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Index of content:
Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2005
Numerical simulation of head-on droplet collision: Effect of viscosity on maximum deformation17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1874232View Description Hide Description
Numerical simulation of head-on collision of two equal-size droplets is conducted to observe the effect of viscosity on the maximum deformation amplitude using a moving-mesh finite-volume method. Recent experimental results by Willis and Orme [Exp. Fluids34, 28 (2003)] have shown that the maximum deformation amplitude depends on the viscosity coefficient, and thus the percentage of energy that is dissipated until the instant of maximum deformation increases with the increasing fluid viscosity. This observation contradicts previous results by Jiang, Umemura, and Law [J. Fluid Mech.234, 171 (1992)]. The numerical results in this Letter show that the dissipated energy and the maximum deformation depend on the collision Reynolds number, which is consistent with Willis and Orme (2003). However, this dependence decreases with increasing Reynolds number, which suggests that the effect caused by viscosity on maximum deformation becomes insignificant at sufficiently high Reynolds number.
Laminarization of minimal plane Couette flow: Going beyond the basin of attraction of turbulence17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1890428View Description Hide Description
Laminarization of minimal plane Couetteturbulence is achieved numerically through short-time imposition of weak spanwise system rotation. A laminarization strategy presented in this Letter is inspired by investigation of the phase-space structure in the vicinity of a recently found unstable periodic orbit [G. Kawahara and S. Kida, "Periodic motion embedded in plane Couetteturbulence: regeneration cycle and burst," J. Fluid Mech.449, 291 (2001)]. The periodic orbit, which a turbulent state occasionally approaches, and its local stable manifold are found to form the separatrix between the basin of attraction of turbulent and laminar flows. The introduction of the slight rotation during its approach to the periodic orbit enables the state to go beyond the basin of attraction of the turbulence toward the laminar flow. The global stabilization of the unstable periodic orbit by the method of controlling chaos is also performed to accomplish the laminarization without waiting until the natural approach.
- Top
- Interfacial Flows
Numerical simulations of interfacial instabilities on a rotating miscible magnetic droplet with effects of Korteweg stresses17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1870017View Description Hide Description
Interfacial instability of a miscible magnetic droplet in a rotating Hele-Shaw cell is simulated numerically. The influence of magnetic strengths, the Korteweg stresses, and their coupled effects are first discussed qualitatively by fingering patterns and streamlines. Quantitative measurements are evaluated by interfacial length , number of fingers , and diameter of gyration . The results confirm with coupling rotational effects more vigorous fingering instability occurs on stronger magnetic strengths and less effective surface tensions (Korteweg stresses). Without the effects of Korteweg stresses, significant nonlinear fingering merges occur which lead to reduction in fingering number, early decay of interfacial length and reversed plane trajectories. Before the occurrence of fingering merges, monotonic growths of interfacial lengths, constant fingering numbers, and nearly linear pattern trajectories are observed. If the significant Korteweg stresses are taken into account, the nonlinear merge is prevented and the features of fingering patterns resemble the immiscible situations remarkably. The fingering behavior can be approximated by a master line of within the linear fingering region.
Transient and steady drift currents in waves damped by surfactants17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1872112View Description Hide Description
In this paper we study the Lagrangian mean drift induced by spatially damped capillary-gravity waves on a surface covered by an elastic film. The analysis is developed with regard to a typical laboratory setup, and explicit solutions for both transient and steady horizontal drift velocities are given. We consider a situation where the film covers the entire surface and is prevented from drifting away, e.g., by a film barrier. The drift below an inextensible film resembles the drift under an ice cover, with a jetlike current in the wave propagation direction just below the surface. If the film is elastic the solution changes drastically. For certain values of the film elasticity parameter the mean flow is in the direction opposite to that of wave propagation in the upper part of the water column.
- Laminar Flows
Sedimentation of particles of general shape17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1884625View Description Hide Description
When a set of complex shaped particles settles down under gravity, they will generally spread in vertical and horizontal directions even though there is no thermal motion since the velocity of complex shaped particle is not in the direction of gravity and depends on the initial orientation. We study the relationship between the dispersion behavior and the particle characteristics. It is shown by theory and simulation that the dispersion behavior can have various types depending on whether the particle is skewed or not or whether the gravity gives a torque or not. The conditions for these cases to happen is discussed and its validity is demonstrated by computer simulation.
Chaotic advection in a cavity flow with rigid particles17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1884465View Description Hide Description
The effect of freely suspended rigid particles on chaotic material transport in a two-dimensional cavity flow is studied. We concentrate on the understanding of the mechanism how the presence of a particle affects the dynamical system of the flow. In contrast to the case studied by Vikhansky ["Chaotic advection of finite-single bodies in a cavity flow," Phys. Fluids15, 1830 (2003)], we show that even a regular periodic motion of a single particle can induce chaotic advection around the particle, as a result of the perturbation of the flow introduced by the freely rotating solid particle. This perturbation is of a hyperbolic nature. In fact, stretching and folding of the fluid elements are guaranteed by the occurrence of the hyperbolic flow perturbation centered at the particle and by the rotation of the freely suspended particle, respectively. The fluid-solid flow problem has been solved by a fictitious-domain/finite-element method based on a rigid-ring description of the solid particle. A single-particle system is studied in detail in view of the dynamical systems theory and then extended to two- and three-particle systems.
- Instability and Transition
Two-dimensional instability of flow in a rough channel17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1865252View Description Hide Description
Linear stability of a two-dimensional flow in a channel with distributed surface roughness is considered. The structure of the disturbance field is related to the structure of the roughness when the ratio of the respective wave numbers is rational; they are not related if this ratio is irrational. It is shown that the stability problem is not unique in the former case but unique in the latter. It is found that disturbances in the form of traveling waves are destabilized by the presence of the roughness. A very good approximation of the critical Reynolds numbers can be found using only the dominant Fourier mode to represent roughness geometry.
Axisymmetric convective states of pure and binary liquids enclosed in a vertical cylinder and boundary conditions' influence thereupon17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1863257View Description Hide Description
The high Rayleigh number (Ra) axisymmetric convection regimes of pure and (, ) binary liquids are numerically investigated and compared. The fluids are enclosed in a vertical cylinder of aspect ratio and heated from below, with either no-slip or free-slip kinematic lateral boundary conditions. Branches of solutions and transitions between states that occur as Ra is varied up to are given, along with a description of the encountered bifurcations. When a free-slip condition is imposed along the circumference of the cell, pure fluid and binary liquid stationary flows are found to become identical at high Ra, an often reported feature. When the lateral boundary condition is set to no-slip, the high Ra steady flows of pure and binary liquid, although very similar, undergo different bifurcations. This is related with a locally quasiquiescent region present in both cases, the stability of which controls the flow regime in the whole fluid layer. A branch of resulting oscillatory states thus does not appear in the bifurcation diagram of the binary liquid.
Nonlinear evolution of a swirling jet instability17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1868412View Description Hide Description
The nonlinear evolution of the three-dimensional instability of a viscous unsteady swirling jet, namely, the Batchelor vortex, is addressed. Two types of initial perturbations are considered: a single unstable normal mode with given azimuthal symmetry and white noise. Three different scenarios have been put into evidence according to the value of the swirl number selected in the unstable range . When helical symmetry is present, the dynamics can be interpreted in a two-dimensional framework. More specifically, the process is viewed as the simultaneous action of a destabilizing "instantaneous" swirling jet instability and a stabilizing accelerated viscous diffusion induced by differential rotation. For swirl numbers close to the critical value , this latter effect dominates and leads the vortex to relaminarize in the nonlinear regime. For intermediate values of swirl , it breaks into an array of equal sign vortices containing most of the initial circulation and surrounding a central part with axial velocity. For lower swirl , the initial vortex gives birth to an array of dipoles, the ejection of which drastically increases the structure size. Similar trends are observed on simulations with an initial white noise condition.
The development of helical vortex filaments in a tube17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1871713View Description Hide Description
We study the formation of helical vortex filaments in a tube. The helical flow is assumed to be potential except in a very slender core. The boundary conditions are satisfied by introducing a helical image vortex. By assuming an axisymmetric flow upstream and imposing conservation laws, we obtain a set of conditions that must be satisfied by the helical flow downstream. We obtain that, when a generalized swirl parameter reaches a critical value a bifurcation occurs and for there are two solutions for the helical filamentary vortex. Such a bifurcation can be produced by increasing the swirl level of the inlet flow or the radius of the outlet tube, in agreement with experiments. We have discussed the influence of the core size and the Reynolds number on and with these results we have explained some experimental observations.
On the generation of a spiral-type vortex breakdown in an enclosed cylindrical container17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1872072View Description Hide Description
Earlier experimental studies [see H. U. Vogel, "Experimentelle Ergebnisse über die Laminare Strömung in einem zylindrischen Gehäuse mit darin rotierender Scheibe," Max-Planck-Inst. Bericht 6 (1968) and M. P. Escudier, "Observations of the flow produced in cylindrical container by a rotating endwall," Exp. Fluids2, 189 (1984)] showed that vortex breakdown in an enclosed cylindrical container with one rotating endwall could exhibit either one, two, or three recirculating bubbles depending on the combination of Reynolds number Re and aspect ratio , at least for . However, a recent numerical study by Serre and Bontoux ["Vortex breakdown in a three-dimensional swirling flow," J. Fluid Mech.459, 347 (2002)] at showed that under some conditions, an S-shape vortex structure follows by a spiral-type vortex breakdown could also be produced. This finding is most interesting because, to the best of our knowledge, a spiral-type vortex breakdown in an enclosed cylindrical container has not been produced previously in experiments. The aim of the present investigation is to verify if these vortex structures can be produced under laboratory conditions. Experiments conducted using dye visualization techniques confirm their existence, even for as low as 3.65. However, attempts to produce similar vortex structures in low aspect ratio cases by "artificially" introducing three dimensionality into the flow was less successful. Here, the confined environment makes a bubble-typevortex breakdown extremely robust, and the imposed asymmetry merely distorts the bubble geometry. The present study also reveals that the formation of a bubble-typevortex breakdown is associated with helical instability of decreasing wavelength, and the S-shape structure is linked with a similar instability of increasing wavelength.
- Turbulent Flows
Topological model of flow regimes in the plane of symmetry of a surface-mounted obstacle17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1864072View Description Hide Description
Flow visualization between Reynolds numbers of 2000 and 6500 in the end-wall region of an obstacle mounted on a flat plate revealed presence of a multiple vortex system. Three Reynolds-number dependent regimes were identified. With increasing Reynolds number the vortex system transitioned from a static system to a to-and-fro oscillating system and finally to a shedding-splitting system. These observations have been used to infer flowtopologies in the plane of symmetry of the juncture from start-up through all three regimes.
Sensitivity to tab disturbance of the mean flow structure of nonswirling jet and swirling jet in crossflow17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1865232View Description Hide Description
Sensitivity to tab disturbance of the mean flow structure of nonswirling jet in crossflow (JICF) and swirling jet in crossflow (SJICF) is investigated. For the swirling jet, the nonzero tangential velocity, nonzero circulation jet configuration is employed. The configuration allows for the development of the skewed mixing layer at each lateral edge of the jet not to be obscured and modulated by the jet cross-stream boundary layer and the associated vorticity of the opposite sign to that of the imposed swirl. In the investigation, a heated jet is used and the temperature distributions in the cross planes downstream of the jets are surveyed upto , where is the effective velocity ratio and is the diameter of the jet exit. A single stationary tab is alternately placed at eight different azimuthal positions along the periphery of the jet exit. For both JICF and SJICF, the results show that the mean flow structure is most sensitive to tab disturbance in the region centered on the pressure-windward to the windward position and is less sensitive in the leeward region. Specifically, for JICF the sensitive region covers approximately from lateral to windward; for SJICF, from pressure to suction-windward when moving in the same rotational sense as the swirl. The tab disturbance in these sensitive regions has pronounced and effectively lasting effect on the flow structure; the transformed structure persists downstream to the last measurement station. These results indicate that the generation mechanism of the flow structure in both jets is sensitive to tab disturbance in these regions. They also suggest it to be closely related to the development of the skewed mixing layer along the surrounding crossflow direction and around the jet exit column.
Displacement amplitude scaling of a two-dimensional synthetic jet17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1872092View Description Hide Description
A two-dimensional synthetic jet is studied numerically by solving the incompressible, unsteady, Reynolds-averaged, Navier–Stokes equations and using a turbulencemodel. Rather than a resonant cavity, the synthetic jet is supplied by a fully developed channel flow. Results for two exit geometries, a sharp exit and a rounded exit, and several dimensionless stroke lengths are compared. This study focuses on the effect of the displacement amplitude (stroke length) on the power required to form the jet, the net momentum flux downstream of the exit, the formation threshold, and the spatial development of the synthetic jet. It is shown that the channel flow development length, the self-similar region, and the region from which the jet draws fluid all scale on the stroke length. It is also demonstrated that the power required to form the jet increases with stroke length as does the resultant momentum flux. Finally, the power required to form a synthetic jet is significantly smaller for a rounded exit compared to a sharp-edged exit.
The subgrid-scale models based on coherent structures for rotating homogeneous turbulence and turbulent channel flow17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1874212View Description Hide Description
The subgrid-scale (SGS) models based on the coherent structure in grid-scale flow fields are proposed and are applied to (non-)rotating homogeneous turbulences and turbulent channel flows. The eddy viscosity is modeled by a coherent structure function (CSF) with a fixed model-parameter. The CSF is defined as the second invariant normalized by the magnitude of a velocity gradient tensor and plays a role of wall damping. The probability density function of the CSF is non-Gaussian showing an intermittency effect. The model parameter is locally determined, and it is always positive and has a small variance. These models satisfy a correct asymptotic behavior to a wall for incompressible flows. It is shown that the SGS models with an energy-decay suppression function which indicates also a pseudo-backscatter are consistent with the asymptotic material frame indifference in a rotating frame. Since the CSF characterizing turbulent flows has relation to the SGS energy dissipation, the present SGS models are applicable not only to (non-)rotating homogeneous and shear turbulences but also to laminar flows. The proposed models have almost the same performance as the dynamic Smagorinsky model for (non-)rotating homogeneous turbulences and turbulent channel flows, but these models do not need to average or clip the model parameter, use an explicit wall-damping function, or change the fixed-parameter, so that they are suitable for engineering applications of large-eddy simulation.
Comparisons of flow structure above dimpled surfaces with different dimple depths in a channel17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1872073View Description Hide Description
Flowstructural characteristics over dimple surfaces located on one wall of a rectangular channel with three different dimple depths (, 0.2, and 0.3) are studied experimentally. Reynolds number based on channel height ranges from 2100 to 20 000, and the ratio of channel height to dimple print diameter is 1.0. Presented are instantaneous flow visualizationimages, spectra of longitudinal velocity fluctuations,vortex pair frequency information, and time-averaged surveys and profiles of different quantities. Regardless of dimple depth, primary vortex pairs are periodically ejected from the central parts of each dimple and exist in conjunction with edge vortex pairs present near the spanwise edges of staggered dimples. As dimple depth increases, larger deficits of total pressure and streamwise velocity are present, along with higher magnitudes of time-averaged streamwise vorticity,vortex circulation, and longitudinal Reynolds normal stress. Bigger and stronger vortices with increased turbulencetransport capabilities are thus produced by deeper dimples. Ensemble-averaged power spectral density profiles show that primary vortex pair ejection frequencies range from , and edge vortex pair oscillation frequencies range from , with similar distributions as the Reynolds number varies, regardless of dimple depth.
Unsteady flow evolution in swirl injector with radial entry. I. Stationary conditions17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1874892View Description Hide Description
The vortical flowdynamics in a gas-turbine swirl injector were investigated by means of large eddy simulations. The flow enters the injector through three sets of radial-entry, counter-rotating swirl vanes. The formulation treats the Favre-filtered conservation equations in three dimensions along with a subgrid-scale model, and is solved numerically using a density-based, finite-volume approach with explicit time marching. Several methods, including proper orthogonal decomposition, spectral analysis, and flow visualization, are implemented to explore the flowdynamics in the complex three-dimensional flowfields. Various underlying mechanisms dictating the flow evolution, such as vortex breakdown, the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, and helical instability, as well as their interactions, are studied for different swirl numbers. The flowfield exhibits well-organized motion in a low swirl-number case, in which the vortex shedding arising from shear instabilities downstream of the guide vanes drives acoustic oscillations of the mixed first tangential and first radial mode. The flowfield, however, becomes much more complicated at high swirl numbers, with each sub-regime dominated by different structures and frequency contents.
Unsteady flow evolution in swirl injectors with radial entry. II. External excitations17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1874932View Description Hide Description
Our previous study on turbulent flows in a gas-turbine swirl injector was extended to explore the effects of externally impressed excitations on the unsteady flow evolution. Three-dimensional large-eddy simulations were conducted to investigate the responses of the injector flowfield by imposing periodical oscillations of the mass flow rate at the entrance over a wide range of frequencies. Results show that the impressed disturbances are decomposed and propagate in two different modes because of their distinct propagating mechanisms in swirl injectors. The flow oscillation in the streamwise direction travels in the form of acoustic wave, whereas the oscillation in the circumferential direction is convected downstream with the local flow velocity. The vortex breakdown is mainly controlled by the dynamics in the core region near the axis, not so much by the excitation in the main flow passage surrounding the central recirculation zone. External excitations only exert minor influences on the mean flow properties due to the broadband characteristics of the injector flow. One exception is in the outer shear-layer region when the forcing frequency matches the intrinsic frequency of vortex shedding, and the mixing process of two counter-rotating swirl flows is considerably enhanced. The dynamic response of the injector flow, however, depends significantly on the forcing frequency in terms of the acoustic admittance and the mass transfer functions. Energy can be transferred among the various structures in the flowfield under external excitations, causing highly nonuniform spatial and temporal distributions of the oscillatory flow properties at the injector exit. The mass transfer function between the injector exit and entrance at the forcing frequency could be substantially greater than unity when the disturbance resonates with the injector flow. The injector essentially acts as an amplifier under this condition.
Optimality of the dynamic procedure for large-eddy simulations17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1879054View Description Hide Description
We present a database analysis to obtain a precise evaluation of the accuracy limitations associated with the popular dynamic eddy-viscosity model in large-eddy simulation. We consider decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence at two different Reynolds numbers, i.e., and 100. The large-eddy simulation errors associated with the dynamic model are compared with those arising in the "static" Smagorinsky model. A large number of systematically varied simulations using the Smagorinsky model provides a detailed impression of the dependence of the total simulation error on (i) the spatial resolution and (ii) the resolution of the subgrid dissipation length. This error behavior also induces an "optimal refinement trajectory" which specifies the particular Smagorinsky parameter, in terms of the spatial resolution, for which the total error is minimal. In contrast, the dynamic model gives rise to a self-consistently determined "dynamic trajectory" that represents the dependence of the dynamic coefficient on the spatial resolution. This dynamic trajectory is compared with the optimal refinement trajectory as obtained from the full database analysis of the Smagorinsky fluid. It is shown that the dynamic procedure in which the top-hat test filter is adopted, predicts values for the eddy viscosity as function of resolution and Reynolds number, which quite closely follow the main trends established in the optimal refinement trajectory. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis, including dependency on test-filter width and filter shape, is discussed. Total simulation errors, due to interacting discretization, and modeling errors associated with the dynamic procedure may be a factor 2 higher compared to the optimum; still the dynamic procedure represents one of the very few self-contained and efficient error-reduction strategies when increasing the spatial resolution.
- Compressible Flows
Use of the degenerated Reynolds equation in solving the microchannel flow problem17(2005); http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1867474View Description Hide Description
In this paper, the author proposes that the generalized Reynolds equation employed in the gas film lubrication problems, where the flow rates of the Poiseuille flow are calculated from the Boltzmann equation, can be degenerated for solving the microchannel flow problem in the transitional regime. Using this approach, the calculated results of pressure distribution in long microchannels show excellent agreement with the experimental data and the result of the information preservation (IP) method. The results in short microchannels show excellent agreement with the direct simulation Monte Carlo method and the IP method. The lattice Boltzmann method solution of the microchannel flow is examined by comparison with the degenerated Reynolds equation calculations and the disagreement in the pressure distribution confirms that the lattice Boltzmann method is unsuitable for the solution of the microelectromechanical systems(MEMS)flows in transitional regime. For microchannel flows, the degenerated Reynolds equation can serve as a criterion having the merits of kinetic theory for testing various methods intending to solve rarefied gas flow problems in MEMSdevices in the transitional flow regime.


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Turn on, tune in, drop out
Ciara O'Brien
According to a new lifestyle survey by O2, more bosses of small and medium firms are taking work home as a result of the downturn, with some working weekends and others being contacted regularly while on holidays. Newsflash: it's not just the bosses.A straw poll of a few friends and acquaintances has revealed that most of them are working on some weekends, while being out of the country/out sick/in hospital doesn't stop the endless phone calls wondering where this piece of information is and what should be done with this particular order/file/whatever. And none of them were bosses. While I have the utmost sympathy for small firms in today's difficult economy, the truth is that, for some at least, becoming their own boss was a choice. Who I do feel sorry for is the average worker who can't even take three hours off in peace without some form of major crisis happening that necessitates a phone call to break up the day.This is where technology has a lot to answer for. In the days before email and mobile phones were commonplace, people had to make do with the regular old landline. And if you didn't pick up, tough. If they were very fancy, they might have an answering machine (no voicemail in those days either).But now, you can be contacted no matter where you are thanks to text messaging, emails on your blackberry or instant messaging on your mobile phone. And some of it is our own fault.In my case, the blame is all mine. A few days off and I hadn't even managed managed to switch off my Blackberry (instant withdrawal symptoms would ensue if I even tried). And that's how I found myself trying – and eventually succeeding – to file several articles while sitting in the airport in Paris, even if it did take two laptops, two Blackberries, a mobile phone and a dodgy wireless connection. No one was ringing demanding them, I just decided, for some reason, that this was the best time to do it. It probably doesn't help that I'm the most disorganised person I know. So Irish workers, do yourself a favour. Next time you are lucky enough to bag a few days off, even if it's just at home, turn off the mobile. Ditch the Blackberry. Be uncontactable for a few days and enjoy it. I'm taking my own advice for once and starting from tomorrow.Honest.


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Look Who's Pushing For More Regulation
All over town, Republican lawmakers are bashing overzealous regulation from the likes of the Food & Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. But there's a notable exception. As the derivatives mess spreads from companies to local governments, some new GOP barons on Capitol Hill sense they can't appear indifferent to a possible threat to the nation's financial system. So they may lean on regulators to force an industry cleanup.
Agencies such as the Securities & Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission already are flexing their muscles against excesses in the derivatives markets. On Dec. 22, the SEC and CFTC settled fraud cases against Bankers Trust New York Corp., which was accused of misleading a corporate customer about the value of its derivatives investments. The SEC recently adopted rules for more disclosure by municipalities that issue public securities, and it's probing the Orange County, Calif., debacle. The CFTC has emphasized it will attack dealers it believes commit fraud.
For some Republicans, more vigilant regulation isn't enough. On Jan. 4, House Banking Committee Chairman James A. Leach (R-Iowa) introduced a bill requiring more disclosure by derivatives dealers and buyers. And Senate Banking Committee Chairman Alfonse M. D'Amato (R-N.Y.) scheduled Orange County hearings on Jan. 5-6. "Washington can no longer credibly continue to rationalize a laissez-faire approach to derivatives oversight," says Leach.
But political reality will force the Republicans to rely on the agencies to help show Washington's concern. That's because hardly anyone thinks a bill will pass Congress soon.
"LONG SHOT." For one thing, other issues will distract lawmakers. The Contract With America will dominate the first 100 days of the House. And while Leach has been the most vocal champion of the need for action, he will make regulatory consolidation and reform of Depression-era laws separating commercial and investment banking activities his highest priorities. Derivatives legislation this session is "a long shot," says one congressional staffer.
It's not hard to see why. Industry lobbying against such a bill is one problem. So are jurisdictional squabbles between House committees and the sheer complexity of the subject. "You can't pass a law that prevents people from taking the wrong risks," says one executive of a derivatives dealer.
The industry is adopting tougher self-regulatory measures in hopes of deterring Congress from passing legislation. Bankers and Wall Street are drafting codes of conduct for over-the-counter instruments, including derivatives, and the National Association of Securities Dealers is developing sales-practice rules for government securities that include derivative instruments. That may help forestall Congressional action. But it won't stop new GOP leaders from cheering the regulators on.


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Hi! My name is Pumpkin
I am Domestic Shorthair from Anchorage, AK
Nicknames: Pumpkin-buns don't know why my owners calls me that, I don't think my buns look like pumpkins, thank you very much!
Age: 8 years old
Gender: F
Coat: short haired
Education: I am a profession thief at stealing bras, cellphones and keys. Not sure if these are anything my owner would call spectacular or something to be proud of...but I am :)
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What I love about my owners: I love that I get a lot of hugs and kisses. I love that she snuggles up to me and keeps a roof over my head, keeps me healthy and keeps my diet just right and water bowl ever full. Most of all that she loves me no matter what.
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After the humiliating experience in South Africa, la Nazionale arrived home with little left intact. Finishing bottom of a group containing Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand, it is the latest in a line of embarrassments that face the Azzurri. With Marcello Lippi and several of his old-guard hanging up their national boots, it is well and truly the end of an era.
Criticism and anger have surrounded the side since the full-time whistle sounded in Johannesburg, with the coach accepting full responsibility and blame for their shortcomings. On one of the rare occasions in Signor Lippi's glittering managerial career, questions were asked of both his tactics and ability to get the best out of his side.
Lippi admitted that he had not prepared the players appropriately, that they were struck with fear in their heads, hearts and legs. Add to this his never-ending chopping and changing and tactical re-shuffles, it would be a surprise if they players even knew their roles in the side. The key absences of Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo will not have helped his cause, but much more was rightly expected of this side.
What can be said of this supposed Italian defence? After decades of being the focal point of any Azzurri side, it has been accepted that Italy are the masters of defending. In the space of twenty second-half minutes this reputation was destroyed by the likes of Robert Vittek. Despite having to chase the game, the back-line was laid bare and just underlined the shortage in genuinely talented defenders. One can only hope that the next generation of stoppers such as Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Ranocchia can re-establish this damaged reputation.
However, the positive to come out of South Africa is that things could not possibly get worse. With Cesare Prandelli ready to take on his national duties, the former Fiorentina coach is the right man to lead the Azzurri into Euro 2012. After such a disastrous tournament, Prandelli's ethos of developing gifted youngsters will prove to be the correct approach. With Fabio Cannavaro and Gennaro Gattuso set to call time on their international careers, it is time for a new beginning.
So fratelli, here's to a successful and hopefully rather more exciting qualifying campaign for Euro 2012, and a new era being ushered in by Signor Prandelli. Buona fortuna Cesare!
Euro 2012 Italy will be back
De Rossi----------Montilivo


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A very rich aroma with a licorice, smoky flavor. Very good.
Everything a good english should be!
I use to have about 3 to 5 different tobaccos that I would smoke. After smoking John Bull Pipe Tobacco for the first time I can't go back to any other tobacco. John Bull is my go to tobacco now.
John Bull is an excellent proper English blend which I most highly recommend. I first purchased one pouch to sample of John Bull along with my regular order which arrived at lighting fast speed as always. This blend has a nice woodsy scent and the earthy mushroom taste with smokey Latakia undertones is amazing. Right from the first smoke I knew I had made a mistake and not ordered more. My next order with Cigars International contained three more packages of John Bull and will continue to always be a part of every order in the future. You have to try this!


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- Home
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IT & Service Desk
First Level Support
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Service Desk Contact
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 903-510-3269 (for non-IT related issues, please call 903-510-2200)
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TJCServiceDesk
Online Support Chat Session: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at support.tjc.edu
Q: I have a personal computer that I use for work-related reasons, but I'm having problems with it. If I bring it to you, will you fix it?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to troubleshoot computers that are not issued or owned by the college, but you are always welcome to stop by the office and visit with our staff for some professional advice.
Q: What can students do to minimize technical support issues before starting an online class?
A: To minimize support issues, all online students should visit our Service Desk page to ensure they are using the recommended browser, browser version and java version.
Q: What support issues can the IT Service Desk assist customers with?
A: Typical issues the IT Service Desk provides assistance with are listed below:
- Password resets (which you can do 24/7 by calling our number and using option 1)
- Account lockouts
- Automatic login to Canvas doesn't work (typically browser issue)
- Advise on typical software installs (browsers, anti-virus, etc.)
There are computer issues that we must divert to other departments. Below is a list of some of those issues and contact information for that.
|Contact Information
|Customer does not know A#
|Admissions, 903-510-2523
|Customer can get to Canvas, but is having an issue with course content or missing classes
|Help > Report an Issue link in the lower left-hand corner in Canvas
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|Depends on hold, see www.tjc.edu/holds
|Customer cannot drop class online
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|Housing, 903-510-2345
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|Marketing Web Team, www.tjc.edu/webupdate
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- See our Mobile Device Policy found on the related downloads page for more information.
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4 - All other audio/visual or computer related issues
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Ahistorical Bedfellows: The California Corporations Code And The Common Law
Unlike New York or Virginia, the State of California was never an English colony (although Francis Drake named it New Albion and claimed it for England on June 17, 1579). Rather than English, California's European historical roots are Spanish. Spain and then Mexico ruled what was to become California before it was ceded to the


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Water rushes down through the center of this realistic log style backyard fountain that's lit by LED lights for nighttime illumination.
With the appearance of a realistic log with stone accents, this vertical outdoor rain forest waterfall fountain will transform your backyard into a charming natural space. Water travels through the weathered log and onto the rocks below. Fiberglass construction is weather-resistant. An LED illuminates this charming yard accent to allow for nighttime enjoyment.
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Will the Lytro Camera Change Photography?
Last week the Lytro Camera was announced. This camera introduces a revolutionary sensor technology that gives photographers the ability capture the "light field" in a scene and focus after the fact. This, of course, is in the place of the current sensor technology which only allows you to capture the scene based on the focus point you determined at the click of the shutter. I have to say, I'm divided on this camera and its technology.
Wait. Backup. Light field? Did I just wake up in some crazy sci-fi photography world? Perhaps. Is this really that different from our current digital cameras? Perhaps. The science behind this camera is absolutely unique. However, it still captures light but it just processes it differently in-camera. The software that is currently in our DSLRs and point and shoot cameras captures light and processes it in a specific way. The software and sensor built into the Lytro camera uses a much more complicated algorithm when capturing a scene. According to the website, it records and processes more information about a scene allowing you to adjust your focus point after the fact since all details in the scene are present in the image file. In essence, its all about the camera's internal software.
I've been thinking about this camera all weekend. On one hand, I am fascinated by the opportunity to change the focus point of an image after the fact. How many images have you taken where the focus was off by just a hair, effecting the overall image? Oh the agony of the missed shot! It seems like it would be a fantastic tool for point and shoot cameras. I also really like the idea that you have greater control in the processing portion of an image, but I'm a little bit of a control freak when it comes to my images.
On the other hand, I'm skeptical about this technology on a professional level. Not because I think it can't exist or that it's not groundbreaking technology, because clearly it is. No, I'm worried about the quality of photography and photographers in general. I strongly believe that the most effective images are those that are thought out, intentional, even visualized before being captured. The photographer is still the most important element in any photograph. The skills and intent are much more important than the equipment. In all my years of working at RMSP, I've seen amazing equipment that results in not such amazing images, and borderline junk cameras that produce incredible, awe-inspiring images. The difference between the two? The person behind the lens.
I suppose I fear the lazy photographer. A photographer who captures image after image without the consideration of technique. They are waiting only for the happy accidents and not relying on knowledge or intention.
While I do believe that this technology will eventually produce images that win awards and inspire viewers, I think it will only do so in the hands of a skilled photographer whose vision included the use of this technology and its focus control.
All that said, I'm curious to see where this chapter in photography takes us. If you haven't seen the image gallery and played with the focus in the "living pictures" as they call them, you absolutely should.
3 thoughts on "Will the Lytro Camera Change Photography?"
Albert Bronson
A lot of technology is announced but is never put into production or widely adopted. I suggest a wait-and-see approach here. I doubt if this is the end of photography as we know it (didn't someone say that about digital?).
I've read a couple of articles from different sources on this and find the technology interesting. End of professional photography as we know it? Doubtful. How many casual photographers really know how to use Photoshop? Shoot at high F-stops to get wide DOF and use the Blur/Brush tool in PS to get the same effect of selective focal areas.
Besides, right now the intent is to apply this to what are essentially point-and-shoot cameras. Sounds like the products of our DSLR's are safe for now.
What I expect to see will be really cool effects on the CSI-like TV shows and movies as writers start incorporating this into the story-line as a way to pull out unseen parts of an image to solve a crime. You know, the way they enlarge and resolve to high-definition images taken in the dark….
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Important delivery notice
The products on this site are only delivered to UK addresses. If you require delivery to another country please visit one of our other sites below.
A major breakthrough in British runner bean breeding, offering predominantly self setting plants for a guaranteed crop. This profusely white-flowering variety combines the valuable characteristics of French beans with those of runner beans, resulting in extra smooth, very fleshy, stringless pods up to 25cm (10") long, with a great texture and true runner bean taste. The vastly improved flower setting of Runner Bean 'Moonlight' means an earlier and continual crop even during poor weather. Height: 3m (10'). Spread: 30cm (12").
Companion planting: Try growing runner beans with sweet peas to attract pollinating insects to the flowers, and Nasturtiums to draw aphids away from your crop.
Useful links:
Companion Planting How to grow Runner Beans
Sow runner bean seed indoors from mid April for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors from late May to early July.
Indoors, sow seed at a depth of 5cm (2") in 7.5cm (3") pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) until germination which takes 7-10 days. Once germinated, grow runner beans on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and runner bean plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting runner beans outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun or semi shade with protection from strong winds. Avoid freshly manured soil which will promote lush foliage instead of beans.
Alternatively direct sow runner beans outdoors at a depth of 5cm (2") and a distance of 30cm (12") apart. Plant runner beans in rows that are 1.5m (5') apart, or where space is limited, grow beans onto a wigwam structure. Runner beans require support from garden canes, strings or netting which should be put in place at the time of planting.
Despatch: Within 24 hours applies to orders placed online from Sunday to Thursday. Orders placed online on Friday or Saturday will be despatched on Monday. Please note that for Bank Holiday weekends, orders placed Friday to Sunday will be despatched on Tuesday.Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes etc are delivered at the appropriate time for planting and will be stated on the product page or in your order acknowledgement page and email.
Orders for packets of seed incur a P&P charge of £1.95.
Orders which include any other products will incur a P&P charge of £4.95.
Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products a maximum P&P charge of £6.90 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.
Please see our Delivery / P&P page for further details and details of any surcharges that may apply to certain destinations.
By Stephen Squires 27-08-2016
The fresh beans are as good as any I have ever grown. Always a massive set and in the Westcountry I get a really early crop. When the beans go over just leave them on the vines to dry and use over the winter as a butter bean substitute. The taste and texture is really good.
Thank you very much for your review. I am glad that you have been happy with your purchase and thank you so much for taking the time to let us know. I hope we can continue to be of service to you in the future.
By 03-08-2016
I have been gardening for over 50 years and used to own an allotment, the runner beans, which are moonlight, are producing a massive crop, some more than 10 inches long. I have other seed purchased from you, all of which are successful. I would recommend your seeds and plants to anyone
Customer comment from Mr Albert Gilligan
By Benjamin Williams 25-01-2016
These really are a great variety. They crop like you wouldn't believe. I had to plant a 2nd batch last year as I think I planted them too early and they didn't like it one bit so don't be too hasty, they'll soon catch up. Pick the beans when they are really young and fresh because you'll have so many that you can afford to. The small bean size also means that if they do go a little over then you won't be chomping on great big purple beans. If you're feeling tight (or want them to have plenty of room) then you can plant one between two canes, they will quite happy fill two canes. I did this when one of mine got accidentally stomped on. I doubt I'll ever bother with another variety again, there really is no need to.
Thank you very much for your review. I am so pleased to learn that you have been delighted with your purchase and it's great to hear of your experiences! Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know. I hope we can continue to be of service to you in the future.
By Brian Gare 03-09-2015
Grew them for the first time this year. I got them off to an early start by growing them in the greenhouse and then planting them out early under protection. They just kept coming and coming. You can however get fed up with too many runner beans!
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. I am glad to hear that you have been happy with your order. I hope we can continue to be of service to you in the future.
By Paul Tilley 18-08-2014
No crop at all, first time of growing these and will not return - back to my normal beans for me. Crop completely failed, planted over 100 beans and nothing!
Thank you for your review. I am very sorry to hear of your disappointment with your recent purchase. If you would like to contact our Customer care team on firstname.lastname@example.com, one of our agents will be happy to investigate this matter further.
By Barry Martin 30-08-2013
The best runner beans I have ever grown, perfect set, beautiful long stringless pods and excellent flavour. I will never try another variety after trying these, if it ain't broke...
By Laila Phillips 05-06-2012
Our runer bean's are climbing on netting on are fence the fence. Growing well.They where witie lady.
By CHERAIN HARRIS 24-09-2011
germination 100%. i grew mine in my back garden, they grew to over 8ft tall then i pinched out the growing tip. stringless beans and very tasty raw or cooked. very juicy raw. my 15 yr old loved them. i will growing again next year.
By sally Cummings 19-09-2011
Planted directly into the garden as I was a little late in getting started and have been delighted with the results. They survived an early slug attack to grow quickly up the poles and have given us a bountiful crop. My family are very fussy when it comes to runner beans and Moonlight have proved a huge success. They are really tasty and truly stringless. My bean of choice in future.
By Anthony Curtis 13-09-2011
Very easy to grow at our allotment, good long straight stringless beans, great flavour and plentyful crop. We are definitely going to grow them again.
By andrew sellers 12-09-2011
I planted mine in seed trays early May,100% germination. I planted hem on my allotment and to my surpriser they all shot up the poles ,flowered and produced large quataties of stringless beans.This has kept my neighbours,family and my local charity shop wheer my wife works with large supplies for over 6 weeks! Wonderfull variety,other allotmant holders gather round at the daily picking and will be growing Moonlight next year,
By James Fraser 09-09-2011
I started harvestng my crop of moonlght runner beans on the first week in june this year and now in september they are stll producng plenty of lovely long pods of delicious beans
By Diane Fisher 07-09-2011
Started my beans off in the house germinated very quick then put them outside and they have produced a good crop and still have more to come and they taste delious! Will grow them again next year but have plenty in the freezer to last!
By Geoffrey Evans 06-09-2011
They started croping earlier than another variety I had grown. Good long straight beans so easy to prepare for cooking. Very plentyful crop and excellent flavour, I would certainly grow them again.
By derek mortimer 05-09-2011
This is the second year of growing this bean. It truly is a good bean very productive and excellent to cook and a really good taste. I would agree with the other reviews a truly great vegetable. Best picked quite short 10" at most, very tender and stringless - perfect in every way, if I can get a packet or two I will grow these next year. here's hoping.
By Helen Pillinger 04-09-2011
I purchased this bean with white flowers - birds leave it alone. Beans are best harvested young when about 10 or 12 inches long and at this stage are stringless which means you only have to top and tail them before cooking reducing waste. I gave many plants away but with around 16 plants I have ample for myself and some to freeze and also some to give to family. The plants do need protecting from slugs and snails in the early stages to ensure strong growth, as do all runner beans I'm hoping the harvest will last well into autumn. The flavour is far superior and fresher than any other runner bean I've tried So far cooked on their own - don't need salt of any additions as the flavour is already very good. Looking forward to making Salad Nicoise later!
By susan roberts 02-09-2011
We have grown these beans both in containers and in the ground and both have cropped extremely well. They have an excellent sweet taste with the added bonus of them being stringless so are easy to prepare and cook very quickly. They have proved to be ideal for container growing as there height is limited so would be a good bean for a child or elderly person to grow but they do need watering every day.
By Sue Batten-Seidl 01-09-2011
Now I know why they're called RUNNER beans - it's because they RUN away with you, this sort anyway. We have been overwhelmed by the ease and success in growing these beans. They went for the sky and have been showering us with gorgeous tender string-free beans ever since. Highly recommended and I've bought my seeds for next year already!
By David Hole 01-09-2011
The beans germinated well in pots made from newspaper, but were a bit slow to develop after planting out. Once thy got going they grew strongly and had plenty of flowers, but I am not convinced that they set any better than other beans I have grown. So far, the yield has not been as good, but there are plenty developing at the moment. They do have a good flavour and are not stringy.
By M DARBY 31-08-2011
Finally 15 years later after inheriting an allotment i finally got round to planting it and choose this variety at random and have truly not been disappointed, these beans have been great especially for an amateur, so rewarding as they have grown like your picture and hang like bunches of grapes. Stringless-fab, loads to share-fab, taste fab, great for a first timer!
By linda hirst 30-08-2011
100% germination sown staight into my garden in west norfolk, have been growing very well with lots of wonderful white flowers and so many tender stringless beans that i have shared with friends and family, i used to be dissapointed with the setting on other beans but not these they certainly are self setting, i will be growing again next year
By Yvette Britton 29-08-2011
Having started the seeds in the greenhouse, I planted them out too early & the cold weather in May slowed their growth with the plants going very yellow. However, with a bit of warmth they started to grow rapidly, and now I am picking lots of beans every day and freezing what I don't eat. Better tasting then the variety I planted last year (Lady Di), stringless and will definitely grow more next year.
By rita bremner 28-08-2011
we are very pleased with our 'moonlight' runner beans grown this summer in an oblong container on our patio.and producing plenty of beans, the flowers are pretty too.
By Michelle Aldous 28-08-2011
We planted these in our sheltered garden, started picking at the beginning of July and are still picking tasty, tender beans. We also planted out beans on our more exposed allotment later in the year, and these have just begun cropping. No pests or diseases, lovely strong, healthy-looking plants and plenty of flowers, which are setting well, several beans on each flower stem. We chose this variety as we have grown white runners in the past, and feel they are of better quality than the traditional red, being mostly string-less, easy to set and seem to go on for longer. Very pleased.
By Peter Stevens 27-08-2011
Not the strong runner bean flavour I can remember from years gone by but, nevertheless, a good flavour and texture. I have not found them to be a heavy cropper but steady. I had problems with germination as only 25% from the pack were successful but T & M have been kind enough to replace the pack and I am hoping for better results when I sow them next season. If they are successful I will defnitely buy them again.
By Ray Annies 26-08-2011
Easily the best runner bean I have grown and after 40 years that is is very good thumbs up for moonlight. Started harvesting 2nd July and now at end of August they are still flowering well so hopefully many more beans to come.
By Robert Gallagher 25-08-2011
We planted half the packet of beans straight into fairly sandy soil in a sunny part of the garden in lowland Cheshire. They were pretty much left to fend for themselves. The other half of the packet were planted in grow bags and given lots of water and feed up here in the beautiful but cooler/wetter Staffordshire Peak District. The results in both cases were spectacular. Beautiful sweet beans in abundance with 'no strings attached' - even the 'BIG 'UNS'! We will certainly plant this variety again next year.
By Margaret Driver 25-08-2011
Beans are straight and tasty but crop not very heavy and many beans wither before they mature. I have watered well but suspect it is the weather.
By Rob Fear 24-08-2011
I grew runner beans for the first time this year & have been delighted with the Moonlight crop. Taste good, cut like stringless beans & have a decent taste. May have to eat faster or buy a new freezer as they are still cropping late August. .....neighbour has benefited!
By Robin Webster 24-08-2011
We grew these alongside our usual variety but sowed them a bit later. They are cropping well and producing good straight beans which have an excellent flavour.
By Abigail Cooper 24-08-2011
We live in East Sussex and have had extraordinary dry weather this year. The moonlight seeds did not germinate the first time planted - in contrast to two other varieties of runner bean which did. The second planting produced a 50% germination rate, and the 3rd time again the same amount. However, after struggllng a great deal with germination, we have since found the plants grew well, have set better than other varieties (despite hot weather) and we have really enjoyed the taste- they seem to keep their tenderness even if they grow large. So once germinated, we are very happy.
Thank you for your comments. A member of the customer service team will contact you directly.
By Les Brett 23-08-2011
These are by far the best runner beans I have ever grown. Because of limited space I only planted half the packet but the yields have been enormous and I am running out of freezer space for the surplus even after giving many to friends and neighbours. The beans are excellent flavour and virtually stringless. I will definitely be growing these again and recommending them to anyone.
By Kay Taylor 23-08-2011
Excellent beans, very good set. I have had problems with set and also with birds pecking out the back of flowers on red flowered varieties, but these white flowered beans have set every bit as well as promised. Flavour good, not too much problem with strings even when left on plant too long. Will grow again.
By Paul Smith 23-08-2011
Excellent yield and flavour. Interested to see how they freeze.
By DONALD TINSON 23-08-2011
this is the first time that I have grown this type and although I grew them in half whisky barrels the crop has been great, in fact I have had the best yield in years. I shall be growing them again next year and have already recomended them to my fellow gardeners.
By Michael Harrison 23-08-2011
I tried these beans due to the claim of better setting qualities. As a control I planted my normal runner beans. I could not have been more impressed. The Moonlight beans germinated well, allowing earlier sowing and cropped very heavily, in fact giving my my heaviest ever yield . The crop from my usual beans looks relatively quite poor. The taste of the beans are excellent. I have already ordered my Moonlight seeds for next year and they will be the only runner bean that I grow in future.
By June Nowers 22-08-2011
Runner Bean Moolight I received these beans free with my order.Tthey have prooved worth their weight in gold. Very early on I set 4! beans in each of 5 10 inch pot and fashioned 2 7ft high bamboo support canes in each These were fixed side by side with 2 very long canes and secured leaning against the side of my conservatory as the only place available and catching the sun. We had a few late black fly but I was on them at once with the spray and managed to control the attack.The high beans also provide a privacy barrier.Set on deep watering trays they have grown well and now there are only a few late blossoms which I am seeing if they mature . Neighbours and family have enjoyed them ; we have had many family meals and I still have some packets in the freezer, and I still have 1/2 a packet to plant next year! . A BIG THANK YOU. June Nowers
By Lynda Cusdin 22-08-2011
This was one of the two types of runner bean that I sowed this year and. although the other product has been good, Moonlight has been by far the best. I can highly recommend this product which has produced excellent quality beans. I have now been cropping for over a month and still have plenty of flowers and beans to pick. The beans are very tasty and not at all stringy and I am picking nearly a pund per day out of one packet. I will definately be ordering this product again next year
By David Suter 22-08-2011
Flowers in profusion with a good set ratio - better than Polestar and Lady Di. Resultant beans of average length and stringless. Certainly an improvement over previous new varieties
By Roy Lloyd 22-08-2011
I dig trenches 200mm wide and 300mm deep and line them with shredded newspaper and grass cuttings, cover with soil then plant the beans as usual. The results were astounding. From 20 plants we have harvested over 44 kgs of beans to date and they are still going strong. Good flavor and texture with little or no string.
By John Nicholls 22-08-2011
after buying this bean for it's ease of pollination,I was a bit dissapointed when the first flowers fell off leaving no beans. But when they did set they were a very good tender straight bean,Will definitely grow again! John.
By Arthur Bell 22-08-2011
I bought 2 packs of these beans and shared out with 2 friends. We started them of in 3 inch pots and then planted them 6 to a large pot. My self and one of my friends have been absolutely delighted with the crop and the taste and we are still picking loads of beans after a full month. Without a doubt the best runner beans ever. My other friend suffered the flowers dropping off with about 75% not maturing. Our only grumble is that we have found the plants are very susceptible to black fly, not usually a problem with runner beans. Thank you A W Bell
By Eric Kirby 22-08-2011
Highly recommend this white flowering, self-setting runner bean providing an abundent crop. After a slow start (due to near drought conditions in Norfolk) the plants soon reached full height and have continued to provide a good supply of beans over the past 3 weeks with still pleny coming on. We shall soon need another freezer!
By Frances James 22-08-2011
In many years of growing runner beans this is the finest. Masses of beans from only 20 seeds planted, enough for eating, freezing and giving away. Very tasty and they really are stringless. Very satisfied.
By Steven Harbour 22-08-2011
These beans are tasty, crisp and crop in abundance. I have frozen many and passed them on to our neighbours who also enjoyed them. One of our neighbours finds it difficult to prepare beans, however with Moonlight beans it was easy.
By Nigar McKay 21-08-2011
I grow my veggies mainly in containers, Moonlight Runner beans were no exception. Every seed germinated happily in the cold frame and went outdoor mid May. Now I have happy 8 plants groing in the same deep rectangular container, climbing up the bamboo sticks and trellis on the house brick wall! Last year I grew Enorma runner beans famous for their extra length, but must say that some of Moonlight beans were over 1 foot long! I've been picking them daily for the last 10 days, there are lots of them, so ended up sharing the beans with neighbours and friends. The beans are virtually stringless and very juicy and tasty. Much much better than anything you can possibly buy in the supermarkets. I'm very happy with my choice of runner beans this year and would definitely be growing them again the next one! If you don't have a plot, try to grow them in the deep container like I do, you'll be amazed with how little it takes to look after the crop and how rewarding it is in the end!
By GEMMA THOMPSON 21-08-2011
I'm really pleased with this variety of runner bean. Very easy to grow from seed and once out in the garden they just grew and grew! I have been picking beans for 4 weeks now and they are very tender and tasty (far better in taste and quantity produced than previous varieties grown) I will be growing these again next year! Very, very pleased!
By GEMMA THOMPSON 21-08-2011
I am really impressed with this variety, very easy and quick to grow from seed and once planted out they grew and grew!! I have had loads of runner beans, crop after crop for nearly 4 weeks now (many more than previous varieties) and the beans are very tender and taste wonderful. I'll certainly grow these again next year!
By Ann Serpell 21-08-2011
A bit slow to start producing beans, but going well now.
By Wendy Higgs 21-08-2011
They were a bit slow getting going but, coulld have been more to do with the changeable weather than the beans themselves. Really pretty white flowers, my beans looked much better than the normal orange ones around the other allotments. Can't keep up with picking them they are growing so well but work colleagues are loving the handouts. Not gone all stringy and hard like some varieties once you get so far into the season.
By Carole Langley 21-08-2011
These have grown SO well in a windy spot in mid Wales. Very heavy crop of long fleshy beans. I will definitely be adding them to my regular "must have" list.
By Linda Taylor 21-08-2011
This is my fifth and most successful year growing runner beans. This variety is fantastic - crops abundantly and has the added advantage of being stringless. I started picking the 3rd week of July and they are still going strong in late August. Wonderful taste, the freezer is full and family and neighbours have been most appreciative. Will definitely grow these next year!
By Jennifer Maynard 21-08-2011
My first attempt, last year, at growing these was a disaster as the mice found them before they could shoot - this year I started them off early in the kitchen window with great success - early cropping and easy to grow these beans make a very attractive addition to the vegetable garden.
By Alan Page 21-08-2011
A lot of them failed to germinate, don't know if it was due to the bad weather, living in the South, did not expect this, however, the ones that did survive, have been good, plenty of flowers and now producing good stringless beans.
T&M Comments - Thank you for your comments, I have emailed you directly regarding your germination issues.
By Alan Mace 21-08-2011
Started in pots indoors April 30th. All but one germinated. Hardened in cold frame and planted out mid May. Plenty of tender sweet tasting beans. Will be growing again!
By Frances Turton 21-08-2011
Decided to grow these in containers with Sweet Peas mingled amongst them. All the seeds germinated and the plants were quick to grow away. They have been cropping for weeks now and show no signs of stopping; so much so that I have not been able to eat them all and have been giving them away and also freezing them.. The flowers look lovely and the bees have adored them. Cooked some last night and my husband's comment was "wow those beans were tasty", I think that says it all!.
By Barbara Wolanowska 21-08-2011
Tried this variety for the first time. Sowed in cold greenhouse 18 April; 8 of 10 germinated and were planted out on 18 May, against a high south-facing stone wall. They were slower to climb and later to flower than the St George runners futher along the wall, and initially it looked as if neither were setting, but Moonlight is now producing equally well. The beans are tender and stringless, and good to eat, but so far they do not have quite the taste I expected. We will continue to enjoy them, however. Next year I plan to grow them again, this time in more favourable conditions, as the wall may be too warm (climbing up strings) and turns out to have a rain shadow at its base.
By Sue Pomeroy 21-08-2011
Having been disappointed in my red flowering runner beans for the past few years, this year I chose the beautiful white flowered Moonlight. I have hit upon a winner as even in this very dry year the plants have grown well, the flowers have set beans easily and the crop has been plentiful with very little stringyness even when large. A bean with excellent flavour that cooks and freezes well. At last I can enjoy my favorite vegetable!
By Ann Julien Dixon 21-08-2011
This was the first year we used Moonlight Runner Bean seeds and we have been very pleased with them. The plants have produced long, tender beans that have a delicious flavour. They have been so prolific I have had to freeze a lot of them and they still keep growing and flowering. We shall certainly put them on our order for next year!
By Patricia Goff 21-08-2011
I tried these for the first time this year, and very impressed, they germinated very well and I am reaping the rewards every other day at the moment, very tasty and tender, freeze really well too!
By Thomas Austin 21-08-2011
I have been growing runner beans for many years, and these are the best I have grown to date. They are very prolific, it seems as if each flower produced a bean. Long, straight beans, stringless and with a great flavour. I will definitely be growing these again next year.
By Derrick Roberts 21-08-2011
The West Midlands has had a very bad summer for rainfall, despite this Moonlight has, after a slowish start, fulfilled all its promise. The beans are long, stringless even when overlooked for a few days during picking and very tasty indeed. Definitely one to order for next year.
By Tracy May 21-08-2011
Good crop of tender beans. Will definitely order these again
By Susan Percival 21-08-2011
This is the first time I have planted this variety but it won't be the last. The seeds germinated quickly and the plants established well. I have been picking beans first thing in the morning and again in the evening! I have them in two separate areas in the garden with 3 weeks between planting so will be harvesting for a long period. Thankfully, we enjoy spiced runner bean chutney too!
By Roger Sayer 21-08-2011
These are one of the easiest,most prolific runner beans I haveever tried;germination rate excellent;very tasty and stringless;well recommended.I will use next year
By john Lalor 21-08-2011
A very prolific bean. We had almost industrial quantities of beans from a single packet, and kept our neighbours supplied as well as ourselves. Very tasty.
By emma harrison 21-08-2011
After last years dissappointment of only having one bean from the red flowering variety ( brought from the local nurseries) I thought I would try the white flowering variety. They have been brilliant, loads of beans all stringless and very tender. Will be buying more next year.
By abbe davies 21-08-2011
While freinds and neighbours have struggled to get a worthwhile crop from the old favourites, due to terrible weather conditions, Luckily I'm very smugly enjoying my first crop of Moonlight runners. They really have thrived, easy from seed, fast maturing, smothered in beautiful white flowers, making them particularly attractive, though thankfully not as attractive to the wildlife as the red flowered varieties. So delicious and tender, I've even eaten plenty of them raw in salads! The only downside has been the jealous looks from my neighbours, smoothed over easily by sharing some of the crop! They are already ordering for next year, and so am I.
By Morna Wheatley 21-08-2011
I have a rather shady garden and not much space. Last year I grew another variety and had a poor crop due to not enough plants & therefore poor pollination. This year I chose Moonlight because of its advertised self-setting flowers, and despite only having 6 plants (3 each in 2 very large pots), am getting quite a good crop. I am very happy with my beans; the flavour is good (though not spectacular), no strings at all, and I have no doubt that if I had more sun and could plant them direct in soil, the harvest would be very good indeed. Will definitely buy again.
By DEN PRATT 21-08-2011
By Kenneth Rogers 21-08-2011
Sown in a wigwam for the very first time, grew quickly and the bees loved the abundant white flowers, then WOW - so many beans, so beautifully sweet with the added bonus of being stringless - we had them every day one week and the neighbours shared in our bounty. A great product T&M; we'll certainly be growing them next year.
By Karen Gorski 21-08-2011
This variety is very hardy,produces large amounts of beans which are stringless and taste wonderful, they are an early flowering and heavy croppers the birds seem to prefer the red flower varieties, and mine so far this year have been producing beans for over eight weeks and still coming
By Warwick Furnell 21-08-2011
excellent Plants, fast grower and full of sweet tasting string-less crops, they are very free cropping, grow pretty much anywhere which was a bonus, definitely recommend these..
By June Blake 21-08-2011
The best runner beans I have ever grown, out of only 10 plants I have nearly filled my freezer as well as eating them. The beans grow in bunches, every time I look in the garden there are more. It is late August and the plants are still full of large beans, small beans and flowers. Shall be growing these beans in future.
By karen fox 21-08-2011
Fantastic crop good quality tasty beans will definately be buying again!!
By Lesley Shelton 21-08-2011
I have been amazed by the number of beans I am picking at the beginning and end of each day. They are tasty and except for topping and tailing there is nothing for the compost bin. The best beans I've ever grown!
By Gillian Wallhead 21-08-2011
I decided to try this variety this year and must say how well they have grown. They are great germinators, have grown very well up the wigwams and produced beautiful white flowers and then lovely tender beans with the bonus of no stringy or tough bits. They have been cropping for a couple of weeks now and still have plenty to give. They are a hit with the family and also my parents who are runner bean fans. Will definately be growing again next year.
By Carolyn Davidson 21-08-2011
All the beans I planted germinated, and the plants got going early in the season. Flower set not as good as I would have liked, but may have been because of an attack of black fly. The beans are very tasty and tender.
By John Gridley 21-08-2011
Heavy cropping with attractive white flowers and vigorous growth. Not sure about the french bean connection, but still a tasty runner bean. Needs plenty of water to ensure long beans. I will use again next year.
By John Braybrooke 21-08-2011
This runner bean is probably the most successful that I have ever grown. The seed germination time is quick, and beans are produced very quickly, the growing season seems, so far, to be long, these plants produce a very tasty, easy to cook runner bean. Thumbs up for this one, and yes I would recommend this to a friend, and yes I will be buying more seed for next years crop.
By Joseph Smith 21-08-2011
This is the first time I have tried these out this year, to make a change from the usual one's I plant. Initially had problem with germination, possibly because I had planted the seeds too early. Anyway I replanted a fresh lot of seeds in April and had much better success. When I initally put them outside they seemed to struggle a little to get going but once they got established away they went. Needless to say I have been picking them in abundance once the pods had set and I still am. Equally they taste delicious when cooked. Glad I have tried them out and they shall be on my shopping list for next year.
By Catherine Spencer 21-08-2011
Great success - bean plants I grew for my family, mother and in-laws have brought high praise from everyone. Taste is great and genuine lack of fibrous strings has meant even family member with stomach condition can eat them without stringing them. Huge yields of delicious beans, quick to prepare. Only problem we have found is the particularly large leaves hide the beans and picking them thoroughly takes longer than with other varieties. Will definitely grow them again next year.
By Gillian Kevan 21-08-2011
These beans have been excellent. We have grown them in the south west of France where runner beans come a second to the native French beans but I do hanker for English runners and they have perfommed wonderfully. We will grow them again next year.
By Sarah West 19-08-2011
I tried these for the first time and all the seeds germinated. The plants seemed to grow whilst I looked at them! They have been producing oodles of fine quality runner beans. Really long and yet so tender. Very impressed. I am not at all easily impressed so when I am its got to be something special!
By Michael Falcon 18-08-2011
Planted this variety for the first time this season. Crops in abundance and being stringless there's very little waste in preparation for the freezer and have a great taste. Highly recommended by my wife who does all the preparation and cooking!
By Paula Woods 21-07-2011
Wanted to give these a try as it said they would crop in colder weather and parts of our veg patch are fairly shady. All seeds sown took and have grown into strong plants. I have already started cropping and the taste is excellent. Will certainly use again.
By Carole Eldridge 19-07-2011
I started these beans off indoors in April and everyone of the seeds germinated. Once well established I moved outdoors to a cold frame before eventually planting out on my allotment at the end of May. They have gone from strength to strength and are producing extremely well, so much so that I always have more than enough beans at each picking for myself as well as friends and family. They are delicious and I thoroughly recommend them to fellow allotmenteers and gardeners alike.
By Michele Harvey 03-07-2011
I was really looking forward to this new variety and I have tried to sow these on two occasions (indoors and outdoors) with very poor success! I usually have no trouble sowing runner or french beans...but very disappointed with this one.Will not buy next year,will try an old trusted one!
By edward cockett 09-11-2010
sounds great and i look forward to growing it


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The Charleston Trident Assocaiton of Realtors releases home sales for October.
The National Association of Home Builders releases housing market index for November.
The S.C. State Ports Authority meets in Charleston.
U.S. Labor Department releases the third-quarter employment cost index.
Germany's ZEW institute releases its monthly investor confidence index for Europe's biggest economy and one of South Carolina's biggest trading partners.
The OECD publishes its latest Economic Outlook, containing analysis and projections for its member countries and other major economies.
U.S. Commerce Department releases business inventories for September and retail sales data for October.
U.S. Labor Department releases Consumer Price Index for October.
The Federal Reserve releases minutes from its October interest-rate meeting.
The National Association of Realtors releases existing home sales for October.
The Japanese manufacturers dominating the biannual Tokyo show are out to dominate the world with alternative fuel vehicles.
The Charleston County Aviation Authority meets.
U.S. Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims and the Producer Price Index for October,
Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, releases weekly mortgage rates.
Conference Board releases leading indicators for October.
U.S. Labor Department releases job openings and labor turnover survey for September.
Soure: The Associated Press


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Helly Hasnen's best-selling buoyancy aid. Front buckle closure provides critical ease of use and security for this ISO 12402-5 certified buoyancy aid.
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We needed buoyancy aids to cover the adult size range but without having to buy a huge quantity. The Helly Hansen BAs with belt and lace fastening allowing for maximal adjustment and the price really suited our budget. They have been used on several trips and seem to be a reasonably robust quality as well. Highly recommend Marine & Outdoor


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Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain was told to show up at 9 a.m. today for a media session for the national championship game.
The thing about it, though, is he was told to dress nice.
"I was thinking, 'Why do I need to wear slacks and collared shirt? We don't do media like this.'" McClain said.
McClain was having a conversation with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban when legendary linebacker Dick Butkus walked into the room. A finalist for the 2009 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, McClain suddenly learned he had won.
"I'm surprised. I didn't expect it at all," McClain said. "It was a kind of humbling. You think you're a pretty good linebacker. Then Dick Butkus is in the room."
Finalists for the Butkus Award were Sergio Kindle of Texas, Eric Norwood of South Carolina, Brandon Spikes of Florida and Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri.
McClain also won the Jack Lambert Award on Monday, another honor devoted to the top linebacker in college football. He becomes Alabama's first Butkus Award winner since the late Derrick Thomas in 1988.
Butkus credited McClain for "an outstanding year."
"This guy," Butkus said, "his playing ability speaks for itself."
Said McClain: "I love the individual award, but I would like no more at the end of the year than to see my teammates win a national championship ring."


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Q&A - ASTON/Anchor Capital Enhanced Equity Fund
Aston Asset Management, LP ("Aston") has announced a change in the subadvisory relationship for the ASTON/M.D. Sass Enhanced Equity Fund (AMBEX, AMDSX). Ronald L. Altman, portfolio manager of the Fund left M.D. Sass Investors Services and joined Anchor Capital Advisors LLC in June 2012. To ensure that the Fund remained under the uninterrupted, sole and exclusive management of Mr. Altman, the Board of Trustees of the Aston Funds (the Board) approved the appointment of Anchor Capital Advisors LLC as subadviser, effective June 30, 2012.
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The US House of Representatives has passed the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act (H.R. 357), a bipartisan piece of legislation that would improve veterans benefits regarding education, and vocational and job training.
On Tuesday, I sent this letter to President Obama requesting that he join the fight against Proposition 8, which will soon be before the Supreme Court.
I know that if you stand with me, we can and will meet the challenges that lie ahead.
With just days to go before Election Day, we need your help now more than ever! Join us at:
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Or email email@example.com!
Families that work long hours to make ends meet, young people attending college, older Americans looking for security in their retirement years, and the soldiers fighting to protect our nation aren't dependent victims looking for a handout, they're proud Americans doing their part to keep our nation moving forward.
Today, we continue to remember the brave men and women who responded to the September 11 attacks. So many of them gave their lives to save those of strangers, and all will forever remain true examples of courage and heroism.
I'm in this race to bring good-paying jobs, new opportunities and good schools to Riverside County. Building that future will require careful, thought out choices. Tonight, it was made clear that the Romney-Tavaglione agenda is the wrong choice for Riverside.
When he spoke to the Republican Convention, why did Paul Ryan try to hide the truth about his signature policy proposal? Perhaps because he knows his plan to end Medicare as we know it to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and businesses that ship American jobs overseas is extreme, dangerous and wrong.
I'll stand up against the Romney-Ryan agenda because it's bad for the people of Riverside County. I'm proud to be endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and will never support any plan to dismantle those essential programs.
It's clear to anyone paying attention that our Congress is broken. Today, I'm announcing the first part of my plan to end the special interest stranglehold in Washington.
Mark Takano: Teacher for Congress
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Lindsey Poisson: Just write 'thanks'
I guess you could say that sending prompt, handwritten thank-you notes is one of my superpowers.
After a gathering at a friend's house?
Wham! Thank-you note.
Someone sends me a gift?
Bam! Thank-you note.
My niece, Verity, draws a stick-figure masterpiece for me?
Ka-pow! Thank-you note and a sheet of stickers.
I never gave this common practice of mine a second thought until recently, when I visited a couple of journalism classes at Allegheny College in Meadville.
While talking with students about stories, ethics and newspapers in the modern world, I noticed the professor write my name, address and number on the chalk board.
Why? So the students could send me thank-you notes.
After the professor reminded students about the importance of saying "thank you" and the extra touch a handwritten note provides, she looked at me for confirmation.
"Yes," I said with utter confidence. "Thank-you notes go a long way."
It's weird for me to explain because sending a thank-you note has always felt completely natural. I could -- and do -- send e-mailed thank-yous, texted thank-yous and also post thank-yous on Facebook.
No matter what form it's in, my thanks is still very sincere.
But there's something about a handwritten note. It's not entirely necessary, and I'm not even sure what inspired me to start writing them in the first place.
It's nice? Emily Post told me to? I have a freakish love of stationery?
Or maybe it's just the hope that these little notes surprise, delight and make someone's day.
Why wouldn't they? I've never been able to open up a handwritten thank-you note without uttering an involuntary "awww."
And I tend to save all of my thank-you notes. Back in 2008, after I wrote a feature about a Lincoln Elementary School chorus practicing for holiday performances, I received construction-paper, crayon-decorated thank-you notes from Donna Robb's students.
I still have every one of them, bundled up and tucked away with a card from an 8-year-old Barbie fan (featured in a 2009 story) and a thank-you note/fan mail for my cat Chuck (prompted by a 2011 column).
Which might sound strange, but when someone takes the time to write out a note, or even decorate it with doodles and stickers, the least I can do is keep it around and occasionally be reminded of how special and rare such a gesture can be.
Who knows?
Maybe the people who receive my thank-you notes do that, too.
LINDSEY POISSON can be reached at 870-1871 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNpoisson.


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Project assesses pollution threats to Great Lakes
The environmental degradation of the Great Lakes in the last 150 years was inevitable but not unavoidable.
Unchecked coastal exploitation resulted from the mistaken belief that their enormous volumes of water could indefinitely deal with a growing human population and unsustainable development.
Four of the largest U.S. metro areas and hundreds of large and smaller cities are located on the shores of the Great Lakes. With a population of approximately 40 million Americans and Canadians, the only way to restore and protect the integrity and quality of this important freshwater ecosystem is to understand the anthropogenic (human-caused) threats and work together to eliminate or alleviate them.
Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes are showing signs of environmental crisis that will continually require our attention and action. The Great Lakes Environmental Assessment and Mapping (GLEAM) project assesses coastal development using five stressor layers, including developed land, mines, power plants, recreational use and roads. Our responsibility is to use the information.
Developed land within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the coastal zone impacts both coastal and nearshore health. Human use of the land and water for energy production, industry, housing, recreation and transportation substantially alter the natural healthy coastal ecosystems. Habitat loss and fragmentation, nonpoint source pollution, increased runoff and flooding, reduced groundwater recharge, increased pollutant discharges and climate change caused by these activities jeopardize the health and economic vitality of the region.
Did you know there are 114 coastal power plants located within 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of the Great Lakes shoreline? You may be aware of the pollutants they discharge in the air and water, including mercury and gases that cause acid rain and climate change. But did you know that most of these plants use "once-through" cooling systems that have water intake systems so powerful that they kill staggering numbers of fish when they are pulled into the screens? Billions more eggs, larvae and juvenile fish and other aquatic life small enough to pass through the screens are cooked to death by intense heat and high pressure inside the coal, gas and nuclear plants.
The Great Lakes shoreline is also home to more than 1,200 public beaches that draw millions of visitors each year. Impacts of coastal recreational use include: increased traffic to coastal areas, potential pollution caused by recreational use and activities associated with beach management, such as beach grooming.
You can imagine the number of paved roads that have been constructed to provide access to the lakeshore. They add to the impervious surface area and they, too, contribute to runoff polluted with road surface materials from cars, salt, sand, etc. Furthermore they cause habitat fragmentation and act as barriers to animal movement.
Finally GLEAM considers all metal mines (historic and active) and active limestone/dolomite mines within 2 kilometers of the Great Lakes shoreline to be potential sources of contaminants due to human development. Read more about mines and other lake stressors at http://www.greatlakesmapping.org/great_lake_stressors/4.
ANNA MCCARTNEY, a communications and education specialist for Pennsylvania Sea Grant, can be reached by e-mail at email@example.com. Be sure to like the NIE pages on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaSeaGrant.