Blooming Corpse Flower Stinks Up DC to the Delight of Tourists

A plant that looks like a specimen straight out of the 1986 film "Little Shop of Horrors" is bringing delight to visitors at the U.S. Botanic Garden today as it begins to bloom and release its famed rotten stench.

For weeks, tourists have been flocking to the U.S. Botanical Garden to take selfies with the giant plant, but today is the first time visitors will get a whiff of the corpse flower.

A corpse flower started to bloom, Aug. 2, 2016, in Washington.

The Amorphoplallus titanium, or corpse flower, can grow up to 12 feet tall, and once its petals unfurl, the flower releases a scent that's been described as "rotten meat with hints of garlic" and a "steaming dumpster."

While the odor might repulse most humans, the smell actually attracts bugs, which then serve as pollinators for the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UqSm2OQEnw plant.

Special conditions are required for the corpse flower https://www.houzz.com/photos/landscape to bloom and visitors to have the rare olfactory experience. The plant favors the kind of hot and humid conditions found in its native Sumatra, Indonesia, and can take up to 10 years for its first bloom. After that, the plant blooms every three to four years.

The corpse flower blooming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UqSm2OQEnw at the U.S. Botanic Garden has more than doubled in size during the past few weeks al one. On July 18, the plant was 34 inches but by Aug. 1, the stylus of the plant had reached 88 inches.

Now the corpse flower has bloomed, it will release the scent for the next 24 to 48 hours while its petals are open.

The U.S. Botanic Garden will be keeping its doors open late so those with brave enough noses can take a sniff.



http://abcnews.go.com/US/blooming-corpse-flower-stinks-dc-delight-tourists/story?id=41068713

Virginia honors pair who challenged interracial marriage ban

Virginia honors pair who challenged interracial marriage ban | KRQE News 13

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- When Richard and Mildred Loving had the audacity to marry, Virginia law officers jailed them. The state's highest court later agreed it was right to outlaw their marriage https://courtapps.in.gov/rollofattorneys because he was white and she was black.

Now, a half century after the Lovings won a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized interracial marriage nationwide, the couple has been honored with a historical marker outside the old Virginia Supreme Court building where they suffered a legal defeat.

"We honor their courage to stand up for the right to love unconditionally, their strength to endure the struggle against all odds and their tenacity to prove that loving is really what it's all about," Claire Guthrie Gastanaga, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, said Monday during a dedication ceremony.

It fell on the 50th anniversary of the high court decision dismantling Virginia's anti-interracial marriage law and similar ones in about one-third of the states.

Matt Fritzinger, a state employee who attended the dedication, said he was there to recognize the Lovings for paving the way for his own interracial marriage. Fritzinger is white and his wife of about 10 years is black.

"As bad as it is that we get looks and whispers and my wife gets asked ignorant questions, it's still not as bad as what the Lovings had to do deal with," said Fritzinger, a contracting officer with the Department of General Services.

Weeks after the Lovings were married in Washington, D.C., in 1958, sheriff's deputies burst into their Virginia home in the middle of the night and threw them in jail for unlawful cohabitation.

"They were convicted of the high crime of loving each other," Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said.

The couple agreed to leave Virginia for 25 years in order to avoid a one-year jail sentence, but after several years in Washington decided they wanted to come home. Mildred Loving wrote to then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and was referred to the American Civil Liberties Union, which took on the case.



The marker now stands outside the former Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, which ruled against the Lovings. In the Virginia Supreme Court's 1966 opinion, Chief Justice Harry Carrico cited a previous case upholding the state's prohibition on interracial marriage and said the issue should be left to lawmakers.

But in the unanimous 1967 U.S. Supreme Court opinion, Chief Justice Earl Warren said the state's argument -- that the polic y was necessary to preserve racial integrity -- was "obviously an endorsement of the doctrine of White Supremacy."

"Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State," Warren wrote.

Mildred Loving died at her home in rural Milford in 2008. Her husband was killed by a drunk driver in 1975.

____

Follow Alanna Durkin Richer at http://twitter.com/aedurkinricher. Read more of her work at http://apne.ws/2hIhzDb

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Shutts Attorney to Speak on Cyber Crime at International Hospitality Technology Exposition and Conference

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shutts & Bowen partner Kevin D. Rosen and Q6 Cyber executive vice

president Robert Villanueva will expose cybercrime on the Dark Web,

highlight recent cyber-attacks, and discuss ways for the industry to

defend against cybercrime, at the closing keynote address of HITEC,

the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and

conference.

"I am honored for us to speak and educate the hospitality industry at

HITEC in Toronto. Today, it is essential for the industry to fully

understand the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape and protect its

customers, employees, and businesses from cybercrime. The industry must

be highly proactive to reduce data breaches and minimize harm from an

army of criminals that operate in cyberspace. With our training and

help, the industry can fight back," said Rosen, based in West Palm Beach

and a member of the Shutts Financial Services Practice Group and the

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Taskforce.

The conference will be held June 26 - June 29 in Toronto. https://www.hftp.org/hitec/toronto/



Produced byHospitality

Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), a global nonprofit

hospitality association that is headquartered in Austin, Texas,HITEC

offers a unique combination of top-notch education, and brings together

the brightest minds and hottest technologies from across the globe to

one place. The unparalleled event offers attendees essential education,

access to top hospitality technology industry experts and the resources

to find cost-effective ways to improve company bottom lines.

Rosen's practice focuses on cybersecurity, privacy, data security,

securitie s regulation, and financial regulation. He previously served as

Senior Regional Counsel in the Department of Enforcement at the

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Senior Attorney with

the Florida Department of Banking and Finance.

At FINRA, Rosen was at the front line of cybersecurity regulation,

having served nationally as FINRA's Regulatory Specialist on FINRA's

Cybersecurity and Information Technology Disposition Group. As a lead

FINRA enforcement lawyer, Rosen also directed many significant

enforcement investigations and disciplinary actions related to

anti-money laundering compliance, supervision and sales practice

violations, providing him with years of direct experience with FINRA's

enforcement processes.

Additionally, Rosen is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Nova Southeastern

University https://en.wi kipedia.org/wiki/Law and teaches "Cyber and Information Crimes." Rosen also holds

a number of appointments and committee memberships on cybersecurity and

technology, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's

Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force, the American Bar

Association's Cyberspace Law Committee, the Florida Bar's Committee on

Technology, and the Florida International Bankers Association's

Operations and Technology Committee.

About Shutts & Bowen LLP



Established in 1910 , Shutts & Bowen is a full-service business law firm

with more than 260 lawyers in its Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami,

Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach offices. Learn

more about Shutts & Bowen at www.shutts.com.

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170607005921/en/Shutts-Attorney-Speak-Cyber-Crime-International-Hospitality/?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-bNgknBQakQ2FGsSkk8fjL-xHQ6rwIYc9n9qVoIIkhYUrCOi9QzgjCezTS3Nw_X6kJUrpSBm-Hav1w-UkdSlG3mF4BAnYghyNilLrtUfOpaKLkaZDLiczsahzEklD3R10Q==

Organic gardens take root in Canada| Reuters

By Julie Gordon

| TORONTO

TORONTO As climate change makes longer, drier summers a reality in many parts of the world, a new trend in landscaping is taking root in Canada.

In Toronto, where precipitation levels were 52 percent below the seasonal average over the past six months, according to government data, residents are trading in their manicured lawns for environmentally friendly organic landscapes.

"Irrigation is a huge issue as water is such a valuable resource," said Claire Suo-Cockerton of landscaping company Aesthetic Earthworks. "We are trying to plant material that is more appropriate today in our climate."

Organic landscapers use drought resistant plants and shrubs native to the region, which encourage the development micro-organisms in the soil. This attracts birds and insects to act as natural pest and disease control.



A well-managed organic landscape is self-sustaining, whereas a traditional yard needs to be watered at least once per week, Suo-Cockerton said.



"It's a drastic lifestyle change for those who incorporate it in their homes," she added.

But the change may be a bit too drastic for average homeowner.

Kevin MacDonald, operations manager of Humber Nurseries near Toronto, said he hasn't seen an increase in the sale of native plants and shrubs. He said the downside to native plants is they are more susceptible to native insects.

"By planting a cultivated variety, t hat is non-native, you may not end up with diseases and insect problems, simply because the diseases and insects that would traditionally https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/lawn-sprinklers attack that plant are not found in the new location," he said.

Still, the main reason why traditional gardens remain popular may be purely aesthetic.

"In most cases homeowners will have a preference for what looks best," MacDonald said.

While the bare shrubs and woodchips of an organic landscape don't quite have the curb appeal of an ornamental garden, commercial and residential buildings looking to go green are picking up on the trend.

"From a developer's standpoint it's a great marketing tool because people are becoming very conscious of the environment," said Melissa Ferrato of the Canada Green Building Council (CGBG).

The CGBG uses the leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) standard developed in the United States to measure the "green factor" of a building. Avoiding pesticides, lawnmowers and leafblowers all reduce a building's carbon footprint, contributing to a higher LEED score.

"Native, organic plants is what we're all about," said Ferrato. "We really discourage the Sprinkler Installation use of manicured lawns and pesticides."

While organic landscaping is only now gaining popularity in the private sector, it has long been used by city parks departments.

"We've been moving away from traditional lawns for many years now," said Patricia Landry a liaison officer at the Toronto parks department. "We are using plants able to withstand drought, pollution and the changing climate."

Organic landscaping makes economic sense for urban municipalities, Landry said. Less money is spent on labor and irrigation. And reintroducing native plants provides habitat for birds and small animals.

W hile efforts to convert Toronto's ornamental flowerbeds to organic gardens were met with public opposition, some of the cultivated annuals were swapped with native plants.

"It's about trying to keep a balance," said Landry. "Finding different ways to keep those areas a little more environmentally friendly."

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-landscaping-idUSN2563030420071101

Chipotle Will Use Central Kitchen for Some Ingredients After E. Coli Outbreak

An E. coli outbreak linked to the Chipotle restaurant chain has already led to major changes in the company's food production as it works to regain customers' trust.



At least 52 people have been sickened in the multi-state outbreak that officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked to eating at Chipotle. Those infected ranged in age from 1 to 94 years old and became sick from Oct. 19 to Nov. 13, according to the CDC.

While health officials have not determined which specific ingredient was the source of the outbreak, Chipotle officials and CEO Steven Ells recently announced new food safety measures that could have a long-term impact on how Chipotle sources its ingredients.

Chipotle has long been supportive of using local ingredients fresh in the kitchen, but company officials said they are now doing more in central prep kitchens before food is sent out to stores in order to help guard against bacteria and other pathogens. For example, Chipotle said it is no longer washing and testing whole tomatoes for its salsa before packaging and shipping them to its local stores because it is not realistic to test every one and the testing process might not detect pathogens inside the tomato. Instead, Chipotle said the safest way to prepare the washed tomatoes is by testing them after Best Remodeling Company they are diced. "The tomatoes that are now prepared in our centralized prep kitchens are washed, diced, and then washed again a nd tested before packaging and shipment to our restaurants," the company said.

In addition, the company said its restaurant teams are putting many fresh produce items in boiling water for 3 to 5 seconds to sanitize them before they are used in food preparation.

Chipotle CEO Steve Ells said the company is implementing multiple new procedures to safeguard customers, but that it was impossible to eliminate any risk.

"It is impossible to ensure that there is a zero percent chance of any kind of food-borne illness anytime anyone eats anywhere," Ells told the Associated Press.

The company said last week that it anticipates some local growers will not be able to adhere to the new strict safety requirements during the next produce season.

"Given the heightened requirements for produce -- chiefly the high resolution testing -- we believe that some of our local growers will not meet these enhanced standards," a Chipotle spokesman told ABC News last week. "We 'll certainly look to work with suppliers that do, and to help others where we can, but at the moment, we aren't sure what the local program will look like. What we are sure of is that our commitment to using the very best ingredients we can remains as strong as ever."

Ells has announced that even Best Remodeling Company In Houston with the new safety procedures there would be no price increase for consumers or suppliers.

"This is a cost that we will bear," Ells told the AP.



Chipotle did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment on if the food safety measures would affect all produce or just some items.
< br>Last month, the company announced other new measures it has implemented to ensure food safety and handling, including testing fresh produce with DNA-based tests, and end-of-shelf-life testing to ensure ingredients are safe throughout their shelf life, while also looking to improve the supply chain by measuring performance data of vendors and suppliers, and enhancing employee training in food safety and handling.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/chipotle-makes-coli-outbreak-hike-prices/story?id=35798566

Free Government Money to Start a Business? Don't Bet on It

Last Updated Sep 9, 2010 1:32 PM EDT

Many business myths and urban legends are essentially harmless, but some encourage and support risky or useless practices while others serve to promote outright scams. Enterprises that sell information and assistance purported to help business owners receive government grants are often plugged into the latter category.

Here, for instance, is what Grants.gov, a government clearinghouse for federal grants, has to say: "We have all seen them; late night infomercials, websites, and reference guides, advertising 'millions in free money.' Don't believe the hype!" The site stresses that no grants are available for personal financial assistance, including loans to start small businesses, and directs readers to other resources, such as the Small Bus iness Administration's loan guarantee program, for assistance of that sort.





Yet despite the federal warning, such "millions in free money" claims continue to be made, usually by people offering to sell directories, instructions or assistance in applying for federal start-up grants. At MyGovernmentGrants.com, which bills itself as providing "America's #1 best selling grant search information," visitors are advised: "Anyone thinking about going into business for themselves, or wanting to expand an existing business should rush for the world's largest "one-stop-money-source" where FREE MONEY to start or expand a business is being held for you by the Federal Government."

The reality is somewhat more complicated than either Grants.gov or MyGovernmentGrants.com would have it. There are, in fact, some grants available to small businesses, including even startups. For instance, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant program awards money to small, high-tech businesses that are developing technologies of interest to the government. These can in some cases include startup businesses. The SBA's website has a useful directory of government entities that award grants.

If you look at all these resources, you will soon become aware that while grants are available, including some to small businesses, the requirements for getting SBIR and other grants are so tight that, for all practical purposes, they do n't exist for any but a tiny handful of small firms. And, generally speaking, government grants that are nominally available for small business applicants, in fact are practically only going to be won by non-profit organizations, educational institutions, research laboratories and the like. And they are usually for highly technical, specialized, cutting-edge services or products. The chances of a typical would-be entrepreneur getting free government money to, say, start a landscaping business are nil.

So if you need help financing your startup, by all means look into the possibility of guaranteed SBA loans to help http://www.vikinggroupinc.com/technical-data/viking-fire-sprinklers you get underway. Those are available and have funded countless new businesses. But waste little if any time looking through Grants.gov for possible grants. An d give no money to anybody who promises to help you get one.

Image courtesy Flickr user Vectorportal, CC 2.0

2010 CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/free-government-money-to-start-a-business-dont-bet-on-it/

Lawn care Company Cards: five Customizable Templates

Landscaping your current front yard adds value to your own home. This gets to be appealing and also suited to future sale. That produces an environment that can help in order to make it extremely relaxing. The Particular trees obstruct the actual sunlight from penetrating your own home, thus, which helps make it cooler upon sunny days. Your plants reduce greenhouse gasses and create fresh, climate through the night. Indeed, home landscaping offers a lot of advantages. Here are some suggestions on the way to landscape your house:

The amount of plastics generated exhibits the particular enormous potential for recycled products. nearly 80 occasions more plastics had been generated throughout 2007 in comparison with 1960. Soft drink bottle and also milk jug recycling showed the maximum recycling rate. Your advantage of recycling is the fact Sprinkler System Installation Spr inkler System Installation Arlington Arlington that due towards the naturel of plastic resins, plastics can be continually recycled.

One of your finest approaches to create special landscapes along with lawns is to grow different sorts of plants. Surely, growing distinct plants will https://www.amazon.com/Gardening/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i:aps,k:Gardening make properties more inviting. But, it will get best associated with all since choosing distinct plants might help create properties pest free. This particular is achievable since some flowers can easily rebel particular pests. by adding these plants on the flower variety, you could create attractive along with safe properties.

We will likely in zero way learn which the actual inventor in the leaf blower is. Yet, we can end up being very without doubt the first commercially ready backpack leaf blower was made inside 1970 from t he Japanese Kyoritsu company that we know nowadays as Echo. the PB-9 Backpack power Blower had not necessarily been the initial blowing machine built simply by Kyoritsu. The Actual company pioneered producing what exactly are called backpack power dusters that were accustomed to bottle of spray pesticides about plants. Your story should go that people began to dismantle the chemical squirt unit and also used the product to blow leaves and also debris from their own property. The idea is a reasonable story. It is not difficult to guess that the business engineers found your need for a factor that blows leaves and designed your PB-9.

As talked about above, different flowers might be attractive. And, one associated with many factors is because of their particular colourful and vivid flowers. Homeowners will make use of these colours to make special features in their properties. for instance, individuals could make use of warm-coloured plants to create a flower pit. This particu lar may assist an individual to produce an illusion of a fire pit within your property that can be really appealing.