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Ken to rejoin fold next week

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The Evening Standard
The deal to return Ken Livingstone to the Labour Party will be sealed in a secret meeting next Wednesday, the Evening Standard has learned.

Senior members of Labour's National Executive Committee are expected to recommend the Mayor be invited back into the fold.

Talks were running into this weekend to smooth the details which will see official mayoral candidate Nicky Gavron step down in his favour.

Allies of Mr Livingstone said they saw "no problem" in making her his deputy, part of her price for standing down.

But Ms Gavron was "playing hard ball" in final negotiations - with a shopping list of extra demands.

These were said to include senior jobs for her key allies in the Mayor's administration, a high-profile role in next June's election campaign, say in the London manifesto and explicit responsibility some policy areas, including women's issues.

There was silence this afternoon from Mr Livingstone's camp on how many demands he was willing to meet. But Labour bosses are understood to have dangled a peerage in front of Ms Gavron as "an insurance policy" in case her relationship with the Mayor breaks down.

No agenda has been published for next week's London meeting of the NEC's powerful organisation committee but party insiders said it was "crunch time" for the Livingstone issue. Opponents of his return - including allies of Gordon Brown - were planning to mount protests.

Providing there are no lastminutehitches, a formal invitation-to the Mayor to rejoin Labour will be issued by the full NEC on 16 December.

The deal opens the way for a "dream ticket" in which Mr Livingstone will stand as Labour's candidate with Ms Gavron as his running mate.

"Nicky Gavron has taken us by surprise by playing hard ball to get a better deal," said Labour official. "She has a strong hand which she is using to full advantage."

Mr Livingstone was expelled from the Labour Party three years ago after beating the official candidate, Frank Dobson,

to become Mayor. Ms Gavron's office denied claims that she had already agreed to stand aside, saying negotiations were "not that far advanced".

But she conceded for the first time her willingness to stand down if it was "in the interests of the party and of London".

The Tories said Mr Livingstone's return was a "desperate" move by Labour.

Shadow local government minister David Curry said: "Labour are haemorrhaging votes across the capital and are desperately attempting to fool the electorate into voting for Livingstone again next year."


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Eisenhower's historian son dies

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The Evening Standard
The son of former US president Dwight Eisenhower has died at 91.

Retired brigadier general and military historian John Eisenhower lived on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the community of Trappe.

Born in Denver in 1922 to Dwight Eisenhower and his wife Mamie, he was an assistant staff secretary in the White House during the last few years of his father's administration and served as US ambassador to Belgium during the Nixon government.

Mr Eisenhower wrote numerous books about military history.

He is survived by his second wife Joanne, son David and daughters Anne, Susan and Mary.

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FA call for goal-line technology

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The Evening Standard
The Football Association repeated their "strong desire to see goal-line technology introduced as soon as possible".

QPR controversially had a goal not awarded in their Barclays Premier League match at Bolton when a Clint Hill header was ruled not to have crossed the line.

Within an hour the FA released a statement, which read: "Following last week's meeting of IFAB (International Football Association Board), the FA would like to reiterate our strong desire to see goal-line technology introduced as soon as possible."

The statement continued: "The FA has been a leading proponent of goal-line technology for many years.

"We will continue to press for its introduction once further independent testing is complete later this year, so that anyone wishing to introduce the technology is able to do so at the earliest possible opportunity."

FIFA, football's governing body, have so far resisted goal-line technology as well as other proposed ideas such as instant replay and adding extra officials.

However, following Frank Lampard's disallowed goal in the 2010 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter hinted that technology could be in place in time for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Premier League are investigating whether it is feasible to bring in goal-line technology for next season ahead of a July decision by football's law-makers.

The International FA Board (IFAB) have approved goal-line technology in principle and will go ahead with final tests on two systems, one from British company HawkEye and GoalRef by a German-Danish firm.

A final decision will be taken in July and even though the new season kicks off only six weeks later, Premier League sources say they will look at whether it could be possible to have a system in place. If the time available is too short for the Premier League, the first introduction would probably be FIFA's Club World Cup in Japan in December.


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Your are here  » Home   » Coast

Mombasa man dies after undergoing surgery to re-attach his private parts

By By Linah Benyawa | Updated Thu, May 30th 2013 at 00:00 GMT +3

By Linah Benyawa

MOMBASA, KENYA: A-72 year old man from Kwale who underwent reconstruction surgery after his private part was dismembered has passed away.

The man underwent surgery to re-attach his penis on May 21 after an attack died on Tuesday at the Coast General Hospital where he was admitted.

Hospital authorities have said a postmortem will be done to establish cause of sudden death as the surgery had been successful.

Relatives claimed that the night before he died, the victim was hallucinating and shouting.

“He was mumbling and we did not understand what he was talking about,” said his daughter identified only as Mwanaisha.

Dr Bernard Mwero, the hospital administrator at the Coast General Hospital said the medical investigation will be done after the family and police are consulted.

Doctors declared as stable the condition of the man after the surgery and he was wheeled to the general ward to recover where met relatives.

“We do not understand why he passed on yet he was getting better. His death has come as a shock to the hospital administration but as I earlier said, doctors did their work and we left it to God to take charge of his healing,” said Mwero.

The man was attacked by unknown people in Msambweni area in Kwale County early last week.

He is said to have been tricked by four men who went to his house at night pretending to be seeking directions but when he opened the door, they pounced on him and dragged him into the darkness.

Neighbours discovered him writhing in pain by the roadside and bleeding profusely the following morning and took him to hospital.

AP commander Wilson Gichuhi said last week police suspect the victim was attacked by people who accused him of practicing witchcraft.

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970-667-68531019 South Lincoln Avenue
Loveland, CO 80537
Repair Dept: Mon-Fri 7:00am-6:00pm
Impound Lot: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Towing: 24-Hour Dispatching

Chevy Repair in Loveland, CO

Chevy vehicles are popular in Loveland because they are so diverse. Whether you cruise the hot and sunny summer days in your Camaro, take the family to Estes Park in your Tahoe, or commute to the office in your Sonic, there’s a Chevrolet for every purpose. You can keep it running at its best with a little regular maintenance and Chevy repairs when they come up.

For more than 32 years, Stan’s Auto Service has been providing expert Chevy repairs in Loveland. Our honest and courteous staff members endeavor to make every service visit pleasant and comfortable, while performing your Chevy repairs precisely and efficiently.

Loveland’s Chevy Dealer Alternative

At Stan’s Auto Service, our technicians are ASE Certified and experienced in GMC and Chevy repairs on all generations and models. Whether your Cobalt requires front strut mount replacements, your GMC Terrain timing chains are rattling, or your Silverado Duramax diesel check engine light needs to be diagnosed, we will take care of it for you.

We thoroughly inspect each symptom, to ensure we accurately diagnose your Chevy’s condition. We always discuss the repair options with you before proceeding with your Chevy repair. Finally, we use only OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts for long-lasting repairs.

Loveland trusts Stan’s Auto Service with all the city’s ambulance repairs, proving we are your true Chevy dealer alternative in Loveland.

Common Repairs We Perform

  • Electrical diagnosis and repairs
  • Engine repairs
  • Transmission repairs
  • Oil leak repairs
  • Driveline repairs
  • Truck repairs
  • Air conditioning repairs
  • Cooling system repairs
  • Charging system diagnosis and repair
  • Warning light diagnosis and repair
  • Brake repairs (including ABS brakes)
  • Tire services
  • And More

We Offer 24 Hour Towing

Call now for a ride to our auto repair shop

Courtesy Inspections to Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Every auto repair at Stan’s Auto Service starts with a thorough inspection, including a road test and computerized scan to determine the root cause of your vehicle’s symptom. Once we discover the fault, we discuss a repair plan with you in detail so you can make a well-informed auto repair decision. We will perform only the repairs you authorize and will never suggest repairs that aren’t immediately necessary.

Great people made the service experience even better. They were able to find time to service my son's car when they were super busy. Thanks!

- Dan S., 4 Months ago

Went to get my whatever was causing my "Service Engine Soon" light to be on, which would've caused my vehicle to fail emissions, not only did they fix it after quoting a reasonable price, it was actually $100 less, and my "Low Tire Pressure" light was fixed.

- Stacey L., 5 Months ago

Stan's once again resolved issues effectively. The cost of repairs was less than their estimate, thus, displaying integrity. Stan's has been giving me effective auto repair service since 1986 and during that time has also shown integrity on several occasions.

- Ken K., 6 Months Ago

Green Auto Repair

Customers should know that every time they bring us their vehicle’s repairs or maintenance, they’re making an environmentally-conscious decision. Our team is all about saving your vehicle from costly repairs and early breakdowns through effective preventive maintenance services. We treat our customers like friends and family, and their vehicles like our own. Our certified techs maintain a tradition of savings through affordable service costs, vehicle value retention, and waste reduction.

Contact Us

No Problem Is Too Big or Too Small

Contact us today with any questions you may have!

Follow us on social media for specials and updates

Stan's Auto Service

2730 E Baseline Rd Loveland CA 85204
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Saturday, February 25, 2017
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Killer Pentatonics For Guitar (Bk/Cd)
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Killer Pentatonics For Guitar (Bk/Cd)

Sheet Music

Voicing/Format Guitar
Composer Dave Celentano
Publisher Hal Leonard Publishing Corp
Catalog # 00000285

Price: $19.99

Digital version also available for purchase. Click here.

Product Description

Killer Pentatonics For Guitar (Bk/Cd) Composed by Dave Celentano. For Guitar. Published by Hal Leonard Publishing Corp. (Catalog # 00000285, UPC: 073999809794)

Innovative and diverse ways of playing pentatonic scales in blues, rock and heavy metal. The licks and ideas in this book will give you fresh approaches to playing the pentatonic scale, hopefully inspiring you to reach for higher levels in your playing. Companion audio features recorded examples. 37-minute audio accompaniment.

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  • HIT MAKERS for Orchestra HIT MAKERS for Orchestra

    recommended by Dan C., Orchestra Music Specialist Hot new arrangements of pop hits that span the decades! Victorious arr. Larry Moore, Grade 3-4 Recorded by pop group Panic! At the Disco, this hit tune features a strong melody and a... Read More ›

  • Music for Piano Recital Music for Piano Recital

    recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist The Music for Millions series is a great educational resource of piano pieces composed by pianists, especially for growing piano students. Easy Classics to Moderns Volume 17 includes 142 easy piano pieces composed from... Read More ›


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Water Extinguisher Sign

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Heidi Wohlwend

Heidi went from a singing part in her 8th grade class play to performing as a dancer and fire swallower for private parties and cabaret shows in San Francisco for such luminaries as Bonnie Raitt and Willie Brown.

Since those performance art college days, she's been involved in dancing, puppetry, acting, writing and music nonstop. Heidi has studied middle-eastern dancing since 1994, and performs with a troupe called Hahbi 'Ru, who were delighted to be a part of the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 2006, performing the traditional dances of Egypt.

She spent a decade studying puppetry and performing as a bottler for the Piccolo Puppet Players, presenting authentic Punch and Judy with Brian Patterson and providing direction, scripting, lazzi generation, costuming, puppet construction, management, and general mayhem and merriment. Her ten years of work helped make the show one of the best loved children's shows in the Bay Area and the only historically accurate show in the U.S; taking it worldwide to Italy, the UK and performing for actor Pierce Brosnan.

Treading the boards at historical events since 1995, she has appeared with Dogs in Doublets, in Knights of the Round Table and Midsummer Night's Dream. She's been the fire eating Dragon Girl for Paddy West, and played numerous walk around historical figures from Lily Coit and Lily Langtry to Venus the Roman Goddess. She's modeled for photographer Jason Mendes, for PirateMod and Sinister Candy. For Stark Ravens she has played Maria in Twelfth Night, the Cheshire Cat and Gryphon in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost, Columbina for the commedia, Dr. Arlecchino, and Puss 'N Boots in the Christmas Pantomime (for which she won best actress at the Dickens Fair in 2003). As a founding member of Stark Ravens, Heidi has contributed her varied talents since the inception of the group in 2000 to every aspect from CD jacket design to award winning performances at the San Francisco Fringe Festival.

Heidi holds an MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University where she generated a novel, many short stories, and the beginnings of a play called The Almost True Adventures of An ExMormon Stripper, which she produced, directed and performed at the San Francisco Fringe Festival in 2003 and then reprised in San Francisco in 2004, directed by Brian Mathis. Her short story "Franny and Mary" was published in the Knight Literary journal, her novel is under consideration at a San Francisco publishing house, and she is hard at work on another musical and theatrical collaboration called TrashMan with hopes to unveil it at San Francisco's Fringe Festival 2007, or at a self produced venue.

Her most current musical project is a neo-skiffle junk yard band called Five Cent Coffee which roared into life in 2006. The trio includes melodian, washboard, ukulele, stand up bass, and most recently a 17 pound chain. Influenced by Tom Waits, the Tiger Lillies, Tin Men, bluesmen like John Lee Hooker, jug bands and popular tunes from the twenties and thirties, they play ukulele driven roots music with a dirty vaudevillian, Brechtian bent. They've collaborated with current Bay Area uke-sters Tippy Canoe, the Ukulele Apocalypse and others when playing the entire Ziggy Stardust album on ukuleles seemed like a great idea; generating shows all over from the Fillmore to the Rite Spot, and Purple Rain: When Ukes Cry, was a huge hit at the Rickshaw. www.fivecentcoffee.com

June 5, 2014

Untitled Document


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Human error, not abuse
I was grossly disappointed to open my Tuesday paper to the front-page headline accusing a PACE driver of abusing an elderly client. Yes, what happened to this dear lady was tragic, but the situation was in no way the result of "abuse." It was a very human mistake, and nothing more!
The quality of adult day care service PACE provides to hundreds of needy elders is way beyond what your paper described as medical treatment. Five days a week, clients receive hot meals, personalized exercise regimens, activities designed for the individual's abilities and comprehension, snacks, constant supervision, transportation, and assistance at home if they need help dressing and bathing.
The full scope of medical care is provided by skilled professionals on all levels, from doctors, nurses, therapists, drivers, and social workers.
They use a dozen vans to transport clients, and switching drivers for different routes at different times, for different individual schedules … could be a bit hectic at times, and this driver simply made a very human error.
I have often dealt with PACE, and you will not find a more dedicated, compassionate, proficient and caring staff anywhere. This incident did not warrant front-page headline placement spewing false accusation.
Ann LaReau, Wilmington

More and more environmentalists are supporting the Keystone XL pipeline. The recent derailment of a crude-by-rail shipment further emphasizes the need to build the pipeline asap.
More than 16 million barrels of Canadian crude were shipped by rail to the U.S. in 2012, projected to rise to 73 million barrels in 2013, and 110 million in 2014.
The number of gallons of oil spilled in transport by pipeline is less than half the rate of spillage by rail.
The oil will be shipped; it should be done more safely by pipeline as much as possible. Of course, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway that services the Bakke oil field (on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border) will make tons more money if the Keystone pipeline is delayed or never built.
BNSF shipped 1.3 million barrels of oil out of Bakken in 2008, 90 million barrels in 2012, and anticipates over 200 million barrels in 2013. And surprise, BNSF railway is owned by Berkshire-Hathaway, Warren Buffett's company.
Coincidentally, Buffett is a strong Obama supporter. Sometimes payback is heaven, not hell.
Phil Triece, Wilmington

Almost daily, it seems as though we are hearing of people being gunned down in the streets of Wilmington.
I ask … where are Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Ben Crump?
Is the correct answer that lives in Wilmington are less important, or is it there are no crowds to whip into a frenzy and no cameras to grand stand in front of?
Scott Newbold, Wilmington

Every now and then, people have to be reminded why they should not vote Republican … The people of North Carolina are now learning their lesson.
Ulf Hellsten, Wilmington


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SA Crowdfunding Blog

Monday, 11 June 2012 19:52

Research Funding through Crowdfunding

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An interesting use of the internet for raising capital is to channel money for research funding. If there is a cause that is in the mainstream of the public interest, procuring necessary resources can be an easy sell for those who arrange crowdfunding. There are factors that must be addressed to the satisfaction of any proposed investors to ensure that the campaign is a success.

 Establish Non Profit Status

 Although it is not always possible, becoming a non-profit has obvious good points. It not only has tax saving ramifications, but non profit funding is more desirable to those sending donations, many times, and it makes the research seem more legitimate. Non profit funding may have different guidelines than crowdfunding for other causes. It is important to have a legal professional and an accountant involved to be certain all matters meet the strict requirements.

 Establishing Awareness

 Just because an item is in the news doesn't mean that all the facts have been put forth for the public's edification. Presenting the facts, as they are known, is the first step toward asking for research funding. In the event the research is to be for learning more about a disease or looking for a cure, people want to know how many are affected by it, or can be affected by it if nothing is done to stop its spread.

Organizing a Winning Team

 The worst mistake that can be made when asking for research funding is to not have anyone on board, or ready to come on board, whose skills qualify them to address the issue at hand. One person of renown can make the difference in whether the masses will support research or not. Any name that is tossed out should be legitimate and verifiable, and any support personnel should have credentials to support their inclusion on the team.

Clear Goals and Expected Results

Research funding is a difficult situation to quantify or place a timeframe for completion of any goals. It is often uncertain that solutions, treatments, or cures can be produced, if that is the mission. If research funding is just to establish feasibilities, it may not get the respect of the community, so it is very important to have reasonable expectations and set goals before requesting assistance.

Guaranteeing results is a very risky proposition that can lead to loss of confidence. By its name, research should be understood to take time to complete study before worthwhile solutions or actions can be taken. Promises should be that the team will work diligently and efficiently towards the end goals if they receive the research funding.

Reporting and Publishing Information

Before anything gets underway, the team should be committed to reporting the results of the crowdfunding first, and when the research funding initial goal is reached, updates on progress must be kept up to date throughout the research process.

In some cases, the government may intervene with research funding of its own. One reason why non profit funding and crowd source funding are important is they often kick in before the government makes a decision to act. Results may come months earlier when research gets an early start.

Another consideration in research funding is how many different entities are after the same donations. If others begin a campaign first, it may be more reasonable to consider banding together rather than competing. Comparing existing resources might prove that the campaign will be more worthwhile with a combined effort.

Support for many worthy causes has been declining because of worldwide economic woes. This is another reason why crowd source funding is a necessary player in appropriation of funds for research. It is a much harder sale to get research funding through venture capital than crowdfunding.

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The Drive

News from around the state

MnDOT holds open house Thursday for I-94 project in Minneapolis

In just over a month, crews will get to work on a $57 million pavement rehabilitation and bridge repair project on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis that promises snarl traffic for much of the summer.

Lane closures, which include shifting motorists in both directions to one side of the Lowry Hill Tunnel for three months this spring and summer — and with narrower lanes, won't go into effect until late April.  But once they do, they'll be in place through October on a 9-mile stretch between Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis and the Hwy. 252 interchange in Brooklyn Center.

Over the course of six months, MnDOT will repair more than 50 bridges, rebuild the flyover bridge above Hwy. 252 and repave and rehabilitate the freeway that was originally constructed in the 1980s. Ramps at 49th and Dowling avenues and West Broadway will be closed at times.

“There will be [significant] traffic impacts,” said MnDOT project manager Marcell Walker, noting the ripple effect will be felt far beyond the I-94 corridor. “We don’t want to undersell it.”

For more information, you can read my story from earlier this month, or attend a public open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Building, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis.

Minneapolis is country's 15th most traffic riddled city, study says

Motorists in the United States drove a record 3.2 trillion miles in 2016, according to data released Tuesday by the Federal Highway Adminstration. That marked the fifth straight year that the number of miles Americans drove increased.

And with more people driving and logging more miles, it should not come as a big surprise that the U.S. has the worst traffic congestion problem of any developed country on the planet. The Seattle-based global traffic-tracking company Inrix came out Monday with its 2016 Traffic Scorecard and found that the U.S. has five of the 10 most traffic riddled cities in the world.

The company's study of 1,064 cities in 38 countries across the globe found American drivers waste an average of 42 hours a year stuck in traffic during peak periods. Here in Minneapolis-St. Paul, we come in slightly below the average at 40 hours a year. That was enough to earn us the dubious title of the 15th most congested city in the nation and 18th most snarled in North America.

Inrix defined congestion as a speed below "65 percent of the free-flow speed" on the typical road segment. So using it's definition, a road is considered congested when speeds are below 35 miles per hour on a highway posted as 55 miles per hour or 39 miles per hour on segments posted at 60 mph.

That differs from MnDOT's definition, which says a road is congested when speeds are below 45 miles per hour, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Drivers here definitely have their beef about traffic and our notorious pinch points, but at least it's not like Los Angeles, which leads the world with traffic jams. Drivers in the southern California city experience gridlock 104 hours year. New York came in third in the world followed by San Francisco (4th), Atlanta (8th) and Miami (10th).

TomTom also came out with its assessment of global and domestic traffic and it ranks the Twin Cities as the 166th most congested city in the world and 48th in the United States. Drivers here spend an extra 21 minutes a day or 81 hours a year on the roads. Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. were the worst commutes, the navigational system's analysis of traffic found.

The upshot is that congestion probably isn't an issue unless you are stuck in it. But here's an omnious prediction for anybody who drives, considering the number of vehicle miles driven in the U.S. has gone up for five straight years and shows no signs of slowing down. Roads are going to get more clogged.

"The demand for driving is expected to continue to rise, while the supply of roadway will remain flat," said Bob Pishue, senior economist at Inrix.


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Foreclosure review deadline is extended

  • Article by: JENNIFER BJORHUS
  • Star Tribune
  • August 2, 2012 - 9:27 PM

Federal banking agencies have extended a key deadline in a major foreclosure relief program as they work to make more people aware of it.

Borrowers who think they were the victim of foreclosure abuses or mistakes involving their primary residence in 2009 or 2010 now have until Dec. 31 to request a free and impartial foreclosure review to determine whether they're eligible for some type of remedy. The previous deadline was Sept. 30.

The foreclosure reviews are the result of a major enforcement action that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Reserve took against 14 large mortgage providers in 2011 for unsafe, unsound or deficient foreclosure practices. The companies were required to identify borrowers who may have been harmed. Injured borrowers may get some type of remedy such as the suspension or turn-around of a foreclosure, or a lump-sum payment of up to $125,000 plus lost equity.

More than 4 million people have been identified as having their loans serviced by one of the 14 companies and being in some stage of foreclosure during 2009 and 2010, but it's not known how many are eligible for compensation. The regulators have drawn criticism for not doing enough to reach everyone who deserves a review, but the OCC has said it's made extraordinary efforts.

"We're going to be increasing the outreach effort to minority communities and those hit hardest by foreclosures," OCC spokesman Bryan Hubbard said in an interview.

The program is for borrowers whose mortgages were serviced by one of the 14 companies, which includes such servicers as Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank.

Jennifer Bjorhus • 612-673-4683

© 2017 Star Tribune


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Renewable Energy SD, an Excelsior seller of wind energy equipment that was sued for fraud by the Minnesota attorney general's office, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

In its Friday filing for liquidation in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Renewable Energy listed $15.9 million in debts and $6.2 million in assets.

The attorney general's lawsuit, filed in Hennepin County District Court in January, alleges that the company and its sole owner, Shawn Dooling, 46, of Shorewood, sold farmers in Minnesota and elsewhere faulty wind turbines using federal stimulus money aimed at helping the country during the recession.

The company either failed to deliver many of the turbines or, in some cases, erected turbines that failed to perform properly or at all, the suit says. About 15 civil lawsuits have been filed against Renewable Energy SD by its customers or suppliers.

Renewable Energy SD was forced to stop selling wind generators in Minnesota after the attorney general's office obtained an injunction against the sales, said spokesman Ben Wogsland of the attorney general's office. The suit is pending until a judge determines whether the company should pay restitution or fines, and whether the company will have any funds with which to pay them, Wogsland said.

A spokesman for Renewable Energy said the state's lawsuit forced the Chapter 7 filing.

"The bankruptcy filing was unavoidable because the company was out of business and had no way to fund its defense in multiple court cases," Renewable Energy attorney Michael McGrath, of Ravich Meyer in Minneapolis, said in an interview Monday.

Most of the assets listed in the Renewable Energy bankruptcy filing appear to be speculative. About $6 million of the reported $6.2 million in assets are in the form of anticipated proceeds from a $6 million breach-of-contract and fraud lawsuit that Renewable Energy filed against wind turbine manufacturer Polaris America LLC of New Jersey and its CEO, Christopher Filos.

Polaris and Filos have denied all claims in the case, said their attorney, Jeffrey Paulson of Edina, in an interview Monday.

McGrath, Renewable Energy's attorney, said: "This [bankruptcy] filing will allow the court-appointed trustee to prosecute the Polaris and Filos case." The first meeting of Renewable Energy's creditors will be July 26, McGrath added.

In its suit, the attorney general's office said farmers were told by Renewable Energy SD that the wind turbines would produce excess energy that could be sold to the power grid, earning them $700 to $1,300 a month — money that could be used to recoup their initial costs within five to 10 years. The company promised to quickly obtain the necessary permits, apply for stimulus funds and bank loans, and build and maintain the turbines.

But the company broke its promises repeatedly, the attorney general's suit alleged. When farmers complained, the company refused to refund their money and pressured them to buy upgraded equipment to salvage their initial investment. In some cases, the more-expensive replacements also failed or produced just a fraction of the promised energy, the lawsuit alleged.

McGrath disagreed. Renewable Energy SD "did not admit any wrongdoing in the attorney general's action," he said.

But one Renewable Energy customer recalls it differently.

"I've never run into a scam this big, and I hope never to run into another one like it," said Gerald Crowell, a farmer near Windom, Minn., in an interview Monday.

He bought a windmill from Renewable Energy for $200,000 in 2010, and paid for half of it in advance. A tower for the windmill was constructed, but he never received a wind turbine to put on it.

Crowell suspected something was wrong when Renewable Energy asked him last year for another $100,000 payment in advance of the project's completion.

But Crowell refused: "I figured they were going to go belly up."


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The In Shape program is a health promotion program, organised by STARTTS and created in 2011 by the Fairfield City Council. The program aims to teach participants to make choices that will improve their lifestyles and lead to healthier living.

In Shape was designed to be used by bilingual health educators, and is available in 8 languages: English, Arabic, Assyrian, Italian, Spanish, Karen, Khmer and Vietnamese. The program is funded by the NSW government as part of the Healthy Communities Initiative.

The program is run over the course of 14 weeks. Each program ideally has a maximum of 20 participants. The STARTTS In Shape facilitator, Rocio Martinez,  has run 2 programs for the Spanish Community, and is currently running a program with the Mandaean community, with the help of an interpreter.

“I was staying home and not being happy. Inshape helped me look after myself, and have a fun time with other people just like me.”

Inshape Slider 1

How does the In Shape program work?

Diet, nutrition and exercise are at the core of the program. The In Shape facilitator works with the participants to educate them about nutrition and diet, and about the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Lessons in cooking, food substitution and hygiene are provided .

An exercise regime is customized for the participants, many of whom are older, and have led sedentary lives. David Perez, the exercise officer, works on providing simple yet effective exercise plans using such exercises as Yoga, dancing and walking.

What does it involve for participants?

A meeting is held each week, during which the participants are encouraged to reflect on their current lifestyles, and to find ways to improve them. Each participant will set their own goals, under a principle called SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time limited). Progress towards achievement of their set goals is measured via health diaries, and through weekly information sharing and discussion.

For many of the participants, this provides a venue to not only focus on improving their health, but also a place where they can discuss underlying adverse factors that have contributed to their  current lack of a healthy lifestyle. For many, this stems from isolation, a sense of lack of community and belonging. These are discussed, and participants are assisted and encouraged to find tools to overcome these barriers.

Who is eligible for the program?

In Shape is for both men and women from refugee backgrounds. Participants can nominate themselves or be referred to the program.

Referring to the program

The high demand for this fantastic program means that STARTTS is looking to run the program in other languages. Please contact STARTTS if you would like to refer a client to this group program.


text:
st: re: test linear hypothese for probit

From   "Sun, Yan (IFPRI)" <Y.SUN@CGIAR.ORG>
To   <>
Subject   st: re: test linear hypothese for probit
Date   Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:18:09 -0500

Hi, Martin,

Probably I did not explain very clearly in my previous email. My
equation is y=a+b*x1+c*x2+d*x3+e*x4, y is a dummy, and I use probit. I
only want to test coefficient of b and c, not all of b, c, d, and e.
Could I use test command after probit, e.g., test (b=0) (c=0) or test
b=c? Thanks.

*   For searches and help try:

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text:
Intoxicated man says George Bush is president

ASU Police reported the following incidents Tuesday:

  • A Tempe man was arrested Sunday on the 700 block of East Apache Boulevard on suspicion of underage drinking and possession of a false identification card, according to a police report.Police approached the man after watching him stumble on Paseo Del Saber, police reported.

    The man walked toward the Vista Del Sol apartment complex, turned to walk toward Jimmy John’s and passed out on a nearby chair, according to the report.

    Police asked to see the man’s ID and noticed he had bloodshot, watery eyes and smelled of alcohol, police reported.

    Police noticed the man had another driver’s license from Wisconsin in his wallet, according to the report.

    The man told the officer it was a fake ID with a different birthday, police reported.

    The officer asked the man the current date and who the president of the U.S. is, to which the man said: June 30 and George Bush, according to the report.

    The man took a Breathalyzer test and had a .197 blood alcohol concentration, police reported. Police cited the man on suspicion of minor in consumption and possession of a false ID and released him, according to the report.

  • Police are investigating reported graffiti and criminal damage that occurred between Oct. 1 and Oct. 17 on the 1600 block of South McAllister Avenue, according to a police report.A police aide spoke to a Tempe man on the telephone about graffiti that was found on the wall at Central Plant South, police reported.

    The man told police the incident occurred between noon and 5 p.m. during the first few weeks of October, according to the report. It will cost approximately $1,000 to repair the wall, police reported.

    Police do not have any leads or suspects at this time, according to the report.

Reports compiled by Maria Thompson.

Reach the reporter at mkthomp5@asu.edu


text:
DUI recognition focus of police class

Volunteers will drink tonight for training purposes

— Just in time for the holiday season, police officers are spending three days in Hayden this week learning how to handle traffic stops involving suspected cases of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Eleven officers from the Colorado State Patrol, Routt County Sheriff's Office, Colorado State Parks and Hayden Police Department are participating in the training being led by State Patrol Trooper Brett Hilling. Hilling said officers are required to complete the 24 hours of field training before they can conduct roadside sobriety tests.

Five of Hayden Police Chief Ray Birch's seven officers needed to complete the training, and Birch said his request to host the training before the holidays was intentional.

"The holidays are always a very busy time," Birch said. "We want to encourage people, obviously, to drink responsibly and not get behind the wheel if they've been drinking alcohol."

Hilling said the training prepares officers to identify intoxication and properly conduct sobriety tests. While admitting, "We all know what drunks look like," Hilling noted there are many clues being taught during the two-day course that will give officers an advanced ability to spot intoxication.

Hilling's teaching materials include information on visual cues of driving behavior that may suggest intoxication. They range from obvious clues such as weaving, to more subtle ones such as slow speed. For example, the information states that if someone is following too closely after 10 p.m., there is a 35 percent chance they are driving under the influence.

There is a heavy emphasis on post-stop protocol in the training, including instruction on how to prepare reports and testify in court. Hilling said it is important for instructions and actions to be carried out correctly so that the officers' work and conclusions will hold up in court.

"Students at the end have to be able to identify intoxicated people and conduct the roadside tests," Hilling said. "Instructions have to be very specific and detailed. : We teach them what the law requires. We teach them a lot of case law."

Hilling said DUIs and fatality crashes are on the rise in Routt County and throughout the Yampa Valley. Last year, there was only one fatality on U.S. Highway 40 in Routt County. This year, there have been 11. Of the 24 accidents this year involving fatalities in this troop area of the State Patrol, 10 were the result of DUI, said Hilling, who noted some of the accidents are under investigation and could turn out to be DUI, as well.

"We've seen a significant increase," Hilling said. "We're arresting more DUIs - significantly more."

Birch said this is the first time Hayden has hosted training for area law enforcement agencies since the early 1990s. He said it is a sign of the Hayden Police Department's growth and progress and said the training is "an outstanding way for officers and deputies to interact and learn from others' experiences."

"Our plans are to be as involved as possible in working with all the agencies in the valley," Birch said.

The officer training will continue in Hayden today and will include a "live lab" tonight at Hayden Town Hall. A group of volunteers will consume alcohol in a controlled setting and serve as test subjects for the officers to practice on.

stompk 9 years, 2 months ago

I saw Wall driving a county vehicle yesterday. Just refuse the test.

We don't need no stinking classes.

Guess some people are just better than others.

stompk 9 years, 2 months ago

I was just trying to think when I attacked any of you personally.

Can't remember a time.

Are you guys cops?

John Nichols 9 years, 2 months ago

I wonder if Routt County Sheriff Gary Wall will be in Hayden for the DUI recognition training and driver compliance that is going on this week. It appears he may need a refresher in the "Suspected DUI " driver compliance laws. Your licence is a privliage and not a right to drive and you MUST comply with the laws of the state and submit a blood, breath or alcohol test if requested.

twostroketerror 9 years, 2 months ago

Ah, another taste of the self righteous indignation I've been craving. Like brandy laced hot coco. Mmmmmmm. Keep it comin', I know this horse just can't get beaten enough.

dundalk 9 years, 2 months ago

flotilla: great video! could you just imagine wall doing a cha-cha?

weallnutz 9 years, 2 months ago

self righteous?? come on the sherriff is sending his employees to a class to learn how to do DUI'S...but here is the Ironic part, the guy teaching the class is the guy who arrested him when he "Wasn't drunk." If a cop arrested me for DUI and I hadn't been drinking I sure wouldn't pay him to teach more officers how to do DUIs.

Pres Plumb 9 years, 2 months ago

Brent Boyer:

What will it take for this publication to step up and do what needs to be done to stop Brett Hilling from being considered NW Colorado's "gold standard" for DUI enforcement? SP&T owes this community investigative reports on a number of issues and this one is number two on the list.

foodchain 9 years, 2 months ago

FYI, if anyone has the time or interest to read deleted comments they are forever preserved by the crawlers in places such as the Google Cache.

Requires free registration

Posting comments requires a free account and verification.


text:
Monday, 10 June 2013

Guest post by Amanda Usen + Giveaway

You all know how much I love cooking/baking and thus culinary romances. One of my favourite authors in this sub-genre is the lovely Amanda Usen, whose novels aren't just scrumptious but the recipes she shares on her blog are equally irresistible and delicious. *yum* So when I heard that Amanda's latest novel, Into the Fire, will be a steamy sensual romance published by Entangled Publishing I knew I just *had* to read it. Trust me, you need to put it in your basket as well! ;-) So please give a warm welcome to Amanda who kicks off her official blog tour celebrating the release of Into the Fire today!

“Personal Chef, at your service…what are you hungry for?”

INTO THE FIRE was inspired by one line that just wouldn’t let me go. Who could say that with a straight face? How would the person on the other end of the telephone respond? I built the story around that one little nugget of cheeky inspiration, and it took off from there.

How would you feel if you had a one night stand, it ended badly, and the next time you ran into the guy you were filling in for a server at a bachelor party? Imagine the company you work for uses sex as a sales hook, so you are wearing a revealing French maid uniform. Imagine he hits on you then calls you at work the next day, and you have to answer the phone by saying the line above. Poor Lila! But don’t feel too bad for her. I write heroines who give as good as they get. Here’s how the scene plays out:

“Personal Chef, at your service…what are you hungry for?”

A familiar low chuckle greeted her. “Seriously? Do you answer the phone like that every time or did you know it was me?”

“Every time,” she growled, dropping the pretense of civility, doubly pissed because her heart had skipped a beat at the sound of his voice. She’d made a huge mistake last night. “It’s a niche market.”

“I have to meet your boss. He’s a genius. Say it again, one more time, like you mean it.”

“What do you want, Jackson? I’m covered with chocolate mousse.”

“This just gets better and better.” He laughed while she weighed the pros and cons of hanging up on him.

There were no cons, she decided.

Jackson and Lila strike sparks from the first chapter onward. She’s got a good reason for having a beef with him, and he has an equally good reason not to trust her. However, they each have something the other one needs. And wants. And has to have…

Lila has a gift for creating fresh twists on classic recipes. Jack is opening a restaurant and having a crisis of confidence. He is willing to go to any length to get Lila to help him make it the best menu in New York. I love a gorgeous, talented, witty hero who acts like a jerk to disguise his vulnerability. It gets me every time. I have even more fun reading a book if the heroine calls bullshit every time he misbehaves. Sexy banter is my favorite! Can you guess what Lila wants from Jack? I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but feel free to speculate in the comments section. I’m driving home from the Lori Foster Reader & Author Get Together today, but I’ll pop in to chat and answer questions when I stop for coffee. If I get too involved in my audio book and drive straight through, I’ll catch up when I get home this afternoon. :-)

INTO THE FIRE is a fun, sexy book that RT magazine described as “simply mouthwatering.” If you get hungry while reading, you can find recipes from the book on my website. I particularly recommend Lila’s favorite chocolate cake – a recipe I discovered when I got home from work late and only had an hour to whip up a cake to take to my mother-in-law’s for dinner…delicious.

Lila's Favorite Flourless Chocolate Cake aka Chocolate Ecstasy
Stella, thanks so much for celebrating INTO THE FIRE with me! Last time we visited together it was your blog birthday, and today is my book birthday! It’s always fun to hang out here because I know you love food and romance as much as I do. I jokingly said many times this weekend that I write about chefs because I met my husband in culinary school. Writing about food and romance means I don’t have to do any research! But I only say that to get a laugh. I write about food because I love it. You’d have to love it to work in kitchens for almost twenty years! I write romance because I’ve been reading in the genre longer than I’ve been cooking. I read my first category romance at the tender age of nine, and it is a dream come true to write one myself, only eclipsed by the fact my loving husband brought me many delightful sandwiches while I was writing it. *giggle*

So let’s talk more about my favorite subjects: food and romance. I like wounded alphas. What is YOUR favorite flavor of hero? Or your favorite food? Maybe we can brainstorm my next book or at least come up with something to cook for dinner! Thank you for stopping by to see me! If you check out INTO THE FIRE, I’d love to hear from you. Happy reading and cooking!

Book #1 in the Hot Nights series

Jackson Calabrese has a lot of nerve. He beat Lila Grant in the Culinary Academy competition using her recipes. Now, he’s opening a restaurant and wants her help? Fine, she'll fix his menu, but it's going to cost him.

Heir to the Calabrese restaurant empire, Jackson can buy anything he wants, except creativity, so he buys Lila's instead. He can craft perfect paella, but to take New York by storm he needs her innovative spark.

Skillets aren't the only things hot in the kitchen, and an uneasy truce ignites into passion. They’re great in bed, but Jackson doesn't trust her, and Lila is contemplating revenge. The restaurant opening approaches, the menu is completed, and the tables are set for one final act of betrayal. How can love bloom in the midst of such a hot mess?

Buy at Amazon - B&N - Kobo - iTunes

Amanda Usen knows two things for certain: chocolate cheesecake is good for breakfast, and a hot chef can steal your heart. Her husband stole hers the first day of class at the Culinary Institute of America. She married him after graduation in a lovely French Quarter restaurant in New Orleans, and they spent a few years enjoying the food and the fun in the Big Easy. Now they live in Western New York with their three children, one hamster, two guinea pigs, a tortoise, and a new-to-them beagle. Amanda spends her days teaching pastry arts classes and her nights writing romance. If she isn’t baking or writing, she can usually be found chasing the kids around the yard with her very own hot chef husband.

Want chimichurri, chocolate cake or Chicken Alighieri? Visit Amanda at, where you can find recipes for many of the yummy dishes in her books. She can also be found on Facebook and Twitter if you want to chat about romance, writing, or recipes.

Amanda Usen is offering winners a chance to at some wonderful prizes during the Into the Fire Blog Tour!

To be entered just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and tell us in a comment: What is YOUR favorite flavor of hero? Or your favorite food?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends on 7 July 2013!

Good luck!

Related Posts with Thumbnails


text:
Xara (now owned by German company Magix) have just released a new version of their flagship Xtreme product. Upgrades for both the standard and pro editions are available, and a comprehensive list of changes is available from this Google Docs document.

Over at TalkGraphics, it’s getting something of a mixed reaction; those who use Xtreme primarily for its vector graphics capabilities to create artwork are somewhat miffed at the apparent paucity of new vector-related features, but other users are happy to see such longstanding requests as a spell-checker, and better object/layer management tools.

Personally, I can understand both viewpoints; historically, Xara was very much focussed on the digital artist, but the last few updates seem to be an attempt at broadening its user-base to include basic website design and desktop publishing. If it brings in the funding to continue development, and doesn’t get in the way of creating artwork, then I’m all for it. Let’s hope the next version has some more groundbreaking vector-related improvements though.

Interestingly it’s one of the first software titles I’ve seen that specifically mentions Windows 7 support – I know that much everything that was Vista compatible should work under 7, but it’s always good to be reassured.

I’ve managed to avoid starting on the redesign of wightmusic.com by playing with Xtreme 5 for long enough… back to work it is…!

Tags: , , ,

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 6:41 pm and is filed under IT. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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text:
Chaste tree — Vitex agnus-castus

© Steven Foster |

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used for gynecological conditions since the days of Hippocrates (2500 years ago). With a rich traditional of use, modern research supports historical wisdom, and has made chaste tree fruit preparations a phytomedicine of choice by European gynecologists for treatment of various menstrual disorders, PMS, and other conditions.

Origins and Botany

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepperThe genus Vitex until recently has been associated for centuries with the verbena family (Verbenaceae), and includes about 250 species, primarily tropical shrubs and trees. Only a few Vitex species occur in temperate regions. Vitex agnus-castus L., commonly known as chaste tree, is the sole species to occur in Europe. Native to West Asia and southwestern Europe, the shrub was introduced throughout Europe at an early date. It was known in English gardens as early a 1570, and now occurs throughout the European continent.

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepperChaste tree is a shrub growing from nine to seventeen feet tall, though specimens twenty-five feet high, with trunks eight inches in diameter, have been recorded. It has palmate leaves, usually with five to nine (rarely three) leaflets, white hairy beneath, with densely hairy, resinous leaf stalks. The flowers are in a pyramidal-shaped showy cluster, with seven inch spikes, sporting tiny blue to lilac blooms. Chaste tree has a long blooming period, as early as April in the deep South, lasting into October in more northerly areas in the United States. Typically it blooms from June through August. The small round fruits (seeds) have a pungent scent and flavor. Introduced to American gardens by European immigrants in the early nineteenth, the shrub has become naturalized in much of the Southeastern United States, occurring in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, southeast Oklahoma, north to Maryland.

The genus name Vitex derives from an ancient designation, vei, meaning to “wind, bend or twine,” referring to the once common use of the tough, flexible branches in constructing woven (wattle) fences. Pliny was the first to apply the name Vitex to the plant, perhaps derived from the Latin “vitilium” (wicker-work). The species name “agnus-castus” derives from a historical mis-interpretation of the original Greek name, “ágnos,” first applied by Dioscorides, and translated as “holy, pure or chaste,” Castus derives from the Latin castitas, meaning chastity. Agnus the Latin for lamb, at some point in history, replaced the original Greek “agnos” in reference to this plant (Böhnert and Hahn 1990).

Chaste tree has been used for the treatment of menstrual difficulties for at least 2,500 years. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) wrote, “If blood flows from the womb, let the woman drink dark wine in which the leaves of the chaste tree have been steeped. A draft of chaste leaves in wine also serves to expel a chorion held fast in the womb” (as quoted by Bleier 1959). Use for gynecological conditions are also noted in the works of Pliny and Dioscorides (1st century A. D.), as well as Theophrastus (3rd century A.D.). “The trees furnish medicines that promote urine and menstruation,” wrote Pliny, “They encourage abundant rich milk. . .” (Jones 1966).

John Gerarde, (1545–1612) Dioscorides, quoted from Goodyer’s 1655 English translation, recognizes effects on females, “It doth brings downe the milke, and expells ye menstrua, being drank to ye quantity of a dragme in wine” (Gunther 1934). These recommendations survive to the time of Gerarde, “The decoction of the herbe and seed is good against pain and inflammations about the matrix, if women be caused to sit and bathe their privy parts therein; the seed being drunke with Pennyroiall bringeth downe the menses, as it doth also both in a fume and in a pessary. . .” (Gerarde 1633).

The tree was associated with ancient Greek festivals. In the Thesmophoria, a festival held in honor of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, fertility and marriage, women (who remained “chaste” during the festival), used the blossoms for adornment, while bows of twigs and leaves, were strewn around Demeter’s temple during the festival (Böhnert and Hahn 1990). Pliny wrote, “the Athenian matrons preserving their chastity at the Thesmophoria, strew their beds with its leaves.” (Jones 1966). In Rome, vestal virgins carried twigs of chaste tree as a symbol of chastity. According to Greek mythology, Hera, sister and wife of Zeus, regarded as protectress of marriage, was born under a chaste tree. Ancient traditions associating the shrub with chastity were adopted in Christian ritual. Novitiates entering a monastery walked on a path strewn with the blossoms of the tree, a ritual that continues to the present day in some regions of Italy (Böhnert and Hahn 1990).

The shrub’s ancient association with chastity led to later use of the fruits as an anaphrodisiac, quieting the desires of the flesh, especially of celibate clergy. “These seeds have been celebrated as antiaphrodisiacs, and were formerly much used by monks for allaying the venereal appetite; but experience does not warrant their having any such virtues,” wrote Andrew Duncan in the 1789 edition of the Edinburgh Dispensatory.

Robert John Thornton (1768–1837)Robert John Thorton (1814), put it more eloquently, “As there are provocatives to procreations, as shell-fish, eggs, and roots of orchises made into salep for the male, and spare dict and use of steel for the female, so it is possible the chaste tree may have a contrary effect; and hence the seeds have been called Piper monachorum (Monk’s pepper), who flew to them when they found the spirit to be willing, but the flesh weak.”

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepperMany of the common names of the shrub refer to this use of the plant, including, Abraham’s Balm, Chaste Lamb-Tree, Safe Tree, Monk’s Pepper-Tree. It has also been called Indian-Spice, and Wild-Pepper, referring to the use of the fruits as a pepper substitute. The small round fruits (seeds) have a pungent scent and flavor reminiscent of black pepper. The fragrant leaves have also been used as a substitute for hops in brewing beer.

Through the eighteenth and nineteenth century, the fruits were little used by European medical practitioners. In the late nineteenth century, Felter and Lloyd (1898) suggested use of a tincture of the fresh berries to Eclectic medical practitioners to increase milk secretions and useful as an agent in menstrual disorders. In small doses, it was said to be useful in the treatment of impotence, and perhaps useful for nervousness or mild dementia.

Early Modern Research (1938-1960)

Madaus (1938) was the first to initiate use of chaste tree in the twentieth century. Recognizing the long-recognized value of the plant in gynecological disorders, he designed a series of animal experiment to determine which part of the plant had the greatest biological activity. Madaus found that extracts of the leaves, fruits, and bark retarded estrus (heat) in female rats, without evidence of adverse effects on reproductive performance. The fruits had the greatest activity.

During the Second World War, medical practitioners in Germany recognized a stress-induced lactation repression in women, prompting a search for effective galactogogues (milk stimulating substances). Clinical confirmation of the efficacy of chaste tree fruit preparations in stimulating lactation were published in three separate papers by Janke, Hofmeir and Noack and Noack in 1941, 1942 and 1943 respectively (as reviewed by Böhnert and Hahn 1990). Later animal studies in the late 1950s further confirmed an experimental lactation-stimulating action. In 1954, Mohr reported on a study of 1000 maternity patients, comparing vitamin B1 and a chaste tree fruit preparation in stimulating lactation to a placebo. The author concluded that the chaste tree fruit preparation resulted in more successful lactation than vitamin B1 or the control group. Increased lactation has been attributed to an increase in prolactin secretion, increased progesterone synthesis, reducing estrogen secretions (which tend to inhibit milk production).

Active constituents and Actions

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepperResults of these early studies led investigators to postulate that either the plant contained a component that replaced hormones produced by the body, or plant extracts, acting through the pituitary, might regulate hormone production (Haller 1961). Various studies, reviewed by Böhnert and Hahn (1990), indicate that a tincture of the seeds produces an effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary system, showing a gonadotropic function and causing an increased release of lutenizing homone with consecutive increase of progesterone level. Prolactin secretion is inhibited because of a dopaminergic action. In other words it acts on the pituitary gland to regulate the production of and induce normalization of the ovarian hormones, changing the ratio of estrogens and gestagens in favor of gestagens. The timing of the release of pituitary hormones, regulate menstruation, fertility, and other processes. Hence, an agent that will produce a balance of hormones can help to regulate these processes.

The biological activity of chaste tree cannot be attributed to a single chemical component. The fruits contain flavonoids including the major flavonoid casticin, as well as orientin and isovitexin (Belic et al., 1958, 1961, 1962). Other flavonoids include 3,6,7,4’-tetramethyl ether of 6-hydroxykaempferol, and quercetagetin (Wollenweber and Mann 1982). The dried fruits also contain an essential oil (up to 1.22%), as well as iridoid glycosides including aucubin, eurostoside and agnuside among others (Görler et al., 1985, Gomma et al. 1978). A recent study detected the probable presence of delta-3-ketosteroids in flower extracts include progesterone, 17-a-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and epitestosterone; leaf extracts yield andostenedione. However, the reported results of this study were ambiguous (Saden-Krehula, et al. 1990). The vast majority of chemical, pharmacological and clinical studies have involved a proprietary extract, Agnolyt®, (capsules and liquid) manufactured by Madaus AG, Cologne, Germany.

Chasteberry, like the rest of the 250 species of Vitex, long-placed in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) now in a genetic surprise twist are placed in the mint family (Lamiaceae). In medieval Europe chasteberry was a symbol of chastity. Branches were strewn at the feet of novices as they entered a monastery or convent. Research has focused on the use of seed extracts for regulating excessive menstrual bleeding or too frequent menstruation.
Chasteberry, like the rest of the 250 species of Vitex, long-placed in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) now in a genetic surprise twist are placed in the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Modern Clinical Use

An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone has also been associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).  Symptoms appear seven to ten days before the beginning of menstruation, and cease once the cycle begins. Physical symptoms include painful breasts, abdominal discomfort and fullness, flatulence, edema (especially of the lower extremities, as well as the hands and the face), and headache. Mental symptoms may include mood swings, nervous irritability, depression, restlessness, and aggressiveness. It is estimated that between 5 and 30% of women may be affected by PMS. Therapeutic choices by health care professionals are based on severity of symptoms. In severe cases, the treatment of choice is likely to be steroidal hormones. In Europe, however, gynecologists have another choice, preparations made from the fruits of the chaste tree (Feldmann).

A clinical survey of German gynecologists published in 1992 evaluated the effect of a chaste-tree preparation (Agnolyt®) on 1542 women diagnosed with PMS. Treatment of 40 drops daily lasted an average of 166 days. Both physicians and patient assessed efficacy, with 90 percent reporting relief of symptoms, after an average treatment duration of 25.3 days. Two percent reported side effects, mostly gastrointestinal in nature (Dittmar et al 1992, Brown 1994).

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepperIn one clinical drug monitoring study of the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with a chaste tree fruit tincture, 1571 women with menstrual disorders including corpus-luteum insufficiency and PMS were followed for a period of 7 days to six years (average 147.6 days). The preparations was 1:5 tincture, with a 58% alcohol content. The dose was 40 drops once a day taken on an empty stomach in the morning with water. In 90 percent of patients, the treatment eliminated or alleviated symptoms of PMS. Results for 465 patients were rated very good, 714 good, 220 satisfactory, 110 unsatisfactory, and in 62 cases no data was available. Adverse reactions were reported for 30 patients (1.9 percent), including 12 cases of nausea, malaise, gastric symptoms and diarrhea, and a single allergic reaction (Feldmann, et al., 1990).

Coeugniet, et al (1986), in a three month trial with 36 patients with PMS reported positive results in physical and psychological symptoms. A dose of 40 drops a day, taken over a three month period, produced a reduction in headaches, breast tenderness and pressure, bloating, and fatigue. Improvement in anxiety, mood swings, and other psychological symptoms were also reported. Given the positive results of experimental studies in the 1940s and 50s coupled with clinical experience, has lead to the use of chaste tree extracts in European phytotherapy in several major areas including: management of menstrual disorders, PMS, treatment of infertility produced by mild corpus luteum insufficiency, and hot flashes at the initial stages of menopause, among other conditions.

In Europe, the use of phytomedicines in the treatment of menstrual disturbances is often preferred over conventional treatment, if no contraceptives are indicated. Steroidal hormones are often considered unnecessary, and individual treatment initiated once differentiation has been made between cyclic and acyclic bleeding difficulties (Loch 1989). A benefit of chaste tree treatment is the relative lack of side effects compared with treatment with steroidal hormones. Another benefit is that the price of chaste tree preparation therapy is far below that of conventional treatment methods.     The 1992 German Commission E monograph (now irrelevant as a regulatory document) on chaste tree fruits allowed use of preparations for menstrual disorders due to rhythmic disorders of menstruation, mastodynia (pressure and swelling in the breasts), and premenstrual syndrome. Preparations include alcoholic extracts of the pulverized fruits (tincture) formulated to an average daily dose equivalent to 30-40 mg of the seeds. No contraindications were listed. While no interactions with other drugs are reported, animal experiments indicate the possibility of interference with dopamine-receptor antagonists. Side effects noted include too early menstruation following delivery (resulting from activation of the pituitary), as well as rare instances of itching and rashes. Chaste tree preparations are contraindicated during pregnancy (Monograph Agni casti fructus).

In a review on the relationship between phytotherapy and orthodox medicine, Schilcher (1994) reports that an important reason for the acceptance of phytotherapy by many German physicians is the existence of the scientifically supported Commission E monographs (as cited above). He also notes that acceptance of phytotherapy rests with the fact that in Germany, their use is consider a component of orthodox medicine and not an alternative approach. In Germany chaste tree fruit preparations are considered a safe, effective, and low-priced tool available to, accepted by, and widely used by gynecologists.

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepperChaste tree, recognized for nearly 2,500 years in the treatment of gynecological conditions, has been widely used in European phytotherapy for over fifty years. The majority of clinical reports in that period have been non-controlled studies by gynecologists in clinical practice, who report positive results. Chaste tree preparations are frequently used in the safe and effective treatment of PMS, heavy periods, too frequent periods, acyclic bleeding, infertility, suppressed menses, and other conditions, many of which are linked to corpus luteum insufficiency. Vitex is an excellent example of a phytomedicine which serves as a low-priced tool in orthodox European gynecological practice, rather than an “alternative” treatment.

Attelmann, H., K. Bendis, H. Hellenkemper, J. Reichert, and H.-J. Warkalla. 1972. Agnolyt® in the Treatment of Gynecological Complaints. Zeitschrift für Präklinische Geriatrie. 2:239.

Belic, I, J. Bergant-Dolar, ad R. A. Morton. 1961. Constituents of Vitex Agnus-castus Seeds. Part 1. Casticin. J. Chem. Soc . London: 2523-2525.

Belic, I., J. Bergant-Dolar, D. Stucin, and M. Stucin. 1958. A Biologically Active Substance from the Seeds Vitex Agnus-castus Seeds. Vestnik Slovenskega Kemijskega Drustva. 63-67.

Belic, I. and B. Cerin. 1962. The Occurrence of Casticin in Seeds of Vitex Species. Vestnik Slovenskega Kemijskega Drustva. 33-34.

Bleier, W. 1959. Phytotherapy in Irregular Menstrual Cycles or Bleeding Periods and Other Gynecological Disorders of Endocrine Origin. Zentralblatt für Gynaekologie. 81(18):701-709.

Böhnert, K.-J. and G. Hahn. 1990. Phytotherapy in Gynecology and Obstetrics – Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree). Acta Medica Emperica. 9:494-502.

Brown, D. 1994. Vitex agnus-castus Clinical Monograph. Quarterly Review of Natural Medicine (Summer):111-121.

Coeugniet, E., E. Elek and R. Kühnast. 1986. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and its Treatment. Ärztezeitschr. für Naturheilverf. 27(9):619-622.

Dittmar, F. W., K.-J. Böhnert, M. Peeters, M Albrecht, M. Lamertz, and U. Schmidtet al. 1992. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Treatment with a Phytopharmaceutical. TW. Gynäkol. 5(1):60-68.

Duncan, A. 1789. The Edinburgh New Dispensatory. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: C. Elliot and T. Kay.

Feldmann, H. U., M. Albrecht, M. Lamertz, and K.-J. Böhnert. 1990. The Treatment of Corpus Luteum Insufficiency and Premenstrual Syndrome: Experience in a Multicentre Study under Practice Conditions. Hgyne 11(12):421.

Felter, H. W. and J. U. Lloyd. 1906. King’s American Dispensatory. 2 vols., 18th ed. Reprint. Portland, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1983.

Foster, S. 1989. The Chaste Tree. Business of Herbs. 7(4):16–20.

Gerarde, J. 1633. The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes. (revised and enlarged by Thomas Johnson) Reprint. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1975.

Gomma, C. S., M. A. El-Moghazy, F. A. Halim, and A. E. El-Sayyad. 1978. Flavonoids and Iridoids from Vitex agnus-castus. Planta Medica 33:277.

Görler, K., D. Oehlke, and H. Soicke. 1985. Iridoids from Vitex agnus-castus. Planta Medica 40: 530-531.

Gunther, R. T. 1934. The Greek Herbal of Dioscorides. Reprint. New York: Hafner Publishing Co., 1968.

Haller, J. 1961. The Effect of Extracts on Hormonal Interrelations Between Hypophysis and Ovary — An Endocrinological Study with Animal Experiments. Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Gynäkologie. 158(6):274-302.

Jones, W. H. S. 1966. Pliny Natural History with an English Translation in Ten Volumes. Vol. VII. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Loch, E.-G. 1989. Diagnostik und Therapie dyshormonaler Blutungsstörungen. TW Gynäkologie. 6(2):379-385.

Madaus, G. 1938. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. 3 vols. reprint ed. 1979. Leipzig: Georg Thieme Verlag.

Milewicz, A. E. Gejdel, H. Sworen, K. Sienkiewicz, J. Jedrzejak, T. Teucher, and H. Schmitz. 1993. Vitex agnus-castus Extract in the Treatment of Luteal Phase Defects Due to Hyperprolactinemia: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-controlled Double-Blind Study. Arzneim.-Forsh. Drug Res. 43(7): 752-756.

Monograph Agni casti fructus, Bundesanzeiger. No. 90 (15 May 1985; replaced 2 Dec. 1992).

Propping, D., Th. Katzorke, and L. Belkien. 1988. Diagnosis and Therapy of Corpus Luteum Deficiency in General Practice. Therapiewoche. 38:2992–3001.

Propping, D. and Th. Katzorke. 1987. Treatment of Corpus Luteum Insufficiency. Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin. 63:932-933.

Saden-Krehula, M., D. Kustrak, and N. Blazevic, 1990. ∆4-3-Ketosteroids in Flowers and Leaves of Vitex agnus-castus. Short Reports of Short Lectures and Poster Presentations, Bonn BACANS Symposium, P177, p.59 (17-22 July 1990).

Schilcher, H. 1994. Phytotherapy and Classical Medicine. Journal of Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants 2(3):71-80.

Thorton, R. J. 1814. A Family Herbal. London: B.&B. Crosby and Co.

Wollenweber, E. and K. Mann. 1983. Flavons from the Fruit of Vitex agnus-castus. Planta Medica. 48(2):126-127.

Vitex, Vitex agnus-castus, chaste tree, chastetree, chasteberry, chaste berry, monk's pepper


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Personality tests for fish could help boost reproduction rates

8 November 2016

Aquaculture experts from the University of Stirling have found the way fish, Senegalese sole, cope with stress is determined by their personality and remains consistent regardless of the situation they are in.

Experts hope the first study to test stress copying styles in mature Senegalese sole, will help farmers screen fish from a young age to help the species reproduce in captivity and improve aquaculture production.

Scientists found when faced with confinement, restraint or a new environment, younger fish known as juveniles and older fish known as breeders, had similar behavioural patterns and levels of activity, showing consistent responses in animals of different ages.

There was also a correlation between how individuals with the same sort of personality acted across the various tests, suggesting that those who are reactive and fearful or proactive and curious, maintain this behaviour.

Dr Sonia Rey Planellas, Research Fellow in the Institute of Aquaculture, said: “Senegalese sole is a very valuable fish farmed across Europe, however first generation males’ failure to reproduce is still a problem affecting production of the species. Animals who are proactive and try to explore are likely to reproduce in captivity so it’s important these fish can be identified at a young age.

“The three tests we used to simulate life in captivity was easy to apply and required no special equipment. We hope this can be replicated by fish farmers, large and small, to help establish selection-based breeding programmes and easily identify fish that deal best with stress and will be able to reproduce more successfully in a variety of environments. These Operational Behavioural Screening tests (OBST) can also be used for other species of interest facing similar problems on domestication and production.”

The research, which also involved researchers from the Institute for Food and Agricultural Research and Technology (IRTA) in Catalonia and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, is published in Royal Society Open Science.

Around 120 Senegalese sole take part in five individual behavioural tests and two grouping tests. Cortisol, glucose and lactate in the blood was measured at the end of the tests to measure the stress response.

The study formed part of Zohar Ibarra-Zatarain’s PhD thesis who is now working in the Nayarit Centre of Technology Innovation and Transfer (CENIT2) in Tepic, México.

Background information

Media enquiries to Corrie Campbell, Communications Officer on 01786 466 169 or

Notes for editors:

  • The paper ‘Characterization of stress coping style in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) juveniles and breeders for aquaculture’ will be published in Royal Society Open Science and can be accessed here.
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Missing Frames: Catching up with Cinema

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Show Info: No more excuses! Join these heroic podcasters as they plunge the depths of cinema to watch all the movies they should have seen long ago. From classics like Citizen Kane to fan favorites like Oldboy, your hosts seek to not only make up for their years of cinematic ignorance but to delight the masses with their thoughtful and entertaining examinations.

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text: Though St. James usually tasks the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion, or the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary with finding an appropriate speaker for their Veterans Day ceremony, the school has tabbed one of their own to be the featured speaker this year. Prior to inhabiting his current position as a math teacher for the school, Thomas Cooper served on active duty as a communications officer for 22 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2009 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. “When you're growing up, you hope to make a difference,” he said. “That's why I joined the military, and that's why I became a teacher.” “He is an excellent teacher,” said Heather Spitzner, and administrative assistant responsible for coordinating the program. “He has so much respect with those kids.” For the full story, see Thursday's print edition of the St. James Plaindealer.


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September Idea of the Month: Producing Royalties and Unappreciated Upside to Oil and Gas

By Travis Johnson, Stock Gumshoe, September 17, 2010

I’ve had Mongolia on the brain this week, and would love to point you to some exciting investments in that (possibly) emerging commodity powerhouse — this has been a hot story of exploration and potential for at least five years, with periodic chatter about Canadian or Chinese companies who are making exploration inroads …

… but right now, it’s almost impossible to invest easily in Mongolia. I’ll just share the thought process I went through as Mongolian investments went through my head this week, and then get to the core of today’s note (and an entirely different investment idea).

Ivanhoe Mines (IVN) serves as a sort of Mongolia ETF at the moment (since they own 66% of the huge Oyu Tolgoi mine that is the single biggest project in Mongolia and more than half of SouthGobi Resources, which owns a large (if high cost) coal mine that’s selling coal to China), and I wouldn’t argue against speculating in those shares — or even in their sister company, Ivanhoe Energy (IVAN), though that one has just a small Mongolian exposure due to their purchase of PanAsian Petroleum last year (though they are drilling this winter, so there could be news). Everyone knows about Ivanhoe, though, and it’s pretty expensive (though you would have had to have a strong stomach about Mongolian politics to buy when it was cheap a year or two ago) … and you do take some execution risk as they build their massive Oyu Tolgoi mine. I’m kind of hoping that they have cost overruns (they’re estimating something in the neighborhood of $4 billion to get Oyu Tolgoi’s first mine built), or delays that cause the share price to dip, but if not I still might convince myself to buy in eventually — after all, Oyu Tolgoi will be one of the biggest mines in the world, so even though Ivanhoe Mines is expensive you can see a future, albeit a few years out and with some finger crossing, where they are producing stupendous cash flow for a very long time.

And of course, I’ve also written several times about Petro Matad (MATD in London, PRTDF on the pink sheets), the London-listed oil explorer that had an exciting oil discovery a month or two back that helped to drive the price higher (along with some steady push by Christian DeHaemer to make investors aware of the ...

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The Method and the Means to Make Money in the Market
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Before using Breast Actives Ask Her: Are You Ready To Get Larger Breasts?

Are you not satisfied with the current size of your breasts? There are many women how are and do not want to go through the process of surgery. This article is going to show you three ways you can begin to enlarge your breasts without the need for expensive surgery. Specifically, we are going to look into the necessity of diet, exercise, and proper fitting lingerie. These three steps will ensure your breasts are larger.

If you are looking for one of the easiest ways to get larger breasts you can begin with your diet. By just adding more food to your diet you will see an increase in your bust size. While Breast Actives adding more calories to your diet with sugary and fatty food will work. It is a better idea to eat more foods that contain estrogen. These foods will help give your breasts a little bit of a size increase without adding more overall weight to the body.

One of the best ways to get larger breasts is by starting to do some daily activities. Not only will you benefit from larger breasts but you will be getting healthier every single day. One of the best breast actives exercises to start with are simple pushups. Pushups are a great way to not only strengthen the triceps but the pectoral muscles. The pectoral muscles are located directly under the breasts and will help to fill out the bust size as they are reinforced.

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Are you wearing the right size bra for the shape and size of your breasts? Surprisingly 8 out of 10 women are not. Many women will never change bra sizes from their 18th birthday! Having the wrong how to buy breast actives online size bra can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of your breasts. Whether the bra is too small or too large is going to make your breasts look smaller than they are. The best solution is to visit a lingerie shop and get a proper fitting and see what a difference have the right size bra will make!

As you can see, there are several things you can do starting today that will help change the size of your breasts. There is no reason to feel that your breasts are too small any longer. By just sticking to a diet rich in estrogen, doing the right exercises, and having the best bra you can make gain a larger bust size in a short time.

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Floata Seafood Restaurant commits to stop serving shark-fin soup

    1 of 2 2 of 2

      One of Vancouver’s most popular Chinese restaurants has taken shark-fin soup off the menu. Floata Seafood Restaurant (400-180 Keefer Street) signed a letter issued by Vision Vancouver on September 29 stating that the 1,000-seat restaurant would no longer be serving the controversial dish.

      “We said to the Floata restaurant, we will only hold our fundraisers and events here if you take it off the menu,” Vision Vancouver councillor Kerry Jang told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview on October 26. “The manager, Antonio Hung… signed a paper saying that he ‘does not support or condone the serving of shark-fin soup in my restaurant’, and he’s taken it off the menu and I think that’s fantastic, so I’m encouraging people to go to the Floata restaurant and support it.”

      Jang, who introduced a motion to develop a regional ban on the sale of shark-fin products during a September 18 city council meeting, said that Floata is the first Chinese restaurant in Vancouver to take shark-fin off the menu. However, he would not be surprised if other Chinese restaurants followed suit.

      “It’s quite generational—the older you are, the more you’re for shark fin; the younger you are, the less you care,” Jang said. “Now, we’re seeing a decrease in the number of people who order it, and restaurateurs are seeing a decrease in shark-fin consumption.”

      At Floata, shark-fin soup had appeared on the restaurant’s menu since the Floata Restaurant Group, which operates restaurants in China, opened its first Canadian location in Richmond in 1992. The expansive Chinatown location featured shark-fin soup on six banquet menus, including those for wedding, birthday, and newborn baby celebrations (12-course menus with shark-fin soup range from $438 to $988 for 10 people). However, the restaurant is not concerned that eliminating the soup from the menu will affect restaurant revenues.

      “There are a lot of soups that we could serve instead of shark-fin soup,” Raymond Lau, a manager at Floata Seafood Restaurant, told the Straight by phone today (October 30). Lau listed fish, crab, and chicken soups as a few alternatives that the restaurant would be serving.

      Lau also mentioned that the restaurant had already started to see a decrease in the popularity of shark-fin soup being ordered off banquet menus. “It was not so popular,” he said.

      Jang, who stated animal cruelty and sustainability as the reasons why he is against the sale of shark fin, compared Floata’s challenge to West Coast restaurants committing to the OceanWise program when it was still new.

      “It’s a big risk for them in the sense that they’ve always been seen as a traditional Chinese restaurant that caters largely to Chinese [people],” Jang said. “I think this sends the message: ‘We are part of Canadian society, so we will reflect Canadian values. We are still a Chinese restaurant, but with Canadian values.’ So it’s really opened it up to everybody across the city. It’s not just seen as a Chinese place. It’s seen as a place that reflects everybody’s values.”

      You can follow Michelle da Silva on Twitter at twitter.com/michdas.

      We're now using Facebook for comments.

      Oct 30, 2012 at 4:40pm

      I went to China Town in Vancouver and throughout Richmond, Aberdeen Center etc lots of Shark Fin.

      Ban it already with Criminal liability.

      jonny .

      Oct 30, 2012 at 10:50pm

      taking it off the menu is totally different than refusing to sell it. they will still sell it if someone asks for it.

      Oct 31, 2012 at 5:06pm

      I'm sure the community in China town/E.Hastings/Main street area can afford Shark Fin Soup. . . Makes sense that they took it off the menu when their shark fin sales was probably pretty low anyways.