprehensively failing to limit their massive contribution to a global problem. We justify our foot-dragging with a mistaken premise. Our refusal to stop pumping so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is pure selfishness.
Both the map and the bar chart overlap to some degree with the fascinating results of the Greendex survey of consumer attitudes.
For years we've been told that people cannot afford to care about the natural world until they become rich; that only economic growth can save the biosphere, that civilisation marches towards enlightenment about our impacts on the living planet. The results suggest the opposite.
As you can see from the following graph, the people consulted in poorer countries feel, on average, much guiltier about their impacts on the natural world than people in rich countries, even though those impacts tend to be smaller. Of the nations surveyed, the people of Germany, the US, Australia and Britain feel the least consumer guilt; the people of India, China, Mexico and Brazil the most.
The more we consume, the less we feel. And maybe that doesn't just apply to guilt.
Perhaps that's the point of our otherwise-pointless hyperconsumption: it smothers feeling. It might also be the effect of the constant bombardment of advertising and marketing. They seek to replace our attachments to people and place with attachments to objects: attachments which the next round of advertising then breaks in the hope of attaching us to a different set of objects.
The richer we are and the more we consume, the more self-centred and careless of the lives of others we appear to become. Even if you somehow put aside the direct, physical impacts of rising consumption, it's hard to understand how anyone could imagine that economic growth is a formula for protecting the planet.
So what we seem to see here is the turning of a vicious circle. The more harm we do, the less concerned about it we become. And the more hyperconsumerism destroys relationships, communities and the physical fabric of the Earth, the more we try to fill the void in our lives by buying more stuff.
All this is accompanied in the rich anglophone nations with the extreme neoliberalism promoted by both press and politicians, and a great concentration of power in the hands of the financial and fossil fuel sectors, which lobby hard, in the public sphere and in private, to prevent change.
So the perennially low level of concern, which flickers upwards momentarily when disaster strikes, then slumps back into the customary stupor, is an almost inevitable result of a society that has become restructured around shopping, fashion, celebrity and an obsession with money. How we break the circle and wake people out of this dreamworld is the question that all those who love the living planet should address. There will be no easy answers.
Tomorrow I will offer my own reflection on all of this – and finish off the story of me and ocean sailing!
Prediction is easy ….
…. unless it involves the future!
There was a recent TED Talk that really made me sit up and think. Before I introduce the talk, let me offer a personal view. I'm speaking about the changing nature of the Earth's climate.
On balance I believe that the climate of our planet is changing and, again on balance, I believe that mankind's activities especially with regard to CO2 emissions are the primary cause.
But here's the rub! I'm not a scientist.
So when scientist Gavin Schmidt, a climate scientist no less, recently gave a twelve-minute TED Talk about the complexity of Planet Earth's climate I found it compelling.
Here is is.
Published on May 1, 2014
You can't understand climate change in pieces, says climate scientist Gavin Schmidt. It's the whole, or it's nothing. In this illuminating talk, he explains how he studies the big picture of climate change with mesmerizing models that illustrate the endlessly complex interactions of small-scale environmental events.
Then just two days later, on May 3rd, Alex Jones, he of the blog The Liberated Way, posted Unpredictable nature, that I have the pleasure in republishing in full. Read it and then reflect on Alex's post and the talk given by Gavin Schmidt.
Unpredictable nature
Posted on May 3, 2014
Nature is always full of surprises.
I went camping and woke to frost on the ground. I wrote yesterday that summer had arrived in Britain. A pool of water from recent rains had frozen over.
One thing you quickly learn about nature is its unpredictability. Everything in nature has its own free will, and will determine its own unpredictable path regardless of what humanity thinks. Those that are able to let go of control enjoy a nature full of surprises.
Thanks to the modern-day internet, it takes only a moment to find a relevant quotation to close today's post.
"It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than you can see." Sir Winston Churchill.
The Natural order – life and death.
Nature imposes herself on us humans in absolute terms.
I do not believe in any form of life after death. Jean is uncertain. Many good people do believe in some form of spiritual afterlife.
However, one thing is sure. Our living mind and body will die.
These few words are an introduction to the first essay under the broad title of The Natural order. On the 23rd April I introduced the idea of writing a regular essay "about the past, present and future of man's relationship with Nature."
Thus it did seem entirely appropriate to 'kick off' the essays with reflections about life and death.
Alex Jones of The Liberated Way blog recently wrote a post under the title of 'The circle of life and death'. I am republishing it in full with Alex's kind permission.
The circle of life and death
Posted on April 27, 2014 |
Nature reminds me life and death is a circle.
I visit a house, the noise of hungry little birds emanating from a nest hidden in the roof, busy parents flying in and out feeding their brood. Less than a week before summer (1st May) I encounter life all about me, like a vast fountain of creativity, as plant and animal erupt into growth and creation. I feel a sense of joy at the life all about me, like dipping my feet in crystal clear spring waters.
Amongst this carnival of life a reminder that with life there is also death. Helix our cat is an effective hunter, a blue tit is found dead upon the ground. I feel no sadness for the death, it is a natural part of the cycle of nature, my animistic viewpoint is of a small spirit returning to the source, and from then renewing. No anger for Helix, since this is the nature of cats, despite being fed, a cat must follow the primal instinct of its nature to hunt. I carry the dead blue tit to an overgrown spot of trees and grass, here I place the blue tit to decay and thus become part of the life of plant and animal of that place, such is the circle of life and death.
There can't be a single person on this planet who does not understand that our human life is finite.
Life span of early man: Until fairly recently, little information existed about how long prehistoric people lived. Too few fossilized human remains made it tough for historians to estimate the demographics of any population. Anthropology professors Rachel Caspari and Sang-Hee Lee chose instead to analyze the relative ages of skeletons found in archeological digs in eastern and southern Africa, Europe, and elsewhere. Comparing the proportion of those who died young, with those who died at an older age, the team concluded that longevity only began to significantly increase (that is, past the age of 30 or so) about 30,000 years ago – quite late in the span of human evolution.
In an article published in 2011 in Scientific American, Caspari calls the shift the "evolution of grandparents", as it marks the first time in human history that three generations might have co-existed. ( Source: Longevity Throughout History.)
Thus given that living much past the age of thirty years is a relatively recent experience, it baffles me beyond comprehension that we, as in mankind, have become so short-sighted about reinvesting in the one and only natural planet that sustains us.
Beautifully expressed in another wonderful essay from John Hurlburt.
Notes on the Human Dilemma
The metanexus of Faith, Nature and Science form an integral vision of the reality in which we exist. We are components of Creation living in an emerging universe. As consciously aware life forms we are each and all responsible to the Nature of God in a steadily emerging universe. Change is both constant and inevitable. Species that don't adapt, do not survive.
Our human problems are obvious.
The essential growth of human conscious awareness remains questionable.
There is a blatant disregard for Nature. The rate of Natural disasters is increasing everywhere on Earth
Civil unrest is bordering on a second Civil War and is already in that state in many other nations of the world.
Imminent economic collapse remains probable as long our world economy is based on a foundation that has been leveraged at least twenty-five times above any realistic material foundation on Earth.
Are we a moral species?
A steady increase in natural disasters worldwide is inevitable until we change in response to Nature's warnings or become extinct. The collapse of morality threatens the existence of global civilization.
The virtual extinction of the human race in its present state is all but assured within the next century unless we adapt to the Reality we presently blithely ignore or chose to vilify.
We still have a choice.
Our alternative to what has been euphemistically referred to as "new reality" is the process of education, reformation and transformation on a personal level. The objectives are an obvious need to adapt to constant natural change and create a species renaissance in harmony with the reality of God, Nature and Science.
There is clearly a need for a global economy that is based on our primal need for clean air, clean water, clean food and clean energy. We need to maintain our balance through gratitude for the blessings of the life we share and equal justice for all. We need to remember that we are not in charge of anything except our responsibilities to God, Nature and each other.
Under these simple guidelines, a healthy, growing future remains possible as we prepare to migrate from our home planet and relieve the consumptive consequences of an exponentially growing and ravenous demographic ruled by the artificial symbol of Money.
Sound impossible? Au contraire…
The world is being forced to re-evaluate its economic premises. Here are a few proven solutions to help create a naturally invigorated economy.
We can cut air pollution dramatically overnight by converting commercial diesel engines to far more cost-effective bio-fuels without a single change to the diesel mechanisms.
Bio-diesel distillation plants can filter and recycle the clean water we need to live.
We are capable of growing our own food with recycled organic fertilizers.
We have begun the process of harnessing the limitless clean renewable energy provided by the sun, the wind and hydraulic power.
Electric cars that may be fueled by solar energy are winning world class races.
The list of what we are capable of doing is only limited by our imaginations.
The questions to ask ourselves are:
Are we at the beginning of a new world or at the end of an old world?
"Are we a part of the problem or part of a realistic solution?"
"What will be the harvest of our lives?"
an old lamplighter
What steps will each one of us take?
Reflections on the Great March through Payson, Arizona.
In yesterday's post The Natural order I referred to Payson recently welcoming the Great March for Climate Action in their walk from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. I also referred to writing an essay on the event. That now follows, starting with a report from John Hurlburt, one of the organisers.
Thanks for your help for "the Great March for Climate Action"
"The Great March for Climate Action" arrived In Payson mid-afternoon on April 14. We had learned that the majority of the marchers are in the "younger" category (under 40), including two girls ages 10 and 12, walking for about a week of the journey with their Mom. But, impressively, quite a few are "AARP-ers", in their 60's and 70's — walking all the way! Most of the group plans to continue on to Washington, D.C., being joined in various sections by hundreds of others! Our efforts aimed at making their brief visit to Payson as friendly and comfortable as possible.
They arrived at the meeting spot by the Event Center, having hiked up from near Rye, about twelve miles with significant elevation gain. Though weary, they were friendly and enthusiastic. Jim Speiser and family had set up their hot-dog cart, and we provided cold water and fresh fruit donated by Safeway — a case of huge premium oranges, and a case of bananas. The Marchers were delighted with the snacks, and extra fruit was given to their "chuck-wagon" for future days.
About ten local folk joined the Marchers on the two mile walk to the Payson Christian School, following their beautiful banners and signs. A local Boy Scout Color Guard led the procession and two Payson Police vehicles accompanied the March all the way. People in passing cars waved, smiled, honked and took pictures. Exhilarating and fun! A feature writer/photographer from the Payson Roundup covered the March, both along the route and at the school, where she took group photos and interviewed some of the participants.
Marchers who desired showers/clean laundry were transported to various Payson homes. Some of the group rested in their tents that were clustered on the sports field grass, and others helped with our dining room and kitchen set-up for the dinner. Food from our Payson volunteers began to arrive at five pm and by six the big buffet tables were loaded with delicious hot dishes, sides, snacks, beverages, salad and desserts, and the dining room was packed nearly to overflowing.
The evening opened with a Proclamation of welcome from the Mayor and Town Council, read by Ed Blair, and a prayer. John Hurlbert introduced the evening program that began with a talk about the History of Marches by Ray Spatti. Rob Ingram gave an overview of Payson, its achievements, water and forest issues, and future. Various participants in the March described their adventures, goals and dreams and asked about Payson's outlook regarding environmental issues. Interacting with these dedicated Marchers was an education, a pleasure and an inspiration, perhaps motivating our Town to step ahead with sustainable solutions. In fact we heard that a young woman from here in Payson is going to join the "Great March"!
Our evening peaked with a delightful music performance by Cinnamon Twist and a sing-along. A number of Marchers were also musicians and they joined in with their instruments, resulting in a spontaneous "jam session" that brought the evening to a grand and joyful conclusion.
We couldn't have done it without the amazing generosity and assistance from the Payson Christian School and their Staff, and without volunteers like you. Countless Marchers said they were overwhelmed by the friendly reception they received, and it was due to great team-work and local involvement. All the small things you did – offering showers, bringing food, walking with the Marchers, coming to the dinner – added up to a most memorable event. It is through small daily things that we can make a difference in our world — and all of you certainly have.
We can't thank you enough!
The Organizational group for "The Great March for Climate Action" Payson visit 4-14-14: Ray Spatti, John Hurlburt, Jim Spieser, Dean Gooding and Vee Jeanne.
These were some photographs sent on by John.
But it's no good just thinking how wonderful it was for Payson to be involved, and for the marchers in their nearly 3,000 mile walk from Los Angeles to Washington DC. Each of us who cares for a sustainable future on Planet Earth must make a difference. As is now a common plea: "Think globally: Act locally."
One story that came out from the march through Payson struck me forcibly. MaryAnne, a good friend of this blog, offered, as did others, laundry and washing facilities to two young marchers. One of them, a young girl, was so committed to the message behind the march that she had vowed to remain silent from start to finish; the only exception being singing in the evenings. I was blown away by that commitment.
Read the full details of the event from the Transition Town Payson website.
Will close by offering these two items.
The first is picking up the relevant Editorial headline from the Arizona Republic of the 17th April.
Our View: It's time to move beyond denial and become part of the solution
The second is asking you to watch this short video.
Published on Jul 15, 2013
Apply to March here: ClimateMarch.org
Like and follow us here: Facebook.com/ClimateMarch
On March 1, 2014, 1,000 climate patriots will set-out from Los Angeles, CA, walking 2,980 miles across America to Washington, DC, inspiring and motivating the general public and elected officials to act now to address the climate crisis. This will be the largest coast-to-coast march in American history.
Director, Producer and Chief Editor: Zach Heffernen
Script Writer: Melvin Baker
Studio Manager: Maddie Kain
Voice 1: Ed Fallon
Voice 2: Maddie Kain
Voice 3: Jami Bassman
Voice 4: Zach Heffernen
Editor: Ed Fallon
Editor: Shari Hrdina
Editor: Courtney Kain


text:
How do we help our children understand how wrong violence is, while at the same time respecting our military, staying committed to protecting the innocent, and valuing the importance of self-defense? read more
Page 12 of 99
With Your Daughters, Think Backward, Dads
At the end of your life, if your daughter had only one thing to say about you, what would you want it to be? read more
Here Are Ways Dads Can Bond With 'Different' Kids
How have you succeeded in overcoming the differences or building bonds with a child who's very much unlike you? read more
10 Ways You Can Push Your Spouse Away
In what ways are you pushing your spouse away? What steps are you taking to change? read more
15 Concepts To Make Sure No Man In Your Church Gets Left Behind
Here's how the No Man Left Behind model can attract new men to your church and to its ministry for men. read more
25 Things a Daughter Needs From Her Dad
Here are some honest, heartfelt things that girls—and grown women—are looking for from their fathers. read more
Here's a Great Opportunity to Show Christlike Love
We all know God hates divorce. But when it does rear its ugly head, shouldn't we carry out God's love to those involved? read more
4 Tips for Dating as a Single God's Man
The Bible doesn't give much information on dating, especially for this current culture. But here are some godly characteristics to aspire to. read more
The Most Important Thing a Man Must Remember About His Faith
Here's why your faith is not only a privilege; it's also a responsibility. read more
Why You Should Make Out With Your Spouse
If you're not normally given to public displays of affection—or to very little physical affection at all—here are some strong benefits simple kisses can bring. read more
Faith Comes by Hearing What Is Told
Get quality Christian content in a variety of programs including news, leadership, inspiring stories, women's topics, sports, and even more.
Start Your Mornings with the Holy Spirit
Begin each day inspired by a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Prophecy: Donald Trump Shall Become the Trumpet
"Trump shall become My trumpet to the American people, for he possesses qualities that are even ...
How Jezebel Killed One of the Greatest Revivals Ever
The revival finally fizzled out when the spirit of Jezebel seduced and deceived the revivalist in ...
Why the Intercessors Are Under Such Strong Attack
This vision explains a lot for many people. Read it for yourself.
James Goll: The Coming Collision Between Shaking and Glory
As end-time signs seem to be ramping up, what's next? James W. Goll dives into what we know ...
A Word for Those Fearing the Doom and Gloom
The Lord woke me up at 5:13 a.m. recently from a prophetic dream about believers sinking ...
Prophecy: The Apostolic Mantle Is Coming on First Nations People
"There is a new breed of Native American warriors and Davidic minstrels coming forth."
5 Tests of a True Prophet
Respected prophet Kris Vallotton shares 5 tests to help you recognize whether a prophet may be true ...
Prophetic Voices We Did Not Heed
These prophets had their fingers on the pulse of America, recognized the fading heartbeat of the ...
Discerning the Spirit of Absalom in Your Midst
Bishop Ron Webb identifies an aspect of spiritual warfare that targets leaders. Could it be ...
Faith Comes by Hearing What Is Told
Get quality Christian content in a variety of programs including news, leadership, inspiring stories, women's topics, sports, and even more.
Start Your Mornings with the Holy Spirit
Begin each day inspired by a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Three Relationships Every Christian Needs
Jesus called us into friendship, not just with Him but also with His followers.
How Can We Know That We Are Saved?
Check out Eddie Hyatt's dialogue with two Jehovah's Witnesses and the reaction he received.
10 Reasons Christ Followers Should Take Care of Themselves Physically
As a Christian, this is more of a spiritual issue than a physical one.
The Powerful Secret to Heal the Sick
I know that the thought of ministering healing in the name of Jesus can be rather intimidating for ...
Will Your Church Rehire the Holy Spirit?
Many congregations fired the Holy Spirit a long time ago. It's about time He became re-employed.
This Little Known Connection Could Be Deadly for Your Heart
What happens with this part of your body absolutely impacts the health of your heart.
Why Is Pop Star Miley Cyrus Rejecting Her Christian Roots?
Could it be the social backlash?
3 Keys to Strengthen Yourself in the Lord
Bill Johnson reveals how you can strengthen yourself in the Lord and unlock God's power in your ...
God's Power at Work in the Church Today
Charisma's founder, Steve Strang writes about today's hottest topics affecting the Christian faith.
Don't Believe What the False Prophets Say About America
America is truly a divided nation, but the things that divide us may not be exactly what you think.
What's Next After You Have Been Slain in the Spirit?
If you've ever felt awkward in that moment, read this.


text:
Often known as Le Championnat, French Ligue 1 is one of the most popular football leagues in Europe. Known for its low scoring and defensive nature, Ligue 1 currently sits 5th in league rankings across Europe behind the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A. In its history Saint-Etienne and Marseille have claimed the most titles with 10 each, while Nantes has lifted the trophy on 8 occasions, with both Monaco and Lyon claiming the crown on 7 occasions. Each of Lyon's 7 titles were won consecutively from 2001/02 to 2007/08 while in 2012, Montpellier won their first Ligue 1 crown.
As Ligue 1 continues to attract more and more fans around Europe, so too does it attract members of the bettingexpert community as the league quickly becomes one of the most popular football leagues to bet on. Each week throughout the Ligue 1 season, you'll find members of the bettingexpert community offering their analysis and posting tips on our Ligue 1 betting tips board.
French Ligue 1 Stats
Over the last 5 Ligue 1 seasons:
- 44% of home clubs won their matches, with away clubs winning 26% of the time while matches ended in a draw 30% of the time.
- 42% of matches ended with over 2.5 goals scored while just over 70% of matches seeing at least two goals.
- Home clubs scored first in 54% of matches while away clubs got on the scoreboard first 35% of the time, with 11% of matches ending in a scoreless draw.
- Both teams scored in 48% of matches with home clubs going scoreless 24% of the time and away clubs failing to get on the scoreboard in 38% of Ligue 1 matches played.
- When home clubs led at halftime, they went on to win 78% of matches played while when away clubs led at the half, they won 68% of the time.
bettingexpert's Best Ligue 1 Tipsters
Our tipping community offers some of the best football tipsters you'll find and when it comes to Ligue 1 tips, it's no different. With our Tipster Stats Tool you can easily find the best Ligue 1 Tipsters to follow each and every week of the season.
Bet on Ligue 1 with Unibet
Unibet is one of the most respected and as equally popular online bookmakers in Europe. With a tremendous reputation and a comprehensive menu of betting options available for leagues across the world , it's a great place for anybody who wants to bet on Ligue 1. And currently new customers will receive a free bet up to the value of £20. You'll also find betting tools such as league statistics as well as live audio and video coverage of select events. With a great sign up offer Unibet is the perfect bookmaker for betting on Ligue 1.


text:
|Page: 1 of 1
|Sort By:
Days Inn Madison is located four miles north of Madison and approximately six miles from Madison/Dane County Regional Airport.
Find great deals on quality Windsor, Wisconsin hotels & resorts, or indulge at one of our luxury resorts. Take advantage of the many amenities that can be included with your stay such as in-room internet access, wifi, room service, fitness center, pool, hot tub, steam room, and shuttle services to and from the airport. Browse our Windsor, Wisconsin hotels and resorts and plan your Windsor, Wisconsin vacation today!


text:
Carnegie Junior Fellows Program
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is an educational and policy organization in Washington, D.C. which performs research and produces publications related to international relations. The Carnegie Junior Fellows program seeks to give outstanding graduating seniors the opportunity to participate in substantive research and policy discussions. Students who...
- Have had an outstanding academic career at UVM...
- Are dedicated to pursuing a career related to international relations...
- Have a significant policy interest in either democracy & the rule of law, middle east studies, nuclear policy, south Asian studies, energy & climate, Chinese studies, Russian/Eurasian/Central Asian studies, or the U.S. role in the world...
...should consider applying for a Carnegie Junior Fellowship.
Each year the Endowment offers 8-10 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They are selected from a pool of nominees from close to 300 colleges. Carnegie Junior Fellows work as research assistants to the Endowment's senior associates. Junior Fellows provide research assistance to Associates working on the Carnegie Endowment's projects.
Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research for books, co-author journal articles and policy papers, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials. Applicants must be graduating seniors or students who have graduated during the last academic year. No one who has started graduate studies is eligible for consideration.
U.S. and international citizens are eligible to participate in the Junior Fellows program. However, all applicants must be eligible to work in the United States for a full 12 months from August 1 through July 31 following graduation. Students on F-1 visas who are eligible to work in the US for the full year (August 1 through July 31) may apply for the program.
Applicants must be graduating seniors or students who have graduated during the last academic year. No one who has started graduate studies is eligible for consideration. The Carnegie Endowment accepts applications only through participating universities via designated nominating officials.
Internal & External Application Procedures
Contact Fellowships Interim Director, Aimee Hutton, in the Honors College for more information on the applications Process. Internal application materials are due December 10, 2014.
For More Information
See the Carnegie Endowment's webpage.
Last modified December 22 2014 11:28 AM


text:
Recent Comments
- Mr Ruff on Free Press' high school, college blogs on the move
- SoVt13 on Free Press' high school, college blogs on the move
- Bill on Free Press' high school, college blogs on the move
- As it Should Be on Free Press' high school, college blogs on the move
- dan on Free Press' high school, college blogs on the move
Recent Posts
- Alex Abrami (800)
- Austin Danforth (54)
- Lauren Read (52)
- John A. Fantino (31)
- Mike Donoghue (15)
- Burlington Free Press (1)
TagsBFA-Fairfax BFA-St. Albans Brattleboro Burlington Burr and Burton Chelsea Colchester CVU Danville enosburg Essex Fair Haven Hartford harwood Lake Region Lamoille Lyndon Markie Palermo Middlebury Milton Missisquoi MMU Mollie Gribbin Montpelier Mount Abraham Mount Anthony North Country Northfield Oxbow Peoples Randolph Rice Rutland South Burlington South Royalton Spaulding Springfield St. Johnsbury Stowe Twinfield U-32 Vergennes Windsor Winooski Woodstock
Related Web sites
Sports photography
Vermont Media Outlets
Tag Archives: Montpelier
U-32 sinks Montpelier with another buzzer beater (with video clip)
Update: Video has been edited with clean version. Shocked was how Jack Shea described his buzzer-beating heave that lifted U-32 past Montpelier on Wednesday night, the second time this week a game-winning shot gave the Raiders a last-second win over … Continue reading
Tagged Clark Stridsberg, Dan Gandin, Jack Shea, Montpelier, U-32 1 Comment
Individuals to watch for indoor track state meet
In Friday's editions, I have a preview of the Vermont indoor track and field state championships and where the team races stack up. I mentioned a few of the standout individuals who are likely to shine Saturday at Norwich University, … Continue reading
Tagged Alex Joyce, Allison Scarf, Ben Bunnell, BFA, BHS, Christa Weaver, Colby Cunningham, Ed Simon, Elise Pitmon, Essex, harwood, Jaime Thomas, James Fitzhugh, Karleigh Manfredi, Kayla Gilding, Kevin Conchieri, Laurel Cole, Malcolm Plunkett, Milton, MMU, Mollie Gribbin, Montpelier, Mount Anthony, Nikki Braceras, Oxbow, Peoples, Shelby McLenithan, South Burlington, St. Johnsbury, William Heathman Comments Off
Girls soccer power rankings (2011 final)
There's no question who the No. 1 team is in the final girls soccer power rankings of the 2011 season. But how's the rest of the top 10 stack up? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. Also, … Continue reading
Tagged BFA-St. Albans, Burr and Burton, Colchester, CVU, Essex, Milton, Montpelier, Peoples, Rice, South Burlington 32 Comments
Week 7 girls soccer power rankings and playoff predictions
Let's get right to it: This week's power rankings and playoff predictions are posted for girls soccer. Offer your predictions in the comments section. Enjoy. Through games played 10/23 1. Champlain Valley (12-1-1): The Redhawks' perfect season was halted in … Continue reading
Girls soccer power rankings – Week 6
With girls soccer updated, this week's power rankings are complete. Here are the links to the rest: • Week 7 football • Week 6 field hockey • Week 6 boys soccer Enjoy. Through games played 10/18 1. Champlain Valley (11-0-1): … Continue reading
Thoughts on the upcoming high school football season
In Monday's paper, I'll have a story on the opening of another high school football season. Day 1 of preseason is Monday, kicking off a season that brings a new divisional alignment. That is the gist of the story, after … Continue reading
Tagged Bellows Falls, Ben Hunter, Ben Thieken, BFA-Fairfax, BFA-St. Albans, Bobby Murray, Brattleboro, Burlington, Burr and Burton, Casey Tipson, Colchester, Connor DeVarney, CVU, Essex, Fair Haven, Hartford, Jake Stalcup, Jamie Holbrook, Jim Provost, John Norman, Lyndon, Mack Shea, Marshall Hastings, Matt Rafus, Michael Dulac, Middlebury, Mill River, Milton, MMU, Montpelier, Mount Abraham, Mount Anthony, Mount St. Joseph, Nick LeClair, North Country, Oliver Manning, Otter Valley, Oxbow, Poultney, Rice Memorial, Rutland, South Burlington, Spaulding, Springfield, St. Johnsbury, Steel White, Tom Perry, Troy Bell, Tucker Kohlasch, U-32, Windsor, Winooski, Woodstock 84 Comments
Playoff Central: Playdown rounds nearly complete
After today's smattering of playdown games, the first-round of the Vermont Principals' Association tournaments will be in the books. The weekend schedule calls for a full slate over quarterfinal action, plus state championships in the three track and field divisions … Continue reading
Tagged Abby Grimmer, Alex Bliss, Alexis Perry, Alli Dunn, Amanda Ley, Amber Fay, Andrew Kimble, AnnaClare Smith, Annie Barker, BFA-St. Albans, Burlington, Burr and Burton, Cassandra Wallace, Cayla Messier, Clara Gottesman, Colchester, CVU, Daegan Goodman, Dakota Raleigh, Danville, David Sartorelli, Emi Eakin, Emilie Moreau, Graham Cory, Hannah Puisto, Hartford, harwood, Jordan Aquistapace, Jordan Snow, Kaile Daley, Kate Dillon, Katelyn Curtin, Katie Murray, Kerry Howard, Lauren Larose, Matt Latvis, Middlebury, Mike LEvesque, Mill River, Missisquoi, MMU, Molly Estabrook, Montpelier, Mount Abraham, Oxbow, Rachel Bridges, Rice, Richford, Rutland, Samantha Wulfson, Shanyn Leduc, South Burlington, Spaulding, St. Johnsbury, Taylor Kresconko, Tim Rensch, Tory Chouinard, U-32, Will Thompson, Windsor, Woodstock Comments Off
Playoff Central: Upsets fill Day 1
Baseball can be a cruel sport — as No. 2 seeds Essex (D-I) and Fair Haven (D-II) found out Tuesday during the opening round of the 2011 tournaments. But it can also mean redemption, as No. 15 seeds South Burlington … Continue reading
Tagged Abby Killorin, Abel Warden, Andrew Cootware, Bellows Falls, Ben Fournier, BFA-Fairfax, Billy Broooks, Black River, Brett Hakey, Burlington, Burr and Burton, Byron Brocar, Cody Eastman, Cody Hemingway, Cody McCullough, Colchester, Cooper Bleakie, Cooper Long, Cory Chaplin, Cory Dawson, Curt Echo, CVU, Danville, Davis Mikell, Eddie Lewicki, Emily Comins, enosburg, Eric Cross, Ethan Hanson, Grant McKinistrie, Holly Thayer, Ian Sackett, Jack Sprague, Jackson Howe, Jamison Hartley, Jillian Stein, John Sciortino, John Wardell, Jona Scott, Kaitlin Knoff, Kyle Fieden, Kyle Lumsden, Lake Region, Lamoille, Matt Baechle, Matt Morin, Michelle Thibeault, Middlebury, Missisquoi, MMU, Montpelier, Mount Abraham, Mount Anthony, Nate Swahn, Nick Cusson-Ducharme, Nick Kincaid, North Country, Northfield, Oxbow, Peoples, Randolph, Rice, Robbie Rinaldo, Rochester, Rutland, Sam Dyer, Sam Spencer, Sean Paradis, South Burlington, South Royalton, Theo Tillas, Tim Rumril, Tommy Nelson, Tony Baldic, Tyler Provencher, Victor Cucullo, Winooski, yan Crowley, Zack Fenton 1 Comment
Playoff Central: Wednesday's busy day
What a busy day in the sports department Wednesday. Along with the nearly 30 high school tournament playdown games in girls basketball and boys and girls hockey, news broke of Kylie Atwood's unfortunate season-ending injury plus a Facebook video caused … Continue reading
Tagged Abby Iannotti, Amanda Kinneston, Arlingtn, Ben Alexololus, Ben Price, BFA, Brattleboro, Burlington, Burr and Burton, Cici Wade, Cody Putre, Colchester, CVU, Dan Caffry, Danika Dobrowski, Devin Dessormeau, Ellen Boucher, enosburg, Greg Bronson, Jackson Tucker, Jade Desroches, Jenna Hoffman, Kathleen McCarty, Katie Murray, Kelly Festa, Lance Garrett, Liesl Verderber, Maddie Rollins, Madison Fuller, Maria Ploof, Marissa Mahoney, Matt Lenoard, Megan Miskovsky, Middlebury, Montpelier, Morgan Johnson, Mount Anthony, Nicole Brown, North Country, Northfield, Poultney, Rice, Rivendell, Rochester, South Burlington, Spaulding, Springfield, Twinfield Comments Off
Indoor track state meet: Individuals to watch
In Friday's edition, I wrote a indoor track state championship preview. South Burlington and Essex will be in a close battle for the team title, as will the Rebels and St. Johnsbury on the boys side. Here's a quick rundown … Continue reading
Tagged Allison Scarf, Bobby Evans, Carly Stine, Christa Weaver, Colby Cunningham, CVU, Elise Pitmon, Emma Sopchak, Essex, James Fitzhugh, Jess Varney, Kyle Chu, Lauren Brown, Markie Palermo, Matt Rafus, Michael Pianka, Mickey Krug, MMU, Mollie Gribbin, Montpelier, South Burlington, Springfield, St. Johnsbury, Summer Spillane, Windsor 2 Comments


text:
Ways to get involved in promoting the Victorious Gospel
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Please let me know if you hear of another and have a great trip.
I have committed to make a trip to Marshall so will be about 5 hours north of you if I remember right.... John


text:
Now Playing
Connect with Us
Podcasts & RSS Feeds
|All Content
|View all podcasts & RSS feeds
Featured Hosts
Creatively Speaking
11:24 am
Wed February 26, 2014
A Young, Independent Opera Star: Mezzo Anita Rachvelishvili
Few opera singers' careers begin with Daniel Barenboim telling them to prepare the title role for a season-opening new production of Carmen at La Scala. Yet this was how the Georgian mezzo soprano Anita Rachvelishvili got her big break in 2009.
She had been in a young singers' training program at the storied Milan opera house when Barenboim recognized her potential, and cast her as the iconic, red-dressed, raven-haired heroine.
Since then, Rachvelishvili has gone from triumph to triumph singing some of the repertoires most-coveted roles in the world's greatest houses.
This weekend, she sings Konchakovna in the Metropolitan Opera's latest production of Alexander Borodin's epic Prince Igor. It can be seen in HD in movie theaters around the world, and heard live on WRTI 90.1 FM in Philadelphia on Saturday, March 1 at 12 noon.
Creatively Speaking


text:
Thank you. If a matching email exists we will send you an email in a few minutes with instructions on how to reset your password.
Don't forget to check your spam folder if you cannot find the email. For further assistance please contact us at email@example.com .Okay
Richly upholstered in a chic allover ikat, this chair is a lovely way to imbue your home with a modern rendition of a classic design.