Nation’s largest energy investor reaches company record nine rigs, highlighting commitment to key U.S. offshore basin
GULF OF MEXICO – BP today announced it has added two drilling rigs to the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, bringing its fleet to a company record nine rigs as it continues to develop its strong portfolio of assets in the key U.S. offshore basin.
One of the rigs is a new ultra-deepwater drillship known as the West Auriga that is under long-term contract to BP from Seadrill Ltd, a leading international offshore drilling contractor. The vessel, capable of operating in up to 12,000 feet of water, has begun development drilling work at BP’s Thunder Horse field.
The other is a reconstructed drilling rig on BP’s Mad Dog oil and gas production platform. It replaces the original rig on the platform that was badly damaged and left inoperable by Hurricane Ike in 2008. With the new, state-of-the art rig, the platform recently resumed development drilling at the massive Mad Dog field complex.
“The addition of these two new rigs reflects the vital importance of the deepwater Gulf of Mexico to the future of BP,” said Richard Morrison, Regional President of BP’s Gulf of Mexico business. “It also clearly demonstrates BP’s commitment to the American economy and U.S. energy security.”
BP currently anticipates investing on average at least $4 billion in the Gulf of Mexico each year for the next decade. The company plans to concentrate future activity and investment in the Gulf on growth opportunities around its four major operated production hubs – Thunder Horse, Na Kika, Atlantis and Mad Dog – and three non-operated production hubs – Mars, Ursa and Great White – in the deepwater, as well as on significant exploration and appraisal opportunities in the Paleogene and elsewhere.
BP is also advancing a strong pipeline of future development projects in the deepwater Gulf. In April, the company started up the Atlantis North expansion, the first of seven additional wells to be tied back to the existing Atlantis platform. At Na Kika, another field expansion is planned, following the successful startup last year of the Galapagos development, a subsea tieback to the Na Kika production facility. BP is also pursuing plans for a second phase of the Mad Dog field.
Over the past five years, BP has invested more than $55 billion in the U.S. – more than any other energy company. BP is the nation’s second-largest producer of oil and gas and provides enough energy annually to light nearly the entire country for a year. Directly employing more than 20,000 people in all 50 states, BP supports more than 260,000 jobs in total through all of its business activities. For more information, view our BP in the US animated video:
- BP is the largest investor in the Gulf of Mexico over the last ten years.
- BP was the largest oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in 2012, when output accounted for 214,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).
- BP is the leading acreage holder in the deepwater Gulf, with ownership in more than 650 leases, which provide substantial opportunity for growth.
BP directly employs and supports tens of thousands of people and additional jobs in the Gulf of Mexico business.


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The Washington Redskins are getting ready to take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. This will be the second time this season that the Redskins and the Eagles will play each other and this will be the 163rd time playing against each other.
The Redskins are currently leading in their series history between the two division rivalry teams. The last time the two teams met and played each other was earlier this season and the Redskins won the game. The Redskins played a great game, similar to the other games during their four game winning streak over the Eagles.
The last time the Redskins played the Eagles they beat them 27-20. The Redskins scored the first touchdown of the game and had the only points during the first quarter. The Redskins scored another touchdown in the beginning of the second quarter and the Eagles also scored a touchdown and made their extra point kick.
The Eagles were able to make a field goal and give them more points but the Redskins did the same thing on their next drive so they kept the lead 27-20. The Eagles tried to score another touchdown but instead fell short and went for a field goal. The Redskins kept the lead throughout the whole entire game to secure their four game winning streak.
Both teams currently have a losing streak that they are trying to break so a win for the Redskins will break their two game losing streak. The Eagles are currently last in the division and this win for the Redskins will surely keep them there.
Ashli Brown is a writer for the NFC East and the Washington Redskins. Follow her on Twitter at @Loveli_Ashli

domain: game


Shoreline is a visionary LandCorp development that combines coastal living with urban style. Stunning new parkland that has brought life to Shoreline has already been delivered and will soon be surrounded by contemporary urban homes and apartments for today’s singles, couples and families.
Welcome to an iconic new address on Perth’s world class coastline. With all Stage 1 lots and apartment sites sold or under offer, don’t miss your chance to be a part of a new era in coastal living at Shoreline.
To register your interest in Shoreline, please click on the ‘Stay Informed’ button to the right of the screen. We will contact you with project updates.


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|After a gruelling 4 hours at the table, Ben Beasley-Murray, freelance journalist for The Times, took home £2,500 in prize money and the bragging rights as the best poker player in print, from the pokerzone ‘Media 25 Hundred’ last month.|
Lee McCreery, of News of the World, and Simon Young, of The Sun, gave Ben a run for his money but were overcome by Ben’s poker prowess, and ‘cunning strategy,’ and finished in second and third places respectively.
‘Media 25 Hundred’ was filmed at the pokerzone studios in London and is scheduled to air at 7:00pm GMT, July 1 on SKY CHANNEL 226.
Other journalists in the media poker tournament were FHM’s Mike Peake, Lads Mag’s Mark Tate, David Flusfeder, a freelance journalist for the Financial Times, Oliver Irish, editor of Stuff, Nils Pratley from The Guardian, and poker veteran and journalist Matt Born.
Jim Sibcy, Managing Director said, “The journalists all possessed sharp poker skills, and it was extremely exciting to watch! There could be some budding professional poker players amongst this lot! Their strategic play made for an impressive game and I am sure they will be very interested to watch the end result on pokerzone.”
The media poker tournament was such a hit with the print journalists that plans are in the pipeline for another one for the broadcast media. pokerzone is now on the search for broadcasters with a poker passion.
“We are planning a second ‘Media 25 Hundred’ as we would like to give the radio and television media the chance to test there card skills,” said Sibcy. “We might then hold a ‘Best of the Best’ tournament with the top print and broadcast media competing for a bigger cash prize!”
Officially launched on May 18, pokerzone offers an unrivalled selection of modern and exciting poker and casino lifestyle entertainment to more than 8 million digital TV homes and global broadband subscribers.
Poker has become a huge worldwide phenomenon (over £100m is staked at online card rooms worldwide each day) and its popularity has spread as far as the rich and famous in Hollywood with A-list stars such as Ben Affleck and Matt Damon being keen players.
For more information, contact:
Megan Whiteside / Inka Ikonen
+44 (0) 207 828 6988
firstname.lastname@example.org / email@example.com
+44 (0) 208 104 0412
About pokerzone (www.pokerzone.tv)
pokerzone - SKY CHANNEL 226, is the brand new poker and casino lifestyle channel and offers a well informed and highly charged alternative to all existing entertainment channels on the SKY platform.
pokerzone programming features include exclusive tournaments, movie nights, never-before seen documentaries, classic entertainment series and a selection of interactive gaming options

domain: gamble


text:
In its latest International Energy Outlook (“IEO”), the US Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) says renewable energy will displace oil as the world’s top energy source by the late 2040s. However, oil demand will continue to rise until 2050 as EIA Administrator Linda Capuano said renewables are not growing fast enough to meet demand.
The EIA expects natural gas to be the world’s fastest growing fossil fuel, increasing 1.1% per year until 2050. Overall world energy consumption will grow by 50% between now and 2050, led by strong growth in Asian markets. Also in the IEO 2019, the EIA expects total US oil production to peak in 2031, with offshore production peaking in 2022.

domain: news


text:
1. Florence: Medici Dynasty History Museum Ticket
The Museo de' Medici - located in one of the most extraordinary buildings in the city - is the place to discover the history of the most famous dynasty in the world. From Lorenzo the Magnificent to the Electress Palatine, the memory of Casa Medici is preserved and handed down here through the exhibition of precious collections of works of art, historical relics, original documents, faithful reconstructions and multimedia installations. Visiting the Medici history museum in Florence is also an opportunity to discover an extraordinary monument: the Rotonda Brunelleschi. Designed and begun by the most famous architect of the Renaissance, the Rotunda remained incomplete from 1437 for five hundred years. This extraordinary place, modeled on the Roman Pantheum, was part of the most important humanistic library of the time, frequented by Cosimo the Elder, Lorenzo the Magnificent and Leo X. Later Cosimo I, Grand Duke, wanted to make it the first seat of the Academy of Arts and of the Drawing and, in the nineteenth century, the sculptor Enrico Pazzi sculpted the famous statue of Dante today in Piazza Santa Croce. Finally reopened to the public after twenty years of closure, the Rotonda now houses the precious collections of the Museo de' Medici.

domain: artistic


Niles to rescind drilling ban
By Jordan Cohen
City council plans to rescind an ordinance passed last month that would ban oil and gas drilling within city limits.
The action, planned for its regular meeting tonight, follows a roundtable meeting last week at which industry representatives warned that the ordinance is likely to be found unconstitutional in the event of a lawsuit against it.
Under state law, only the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has the authority to approve drilling permits.
Wording of the ordinance would have not only blocked drilling but also would have prohibited the city from selling water to energy companies or other municipalities, according to city officials.
In addition, a representative of area labor unions said the ordinance could eliminate potential jobs for Niles residents.
In its place, council plans to approve a resolution asking the governor and state Legislature to encourage the ODNR not to approve permits for drilling in neighborhoods.
“We first passed this to protect residential areas and I still want to protect them [against drilling],” said Mayor Ralph Infante, who added he was not surprised by the negative response the city received after the ordinance was passed.
Councilman Steve Papalas, D-at large, said he was swayed by what he heard at last week’s roundtable, especially when he learned that there would not be enough acreage available for a well platform within the neighborhoods under the ODNR requirements.
Councilman Ed Stredney, D-3rd, said he will vote for the resolution rescinding the ordinance, but also said he opposes drilling within residential areas.
“I just think it’s something that can be done out in the country where farmers are being compensated very well,” Stredney said.
“I don’t think it’s something that has to be done in city limits or in our parks.”
Council’s approval of the banning ordinance Aug. 21 came after an email sent to the city by John Williams, an anti-drilling activist, warned of a drilling operation planned along a residential area near Robbins Avenue.
Papalas and Infante said that after investigating they believe ODNR would not likely grant a drilling permit there because the neighborhood is too heavily populated and lacks adequate acreage for a well pad.
The banning ordinance was based on the “Community Bill of Rights” drafted by the Environmental Legal Defense Fund, an environmental group that drew up similar ordinances for other cities.


You Could Buy Your Next Car on Amazon, Seriously — But There's a Not-So-Convenient Catch The list of items available for purchase on the massive ecommerce platform keeps growing.
- People will be able to shop for Hyundai vehicles on Amazon's website.
- Customers will select their vehicle from a local Hyundai dealer's inventory and pick it up at a dealership.
- The partnership aims to provide a seamless online car-buying experience, with financing information and monthly payment calculations available on the Amazon website.
From clothing to electronics, groceries and more, there are few things Amazon customers can't purchase on the ecommerce company's sprawling platform.
Soon, motor vehicles will be added to that list. People will be able to browse and purchase cars and SUVs through Amazon's website, with Hyundai being the first automaker to partner with the company, CNN Business reported.
Image Credit: ROBYN BECK | Getty Images. Amazon Vice President of Worldwide Corporate Business Development Marty Mallick, left, and Hyundai Global President and Chief Operating Officer Jose Munoz speak at the Hyundai press conference at Automobility LA.
Although customers won't have their newly bought Hyundai Santa Fe or Sonata delivered directly to their homes, the process aims to replicate the convenience of online shopping as much as possible. Once a vehicle is chosen from a local Hyundai dealer's inventory, customers will pick it up at a dealership.
Hyundai, owned by South Korea-based Hyundai Motor Group, is one of the top-performing new vehicle manufacturers in the U.S., according to automotive data and analysis provider S&P Mobility. As of last year, it ranked as the No. 3 original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the U.S. based on retail market share.
The Amazon-Hyundai arrangement is in line with the laws in most U.S. states, which protect auto dealerships from direct sales by automakers, per CNN. The ability to buy cars online has been controversial for other automakers like Tesla and Rivian, which prefer to sell directly to consumers.
The Amazon website will offer financing information and a monthly payment calculation tool, the success of which will play a crucial role in the overall user experience. Customers will have the option to search dealership inventories, view vehicle pricing and initiate purchases through the Amazon website, but the selection will be limited to vehicles already available in dealers' inventories. Although the ability to select a vehicle online is not entirely new, it gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic when physical dealership visits were restricted.
Hyundai and Amazon have also announced other collaborations. Amazon will provide data storage for Hyundai, and future Hyundai models will include Alexa voice assistant. Hyundai dealerships are not obligated to participate in the program, but they have the option to opt in.


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For more information about this meeting, contact Nigel Higson, Stephanie Zerby.
|Title:||A mozaic of mathematical problems|
|Seminar:||Department of Mathematics Colloquium|
|Speaker:||Dima Burago, Penn State University|
|This won't be a typical colloquium lecture. Instead I'll give a number of mini-talks on very different topics. The only thing linking the topics together is that they have all been of interest to me in the past several years, and the most important part of the lecture will be the presentation of open problems. These will be formulated using no more than the material of our graduate student qualifying exams.|
Room Reservation Information
|Date:||02 / 14 / 2013|
|Time:||03:35pm - 04:25pm|

domain: mathematics


Throughout the years of development in laboratory testing of concrete some need has been urged to measure the deformations on the specimens. As there are some methods for this purpose such as putting sensors on the specimens, the need for a new method was still existed. Old fashion methodologies utilize long cables for measuring deformations. On the other hand, digital image correlation (DIC) is a remote technique which can be applied without any physical interaction with the specimen. Being relatively a low-cost option and measuring the displacements in micro level of precision made it very desirable for the researchers over the years. Materials such as concrete can be assumed to heterogeneous as it consists of steel reinforcements, pozzolans, cement, water, and aggregates. Therefore, failures along the concrete specimens can vary from very simple to very complex. Considering these reasons, determining any failure before happening or observing an existing deformation before the failure can be very critical. This paper represents the application of DIC on concrete specimens from relatively small laboratory samples to full-scale in-place specimens. A special attention has been made to the visualizing the failure modes of concrete with DIC. Some notable usages have been observed and noted.
Surface displacement measurement of materials is an important part of various laboratory experiments. The DIC technique is an innovative particle tracking method by which the in-plane surface deformations are measured by comparing the digital images of a specimen surface taken during the experiment . The increasing diffusion of DIC can be explained by its flexibility, scalability to a wide range of dimensions, the robustness of its operating principle, and its (apparent) ease of use” . DIC was defined as “a non-contact whole-field imaging technique that employs tracking and image registration for accurate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) deformation and strain measurements. It is a technique based on surface analysis methods which involve monitoring and identifying changes in a pattern applied to the surface of objects under observation, that have been subjected to some form of mechanical pressure or strain as shown in (Figure 1). DIC method was developed in the early 1980’s for measuring surface displacements and deformation with the first system developed at the University of South Carolina” [3 & 4] .This method “requires a digital imaging system to optically record images of the surfaces before and after deformation. The pair of gray level functions of the images were then compared using advanced image correlation and processing
algorithms to determine the displacement and deformation gradients. Unlike laser speckle techniques, which required an optically rough, reflective surface and minimal vibration, the only requirement for surface condition was a visually speckled surface” . A faster approach for image correlation was later developed by Sutton, et al. . Instead of using the iterative approach, such as a coarse-fine method, a second order Newton-Raphson method was employed. A special technique “was then added to achieve a higher probability of convergence. This correlation method was later evolved into measuring in-plane and out-of-plane displacements using two video cameras separated by a predetermined distance. The lines of sight from two cameras may either be parallel to each other”  or form a pan angle between them . “As soon as two image points are matched by correlation methods, the three-dimensional coordinates of the physical point may be determined. A surface contour may be generated from one pair of stereo images, while a deformation measurement requires the correlation of four images: a stereo pair before deformation and another after deformation. DIC of speckle patterns for engineering applications has been used extensively in many applications to measure displacement components and deformation gradients of an object’s surface due to deformation for over four decades” .
DIC is based on “sets of images of the surface of the specimen
in the undeformed (reference) and deformed states (Figure 2).
DIC can be implemented both in a bi-dimensional (2D-DIC, with
a single camera) and a tri-dimensional (3D-DIC, using two or
more cameras) version. A calibration is necessary to initialize
the spatial correlation processes of DIC. The images are divided
in smaller sub-images (facets), and a matching algorithm is used
to match the facets between the reference and deformed states.
The displacement field is then computed. Subsequently, the strain
field is obtained by derivation” .
Friction Stir welding “is solid state welding process for joining
metals by plasticizing and consolidating materials around the
bond line using thermal energy produced from localized friction
forces .This welding method is applied in many aerospace
applications and is often required to inspect the welded region
for the integrity of the welds. The material properties of the weld
samples such as the Young’s modulus, yield stresses were also
determined from the stress-strain graphs obtained by using the
SPDIC tool. In addition, the pseudo colored strain contour maps
as shown in (Figure 3) indicated the area of maximum strain and
thereby predicting crack initiation in the sample” [11-12].
Particulate composites used for rocket fuels were analyzed
by using DIC techniques. The main objective of this work “was to
determine the high strain regions under low loading conditions
that would possibly indicate regions of eventual failure under high
loading conditions. This is important since the underlying causes
of failure such as microcracks or other surface/bulk defects are not always detected by traditional NDE techniques. (Figure 4)
shows the strain fields generated by using DIC for the particulate
composite test sample. From the results obtained, it was
demonstrated that there is a statistical distribution of high strain
regions within the particulate composites. Based on the result
obtained, it was demonstrated that DIC method may be used to
identify very early on regions of eventual failure, and may also
be used to change the distribution of particles in the particulate
composite so as to obtain improved material properties” .
Rotor blades “are usually subjected to high stresses due
to their weight and the force created by irregular winds. DIC
technique has been successfully employed to analyze these rotor
blades under normal to shear stress conditions as well as in the
bending fatigue test. GOM recently demonstrated the application
of DIC technique to monitor the strain fields on composite rotor
blade for helicopter drones in the laboratory environment
subjected to bending test” .
DIC technique “has also been successfully implemented to
inspect the shear panel subjected to shear load for mapping
whole-field out-of-plane displacement (buckling). GOM recently
demonstrated that the out-of-plane displacement map generated
from ARAMIS DIC software was in good agreement with the FEA
The concrete specimens, depending on its shape, can fail
under various types of failures. The failure mode depends highly
on the shape of the specimen as well as the action of forces i.e.
compression, tension etc. In cubically shaped concrete specimen’s
failure can be explosive or non-explosive, and its failure shape can
vary due to compression and shearing. In cylindrical specimens,
i.e. cores, failure mode are generally non-explosive and its shape
is depended on the type of forces acting on the specimen such as splitting, shear or splitting and shear. Also, during the testing of
the concrete specimen’s failure mode can be affected by lateral
restraint. It is the inequality of lateral expansion between the
steel plate of the compression apparatus and the actual specimens
surface that is subjected to compression. The effect of lateral
restraint eventually increases the shear stress which affects
the failure mode of the specimen. This shear stress causes the
specimen to fail through the center of it and with any explosive
effect. In addition, the failure generally starts from the surface
where the specimen is in contact with the platen of the apparatus. Generally, engineering materials for construction including
concrete, steel, rock etc. have some similar characteristics under
certain amount of loading. Typical examples of failures are
flexural compression failure, shear failure, compression failure
and buckling failure. Flexural failures occur when the shear
strength of the specimen is higher than the flexural strength.
Shear failures happen when the internal strength of the material
which is controlled by various parameters exceeded by the
applied load (Figure 5). Compression failures occur when the
specimen is axially loaded until the yield stress of the concrete is
expected to be exceeded. In this type of failure lateral expansion is
generally not expected. When the specimen has a certain amount
of height/width ratio buckling failure can be expected. Compared
to compression failure, buckling can be easily achieved since the
strength of the specimen will be much lower as well as the load
carrying capacity. Eventually, buckling will be observed outwards.
Choi & Shah  have utilized digital image correlation
technique to measure the deformations on concrete specimens.
The material itself assumed to be heterogenous thus making this
technique intriguing for such conditions. The authors have aimed
to use the technique to visualize the micro-cracks propagation.
They have found out that the deformations along the specimens
are not uniform even in the elastic range by using contour maps.Authors have noted that the technique can be very well used for
measuring the deformations as well as the crack propagation
throughout the laboratory testing. Shah & Choi  have chosen
digital image correlation technique to observe and visualize the
complex failure pattern in concrete blocks under compression.
They have also pointed out that DIC is very useful in determining
the microscopic fractures and strain localizations under loading
McGinnis et al.  have considered digital image correlation
technique for determining the in-situ stresses in concrete
structures. They have performed three-dimensional technique
and used core-drilling method for determining the displacements.
The core-drilling method can be used to determine stresses using
displacements. They have found out that the normal stresses were
calculated by an accuracy of 7 % with 3D digital image correlation
technique which was accepted as an accurate approximation.
Küntz et al.  have investigated the in-situ behavior of a shear
along a bridge on a reinforced concrete beam. They have analyzed
the behavior under static loading conditions by using a truck
passing and stopping from different locations. The authors have
concluded that this method can be used also for studying fatigue
behavior of concrete structures under this kind of conditions.
Corr et al.  have analyzed the surface contact area between
carbon fiber reinforced polymer and concrete blocks by using
digital image correlation technique. They have investigated
the displacement and fracturing around that region in terms of
the principles of fracture mechanics. According to their study,
they have indicated that DIC technique can be used for accurate
measurement of the displacements along the deforming materials.
Also, they have noted that based on this kind of experiments it
was even possible to build a constitutive law by using fracture
mechanics for experiments.
Helm  has utilized digital image correlation technique for
a challenging problem in concrete specimens. The author wanted
to measure the surface displacements of the specimens with
multiple crack propagation which he mentioned that it was a very
challenging task. Author have noted that DIC technique is very
effective for measuring multiple growing crack patterns. Shah &
Kishen  have investigated the contact behavior between the
different concrete specimens by using digital image correlation
technique. The specimens have different compressive strengths
and characteristics. Authors have pointed out that they were able
to calculate the surface and sliding displacements as well as the
properties of the cracks including the location, size and width.
Forquin  have utilized digital image correlation technique
to determine the crack propagation speed in concrete specimens
under tension. The author has used rocking spalling test on
dry and wet samples for this purpose. He concluded that DIC
technique is much more accurate than conventional methods
such as crack gauges for this kind of experiments. Boulekbache
et al.  have aimed to determine the fracture mechanism
of concrete specimens under splitting tensile test with digital
image correlation technique. The authors have utilized steel
fiber reinforced specimens for this purpose. They have also
investigated the effect of fiber addition and compressive strength
on the behavior of the specimen during the test. They have found
out that there are two different fracture mechanism where there
were a main crack and secondary cracks after the main have been
Hamrat et al.  have done experiment on fiber reinforced
concrete beams to determine the flexural cracking behavior of
the specimens with different strength characteristics. They have
investigated the physical properties of cracks including size and
initiation as well as the displacements. They have noted that DIC
technique can be very precise for displacement measurements.
Also, according to their findings one of the most important aspect
of digital image correlation technique is that it can be used to
determine the cracks before happening. Some of the notable
researches have been mentioned in this study related with the
application of digital image correlation techniques in concrete
specimens. It has been spotted that this technique has been
used for generally the same application over the years. However,
some intriguing usages can also be seen. A short summary of the
literature review according to this study is given in Table 1.
Sutton MA, Orteu JJ, Schreier H (2009) Image correlation for shape, motion, and deformation measurements: basic concepts, theory and applications. Springer Science & Business Media.
Chu TP, Poudel A (2014) Digital Image Correlation Techniques for Aerospace Applications. In ASNT Annual Conference pp. 37-44.
Chu TP, Mahajan AM (2002) Measurement of High Strain Regions in Particulate Composites Using Digital Image Correlation. In Proceedings of the Tenth US-Japan Conference on Composite Materials: Stanford University, Stanford, California. DEStech Publications pp: 183.
https://civildigital.com/failure-modes-beams/ (as of 05.06.2019)
https://www.dailycivil.com/types-column-failure/ (as of 05.06.2019)


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text:
Are you having trouble with your feline friend being overly anxious around the little ones in your home? It’s important to teach your cat to be more comfortable in the presence of children to ensure a harmonious environment. There are several tips and tricks you can utilize to help your cat become more relaxed around children, from creating safe spaces to positive reinforcement techniques. In this blog post, we will discuss some effective methods for training your cat to feel at ease around the youngest members of your family.
- Start early: Introduce your cat to children at a young age to help them become accustomed to their presence.
- Provide safe spaces: Set up hiding spots and high places where your cat can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed by children.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your cat with treats and praise when they display calm behavior around children.
- Teach children proper handling: Educate kids on how to interact with cats gently and respectfully to prevent stress or fear in the cat.
- Monitor interactions: Supervise all interactions between your cat and children to ensure safety and to intervene if necessary.
Preparing Your Home
If you’re planning to train your cat to be more relaxed around children, it’s important to make some adjustments to your home. By creating a safe and comfortable environment for both your cat and your children, you can help facilitate positive interactions between the two. Here are some tips for preparing your home for training your cat to be more relaxed around children. For more in-depth tips on cat training, you can refer here How to Train a Cat: Expert Tips and Techniques.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Cat
Creating a safe space for your cat is essential to ensuring their comfort and well-being, especially when it comes to interacting with children. Set up a cozy area in your home where your cat can retreat to when they need some alone time. This space should be equipped with their bed, some toys, and a scratching post. Make sure this area is inaccessible to children to give your cat a retreat where they can relax without feeling threatened or overwhelmed.
Child-Proofing for Feline Comfort
When it comes to child-proofing your home for the comfort of your feline friend, there are a few important steps to take. Secure any potentially dangerous items and chemicals out of reach of both your cat and your children. This will help prevent accidents and keep both parties safe. Additionally, consider investing in some baby gates to create separate spaces in your home, allowing your cat to have some peace and quiet when needed. Teach your children the importance of respecting your cat’s space and boundaries, and the significance of handling them gently to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Training Techniques for a Calm Cat
Lastly, you may want to consider some specific training techniques to help your cat become more relaxed around children. Implementing these strategies can help your feline friend feel more at ease in the presence of little ones, and ultimately create a safer and more harmonious environment for everyone in your home.
If your cat becomes anxious or agitated around children, desensitization can be a useful technique to help them become more comfortable. Gradually exposing your cat to children in controlled situations can help them get used to the noise, movement, and unpredictability associated with young kids. Start by keeping the interactions brief and positive, and gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more at ease. It’s important to be patient and consistent with this process, as forcing your cat into uncomfortable situations can have the opposite effect and make them more fearful.
Positive Reinforcement Methods
Using positive reinforcement techniques can be a powerful tool in training your cat to be more relaxed around children. Whenever your cat shows calm and relaxed behavior in the presence of kids, be sure to reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. This will help to create a positive association with children and encourage your cat to continue exhibiting calm behavior. Additionally, providing a safe and quiet space for your cat to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed can help them feel more in control of their environment, ultimately leading to a greater sense of security and relaxation.
Educating Children on Cat Interaction
To ensure the safety and well-being of both your cat and your children, it is important to educate your children on how to interact with the cat respectfully. By teaching them how to approach and understand your cat’s body language, you can help create a safe and harmonious environment for both your pet and your family.
Teaching Respectful Approach
Teaching your children the importance of approaching the cat in a calm and respectful manner is crucial. Emphasize the significance of not grabbing or pulling the cat’s tail, ears, or fur. Encourage them to use gentle, slow movements and to avoid sudden, loud noises that may startle the cat. Remind them to always ask for permission before petting the cat and to respect the cat’s space when it retreats to a safe, quiet area.
Recognizing Feline Body Language
It is essential for children to understand how to recognize and interpret your cat’s body language. Teach them to identify signs of stress or discomfort in the cat, such as flattened ears, dilated pupils, or a flicking tail. Explain that these are signals that the cat may need space and should not be approached. Conversely, teach them to recognize when the cat is relaxed and open to interaction, such as a softly purring cat or one with a relaxed body posture. This understanding will help your children know when to engage with the cat and when to give it some space.
Consistency and Patience
However, training a cat to be more relaxed around children requires consistency and patience on your part. Cats are creatures of habit, and it takes time for them to adjust to new routines and environments. It’s important to remain calm and patient as you work with your cat, as getting frustrated or angry will only make the process more difficult.
Establishing a Routine
When it comes to training your cat to be more relaxed around children, establishing a routine is crucial. Consistently feeding, playing, and interacting with your cat at the same times each day can help them feel more secure and predictable. This predictability can help them adjust to the presence of children in their environment and reduce their anxiety.
The Role of Consistent Rules
Another important aspect of training your cat to be more relaxed around children is the establishment of consistent rules. Consistently enforcing rules such as not allowing the cat to approach children while they are eating or not allowing rough play can help your cat feel more secure and understand their boundaries. Make sure that all family members are on the same page and understand the importance of consistent rules for the wellbeing of the cat and the children.
Tricks for Training a Cat to be More Relaxed Around Children
Following this advice will help you train your cat to be more relaxed around children. It is important to start slow and gradually introduce your cat to the presence of children, using positive reinforcement and plenty of patience. By creating a positive environment and teaching children how to properly interact with your cat, you can help your feline friend become more comfortable and relaxed in the presence of kids. Consistency and gentle training techniques are key to success in this endeavor.
Q: How can I train my cat to be more relaxed around children?
A: To train your cat to be more relaxed around children, start by slowly introducing them to the presence of children in a calm and controlled environment. Provide your cat with a safe space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Teach children how to properly interact with cats, such as approaching them gently and respecting their boundaries. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats or toys, when your cat displays calm behavior around children.
Q: Are there any specific activities I can do with my cat to help them acclimate to children?
A: Yes, engaging in interactive play sessions with your cat can help them build confidence and become more comfortable around children. Encourage gentle and calm interactions during these play sessions to help your cat associate positive experiences with the presence of children. Additionally, providing your cat with opportunities for mental and physical stimulation, such as puzzle toys or climbing structures, can help reduce stress and anxiety around children.
Q: What should I do if my cat displays signs of stress or aggression around children?
A: If your cat exhibits signs of stress or aggression around children, it is important to address the issue immediately. Remove your cat from the situation and provide them with a quiet and secure area where they can relax. Consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to develop a plan for desensitizing your cat to the presence of children and managing their stress or aggression. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of both your cat and the children in these situations.
Jayley, a devoted cat enthusiast, also writer for other cat blog as well. She aims to dedicated to providing comprehensive information, insights, and advice on everything you’d ever want to know about our whiskered companions.

domain: pet


It seems luck is working overtime in favour of Hansika Motwani. The actress's maiden venture 'Mappillai' hit the screens only yesterday, but she has three more promising projects in hand.
And now, Hansika has made another prize catch- by becoming the heroine of Vijay's forthcoming film with Seeman, titled 'Pagalavan'. Remember she is already working with the Ilaya Thalapathi for 'Velayudham'.
Other projects in which Hansika is currently part of are 'Jayam' Ravi starrer 'Engeyum Kadhal' directed by Prabhu Deva and Udhayanidhi Stalin starrer 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' directed by Rajesh.


text: Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Premiere: Who Can Actually Dance? by Aggregated News • September 24, 2018 The stars! They’re dancing again! Can you believe?? It feels like it’s been years since we were here, waiting for the stars to dance. It’s actually only been almost a year… [READ MORE HERE] Source: E!

domain: entertainment


text:
A collection of news and information related to New Tripoli published by this site and its partners.
Top New Tripoli Articles
Displaying items 56-56
Story | Apr 11, 2009The nation's banking crisis has troubled such financial institutions like Wachovia and Sovereign, two large banks heavily tied to the Lehigh Valley. Others, like some community banks, are seeing the times as an opportunity to gain customers. Founded...

domain: topicality


text:
Mexico Policy Makers Signal Continued Focus on Fed in 2016by and
Banxico raised benchmark rate for first time since 2008
Fed's moves outweighed domestic factors for central bank
Mexican policy makers were unanimous in their decision to raise borrowing costs this month for the first time since 2008, signaling they will continue to react to higher interest rates in the U.S. in the coming months. The peso extended its gain.
Even as domestic factors argued for leaving the benchmark rate at a record low, the central bank’s board was concerned that narrowing the nation’s rate advantage relative to the U.S. could cause financial instability that would spur inflation, according to minutes of the Dec. 17 meeting published Thursday. Looking forward, policy makers said they’ll focus on Mexico’s monetary posture relative to the U.S., the peso’s impact on inflation and the evolution of economic growth.
“They’ve signaled that they’re very concerned with the rate spread between Mexico and the U.S.,” said Marco Oviedo, the chief Mexico economist at Barclays Plc. "It seems they want to be cautious and play it safe.”
Banco de Mexico’s board, led by Governor Agustin Carstens, lifted the overnight rate to 3.25 percent from 3 percent on Dec. 17, as forecast by 21 of 26 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The increase came a day after the Federal Reserve raised U.S. rates, exiting record lax monetary policy that encouraged investors to pour money into the higher-yielding securities of developing nations.
The peso strengthened, rising the most among emerging-market currencies, after the minutes showed the central bank will likely match interest-rate increases from the Fed, said Roberto Galvan, a currency trader at Intercam Casa de Bolsa in Mexico City.
“We already knew that, but the bank goes into a bit more detail about it in the minutes and that is contributing" to the move, along with a report showing a rise in U.S. jobless claims, Galvan said.
The peso added 0.8 percent to 17.2367 per dollar at 11:17 a.m. in Mexico City.
Mexico’s growth outlook has improved amid strengthening investment and consumption, while inflation is likely to stay near policy makers’ 3 percent target over the next two years, according to the minutes. Prices rose 2.21 percent in November from a year earlier, the lowest annual inflation rate since 1968.
"While domestic conditions would seem to suggest the convenience of holding rates steady, in light of the increase in U.S. rates, not adjusting Mexico’s benchmark rate could generate an additional depreciation of the peso that may be disorderly and could affect inflation and its expectations," the majority of the central bank’s board said in the minutes.
While the peso weakened 25 percent the last year and a half through Wednesday and fell to a record low earlier this month, most policy makers said that the decline has been gradual and orderly. The currency’s decline hasn’t generated second-order effects on non-tradable goods and services, the central bank said.
Banxico has spent more than $24 billion in 2015 on intervention programs to support the currency. The Fed’s increase on Dec. 16 briefly reduced Mexico’s rate premium over the U.S. to 2.5 percentage points, the smallest since 2008.
Mexico’s “link to the path of monetary policy normalization in the U.S. is still quite strong," said Alberto Ramos, chief Latin America economist at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. in New York. “It’s still a key source of anxiety, of concern, what the Fed is doing and how global markets digest that normalization.”
Economic growth is likely to climb to 2.45 percent this year, the highest since 2012, according to a survey of private-sector analysts released by the central bank this month. The expansion will probably accelerate to 2.7 percent next year, the survey showed.

domain: finance


Here's Paul Baran's RAND-published September 1962 justification for distributed communications networks summed up in a single chart. It's also the same paper where the famous "centralized vs decentralized vs distributed" triptych of graphs comes from. You still see this exact diagram, uncited, in modern presentations on the decentralized/distributed web.
Paul Baran is not nearly as famous as Bob Kahn or Vint Cert or the like, but the guy literally invented packet switching in ~1964 as an outgrowth of this paper and similar work.
Here's a link to that paper, btw https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3763.html
Okay it never really occurred to me that in the 1960s a crytopgraphic key could be literally just a single punch card that you held onto. It presumably was under lock and key itself!
(Image from a related paper by Baran, "Security, Secrecy, and Tamper-Free Considerations". https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3765.html )
Paul Baran: also apparently doing the xkcd thing 50 years before xkcd
Oh wow. So that really famous centralized vs decentralized vs distributed diagram that I quote above? Well, in one of the companion papers, Baran provides this iteration on it, which in my opinion is far superior and I'm going to start using in my presentations.
That's a great base for illustrating other system characteristics like how authority, costs, and complexity are concentrated or distributed
Also hinted at... Networks aren't typically homogenous, by layer or node. You won't get consensus between an urban neighborhood and a rural village on network topology because their needs differ. You could, however, get consensus on hybrid approaches that allow different local topologies
Subtooting ActivityPub v SSB
I'm more for
2a) decentralized with federation
2b) decentralized and distributed
@darius my family always alerts me of things somewhere between B and C


text:
Powder Technology, Vol.369, 53-71, 2020
Explosion characteristics of aluminum powder in different mixed gas environments
The explosion characteristics of aluminum powder in air, hydrogen and nitrogen were studied in a 20-L spherical explosion vessel. Particle agglomeration affected the actual particle size distribution in dust clouds. In air, the smaller the actual particle size, the larger was the explosion overpressure. Adding hydrogen increased system explosion risk; the smaller the theoretical particles, the more pronounced was the effect of hydrogen. However, when hydrogen was added at a concentration of ? 15%, the explosive properties of the mixture weakened. In a constant volume container, the two-phase explosion of flammable gas and flammable dust caused a secondary explosion. Secondary explosion occurrence was affected by fuel composition. Experimental curve analysis explained the cause of the secondary explosion and the two-phase explosion process mechanism. Nitrogen had obvious detonation suppression effects on dust explosions. The higher the nitrogen concentration, the longer was the combustion time. Nitrogen has great influence on fine particles. These experimental conclusions may aid in preventing aluminum powder explosions during industrial production and reducing the harmful consequences of dust explosions. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

domain: physics


text:
|Town and administrative centre|
Falkirk High Street
|Area||11 km2 (4.2 sq mi)|
|Population||35,590 (mid-2020 est.)|
|• Density||3,197/km2 (8,280/sq mi)|
|Elevation||37 m (121 ft)|
|OS grid reference||NS887801|
|Sovereign state||United Kingdom|
|Postcode district||FK1, FK2|
Falkirk (/ˈfɔːlkɜːrk/ Scottish Gaelic: An Eaglais Bhreac, Scots: Fawkirk) is a town in the Central Lowlands of Scotland, historically within the county of Stirlingshire. It lies in the Forth Valley, 23+1⁄2 miles (38 kilometres) northwest of Edinburgh and 20+1⁄2 miles (33 km) northeast of Glasgow.
Falkirk had a resident population of 32,422 at the 2001 UK Census. The population of the town had risen to 34,570 according to a 2008 estimate, making it the 20th most populous settlement in Scotland. Falkirk is the main town and administrative centre of the Falkirk council area, which has an overall population of 156,800 and inholds the nearby towns of Grangemouth, Bo'ness, Denny, Camelon, Larbert and Stenhousemuir, and the cluster of Braes villages.
The town is at the junction of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, a location which proved key to its growth as a centre of heavy industry during the Industrial Revolution. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Falkirk was at the centre of the iron and steel industry, underpinned by the Carron Company in nearby Carron. The company made very many different items, from flat irons to kitchen ranges to fireplaces to benches to railings and many other items, but also carronades for the Royal Navy and, later, manufactured pillar boxes and phone boxes. Within the last fifty years, heavy industry has waned, and the economy relies increasingly on retail and tourism. Despite this, Falkirk remains the home of many international companies like Alexander Dennis, the largest bus production company in the United Kingdom.
Falkirk has a long association with the publishing industry. The company now known as Johnston Press was established in the town in 1846. The company, now based in Edinburgh, produces the Falkirk Herald, the largest selling weekly newspaper in Scotland.
Attractions in and around Falkirk include the Falkirk Wheel, The Helix, The Kelpies, Callendar House and Park and remnants of the Antonine Wall. In a 2011 poll conducted by STV, it was voted as Scotland's most beautiful town.
An Eaglais Bhreac is a derivative formed from the Scottish Gaelic cognate of the first recorded name Ecclesbrith from the Brittonic for "speckled church", presumably referring to a church building built of many-coloured stones. The Scottish Gaelic name was calqued into Scots as Fawkirk (literally "variegated church"), then later amended to the modern English name of Falkirk. The Latin name Varia Capella also has the same meaning. Falkirk Old Parish Church stands on the site of the medieval church, which may have been founded as early as the 7th century.
The Antonine Wall, which stretches across the centre of Scotland, passed through the town and remnants of it can be seen at Callendar Park. Similar to Hadrian's Wall but built of turf rather than stone so less of it has survived, it marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire between the Firth of Forth and Firth of Clyde during the AD 140s. Much of the best evidence of Roman occupation in Scotland has been found in Falkirk, including a large hoard of Roman coins and a cloth of tartan, thought to be the oldest ever recorded. A Roman fort was confirmed to be found by Geoff Bailey in the Pleasance area of Falkirk in 1991. A Roman themed park at Callendar House was awarded lottery funding to help raise awareness of the wall.
In the 18th century the area was the cradle of Scotland's Industrial Revolution, becoming the earliest major centre of the iron-casting industry. James Watt cast some of the beams for his early steam engine designs at the Carron Iron Works in 1765. The area was at the forefront of canal construction when the Forth and Clyde Canal opened in 1790. The Union Canal (1822) provided a link to Edinburgh and early railway development followed in the 1830s and 1840s. The canals brought economic wealth to Falkirk and led to the town's growth. Through time, trunk roads and motorways followed the same canal corridors through the Falkirk area, linking the town with the rest of Scotland. Many companies set up work in Falkirk due to its expansion. A large brickworks was set up at this time, owned by the Howie family. During the 19th century, Falkirk became the first town in Great Britain to have a fully automated system of street lighting, designed and implemented by a local firm, Thomas Laurie & Co Ltd.
Battles of Falkirk
Two important battles have taken place at Falkirk:
- The Battle of Falkirk fought on 22 July 1298, saw the defeat of William Wallace by King Edward I of England.
- The Battle of Falkirk Muir took place on 17 January 1746, the Jacobites under Charles Edward Stuart defeated a government army commanded by Lieutenant General Henry Hawley.
Government and politics
In terms of local government the town sits at the heart of Falkirk Council area, one of the 32 unitary authorities of Scotland formed by the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994. The headquarters of the council are located in the Municipal Buildings, adjacent to FTH Theatre, on West Bridge Street in the centre of town. The Council was the first local government in Scotland to be governed by the Labour Party, in 1921. It has been led by a Scottish National Party minority since 2017. The current Leader of the Council is Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn. The FTH Theatre (the "Falkirk Town Hall Theatre") in West Bridge Street was commissioned to replace the old town hall in Newmarket Street which was demolished in 1968.
Falkirk is located within the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Falkirk West which elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) under the first past the post system. The current MSP is Michael Matheson, who won the seat at the 2007 Scottish Parliament General Election. The previous MSP, Dennis Canavan, who sat as an Independent, was elected with the largest majority in the Scottish parliament representing Falkirk's electorate's displeasure with New Labour, but stepped down in 2007 for family reasons. Canavan, who announced in an open letter to his constituents in January 2007, that he was stepping down from representative politics at the Scottish Parliament election, 2007 had been an MSP or MP for the area for over 30 years. The constituency of Falkirk West also sits in the Central Scotland Scottish Parliament electoral region which returns seven MSPs under the additional member system used to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament.
In the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the town is entirely contained within the UK parliamentary constituency of Falkirk which elects one member to the House of Commons under the plurality system. The constituency also takes in surrounding villages and is currently represented by John McNally of the Scottish National Party. Traditionally, Falkirk had been seen as a stronghold for the Labour Party.
Prior to Brexit in 2020 it was part of the pan-Scotland European Parliament constituency which elected six Members of the European Parliament (MEP)s using the d'Hondt method of party-list proportional representation.
Falkirk is located in an area of undulating topography between the Slamannan Plateau and the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth. The area to the north of Falkirk is part of the floodplain of the River Carron. Two tributaries of the River Carron - the East Burn and the West Burn flow through the town and form part of its natural drainage system. Falkirk sits at between 50 metres (164 ft) and 125 metres (410 ft) above sea level.
The underlying geology of the town of Falkirk is characterised by glacial deposits. Elevations above 100 metres (328 ft) are covered by a mixture of glacial till and boulder clay with low-lying areas covered by sandy soils and loams. As Falkirk is not far from the coast, post-glacial features akin to raised beaches are particularly predominant to the north of the town centre, and this gives rise to differing elevations within the town.
Unsorted glacial till gives rise to such features of glacial deposition as eskers, and drumlins which are predominant over much of the area. Such elements provide natural transport routes and it is this complex underlying geology that the town is built upon.
Like much of the rest of Scotland, Falkirk has a temperate maritime climate, which is relatively mild despite its northerly latitude. Winters are especially mild given that Moscow and Labrador lie on the same latitude, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 0 °C (32 °F). Summer temperatures are comparatively cool, with daily upper maxima rarely exceeding 23 °C (73 °F). The proximity of the town to the sea mitigates any large variations in temperature or extremes of climate. The prevailing wind direction is from the south-west, which is associated with warm, unstable air from the Gulf Stream that gives rise to rainfall. Winds from an easterly direction are usually drier but colder. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Vigorous Atlantic depressions - sometimes called European windstorms can affect the town between October and March. The highest recorded temperature was 31.5C in August 2010.
|Climate data for Falkirk, elevation: 0 m or 0 ft, 1981–2010 normals|
|Average high °C (°F)||7.0
|Daily mean °C (°F)||4.0
|Average low °C (°F)||1.0
|Average precipitation mm (inches)||114.4
|Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm)||15.4||11.8||13.6||9.4||10.8||10.3||11.1||11.6||12.2||13.3||14.3||13.5||147.2|
|Mean monthly sunshine hours||40.2||69.8||96.7||126.1||169.8||150.2||153.6||143.9||111.8||81.9||52.8||32.0||1,228.6|
|Source: Met Office|
The United Kingdom Census 2001 identified the town as having a total resident population of 32,422. The population was estimated at 34,570 in 2008 which makes the town the 20th most populous settlement in Scotland. The wider Falkirk area which includes Grangemouth, Larbert and Stenhousemuir has an overall population of 98,940 making this the 5th largest urban area after Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. The population of the town and surrounding area is forecast to grow over the next ten years, primarily due to net in migration from other parts of Scotland and the UK. Unemployment in the Falkirk area is low at 2.5%, below the Scottish average, but average household income and gross weekly pay are below the comparative Scottish and UK averages.
Today, the economy of Falkirk is focused on retail and services, in contrast to the heavy industries and manufacturing sectors which contributed to the growth of the town over the last 300 years. Falkirk is a large retail centre catering to the town itself and a wide surrounding area, stretching from Cumbernauld in the west to Bo'ness in the east. The flagship retailer Marks and Spencer opened a store in Falkirk in 1936. The High Street was pedestrianised in the late 1980s, and the Howgate Shopping Centre opened in  April 1990. A number of supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Scottish Co-op have developed on peripheral sites surrounding the town centre in recent years.
The public sector and public services also have a foothold in the Falkirk area. Falkirk Council is one of the largest employers in this sphere, with a workforce of over 7,000, many based at the council headquarters in the town centre. One of the principal offices of the UK Child Support Agency, covering Scotland and the north east of England, is located in the Callendar Business Park on the outskirts of Falkirk. Similarly the National Health Service (NHS) and Department for Work and Pensions have a presence in the town and employ local residents.
Many Falkirk residents are also employed within the petrochemicals sector based in neighbouring Grangemouth where there is an agglomeration of such industries underpinned by the Ineos (formerly BP) oil refinery located there. Alexander Dennis, one of the world's largest bus manufacturers, is headquartered in Falkirk with the operations plant located nearby.
Falkirk is administered by NHS Forth Valley, this includes the unitary authorities of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire. Following the opening of the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary was renamed Falkirk Community Hospital with many of the main services, including the accident and emergency unit being transferred. Falkirk Community Hospital will still provide many services like podiatry and palliative care. The Community Hospital continues to have a Minor Injury Unit, to treat emergency cases of a non life-threatening nature. In-patient and community services at Bonnybridge Hospital will re-locate to Falkirk Community Hospital in 2012, once new modern, en-suite accommodation has been developed. A new purpose built dental centre, Langlees Dental Centre, provides a "teach and treat" dental centre in the Langlees area of Falkirk opened in August 2009. It has seven dental surgeries and is involved in training final year students at Glasgow Dental School.
The Falkirk Area occupies a central position in Scotland, with direct access from the key north-south and east-west motorway networks: the M9 from the north and east and the M876 from the west. Falkirk has main rail and canal routes within easy reach from Edinburgh and Glasgow; it is central to access to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. Falkirk is well situated both for access by rail from England and for access to other parts of Scotland excluding Fife, which has no direct rail link to Falkirk other than morning and evening commuter services from Kirkcaldy to Glasgow. Road access is to Fife provided by the Kincardine Bridge, Clackmannanshire Bridge and the Forth Road Bridge, via the M9.
Falkirk has two railway stations: Falkirk High and Falkirk Grahamston.
Falkirk High is on the main Glasgow-Edinburgh line, with connections to either city running on a 15-minute frequency. At peak times, 8 trains per hour stop: 4 for Glasgow Queen Street via Croy and 4 for Edinburgh Waverley, via Polmont and Linlithgow. Journey times to Edinburgh vary from 24 minutes to 35 minutes, depending on stopping stations and time of day; the journey time is between 18 and 28 minutes to Glasgow.
Falkirk Grahamston lies on the Edinburgh to Dunblane Line. To Edinburgh Waverley, there are 4 trains per hour, with journey times varying from 25 minutes to 34 minutes; faster trains stop at Edinburgh Park and Haymarket, slower trains additionally stop at Polmont and Linlithgow. To Glasgow Queen Street, there are 2 trains per hour via the Cumbernauld Line with journey times from 39 minutes to 43 minutes, plus an evening express service (the 17.33 from Glasgow to Markinch) taking 26 minutes. There is also a daily direct service to/from London (King's Cross) provided by London North Eastern Railway and the Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston in the southbound direction only also calls here. The main station building was opened in 1985 and serves over 950,000 passenger journeys each year.
Falkirk bus station lies in the town centre and has bus routes providing links to the cities of Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as local routes.
Falkirk is home to one of the four campuses of Forth Valley College which was formed on 1 August 2005 from the merger of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannan colleges. The Falkirk Campus is by far the largest of the four campuses.
Falkirk District is served by eight high schools which have all been recently rebuilt.
|Bo'ness Academy||Originally 1931, rebuilt 2000||Blackness, Bo'ness Public, Deanburn, Grange, and Kinneil Primary Schools|
|Braes High School||2000||Avonbridge, California, Drumbowie, Maddiston, Shieldhill and Wallacestone Primary Schools|
|Denny High School||Originally 1959||Denny, Nethermains, Dunipace, Head of Muir, Bankier and Bonnybridge Primary Schools|
|Falkirk High School||1,200||Originally 1886, rebuilt 2010||Bainsford, Bantaskin, Carmuirs, Comely Park, Easter Carmuirs, Langlees, Limerigg and Slamannan Primary Schools|
|Graeme High School||1,200||Originally 1930, rebuilt 2000||Hallglen, Laurieston, St. Margaret's, Victoria, Westquarter and Whitecross Primary Schools|
|Grangemouth High School||810||rebuilt 2009||Bowhouse, Beancross, and Moray Primary Schools|
|Larbert High School||1,700||Originally 1885, rebuilt 2000||Airth, Bothkennar, Carron, Carronshore, Kinnaird, Ladeside, Larbert Village and Stenhousemuir Primary Schools|
|St. Mungo's High School||1,200||Originally 1953, rebuilt 2009||Falkirk area|
Falkirk hosted a national arts festival which ran in Callendar Park from 2000–2009 called Big In Falkirk. After its inception in 2000, the festival won Scottish Thistle Award for Events & Festivals in 2005. Consisting of a free weekend of events, the festival was one of the largest cultural events in Scotland, attracting over 100,000 people. Hosted in Falkirk’s historical Callendar Park, the venue covers 180 acres (75 hectares) with Callendar House as the focal point, the entertainment featured a wide variety of outdoor theatre, pyrotechnic displays, arts, comedy and big name music acts, alongside activities for all ages.
Falkirk hosted the Royal National Mòd in 2008. The Gold medals were won by Falkirk resident Lyle Kennedy and Kerrie Finlay from Inverness. Interest in Gaelic has grown in Falkirk since the Mòd and there are now five Gaelic organisations active in the Falkirk area: An Clas Gàidhlig (provides Gaelic lessons to adults), An Comunn Gàidhealach Meur na h-Eaglaise Brice (is the local branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach), Fèis Fhoirt (provides traditional music and Gaelic song tuition for children and adults), Falkirk Gaelic Forum (promotes Gaelic in Falkirk) and Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir (is a long established and successful youth choir).
Falkirk is served by a weekly newspaper, the Falkirk Herald, which is published by Johnston Press. The company was established by the Johnston family from Falkirk, who have been involved in publishing since 1767. The family acquired the Herald, their first newspaper, in 1846. The publishing company was renamed F Johnston & Co Ltd in 1882, a title it would retain until it was floated on the London Stock Exchange as Johnston Press in 1988. The corporate headquarters of Johnston Press are now in Edinburgh, but the company retains two offices in Falkirk and Grangemouth.
The historical Callendar House is an imposing mansion with a 600-year history which is now a museum and also has a cafe and shop. The Park Gallery, a contemporary art gallery is also based in the house.
The Falkirk Wheel, the only rotary canal connector in the world, is located within Falkirk. The attraction was completed in 2002 and it connects the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.
On Falkirk High Street lies the Falkirk Steeple. The current building was built in 1814 and is protected as a category A listed building. A stylised image of the steeple appears on the crest of Falkirk Football Club. It is widely regarded as the centre point of the town.
The 2001 census showed the majority of the population claim to belong to one of the Christian denominations with 48% of these being Church of Scotland, 12% being Roman Catholic, and 5% belonging to other Christian denominations. 29% of people belong to no religion, about 1% above the national figure.
The Church of Scotland's Presbytery of Falkirk includes congregations in Bo'ness, Bonnybridge, Cumbernauld, Grangemouth and Larbert, as well as Falkirk.
Falkirk currently has three men's football teams, Falkirk Football Club, Stenhousemuir F.C. and East Stirlingshire Football Club.
Falkirk F.C. was founded in 1876 and was elected to compete in the Scottish Football League in 1902. The club's highest ranking came in the 1907–08 season and once again in 1909–10 when the club finished runners-up of Division One, the country's top football division, losing out to Celtic F.C. on both occasions. The club has reached the final of the Scottish Cup on five occasions, emerging victorious twice in 1913 and 1957 respectively. The club currently competes in the Scottish League One and plays their home games at the Falkirk Stadium near Grangemouth.
The town's other men's club, East Stirlingshire F.C., was founded in 1881 originally as Bainsford Britannia and has competed in the Scottish Football League since 1900. The club has predominantly played in the lower leagues of Scottish football, spending only two whole seasons in the top division after being promoted from Division Two in 1931–32 and 1962–63. The club currently competes in the Lowland Football League and from the 2018-19 season will play their home games at the Falkirk Stadium following a groundshare agreement with Falkirk F.C. Firs Park was the home of the club for the majority of the club's existence but was vacated at the end of the 2007/08 season.
Falkirk currently has two women's football teams, Central Girls Football Academy and Falkirk Ladies. Central play in the second tier (SWPL2) and Falkirk play in the third tier (SWFL) of women's football.
Falkirk is home to Scotland's first Co-ed Roller Derby League. Clubs from the area are the Skelpies men's team, the Central Belters women's team and the Belter Skelpers Co-ed team.
Falkirk Rugby Club can trace their roots to 1906 when F.R.F.C. was first formed. It was disbanded at the start of World War I. In 1972 the club was resurrected when the works team from ICI Grangemouth decided to become "open" and looked for a new home. They initially played at Stirling Road playing fields before building their clubhouse at the present site at Sunnyside in 1981. The club has risen through the ranks of rugby winning six consecutive promotions, five of them as league champions, a Scottish record.
Falkirk also has a Hockey team, Falkirk GHG Hockey Club, which was formed from the merger of Graeme High School Former Pupils Hockey Club and Grangemouth Hockey Club in 1999. It now has four men's teams which play in various leagues, with their first team playing in the national league.
Falkirk Fury Basketball Club, currently called Clark Eriksson Fury Basketball Club in a sponsorship deal with local firm Clark Eriksson, represents the town in the sport. The team was established in 1992 and originally consisted of players from Falkirk High School and sports development players. Today the team competes in all 6 Scottish National Age Groups. The men's side currently competes in the Scottish Men's National League, the top league in Scottish basketball and is considered the second tier of British basketball below the BBL and in line with the English Basketball League. The club plays home games at the Mariner Centre in Camelon or sometimes at the Grangemouth sports complex.
Falkirk Boxing Club was once running above the town's oldest pub The Wheatsheaf bar and bore such names as welterweight Jim Boyle and heavyweight Dearn Savage.
Falkirk has a number of archery clubs in and around the greater Falkirk area:
- Falkirk Company of Archers was established in 1971 and is affiliated to the Scottish Archery Association (SAA) which is a region of the national governing body; Archery GB. During summer, members shoot outdoors on Sunnyside playing fields and during winter members shoot indoors at Woodlands Games Hall. The club is a target archery club with most members shooting recurve bow, though traditional archery has made a resurgence in the club recently with some members shooting barebows, horse bows and longbow.
Falkirk is twinned with:
Art and literature
- Alan Bissett - a Scottish novelist
- Dame Elizabeth Blackadder - artist
- Alan Davie - artist (born Grangemouth)
- Janet Paisley - poet, playwright, author
- Stuart Reid - children's book author
Business and industry
- James Aitken (writer) - writer (lawyer) c. 1778 - 1818
- Walter Alexander - millionaire founder of Walter Alexander Coachbuilders in Falkirk, later to become the world's largest builder of coaches and buses, Alexander Dennis
- Robert Barr - founder of Barr's which makes Irn-Bru started his business at Burnfoot Lane, Falkirk
- Adam Crozier - chief executive of ITV plc and former chief executive of the Football Association
- Captain Robert Dollar - the Scottish-American businessman, was born in Falkirk and maintained a house there, which is now the centre of Dollar Park
- William Forbes of Callendar - the proprietor of Carron Iron Works, was the largest landowner in Stirlingshire, and was seated in the centre of Falkirk at Callendar House
- Henry Adolph Salvesen naval architect and exporter
- James Walker (engineer) - influential civil engineer of the first half of the 19th century
- Sir John Wilson, 1st Baronet - made a fortune as a coal-master and built Bantaskine House on the South Bantaskine Estate, Falkirk. He was Unionist MP for Falkirk and was made a baronet
- The Earls of Callendar and Linlithgow - were seated in the centre of Falkirk, at Callendar House, before being stripped of their titles. Other peers historically connected to the area include the Marquess of Zetland whose estate was in Grangemouth, the Earl of Dunmore who owned the nearby Pineapple, Lord Thurlow of Kinnaird, the Duke of Montrose and the Duke of Hamilton. The Bolton baronets of Carronhall were also seated near Falkirk, as were the Bruce baronets of Stenhouse, of whom the actor Nigel Bruce was a member, growing up at Stenhouse Castle.
Media and entertainment
- Kaye Adams - Television presenter
- Ruth Connell - Actress and producer
- Elizabeth Fraser - Founding member and lead singer of the band from Grangemouth Cocteau Twins
- Robin Guthrie - Founding member and guitarist of the band from Grangemouth Cocteau Twins, music producer
- Brian McNeill - Founding member of the Battlefield Band, Scottish folk singer
- Forbes Masson - Actor and Writer
- Malcolm Middleton, David Gow and Aidan Moffat of the post-folk band Arab Strap
- Euan Morton - Actor and Singer, known for his role as Boy George in the musical Taboo
- David Paisley - Actor and Singer
Politics and society
- Elizabeth Caradus - Suffragette and Temperance activist
- Tommy Douglas - Scottish-Canadian social democratic politician, who is often cited as "father" of Canada's single-payer public health insurance system. Voted the "greatest Canadian of all time" in a nationwide poll
- Thomas W. Howie - Former Falkirk councillor
- John McAleese - team leader during the SAS assault on the Iranian embassy in May 1980 (brought up in Laurieston)
- Sheila McKechnie - Scottish trade unionist, housing campaigner and consumer activist
- David Muir - former Director of Political Strategy to former Prime Minister Gordon Brown
- Robert D. Wilson - American politician and farmer; served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and was born in Falkirk
- Iain Lindsay, British diplomat
- Jack MacDonald - Scottish-Canadian communist politician, leader of the Communist Party of Canada between 1923 and 1929
Science and technology
- John Aitken - physicist and meteorologist, operated from a laboratory in his home in Falkirk, where he first detected atmospheric dust particles using the koniscope, his invention.
- Ernest Masson Anderson -geologist, born in Falkirk
- Bill Buchanan (professor) - Leading computer security expert and author of many academic books.
- George Forrest - a Scottish botanist. Famous for bringing back over 30,000 specimens of 10,000 plants mostly from the Yunnan Province of China.
- John McQueen Johnston FRSE- physician and pharmacologist
- George McRoberts FRSE (1839-1896) explosives expert
- Alfred Nobel befriended McRoberts and set up a detonator factory in Falkirk, living at Hawthorn Cottage in the Laurieston district for several years
- George Trapp (educator) - scientist and headmaster
- Eric Vance - Chemist responsible for the coloration of Nomex, the essential fabric of most military uniforms, effectively designing the future of camouflage.
- Henry Wade - Military and urological surgeon
Sport and recreation
- Nicola Docherty - Rangers W.F.C. & Internationalist footballer
- Brown Ferguson - former footballer & current Manager of Stenhousemuir F.C.
- Steve Frew - Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist.Grangemouth Gymnast who won Scotland’s first Gymnastics Gold Medal in Commonwealth Games history.
- Bob Mauchline - footballer
- Bob McGregor - Swimmer who won silver in the 100m Freestyle at the 1964 Olympic Games
- John Meechan — footballer, centre-forward
- Charles Melville – cricketer
- Willie Ormond - former Hibs & Internationalist footballer
- David Provan - former Rangers & Plymouth Argyle footballer
- Leanne Ross - Glasgow City F.C. & Internationalist footballer
- Tam Scobbie - former Falkirk & St. Johnstone footballer
- Alex Scott - former Rangers, Everton & Internationalist footballer
- Eddie Turnbull - former Hibs & Internationalist footballer
- David Weir - former footballer
- Alex Wood (ice hockey) ice hockey player
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- ^ 1.2.5 Civic Administration Archived 26 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine www.falkirk.gov.uk. Retrieved 2011-04-29
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- ^ Smith, R (2001) p346
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- ^ "Alexander Dennis, Key facts". Alexander Dennis. Archived from the original on 5 February 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Healthcare Strategy - Falkirk Community Hospital Archived 23 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine www.nhsforthvalley.com. Retrieved 2011-04-30
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It was here in the 1790s that James Aitken from Polmont began working as a 'writer', as lawyers were called in those days
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- Smith, R (2001): "The Making of Scotland". Canongate Books, Edinburgh. ISBN 1-84195-170-6

domain: geography


text:
The Illusion of Control: Chasing Safety and Security
Life is inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Regardless of our efforts to control our lives and circumstances, the truth remains that we have precious little control over what the future may bring or hold for us. This awareness can lead to a heightened desire to maintain a sense of control, especially during times of great uncertainty like the current situation in May of 2020. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that life, at its core, is uncertain.
I once worked with someone who constantly asked themselves, "What if?" They would immerse themselves in a world of worst-case future scenarios, meticulously planning their reactions and actions for each imagined situation. Interestingly, none of these scenarios have ever materialized. Nonetheless, this client devoted a significant amount of their energy and emotional resources to this mental preparation. Their belief was rooted in the notion that leaving anything to chance would jeopardize their sense of safety and security, leading them to more anxiety, a rigid and strict mindset and a life devoid of joy or fun. A realization that later in our work would become an important insight in changing beliefs and behaviours.
Choosing Trust Over Fear
It's tempting to believe that more control equals greater safety, while the absence of control signifies danger. This mindset can lend itself to the illusion that we can exert absolute control over our lives and external circumstances, if only we plan and execute everything perfectly. In reality, we can only make educated guesses about what the future holds; complete knowledge of the next moment eludes us, and it always will.
Yet, rather than succumbing to fear and allowing it to dictate our lives, we get to make a choice. That choice is whether we live from a place of fear or from a place of trust. It's the trust in ourselves that we can handle whatever situation arises. Trust that we can become big enough to hold it all, our fears, our doubts, our uncertainties as well as our joy, our love and our worthiness. Regardless of what we decide, the future keeps being uncertain - and to some degree unpredictable - but our internal stance will make all the difference in how we approach this fact.
Confronting Fear: Discovering Our Courage
While fear may still arise, its grip on our minds and imagination weakens. When we face our fears, we build our courage and follow our curiosity, enabling us to explore new paths and ways of being that were previously uncharted. As with any emotion, it is important to recognize that fear exists within the larger space of our essence, of our being, of our true selves. Yet, it isn't all that we are, it is but a temporary aspect of our existence. By acknowledging fear without being consumed by it, we can become viscerally aware that we are bigger and more powerful than our fears have us believe.
Life's uncertainty, instead of being a source of anxiety, can be seen as an abundance of opportunity - or pure possibility. When we embrace uncertainty and accept fear as an integral part of the human experience, we liberate vast amounts of energy previously wasted on futile attempts to control and predict the future.
Breaking the Cycle: Reclaiming Our Power
Although external circumstances may temporarily create an illusion of safety and security, deep down, we know that this perception is fragile and can crumble at any moment. Hence, we may find ourselves holding on even tighter and trying to control even more circumstances. This realization brings us back to the cyclical pattern of giving away our power in exchange for an illusory sense of control.
Can we learn to love, accept, and be with uncertainty? Can we embrace the state of not knowing and fully acknowledge that we can never be certain of what the next moment holds? I believe yes, that's possible. One way of doing that is by adopting a radical acceptance of what is. Tara Brach wrote a powerful book about this idea and it has been a meaningful resource for facing life's numerous challenges in a practical way, leading to more ease and less resistance.
What is your strategy for dealing with life's uncertainties? Leave a comment below.

domain: philosophy


text:
The old adage of "do as I say, not as I do" is difficult to enforce for many parents, particularly when children get older and begin to question authority.
As World No Tobacco Day (May 31st) approaches, Dr Howard Marsh of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is urging moms and dads to give up smoking to set a good example for their children.
He cites statistics from a study published in Addiction magazine, indicating that children of non-smoking parents are 70 percent less likely to take up the habit than children of smokers.
At the same time, quitting makes a significant difference – kids whose parents successfully stop smoking are 40 percent less likely to start, according to the research.
"By quitting smoking, parents can play a major role in helping to end the vicious cycle of passing addiction from generation to generation," comments Dr Marsh.
He suggests that people who are looking to leave cigarettes behind may want to try smoking cessation treatments, which can be recommended by a medical professional.
Around 90 percent of adult smokers began before they were 19 years old, according to the American Cancer Society.

domain: statistics


text:
A UniSA world leader in inflammatory cell signalling, Professor Stuart Pitson, will draw on $10 million seed funding in a collaboration with Monash University to develop better treatments for inflammatory lung diseases that affect approximately 550 million people globally.
Prof Pitson, based in the Centre for Cancer Biology, is the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of new Australian biotech company Ankere Therapeutics, which launched today.
Ankere will harness research into inflammation from Prof Pitson’s lab with small molecule chemistry from Associate Professor Bernard Flynn of Monash University’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Inflammatory lung diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, chronic and acute bronchitis, emphysema and cystic fibrosis, with some types having a survival rate as poor as 3-5 years post diagnosis.
“Some of these diseases have no cure, but Ankere hopes to develop better treatments for many sufferers,” Prof Pitson says.
“Ankere is an example of how a strong partnership between researchers with a shared area of focus has the potential to address the most pressing health concerns.
“The combination of research, expertise and capital at Ankere will support the project to advance its highly promising discovery which has the potential to lead to new therapies targeting inflammation.”
The funding round was jointly led by IP Group and Brandon Capital, through Brandon BioCatalyst, and will support the company through its pre-clinical development and into clinical trials.

domain: medical


20 November 2009
Tesco hopes to join in the Olympic action as it this month submits a planning application for its own Olympic development close to Bromley-by-Bow
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