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"The Secret Stories of Cider" aspires to harvest international cider culture.
There is an amazing cider book in the works and I have the distinct honor and pleasure of announcing it to you all.
A collaborative endeavor between renown cider photographer Bill Bradshaw and award winning UK beer writer Pete Brown, this new cider will be based around craft cider, true cidermakers, cider culture, cider drinkers, celebrations, and their stories on an international scale. Bill and Pete plan to travel to the World's most prominent cidermaking regions, where they will meet cider folks, observe and experience each culture while capturing amazing imagery and stories. And of course drinking some great cider too. Lucky gents... As they tell it their cider travels will take them from their homes in England, over to Spain and the Asturias, to France, Germany, and beyond. Best of all they even want to visit the North American cidermakers.
Read on and you will find out more about the both of them, their experiences with cider, their expectations and vision for the book, and how they came to join forces.
OTC: First of all I'd like to thank you two for inviting me to participate in a historic blog post like this. Having seen a lot of work from the both of you, all I can say that it is an honor. You are inspiring examples in your respective fields. Pete I love your blog, your video clips are great, and I cannot wait to buy the first of your books. And... A special congratulations to Bill who has quickly become one of the World's newest and most promising cider bloggers.
For those that don't know who you both are, can each of you start by briefly telling us a little bit about yourselves? Where you live? What you do?
B: Well, I'm 35, a freelance photographer based in UK and I've been doing photography since I was about 8, but only started to take it seriously when I started travelling seriously in 1997. I've been self employed since 2003 and l love it. I live in Somerset, south-west UK. It's a really picturesque rural area, geographically perfect for growing apples so there are orchards and cider everywhere! Professionally, the majority of the work I do is creating images for businesses, I chose cider as an arena for my personal work so its all been shot in my own time.
P: Hi, I'm originally from Yorkshire, the industrial north of England - well, it used to be. I moved to London and worked in advertising for a while, but I always wanted to be a writer, ever since I won a short story competition at school. OK, so the only other entrant was a seven year old kid, and I was eleven, but you don't need to know that. I won a short story competition, wrote a dreadful first novel (trust me, I'm not being modest - I'm not a modest guy) and then drifted into writing about beer. Three books later, I was named UK beer writer of the year. I write for a lot of magazines, and do a blog that's read on both sides of the pond (http://petebrown.blogspot.com). While I still love beer, I drink other stuff as well, and am looking forward to expanding the remit of both my pen and my glass.
OTC: You will embark on a project together very soon that I find very exciting. Tell us what that is.
B: We're trying to put together a new kind of cider book, one that looks at both the modern culture and social history of cider. In it's early stages and we are still in discussion with publishers but basically -we want to explore it honestly and thoroughly. I do that visually and Pete does it literally. We want to cover the international aspect of cider too. I am aware that each cider producing country (in Europe anyway!) seems to think that they have the most interesting cider culture, when actually, you take the time to explore them all, they are all fascinating, similar and yet unique. That's what I want to capture and show the rest of the world. The book will be a platform that we use to showcase each cider culture, their similarities and idiosyncrasies.
P: I like to tell stories. What interested me about beer was the culture surrounding it, the customs, its role in history, what it tells us about ourselves, how we use it to help shape our identities. Through my beer work, people regularly assume I know loads about cider. But until I met Bill, I hardly knew anything about it. So I figured I should learn. And what I've seen of the cider culture so far, I absolutely love. I'm hoping to tell the story of my journey of discovery around the world of cider. And whereas there have been loads of books on beer and wine, we don't think anyone has done a similar thing in cider to what Michael Jackson did in beer or Hugh Johnson did for wine. We're just finding out about the global cider culture - or cultures, I should say - and the opportunity to be the first to document the whole lot in one book is exhilarating.
OTC: Do you guys both drink cider regularly?
P: Not as often as I would like. I go and see Bill down in the West Country and it's like nectar, but I think something happens to it when you bring it back into the city - it never tastes as good! But I'm finding out all about the diversity of cider now, experimenting with cider cocktails, substituting stronger ciders for wine and even champagne, so it's becoming a much bigger part of my repertoire. And I'm trying to go down and see Bill more, to where the really good stuff is.
B: I do, you can't avoid it in Somerset and I'm really proud of our tradition and how good our cider is. I also make a point of trying the local stuff wherever I can find it - you have to really. We have a really strong cider culture here and in many pubs you're spoilt for choice of decent farmhouse. We have traditions here going back hundreds of years, including riots when they introduced a cider tax in 1762 to pay for a war with France. We even used to baptise our babies in it a long time ago, so it has a serious cultural foothold here which is something you grow up with.
People keep giving me samples to try, and besides its full of vitamin C!
OTC: Man I have got to see Somerset... Whose idea was the book? How did you decide to do it?
P: It's weird. I was looking through an old notebook the other day, and I found a rough plan for a book on cider that I sketched out some time last April. I forgot all about it, and then when Bill contacted me it turned out we'd both been thinking about the same thing independently. I wasn't quite sure what to do with my cider idea, which is why I'd forgotten about it, but when I saw Bill's photography it became obvious that we had to do it as an illustrated book, and I was very happy to follow his lead. We were totally in tune on what we wanted it to be - even before we'd met in person!
B: Having been creating cider photos since 2004, I knew something needed to do something with them - at that time they had a limited purpose. I had been exhibiting them under the name IAMCIDER, with some success, but was frustrated with the limitations of an exhibition. I'd wanted to publish a book for a while but wasn't really sure about how best to do it until I read Pete's book 'Three Sheets to the Wind'. It really cracked me up (as in laughed out loud funny). I realised he was someone many of us can relate to, someone who shares a massive enthusiasm and passion for beer. He has a unique, very English tone that really brings to life those feelings many of us have and it made me want to ask him about a beer project... then we got talking about cider.
OTC: Bill, how did you get your start photographing cider?
B: In September 2004 I was asked to document a project that an artist friend of mine as involved with called Apple Villages. She (Kate Lynch) and author (James Crowden) were running a workshop in 5 significant apple growing areas in Somerset. The idea was to take kids out of the classroom, into their local orchard and teach them about the importance of apple and cider in their shared heritage. Each class was split into 2 groups, half did art -drawing the apples and the orchard. The other half did poetry writing about their experiences there. It lasted 6 months so they could follow the basic process of cidermaking from late summer to a Wassail in January and I was asked in to document it for their records.
OTC: What inspired you to choose cider as a regular inspiration for your art?
B: During the Apples Villages project, I was struck with how lovely the light was in the orchards, how the kids were reacting to it all, so excited and free. I loved the idea that they weren't stuck in a stuffy classroom plodding through the curriculum. Instead, they were outside in the fresh air, throwing apples at each other, enjoying orchards and experiencing life firsthand. Those kids will remember that for the rest of their lives. When the project ended, I couldn't stop. I just kept visiting cidermakers, orchards, wassails, festivals etc and haven't stopped since. And I like that you call it art!
OTC: I don't take the word art lightly. While not all photography these days is art, once in a while one can find rare examples that transcend the ordinary and truly personify what art is about. You have some truly magnificent shots.
Back to it...
So exactly what is it about cider? What makes cider so special to you?
B: I'm not sure I know exactly, but I do know I have a compulsion to find out more about cider and our relationship with it and explain to others visually. I want to pay tribute to it with my images and I want to show it the way I feel it in my heart. I know that thing I am seeking has a value and that I can do it justice, because it comes from a loving place.
OTC: Do you have a favorite cider related subject to photograph?
B: I suppose its the respect people have for apples and cider which comes in many forms. It can be the look in someone's eyes, the effort they put into their packaging, the way they laugh, the state of their hands, the care they take on a simple task. As a photographer, you have to learn how to show those small things, the details that convey that level of respect, and also that what you like isn't always what other people like. If its to have a wider appeal you have to take a step back, don't think too much and go on gut feeling - you get good at it. You also have to be aware of how important the 'edit' is, the choice of photos you display. To show something holistically, you have to include everything, the good the bad and the ugly.
OTC: As you know I am really excited about this book. My girlfriend as my witness I track down whatever cider books I can find. Most of the good ones come from your part of the world. I have a number of very nice cider books. How will yours be different?
B: I like that question. If you've ever read any of Pete's books (they really are worth reading) it'll give you a good idea - because there are no books about cider like that. I love his honesty, self-deprecation and the tone with which he writes - its quite light. Visually speaking, cider has never quite been represented lovingly enough and I see my duty as doing something about that, especially a project of this size done with a dual vision. It'll be like travelling through cider from the inside and we are going to take you the best journey you could wish for. Pete's words are so good, they make you thirsty and the book will be something of a pilgrimage you will all want to make after reading it.
OTC: Okay Bill so you conceived an idea for a cider book, Pete had ideas of his own as well... How does Pete get involved with you and your project?
B: Well, fate has alot to answer for and when this kind of thing happens, you know its meant to. Its one of those classic combinations of one thing converging at the same time as two or three others, like invisible cogs turning to open up a new unseen doorway. Summer 2010 I was about to go on holiday, it was after 5pm one afternoon and our flight meant us leaving at 4am the following morning so I had about 20 minutes to walk to my local bookshop (which is a proper independent bookshop) and buy a book to read on holiday. The only books that caught my eye as the kind of thing that I would enjoy, were these two books on beer. I bought one 'Three Sheets to the Wind' and chucked it in my bag till we were on the plane. When started reading it, I couldn't stop- I didn't speak to anyone else for about 3 or 4 days because I was too busy laughing to myself. I then really regretted not buying the other book ('Hops & Glory') as my wife had suggested. I felt like I had to go cold-turkey until we flew back so I could buy it.
OTC: So when did you finally meet face to face? Drinks? What did you both have?
B: Taunton train station, Wednesday 22nd September 2010..... We went to a pub with free wi-fi because Pete needed to meet some deadlines (Pete ALWAYS has deadlines to meet.) I think we drank ale because they had sold out of their local cider Gurt Dog. (Mmmmm, Gurt Dog.....)
OTC: Pete you look to have a successful beer writing career. You were the 2009 British Guild of Beer Writers - Beer Writer of the Year, you maintain a successful blog. How long have you been writing about beer and beer culture?
P: In my advertising job I ended up working on beer, which was a fantastic experience. I wanted to read a book that gave me the history and culture of beer, but I couldn't find one. So in September 1998, I decided to write it myself. It kind of grew in scope as I worked on it. Took me four years of working on it at weekends and holidays until I finally got a publishing deal, and then everything began to take off. That first book was published in 2003, and my writing career began in earnest after that.
OTC: You have 3 books and I saw on your blog that you suggest people read them in the order that you wrote them in. Why is that? Do you have a favorite of the 3?
P: When people come to my readings and say they can only buy one book, and ask which one they should buy, it's like asking me which one of my babies is the cutest. I tell them - and this is true - that the first one is the most popular, the second is the funniest, and the third is the best-written. I'd say read them in order simply because that's the order I wrote them in. They're very personal books - especially the last two, where I put myself and my wife and friends into the narrative, and if you read them in order you also read this meta-narrative of my relationship with beer, how it gradually sucks me in, takes over my life, to the point of threatening my marriage and even my sanity. I think people would be pretty alarmed if they came cold to the third one first. Likewise, if they did that they might then find the first one a little tame.
OTC: Have you written much about cider yet?
P: Not much, until now. The odd piece here and there for people who, like I say, simply assumed I knew all about it just because I knew about beer, which in my eyes is very different. I think cider is a very misunderstood drink, and that's one of the hooks that really attracted me to it.
OTC: Pete, does writing about cider intimidate you at all?
P: Not really, but back at the beginning, meeting cider makers scared the hell out of me. The first day we met, Bill took me to meet Julian Temperley, a very outspoken English cider maker. He spent the first half hour telling me beer was nothing but a crude drink consumed by poor northern men who then go home and beat up their wives. Then he treated us to a tutored tasting of his ciders. In beer we get quite specific in the language we use to nail flavour compounds, but my cider palate was less educated, and I just wanted to say, "This tastes really nice." But I didn't let myself. I tried my best, coming out with comparisons to wine and toffee apples. And when we were on the care on the way home, Bill said, "All that flavour stuff - Julian doesn't really go in for all that. We usually don't say much more than, "This tastes really nice."
OTC: Now that is hilarious. I won't mention names but it sort of reminds me of an outspoken cidermaker of our own here in the states.
Why exactly did you decide to take up with Bill on this crazy cider project?
P: I wouldn't say I'm bored of beer - I do get bored of it, but never for more than 24 hours. But I kind of felt I'd gone as far as I could in beer without consolidating and revisiting old ground. I instinctively wanted to do a book on cider but had no momentum. Bill came along with the passion, the excellent photography, the product knowledge, the contacts, the boundless enthusiasm... He makes the idea of writing this book seem very easy. Well, as easy as the hellish long dark night of the soul of writing any book can be.
OTC: You guys will be traveling to well known cidermaking regions outside of England. I'm very envious and I hate to ask, but... where are planning on going?
P: In the long gap between you asking these questions and me finally getting around to answering them, we went to the Frankfurt Apfelwein (apple wine) festival. There were cider makers from all over the world, and our perceptions of what cider is, and what it can be, were stretched waaaay beyond what we'd even considered possible. We also made loads of useful contacts. Our priority locations are the US (of course!), Argentina, Asturias in northern Spain, France, and wherever else we can manage!
OTC: Are you looking forward to any one location more than the others?
P: We've got a good feeling about Asturias. We think we take cider seriously in the UK, but I suspect Asturias is going to be this hardcore culture unlike anything else we've seen. And of course I would have to say the US. I'm so in love with what you guys have done in beer, I'm keen to see how cider measures up.
OTC: I know you have been or have been studying many of the areas where cider has traditionally been made. From England to Asturias and France and even Germany, cider styles can vary widely by culture and country. What is the perception amongst the various European cider making regions regarding one another? Do either of you have a region or cider style you prefer?
B: For me, its Somerset farmhouse, because its the best in the world. Biased? I don't know what do you mean? I grew up with it so, it will always be my favourite. Its a bit like comparing anyone else's cooking to your mums, you may eat some amazing food from all around the world cooked by all sorts of talented people, but your mums cooking is going to taste the better because its what you grew up with, its the taste of your childhood. Having said that, if its balanced, well crafted and made with 100% cider apple juice, it doesn't really matter where its from, its probably going to taste pretty good! I do love good Breton Cider... but maybe because I haven't tried any from US yet. I know, in a few years time when all is said and done, there will be some serious new contenders, which is such an exciting prospect.
P: Not yet - I'm working on it, but I think this requires a thorough evaluation of as many regions and styles as I can get through before making a decision...
OTC: The most exciting part of all of this for me is that you are planning a North American trip to capture our newly re-emerging cider culture. It certainly would have been much easier and nearly as monumental to collectively feature only European cidermakers and regions. Comparatively speaking craft cider is new again to us. What was it that made you want to come here at this moment in time?
P: Again, it's the enthusiasm and openness I've seen in beer, and a curiosity to see how that manifests itself in cider. To be very crude and horribly over-general, I think in brewing you see two different sides of America summed up perfectly. In the macro brewers it's 'Hey, everything's gotta be BIG! We got the biggest one of these in the WORLD!' And in the micros you see that restless, questing spirit, the perpetual push west, and then out to the moon and stars, the breaking down of barriers and seeking out of what's new. I have a fairly large bet with myself that American cider making is going to be just as thrilling and inspirational as craft brewing
OTC: You are exactly right. The more I travel to other cider destinations in North America the more I see how inspired the current generation of cidermakers are.
This seems like a very large and daunting project. Are you a bit intimidated by the scale? When do you expect the book will be published?
B: It is large but the truth is we can only scratch the surface internationally, unless a massive amount of cash falls into our laps. You only have to look at the OTC map of North American Cidermakers; think how long it would take to profile just one of them, them think about how long it would take to capture the others; then everything. And then there are the festivals etc. And that's just USA! Anyway, I believe its best to leave a certain amount to the imagination. I always preferred a semi dressed woman to a naked one, the joy is in the discovery!
P: It's as large as we want to make it. It can't be exhaustive, but once you start something like this it's hard to stop. We'll be limited by how far we can push budget plus people's kindnesses. Where we can't go in person, we'll do the best we can through long-distance contact to get a reasonable feel for what's going on. And if we ever did feel daunted... I look at Hugh Johnson's World Wine Atlas and Michael Jackson's World Guide to Beer, both of which are still in print and selling globally after four decades, and think, 'That's the prize. If we do this right, if we pull it off, that's pretty worthwhile.
OTC: When you visit the United States and Canada you will likely document craft cider, on the verge of getting it's due in North America. We are trying hard to honor tradition and learn from the past, all the while blazing our own trail along the way. We have a lot going on here in each of our cider regions. The Northeast, East, Great Lakes and Midwest, the Northwest, Quebec, Ontario… Plenty to see and taste. Thoughts? Do you have any expectations (good or bad) regarding American ciders?
B: Echoing what Pete said, I know that your craft beer/ale movement has held a mirror up to the more traditional aspects of European beer in recent years and really challenged us into having a more open mind. I think (I hope) the ciders of US are at least as good of some of the ciders we have here and the cidermakers will do the same thing. I know the culture is bound to be good, because its cider. I expect I'll be blown away by the quality of some.
P: Ooh, I guess I answered this one two questions back...
OTC: Do you guys have a "wish list" of what would like to see when choosing the cidermakers you would like to visit, photograph and write about? i.e. their own orchards, working farms, on-site press, fermentation? Tasting room?
P: People and their stories. Parties, people coming together to make cider and drink it, rituals, celebrations...
OTC: Good plan gentlemen. I couldn't imagine anyone being more suited for this job. I've filled Bill with plenty of recommendations, names and contacts. You guys have a big place to consider when you land in America. It isn't as densely packed here as is Europe. There is certain to be plenty more interest from our cidermakers from here on out.
As far as North American events go here, I got two words for you... CIDER DAYS.
I can't wait. Good luck. Maybe you guys will consider letting me chauffeur you around the Northwest when you make it here...
Want to contact Pete Brown and/or Bill Bradshaw? Leave a comment below for the fellas to see or drop me a line using my contact form and I'll forward it on to them. http://www.oldtimecider.com/contact-old-time-cider/
Keep an eye on both these guys by using the links of your choice below.
Bill's IAMCIDER Blog: http://iamcider.blogspot.com/
IAMCIDER on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IAMCIDER/132932643399036
Bill Bradshaw on Twitter: @IAMCIDER
Pete Brown's Blog: http://petebrown.blogspot.com/
Pete on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PeteBrownBeer
Pete's Twitter account:@petebrownbeer
Check my Cider Book page for information on Pete Brown's book series.


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Letters to the Editor
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There is a dangerous traffic problem at the intersection alongside our 84-apartment condo on South Park Avenue. Drivers heedlessly speed around a curve, threatening our residents (many elderly) as well as children heading to and from the Riverside School each day.
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Knowledge management is broadly understood to be the set of practices and systems used to organize data, information products and expertise to advance IUCN's mission. This includes practices ranging from traditional knowledge systems to networked computer information technologies, as well as systems that fall somewhere in between.
The key objectives for the specialty group are as follows:
- Organize existing knowledge management experts within the CEC to contribute to the specialty group's advisory role;
- Expand the Knowledge Management Specialty Group to assure it is representative of all IUCN regions.
Short-term plans
- Communicate with CEC members who have identified themselves as having personal expertise or interest in knowledge management, soliciting input, advice, and volunteer time for the Specialty Group's activities
- Via existing CEC membership, identify conservation-focused knowledge management experts who are not yet members of CEC, and invite them to join the Commission, with a goal of representation across all regions
- Provide focused advising on knowledge management policy and procedures to the IUCN Head, Science and Learning, drawing on the expertise of specialty group members
Long-term plans
Solicit the input of Specialty Group members and the CEC membership as a whole on current knowledge management-related efforts of the CEC and IUCN, including the following:
- CEC website development
- CEC institutional research, including surveys and other data-collection opportunities
- Implementation of the IUCN Commission portal system by the CEC Steering Committee members, Specialty Group Leaders and Special Advisers
- Identification of knowledge management systems in active use by IUCN Secretariat and Commissions
- Identification of knowledge management needs of the CEC membership in each region, the IUCN secretariat and commissions, articulated in the words of the end users
- Implementation of an online clearinghouse for educational resources, to be used by IUCN CEC's World Conservation Institute and World Conservation Learning Network


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First light: AVX. A NEWBIE'S PERSPECTIVE
Posted 24 August 2013 - 06:56 AM
I have a Stellarvue 102ED on my AVX. Folks may have seen that my first AVX arrived dead and wouldn't turn on. The replacement is just fine.
My goal was to try this out in my yard last evening on Saturn and a few double stars before the moon came up. I carried out my Autozone battery, my chair, my little table, my star atlases, flashlight..then the mount (heavy...) Then fetched the scope and mounted it. By this time I was sweaty as this was 75 yards from the house. Then I did chores until it started getting dark.
I put the mount down roughly facing north and set the lat to 42 which is where I'm at, as I'd read that polar alignment is not necessary with this mount and I wanted to try two star alignment. Upon firing up the unit, I did a solar system align as the ONLY thing visible was Venus at the time. It slewed to the general area of Venus and I thought that was very cool (remember I haven't even seen an EQ mount in action before.) I followed the procedure to align by aligning in the finderscope, then the EP. Then I tried to slew to Saturn, which was not visible yet, and left to change into warmer clothing, took a phone call etc and came back to see Saturn being tracked in my EP. By this time I'm thinking I'm a pro.
As I increased magnification things got tougher to keep centered so I decided to try a two star align as by this time it was getting dark. I couldn't figure out how in the world to do a two star align. It kept asking me to "cancel venus" or "unsync." I guess at that point I realized even though I read the manual 40 times, I should have read it 50 times. I figured the only way out was to shut the controller off, so I cut power for a minute or so and rebooted. To my dismay I had to re-set the time and go through the setup again (this was unanticipated and kind of a pain.) I did the two star align, but this time my total lack of star knowledge was apparent as I chose some cool sounding star, the telescope slewed and there in my finderscope were 30 stars. Which one was my alignment star!? I chose a more familiar star, aligned, then chose another familiar sounding star and the telescope slewed until it was pointing at the ground. Hmmm. Another star to align worked, I think Vega if I'm correct? Then two calibration stars which I had to use a star chart to confirm were the right stars. This was now getting frustrating but I think I was OK with it as I attribute it to the learning curve.
Then I did some of the "Sky Tour" which was neat. It found M110 which I'd never seen before, very, very faintly I might add. I went to a few more objects, then the greatest thing happened. My 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter came out and my daughter said "Woa!!!! Look at that!!! Was that like a million bucks Daddy?" I let them play with the hand controller and they thought it was the coolest robotic thing they'd ever seen, and both of them, my daughter especially, were floored looking at tiny Saturn. Even though they'd look briefly before in the telescope, they could sit on my observing chair and look at Saturns moons too while the scope tracked, which made their experience much better, and mine since I didn't have to "nudge" ever minute, which I ABSOLUTELY HATED DOING on an alt-az grab and go mount.
I had some real challenges getting objects to slew into the center of the EP. I think the illuminated reticle of the finder helped, but I think I might need a reticle EP to help?? I'm sure I'm off by doing something wrong otherwise. I'm not sure if I'm off center in the EP after a slew if I can use the arrows to center the object and does a series of these "corrections" add up to a very poor accuracy in slewing?
And finally, I'm just curious how some of you folks handle all this equipment! I'm physically fit and pushing 50, but man, that was hard work. I think tonight I'll carry the mount without the weight attached? Man, it's a lot of work. I may also pick up a grill cover so I can leave it out over night rather than haul it in in the dark. It was WET with dew quickly so my wet manuals and EP's and feet and chair kinda was a bummer.
As a wrap up, and I do hope some newbie finds something of value here, I would certainly recommend this mount especially at this price they're promoting it at. I have a lot to learn obviously, but the joy of finding objects with the controller, and the tracking of objects it well worth it to me. I had a grab and go, and while it was quicker, I hated having to keep nudging. I just need to figure out the logistics of getting all this gear out and keeping my spine intact.
As a final note, the AC adapter for this mount does not attach very securely as it doesn't have a screw collar like the 12V adapter. I'm lucky to have power out near the barn where I put the scope, but the plug fell out twice on my dry run in the basement so I chose the 12V connector. Even spreading the pin in the female end didn't help and inadvertently hitting the cord dislodged the AC cord. I'm using the 12V car starter for $49 from Autozone and it worked for 3-4 hours no problem. Time will tell if it will hold up all night long.
Posted 24 August 2013 - 08:40 AM
First the AVX has a real time clock. It seems to need turning on and once it's on you don't need to set the time. The control is somewhere in the menu system.
A simple planisphere is a good idea to help with working out which stars are currently visible. At present I'd start with Arcturus in the early evening as it's obvious and bright, then maybe one of the Ursa Major stars or Rasalhague. It may be different for you, I'm in the UK so at a different latitude.
I think that a reticle EP helps a lot with aligning, I use a home made one which doesn't have illumination.
I have seen all sorts of little trolleys for moving things about, from things such as the scope buggy that allows the mount to be moved fully assembled to the sort of trolley you can get from a DIY store.
Posted 24 August 2013 - 08:56 AM
if you have a computer, you can download a free program called stellarium and add virtual telescopes and eyepieces to simulate the view through that. you can also flip the image horizontally and/or vertically if needed. i am using my 50mm guidescope with a 32mm eyepiece as a finderscope, so it's easy for me to verify the star i'm looking at by confirming what i see through the eyepiece is what i see on the screen.
i use a laptop, so it's easier for me to "look up" new stars. if you use a desktop it might be a little harder, but as you use the same stars for alignment, you'll be able to memorize the patterns around your commonly used stars.
you can also use stellarium to see the star positions when you think you'll be viewing (you can set the time), so you can plan ahead and see what stars you can use for alignment.
anyway, enough about stellarium. you can probably do the same thing with star charts (i bought a large star chart, but i haven't really looked at it yet).
as for re-alignment, you can do a new 2 star alignment stars by replacing your aligned stars/planets. you select and slew to a named star first, then go to align->aligned stars, and replace. you can use the up/down buttons (6 and 9, not the slew buttons) to cycle through the stars you want to replace (so you can add a 2nd star for alignment if you only started with one. it'll ask you to center the star like you did in the alignment process. the only thing that it doesn't do is give you that list of the brightest stars. and you can't hit the back button to cycle through the list to the next brightest one. if you want that, you have to power down and select 2 star alignment.
for the time, if you go into the settings and turn the RTC on, you shouldn't have to re-input the time; just hit enter. if the time is off, you can hit back to edit it. your location data should be saved already.
when you use the hand controller to center objects in the eyepiece, i don't think it updates the sky model in the mount or anything like that. the only way it updates it is if you add/update alignment or calibration stars. maybe also if you sync.
an illuminated eyepiece will definitely be good for the scope as it will help you center your stars accurately and consistently (although you're initially centering it in the finderscope, that's just to get it in the fov of the main scope. the important thing is to center it well in the main scope).
oh, and about the AC adapter. there are 2 different AC adapters. the cheaper one celestron "recommends" is for visual use. it doesn't have the screw collar. there is another AC adapter that does have the screw collar, and can be used on the VX (it's the 5 amp adapter for the CGEM and CGE PRO). That one is the one you should get if you plan on doing astrophotography, although both will work according to celestron. if you are just doing visual, then it may not be worth it to spend another $60 just for an AC adapter.
just hang in there...i think things should get easier as you get used to using the mount and familiarizing yourself with the night sky
Posted 24 August 2013 - 09:24 AM
Do you folks leave your scope out after a late night and cover it or carry the whole shebang back in??
Posted 24 August 2013 - 09:34 AM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 09:43 AM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 09:46 AM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 10:19 AM
Stellarium is also available in idevices. For free, it's pretty awesome. If you want to control the mount wirelessly, SkySafari is the way to go- but I would hold off on that.
The real benefit of GOTO is the ability to look at many more objects in an evening than you otherwise could have.
As for leaving the mount out, that depends on the security of where you are and what the weather is. The mounts are made to survive dew. The scopes need to dry out. The basic reason the home observatory exists is the problem you have just found with carry-out and retrieve. Your kids may be just the right size to move a dolly, thought.
Posted 24 August 2013 - 10:23 AM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 10:55 AM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 11:35 AM
I also ordered the AC adapter with the screw mount. Pricey but I wanted to be safer than sorry.
Posted 24 August 2013 - 11:43 AM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 04:56 PM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 05:42 PM
Posted 24 August 2013 - 08:12 PM
For a power supply, I use car jumper that I got as a gift from O'Reilly Auto Parts. I can run for 3 or more sessions before charging. I never an AC adapter for the reason you have already found out. I image with mine and can't afford the power coming loose when I am imaging or aligning the scope.
A reticle eyepiece is a must for accurate alignment. The only time I don't use a reticle to align is when I use a DSLR with backyard EOS to replace the reticle.
It took me a few sessions to get the 2 stars + 4 calibration stars + polar alignment down. After a few times it should become second nature. To help identify some of the obscure stars during alignment, I use Sky Safari on my Iphone.
I am glad your mount is now working for you. Have fun with it.
Posted 24 August 2013 - 11:22 PM
Posted 25 August 2013 - 03:28 PM
Learned quickly to move the avx around without the OTA or weight. When I do that even I can lug it around without needing to join a Gym.
Nice mount. Now all I need to learn is the stars so that when it slews to an alignment star I know which one its wanting out of 30-40 stars in the FOV.
All in all I like mine but then I am a noob so.......
Posted 25 August 2013 - 10:11 PM
Posted 26 August 2013 - 12:05 PM
Posted 26 August 2013 - 01:14 PM
Posted 26 August 2013 - 06:52 PM
Posted 26 August 2013 - 06:54 PM


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For the more information about the geologic resources of the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/.
Wildlife Health
One component of the National Park Service (NPS) mission is to conserve the "wild life" within its units. To the NPS, wildlife includes everything from mega-fauna, such as bears and moose, to the smallest organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa. Native pathogens that cause diseases may be part of a naturally functioning ecosystem that is protected within a park. However, more frequenly wildlife are victims of diseases introduced by human activities. In these cases prevention and management are often necessary. Wildlife and ecosystem health are key components of the "One Health" concept, which recognizes that human and animal health are inextricably linked and that a holistic approach is needed to understand, protect, and promote the health of all species.
Wild animal populations are affected by diseases of all types, every day. Prevention of exotic disease introduction, for example from contact with domestic animals or translocation of wildlife, is preferred to management of an established disease. A few wildlife diseases that are currently of concern in units of the National Park System are white-nose syndrome, rabies, plague, tularemia, bighorn sheep pneumonia complex, chronic wasting disease, bovine brucellosis, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, chytridiomycosis, avian botulism, and West Nile virus. The threat of introduction of diseases not currently in the United States, such as foot-and-mouth disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza, are also of concern. Learn more about these diseases »
Key Principles of Wildlife Health Management
In general, natural processes are relied upon to maintain native animal species and to influence natural fluctuations in populations of these species; however, human impact that alters natural processes today is found even in the most remote areas. The key principles that the National Park Service employs to determine if a disease is managed or if it is allowed to self-regulate in wild animals include:
- Is the disease native or exotic? If the host population has evolved in concert with the disease organism and the pathogen is native to the area and functioning naturally, the disease and its host will generally be left unmanaged. If, however, the disease was introduced or its occurrence was altered as a result of human influence, then it may be managed. Management options may include disease eradication.
- Is management of the disease prudent and feasible? If so then the disease may be managed if:
- The disease is a threat to human health.
- The disease poses a risk to threatened or endangered species.
- The disease threatens areas outside of the park.
- The native disease is acting under unnatural conditions that would change the biology and epidemiology of the disease and is therefore a threat to ecosystem health.
After considering these questions, the appropriate management action may be clear. In other cases the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is used as a decision-making tool to evaluate potential alternatives and to garner public input.
Recent Reports:
Last Updated: December 03, 2015


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Here's a link if you want to see all of the other awesome entries,
my favorites are the Split Peep Soup and The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Too cool. I really like the Goodnight Moon diorama, too, can't believe you didn't win with that one. The details are great.
You did a fantastic job!! These are so much fun to look at!
That is such a fun idea!
Ha ha ha ha! I just realized the bunny was missing his ear. LOL.
you are an artistic genius!!! I love these!!
Congratulations. You are incredible. I LOVE your Van Gogh theme.
Most impressive! I particularly like the bandaged ear.
That is unbelievable! You are so talented!
Amazing! I love the gauze on van gogh peep. Too cute!
Love it. Great job. Someday I may just come up with an idea and enter as well. Until then, I'll enjoy yours!
You amaze me. Seriously. A Peep Starry Night. You are absolutely unreal and oh, so wonderful! Thanks for your many wonderful posts... I read every one! I just gave you the versatile blogger award over at The Executive Mom.
These are fabulous!! I love that Vincent Van Peep only has one ear!! That makes it more perfect! :o)
WOW! I've never seen these done before so I am sitting here in utter amazement. Seriously, you made these out of peeps??? That's amazing.
Just letting you know that I featured this today on my blog :-)
I AM a great fan of your peep diorama's over the years and say that each year I think they only get better and better. Very creative on how you got the peeps shaped into the shape of the painting...LOVE IT!
Disclosure of Material Connection: My family and I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in some of my posts for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe my readers will enjoy in connection with my blog theme. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." All opinions expressed on this blog are my own and all content is mine. I do not post pre-written posts from outside parties. My lesson plans and craft ideas are not to be sold for profit by others. Please play nicely. This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do we store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. We are not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on April 21, 2013. Pink and Green Mama is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


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ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- It was Election Day here in the Stateline, but it was not a good day for turnout and it was a very brutal day for incumbents.
Only 66 people voted in the 6th Ward Democratic Primary where Incumbent Lenny Jacobson falls by four votes to Vernon Hilton. There will also be a new 8th Ward Alderman because the Incumbent Nancy Johnson gets just 21 percent of the vote in her primary race with Jeanne Oddo.
The only Democratic Incumbent to survive the primary is Karen Elyea she survives a three candidate primary with 51 percent of the vote.
On the republican ticket, current 1st Ward Alderman Tim Durkee survives his primary race with Brian Jenkins. Jamie Getchius wins the 2nd Ward Primary that seat is open with the retirement of Pat Curran. Another open seat is in the 4th Ward where Kevin Frost beat Peter Scardato by about 260 votes.
FREEPORT (WIFR) -- The final results in Freeport are just in and check out the Citizen's Party Primary Former Mayor Jim Gitz has defeated current Mayor George Gaulrapp by a 54% to 46% margin.
Gitz will meet Jon Staben in the General Election after he beats Bettye Corbin in the People's Party Primary.
BELVIDERE (WIFR) -- In Belvidere current City Clerk Shauna Arco doubles up Joanne Riley in her Republican Primary Race.
You can find information for tonight's races at the sites below:
ILLINOIS (WIFR) -- It's election day across most of Northern Illinois.
Chicago area voters will narrow down their options to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. 14 Democrats and 4 Republicans are on today's special ballot. Jackson has plead guilty to misusing three-quarters of a million dollars in campaign money on personal items. He'll be sentenced in June.
Here in the Stateline, the primary elections aren't quite as high profile and fewer voters are showing up to the polls. Most of the contested races are for area Alderman, but in Freeport, Mayor George Gaulrapp could be unseated by former Mayor James Gitz in the citizens' party primary. In Rockford, each party's mayoral candidate is unopposed. The general election will be April 9th.
Tonight's polls will close at 7:00.


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Failure to complete Diver Certification prior to use of this product, may result in injury or death
If you are in less than 15 of water how long can your air hose be.
Interesting question… Taking into account the scope and being in 15' of water, you'll have approximately 60' to 70' of hose as your desposible. http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-152/031888/Air-Line-Model-Al-R260xl-Hookah.html If you would like to place an order, please contact one of our certified Dive Instructors at SCUBA.com by calling 800-247-2822 <> 949-221-9300 or e-mail us at: email@example.com
Do you have a UK distributor? If not how much would shipping cost?
Hello Neil, since this would be an international order you would need to add all of the items you would like to buy. Once those items are in your cart you are going to hit the checkout button using Amazon checkout. Once on the Amazon checkout page enter all of your billing and shipping information. "Be advised these costs do not reflect any additional Duty or Tax imposed by your country due to importation of the equipment. Any extra fees over those displayed are the responsibility of the customer If you have any other questions please feel free to give us a call at 001.949.221.9300.
Model R260XL.
EXceL,.eXceLlent. No matter how you spell it, the unequalled, uncopied leader of the pack! The bad boy that gives the competition nightmares. A large, single-head compressor that equals, or betters in delivered air, the other guy's double-head. Can be serviced by you---in the field---in 15 minutes, with just three common hand tools and that, after hundreds and hundreds of hours of faithful service. Too water-logged? About 1,000 Thomas service facilities in North America alone. The Owner's Manual, however, is quite specific in the care and feeding of baby.
Compressor: Thomas/Air Line, LARGE, single-head, direct-drive, oil-free, Wobble piston.
Performance: 12.5 CFM @ 0 PSI, 9.8 @ 50. Two at 85', three at 60, four at 40.
Air Rating: Grade-E Compressed Gas Association of America.
Full-time operating speed, compressor and motor: 3,400 RPM.
Motor: Honda, 4 hp, 4 cycle.
Operating time: 3 hours. (Watch your decomp. time) on 2.5 qts. of gas.
Size in Polypropylene Case: 19.5 x 25 x 17 inches high.
Inflated Float Size: 38 inches. (Stable up to four foot seas. Use also as deck-mount on pan.)
Warranty: One year on compressor by Thomas; Three year on Honda motor; One year on all other parts.
Weight: 55lbs.
A very tough (but caring) single-head compressor, cut from a solid block of aluminum, and featuring a prominent, six-inch cooling fan. There is no restriction in its ability to disburse heat. The fan also has the effect of deflecting splash while it is pushing out heated air. Click here to review Air Line-Only features.
We get the common question: How loud is the unit? Well here is your answer.
Further, the large vent affords the possibility of washing off the bearing/piston assembly after the dive day, to rid critical working parts of the destructive effects of salt. There is absolutely no disassembly involved. Salt WILL enter the interior of ANY compressor as it cannot be hermetically sealed, as some circulation of hot air is needed. As with all Air Line compressors it is marinized inside and out for long, l-o-n-g service life.
In the Pre Airolinean Geologic period, a single-head compressor could be counted on to supply air for two to a depth of about 30 feet. R260XL will see that and raise (actually, lower) it 55 feet. No kidding; two to 85 feet, three to 60, four to 40. (Real numbers, not the hoped-for numbers you would get with a single, down hose system that additionally has to run slower)
The way this works is quite simple: The XL provides 12.5 CFM/FAD. That's a lot of air and I promise it's not hot air, figuratively, or literally. The cylinder is an impressive three inch inside diameter with 1-7/8 inch stroke at 3,600 RPM. Let's see---- 1/2D times 1/2D, times Pi, times L, V, times something or other, divided by the GNP of Poland??? You do the math, I'm late for dinner.
Getting back on track, the XL is powered by Honda's 4 HP, 4-cycle (no mixing), motor. One of the most popular motors in the world, with thousands of service facilities. With a capacity of just 2-1/2 quarts of gas, it will run continually for three hours. Put four people on the system and you've effectively eliminated 12, count em, 12 scuba tanks. (Cost to re-fill 12 Scuba tanks will be about $48.00)
The Standard gear Package:
1 Compressor/Engine assembly
1 Polypropylene storage case
1 5' US Navy heat hose
1 Agricultural-grade inner tube
1 1,000 denier, U/V stabilized Cordura float cover
1 Hose splitter
2 60' fully swiveled, individual diver hoses
4 Washable, stainless-steel particle filters
2 Tow Belts
2 Weight Belts
2 Adjustable, hookah-specific, 2nd stage regulator w/fully rotational, 360º swivel
1 Air intake staff and filter
1 Down diver flag
1 Owners manual (Honda and Air Line/Thomas)
Want a third diver?? Check out the R360XL
Add only, your personal gear, a little gas, oil and a body of water (not included), and the fun and friends will be forthcoming. Maybe more friends than you knew you had.
1. Q. What exactly is the concept of SSA?
A. Air from a low-pressure compressor at the surface pumps air through a hose and demand second stage regulator system directly to the divers below. Virtually no gear is worn and the divers have a lifeline to the surface with the hose system and a belt that secures the hose and regulator to the body. Top
2. Q. How long will the engines run?
A. Running time on the floating gas-powered models will be 3 hours on 2.5 qts gas. On the commercial XL2 model: 4 hrs on 0.95 gallon, regardless of the number of participants on either. Top
3. Q. Do the motors require an oil gas mix?
A. No. They are four-cycle engines and take unleaded gas with a pump octane rating of 86 or above. Top
4. Q. Are the compressors oil lubricated?
A. No. A Teflon cup on an aluminum piston pulsates inside the cylinder sleeve precluding the need for even rings and seals. Bearings are sealed and grease cannot enter the breathing system. Top
5. Q. What keeps exhaust fumes out of the breathing air?
A. Lawyers and the fear thereof. Mechanically, however, a vertical snorkel draws air in 30 inches above the compressor. Exhaust is shot away horizontally on the opposite side. The way the unit floats, the exhaust will always seek the down wind position. All Air Line system designs meet or exceed Compressed Gas Association Grade E breathing air standards. Top
6. Q. What depths can I reasonably expect on an Air Line?
The XL models will support two to a depth of 85', three to 60 feet, four to 40. The R-4 models will support two to 70 feet, three to 40. The systems are primarily designed for second atmosphere, recreational diving. (Be wary of claims. In our opinion, some manufacturers may exaggerate depth ratings for the air output of their systems. The Air Line chooses to be conservative, basing our depth ratings on people with average diving experience and in average physical condition. The depth capability of a compressor system will be determined by the air output of the compressor. Compare air output.) Top
7. Q. What length are the hoses?
A. They are all arbitrarily 60 feet because we have found this to be an optimal length for common hookah dive profiles. Hose extensions are available for lengthening hoses if desired. We will, however, customize lengths for certain applications such as deck mounting. It is important to understand that each diver has an independent 60 foot down line on an Air Line instead of a single down line. You will get more air volume under pressure in two, three or four hoses than you will through one; Common-Sense 101. There are safety factors involved also. We can discuss these through e-mail or a telephone call. Top
8. Q. Won't a salty environment cause the equipment to rust?
A. It would without a few simple care procedures. The gas-powered compressors are marinized and require no pre-dive procedures. The engines need a bit more attention. When new, thoroughly coat with a marine protectant, such as, Boeshield T-9. After the dive day, a fresh water bath will rinse away accumulated salt, followed by a light touch-up of the protectant. Top
9. Q. Is training needed?
A. Yes. Knowledge of the pertinent laws of physics is essential. Although easier to use as no gear is worn, you are still subject to the same physical laws that relate to scuba diving. BCDs are not discouraged but they are not as critical, as the weight of air in a scuba cylinder is not being consumed. Snorkel vests are an option but remember, you are connected to the surface float through the hose system. Top
10. Q. If the engine runs out of gas, what happens?
A. You are encouraged to come up. Silliness aside, you will be aware when the engine stops as each succeeding breath will require slightly more effort. The air in the hoses is under pressure and supplies a reservoir of air. As you may know, the air in the hoses will naturally increase in volume (i.e., expand) as you rise, so there will be a few more breaths in the hoses. However, The Air Line recommends that the divers carry an independent, back-up air supply (such as a Spare Aiir, see the Accessories section) whether diving on surface supplied air or scuba tanks. Top
11. Q. Are the floating models stable when the sea gets choppy?
A. Yes, but three or four footers are the suggested maximum. when you feel a surge on the hose you will know it's time to call it a day, or at least, go to the surface to evaluate the situation. Top
12. Q. Do the floats tow easily?
A. Yes. The divers being free of gear experience the freedom of snorkelers. Otherwise, the hoses being under pressure will arch gracefully down so the floats are not being pulled awkwardly. The task of towing is shared by at least two anyway. They should never be towed behind a boat except at slow idle. They will sink (no relation). Top
13.Q. How much separation can I expect on the Air Line's individual 60 foot hoses compared to a single down hose with individual 20 foot whips?
**The chart indicates what you can expect in separation and freedom, at depth, by using individual hoses. For instance: At 2nd atmosphere (33 feet) you would be able to explore up to 109 feet apart.
At any depth, on a system with only a single down hose, your separation would always be just 40 feet. ** Top
14. Q. Is there any advantage of having a single down hose?
It might look like a cleaner configuration for pictures, but is that what you're buying it for? (Excuse the answering a question with a question) (Also it's less expensive to provide only one hose.)
15. Q. What then, are the advantages to the Air Line's individual hoses?
A.1. Simple, common sense physics to start. You will have more breathable air volume in multiple hoses than in one hose.
A.2. The aforementioned separation (13.Q.), which equates to freedom (See, also, next answer).
A.3. Imagine being at a depth of say 60 feet around some coral, wreck or rock formations. With the floating, individual hoses you can easily maneuver about unobstructed. On the one down hose at 60 feet, the 20 foot whips will be effectively horizontal, restricting movement to follow-the-leader.
A.4. Let's talk SAFETY! At 60 feet on individual hoses, if one diver needs to reach the surface for any reason, he/she can calmly do so, hand-over-hand to the security of the float or boat. On the single hose, the stressed diver can only ascend 40 feet, the total of the two 20 foot whips. At that point he/she would have to jettison the towing belt, with the regulator, and swim the remaining 20 feet to the surface.
A.5. More on SAFETY. In the event of equipment failure, there will be a small reserve of air trapped in the hoses. There will be more air volume stored under pressure in multiple individual diver hoses than in a single down hose. On the single down hose, all divers must share the air from the one hose. (Note: The Air Line recommends carrying an independent backup air supply, like Spare Air, for all divers, whether on hookah or scuba equipment.)


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Last night saw the airing of the Victoria's Secret fashion show, and if you thought we couldn't squeeze any more content out of this rock of dumb, you were wrong. We already critiqued the red carpet, we devoted special (outlandish!) derision to the show itself, and now we concern ourselves with three high-profile angels–Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Lily Aldridge–at last night's official viewing party. Sadly, you cannot be a woman and make light of the Angels (and their deathly serious work) without teenagers accusing you of being jealous in the comments, so let's just be clear: all I've ever wanted in life is to stand on one foot and blow kisses in a tube dress.
(all photos via Getty)


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All-Star Game: Vote Online
Only one week left of All-Star voting…have you done your part as a Royals fan?
Voting at Kauffman Stadium has ended, but that doesn't mean you still can't vote online at royals.com. Go to the All-Star ballot and cast your votes to help get Royals John Buck or Mark Teahen to San Francisco. Every little vote counts and – keep in mind – fans can vote up to 25 times with each email address. Who do you think should represent Kansas City this season?
In related ASG new…Wichita right-hander Luke Hochevar has been invited to participate in the All-Star Futures Game, which matches a team of U.S.-born players against a roster of players from around the world. The game is July 8 in San Fran. If Hochevar attends he has some pretty big organizational shoes to fill. The Royals have had the past two Futures Games MVPs with first baseman Justin Huber taking the prize in 2005 and Billy Butler earning the honors last year in Pittsburgh.


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May 24, 2016
Associated Press Release
RINGGOLD, Ga. (AP) -- A man who handcuffed himself to a female Taco Bell co-worker has been sentenced to serve four years in prison.
The Rome News-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/U76lpZ) 25-year-old Jason Earl Dean of Dalton handcuffed himself to the 18-year-old woman in August 2011 in an attempt to convince her to go on a date with him.
Lookout Mountain Assistant District Attorney Alan Norton says a Catoosa County Superior Court judge sentence Dean to four years in prison followed by six years on probation.
Norton says Dean is also not allowed to have any contact with the victim or her family.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or email@example.com.


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You limited your search to:
County: Coryell County, TX
Collection: Texas Folklore Society Publications
The Golden Log
Date: 1962
Creator: Boatright, Mody Coggin
Description: This volume of the Publications of the Texas Folklore Society contains popular Texas folklore, including information about unusual Texas place names, folktales about spiders, folktales about witchcraft, ghosts and superstitions, and information about early petroleum geologists. The index begins on page 167.
Contributing Partner: UNT Press
Texas Toys and Games
Date: 1989
Creator: Abernethy, Francis Edward
Description: This volume of the Publications of the Texas Folklore Society contains information about popular toys and games relevant to the state of Texas, including folk toys, folk games, sports, dances, songs and other recreations. The index of contributors begins on page 245 and the index of toys and games begins on page 249.
Contributing Partner: UNT Press


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China promises clean energy surge in 2013
- Date
- 06 March 2013
BEIJING: China has promised to slash carbon emissions and energy use, and step up plans for a carbon trading program in 2013, following record air pollution in Beijing.
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) submitted the report on 2013's clean energy and emission reduction plans to the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, where Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo delivered his final address as Premier.
The report outlines plans for cap and trade pilots as well as measures to cut emissions and energy use per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) by over 3.7% in 2013.
China plans to amp up installed clean energy capacity to a total of 42.24 million kilowatts in 2013, by adding 21 million kilowatts of hydropower, 10 million kilowatts of solar and 18 million kilowatts of wind energy.
The NDRC's report said that in 2012, China added 15 gigawatts of wind energy and 3 gigawatts of solar, far exceeding its energy-saving targets.
Changhua Wu, Greater China Director, The Climate Group, said: "As Premier Wen Jiabao delivers his final address, it is time to look forward; and these energy and emissions targets will likely be met in 2013. As China's recently announced set of new green taxation policies and world-leading wind power market in 2012 attest, it is evident that China's new leadership will have to put the clean revolution at the front and center of their work if they are to bring China's cities out of pollution and into the future.
"We will need much more than promises from our next premier: we will need tangible, ambitious and bold climate action to fundamentally transform the Chinese economy."
By Clare Saxon


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Solomono I Area Rug
# 40149
Product Description
Each Solomono Area Rug, from the striking Montaigne Collection, features a simple two-color or tonal design. The center of the rug is one color and the border is either a deeper tone or a different complementary color. This simple transitional rug can blend well in any decor. They are sure to add distinctive style to any room.
Product Details


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The Core
Release Date: March 28, 2003
Running Time: 136 mins.
MPAA Rating: PG 13
Box Office: $31,111,260.00
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
For reasons unknown, the earth's inner core has stopped rotating, causing the planet's electromagnetic field to rapidly deteriorate. Instantly, life around the globe begins to change dramatically. In Boston, 32 people with pacemakers, all within a 10-block radius, suddenly drop dead. In San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge collapses, sending hundreds of people plunging to their deaths. In London's Trafalgar Square, flocks of pigeons lose their ability to navigate, flying into panicked crowds. And in Rome, as thousands of tourists watch helplessly, an electrical superstorm reduces the ancient Colosseum to rubble. Scrambling to resolve the crisis, government and military officials call upon g...
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7 Guilty Pleasure Movie Confessions
The Core - Junket
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Majors and Minors
French (PDS)
The Professional Directed Studies major in French is an individually designed program for students interested in an area of study that is not offered as a major at the Calvary Bible College campus. In addition to the biblical and general education requirements, this program requires a minimum of thirty credit hours in a focused area that may be transferred from another accredited institution. The specific courses making up the thirty hours must be approved by the Academic Curriculum Committee. The process for having a program of study approved includes:
1) Request a Professional Directed Studies Program Approval Form from the Registrar's Office.
2) Complete the form with the help of the academic advisor.
3) Submit the completed form to the Registrar. Attached to the form will be a list of the course descriptions from a college catalog of the transfer institution. These descriptions will detail the courses to be taken.
A list of pre-approved directed studies programs may be obtained from the Registrar's Office.
- That the student will integrate his biblical worldview with his professional major.
- That the student will be able to attend Calvary and major in an academic program not offered at Calvary.


text: NATIONAL PENN Banking Business Checking Accounts Competitive Edge Checking Print Competitive Edge Checking Competitive Edge CheckingTM blends bank benefits with payroll services, merchant services, and cash management to deliver premier business tools in one highly-efficient checking package. Benefits: Competitive interest rates that increase as your balance grows1 Up to 500 free transactions each month2 Unlimited Business Check cards (no monthly service charge) Small Business Online Banking and Bill Payment (no monthly service charge) Business Owner Signature Relationship Checking for the business owner (limit one per owner) No fee overdraft protection transfers from a linked checking, savings or line of credit3 No withdrawal fee when you use a non-National Penn ATM4 Access to our team of business advisors Cash Management Solutions LEARN MORE Discounted financial services: 15% off Deluxe business checks and accessories PC Banking with Quicken® and QuickBooks®5 Payroll services set up and initial processing with A D Computer Free First Data Mobile Pay™ Encrypted Card Reader6 Fees: No monthly service charge if you meet any ONE of the following: $15,000 minimum daily balance Enroll in any cash management service except the business online banking package7 Or chose a flat rate of $9.95 per month. Visit a branch near you to open an account! Compare Accounts Contact Us $50 minimum opening deposit 1Interest is compounded and credited monthly 2Transactions include checks paid or deposited and incoming ACH debits and credits. $0.35 transaction fee for each item exceeding 500 transactions each month (deposit slips are NOT counted) 3Ask about other overdraft services available. 4Other financial institutions may charge a surcharge for use of their ATM. 5Monthly fee for transaction only is $5 (regularly $12); for transaction and bill payment is $9 (regularly $18). Quicken® and QuickBooks® are registered trademarks of Intuit products. 6Some conditions apply: Clients must have an active National Penn Competitive Edge Checking account, meet all qualifying criteria and have a credit approved National Penn merchant processing account with a traditional in-store terminal to obtain the free First Data Mobile Pay Encrypted Card Reader. National Penn has contracted with First Data to bring merchant services to you. 7Enrollment into services are subject to bank approval. $2 per month for check images with account statement. Account information can be referenced in our: Personal and Business Deposit and Electronic Banking Services Agreement and Disclosure and the Business Fee Schedule 2014-12. Back to Top