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TXA Tortilla Press
Models: TXA (White), TXA-SS
Perfect for High Volume Tortilla Production.
- The TXA commercial air-automatic stainless steel model tortilla press is the most efficient, durable, and easy way to press tortillas. With the large 16″x20″ dual heated platens, you can press, flatten, or par bake 4-6 tortillas in seconds. The TXA has a dual push button start, making it the fastest and easiest semi-automatic press in the industry. The bottom platen is lightweight and easily swings out so that you can quickly load and unload. It is also great for pizza dough too!
The TXA Dual Heated Platens provide initial grill off for tortillas, improving production speed and time. The TXA also aids in dough flow, allowing dough to be pressed straight from the refrigerator.
- Digital time and temperature controls.
- Bottom swing out design saves space and is easier to use than top swinging models.
- Flattens dough balls into product up to 18" in diameter.
- Illuminated power On/Off switch.
- Two start buttons for hands clear operation.
- Sleek, modern, durable, easy to clean design.
- Optional non-stick coated platens.
- Emergency stop button.
- Stainless steel exterior with aluminum upper and lower platens.
- Full range thickness adjustment from paper thin to 7/8".
- ETL and ETL Sanitation listed.
- 25″H x 18″ W x 24″ D.
- Shipping Weight: 250 lbs.
- Electrical: 220Volt/ 60 Hz, 3100 Watts, 15 Amps, 6-20P NEMA Plug.
- Air: 100-130 PSI Inlet, 1 CFM.
- Temperature Range: Off- 450°F, 232°C upper & lower platen.
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Dual Heated Platens
Variable Thickness Control
- Initial grill off for tortillas (fully grilling on press not recommended).
- Speeds up production (faster pressing times).
- Enables pressing thinner products.
- Aids dough flow.
- Allows dough to be pressed straight from refrigeration unit.
- Makes it possible to achieve desired thickness and ensures consistent thickness at the same dough ball weight.
Pressing Tips(Pre-Grill)
- 16"x20" platen allows for making variable tortilla sizes and thicknesses up to 16 inches in diameter – the size of the tortilla is determined by the weight of the dough ball and the thickness setting.
- Depends on the desired size of the tortilla…
9" to 16" = 150-200/hr,
7" to 9" = 300-400/hr,
6" or under = 600-800/hr
Finished Product
- Recommended Time:
1-3 seconds
- Recommended Temperature:
- Pressed dough is consistent in thickness and size, unlike hand prepared where the thickness and size can be inconsistent.
- For best results, we recommend initial grill off of tortillas on dual-heated press and finish on DoughXpress Tortilla Warmer (TXW-1620, TXW-2025 or TXW-2540).
- Presses require no skilled labor unlike hand tossing.
- Presses are safe and have no age requirements unlike sheeters/rollers.
- TXA is easy to use… prepare dough balls, set temp/thickness, place dough ball in center of lower platen, and press the dough.
Features Include
- Digital temperature control displays current reading.
- Digital timer (count down begins automatically when platen lowers and resets after the platen raises).
- Full range thickness adjustment from paper thin to 7/8".
- bottom swing out design saves space and is easier to use than top swinging models.
- Illuminated On/Off switch.
- Two start buttons for hands clear operation.
- Heat indicating light that turns off when set temperature is reached.
- Flattens dough balls into pizzas up to 18" in diameter.
- Stainless steel exterior with aluminum upper and lower platens.
- Sleek, modern, durable, easy.
- Emergency stop button.
Optional Features
- Non-stick PTFE coated upper and lower platens.
- White powder coat finish.
- ETL Sanitation
Recommended Cleaning Instructions
- Wipe down with a moist towel. If needed, use damp sponge with minimal soap and water and then dry off.
Dimensions Width: 18 3/16 inches, 46.2 centimeters
Height: 25-1/8 inches, 63.8 centimeters
Depth: 24-11/16 inches, 62.7 centimeters
Weight Shipping: 250lbs. Electrical 220 Volt/60 Hz
3100 Watts
15 Amps
6-20P NEMA Plug
Air 100-130 PSI Inlet, 1 CFM
See Compressor Specifications (Separate).
Temperature Range Off-450℉, 232℃ upper & lower platen
TXA (White)
List Price
TXA-SS (Stainless Steel)
List Price


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Former world 200-meter breaststroke record holder Brendan Hansen has failed to make the U.S. Olympic team in the event.
Hansen held the record of 2:08.50 minutes until Japanese rival Kosuke Kitajima smashed it by nearly one second on June 7 (2:07.51).
On Thursday at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Nebraska, Hansen was nearly three seconds slower (2:11.37) than his best time, which remains an American record.
Hansen is on the Olympic team in the 100-meter breaststroke and could qualify in the 400-meter medley relay.
Katie Hoff, who qualified for four individual events and one relay, failed to advance out of the semifinals of the 100-meter freestyle. That ended her bid for as many as eight medals at the Olympics.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.

subset: commoncrawl


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FORUM: Capital punishment a waste of energy and money
As the 20th anniversary of the murder of my mom, Joyce Masury, approaches, I am amazed that we are still going back and forth about the death penalty. When the state Supreme Court declared the punishment unconstitutional this summer, I rejoiced that we could finally be done once and for all with this devastating system. It's disappointing to see that the court is re-visiting this decision, but I hope they will affirm the original decision and leave the death penalty behind us.
I was a part of the legislative effort to repeal the death penalty. I did this in honor of my mom. I was fortunate to have had a discussion with my mom about the death penalty just months before her own death. We were as riveted by the events of the OJ Simpson trial, as was the rest of the country, and would often watch it together and deliberate our theories and predicted outcome. During that time my mom shared with me that she was opposed to the death penalty — a decision I had independently reached — and I have carried her strong conviction with me all of these years. It is a reminder of her integrity and empathy and the main reason for my participation in the repeal campaign.
But as I delved deeper into the judicial system and explored the programs available for victim family members, I discovered there are varied and unique reasons why murder victims' families are often opposed to the death penalty.
There are myriad ways the death penalty system is broken. We have wrongfully convicted and ultimately put to death innocent people. We spend millions of dollars every year on continual appeals and wasted breath that results in nothing and goes nowhere. It is harmful for victims' family members to see another's murder deemed more important than that of your loved one's and thus worthy of the ultimate punishment. And it is beyond frustrating to see millions of dollars invested into a single capital case while victims' services are perpetually underfunded. But all of these reasons, valid as they may be, can't compete with the grief and anguish of the uncertainty that comes with the death penalty — the distressing uncertainty of whether the person who killed your mom, son, sister, daughter, friend will ever be put to death.
Victims' family members go through the pain of reliving their loved one's murder over and over again, year after year with endless appeals and no guarantee that capital punishment will ever happen. This is a waste of energy and money and it doesn't bring justice or closure. In fact, it is the opposite of justice and closure — even if the convicted offender is put to death in one, ten or twenty years, the anguish of losing your loved one never goes away and a state appointed execution doesn't make you feel any better.
With the death penalty behind us we could instead be redirecting that energy and money toward increased resources and services for victim family members, and programs aimed at prevention and reformation.
I hope the state Supreme Court will re-affirm its decision that our death penalty is no longer constitutional and will finally relieve us of the inherent uncertainty that comes with having this broken punishment on the books.
It is time to give back our misplaced time and energy to the survivors of homicide for their healing and truly honoring their loved one.
Dawn Mancarella is a West Haven resident.


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Esha Deol: Deepika Padukone is a good classical dancer
Bollywood actress Esha Deol today said Deepika Padukone was her favourite among the actresses who were good at classical dancing.
Bollywood actress Esha Deol today said Deepika Padukone was her favourite among the actresses who were good at classical dancing.
Esha Deol and Deepika Padukone
The 34-year-old 'Dhoom' star praised her mother, noted actress-turned-politician Hema Malini, for promoting classical dance at a time when everybody was leaning towards western.
"Today everybody is learning Zumba, Salsa... I am happy my mom is still promoting our Indian classical dance.
There are a couple of actresses who are really good at it. In today's day, I would say I like Deepika a lot," Esha told reporters here.
She was speaking on the sidelines of 'Jaya Smriti', an annual dance event organised by Hema Malini, in memory of her mother, Jaya Chakravarthy.
"The aim of the event is to recognise young talents for their achievement in classical dance and singing. It is to preserve our classical dance forms and culture in this fast paced life. I want to take this forward and plan to hold the event in different cities in the future," Hema Malini said.
The 67-year-old 'Seeta Aur Geeta' actress also expressed her desire to open a dance academy. "I've been wanting to open a dance academy here since 15 years for promoting young talents, where every form of classical dance will be given importance," she added.
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Shop this video: Celeb approved: the better way to blot
Want to get 10% off your first order? Sign up today with Joyus and we will also give you FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50!
Celebrities are just like us...they get oily faces too. Enter blotterazzi by beautyblender, created for the red carpet, but now they're all yours. Regular blotting sheets take off your makeup with the excess oil, but these won't disturb your makeup. They're specifically designed to fit your face for more precise blotting. The best part? You can wash these and re-use again and again. Watch Celebrity Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg show you why these are a must-have.
More videos to shop:
Hot right now: Romantic lace-up tops
Layer on style in a mixed metal necklace
Mask flaws in the chicest way


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An Easy Method To Send Flowers To Your Loved One
Nowadays people hardly have time to walk into a flower shop and buy them for their loved ones due to their busy schedule. Online shopping plays a massive role in every individual's life because of the convenience.
Florists have expanded their business by opening up online stores for flower delivery in Singapore all around the country and out of their countries as well.
Online florists
If you are searching for flower delivery services on the internet, shopping online is the best choice you have ever made. By searching for the types of flowers you want and how you want them and the number of flowers you want, you can enter all your details and the receiver's details and afterwards pay the cash through your credit/debit card and check out. The easiest way to buy a bunch of flowers under five minutes.
For the past few years, customers prefer purchasing them online and send it to their loved ones because it is an easy method and your friends or family will receive the flowers on the day you want them to receive it or one day after.
No hassle
You don't have to waste your time visiting a flower shop to purchase them. Just by one single click, your flowers will be delivered to your door step. Purchasing them is still a trend since the early 60's. That is the only trend that will never fade away. People will always buy flowers and chocolates for their loved ones no matter which century they live in. The only difference is that you can send flowers to anybody from any part of the world using an online flower shop.
Easy payment
Although most of the online stores offer easy payment methods for their customers, you need to be careful about what details you give on the internet. There might be a few fake websites as well. So choose the most trusted and reputed website to have a wonderful and affordable service.
Delivery time
The most amazing fact about purchasing them online is that, you can let them know the time you want them to be delivered. Either in the morning, In the middle of the night or the day of the occasion in order to surprise them.
Next time you plan on sending a bunch to anybody who happens to live so many miles away, Use this easy method to send flowers as a gift. It is the most hassle-free and convenient way of surprising somebody who likes to receive them on their special day.


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Fitbit Cyber Monday 2018 Deals (Alta HR, Charge 3, Ionic, Versa)
Cyber Monday is your last chance to score a deep discount on a Fitbit. The company has discounted their entire range of products including the Alta HR, Charge 3, Ionic, and Versa. You can save up to $80 on a Fitbit fitness tracker until midnight tonight.
Fitbit Alta HR
Cyber Monday Price: $79 Retail Price: $129
The Fitbit Alta HR is a fitness tracker that was specifically designed for people who don't like large watch faces on their wrists. It has a small and lightweight profile that feels unobtrusive.
The Fitbit Alta HR has a heart rate monitor like most of the company's products. It can also give you information on steps and calories burned per day. It can even track the quality of your sleep.
The Fitbit Alta HR has a maximum battery life of 7 days, which is really good. This watch offers a ton of value for the price.
Fitbit Charge 3
Cyber Monday Price: $119 Retail Price: $149
The Charge 3 was just released last month by the company. It is not made from aluminum and it's quite a bit lighter. In addition, the screen is 43% larger than the previous version.
The Charge 3 is finally waterproof. This is a game-changer because now you can even take it swimming to 50 meters below the surface. It can even track your swimming and give you information on your strokes.
The battery life has improved on the Charge 3 to match Fitbit's other products. It now offers 7 days of battery life per charge, which is a welcome change.
Fitbit Ionic
Cyber Monday Price: $199 Retail Price: $269
The Fitbit Ionic is designed to compete head-to-head with the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch only has a battery life of 18 hours, which is super frustrating. In contrast, the Ionic can last up to 5 days on a single charge.
Everything about the Ionic was designed so that you don't need to bring your phone with you when you are working out. It has built-in GPS, it can store up to 300 songs, and it has a mobile NFC wallet. You can connect Bluetooth earbuds to this smartwatch and buy a coffee from Starbucks after your run.
Fitbit Versa
Cyber Monday Price: $149 Retail Price: $199
The Fitbit Versa offers almost all of the features of the the Ionic except that it doesn't have built-in GPS. Instead, you can connect it to your phone and get your pace and distance that way. The only downside with this approach is that you need to bring your phone with you when you are working out.
The Fitbit Versa is significantly cheaper than the Ionic. It also sports a smaller screen and profile that some people prefer. It was just released in April of this year, which makes it one of Fitbit's newest products.
Fitbit Ace
Cyber Monday Price: $59 Retail Price: $99
The Fitbit Ace is an activity tracker for kids. It doesn't have a heart rate monitor, but it does measure steps. You can create a family dashboard to compare results. It keeps everyone motivated and accountable.
The Fitbit Ace is waterproof so you don't need to worry about your kid getting it wet. It also has a battery life of up to 5 days.
The government recommends that kids get 60 minutes of exercise a day. With smartphones and electronics, kids rarely make it outdoors these days. A Fitbit Ace is all that it might take to reward your children into getting away from the computer.
Overall, there are fantastic deals on Fitbits this Cyber Monday. This is your last chance for another year to get a discount on a smartwatch. The Fitbit Charge 3 was just released so this is a solid option if you want the latest and greatest.


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"Speed Demon" is the fourteenth episode of Justice League Action.
When Batman spurns the dark side, Brother Night bewitches the Batmobile in revenge, and the Justice League must stop its destructive fast-and-furious progress.
|Kevin Conroy
|Lacey Chabert
|Etrigan (Jason Blood)
|Patrick Seitz
|Brother Night
|Dan Donohue
|Tara Strong
|Harley Quinn
|Tara Strong
|Dan Donohue
The episode begins with Harley Quinn terrorizing Gotham City Hall with her newly-acquired magic wand. Zatanna arrives and traps Harley in a magic bubble. When Harley tries to use her magic to escape, she knocks herself out at Batman's and Zatanna's feet. They quickly deduce that Brother Night must be behind Harley's magic wand.
Batman arrives at Brother Night's club and takes out several of Brother Night's bodyguards, using an electrified bola on one of them. Zatanna and Batman warn Brother Night to stop granting magic powers to Gotham's criminals. Brother Night says that he merely grants power to those who crave it. He then offers to turn Batman into a vengeful spirit of the night, but Batman flatly refuses. As Zatanna and Batman leave, Brother Night takes one of the metal balls from Batman's bola and curses it, sending it into the Batmobile outside.
Outside, Batman tells Zatanna he thought that went pretty well, considering he doesn't usually deal with wizards. As they prepare to enter the Batmobile, however, it springs to life, alters itself into a demonic form, and attempts to run them over. Zatanna assures Batman that she can undo the curse. Before she can finish her spell, however, restraints shoot out of the Batmobile and quickly wrap themselves around Zatanna, binding and gagging her. Suddenly helpless, Zatanna is rapidly pulled inside the car and trapped in the trunk. Batman attempts to use his grappling gun to escape, but the cursed Batmobile snaps his cord with a projectile and Batman falls into the car's cockpit and is trapped inside.
Brother Night magically communicates through the Batmobile's systems and tells Batman that he is punishing Batman for spurring his offer. He muses that Batman and Zatanna are going on the last ride of their lives. Batman starts a fire inside the car to activate the Batmobile's ejection system. Once out of the car, Batman is barely able to avoid the Batmobile's weaponry and seeks out Jason Blood. Batman demands Blood take on his demonic form, Etrigan, but Blood flatly refuses. Once Batman tells him that Brother Night has cursed the Batmobile, Blood agrees and summons the Demon Etrigan. Etrigan isn't even able to finish his incantation, however, before the Batmobile crashes through the window and lands on him.
Enraged, Etrigan wants to destroy the Batmobile, but Batman warns him that Zatanna is being held captive inside. Batman and Etrigan begin to fight the car and Etrigan manages to force his way into the cockpit. This amuses Brother Night, who tells Etrigan that he should be on his side. Etrigan calls Brother Night a dope, sending him into a rage. Etrigan is unable to control the Batmobile and is flung out, while Batman still clings to the back. Etrigan concludes that he needs his own magical vehicle to defeat the cursed Batmobile. Etrigan summons Merlin and demands he magically transform a police car, but the police car is quickly destroyed. Etrigan then sets his eyes on an ice cream van and has an idea.
Clinging to the back of the Batmobile, Batman is finally able to force his way into the trunk, finding Zatanna still bound and gagged inside. Batman rescues Zatanna and frees her from her bonds as Etrigan begins to battle the Batmobile in his magical ice cream van. Etrigan and the Batmobile face off for the final showdown. Zatanna, once again free to use her magic, transports all of them to Brother Night's club. The Batmobile and Etrigan's ice cream van collide and wreck the club. Enraged, Brother Night transports himself and his minions away just in time. Zatanna quickly reverses the spell on the Batmobile, returning it to normal. Etrigan, in a triumphant mood, offers everyone ice cream. Batman reluctantly asks for chocolate when he realizes how wrecked the Batmobile is.


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A Last Minute DIY Christmas Gift Idea: Fly Away Bookmarks~
Anyhoo, as I was browsing Pinterest a while back, I ran across this clever idea.
And I thought to myself, "Self, those would make great DIY Christmas gifts for the kiddos to make." And, so a couple of days ago, that's just what we did. (Well, let's be honest, I did the making, but the kids looked cute and that's what matters.)
I must say the hardest part of this entire project was getting my boys to pose for the photos. The Princess was a breeze..the boys...well, let's just say it was a bit...er...challenging.
So here's what you'll need to make your own "fly away" bookmarks.
- Photos of your kiddos (or yourself, or whomever) looking like their holding a balloon
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Embroidery Floss or String
- Clear Contact Paper
How to make 'em.
1. Cut out each person from the photos. Make sure not to leave much background.
2. Cut a tiny slit where the hands are so that you can slip the embroidery floss through. (I actually used a craft knife to do this - If you are doing this with kiddos, don't let children use a craft knife...this is a step for adults only.)
3. Cut out a balloon shape from construction paper. I actually cut 2 identical balloon shapes for each bookmark so that each has a front and back.
4. Slip end of embroidery floss or string from the back of the photo through the slit you created near the hands of your photo...leave just a bit dangling in front to look as though the person is holding the balloon.
And you're done! Cute. Personalized. Easy DIY...and just in time for Christmas!
Frugal Friday goes live tonight at 8:00 pm MST.
Have a great day~


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Cultivating international understanding and global skills among elementary school students
Supported by: Intel, Panasonic and Career Link
Purpose of the project:
To cultivate 21st century and global skills among students through Fukuoka's education programme to enhance international understanding.
Characteristics of the programme:
- Project-style learning where students are given a mission to solve.
- Cultural exchange with students visiting Japan from abroad.
- Direct provision of skills by corporate employees and specialists.
- Using Kids Witness News, a video production educational programme provided by Panasonic, the students created a two minute information programme.
- The students met the youth ambassadors attending the NPO Asian-Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka (APCC), filmed their experience and incorporated it into their final videos.
During the project the students learned skills for pin-pointing and solving issues. Specifically, they learned to predict and use information through the planning and production process and acquired communication and presentation skills through preparing a final report presentation.
Note: Intel provided teacher training to maximise optimal support for the students' production process.
The British Council provided English lesson plans and English learning materials.


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1:10th Scale resin Bust + turret
PRICE in UK: £76 Post Free (1st Class Signed for) P&P = £76
Price Europe: £76 plus £4.50 (Signed For Airmail) P&P = £80.50
Price Rest of World: £76 plus £7.50 Airmail P&P = £83.50
For UK Delivery, please use the first button below OUT OF PRODUCTION
For R.O.W please use this Paypal Link below
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For professionalpainting and decoratingservices in thegreater Auckland area.
We take the 'pain' out ofpainting!
Acrylic enamel paint is recommended in bathrooms that are often subject to water, steam and mould and regular cleaning.
Like bathrooms and laundries, kitchens need a good quality acrylic or acrylic enamel based paint for ease of cleaning and better durability.
Find out more
Living Area
Low sheen paint is usually recommended for the walls, and a flat matt for the ceilings.
Roof paint is very important in the protection of your property.
Weatherboard cladding systems benefit from the modern day paint systems.
Plaster / Bricks
Paints for plaster/brick are a very important part of the water proofing system of any building.
House painters, decorators, home painting, commercial painting, roof painting, renovation, building repairs, all auckland and suburbs, exterior / interior painting, painters.


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Team Name Bonus Point – Week of 27 March
When talking about a recently released film it is customary to warn other who haven't yet seen it by giving a spoiler alert before talking about major plot points.
But there comes a time when those plot points are so widely known that a spoiler alert is unnecessary.
This week if your team name is an unnecessary spoiler alert, you will get a bonus point.
Darth Vader is Luke's Father
The Titanic Sinks
Bruce Willis Was Dead the Whole Time
Sean Bean Dies
Any of these will get you a bonus point.


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Scientific name: Litoria caerulea
Habitat: forests
Diet: moths, locusts, cockroaches, other insects
Life span: up to 16 years in captivity
Young: 150–300 eggs laid at a time; 2,000 over a 2 day period
Size: 60–140 g (2–5 oz)
As their name suggests, White's tree frogs live almost exclusively in trees close to water. They have the ability to change colour from green to brown to blend in with their background.
White's tree frogs breed in the rainy season and spend the dry season in a cocoon of shed skin and mucus.
They store water in their loose folds of skin for times of drought.
White's tree frogs produce a skin secretion which can treat high blood pressure in humans.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.


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A question has been bugging me for some time. Actually, make that a pair of questions, and there's no clear answer in the movies (so far). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
1. Can non-Force sensitive people see Force Ghosts?
At the end of Return of the Jedi, three dead Jedi pay Luke a visit (and say nothing). No one else pays them any mind, or even appears to notice. The only conversations Luke ever has with Obi-Wan after Star Wars are when he's alone.
2. Can Force Ghosts visit someone they haven't met?
You would think that the ability to appear on the physical plane anywhere you wanted, any time*, Force Ghosts would make excellent teachers. They could pass on insights about the Force to the next generation. They haven't.
* I have no idea how much 'effort' it takes to materialize as a Force Ghost. Being dead, they don't have any resources to speak of.
There's no proof a Force Ghost can visit someone who's never met them while they were alive. There's no proof they can't, either.
I don't know. What do you nerds think?


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At Ford's factory in Cologne, Germany, a new kind of robot is sitting by the assembly line helping manufacture the legendary automaker's cars. But these collaborative robots, or co-bots, aren't replacing their human counterparts at this Ford Fiesta plant. Instead, they're working side by side with 4,000 Ford factory workers, and not for them.
"The workforce is really helping us define how they can contribute more by using the collaborative robots to do some of the more mundane, simple, heavy-exertion tasks, which in turn allows them to use more of their creativity and their minds to take us to the next level, " said Bruce Hettle, vice president of manufacturing and labor affairs at Ford.
For decades the auto industry has led the way in using robots in their factories, a trend that continues today. According to the Robotic Industries Association, North American automotive companies have already spent $282 million on robots in 2016, after having spent a combined $436 million on robots the previous year. These robots are the traditional industrial robots, colossal machines that pose a safety risk to humans and therefore need to be fenced in to protect workers as they complete their tasks.
"Upwards of 1,000 robots can be found in a modern [auto] assembly plant," said Jay Baron, CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. These machines do things like attach doors, apply paint and load engines. "Without this automation, our factories would have been obsolete a long time ago. Automation is necessary for safety, quality and productivity."
The next era in robotics
Since 2010, vehicle production in the United States has increased by an average of about 16 percent annually because of industrial robots, according to Bastian Solutions. One recent study in the UK, which analyzed the use of industrial robots over a 14-year period across manufacturing industries in countries, including the United States, found that labor productivity grew each year.
Recently, however, car companies have begun shifting tactics. General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and now Ford are all experimenting with or have been using co-bots in their factories. Unlike their bulkier brethren, co-bots are smaller robots — think of the Germany-based Kuka Robotics' "arm" robot or the Baxter robot made by Boston-based Rethink Robotics — sometimes no more than 3 feet tall. They're designed to work with humans, not for humans.
At Ford's factory in Germany, where Kuka-built robots were installed at two workstations, co-bots are assisting factory-floor workers to fit shock absorbers into the wheel arches of Ford Fiesta cars. They're a harbinger of what's now happening at car companies: assigning mundane or physically exerting tasks, such as material handling or welding, to robotic workers, which free up human employees to think about how to personalize and customize cars for customers, something consumers are increasingly demanding.
More from Net/Net:
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Fmr CIA official: Biggest threat facing our nation right now is an election-night hack
Cities splurge on smart technology
"It's not just the use of co-bots — it's the reduction of industrial robots," said Frank Tobe, a robotics expert and publisher of "The Robot Report." "The traditional caged robot at auto factories is becoming obsolete, because every car is different from every other car."
Manufacturing precisely configured vehicles where customers choose details like the trim of the dash or the caps of tire valves is not a task for large industrial robots, which have trouble adapting to an age of mass customization in part because they constantly have to be reprogrammed.
Market analysts at Barclays predict the co-bot industry is poised for rapid growth. In 2015, $116 million was spent worldwide on co-bots. By 2020, Barclays predicts sales of co-bots around the globe will near $3 billion.
"Autos is the largest end market for robots today, but in the future the general industry market will be larger," said James Stettler, an analyst at Barclays Capital who co-authored the report "The Rise of Co-Bots II — Lift-Off in 2016" with colleagues Lars Brorson, Rizk Maidi and David Vos last February.
Automakers are leading the way in the adoption of co-bots, which they say are more cost-effective than industrial robots. The average selling price of a co-bot is close to $30,000, a number expected to drop to $18,500 by 2020. Automakers also prefer the flexibility that comes with co-bots, which don't need to be in a fixed factory location caged in or cordoned off and therefore can be rolled around to different parts of the factory.
"You can have them do a task in the morning and an entirely different task at a different location in the afternoon," Tobe said.
Car companies say they're also safer for human workers, in large part due to sensors that detect when fingers or a hand is in the way. Some co-bots also have "deep learning" capabilities through artificial intelligence, which allow them to figure out their tasks while on the job instead of being programmed beforehand.
Jeff Burnstein, president of the Robotic Industries Association in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says the potential upsides of integrating co-bots on the factory floor are the reason auto companies are giving them a hard look.
"I'm sure all automakers are looking into co-bots because of the promise: low-cost, quick to set up and operate, minimal programming, don't need a lot of floor space to work safely around people," he said.
Still, it's the early days of collaborative robotics. Burnstein predictions that the global market for co-bots will reach $3 billion by the end of the decade are overly optimistic.
"This collaborative robot technology is still relatively new," he said. "Whether or not they're suitable for all applications, whether they're too slow, whether they are as reliable as industrial robots, whether they're truly going to be safe — there's a lot of hurdles still."
The factory floor in transition
But the concern from the manufacturing sector is that robots of any kind are coming to replace jobs — something with which the auto industry is quite familiar. From 1985 to 2015, hourly employment among Detroit's Big Three — General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler — has declined from about 600,000 to 137,000, according to the Center for Automotive Research. Since 2000, more than 307,000 auto-manufacturing jobs have been lost in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"You can look out on the shop floor and be hard-pressed to find a person," said Baron of the Center for Automotive Research. "But this automation was not put in to displace workers. It is required to maintain the level of productivity and quality demanded by manufacturing today."
The United Automobile Workers did not respond to a request for comment on this issue by CNBC.
For car companies, co-bots — and people — are seen as a way to right this imbalance.
"The current robotic technology doesn't lend itself to the level of flexibility that auto manufacturers need, so they're going back to humans," said Tobe.
At Mercedes-Benz, robots have started being replaced by humans; the German company says human dexterity is required as the company moves toward customization by offering more options to consumers, like heated or cooled cup holders. At several of its factories in Japan,Toyota is replacing industrial robots with humans as well, to make sure its factory workers are skilled employees who can figure out how to make car production more efficient.
A study carried out by Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers at BMW found that teams of humans and robots are 85 percent more productive compared to when they work separately. Co-bots are meant to replace the human jobs that are dumb and dangerous, which gives human workers time to focus on other tasks.
"There are tasks that humans do that detract from their productivity and pride in their job," Tobe said. "Co-bots enable human workers to program machines to do the tasks they don't want to do."
Right now Ford doesn't have any co-bots in the United States. A spokeswoman said the company is "looking into the feasibility of using them at plants around the world." The co-bots will keep coming, but so will new employees, whether or not they're working with co-bots on the factory floor. Ford said the company has added 28,000 jobs over the last five years.
"We don't think about robots necessarily as job reductions," said Ford's Hettle. "We think about it as a blended solution between man and machine."
Net/Net Takeaways
Automotive companies in North America spent a combined $436 million on factory robots in 2015.
In the United States, annual vehicle production has increased about 16 percent each year since 2010, thanks to industrial robots.
Unlike larger industrial robots, co-bots are much smaller and generally cost less than $30,000 apiece.
By 2020, Barclays Capital predicts the worldwide market for co-bots will reach almost $3 billion.
The auto industry has experienced a net loss of 300,000 jobs compared to 2000, but it has been adding jobs since the Great Recession ended.


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If you're currently engaged, then we're guessing that you've put tons of thought (and countless hours on Pinterest) into sorting through the details of your wedding day. While the ceremony and reception are well deserving of your time and attention, the rehearsal dinner also merits a fair share of your daydreams!
We have a soft spot in our hearts for this particular pre-wedding event. Why? Because while the Big Day often seems to pass in a flash, the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to slow down and really take in the magnitude of the moment. Since the guest list is most frequently composed of family members, the wedding party, and perhaps a small group of close friends, the overall atmosphere of a rehearsal dinner is intimate and relaxed. Glasses are raised, emotions are beautifully expressed, and deep breaths are taken before it's time to hit the aisle.
Natalie and Nelson's rehearsal dinner was no exception. Hosted in a tent set up outside of the family's home, the setting was perfectly personal and beautiful to boot! Featuring colorful floral centerpieces by The Garden Gate and confetti-covered place cards with calligraphy by the bride, each and every detail was as festive as could be. But don't just take our word for it—let these lovely images from Jason Kindig inspire you to dream a little longer about your own rehearsal dinner!
Congrats, you two! It was a joy being a part of your celebration!
Venue: Private Residence
Caterer: TK Culinary, Terry Kranz
Photographer: Jason Kindig
Musician: Nick DiGennaro
Florist: Garden Gate, Junior Villanueva
Cake: Jackie Spratt Cakes
Rentals: Ducky-Bob's
Napkins: BBJ Linen
Valet: Gold Crown
Flooring/Back-up Tent: Sandone Productions
Audio/Visual: Absolute Entertainment
Coordination: Laura Arredondo and Sarah Kane for DFW Events


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Dr. Ferguson grew up in the small community of Farmington, New Mexico but ended up in Houston, Texas during his high school years. After graduating from Spring High School, he studied one year at Sam Houston State University before serving a two-year mission for his church in Sweden. Upon returning home, he completed undergraduate studies at the University of Houston. Dental School studies began in 1980 at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, graduating four years later in the top ten percent of his class as well as Induction into the OKU Honor Society and receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award. He began his private practice of dentistry in Austin and in 1990, completed a two-year postgraduate training in orthodontics in Dallas.
He has completed numerous hours of continuing dental education in areas such as oral surgery, aesthetic dentistry, laser dentistry, orthodontics, and practice management. In his own words, "l feel so blessed to be able to combine my love and interest in art, design and science in my career. Helping people enjoy better dental health and making smiles more beautiful is tremendously fulfilling."
Dr. Bob and his wife Sandi just celebrated 33 years of marriage and have been blessed with six children, and so far, two daughters in law, one son in law (Dr. Kip) and seven amazing grandchildren. His favorite pastime is taking the grandkids for rides on his antique Farmall tractor but also enjoys landscape design and antique picking. He recently restored an 1860 chuck wagon and has been competing in cook offs around the state. He loves serving in church, taking trips with Sandi, attending cowboy poetry gatherings and racking up miles on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.


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Pismo Plaid
Beautiful plaid pattern in a soft flannel type fabric. Add a bow tie for more sophisticated style!
Our cotton harnesses are handmade using quilting cotton fabrics on both sides sandwiching soft fleece padding in the middle. It's a "pull-over" style that goes over your dog's head and secured with sturdy nylon webbing around the chest. Easy to put on and take off via a side-release buckle. This harness is handmade to order, please note there may be slight variation of fabric pattern placement. For a custom fit, please provide your dog's accurate measurements (neck, chest girth, weight, breed) in the comment section during checkout. This style of harness best fits small and medium sized dogs under 40 lbs. Designed and handmade in California.
Product care: please hand wash your cotton harness.


text: Extra Chic-Medium Christmas Sweater This extra chic ugly Christmas sweater/cardigan comes in all black with a fantastic beaded tree on the left front. Chest = 42" Length = 22" Remember, each ugly sweater is one of a kind! For info on how we size our sweaters, check here. For info on how we size our suits, check here.


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This clip presents a general overview of the Composite tool available in 3ds Max 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.
Use the Composite (Toxik) feature in 3ds Max 2011
Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Jump-start your career with our Premium A-to-Z Microsoft Excel Training Bundle from the new Gadget Hacks Shop and get lifetime access to more than 40 hours of Basic to Advanced instruction on functions, formula, tools, and more.


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These Heavyweight Guildhall Transfer Files come in an eye-catching Yellow colour and are made from the finest quality 315gsm manilla which works as a strong and durable defence for your documents against everyday use, folding or curling which is particularly useful when on the move.
They are a particularly practical style for use in important meetings, conferences and storing legal documents as they offer a binder and a wallet that can sit open in front of you for simple and quick removal of papers.
The metal spring transfer mechanism makes it easy to insert and remove punched documents whilst also allowing you to edit you documents easily whilst stores in the file.
This transfer file from Guildhall is suitable for A4 and Foolscap size documents and is available in a range of colours here at My Post Shop
Key Points:


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10:05am PT by Eriq Gardner
Spain Escapes U.S. Trade Rep's Piracy 'Watch List'
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has released its annual "Special 301" report, intended to highlight which countries raise concern over intellectual property practices.
The big loser this year is Ukraine, which has been designated a "Priority Foreign Country" due to what the U.S. government says is a "severe deterioration of enforcement" in pirated software and piracy over the Internet. The U.S. Trade Rep also flags the "nontransparent administration of royalty collecting societies" there.
STORY: 'Iron Man 3': The Third Most Pirated Film Last Week
Other countries enjoyed better treatment. Spain and Bulgaria are no longer on the "Watch List," although technically, the U.S. will be still watching. The agency says it will soon be conducting reviews of both countries to assess progress on the IP front. Another country that has been given a different grade this year is Canada, moving from the "Priority Watch List" to the less scary "Watch List."
The report (read here in full) is prepared annually by the United States Trade Representative, which was created by the executive order of President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Since then, the office negotiates bilateral treaties and prepares the report, released pursuant to Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The countries that made the "Priority Watch List" are Algeria, Argentina, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand and Venezuela.
Of those countries, China will likely draw the most attention thanks to its huge, important market.
"Obtaining effective enforcement of IPR in China remains a central challenge, as it has been for many years," says this year's 301 report, which identifies legal reform as a positive sign there and trade secrets as a concern.
The report also notes that "over 90 percent of the revenue generated by U.S. films in China comes in the form of box office revenues, compared to 25-30 percent in the United States. This difference is partly due to widespread piracy of motion pictures over the Internet and on optical discs."
Canada is one of 30 countries on the "Watch List," along with such countries as Israel, Egypt, Mexico and Brazil. The report explains why Canada has been bumped down in the country's concerns.
According to the report, "In June 2012, the United States welcomed the passage of the Copyright Modernization Act, which, among other things, is designed to implement Canada's obligations under the WIPO Internet Treaties and to address the challenges of copyright piracy in the digital age. In March 2013, Canada also introduced the Combating Counterfeit Products Act to strengthen IPR enforcement, which included provisions that would provide ex officio authority to Canadian customs officials to seize pirated and counterfeit goods at the border."
The government also identifies some larger trends out there.
STORY: Judge Won't Allow 'Mass-Suing' of Movie Pirates
Among them is the "emergence of Media Box piracy, whereby 'boxes,' often with capability to play high definition content, are loaded with large quantities of pirated works. These boxes may be sold with preloaded content, but can later have new content uploaded for a relatively low fee."
The MPAA has released a statement in reaction to the 301 Report, flagging Ukraine's inclusion and the need for Thailand to enact meaningful anti-camcording legislation.
Hollywood studios have also given their version of a congratulations to Spain. According to the press release, "MPAA welcomes the efforts of the Spanish government to enforce copyright protection and looks forward to concrete results in the months ahead."
E-mail: email@example.com; Twitter: @eriqgardner
Eriq email@example.com eriqgardner


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Thousands of School Buses Recalled for Fuel-System Defects
Navistar International Transportation Corporation, a major manufacturer of school-bus chassis, has announced it will recall between 24,000 and 185,000 school buses for fuel-system defects that could cause a fire in a collision.
The Chicago-based company last month said it agreed to voluntarily recall the buses after federal tests showed the fuel tanks could rupture and leak after a collision.
Both Navistar and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stressed that they did not know of any accidents in which the fuel tanks had ruptured, even though some of the buses involved in the recall are more than 10 years old.
"School buses remain the safest form of transportation for our children,'' Secretary of Transportation Andrew H. Card Jr. said in a statement issued late last month.
Nevertheless, Mr. Card added, "it is imperative that buses not meeting the federal safety standard are fixed promptly by Navistar.''
Further Recall Possible
The buses affected have International brand school-bus chassis manufactured since Sept. 1, 1978, according to a statement issued by Navistar.
The firm, which builds more than one-third of the school-bus chassis sold in the United States, said it plans to recall at least 24,000 buses--all of those with 35-gallon fuel tanks.
Navistar expects to notify school districts and bus operators through the United States and Canada this month, and is developing and testing ways to fix the problem, company officials said. They estimated the recall will cost the company at least $1 million.
William A. Boehly, the associate administrator for enforcement at the N.H.T.S.A., said the company should recall an additional 161,000 bus chassis equipped with 65-gallon tanks.
Although the N.H.T.S.A. did not crash test the 65-gallon-tank chassis, the configuration and placement of the larger tank is similar to that of the smaller model and the larger tanks generally are regarded as more vulnerable to rupture, Mr. Boehly said.
Navistar plans to do additional tests before deciding whether to recall buses with the larger tanks, a company spokesman said.
If all 185,000 school-bus chassis manufactured by the company since 1978 are recalled, it would affect nearly half of the nation's fleet of about 390,000 school buses and could cost the company as much as $20 million.
Don M. Carnahan, the director of pupil transportation for Washington State and president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, last month questioned whether Navistar can fix all of the buses it has recalled so far by the start of the new school year.
Little Immediate Danger
The defect found in the Navistar chassis had not been located in previous tests conducted over 16 years by the N.H.T.S.A. and the company.
In the most recent test, conducted June 23, N.H.T.S.A. engineers examined the bottom of a school-bus chassis with a 35-gallon tank and tried to pinpoint its most vulnerable spot, Mr. Boehly said.
The testers rammed a steel barrier into a stationary school bus to simulate a car approaching from the right, rear side and hitting that end of the bus at 30 miles an hour.
A metal cage intended to protect the gas tank was sheared away and punctured the tank, causing several gallons of fuel to spill quickly, Mr. Boehly said.
Under federal law, a gasoline tank can leak no more than five ounces of fuel in a test.
Mr. Carnahan of the pupil-transportation directors' association said the chances of a school bus being struck from such an angle are slim and, thus, that the buses appear to pose little immediate danger.
"We have had 13 or 14 years of experience here and have not experienced that kind of collision,'' Mr. Carnahan said.
Navistar officials have suggested that customers with questions about the recall call the firm toll-free at (800) 448-7825.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also will answer
questions about this and other recalls at (800) 424-9393.
Vol. 11, Issue 40, Page 5Published in Print: August 5, 1992, as Thousands of School Buses Recalled for Fuel-System Defects
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Provides an instant overview of your shop's current customers and the contents of their carts.
Since the jquery npm package explanation is kind of rough and doesn't include instructions for building a custom 1.x version, here's a short list of steps.
// Assuming you are familiar with Grunt and have it installed
// This is written in the time of jquery 1.11.0 / 2.1.0
cd your_folder
git clone git://github.com/jquery/jquery.git
git clone -b 1.x-master git://github.com/jquery/jquery.git
cd jquery
npm install
Customizing the build is mostly useful for excluding unneeded modules and thus saving filesize. See https://github.com/jquery/jquery/tree/master/src for a list of modules. Instead of just running "grunt" in the last step of the setup, modify the command to exclude modules (take the [folder/]filename without ".js" and note that "core" and "selector" are always required):
grunt custom:-ajax
grunt custom:-ajax,-css
For the current version of frique.me I'm using the following custom build which saved about 12kB.
grunt custom:-deprecated,-event/alias,-wrap,-core/ready,-exports/amd,-ajax
Posted by Berend on
  <acronym title="">
      <q cite=""> <s>


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(OUT-LAW News)
Europe's privacy watchdog has expressed 'grave concern' about a proposal to share personal information between police forces across Europe, calling it a 'lowest common denominator approach that would hinder the fundamental rights of EU citizens'. Peter Hustinx, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), issued his opinion on a proposal put forward in January by the German Presidency of the EU. The German plan is a revision of a long-running proposal for sharing data between European police forces.


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Holidays in Grodig
Sourrounded by the green and near Salzburg city
Grodig is located 446 metres above sea level, directly at the base of the majestic Untersberg mountain and only 8 km from the Festival City of Salzburg!
Here you'll find yourself surrounded by nature, but yet also just minutes from all the culture the city of Salzburg has to offer.
Fascinating Experiences arround Grödig
The pleasant location from Grödig is an perfect starting point for expeditions to Salzburg and the countryside. By car, bus or taxi your reach easily a lot of sights:
- the palace of Hellbrunn and its trick fountains (4km)
- Hallein and the salt mines at Dürrnberg (6km)
- Salzburg's open-air-museum (10km)
- Berchtesgaden und the lake Königssee (17km)
- lakes an mountains in the Salzkammergut (25km)
- ice-carves in Werfen (42km)
- and a lot more.
On the top of the Mountain - Untersberg
Marble Mill - Witness how rough, uncut marble from the Untersberg is ground into splendid marble balls using water power - just as it has been done for centuries. Just 8 kilometres outside Salzburg lies at the foot of the mountain Untersberg the picturesque village of Grodig.


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The Violet-Covered Teacup
Book Details
About the Book
A story about love from a very important time in the author's own childhood. This richly illustrated book tells the story of a small girl named Amy, her relationship with her beloved grandmother and her grandmother's passing. Amy and her mother travel to Indiana, where grandmother was born, to attend her funeral. There, Amy encounters members of her family she has never met and hears many more stories of her grandmother's life. Before returning home Amy is given a gift that she will cherish for the rest of her life. A gift of love with a special surprise.
About the Author
As a grandmother, I know children love to hear stories about their parents and grandparents. The Violet-Covered Tea Cup is a story from my own childhood to share with my grandchildren and other children as well.


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All News Releases By Date
U.S. EPA honors 15 Northern and Central California environmental heroes
Release Date: 04/14/2008
Contact Information: Wendy Chavez, 415/947-4248, email@example.com
(04/14/08) SAN FRANCISCO -- During the agency's 10th annual Environmental Awards Ceremony in San Francisco today, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri presented plaques to 15 organizations and individuals throughout Northern and Central California in recognition of their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 2007.
"The EPA is pleased and honored to acknowledge the innovative and far-reaching environmental work achieved by this impressive group of organizations and individuals. They set an example for all of us to follow," Nastri said. "All of this year's winners -- in fact, all of this year's nominees -- have made commendable efforts to protect and preserve our air, water and land or increased our awareness of the environmental challenges we face."
The Region 9 Environmental Awards program acknowledges commitment and significant contributions to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands and tribal lands. Twenty nine groups and individuals were selected from over 130 nominees received this year from businesses, local, government officials, tribes, media, environmental organizations and citizen activists.
This year's winners include a family farmer growing pumpkins and other crops along the coast in Half Moon Bay who is a leader in promoting sustainable erosion control, water conservation and integrated pest management at the local, state and national level, engineering students who designed and built a self-sufficient, attractive and affordable solar-powered home, which won 3rd place at an international competition, a "no pigs left behind" program where educational outreach and inspections resulted in reducing 11,000 pounds of nitrogen, 4,000 pounds of phosphorus, and 90 percent of bacterial contamination in nearby waterways, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District that developed an innovative, first-in-the-nation $3 million climate protection grant program to encourage Bay area local governments and nonprofits to implement projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and an outreach campaign that aims to educate teens about the chemicals in body care products, such as cosmetics, shampoos and lotions;
The Northern California winners and basis for recognition are:
Environmental, Community and Non-Profit
Santa Clara University Solar Decathlon Team
School of Engineering
Santa Clara, CA
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing use of renewable energy is the centerpiece for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Energy recently sponsored a Solar Decathlon, where student teams from all over the world competed to design and build a self-sufficient, attractive and affordable solar-powered home. The Santa Clara University School of Engineering nine-member undergraduate team was one of 20 finalists and took home third place prize. The students' design blurs the boundary of indoor and outdoor space and uses earth-friendly materials, such as bamboo, photovoltaics and a nana wall. The retractable nana wall is eight feet of highly insulated glass that serves as both a wall and a window.
Federal, Tribal, State or Local Government
Keith & Rita Moore
Pit River Tribe Solid Waste and Recycling
Burney, CA
Before the Pit River Tribe created its solid waste and recycling program, members of the community had few options for waste disposal. Illegal dumping and open burning were common, but the Pit River Tribe successfully brought waste disposal and recycling collection to tribal homes and businesses. The husband and wife team of Keith and Rita Moore implemented a pay-as-you-throw pick-up service along with a drop-off recycling center. Servicing the tribes over 9,000 acres in seven separate areas is a difficult task, but the duo have been successful implementing the program and gaining support from the tribal council, and increased awareness about solid waste and recycling.
County of Marin
Marin County Sustainability Program
San Rafael, CA
The growing concern over global climate change, national dependency on nonrenewable energy sources and a culture that carelessly generates waste, led Marin County to adopt a remarkable sustainability plan. It won a prestigious planning award for its efforts to educate the public about sustainability. The county established development guidelines that consider habitat restoration, regional food sources, green building, energy conservation and affordable housing. They installed solar power in public buildings -- reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 550 tons last year. As part of its green building program, the county provided technical assistance to numerous building projects and instituted a green certification program, certifying over 200 businesses. Marin demonstrates how local government can be effective leaders to ensure a healthy and sustainable future.
San Francisco International Airport
John L. Martin, director
San Francisco, CA
With 30 million passengers passing through the San Francisco International Airport each year, the airport faces enormous environmental challenges, yet SFO has an outstanding sustainability program and is a leader in airport waste reduction and recycling. SFO boasts an almost 90 percent diversion rate, including construction and demolition materials. The airport has a source separation program to capture bottles, cans and mixed paper. The airport has an organics program for all of the terminal restaurants and it's phasing out non-recyclable or expanded polystyrene containers in food service areas. SFO is pursuing lighting and HVAC retrofits, and installed more than 50,000 square feet of solar panels. The airport is actively working with its tenants to encourage them to become certified green businesses under San Mateo County's Green Business Program. All of the initiatives can easily be implemented by other airports.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Abby Young
San Francisco, CA
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District last year developed an innovative, first-in-the-nation climate protection grant program to encourage Bay Area local governments and nonprofits to implement projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The district expended $3 million in funds to 53 recipients. Three grant categories were established to encourage greenhouse gas reduction strategies across a broad spectrum of programs, including education grants, planning and capacity-building grants and grants to regionalize best practices and innovative approaches. The Bay Area Air Quality District in one of the EPA's critical partners in improving air quality here in the Bay Area.
Cal Climate Action Partnership
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
The Cal Climate Action Partnership, a grassroots student effort, influenced UC Berkeley to commit substantial university resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership created an emissions inventory for the Berkeley campus, an emissions reduction target, and convinced the UC Berkeley Chancellor to commit investments of close to $14 million in upfront capital to complete 14 projects designed to meet the emission target. Through the efforts of the CalCAP, UC Berkeley has all 14 of the projects in some stage of development and expects to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gases back to 1990 levels by the year 2014.
Steven M. Clark
U.S. General Services Administration Pacific Rim Region
San Francisco, CA
The U.S. General Services Administration is a leader throughout the Pacific Rim region on recycling, composting, energy-efficiency and green power. GSA strives to manage its many governmental assets to promote sustainability and green architectural innovation. Highlights included an energy alternative project at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, which will generate off-grid clean electricity from vehicles at border crossing facilities; the world-renowned sustainable San Francisco Federal Building, which will save taxpayers $500,000 annually in reduced utility bills; developing a "cool roof" building in Reno, Nev. that conserves 65 percent of energy use compared to a standard building; awarding a ten-year on-site solar power supply contract for the Sacramento federal building, and implementing an aggressive federal building lighting retrofit program with a combined electric energy savings of 2,503,722 kilowatt hours each year.
City of Fresno
Fresno, CA
The city of Fresno developed a bold and comprehensive vision for its future, planning to achieve city-wide sustainability by the year 2025. The city is tackling multiple problems at one time, developing and implementing programs addressing urban design, renewable energy, business innovation, waste reduction, and the challenging issue of air quality in the San Joaquin Valley. Many of the programs are beginning to show results. The city is also leading by example, greening its facilities and practices, implementing a zero-waste initiative, providing resources, and collaborating with other municipalities and agencies to develop regionally-based green programs.
Doug Treadway, Leta Stagnaro and David Smith
Ohlone College Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology
Newark, CA
Abandoned contaminated property blights the community and discourages development. Ohlone College took the initiative to turn a once blighted area into its new Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology. Using an EPA Brownfields grant and funding from bond measures, Ohlone College created a visionary "College of the Future." Its Newark campus, the first community college in the nation to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification, offers courses that include an Environmental Studies Program. The college serves as a role model for its 18,000 students, both teaching and practicing environmental leadership.
Graydon Brown, Jose Lovato, Richard Ruddick and David Edmunds
Pinoleville Pomo Nation
Ukiah, CA
Illegal dumping of waste creates a dangerous environment and invites more illegal dumping. When the Pinoleville Pomo Nation discovered dozens of abandoned trailers accumulating on its land, Graydon Brown, Jose Lovato, Richard Ruddick and David Edmunds devised an innovative solution. Instead of simply removing the trailers to a landfill, the trailers were carefully deconstructed and the materials were reused to build structures that would otherwise be purchased new by the tribe. The Pinoleville Pomo Nation now shares its experience and ideas with other tribes, and has become leaders in the re-use of abandoned trailers.
Judi Shils
Teens for Safe Cosmetics
Ross, CA
Multiple ingredients are used to create personal care products and some may include potentially toxic chemicals. Reaching out to a community that uses many personal care products, Judi Shils educates teens about the chemicals in body care products, such as cosmetics, shampoos and lotions. Teens for Safe Cosmetics is an inspiration to California teens, teaching them to advocate for legislation to provide safer products, and to provide educational materials, workshops and events. The results are so successful in California that Shils is empowering teens in cities across the country to replicate this model.
John Muller, board chair
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
San Francisco, CA
John Muller, a family farmer growing pumpkins and other crops along the coast of Half Moon Bay, is implementing sustainable erosion control, water conservation and integrated pest management practices on his 25-acre farm. For example, Muller was the first pumpkin farmer to install drip irrigation. Together with other water conservation practices, he has achieved a 34 percent reduction in water usage. Muller is a leader in promoting sustainable urban agricultural practices in his local community and at the state and national level. This year he talked to thousands of people and conducted over a dozen tours of his farm, explaining the benefits of environmentally-friendly farming to farmers and non-farmers alike. In addition to his community outreach, Muller has provided leadership on issues of water quality, water supply and resource management as a San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board member for 14 years, seven as a board chair, as a Half Moon Bay City Council member, as a member of the U.S. EPA Local Government Advisory Committee and formerly a member of the Coast Side County Water District Board.
Chris Locke
Locke Ranch, Inc.
Lockeford, CA
Sustainable agriculture requires farmers to meet the difficult challenge of organic pest control. Chris Locke's ranch, growing 580 acres of walnuts using innovative sustainable farming techniques, sets the example for other walnut growers. The entire walnut acreage uses pheromone-mating disruption to control the codling moth, a predominant pest in walnuts. While codling moth is reduced, beneficial insects are increased, controlling other pests naturally without the need for additional sprays. Chris Locke shares his knowledge with his neighbors and serves as a role model in the community. He plays an integral role in research on pheromone-mating disruption in walnuts, and is recognized as a pioneer in this field.
Bob Wenzlau and Peter Biffar
Palo Alto, CA
Terradex's groundbreaking work in communicating environmental information to the public enables individuals and communities to make informed decisions regarding both exposure and contaminant contributions. Terradex's innovative prototype of layering real-time air data on top of the powerful imagery of Google Earth was the inspiration behind the EPA's recent launch of AirNOW layer on Google Earth. This tool provides communities, including sensitive populations and emergency responders, with up-to-the minute air quality information over specific geographic areas. Terradex also created a carbon footprint calculator that enables communities to measure and understand their greenhouse gas contribution. The innovative communication tool informs and inspires individuals to reduce their contribution to global warming.
EcoHaul, Inc.
Chris Sparks
Petaluma, CA
Diverting waste to reusable materials not only preserves critical landfill space, but reduces the use of virgin products and the energy needed to manufacture them. EcoHaul of Petaluma is a leader in sustainable business and in supporting recycling development and education. Founded in 2004 with a pick-up truck and a mission to transform the on-demand waste removal business into a model of environmental responsibility, EcoHaul is now a full-service reuse, donation, recycling, removal and hauling company in the Bay Area. EcoHaul diverts over 85 percent of materials it removes for its customers. In 2007, over 5 million pounds of materials were diverted from landfills. EcoHaul also provides volunteer support for community service and environmental education.
For the complete list of winners, visit: https://www.epa.gov/region09/awards
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.


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The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®) presents "An Evening with Richard Louv: How Natural Learning Environments Improve the Ability to Learn and be Creative," Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Lecture Hall. Tickets are $35 for GROW members, and $45 for non-members — both include a signed copy of his book Vitamin N. Purchase tickets at brit.org/grow.
"Richard Louv's views on exposure to nature and how it improves children's cognitive abilities perfectly aligns with our mission, and provides further support for our GROW educational programs," said Tracy Friday, director of the BRIT SEED School. "We are thrilled to offer the community this opportunity, providing them with information on 'Nature-Deficit Disorder' and our shared commitment to connecting children to the natural world, especially at a young age."
Richard Louv is a journalist and author of nine books, including Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder; The Nature Principle; and Vitamin N. Translated and published in 24 countries, his books have helped launch an international movement to connect families and communities to nature. He speaks frequently around the world, including keynote addresses at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, the first White House Summit on Environmental Education, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and more. He is chairman emeritus of the nonprofit Children & Nature Network.


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The Monkees is an American television sitcom series starring Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones, four young members of a struggling country-folk-rock band in mid-1960s Los Angeles. Looking for their big break, they often find themselves on zany adventures and have madcap encounters with a variety of people along the way. Some of the Monkees more popular hit songs were "Last Train to Clarksville", "I'm a Believer", and "Daydream Believer". The Monkees songs were often written and produced by the musical duo Boyce and Hart (Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart).
Original Air Dates: NBC (1966-68)
Created by: Bob Rafelson, Bert Schneider


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What is Amenorrhoea?
Amenorrhoea/ Amenorrhea is a condition where menstrual cycle stopped before time. Menstrual cycle stops naturally during pregnancy and for a long period after delivery when the mothers are nursing their babies. However, the stoppage of these cycles before time is not normal. Amenorrhea may be prevented by following natural lifestyle regime and taking therapy of naturopathy.
Causes of Amenorrhoea
Some of the important causes of Amenorrhoea are given below:
- Faulty dietary pattern
- Faulty living styles
- Low physical work
- Intake of strong medicines
- Intoxicants
- Anger
- Stress and anxiety
- Anemia
- Diseases like TB, malaria, cough & cold
- Diseases of liver and spleen
- Obesity or thin size
Symptoms of Amenorrhoea
Stopping of menstrual cycle before time is associated with many signs and symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory problems
- Pain in back and waist
- Laziness
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
Nature cure for Amenorrhoea
There are some naturopathy treatments, which are important in giving relief from Amenorrhoea
- It is suggested that the patient should take fruits or vegetable juice for three days subject to condition that she shouldn't be weak.
- If her health permits, it is better to be on fruits, fruits & vegetable juices for 10 days.
- It is preferable to take Enema once or twice a day under the supervision of naturopathy expert.
- One should take slitz bath in the morning and in the evening; she should sit in a tub of water for 10-15 minutes. Now, take a bath followed by wiping of the body with wet towel and then dry towel.
- Wet mud pack on the abdominal region is advisable.
- Sometimes, steam should be given on the abdomen.
- Take steam bath or sun bath once in a weak.
- Hot foot bath is also beneficial.
- Drinking of raw milk is good.
- Do Pranayama like Anuloom Viloom, Sitali, Sheetkari and Chandrabhedi pranayama.
Best tips for Amenorrhoea
- One should try to follow self-discipline natural life.
- Talk to your physician or naturopathy expert how to maintain good and holistic health.
- Try to take balance diet.
- Do regular workouts such as Yoga, walking, jogging, swimming, etc.
- Always take medicines as per the directions of your physician.
- Do Yoga, especially Pranayama(Breathing exercises) and meditation to avoid stress and anxiety,
- Regular check your weight to control obesity.
- Rubbing of abdomen should be strictly avoided.
- One should take fruits like papaya, pineapple.
- Foods preferable in this condition are lentil, curd, onion, pulses, sprouted grams and green grams.


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Gold dips below Rs 20,000 after 3 months
New Delhi: Gold prices fell below Rs. 20,000 per 10 grams level for the first time in nearly three months in the bullion market on Friday due to brisk selling by stockists in line with a weak global trend.
The gold prices fell by Rs. 360 to Rs. 19,960 per 10 grams, a level last seen on November 4, while silver tumbled Rs. 950 to Rs. 41,700 per kg on fall in demand among jewellers at existing high levels.
Trading sentiments turned bearish after gold declined to the lowest level in four months in global markets, as recovering global economy eroded demand for haven investments.
Gold in global markets, which normally sets a price trend on the domestic front, fell by 0.4 per cent to $ 1,308.25 an ounce, the lowest level since October 1 and silver declined by 1.9 per cent to $ 26.40 an ounce.
Besides, retail customers refrained from purchasing gold at existing higher levels and wait for further falls also influenced the market sentiment.
On the domestic front, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity tumbled by Rs. 360 each to Rs. 19,960 and Rs. 19,840 per ten grams respectively. Sovereign also shed Rs. 50 to Rs. 16,700 per piece of eight grams.
The silver ready plunged by Rs. 950 to Rs. 41,700 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs. 1000 to Rs. 41,490 per kg.
Silver coin lost Rs. 500 to Rs. 48,000 for buying and Rs. 48,100 for selling of 100 pieces.


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Looking for an RV topic? Search the entire forum HERE
At tonights door prize drawings Wendy won a Jack Daniel's Birthday box that has a JD hat & 750mls of Jack Daniel's.
See, it pays to go to the evening entertainment and door prizes !
But you only stayed for the door prizes.
Some would argue that it's a waste of good Coke!!
May you save many dollars in camping fees and donate them all to the various clubs where you stay.
Should we bring ice and cups or would you like to bring your bottle over to our site?
Great! Throw a couple of chairs in the car.
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