Mauritius lowland forest day gecko

The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko ("Phelsuma guimbeaui" ), also known commonly as the orange-spotted day gecko, is a diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to the western coast of Mauritius and typically inhabits large trees. The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Etymology.
The specific name, "guimbeaui", is in honor of the collector of the holotype, "Mr. Bernard Guimbeau".
Description.
"P. guimbeaui" belongs to the mid-sized genus "Phelsuma". Males can reach a total length (including tail) of about . Females are only . The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko has a short, compact body form. The dorsal body colour is a brilliant green with a diffuse blue area on the neck region. There are irregular shaped orange-red bars and spots on the back and tail, the tip of which may be blue. The ventral side is whitish-yellow. One or two brown v-shaped bars are present on the chin. Juveniles are greyish-brown with little white spots, and start changing colour after six months. After 12–15 months, they have the adult appearance.
Geographic range.
"P. guimbeaui" inhabits the western side of Mauritius. It occurs at low and mid elevation. Populations can be found at the villages of Chamarel, Yemen, Tamarin and Grande Rivière Noire. "P. guimbeaui" is also established on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.
Habitat.
The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko prefers large trees such as palms and acacia species. "P. guimbeaui" is only rarely seen near human dwellings. It lives in the drier and warmer part of Mauritius. Much of the lowland forest of Mauritius, which is the original habitat of "P. guimbeaui", has been cleared to make way for sugar cane plantations. "P. guimbeaui" sometimes shares its habitat with "P. cepediana" and "P. ornata".
Diet.
The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. It also likes to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Behaviour.
The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko is rather shy because it is heavily predated by different bird species.
Reproduction.
In "P. guimbeaui" the pairing season is between March and the first weeks of September. During this period, the females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. The young will hatch after approximately 60–90 days. The juveniles measure . The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko is an egg gluer and often a colony nester. It often lays its eggs in tree holes. Juveniles reach pubescence after 18–20 months.
Threats.
This species, "P. guimbeaui", has not been evaluated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, its habitat is small and fragmented, and 12 of 19 endemic reptile species from mainland Mauritius are extinct. It is traded commercially as a terrarium pet and this may be a threat; little is known about trade in "Phelsuma" species. "Phelsuma" are all CITES Appendix II listed.
Care and maintenance in captivity.
"P. guimbeaui" should be housed in pairs in a large, well planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be between 29 and 32 °C (84 and 90 °F). During the night, the temperature should drop to approximately 20 °C (68 °F). The humidity should be maintained between 60 and 70%. In captivity, "P. guimbeaui" can be fed with crickets, commercial fructivorous gecko diets, wax moths, fruits flies, mealworms, and houseflies.


Dunlop cheese

Dunlop is a mild cheese or 'sweet-milk cheese' from Dunlop, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It resembles a soft Cheddar cheese in texture. Though it fell out of popularity some time after the end of the Second World War, it is now appreciated for its value in various recipes and for eating on its own or with a dram of whisky.
A strong link exists with Robert Burns as related by his family's friend Jessie Lewars who related that "When he chanced to come home and find no dinner ready, he was never in the least irritated, but would address himself with the greatest cheerfulness to any makeshift set before him. They generally had abundance of good Dunlop cheese, sent them by their Ayrshire friends. The poet would sit down to bread and cheese, with his book by his side and seem to the casual visitor as happy as a courtier at the feast of Kings."
Background.
In the early 18th century Barbara Gilmour successfully manufactured a type of cheese till then unknown in Scotland, being made from unskimmed milk from Ayrshire cows. Her process was copied by her neighbours and 'Dunlop cheese' came into such demand, that whether made by Barbara, her neighbours, or by the housewives of adjoining parishes, it found a ready market. It is suggested that the spread of the cheese to other districts was largely through farmers who had settled there from Dunlop parish. Even William Cobbett himself pronounced it 'equal in quality to any cheese from Cheshire, Gloucestershire, or Wiltshire.
Gilmour was something of an evangelist in the matter of making sweet milk (unskimmed milk) cheese, and being a forthright and energetic character she traveled widely to teach the making of her Dunlop cheese, and so stimulated a nationwide demand. This demand stimulated merchants to visit Cunninghame, buy Dunlop cheese and sell it throughout the central lowlands of Scotland. Local cheese merchants from Kirktoun also bought up the cheese and took them to Glasgow for sale in the markets.
The new system for making cheese was widely copied and extended rapidly to many parts of Scotland by the end of the 18th century, even where traditionally sheep's milk cheese had been made. Nothing but skimmed milk having been used in the process of cheese making in this district, previously, all the cheese similarly made in the western counties received the appellation of "Dunlop" and in 1837 the "Ayrshire Statistical Account" records that 25,000 stones imperial were made in this parish annually.
The characteristics of Dunlop cheese are that it is a mild, sweet, buttery-tasting cheese with a semi-soft texture when young but maturing to a fudgey or hard texture after a few months. Dunlop cheese is soft and tasteless when turned out of the chesset or mould. It requires from six to twelve months to mature, and to acquire the light, elegant, charming flavour and fragrance peculiar to the Dunlop, it must be kept in a thoroughly dry place and be frequently turned upside-down, as it undergoes a slight fermentation which heaves it a little on the top. One drawback of Dunlop cheese is that its nearest direct competitor, New Cheddar cheese, being dry and hard, retains its weight while kept in stock, and it is also in the condition at an earlier date to be exhibited in cuts.
Salt from the saltpans at Saltcoats was often used in the manufacture of Dunlop cheese. The salt contained magnesia and Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) which gave the cheese a pleasant and distinctive taste; indeed it was debated whether cheese made using cheaper imported mined salt could be called 'Dunlop' cheese.
Historically, poor transport had encouraged the making of butter and cheese from fresh milk due to its highly perishable nature; when the railways came in the 19th century, however, farmers were able to transport and sell their milk further afield, and much less was available for making cheese. Paterson records in 1866 that Dunlop cheese has to some extent been superseded by the Cheddar system of cheese-making.
The high value which was set on the Barbara Gilmour cheese for the purpose of roasting was very much confined to Ayrshire, where a farl of oat cake or supple scone spread with roasted cheese, and a bowl of milk, or whey, or tea, or cold water, made a highly relished and substantial meal, precluding in many families the use of bacon for breakfast. With the vast population of England cheese was only eaten 'raw' with loaf bread, usually spread with mustard, and accompanied with the inevitable pot of beer. For this purpose the dry Cheddar and dry and salt American cheese were the favourites. The very dryness and saltness heighten thirst, and therefore the relish of the beer.
Current production.
The local production of Dunlop cheese ceased in around 1940, and has only been sporadic since the Second World War, however Dunlop and other cheeses are as of 2007 made at West Clerkland Farm just outside Stewarton on the Dunlop Road, and are also produced on Arran, Islay and elsewhere.
The Dunlop Cheese factory was sited near Dunlop railway station in what is now a housing estate, the memory of Dunlop cheese production being kept alive by the name 'Creamery Row'.


Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd () is a large breed of livestock guardian dog that originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania.
Description.
Appearance.
The male Mioritic stands about tall at the withers with the female slightly smaller at . This massive dog is covered in thick fluffy hair. It may be white, with or without pale grey or cream patches, or pale grey or cream all over. The dog should have a "vigorous" appearance. Sexual dimorphism is evident in this breed, with males being significantly larger than females.
Temperament.
This breed has discipline as one of its main characteristics. It is a calm and well-mannered dog. As this dog was used as a herd protector, it is very attached to family and goes all the way when protecting those it is attached to. Because of this dog's ability to bond strongly with his master, training should only be started once the Mioritic puppy is already accustomed to the owner/trainer.
History.
The breed was provisionally recognized by the FCI on July, 6th, 2005 in Buenos Aires. Nowadays it has reached the state of definite recognition.
Its name comes from the Romanian word "mioară", which means "young sheep".
Health.
The breed has a life expectancy of about 12–14 years.


Mantaur

Mike Halac (born May 14, 1968) is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation in the mid-1990s under the ring name Mantaur, and later worked there as Tank.
Professional wrestling career.
Catch Wrestling Association (1991–1994).
In 1991, under the ring name Bruiser Mastino, Halac traveled to Germany to work for the Catch Wrestling Association. He debuted on November 11, in a losing effort against Rambo for the World Heavyweight Championship. He remained with the promotion until late 1994, when he returned to the United States to perform for the World Wrestling Federation.
World Wrestling Federation (1994–1995).
Halac wrestled his first two matches as Bruiser Mastino defeating Nikolai Volkoff on August 25 and 26, 1994, at house shows. A few months later on the January 7, 1995 episode of "Superstars of Wrestling" (taped on December 10, 1994), Halac debuted in the World Wrestling Federation as Mantaur, defeating Walter Slow. The Mantaur character was that of a Minotaur who charged, trampled and mooed at opponents. Soon after debuting, he acquired Jim Cornette as his manager. Mantaur then began a small winning streak, defeating a series of jobbers. He came close to beating then-Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon, but lost the match by disqualification due to interference by Jeff Jarrett, who was involved in a feud with Ramon at that time. Mantaur made his first and only pay-per-view appearance at the 1995 Royal Rumble, where he competed in the Royal Rumble match and lasted nine minutes before being eliminated by Lex Luger.
Mantaur was defeated by World Champion Bret "The Hitman" Hart during a taping of Wrestling Challenge in Moline, IL on April 26, 1995. Mantaur entered the 1995 King of the Ring tournament but was pinned by Bob "Spark Plug" Holly in a qualifying match. In his final televised WWF match, he lost to Bam Bam Bigelow as part of a push to enhance the popularity of Bigelow as a babyface. Halac made his last WWF appearance as a lumberjack in a lumberjack match between Sycho Sid and Diesel at .
Extreme Championship Wrestling and return to CWA (1995–1996).
After leaving the WWF, Halac returned to his Bruiser Mastino ring name and joined Extreme Championship Wrestling. He debuted there on December 1, 1995, with a victory over The Dark Ninja. Eight days later, he lost to Hack Meyers at December to Dismember. A few weeks after that, he lost to 911. At Holiday Hell, Mastino defeated El Puerto Ricano in his final match for the promotion, in which he was jeered with "Mantaur" chants from the always-vocal ECW audience. Halac then briefly returned to the Catch Wrestling Association as Terminator Mastino.
Return to WWF (1996).
In April 1996, Halac returned to the WWF playing the role of Goldust's unnamed bodyguard. He appeared with Goldust at in his corner for his match against the Ultimate Warrior. After Goldust lost, the bodyguard attacked Warrior but was overpowered and body slammed.
United States Wrestling Association and second return to WWF (1997).
Halac then worked in the United States Wrestling Association as Tank, a member of The Truth Commission where he wore a mask. He won the Unified World Heavyweight Championship, his first and only wrestling title, on March 15, 1997, after defeating then-champion Jerry Lawler. He lost the belt back to Lawler in a rematch seven days later. Later that spring, Tank was involved in a controversy surrounding the World Tag Team Championship. While The Interrogator and Recon (Tank's teammates in The Truth Commission) held the title, Tank substituted for The Interrogator in one match and his team lost the title to Nick Dinsmore and Flash Flanagan. The title change was declared invalid, however, as Tank was not one of the official holders of the World Tag Team Title. He returned to the WWF in June 1997 with the Truth Commission as he fought as Tank. He was on two "Shotgun Saturday Night" episodes for 6 tag matches until his release later that summer.
World Championship Wrestling (1997).
Halac wrestled a dark match for World Championship Wrestling's "Monday Nitro", defeating Damián 666 on September 22, 1997, in his only appearance for the company.
Second return to CWA and the independent circuit (1998–present).
Halac returned to the CWA in September 1998, again as Bruiser Mastino.He wrestled three matches for NWA Germany later that year, winning the first against Franz Schumann on September 22, losing the second to Ulf Herman September 23, and losing the third to Shumann on December 2. He also competed in the European Wrestling Promotion (EWP), defeating Christian Eckstein on November 25. Halac returned to the EWP on May 18, 2001, winning a triple threat match against Eric Schwarz and Martin Nolte. The next day, he defeated Big Tiger Steele. Halac returned to wrestling on June 3, 2005, in Germany for one night only for Riotgas Wrestling Alliance. He won a battle royal and later that night fought his cousin Cannonball Grizzly for the RWA International title which Grizzly won.
In June 2009, Halac along with his cousin PN News promoted an independent tour entitled "Beach Brawl 09" with two shows at Fun Plex in Omaha, Nebraska and concluding in Hartington, Nebraska. The tour included Alex Shelley, Homicide, Matt Morgan, Lenny Lane and Chad Collyer. On the first show of the tour, Halac (as Brusier Mastino) teamed with News (as Cannonball Grizzly) as Big O Incorporated in a winning effort against Matt Morgan & Homicide. He lost to Tito Santana at Pro Wrestling Syndicate in Metuchen, New Jersey on December 7, 2012. In May 2015, as "The Turkish Terror" Madd Mustafa, he won the American Heritage Wrestling Heavyweight Championship at their inaugural event in Adel, Iowa. In September 2016, Halac returned to Germany for European Wrestling Promotion where he teamed with Thunder against PN News and Christian Eckstein in a no contest. On November 28, 2018, Mantaur was an inaugural inductee into the Omaha Pro Wrestling Hall Of Fame at the PWP Live "Wrestlerama" event at The Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha. Most recently on April 6, 2019 he wrestled as Mantaur at GCW's Joey Janela's Spring Break 3 Part 2 in a Clusterfuck Battle Royal which lead to a no contest in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Personal life.
In July 2016, Halac was named part of a class action lawsuit filed against WWE which alleged that wrestlers incurred traumatic brain injuries during their tenure and that the company concealed the risks of injury. The suit was litigated by attorney Konstantine Kyros, who has been involved in a number of other lawsuits against WWE. The case was dismissed by US District Judge Vanessa Lynne Bryant in September 2018.
Halac has type 2 diabetes.


Catalina Island bison herd

The Catalina Island bison herd is a herd of American bison on Catalina Island off the coast of southern California. The bison are popular with the tourists and buildings have painted images of bison and bison weather vanes. Over the decades, the bison herd grew to as many as 600. The population currently numbers approximately 150. Biologists found that the bison are not genuinely wild, thus also not purebred; their ancestry includes genes from the cattle, as well as smaller size, different length of legs, jaw length overbite, low fertility, and behavioral problems (such as punctuated walking in tight circles).
The bison herd is maintained and monitored by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Controlling the bison population is important for the island's ecological health. In the past, bison were routinely removed and sent to the mainland to auction. In 2004, the Conservancy partnered with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Tongva (thought to be Catalina's original inhabitants some 7,000 years ago), and the Lakota tribe on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. A hundred bison were relocated to the Great Plains. The Conservancy initiated a scientific study that determined that a herd of between 150 and 200 would be good for the bison, and ecologically sound for the island. Beginning in 2009, the herd was given animal birth control to maintain the population at around 150 animals.
Registered as privately-owned agricultural livestock in a fenced-restricted area, they were imported to in 1924 for the silent film version of Zane Grey's Western tale, "The Vanishing American". However, the 1925 version of "The Vanishing American" does not contain any bison and shows no terrain that resembles Catalina, according to Jim Watson, columnist for "The Catalina Islander" newspaper. According to Watson, an October 6, 1938 article in "The Catalina Islander" attributes the bison arrival to the filming of "The Thundering Herd," a silent film released in 1925.
On Wednesday, August 26, 2015, a contract worker from American Conservation Experience was injured by a bison while working near Tower Peak on Catalina Island.
On Saturday, February 17, 2018, a man camping at the Little Harbor Campground was gored by a bison.
With the herd numbering around 100 animals in 2020 and no new bison births in several years, Catalina Island Conservancy made the decision to introduce two pregnant female bison by the end of the year. The new additions will enhance the genetics of the current bison population on the Island.


Red-lored amazon

The red-lored amazon or red-lored parrot ("Amazona autumnalis") is a species of amazon parrot, native to tropical regions of the Americas, from eastern Mexico south to Ecuador where it occurs in humid evergreen to semi-deciduous forests up to 1,100 m altitude. It is absent from the Pacific side of Central America north of Costa Rica. Not originally known from El Salvador, a pair - perhaps escaped from captivity - nested successfully in 1995 and 1996 in the outskirts of San Salvador and the species might expand its range permanently into that country in the future. This species has also established feral populations in several California cities.
Description.
The red-lored amazon is 32–35 cm (13 in) in length, with a weight of 310–480 g. The plumage is primarily green, with a red forehead and, in some subspecies, yellow cheeks (sometimes with red spots). The crown is blue. Adult males and females do not differ in plumage. Juveniles have less yellow on the cheeks, less red on the forehead, and dark irises.
Taxonomy.
There are three subspecies:
Behavior.
Food and feeding.
Their food includes fruits, nuts and seeds. Like all parrots, red-lored amazons need a varied diet consisting of high quality pellets, a quality seed mix, and daily servings of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables.
Breeding.
The red-lored amazon nests in tree cavities. The eggs are white and there are usually three or four in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for about 26 days and the chicks leave the nest about 60 days after hatching.
Status.
In some areas, notably parts of Mexico and Venezuela, the red-lored amazon has become rare through trapping for the cagebird trade. On the other hand, it seems to be able to adapt to human-altered habitat to a considerable degree.
Aviculture.
Red-lored amazons are fairly common pet parrots in the Americas. They can be devoted pets and some make fairly good talkers. Like most amazon parrots they often have a tendency to vocalize loudly, and sometimes to bite. Their behavior ranges from being quiet and curious to being aggressive, this can all be changed by basic training when the bird is of a young age. Red-lored amazons can grow up to 13 inches in length. While they largely feast on seeds, fruits and nuts, avocados and eggplants are poisonous to them and can kill them. Their average life span is up to 80 years.


Moe Bandy

Marion Franklin "Moe" Bandy Jr. (born February 12, 1944) is an American country music singer. He was most popular during the 1970s, when he had several hit songs, both alone and with his singing partner, Joe Stampley.
Early life and recordings.
Marion Bandy was born in Meridian, Mississippi, United States, also the hometown of the country singer Jimmie Rodgers. He later stated: "My grandfather worked on the railroads with Jimmie Rodgers. He was the boss of the railway yard in Meridian and Jimmie Rodgers worked for him. He said that he played his guitar all the time between work."
He was nicknamed Moe by his father when he was a child. The Bandy family moved to San Antonio, Texas, when Moe was six. His mother played piano and sang. Bandy was taught to play the guitar by his father who had a country band called the Mission City Playboys, but made little use of the ability until he was in his teens. His father's wish that Moe also play the fiddle never materialized.
He made some appearances with the Mission City Playboys but during his high school years he showed little interest in music and a great deal of interest in rodeos. He tried bronco-busting and bull riding and by the time he was 16, both he and his brother Mike were competing in rodeos all over Texas.
Career success.
In 1962, he began to pursue a career in country music. He assembled a band that he called Moe and the Mavericks and found work playing small beer joints, honky-tonks, and clubs over a wide area around San Antonio. When he was young he tried to sound like Hank Williams and George Jones – "I even had my hair cut short like his."
During the day he worked for his father as a sheet metal worker, a job that lasted for 12 years, during which time he made a few recordings for various small labels. In 1964, his first single, "Lonely Girl", made little impression. In 1973, he went solo when record producer Ray Baker, who had listened to his demos, suggested that he come to Nashville, Tennessee. Bandy's song "I Just Started Hatin' Cheatin' Songs Today" was initially released on Footprint Records but it came to the attention of the GRC record label. In March 1974, it entered the US country chart, eventually peaking at number 17. Other minor hits followed, including "It Was Always So Easy To Find An Unhappy Woman (Till I Started Looking For Mine)" and "Don't Anyone Make Love at Home Anymore".
In 1975, a song written by his friend Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shaffer gave him a number 7 country hit. "Bandy The Rodeo Clown" was to become not only one of his own favorites but also one of his most popular recordings. Bandy found success at Columbia Records with Paul Craft's "Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life" and added further hits, including "Here I Am Drunk Again". From 1977 through 1979, he was a country chart regular with singles such as "I'm Sorry For You, My Friend", "Cowboys Ain't Supposed To Cry", "That's What Makes The Jukebox Play", and a duet with Janie Fricke, "It's A Cheating Situation". In 1979, he achieved his first solo number 1 with "I Cheated Me Right Out of You".
Duets.
That same year, in 1979, Bandy joined forces with Joe Stampley and recorded a tongue in cheek novelty single: "Just Good Ol' Boys". The song went on to top the country chart and it led to a continuation of their partnership. The duo, commonly known as "Moe and Joe", had more novelty hits between 1979 and 1985, including "Holding The Bag", "Tell Ole I Ain't Here", and "Hey Joe (Hey Moe)". In 1984, they ran into copyright problems with their parody of the then-current Boy George/Culture Club phenomenon; "Where's The Dress" used the guitar-riff introduction from Culture Club's hit "Karma Chameleon", which reached No. 1 for 3 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 early that year. "Where's the Dress" peaked inside the Top Ten, at No. 8 on the country charts.
During the 1980s, Bandy maintained a steady line of solo successes, including "Yesterday Once More", "Rodeo Romeo", "She's Not Really Cheatin' (She's Just Gettin' Even)", and "Till I'm Too Old To Die Young". Bandy also registered duet successes with Judy Bailey ("Following The Feeling") and Becky Hobbs ("Let's Get Over Them Together"). Over the years, he maintained a regular touring schedule and appeared on television shows. In later years, he cut back on his touring schedule.
Later life.
Bandy summed up his music when he said, "I really think my songs are about life. There's cheating, drinking and divorcing going on everywhere and that's what hardcore country music is all about." He added: "If I'd done all the things I sing about, I'd be dead."
Bandy opened his popular Americana Theatre in Branson, Missouri, in 1991 and performs frequently there.
Moe, along with his brother, Mike Bandy, a six-time NFR bull-riding qualifier, were inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2007.
Discography.
Singles.
Notes:


The Ferret Chronicles

The Ferret Chronicles is a series of short novels set in a fantasy world mostly similar to the real world except in which intelligent animals live alongside humans. It primarily focuses on ferret characters with only occasional references to humans or other intelligent animal species. The author and illustrator of the series is Richard Bach, and the five novels were originally published by Scribner Publishing. Condensed versions of the novels have since been republished first by Hampton Roads Publishing Company. and more recently by Jaico Publishing House. The first two novels share the same publication date leading to Amazon and GoodReads disagreeing on the numbering of the novels. The books themselves do not explicitly state a sequence.
There are five main novels in the series. There is also an omnibus that collects condensed versions of them all into one volume. As with the author's widely known "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" and "Illusions", "The Ferret Chronicles" works to further illustrate his philosophy as well as build off of his background as a pilot.
The first four novels begin with a ferret prophesy written in Ferret script (also called "ferrune") followed by a short ferret fable written twice: first in Ferret script and second in Latin script with the moral emphasized. There is no explanation provided in any of the books for Ferret script, but it is a simple substitution cipher. The novels also have a small number of illustrations scattered throughout them, and some of these also feature bits of writing in Ferret script.
Setting and Universe.
The setting of "The Ferret Chronicles" is similar to the real world, except many animals are intelligent and have the power to speak. Many cities including (among others) Anchorage, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tokyo. Humans and animals peacefully live parallel lives side by side, generally sharing spaces but having differently scaled buildings and facilities as appropriate. The books focus on the lives of ferret characters and there are not many direct interactions with humans or other animal species.
Ferret society is similar to real-world human society, with its businesses, governments, regulations, and laws. While there are sometimes overlaps between ferret and human societies in these areas, often they instead have their own ferret variations; for example, the giant international company MusTelCo is led by CEO and founder Stilton Ferret and appears in more than one book. While ferret society is no Utopia, it tends to run more smoothly than human society due to the attitudes and behaviors of the ferrets, and the series explores some of these differences in detail.
A small number of ferrets are shown to have some types of psychic powers. Additionally there are occasional supernatural elements. The two with the largest impact in the series are philosopher ferrets and angel ferret fairies.
Philosopher ferrets are more than just philosophers; they are beings with mystical powers, but rely far more on their wisdom. Exceptional ferrets are sometimes suspected of secretly being philosopher ferrets.
Some ferrets after death can become angel ferret fairies. Angel ferret fairies travel around invisibly trying to guide characters toward good choices. They can psychically influence characters with varying degrees of success and can rarely make themselves seen. It is not clear if angel fairies exist for other species or if they are unique to ferrets.
Philosophy.
The ferret characters are all virtuous. Conflict does not arise in any of these books due to characters acting with evil intent; rather conflict comes from sources like forces of nature, clashes of personalities, and misunderstandings between characters. Ferrets live under a rigid code of ethics referred to as the Courtesies quoted throughout the books:
Books.
Rescue Ferrets at Sea.
First released in 2002, this story mostly follows the adventures of Bethany Ferret, captain of a Ferret Rescue Service boat. It is a mix of adventure on the high seas and a reflection of how someone with humble beginnings can achieve her dreams. It establishes that although other types of animals also sail in ships, ferrets are the ones that do most of the rescue work for non-human species. The Ferret Rescue Service is said to operate alongside and in cooperation with human organizations like the Coast Guard.
Ever since she was a tiny kit, Captain Bethany Ferret has always wanted to be in charge of her own rescue boat. Through a mix of determination, luck, hard work, and true friendship she works her way up through the ranks of the Ferret Rescue Service and becomes captain of her own rescue boat "Resolute". Gaining a reputation for her skill and bravery, she gets an unusual assignment: take star reporter Chloe Ferret on board as one of her crew. Although initially concerned about having to bring on someone so inexperienced into such potentially dangerous situations, she does so with some trepidation, and the two eventually grow respect one another and become friends.
Air Ferrets Aloft.
First released in 2002, this story follows the adventures of Stormy Ferret and Captain Strobe Ferret, two made-for-each-other pilots who manage to keep not meeting one another until friendly supernatural forces get involved. It combines realistic descriptions of flying with new romance and aeronautical angels. It establishes side-by-side ferret and human facilities in airports (although both ferrets and humans share the same aircraft arrival and departure queues), and angel ferret fairies play a large role.
Captain Janine "Stormy" Ferret flies airplanes with an almost unequaled passion, but if there is any other ferret in the world who can equal her passion, it is Captain Strobe Ferret. Stormy is the cargo pilot and captain of the AirFerrets SkyFreighter. Strobe is the Chief Pilot for the giant conglomerate MusTelCo. Both hang out in the same areas, know many of the same ferrets, and even do some of the same sorts of volunteer work, but have never actually met one another. Angel ferret fairies get involved to try and shift fate (and the weather) to ensure the two meet, but they are not prepared for just how strong headed and stubborn the two can be.
Writer Ferrets: Chasing the Muse.
First released in 2002, this story explores the marriage between two authors: Budgeron Ferret and Danielle Ferret, at a time when their respective careers are placing a strain on it. It looks at the impact of jealousy on a marriage and considers how to work around it.
Budgeron Ferret is a famous author of inspirational books for kits, but he wants to be taken more seriously. He has spent years working on a novel that he hopes will get others to recognize him as being more than just a kits' writer, but it is a struggle. Somewhat on a lark, his wife Danielle Ferret decides to try her hand at writing, and effortlessly creates a scandalous romance about the naughty Veronique Sibhoan Ferret. Initially her story gets rejected as no publisher wants to gamble on such an un-ferretlike tale, and Budgeron, knowing the pains of rejection, provides her with support and encouragement. Once she does find a publisher her novel quickly becomes more successful than anything Budgeron has ever written, and it becomes difficult for him to process his feelings.
Rancher Ferrets on the Range.
First released in 2003, this story follows the linked but separated lives of star actress Cheyenne Jasmine Ferret and successful rancher Montgomery Ferret, each of whom is locked in their own world in spite of their love for each other. It establishes that ferrets raise a special breed of miniature sheep, and a philosopher ferret plays a role.
Montgomery Ferret and Cheyenne Ferret grew up together on the range. Montgomery loved everything about his environment, and excelled at being a rancher, steadily building up more and more success. Cheyenne wanted the lights of the city, moved away and studied acting, and remade herself as Jasmine Ferret, international star of the screen. Each has achieved their dreams, but in first separation and later a chance encounter they realize how much they truly love one another.
The Last War: Detective Ferrets & the Case of the Golden Deed.
First released in 2003, this story looks at Detective Shamrock Ferret and how she uses her gift of psychometry to investigate the origins of ferret society that have since been lost to history, especially the ubiquitous philosophy that serves to guide all ferrets.
Shamrock Ferret had been sensitive to the hidden natures of things even as a kit, and with her father's support develops it into a full psychic recall ability. She uses this to become a one-of-a-kind detective, and in that role gets embroiled in solving the mystery of ferret civilization. Who or what made ferrets the way they are now? Why are the Courtesies so ubiquitous? What were past ferrets like? She gets more than she could ever expect and witnesses the near-end of civilization during her quest.
Curious Lives: Adventures from the Ferret Chronicles.
This is an omnibus that combines condensed versions of the five novels into one volume. It was originally published under this title by Hampton Roads Publishing Company in 2005 but has since been republished under the title "Curious Lives: Adventures from an Enchanted World" by Jaico Publishing House first in 2007 and in a second printing with different cover art in 2008
Critical Reception.
Books in "The Ferret Chronicles" have received mostly positive reviews with comments like "plenty of restrained realism", "Bach is a masterful writer", "fun", "Pale Fire for preteens and teens", and "Be prepared to spend the next few months in reflection of the lives of these lovely ferrets, which will not only influence you but also alter your process of thinking and living."
Hampton Roads Publishing Company indicates on the back of "Curious Lives" that they chose to republish it in a new form because they themselves were fans of the stories, saying "We're a small publisher. We love this book. Truth must be told."


Sheep milk cheese

Sheep milk cheese is a cheese prepared from sheep milk. Well-known cheeses made from sheep milk include the Feta of Greece, Roquefort of France, Manchego from Spain, the Pecorino Romano and Ricotta of Italy. Yogurts, especially some forms of strained yogurt, may also be made from sheep milk.
Nutrition and production.
Sheep have only two teats, and produce a far smaller volume of milk than cows. However, as sheep's milk contains far more fat, solids, and minerals than cow's milk, it is ideal for the cheese-making process. It also resists contamination during cooling better because of its much higher calcium content. Sheep milk contains 4.8% lactose, more lactose than cow milk, and is therefore not an alternative for people who are lactose intolerant.
Though sheep's milk may be drunk in fresh form, today it is used predominantly in cheese and yogurt making. Well-known cheeses made from sheep milk include the Feta of Bulgaria and Greece, Roquefort of France, Manchego from Spain, the Pecorino Romano (the Italian word for sheep is "pecore") and Ricotta of Italy. Yogurts, especially some forms of strained yogurt, may also be made from sheep milk. Many of these products are now often made with cow's milk, especially when produced outside their country of origin. It takes between 2 weeks to 2–3 months up to two years for the cheeses to fully ripen.
By country.
France.
French sheep milk cheeses include Abbaye de Bellocq, , Berger de Rocastin, Brebicet, Le Claousou, Lévejac, Valdeblore, Roquefort, Ardi-gasna, Agour, Ossau-Iraty, Brocciu, Asco, Brin d'amour,Faisselle, Fleur de Maquis, A filetta, and Niolo.
Cyprus.
Cypriot sheep milk cheeses include Anari and Halloumi.
Greece.
Greek sheep milk cheeses include Feta and Kefalotyri.
Italy.
Italian sheep milk cheeses include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Sardo, Pecorino Siciliano, Pecorino Toscano and Ricotta.
Croatia.
Croatian sheep milk cheeses include Pag cheese and Ovidur.
Poland.
Polish sheep milk cheeses include oscypek and bryndza.
Portugal.
Portuguese sheep milk cheeses include Castelo Branco, Azeitão, Rabaçal, Saloio, Serpa and Serra.
Spain.
In Spain is Roncal, made in the Roncal Valley, and is protected by the Protected designation of origin (PDO). Other cheeses from Spain are Torta del Casar and Manchego.
Hungary
Hungary produces "Parenyica", a sheep's milk cheese described as lightly smoked rolled cheese usually made from ewe's milk, but also from cows milk; surrounded by an edible cheese twine.
In the Northern region of Hungary another ewes milk cheese, "Gomolya" is made and it is allowed to ripen outside in the sun for 3 weeks while slung in cheesecloth under an open-roofed shelter. It will develop a stronger flavour when allowed to mature on wooden boards. p218.
Canada.
One of the best sheep milk cheese in Canada is "Allegretto" by Fromagerie la Vache à Maillotte in Abitibi-Témiscamingue located in western Québec


Pearl gene

The Pearl gene, also known as the "Barlink factor", is a dilution gene at the same locus as the cream gene, which somewhat resembles the cream gene and the champagne gene but is unrelated to champagne. It is a somewhat rare dilution gene found in the American Quarter Horse, American Paint Horse, and Peruvian Paso. The same mutation appears in Iberian horse breeds such as the Lusitano and Andalusian. The existence of the pearl gene in Quarter Horses and Paints is probably because these breeds have some Iberian ancestors.
It is a recessive gene. If there is only one copy of the gene, it has no effect on black, bay or chestnut horses. If there are two copies, it lightens red coats to a pale, uniform apricot color that includes body, mane and tail and creates pale skin. Because of this effect, when research was underway to locate the specific gene involved, it was at one time referred to as the "apricot" gene.
The Pearl gene is also known to interact with the cream gene to enhance its effects and, in horses with only one copy of the cream allele, to create "pseudo-double dilutes" sometimes called pseudo-cremellos or pseudo-smoky cream. A pseudo-double dilute will often have pale skin and blue or green eyes. Unlike the double cream dilute and the Pearl-cream pseudo dilute the double Pearl dilute typically has dark tan eyes. It is difficult if not impossible to tell a double cream dilute from a Pearl-cream pseudo dilute without genetic testing. Pearl is found at "SLC45A2" (also called "MATP"), the same locus as cream, sunshine, and snowdrop.
In the American Paint Horse breed, the dilution was called the "Barlink factor" because it was linked to a mare named My Tontime, and her grandson, the stallion Barlink Macho Man, a chestnut splashed white. Initially, the gene in Paints and Quarter Horses was thought to be a different allele than that in the Iberian breeds, but research demonstrated that it was the same gene.


Grapevine yellows

Grapevine yellows (GY) are diseases associated to phytoplasmas that occur in many grape growing areas worldwide and are of still increasing significance. Phytoplasmas are obligate cell wall-less bacterial pathogens (class Mollicutes), and rely on plants and homopterous phloem-sucking insects for biological dispersal. In plants, they are mainly restricted to the phloem tissue where they can move and multiply through the sieve tube elements. Almost identical symptoms of the GY syndrome are caused by different phytoplasmas and appear on leaves, shoots and clusters of grapevine. Typical symptoms include discoloration and necrosis of leaf veins and leaf blades, downward curling of leaves, lack or incomplete lignification of shoots, stunting and necrosis of shoots, abortion of inflorescences and shrivelling of berries. Those symptoms are related to callose deposition at the sieve plates and subsequent degeneration of the phloem. Although no resistant cultivars of "Vitis vinifera" or rootstocks are known so far, the various grape varieties differ considerably as far as symptom severity is concerned. It ranges from fast decline and death in highly susceptible cultivars to tolerant rootstocks as symptomless carriers of the pathogen. Currently, the only available control strategies include early eradication of infected crops, early eradication of infected source plants (weed control), and chemical control
of vectors through regular insecticide treatments.
The main viticultural production areas in the Republic of North Macedonia were surveyed in 2006/2007/2008 for the presence of grapevine yellows. PCR and RFLP analyses were used to detect and identify phytoplasmas infecting grapevines. Only phytoplasmas associated with “bois noir” disease (ribosomal subgroup 16SrXII-A or stolbur) were detected. Molecular analyses showed that all phytoplasmas identified belonged to tuf-type II (VKII).


Ernesto Perez-Carrillo

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. (born 1952), is a Cuban American master cigar maker who resides in Coral Gables and the Dominican Republic.
Career.
Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the legendary architect behind the famous blockbuster brand La Gloria Cubana, is once again captivating the cigar world under his own name, E.P. Carrillo. As a young adult, Ernesto’s passion was for jazz, not cigars. He always dreamed of becoming a successful jazz drummer and, at the age of 25, he moved to New York City to pursue a career as a musician. After exhausting his efforts to catch on with the famed Stan Getz and his band, he finally returned to Miami, and began his journey to becoming a legendary master blender. In 1976, Ernesto discovered his true calling in life and spent the next four years shadowing his father and learning how a master created a cigar.
In his path to becoming an established name in the cigar industry, Ernesto took over the reins of El Credito, his father’s cigar company, and set out to create a cigar that would ignite the senses and create a full-sensory experience for cigar lovers. When he finally put the perfect blend together, under his sole craftsmanship, La Gloria Cubana was re-created.
The La Gloria Cubana instantly became a hit in the cigar craze of the early 90’s and, in 1999, Swedish Match purchased El Credito from the Perez-Carrillo family.
After working for Swedish Match/General Cigar until March 2009, Ernesto’s children proposed for him to return to the tobacco fields and craft the next great cigar. With the start of E.P. Carrillo, Ernesto had once again dedicated himself to perfecting a family-run, boutique cigar brand alongside his daughter, Lissette Perez-Carrillo, and son, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III.
After dedicating over 50 years to his craft, Ernesto continues to develop top-rated, masterful blends under the E.P. Carrillo name at the family’s factory, La Tabacalera Alianza, in the Dominican Republic. In 2014 Ernesto blended the La Historia EIII, the #2 Cigar of the Year ranked by Cigar Aficionado magazine. Then in 2018 the Carrillo cigar, Encore Majestic received the highest honor as #1 Cigar of the Year from Cigar Aficionado. In 2020 Ernesto would once again enjoy Success with the #1 Cigar of the year from Cigar Aficionado, with the Pledge Cigar.
Marriage and children.
Ernesto learned the trade from his father. He has two children. Prior to joining EPC Cigar Co., his son Ernesto Perez-Carrillo III worked for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and McKinsey & Company in New York City. His daughter Lissette McPhillips Perez-Carrillo worked for Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.


Vipera kaznakovi

Vipera kaznakovi is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Turkey, Georgia, and Russia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Etymology.
The specific name, "kaznakovi", is in honor of Russian naturalist Aleksandr Nikolaevich Kaznakov.
Description.
"Vipera kaznakovi" is a stoutly built species, of which the males are usually shorter and more slender than the females. Adults may reach a maximum total length (including tail) of , but are usually less. Orlov and Tuniyev examined 39 specimens. Of the 23 males examined, the largest measured total length; while of the 16 females, the largest was total length.
Common names.
Common names for "V. kaznakovi" include Caucasus viper, Kaznakow's viper, Kaznakov's viper, and Caucasus adder.
Geographic range.
"Vipera kaznakovi" is found in northeastern Turkey, Georgia, and Russia (eastern Black Sea coast).
The type locality is "Tsebel'da, Sukhumi District," according to the English translation of Nikolsky (1909). Orlov and Tuniyev (1990) interpret this as "Tsebelda, the vicinity of Sukhumi [on the east coast of the Black Sea], Abkhazia, the Caucasus [Georgia]".
Habitat and ecology.
"Vipera kaznakovi" inhabits the forested slopes of mountains, the beds of wet ravines, and post-forested clearings. It has been recorded from azalea and scumpea-Cornelian cherry groves; mixed-subtropical forests with an evergreen underwood; chestnut groves; beech, willow, and alder woods; and from polydominant forests near river terraces and on large growing-over scree. At the upper limit of its altitudinal distribution this snake reaches the coniferous forests zone, but is not found deep in this forest type. It has been recorded from the ecotone of beech-fir forest and motley grass. It may also be found in areas of tea cultivation (Baran and Atatur, 1998).
On the Black Sea coast it emerges from hibernation in March, but at altitudes of above sea level it emerges in the second half of April or the beginning of May. It reproduces from the end of March up to the middle of May. Hibernation begins at the start of November for coastal populations, and at the end of September or the beginning of October for highland populations. The young appear at the end of August or the beginning of September.
Conservation status.
The species "V. kaznakovi" is classified as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: A1cd+2 cd (v2.3, 1994). This indicates that the species is not critically endangered, but is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. This is due to an observed, estimated, inferred or suspected reduction in population of at least 50% over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat, as well as actual or potential levels of exploitation. For the same reasons, a reduction in the population of at least 50% is also projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer. Year assessed: 1996.
As of 2008, the IUCN red list of endangered species has listed the Caucasus viper has been listed as being endangered with a decreasing population trend.
It is also listed as strictly protected (Appendix II) under the Berne Convention.
Major threats.
"Vipera kaznakovi" is threatened by illegal overcollection for the international pet trade (Baran and Atatur, 1998). Additional threats include habitat conversion for urban development, tourism, and agriculture. It is becoming rare throughout the Black Sea coastal part of its range, with many populations already extirpated. Key threats to the habitat of these lowland populations include the development of tourism (such as health resorts) and housing, and agricultural expansion (including the ploughing of submontane areas). Within Turkey, the species is additionally threatened by projects to construct dams within its range.
One further factor that affects the population of the viper is its gestation and birthing procedure. The viper is viviparous. Therefore when the mother viper is injured or killed, the entire litter is affected, whereas in an oviparous snake each individual egg has a chance of surviving no matter what happens to the mother.


Rey Miguel (cigar brand)

Rey Miguel is a brand of handmade premium cigar owned by Black Cat Cigar Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States.
History.
The brand was created by José "Pepin" Garcia and is manufactured at the El Rey de los Habanos factory in the Little Havana section of Miami, Florida.
Description.
This is a medium-bodied cigar. The filler is a blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos. The binder is not known. The wrapper is a Connecticut-seed wrapper grown by Silvio & Alfredo Perez in Ecuador. This wrapper tempers the strength and body of the filler blend.


Joseph Cullman

Joseph Frederick Cullman III (April 9, 1912 – April 30, 2004) was an American businessman, CEO of Philip Morris Company from 1957 to 1978 and tennis aficionado.
Biography.
Cullman was born to a Jewish family on April 9, 1912 in New York City, the son of Francis Nathan Wolff and Joseph F. Cullman Jr. He had two brothers Edgar M. Cullman and Lewis B. Cullman (married to Dorothy Freedman Cullman). He was educated at the Collegiate School (New York City) and the Hotchkiss School.
In 1929, his father purchased the Webster Tobacco Company after the 1929 stock market collapse where the younger Cullman worked during the summers while attending Yale University from which he graduated in 1935. After college he worked as a clerk in a local tobacco store and then worked at the Uppmann Cigar factory in Cuba. In 1941, his father and uncle, Howard S. Cullman, founded an investment company, Cullman Brothers Incorporated, to purchase Benson & Hedges. Cullman served during World War II and after the war, he went to work for Benson & Hedges as executive vice president until 1953. In 1954, Cullman brothers exchanged its interest in Benson & Hedges for $22.4 million in Philip Morris stock. Cullman was appointed a vice president at Philip Morris in 1954; executive vice president in 1955; president and CEO in 1957; and chairman of the board and CEO in 1967, a position he held until 1978.
During his tenure as CEO, the Philip Morris brand Marlboro became the most popular brand of cigarette in the United States. Described as "the cigarette industry's chief defender against the antitobacco movement", he oversaw the creation of the successful Marlboro Man campaign from the 1950s onwards which has since become known as an icon of American TV advertising. In a now notorious 1971 television interview on the American current affairs program "Face the Nation", in response to a recently published study on the large numbers of undersized babies born to pregnant female smokers he declared "I concluded from that report that it's true that babies born from women who smoke are smaller, but they are just as healthy as the babies born to women who do not smoke. Some women would prefer having smaller babies."
Personal life.
In 1935, he married Susan Lehman, daughter of Harold M. Lehman and member of the Lehman family; they had one daughter, Dorothy Cullman Treisman, before divorcing in 1974. He then married Joan Paley Straus who had two children from a previous marriage, Tracy Straus and Barnard S. Straus Jr. They divorced soon after marrying but moved back in together after several years and remarried in 1988.
Away from the tobacco industry he had a great interest in Tennis. His company, Philip Morris, at the request of Gladys Heldman, sponsored the first Virginia Slims Women's Tennis Tour starting in 1970. He served as Chairman of the US Open at Forest Hills in 1969 and 1970 and as both President and Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame from 1982 to 1988, into which he was inducted in 1990.


W.R. Pickering

William Russell Pickering referred to as W.R. Pickering was a miner, lumber baron, developer, railroad owner and banker. From his first business adventure in mining lead, in Joplin, Missouri in 1872, and his partnership with Ellis Short in the merchandise business at Joplin, the empire grew across several states, including Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory, Louisiana, Texas, and California.
Early life.
W.R. was born December 31, 1849, in St. Louis County, Missouri but when he was ten the family moved to Waynesville, Missouri where he grew up. In 1872 W.R. ventured into mining lead. In 1880 Pickering entered a partnership with Ellis Short in the merchandising business and expanded into northern Arkansas. They purchased a tract of land in Stanley, Oklahoma and entered the lumber business.
Lumber businesses.
In 1894 the W.R. Pickering Lumber Company was established with yards in at Springfield, Lebanon, Deepwater Ozark and Pierce City, Missouri, as well as Fayetteville and Van Buren, Arkansas. The W.R. Pickering Lumber Company was incorporated in 1899, for a period of 25 years, with W.R. as president, W. A. Pickering, as vice president and manager, T. M. Barham as secretary, and R. E. Browne as general sales agent. 30,000 acres of virgin longleaf yellow pine was purchased and a modern sawmill erected in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, producing 200,000 board feet of lumber a day. The sawmill was located on the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf Railroad, that is now the Kansas City Southern, and the village was named Pickering. By 1904 the Louisiana Central Railroad had 75 miles of lines and 12 engines running at Neame, Hornbeck, Barham, Pickering, and Cravens. In 1905 the Pickering Land and Timber Company was incorporated. Additional tracts of land were added and a second sawmill erected. The sawmill town was named Barham in honor of the secretary T.M. Barham. In 1905 41,000-acres of Wright-Blodgett Lumber Company (from Illinois) land was acquired 20 miles southeast of Pickering, on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, and a third mill erected, with the village being named Cravens.
The Sabine Valley Timber and Lumber Company was incorporated in 1909 for a period of 25 years operating mainly in Shelby County, Sabine County, and San Augustine County, Texas. Other businesses were located in Modoc County and Siskiyou County,
Other interests.
Pickering founded a bank at Marionville, Missouri (1893-1897), and had a large amount of stock in the Bank of Springfield.
Business associates.
Thomas M. Barham, joined the W. R. Pickering Lumber Company as secretary on February 1, 1897. He had been a clerk in a grocery store, a salesman at a hardware store, a bank teller, a dry goods store worker, bank teller, the treasurer of the lumber company as well as secretary of the Louisiana Central Railroad Company and the Pickering Land & Timber Company. The town of Barham, Louisiana was named in his honor.


PBR Global Cup

The PBR Global Cup is a bull riding team competition that was developed in 2017 by the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) organization, which intends to give the winning country the ability to say they have the best bull riders. Previously, there was a similar team event called the PBR World Cup that the PBR ran from 2007 to 2010, but this new event is not a continuation of the previous one. The PBR Global Cup consists of teams from five countries. It includes these countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
A different country holds the team event each year as this is an annual event. The host country does retain a competitive advantage. The best riders in each team are matched against the best riders from other teams. The contest is a series that continues until one country holds all five pieces of the Global Cup, which includes the horn and the native soil of each nation. Only one country will claim the "Toughest Nation on Dirt."
Competition.
Competition description.
The PBR Global Cup is an annual event. The hosting country each year is granted an advantage. For the events in Edmonton and Sydney, that advantage was twice the number of competitors as the visiting teams. When the date for the first-ever edition of the event in the U.S. was announced PBR debuted a new format. In place of an increased roster, Team USA would field two teams, Eagles and Wolves. Making modern sports history, the Wolves team was announced to be composed exclusively of Native American bull riders.
At stake for the home team is their piece of the five-part Global Cup trophy which is a horn and their national soil. The home team must win the event to successfully keep their trophy piece and native soil. Otherwise, the visiting team who wins the event is awarded these items. The competition continues until one nation captures all five horns for the trophy−including the native soil−of each country. That country lays claim to the title, "The Toughest Nation on Dirt."
Trophy and native soil.
The trophy is composed of five individual bull horns that represent each country. Taken as a whole, the trophy represents the collective spirit of this worldwide competition. Each country's bull horn piece of the trophy also includes a vessel that holds its native soil. At each event's opening ceremonies, is a presentation where all share in viewing the host's riders depositing their dirt into their trophy piece. Following the presentation, the battle for the horn piece commences. Each team protects their native soil as a matter of pride and honor for their country.
Competition format.
Each participating country hosts a three-day event each year. The host country can create a unique team competition for their event. Each team event showcases 24 of the top bull riders, wherein a national team qualifying event is staged to select the host team's 14 national team bull riders. Then each team selects their coach. The event is a two-day international competition which features 14 riders from the host country against 7 riders from each of the visiting countries. The home country is intentionally given a home town advantage with twice as many bull riders.
Competitors earn money based on their team's performance. First place splits $400,000 (Canadian dollars) among themselves while the last place team earns $42,000. Each rider has the chance to win $100,000 from their individual performances.
Annual events.
2017 inaugural event.
The competition format for the inaugural event is very different from a traditional bull riding event. There were two days of competition. Each team attempted to score up to 14 qualified rides. The winning team was decided by the highest combined score. Coaches made all the riding decisions. The winning team was determined by points. Each qualified ride was judged up to 100 points. The total of all qualified ride points was combined for the total points earned. The team with the highest number of points became the winner, in this case, Team USA had the most points with 1,026.75 points. Team USA's riders rode 12 bulls out of 18 total outs (trips out of the bucking chute) and had one disqualification for a bulls ridden ratio of 12-18-1 (qualified rides-outs-disqualified). For first place they earned the top prize money of $400,000 and, of course, the Canadian horn piece of the Global Cup Trophy.
In 2017, the inaugural event was hosted from November 9 through 11 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The event paid out the second largest prize amount in North America, with only the PBR World Finals paying out more. By the end of the event, Team USA had become the winner. Team USA consisted of 2016 PBR World Champion Cooper Davis, Derek Kolbaba, Brennon Eldred, Cole Melancon, Stormy Wing, 2009 PBR Rookie of the Year Cody Nance, 2012 PRCA Champion Cody Teel and was coached by two-time PBR World Champion Justin McBride.
2018 event.
In 2018, the next event was hosted in the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, from June 9 though 10. Fourteen of Australia's top cowboys will compete to win the event on their home turf.
The prizes that the PBR paid out in Australian are a record $750,000 for that country. Qudos Bank Arena is first-rate facility is situated in Sydney Olympic Park, and is formerly known as the Sydney Super Dome, which completed construction in 1999. It formerly hosted the PBR Australia World Finals since 2010. The general manager of PBR Australia said that this venue has also hosted the Olympic Games, and that it is very fitting to host this event in the largest city in the Australia.
For Australia, they have chosen their competition format, and they announced it in February 2018. Each team features three competitors. Those competitors are based on the final 2017 world standings for the series that started in Canada last November.
Each visiting team is composed of 7 bull riders in Sydney. Coaches chose the riders. Team Australia, same as the home team inaugural event, benefited from the host team advantage, and had14 bull riders. Australia's additional 11 bull riders were chosen by 1998 PBR World Champion Troy Dunn, their coach. The PBR chose the coaches for this event and they are as follows:
McBride defended his team's possession of the Canadian horn and native soil they won in the Canadian event in 2017. Roy is returned to helm the Canadian team again. Dunn, Nunes, and Venegas were new to coaching their teams in their respective countries. All three bull riders have exceptionally notable backgrounds that qualifies them for this position.
Lastly, the competition is based on the best 12 qualified rides. The team with the highest aggregate score when the event is over won the trophy with the Canadian horn and also receives the Australian horn. This event, the Brazil team won the trophy.
2019 event.
The third leg of the PBR Global Cup took place on February 9 and 10, 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. For this event, the United States was split into two teams: the Eagles and the Wolves (an all-Native American squad). Team Brazil won their second straight Global Cup at the Arlington stop.
2020 event.
On February 15 and 16, 2020, the PBR Global Cup again visited AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking the first time a global PBR competition had visited the same venue in consecutive years. The United States was again split into two teams, the Eagles and the Wolves. The competition was won by the USA Eagles.


Biofuel applications of botryococcene

Botryococcenes are the major oil constituents of the green algae Botryococcus braunii. The hydrocarbons these species produce can be chemically converted into fuels.
Transesterification cannot be used to make biodiesel from botryococcenes, the major oil of "Botryococcus braunii". This is because Botryococcene oil is not a 'vegetable oil' (which is a fatty acid triglyceride) but is instead a triterpene, and lacks the free oxygen for transesterification. It can be used as feedstock for hydrocracking in an oil refinery to produce octane (gasoline, a.k.a. petrol), and kerosene. Up to 86% of its dry weight can be long-chain hydrocarbons.
Challenges.
There are several challenges which must be met in order to economically produce the desired alkanes such as gasoline. This will only be briefly covered in this article at this time, as it has only just begun.
Suitable strain.
First, a suitable strain of Bb ("Botryococcus braunii") must be found. Several strains are available from algae specimen banks, but there is no guarantee that these are high-producing strains. Some plant patent applications have been filed and patents granted, for high producing strains. It is not likely within reason for even a small scale producer of boytrococcenes to breed successively higher producing strains of Bb, due to the reasonably slow generation rate. However, in selecting Bb strains for high Botryococcene production, it is likely that other beneficial attributes may be bred out. For instance, resistance to disease, competitive advantages against other organisms, and survivability in less than ideal climates. In this case, a photobioreactor may be needed. Botryococcus Braunii are relatively cosmopolitan so this is not a major factor.
The practice of farming algae is known as algaculture. However, there are properties of "Botryococcus braunii" which make its harvest a bit different from the harvest of other algae. Compared to other green algae species it has a relatively thick cell wall that is accumulated from previous cellular divisions; making extraction of cytoplasmic components rather difficult. Fortunately, much of the useful hydrocarbon oil is outside of the cell. This gives rise to the hope that the algae will not have to be killed in order to extract its useful oil. Several methods are available to extract the botryococcene. One that shows the most promise is the use of hexane as a solvent. If used at the proper molarity, it does not kill the majority of the Bb, while extracting the botryococcene.


Mounting block

A mounting block, horse block, carriage stone, or in Scots a loupin'-on stane is an assistance for mounting and dismounting a horse or cart, especially for women, the young, the elderly or the infirm.
Usage and locations.
Mounting blocks were especially useful for women riding sidesaddle or pillion, that is 'riding double', allowing a horse to be mounted without a loss of modesty. They were also used to assist ladies and men into and out of carts. They were frequently located outside churches or kirks for the use of parishioners attending services, funerals, etc. Often they were located in the main streets and outside public houses. In Yorkshire some were built at the top of steep lanes, where the rider would remount after leading his horse up the slope.
Mounting blocks today are primarily used by modern equestrians who are a) beginners b) people who have difficulty mounting (either a tall horse, or a short person, or someone with some mobility impairments) and c) people who feel that use of a mounting block reduces strain on the spine of the horse, particularly at the withers. Modern mounting blocks are usually made of wood or of molded plastic.
Construction.
Mounting blocks were usually made from stone or wood and prior to the era of the motor car they were very common. Some have three or more steps leading up to a platform which gave extra height and therefore easier access to the saddle and less chance of falling when dismounting. A few had a wall or some other support to one side of the steps, as at Saint Boswells. Some were built as memorials and bear inscriptions. They were built with bricks, ashlar and even occasionally from a single stone block, whilst an example at Shewalton Mill in North Ayrshire is a glacial erratic boulder located in the mill yard.
Using a mounting block.
A horse is best mounted using a mounting block because it is easier for the rider to mount the horse, it puts less strain on the stirrup leathers when mounting and it decreases the chances of the saddle slipping to one side when mounting, thereby reducing the chances of a fall and possible injury to the rider. A horse or pony is mounted from the "near" side, that is the horse's left side.
Decline in use of mounting blocks.
Mounting blocks were a common feature up until the late 18th-century. They are still used at equestrian centres, but are no longer a common feature of inns, churches, farms, country houses, etc. in the United Kingdom, where they were once almost an obligatory feature.
The generally poor condition of roads up until the late 18th-century in Scotland for example, meant that most passenger transport by horse was literally on horseback. For instance, wheeled vehicles were practically unknown to farmers in Ayrshire until the end of the 18th century, and prior to this sledges or slide-cars were used to haul loads as wheeled vehicles were useless. The roads had been mere tracks and such bridges as there were could only take pedestrians, men on horseback or pack-animals. The first recorded wheeled vehicles to be used in Ayrshire were carts offered gratis to labourers working on Riccarton Bridge, Kilmarnock, in 1726.
Once wheeled vehicles became commonplace the need for horse mounting blocks would have greatly decreased, thus mounting block as a permanent fixture went out with changing times. You didn't need one for getting into carriages, and thus as roads got better and fewer people rode, the need decreased. With the invention of the automobile, the need for the public mounting block vanished and they now are used exclusively by equestrians or retained as historic features at old inns, kirks, etc.
In the 1860s, those mounting blocks that remained in London e.g. Bayswater, were thought of as quaint and old fashioned "in the true style of olden times".
Standing stones, stone rows, etc..
At Eskdalemuir in Dumfries and Galloway, the remains of a 'stone avenue' are known as the Loupin' Stanes due to the similarity with said structures. The Wolfcleuchhead, 'Loupin' Stone', Mounting Steps or Mounting Block is in the parish of Roberton, Scottish Borders. This stone bears two carved heads and lettering; on the other the name 'Wolfcleuchead'. These names have arisen either from the appearance or the actual re-use of these stones.


Southern Illinois chowder

Southern Illinois Chowder is a thick stew or soup, very different from the New England and Manhattan chowders. In Edwards County, Illinois, it refers to both the food and to the social gathering at which it is prepared and served. It is believed to have been brought to the area by the earliest settlers, or "backwoodsmen". Traditionally, the "chowder time" season commences when the first tomatoes ripen and closes with the first heavy frost.
Etymology.
The term "chowder" is derived from French "chaudière" 'stew pot', partially cognate with "cauldron".
Preparation.
Chowder is usually cooked outside in large black kettles or cauldrons, ranging in size from 20 to 70 gallons. The ingredients are added to boiling water according to their cooking time, so that all are cooked and ready at the same time. The main ingredients are beef, chicken, tomatoes, cabbage, lima beans, and green beans. Traditionally, squirrel meat was a common addition. Chowder is usually considered ready when the ingredients have amalgamated into a fairly thick soup, usually taking four or more hours. The kettles must be stirred almost continuously so that the chowder does not "catch" on the base and scorch. This is accomplished using a wooden blade known as a "paddle". Measuring between eighteen to twenty-four inches long and six to eight inches wide, a paddle has had several bored holes through the blade and a handle attached at right angles. One cook will paddle the chowder - causing the bones to rise - and another cook, called "the bone picker," will use tongs to pick out bones as they separate from the meat.
In 1958, the County Commissioners of Edwards County, Illinois, proclaimed their county the "Chowder Capital of the World."


Solid Gold (pet food)

Solid Gold Pet is a manufacturer and a worldwide supplier of natural, holistic pet foods based in Chesterfield, Missouri.
History.
The founder of Solid Gold Pet, Sissy Harrington-McGill, raised great danes. In the early 1970s she traveled to Germany to acquire dogs, which led to her developing her own pet food brand.
Recent.
Now, over 40 years later, Solid Gold Pet specializes in the development of dry and wet dog and cat foods which contain no preservatives or saturated fats, and are made of USDA Choice meats such as bison, lamb and chicken, and grains like whole grain brown rice, barley, oats and millet, instead of wheat, soy, or corn like most other manufacturers. The company also has dog treats and supplements for both cats and dogs.


Bancroft Mills

Bancroft Mills is an abandoned mill complex along Brandywine Creek in Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America. It has been the site of some of the earliest and most famous mills near Wilmington and was the largest and longest running complex along the Brandywine.
History.
Establishment and Change of Leadership: 1831-1895.
Joseph Bancroft (1803–1874), an English immigrant who had worked in the Midlands textile industry, established Bancroft Mills in 1831. The mill was rebuilt following an 1839 flood and was expanded several times, including a large 1895 expansion. By 1880, the mill was already the largest cotton finishing mill in the United States. Joseph Bancroft's son Samuel Bancroft, publisher of the Wilmington newspaper "Every Evening" and a major philanthropist, took control in the 1880s. His collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings formed the basis of the Delaware Art Museum. His brother William Poole Bancroft donated nearby land to start Wilmington's extensive park system, and his donation for a public library is also considered the beginning of the Wilmington Public Library.
Consolidation and Innovation: 1895-1961.
The mills were consolidated in 1895 by the Bancroft family partnership, which was soon reformed into a corporation. While other mills produced high-quality cloth, the Bancroft Mills were noted for their technological innovation and for finishing cloth that had been produced elsewhere. They were especially noted for producing fabric window shades. Bancroft introduced the mercerizing process into the United States, and pioneered the use of synthetic fabrics in weaving. They introduced the first permanent crease fabrics and Ban-Lon.
As textile producers left the northeastern United States for the southern states, the production buildings of Bancroft Mills closed in 1961 and the Bancroft Company was purchased by Indian Head Mills, Inc.
Re-purposing of the Mills.
The complex was recently owned by Wilmington Piece Dye company which went bankrupt in May 2003. The site was then bought by O'Neill Properties Group, a company specializing in the renovation and revitalization of disused or potentially dangerous parcels of land. In September 2015, Bancroft Mills became a large luxury condominium complex, called Rockford Falls. Today the complex stands as a reminder of the significant milling history of the Brandywine Valley.
Around 1:30 a.m. May 2, 2015, a fire was reported at the site. Wilmington FD as well as Volunteer Fire Companies from New Castle County in Delaware as well as companies from Chester and Delaware Counties from Pennsylvania responded. The building was currently under demolition.
Early in the morning of November 9, 2016, fire engulfed a large section of the abandoned property, destroying several of the historic mill buildings. As of that day the cause had not yet been determined. The rest of the Bancroft Mills, including its last remaining chimney and factory buildings along the creek, were completely demolished after the most recent fire. New development is pending.
Innovations in Textile Production.
In the 1930s, Bancroft Mills patented two different production processes. Ban-Lon is a type of rayon that is bulkier than standard yarns and Everglaze was a cotton finishing process that made the fabric more dense like wool. Ban-Lon was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s making the licensing of it a profitable business for the company. In 1961, the Mills stopped producing textiles and began to rely on the royalties from their patents.
Miss America Sponsorship.
From the 1940s through the 1960s, the Bancroft Company became the primary sponsor of the Miss America Pageant. The sponsorship was an effort to promote its patented textile production processes by having Miss America contestants wear clothing made of Ban-Lon and Everglaze. During these years, the Bancroft Company put money towards scholarships for Miss America winners and, in return, Miss America contestants were required to take photo shoots wearing their products.


Newby Mill, Shaw

Elm Mill, is a four-storey cotton spinning mill in Shaw and Crompton, Greater Manchester, England. It was built in 1890 for the Elm Spinning Company Ltd., and was called Elm Mill until it closed in 1928. It was revived by the Lancashire Cotton Corporation in 1929 and called Newby Mill. LCC and all their assets passed to Courtaulds in 1964. Production at Newby finished in 1970, and it was used for warehousing. Subsequently, now named Shaw No 3 Mill, it became part of Littlewood's Shaw National Distribution Centre.
Location.
Shaw and Crompton is a town and civil parish within the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on the River Beal at the foothills of the Pennines, north of Oldham, southeast of Rochdale, and to the northeast of the city of Manchester. It is regularly referred to as Shaw. It is not served by any canal but a rail service was provided by the Oldham Loop Line, built in 1863 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.
History.
The manufacture of textiles in Crompton can be traced back to 1474, when a lease dated from that year outlines that the occupant of Crompton Park had spinning wheels, cards and looms, all of which suggest that cloth was being produced in large quantities. The upland geography of the area constrained the output of crop growing, and so prior to industrialisation the area was used for grazing sheep, which provided the raw material for a local woollen weaving trade. Until the mid-18th century, Crompton's textile sector had been closely linked with that of Rochdale and Saddleworth in the north and east; it was a woollen manufacturing district. However, as the demand for cotton goods increased, Crompton mirrored developments in Oldham and Manchester in the south and southwest, importing raw cotton and making cotton cloth.
Oldham rose to prominence during the 19th century as an international centre of textile manufacture. It was a boomtown of the Industrial Revolution, and amongst the first ever industrialised towns, rapidly becoming "one of the most important centres of cotton and textile industries in England", spinning Oldham counts, the coarser counts of cotton.
It was in the second half of the 19th century, that Oldham became the world centre for spinning cotton yarn. This was due in a large part to the formation of limited liability companies known as Oldham Limiteds. In 1851 more than 30 percent of Oldham's population was employed within the textile sector, compared to 5% across Great Britain. At its zenith, it was the most productive cotton spinning mill town in the world. When suitable land in Oldham had become scarce in the 1860s, there was a mill building boom in Shaw and Crompton, giving rise to the area as major mill town. The local townscape became dominated by distinctive rectangular brick-built mills, and its former villages and hamlets agglomerated as a single town around these factories. Shaw and Crompton railway station and a goods yard was opened in 1863, allowing improved transportation of textile goods and raw materials to and from the township. Neighbouring Royton had begun to encroach upon southern boundary, forming a continuous urban cotton-spinning district with Oldham.
By 1871 Oldham had more spindles than any country in the world except the United States, and in 1909, was spinning more cotton than France and Germany combined.
The demand for cheap cotton goods from this area prompted the flotation of cotton spinning companies; the investment was followed by the construction of 12 new cotton mills from 1870 and 1900. Elm Mill, was built in 1890 as a part of a group of mills in Linney Lane Shaw.
By 1911 there were 16.4 million spindles in Oldham, compared with a total of 58 million in the United Kingdom and 143.5 million in the world; in 1928, with the construction of the UK's largest textile factory Oldham reached its manufacturing zenith. At its peak, there were over 360 mills, operating night and day;
In the post-war economic boom of 1919–20, investors did not have the time to build new mills and so were prepared to pay vastly inflated sums for shares in existing companies. Many mills were refloated at valuations of up to £500,000 (£ as of ), or five times what they had cost to build before the war, resulting in the town being nicknamed "The Golden City" as the scramble for shares intensified. Because of this highly profitable share dealing, it was reported in the national press that Shaw and Crompton had more millionaires per capita than any other town in the world. Elm Mill was extended. The number of cotton mills in the township peaked at 36 in 1920.
The industry peaked in 1912 when it produced 8 billion yards of cloth. The Great War of 1914–18 halted the supply of raw cotton, and the British government encouraged its colonies to build mills to spin and weave cotton. The war over, Lancashire never regained its markets. The independent mills were struggling. Elm Mill ceased production in 1928. The Bank of England set up the Lancashire Cotton Corporation (LCC) in 1929 to attempt to rationalise and save the industry. and they bought the mill in 1932 and it was renamed Newby Mill, thus it was one of 104 mills bought by the LCC, and one of the 53 mills that survived through to 1950 as a mule spindle mill supplying mule weft and twist. LCC itself was purchased by Courtaulds in 1964, and Newby Mill was closed in 1970.
In 2008, now named Shaw No 3, it is part of Littlewoods' Shaw National Distribution Centre who have adapted it for warehousing and bulk storage for their catalogue distribution operations. It is linked by a new building to Lily (No.2) mill and by a bridge to a newer building that occupies the site of Rutland Mill. Signs of its cotton heritage can still be seen including its engine house with original crane system, which is still largely intact.
Architecture.
Four-storey Victorian Mill
Power.
Buckley & Taylor, 11,000 hp engine
Equipment.
Hetherington, spinning mule wefts (76,860 spindles) and ring twists (2976 spindles) coarse cotton counts, 8s to 24s.
Later extensions.
1919
References.
Notes


Phakopsora euvitis

Phakopsora euvitis is a rust fungus that causes disease of grape leaves. This rust fungus has been seen in regions including: Eastern Asia, Southern Asia, Southwestern Brazil, the Americas, and northern Australia. It is widely distributed in eastern and southern Asia but was first discovered on grapevines in Darwin, Australia in 2001 and was identified as Asian grapevine leaf rust by July 2007.
Hosts and symptoms.
The host range of "P. euvitis" includes the plant species "Meliosma species " (Meliosmaceae) and "Vitis species " (Vitaceae).
"Meliosma species " (Meliosmaceae).
The symptoms of "P. euvitis" consist of pale yellowish lesions on the surface of leaves on "Meliosma spp." leaves.
Signs include the observed on the underside of the leaf, which are tiny orange-brown dots that are actually spermagonia. Over time, they all eventually turn to a blackish color and undergo plasmogomy developing into aecium. The aecium formed can be observed on the underside of the leaves as a yellow, orange colored dome shaped structure.
"Vitis species " (Vitaceae).
Symptoms include powdery orange masses on the lower surface of leaves. They often mature into a long columnar shape retaining the same color. The uredinial-telial stages of "P. euvitis" causes chlorotic and necrotic lesions ranging in shapes and sizes on the upper surface of leaves.
Signs can be seen to those corresponding to areas on the lower surface of the leaves that have densely packaged pustules containing yellow, orange spores. Premature defoliation and dormancy of the telia can occur. In the case of dormancy, telia are formed after uredinia characterized as crust-like and an orange-brown color that form around uredinia or separately from them that eventually become a dark brown-blackish color.
Disease cycle.
"Phakopsora euvitis" is able to persist year-round by the production of urediniospores and infection of "Vitis" plants. If the alternate host "M. myriantha" is not present, the uredinia of "P. euvitis" will only be present.
This disease cycle includes the alternate host.
Teliospores on the grapevines germinate and produce thin-walled basidiospores that are carried by wind or other methods of dispersal to leaves or parts of the plant tissues of "M. myriantha" (alternate host). After 7–15 days the basidiospores will produce spermagonia. Production of asexual spores in aecia will also occur on the surfaces of the leaves after another 7–14 days. Those aecia will then produce aeciospores. The aeciospores are dispersed to "Vitis spp"., which is the telial host of this rust fungus. Infected grape leaves give rise to uredinia and disperse urediniospores, usually by wind, back to the aecial host "M. myriantha". Later in the season teleia develop near uredinia on the leaf. This allows for the fungus to overwinter as telia, or in some regions persist solely in the uredinial state without a need for an alternate host. Mycelium may survive unfavorable conditions in dormant buds that can lead to future infection cycles.
Management.
Australia was the first country to take action and spread awareness of "P. euvitis" and placed this rust fungus on their Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) list of targeted plant pathogens. They also implemented a public awareness campaign, specifically in Northern Australia, that-in turn- created additional reports on the extent of this rust. Eradication efforts began in 2001 by the means of chemical control and breeding host resistant plants. For the chemical management side eight fungicides tested to observe which had the greatest impact on "P. euvitis". Propiconazole, tebuconazole and azoxystrobin that, provided the most significant reduction in disease incidence. As for host resistance, 15 genotypes were tested for resistance against "P. euvitis". Rookstock cultivars were the most resistant exhibiting a hypersensitive response to infection and yielding low numbers of small uredinia.


George T. Gerlinger

George T. Gerlinger was influential in the railroad and lumber products business in the U.S. state of Oregon in the early 20th century. The oldest son of Louis Gerlinger, Sr., in 1902 he organized a group of investors in Dallas, Oregon to build railroad lines in the area.
In 1906, they purchased a lumber mill and several stands of timber. The business's name was changed to Willamette Valley Lumber Company. George served as secretary and manager of the new company. Officers included Louis Gerlinger, Sr., president; H.L. Pittock, vice president; and F.W. Leadbetter, treasurer. George Cone served as director and mill superintendent. In 1967, the company became Willamette Industries. Willamette Industries was one of the largest lumber companies in the world before a hostile takeover by Weyerhaeuser.
Gerlinger Motor Car Company was founded in 1912 by George and his younger brother Louis Gerlinger, Jr. as a car and truck dealership. In 1914, they decided to build their own truck with a more powerful six-cylinder engine. Ed Gerlinger, the youngest brother, was also involved in the business. The Gersix was unveiled in 1915. In 1917, the manufacturing operation was sold to Edgar K. Worthington, their Seattle landlord, and Captain Frederick W. Kent, an ex-Coast Guard Captain, investor and businessman. They re-incorporated as the Gersix Manufacturing Co. In 1923, the company became Kenworth Truck Co.
In October 1955, the State of Oregon dedicated as the George T. Gerlinger State Experimental Forest.
His memorial biography is housed in the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon.
George's wife, Irene Hazard Gerlinger, was the first woman on the University of Oregon's Board of Regents and an important fundraiser for the university, including for what was then known as the University of Oregon Museum of Art. Gerlinger Hall on the university campus is named for her.


Facial eczema

Facial eczema is a mycotoxic disease that affects the liver of several animals, mainly sheep and cattle, but can also infect other ungulates. It is caused by ingesting sporidesmins released by the fungus "Pithomyces chartarum". Its visible symptoms are characterized by red skin that turns black and crusty before peeling off, as well as inflammation that can cause swelling of the udder, teats, ears and face. The disease is not always visible. Other symptoms include weight loss, weakness and death.
Cause.
Ingestion of "P. chartarum" causes facial eczema.
"P. chartarum".
It grows mostly in New Zealand but also occurs in Australia, France, South Africa, and South America. The fungus grows on dead plants, especially on perennial ryegrass near the ground (25mm height). It most commonly grows between January and May, as it requires warm, humid conditions, as well as moisture at ground level. Areas of spore growth can include urine patches and areas sheltered by hedges. The fungus grows in clusters and is normally invisible to human eye. It produces millions of spores with the toxic substance sporidesmin. Fresh spores are particularly toxic. Contaminated pasture loses its toxicity after 2 weeks.
Pathophysiology.
The incubation period is 7-20 days after poison intake. Sporidesmin is hepatotoxic and leads to hepatogenous photosensitization and phylloerythrin accumulation in the bloodstream. It damages the bile ducts and then the liver. The worst case is liver necrosis. This causes – as a secondary effect – photosensitization, this means the inflammation of unpigmented areas and exposed skin (ears, teat, face) and photodynamic dermatitis. Only 5% of affected animals show the respective clinical signs.
Symptoms.
Sheep.
Infected sheep experience sunburn at face, ears, teats and vulva. It is the primary symptom of the poisoning caused by sporidesmin. The sunburn is caused by the fact that the lower tissue is swollen. The skin gets crusty, dark and then peels. making it susceptible to infection.
Other symptoms include dullness, weakness, inappetence, and ill-thrift. An affection of the liver results in jaundice. In a worst-case, the sheep die.
Cattle.
Infected cattle suffer from sunburn. Dark pigmented skin is often affected. Cattle produce less milk. Jaundice is possible and death after some months.
Treatment.
Convalescence can take a long time, but some animals may not get healthy. External therapy is possible to treat the sunburn. Animals could be protected by the intake of zinc. Zinc reacts with sporidesmin to create a mercaptid, so that the poison can be eliminated from the body.
Prevention and control.
If animals are sunburned, they should be placed in the stable to protect them from sunlight. Infected cattle should no longer be used in milk production.
Reduce flock density (0.45 hectare/ 15 cows or 100 sheep) or apply fungicide (bentimidazole) before spore counts rise.
GGT (enzyme) should be applied on a regular basis.


George Halsey Perley

Sir George Halsey Perley, (September 12, 1857 – January 4, 1938) was an American-born Canadian politician and diplomat.
Early life.
Born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the son of William Goodhue Perley and Mabel E. Ticknor Stevens, Perley was educated at the Ottawa Grammar School, at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, and at Harvard University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1878. Perley became a partner in the Perley & Pattee, a lumber company in which his father was senior partner. After Perley & Pattee dissolved in 1893, Perley became head of G.H. Perley & Co which had mills at Pointe-Calumet, Quebec and vice president of the Hull Lumber Company, Ltd., which is operating largely on the upper Ottawa. For many years, Perley was vice president of the Canada Atlantic Railway Co., president of the Rideau Club and president of the Ottawa Golf Club. Along with the other heirs of his father, he donated his homestead on Wellington Street for the purpose of establishing a hospital and served as vice president of its Board of Management. In 1900, he was chairman of the Ottawa and Hull Fire Relief Fund, and distributed about $1,000,000 among the sufferers by the 1900 Hull–Ottawa fire.
Perley married Annie Hespeler Bowlby in Kitchener, Ontario on 4 June 1884. Perley had two children: Mabel, born 8 July 1885 and died 13 March 1887, and Ethel Lesa, born 16 September 1888.
Politics.
He was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada as the Conservative MP for Argenteuil in 1904, having failed to defeat Mr. W. C. Edwards for the seat in Russell County during the election of 1900. Perley served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Minister of the Overseas Military Forces in the World War I government of Sir Robert Borden. He did not run for re-election in the 1917 federal election in order to concentrate on his duties in London. He returned to the House of Commons in the 1925 federal election and subsequently served as Secretary of State for Canada in the short-lived 1926 government of Arthur Meighen and then as Minister without Portfolio in the government of R. B. Bennett following the 1930 federal election. He was re-elected in the 1935 federal election which also saw the defeat of Bennett's government, and remained an MP until his death in 1938.


Chuck steak

Chuck steak is a cut of beef and is part of the sub-prime cut known as the chuck.
The typical chuck steak is a rectangular cut, about 2.54 cm (1 inch) thick and containing parts of the shoulder bones, and is often known as a "7-bone steak," as the shape of the shoulder bone in cross-section resembles the numeral '7'. This cut is usually grilled or broiled; a thicker version is sold as a "7-bone roast" or "chuck roast" and is usually cooked with liquid as a pot roast.
The bone-in chuck steak or roast is one of the more economical cuts of beef. In the United Kingdom, this part is commonly referred to as "braising steak". It is particularly popular for use as ground beef for its richness of flavor and balance of meat and fat.
Variations.
Other boneless chuck cuts include the chuck eye (boneless cuts from the center of the roll, sold as mock tender steak or chuck tender steak), chuck fillet (sold as chuck eye steak and chuck tender steak,) cross-rib roast (sold as cross-rib pot roast, English roast, or "the bread and butter cut"), top blade steak or chicken steak, under blade steak, shoulder steak and shoulder roast, and arm steak and arm roast.
The average meat market cuts thick and thin chuck steaks (often sold as chuck steak or chuck steak family pack) from the neck and shoulder, but some markets also cut it from the center of the cross-rib portion. Short ribs are cut from the lip of the roll.
Some meat markets will sell cross-rib pot roast under the generic name "pot roast." The difference between a pot roast and a cross-rib pot roast is the vertical line of fat separating the two types of chuck meat; the cross-rib pot roast contains the line of fat. This is what creates richness of flavor in the roast.
Common uses.
The chuck contains a lot of connective tissue, including collagen, which partially melts during cooking. Meat from the chuck, once divided, is usually used for stewing, slow cooking, braising, or pot roasting and is ideal in a one-pot cooker. The top blade part of the chuck is preferred for grilling because it is the second most tender steak once the gristle is removed. The fifth rib taken from the chuck can also be used as an alternative to the prime rib roast, which is usually from bones 6-12. They are similar in terms of the proportion of meat and bone, although the fifth rib exceeds the prime rib in the amount of lean meat. The cross-cut or cross rib, which is the last part of the chuck located between the brisket point and the short rib - can also be used as an alternative to the blade when cooking steaks. The chuck part cut from the shoulder clod is also used in place of sirloin since it has a very beefy taste.
Classification.
In the United States, chuck has the meat-cutting classification NAMP 113.


Kody Lostroh

Kody Lostroh (born September 18, 1985) is an American former professional rodeo cowboy who specialized in bull riding. He is the 2009 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) world champion.
Background.
Kody Lostroh was born on September 18, 1985 in Longmont, Colorado. Lostroh watched a video of Cheyenne Frontier Days so many times that his mother Dena Schlutz signed him up to ride at the Boulder County Fair in 1993, when he was seven years old. He won a Little Britches Rodeo National Bull Riding title in 2003 and the Colorado High School Rodeo Bull Riding Championship three consecutive years. Kody was attending the University of Wyoming, but quit after a semester to pursue the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) tour.
Career.
In 2005, Lostroh won the PBR Rookie of the Year award and in 2009 he won the PBR Built Ford Tough Series World Championship. He qualified for the PBR World Finals 10 consecutive times (2005 to 2014). Lostroh suffered multiple injuries throughout his career. For example, Lostroh injured his riding hand in January 2014 and missed most of the first half of that season. In August 2017, he was considering retirement to spend more time with his two daughters, when he began experiencing significant health problems. He was eventually diagnosed with a tumor wrapped around his carotid artery, requiring surgery. He went back to the PBR but still had some reservations.
On March 29, 2018, Lostroh announced his retirement from bull riding.
Personal life.
He raises bucking bulls in Ault, Colorado, at the Shield of Faith Cattle Company. As of 2016, Lostroh and his wife, Candace, who is a barrel racer, live in Ault, Colorado, with their two daughters.