Published:Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Updated:Wednesday, March 19, 2014 01:03

The lawn next to Cooper Hall may be an odd place for a farmhouse. But since Monday, students have taken a tour of one there.

Once inside, students are presented with pictures of abused animals and toy mockups of de-feathered chickens crammed into a small cage. A documentary narrated by former Beatle and PETA-Pal Paul McCartney depicting animal mistreatment is projected on the back wall.

The large tent resembling a red barn was set up by PETA2, the youth division of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to inform college students about the bloodstained meat industry.

Sacha Sweet, a tour administrator for the organization, said the exhibit is called The Glass Walls Exhibit.

Were trying to lift the curtain on the plight of animals in heavily industrialized animal agriculture in the United States, Sweet said. Were trying to bring light to how there are 10 billion land-based animals slaughtered every year for human consumption in the United States.

Americans are often given a fairy tale image of how most animals on a farm live, he said.

People imagine chickens roaming fields and family farmers milking cows, while in actuality it is often stuffed cages and cold machines.

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PETA displays reality of meat industry

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Memphis, TN (PRWEB) March 18, 2014

In California, above normal winter temperatures and record lack of rainfall in select areas of the state are creating stress on lawns, trees and shrubs. TruGreen, the nations largest professional lawn care service, regularly monitors U.S. weather data to enable the companys trained lawn care specialists to effectively address local agronomic conditions.

In January of this year, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a Drought State of Emergency for California, and is asking for a voluntary 20 percent reduction in water usage. In addition, local agencies have enacted mandatory water restrictions or promoted voluntary cutbacks. Recent late-February rain has benefitted many California lawns and landscapes, but the long-term drought continues and homeowners and businesses should be prepared for the hot summer months ahead.

Drought conditions are a serious concern, said John Crossmock, director of technical training and support, TruGreen. Whether drought is present or not, however, we encourage homeowners not to give up on their yards and to practice conscientious watering.

What can be done? Homeowners should invest in getting smart about local water restrictions, effective irrigation practices, and grass and ornamental plant types tolerant of extended periods of dry and hot conditions. For TruGreen customers, be sure to reach out to your TruGreen licensed specialist for help. We are actively collaborating with our customers in addressing the drought impact on the health of their lawns and landscapes, Crossmock continued.

Following are general tips to help lawns and landscapes survive a drought and conserve water: Water Restrictions Awareness: Become familiar with any local watering restrictions related to yards. Light watering too often is not as effective as a slow, thorough watering (about one inch) once or twice a week with the optimum time in the early morning. To ensure uniformity, consider placing a few empty one-inch deep food cans in the sprinkler pattern to measure the amount of water collected after each watering cycle. Adjust watering times and cycles if needed to provide for one inch of water.

Irrigation Efficiency: Ensure sprinkler heads and related water lines are working properly and that the irrigation system provides sufficient coverage. Low water pressure will affect coverage.

Right Plant: Consider drought-tolerant plants and grasses. While mature trees have significant root systems and can typically weather drought conditions, foundation plants and/or new transplants are especially at risk during extremely dry periods. Ask a lawn care professional for a list of plants that best handle heat and dry conditions. Wait to replace plants until fall for best results.

Feed: Lawns, trees and shrubs seek nourishment even during hot weather. Keep fertilizer applications on target to prevent run-off and sweep fertilizer granules that may reach pavement back onto your lawn. Use a trained professional company, such as TruGreen, that offers tailored solutions to lawn and landscape problems based on your regions needs, including drought.

Mowing Schedule: Mow grass as needed and not as a scheduled weekly chore. To help promote moisture retention and to prevent shock, disease and insects, do not cut more than 1/3 of leaf blade. If possible mow in the evening to allow the lawn to bounce back during the cooler temperatures of night.

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TruGreen Guides California Homeowners through Drought Impact for Lawns, Trees and Shrubs

Whether your yard is a place of contemplation, a mini-farm or a never-ending improvement project, you'll need some stuff--and ideas--to spruce it up with. The Boise Flower and Garden Show is a clearinghouse for both.

Now in its 18th year, the BFGS fills the Boise Centre with landscape design, yard furniture and garden art; plant displays and sales; and presentations from experts including the Boise Bonsai Society.

On top of the displays, BFGS also features a judged flower show, two silent auctions and three days of seminars on everything from tomato-growing strategies and seed starting to garden infrastructure and pest control. Mary Ann Newcomer, the "Dirt Diva" of 94.9 The River and author of Rocky Mountain Gardeners Handbook and The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Mountain States, will present the keynote address.

If thinking about your own personal green space puts you in the mood for music and a relaxing beverage, plan to spend $10 for a commemorative wine glass plus three pours of vino and jazz by John Jones Trio on Friday, March 21-Saturday, March 22.

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Boise Flower and Garden Show

BY LINDA BLASER lblaser@pioneerlocal.com | @LindaJBlaser March 18, 2014 6:36PM

Lake County Forest Preserve leaders recently-adopted 100-year vision, anticipating the preserves will be a healthy and resilient landscape with restored and preserved natural lands, waters and cultural assets." | File

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The 100-year vision statement is available at http://www.LCFPD.org.

Updated: March 19, 2014 2:36AM

Local leaders are already looking ahead to plan for the future of the Lake County Forest Preserve century ahead, to be precise.

A recently-adopted 100-year vision for the county anticipates it will be a healthy and resilient landscape with restored and preserved natural lands, waters and cultural assets in which vibrant communities will thrive, and future generations will protect and cherish these remarkable resources and the highly desirable quality of life that they provide.

If the county wants to maintain that quality of life for future generations, we need to make decisions right now, Forest Preserve Executive Director Alex Ty Kovach said.

The 100-year vision approved by the Board of Commissioners early this year identifies leadership, conservation and people as the three pillars necessary for the innovative projects and interconnected native landscape in communities that will naturally clear air and water, as well as promote an active, healthy lifestyle through an accessible, regional network of land and water trails.

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Lake County Forest Preserve planning for next 100 years

Looking out for some exhilarating adventure this summer? Simply head out for a trek, organized by Mamacha Gaon resort on 22 nd march to Asava Fort. Situated on a top of a hill, this trekkers paradise is known for its lush green landscape and many mysterious sites like Ganesh Gufa, known for its unique water reservoir.

One will be amazed to see that the surface of this crystal clear water always remains mysteriously covered by a layer of ash. This reservoir is also probably one of its own kinds in the entire world and thus, attracts several tourists. Trekking through the hill will take you finally to the old majestic Asava fort built in 325 AD by King Bhima Rao. Post the trek there will be lunch served, followed by small get-together at the assembly hall where all the trekkers/participants will be felicitated by the guest of honor.

As the journey comes to an end, the bus will leave from the resort at 5.30 p.m and head back to the city. So come on, grab your chance to experience the best of adventure for an unforgettable experience.

Details:

Conducted by: Mamacha Gaon Resort Date: Saturday, 22nd March, 2014 (One day Trek.) Time: 6.00 a.m. Departure: 6.30 a.m. Cost: Rs 750/- Grade: Easy trekking Ideal Age: 18 to 55 years.

Assembly at any of the following points: Borivali: Highway near Shiv Temple (Opp National Park)

Thane: Kapur-Bawadi (Crossing of Mumbai-Agra Highway and Thane Ghodbunder Road).

Schedule: The adventure trek will kick start on 22nd March at 6.00 a.m. from Thane or Borivali off to Mamacha Gaon resort. During the journey to the resort, the trek official will brief the trekkers about the path identification signs, etc. Around 8.30 a.m the trekkers will embark their journey towards the fort. The walk will continue seeing some unusual sights followed by climbing which will finally lead the trekkers on top of the hill. The most interesting part of the trek will be exploring the remnants of old structures. There will also be a lineup of professional trainers to guide one throughout the trek. Post the trek there will be lunch served, followed by a small function at the assembly hall where all the participants/trekkers will be felicitated by the guest of honor. Around 5.30 p.m the bus will departure from the resort and head back to the city.

For Registration please contact: (1st March to 21st March- 10.30 a.m to 5 .30 p.m) Maitreya Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd. (Mamachagaon), 3rdFloor, Pardhi House, Opp Jain Temple, Above Bank of India, M G Road, Vileparle (east), Mumbai 400057 Phone No: 022 65008724/ 26630044/ 26101016 Mobile No: 9619878500/ 8652776611.

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Asava Fort: An adventure quotient to your weekend

Eucalytpus trees saved from invasive beetle and new plants beautify the area

By Ross French on March 18, 2014

Violet Vargas and Jami Holland of the UCR School of Medicine enjoy lunch on Picnic Hill on a recent afternoon. Photo by Ross French

RIVERSIDE, Calif. Since the campus opening 1954, and possibly even dating back to the days of the UC Citrus Experiment Station, Picnic Hill at the University of California, Riverside was a go-to destination for students, staff and faculty, and their families, to spend some quiet time with friends, have a bite to eat, or just taking in the scenery. The hidden gem of green space with picnic tables and a beautiful stone barbeque pit has a great view of the Box Spring Mountains and a lush canopy of shade-producing eucalyptus trees. Located just east of the School of Medicine Research Building, the park was considered by some to be one of the best kept secrets on the campus.

Picnic Hill is indicated by the red arrow.

(Former UCR Athletics Director) Frank Lindeburgh would help organize family picnics on Picnic Hill, located behind the old Citrus Experiment Station, recalled Ann Straubinger DeWolf (67) in an article in the December 2000 issue of the UCR Magazine Fiat Lux. There would be a big barbecue, games, and lots of ruckus as we kids would scramble over the boulders. My family would also picnic there after church at least once a month.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Housing, Dining and Residential Services Andy Plumley, a 1982 graduate of UCR, said he had many memories of Picnic Hill and called it a great destination for special barbeques for many hall communities. Its a nice place to get away without going far.

But Picnic Hill had suffered a decline in recent years, with several factors, including outdated irrigation and an infestation of Eucalyptus Long-Horned Beetle Borers, combining to turn the once lush space into a mess of dirt and leaves, with unkempt and old tables, according to Violet Vargas, a senior analyst with the School of Medicine who was eating lunch with colleague Jami Holland on a recent afternoon and who has been a regular lunchtime visitor to Picnic Hill since 1990.

The trees had become overgrown and the shrubs and turf were stressed, explained Raymond Bolles, senior landscape supervisor for UCR Physical Plants Grounds Department. The hill suffered and became a victim of lack of attention and maintenance due to reduction in staff as labor resources were diverted to other high traffic areas of the campus. Not many people frequented the hill. It did not feel like a comfortable space. It was old and tired, needed a kickstart or face lift.

In September 2013, members of the grounds crew began looking at the hill and working on ways to return the hill to its former beauty. The first challenge was to get rid of the insects that were threatening to kill the 50-plus-year-old eucalyptus trees. After confirming the species of insect that was attacking the tree with UCR Professor of Entomology Tim Paine, pest control crews began a chemical treatment of the trees. But that was only half of the problem. The irrigation and maintenance of the trees also had to be addressed.

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Makeover Returns UC Riversides Picnic Hill to Former Glory

Bitcoin has gone from a little known and little understood technology to front-page news in the past year.

But just as Americans start to wrap their minds around Bitcoin, a slew of alternative virtual coins -- altcoins -- are waiting in the wings, hoping for their chance in the spotlight.

"Bitcoin is the standard bearer at this point," says Mark T. Williams, a master finance lecturer at Boston University who has been closely studying Bitcoin and other virtual currencies. "As (Bitcoin) tries to charge the hill, there are over 100 other virtual currencies right behind it, ready to pick up the flag and carry it to the top."

Questions about where these altcoins fit into the cryptocurrency landscape have been renewed in recent weeks after blows to Bitcoin's reputation, including news in February that Mt. Gox, one of the top Bitcoin exchanges, suddenly shut down and filed for bankruptcy.

"Virtual currencies will play an innovative role in the global economy, but (I'm) not sure that Bitcoin will win the race," Williams says.

Below is a rundown of the cryptocurrencies taking shape in the shadow of Bitcoin.

Altcoins: Smaller market caps

Go to CoinMarketCap.com, which tracks the price of all these cryptocurrencies, and you'll find coins like Litecoin and Peercoin and even Dogecoin, some of which have significant market capitalization. There are many more with decidedly smaller market caps.

"Other virtual currencies are ... trading and seeing large price movements," Williams says. "They're all trading with this great speculation of which will be the next Bitcoin."

Some of the altcoins hope to provide real innovations to the cryptocurrency landscape, while others are mostly just copies meant to capitalize on the Bitcoin publicity. Some are created as jokes or to support a cause.

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Altcoins: Brave New World Beyond Bitcoin

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