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Dominic West the 50-year-old actor who starred in Showtime's controversial show The Affair seems to have stirred a scandalous real-life affair. Ironic, isn't it? The actor was recently spotted passionately kissing and cozying up to his latest co-star, Lily James, 31, in Rome on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Pictures of the two celebrities currently filming the mini-series The Pursuit of Love were splashed across Daily Mail where they could be seen tenderly touching each other.

Paparazzi also captured them riding on an electric scooter around the city and eating lunch together. In one of the photos, West's hand was placed on her back. He could also be seen affectionately caressing James head, planting a kiss on her neck and stroking her as he flaunted his wedding ring free hand. As per the outlet, they also had their friend and mutual manager Angharad Wood for company.

Married to college sweetheart Catherine FitzGerald, the father of five tied the knot with his wife in 2010. Ten years ago, the pair got married in Glin, County Limerick, on June 26 after having dated each other when they were both undergraduates at Trinity College Dublin. It goes without saying that the controversial snaps soon sparked much distress in the couple's life. Although a separation has not been announced, the two were last photographed together publicly in early 2019.

Born as Catherine Celinda Leopoldine FitzGerald in 1971, she was raised as a member of the Irish royal and aristocratic FitzGerald dynasty that originated in Normandy. Her father,Desmond FitzGerald, 29th Knight of Glin, was the lastKnight of Glin.

The royal descendent who grew up with two sisters Honor and Nesta now works as a landscape designer and gardener in Ireland and the UK. She runs a garden studio with famed landscape architect Mark Lutyens. She has worked on plenty of landscaping projects with him including redesigning the gardens at Hillsborough Castle, Lansdowne Crescent, Clarendon Park, Holland Park Avenue, Glenarm Castle and St Olav's Church.

She dated Dominic while studying at Trinity College Dublin. In an interview with Belfast Telegraph, she said, "We went out together for six months, and we had great fun. He actually came to my 21st (in Northern Ireland), then he left and we split up." She added, "Our best friend was also at Trinity with us. We all went on to have separate lives, but were linked through our best friend, Dominic Geraghty, also an actor. And I went to Wisley, and did all this garden stuff and retrained. Then, when Dominic was doing The Wire, we met again through our friend Dominic (Geraghty); I was 32 then. I feel so lucky."

While FitzGerald was previously married to Viscount Lambton, the 7th Earl of Durham, in 1995, she divorced him in 2002. Meanwhile, West was dating his then-girlfriend Polly Astor, the daughter of Michael Astor, and had a daughter named Martha with her. Soon after, West and FitzGerald rekindled their romance when both had separated ways from their partners.

They had four children Dora, 13; Senan, 12; Francis, 11; and Christabel, 7. In 2019, the pair bought Glin Castle, their 14th century ancestral home, to rescue it from being sold. "My children are surrounded by Irish wit and humanity. They have a far broader existence than they would anywhere else in the world," Dominic once said in an interview and the husband-wife duo has even renovated the castle and rented it out to superstars such as Taylor Swift and Mick Jagger.

Back in 2015, Dominic had said of his wife in a Vogue UK interview: "I think, really, what marriage is is two people helping each other to live the best lives they can. And that's what happened with me and my missus. That's why it works. She doesn't get jealous, either. If she were doing the scenes I'm doing in The Affair, I would hate it." He added, "She's incredibly undemanding in that way and it gives me a freedom I never want to give up, and I hope I do that for her, too." The couple reportedly split their time between a townhome in Shepherd's Bush, London, and Glin Castle.

The pictures soon circulated on social media and raised many eyebrows. A female friend of Catherine who came to console her at the family home near Chippenham, Wiltshire, told MailOnline on October 12 that she has seen the pictures and is devastated as she thought they were very much together".

The source said, "Catherine has seen the pictures and she's devastated. I came over to speak with her as soon as I knew about them. Catherine has been trying to speak with Dominic but he's not answering his phone. She's totally shocked because she didn't know anything was going on. They were very much together, so this is completely out of the blue." The insider further added, "She thought they had a good marriage and now it's probably over. That's how she feels right now but the two of them need to speak but at the moment, she's lost for words."

A gardener also spoke to the outlet and said, "This is their family home and as you can see it's a wonderful place. They've got great kids and everything that you can imagine. Catherine was devastated when she saw those pics and they also left us feeling quite numb. It's a total shock to all of us who know them." A neighbor added, "To say she's in shock would be an understatement. She's heartbroken and has got nothing to publicly say. She needs to be left alone and have some time to herself."

If the pictures were not enough, Daily Mail also claims that a source revealed Dominic and Lily "spent two nights in a suite at the top Hotel De La Ville with a panoramic view over the whole city and just at two minutes' walk from the Spanish steps".

James split with her former beau Matt Smith in December 2019 after five years together. Recently, she was pictured enjoying a night out in London with Captain America star Chris Evans.

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Who is Dominic West's wife Catherine FitzGerald? How Lily James kissing pics shattered their 10-year marriage - MEAWW

A leafy drive in Nashville, hikes in the Appalachian wilderness, a spin on a scenic Colorado byway: There are many ways to savor autumn while being mindful of pandemic travel precautions. Below are six fall outings, in Massachusetts, Ohio, West Virginia, Maine, Tennessee and Colorado, replete with apple cider doughnuts, a highway ghost and sightings of otters, beavers and wild turkeys.

Nashville: Percy Warner Park and Radnor Lake

Fall in Nashville is the most vibrant season, and there is no better way for an immersion in the season's rich reds, corals and ochers than a drive along the canopied blacktop through Percy Warner Park, just 9 miles south of downtown. Tag on a hike around another Nashville gem, Radnor Lake, and you have the makings of a dazzling day trip, all within the confines of the city limits, and a perfect outing during the pandemic. Both parks abide by the Centers for Disease Control's guidance on social distancing, and numerous trails in both parks make it easy to avoid crowds.

Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park on the National Register of Historic Places span 3,131 acres of wooded hills, open meadows and streams. The adjoining parks, which opened in 1927, offer hiking trails, mountain bike paths and bridle paths. However, a slow-rolling, scenic drive through the mature deciduous forest during peak fall is nothing short of stunning: The sun strobes through the trees above drivers, who share the roadway with hikers, cyclists and dog walkers. Once inside the park, the tulip poplars, dogwoods, black cherry, sassafras and pawpaw trees are breathtaking. Given the park's designation as a nature sanctuary, it's not unusual to see wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, Eastern chipmunks and coyotes.

The road a roughly 4-mile loop can be found at the Old Hickory Boulevard entrance. You'll pass the tall wooden lookout that oversees the grounds (and beyond) of the annual Iroquois Steeplechase, which was canceled this year because of the pandemic, and along the route are scenic overlooks.

You can also enter Percy Warner via Belle Meade Boulevard. This is the main entrance with a ceremonial-style arch and dramatic limestone steps reminiscent of a European alle that was designed by landscape architect Bryant Fleming, who also designed the early 20th-century Cheek Mansion at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.

From the Belle Meade Boulevard entrance, you can find trails like the Warner Woods trail, a 2 1/2-mile unpaved walking path that traverses the interior of Percy Warner, as well as a 5.8-mile stretch of paved pedestrian trail.

Next, set your GPS to Radnor Lake State Park off Otter Creek Road, another of the city's natural jewels, about 7 miles east. Because Radnor Lake does not allow food, it may be wise to first swing by a Nashville standard, Mere Bulles, just off Old Hickory Boulevard, for their famous crab bisque, available to go (call first). You won't regret it (or forget it).

The sublime glassy Radnor Lake pulls in photographers from around mid-Tennessee who often arrive early enough to shoot the morning brume that rises from the lake. Here, too, you can glimpse plenty of wildlife: deer, turtles, turkey, eagles, owls, waterfowl and coyotes; ranger-led programs throughout the year include canoe floats, night hikes and wildflower walks.

All the trails are blazingly colorful during autumn, often heightened on cloudless days by an azure sky.

One trail Otter Creek Road Trail is an accessible milelong stroll that hugs the curves of the lake and is paved for those in wheelchairs. Black gum, American beech and other deciduous trees line the trail, offering some respite from the sun. Still, hikers are close enough to the water to catch glimpses of lake inhabitants like beavers, minks and otters. For more experienced hikers, Radnor Lake's strenuous Ganier Ridge Trail delivers a gorgeous view of downtown Nashville.

Colleen Creamer

Massachusetts: The Berkshires

Fall is far and away my favorite time in the Berkshires.

This autumn, the region offers opportunities to alternate new trails with old favorites. But first, a few planning tips. I recommend the BNRC Berkshire Trails app from the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. You could spend a wonderful week wandering Berkshire County's backroads, using this app to guide you from one secluded wonder to the next.

Note, too, that many leading cultural venues including the Clark Art Institute, Hancock Shaker Village and The Mount, Edith Wharton's former home are not only open but are surrounded by paths and gentle trails on which it's easy to socially distance, and to sidestep that tough Berkshires call: culture or nature?

Most important, check Massachusetts's strict quarantine rules before you leave home. Oh, and dress brightly it's hunting season. And watch out for bears.

Start your day at Dottie's Coffee Lounge in Pittsfield, my hometown, where Jess Lamb (who previously practiced her craft at Joe Coffee on E. 13th St. in Manhattan) and her colleagues create the county's richest-tasting lattes with beans from Barrington Coffee and milk from High Lawn Farm, both in nearby Lee. Then drive west to Pittsfield State Forest (free).

Around 30 miles of trails lace this roughly 11,000-acre realm, which once formed part of Mohican and Mohawk hunting grounds. Later, the Shakers settled here. Their graves, former settlements and dancing sites can still be found among the stands of sugar maple, oak, birch and white pine.

First-time visitors should head to Berry Pond. At around 2,150 feet, it's the state's highest natural body of water. My mother and I often came here to pick blueberries, so imagine my surprise when I learned that it was named for William Berry, a Revolutionary War hero.

A network of steepish trails or a scenic one-way loop road, built by the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps, can take you up (the road is curvy and narrow; pedestrians, cyclists and motorists should keep a close eye out for one another). Enjoy the spectacular westerly overlook, then head downhill to the pond for a view of the season's colors, pleasingly doubled by the water's mirror.

The world's most mouthwatering cider doughnuts still come from Bartlett's Orchard in Richmond. So busy was their farm shop this summer that they've instituted weekend online ordering and curbside pickup for the fall; you can still pick apples in the orchards behind the shop. From here, drive or cycle to Parsons Marsh, a BNRC property in Lenox that opened in 2018. A trail and boardwalk (free; one-third of a mile each way; wheelchair accessible) wind through a woodland worthy of Tolkien's Galadriel, and wetlands even now bursting with life. Along the marsh's edge you'll find haunting examples of the still-standing dead trees known as snags fine lookouts for raptors and your own tranquil views (see the beaver lodge?) from the deck at the boardwalk's end.

Then head to Bousquet Mountain, site of my first childhood ski lessons on Drifter, a gentle slope that's now also the start of the three-season Mahanna Cobble Trail (free; 1.4 miles each way; elevation gain, around 750 feet). Mahanna Cobble opened in June. It's the newest stretch of the BNRC's High Road initiative, a long-term plan, inspired in part by the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route through Spain, to use both old and recently cut trails to reconnect Berkshire landscapes and communities.

Mark Vanhoenacker

Ohio: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Any road that gets you close to the Cuyahoga River is worth traveling, particularly in mid to late October, when the leaves erupt in a breathtakingly beautiful display. Snaking its way along a roughly 80-mile U-shape path before emptying into Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga plays an outsize role in the story of Northeast Ohio; it was vital to Cleveland's industrial growth before the many fires along its waters made it infamous, helping to prompt the passage of the Clean Water Act and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. These days, after half a century of cleanup efforts, it is held up as an ecological success story.

But the river itself is often overshadowed particularly in the fall by its tangential allures: the 87-mile-long Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, whose light, crushed-stone surface is brightly mottled with autumnal leaves; the waterfalls (around 100 in total) and rock gorges that pop with the warm colors; the Old World farms and markets, such as Heritage Farms and Szalay's, where people flock for pumpkins, apple butter, roasted sweet corn and, yes, the annual fall corn maze.

The valley's unexpected grandeur is nowhere more evident than in and around Peninsula, a postcard-esque (and postage-stamp-size) village that is, in many ways, the heart of the 33,000-acre national park. From the small train depot, board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (there's even a Fall Flyer train) for a memorable view of the foliage.

Roving the area by car (or on bicycle) will lead you past dozens of worthwhile trails. A personal favorite the completion of which has become a familial Christmas Day tradition is a hike that links the Haskell Run and Ledges loops and includes some of the valley's most distinctive features. Beginning near the Happy Days Lodge, built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the trail wanders beside a 19th-century cemetery, over gentle streams (via footbridge crossings), near bat caves, and past the dramatic Sharon Conglomerate rock faces of the Ritchie Ledges, formed from the sand and quartz deposited by ancient streams all while immersing you in the richest of fall colors.

Stephen Hiltner

West Virginia: Spruce Knob

While many traditional foliage tours are done from packed trains and buses that follow well-worn railways and roads, fall tourism this year demands a novel approach. And with travelers forced to chart their own course, some of the best places to take in the autumn colors are those that cannot be reached at all on the standard guided excursions.

One of the most rewarding options for those living in and around Appalachia is to forgo the winding roads at lower elevations and peer down at the landscape from atop Spruce Knob, the tallest peak in both West Virginia and the larger Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Nestled within a 100,000-acre section of the surrounding 919,000-acre Monongahela National Forest, Spruce Knob rises above an all-but-unspoiled tract of forest extending out in all directions.

The drive to the peak requires resolve and care. From a base point near Judy Gap, West Virginia, a serpentine drive up Route 33 narrows to a 9-mile stretch of old forestry road, with several blind curves and switchbacks, barely wide enough to pass traffic coming down, and with no guardrails protecting against steep drops down the mountain slope. The path is not treated to remove ice or snow.

At the top, however, visitors are rewarded with a wealth of options for taking in the scenery. About 1,000 feet from the parking lot is a two-story observation tower that provides an even higher vantage from which to survey the surrounding area. And the easy, half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail leads visitors along a gravel path that circles the tower for panoramic views across both sides of the ridge.

For another option, partway up the route to Spruce Knob, the road divides, allowing drivers to pull off by an overlook far enough down to avoid clouds and haze, but high enough to provide a striking view.

The drive through miles of national forest and up to the mountaintop is a passageway to a genuinely remote part of the East, and the Spruce Knob area offers visitors a menu of possibilities for savoring the auburn colors of fall. And in a celebration of continuity in an otherwise unfamiliar year, Monongahela, officially designated on April 28, 1920, is commemorating its centennial.

Zach Montague

Maine: Grafton Notch

A fall excursion to Grafton Notch from Portland, Maine, includes not just colorful swaths of foliage but a Shaker community, a ghost and a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. The area's glacial gorges, waterfalls and caves add further intrigue to the predominantly beech, birch and maple forest. Not to mention, a fall drive and hike support both sanity and social distancing.

Before heading out, check the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's website for its COVID-19 recommendations, which include carrying a mask and practicing social distancing when passing people on the trail. Maine visitors should check Keep Maine Healthy for the latest COVID-19 testing and quarantine guidelines.

The nearly two-hour trip from Portland begins with 10 miles of surprisingly vibrant leaf peeping on Maine's primary artery, I-95 North. At Gray, Route 26 North heads inland to New Gloucester where it passes the last active Shaker community in the country, founded on Sabbathday Lake in the late 1700s. Though closed to the public for 2020, the historic buildings and farmlands of Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village can be easily viewed from the car.

Next comes the township of Poland, namesake of the Poland Spring bottled water company and home to the Poland Spring Resort. It is also the territory of a ghost called the Route 26 Hitchhiker, which is said to manifest as a young lady wearing a fancy dress. It's rumored she died in a roadside accident on her wedding or prom night, and while she may ask for a ride, she'll likely disappear from the car before reaching the destination.

Past the Oxford Casino and views of distant mountains, Route 26 parallels the Little Androscoggin River through Paris to Snow Falls, a popular pull-off for the waterfalls and picnic area. In Woodstock, the Mollyockett Motel is named for a Native American Algonquin princess who is the source of many legends. The mountain views and foliage increase around Greenwood, birthplace of L.L. Bean's founder, Leon Leonwood Bean, and home to the Mount Abram Ski Area & Bike Park, popular in fall for the lift-accessed mountain bike trails.

Food and lodging can be had in Bethel, founded in the fertile Androscoggin River Valley in 1796, and at the Sunday River ski resort in nearby Newry. Continuing through Bethel on Route 26 North, The Good Food Store and Smokin' Good BBQ (try the smoked beef brisket or pulled pork/chicken on a bun) is a popular stop. From there, expect excellent foliage on the last stretch to Bear River Road and the 12 miles of the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway leading to the Appalachian Trail parking lot. On the way, Mother Walker and Screw Auger falls are worth a visit, and Grafton Notch Campground on the Bear River is a great option for overnight camping.

The Appalachian Trail parking lot in Grafton Notch State Park connects a number of hikes, including one of the toughest sections of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail: the Old Speck summit, elevation 4,180 feet, which can be reached on a 3.8-mile hike.

Melissa Coleman

Denver: Guanella Pass, Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway and more

One day trip to a stunning, high-alpine cirque allows you to bear witness to a whole spectacle, from aspens to tundra. It begins with a drive west on Route 285 and a turn north at Grant onto Route 62. About 5.5 miles up the 11-mile road to Guanella Pass is the Abyss Lake Trail. This challenging 7.5-mile, 3,000-foot hike passes through numerous stands of aspen, and, for the first few miles, the trail is wide enough for social distancing. Then it climbs more steeply up along a creek leading to the treeless and Lilliputian plant landscape of the 12,650-foot-high Abyss Lake. Look for moose and pronghorn antelope along the way.

If you'd rather stay in the comfort of your car, continue driving on the Guanella Pass Road through the aspen forest. The gravel road climbs to 11,700 feet, with views of Mounts Bierstadt and Evans above a sea of flamboyantly tinted fall willows. At the bottom of the pass road, alongside I-70, is the old mining locale of Georgetown, with an old-time railroad offering daily rides through the aspen forest. Plan for the round-trip drive from Denver to take about four hours.

For a shorter tour, drive roughly 30 miles south out of Denver on Route 85, which takes you directly to the Waterton Canyon parking area, where it intersects with the end of Colorado Highway 121. This moderate 6-mile hike on a dirt road, alongside the South Platte River, swirling with fishing holes, is also ideal for bicycling and horseback riding. The popular trail known for up-close big horn sheep viewing has plenty of toilets and is rimmed with huge cottonwood trees that blush as ripe as lemons in the fall.

But the state's oldest road trip, with brilliant foliage and Continental Divide viewing, is the four-hour, 149-mile Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway from Estes Park through the Gold Rush mining country to Black Hawk. One stop could be Nederland's antediluvian Goldminer Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or, near the town of Ward, a 5.5-mile hike loops around the well-traveled Brainard Lake but don't forget you'll be hiking above 10,000 feet.

Jon Waterman

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Leaf peeping is not canceled: 6 drives and hikes to try this fall - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Industry professionals learn how an irrigation audit is set up at an Irrigation Association event. The audit will show the effectiveness of the system across the test patch.

Irrigation audits are all about ensuring your clients irrigation systems are functioning properly and ultimately saving them money as a result. Although theres no doubt its a desirable service, youll have to first overcome the hump of helping clients understand what its all about.

Mark Brotton, CIC, CLIA, APLD certified landscape designer, ARCSA-AP, EPA WaterSense Partner and owner of Living Water Irrigation & Landscape LLC in Santa Fe, New Mexico, admits he does not perform as many audits as hed like and thinks its because most people dont understand the value. He equates it to a car tune-up: By making sure everything is running efficiently, you can save money and prevent costly problems.

Photos: Stephen Smith

Mark Ballenger, CLIA, CGIA, CID, EPA WaterSense Partner and president of Ballenger & Company Inc., Tampa Bay, Florida, says sometimes speaking with clients about audits means clarifying the meaning. Although an irrigation audit is something that could save money and protect our natural resources, it is common for the term audit to indicate a negative understanding, such as its connection to the IRS and financial audits. That is why Ballenger says BCI will refer to it as an irrigation evaluation.

People want to hear about things that will be a return on investment, so thats the best way to talk about this service, he says. We talk in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. When considering landscaping as an investment, clients must consider how effective the irrigation system is in keeping plants and turf looking their best with a precisely calculated amount of water. That particularly resonates with HOAs and master-planned communities. Ballenger assists in promoting this understanding with board members and other interested constituents. To be fiscally and environmentally responsible when it comes to establishing dues for their communities, the client should find in favor of these evaluations.

Performing an irrigation audit

In terms of performing the audit, Brotton says with his certified landscape irrigation auditor credential from the Irrigation Association, he was trained to perform a visual audit first when starting the process. That visual inspection will be an overview of the system as a whole, making sure that everything is in working order and up to date with local codes. Brotton says one of the first things hell check during an audit is whether a timer is old and needs to be replaced.

Another essential part of the irrigation audit is the proper placement of catch cans along the edge of each zone, adds Brotton. Spacing and test run times need to be consistent for both the sprinkler type and the arc.

As you examine those results, keep in mind that a properly efficient irrigation system is not overwatering the rest of the lawn to make up for areas that are under-watered, he adds. The DU will tell you the precipitation rate as well as whats coming out of the sprinklers.

On top of that, were testing with different tools to evaluate the pressure, Brotton continues. A comprehensive audit is looking at all of this data, running it through the formulations, and ultimately producing an efficiency percentage. A really bad system is operating at 40%-50% efficiency. Our goal is to get up to around 90% plus or minus efficiency, knowing that a man-made system is not as perfect as rain.

When talking to clients after an audit, Randy Bodine, president of Bodines Landscape Services Inc. serving the Opelika and Auburn market of Alabama, says the efficiency percentage is what clients ultimately care about most. When it comes time to discuss the irrigation audit results, this is where the focus should be.

To be perfectly honest, the client doesnt care about how we achieve the efficiency percentage. They just want to know what the number is, Bodine says. Thats something they can wrap their head around. But theyre trusting you to run the numbers. Thats why youre the expert. As a certified landscape irrigation auditor, you have the ability to quantify whats going on in their turf how dry and how wet it is and thats valuable.

Of course, Bodine says you may need to educate clients on why all of this matters. Water savings equating to money savings is certainly the part clients may grasp most. But Bodine says that clients should also recognize that in addition to wasting water, they may be making their turf more prone to disease.

Areas of the turf that are oversaturated are going to be more prone to fungal growth, he says. When you run the system and achieve an evenly watered lawn, that adds up to a healthier lawn too.

The importance of being certified

Becoming a certified landscape irrigation auditor or certified golf irrigation auditor is no small feat. It includes passing a three-hour exam with 125 equally weighted, multiple-choice questions; complying with the Selected Certified Code of Ethics; and remaining in good standing with the Irrigation Association with continuing education units. But those who have earned this credential say it has helped to create credibility and increase job opportunities.

Ballenger says the CLIA and CGIA certification designations support professionalism within the green industry. These designations have opened doors and indicate the depth of dedication and knowledge required to perform these types of audits.

Bodine takes the time to educate clients on what the credentials mean because that helps sell the job.

Im in a market where there are only a handful of CLIAs in our entire state, so Ive explained what it means for me to have earned this credential, he says. I think that once people understand these arent just credentials you pay for and that not just any irrigation contractor can earn it it does go a long way in how they view you.

People do notice, adds Brotton. Even if they dont know what the credentials stand for, clients tell him they chose him because he was highly credentialed.

For me, becoming a CLIA was a steppingstone on my path toward pushing myself to be continually improving, Brotton says. But I also think its good for the industry as a whole. Everyone should have a similar process on how they perform audits, no matter what part of the country theyre located in. We should all be able to go to the same site and come up with the same data at the end of the day. That ability to quantify data and to come to the same solution is what will set us apart from others who are not true experts in the field.

Looking ahead

Although there has traditionally been a lack of understanding about what irrigation audits mean, Bodine sees that changing as resources become more rare.

As water becomes more precious, the importance of irrigation audits will only grow, says Bodine. Its as much an economic issue as it is an environmental one, as water isnt cheap anymore. People are more concerned than ever with wasting it. We have a lot of great success stories of clients who have gained the cost of their audit back in water savings in a single year. It may cost $5,000 to do an audit, but if youre saving them $15,000, they can easily see the value. The more people understand this, the more it will become a line item on the budget.

We do a tremendous amount of design work, and if you can understand what a system is supposed to do from the end result, including how it will function and how it needs to be maintained, then that can really help on the front end when youre doing the design, he explains.

Bodine says that he sees a bright future for irrigation auditing and believes interest will only grow.

There are very few things in life where there is no downside, but an irrigation audit is one of them, he says. The customer saves money, its good for the environment, it keeps the turf and plants looking great, and it can be a successful service for irrigation contractors to perform and to establish themselves as the expert. Its really a win all around.

Lindsey Getz is a contributing editor to Irrigation & Green Industry and can be reached at lindsey.getz@yahoo.com.

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Do the math - Irrigation & Green Industry magazine

Protocols enacted by hospital environmental services (EVS) staff and health care workers to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have also been effective against another infectious diseaseClostridium. difficile (C. diff).

A study in the American Journal of Infection Control found that the incidence of C. diff substantially decreased in 2020 compared to the previous three years due to steps taken to reduce COVID-19 infection, specifically a greater attention to hand hygiene, the use of masks, and the proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Researchers with SantAndrea University Hospital of Rome in Italy compared data on people discharged from the hospital from March 1 to June 30, 2020 to discharge data from 2017, 2018, and 2019. While the investigators found that there was no statistically significant difference inC. diffincidence in 2017, 2018, and 2019, the 2020 results proved to be quite different.

In 2017, among 422 discharged patients, 39 were found to have C. diff. In 2018, 25 patients from 348 discharged had C. diff and in 2019, 24 patients from 364 discharged had C. diff.

In comparison, only 11 patients among 333 discharged from wards without COVID-19 patients in 2020 had C. diff and seven patients from 150 patients discharged from COVID-19 wards had C. diff.

Investigators could not determine which of the pandemic protocols played the biggest role in slowingC. diffspread, but they noted that previous studies have shown that hand hygiene alone wasnt enough.

Interestingly, COVID-19 wards showed a higher incidence of C. diff, which suggests coronavirus infection as a possible risk factor for C. diff.

C. diff is the most common pathogen among healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Learn cleaning best practices to prevent HAIs in health care facilities.

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Earn Certification in Carpet Care as Part of the ISSA Show - CMM

To celebrate the season finale of the new seriesLOVECRAFT COUNTRY, HBO will close out theirLovecraft Country: SanctumSocial VR experience by transporting invited guests intoMusic of the Cosmos.

In this first-of-its-kind, groundbreaking social VR experience, 100 select influential voices have experienced a series of events consisting of immersive theater, escape rooms, art installations and puzzles via the Oculus Quest headset. The final event is a virtual reality concert given by Janelle Mone, eight-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, leading film and TV actress and record producer, who will be giving fans an out of this world performance, and her first ever performance in virtual reality.

The LOVECRAFT COUNTRY season finale airs this Sunday at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, at which point the complete first season and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The first episode of LOVECRAFT COUNTRY has reached more than 9 million viewers across all platforms, and it has been the #1 series on HBO Max since its debut in August.

Im so excited to partner with HBO and The Mill to pioneer the future of concert experiences in Sanctum, saidJanelle Mone. I always strive for innovation, and this project gives me the special opportunity to celebrateLovecraft Country, a show Im a huge fan of, and connect with fans in a completely new way using virtual reality. This is the perfect platform to explore the impact of music and movement in a new dimension designed to celebrate Black art, stories and voices.

The musical experience re-imagines the future of performances and live events, featuring a virtual environment that is interactive and directly impacted by the artists physical performance. Ahead of Mones set, guests will be invited intoThe Reliquary,a mystery room hosted by LOVECRAFT COUNTRYS Michael Kenneth Williams, that will be littered with artifacts from throughout the show and virtual experience each with an accompanying audio snippet narrated by Williams.

Event #3: Music of the Cosmos

Monday, October 19

10:00 PM ET/ 7:00 PM PT

For more information please visitLovecraftsanctum.com

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Janelle Mone Closes The First Season Of HBO's LOVECRAFT COUNTRY With A Virtual Reality Concert Experience. #HBOMax - redcarpetreporttv.com

CHICOPEE The eagle weather vane has been returned to the top of City Hall as a two-year project to repair and modernize the nearly 150-year-old building is coming to a close.

Mayor John L. Vieau joined other city officials as the eagle was raised to the top of the tower by a crane in a short ceremony last week.

The eagle, an icon that has looked over the community since City Hall was opened in 1871, was removed about two years ago when construction crews began an about $14 million project to make structural repairs and weatherize and modernize the interior.

More than six years ago, plaster chunks started falling from the molding in the auditorium and stained glass windows loosened from their frames. Then a piece of the support frame that holds City Halls iconic rose-shaped stained glass window broke off and crashed to the stairs below. This prompted officials to commission a study to find out why the long-closed room on the second floor of the building was failing.

The news wasnt good. Engineers found City Hall was literally falling apart as then-Mayor Richard J. Kos put it. The brick facade was bowing out, sandstone columns were badly eroded, an interior brick arch had deteriorated and poor-quality brickwork in the tower was failing.

That sparked months of debate about what to do next. In 2017 the City Council agreed to borrow up to $16 million to make the repairs and upgrade the building. Officials also received some grant money, and user fees collected by Charter Cable were spent to convert the auditorium into a modern meeting room.

In the end, officials believe the project will be completed at a cost of about $2 million less than had been expected, Vieau said.

We are proud of the character and the symbolism of our eagle. It represents this citys strength and resilience and it is exciting to know the original will also be preserved for its residents to admire for many years to come, Vieau said.

The weather vane has always been a defining feature of the stone turret and tower. It has a special history, since the bronze bird was cast across the street at the Ames Manufacturing Co., known for its Civil War swords. The foundry was the first to become proficient in bronze casting, according to city historian Stephen Jendrysik.

But the eagle that was raised to the top of the tower last week is a doppelganger it is a lighter fiberglass copy finished in gold leaf. A lightning rod will run through the center of it, said Michael Pise, mayoral chief of staff.

The real one, which is also hollow but much heavier, will be cleaned and preserved and placed on display in the auditorium when it is reopened, Pise said.

Along with shoring up the building, other improvements were made including repairing the slate roof; installing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; replacing aging windows with insulated ones; installing an elevator in the City Hall Annex; and updating restrooms and the outside ramp to meet handicap accessibility laws, he said.

Some aesthetic improvements, such as replacing old carpeting, are also planned, he said.

One of the biggest differences will be in the auditorium, which was in such poor condition it had been closed off for more than a decade. All 19 stained glass windows that ring the auditorium were removed and repaired. When they are replaced, they will be covered with a layer of plexiglass to make them more energy efficient and to protect them, Pise said.

The ceiling had to be replaced as well. During the renovations, construction crews found cut nails were used a century ago and the plaster had separated from the beams, Pise said.

The auditorium, which will have permanent cameras installed so all meetings can be broadcast live, will be used by the City Council, School Committee, Planning Board and others when it is finished around January. The room is large enough to allow for social distancing, which the School Committee found was crucial since some members had to participate remotely when meetings resumed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I think it is a great idea, School Committee member Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello said. It gives us more space and everyone can come if they want to come. I personally dont have a problem with making it our permanent home.

The School Committee, which usually meets at the school administration building on Broadway but recently moved to Chicopee Comprehensive High School for space reasons, voted last week to hold all meetings in the auditorium once construction is complete.

One of the last pieces of the work will be to replace the rose window.

Im excited to have the rose window back. It has defined the City Hall, Vieau said.

Link:
Chicopee City Hall construction nears completion as eagle weather vane returns to perch on tower - MassLive.com

AVON, CT When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Anne Watson who nominated Ellen Farrell of Avon.

If other, job: As well as education

Relationship to nominee: She is the school nurse at Thompson Brook School in Avon. I was the Principal at the time.

Reason for recognition: In my 25 years in education, she is the best school nurse I've ever seen. She goes out of her way to teach students life skills to take care of themselves. And she does it in a positive way, often teaching while classes. She gives fun, interactive class.

One thing to know: She gives fun, interactive classes on how to wash your hands. The adults learn just as much as the children as they use ultraviolet light to discover where they miss. She has organized unbelievable fundraisers for illnesses that our students have.

Read more from the original source:
The Best School Nurse Ive Ever Seen: Avon Local Hero - Avon, CT Patch

In the market for a new car but not sure if it should be an electric vehicle (EV)? Want to save on running and maintenance cost but unsure about highway escapes? Want a refined ride experience but range anxieties keeping you confused? All of these, combined with the price of an EV itself, are natural - and obvious - concerns for all who may be considering taking the plunge into the world of battery-powered mobility.

India is at the cusp of an electric revolution in terms of mobility with the central and several state governments determined to roll out the red carpet for EVs. But the red carpet isn't going to be a magic carpet which helps such vehicles replace vehicles as we have known and driven for years together.

Therefore, here are five key and honest points to seriously consider before deciding on whether your next vehicle ought to be an electric vehicle:

Cost: Let's face it, an EV doesn't come cheap. Not here in India anyway. Not yet. A Nexon from Tata Motors, for instance, starts at around 6.99 lakh (ex showroom) but when a Nexon EV starts at 13.99 lakh (ex showroom). The upfront cost of an EV is, therefore, significantly higher than a regular vehicle but if you plan on keeping the product for a decade or more, it makes a whole lot of sense to take the dive. That is because the running and maintenance cost of an EV is significantly less. With per litre petrol cost well and truly above 81 (in Delhi), EVs make a strong case as a viable option for an affordable drive experience. Because there are fewer parts, maintenance of an EV is also expected to be a whole lot cheaper - over a long period of time, of course.

(Also read: 'Localization key, provides tremendous opportunity in EV market)

Infrastructure: This is still where EVs lose out against conventional vehicles. While EV infrastructure is constantly being updated in major cities, it is still from ideal. And out on highways and smaller cities, a public-charging station is an absolute rarity. And while an EV can be charged using a regular wall socket, the charging time is significant which may mean an EV owner is held hostage by the passing hours.

At present, many recommend that an EV should ideally be the second or subsequent vehicle in a typical Indian household. With infrastructure constantly being developed, first-time car buyers could jump right in at a consequent time.

(Also read: Tesla may enter India in 2021 as Elon Musk drops biggest hint yet)

Range: The above point is also directly linked to the whole question of range. People have always asked 'how much' in terms of mileage of a petrol or diesel car. The question with EVs is 'how many'. How many miles can an EV do per full charge is actually a question people are increasingly asking globally when considering such a vehicle. Different options get different battery packs which means varying range.

The distance that an EV can cover is, therefore, a key consideration and a factor which also depends on whether one uses it as a daily commute vehicle or a regular highway hauler.

Options: Here is where things are looking the brightest. While makers of two-wheelers are rushing in new electric products, car makers are also looking to catch on and cash in.

Hyundai was one of the first off the block with its Kona e-SUV, followed by the likes of MG ZS EV and Tata Nexon EV. The price of an EV is coming down as electric versions of more affordable vehicles are being rolled out.

But if you want absolute luxury, there is Mercedes EQC as well. The launch of the first luxury EV in India from the German brand could possibly make its rivals in the luxury segment sit up and drive in their respective offerings.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, OEMs like Mahindra and Maruti have either confirmed plans or are contemplating products.

Support: OEMs with EV offerings already in the Indian market are going the extra mile to allay concerns over post-sales service. Battery packs come with warranty running over several years while the service networks have professionals who are specifically trained to welcome an EV and keep it running silent smooth.

Several manufacturers are also installing wall charging units at the customer's preferred location without any additional cost.

As such, the EV movement in India is on the right track. There are more options than there have ever been and with incentives being dished out - Delhi has done away with road tax on battery-powered vehicles, the outlook is extremely positive. The pace of infrastructure for supporting vehicles, say many, is still a tad slow but there is no denying that it will pick up pace.

See the rest here:
Electric cars in India: Five points to consider before buying an EV - Hindustan Times Auto News

(Continued from last week)

Atrip of 10 miles one way with horse and buggy was about the limit for aSunday visit with relatives and friends. The first buggies had only atop with a reel of black canvas to shield against the weather.Protection on all sides and front, when needed was provided by curtainsof similar material. In winter blankets were used as a shield againstthe bitter cold. Later the cab was introduced which by means of glassprovided protection in front, rear and both sides. A family needed a 2seated surrey. (Note: My mother had and old horsehide blanket whichwas used as a cover in the winter. This family treasure

is still in the possession of my sister, Beth Metzger. It is a horse-hide on top with black wool for the backing).

Thefirst cars entered upon the scene about 1916. Most of these were Model TFords, which sold new at about $650.00. These first cars protectedagainst the weather by means of a windshield of glass in the front and ablack canvas-like cloth over the top and down the rear. Floppy curtainswere carried in the trunk for use in case of rain or cold weather. Whenthe first cars appeared about 1920 with glass protection on all sides,some far-sighted people proudly predicted that eventually all cars wouldbe such sedans. They also said many would be killed because of allglass closed cars. The astonishing velocity of 60 MPH, was the ultimatespeed imaginable. The first cars were a terror of many road horses. Inmany cases the driver of the horse had to jump out and hold the horse bythe bridle; he usually cursed thosenew fangled machines.

Whenthe first planes appeared in the sky about 1916, a pompous uncleproudly foretold: Some day air planes will become so common that thepeople wont even look up at them anymore. When the first milkingmachine in neighborhood was installed about 1915, the people flocked tosee the contraption actually at work and gave all kinds of reasons whyit would never succeed.

With the approach of the cool weather ofautumn farmers stored enough potatoes and fruit, some beets and cabbagein the basement or a cache in the garden for the long winter. (Note:Some farmers had an up-ground cellar for storage. This was usually a manmade hill and had a door.)

With the arrival of the cold weatherof winter, neighbors gathered to help one another slaughter enough hogsto last until the following spring. In addition to hams, shoulders andsides, nearly every part of the animal was used to make sausage, headcheese, blood pudding and similar delicacies. While the men were busyoutside slaughtering, bleeding, preparing the hot water for scalding anddressing the carcasses, the women inside, with the help of all grownchildren, were occupied with making sausages and puddings, with cuttingoff the fat to be rendered in a large kettle over and open fire outside,to make lard. Fat unfit for human consumption was rendered to be usedin the making of home-made soap. Hams, shoulders, sides and summersausage were smoked; the summer sausage was hung up in a dry cool place,the rest of the meat was stored in dry salt, and was salted down. Nowand then a steer was slaughtered for change of diet. (Note: Sausage wasoften friend down and preserved in lard, in a large crock and stored inthe basement. It was so good to come home from school and have asausage sandwich with homemade bread, covered with grape jam or jelly.Pon Hoss was a favorite of mine. It was made with head meat and oatmeal.Butchering was always a big time event).

In the 1920s ruralelectrification revolutionized farm life by permitting better readinglight in the home, illumination in the barns, electrically driven pumps,running cold and hot water in the home and refrigerators enabling thefamily to keep food for days. Later the freezing compartment was added.Some farmers didnt get electricity until 1946 (after World War II) sothey had to continue to use the ice box.

Dont forget the outhousebefore indoor plumbing and the Saturday night bath was taken in a washtub. Farm tractors came on the scent in the 1920s but many farmersdoubted that they could take the place or horses. Also during thedepression, which struck in 1929, most farmers couldnt afford atractor.

Father Mack continued: These people knew how tocelebrate and enjoy themselves. Relatives came from afar for eachwedding, which was always the occasion for great parties and leanded upwith a dance in the evening. During the winter months, there was atime in a home of the neighborhood nearly every week. The carpet wasrolled up from a room in the house, or a wooden floor of the barn wasswept clean; a violinist, a guitarist and a caller were recruited fromthe area and the people thoroughly enjoyed kicking up their heels. Kegsof beer flowed freely and at the proper time sandwiches were served. Asthe evening wore on most of the children fell asleep under theinfluence of the beer and music. Such a time was the tor of many a happyconversation for days before and after the event itself. Such was life on the farm back in the olden days.

See the original post:
Farming 1910 to 1930 - Delphos Herald

The 43rd Denver Film Festival (DFF43) announced today three Red Carpet Drive-In experiences that have been added to this years programming, leading off with Searchlights NOMADLANDOpening Night, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. The Red Rocks Red Carpet Drive-In events will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for DFF43 patrons.Throughout this seasons Film On the Rocks Drive-In series, we have watched and shared the joy of audiences getting out of their homes and engaging in big-screen film entertainment, said Festival Director, Britta Erickson. While were excited to pivot to a virtual experience for the majority of this years Festival, and to reach new audiences through that opportunity, we are grateful to our film industry partners, the City of Denver, and of course, our amazing audiences to be able to deliver three unique film experiences Nomadland, Nine Days and Ammonite under the stars at beautiful Red Rocks Park. And the truth is, I cant think of a better, more appropriate way to experience all three of these films and Nomadland in particular than in your car, surrounded by beautiful Western vistas.

Tickets are now on sale for the Red Carpet Drive-In experiences and are priced per car at $75 for Denver Film Members and $85 for the general public. Films will be screened at Red Rocks Lower South Lot 2 parking area, which can accommodate up to 300 cars. Guests will view the films on a large screen, and can tune in to the audio through a designated FM station via their car radios. For safety reasons, guests are required to remain in their cars throughout the screening and are required to wear masks when visiting on-site amenities.

Despite the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us, and the belief that we would have to be 100% virtual for this years Festival, were thrilled to be able to present these three Red Carpet Drive-In experiences and provide our audiences with some select in-person screening opportunities at DFF43, said Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Kevin Smith. These very special screenings would not be possible without the partnership and support of the City of Denver, Arts & Venues, and event partners including Red Bull and Waterloo Sparkling Water.

NOMADLAND will receive DFF43s Rare Pearl Award which will be accepted by director, Chlo Zhao, in a video presentation before the film screening. The Rare Pearl Award highlights a film whose beauty and uniqueness stand out as finest of the year. Recent Rare Pearl Award winners include Portrait of a Lady on Fire (DFF42) and Roma (DFF41).

NOMADLANDOpening Night, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.Red Rocks Drive-In ExperienceWomen+FilmFollowing the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, Fern (Frances McDormand) packs her van and sets off on the road exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. The third feature film from director Chlo Zhao, NOMADLAND spotlights real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Ferns mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.

CHLO ZHAOChinese filmmaker Chlo Zhaos debut feature film, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (DFF38), premiered at Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim and earned a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Her second feature film, The Rider (2017), was critically praised and received nominations for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Film and Best Director. Zhao garnered further success with NOMADLAND, which received widespread acclaim and won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Peoples Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Denver Film Festival will include two additional Red Rocks Red Carpet Drive-In experiences: Centerpiece title NINE DAYS from Sony Pictures Classics on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Big Night title AMMONITE from Neon on Thursday, Oct. 29, both at 7 p.m. NINE DAYS will receive three DFF Awards: Emerging Filmmaker Award for Edson Oda, and Excellence in Acting Awards for both Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz, as well as feature a virtual post-film conversation, hosted by Lisa Kennedy, featuring all three award winners and Producer, Jason Michael Berman.

NINE DAYSCenterpiece, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.Red Rocks Drive-In ExperienceWill (Winston Duke) spends his days in a remote outpost watching the live Point of View (POV) on TVs of people going about their lives, until one subject perishes, leaving a vacancy for a new life on earth. Soon, several candidates unborn souls arrive at Wills to undergo tests determining their fitness, facing oblivion when they are deemed unsuitable. But Will soon faces his own existential challenge in the form of free-spirited Emma (Zazie Beetz), a candidate who is not like the others, forcing him to turn within and reckon with his own tumultuous past. Fueled by unexpected power, he discovers a bold new path forward in his own life.

EDSON ODAMaking his feature-film debut after a series of highly acclaimed and award-winning short films and music videos, Brazilian-born writer-director Edson Oda delivers a heartfelt and meditative vision of human souls in limbo, aching to be born against unimaginable odds, yet hindered by forces beyond their will.

WINSTON DUKETrinbagonianAmerican actor, Winston Duke is best known for his role as MBaku in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. He also starred in Jordan Peeles horror film Us.

ZAZIE BEETZGerman-American actress, Zazie Beetz stars in the FX comedy-drama series Atlanta (2016present), for which she received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Beetz has also appeared in the disaster film Geostorm (2017), and has played the Marvel Comics character Domino in the superhero film Deadpool 2 (2018) and Arthur Fleck/Jokers neighbor in the psychological thriller Joker (2019).

AMMONITEBig Night, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.Red Rocks Drive-In ExperienceSheila K. OBrien Spotlight on UK/Ireland CinemaIn the 1840s, acclaimed self-taught paleontologist Mary Anning works alone on the wild and brutal Southern English coastline of Lyme Regis. The days of her famed discoveries behind her, she now hunts for common fossils to sell to rich tourists to support herself and her ailing widowed mother. When one such tourist, Roderick Murchison, arrives in Lyme on the first leg of a European tour, he entrusts Mary with the care of his young wife Charlotte, who is recuperating from a personal tragedy. Mary, whose life is a daily struggle on the poverty line, cannot afford to turn him down but, proud and relentlessly passionate about her work, she clashes with her unwanted guest. They are two women from utterly different worlds. Yet despite the chasm between their social spheres and personalities, Mary and Charlotte discover they can each offer what the other has been searching for: the realization that they are not alone. It is the beginning of a passionate and all-consuming love affair that will defy all social bounds and alter the course of both lives irrevocably.###Throughout the expanded 18-day Festival, DFF43 will present more than 100 titles including local, national and international cinema, panel discussions, tributes, and achievement awards. This years Festival will include popular showcase selections including: Italian, UK/Ireland, Women+Film, CinemaQ, CineLatinx, and Colorado Spotlight, as well as welcome new showcases: Colorado Dragon, Spotlight on Social Justice, and a new virtual High School Day for high school students and educators across the state.

Individual tickets are now on sale at: https://www.denverfilm.org/dff43/

Denver Film Festival AllAccess Virtual Passes are on sale:https://dff.eventive.org/passes/buy

Read more:
DENVER FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES NOMADLAND AS OPENING NIGHT DRIVE-IN EXPERIENCE AT RED ROCKS - North Denver Tribune