Jura wine

Jura wine is French wine produced in the Jura "département". Located between Burgundy and Switzerland, this cool climate wine region produces wines with some similarity to Burgundy and Swiss wine. Jura wines are distinctive and unusual wines, the most famous being "vin jaune", which is made by a similar process to Sherry, developing under a flor-like strain of yeast. This is made from the local Savagnin grape variety. Other grape varieties include Poulsard, Trousseau, and Chardonnay. Other wine styles found in Jura includes a "vin de paille" made from Chardonnay, Poulsard and Savagnin, a sparkling "Crémant du Jura" made from slightly unripe Chardonnay grapes, and a "vin de liqueur" known as "Macvin du Jura" made by adding marc to halt fermentation. The renowned French chemist and biologist Louis Pasteur was born and raised in the Jura region and owned a vineyard near Arbois.
Climate and geography.
The climate of Jura is continental with many similarities to Burgundy but can be more aggressively cold, especially in the winter time. Ripeness levels of the grapes is always a concern for winemakers of the area and harvest times are often delayed as long as possible (usually well into late October) to try to achieve the highest sugar levels possible. To help lessen the threat of autumn frost, grapevines are often trained to the Guyot system.
The majority of the region's vineyards are found at altitudes between 820 and 1,310 ft (250-400 m) between the plains of the Bresse region and the Jura Mountains. The towns of Lons-le-Saunier and Arbois are the principal cities in the wine region. The vineyard soils tend to be composed of mostly clay in the lower flat lands with more limestone based soils in the higher elevation. Deposits of marl are scattered throughout the region with some of the area's most regarded vineyards being found on those sites. Many vineyard slopes are quite steep which creates problems with soil erosion.
Grapes and wine.
The main grapes of the region are Chardonnay (known locally as "Melon d'Arbois"), Savagnin (known locally as "Naturé"), Poulsard, Pinot noir, and Trousseau. Chardonnay and Pinot noir clippings were brought to the region from Burgundy during the Middle Ages and were used to a limited degree given that there were some 40 other grape varieties prevalent in Jura for most of its winemaking history. Towards the end of the 20th century both grapes began to increase in popularity, particularly the Chardonnay vine which now accounts for nearly 45% of all Jura plantings and is valued for its good sugar levels and early ripening.
Pinot noir is used to make a varietal style of wine or as a blend to deepen the color of the pale Poulsard grape. By itself, Poulsard makes a rosé in the Arbois-Pupillin region that is characterized by an orange "corail" tint. The Poulsard grape is also one of the primary grapes for the "vin de paille". The Trousseau grape performs best in the gravelly vineyards near Arbois that can give the grape the additional heat it needs to ripen into a deep colored, intensely flavored wine. The white Savagnin grape has some similarities with the possibly related Traminer and Gewürztraminer. While the grape is permitted in all styles of white Jura wine throughout the region it is mainly found in "vin jaune" where it produces a nutty, full bodied wine that can age for an extended period of time. Savagnin is the only variety allowed for a wine to carry the "vin jaune" name.
Vin jaune.
Jura's most famous and distinguishable wine is the sherry-like "vin jaune". The wine is produced by picking the Savagnin as ripe as possible, in some cases becoming a sort of late harvest wine. After fermentation the wine is stored in Burgundian aging barrels for 6 years or more. The barrels are filled up to the top but evaporation reduces the volume of liquid in the barrel and creates an air pocket at the top of the barrel. During this time the wine oxidizes and grows a film of yeast that is similar to, but not the same strain as, the Jerez region "flor". The wine is then bottled in a signature "clavelin" wine bottle that holds 62 cL. Vin jaune is an intensely flavored wine that often requires decanting prior to drinking.
Winemaking.
Due to the cool climate, chaptalization is permitted in the Jura region and is sometimes a necessity to compensate for the low sugar levels in the under ripe vintages. Most white wines in the region are aged in oak for several months prior to release while red wines are often aged in stainless steel tanks and bottled early. Producers in the Jura include Gaspard Feuillet, Chateau Béthanie, Domaine Berthet-Bondet, Frédéric Lornet, and Henri Maire.


John Millar (Canadian politician)

John Millar (19 March 1866 – 15 May 1950) was a Progressive party and Liberal Progressive member of the House of Commons of Canada. He was born in Woodstock, Canada West and became a farmer and teacher.
Millar attended high school at Woodstock Collegiate Institute. He received a second-class teachers' certificate and became a schoolteacher in Ontario for three years and in Saskatchewan for five years. From 1901 to 1908, he was the first secretary of the Saskatchewan Grain Growers Association and in 1906 chaired the Royal Grain Commission.
Millar served as reeve of Indian Head, Saskatchewan from 1910 to 1913, then as its mayor in 1914.
He was first elected to Parliament under the Progressive Party banner in Qu'Appelle riding during the 1921 general election then re-elected in 1925. In the 1926 election, Millar was re-elected under the Liberal-Progressive party label. After this term, he was defeated by Ernest Perley of the Liberal party in the 1930 federal election.


James Todd (Canadian settler)

In 1865, James Todd (1832–1925) and his family established a ranch south-east of Kamloops, British Columbia. He and Lew Campbell could be considered the first settlers of Barnhartvale, British Columbia.
Starting out in North America.
James Todd was originally from England. In 1849 he went to California for the gold rush. He does not appear to have struck it rich in California, but he made his living as a packer transporting supplies for the miners. In 1861 Todd began to raise horses and had built up a small herd. His small herd, however, was stolen near Sacramento, California, and he tracked the thieves through Oregon and Washington, and finally got his horses back near Hope, British Columbia. He stayed in British Columbia and worked as a packer on the Brigade Trail for the Hudson's Bay Company. After that, he was quite successful prospecting for gold at Scotch Creek. Todd purchased and very quickly sold again land in Pritchard and on the north side of the South Thompson River (part of the Harper Ranch).
Acquired land.
In 1865 Todd acquired that stretched north and west from the present corner of Todd and Barnhartvale Roads. Todd acquired another of land extending his property further north to the South Thompson River. In 1870 he purchased land in Barnhartvale along Campbell Creek. James Todd married Maggie Pablos (her father was the Buffalo King of Montana) and had two sons and three daughters.
Children.
One of James Todd's sons name was also James. This younger James married Margaret Manson, a daughter of fur trader William Manson who served at the fort in Kamloops in the 1850s and 1860s before settling at Lac La Hache in the Cariboo. James (the third) died in 1943 and Margaret lived until 1964. One of James Todd's and Maggie Pablo's daughters was named Helena. Helena went on to marry Robert Pratt. It is likely that the elder Todd had a house and barn located near where Todd Road and Pratt Road now meet.
Brother and father.
In 1874 Joseph Todd (1831—1905), James Todd's brother, also acquired land in Barnhartvale. Joseph Todd got a crown grant on District Lot 470. His property would have included Campbell Creek valley from where Barnhartvale Road intersects with Campbell Creek Road for about one and one-half miles south up the valley.
Joseph and James's father (James Sr., died 1885) also moved out from Ontario and lived with Joseph and his wife. Joseph Todd moved to Quebec in 1904 and died the following year. Joseph Todd's house was situated by Campbell Creek where Barnhartvale Road crosses the creek. Another brother, John, joined James and Joseph. There does not seem to be much of a record of John. It appears that he went on to live in Victoria.
Sold land.
By 1874 most of the lower portion of Barnhartvale was owned by the Todds. In the early 1880s the CPR rail line went through the property along the river and James Todd sold the remainder of his southern to a man named Alfred Morris who established some type of stopping place there.
The Barnhartvale Road as it comes up the hill from Dallas is known as Todd Hill after the Todd family. Of course, Todd Road names the road that runs through the old Todd property and Todd Lake is one of the sources of Campbell Creek.


John Edgar Bailey

John Edgar Bailey (1897 – 14 November 1958) was a Unionist politician in Northern Ireland.
A farmer by profession, he was educated at private school and was a member of Down County Council. He was elected to the House of Commons of Northern Ireland from the West Down seat in 1938, and represented the constituency until his death in 1958. He served as Assistant Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Assistant Whip from 1945 to 1958.


Beveren (rabbit)

The Beveren is one of the oldest and largest breeds of fur rabbits. It was first bred in Beveren, a small town near Antwerp in Belgium. Their coats can be blue, white, black, brown and lilac, though not all of these varieties are ARBA-recognized. There is a rare variety called the Pointed Beveren, which comes in the same colors but has white tipped hairs. The blue variety is the original.
The Beveren rabbit is a rare breed. They are well tempered, clean, and smart. Beverens are full of energy, and love to explore the outdoors. They are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in three different colors, Black, Blue, and White. The coat should be dense and glossy with a gentle rollback fur type. Fur length is rather long having an average of 1¼ to 1½ inches. This large breed has a pronounced mandolin shape. Senior Bucks weight 8 to 11 pounds and Senior Does weight 9 to 12 pounds (American Rabbit Breeders Association (2016) "Standard of Perfection." Bloomington, Il: Author). Their litters are large, the young grow fairly fast, and the does are typically docile and make good mothers.
Competition.
Schedule of points.
GENERAL TYPE: 55 points
Body: 30 points
Head: 10 points
Ears: 5 points
Feet & Legs: 5 points
FUR: 20 points
COLOR: 20 points
CONDITION: 5 points
TOTAL POINTS: 150 points
Show classes and weights.
Juniors and intermediates which exceed maximum weight limits may be shown in higher age classifications. No animal may be shown in a lower age classification than its true age.
General type.
Body.
30 Points. The body type is to be of mandolin shape. Body is to be medium length, with broad, meaty back and a deep, firm loin. Shoulders are to be strong and firm, with a well-sprung rib cage, tapering slightly from broader, smooth hips. The body should present a definite arch when viewed from the side. The topline is to be a smooth curve, starting at the back of the shoulder, rising to a high point over the middle of the back, and curving over the hips to complete the arch.
Head.
10 Points. The head is to be full from top to bottom, with a well-filled face and jaws. Head is to present a distinct curvature between the eyes and nose with a medium broad muzzle. Size of the head is to conform to the body more massive in bucks than in does. A medium dewlap is permissible on does.
Ears.
10 points. ears are to be well furred and carried in a "V" shaped manner. Ideal length is to be 5 or more inches in seniors and intermediates.
Feet and legs.
5 points. Front feet and legs are to be straight, strong and of medium bone. Hind feet and legs are to be straight, powerful, and well furred. Legs are to be medium bone, in proportion to size of body. In whites, toenails are to be white or flesh colored. In blacks and blues, toenails should be dark.
Fur.
20 points. The coat is to be very dense and glossy. The guard hairs should be plentiful and of fine diameter, but strong enough to fall or roll gently back into position when stroked from tail to head. Density and texture share equal importance. Ideal fur length is between 1¼ and 1½ inches. (Recommended for showing in breed fur.)
Color.
20 Points.
Black.
Color is to be deep, glossy, jet black, carried well down into a blue undercolor.
Blue.
Color is to be a clean shade of light lavender blue, carried well down into the base, free from silvering.
White.
Color is to be pure white, with no ivory cast.
Condition.
5 Points.


Tuscan wine

Tuscan wine (Italian "Toscana") is Italian wine from the Tuscany region. Located in central Italy along the Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany is home to some of the world's most notable wine regions. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Tuscany is also known for the dessert wine Vin Santo, made from a variety of the region's grapes. Tuscany has forty-one "Denominazioni di origine controllata" (DOC) and eleven "Denominazioni di Origine Controllata e Garantita" (DOCG). In the 1970s a new class of wines known in the trade as "Super Tuscans" emerged. These wines were made outside DOC/DOCG regulations but were considered of high quality and commanded high prices. Many of these wines became cult wines. In the reformation of the Italian classification system many of the original Super Tuscans now qualify as DOC or DOCG wines (such as the new Bolgheri label) but some producers still prefer the declassified rankings or to use the "Indicazione Geografica Tipica" (IGT) classification of "Toscana". Tuscany has six sub-categories of IGT wines today.
History.
The history of viticulture in Tuscany dates back to its settlements by the Etruscans in the 8th century BC. Amphora remnants originating in the region show that Tuscan wine was exported to southern Italy and Gaul as early as the 7th century BC. By the 3rd century BC, there were literary references by Greek writers about the quality of Tuscan wine. From the fall of the Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages, monasteries were the main purveyors of wines in the region. As the aristocratic and merchant classes emerged, they inherited the sharecropping system of agriculture known as "mezzadria". This system took its name from the arrangement whereby the landowner provides the land and resources for planting in exchange for half ("mezza") of the yearly crop. Many Tuscan landowners would turn their half of the grape harvest into wine that would be sold to merchants in Florence. The earliest reference of Florentine wine retailers dates to 1079 and a guild was created in 1282.
The "Arte dei Vinattieri" guild established strict regulations on how the Florentine wine merchants could conduct business. No wine was to be sold within of a church. Wine merchants were also prohibited from serving children under 15 or to prostitutes, ruffians and thieves. In the 14th century, an average of of wine was sold every year in Florence. The earliest references to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine date to the late 14th century. The first recorded mention of wine from Chianti was by the Tuscan merchant Francesco di Marco Datini, the "merchant of Prato", who described it as a light, white wine. The Vernaccia and Greco wines of San Gimignano were considered luxury items and treasured as gifts over saffron. During this period Tuscan winemakers began experimenting with new techniques and invented the process of "governo" which helped to stabilize the wines and ferment the sugar content sufficiently to make them dry. In 1685 the Tuscan author Francesco Redi wrote "Bacco in Toscana", a 980-line poem describing the wines of Tuscany.
Following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Tuscany returned to the rule of the Habsburgs. It was at this point that the statesman Bettino Ricasoli inherited his family ancestral estate in Broglio located in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Determined to improve the estate, Ricasoli traveled throughout Germany and France, studying the grape varieties and viticultural practices. He imported several of the varieties back to Tuscany and experimented with different varieties in his vineyards. However, in his experiments Ricasoli discovered that three local varieties— Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia— produced the best wine. In 1848, revolutions broke out in Italy and Ricasoli's beloved wife died, leaving him with little interest to devote to wine. In the 1850s Oidium Uncinula necator and war devastated most of Tuscany's vineyards with many peasant farmers leaving for other parts of Italy or to emigrate to the Americas.
Climate and geography.
The region of Tuscany includes seven coastal islands and is Italy's fifth largest region. It is bordered to the northwest by Liguria, the north by Emilia-Romagna, Umbria to the east and Lazio to the south. To the west is the Tyrrhenian Sea which gives the area a warm mediterranean climate. The terrain is quite hilly (over 68% of the terrain), progressing inward to the Apennine Mountains along the border with Emilia-Romagna. The hills have a tempering effect on the summertime heat, with many vineyards planted on the higher elevations of the hillsides.
The Sangiovese grape performs better when it can receive more direct sunlight, which is a benefit of the many hillside vineyards in Tuscany. The majority of the region's vineyards are found at altitudes of 500–1600 feet (150–500 meters). The higher elevations also increase the diurnal temperature variation, helping the grapes maintain their balance of sugars and acidity as well as their aromatic qualities.
Wines and grapes.
After Piedmont and the Veneto, Tuscany produces the third highest volume of DOC/G quality wines. Tuscany is Italy's third most planted region (behind Sicily and Apulia) but it is eighth in production volume. This is partly because the soil of Tuscany is very poor, and producers emphasize low yields and higher quality levels in their wine. More than 80% of the regions' production is in red wine.
The Sangiovese grape is Tuscany's most prominent grape; however, many different clonal varieties exist, as many towns have their own local version of Sangiovese. Cabernet Sauvignon has been planted in Tuscany for over 250 years, but has only recently become associated with the region due to the rise of the Super Tuscans. Other international varieties found in Tuscany include Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc and Syrah. Of the many local red grape varieties Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia nera and Mammolo are the most widely planted. For Tuscan white wines, Trebbiano is the most widely planted variety followed by Malvasia, Vermentino and Vernaccia.
Super Tuscans.
Super Tuscans are an unofficial category of Tuscan wines, not recognized within the Italian wine classification system. Although an extraordinary number of wines claim to be “the first Super Tuscan,” most would agree that this credit belongs to Sassicaia, the brainchild of marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, who planted Cabernet Sauvignon at his Tenuta San Guido estate in Bolgheri back in 1944. It was for many years the marchese’s personal wine, until, starting with the 1968 vintage, it was released commercially in 1971.
The growth of Super Tuscans is also rooted in the restrictive DOC practices of the Chianti zone prior to the 1990s. During this time Chianti could be composed of no more than 70% Sangiovese and had to include at least 10% of one of the local white wine grapes. Producers who deviated from these regulations could not use the Chianti name on their wine labels and would be classified as "vino da tavola" - Italy's lowest wine designation. By the 1970s, the consumer market for Chianti wines was suffering and the wines were widely perceived to be lacking quality. Many Tuscan wine producers thought they could produce a better quality wine if they were not hindered by the DOC regulations.
The marchese Piero Antinori was one of the first to create a "Chianti-style" wine that ignored the DOC regulations, releasing a 1971 Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend known as "Tignanello" in 1978. He was inspired by Sassicaia, of which he was given the sale agency by his uncle Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Other producers followed suit and soon the prices for these Super Tuscans were consistently beating the prices of some of most well known Chianti. Rather than rely on name recognition of the Chianti region, the Super Tuscan producers sought to create a wine brand that would be recognizable on its own merits by consumers. By the late 1980s, the trend of creating high-quality non-DOC wines had spread to other regions of Tuscany, as well as Piedmont and Veneto. Modification to the Chianti DOC regulation attempted to "correct" the issues of Super Tuscans, so that many of the original Super Tuscans would now qualify as standard DOC/G Chianti. Most producers have brought their Super Tuscans back under legal regulations, notably since the creation of the less restrictive IGT "Toscana" designation in 1992 and the DOC Bolgheri designation in 1994, while the pioneer Sassicaia was prized with its own exclusive Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC.
In addition to wines based on the Sangiovese grape, many well known Super Tuscans are based on a "Bordeaux-blend", meaning a combination of grapes typical for Bordeaux (esp. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). These grapes are not originally from the region, but imported and planted later. The climate in Tuscany has proven to be very good for these grapes.
Vin Santo.
While Tuscany is not the only Italian region to make the "passito" dessert wine Vin Santo (meaning "holy wine"), the Tuscan versions of the wine are well regarded and sought for by wine consumers. The best-known version is from the Chianti Classico and is produced with a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca. Red and rosé styles are also produced mostly based on the Sangiovese grape. The wines are aged in barrels for a minimum of three years, four if it is meant to be a "Riserva".
Wine regions.
Tuscany's 41 DOC and 11 DOCG are spread out across the region's ten provinces.
Brunello di Montalcino.
Brunello is the name of the local Sangiovese variety that is grown around the village of Montalcino. Located south of the Chianti Classico zone, the Montalcino range is drier and warmer than Chianti. Monte Amiata shields the area from the winds coming from the southeast. Many of the area's vineyards are located on the hillsides leading up towards the mountain to elevations of around though some vineyards can be found in lower-lying areas. The wines of northern and eastern regions tend to ripen more slowly and produce more perfumed and lighter wines. The southern and western regions are warmer, and the resulting wines tend to be richer and more intense.
The Brunello variety of Sangiovese seems to flourish in this "terroir", ripening easily and consistently producing wines of deep color, extract, richness with full bodies and good balance of tannins. In the mid-19th century, a local farmer named Clemente Santi is believed to have isolated the Brunello clone and planted it in this region. His grandson Ferruccio Biondi-Santi helped to popularize Brunello di Montalcino in the later half of the 19th century. In the 1980s, it was the first wine to earn the DOCG classification. Today there are about two hundred growers in the Montalcino region producing about 333,000 cases of Brunello di Montalcino a year.
Brunello di Montalcino wines are required to be aged for at least four years prior to being released, with "riserva" wines needing five years. Brunellos tend to be very tight and tannic in their youth, needing at least a decade or two before they start to soften with wines from excellent vintages having the potential to do well past 50 years. In 1984, the Montalcino region was granted the DOC designation of "Rosso di Montalcino". Often called "Baby Brunellos", these wines are typically made from the same grapes, vineyards and style as the regular Brunello di Montalcino but are not aged as long. While similar to Brunellos in flavor and aromas, these wines are often lighter in body and more approachable in their youth.
Carmignano.
The Carmignano region was one of the first Tuscan regions to be permitted to use Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in their DOC wines since those varieties had a long history of being grown in the region.
Noted for the quality of its wines since the Middle Ages, Carmignano was identified by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany as one of the superior wine producing areas of Tuscany and granted special legal protections in 1716. In the 18th century, the producers of the Carmignano region developed a tradition of blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon, long before the practice became popularized by the "Super Tuscan" of the late 20th century. In 1975, the region was awarded "Denominazione di origine controllata" (DOC) status and subsequently promoted to "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita" (DOCG) status in 1990 (retroactive to the 1988 vintage). Today Carmignano has approximately planted, producing nearly of DOCG designated wine a year.
Chianti.
Located in the central region of Tuscany, the Chianti zone is Tuscany's largest classified wine region and produces over eight million cases a year. In addition to producing the well known red Chianti wine, the Chianti zone also produces white, other "Rosso" reds and Vin Santo. The region is split into two DOCG- Chianti and Chianti Classico. The Chianti Classico zone covers the area between Florence and Siena, which is the original Chianti region, and where some of the best expressions of Chianti wine are produced. The larger Chianti DOCG zone is further divided in six DOC sub-zones and areas in the western part of the province of Pisa, the Florentine hills north of Chianti Classico in the province of Florence, the Siena hills south of the city in the province of Siena, the province of Arezzo and the area around the communes of Rufina and Pistoia.
Since 1996, Chianti is permitted to include as little as 75% Sangiovese, a maximum of 10% Canaiolo, up to 10% of the white wine grapes Malvasia and Trebbiano and up to 15% of any other red wine grape grown in the region, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. This variety of grapes and usage is one reason why Chianti can vary widely from producer to producer. The use of white grapes in the blend could alter the style of Chianti by softening the wines with a higher percentage of white grapes, typically indicating that the wine is meant to be drunk younger and not aged for long. In general, Chianti Classicos are described as medium-bodied wines with firm, dry tannins. The characteristic aroma is cherry but it can also carry nutty and floral notes as well.
In 2006, the use of white grapes Trebbiano and Malvasia was prohibited (except in Chianti Colli Senesi until the 2015 vintage). Local laws also require wines to have a minimum of 70% Sangiovese (and 80% for the more prestigious Chianti Classico DOCG). The native varieties Canaiolo and Colorino are also permitted, as are the international classics, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to a limited degree.
The Chianti Classico region covers approximately and includes the communes of Castellina, Gaiole, Greve and Radda and Panzano, as well as parts of four other neighboring communes. The "terroir" of the Classico zone varies throughout the region depending on the vineyards' altitude, soil type and distance from the Arno River. The soils of the northern communes, such as Greve, are richer in clay deposits while those in the southern communes, like Gaiole, are harder and stonier. "Riserva" Chianti is aged for at least 27 months, some of it in oak, and must have a minimum alcohol content of 12.5%. Wines from the Chianti DOCG can carry the name of one of the six sub-zones or just the Chianti designation. The Chianti Superiore designation refers to wines produced in the provinces of Florence and Siena but not in the Classico zone.
Bolgheri.
The DOC Bolgheri region of the Livorno province is home to one of the original Super Tuscan wines Sassicaia, first made in 1944 produced by the marchesi Incisa della Rochetta, cousin of the Antinori family. The DOC Bolgheri region is also home to the Super Tuscan wine Ornellaia which was featured in the film "Mondovino" as well as Tignanello from Marchesi Antinori.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a white wine made from the Vernaccia grape in the areas around San Gimignano. In 1966, it was the first wine to receive a DOC designation. This wine style has been made in the area for over seven centuries and is considered Tuscany's best and most characterful white wine. The wine is dry and full-bodied with earthy notes of honey and minerals. In some styles it can be made to emphasize the fruit more and some producers have experimented with aging or fermenting the wine in oak barrels in order to give the wine a sense of creaminess or toastiness.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano received its DOCG status shortly after Brunello di Montalcino, in 1980. The DOCG covers the red wine of the Montepulciano area. The wine received its name in the 17th century, when it was the favorite wine of the Tuscan nobility. Located in the southeastern region of Tuscany, the climate of the region is strongly influenced by the sea. The variety of Sangiovese in Montepulciano is known as Prugnolo Gentile and is required to account for at least 80% of the wine. Traditionally Canaiolo and Mammolo make up the remaining part of the blend but some producers have begun to experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
The wines are required to age two years prior to release, with an additional year if it is to be a "riserva". The recent use of French oak barrels has increased the body and intensity of the wines which are noted for their plummy fruit, almond notes and smooth tannins.
The origin of Valdichiana wines.
In Etruscan times, Valdichiana, an area which presently stretches along the Southeastern part of Tuscany up to the Florence-Rome road ramification, was called the "Breadbasket of Etruria". However, its hills were already dotted with vineyards. Later on, Plinius the Elder would describe the quality of these wines as follows: Talpone (red) and Ethesiaca (white). This was a vine growing culture spreading over the hills of the Tuscan part of Valdichiana surrounding the important commercial centres of Foiano della Chiana, Lucignano, Cortona, Montepulciano and Arezzo. The importance given to this economical activity was confirmed in the following years in successive stages in the writings of the Bishopric of Arezzo. "Valdichiana Champagne". During the 1800s, the merchants of Bourgogne and Champagne decided to use the wines of Tuscan Valdichiana due to their renowned quality as a base for their champagnes after the phylloxera or vine-pest had destroyed their vineyards.
The wine making tradition was enriched and endorsed in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the DOC guarantee of origin recognition thanks to the effort of few noble families such as Della Stufa (Castello del Calcione, Lucignano) and Mancini Griffoli (Fattoria Santa Vittoria, Pozzo della Chiana).
The first policy document of 1972 only protected the denomination of the “Virgin White Valdichiana” type. Later, the policy document was modified and enriched to include the entire selection of wines produced in the Tuscan Valdichiana.
In 1989, the DOC guarantee of origin was extended to the sparkling and spumante types. In 1993, output was lowered and modified. Later, in 1999, a production policy was put in action for white berry types (chardonnay and grechetto), red berry types (red, rosato, sangiovese), and Vin Santo, thus fulfilling the aspirations of the producers after more than thirty years. In 1999, the DOC guarantee of origin also varied the name “Valdichiana” and in 2011 with DM 22/11/11, the "Tuscan Valdichiana" denomination was further varied with the aim of giving the exact perception that the wine produced there comes from the part of the Valdichiana that is situated in the Tuscan region in the provinces of Arezzo and Siena, thus allowing the plan of promotion to strengthen the fundamental, unique, strong, and essential bond with its territory.
Other Tuscan wines.
The Pomino region near Rufina has been historically known for the prevalence of the French wine grape varieties, making wines from both Cabernets as well as Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot blanc, Pinot grigio in addition to the local Italian varieties. The Frescobaldi family is one of the area's most prominent wine producers.
In southern Tuscany, towards the region of Latium, is the area of Maremma which has its own IGT designation "Maremma Toscana". Maremma is also home to Tuscany's newest DOCG, Morellino di Scansano, which makes a fragrant, dry Sangiovese based wine. The province of Grosseto is one of Tuscany's emerging wine regions with eight DOC designations, half of which were created in the late 1990s. It includes the Monteregio di Massa Marittima region which has been recently the recipient of foreign investment in the area's wine, especially by "flying winemakers". The Parrina region is known for its white wine blend of Trebbiano and Ansonica. The wine Bianco di Pitigliano is known for its eclectic mix of white wine grapes in the blend including Chardonnay, the Greco sub variety of Trebbiano, Grechetto, Malvasia, Pinot blanc, Verdello and Welschriesling. In Maremma, a hidden gem with many wineries, is Poggio Argentiera winery which makes Morellino di Scansano and other wines.
The wines of Montecarlo region include several varieties that are not commonly found in Tuscan wines including Sémillon and Roussanne. The minor Chianti grape Ciliegiolo is also popular here. The island of Elba has one of the longest winemaking histories in Tuscany and is home to its own DOC. Some of the wines produced here include a sparkling Trebbiano wine, a sweet Ansonica "passito", and a semi-sweet dessert wine from Aleatico.


German Spitz

The German Spitz () is a breed of spitz-type dogs from Germany. Considered a single breed, it comes in five distinct varieties based on size and colour: the Wolfsspitz or Keeshond, the Giant Spitz or Großspitz, the Medium Spitz or Mittelspitz, the Miniature Spitz or Kleinspitz and the Pomeranian or Zwergspitz ("Dwarf Spitz").
Description.
The German Spitz is a long-haired, double-coated breed of spitz-type dogs, the five varieties vary significantly in size. The breed standard states all variants have a double coat with a long, straight and outer coat and a short, thick, cotton-wool like undercoat.
Wolfsspitz.
The Wolfsspitz (or Keeshond) is a medium sized dog, it usually weighs and the breed standard states it stands ; its coat is grey coloured.
Giant Spitz.
The Giant Spitz is a medium sized dog, it usually weighs and the breed standard state it stands ; its coat can be white, black or brown, black and brown animals can have white spots on the chest, paws and tip of tail.
Medium Spitz.
The Medium Spitz is a medium sized dog, it usually weighs and the breed standard state it stands ; its coat can be white, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded and other colours.
Miniature Spitz.
The Miniature Spitz is a small sized dog, it usually weighs and the breed standard state it stands ; its coat can be white, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded and other colours.
Pomeranian.
The Pomeranian (or Zwergspitz, "Dwarf Spitz") is a small sized dog, it usually weighs and the breed standard state it stands ; its coat can be white, black, brown, orange, grey-shaded and other colours.
History.
The German Spitz breed is believed to be descended from Nordic spitz-type herding dogs that were the common ancestor to other breeds such as the Samoyed, the Finnish and the Swedish Lapphund. It is believed these Nordic dogs spread throughout Northern Europe and as far as Britain during the Middle Ages with the Vikings, the earliest mentions of spitz dogs in German literature date from 1450 AD. In 1750, Count Eberhand zu Sayre Buffon wrote in his "National history of quadrupeds" that spitz dogs were the ancestor of all German breeds.
German Spitz dogs were originally kept on farms for a number of roles including herding and guarding, as the centuries progressed some lines were bred to be smaller for other duties and eventually as small companion dogs.


Chaunsa

'Chaunsa' (Urdu: چونسا ; Hindi: चौंसा), also known as 'chausa', is a named mango cultivar from South Asia. It is grown mainly in Pakistan and some parts of India; both countries export significant quantities of the fruit.
This variety of mango was originally made popular by Sher Shah Suri throughout the Indian subcontinent. While commemorating his victory over Humayun at Chausa in Bihar, he gave his favorite mango the name "chaunsa". Today Rahim Yar Khan and Multan in Pakistani Punjab are centers of chaunsa cultivation and export. Other than Chausa it is also known as Ghazipuriya Aam because during the early days of the mango, it was also cultivated on a Large scale in Ghazipur District. While the family who established thr town of Chausa were the descedents of a family from Gahmar and BaraGhazipur District. There was one Kam Dev who First planted a tree of Chausa aam in Chausa town. When Sher Shah suri defeated Humayun Kam Dev's younger brother name as Dham Dev (a friend of Sher Shah) gave some mangoes from his mango farm to Sher Shah Suri. Then Sher Shah Suri liked it very much and named it Chausa one the name of the place.
Description.
The fruit has a golden-yellow color when it is soft, is almost fiberless, and has an aromatic, pleasant, sweet flavor. Commonly available varieties in Pakistan are greenish-yellow. The unique taste and richness in its flavor makes it a worldwide favorite. Some consider it the best mango in terms of its rich aroma, sweet taste, juicy pulp and high nutritional value. Chaunsas have higher vitamin C content than other mango cultivars.
Chaunsa season in India and Pakistan normally starts at the beginning of June and ends in the third week of August. It is heavily exported to the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and most recently to the United States. Prior to its availability in the U.S., some American chaunsa aficionados would travel to Canada in order to legally purchase the mango. There are three known types of chaunsa mangoes: Honey Chaunsa, Sweet Chaunsa, and White Chaunsa. White Chaunsa is considered best for export due to its longer shelf life.


Hilltops wine region

Hilltops is an Australian Geographical Indication for a wine region in the Southern New South Wales zone of the state of New South Wales in Australia. It includes the main towns of Boorowa, Harden and Young.
The region has of vineyards, planted predominantly to red wine grapes. The vineyards are over altitude, in dark red granitic clay with basalt.


Zamorano

The Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School (), generally known as El Zamorano or Zamorano, is a private, coeducational university located in the valley of the Yeguare river, Honduras. El Zamorano's main focus is agricultural and there are four different programs to choose from in the school. Enrollment stands at more than 1000 students. It is currently registered in Delaware as a 501(c)3 non-profit organisation.
Zamorano is host to students from several countries, including Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, and México.
History.
The school was founded in 1941 by Samuel Zemurray (1877–1961) a Russian born American and president of the United Fruit Company. Mr. Zemurray set out to create a high quality agricultural education centre, devoted to the training of youth from throughout the region. To carry out this dream, he recruited Dr. Wilson Popenoe, a renowned botanist and horticulturist of the time who had extensive experience in the region, and had already organised the Lancetilla Botanical Gardens in Honduras.
Popenoe travelled for several weeks in 1941, exploring the Central American highlands to develop the project. He finally chose an estate of approximately 15 km² in the valley of the Yeguare, some 30 kilometres from the Honduran capital. The name Zamorano is that of the family from the province of Zamora, Spain that originally owned the estate.
Construction of the school began in late 1941. Dr. Popenoe became the Founding Director of the new institution and held that post until 1957. Since then, the small school has grown to become what is today a university centre of excellence serving the Americas and the world.
Campus.
The university is located on a large campus. The entire property lies on approximately 70 km², including natural forests and two micro basins, large productive areas, many places for recreation and various buildings. There are green areas, paths and lagoons harbouring numerous wild species that have found natural shelter on the Zamorano campus.
Zamorano has many areas/spots that are host to species that are both native to the region and exotic from all over the tropical world. Thanks to its long and distinguished tradition in biological science research, Zamorano currently has one of the largest herbaria in Latin America. The Paul Standley Herbarium hosts close to 300,000 classified specimens from Meso-America that are available to the students. Its collection of pests and beneficial insects is also in the neighbourhood of 200,000 specimens. Many are the result of research done by Zamorano's specialists and the contributions of its students.
The campus is home to more than 1000 resident students on the campus eleven months of every year. An area of 200,000 m² is set aside for student dorms. An area of 70,000 m² is used for various aspects.
Library.
Zamorano has one main library, the Wilson Popenoe Library. This library has a diverse collection of books. It has over 18,000 specialised books, 6,500 technical brochures, access to online databases worldwide, digital documents and a considerable number of magazines.
Enterprises.
The enterprises are the university's production, processing and marketing units, where the students learn by doing. Working in the enterprises is an integral part for the formation of each student and takes up about half of their time. The enterprises provide the physical resources and the right environment where the student develops skills and knowledge that prepare them for their future careers.
The University Enterprises are living labs where the students face what has been learned in the classroom and confront it with the real world and in doing so improve their learning process.
The University Enterprises are distributed into three main groups: agriculture, animal husbandry and processing plants. There is also a marketing and sales unit in which students are actively involved, interacting with customers and the market.
The agriculture group is made up of the agricultural units for horticulture, orchards, forestry and grains and seed.
The animal husbandry group includes livestock units in dairy and beef cattle, swine production and a support unit in agricultural machinery and irrigation.
The processing plants group consists of plants for processing dairy and meat products, animal feeds, seed production, fruit and horticultural products, post-harvest care of horticultural products and a sawmill.
Each business unit is managed by means of an agribusiness plan and agro-budget so that operations are handled as a company with financial and educational goals.
Distinguished Alumni.
A number of Zamorano alumni have achieved important roles in the government, non-profit organisations, universities, and multi-national companies. Some of these alumni include: Jose Antonio Molina (Botanist, Honduras '46), Marcel Laniado (Banker, Ecuador '49), Carlos Eduardo Mesa Mesa (Business Magnate, Colombia), Eduardo Galo (Novus International Director of North America, Honduras '95).


Chato Murciano

The Chato Murciano is a breed of domestic pig originating from Murcia, Spain. It is the only surviving breed of pig locally and historically produced in Murcia and is at the risk of extinction. Despite its danger of becoming extinct, the Chato Murciano is a well-managed pig known for its production of bacon and lean pork. Several Spanish authorities specialising in agriculture work on programs aiming to conserve the breed by cross-breeding and artificial insemination
History.
In Murcia, the Spanish were in need of an improved breed of pig as the current Murcian type was not meeting their standards. To solve this problem, they mix-bred the Murciano with the Victoria, Tamworth, the Large White and the Berkshire, the Chato Murciano was and still is currently bred for its lean meat and bacon. There were about fifty thousand pigs of this breed in 1865 and more than 100,000 in 1929. The breed originated and was farmed in Murcia, a region in the south-eastern area of Spain. The pig received its name from the Spanish due of its short nose, with “chato” meaning “short-nosed”, and “Murciano” meaning “from Murcia”.
Description.
Along with its short nose, the breed usually has a black or white color and has small sized heads. Generally the head Chato Murciano can grow up to 28.5 cm long and 20 cm wide after reaching 12 years of age. This is only a 2–4 cm growth from when it is one year old. On its head, the snout increases size up to 10.5 cm but then decreases to about 9.5 cm when the pig reaches twelve years of age. Pigs at about 3.5 years or 12 years have their eyes separated from each other at about 16 cm where at 1 year, they are separated by 12.5 cm.
Although having white fur, black fur is a more common characteristic of the Chato Murciano but some tend to have white patches on parts of their body such as the tail and legs. These are believed to be inherited from the Berkshire, which is the pig the Spanish used to cross-breed with the primitive Murcian breed. Hair is found all over the pig’s body except on mammary glands belonging to the sow. There can be up to fourteen mammary glands on a Chato Murciano.
Breeding and Use.
Bacon and lean pork is mainly why the pig is bred but it is an advantage for farmers as the breed is well adapted to southern Spain’s dry and warm climate. Being fed raw materials that are locally gathered, Chato Murciano are mostly killed at 18 months when their weight is around 180 kg. Because of its substantial amount of fat with extensive levels of oleic acid and muscle pigmentation, sausages of higher quality are able to be produced according to several studies conducted in the past.
In the 1980s, the breed was on the verge of extinction but due to programs instigated by agriculturists and governments, the pig is gradually becoming more sustainable.


Wallal

Wallal is the location of a bore in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The bore is located from the Great Northern Highway between Port Hedland and Broome and has an elevation of . The nearest town is Marble Bar which is situated south of the bore.
The bore falls within the boundaries of Wallal Downs Station, a historical pastoral lease, that operates in the area. The station also has a caravan park situated in close proximity to the bore and Eighty Mile Beach. An airstrip suitable for light planes is also located nearby.
The station is the most southerly cattle station in the Kimberley, although it is arguable whether the station is located in the Pilbara. With a size of approximately Wallal Downs the property stretches from the coastal flats into the Great Sandy Desert. Cattle reared in the area are mostly sent to market in Port Hedland or Broome and are occasionally sent to Darwin after being fattened up in the Northern Territory in lean seasons. The property is family owned and run along with Warrawagine Station. Wallal was stocked with 8,000 head of Brahman in 2015.
Wallal is also of historical interest as the location of an international effort to observe the Solar Eclipse on 21 September 1922, to validate Einstein's Theory of Relativity.


Babakan Siliwangi

Babakan Siliwangi (also known as Baksil) is a 3.8 Hectare urban forest in Bandung, Indonesia It is part of the green belt of Bandung and is a recreation place for the locals there. On 27 September, 2011, the United Nations certified Babakan Siliwangi as a world urban forest.


Tupungato Department

Tupungato is a department located in the province of Mendoza, Argentina. The cabecera (departmental capital), Tupungato, is located approximately south of Mendoza city, in the Valle de Uco.
Its name comes from the Tupungato volcano (at 6,570 metres, one of Argentina's highest peaks). The volcano's name is said to mean "star viewpoint" in the Huarpe language.
The department is approximately 1,200 metres above mean sea level, and comprises 2.485 km² (1.6% of the provincial total). According to the , the total population of the department was 28,539 with a density of 11.48 inhabitants per km².
The region is mainly dependent on agricultural production, with vineyards being its most important produce, representing 30% of the planted lands. Other regional products are fruit (mainly peach) and garlic. The wine industry, however, is particularly relevant due to the constant investments and intensive labour occupation. Recent developments in the Argentine economy have further fuelled the Argentine wine industry, attracting foreign investors and tourists to the region.


Tjaskers in the Netherlands

A Tjasker () is a type of small drainage windmill used in the Netherlands and Germany. There are 28 tjaskers remaining the Netherlands.
Locations.
Drenthe, Friesland, Overijssel.
Most tjaskers are located in the three northern provinces, see:
The remainder is described below.
Amsterdam (North Holland).

The paaltjasker was built in 1978 for the Floriade (flower show) of 1982 and was left behind after its end. It was restored in 2003 after being derelict for some years, though it is not really functional because of its sheltered position. The tjasker has four Common sails. It is located in the public park surrounding the Gaasperplas lake and can be reached on foot.
Arnhem (Gelderland).

The boktjasker was built around 1875 near Wâlterswâld. It was donated to the Netherlands Open Air Museum and re-erected there in 1928 as a static object. It was moved to a different site in the museum grounds in 2002 after spending some years in storage though still not operational because of its sheltered wind free location. The tjasker has four Common sails, which have a span of , making it the largest tjasker in the Netherlands. It is also one of only three "boktjaskers" left in the Netherlands. The mill can be visited during opening hours of the museum.
Bleskensgraaf (South Holland).

The paaltjasker was built by Chiel de Graaf from Oud Verlaat for owner Aad Schouten in 1987. It is located next to hollow post mill Wingerdse Molen. The tjasker has four Common sails, which have a span of and is fully functional.
Nieuw-Scheemda (Groningen).

The paaltjasker was built as an unemployment project of municipally Scheemda in 1992. It was erected near Midwolda to raise water into a small nature reserve. However this site proved problematic because of trees and shrubs and lack of public access so the mill was moved to Nieuw-Scheemda in 2001. It is now located close to drainage windmill De Dellen and is also operated by the volunteer miller of that mill. The tjasker has four Common sails, which have a span of . The mill is dismantled and stored indoors during the winter season and is owned by "Molenstichting Oldambt".
Zuidschermer (North Holland).

The paaltjasker was built in 1987 and is located in front of the owners farmhouse. It was built by the former owner of the farmhouse J. Blakeman and has four Common sails, which have a span of .


Rural letter carrier

Rural letter carriers are United States Postal Service and Canada Post employees who deliver mail in what are traditionally considered rural and suburban areas of the United States and Canada. Before Rural Free Delivery (RFD), rural Americans and Canadians were required to go to a post office to get their mail.
Types of carriers.
The rural carrier work force is divided into the following categories of employees:
Regular carriers (Designation Code 71).
For administrative and reporting purposes, regular rural carriers who serve on an established rural route on the basis of triweekly, five, five-and-a-half, or six days in a service week, are considered full-time employees.
Part-time flexible rural carriers (Designation Code 76).
Part-time flexible rural carriers (PTFs) are those substitutes or rural carrier associates appointed following an assignment posting. These employees provide service on regular and auxiliary routes as directed by management.
Substitutes, associates & reliefs.
The following employees provide service on established regular and auxiliary rural routes in the absence of regular or auxiliary rural carriers. This service may be as leave replacement and/or covering vacant regular routes pending the selection of regular rural carriers, as an auxiliary assistant or as an auxiliary route carrier:
Auxiliary rural carriers (Designation Code 77).
Persons hired prior to 1981 to serve an auxiliary rural route without time limitation.
Assistant Rural Carriers (Designation Code 70-5).
Assistant Rural Carriers (ARCs) were added to the 2016 contract. They primarily assist with package delivery on weekends & holidays, but can also be used to perform standard route duties on Saturdays.
History.
Much support for the introduction of a nationwide rural mail delivery service came from The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the nation's oldest agricultural organization. Formerly, residents of rural areas had to either travel to a distant Post office to pick up their mail, or else pay for delivery by a private carrier. Free mail delivery began in American cities in 1863 with a limited scope. Shortly afterwards, rural citizens began petitioning for equal consideration. Postmaster General John Wanamaker first suggested rural free deliver (RFD) of mail in the United States in his annual report for fiscal year 1891.
The Post Office Department first experimented with the idea of rural mail delivery on October 1, 1891 to determine the viability of RFD. They began with five routes covering ten miles, 33 years after free delivery in cities had begun. The first routes to receive RFD during its experimental phase were in Jefferson County, West Virginia, near Charles Town, Halltown and Uvilla.
After five years of controversy, RFD finally became an official service in 1896 under President Grover Cleveland. That year, 82 rural routes were put into operation. The service has grown steadily. By 1901, the mileage had increased to over 100,000; the cost was $1,750,321 and over 37,000 carriers were employed. In 1910, the mileage was 993,068; cost $36,915,000; carriers 40,997. In 1913 came the introduction of parcel post delivery, which caused another boom in rural deliveries. Parcel post service allowed the distribution of national newspapers and magazines, and was responsible for millions of dollars of sales in mail-order merchandise to customers in rural areas. In 1930, there were 43,278 rural routes serving about 6,875,321 families. The cost was $106,338,341. In 1916, the Good Roads Bill authorized federal funds for highway construction, which opened up roads in rural America to allow passage of mail.
Today, as in years past, the rural delivery service uses a network of rural routes traveled by carriers to deliver and pick up mail to and from roadside mailboxes. Formerly, an address for mail to a rural delivery address included both the rural route number and the box number, for example "RR 5, Box 10." With the creation of the 911 emergency system, it became necessary to discontinue the old rural route numbers in favor of house numbers and street names as used on city routes. This change enabled emergency services to more quickly locate a rural residence.
Labor union.
The National Rural Letter Carriers' Association was formed in 1903 at a cost of fifty cents per year in dues to its members. Since its inception, it has had an effective legislative program in the United States Congress to promote and protect the interests of rural carriers. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed executive order 10988 establishing employee-management cooperation in the federal service. Rural carriers selected the NRLCA as their agent, and they have held exclusive recognition to represent the rural carrier craft within the United States Postal Service ever since. The NRLCA negotiates all labor agreements for the rural carrier craft with the USPS, including salaries. Rural letter carriers are considered bargaining unit employees in the United States Postal Service. This means that there is a contract between the Postal Service and the NRLCA. Only NRLCA can represent members of the rural carrier craft in the grievance procedure, including providing protection in disciplinary actions.
To be able to join the NRLCA, one must first be employed by the USPS and work in the rural carrier craft as a rural carrier associate, substitute rural carrier, rural carrier relief, part-time flexible or regular carrier. Temporary relief carriers, under guidelines covered by article 7 of the NRLCA/USPS contract, are excluded from membership. Upon completion and processing of NRLCA form 1187, an official membership card is mailed, and the benefits of membership begin. NRLCA provides information and fellowship for its members at county, district, state and national meetings where all members may participate in a democratic process of developing association policy. The NRLCA provides a monthly publication, "The National Rural Letter Carrier", to keep its members informed on postal and legislative matters of vital interest.
Attire.
Rural carriers wear civilian clothes, not uniforms, while they deliver the mail. A minimal dress code is enforced, requiring cleanliness and a manner of dress that reflects a positive image of the Postal Service. Suggestive dress is prohibited. Proper footwear is required (no open toes or heels).
With national attention focusing on heightening security, rural carriers wear and display identification badges. ID badges are issued for security control of access to postal premises and operations and to identify individuals as USPS employees. An ID badge is provided to each rural carrier to be displayed during official duty hours.
Vehicle.
Rural carriers are responsible for furnishing all vehicle equipment necessary for safe and prompt handling of the mail, unless a USPS-owned/leased vehicle is assigned to the route. (If a USPS-owned/leased vehicle is assigned to the route, relief carriers may be requested, but not required, to furnish a vehicle during emergency situations). The vehicle is required to be large enough to accommodate the normal mail volume and constructed to protect the mail from loss or damage.
For each day servicing a route using a privately owned vehicle, the USPS pays an "Equipment Maintenance Allowance" (EMA) in accordance with the applicable schedule. The carrier receives EMA for each service day he reports to the Post Office, and is scheduled to perform delivery.
Advertisements of any kind and offensive slogans are prohibited from appearing on the vehicle and attire of the rural carrier.
In Canada, Canada Post has designated that rural mail routes with more than 330 rural mailboxes (RMB's) are designated right hand drive (RHD) routes. RHD vehicles used by Canada Post employees can be purchased with the help of a vehicle allowance from Canada Post or provided by Canada Post directly. Vehicle maintenance allowances are similar to those offered in the United States.
Payment.
In 1962, the NRLCA and Post Office negotiated their first contract under Executive Order 10988, and within it, the Heavy Duty Agreement, or Evaluated Pay System was instituted. Rural Carriers are paid a salary based on an evaluation of the route they deliver. Credit is given for all a carrier's duties and compensated accordingly. Adjustments to the annual salary may be made periodically as route situations change, such as the addition or deletion of territory or mileage. As an example, for every 12 houses with curbside service the route would be compensated for 24 minutes per week (4 minutes per day) along with associated time values for mail that is delivered or picked up, and mileage driven. The yearly salary range for most regular Rural Carriers on will vary between $40,000 and $65,000 depending on the route evaluation and longevity. Rural carriers cannot earn overtime pay except for short period during the Christmas season, unless they sign the RDWL to work their assigned day off for the week.
There are Cost of living adjustments and salary increases that are negotiated in each four-year contract. There are 15 step increases in a Rural Carrier pay scale. It takes about 12 years for a Rural Carrier to max out at the top of the pay scale.
Relief carriers can be required to be trained on up to three routes. A relief carrier may be required to carry a route other than the primary route. The time would then be recorded on the PS Form 4240 for that route. PS Form 1234 Utility Card (commonly called green card) is used to record work hours when the carrier is doing miscellaneous duties or when attending training. Carriers will use more than one utility card if they work in more than one station. All times are compiled by the timekeeper and submitted for pay.


Jardin des plantes de Nantes

The Jardin des plantes de Nantes (73,280 m²) is a municipal botanical garden located on Rue Stanislas Baudry, Nantes, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire, France. It is open daily without charge, but a fee is charged for the greenhouses.
The city's earliest botanical garden dated to 1688 as a small medicinal plant collection outside the city walls, near today's Rue Paré. It subsequently fell into disuse but in 1726 was revived as a Royal Garden for exotic plants. By 1790 the garden contained more than 600 species but by 1795 the garden had dwindled to fewer than 150 exotic plants; it again reverted to a medicinal garden, and slowly declined until its demise in 1877.
The current garden was first established in 1806 under the leadership of Jean Alexandre Hectot, and by 1807 contained a magnificent magnolia which still endures (the "Magnolia d'Hectot", 16 years old when transplanted). It became a municipal garden in 1820 and opened to the public in 1829. Under director Jean Marie Ecorchard, it was restyled as an English park containing some 2500 species. In 1840 it contained 12 camellia varieties, 4 peony varieties, 202 chrysanthemum varieties, a good rose garden, and an enormous Yulan Magnolia that took four men a full day to plant. A second section was added in the 1840s with greenhouse built in 1845 and ponds and an artificial "mountain" added several years later. The last section was created in the 1850s, including a remarkable fountain (1859) that operated for 130 years without maintenance or repair. Unfortunately, the disastrously cold December 1879 caused extensive destruction, including the loss of 245 trees and 600 shrubs; most of the existing magnolia collection, with the exception of its oldest specimens, were lost. After more than a decade of neglect, active restoration began in the early 1890s under the leadership of Paul Marmy, who built the garden's palm house 1895-1898 and orangery in 1899. By 1900 the garden was substantially complete in its current form.
Today the garden contains about 11,000 species planted within a web of ponds, waterways, and paths, with an artificial "mountain" and fine collection of statues, as well as pavilions, fountains, and cascades. It features an excellent collection of camellias (600 cultivars), mature specimens of "Magnolia grandiflora" (219 years old), "Liriodendron tulipifera" (150 years), "Sequoiadendron giganteum" (150 years), and "Sequoia sempervirens" (150 years), "Aesculus hippocastanum" (140 years), "Platanus acerifolia" (140 years), as well as fine specimens of "Arbutus unedo", "Carpinus betulus", "Ginkgo biloba", "Liquidambar styraciflua", "Pterocarya caucasica", and "Quercus mirbeckii".
The garden's palm house and greenhouses (800 m²) are also notable. East and west wings contain an exceptional collection of epiphytes, including orchids of the African lowlands and Asian mountains respectively. The taller central pavilion (10 meters) houses plants of tropical America. The Orangerie shelters citrus trees during the winter, and the dry greenhouse contains a good cactus collection, said to be one of the best in France.


Meenakshi Sargogi

Meenakshi Sargogi was an Indian industrialist and the former managing director and the incumbent non-executive director of Balrampur Chini Mills. She is credited with the revival of a loss-making sugar business into a profitable multi-focussed industrial conglomerate. She received the fourth highest civilian award of the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 1992 for her contributions to the Indian sugar industry.
Biography.
Born in 1944 in Kanpur, in the most populous Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, she did her early schooling at St. Mary's Convent High School, Nainital and returned to Kanpur where she completed her graduate studies. In 1964, she married Kamal Narayan Sargogi, a Kolkata based industrialist and led a domestic life for fifteen years, attending to home affairs and her two children. When her family property was partitioned in 1979, her husband inherited Balrampur Sugar Mills, which was a loss-making unit and she entered the business to assist her husband to revive the business. She is reported to have learnt the basics of the business, dismantled the senior management and turned around the company to make a profit of 4.4 million in the first full year of business.
Meenakshi shared the responsibilities of the managing director of the company with her husband for 22 years till June 2015 when she stepped down from active career to retain the post of a non-executive director. During this period, Balrampur Sugar Mills grew from a single unit business to multiple factory industry which she achieved by purchasing Babhnan Sugar Mills in 1990, Tulsipur Sugar Mills in 1998, the Rauzagaon factory of Dhampur Sugar Mills in 2005 and Indo Gulf Sugar Mills in 2007 and diversified the business to other areas such as Ethanol and Power.


Norfolk Grey

The Norfolk Grey is a utility breed of chicken that originated near the city of Norwich, in Norfolk, England, in around 1910. The breed was originally created by Frederick W Myhill of Hethel, Wymondham under the name Black Maria. It is a rare breed which is currently considered to be at risk by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
History.
The breed was originally created by Myhill before 1914, possibly as early as 1908. During the First World War, the breed was allowed to free range while Myhill had departed for military service. On return, Myhill discovered that the birds had cross bred with other breeds and the strain had to be recreated.
The Norfolk Grey was first exhibited under the name Black Maria at the Dairy Show in 1920. In 1925, Myhill applied to the Poultry Club of Great Britain in 1925 to have the name changed to Norfolk Grey as the breed did not gain popularity under Black Maria.
The Norfolk Grey came close to dying out in the early 1970s but a private flock containing 4 birds was found in 1974 and the breed was revived.
Characteristics.
Norfolk Grey is considered to be a heavy breed but does not grow as large as many other heavy breeds. The development of this breed is not factually known but it is thought that Birchen English Game and possibly Duckwing Leghorns were used in the makeup. The game inclusion would account for the excellent meating ability and the Leghorn for the laying ability.
They have a single comb and a red face with black eyes while the legs are slate or black. Plumage is attractively marked and the male has a beautiful silver hackle striped with black as is the neck, back, saddle and wing feathers, while the rest of the plumage is black. The hen's hackle is similar to the cockerels but she has an otherwise rich black feathering all over apart from the throat which is silver laced.
They can produce a good-sized carcass for meat production if they are allowed to mature slowly and are regulars at shows where they win prizes.
The Norfolk Grey is an excellent forager and does well when free ranging. Males reach while the female reach .
Utility aspects.
The Norfolk Grey was bred to be a utility bird, both for production of eggs and for the table.
Eggs.
Approximately 150-220 tinted (pale brown), medium-sized eggs per year from a healthy hen, and the breed can be expected to continue laying well throughout winter.
Meat.
Cockerels make good table birds if allowed to mature slowly. The meat is more gamey than most other common breeds.


Anderson, Clayton and Company

Anderson, Clayton and Company (sometimes written Anderson, Clayton and Co) was a cotton trading firm started in Oklahoma City by Frank Anderson, Monroe Anderson, and William Clayton. These three men formed a partnership on August 1, 1904. The company moved to Houston very early in the 20th Century because that city was gaining on Galveston for the title of Cotton Capital of the U. S. after the near-complete destruction of that port by the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, and on account of Houston's rapidly expanding shipping facilities. In time the company itself was the world's largest cotton-trading company.
Eventually the company was acquired by the Quaker Oats Company which led to its delisting from the stock exchange and the closing of its Houston offices.
History.
The company was created as a partnership on August 1, 1904, by Monroe Dunaway (M. D.) Anderson, his brother Frank E. Anderson and Frank's brother-in-law William L. "Will") Clayton. In 1916, the company moved to Houston, Texas in order to have better access to a shipping port. In 1905, Will's younger brother, Benjamin Clayton, already known as an expert in railroad and steamship transportation, joined the partnership.
The company grew through meeting high cotton demand during World War I. By 1944 the company had grown to be the largest provider of cotton in the world, and had cotton oil mills and cotton gins in several countries. The company went public in 1945, and continued to expand by financing cotton growers in several states.
Monroe Anderson died in 1939, leaving a legacy which was used to fund the M.D. Anderson Foundation which, in turn, funded the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center by matching funding from the state of Texas. The Anderson Foundation trustees insisted that the new school be set up in Houston near the company headquarters. The new Cancer Center originally operated out of World War II barracks; it later grew to become a substantial part of the Texas Medical Center.
As the company grew it diversified into foods and international markets, including the brands Chiffon margarine, Gaines Pet Foods and Seven Seas salad dressing. Anderson, Clayton also acquired major interests in food companies in Brazil and Mexico, but their profits were hurt by currency devaluations in those countries.
Although the food acquisitions turned out to be quite profitable, some other acquisitions were decidedly not. The Ranger Insurance Company had lost money for several years, culminating in a loss of $58.8 million in fiscal year 1985 alone. Although Anderson, Clayton had tried to sell Ranger, there were no bidders, and the parent corporation experienced its worst financial performance in many years.
By 1986, stock analysts were already discussing rumors of hostile takeovers. Anderson, Clayton began selling off some valuable holdings to raise more cash, so it could raise cash reserves in case of a fight. American Founders Life Insurance Company, was the first to go, bringing in $58.7 million. A warehouse and trucking company sold for $22 million. The Brazilian and Mexican food operations were sold to Unilever, N.V., for $109.1 million.
On September 29 1986, Reuters released news that Anderson, Clayton had announced that it would be acquired by the Quaker Oats Company in a merger estimated to be worth $812 million. The deal had been contested by Ralston Purina Company, which had planned to match the Quaker Oats offer, provided there were no antitrust objections from the Justice Department. All three companies were major competitors in the American pet food market. Anderson Clayton made and marketed the Gaines brand. Ralston Purina was already the market leader, and a merger with Anderson Clayton would have pushed its share of the pet food market to 35 percent. Quaker Oats, marketing the Ken-L Ration brand had only 8 percent of the market before the merger and would have a 15 percent share after the merger. The Justice Department had already given preliminary approval to the Quaker Oats offer.


Kattrup

Kattrup is a manor house and estate located just south of Jyderyp, Kalundborg Municipality, some 90 kilometres west of Copenhagen, Denmark.
History.
Early history.
Kattrup was in the Middle Ages a manor located in a village by the same name. In 1339, Queen Margrethe I gave it to Sorø Abbey. In 1444 , Sorø Abbey ceded it to the Diocese of Roskilde in exchange for other property. The estate was confiscated by the Crown after the Reformation, In 1561,it was ceded to Laurits Iversen Serlin in exchange for other property.
In the late 16th century, Kattrup was acquired by Rasmus Skade through his marriage to the previous owner's daughter Kirsten. After his death in 1602 it was passed on to his son Christoffer Skade. His heirs sold Kattrup to Axel Juul of Volstrup.
In 1664,Kattrup was acquired by Treasurer Henrik Müller, He would later become one of the largest landowners in the country. In the 1680s, he passed Kattrup on to his son Christian Müller who in 1689 ceded it to his brother Frantz Müller. Frantz Müller died in 1705. Kattrup was then sold at auction to Christian Paludan. It was later sold first to Bolle Luxdorph Rose and then in 1718 to Hans Philip Bochenhoffer. Bochenhoffer was in debt to Marie Juul of Kragerupgaard and he ended up ceding the ownership of the estate to her. In 1742, she ceded the estate to her son-in-law Anton Günther Ellbrecht.
In 1751, Kattrup was acquired by district judge Peder Kraft. His widow sold it to Jørgen v. Hjelmcrone. He ran into economic difficulties and had to sell the estate in 1775. The new owner was Major H. Focken.
The Mylius family.
In 1800, Kattrup was acquired by Johan Caspar Mylius. He left Kattrup in the hands of his mother, Ulrika Cathrine de Mylius, after having purchased Estruplund and a number of other estates. She was also the owner of Rønninge Søgård on Funen. Mylius reacquired Kattrup after her death in 1831. He sold the estate to J.F. Adeler in 1835 but reacquired it when Adeler went bankrupt the following year.
After Mylius' death in 1852, Kattrup was passed on to his son-in-law, Frederik Emil Herman Bernstorff. He was succeeded by his son Ulrich Bernstorff-Mylius. He demolished the old main building in 1896 and constructed a new one in 1925. After his death in 1930, Kattrup was passed on to his son Andreas Peter Bernstorff-Mylius.
The Møller family.
Arnold Peter Møller, the founder of A.P. Møller - Mærsk, purchased Kattrup in 1949. After his death, Kattrup went to his daughter Sally Mc-Kinney Møller.
Architecture.
The Neoclassical main building is from 1925 and was designed byJens Ingwersen. It is a white-washed building with two corner risalits. The roof is a hipped red tile roof.
The building is located on the south side of a large courtyard. The courtyard is flanked by older farm buildings from the 19th century. To the south of the main building is a large park with three pends.
Today.
The estate is today owned by Peter Anders Møller. It covers 1,023 hectares. Komtesseboligen is rented out for meetings, exhibitions and other events.


Nambi

Nambi is a pastoral lease and sheep station located about north east of Leonora and south east of Leinster in the Goldfields of Western Australia.
The station was established in 1899.
The property was owned by the Leonora Pastoral company in 1925, who ran cattle on the leasehold. The Company sold 129 mixed cattle at Midland Junction sales in December 1929, another 28 in January 1930, and another 30 in March 1930.
Plans were underfoot to change to sheep as early as 1925 when Geo Sexton, one of company directors, arrived at the station to commence fencing in preparation for the arrival of sheep at the station. The station had also recently purchased eight lorries.
By 1926 Nambi sold some of their first clip with 55 bales sold at the Perth sales in October 1926. and another 46 bales in 1928.
Approximately 10,000 sheep were shorn at Nambi in 1928, with a total clip of 252 bales of wool. The shearing shed had recently been fitted with 6 stands of Lister machinery, whereas shearing had been all done by hand in the past.
The Leonora Pastoral company put the property up for auction in 1930, advertising the property as having an area of with tenure up until 1948. The station had of 5 or 6 wire sheep-proof fencing enclosing into 14 paddocks and an additional of cattle fencing also in place. Water was available from 23 wells complete with windmills for a flock of approximately 11,000 sheep of which about 6,000 are breeding ewes, 70 cattle and 100 horses.
The station was sold to the Murrum Pastoral Company and Mrs C. Fitzgerald in August 1930. They had bought the station for £18,600 with all plant but no sheep. At this time the station occupied an area of and had over of fencing in place. Having little surface water, the property also had 28 wells and in 1930 carried a flock of 9,500 sheep. One of Nambi's neighbours is Clover Downs Station.
William Fitzgerald, of the Murrum Pastoral Company died in December 1933, leaving his wife and two sons. One son, Cyril Irwin Fitzgerald, is the manager at Nambi, while the other, Victor Fitzgerald, is the manager at Murrum Station.
In 1937 the station bought an additional 70 Bungaree blood rams from the Hagley stud in Tammin, followed by another 25 in 1938.
A station employee, William Paul, inadvertently shot himself with his own weapon outside the men's quarters in 1941. The bullet grazed his ribs and lodged in his left arm, but the wound was not serious.
The station had a good year in 1948 when 17,715 sheep were shorn and 465 bales of wool were collected which was an increase of 3,500 sheep on the previous year. Lambing was estimated at 81%.
Two shearers, members of Len Mitchell's shearing team, became lost when out shooting following rain; this held up shearing in 1949. The two men, Don McDonald and Ronald Bacon went shooting and became lost in the bush where they spent two of the coldest and wettest nights of the year. Both men were found safe and well about from the homestead. Vehicles and trackers from the station covered over in the search for the men.
The following year the station sold off 3,000 sheep to nearby Wilbah Station.
Cyril Irwin Joseph Fitzgerald, who had owned and managed Nambi since 1933, died in January 1951, aged 41. He left his entire estate to his widow.
Minara Resources currently owns Nambi, along with three other nearby properties: Glenorn, Yundamindera and Minara Stations. In 2012 Glenorn and Nambi were running approximately 1,700 head of cattle. By 2016 all four stations were running a herd of cattle.


International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is an international organization which conducts agricultural research for rural development, headquartered in Patancheru (Hyderabad, Telangana, India) with several regional centers (Bamako (Mali), Nairobi (Kenya)) and research stations (Niamey (Niger), Kano (Nigeria), Lilongwe (Malawi), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Bulawayo (Zimbabwe)).
It was founded in 1972 by a consortium of organisations convened by the Ford and the Rockefeller foundations. Its charter was signed by the FAO and the UNDP.
Since its inception, host country India has granted a special status to ICRISAT as a UN Organization operating in the Indian territory making it eligible for special immunities and tax privileges.
ICRISAT is managed by a full-time Director General functioning under the overall guidance of an international Governing Board. The current Director General is Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes who took the post in April 2020. The current chair of the Board is Dr Paco Sereme.
The Agro-Eco Region: The Semi-Arid Tropics.
The semi-arid tropics (SAT) region is characterised by highly variable, low-to-medium rainfall and poor soils, further characterised by lack of irrigation. In general, the historical average annual rainfall in the SAT is below 700 mm. In agricultural policy terms, this region is considered to be a less favored area (LFA).
Research strategy.
ICRISAT adopts Integrated genetic and natural resources management as its overarching research strategy. The aim is to combine tested methods of crop commodity research with well established practices in research in natural resources management. The original goal was to use crop improvement research as the basis to improve food availability in drought-prone areas of the tropics. In the last ten years, ICRISAT research, especially in India, China, the Philippines and Vietnam, has tended to emphasise creation and sustenance of rural livelihoods in addition to releasing crop varieties that yield better.
ICRISAT founded the Smart Food Initiative in 2013 with the Vision to create a world where food is ‘Smart’ – good for you, the planet and the farmer. A key objective is to diversify staples across Africa and Asia, with the initial focus on millets and sorghum. The Smart Food initiative is now led globally by FARA , CORAF, FANRPAN and APAARI.
Mandate crops.
ICRISAT performs crop improvement research, using conventional as well as methods derived from biotechnology, on the following crops: Chickpea, Pigeonpea, Groundnut, Pearl millet, Sorghum, Finger Millet, teff, and Small millets.
ICRISAT's scientific information by topic, crop, location and resources on Exploreit
Research themes and Gene Bank.
ICRISAT conducts its research under four themes: Agro-ecosystems development, Harnessing plant biotechnology and bioinformatics, Crop improvement and management, and Institutions, Markets, policy and Impacts.
The ICRISAT Genebank serves as a repository for the collection of germplasm of the six mandate crops – sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut; and five small millets – foxtail millet, little millet, kodo millet, proso millet and barnyard millet. The collection has over 119,700 germplasm accessions assembled from 144 countries. Several landraces now conserved in the ICRISAT genebank have disappeared from their natural habitats in Africa and Asia.
Crop improvement research.
Most of ICRISAT’s crop improvement research is directed at LFAs. At an aggregate level, there is evidence from India that crop improvement research is having favorable productivity and poverty impacts in many LFAs.
Based on an econometric analysis of time-series data for three different types of agricultural areas (irrigated, high-potential rainfed, and low-potential rainfed), non-ICRISAT experts found more favorable marginal returns (measured as Indian rupees of agricultural production per additional hectare planted to modern varieties) for crop improvement research in low-potential rainfed areas than in either high-potential rainfed areas or irrigated areas. Moreover, additional crop research investment in low potential rainfed areas lifts more people out of poverty than in the other two types of areas.
They found that ICRISAT-improved chickpea varieties have been widely adopted in a poor tribal area in Gujarat, India, with favorable impacts on yields, unit production costs, and net returns per hectare. ICRISAT’s package of improved groundnut varieties grown in combination with improved agronomy practices has had a positive result in the semi-arid tropical areas of Central India.
Two major science-based breakthroughs attributed to crop improvement research at ICRISAT relate to Pearl Millet and Pigeonpea. A team of researchers at ICRISAT have released the first public sector-bred marker-assisted hybrid pearl millet, HHB 67. This was released in India in 2006. It is assessed to have superior agronomic performance and improved tolerance to terminal drought. The first-ever release of a hybrid pigeonpea by ICRISAT researchers has been reported in 2008
Information products and services.
ICRISAT formally adopted an open-access policy for its research publications in 2009. It is among a small number of agricultural research organisations to do so. As of June 2010, about 3000 publications are available on the organisation's website.


Absolom M. West

Absolom Madden West (1818 – September 30, 1894) was an American planter, Confederate militia general, state politician, railroad president and labor organizer. Born in Alabama, he became a plantation owner in Holmes County, Mississippi and President of the Mississippi Central Railroad. He served in the American Civil War. After the war, he served in the Mississippi State Senate and ran for Vice President of the United States, unsuccessfully.
Early life.
Absolom Madden West was born in 1818 in Alabama. His father, Anderson West, was a county sheriff.
Career.
West obtained Federal land grants in Mississippi and moved to Holmes County, Mississippi in 1837, where he became a planter. He won election to the Mississippi State Senate as a Whig in 1847. In 1853, he became an officer of the newly formed Mississippi Central Railroad.
Although initially an opponent of secession, when the American Civil War broke out, West became a brigadier general in the Mississippi State Militia. He raised a regiment, and later assumed various administrative offices for the state. Sometimes simultaneously, he served as quartermaster-general, paymaster-general, and commissary-general of the Mississippi militia. At his direction, the legislature established a commission consisting of one lawyer and two businessmen to examine and audit the books and papers of his several offices. At the end of the war, West was the only officer of the state to make a final accounting. After 1864, West also served as president of the Mississippi Central Railroad. After the war, the railroad was sold to the Illinois Central, and West was returned to the State Senate.
Soon thereafter, West was elected to the Federal House of Representatives although he, along with the rest of the unreconstructed Mississippi delegation, was not permitted to be seated. In the years that followed, West established a branch of the National Labor Union, and served as a Democratic elector for president in the election of 1876.
Re-elected to the State Senate, West soon became disenchanted with the Democrats, and joined the Greenback party. For that party and for the Anti-Monopoly Party, West was a candidate for vice president on the ticket of Benjamin Franklin Butler in 1884.
Personal life and death.
West purchased Oakleigh, an Antebellum mansion in Holly Springs, Mississippi, from Judge Jeremiah W. Clapp in 1870. He died on September 30, 1894 in Holly Springs, and he was buried at the Hillcrest Cemetery.


Plumpton College

Plumpton College (previously known as Plumpton Agricultural College) is a Further and Higher education college in Plumpton, East Sussex, England, with courses in a variety of land based and related subjects. The college provides a range of full-time and part-time land-based courses, FE courses to Foundation Degree and BSc courses. The College degree courses are provided in association with the Royal Agricultural University.
The main site of the College is in Plumpton, with satellite centres, termed 'Outcentres', elsewhere in East Sussex at Netherfield, Flimwell and Stanmer Park, and further afield in Bwlch Mwlchan, Snowdonia. The current Principal of the college is Jeremy Kerswell.
The range of courses cover land-based provision including Agriculture, Horticulture, Floristry, Greenkeeping, Hard Landscaping, Equine Studies, Agricultural and Horticultural Machinery, Metalsmithing, Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing, Countryside Management, Forestry and Arboriculture, Sports (Outdoor Education), Viticulture and Oenology, and Rural Business Management.
The college was visited by The Princess Royal in March 2008 to open a new Children's Rural Education Centre marking the Year of Food and Farming.
Viticulture and Oenology.
Full courses offered are Foundation, BSc and MSc courses in Viticulture and Oenology, as well as in Wine Business, and around 180 domestic and international students attend these courses each year. It is the Centre of Excellence for the burgeoning wine industry in the UK.
Short courses include intensive courses in wine production for smaller growers and vineyard employees, known as WineSkills, a range of WSET courses, and bespoke courses and events.
The college has a 7.3ha of productive vineyard in Scaynes Hill with a newly-planted vineyard in Ditchling due to come into full production in 2021 or 2022, a semi-commercial winery, laboratories, and a sensory evaluation room. With the assistance of both a professional viticulturalist and winemaker, students have a large hand in creating the wine, sold commercially on-line and in local retail outlets
The Duchess of Cornwall visited Plumpton College to open their new Wine Research Facility on 26 March 2014.


Alpine goat

The Alpine is a medium to large sized breed of domestic goat known for its very good milking ability. They have no set colours or markings (although certain markings are discriminated against). They have horns, a straight profile and erect ears.
The breed originated in the French Alps. Mature does weigh around 61 kg (135 lbs), and are about 76 cm (30 in) tall at the shoulder. Alpine goats can range from white or gray to brown and black. Alpine goats are heavy milkers. The milk can be made into butter, cheese, soap, ice cream or any other dairy product normally made from cow's milk. They are often used for commercial dairy production, as well as homestead milk goats.
Types.
Several sub-types of Alpine goats have emerged, namely:
Characteristics.
Alpine goats are a medium to large sized breed. Males are over 81 cm (32 in) tall at the withers and females are over 76 cm (30 in) tall at the withers. Their hair is short to medium in length, and they come in all colours and combinations of colours. They have erect ears and a straight profile, and are described as being "alertly graceful" with the ability to adapt to any climate thanks to their hardy nature. They are the only breed with erect ears that comes in all colours and combinations of colours.
The sexual maturation rate among Alpine goats is at four to five months after birth for buck kids, and five to six months after birth for doe kids. However, doe kids should not be bred until they are at least 75-80 lbs. A doe’s gestation lasts for 145 – 155 days, with 150 being the average. Twins are the most common, but they can have singles, all the way up to quintuplets .
Alpine goats are friendly and highly curious, however they can be independent and strong-willed.
The American Dairy Goat Association faults all-white and Toggenburg patterned individuals.
History.
Alpines goats originated in the French Alps.
Milk.
Known for its milk, the Alpine goat is famous for its rich dairy production. Alpine goats are extremely popular in the dairy industry for their docile temperament, high quality milk output and long lactation. Alpine milk has relatively low fat content, with an average fat percent of 3.4%. It is higher in sugars than cows' milk but balances itself in terms of the amount of protein. Alpine goats' milk has 2.3 g of protein per 250 ml while cow’s milk has 3.4. A higher protein count is not always good, since it packs more calories with an increased fat content. Compared to Saanen goat milk, it is higher in all nutritional aspects, except the fat content, making it a much healthier choice.
Alpine goats are one of the top milk producers, alongside Saanen and Toggenburg goats. They are distinct from the other two due to their low value of fat content. This could be a direct correlation between the weight of the animal and its habitual environment. However, the Nubian goat's weight is similar to that of the Alpines at maturity, yet it produces less milk, containing a higher proportion of fat, than the Alpine goats.
The peak periods for milk production occur after four to six weeks of parturition (kidding). The optimal weight at which a goat produces optimal milk production is at least 130 pounds. For the Alpine goat that number is higher at 135 pounds and produces 2,134 pounds of milk per lactation. Good nutrition, proper milking procedures, reproductive management, and disease control are also factors that contribute to milk production of the Alpine Goat.
There are four requirements that need to be efficient for optimal dairy production. Dairy goats must be housed in specific conditions so that their milk production is not alarmed by changes. Changes in external factors can cause a decrease in milk production due to the pressure applied on the goat to adapt to these changes. The four factors for optimal production are: adequate ventilation, dry beds, uncontaminated feeder and water supply, minimal labor and disturbance.
Alpine milk, as with all goat milk, must be filtered and chilled immediately upon separation from the lactating doe when intended for human consumption. The temperature at which milk will remain the best is at . Cooling is required immediately of the milk so that there is no excess bacteria growth. Warm bacteria grows at a faster rate and multiplies so that the milk is spoiled. The milk that is refrigerated has a shelf life of about three to four weeks. Freezing the milk increases its shelf life by about four to five weeks.


International Harvester Company Warehouse

The International Harvester Company Warehouse is a building in southeast Portland, Oregon listed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Little RES Q

Little RES Q is Ontario's first CRA registered charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and relocation of pet turtles in an attempt to keep them from being released into the wild. The rescue also takes on snakes, bearded dragons, and other reptiles to help them find forever homes.
History.
Founded in 2008 by Marc Ouellette, the rescue started as a dedicated aquatic turtle shelter in Toronto, Ontario and has since grown to have locations across Ontario and Quebec and now accepts in most legal reptiles as space permits.