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05/23/2008
Surge Licensing Goes Green Again With Gotta Pea! After Making Green History With
Frozen Green Pea Surge Licensing is going green again! The firm that made history putting
the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the entertainment map is serving up a healthy dose of
fun with irreverent Pea characters with attitude fresh from the pod and ready to take root
in pop culture. Mark Freedman, President of Surge Licensing, the firm that first led the
"Turtles" to global success, is worldwide licensor of the Gotta Pea!TM, and will be
introducing the characters at the International Licensing Show at Javits Center in New York
City, June 10-12. Freedman said, "Throughout history, the greatest Heroes have mostly been a
combination of animal and mineral. It was only a matter of time before vegetables would be
added to the proverbial soup." Freedman added, "Gotta Peas have sort of a split personality,
one part vegetable (legume to be exact) and three parts Chloroplastic-Anthropomorphic
Critter... a mouthful of character DNA but true never-the-less!" "The lovable Peas are sure
to delight kids of all ages and use mildly irreverent bathroom humor at times, but the fun
is in the puns... after all doesn't everyone Gotta Pea?" Gotta Pea characters range from the
overly optimistic and ever grinning "Chip-Pea" to the slightly off-the-vine but
misunderstood "Pea-Brain." A double headed "Split-Pea," a "Hip-Pea," a "Grump-Pea," a "Slop
-Pea," a "Zip-Pea," a "Chick-Pea," a "Sweet-Pea," not to mention our resident rapper, "Oh-
Pea-Pea," all rounding out this veritable farm stand of fun. But lurking in the shadows as
fate would have it...and it always does, are an evil empire of misguided legumes known as
the "CreePeas," who like to wreak havoc... because... well, they just can! As the story
goes, slightly frozen Peas from outer space looking for a nice place to defrost picked up a
distant signal from a strange blue planet calling for "Peace on Earth," and headed this way
thinking any planet with this obvious plea-for-peas was worth visiting. When they learned
neither peace nor peas were all that popular here, they spotted Freedman on their G-Pea-S
and knew they found the right licensing executive to promote them. "Gotta Pea!" creator Doug
Koozer, sprouting a wry smile, said, "We're working hard to appease the demands of the peas
to entertain omnivores of all ages with their innocence, determination, humor and obvious
health benefits. I lived and pea-ed all my life and know it's now time to stir the pot and
meet my destiny. Peas are simply my life!" Reflecting on building entertainment and
licensing successes, Freedman said, "After my work promoting turtles, cows, cats, sharks and
dinosaurs, I needed a break and ordered a pea soup to clear my head. Suddenly, I felt the
Surge-urge and decided to walk down the path less traveled, a path that would lead me to a
different genus: a genus with the appropriate Latin name, Pisum!... check it out, it's
true!" "Technically not a vegetable, but who really cares, the pea is often overlooked in
world political, ecological and monetary matters, but I think they have a bright future in
licensing and entertainment," said Freedman. Surge Licensing, based in Hicksville, NY, is
the worldwide licensor of "Gotta Pea?" the world's healthiest and greenest property.
10:27 Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Tractor steering cylinder with internal adjustable steering stops
Front Steering Cylinder The present invention relates to a tractor such as an agricultural
tractor having a steering cylinder for turning the front tires with adjustable steering
stops built into the cylinder for controlling the length of stroke of the steering cylinder.
2. Description of Related Art It is known to equip an agricultural tractor with a hydraulic
front steering cylinder that is a double acting cylinder having a piston rod extending in
both directions from the cylinder. The rod is coupled to left and right steering knuckles of
the tractor by tie rods to turn the front wheels. The extent to which the front wheels can
be turned is often controlled by steering stops formed on the steering knuckle and the axle
housing. The steering stops may include a boss on the axle and a threaded fastener on the
steering knuckle. The fastener head contacts the boss to limit rotation of the knuckle to
prevent further turning. The threaded fastener can be turned in or out to adjust the extent
of steering travel for different wheel and tire combinations. With the increasing popularity
of front suspension axles for agricultural tractors, there is greater competition for space
between the tractor chassis and the steering knuckles, making it more difficult to package
steering stops at the steering knuckle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an
object of the present invention to provide a steering stop that does not interfere with
suspension components to thereby provide greater flexibility to the suspension designer for
locating the suspension components. According to the present invention, the steering stops
are provided internal to the steering cylinder and thus do not occupy additional packaging
space beyond the cylinder itself. The steering cylinder of the present invention has a
piston rod extending through and beyond both ends of the cylinder. A piston carried by the
rod between the rod and the cylinder transfers the hydraulic force into linear motion of the
rod. The rod extends through end caps at each end of the cylinder. The end caps are each
threadably mounted to the cylinder and serve as the steering stops. When the piston travels
to the point where the piston contacts the stops, travel of the piston is stopped. The stops
can be rotated relative to the cylinder to thread the stops in or out, thereby changing the
stroke of the steering cylinder. Once the stops are set to the desired location, they are
locked in place by a retainer that is bolted to the cylinder. The retainers can be
selectively removed from the cylinder and then used as a wrench to rotate the stops to
adjust the cylinder stroke. Adjustment ineeded when different wheel and tire combinations
are mounted on the tractor or when the tread width is changed. A travel limiter is mounted
to the cylinder to prevent complete withdrawal of the stops and the resulting loss of
hydraulic oil. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of an agricultural tractor
having the steering cylinder of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of
the front wheel drive differential case and steering cylinder. FIG. 3 is an enlarged
sectional view of the steering cylinder and differential case as seen from substantially the
line 3--3 of FIG. 2 FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the steering cylinder and front
differential case as seen from substantially the line 4--4 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded
enlarged perspective view of the steering stop and retainer.
10:26 Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Crop Watch Fieldwork back on track
Finally, after what has been a very frustrating six weeks, most fieldwork is now back on
track. How much the delays will affect yield potential is hard to tell, but in general
winter cereal Plant Sprayer are looking surprisingly well. All the wheat should now have
received a T1 spray, although a large quantity went on closer to growth stage 33 than 32.
The intention now is that the T2 spray will be applied either 3-4 weeks after the T1, or at
full flag leaf emergence, whichever comes first. Decent triazole rates have been used at T1
and most T2 sprays are now on farm as a result of the concerns over supply of products. With
the very rapid growth over the last fortnight the intention is to include a second growth
regulator with the T2 spray to try and ensure this lush growth does not result in flat
crops. Final fertiliser applications for yield have now been made, albeit later than ideal
for many due to the pressure of work. As the colour of these crops improve the hope is that
the yield has not been compromised. Winter barley crops have shot through the growth stages
and where possible Terpal (2-chloroethylphosphonic acid + mepiquat chloride)/ Cerone (2-
chloroethylphosphonic acid) has been applied +/- T2 fungicide, depending on the length of
time since receiving the T1 spray. For many, the T1 spray had only been applied 7-10 days
prior to the PGR needing to go on, and so the T2 will be applied at full ear emergence.
Where T2s have been applied these have all included Bravo (chlorothalonil) to improve
ramularia control. As with the rest of the country winter oilseed rape is all over the
place. The better crops have received the mid-flower spray, but a number, that are so
variable in growth and of limited yield potential, will not get anything. Spring barley is
all over the place, from just emerging to close to GS30. The better crops have/ are about to
receive their herbicides plus first fungicides. The majority are nowhere near. Decision-
making on next year’s cropping has already started, with the problems of high fertiliser
prices focusing the mind. Given the massive increase in the costs of production relative to
the forward grain prices, there are likely to be some hard decisions to be made. Certainly
oats, beans and spring crops have been discussed in more detail than for many years!
10:25 Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
ONGC launches plant to extract helium
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on Sunday launched India's first pilot plant to
extract helium from natural gas at Kuthalam in Nagapattinam district. The pilot project was
launched with the technical assistance from Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics and the
Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
(ONGC) on Sunday launched India's first pilot plant to extract helium from natural gas at
Kuthalam in Nagapattinam district. The pilot project was launched with the technical
assistance from Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics and the Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India. "A gas of strategic importance, helium is used in many
applications including space technology, cryogenics and atomic reactors. Global supply of
helium is fast depleting and scientists worldwide are in panic mode as the imbalance between
supply and demand is growing at an alarming rate. The entire requirement of helium (around
1.8 lakh cubic metres a year) in India is currently met through imports at a cost of nearly
$2 per cubic metre. The supply-demand imbalance for helium in global market could grow into
a big Plant Extract in future and in such a situation, India will be in a disadvantageous
position. This pilot plant at Kuthalam could play a significant role in ensuring the energy
security of the nation," said RS Sharma, chairman and managing director, ONGC. The ONGC has
set up this pilot plant with an initial investment of Rs 6.5 crore. Once the pilot plant
proves successful, ONGC would invest more for commercial production of helium.
10:24 Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Pesticide Sprayer Drift Reduction Starts Now
The number of drift complaints in 2007 regarding ground applications of ag pesticides rose
significantly last year. The number received by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Pesticide Sprayer increased by 36% compared to 2006 and was nearly double that of 2004. The
first step in preventing problems with drift is to develop an effective drift management
strategy prior to the spray season, says Bob Hartzler, an Iowa State University Extension
weed management specialist. Important considerations include: * Equipping sprayers with
appropriate spray nozzles, * Effective use of drift retardants, * Sprayer set up -
boom height, operating pressure and driving speed, * Identification of drift sensitive
locations (organic production, vineyards or other high value crops, concerned neighbors),
and * Proper education of personnel operating the sprayers. "While advances in spraying
technology have improved the ability of farmers and other sprayer operators to keep
pesticides on target, successful management of drift ultimately relies on good judgment by
the sprayer operator," says Hartzler. Now is time to inspect sprayer nozzles "Now once the
weather warms enough so temperatures get above freezing and before you start spring
fieldwork is a good time to check your sprayer nozzles," says Mark Hanna, ISU Extension ag
engineer. "Even if you haven't had any sprayer nozzle problems in the past, you should check
the nozzles each spring before you go to the field." People often put new nozzles on their
sprayer but then are never quite sure when they need to be replaced, notes Hanna. If it's
been awhile since you checked the output of each nozzle on your sprayer, you probably need
to do it. If your sprayer has covered several thousand acres or you've used it for several
years, check the nozzles. Or, if you can't remember when you last checked, it probably means
its time to check them now. Hanna says several specific things should be looked at: *
Total flow going through the sprayer * Flow rate from each nozzle * Spray pattern
coming from each nozzle "Too often, farmers look at their spray monitors and see a flow rate
that is satisfactory, so they never check any further," says Hanna. "What you may find is
the rate varies from nozzle to nozzle, meaning the total rate is fine but the distribution
is uneven. Nozzles become worn and are off from the manufacturer's specifications on flow
rates." Checking each nozzle for rate and spray pattern takes some time, but it can save
money on pesticide costs and it can ensure a better job of spraying. "With input costs up
for 2008 crop production, every little bit of planning and preparation that you can do to
reduce costs is worthwhile," says Hanna. "Start by cleaning out your sprayer and filling it
with water. Wearing rubber gloves is a good idea," he notes. "Park the sprayer on a level
surface and run the spray water through it. Moving along the spray boom, put a container
under each nozzle, and check to see the amount of spray coming out of each nozzle in a
certain period of time."
10:23 Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Connie Aclin: Dried beans, peas are nutritional way to save money
With the high prices of food today, more people are realizing dried beans and peas not only
are economical but also are delicious, versatile and very nutritious. In fact, they provide
more protein for your money than most kinds of beans. Considered both a vegetable and a
protein, beans/peas have the distinction of being the only food listed in two places on the
USDA MyPyramid. Dried beans and peas are among nature's most nutritiously complete foods.
High in vitamins and nutrients — like protein, potassium, complex carbohydrates and fiber,
and they are low in calories, sodium and fat. One cup of cooked dried beans or peas provides
about one-fourth of an adult's daily protein requirement. However, served alone the protein
in peas and beans is incomplete, which means it lacks some of the essential amino acids
necessary for growth and repair of the body tissue. But the protein becomes complete when
beans/peas are combined with cereal, rice, pasta or served with milk or cheese. Red beans
and rice, a Louisiana favorite, is a good example of a dish that provides complete protein.
Beans and peas, classified as legumes, are high in potassium, necessary for normal
functioning of nerves and muscles. One cup of cooked beans or peas provides more potassium
than one banana. They also supply more calcium and iron per cup than three ounces of cooked
meat. Legumes are second only to wheat bran as the best plant source of dietary fiber and
contain about 9 grams of fiber per cooked cup. Both soluble and insoluble fiber are present,
making this an excellent source to help supply your daily goal of 20 to 35 grams of fiber.
The dry bean family is large and colorful — some catalogs record more than 180 varieties.
The kinds of beans sold in different parts of the country reflect regional supply and
preference. The more common dried beans marketed in our area are: Pea (navy) beans are
small, white, oval beans. Different kinds vary somewhat in size. They are used for baked
beans, soups and casseroles. Great Northern beans are larger than navy beans, but have the
same white color. They are somewhat flat in shape and are used in soups, salads, casserole
dishes and home baked beans. Lima (butter beans) are broad and flat. Baby limas are smaller
than standard limas but similar in shape. These are used in many delicious and inexpensive
dishes. This bean is both eaten green and used dried. Kidney beans come in two types: the
"dark red" and the more common "light red." Some kidney beans are white. They are used for
baked beans, in chili con carne and other Mexican dishes, and add zest to salads. Pinto
(Indian beans) are the same species as the kidney and red bean. They are the beige, colored
and speckled bean from the Western United States and the "frijoles" of Mexico. Popular types
of dry peas in our area are: Black-eyed peas are actually beans that are small, oval shaped,
creamy white with a black spot on one side. They are used primarily as a main dish
vegetable. Hoppin' John is a popular dish made with black-eyed peas. Green split peas have
had their skins removed. These are special grown whole peas that are dried and their skins
are removed by a special machine. A second machine then breaks the peas in half. Ham and
split peas go well together, and they combine best in old-fashioned split pea soup. Crowder
peas and field peas also are available in the dried form. When buying dried beans and peas
one pound or 2 cups will give you about 5 to 6 cups of cooked beans. A 15?-oz. can (drained)
will give you 1?2/3 cups of cooked beans.
10:22 Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this

