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Do I really want to wait until I'm retired to see the world by sail, or do I want to do it now?" That was the question Annapolis sailor Linda Ambrose asked herself when a wonderful opportunity presented itself. She went for it. A native of the Boston area from a non-sailing family, Ambrose started sailing in high school with a boyfriend's family and knew she loved it right away.
After she had worked in the footwear industry and applied to graduate school, a friend asked her if she'd like to come down to St. Maarten and help out as a chef and mate on a day charter trimaran for awhile. Two weeks led to two more weeks, and then the weeks turned into years. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ambrose sailed 17,000 nautical miles on yacht charters and deliveries, owned and lived aboard a 37-foot CSY in St. Maarten, sailed across the Atlantic, and lived in the Mediterranean by working in Greece and Turkey on a private yacht for a year. Over the years, she worked as a charter cook, mate, a charter company sales and marketing representative, and a crewed yacht manager. She got her first taste of race committee work helping with the Heineken Regatta.
When she realized it was time to get back to the mainland, Ambrose moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL,where she started to race in earnest. A few years later, homesick for New England (but not the cold weather), she found her way to Annapolis, which was "a happy medium." After 17 years in the charter business, her career evolved into regatta/event planning, which made her a good fit for her position of five years as Annapolis YC's regatta manager.
Of many boats Ambrose has raced on, the one common denominator is that most of them start with a J: the J/105s Blonde Attack, Inigo, and Java; J/80s Dancer and Jammin', the J/35 Touch of Grey (in Chicago and Northern Michigan); the J/109 Rush; and for the past 10 years, the J/120 Euro Trash Girl. Her racing career runs the full gamut from Wednesday night series to Key West Race Week and from frostbite racing to a memorable win at the Annapolis to Newport Race (class, fleet, and navigator awards on Euro Trash Girl 2005). Of her regatta management work at AYC, Ambrose says, "I've learned a lot. I've learned what I don't know." What's involved behind the scenes at a big regatta?
"There's a lot of administrative work to make sure sailors' information makes its way to the race committee. Their equipment has to be ready. They need to be fed and watered. You have to take care of trophies and functions… and the idea is for it to be seamless for both the racers and the race committee. Sponsorship fulfillment is also high on the list."
Spinsheet: Who are you sailing mentors and friends?
Nicole Weaver, Jonathan Bartlett, Kevin Ryman, Jim Konigsberg, Chris and Carolyn Groobey, Jeff Ridel, and Marty the Flamingo.
What was your most memorable sailing day in 2009?
At the Baltimore Sail for Kids Regatta, we were late for the start. We had no sailing instructions, only a handful of racers onboard, and only a general idea of where the start and finish were. It was windy, and we started passing boats. It's nice to be in front, but not as much when you don't know where you're going… We won.
Do you have a favorite sailing venue?
It's a toss up between Key West (for the party atmosphere) and Block Island (beautiful New England. It's relaxing—the antithesis of Key West) for race venues and the Whitsunday Islands in Australia for cruising.
If you had advice for a young sailor, would it be any different for a girl than for a boy?
A good sailor is a good sailor. I've sailed with a female skipper for 10 years. She's as competent as anyone out there. Don't let anyone tell you you can't own or drive your own boat.
What sports teams do you follow?
The New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. I'm semi-out-of-the-closet as a Ravens fan.
What music is on your iPod?
Marc Broussard, Amos Lee, Cracker, Cake, and Dave Matthews.
What television shows do you like?
I'm a Law and Order and CSI junkie and hopelessly addicted to the Food Channel and NBC News.
Do you have any non-sailing passions?
Hiking—I hiked in Deer Valley, UT and Red Rocks, NV in 2009. Biking, walking my chocolate Lab, Wrangler, and cooking. I'm a bookworm, too.
What sailing gear do you depend on?
Sperry Top-Sider Figawi sailing shoes, Gill salopettes, Maui Jim sunglasses, About Faces Sunblock, a Stohlquist PFD, and Home Depot Garden gloves ($5).
What's your favorite position on a race boat?
Pit. Kevin Ryman taught me to speak up and respect the position. I like being part of the transition in between sail changes.
Is there anything you haven't achieved on the water you'd like to?
I'd like to do a delivery to the Pacific—the Galapagos and Marquesa Islands are two places I've always wanted to see by arriving on a sailboat.


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The present clay target is inverted cup-shaped with a central dome and depending annular rim. The central portion of the dome may be horizontal and preferably bears a plurality of plant seeds and plant fertilizer pellets embedded therein to improve the environment. The target is of clay containing up to about 2 weight % of biodegradable binder which is sodium silicate with or without dextrin. The target is a greenware body which is dried to a low water content of less than about 2 weight % but is unfired. It is thin enough to be frangible and fragments into small pieces when hit by a shotgun pellet. For this purpose, a preferred embodiment includes spaced radiating grooves in the upper and lower surfaces of the dome, preferably offset from one another, and a number of moon-shaped depressions in the inner surface of the rim. The outer surface of the dome may also include spaced concentric grooves in the dome which intersect the radiating grooves and further facilitate target fragmenting when hit by a shotgun pellet.
1. An improved, biodegradable, frangible clay target for sport shooting, said target comprising an unfired dried greenware target body capable of being thrown into the air to function as a moving target but readily fragmenting when struck by a shotgun pellet, said body comprising up to about 2 percent, by weight of said body, of a biodegradable binder, said binder comprising sodium silicate, with substantially the remainder of said target comprising clay and a low concentration of water.
2. The improved clay target of claim 1 wherein said binder is present in said target body in a concentration of about 1-2 percent by weight of said body.
3. The improved clay target of claim 2 wherein said sodium silicate is in a concentration of about 1-2 weight percent of said body and wherein said binder includes dextrin in a concentration of about 0-1 weight percent of said body, the total concentration of said binder not exceeding 2 weight percent of said body.
4. The improved clay target of claim 3 wherein said target includes up to about 2 percent of water, by weight of said body.
5. The improved clay target of claim 3 wherein said target body is in the shape of an inverted cup with inner and outer surfaces in the form of a domed central portion and a depending annular rim, and wherein said target body includes a first set of spaced radiating grooves in the domed portion of the outer surface thereof and a corresponding second set of spaced radiating grooves in the domed portion of the inner surface thereof, said second set being offset with respect to said first set, said sets facilitating ready fragmentation of said target when hit during target shooting.
6. The improved clay target of claim 5 wherein said target body also includes a spaced plurality of depressions in said rim which further facilitate said fragmenting.
7. The improved clay target of claim 6 wherein said depressions are in the inner surface of said rim and aligned with said second set of grooves and wherein said depressions are half-moon shaped.
8. The improved clay target of claim 6 wherein said domed portion contains in the outer surface thereof a plurality of concentric grooves which intersect said first set of radiating grooves.
9. The improved clay target of claim 6 wherein said depressions are in the inner surface of said rim and aligned with both sets of radiiating grooves.
10. The improved clay target of claim 7 wherein said dome and rim have an average thickness of about 0.1-0.2 inch and wherein said grooves have an average depth of about 0.05 inch.
11. The improved clay target of claim 10 wherein said rim has a thickness of about 0.2 inch and wherein said depressions have an average depth of about 0.1 inch in said rim.
12. The improved clay target of claim 1 wherein said target body includes a spaced plurality of plant seeds and pellets of plant fertilizer embedded therein to improve the environment.
13. The improved clay target of claim 5 wherein said dome has a horizontal central portion which bears a plurality of plant seeds and plant fertilizer pellets embedded therein to improve the environment.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the shooting sports and more particularly to an improved readily frangible biodegradable clay target for the same.
2. Prior Art
Conventional clay targets which are thrown into the air from hand launchers or machine launchers in skeet shooting, in trap shooting and in practicing for field shooting of birds include non-biodegradable components, for example, pitches, tars and other petroleum products generally used as binders for limestone-containing targets. Such binders are noxious and dangerous but are needed to strengthen the targets sufficiently so they can be stored, shipped and launched without prematurely breaking. Such noxious substances may penetrate the soil and adversely affect wildlife, plant life, underground water supplies and the like. Certain of such clay targets are fired into ceramic in order to increase their strength, but such ceramic targets are in and of themselves a hazard to the environment, since they do not readily biodegrade but lie on the ground, preventing plant growth and remaining an unsightly mess.
Because clay target shooting sports are very popular, many thousands of the targets are exploded over the landscape during the course of a season of shooting at numerous shooting grounds. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved form of clay target which is biodegradable and, preferably bio-improveable, and which is inexpensive and aerodynamically sound.
Moreover, it should be sufficiently frangible so that it readily breaks into small fragments when hit by a shotgun pellet, in contrast to certain conventional clay and other targets which tend to deflect but not to explode or minutely fragment when hit during shooting. It is important to the shooter to be able to register a hit by the exploding target, rather than guess at a hit by a deflected but unexploded target.
The improved clay target of the present invention satisfies all the foregoing needs. The target is substantially as set forth in the ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE.
Thus, the target is characterized, in part, by its compositon which is clay plus up to about 2 percent by weight of sodium silicate binder, with or without dextrin. The dextrin, when present, is in a concentration which does not exceed about 1 weight percent. When both the sodium silicate and the dextrin are present in the target, their combined concentration, which is the total concentration of binder in the target, does not exceed 2 weight percent. The target may also includes a small concentration of water, e.g. about 2 weight percent which remains in the finished greenware unfired product after hot pressing the composition to form the target.
The target is in the shape of an inverted cup with central dome and depending annular rim. The dome includes in its outer and inner surfaces sets of spaced radiating grooves. The sets are offset from each other, each groove extending up to about 40-80% of the depth or thickness of the dome. The grooves help to break up the target into small fragments when it is hit during shooting. This is further faciliated by the presence of a series of depressions, preferably half-moon shaped, on the inner surface of the rim and aligned with the inner set of grooves. Additional concentric grooves preferably are present in the outer surface of the dome to facilitate further fragmentation of the target.
In one embodiment the dome has a central horizontal portion in which are embedded a plurality of plant seeds and plant fertilizer pellets to enhance the environment. Because the target is greenware and readily fragments into small pieces when hit by one or more shotgun pellets, it is readily absorbed into the soil without injuring the environment, but in fact improving it, since it promotes the support of game birds and the growth of plant life.
The thickness of the target is controlled to facilitate the desired fragmentation. In most instances, the target is about 0.1-0.2 inch in thickness. The dome may be about 0.1-0.15 inch thick, with the grooves being e.g. about 0.05 inch deep. The rim may be about 0.2 inch in thickness with the depressions about 0.1 inch deep. Other suitable parameters may be used.
The target is simple, easy to make, store, ship and launch and is inexpensive, environmentally safe and capable of improving the environment. Further features of the invention are set forth in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the improved clay target of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom plan view of the clay target of FIG. 1, with the exterior grooves of the target shown in dotted outline;
FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-section of the clay target of FIG. 1; and,
FIG. 4 is a schematic top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of the improved clay target of the present invention, with the grooves in the inner surface of the dome thereof and the depressions in the inner surface of the rim thereof being shown in dotted outline.
Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, a first preferred embodiment of the improved clay target of the present invention is schematically depicted therein.
Thus, clay target 10 is shown which comprises a target body 12 in the form of an inverted cup, having a central curved dome 14 and integral annular depending rim 16. The central portion 18 of dome 14 is horizontal and includes a plurality of plant seeds 20 and plant fertilizer pellets 22 embedded therein, in order to promote the feeding of game birds and the growth of ground cover.
Clay target 10 is a greenware product which has been dried to a low water content but which has not been fired and therefore is not ceramic. Target 10 has the following composition: a binder in the form of sodium silicate, with or without dextrin, in a concentration of about 1-2 percent by weight of the target; clay; and, a low concentration of water or moisture, usually well below 2 percent by weight. No enivronmentally harmful substances are present. The seeds and fertilizer pellets, when present, are in a very low concentration, usually less than about 1 weight percent. When the dextrin is present, its concentration is not above about 1 weight percent, with the sodium silicate constituting the remainder of the binder.
Any suitable conventional clay normally employed as the inert ingredient in clay targets can be used in the present target. Clays are by definition small particle size hydrous aluminum silicates which exhibit plasticity when wet. They are naturally found in certain earth deposits and have no deleterious effects on the environment. They include components such as kaolinite, halloysite and montmorillonite. Their particle size is generally less than about 0.00016 inch.
Sodium silicate, also known as water glass, is available commercially as green lumps and as powders, as well as aqueous solutions. It has strong binding properties and is environmentally safe. Dextrin is also known as starch gum and is an intermediate product formed by the hydrolysis of starch. It is a carbohydrate which is environmentally safe and has binding properties. It is commercially available.
The clay target 10 is formed by first mixing together the above-indicated components in the indicated concentrations, except that sufficient additional water is present, up to about a total of about 10 weight percent, in order to form the composition into a moldable paste.
In one procedure, the mixing is followed by sieving to remove lumps and to assure full blending, after which the mixture is allowed to stand long enough (1-24 hours) to assure full absorption of the water. Thereupon, the mixture is formed into small balls, e.g. up to about 0.125 inch in diameter, and the balls are charged into a press and molded therein at a temperature below a ceramic-forming firing temperature into the finished dried greenware product. Typical heating temperature in the press is about 300°-400 ° F. Firing temperatures are avoided.
In another typical procedure the same mixture as indicated above is thoroughly blended into a smooth blend in a conventional V-cone blender over a period of about 5-10 minutes, with addition of the water and sodium silicate slowly to the clay during the mixing operation. Sieving is obviated because the blend is free of lumps. The blend can then be immediatlely poured into the press and hot molded therein, or can first be formed into the small balls, as in the prior procedure. Allowing the blend to stand to wait for full water absorption is unnecessary, because the blending in the V-cone blender is complete.
During the molding operation in the press, a first set of spaced radiating grooves 24 can be molded by a suitably configured mold (not shown) into the outer surface 26 of dome 14 and into the inner surface 28 thereof a second set of radiating spaced grooves 30 can be molded, with grooves 24 being offset from grooves 30 so as not to unnecessarily weaken target 10. Grooves 24 and 30 permit target 10 to readily fragment into small pieces when hit by one or more shotgun pellets. Preferably, spaced half moon-shaped depressions 32 are molded into the inner surface 34 of rim 16, depressions 32 being aligned preferably with grooves 30 (FIG. 2). Four concentric grooves 35 are in surface 26 of dome 14 to further facilitate fragmentation of target 10.
During the molding operation, that is, the hot pressing, the thickness of target body 12 is carefully controlled, due to the configuration of the mold used, so that the average thickness of dome 14 is usually about 0.1-0.15 inch, the average depth of grooves 24 and 30 is usually about 40-80% of the dome thickness, rim 16 is usually about 0.2 inch thick and depressions 32 are usually about 0.1 inch thick. With this configuration, target 10 remains durable enough for shipment, storage and use, but readily fragments when hit by a shotgun pellet, with both rim 16 and dome 14 disintegrating into small pieces readily absorbed by the soil.
It will be understood that the thickness of dome 14 and rim 16 and the depth of grooves 24 and 30 and depressions 32 will depend on the uses to which target 10 is to be put, its overall dimensions, etc. One form of target 10 is 4.25 inches in diameter and 1.125 inches high. A second typical target 10 can be of smaller size, for example, with a diameter of about 2.375 inches and a height of about 0.8125 inch. Alternatively, target 10 can be of larger size and somewhat different relative dimensions.
Target 10 is simple, effective, inexpensive to make and use and environmentally safe. Moreover, it enriches the environment by adding plant seeds and fertilizer to the soil. It represents a substantial improvement over conventional targets.
A second preferred embodiment of the improved clay target of the present invention is schematically depicted in FIG. 3. Thus, target 10a is shown. Components thereof similar to those of target 10 bear the same numerals but are succeeded by the letter "a".
Target 10a differs from target 10 only as follows:
a) target 10a contains no plants seeds or fertilzer pellets;
b) depressions 32a are v-shaped in plan view rather than half-moon shaped and are aligned with both sets of radiating grooves 24a and 30a;
c) there are eight radiating grooves 24a instead of twelve, as in target 10, and eight radiating grooves 30a instead of twelve; moreover, the placement of grooves 24a and 30a is not totally symmetrical; and,
d) dome 14a contains a concentric circumferential upraised ridge 40, which also may or may not be present in target 10.
Target 10a functions similarly to target 10 and has the advantages of target 10, except for not enhancing the environment with plant seed and fertilizer.
Various other modifications, alterations, changes and additions can be made in the improved target of the present invention, its components, its composition and parameters. All such modifications, changes, alterations and additions as are within the scope of the appended claims form part of the present invention.
Citas de patentes
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subset: commoncrawl


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PASADENA, Calif. -- State, local and federal agencies have been busy working to help communities recover from the recent severe winter storms that caused flooding, debris and mud flow.
Local officials, during and immediately following the storms, conducted initial damage assessments in affected counties. As a result of these assessments a series of State of Emergency proclamations were issued by the California governor's office.
President Obama, at the request of Governor Schwarzenegger, issued a major disaster declaration on March 8 authorizing Public Assistance for Calaveras, Imperial, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Siskiyou counties and Hazard Mitigation for all counties in the state. Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) determined uninsured losses at an estimated $50 million.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) have received 90 requests from government agencies and eligible nonprofit organizations for Federal Public Assistance. State and federal officials anticipate receiving approximately 100 requests for assistance. The deadline for submitting requests for Public Assistance is today.
These requests are expected to generate as many as 600 projects that may be funded in the six declared California counties.
Entities in the six declared counties became eligible to apply for federal assistance to fund 75 percent of the approved costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing, restoring or replacing damaged public facilities. The state's share of the costs is 18.75 percent, leaving the local agencies responsible for the remaining 6.25 percent.
Following submission of applications, applicants and Public Assistance Coordinators (PACs) from FEMA and Cal EMA meet in what are called Kickoff Meetings. Items discussed include damages, an assessment of needs and priorities. The outcome of the meeting is project formulation. To date, 26 meetings have been held, 26 more are scheduled. A total of 100 meetings are anticipated.
Once the state and FEMA review and approve the projects, FEMA will obligate the funds to the state for disbursement to applicants.
Cal EMA has received 51 separate applications for public assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act, which provides assistance for recovery efforts to counties, cities and special districts after a state disaster.
In addition, FEMA Mitigation specialists are holding a series of workshops on how low cost, non-structural mitigation techniques may save lives and prevent thousands of dollars of future damage.
As a result of the presidential declaration for public assistance, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a disaster declaration for the same counties. In those counties, SBA is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to private non-profit organizations that provide essential services of a governmental nature.
Additionally, in response to a disaster declaration request from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, SBA declared a disaster covering the counties of Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura. This disaster declaration made low-interest federal disaster loans available in these counties to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private non-profit organizations adversely affected by the disaster.
So far, SBA has approved $856,300 in disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, non-profit organizations to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, personal property and business property.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare ...


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You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, chocolate and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable.


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Fishing Report: 12.07.07
Redfish Bays and northward -- Trout are beginning to show up in deeper sections of Aransas, Copano and St. Charles bays near mud and shell. Redfish have been near the sloughs along the backside of San Jose and Matagorda islands. San Antonio Bay had been producing trout, drum and reds this week with shrimp over shell. Live shrimp and soft plastics are working best. The deeper shorelines and guts near reefs of Mesquite, Carlos and Ayers bays also are producing trout and reds on plastics during a moving tide. The deeper drop-offs of Aransas and Redfish bays also held fish. Uprooting seagrass with an outboard propeller is unlawful in the Redfish Bay State Scientific Area.
Port Aransas -- Flounder giggers are having limited success along the Shrimpboat Channel and Lydia Ann Channel. Redfish are in the flats near Crab Man Marina. Anglers continue catching a few big trout off the north jetty with long soft plastics worked slowly near the rocks. Redfish are at the jetties too. Area channels near East Flats and along the ship channel produced redfish and scattered trout. Most fish were caught with shrimp or soft plastics. Redfish and trout were along the drop-off outside of Dagger Island and the Lydia Ann Channel. The Jetty Boat is running out of Fisherman's Wharf (749-5448). Horace Caldwell Pier reported reds, whiting, small sharks, a few black drum, along with nighttime trout and reds. Call (361) 749-2828.
Gulf beachfront -- Pompano are in the surf, mostly south of the 20-mile marker on Padre Island National Seashore. Beach driving is easy, but that black floating weed is a problem in sections of the wade gut. Anglers also caught a few black drum and reds, jacks and whiting in the surf this week. Water is fairly clear along most beaches. Anglers caught redfish at Fish Pass, Packery has a few trout and reds. Bob Pier's bait & tackle shop and Ozone Grill is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 949-8558 or check www.bobhallpier.net or www.corpusfishing.com.
Offshore -- Snapper season is closed in federal waters. Party boats and charters have been returning with good catches tuna, triggerfish, amberjack, a few grouper, ling, a few dorado, barracuda vermilion snapper, kingfish, small sharks.
Corpus Christi/Nueces Bays -- Trout are along the breakwater rocks of the Corpus Christi Bayfront, along with a few reds and drum. Reds are in the back- and mid-bay reefs of Nueces Bay, mostly being caught with live shrimp under floats. Shamrock also had lots of small redfish, with a few keepers. Redfish were in Kate's Hole and Deadmans. The outside spoils along the ship channel near Ingleside produced a few trout this week. At Clem's Pier (949-8445) nighttime anglers were catching mostly reds, drum and a few nighttime trout.
Laguna Madre/Baffin Bay -- The Landcut produced black drum and reds this week. Baffin is producing some good trout along the south and north shores on soft plastics and in some of the shallow back sections. The Trout are in deeper sections of the Laguna Madre and along the ICW and crash channels. Laguna Madre west shoreline between Pure Oil Channel and Bird Island produced redfish this week on shrimp and soft plastics. Deeper seagrass flats are holding redfish. Anglers have been catching redfish, drum and nighttime trout at Marker 37 (949-8037), Cos Way (939-7513) and Red Dot piers (937-5347).
Choke Canyon Reservoir -- Cooler temperatures have extended the bite. Bass are in the shallow coves. Early morning bass were caught from thick hydrilla beds on Scum Frogs and other topwater baits early and heavy Texas-rigged worms or jigs later in heavy hydrilla. Catfish have been good in five-to six-foot depths upriver in muddy water. Crappie have slowed but some still are being caught near bridge pilings and brush piles. White bass fishing has been slow. Visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ park/choke/choke.htm.
Coleto Creek -- Anglers have been catching bass on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits early up Coleto Creek above the bridge. Other creeks also produced fish this week in heavy cover. Later, weedless plastics produced bass in deeper heavy hydrilla. Hybrid bass and catfish fishing continues at the Dike II discharge. Check out www.coletocreekcabins.com.
Lake Corpus Christi -- The lake is full and fishing has been good. Catfish have been excellent all day on shad with or without a float in depths of three to five foot. Gaspergou are near islands and in coves with shad for bait. White bass and crappie remain below the dam. White bass also are being caught off the piers. Call Sunrise Beach pier (877-547-9796) and ask about crappie and white bass. The main pier at the state park is closed but the smaler one is open. Call the state park at 547-2635. Call Corpus Christi RV Park & Marina (547-3462); Tom & Jerry's Park Stop at 547-9716; Riverlake RV Park (547-9853.
-- Compiled by David Sikes
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Nusa Lembongan - Nusa Penida; Another Paradise in Bali
13 March 2013
Categories : Diving and Snorkeling
Disclaimer: This is our trip report - purely reflect our real experience,can be subjective but factual to our eyes at that time and places. How to get there: Very easy, dozens flights from Jakarta and other regional and international airport to Bali Ngurah Rai International airport.Get the taxi from airport to Sanur beach,where several fast boat and regular boat are ready to bring you with the travel time between 30 minutes to 3 hours depend on the boat operator...
Bali means serenity
29 August 2013
Categories : Diving and Snorkeling - Culture and Heritage - Surfing - Travelings
If you really want to know the meaning of serenity then you should sit on the beach of Bali. When I reached bali in the first week of November 2009, it became 1300 hrs. (i.e. 1:00 am in the mid night). I dumped my luggage in the hotel and could not resist myself to go to the beach at that mid night as the roaring of the sea was calling me. I asked the receptionist whether its safe to go to the beach at that time; the receptionist replied with smile and...
Tag : Kuta Beach, Dreamland, Uluwatu, Menjangan Island , Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida


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Session BH: Bubbles II
10:30 AM–12:40 PM, Sunday, November 23, 2008
Room: 101B
Chair: Hariprasad Janakiram Subramani, Chevron Corporation
Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.DFD.BH.2
Abstract: BH.00002 : High-speed jet formation after solid object impact
Preview Abstract MathJax On | Off Abstract
Stephan Gekle
(Physics of Fluids, University of Twente, The Netherlands)
Jose Manuel Gordillo
(Area de Mecanica de Fluidos, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain)
Devaraj van der Meer
(Physics of Fluids, University of Twente, The Netherlands)
Detlef Lohse
(Physics of Fluids, University of Twente, The Netherlands)
A circular disc impacting on a water surface creates a remarkably vigorous jet. Upon impact an axisymmetric air cavity forms and eventually pinches off in a single point halfway down the cavity. Immediately after closure two fast sharp-pointed jets are observed shooting up- respectively downwards from the closure location, which by then has turned into a stagnation point surrounded by a locally hyperbolic flow pattern. This flow, however, is not the mechanism feeding the two jets. Using high-speed imaging and numerical simulations we show that jetting occurs as a consequence of the local flow around the base of the jet, which is forced by the colliding cavity walls. Based on this insight, we then show how the analytical description of a collapsing void (using a line of sinks along the axis of symmetry) can be continued beyond the time of pinch-off, namely by turning it into a discontinuous line plus a point sink located near the base of the jet. The model is in quantitative agreement with the numerical and experimental data.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.DFD.BH.2


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For every country Dam is very important from where electricity is generate, which is the main necessity for every human being. Hoover Dam located in the Nevada, Mohave county, Arizona. It is also given the name of Boulder Dam. The Dam was built on Colorado river which separate the two US states Nevada and Arizona. It's height about 726 ft which is taller than Washington Monument and double taller than the Luxor Casino which is 338 ft. If we talk about its pedestal it is thick as two football fields. Its thickness is 660 ft.More than 20,00 automobile on a day drive across the 45 ft because it's top of the dam very wide There is enough space in Hoover Dam to build a 2 lane road from Seattle from Washington to Miami. Because of its dam has a roof it's electricity period has much water to complete 100 gallons in one second or it can fill 15 average size swimming pools which contains 20,000 gallons each in every second. Its water pipes is 30 ft wide which contains so much water that it can fill 900 bath tubs which is approximately 100 gallons in one second. If we talk about its design or shape, its design is like a curve axe head which is 45 ft wide from the top and from the bottom is 660 ft thick.When Hoover Dam has full power it can supply 17 generators to the city of 750,000 people and each generator has a weight about 4 million pounds each. This Hoover dam was manufactured by Lake Mead and from 1931 to 1936 this dam was constructed and during these 96 men was killed in accident unfortunately.
If we talk about its cost to build the dam it's about $2,000,000 of copper pennies which make the copper buses to take electricity inside the power house. In the America every state has supplied the materials for the construction of this dam and from Los Angeles to Hoover 2700 miles of transmission lines of electricity are sent. Thus it is one of the biggest projects of America from where electricity is sent to all states of the America.


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Photos and Review by Oyster.com Investigators
In affluent Buckhead, within walking distance of high-end shopping and the MARTA
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is located on Peachtree Road, an extension of Atlanta's main drag, Peachtree Street. It's within walking distance of Lenox Shopping Center and the Buckhead subway stop, which will take you straight to Downtown Atlanta attractions.
Located about 15 minutes from downtown, Buckhead is an affluent area in uptown Atlanta with tree-lined streets, beautiful mansions, high-rise office buildings, and luxury hotels. It's Atlanta's third largest financial district, and draws tourists and locals with its upscale shops, restaurants, and bars. However, the lively nightlife scene here has died down a bit after an ordinance was passed requiring all bars to close by 2:30 a.m. The area is home to the Atlanta History Center, a 32-acre space with gardens, trails, a historic farm and mansion, and a museum.
The outstanding service and glamorous design at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead fall in line with customer's expectations of this luxury brand. The 517 rooms are mostly luxurious, with bright bay windows, iPod docks, plush linens, and warm colors, but feel slightly dated, with popcorn ceilings and run-of-the-mill wood furniture. Bathrooms have marble vanities and, in most, rainforest showerheads, but no separate soaking tubs and no name-brand toiletries. Property highlights include a big indoor pool, a high-end cafe, an ornate lobby, and a regal dining room. In Buckhead, it's bested by the Mandarin Oriental and the St. Regis.
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Hang tight!
Recipe by Parizienne
"This salad came straight from my grandmother's recipe collection. It's a tradition every summer and soooo refreshing and delicious. Be sure to put this on ice if it's going to be served outdoors."
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1 cup
uncooked ditalini pasta
2 (4.5 ounce) cans
small shrimp, drained and chopped, or more to taste
3 stalks
celery, finely chopped
green onions, finely sliced
1/2 teaspoon
finely chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon
coarsely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup
fresh lemon juice
1 cup
salt and pepper to taste
1 sprig
fresh dill for garnish, or as needed
1 sprig
fresh parsley for garnish, or as needed
This has been my basic macaroni salad recipe for almost 40 years. I use more hard boiled eggs, frozen salad shrimp, omit the dill and use MiracleWhip in place of the mayo. It's the only time I ever use Miracle Whip! Make it a day ahead, except for the shrimp as the flavors meld and the macaroni tends to absorb the MW, you may need to add a bit more. Then gently fold the shrimp in before serving.
I didn't care for this. All I could taste is the lemon and salad dressing.
42 Ratings
This is SUPER delicious!!! I made it for a family get-together and everyone loved it, and I've made it a few more times since then. The first time I made it, I chopped the shrimp up, but I didn't like that the pieces were so small you couldn't really get a strong flavor from them, so the second time I left them whole and it was so much better. And I use some I get at the meat counter rather than canned. I also sub dried dill for fresh, and use about 1 1/2 Tbs, and that works well. I also double the lemon juice. One time I made these I had no eggs, and it tasted delish without them, too. Really, I think this is a hard one to screw up no matter what you do...which is nice.
This is salad is divine. I had second helping as it was so addictive. I used Japanese mayonnaise and thawed fresh shrimp. Added crab-meat as well. Added more lemon juice to make it more tangy and the result was excellent! Thank you for this awesome recipe!
I made this exactly as directed and it was excellent. Couldn't wait to eat the leftovers the next day for lunch.
Wonderful!!! I use much more shrimp, hard-boiled egg, and all the other fixin's in the recipe because I like a really "full" salad :) I might even add some white lump crab next time hmm.... As promised, this is VERY refreshing, and light! Perfect for a summer's day. Thank you so much for sharing your grandmother's magic :) I've used both the canned shrimp, and larger frozen salad shrimp. Delicious either way!! I will use one or the other depending on what kind of event I'm attending, or throwing ;)
Absolutely the best pasta salad I ever made!! I used mayo light due to the calories and had more shrimp. I added the eggs chopped inside the mix because my family is not much for garnishes. The green onion, dill, parsley combo was outta this world! I had my doubts cause I usually make a heavier, more spicy pasta salad. Never again! This is our new favorite!
I made this for my sister's fourth of July party. People were raving and even making sandwiches out of it! My dad and uncle had 4ths!
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Grandma Bellows' Lemony Shrimp Macaroni Salad with Herbs
Serving Size: 1/12 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
** Calories: 214
** Calories from Fat: 148
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Make a quick, colorful, creamy salad that's slightly sweet and tart.
This deli-style macaroni salad will always be a crowd-favorite!
See how to make a creamy shrimp salad with pasta shells.


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Welcome to the all new Best Week Ever blog. A site so new it still has that new blog smell. Enjoy it.
Bookmark us now. This isn't the old BWE– this version is newer and prettier (which is exactly what Haylie Duff's parents said when Hilary was born, by the way.) If you look on the side you'll see we have Games for you to play, Upgrade/Downgrades for you to vote on, a Store for you to shop in, links for you to check out, and a whole lot more. We also have a new interactive feature called Drop It, where you can be a part of BWE.tv by submitting your favorite stories, links, photos and videos. Take a look.
So have fun playing around with the new site and let us know what you think. We're in this together people– let's make it happen.


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The Local Scene
Keep up with area news.
Monthly Archive for October, 2010
Kremke, Korioth are fastest in Tour de Gruene team time trials
Houston's Kevin Kremke and Austin's John Korioth held off two cyclists from Minnesota Sunday to win the overall title in the Tour de Gruene team time trials. Kremke-Korioth (58 minutes, 32 seconds) edged Ian Stanford and Johnathan Toftoy. In turn, Stanford-Toftoy (58:43) held off Texans Lawson Craddock and and David Wenger (59:05). Another close battle came […] [Read More]
Tom Zirbel breaks Lance Armstrong's record in Tour de Gruene
Tom Zirbel had quite a day at the Tour de Gruene. Celebrating his 32nd birthday, the resident of Boulder, Colo., rode to a course record time Saturday in the 16-mile individual time trial. Zirbel completed the course on River Road at the Guadalupe River in 32 minutes and 15 seconds, nearly a minute faster than the previous […] [Read More]
The atmosphere is festive at the Tour de Gruene
GRUENE — Cyclists young and old seem to be having a great time on a cool, sunny day in the Hill Country. Lots of participants in Tour de Gruene recreational rides this morning have congregated at Mozie's, across the street from Gruene Hall. Hoisting bottled beer and champagne, people are toasting family and friends. The […] [Read More]
Teen cycling star Craddock adds spice to the Tour de Gruene
I had a chance to chat with teen cycling phenom Lawson Craddock earlier today, and Craddock confirmed that he would be riding in the Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic this weekend. The two-day Tour de Gruene will take place in and around Gruene, near New Braunfels, on Saturday and Sunday. Craddock, 18, and his partner/coach Dave Wenger will be in action on […] [Read More]
Tour de Gruene cyclist, 55, doesn't feel limited by his age
Mike Buonaugurio likely won't be the fastest rider on the course Saturday at the Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic. But the 55-year-old San Antonian, who once worked in Air Force special operations and security during his active duty, will finish ahead of a lot of younger athletes. He was 12th overall in the individual time trial last year, completing […] [Read More]
Key to riding a fast time trial? 'Shut off the brain,' keep pedaling
I had a nice chat and a few laughs Tuesday night with the defending time trial champion in the Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic. Armed with a dry sense of humor, Houston's Jeremy Andrews says he will be back at the River Road on Saturday for the second year in a row. "Tom Zirbel has decided to come join us for the […] [Read More]
When we were young (and waterlogged) on the Guadalupe
Robby, my good friend Gilbert's uncle, never asked what happened to the oars. Or the cooler. Or the snacks and drinks that we had packed for our maiden voyage down the Guadalupe River in a yellow inflatable raft. Also, I can't remember if we told Robby about the cow. As I recall, Gilbert and I were probably just […] [Read More]
NFL lockout threat casts shadow on 'The Game' at the dome
College football standouts with dreams of playing in the NFL will congregate at the Alamodome in February in an event that officials are billing simply as "The Game." One team will consist of players with Texas connections. Another will feature players from around the nation. Sponsored by the NFL Players Association, the talent showcase is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. on Feb. 5 at […] [Read More]
Brandt says NFL great Holmes was known for his character
Former Dallas Cowboys player personnel director Gil Brandt was happy to hear today that Priest Holmes had been named to the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. Holmes became a popular figure during his seven years with the Kansas City Chiefs, six as an active player, before he retired during the 2007 season. "I think everybobdy that was ever […] [Read More]
European power in women's volleyball lands former S.A. star
Former San Antonio high school volleyball standout Destinee Hooker confirmed that she will join Scavolini Pesaro in the Italian Serie A League in November. The professional league is considered one of the top in the world, and Pesaro is the defending champion. Hooker, the former standout at Southwest High School and All-American at Texas, made the remarks in a telephone interview […] [Read More]
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Started this discussion. Last reply by TheDizzyDolls Oct 14, 2012. 8 Replies 2 Likes
hey lovely hoopers! Im just starting to get into performing and one of the biggest things holding me back is the fear of dropping my hoop or throwing it off stage by accident! Is it normal to make…
Tags: performing
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Hoop City - Hooping Community - a space for hoopers


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I wanted to know if pdfsam basic was compatible with windows 7 64 bits ; I guess not given the "Win32 Installer" name of the file.
Is there a plan to release a 64 bits compatible version in the near future ?
Thanks a lot,
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Texmark's primary businesses are dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), dicyclopentadiene alcohol, resin intermediates, n-butanol, specialty products made from DCPD or CPD (cyclopentadiene), and contract processing. Texmark is the second largest producer of DCPD in the U.S.
Texmark Chemicals, Inc. is a petrochemical company located in Galena Park, Texas, just east of Houston and on the Houston Ship Channel.
Texmark, a Division of
Chemical Exchange Industries, Inc. (CXI)


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GRAFTON, Mass. — The first of four 80,000-gallon propane tanks will arrive in Grafton by truck Thursday afternoon, Grafton & Upton Railroad owner Jon Delli Priscoli, announced Tuesday during the selectmen meeting, stunning selectmen, residents and a police chief who will face a potential traffic jam.
The speed of the construction of the propane transfer site, which is being done without the input of local officials because of presumed federal railroad exemption laws, quickly turned the meeting into a shouting match.
"He explained to the town, this wouldn't happen till January," said Stephen and Kathy Ryan of Waterville Circle. "This involves a lot of people: There are 60 homes and there is a nearby school."
Although many knew the tanks were coming, Delli Priscoli told the town in earlier meetings that it would be next month. That timeline has accelerated because the tanks were finished ahead of schedule.
The tank, which is about 14 feet high and weighs 225,000 pounds, will eventually store 80,000 gallons of propane fuel on the site located off Westborough Road and North Main Street. Three additional tanks will be delivered on Dec.18, 19 and 20.
The truck route will exit Route 20 to Route 122 and travel slowly through North Grafton, past Wyman Gordon, turn left onto Bridge Street, left onto North Main Street, right onto Waterville Street, and then left onto Westborough Road to the site. The exact time is not known but, under contract, it will be no later than 3:30 p.m.
The tank will be moved by LPG Ventures, a propane tank specialist based in Raytown, Mo., and will be escorted by Massachusetts State Police.
The route, which will originate in Fall River, has been carefully planned with every street corner reviewed and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, said John Holstein, a consultant for Grafton & Upton Railroad. Originally, the tank was to be moved overnight, when fewer cars are on the road, but the plan was changed.
The daytime schedule announcement was "a whole new thing," Police Chief Normand A. Crepeau Jr. said. He promised Grafton police officers will be on hand to help. "This will create issues," he said, referring to traffic flow.
No fuel will be stored until the Federal Railroad Board and the U.S. Fire Administration, plus state and local fire officials, have reviewed the final construction, Delli Priscoli said. That will be in the spring, he said.
Delli Priscoli also said he had no control over the tank delivery, and he was surprised that people did not know this.
"We've discussed this at every meeting," he said.
Dennis Flynn, who built a house that overlooks the site, was appalled at how poorly the town has communicated with the neighborhood.
"You need to learn how to talk to us," he said.
Stephen and Kathy Ryan say the speed of the site's progress gives them a sense of powerlessness.
"It's presented as if we don't have a choice," said Kathy Ryan. "We don't know how much of an investigation has been done into this."


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Serious Eats: Talk
email updates withOUT comment
I like the feature that sends me added comments to threads I've commented on.
Is there a way for me to flag a thread that I want to see comments on without adding an inane comment like "Ooh! Ooh! Tell me what's posted!"?
My apologies to those who had Car 54 inflicted on them.


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I am one of those people who thinks everything tastes better when it's cooked over open flames. (I am also one of those people who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near fire, as I am known for forgetting cookies are in the oven, the flame's under the kettle, the handle on the grill is white-hot, hence any grilling I am involved with absolutely, definitely requires assistance.)
In typical long-weekend-for-Americans fashion, my family grilled out for Labor Day this year. The evening before, I mixed a few marinades—one for the chicken and one for the veggies—letting the chicken soak up the rosemary-infused, garlic, lemony juices overnight. Beyond the chicken, we would have zucchini, squash, garlic naan, a big salad (and, anything at all else I'd decide to toss on last-minute, since, when one's charcoal opportunities are limited, she must make the most of the hot flames while she's got them).
Monday morning, I brainstormed a nutella panini with strawberries, buttering one side (the side to be grilled first) and using fresh, pre-sliced Italian bread. My pictures are terrible, so I'll just tell you: ooey-gooey chocolate nutty flavor, mixed with juicy bits of fresh strawberries, sandwiched between the crunchy bite of grilled bread—I think I'm beginning to understand why people buy panini-makers.
The chicken was very good—my mom can barbeque like a champ, even in the heat of 90-degree weather—but my marinade didn't shine through much, we decided. Maybe because it orginally called for thighs, and we used boneless, skinless breasts? Either way, the meat was beautifully tender and delicious, the way only a hot charcoal grill can get it.
And I really enjoyed the veggies, which is something since I'm not their biggest fan, normally, particularly not when it comes to squash or zucchini. This marinade is based on a recipe from Emeril, and I only made a few tweaks, partially because of not having certain items (running out of olive oil, tragedy!) and partially just because of preference (can you have too much garlic? too much basil?).
As summer's barely ending and we look forward to a few months of fall's crisp afternoons and brisk night air, I'd say this marinade would make a great addition to a barbeque anytime. Not to mention, fall will bring us fresh, local-grown vegetables to play with.
Vegetable Marinade
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (mixed mine with canola)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (easy alternative: half vinegar, half water, bit of sugar)
3 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon minced garlic (more is good)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Veggies (use whatever you'd like!)
We chose:
1 large eggplant, ends trimmed, sliced lengthwise into 1/3-inch thick slices
1 pound yellow squash and zucchini, ends trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
Whisk ingredients together in a mixing bowl. when it comes time to cook, brush this mixture all over your veggies before placing them on the grill. Keep your eye on them, turning them until they begin to brown and show grill lines.
This Post Has 4 Comments
Great article! My family and I have *really* gotten into grilling veggies this summer. Even the kids like 'em!
Our favorite is grilled corn on the cob. It took me a while to get it right, but I found some helpful tips in The Backyard community: https://backyard.netshops.com/#l=topic&i=495
Even though summer is almost over, we plan on making grilled veggies a regular part of our diet year-round!
outdoor griller
those are some great tips I especially liked the one about putting friut on the bread that sounds good there are some great recipes and tips at http://www.cookingandgrillinoutdoors.com
i agree!
my sister had grilled watermelon the other day, and said it was amazing… i'd like to try that one day!
Ooh, Tony, yum. I love grilled corn on the cob!
Amy, watermelon is a great idea! The sugars would carmelize and be delish, I bet. I'll have to try that!


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Preemptible Linux: A Reality Check
bblack Posted Mar 19, 2011
This paper goes back to 2002 and is dated. It doesn't really address hard real time needs. I have worked for years with real time controls for tracking pedestals and lately have started to come up to speed with the RTAI patch. In the process I also did a quick review on the pre emptive patch. As far as I can see only RTLinux or RTAi provide an actual real time environment. The rest only seem to improve kernel latencies which may be fine for some things, but not for serious work.
W1PK Posted Mar 25, 2011
There are different levels of hard real-time, of course. The kernel team has been cleaning out the Big Kernel Lock bottlenecks for years. Our company designs many systems for our clients using embedded Linux nowadays, and it's fast enough for a wide variety of applications. Not all, of course; for the most critical timing requirements we tend to use FPGAs, or naked application code running on dedicated DSPs.


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HOOVER, Ala. (WHNT) – It's been five years since Lane Kiffin did his first and only SEC Media Days.
He walked the lobby and faced all the questions as a league newcomer with Tennessee back in 2009. Kiffin was elsewhere Thursday, but was again a focal point.
Now seven months since his hiring as Alabama's new offensive coordinator, the adjustment period is ending. It's not easy going from the man in charge to an assistant. Nick Saban knows all about that.
To continue reading click here.
Courtesy: al.com


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Keep up-to-date with all of the latest news and information
The public sector in UK will spend £730.4 billion[1] over 12 months 2013/14. A bit of digging suggests that around 37% goes to the independent sector[2]. That's £270,248million (£270billion) paid to independent companies – commercial organisations and voluntary/ community sector and charities – to provide goods, works and services.
The NHS is mediocre, Jeremy Hunt will say today, and show that it costs lives. But he's not the first person.
In 2003, Kate Silvester (Lean Thinking Hawk for the NHS) told us that "at any one time, 30% of waste and inefficiency can be taken out of the health service". She was right, but it needs some context.
Transforming Community Services (TCS) is about taking services where patients and service users have to travel, and bringing them into the community and into people's homes.
The effects are twofold:
This page looks specifically at the first part of TCS - and the examples used are Healthcare. The principles apply to all sectors
Have you wondered whether the disruption to NHS is incompetence, or deliberate? Polly Toynbee and David Walker have an opinion, and they've put that opinion into a book.
The argument is purely polemic. It doesn't attempt to win over government supporters, only to explain to Cameron's opponents what they are up against. They describe an ugly chimera of Thatcherite brain, liberal Tory heart, and Europhobic limbs, not so much a monster as a series of disembodied body parts held together by the suit they are inside.
Good news - the hospital beds from the Danny Boyle Olympic spectacular aren't going to waste - they are going to be donated to hospitals in Tunisia.
The UK health service is one of the best on planet earth.
Why then do we talk it down and find so many opportunities for improvement?
Because technology (medical, care pathways, equipment) and understanding (what we know, how we know what causes what) is moving at such a pace that what was cutting edge last year has been replaced by the new cutting edge.
What is the best way to know if NHS is effective and efficient? And in particular, how do we know what reforms are needed and how we should bring them about?
I've pulled out a number of reports which compare NHS historically, and with other countries, to decide if it is effective and if not, what we need to do about it
My mission is that everyone will enjoy and be passionate about what they do.
(with Haiku)
What is the future for NHS, given all the U-turns? Will we see Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and what will they really be like? What role does the House of Commons Parliamentary Health Select Committee have in all of this? NHS has certain challenges . . .
The cycle of NHS reform has come around again, just about on time. Past history shows that the whole thing is reorganised every three or four years . We don't know if it does any good, because it's never left alone for long enough to find out1. Is this time any different?
What is a procurement framework?
So you want the opportunities to find you. You want to promote your business without putting any effort in - or at least you want some business coming to you instead of chasing it all the time. You may be fed up witll filling in Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ) and never getting selected, or a scatter gun approach to responding to tenders.
I spoke with an experienced Project and Programme Manager today, and it reminded me just how far apart P3M (Portfolio, Programme and Project Management) and Benefits Management are.
Bringing jobs to the North East, to the English Regions, to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is going to take a bit of imagination. Our focus needs to be on infrastructure, on creating links with the rest of the world and on demonstrating that the United Kingdom is, in fact, United.
This can be done with Infrastructure - high speed rail links linking not the cities, but the airports. So a commercial traveler passing through can stop in two airports (one for arrival, another for departure) and talk to two lots of suppliers or importers, and the jobs will follow those conversations.
An app on my smartphone shows the way.
We're delighted to make the Social Return on Investment (SROI) report on Phoenix Futures' National Specialist Family Service available.
The National Specialist Family Service supports parents to overcome their substance misuse addictions, and keep their children. Drug abusers learn to recognise the triggers for their urges and control them. They learn to be good parents and to manage the routines of family life.
I was called in to do a SROI (Social Return on Investment) report on the National Specialist Family Service at a very difficult time – they had almost no referrals.
For a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis, the auditor has to do primary research. This means that it's the beneficiary (or victim), the Social Workers themselves, who confirm how much benefit or return on investment that they get. It isn't someone else "answering" on their behalf.
Social Return on Investment, or SROI, asks beneficiaries to put a value on the benefits to themselves. In traditional Cost Benefit Analysis, the project manager decides on the value and who it accrues to, and this has led to a certain amount of optimism bias in business cases and a general avoidance of independent evaluation. So SROI figures are not only more conservative/ cautious, but also endorsed by the beneficiary who will ultimately have to demonstrate that they have gained that value. It all starts with identifying the main beneficiaries.
A major cost in many businesses is project failure, due to using unqualified and inexperienced project managers. We include the highest qualification internationally, RPP, to deliver leadership to keep you profitable and successful.Learn more
Do you know what the return will be on your investment? What about hard to measure things like Quality of Service, Staff Well Being, Quality of Life, Digital Inclusion? How do you know the right amount to invest? How can you convince your sponsors or get government grants? Learn more
Many organisations struggle to write the bids and proposals that win them the business they need. It isn't rocket science, but it's often a job that nobody wants to do. Our expert team can help you find opportunities, open doors, qualify bids in or out, and then prepare the paperwork that propels you to success. Learn more
People come to work to do a good job – if only they knew what a good job is … What if your employees, volunteers and others were fully committed to your organisation's objectives, and could see day by day how much contribution they were making.Would you be more successful? Learn more
The Social Return Company is a trading name for Minney.org Ltd, Company number 6287126 registered in England.


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Adele's James Bond Theme Leaked! Listen to "Skyfall" Now (UPDATE)
UPDATE: Now that it's October 5, Global James Bond Day, the full song has been released. See below!
Original story:
The British Secret Service would be ashamed: Adele's theme song for the next James Bond movie, Skyfall, has hit the web — days ahead of schedule. Perhaps some hacker just earned his or her double-0 status!
The song, appropriately titled "Skyfall," was supposed to be unveiled at 12:07 A.M. BST (or 00:07, by the 24-hour clock) on October 5, the 50th anniversary of the date that the franchise's first movie, Dr. No, was released.
But somehow, a snippet of the track popped up three days early, giving Bond fans an unexpected thrill this morning. (See the video below!)
The fully-orchestrated, lounge-like feel evokes classic James Bond themes like Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever."
Adele co-wrote the theme with Paul Epworth, with whom she wrote "Rolling in the Deep."
"There's a lot of instant spotlight and pressure when it comes to a Bond song." the British chanteuse confesses in a statement. "But I fell in love with the script, and Paul had some great ideas for the track, and it ended up being a bit of a no-brainer to do it in the end."
The track was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, with a 77-piece orchestra backing Adele's vocals.
"When we recorded the strings, it was one of the proudest moments of my life," the multi-platinum singer says. "I'll be back combing my hair when I'm 60, telling people I was a Bond girl back in the day, I'm sure."
The song is available as a pre-order on iTunes now, and Skyfall — starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, and Judi Dench — hits theaters on November 9.
Source: BBC
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McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
Facts & Figures
- 1,450 full-time undergraduates
- 180 faculty
- 48 credits required for BS:
- 18 core math, science, and engineering courses
- 16 major courses
- 9 humanities/
social science/
communication courses
- 5 unrestricted electives
The Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science (MEAS) has reshaped engineering education through a curriculum that focuses on creativity, teamwork, and innovative design. Students work in teams to tackle design problems for clients. Complementing this hands-on experience are rigorous courses in computing, mathematics, mechanics, and physics to introduce the essential principles of design and analysis.
Design is an important aspect of engineering education at Northwestern. By learning design thinking, students learn to understand user experiences, identify the real problem behind the perceived problem, and develop appropriate solutions. Design activities are based in the classroom, machine shops, and design studios of the Segal Design Institute, in the Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center and in the Technological Institute.
The McCormick School offers fourteen majors, five certificate programs, and a co-op program.


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Food Flashes
Food Flashes focuses on what's happening in the dining community, from restaurant openings and closings, to chef changes, to heart-healthy menus to kids' specials.
Posts filtered on Tag
Kai Express to open
Kai Japanese & Asian Cuisine, 2535 NW Loop 410, is opening a new restaurant, Kai Express, near the Thousand Oaks-Perrin Beitel intersection. We'll give more details as they become available. [Read More]


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Hi. As of this year, I have chosen to no longer be involved in animation. This choice was easy for me as I am now following my true passion, which is art and and more specifically painting. I have had a great time, and learned so much both working in the industry and for myself and animation will always be an interest of mine. However being a fine artist will now be my focus and the majority of my time will spent on this new exciting endeavour. To say farewell I have provided a link to the 3D animation I completed for my masters program at Wits University of which I am still very proud of.
OASIS from Luke Baggott on Vimeo.
This is a deleted scene from Oasis. It was removed because I felt that Oasis was a more of an atmospheric piece and this scene made too obvious a message which ultimately took away from the film's mystery and other themes. However, I now feel I should have added it in the original edit as my anti-fracking angle should be made clearer.
FinalSceneShot1 from Luke Baggott on Vimeo.
Luke's Blog
Luke's artistic endevours.
Monday, 12 May 2014
Farewell to Animation
Posted by Luke Baggott at 01:21 No comments:
Self Portrait
Since the beginning of the year I have been working as an artist. I have all but given up animation as I believe in order to be a true artist, one must dedicate all of oneself to the craft and as a result I have had no time to follow any other endeavours. For the moment I am very secretive about my work but on the odd occasion I produce something on the side that is not part of what I am currently working on and will upload it to my blog. This image is a photograph of I painting I did for my mother for her birthday. It is a self portrait created in oils in front of a mirror.
It is 42 x 60 cm.
Posted by Luke Baggott at 01:04 No comments:
Labels: luke baggott, oil painting, self-portrait
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Hi hi, Long time and Ben's 21st painting
So I did this digital painting for my brother Ben. It was quite rushed because I've got a lot on my mind at the moment like my damn thesis which is taking forever and which I have to finish by the end of the month. This as well as the fact that I gotta start practicing for my music licentiate in September has made it really difficult to do anything else.
I didn't have a photo of ben's face from that angle so a lot of it is really interpretive and imaginary. It was a lot of fun trying to work it out though. Please click and see the picture in its full res.
I have also included a painting process vid made from screenshots and embedded it below.
Posted by Luke Baggott at 14:37 No comments:
Labels: Ben Baggott, Digital Painting, Photoshop, Viking
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Sax Quartet.
I know this is not really my typical kind of thing but its still an artistic endeavor.
Posted by Luke Baggott at 15:35 No comments:
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Whitenecked Raven.
Click to Zoom
Please click to take a closer look. :-)
Heres some reference. "Sasol Birds of Southern Africa." I know it's not really from the area of my film but the Whitenecked Raven looked the most badass so I took some artistic liberty.
Posted by Luke Baggott at 14:56 No comments:
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Jan deBoer
Click to Zoom
This is a test render of the character in my current 3D Animation project. He is an old man that has lived on in the Karoo all his life. I have chosen to push certain features away from reality in order to ground the film as an animation and not live action. However, I am going to be rendering very realistically.
Posted by Luke Baggott at 13:05 No comments:
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Fence Walk
Click to Zoom
This is a colour test concept artwork for my next film set in the Karoo. Done in photoshop with a wacom.
Posted by Luke Baggott at 13:39 No comments:
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My Films
These are some of my films. If you want info on them and better quality check them out on vimeo rather. Shweet!


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June 20, 2014
Time and again, we have seen laws and regulations put in place with a laser focus on restricting access to the ballot box for certain voters but not others. A court ruling in the past week just upended one such unjust law. Federal District Judge Peter Economus ordered that early in-person voting on the last three days before an election must be restored. That means the polls will be open on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before an election for all eligible Ohio voters. A bit of history: In 2012, the Ohio Legislature and Ohio Secretary of State Husted did all they could to keep minorities and students from going to the polls in that busy weekend before the presidential election. The law kept that period of early voting open for military personnel but prohibited it for all other voters. Several organizations including the Obama Campaign, the Democratic National Committee and the Ohio Democratic Party filed suit and a temporary injunction was granted. After passing a new wave of restrictive voting laws this year, the Republican controlled state legislature kept that ban on voting during the last three days before an election on the books. Again - and this is key – the restriction applied to some but not all voters. African-Americans in particular have disproportionately been affected by curtailment of early in-person voting. The parties that sued went back to court and the court issued a final ruling, declaring the law violated the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. In his ruling, Judge Economus rightly noted, "the State may not, by later arbitrary and disparate treatment, value one person's vote over that of another." Bush v. Gore, 531 U.S. 98, 104-05 (2000). Here, that is precisely what the State has done." I am elated the court was definitive in its decision that neither Secretary of State Husted, nor the Ohio Legislature can continue to be impediments to the right to vote, nor can they continue their assault on our democracy. Having lost for a second time, state officials have now agreed to follow uphold the Constitution and bring back voting hours in the last three days before an election. On another topic, President Obama has taken a much needed step towards making college more affordable. On Monday, June 9, the President signed an executive order that caps loan payments at 10 percent of monthly incomes. Considering that the average student owes $29,400 in student loan debt, the action will bring relief for millions of Americans. The President expects that his order will help up to 5 million borrowers and I am proud to support him in this initiative. As this issue continues to greatly affect my constituents and fellow Ohioans, I have also taken action by co-sponsoring the "Bank on Students Emergency Refinancing Act" (H.R. 4582). The bill allows borrowers to refinance student loans at lower interest rates and will save American families at least $70 billion. Despite the much needed help this legislation would give to Americans, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have refused to let it advance. Republicans in both the House and the Senate oppose the bill because of the "Fair Share Tax" that will help to fund the lower interest rates. The tax closes the loopholes that exist for millionaires in not having to pay taxes on their investments; helping many Americans while barely affecting a few. Unfortunately, the effort made by Democrats in the Senate could not break a Republican led filibuster. A companion bill in the Senate failed by only 6 votes. The failure of student loan relief in the Senate means that it is now up to the House of Representatives to push this bill through and influence the Senate to try again. Support for H.R. 4582 means support for economic development as well as for our future leaders as they receive their higher education. If we do not deal with the problem of overwhelming student loan debt, there will be negative consequences for the economy as well as for our families, friends and neighbors. Assisting young Americans with their student loan debt burden would free up more of their income, allowing them to purchase goods and services that stimulate the economy. Right now the burden of college loans is interfering with young people moving forward with their lives; studies have shown the Millennial generation is putting off purchasing cars and homes, in part due to the crippling debt they face following graduation. The unreasonable costs of attending colleges are harming our young generations as well as our economy, and it is time that something is done about it. I will continue to advocate for our government to be part of the solution. Have a good week everyone.