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JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) – Japan's Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Indonesia and Thailand insurance businesses of Insurance Australia Group Ltd., (IAG) which predominantly comprises of Safety Insurance Public Company Limited in Thailand.
President and Group CEO Tokio Marine Tsuyoshi Nagano said in a statement on Tuesday (19/06), its unit Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, will buy IAG's 80 percent of PT Asuransi Parolamas in Indonesia and 98.6 percent stake in Thailand's Safety Insurance.
Tokio Marine forms part of Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., the largest property and casualty insurance group in Japan, with operations in 38 countries.
The total consideration is approximately AUS$525 million (approximately 42.8 billion Yen). These acquisitions are expected to be completed in sequence subject to regulatory procedures required in respective countries.
IAG's Managing Director and CEO Peter Harmer in a separate statement believed Tokio Marine is an ideal owner given its experience in the region for the two insurance units.
Separate to the transactions with Tokio Marine, IAG has reached an agreement to sell its 73.07 percent interest in AAA Assurance Corporation, based in Vietnam. All transactions are expected to conclude in the financial year ended 30 June 2019, subject to regulatory approvals or notifications.
Harmer said, an after-tax profit of at least $200 million is expected to be identified in IAG's FY19 results from the combined transactions, after allowance for related costs and foreign currency translation reserve effects.
As a result of the sale agreements, the consolidated Asian businesses in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam will be identified, for accounting purposes, as discontinued operations in the FY18 results, and comparative figures for FY17 and 1H18 will be restated accordingly.
IAG's interests in Malaysia and India will continue to be treated as associates. Impact on capital position the sale proceeds from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam will be a contributory factor in determining future capital management initiatives.
IAG is a general insurance group, with operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. The Group provides a range of personal and commercial insurance products, primarily motor vehicle and home insurance.
IAG also has interest in general insurance joint ventures in Malaysia, India and China. IAG has two customer facing divisions – Consumer Division and Business division being responsible for sales, service, and brand and marketing execution.
Last May, Indonesia has enacted regulation on Foreign Ownership of Insurance Companies, which came into force on April, 18 and confirms a maximum threshold for foreign ownership of an Indonesian insurance company of 80 percent.
Insurance companies that are currently subject to foreign ownership in excess of the 80 percent limit will be exempt from this requirement, provided that their respective existing foreign ownership percentages will amount to the maximum individual cap on foreign ownership of each of the relevant insurers.
If insurance companies fail to comply with the rules, they will be subject to administrative sanctions by FSA ranging from written warnings to business license revocation.
However, as the Financial Sevices Authority (FSA) has already been applying many of the features of the new regulation in practice in recent years, no material impact is anticipated as it amounts to an affirmation of existing policy.
There is a key exemption provided in the regulation, which permits insurance companies with foreign ownership in excess of the 80 percent threshold to maintain their existing shareholding structure provided that there is a complete prohibition on any further increase of such existing percentage by the foreign insurer.
The regulation explains that where this exemption applies, the existing foreign ownership threshold in the relevant domestic insurer will amount to a maximum individual cap on foreign ownership of each of the relevant insurers.
This cap may be subject to change in the event that the relevant foreign shareholder reduces its percentage ownership or sells out completely to a third party.
The impact of the regulation is likely to be limited given that it is effectively an express statement of the existing unwritten policies applied by the FSA in recent years to interpret the Indonesian Insurance Law of 2014.
However, notwithstanding that it maintains the status quo, it gives much needed clarity to the Insurance Law and greater certainty to existing and prospective foreign investors into the Indonesian insurance industry.
This includes all cumulative and affiliated interests and the FSA will look through the chain of legal and beneficial ownership to established the precise threshold proposed to be acquired.
In practice, ever since the Asian Financial Crisis of 1998-1999, a number of foreign insurers had assumed ownership positions in domestic insurers in excess of the 80 per cent cap under the 1992 Law, as where emergency capital was required to keep their investee companies afloat, they had diluted local partners who had been unable to fund their equity proportions.
This non-compliance with the 1992 law was tolerated and had continued until very recently, with the FSA turning a blind eye to dilutive capital increases by foreign insurers in order to support capital requirements.
Email: email@example.com


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Ontario Encouraging Students to Apply For 30% Off Tuition Grant.
August 29, 2014, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities: Ontario is helping college and university students save 30 per cent off their tuition for the 2014-15 school year.
The value of the grant has increased annually to keep pace with tuition costs. This year, students in degree programs will save $1,780, while those in diploma or certificate programs will save $820.
Over 230,000 undergraduate students received the grant in the 2013-14 school year and most students who receive the grant pay less in net tuition than they did a decade ago. Students who already receive financial aid through Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) are automatically considered for 15 grant and loan programs, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant.
Helping Ontario students with the costs of postsecondary education is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
Quick Facts
- Students in two-term programs have until March 1, 2015, or 60 days before the end of their study period, whichever is later, to apply for the grant.
- To apply for the grant, students must be less than four years out of high school, or less than five years if they are in the final year of a five-year co-op program, or less than six years if they have a permanent disability.
- Ontario issued more than $1 billion in grants and loans to students this past year, including the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant. Seventy per cent of student assistance issued by Ontario does not need to be repaid.
- Beginning in January 2014, Ontario expanded eligibility of the grant to include students in the final year of a co-op program and students enrolled in private postsecondary institutions.
Source: http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2014/08/helping-make-postsecondary-education-more-affordable.html

subset: commoncrawl


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© 2020 Momentum
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ESSENTIAL OIL CROPS Production guidelines for rosemary Rosemary production agriculture, forestry & fisheries Department: Agriculture, forestry & fisheries REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Rosemary production June 2009 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Directorate: Plant Production 2009 Compiled by Directorate Plant Production in collaboration with members of SAEOPA and KARWIL Consultancy Obtainable from Resource Centre Directorate Agricultural Information Services Private Bag X144, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa The web: www.nda.agric.za/publications Published by Directorate Agricultural Information Services Department of Agriculture Private Bag X144, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa Further information or contacts Directorate Plant Production, Division Industrial Crops Tel: 012 319 6079 Fax: 012 319 6372 E-mail: [email protected] CONTENTS Part I: General aspects ........................................................................... 1 1. Classification .................................................................................. 1 2. Origin and distribution..................................................................... 2 3. Production levels............................................................................. 2 4. Major production areas in South Africa........................................... 2 5. Description of the plant .................................................................. 3 6. Cultivars ......................................................................................... 4 7. Climatic requirements .................................................................... 5 8. Soil requirements............................................................................ 5 Part II: Cultivation practices..................................................................... 6 1. Propagation..................................................................................... 6 2. Soil preparation............................................................................... 7 3. Planting........................................................................................... 8 4. Fertilisation ..................................................................................... 9 5. Irrigation.......................................................................................... 9 6. Weed control................................................................................... 9 7. Pest control..................................................................................... 10 8. Disease control .............................................................................. 11 9. Harvesting....................................................................................... 12 iii Part III: Post-harvest handling ................................................................. 13 1. Sorting and distillation..................................................................... 13 2. Grading .......................................................................................... 14 3. Packaging ...................................................................................... 14 4. Storage . ......................................................................................... 14 5. Marketing ....................................................................................... 15 Part IV: Production schedules . ................................................................ 15 Part V: Utilisation....................................................................................... 17 1. Cosmetic......................................................................................... 17 2. Pharmaceutical and therapeutic . ................................................... 17 3. Food and flavouring ....................................................................... 18 4. Industrial . ....................................................................................... 18 5. Other............................................................................................... 18 6. Safety data ..................................................................................... 18 References..................................................................................................... 19 iv Rosmarinus officinalis (Photo: W.S. Mokgobu) Part I: General aspects 1. CLASSIFICATION Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis Common names: Rosemary Family: Labiatae Most sources interpret the Latin name as rosmarinus "dew of the sea". 1 2. ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary grows freely in large areas of southern Europe and is cultivated worldwide. 3. PRODUCTION LEVELS South Africa The expected essential oil yield is 20 to 80 kg oil/ha. Yield of essential oil is between 0,2 and 1,3 % of the fresh mass. Yield of dried leaf should be 2 000 kg/ha. Internationally Leading regions of rosemary production are the Mediterranean countries, Northern Africa, England, Mexico and the USA. 4. MAJOR PRODUCTION AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA Rosemary grows well in the interior of South Africa, right up to the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Eastern Free State. It is also cultivated in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, Eastern and Western Cape provinces. Rosemary in the Eastern Cape (Photo: R. du Preez) 2 5. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT Stem Rosemary is an evergreen, shrubby herb that grows to a height of 1 to 2 m, with a unique aromatic odour and a camphoraceous undertone. The erect stems are divided into numerous long, slender branches that have ash-coloured and scaly bark. Leaves The branches bear opposite, leathery thick leaves which are lustrous, linear, dark green above and downy white below. Flower The flowers are small and pale blue to deep blue. Much of the volatile essential oils reside in their calyces. Essential part Parts used: Stems, leaves and flowers. The oil of rosemary, distilled from the flowering tops, as directed in the British pharmacopoeia, is superior to the oil that is obtained from only the stem and leaves. Nearly all the commercial oil is distilled from the stem and leaves of the plant before it is in flower, which then smells more of camphor. Rosemary at maturity (Photo: K.M. Swanepoel) 3 Research for varieties with good-quality oil (Photos: K.M. Swanepoel and W.G. Alberts) 6. CULTIVARS Many varieties are available from commercial nurseries, and these are Benenden Blue, Flora Rosa, Tuscan Blue, Majorca Pink, Arp, Albiflorus, Huntington Carpet, McConnell's Blue, Irene, Holly Hyde, Hill Hardy and numerous others. For commercial purposes, there are three main types described of which the chemical 4 properties are significant by the market in relation to the main constituent and geographical areas where they dominate: 66 Camphor-borneol (Spain) 66 1,8 cineole (Tunisia) 66 Verbenone (France) The cineole and verbenone types are two of the oils which promise to have an impact on future markets. A selection of a cultivar was made by SAEOPA and tested for good-quality oil. Current research is done at Ermelo Nooitgedacht research farm. Selected varieties for superior oil quality are the correct choice for a commercial producer. 7. CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS Temperature Rosemary is a hardy, temperate plant that can tolerate frost. It grows well at day temperatures of 20 to 25° C. The plant is very adaptable and is grown in almost all regions of South Africa. Rainfall Rosemary is mostly grown under dryland conditions in South Africa. When under irrigation, care should be taken not to overirrigate. Irrigation at planting is essential and supplementary irrigation is advised until the plants are well established. Once established with a strong root system, rosemary can produce well if rainfall is above 500 mm per year. In wetter areas rosemary will not do as well unless ridged to allow excess water to drain away. 8. SOIL REQUIREMENTS Well-drained sandy to clay loam soil with a pH range of 5,5 to 8,0 is required. A clay percentage of 30 % maximum can be tolerated by the plants. 5 Rosemary cuttings in a nursery (Photo: K.M. Swanepoel) Part II: Cultivation practices 1. PROPAGATION Rosemary is propagated by means of seeds, cuttings, layering or division of roots. 66 Seeds germinate very slowly. As there is always a problem of crosspollination, growing true-to-type plants from seed is not a good practice unless controlled properly. 66 Cuttings from actively growing stem tips are a good way to propagate new plants efficiently. Cuttings of 10 to 15 cm length are taken. The bottom two thirds are stripped from leaves. The cutting is inserted in a proper growing medium, half to two thirds of the length. Rooting hormones will assist in root formation within 2 to 4 weeks. A mist bed with a heated floor will give the best results. 6 66 Layering may be accomplished readily in summer by pegging some of the lower branches under a little sandy soil. After roots have formed the plants can then be severed from the parent plant. 2. SOIL PREPARATION Rosemary does not grow well in waterlogged or high clay soils. If the clay percentage of the soil is too high, application of gravel stone with a diameter of 1 to 2,5 cm can be made that can be worked into the soil before planting. This will assist in aeration of the roots. Other practices of incorporation of good compost will also be beneficial. Herbal and essential oil crops grown on natural soils yield products that are of high quality and in demand globally. General soil preparation guidelines Soil sampling and analysis 66 Take soil samples according to correct guidelines. 66 Have the soil analysed at a laboratory that will be able to check for mineral deficiencies and excesses, organic status and carbon ratios. 66 A soil analysis will guide the producer in correcting the nutritional status of the soil in order to provide the crop with optimum growing conditions such as a balanced mineral status and correct pH. 66 Soil fertility levels have to be within acceptable ranges before a soil-building programme is started. 66 Correct the soil pH according to analysis and soil type. 66 Fertiliser use has to be planned according to whether the crop will be grown inorganically or organically. 66 Soil preparation has to be done according to good cultivation practices. 66 Apply suitable soil preparation practices according to the farming operation. (rip, plough, disc, harrow, contour, etc.) 7 Plant layout for mechanical harvesting (Photo: W.G. Alberts) 66 If mechanical harvesting and weed control is envisaged, prepare row widths adapted to the machinery to be used. 3. PLANTING Slope Rosemary needs full sun. Rows should be orientated east west on the land if possible, and on sloped land planted on the warmer slopes facing north and west. Planting density/spacing Field spacing has to be done according to farming method applied. Seedbeds with a width of 1,2 m and row space of 40 to 50 cm are found effective with mechanised cutting. 8 Plants are established at 25 to 50 cm within the rows so that the soil is covered quickly. A total of 50 to 60 000 plants per ha is the norm. Planting date The cuttings can be prepared in the greenhouse and be transplanted to the field in spring to midsummer. 4. FERTILISATION A basal fertiliser application containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur should be applied annually, according to the soil analysis results. Rosemary responds well to additional applications of nitrogen usually made after each harvest to promote new shoot growth during the growing season. Do not give excess nitrogen because the quality of the essential oil may be affected as this reduces flowering, fragrance and flavour. An analysis of organic compost will assist to provide correct application rates. 5. IRRIGATION When establishing rosemary, irrigation is needed until the cuttings have developed well, i.e. when they have established roots and are growing actively. Do not allow the plants to dry out completely and do not overirrigate. Mature plants can cope with dryland conditions if rainfall is exceeding 500 mm per year. 6. WEED CONTROL Hand-weeding and hoeing are very important as weeds affect the yield and quality of oil. Generally, 2 to 3 weedings are necessary during the year. Inter-row cultiva tion can be done by a tractor-drawn cultivator or hand hoe. Care should be taken not to damage roots as rosemary is very sensitive to this and it could cause parts of the plant to die back. Effective plant density and canopy will eliminate weeds. 9 Weed control guidelines 66 Do not allow weeds to seed in the land. 66 No-till practices result in fewer weeds. 66 Shade out weeds by plant canopy, high plant density, closer row width, if moisture content of soil and crop specification allow for it. 66 Use manual or mechanical control. 66 Organic control measures such as flame weeding and UV radiation can be used where applicable, and if the crop is tolerant to the method. 66 Some seeds germinate when exposed to sunlight. Night ploughing can be used as an option for fewer weeds. 7. PEST CONTROL Rosemary is vulnerable to spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies and thrips. Careful monitoring and crop rotation as well as applying insecticidal soap with lightweight horticultural oil will assist in keeping the foliage free of pests. 66 Whiteflies have piercing/sucking mouthparts which they use to suck sap from the leaves of plants. They also excrete large quantities of honeydew which serves as a growth medium for sooty mould. 66 Spider mites feed preferentially on the lower stem, and then move on to feed on the upper section of the plant and on leaves. Leaves may later turn yellow and drop. Silk webbing may be present when infestation is heavy. 66 Mealybug females feed on plant sap. They attach themselves to the plant and secrete a powdery, white, waxy layer used for protection while they suck the plant juices. 66 Thrips feed on leaves with their piercing and sucking mouthparts and damage the plants, causing browning and leaf drop. They can also be vectors of other diseases. For further information on the identification of insects and diseases and for recommended control measures, extension officers should be contacted. For prospective producers of herbal and essential oil crops, the following pest control guidelines are recommended. 10 Waterlogging problems on rosemary (Photos: W.S. Mokgobu) Extension officers from the Department of Agriculture and researchers from agricultural institutes should be contacted for further information on the identification of insects and for recommended controls. Use the publication* A guide for the control of plant pests – 2002, compiled by Annette Nel, Mareli Krause, Neervana Ramautar & Kathy van Zyl. 8. DISEASE CONTROL 66 Fungal problems may arise when the plants are overirrigated. 66 Powdery mildew and root rot occur in wet soil. Disease control guidelines 66 Follow a disease management programme. 66 Regular scouting of the crop is needed. 66 Early detection and management of disease can prevent major problems. 66 Correct identification of diseases is required. Use the publication* A guide for the control of plant diseases – 2003, compiled by Annette Nel, Mareli Krause, Neervana Ramautar & Kathy van Zyl. * Obtainable from the Resource Centre, Directorate Agricultural Information Services, Private Bag X144, Pretoria, 0001. Tel: 012 319 7141/7085. Fax: 012 319 7260 11 Frequent mechanical cutting and fine regrowth (Photo: K.M. Swanepoel) 9.HARVESTING Maturity and methods Fields of rosemary are usually harvested once or twice a year, depending on the geographical area and whether the harvest is for plant material or essential oil. A first cutting can be obtained in the seeding year, however it is usually delayed until 18 months after seeding. More often harvesting is done by farmers with mechanical harvesting. The plants are then yielding more material from frequent regrowth. Essential oil To obtain essential oil of the highest quality, plants should be in bloom and only the flowering tops should be harvested for distillation. With mechanical harvesting it is better to cut frequently because yields are higher from rapid regrowth. 12 Dried rosemary The crop is cut frequently before flowering commences, as the dried product contains only leaves. Fresh rosemary Dried rosemary For the fresh market, the herb is cut frequently at a young stage as young, fresh shoots are used in culinary preparations. Woody stems will lower the price. Fresh rosemary is harvested early in the morning and kept cooled at 5 °C before packaging for the market. With a temperature of 5 °C, a minimum shelflife of 2 to 3 weeks can be expected. After temperature, prevention of excess moisture loss is the second most important post-harvest factor affecting the quality and shelf-life of herbs. Fresh rosemary Part III: Post-harvest handling 1. SORTING AND DISTILLATION The dried product should be processed to remove the leaves from the stems and then sieved to remove dirt and to produce a uniform product. Several methods exist from sun to sophisticated driers. The use of sun-drying methods results in poor quality. Artificial drying methods allow better control of product quality. A forced air-flow drier is a suitable system to dry better-quality leaves. Rosemary should be dried at temperatures lower than 40 °C to reduce loss of flavour through volatilisation of essential oil, and to maintain a good green colour. After drying, the leaves should be separated further from the stems, sieved and graded. Fresh produce should be clean of foreign material and with a fresh and crispy appearance and a good colour and flavour. 13 2. GRADING Rosemary oil when distilled from the flowering tops has a clear, powerful refresh ing minty-herbal smell with a woody, balsamic undertone. The oil is colourless to slightly yellow with a watery viscosity. Most producers in South Africa cut and distil the entire plant. This oil will have a higher camphor content and will be inferior in quality to the above. The practice to distil the flowering tops separately is more labour intensive. There is an International Standard (ISO 11164:1995), prescribing quality requirements for dried rosemary. The essential oil content of the dried herb is an important factor contributing to the flavour intensity. Whole rosemary leaves should contain a minimum of 1,2 % volatile oil, maximum of 10 % foreign matter, maximum of 2 % woody stems, and a maximum of 7 % ash. 3. PACKAGING Essential oils can be packaged in bulk or smaller quantities. Smaller quantities usually have higher prices owing to extra handling and packaging materials needed. Essential oils are volatile and as such need to be handled with care. Deterioration begins if the liquid is much darker or more viscous than normal. The relative humidly in the packing area, cold stores, and transport vehicles should be maintained at a high level (> 95 %) where practical. Fresh rosemary is packaged in crates for bulk handling or in clear cellophane sachets that can be marketed directly in shops and supermarkets. Dried rosemary is usually sold in either carton boxes or in glass or plastic containers. Moisture, heat, oxygen and light destroy the properties. Dark air-tight glass is preferred for preservation. Storing under 18 ˚C will extend shelf-life. 4. STORAGE Rosemary essential oil should be stored in a cool, dry area until it is used. Once opened, refrigeration and tightly closing the cap will prolong its shelf-life. It should be kept in dark, airtight glass bottles and not exposed to heat or heavy metals. 14 5. MARKETING Essential oil market The market for essential oils in SA is divided into local buyers and international buyers. The local buyers include marketing agents and companies from chemical and pharmaceutical, as well as food and flavouring industries. The international buyers are divided into flavour and fragrance houses, cosmetics and personal health care, aromatherapy and food manufacturers who buy in large quantities. The major market in the world for essential oils is the United States, followed by Japan and Europe. However, production continues to be concentrated in Europe, with seven of the world's largest essential oil processing firms. In the United States, the major users of essential oils are the soft drink companies. Japan accounts for 10 % of the world demand. The Canadian market is dominated by the United States perfume and flavouring industry. France is dominating the world perfumery market, and Switzerland is one of the leaders in the pharma- ceutical field. Britain and India are known to feature strongly in the flavouring sector. The essential oil industry is characterised by a number of difficulties, including lack of stable quality, inconsistent supplies, and variability of active ingredients owing to environmental effects. This has encouraged many of the end users to depend on synthetic oils in an effort to eliminate the above problems. The result is a weaker market for naturally produced essential oils. With the increased interest in "natural" products and new health consciousness of the public, plus the fact that a natural product is perceived to have a superior quality, there is an opportunity to effectively market naturally grown essential oils, should the above problems be addressed. The floral water also known as hydrolat and the oil, are bought by agents to supply cosmetic and aromatherapy companies. Part IV: Production schedules As farming enterprises are so diverse, a very basic schedule is proposed. Producers must adapt the schedule to their own needs. 15 16 Disking Prepare seedbed Jun Harvest May Apr Irrigate Pest control Mrt Weed control Feb Disease control Plant and transplant Planting, cultivation and harvesting Jan Rip and plough Field preparation Activity General crop schedule – rosemary Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Part V: Utilisation The main properties of rosemary are anti-inflammatory, astringent, carminative expectorant, nervine, emmenagogue, therapeutic, tonic and stimulant. Rosemary leaves increase circulation, reduce headaches and have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and improve food absorption by stimulating digestion, the liver, intestinal tract, and the gallbladder. It also is used in antiseptic gargles for sore throats, gum problems and canker sores. 1. COSMETIC Rosemary acts on the hair follicles by stimulating growth and acts against dandruff. It is used in preparations for acne and dermatitis. Rosemary is also one of the ingredients used in the preparation of eau de cologne. It is added to liniments as a fragrant stimulant. 2. PHARMACEUTICAL AND THERAPEUTIC Rosemary oil has a pronounced action on the brain as it clears the mind and aids the memory. It is an external stimulant and a relaxant for nervousness, muscle spasms, headaches, migraines, neuralgia, mental fatigue and nervous exhaustion. The antiseptic action of rosemary oil is especially suitable for intestinal infections and diarrhoea, and it also eases colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, hepatic disorders and jaundice. On the respiratory system rosemary oil is effective for asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. It may ease congestion, puffiness and swelling and also may improve acne, dermatitis and eczema. The diuretic properties of rosemary oil are useful with water retention during menstruation, and also with obesity and cellulite. Because of its astringent action, rosemary oil can be effective for sagging skin; its stimulating action may benefit scalp disorders and encourage hair growth. Rosemary has been used as a folk remedy against rheumatism, and treating of wounds. It has been used in the treatment of cancer and as a tonic to the kidneys. 17 3. FOOD AND FLAVOURING Rosemary is used in food products and nonalcoholic beverages. Fresh and dried rosemary leaves, whole or ground, are used as seasonings for soups, stews, sausages, meat, fish, and poultry. The hydrolat is bottled and sold as a refreshing drink. Ground rosemary 4. INDUSTRIAL It is used as an ingredient in soaps, creams, candles, deodorants, hair tonics, and shampoos. It is also used in many household cleaners and air fresheners. It is a major constituent of some organic pesticides. The antibacterial and antioxidant activity of rosemary is used to extend the keeping quality of fats and meat. 5. OTHER Rosemary is used as a groundcover and garden plant. It can be planted as hedge. It is a good source of nectar for bees. The plant is used as an insect repellent. 6. SAFETY DATA The essential oil may be irritating to skin and eyes. Rosemary should be avoided if you are suffering from epilepsy or high blood pressure, and during pregnancy. Recent studies haveshowed that rosemary extract may slightly decrease the likelihood of conception, but does not necessarily interfere with normal development of the foetus after implantation. Essential oils can be harmful if swallowed, and should be kept out of children's reach. Essential oils remain potent for 6 months to 2 years with proper care. 18 REFERENCES* Afoloyan, A. 2005. How safe are essential oils, in: IFEAT conference proceedings: 2006. Essential oils and aromatic plants symposium. Cape Town, South Africa: ASNAPP. Ariana, A., Rahim, E. & Gholamhosein, T. 2002. Laboratory evaluation of some plant essences to control Varroa destructor (Acari: Varroidae). Experimental and Applied Acarology, 27: 219–227. Beddows, C.G., Jagait, C. & Kelly, M.J. 2000. Preservation of alpha-tocopherol in sunflower oil by herbs and spices. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 51(5): 327–339. David, H. 2002. Making more lavender, in: 1001 Best Gardening Tips. Edited by Fern Marshall Bradley. PA: Rodale Inc.: 83. Gardner, J.A. 1997. Living with herbs. Halifax NS: Nimbus Publishing Ltd.: 225–227. Hori, M. 1998. Repellency of rosemary oil against Myzus persicae in a laboratory and in a screen-house. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 24(9): 1425–432. Henriette's Herbal Home Page 1995–2007. Henriette Kress. Online: http://henriettesherbal.com. Accessed 17 August 2006. Johnson, C.B. & Franz, C. 2002. Breeding research on aromatic and medicinal plants. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 9(2/3): 1049–6475. Koschier, E.H., Sedy, K.A. & Novak, J. 2002. Influence of plant volatiles on feeding damage caused by the onion thrips: Thrips tabaci. Journal of Crop Protection, 21(5): 419–425 Landolt, P.J., Hofstetter, R.W. & Biddick, L.L. 1999. Essential oils as arrestants and repellents for neonate larvae of the codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Journal of Environmental Entomology, 28(6): 954–960. Madsen, H.L., Sorensen, B., Skibsted, L.H. & Bertelsen, G. 1998. The anti-oxidative activity of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in dressing stored exposed to light or in darkness. Journal of Food Chemistry, 63(2): 173–180. * Further information on references could be obtained from members of SAEOPA and KARWYL Consultancy. 19 Mulas, M. & Mulas, G. Cultivar Selection from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) spontaneous populations in the Mediterranean area. ISHS Acta Horticulturae, 676: III WOCMAP Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Volume 2: Conservation, Cultivation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Online: http:// www.actahort.orgbooks/676/. Accessed 09 August 2006. Munnu, S. 2004. Effects of plant spacing, fertilizer, modified urea material and irrigation regime on herbage, oil yield and oil quality on rosemary in semi-arid tropical climates. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 79 (3): 411–415. Ouattara, B., Simard, R.E., Holley, R.A., Piette, G.J.P. & Begin, A. 1997. Antibacterial act ivity of selected fatty acids and essential oils against six meat spoilage organisms. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 37(2): 155–162. Refaat, M., Momen, F.M. & Amer, S.A.A. 2002. Acaricidal activity of Sweet Basil and French Lavender essential oils against two species of mites of the family Tetranychidae (Acari: Tetranychidae). Acta Phytopathologica et Entomologica Hungarica, 37(1–3): 287–298. Richters Herb Specialist. 1997–2007 Otto Richter and Sons Limited.Online: http://www. Richters.com. Accessed 09 August 2006. Sara's Superherbs. Online: http://ww.Superbherbs.net\rosemary.html. Accessed 16 Aug ust 2006. Simon, J.E., Chadwick, A.F. & Craker, L.E. 1984. Herbs: An Indexed Bibliography. 1971–1980. The scientific literature on selected herbs, and aromatic and medicinal plants of the temperate zone. Hamden, CT: Archon Books. The National Non-Food Crop Centre 2007. Online document: http://www.nnfcc.co.uk/ metadot/index.pl?id=2170. Accessed 16 August 2006. Willis, A.R. 1991. The Pacific Gardener. BC: Whitecap Books Ltd. Weekend GardenerTM. Rosemary. 1995–2000. Chestnut Software, Inc. Online: http://www. Chestnut-sw.com\seeds\herbseed\rosemary.htm. Accessed 17 August 2006. Rosa, B. 1995–2007. Rosemary French pure essential oil. ZooScape.com. Online: http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/GreenCanyon/questp406740/ jornada30308996. Accessed 18 August 2006. 20
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Designers can contribute creatively and strategically
Following on from your Vox Pop (DW 20 February), traditional design businesses aren't fleet-of-foot enough to partner clients on the decisions they need to take in order to develop their brands.
So should consultants offer strategic advice to their clients?
Designers are definitely qualified by training and attitude to give advice on product and service futures. Designers stay close to end users, are adept at making lateral connections, require little specific knowledge to go to work on a problem and are natural, even compulsive culture browsers. If creativity is about making connections, designers are definitely able to contribute creatively to direction as well as execution.
But, should consultancies offer strategic advice? Up to a point perhaps. As Kevin Thompson pointed out at the PSAG debate, strategy is about much more than demonstrating that you've considered your design in the client's broader business context or that you can imagine a roadmap for its evolution. This at best is product strategy – strategic in the sense that any design is a step forward.
But strategy must surely have to engage with much broader brand-philosophical issues, a considered development of internal communications, culture and process, customer relationship management, environments, tone-of-voice and so on.
And speaking from experience as a consultancy product designer, I'm not convinced despite arguments to the contrary, that a design business with incumbent resources skilled in a core discipline is free, fluent and fleet-footed enough to really partner brand and marketing directors in steering their brands.
In reality the business model thing is an inhibitor to groups moving up-stream. The industry has educated clients for years that design is about implementation services. It'll take designers, not design businesses, to make the bold step of leaving behind the discipline they were trained in and consoling themselves that they may never actually design another package, product or website.
Then they'll be able to swim upstream and really start putting their natural talents, design attitude and new found perspectives to work helping to build brands.
Joe Heapy
Engine Group
London NW5
Post a comment


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MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) - Minsk will play host to the OSCE PA Silk Road Support Group conference, BelTA learned from the press service of the House of Representatives.
Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Boleslav Pirshtuk attended a meeting of the OSCE PA Silk Road Support Group that took place as part of the OSCE PA Winter Meeting in Vienna. "The meeting considered the draft program of the Baku International Conference on the role of MPs in strengthening economic cooperation and cultural ties along the Silk Road, which is due on 13-14 March. The meeting participants supported the proposal of the head of the Belarusian parliamentary delegation to hold the next conference of the OSCE PA Silk Road Support Group in Minsk," the press-service said.
Boleslav Pirshtuk also took part in the meeting of the Standing Committee of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which reviewed the current international political issues, reports on the activities of PA special representatives, the OSCE PA observation mission of the elections in Kyrgyzstan. Information was also provided on the preparations for the forthcoming events of the OSCE PA in 2018. "Head of the Swedish parliamentary delegation to the OSCE PA Kent Harstedt presented his preliminary report on the work performed as the OSCE PA Special Representative for Eastern Europe. He thanked Belarus for an excellent organization of his visit to the country on 21-24 January. Kent Harstedt also dwelt on the issue of amending the electoral legislation in accordance with OSCE recommendations," the House of Representatives said. Boleslav Pirshtuk noted, in turn, that Belarus is open and ready for constructive interaction with the ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Belarusian MPs also took part in the OSCE PA Winter Meeting events. Olga Popko, the deputy chairwoman of the House of Representatives' Standing Commission for International Affairs, spoke at the meeting of the OSCE PA General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Environment. The MP touched upon the issue of strengthening the economic and environmental dimension of the OSCE. She noted that the organization's additional efforts in the areas of economic and social development, energy security and environmental protection can and should become a real practical contribution to the sustainable development and stability of the countries of the entire OSCE zone.
The Belarusian parliamentary delegation also met with representatives of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and MPs of Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Serbia, Romania and Austria.
The OSCE PA Winter Meeting is held in Vienna on 22-23 February. A joint meeting of the OSCE PA general committees saw a number of speakers, including Vincenzo Amendola, Italy's Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger and President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly George Tsereteli.


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Numbers 86. Report of Lieutenant Edward Dougherty,
Battery D, First Pennsylvania Light Artillery, of skirmish June 29 on the James River Road.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report:
On the 28th June, after the battery arrived on the Charles City road, I was ordered by you to take my section to a point on the New Market road about 400 yards from where the New Market and Charles City roads meet, and there get it into position as much concealed as possible, which order I obeyed. Everything remained quiet until next day (Sunday) at 8 o'clock a. m. I heard a cheer on my left, and shortly after saw the enemy's cavalry approaching on a road (the name of which I do not know) at a charge, driving in a small body of our cavalry. I had placed my guns in echelon, so that they could be worked to protect the New Market road or the woods on my left. I immediately ordered the guns to action left, and opened fire with spherical case at 2'' fuse and 1 elevation. I fired four rounds from each gun, doing good execution, and was preparing to fire the fifth round, when I was ordered by Major West to cease firing.
Nothing further transpired until ordered by you to rejoin my battery, bringing my section along.
I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant,
First Lieutenant, Pennsylvania Artillery.
Captain EDW. H. FLOOD.
HEADQUARTERS OF ARTILLERY, FOURTH CORPS, July 12, 1862.
Respectfully forwarded.
The coolness and bravery evinced by this officer and his men entitle them to be ranked among the best soldiers of the army.
Major, Pennsylvania Artillery, Commanding.
Numbers 87. Report of Brigadier General Albion P. Howe,
U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of the battle of Malvern Hill.
HEADQUARTERS HOWE'S BRIGADE, COUCH'S DIVISION, Harrison's Landing, Va., July 5, 1862.
CAPTAIN: In obedience to the instructions from the headquarters of the First Division, Fourth Army Corps, I have the honor to submit a report of the operations of the brigade under my command at the battle of Malvern Hill, on the 1st instant.
The brigade on that day was composed of the following regiments, viz: The One hundred and second Pennsylvania, commanded by Col-


text: Regional Manager PMO, Unity SolutionsUnityTokyo, Japan14 days agoApplyUnity has been expanding its features and technology to service more and more creators worldwide, forming a new Solutions team by merging its Professional Services team with the acquisition of Finger Food ATG. Unity is powering the real-time revolution, expanding beyond games and breaking into other industries including automotive, film, architecture, engineering, construction, and more. The Solutions team now provides a wide range of skills, services, products, and technologies for customers looking to go further with Unity and RT3D.Reporting to the Head of Global PMO, Solutions, you will be responsible for working with several different teams to manage activities across different client projects, to continuously improve and adapt development processes to enhance agility and product delivery. This is a hands-on role that will be responsible for growing an important area of Solutions delivery to ensure that each client engagement is set up for success. Working closely with the Global PMO team, your objective is to implement new strategies, drive robust systems and processes and provide a globally scalable base of resources in Japan to deliver services and Solutions spearheaded by the Solutions team. This role will involve periodic travel to client and Unity offices; may include some cross-continental travel.ResponsibilitiesEnsure your regional PMO goals are aligned with the global PMO, the business and the company goalsSetting and implementing PMO strategies and key performance metrics to measure success for your territoryAssist with building the framework for consistency on projects and processes across engagements and verticalsManage forecasting, planning, and productivity processes to ensure appropriate resourcing based on key business metrics across the organizationExcellence in operational reporting to management and key stakeholders for all Solutions engagements in your regionBe an internal champion for your region's clients and build close relationships with internal and external teams, to enable cross-discipline collaboration to ensure alignment across business unitsProactively train yourself to broadly understand the technical capabilities of the Unity Engine and RT3D technologiesRequirementsYou are an experienced Project Manager or Producer with extensive experience in leading project management and software development teams and dealing with direct reportsProven track record of leading initiatives, working cross-functionally to achieve goals, and succeeding in a large team environmentExperienced with various program management, PSA, and team collaboration toolsYou are a strong influencer, expert communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, and a problem solver with the ability to find innovative ways to resolve problems quicklyPossessing the ability to understand a complex system and explain it in simple, but concise terms to a wider groupClient-focused with a "World Class" customer service approach - gravitas, presence, and strength of character, to work with senior customer and Unity leadersBonus PointsDeep knowledge or experience working within a specific vertical is a plusAdvanced University degree(s)Demonstrable public speaking and thought leadership skillsAbout Unity TechnologiesUnity is the world's leading platform for creating and operating real-time 3D (RT3D) content. Creators, ranging from game developers to artists, architects, automotive designers, filmmakers, and others, use Unity to make their imaginations come to life. Unity's platform provides a comprehensive set of software solutions to create, run and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices.The company's 1,400+ person research and development team keeps Unity at the forefront of development by working alongside partners to ensure optimized support for the latest releases and platforms. Apps developed by Unity creators were downloaded more than three billion times per month in 2019 on more than two billion unique devices. For more information, please visit www.unity.com.Unity is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this Web site or directly to managers. Unity does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. Unity will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with Unity.#LI-WH1 #SEN Apply


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What's hot: August 2017Jul 31st, 2017 | By Kaye Holland
Just About Travel tells you what's hot in the travel world
Just About Travel tells you what's hot in the travel world
Getting hitched is the most socially accepted reason on the planer to ditch work and undertake your longest, most splurge-iest trip ever. Here's 10 island ideas to help get you started
Most couples know each other pretty well by the time they get married, so are used to making compromises in their daily lives. But travelling together is different. Out of your comfort zones you discover new things about each other. You might share ideals about everyday life but have very different ideas when it comes to adventure. So what do you do?


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The Indian Ocean or Green Birdmouth Wrasse compares size-wise with the Indo-Pacific congener, with males growing to a foot maximum length in the wild. Both species are reef associated, being found in shallows to depths of about a hundred feet.
Aquarium care for the IO Bird Wrasse is identical as well. A spacious setting of a hundred gallons or more, a good deal of fine sand to dive into, meaty foods on a daily basis, and a dearth/lack of small mollusks and crustaceans, brittle stars and mouth-sized fishes that might well become fodder.
Though expensive like all Red Sea imports, this species is excellent
for fish only to specialized fish and invertebrate, even full blown
reef systems with a select choice of tankmates. They can be special
ordered through dealers in the west, and are great choices for folks
wishing to present reef slope biotopes of the area.
Keeping the Bird Wrasse: A Checklist
2) Get your specimen/s home, acclimated and placed ASAPractical.
3) Needs large, open quarters. A minimum five foot length, uncrowded system.
4) Keep a lid on it! These fishes are superb jumpers!
5) Select a suitably mid-sized individual, 4-5 inches maximum If female/s is to be kept with a male, place them first.
6) Feed frequent, small meaty foods.
7) Observe
your specimen/s carefully for potential bullying of other
Amongst the most graceful of fishes to observe in their range, Bird or Birdnose Wrasses are one of the most aptly named fishes. Flying along while beating their pectoral fin wings, using their elongated snouts ala parrots, gaudy coloration and hook-bill like curiosity underwater, these are amongst my favorite fishes to photograph as well as suggest for rough and tumble fish only to specialized reef settings. As is to be expected with any choice in livestock, there are some caveats when stocking these species. They can/will consume the same sorts of life that they do in the wild. Hence many small motile invertebrates need to be excluded, as do very small fishes that might be inhaled. Other than these omissions, keeping Birds is a breeze, and very rewarding. With their grace, speed and showiness, these fishes are great centerpieces.
Amongst the hundreds of Wrasse/Labrid species, even the fishes en toto, the Birds are unmistakably shaped, with their protruding snouts. The two species males and females are strikingly different colour-wise, but can always be discerned through knowing their collection origin.
THE Bird Wrasse (Green for males, Black or Brown for females) to folks in the west is Gomphosus varius to science (show images of juvenile, initial, terminal phase individuals, provided). Most specimens are collected for the trade from the U.S. fiftieth State of Hawaii. Not only is this a bonus location for good reasons including nearness and therefore shortness of air-transport, but the trade or ornamental marines in the Aloha State is closely regulated, with all species, specimens collected counted and all collectors licensed. The species is available off and on all year long, but you may be best off special-ordering this fish through your dealer.
Gomphosus varius is found more widely in the Indo-Pacific, occurring southward in parts of Polynesia, over to northern Australia out to Rowley Shoals in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean and up to S. Japan. Nowhere is it super-abundant, but depending on the season, more young may be observed, at times congregating socially, in lagoons and seaward reefs, from shallow water to about a hundred foot depths.
Bird Wrasses are fence-netted using near-transparent poly-netting that is cut into rectangular pieces with a float line at top and weighted lead line at the bottom. These nets, of a few tens of feet in length, a few to a handful of feet in height, are arrayed on the bottom in a U or W shape with resident fishes (not including Birds) pushed off their patch of the reef, the net set, and then driven back into the net, where they are hand-netted. Bird Wrasses are really more of an accidental or by-catch generally, swimming into the net while swimming in the general vicinity. Males lek territories can be more than several hundred square feet, and so setting nets for them specifically is generally impractical.
Selection and stocking of Bird Wrasses is typically easy to do. This are fishes that ship well, and are either good to go, or flat-out terrible to obviously dying. The key aspect to look for in choosing specimens is apparent traumatic damage. These fishes really are very active, powerful swimmers, and can at times excessively damage themselves by excessive jumping in transport, or by bashing into aquarium tops trying to jump out.
Look for a specimen (one male to a tank please, possibly with one or more haremic females) that is out and about, not hiding in the corners having private parties, that is bright i.e., aware of your presence, giving you the eye as it swims by. Healthy individuals are almost continuously active, searching for food, and very cognizant of what is going on inside and outside their immediate world. A further note re stocking more than one: If you intend to keep a single or multiple females, do introduce these first, ahead of placing a male.
Size or more importantly, maturity does matter when picking out specimens here. Though most wont grow to maximum adult size in the wild (a foot for males, eight inches or so for females), even half sized individuals need plenty of room and like all reef fishes, adapt better when caught, bought and raised when smaller. Avoid large males those with prominent bumps on their beaks, and consider the virtues of starting with a female of four-five inches overall length and growing it up to your systems limitations.
Bird Wrasses, due to their continuous, frantic swimming behavior need to be bagged in a doubled (to prevent failure, puncture with fin spines) polyethylene shipping bags and supplied with pure oxygen if possible, kept out of bright light (ideally in the dark; maybe a thermally insulated cooler) and moved expediently home, acclimated and placed w/o delay. These species often have the most trouble due to self-inflicted damage in transit.
Gomphosus species are amongst fishes that I suggest not isolating or quarantining. Theyre just too prone to damaging themselves if kept in small quarters, and far more likely to perish there than be carriers of parasitic or too-bad infectious disease. Other than careful acclimation, the most I would subject them to is a pH-adjusted freshwater dip/bath of five minutes or so duration with you present.
Bird Wrasses are bold, boisterous fishes in the wild and captivity. Take care in your stocking plan to place yours as either the last fish if its a male, or near last along with other top-dog species like the larger Angels, Puffers, and Triggers.
Tankmates should be chosen with care. Their mouths may appear, well, actually they are quite small, but, Bird Wrasses are tool users, grabbing and smacking surprisingly large crustaceans, snails and bivalves, worms of all kinds, brittlestars and small, unwary fishes onto rocks breaking them into pieces to eat. I have seen these species kept in reef systems (they are reef livers in the wild), but these systems should be carefully stocked to avoid temptation on the Birds part.
As previously stated, these are reef animals, but ones with a penchant for consuming a good many of the types of animals aquarists keep in their home systems. Though they wont touch Cnidarians (corals, anemones and such) though they do pick in and amongst polyps for other food organisms, but/and most any small motile invertebrate of other phyla is fair game. Hence, most writers eschew suggesting their placement in hobbyist reef systems and stress their better use in FOWLR (fish only with live rock) or hardier, larger fish and invertebrate systems.
As noted above, if stocking a full male, this fish is best placed last; after all other fishes have been introduced, recovered from the vagaries of being imported, moved.
Habitat needs of bird wrasses are easy to appreciate if youve had the opportunity of seeing these fishes in the wild. Very small juveniles (an inch or two in length), stay well-hidden near the bottom day and night, darting in/out and amongst stony corals, avoiding predation. Initial phase (females) intermediates to terminal phase individuals are constantly zooming over coral-rich areas, including sand patches, seeking out small live food organisms. In summation, these fishes need large, open water spaces to be happy. The pivotal question becomes how large is large? At least a five foot long, hundred gallon system with little rock work along the long axis for swimming is required. The bigger the tank is the better.
Substrate choice is important as well, both for feeding behavior (these fishes dont burrow beneath the sand to sleep or avoid predation). Having at least a designated area, if not the whole aquarium bottom, supplied with soft/er (rounded) coral sand provides. A two inch depth is a bare minimum here, with some spots built up to inches more being better if youre shooting for DSB (Deep Sand Bed) benefits. Some rock, live or otherwise should be stacked to provide hiding and sleeping areas.
A reminder regarding this fishs propensity for launching itself out the top of tanks! Do keep your top sufficiently covered to discount jumping.
Feeding Gomphosus spp. is easy; meaty items mostly and foods composed of algal material of all sorts are accepted with gusto. For the former, frozen/defrosted foods are best, additional to a staple of a good pelleted feed. Good-sized shrimps of all kinds, silversides, and general human-seafoods, as in those offered as sea food chowder makings, are excellent. More frequent, smaller lights-on feedings are preferable, and help to discount much aberrant behavior. Three-four times a day is not too frequent to proffer foods.
You are advised to keep an especially close-eye on these fishes during feeding, to assure that they are out and about, getting their share. Of causes of loss, avitaminoses (lack of essential nutrient/s) is a primary, with hiding behavior, loss of vision likely being directly related.
Diseases amongst Bird Wrasses are a rarity; they have robust natures that express themselves in their being about last to contract or succumb to infectious or parasitic diseases. Just the same, I encourage you to avoid treating these fishes if simple environmental manipulation or dips/baths will do. Should you find a resistant Protozoan situation at hand, avoid metals (e.g. Copper) and dyes (e.g. Malachite Green) and opt for the use of Quinine/s. I have found that Chloroquine Phosphate, applied in one dose, usually treats for all such problems.
One other common complaint with the genus is blindness. The verdict is still out as to how much of this might be environmental, i.e. bright light but the punctuated (weekly lets say) use of food supplements that include HUFAs and Vitamins, along with the use of iodide/iodate, added either to the water or as a food soak, has proven efficacious in preventing, and at times reversing apparent loss of vision.
We should mention in passing that terminal phase/male Bird Wrasses develop a fatty (adipose) growth on the upper areas of their beaks with growth/age. This is a natural development (Ive seen it many times underwater in the wild), but some folks have become so concerned as to do elective surgery, cutting away this growth. I would not do this, as the accumulated material does not appear to cause troubles for these older fish. If I may speculate, perhaps the bulbous-ness of male snouts serves as a sort of visual aggression diminisher, reducing battles between would-be adult males.
These fishes are sex-change artists. Like all members of their family, the Labridae, these wrasses are synchronous (vs. simultaneous), protogynic (first female, vs. protandric, like the Clownfishes for instance), hermaphrodites, possessing at developmental stages, functional female, then later, male reproductive tissues. All individuals start out sexually undifferentiated juveniles. If theyre fortunate to not be eaten, these grow into initial phase females and with time, growth, these go through an intermediate stage becoming terminal phase males.
As far as Im aware, neither species of Bird Wrasse has been reproduced (bred and raised) in captivity, though spawning behavior, males and females dancing with unpaired fins erect, quickly dashing to the surface, perhaps releasing gametes, has been observed. Collection of embryos, removal of mechanical filtration, and provision of adequate foods (likely cultured) could see these species captive-produced.
Should you find yourself with a large system that really needs both colour and movement in stocking, do consider the bird wrasses. They have much going for them, being both beautiful and hardy. The only caveats to keep in mind are that they will hunt and consume small fishes and motile invertebrates.
Bibliography/Further Reading:
Baensch, Hans & Helmut Debelius. 1994. Marine Atlas, v.1. MERGUS, Germany. 1215pp.
Debelius, Helmut. 1993. Indian Ocean Tropical Fish Guide. IKAN, Frankfurt. 321pp.
Debelius, Helmut. 1998. Red Sea Reef Guide. IKAN, Frankfurt, Germany. 321pp.
Randall, John E. 1983. Red Sea Reef Fishes. Immel Publishing, London. 192pp.
Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu. 507pp.
Randall, John E. 1996 Shore Fishes of Hawaii. Natural World Press, OR. 216pp.
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Dog thwarts attempted robbery in Glen Burnie
Police: Victim, 61, walking dog when pair tried to rob him
Anne Arundel County police said a dog thwarted an attempted robber in Glen Burnie.
Officers were called to Gilbert Place and Morningside Drive for an attempted armed robbery call around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday.
A 61-year-old man told police he was walking his dog when two people approached him. One assailant displayed a knife and demanded his wallet. The second assailant was on a BMX-style bike.
The victim's dog then lunged at the pair and both assailants fled toward the Baltimore Annapolis Trail, police said. Officers canvassed the area, but were unable to find them.
The victim was uninjured during the incident and no property was taken.
Police described the first assailant as a Hispanic male, in his late teens, 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short hair, wearing a dark "Yankees" top and dark pants. The second assailant was described as a Hispanic male, in his late teens, 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short hair and dark clothing, riding a possible BMX-style bike.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Northern District Detective Unit at 410-222-6135.


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CBD Infused- Hemp, Chia, Quinoa & Banana Protein Granola Bars
These delicious Wee bars are packed with banana, dried fruit & nuts, quinoa, oats, hemp & chia seeds, and also CBD. A great Wee breakfast for those on the go or a tasty Wee snack to help you fuel up quickly! Better yet, they're also gluten free :)


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Advanced Elements of Benicia, California recently introduced one of two new kayaks for the 2020 product year. The AE3027 StraitEdge2 Pro is a redesign and upgrade to the long-standing, AE1014 Advanced Elements Straitedge2 inflatable kayak for one or two paddlers.
The new AE3027 Straitedge2 Pro features the identical kayak materials and construction as the earlier AE1014, but with upgraded accessories and features. The Straitedge2 Pro now comes with a 4-6 PSI drop stitch floor, rather than the standard 1 PSI PVC floor. The increased floor rigidity enhances the paddling experience with better tracking and glide.
The Straitedge2 Pro arrived this past month so we took the opportunity – during a brief break in the heat spell – to put it through its paces. Here are details on the Advanced Elements Straitedge2 Pro AE3027, a 13 foot inflatable kayak for one or two paddlers weighing in at roughly 42 lbs.
Getting Started with the Straitedge2 Pro
The box as received weighs 59 lbs, measuring 39 x 21 x 13 inches.
A rugged, oversized, backpack-style carrying case (4.5 lbs) houses the kayak body with integrated floor (34 lbs), high-backed lumbar seats (2.5 lbs each), 2 sets of foot pegs, 2 rod holders, repair kit, fin and instructions. The kayak in the backpack with seats and parts weighs in at 45 lbs total.
Straitedge2 Pro Setup/Inflatation
We began by reading the manual, which gives excellent explanations on inflation, seating, peg installation. And here we come to AirKayak's Tip #1: No matter how excited you are, take a good look at how the kayak is folded before you set the kayak up, so that you can get it back into the carrying case.
First step, unpack and unfold the kayak. (Please note: We will repeat some of the details previously mentioned in other writeups.)
Inside the bag are four identical plastic pegs, each with a foot pad, a lever and a number of holes – these are the foot pegs. By pressing on the lever, the foot pad can be moved forward and backward, locking into one of the openings.
Open the kayak body fully and you will see a series of 6 cloth pockets and tubes on each inner side – these are for the three seating positions. The first and third set are for tandem paddling while the second (middle) set is for solo paddling.
Point the peg with foot pad facing the paddler, and lever facing the bow. Insert the paddler-side end into the first loop, pushing back enough to then push the bow-end of the peg into the pocket. As these are tight, it is easiest to position it in the opening and then push on the foot pad to get it to slide all the way in.
Continue with the opposite


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This is a Brazil for Rhino tutorial, but it's got a great conceptual breakdown of the process Brazillian, Paul Sherstobitoff uses to create a really nice looking procedural marble: [here]
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Making Grass with Displacements in Brazil r/s
...What options do we currently have?
For those who are doing ArchViz in Brazil 2, this is a common question. I have seen some nice work using displaced grasses in other renders, so I decided to spend some time exploring different techniques for getting similar results using the currently available versions of Brazil.
Within Brazil r/s, there are two different ways to make displaced grass:
- First approach: Use B2 primitives (sphere & plane), which have good looking, reliable displacements built-in.
Benefits: fast, no errors, nicely looking
Drawbacks: only works on sphere and plane geometry
- Second Approach: Use B2 displacement modifier and apply it to any arbitrary geometry.
Benefits: arbitrary surfaces, more control
Drawbacks: Beta feature, thus not finished and prone to bugs when combined with various other features.
My displacement settings
Currently I build 2 basic types of grass via B2 displacement.
- English lawn
Settings are pretty simple :) I have used my material from the SF Material library - Grass V1. Apply to an object of your choice. Using the mapping modifier, scale the map to see all the small noise of the displacement map. Add the B2 displacement modifier: Analytic, ammout to match your scene dimensions, displacement map instanced from Grass V1 diffusion slot (this helps me to see map size in viewport) , 1.0 max error. Scene file linked here with materials and textures.test_scene.zip
(VIZ2008/ Brazil V2 pro beta build 1619)
In the screen-shot below, you can see my settings and the rendered frame.
Render-time: 17 minutes (1-core) isn't great but at least it works:) I have a lot of "hungry" (processor intensive) settings still switched on. Take this scene, tweak the settings, and see what you can do to speed things up and make some observations on how things work together.Tip: This is a "beta" feature, so use it carefully, and avoid of rendering with auto-occlusion or retrace on.
- Wild grass
This grass is created with the same procedure as the English lawn. The only real difference is in the mapping. I use different sizes of mapping over the whole surface. The variation in the mapping is shown in the picture bellow. In addition to varying the size, I also add a some slight noise to the texture.
- Recent Results:
The lawn in this scene is a combination of both the above mentioned techniques (1. and 2.). The grass was rendered as a separate pass and composited together into the final frame. I have used min/max sample settings of 0/1, which made the grass to look coarser and more realistic (also, this drops the render times considerably).
Other approaches and examples
Here's some other techniques that you might find handy...
- Hair and fur
Benefits: built-in MAX feature, render effect, animatable
Drawbacks: difficult to setup it
- ornatrix and hairFX
Benefits: lot of profi tools, nice results, animatable
Drawbacks: commercial plug-in
- scatter - geometry
Benefits: looks realistic, built-in standard MAX feature (scatter)
Drawbacks: generates huge amounts of geometry
- scatter - opacity mapped
Benefits: looks realistic, built-in standard MAX feature (scatter)
Drawbacks: generates huge amounts of geometry
- grass-o-matic
Benefits: easy to setup, nice results, great for foreground
Drawbacks: lots of geometry
- Pflow grass
Benefits: N/A
Drawbacks: N/A
- GrowFX
Benefits: N/A
Drawbacks: N/A
- 2D composite grass
Benefits: realistic look
Drawbacks: 2D technique, stills only
- Your tips?
I will check for your comments -- If you find something better or any improvements, please let me know and I will add it here. I hope this short tutorial proves beneficial and I'm looking forward to seeing your works and advice :)
contributed by Pavel Romsy
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Aren't computers cool?
Here's an image rendered by David Rutten in Brazil for Rhino:
"A little trick, the geometry looks fine in reflection and casts proper shadows. Only Primary Camera rays have been fooled."Too cool not to share.
Next: building grass with B2 displacements
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Brazil "Rio" video tutorial
Here's a new video tutorial posted by fellow blogsite: Mental 'Bout Max. It's only covering reflection in the B2 Advanced Material, but it has a nice conceptual overview of that strange "Kr" in there :)
Posted by Captain Video! at 1:45 PM
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Outgoing President Paul Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and read the June 2012 Treasurer's Report, which was submitted for audit. The minutes of the May meeting were approved without amendment. There were three speakers:
Timothy Thomas, ANC 5A-08
Commissioner Tim Thomas invited Michigan Park residents to the monthly meeting of ANC 5A, scheduled for June 27th at the HSC Pediatric Center on Bunker Hill Road NE. Guest speakers to include: Councilmember Michael Brown, and Mr. Wilson, a DCPS representative, who will discuss the renovation of Bunker Hill School, which is scheduled to commence on June 16th with completion by mid-August.
The Phase 1 renovation of Bunker Hill School will include: new furniture; new and upgraded electrical; exterior doors; and central AC in specific sections of the building. Improvements scheduled for Phase 2 will include a new parking lot and playground; HVAC; and a new cafeteria.
Ralph Bucksell noted that he had spoken with the principal about the traffic congestion that occurs during drop-off/pick-up, including a recommendation that the buses be relocated to Taylor Street as a means of reducing congestion on 14th Street NE. Commissioner Thomas responded that there has been discussion about converting 14th Street NE into one-way in the morning and afternoon. He recognized the challenges of neighborhood parking. He also noted that the contracts for both the Principal and the Assistant Principal were not renewed by DCPS.
Mark Jones, Ward 5 School Board Representative
Mr. Jones reiterated that staffing at Bunker Hill School will be changing, and confirmed that the contracts for the Principal and Assistant Principal as well as several teachers were not renewed. He noted that the LSRT and Bunker Hill School PTA would be working with the DCPS Chancellor to identify a new Principal for this coming school year. In response to a question about why their contracts were not renewed, Mr. Jones responded that it was due to performance.
When the Bunker Hill School was combined with Brookland Elementary School in 2008, test scores declined. Mr. Jones attributed the declines to the "loss of the best parents" as well as the increase in out-of-boundary students. The scheduled return of Brookland students—which was scheduled to coincide with renovation/ redevelopment of that campus—has obviously not occurred.
In response to a question about the long-term plan for Bunker Hill School—which was designated historic this year by the District—Mr. Jones discussed the middle school initiative planned by DCPS for Ward 5. This initiative includes three middle schools: in a renovated Annex to McKinley Tech; one to be located at the Brown Education Campus on Maryland Avenue and 21st St. NE; and the third to be located in a new building to replace the Brookland Elementary School on Michigan Avenue.
Mr. Jones believes that competition within DCPS is healthy, and he supports the charter schools citywide. He noted, however, that DCPS needs to "level the playing field" by supporting renovated and new DCPS facilities citywide.
Mr. Jones also noted that the School Board will be voting to change graduation requirements, including the addition of a senior thesis; raising the drop-out age from 16 to 19; and, identifying minimum grade-point averages for student athletes.
Ms. Green, a representative of At-Large Councilmember Orange's office, noted that the Councilmember has introduced legislation to provide an income-tax exemption for DCPS teachers who are residents of DC. The legislation has been assigned to the Finance Committee for review.
Ralph Bucksell raised the issue of ongoing problems associated with students of the Luke Seymour Academy located on Monroe Street NE in Brookland. Some discussion ensued about that facility, its students and staff turnover.
When asked how MPCA might assist, Mr. Jones requested that MPCA draft a letter to DCPS to address the deteriorating conditions and functional/physical obsolescence of the Brookland Elementary School campus. Mr. Jones stated that he would find out if the letter is to be addressed to DCPS or Real Estate Services. The letter will be prepared by the new officers of MPCA.
Josh Burch/Michigan Park Resident & DC Statehood Committee Rep
Mr. Burch, a resident of 13th Street NE in Michigan Park, is active in the DC Statehood Committee. He discussed the group's ongoing activities, and noted that the committee and the Brookland Civic Association are sponsoring a community picnic, with children's activities, on June 23rd.
The group is researching the overall fiscal impacts associated with the District becoming the 51st state. It is not fully known whether the District can afford to become a state, as the latest study was prepared by Alice Rivlin, an economist with the Brookings Institution, in 2007. She has given numerous testimony on the potential fiscal impacts, including the financial advantages created by the imposition of a commuter tax (which is prohibited by Congress), which was estimated to generate $2.26 billion per year (2007 $s).
One of the drawbacks to statehood was the 1997 decision by Congress that returned control of the city's courts and prison systems as well as 70% of Medicaid payments to the Federal government. If DC were to become a state, this would result in the District absorbing those systems and concomitant costs—at an estimated cost of $1 billion per year. Moreover, it is not know whether Congress would keep—or return—control of several other programs, such as the city's Tuition Assistance Program that allows DC students to attend state colleges anywhere in the U.S. at in-state tuition rates.
Mr. Burch shared his group's ongoing efforts, which includes outreach to churches and faith-based community groups as well as lobbying before Congress. To-date, the group has spoken with staff in 30 Congressional offices.
Mr. Burch shared the analysis prepared by Mr. Natwar Ghandi, the District's CFO, who has stated that revenues generated by a commuter tax of $2.26 billion per year would allow the District to lower its overall income tax rates, therefore generating additional population growth and net new revenues in the form of income and sales taxes from those new residents.
The DC Statehood Committee's proposed Statehood Bill creates a "National Capital Service Area" that would encompass the Federal core/enclave around the National Mall, White House and monuments. The remainder of the city would become the State of New Columbia.
Additional information can be obtained from the group's website: www.the51st.org
Other Business
General discussion ensued about the goals/objectives and projects for MPCA over the next year, including the formation of committees organized around specific projects. Project ideas include: continued park improvements; tree planting; park naming rights; and transportation-related, to include traffic calming/speed controls and infrastructure (new sidewalks, etc.).
The status of construction of MPCA's website was also discussed, including finding another source to assist the Association in creating a website.
Based on recommendations of the Nominations Committee, MPCA's new officers for the coming year include:
W. Thomas (Tom) Lavash, President
Ralph Bucksell, 1st Vice-President
Roxanne Carter, 2nd Vice-President
Beulah Sutherland, Treasurer
James Watkins, Herald
Don Looney, Financial Secretary
The post of Secretary has not yet been filled.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm. The next scheduled monthly meeting of the Michigan Park Citizens Association will take place on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at 7:15 pm, at Bunker Hill School.


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