text:
Pollenizer Academy
Pollenizer Academy equips individuals and teams with the practical knowledge needed to build a successful business the lean way. Using lean startup tools and techniques, Pollenizer Academy courses balance theoretical principles with hands-on guided workshops – all with the aim having you running lean.
What people have said…
The real value from this course goes far beyond the excellent tools, techniques and concepts related to Developing Lean Startups. Within a couple days, you did a great job allowing participants to crystallize who they are, what they are there for, what they should do, and to prove them that for real tangible progress, focus and action are much more important than time. "
– Gerald Berkovics, Independent Experts
Brilliant insights, tools and techniques. I feel much more confident about approaching new product concepts and reaching our consumers.
– Allan Waddell, Mi9
I can now identify where our business has gone wrong in the past and how to minimise our mistakes or failures in the future.
– David Lamyman
The course demystified the world of startups and provided concrete concepts that can be used in corporate land. The world is looking very different now!
– Stephen Dunn, Macquarie Group Australia
Course Overviews
Startup Focus
Pollenizer Academy presents a class on Focusing your Startup. This hands on guided workshop will prepare any business for a competitve environment and will allow attendees to apply this knowledge to their business.
Pitching for Investment
Every startup needs to be lean and bootstrap at various stages. Many will still face the task of raising investment capital at some stage for expansion. Capital raising is as much about planning and preparation as it is about having a good business.
Lean Startup Bootcamp
We've teamed up with muru-D to present a series of Lean Startup Bootcamps across various cities in Australia. These intense sessions are specifically targeted entrepreneurs, exploring problem solution fit.
Building Lean Startups Series
Part One/ Problem Solution Fit
This course is about how Pollenizer employees learn their craft. It will re-wire your brain to the art of new business discovery. If you want to start a business or innovate from within an existing company, you will value this journey.
Part Two/ Product Marketing Fit
Building on the material in Building Lean Startups, this course hones in on two key topics for lean startup practitioners – lean analytics and customer acquisition aka growth hacking. An ideal follow on for graduates of Building Lean Startups, or anyone who is actively working to apply lean principles to their startup or corporate project.


text:
Official Website of the City of Milwaukee
CALL for Action (414) 286-CITY | Click for Action
Effective Date January 1, 2009
January 1 st - March 31 st
$12 Altered
$24 Unaltered
After April 1st a late fee is added to license fee:
$18 Altered
$36 Unaltered
Dog and cat license information for City of Milwaukee animals
Contact: Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission at 414-649-8640.
Facility address: MADACC, 3839 W. Burnham St., West Milwaukee, WI 53215
A. Wisconsin State Statute as well as Milwaukee County and Municipal Ordinance require that dogs and cats 5 months of age and older must be up-to-date on rabies inoculations and licensing prior to leaving MADACC. If your dog or cat has not been h. File a report with your local Police Department.
vaccinated against rabies or the vaccination has expired, you must go to your veterinarian, pay for the rabies vaccination in advance and bring the "Prepayment Receipt" with you at the time you claim your pet.
B. Proof of a current Milwaukee County dog or cat license is required.
C. Fees involved in the return of your dog or cat vary depending on the area the animal was found, length of stay at the shelter, and the need for purchase of a current license. Following is a brief explanation of what types of fees are to be expected:
Ordinance Fee-Municipal fee for animal running at large. Range from $3.00 to $50.00.
Impound Fee-A $60.00 impound fee is charged for the handling/pick-up of the animal per occurance.
Board Fee-A board fee of $15.00 per calendar day the animal is housed at the facility.
License Fee-If you are unable to show evidence that the pet is current with a Milwaukee County License, you must apply for one at the time you claim your lost animal. This fee can vary from $8.00 to $40.00 depending on the municipality of residence.
D. Current identification such as a valid Wisconsin driver's license must be shown at the time you claim your lost pet.
a. Call our facility as soon as possible to report your lost pet. A report will be completed and kept on file.
b. Visit our facility within 24 hours of your pet's disappearance to view our kennels.
c. Check MADACC website home page daily and view strays that are in the shelter through the "Lost A Pet" link. Photos are updated at 10AM daily.
d. It is your responsibility to visit our shelter on a regular basis, at the very minimum, once every six days as stray animals are held by law for seven days to be claimed by their owner.
e. Check with your neighborhood newspaper delivery person.
f. Check with neighborhood children.
g. Post a "Lost Animal Flyer" throughout the neighborhood.
Other animal fees administered by DNS
Animal Fancier $60 Late Fee $25
Animal Keeper Fee $70 Late Fee $30
Contact Dept. of Neighborhood Services for details and applications at 414-286-5771.
Milwaukee now allows Chickens and Bees
Last Update
Design by City of Milwaukee

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Monthly Archive for February, 2012
Hartley, Mosqueda-Lewis Named To Midseason Naismith List
UConn sophomore Bria Hartley and freshman Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis are among 32 players named to the Naismith Trophy midseason list, it was announced today by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. The list was compiled by the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Board of Selectors based on player performances this season. Hartley is averaging career-highs of 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, […] [Read More]
Bruszewski Defends Herself Concerning Locker Room Comment
It was reported Monday night that former Notre Dame post player Becca Bruszewski took a verbal shot at the Huskies in the moments following Notre Dame's 72-63 win in the NCAA national semifinals in Indianapolis last April 3. A source said that Bruszewski poked her head in the UConn locker room and said, `Sucks for […] [Read More]
Huskies Show No Fight In Loss To Notre Dame
The Huskies killed themselves with turnovers. Again. They killed themselves by failing to box out. Again. And they killed any chance of sharing the Big East regular season championship by failing to fight back in the face of adversity with the outcome hanging in the balance. Notre Dame went right at UConn in the second […] [Read More]
Mosqueda-Lewis Named BE Freshman Of The Week for the 8th Time
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the eighth time this season today. She is second all-time in conference history with regards to this award. Former UConn All-American Maya Moore was honored 10 times in 2007-08. "Special. She'd be my vote for Freshman of the Year,'' Marquette coach Terri Mitchell […] [Read More]
Big East Tournament Single-Session Tickets On Sale Today
Single-session tickets for the Big East tournament will go on sale today at 10 a.m. It will be held at the XL Center Friday through March 6. Here are the prices for session tickets: Friday Session 1 (First round afternoon doubleheader)…………… $20 Session 2 (First round evening doubleheader)……………… $20 Saturday Session 3 (Second round afternoon […] [Read More]
Big East Tournament Schedule
2012 Big East Women's Basketball Tournament Friday First round (BE.tv) Game 1 Noon No. 12 Syracuse vs. No. 13 Providence Game 2 2 p.m. No. 9 USF vs. No. 16 Pittsburgh Game 3 6 p.m. No. 10 Villanova vs. No. 15 Seton Hall Game 4 8 p.m. No. 11 Cincinnati vs. No. 14 Marquette Saturday […] [Read More]
Comment By Bruszewski Fuels Fire Between UConn/Notre Dame
Some of you might have heard Geno Auriemma say during his show on CPTV Saturday that there is some bad blood existing between UConn and Notre Dame stemming from an incident that occurred following Notre Dame's 72-63 win in the NCAA national semifinals in Indianapolis last April 3. Here's the reason … According to a […] [Read More]
Huskies To Showcase Nike Hyper Platinum Elite Uniforms Tonight
The fourth-ranked Huskies will be unveiling their new Nike Hyper Platinum Elite uniforms tonight when they host No. 3 Notre Dame in a showdown for a share of the Big East regular season championship at the XL Center (9; ESPN2). Nike produced these uniforms for all of the men's and women's basketball teams that won […] [Read More]
Show More


text:
Glee Season 4: Rachel Berry's New Look Keeps Getting Sexier! (PHOTO)
Since moving to New York and getting a fabulous makeover at Vogue, Rachel Berry's (Lea Michele) wardrobe has gotten progressively sexier. However, given how things panned out for Finchel in "The Breakup", it would be totally understandable if she opted for the uniform of heartbroken women everywhere: sweatpants and tear-stained boyfriend shirts. At least for a few episodes.
However, it looks like nothing's gonna break Rachel's stride. Check out Rachel's wardrobe for the Christmas episode!
Looks like Rachel has traded in her knee socks for thigh-high boots. What do you think of Rachel's sexier style?
Source: Lea Michele on Instagram
Can't get enough Gleetastic goodness? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!


text:
What is the largest number of character encounters you have had, in one day.
Have you ever gone to the park and did nothing but seek out characters? Well okay, maybe not "nothing but" but, very few rides, and mostly character sightings.
Halloween Season is upon us, which villain would you like to see?
And, lastly... Amongst what is "rare" appearances who would you like to see?
I have a small answer to sum up, I don't know if its a fair one though...
I'd like all the characters that make an appearance at WDW Hollywood Studios, and Epcot to visit us for a month.


text:
Thank you for this guide. So well written and easy to follow
You can use WiiMod lite. There is a thread about it here in this section of the forum. Be VERY careful though, a bad wad could brick you with no chance of recovery!!!
Sent using the WiiHacks app. Please excuse the brevity, punctuation and spelling.
Thank you for this guide. So well written and easy to follow
Any word on priloader for the U?
Hey Guys,
Will the emulators work fine in the WiiU? I have downloaded them but wasn't quite sure if the wiimote that comes with my WiiU would work or if I need a classic controler...
You need a WiiMote or classic controller, up to you. You cannot use the GamePad or Wii U Pro Controller.Originally Posted by ThiagoP
SNES games, yes. N64 no. N64 has too many buttons and you'll need a Classic Con or GC con for that.Originally Posted by ThiagoP
Edit: I've never tried but you MIGHT be able to use a WiiMote+Nun-chuck combo for N64.
Last edited by SNES_Master; 06-02-2013 at 03:36 PM.
I just tried the SNES9xGX emulator now... As soon as it loads, the blue light on my wiiMote (the WiiU remote with Motion plus inside) go black and it does not respond to any commands... Same happens when I get into the Wii64 emulator, but I guess that's because of what you just mentioned (regarding the controllers)


text:
GOODY, Ky. — Kim Varney stood beside US 119, cars whizzing past at 50 mph, blowing their horns. She held a sign proclaiming her status as a coal miner's daughter, flanked by her mother, grandmother and daughter, four generations of supporters for the industry they feel is under attack.
Asked why she was standing with the others beside the highway, Varney's answer was simple.
"I'm here to show my support for coal miners," Varney said. "I think its important, I think it will help."
Her late father worked over 30 years at McCoy Elkhorn, his widow and Kim's mother, Loretta Varney and Loretta's mother, Hazel Sturgill, joined over a hundred others who attended the rally.
Standing Together Across Coal County was part of a series of events organized by United for Coal, a grassroots movement of people who feel coal and the people who mine it are being unfairly attacked.
"We support the miner who risks his life to provide for his family a decent living and for his country a brighter future," their mission statement proclaims. "We believe that an organized assault has been waged against coal and those who mine it, as such we resolve that we will make our voices heard and defend our livelihoods and our way of life as we, the fathers, mothers, sons and daughters of coal stand hand in hand, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, with one voice stand."
Other rallies of this type are planned for parts of Virginia and Kentucky.
Hazel Sturgill has buried two coal miner husbands, one of which died in an explosion at the Thornsbury Brothers Mine. Yet she still supports coal mining.
"I have two sons in coal, one of them is laid off right now," Hazel said. "Being here lets them know, lets everyone know, that they have our support."
Her daughter agreed.
"People should know how we feel, we have to speak up," Loretta said. "You have to stand up for your rights."
"That's right," Hazel said. "I can't believe it has even come to this."


text:
Contact Us
Site Map
Press Release
Fact Sheets
High Frontier Journal
Leadership Speeches
Buckley AFB/ 460th Space Wing
Kirtland AFB/ Space Development and Test Wing
Los Angeles AFB/ 61st Air Base Group
Los Angeles AFB/ Defense Weather Systems Directorate
Los Angeles AFB/ Global Positioning Systems Directorate
Los Angeles AFB/ Infrared Space Systems Directorate
Los Angeles AFB/ Launch and Range Systems Directorate
Los Angeles AFB/ Missile Defense Systems Group
Los Angeles AFB/ Military SatelMilitary Satellite Communication Systems Directorate
Los Angeles AFB/ Satellite Control and Network Systems Division
Los Angeles AFB/ Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC)
Los Angeles AFB/ Space Radar Office
Los Angeles AFB/ Space Superiority Systems Directorate
Patrick AFB/ 45th Space Wing
Cape Canaveral AFS/ DET 1, 2d Space Operations Squadron
Peterson AFB/ 21st Space Wing
Thule AFB/ 821 Air Base Group
Schriever AFB/ 50th Space Wing
Vandenberg AFB/ 14th Air Force
Vandenberg AFB/ 30th Space Wing
Vandenberg AFB/ 148th Space Operations Squadron
Scott AFB/ Air Force Network Integration Center
Lackland AFB/ 24th Air Force
Astrodynamic Standards Distribution Automation
Join the Air Force
Military travel outside U.S. may be restricted
Military travel outside U.S. may be restricted
Posted 8/12/2013 Updated 8/12/2013
Email story
Print story
from 21st Space Wing Antiterrorism/Force Protection office
8/12/2013 -
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.
-- Planning to take leave and travel overseas? Several military members with good intentions have lost money and faced disappointment because they were unaware of Foreign Clearance Guide stipulations.
Military personnel planning to travel outside the continental United States on leave are bound by the stipulations, procedures and restrictions identified in the FCG
. Complying with the instructions outlined within the FCG is a must before finalizing travel arrangements to avoid Article 92 implications, embarrassment or forfeiture of money spent on travel. All personnel need to understand their responsibilities when it comes to traveling overseas. Before planning your trip, the installation antiterrorism officer recommends going to
for valuable information.
Notify your supervisor and consult with your Anti-Terrorism Representative at least 60 days before submitting a leave request or making travel arrangements for a trip outside the contiguous United States, otherwise known as OCONUS. When traveling abroad, countries require a passport. If you don't have a passport, give yourself enough time to apply for one. It could take four to six weeks to process the application. For more information regarding passports, go to Travel.State.Gov and click the "passports" tab.
Aside from obtaining a passport, most countries require country and/or theater clearance from the combatant commander for all active-duty military (including activated Reserve and National Guard personnel). The installation antiterrorism officer recommends reviewing the FCG to see if a country and/or theater clearance is required, and if so, how to submit. Lead time for these clearances can be up to 45 days for approval. Do not request a clearance within the lead time specified in the FCG unless an exceptional situation arises, in which case proper justification must be provided. In some instances a theater commander may even require military travelers to submit an antiterrorism plan of action. Again, stipulations for military travelers vary by country and are identified in the FCG.
Here are some more recommended tips to help you plan a successful overseas trip: Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is managed by the State Department. SMART is a free online service that helps both the member and the State Department in case of an emergency or crisis abroad. This service helps the State Department contact you in case of a family emergency stateside, or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. Go to
to register. Sign and fill in the emergency information page on your passport, leave copies of itineraries, passport data pages, and visa with family, ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, familiarize yourself with local laws and conditions, try to blend in with the locals (i.e. clothing, money, etc.) to avoid being targeted, be knowledgeable of U.S. Customs restrictions, and save contact information for the local U.S. Embassy.
No comments yet.
Add a comment
Inside AFSPC
View All RSS
The Official Web Site of Air Force Space Command
Site Map
Contact Us
Security and Privacy notice
Suicide Prevention
Accessibility/Section 508
No FEAR Act


text:
Click Here to Submit a Cat Adoption Application
This adorable kitty came to Friends for Life after being born without a home to go to. Like most kittens, she has a sweet personality and an insatiable curiosity. She is still young and very adaptable to new environments, so make her a part of your forever home today!


text:
In case you were wondering who led the field in field in strokes gained/driving for the week, that honor goes to Victor Dubuisson -- another twenty-something who finished T-7 at Valhalla. Henrik Stenson led the field in strokes gained/putting, and Jimmy Walker gained more strokes on the field with his approach shots than anybody else who finished in the top 10.
McIlroy led in strokes gained from the long game (shots starting outside of 100 yards from the hole), gaining nearly three strokes per round on the field. That represented 70 percent of his total gain of 4.1 strokes per round against the field. He was second in strokes gained/driving and fifth in stokes gained from approach shots, with each contributing 1.4 strokes per round. (About the only reason McIlroy wasn't first in strokes gained/driving was his tee shot on the fourth hole in the third round that led to a penalty stroke.)
Like Rory, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson didn't lead the field in any specific statistical categories, but they were solid everywhere: neither Rickie or Phil finished worse than 25th in the field in any of the statistical categories measured.


text:
So, yeah, pretty much what the title says. Played the "Beta" for a few hours the other day and enjoyed it enough to give it a go. Only thing i'm worried about is will there be anybody to play against/with?
Gotham City Impostors out today (EU). Anyone getting it?
- Forum Posts: 7597
- Wiki Points: 41
- Followed by: 67
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 4
People tend to move on from these games pretty fast, especially XBLA/PSN games. I wouldn't bet on their being much of an active community in a few months, but the Batman license might help.
The fiendish amount of DLC has clearly put a lot of people off though, that might be the death of the game right there.
- Forum Posts: 385
- Wiki Points: 6
- Followed by: 13
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 3
Im going to get it,when it finally surfaces on PSN. :S
- Forum Posts: 1087
- Wiki Points: 5
- Followed by: 37
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 1
Rainbow Fake Batman IceTea Skinz - Like us on Facebook@zaglis said:
. @WinterSnowblind said:Gears 3 weapon skin scam just got beaten by a mile.
The fiendish amount of DLC has clearly put a lot of people off though, that might be the death of the game right there.
Have I missed something crazy about the DLC? What's everyone upset about? From what I read, it seems that it's all unlockable through playing the game. But it's also available to purchase if you just want it straight away. Isn't it all cosmetic?
Also, the Gears weapon skins were definitely just cosmetic. There was literally no reason to buy them unless you wanted to show off. I think that was fine. If people really want to spend a little (less than the price of a pint) on a pink lancer, then more fool them. Happy for it to keep funding games I like.
EDIT: Ouch, just released they're SELLING XP boosts. Like, a dollar for a couple of hours of 2 x XP? That's shady.
- Forum Posts: 2817
- Wiki Points: 203
- Followed by: 46
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 1
Nope, I wasn't interested in it and their hideous DLC plans didn't help either.
15 US Dollars for the game is just fine, but selling XP boosts for real money is a shitty move.
And if you were to buy all the day one DLC (not including any XP boosts) it would cost you a whooping 220 US Dollars!
That. Is. Crazy!
Been playing the game for about an hour and I can safetly say that it was the most fun I've had in awhile. It takes my favorite things from Call of Duty and Team Fortress 2 then wraps it up in a delightfully twisted version of the Batman universe. I LOVE the traversal gadgets. It so much fun hookshoting behind someone for the flank or one-hit divebombing from across the map. I don't know how the community will take it but it's a really fun game and that's enough for me to keep playing. Hopefully it will be this week's TNT.
It's cheap, so that's something, but it seemed like a odd idea for a game when it was announced and I'm still a little confused by it. I guess the idea of playing as someone pretending to be joker or batman is appealing to someone. I'm not sure if the process to unlock stuff is fun or not, or just grueling.
@freakin9 said:
I'm not sure if the process to unlock stuff is fun or not, or just grueling.
The unlocking process is probably what will make me love the game if it's right. If all 105 of those DLC things are unlockable in the game, that makes me excited. However, if the process is dull or gruelling, I'm out. Will wait for some reviews/trial time!
I read a lot of glowing previews for it, but I'm still unsure what this game really is like. I'm really interested in this game but I can't bring myself to buy it unless they release a demo. (wasn't able to get into the beta) Hopefully GB will put a quick look up sometime soon as well
- Forum Posts: 1802
- Wiki Points: 2634
- Followed by: 36
- Reviews: 3 Lists: 9
Well I recently added some more points to my account, but I think I'm going to take a quick look at the trial before I commit. I'm really on the fence about this, particularly because of the multiplayer only aspect. I guess I'll edit this post when I get home and try the demo (or not, because of the Darkness II extra stuff needing to be finished) and give you the final word.
EDIT: So I kind of liked it so far I was looking for a not-cod cod multiplayer game to play, and this helps. I really like their goofy style, and the weapons and abilities feel pretty solid. I'm definitely thinking of buying it.
Well the UK store has been up dated and it looks like a try before you buy deal which is good. Hope to see some of you guys around.
- Forum Posts: 3091
- Wiki Points: 5
- Followed by: 25
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 0
I played in the beta but the few times I tried to get a game hardly anyone was playing, I fear this might be the case with the actual release. As is the way with most console FPS's if you're not Call of Duty. The ideas seemed cool though, Team Fortress esque.
- Forum Posts: 5907
- Wiki Points: 1893
- Followed by: 148
- Reviews: 1 Lists: 10
No, the beta thing was awful. I'm undecided if I am impressed or disgusted by the amount of DLC there is in the store. theres like 30 or 40 bits.
Anyone else having problem unlocking the full game? (UK PSN)
I bought this game and am having a great time with it. Some of the unlocking stuff can get confusing, but the gameplay is addicting like a Call of Duty game.
Also, anyone who is upset about all the DLC stuff is stupid. It is all cosmetic stuff, no XP boosts and is all OPTIONAL. Anyone who is upset knows nothing.
@TJ311: When I went to check out the "fiendish" DLC, I was expecting some massively overpowered gun that you can only get via micro-transaction, but all I saw was a couple card backgrounds, mascots and double XP time. Nothing to really get bent out of shape over.
Otherwise I am really enjoying the gameplay.
I played the demo andthe game looked like an OK TF2-style shooter. I prefer less comedy in my shooters though, so I'll go with something more 'serious'.
I also got a little PO'ed by all the legal junk and the way they begged me to buy the full game (IF YOU UNLOCK THE FULL GAME NOW, YOU GET TO KEEP THIS!). Not very pleasant.
I'll pass.
@GunstarRed said:
No, the beta thing was awful. I'm undecided if I am impressed or disgusted by the amount of DLC there is in the store. theres like 30 or 40 bits.
It looks to me like there is over 100 pieces of DLC.
It's super fucking annoying to try to look through new release add-ons and seeing pages and pages of DLC for the same shit game. How does that shit get allowed? What an absolute joke.
- Forum Posts: 585
- Wiki Points: 520
- Followed by: 7
- Reviews: 2 Lists: 1
it wont even let me buy it, for some reason only the trial appears on english psn
@WinterSnowblind said:
People tend to move on from these games pretty fast, especially XBLA/PSN games. I wouldn't bet on their being much of an active community in a few months, but the Batman license might help.
The fiendish amount of DLC has clearly put a lot of people off though, that might be the death of the game right there.
Yeah, i know basically nothing about the game, i've only seen one trailer, but the premisse sounds good, and it has a good developer.
But going on Xbox live and seeing more than a hundred pieces of dlc, at first i thought it was a free to play game, but then i read online that you can unlock most of it in the game, by playing it, or you could buy it with real money instead.
But, i don't know, i'm downloading it right now, i'll try it, but being an XBL/PSN multiplayer game, i don't know.
I'm not a big fan of competive multiplayer right off the bat, and being an XBL/PSN multiplayer game, i think ppl will move on and get back to their battlefields abnd CODs pretty fast.
We'll see.
Gonna try it in a few minutes.
UPDATE: Got it. It's Awesome!!!
I'm really digging the game. They have obviously taken a lot of cues from CoD and the like, with the way the progression works and the customizable classes, but so far there's a lot of depth with the different classes & unlockables, and it seems pretty balanced. This is absolutely worth $15.
- Forum Posts: 3175
- Wiki Points: -1
- Followed by: 52
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 16
@Xtrminatr said:
@GunstarRed said:
No, the beta thing was awful. I'm undecided if I am impressed or disgusted by the amount of DLC there is in the store. theres like 30 or 40 bits.
It looks to me like there is over 100 pieces of DLC.
It's super fucking annoying to try to look through new release add-ons and seeing pages and pages of DLC for the same shit game. How does that shit get allowed? What an absolute joke.
As opposed to whatever shit game you were looking for add-ons for?
The game is shockingly awesome. The pay-for-unlocks DLC thing is really unfortunate, as it really doesn't impact the gameplay what so ever - I'm surprised they couldn't figure out a way to hide it from appearing in the Recently Added feed. With that said, all you have to do is not buy the DLC and you'll have a heck of a game to keep you entertained.
With this said, I checked in the trial version and the only thing in there that could come across as offensive is that only half the Mascots can be unlocked, while the rest have to be paid for. Stinky, but they outright tell you in the menus that Mascots (like the other DLC unlocks) don't have any impact to the gameplay, so yeah... still no worse than buying a Gamer Picture or Avatar clothing.
I think what I love the most about the game is it's style. It's like a really well designed fan project come to life. Also happens to be tons of fun to play :) I wish they could have given us beta people something to say thanks.
So I spent all afternoon on this and I love it. Great style, funny as shit and loads of customisation. Can't wait to play more!!
- Forum Posts: 233
- Wiki Points: 0
- Followed by: 0
- Reviews: 0 Lists: 1
Got it on Steam, played a match last night. Looking forward to wasting my evening on it.
@Fallen189 said:
Nobody is making you buy the dlc
It's not the fact that you can either buy or unlock almost anything, it's the fact that they littered the marketplace with over 100 pieces of content in one day. They could have just released 4 or so separate coin packs to buy a set amount of coins to just unlock what you want. It's the same thing with Rock Band and Yoostar (or whatever those terrible movie scene games are), I want to be able to look and see what DLC came out for what games, not that each song has a demo version that is listed separately. Granted it's Microsoft's fault too, but knowing how the console stores work you think they would have thought about that a little more.
Also, a lot of people probably won't buy this game seeing that there is over $300 of launch day DLC rather than seeing that "oh hey I can just buy a pack of 100 coins for $1". I bought the game yesterday to play during TNT, but it really does not excuse the stupidity in their marketing department to release such a massive wave of separate DLC items at launch.
I've sunk about 4 hours into this now, and have had a lot of fun when I've actually been able to get into games. There's supposedly coming a big patch in March that will be focused on fixing the fucked up matchmaking, as well as adding more content (1 new map, some weapons, a new perk, more clothes, etc.). Hopefully the game isn't a complete ghost town by that point.
You can argue that I'm not forced to buy the DLC, but when they actively try to trick you into doing it, then it's not fun anymore.
If you play the demo and quit, then you have to sit through some slides of what an AWESOME game you're missing out on. You press A to go to the next slide. By that time, you just want to get out and you mash A again and again. And then, magically, on the last slide, Pressing A suddenly changes into 'Unlock the full game'.
This edit will also create new pages on Giant Bomb for:Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.
Comment and Save
Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Giant Bomb users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.


text:
Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
Articles, External Publications, and Special Reports
Strategic Framework
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2003. Strategic Framework. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 34 p.
A strategic plan is a tool for charting a path into the future. This Strategic Framework will help guide the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station over the next decade during inevitable socioeconomic and environmental change. It is the product of a dialog with our stakeholders and employees to examine the Station's capabilities, anticipate research issues, and describe our future role in providing scientific information to sustain the world's natural resources. This Strategic Framework describes how the Rocky Mountain Research Station will help accomplish the goals of the national USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan.
Keywords: Forest Service research, Rocky Mountain Research Station
2008 Strategic Framework Update
About PDFs: For best results, do not open the PDF in your Web browser. Right-click on the PDF link to download the PDF file directly to your computer. Click here for more PDF help.
Download Article
PDF File Size: 1.4 MB
Title: RMRS Other
Publications: Strategic Framework
Electronic Publish Date: February 11, 2009
Last Update: February 12, 2009
RMRS Publications | Order a publication | Contact Us


text:
Best Chicken Wings St. Louis 2003 - J & A's Bar & Grill
10 N. Newstead Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
At some point after 1964 -- when (as legend has it) a bar owner in Buffalo slathered deep-fried chicken wings with her own hot-sauce concoction -- ordering wings and a beer became part of this nation's food culture. We don't like the way things have been trending, however: baked wings to reduce the fat, mild sauces, serving only the oh-so-polite "drummie" portion, etc. But J & A's (for Jimmy and Andy's) Bar & Grill does wings right: crisply deep-fried and served with the proper combination of hot sauce (Frank's RedHot Sauce, in this case) and melted butter. In a Midwest twist, J & A's proffers ranch dressing, not the traditional blue cheese, and no celery stalk. Still run by the same family since 1907 (when it opened as a speakeasy during Prohibition), J & A's is a hole-in-the-wall -- old, woody and showing its age -- so don't expect anything fancy. The wings come in a disposable basket with the sauce on the side. You can also order charbroiled burgers, sandwiches and a pretty good pizza, which comes from the establishment's original, stone-lined oven. Did we mention that pitchers are only $6.25? Barhounds, take your stools!


text:
Gear Review
Tod D
You will pull out!
I am sure that these are grea for conventional MTB but i used these fixed and I would constantly pull out of these at starts on the lift motion. I do not like hitting my knees on my handle bars at all. I constantly would come out when i didn't want to. I changed to the Time Atac sx and tryed as hard as i could to duplicate this issue. I could not! Times are far better. Don't waist your money on the shimanos.
View More Details on Shimano PD-M540 SPD Pedals


text:
No. 69 sophomore Tereza Bekerova.
March 24, 2013
PALO ALTO, Calif. - The 69th-ranked University of Utah women's tennis team (7-7, 1-5 Pac-12) suffered its second shut out of the weekend, falling to No. 15 Stanford (10-2, 4-0 Pac-12) 7-0 Sunday at the Taube Family Tennis Stadium. No. 69 sophomore Tereza Bekerova gave a valiant effort at the top singles spot against the 2012 Women's Singles Champion, No. 22 Nicole Gibbs, taking her match to three sets.
"We battled better today than we did yesterday," said head coach Mat Iandolo. "Tereza [Bekerova] came extremely close to beat the defending NCAA champion. I think what we have learned a lot these past two weeks will help us down the stretch the rest of this season."
In doubles action, junior Elena Najera-Salas and sophomore Natasha Smith dropped an 8-6 decision to Stacey Tan and Ellen Tsay at the No. 2 position.
No. 21 junior Paige Miles and sophomore Tereza Bekerova then fell to No. 15 Kristie Ahn and Nicole Gibbs at the top spot, 8-5, giving the Cardinal the doubles point. Craig and Pham then netted an 8-5 victory for the Utes at the third slot over Krista Hardebeck and Natalie Dillon.
In singles play, Stanford went up 2-0 when junior Lucia Kovarcikova fell to No. 44 Tsay at the fifth spot, 6-0, 6-1. Smith was then defeated No. 98 Tan, 6-1, 6-3, at the No. 4 slot.
The Cardinal clinched the match at 4-0 from the No. 6 position when Miles dropped a 6-1, 6-3 decision to Dillon. Craig then lost to No. 11 Hardebeck, 6-1, 6-3, at the third slot, making the score 5-0.
At the No. 2 spot, Pham was bested by No. 28 Ahn, 6-0, 6-4. Sixty-ninth-ranked Bekerova then captured her first set 2-6, but fell in the next two sets, 6-4, 1-0(7) to 22nd-ranked Gibbs, making the final score 7-0.
No. 15 Stanford 7, No. 69 Utah 0 Doubles 1) No. 15 Ahn/Gibbs (STAN) d. No. 21 Bekervoa/Miles (UTAH) 8-5 2) Tan/Tsay (STAN) d. Najera-Salas/Smith (UTAH) 8-6 3) Craig/Pham (UTAH) d. Dillon/Hardebeck (STAN) 8-5 Order of Finish: 2, 1, 3
Singles 1) No. 22Nicole Gibbs(STAN) d. No. 69 Tereza Bekerova (UTAH) 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (7) 2) No. 28Kristie Ahn(STAN) d. Sarah Pham (UTAH) 6-0, 6-4 3) No. 11Krista Hardebeck(STAN) d. Callie Craig (UTAH) 6-1, 6-3 4) No. 98Stacey Tan(STAN) d. Natasha Smith (UTAH) 6-1, 6-3 5) No. 44Ellen Tsay(STAN) d. Lucia Kovarcikova (UTAH) 6-0, 6-1 6)Natalie Dillon(STAN) d. Paige Miles (UTAH) 6-1, 6-3 Order of Finish: 5, 4, 6, 3, 2, 1


text:
You may contact the Office of Residence Life at 508-626-4636 or via email at email@example.com.
Security desk attendants provide important safety and security, receptionist, and referral services at the residence hall security desks. SDAs work closely with the residence director, resident assistants, and the FSU Police Department and are responsible for enforcing university policies and implementing departmental procedures.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Our staff reviews applications as positions become available throughout the year and will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Applications remain on file for one year.
You can pick up an application in the Residence Life main office, ground floor of Towers. SDA applications can also be downloaded here.


text:
Editorial: Completion of key part of Foothills Parkway cause for celebration
You wouldn't think the completion of a stretch of road nobody can drive on yet would be cause for celebration, but this is no ordinary roadway. The most expensive piece of the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley is now complete. Just don't expect to drive on it for quite some time.
The 800-foot, $25.7 million section known as Bridge 2 is part of a project to connect 16 miles of road between Walland and Wears Valley. Structural fill issues and erosion problems caused the project to be suspended in 1989, leaving an unfinished segment of 1.65 miles, known as the "missing link."
To date, four bridges and two road segments have been completed at a total cost of $46.2 million. The remaining sections were combined under one contract and are expected to be complete by 2016.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to commemorate the completion of Bridge 2, Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson explained the significance of the project. "Foothills Parkway is and will be a significant connection between a number of East Tennessee communities, two congressional districts and three counties." Ditmanson said the parkway was designed to provide a scenic view of the national park while also relieving traffic congestion in the surrounding communities.
"The Foothills (Parkway) idea was conceived to provide that scenic view of the park while looking into the park from the outside," Ditmanson said. "Thoughtful people realized that this idea of a road looking into the park would preserve the park itself."
Once you get the most expensive chunk out of the way, the rest looks relatively easy. It certainly will be less costly. So while we have a $25 million road section that can't be used, we at least have the biggest, most challenging part of the project finished and ready for its links. That is a good thing indeed.


text:
Net Neutrality Proponents Warn FCC Of Loopholes In Regulations
Professor Barbara van Schewick is among a group of legal scholars who have asked the FCC to clarify "reasonable" network management practices. Wendy Davis filed this report:
Leading net neutrality proponents are warning that the Federal Communications Commission's proposed net neutrality rules could create significant loopholes for Internet service providers.
The new regulations codify the four principles set out in a 2005 Internet policy statement, which provide that Web users are entitled to access all lawful content, applications and services, and that they can attach devices to the network. The FCC also proposed codifying two additional principles -- nondiscrimination and transparency.
But there are two major ambiguities in the proposed rules, according to advocates. One is that the FCC hasn't clarified what type of activity it will consider discriminatory. The other is that the FCC carves out an exception to all rules for reasonable network management practices, yet doesn't precisely define such practices.
Five law professors sent the FCC a letter on Monday stating that those ambiguities "appear likely to provide particularly generous opportunities to try to work around the Commission's efforts." The letter was signed by Yale's Jack Balkin, South Texas College's John Blevins, University of Louisville's Jim Chen, Harvard's Larry Lessig, Stanford's Barbara van Schewick and Columbia's Tim Wu.
"We think it is surprising that the FCC would not want to provide some guidance on the applicable standard for reasonable network management, lest, as a law professor would say, the exception swallow the rule," the academics wrote.
But Free Press and the law professors argue that charging for enhanced access is only one illustration of discriminatory behavior and are asking the FCC to state that other forms of discrimination would be illegal.


text:
J Anthony shines on 'Bow Down.'Written by Martini Rox | | firstname.lastname@example.com
Toledo has a vast selection of local music to choose from; often we talk about Hip-Hop and R&B. But what about the inspiration for many genres of music, Gospel?
Cleveland-born J Anthony among the middle of six children raised in the church and was often the one put in the spotlight. He claims he doesn't know why, but I'm guessing his mother knew early on that there was something special about his voice.
Around the age of 7, he formed a gospel group he would be a part of until he was a teenager. Struggling in those formative years between the church and secular world, J Anthony made the decision to leave the church. After high school graduation, he received a track scholarship to The University of Toledo, taking him away from his mother, who is a pastor, his family and church upbringing. But for J Anthony, returning to the church was inevitable. He received his bachelor's and master's from The University of Toledo and is currently a vice principal at one of the citiy's public high schools, E.L. Bowsher.
What makes a vice principal with talent and a passion for guiding youth pursue a career in the music industry? I was able to ask about his musical calling and motivation for his debut album titled, "Bow Down," a collection of soulful gospel praise. Anthony's voice is smooth enough to grab and keep your attention. His CD shines on tracks like the title track, "Bow Down," and "Honor You," which displays his voice control complementing his lyrics with slow, soulful grooves and beautiful melodies. Anthony's tenor prevails on up tempo tracks like "Nations" as well. A mix of soul, jazz and praise, the album is receiving rave reviews and J Anthony is humbly taking the interviews as they come.
Martini Rox: After coming back to the church, what led you to the music ministry?
J Anthony: It was one summer when I came home [from College] a new pastor had [come] in to assist with my mom; it was like a whole band. It was a guy playing on the keyboard the whole style of music was contemporary and urban. [I] was like "Oh wow, this is cool!" Something just got in me and I was like "I'm about to take piano lessons!" Art Johnson [Toledo gospel artist] took the time and gave me like six months of [music] theory and I pretty much went from there.
Rox: What led you to a solo career?
Anthony: Anybody in the gospel industry knows who [gospel singer] Israel Houghton is, I had the opportunity to travel with him. This was before he got his Grammy, maybe seven, eight years ago. Before I met him I had been out of the country in Africa twice. Kenya, Nigeria, singing [in] Russia. I sung with a group. It was called 4 Christ. It was mission work, but we were singing.
Rox: How do you hope your gospel ministry will help with your youth ministry?
Anthony: What I want to do is not just the music. It's bigger than music. It's bigger than me! Anyone who invites me to be at their church events mostly it's around youth. Sing obviously, then speaking, I'm all about encouraging the youth [because] I can relate to them well. I'm around them all the time. Whatever's going on currently, I'm around it and I know. I think that's what makes me unique and effective. I would help adults connect with [their] youth.
For more information on J Anthony, visit www.therealjanthony.com.
As we continue on …


text:
Pioneers for the Positive Benefits of Martial Arts, MMA & Kickboxing in Richmond, VA
 American Karate Center: The Originators of Mixed Martial Arts in Richmond, VA.
Our Pedigree: A Legacy of Firsts
Every great movement starts with a single individual willing to forge a new path that others may follow. American Karate Center takes pride in our continuous innovation and upholding our place as the Catalyst for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training in Richmond Virginia.
With the help of a dedicated team and amazing members and students we've been able to do great things for the MMA Community in Richmond.
- Originators of Thai Boxing  in the Richmond area.
Developed in Thailand the art of Muay Thai aka "Thai Boxing" is the National Sport of Thailand and has already gained popularity and recognition in the US and internationally. There are five major components to Thai Boxing: (1) Punches, (2) Kicks, (3) Knees, (4) Elbows, and (5) Clinching.
- Brought  no rules Mixed Martial Arts combat to Virginia
- First to Host Vale Tudo Tournaments; Both single and tag team
- First to host the Gracie Ju-Jitsu Open. This ushered in the Brazilian Ju-Jitsu movement in Richmond, VA
- First to have fighters pursue Professional careers in this area.
- First to include and train women MMA fighters
Our impact is further reaching, however, than creating most of Virginia's best fighters and Martial Artists.  American Karate Center was founded on the principle of "Student today. Black Belt for Life". We don't just teach kicking and punching, we teach leadership, confidence, and life skills.
Our programs are designed to, not only challenge you physically, but serve as a vehicle for complete life transformation.  Our coaches, instructors, and staff will embark on the journey with you as you pull support from our phenomenal AKC family.
Our Martial Arts Programs in Richmond, Va are for kids, families, busy professionals and the weekend warriors. No matter who you are, we have a program for you!
Looking to improve your health in a fun and nurturing environment? Looking for a program to foster your child's leadership potential and help improve focus in school and everyday life?  We have the right martial arts program here! Explore our site and be sure to register for your free trial to experience what American Karate has to offer you.
Have a thirst for competition? Do you want to find your limits and then push past them ? American Karate Center is the ONLY school in Virginia that offers Shoot fighting, a style originated from the legend, Bart Vale.
Join Team Submission and train to master Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Russian Sombo, Kickboxing, Shoot fighting, and Free fighting. We are the originators of Richmond MMA and train as such. The road to mastery won't be easy, but in the end it's worth it.  Grab your free trial membership now and let's start!
Here at American Karate Center, the elements of effective Martial Arts styles like Kickboxing, Muay Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Women Self Defense, Kid's Martial Arts classes and Submission Wrestling are combined to provide you with the best training possible.
Our Martial Arts programs in Richmond, VA are for kids, families and busy professionals. We have students of all ages.
If you're looking to improve yourself or help your child get better in school and life you'll find the right martial arts and fitness program right here. Explore our site and be sure to register for your FREE trial so you can experience American Karate Center.
If you have a thirst for competition, or you want to push yourself a little further, our school has consistently done well in competitions they've entered.¬† Our Team Submission trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Russian Sombo, Shootfighting, Kickboxing and Free-Fighting styles. We at AKC say, 'ÄúOnly a fighter knows the feeling!'Äù. If you have that feeling and the motivation to test your skills, register for your free trial membership and start your training today!
Call 804-323-1954 or
Fill in the Form Below to Hold Your Spot.
Come Join Us Today!


text:
Mark Sept. 18 on your calendars and plan to attend the School of Informatics and Computing Lawn Party, from 2 to 5 p.m. on the lawn behind the IT building.
There will be FREE food, games, activities, and t-shirts for School of Informatics and Computing students, faculty and staff, and University College students. SOIC student organizations, career services and advisors will be on hand to answer your questions and show you ways you can get involved!
It's going to be great fun, so we hope you'll take some time out of your busy schedules and enjoy an afternoon with your friends, classmates and colleagues from the School of Informatics and Computing!
Vicki Daugherty
IT – Informatics & Communications Technology Complex (ICTC)
Room: Courtyard
535 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Campus Map
There are no upcoming dates for this event.


text:
Trinity University
Trinity University is a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences institution noted for its exceptional faculty and commitment to the comprehensive preparation of its talented student body. It is a learning community that has charted its course with a steadfast commitment to excellence since it was founded in 1869.
Posts filtered on Tag
Trinity Hosts Haiti in Competitive Soccer Scrimmage on Campus
At the end of the soccer match, the scoreboard read Trinity 0, Haiti 2. But for the crowd of more than 2,800 spectators that crammed around the University's soccer field on Monday, April 19, there was something much more significant happening than any score could describe. The National Team of Haiti, currently in the United […] [Read More]


text:
Pre-order. Due to its limited nature, customers are restricted to buying one copy only each of this release. Release date: 16th September. Anyone pre-ordering the 10" vinyl from the Samadhisound Shop will receive a free download of the two tracks as 320kbps mp3s, or as flac plus mp3 (click on "detailed invoice" in the email confirmation from the store after purchase to access the download link).
Click packshot to enlarge


text:
FREN111 Elementary French II
Department of Language & Literature: French
- I. Course Number and Title
- FREN111 Elementary French II
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- FREN110 (C or better) or equivalent
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- Students spend between six and nine hours per week outside of class in activities such as learning vocabulary, reading, completing written exercises, working on pronunciation, preparing oral presentations, and working with the multimedia files that accompany the text.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- In this interactive course, which continues the work of FREN110, students acquire a working knowledge of French necessary to accomplish basic tasks. This course emphasizes comprehension and practice in pronunciation and conversation, as well as listening, speaking, reading and writing skill in an authentic French cultural context.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
Learning Goals:
- Course Students will:
- acquire and demonstrate an elementary, but growing, degree of competence in the four language skills: speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing;
- recognize and respond appropriately to most common spoken situations;
- analyze some basic French texts;
- demonstrate basic mastery of written French; and
- explain some common aspects of life in French-speaking countries.
- Core (if applicable) Category I
- compare, contrast, analyze, and/or defend differing world views and practices.
- articulate similarities and differences in the various cultures of the world and demonstrate familiarity with the skills necessary to make informed judgments.
Cultural PerspectivesStudents will:
Category III
International, Gender, and/or Minority PerspectivesStudents will:
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:Grammatical topics:
The present tense of modal verbs
Basic prepositions and prepositions of place
Giving commands
Irregular verbs such as aller and avoir
Stem-changing verbs
The comparative and the superlative
Expressing opinions
Inversion questions
Ir and re verbs
Expressing personal relationships and ownership
Asking for specifics
Expressing the date and the year
Pointing out people or things
Possessive adjectives
Vocabulary and social contexts:
Navigating cities and identifying buildings
Homes, furnishings
Hobbies and sports
Family relationships
Weather and seasons
Clothing, colors
Shopping, personal finances
Cultural contexts:
Paris and its historical and cultural importance
Music in France
The family in France
Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:
- Course Students
- take quizzes and tests;
- complete written assignments, such as short compositions and grammatical exercises;
- perform listening comprehension exercises;
- participate in speaking tasks, which may include oral interviews, conversations and/or presentations that assess proficiency levels.
- Core (if applicable)
- Cultural Perspectives: Quizzes and tests taken in class include the cultural topics presented in the course. Students compare, contrast, analyze, and/or defend differing worldviews and practices of some French-speaking people.
- International, Gender, and/or Minority Perspectives: Quizzes and tests taken in class include the cultural topics presented in the course. Students articulate similarities and differences in the various cultures of the world and demonstrate familiarity with the skills necessary to make informed judgments.
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:Students use the textbook, workbook, and multimedia resources of first-year proficiency-based French program. See course format.
- VIII. Teaching Methods Employed
- Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.
Review/Approval Date - 3/98; Core Goals/Objectives added 4/04; Revised 4/2011


text:
In one aspect, a method and apparatus for intervening in an offshore pipeline while diverting fluid flow to a storage site is provided, so that production through the offshore pipeline may continue while conducting a pipeline intervention operation. An offshore vessel may be used to divert and store fluid flow while intervening in the pipeline. In another aspect, a method and apparatus for drilling a subsea wellbore with an offshore vessel is provided. The method and apparatus involve drilling the wellbore and casing the wellbore with continuous casing lowered from the offshore vessel.
1. A method of intervening in an existing pipeline that transports wellbore fluid flow from an offshore well to a primary location, the method comprising:
forming a first tap in the existing pipeline;
diverting the wellbore fluid flow through the first tap to a storage tank at a secondary location;
forming a second tap in the existing pipeline while the wellbore fluid flow is diverted to the storage tank via the first tap; and
intervening in the existing pipeline through the second tap while the wellbore fluid flow is diverted to the storage tank via the first tap.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
12. The method of
13. The method of
14. The method of
15. The method of
16. A method of intervening in a pipeline that transports fluid from an offshore well to a primary location, the method comprising:
connecting a first tubular between a floating vessel and the pipeline via a first tap;
diverting wellbore fluid through the first tubular to a secondary location comprising a storage tank on the floating vessel;
connecting a second tubular between the floating vessel and the pipeline via a second tap; and
intervening in the pipeline through the second tubular while wellbore fluid is diverted to the floating vessel via the first tubular.
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The method of
20. The method of
21. The method of
22. The method of
23. The method of
24. The method of
25. The method of
26. A method of intervening in a pipeline that transports fluid from an offshore well to a primary storage unit, the method comprising:
establishing a first communication pathway between a secondary storage unit at an offshore location and the pipeline via a first tap;
diverting wellbore fluid through the first communication pathway to the secondary storage unit;
establishing a second communication pathway between the offshore location and the pipeline via a second tap; and
intervening in the pipeline through the second communication pathway while wellbore fluid is diverted to the secondary storage unit.
27. The method of
28. The method of
29. The method of
30. The method of
31. The method of
32. The method of
33. A method of removing a blockage in an existing pipeline that transports wellbore fluid flow from an offshore well to a location, the method comprising:
forming a first tap at a first location along the existing pipeline;
diverting the wellbore fluid flow from the existing pipeline through the first tap to a storage tank on an offshore vessel;
forming a second tap at a second location along the existing pipeline, wherein the second location is between the first location and the blockage, and wherein forming the second tap is accomplished after establishing a fluid communication path through the first tap to the storage tank on the offshore vessel; and
removing the blockage in the existing pipeline by intervening from the offshore vessel through the second tap while wellbore fluid is diverted through the first tap.
34. The method of
35. A method of intervening in an existing pipeline that transports wellbore fluid flow from a well to a primary storage unit, the method comprising:
positioning a floating vessel proximate the existing pipeline;
connecting a first tubular between a secondary storage unit on the floating vessel and the existing pipeline to form a diversionary flow path via a first tap;
connecting a second tubular between the floating vessel and the existing pipeline to form an intervention flow path via a second tap; and
intervening in the existing pipeline through the intervention flow path while wellbore fluid flows through the diversionary flow path.
36. The method of
37. The method of
1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for intervening in offshore pipelines. Embodiments also relate to an apparatus and method for drilling and casing an offshore wellbore.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hydrocarbon production occurs either directly from the earth or from the earth below a body of water. Production directly from the earth is typically termed a "land production operation," while production from the earth below a body of water is ordinarily typically termed an "offshore production operation" or a "subsea" production operation." To obtain hydrocarbons in either a land production operation or an offshore production operation, casing is inserted into a drilled-out wellbore within the earth formation. Casing isolates the wellbore from the formation, preventing unwanted fluids such as water from flowing from the formation into the wellbore. The casing is perforated at an area of interest within the formation which contains the desired hydrocarbons, and the hydrocarbons flow from the area of interest to the surface of the earth formation to result in the production of the hydrocarbons. Typically, hydrocarbons flow to the surface of the formation through production tubing inserted into the cased wellbore.
Casing is inserted into the formation to form a cased wellbore by a well completion operation. In conventional well completion operations, the wellbore is formed to access hydrocarbon-bearing formations by the use of drilling. Drilling is accomplished by utilizing a cutting structure that is mounted on the end of a drill support member, commonly known as a drill string. To drill within the wellbore to a predetermined depth, the drill string is often rotated by a top drive or rotary table on a surface platform or rig, or by a downhole motor mounted towards the lower end of the drill string. After drilling to a predetermined depth, the drill string and its cutting structure are removed from the wellbore and a section of casing is lowered into the wellbore. An annular area is thus formed between the string of casing and the formation. The casing string is temporarily hung from the surface of the well. A cementing operation is then conducted in order to fill the annular area with cement. Using apparatus known in the art, the casing string is cemented into the wellbore by circulating cement into the annular area defined between the outer wall of the casing and the borehole. The combination of cement and casing strengthens the wellbore and facilitates the isolation of certain areas of the formation behind the casing for the production of hydrocarbons.
It is common to employ more than one string of casing in a wellbore. In this respect, the well is drilled to a first designated depth with a cutting structure on a drill string. The drill string is removed. A first string of casing or conductor pipe is then run into the wellbore and set in the drilled out portion of the wellbore, and cement is circulated into the annulus behind the casing string. Next, the well is drilled to a second designated depth, and a second string of casing, or liner, is run into the drilled out portion of the wellbore. The second string is set at a depth such that the upper portion of the second string of casing overlaps the lower portion of the first string of casing. The second liner string is then fixed, or "hung" off of the existing casing by the use of slips which utilize slip members and cones to wedgingly fix the new string of liner in the wellbore. The second casing string is then cemented. This process is typically repeated with additional casing strings until the well has been drilled to total depth. In this manner, wells are typically formed with two or more strings of casing of an ever-decreasing diameter.
As an alternative to the conventional method, drilling with casing is a method often used to place casing strings of decreasing diameter within the wellbore. This method involves attaching a cutting structure in the form of a drill bit to the same string of casing which will line the wellbore. Rather than running a cutting structure on a drill string, the cutting structure or drill shoe is run in at the end of the casing that will remain in the wellbore and be cemented therein. Drilling with casing is often the preferred method of well completion because only one run-in of the working string into the wellbore is necessary to form and line the wellbore per section of casing placed within the wellbore.
Drilling with casing is especially useful in drilling and lining a subsea wellbore in a deepwater well completion operation. When forming a subsea wellbore, the initial length of wellbore that has been drilled is subject to potential collapse due to soft formations present at the ocean floor. Additionally, sections of wellbore that intersect areas of high pressure can cause damage to the wellbore during the time lapse between the formation of the wellbore and the lining of the wellbore. Drilling with casing minimizes the time between the drilling of the wellbore and the lining of the wellbore, thus alleviating the above problems.
After production of the hydrocarbons at the surface of the earth formation, the hydrocarbons must be stored at a location and subsequently processed to remove undesired contaminants in the hydrocarbons and to produce the desired product. In land production operations, one option for storage and processing involves storing the hydrocarbons at a tank beside the wellbore, removing the hydrocarbons at time intervals from the storage unit with a mobile storage unit, physically transporting the hydrocarbons with the mobile storage unit to a processing unit, removing the hydrocarbons from the mobile storage unit and into the processing unit, and then processing the hydrocarbons at the processing unit.
Another option for storing and processing the hydrocarbons in land production operations includes using a pipeline connected to the production tubing. The hydrocarbons flow from the formation through the perforations, into the production tubing, through the pipeline, and into a storage and processing unit at a remote location. The storage and processing unit typically receives multiple pipelines from multiple land production operations at various wellbores to allow storage and processing of hydrocarbons from multiple locations at one facility without the need for physically transporting the hydrocarbons to the processing unit.
The above options for storage and processing of hydrocarbons produced during land production operations are feasible because of the unlimited space available for storage units and processing units on the land. Offshore production operations, however, require alternative storage and processing methods because of the limited space allotted to hydrocarbon production at the surface of a body of water. Thus, methods for storing large quantities of hydrocarbons at a remote location are currently practiced.
Offshore wells are often drilled and completed by use of a drilling rig. The drilling rig includes legs which rest on the floor of the body of water and support a rig floor. A hole is located in the rig floor of the drilling rig through which supplies for completing and drilling the wellbore, such as a drill string and casing strings, may be inserted and lowered into the body of water. The wellbore is typically drilled out by use of the drill string, then strings of casing are placed within the drilled-out wellbore to form a cased wellbore. Perforations are created in the casing and the formation as described above. A riser, which is piping which spans the distance of the water from the ocean floor to the surface of the water, is ultimately inserted at the top of the cased wellbore. Because drilling rigs are relatively expensive to maintain above the wellbore after the completion operation, the drilling rig is removed from its location above the completed wellbore and employed to drill a subsequent wellbore at a different location. At this point, production of the hydrocarbons and subsequent storage of the hydrocarbons becomes an issue.
One method for producing and storing hydrocarbons in offshore operations involves first building a production platform on the ocean floor. Like the drilling rig, the production platform includes a platform supported on legs which extend to the ocean floor. Production tubing is lowered from a hole which exists in the production platform into the riser and the cased wellbore to the area of interest which contains the perforations, then the hydrocarbons flow through the production tubing to a storage unit located on the production platform. The production platform is usually not large enough to accommodate the large volume of hydrocarbons which flow through the production tubing to the production platform; therefore, the production platform must only store hydrocarbons until a tanker arrives to transport the hydrocarbons from the storage unit to a larger storage and processing unit at another location. This method is expensive because each production platform above each wellbore which must be constructed and maintained represents a relatively large expense.
Alternatively, a subsea well intervention vessel having processing equipment coupled to storage tanks and having well intervention equipment may be utilized to produce hydrocarbons through coiled tubing drilling or to store or process hydrocarbon mixtures produced from underbalanced drilling, as described in U.S. Publication Number 2003/0000740 published on Jan. 2, 2003, filed by Haynes et al. and entitled "Subsea Well Intervention Vessel", which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The intervention equipment is theoretically capable of reentering existing production wells without changing the wellbore from its production mode.
As a more economic alternative to installing a production platform above each wellbore, a second method of producing and storing hydrocarbons in an offshore operation is more often practiced. Rather than building and maintaining a production platform for each wellbore, the median step in the production and storage operation which includes the production platform is eliminated by satelliting. Satelliting involves installing pipelines at each wellbore and routing all of the pipelines to a common storage and processing location, typically termed a "satellite unit," through the pipelines. The pipelines remain underwater from the wellbore until reaching the storage and processing unit.
Special problems are currently encountered when satelliting. The hydrocarbons must often travel long distances through the underwater pipelines to reach the satellite unit. The water through which the hydrocarbons must pass is very low in temperature, especially at the ocean floor where the pipelines are commonly placed. Because of the cold temperatures within the water, flowing the liquid hydrocarbons underwater for long distances is often challenging. One problem which may result from the cold temperature of the water involves the viscosity of the hydrocarbons. Viscosity of liquid hydrocarbons increases as the hydrocarbons decrease in temperature. The higher the viscosity of the hydrocarbon liquid, the lower the flow rate of the hydrocarbon liquid becomes. Therefore, the colder the water surrounding the pipelines becomes, the more difficult or impossible flowing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore to the storage unit becomes. Decreasing viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbons flowing in the pipeline may ultimately cause blockage within the pipeline, reducing or halting hydrocarbon production.
A second problem which may result from the cold temperature of the water involves the changing temperatures of the hydrocarbons during their production. Within the wellbore, temperatures are high, causing the hydrocarbons to possess a high temperature. The hydrocarbons within the wellbore may contain both the liquid and gas phases. As described above, the environment within the water when the hydrocarbons travel through the pipelines consists of low temperatures. Then, when the hydrocarbons are flowed from the pipeline up to the satellite unit, the temperature of the environment of the hydrocarbons becomes increasingly higher as the temperature increases with decreasing depth within the water. These temperature variations when using pipeline to transport produced hydrocarbons to the satellite unit often result in precipitation of the hydrocarbons on the inside of the pipeline. Eventually, the precipitation build-up may result in partial or total blockage of the flow path through the pipeline, decreasing or stopping hydrocarbon production. Reduced hydrocarbon production decreases the profitability of the wellbore.
Other problems which require pipeline intervention to reduce blockage include paraffin deposits which often build up in the pipelines due to the presence and flow of oil, as well as gas hydration when gas is present in the hydrocarbon stream. Some form of pipeline intervention must occur to reduce blockage within the pipeline caused by cold and variable temperatures. Pipeline intervention may also be necessary to repair holes or tears in the pipeline caused by corrosion of the pipeline or holes, tears, or bends due to physical assault of the pipeline.
Currently, an intervention operation requires a remotely operated vehicle to raise the pipeline off the ocean floor, cut out the damaged section of pipe, install pipe connections on the cut ends of the pipeline, and then install and connect a new section of pipeline. Other intervention operations require stoppage of the flow of hydrocarbons through the pipeline to introduce treatment fluid into the pipeline to remove blockage within the pipeline. For the intervention process, to prevent hydrocarbons from escaping from the pipeline to the water, hydrocarbon flow must be halted during the intervention operation.
Pipeline intervention operations are costly. Because interventions require physical invasion of the interior of the pipeline, hydrocarbon flow must be halted to conduct an intervention. Stopping the flow of the hydrocarbons reduces the profitability of the well, as the equipment and labor required to produce the hydrocarbons is still funded while no hydrocarbon production is occurring to offset these costs. It is therefore desirable to allow hydrocarbon production during pipeline intervention operations in offshore wells.
Light intervention vessels are available which make it possible to conduct operations such as well servicing, e.g. well logging and general maintenance. Such vessels, however, cannot be considered appropriate platforms for interventions requiring drilling or hydrocarbon production as they are not sufficiently stable for such operations and are too small to handle the volumes of material that result from drilling. As such, the vessels must be supplemented with support vessels to receive produced hydrocarbons. Furthermore, light intervention vessels require large capital investments as compared with the returns that can be generated, particularly as they are highly vulnerable to bad weather such that intervention costs are relatively high and utilization time is relatively low. Even more cost is required to employ an additional support vessel. Because of the above disadvantages, no attempts have been made to use continuous casing to drill and line a wellbore from floating units or to allow hydrocarbon production during intervention operations in offshore wells.
Furthermore, while drilling with sections of casing minimizes the time between the drilling of the wellbore and the lining of the wellbore, it remains desirable to further minimize the time between the drilling and lining of the wellbore to decrease production costs and further prevent collapse of the formation during the time lapse. It is also desirable to provide an alternative to the costly drilling platform or the option of two vessels (one having the drilling equipment and one having storage equipment) by allowing drilling with casing completion operations as well as production operations to be conducted concurrently from the same structure.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for intervening in a pipeline, comprising providing a pipeline for transporting fluid flow from an offshore well to a location, diverting the fluid flow to a storage site, and intervening in the pipeline. Diverting the fluid flow to the storage site may comprise diverting the fluid flow to an offshore tanker while intervening in the pipeline from the offshore tanker.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for remediating an offshore pipeline and producing well fluids, comprising a vessel capable of storing well fluids flowing through the pipeline from a well, a first tubular body disposed within the vessel for diverting well fluid flow from the pipeline to the vessel for storing, and a second tubular body disposed within the vessel for remediating the pipeline. The vessel may be capable of diverting well fluid flow through the first tubular body while remediating the pipeline through the second tubular body and capable of remediating the pipeline without interruption of production of well fluids.
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of drilling a subsea wellbore from a vessel, comprising locating the vessel, the vessel having continuous casing, drilling the wellbore, and casing the wellbore with the continuous casing. Drilling and casing the wellbore may comprise drilling the wellbore with the continuous casing.
In yet a further aspect, the present invention provides a vessel for drilling an offshore wellbore, comprising a positionable vessel, continuous casing having an earth removal member operatively attached thereto disposed on the vessel for drilling the wellbore, and storage equipment disposed on the vessel for storing hydrocarbon fluid produced from the wellbore. The vessel may further comprise processing equipment connected to the storage equipment for processing the hydrocarbon fluid produced from the wellbore.
The present invention advantageously allows offshore or subsea intervention operations to occur within a pipeline while simultaneously producing hydrocarbons from the pipeline, thus increasing profitability of the wellbore. Further, the present invention permits formation of an offshore or subsea cased wellbore with one run-in of the casing, and also allows for storage and/or processing of hydrocarbons during the drilling process on the same vessel which houses the equipment used to form the cased wellbore, increasing the profitability of the wellbore.
So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
Referring to
In use, the vessel 10 is dynamically positioned above a subsea well or pipeline. The skid deck 109 is then moved to an outboard position (not shown) over the subsea well or the pipeline to enable the coiled tubing equipment 111 to be coupled to a riser above the subsea well for drilling or to a tap 80 or 90 (see
When employing a standard double hull shuttle tanker, the modifications required to produce the vessel 10 illustrated in
The wellbore 50 is drilled into the floor 30 to a depth at which well fluid 45 exists. The wellbore 50 may be completed with casing 51, as shown in
The satellite storage unit 55 is capable of storing well fluid 45 received from the pipeline 20. The satellite storage unit 55 may also possess well fluid processing capabilities. In addition to storing and/or processing well fluid 45 from the pipeline 20, the satellite storage unit 55 may also receive well fluid 60 from any number of additional pipelines 65. Each additional pipeline 65 is connected to production tubing (not shown) inserted within a wellbore (not shown), as described above in relation to production tubing 52 within the wellbore 50, at a different location within the floor 30 than the wellbore 50.
Because the problem area 70 disrupts the desired flow of the well fluid 45, an intervention or remediation of the pipeline 20 must be performed. The intervention may include dislodging stuck equipment, removing build-up or deposits in the pipeline 20 causing partial or total blockage of the pipeline 20, and/or repairing damage to the pipeline 20. In all of the above intervention situations, the pipeline 20 must be physically invaded in some fashion to fix the problem area 20 and restore ordinary fluid flow 45 from the wellbore 50 to the satellite storage unit 55.
The vessel 10 or tanker of the present invention is employed to fix the problem area 70. The vessel 10 may be disposed on the surface 60 of the water 40, partially below the surface 60, or completely below the surface 60. Within the vessel 10 is a second tubular body 12, preferably coiled tubing. A first tubular body 11, also preferably coiled tubing, extends from the vessel 10 into the water 40. The first tubular body 11 may be inserted into a riser pipe (not shown) which extends from the vessel 10 to the floor 30. At an upper end, the first tubular body 11 is sealably connected to a storage tank 13 for storing produced well fluid 45 from the wellbore 50, which may be connected to a processing unit (not shown) on the vessel 10 for processing well fluid 45. The processing unit may include liquid separation equipment. The first tubular body 11 may comprise three tubular sections, including 11A, 11B, and 11C. At its lower end, tubular section 11A is connected, preferably threadedly connected, to an upper end of tubular section 11B. Tubular section 11B is a portion of a blow out preventer 9. The blow out preventer 9 includes a large valve 8 which may be closed to control well fluids 45. The valve 8 is typically closed remotely through hydraulic actuators (not shown). Tubular section 11B is connected, preferably threadedly connected, at its lower end to an upper end of tubular section 11C.
Connected to the pipeline 20 in
Referring now to
In operation, the wellbore 50 is drilled into the floor 30 and lined with casing 51, and the pipeline 20 is connected at one end to production tubing 52 within the wellbore 50 and at the opposite end to the satellite storage unit 55. Fluid flow 45 continues essentially uninhibited through the pipeline 20 from the area of interest in the wellbore 50 to the satellite storage unit 55 until a problem area 70 develops in the pipeline. The vessel 10 is located above the pipeline 20 near the problem area 70 to conduct a pipeline intervention operation and remove or repair the problem area 70.
Once the vessel 10 is positioned above the pipeline 20 near the problem area 70, a first tap 80, with the first valve 81 in the closed position, is installed into the pipeline 20 between the problem area 70 and the wellbore 50. To install the first tap 80, a cutting tool (not shown) such as a milling tool, which is known to those skilled in the art, may be utilized to drill the first hole 84 in the pipeline 20. The first clamp 82 is opened and positioned around the pipeline 20 at the desired point of insertion of the first tap 80. The sealing members 83A-D disposed between the first clamp 82 and the pipeline 20 are used to produce and maintain a fluid-tight sealed connection between the first tap 80 and the pipeline 20. After installation of the first tap 80, the first tubular member 11 is lowered from the vessel 10 through the hole 113 in the floor of the vessel 10, which may be the skid deck 109 in the outboard position of
Next, the lower end of the first tubular member 11 is connected, preferably threadedly connected, to the upper end of the first tap 80. The first valve 81 is then opened to allow well fluid 45 to flow along a sealed path from the perforations in the wellbore 50 into the production tubing 52 through the perforations in the production tubing 52, and into the pipeline 20. Then the fluid flow 45 is diverted from further flow through the pipeline 20 to flow up through first tap 80 and the first tubular member 11 into the storage tank 13. From the storage tank 13, the well fluid 45 may be diverted to the processing unit which may exist on the vessel 10, or, in the alternative, may eventually be transported to another facility for processing.
Once well fluid 45 flow is effectively diverted to the vessel 10, the intervention may be accomplished without interruption of the production of the well fluid 45. External patching or bending of the problem area 70 may be conducted without the installation of the additional second tap 90 if the problem area 70 is a hole or bend. If it is desired to intervene into the pipeline 20 by introduction of an object (not shown) or a treatment fluid 21 (see
Installation of the second tap 90 proceeds much as the installation of the first tap 80. Again, the second valve 91 is in the closed position during the installation of the second tap 90. The cutting tool (not shown) such as the milling tool may be utilized to drill the second hole 94 in the pipeline 20. If it is desired to install the second tap 90 (or the first tap 80) at an angle with respect to the pipeline 20, a whipstock (not shown) may be used to guide the cutting tool (e.g., mill) into the pipeline 20 at an angle, as is known in relation to drilling deviated wellbores from parent wellbores. The second clamp 92 is then opened and positioned around the pipeline 20 at the desired point of insertion of the second tap 90. The sealing members 93A-D disposed between the second clamp 92 and the pipeline 20 are used to produce and maintain a fluid-tight sealed connection between the second tap 90 and the pipeline 20.
After the second tap 90 is installed on the pipeline 20, the lower end of the second tubular body 12 is connected, preferably threadedly connected, to an upper end of the second tap 90. The second valve 91 is then opened to allow fluid communication between the vessel 10 and the pipeline 20. If it is desired to introduce an object into the second tubular body 12, then the object may be directly introduced into the upper end of the second tubular body 12. If, as is shown in
The pipeline intervention operation is conducted until the problem area 70 is effectively treated and no longer a threat to production of the well fluid 45. Upon completion of the pipeline intervention operation, the treatment fluid 21 flow is halted so that treatment fluid 21 is no longer introduced into the second tubular body 12 from the vessel 10. The second valve 91 is then closed and the second tubular body 12 disconnected from the second tap 90. Next, the first valve 81 is closed and the first tubular member 11 disconnected from the first tap 80. The first tubular member 11 as well as the second tubular member 12 is then retrieved to the vessel 10.
Upon closing of the second valve 91 and the first valve 81, the resumed well fluid 45 flow through the pipeline 20 is ultimately essentially unaffected by the pipeline intervention operation. Closing the valves 91, 81 obstructs the alternate paths for the well fluid 45 flow which existed during the intervention operation. Well fluid 45 may again flow from the wellbore 50 through the production tubing 52, into the pipeline 20, through the former problem area 70, and up into the satellite storage unit 55 for storage and/or processing. Advantageously, the production of well fluid 45 was accomplished either into the storage tank 13 or into the satellite storage unit 55 without interruption through the present invention.
It is understood that the above intervention method and apparatus may be utilized not only in repairing a problem area 70 in the pipeline 20, but also in installing and retrieving subsea equipment. The alternate route through the first tap 80 and the first tubular member 11 may be utilized to divert well fluid 45 flow while installing or retrieving equipment within the water 40 when the installing or retrieving involves physical invasion of the pipeline 20.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the vessel 10 may be utilized to drill into a formation 201 within the floor 30 of the body of water 40 using continuous casing 210.
Referring to
A riser pipe 221 extends from the moon pool 113 to the ocean floor 30. The riser pipe 221 provides a path through the body of water 40 to the floor 30 through which the continuous casing 210 may be lowered.
The continuous casing 210 is located on the superstructure 215 on a reel 225. A drilling fluid source 226 is in fluid communication at some location with the continuous casing 210 to provide drilling fluid to the continuous casing 210 at various stages of the drilling operation. A spider 227 or other gripping apparatus having gripping members such as slips (not shown) is also disposed on the superstructure 215 around or within the hole 218 to act as a back-up gripping device during the drilling operation for the continuous casing 210.
Also located on the superstructure 215 is equipment which is utilized to lower as well as retrieve the continuous casing 210 to and from the reel 225 as desired during the drilling operation. To this end, an injector head 230 is disposed on the superstructure 215. The injector head 230 includes conveying members 232 and 233, which are substantially centered around the hole 218 and suspended above the hole 218 by supports 234 and 235. The conveying members 232 and 233 of the injector head 230 act essentially as conveyor belts and are moveable clockwise and counterclockwise around the axis of the conveying members 232 and 233 to lower or retrieve the continuous casing 210 into or out from the hole 218. Also utilized to lower and retrieve the continuous casing 210 is a conveyor belt 240 on a track 241. The conveyor belt 240 on the track 241 is located between the reel 225 and the injector head 230 to obtain the continuous casing 210 from the reel 225 and feed the continuous casing 210 into the injector head 230, or to return the continuous casing 210 to the reel 225 from the injector head 230. The injector head 230 and the conveyor belt 240 on the track 241, as described above, are known to those skilled in the art as a method of feeding continuous tubing. Other aspects of the method of feeding continuous tubing or continuous casing to drill a wellbore known to those skilled in the art are contemplated for use with the present invention.
The continuous casing 210 includes a mud motor 245 disposed therein connected by a releasable connection 246 to the inner diameter of the continuous casing 210. An expandable cutting structure 250 with perforations 260 therethrough for circulating drilling fluid and/or setting fluid is attached to the mud motor 245. The expandable cutting structure 250 includes a body (not shown) and a blade assembly (not shown) disposed on the body, as is disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/335,957 filed on Dec. 31, 2002, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. As disclosed in the above-referenced application, the blade assembly is movable between a closed position whereby the expandable cutting structure 250 has a smaller outer diameter and an open position whereby the expandable cutting structure 250 has a larger outer diameter. The blade assembly may be moveable between the open position and the closed position through a hydraulic pressure differential created across nozzles (not shown) within the expandable cutting structure 250. The expandable cutting structure 250 may further include a release assembly for providing a secondary means to move the blade assembly from the open position to the closed position, as disclosed in the above-referenced application.
The mud motor 245 may include a shaft (not shown) and a motor operating system (not shown). The mud motor 245, which is the mechanism for rotating the cutting structure 250, is hollow to allow for fluid flow therethrough at various stages of the drilling operation and is preferably a hydraulic mud motor operated by fluids pumped therethrough. The motor operating system turns the shaft, which rotates the expandable cutting structure 250 for drilling into the formation 201. The described mud motor 245 is not the only mud motor available for use with the present invention, as other types of mud motors which are known to those skilled in the art are contemplated for use with the present invention.
In addition to the equipment for drilling with continuous casing 210 described above, the vessel 10 may include hydrocarbon fluid separation equipment (not shown) coupled to one or more storage units (not shown) to receive separated hydrocarbon fluids from the wellbore 270. With the addition of storage capacity, the vessel can collect produced hydrocarbon fluid during drilling with the continuous casing 210, thus eliminating the need for a separate vessel in the event that hydrocarbon fluid is produced during drilling.
In operation, referring to
Next, the continuous casing 210 is lowered through the hole 218 in the superstructure 215, through the moon pool 113, and through the riser pipe 221. Before the continuous casing 210 reaches the floor 30, the expandable cutting structure 250 is expanded, preferably due to hydraulic pressure. The continuous casing 210 is then lowered into the formation 201 while the mud motor 245 imparts torque to the cutting structure 250, thereby drilling a wellbore 270. While the expandable cutting structure 250 is drilling into the formation 201, drilling fluid is circulated from the drilling fluid source 226 into the continuous casing 210, then into the mud motor 245, through the perforations 260 in the expandable cutting structure 250, up through an annulus 275 between the continuous casing 210 and the wellbore 270, up through an annulus 280 between the continuous casing 210 and the riser pipe 221, and up to the vessel 10 for storage or recirculation. The fluid is circulated to carry cuttings and/or debris from the formation 201, which are produced to the surface during drilling, and to facilitate a path for the drilling of the continuous casing 210 into the formation 201.
The continuous casing 210 is drilled to the desired depth within the formation 201. At this point in the operation, setting fluid is introduced into the continuous casing 210 and circulated into the annulus 275 to set the continuous casing 210 within the wellbore. The expandable cutting structure 250 is then retracted to allow it to fit through the continuous casing 210, and a cutting tool (not shown) is utilized to sever the continuous casing 210 at the floor 30. The conveyor 240 may be manipulated to move clockwise around the track 241 to return the cut-off portion of the continuous casing 210 residing above the floor 30 to the reel 225.
To retrieve the mud motor 245 and the retracted expandable cutting structure 250 from the continuous casing 210, a wireline 290 is lowered from the superstructure 215. The wireline 290 is manipulated into a slot 291 located within the mud motor 245 and then pulled upward, pushed downward, or turned (when the releasable connection 246 is a threadable connection) to release the releasable connection 246, which is preferably a shearable connection which is sheared by pulling upward or pushing downward on the wireline 290. Releasing the releasable connection 246 allows the mud motor 245 and expandable cutting structure 250 to be moveable with respect to the continuous casing 210.
The drilling method of
The drilling method of
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
In our twenties, we are often overwhelmed with craziness. Everything seems to be changing and moving at lightening speed. Between school, work, finding ourselves, upholding friendships and relationships, etc., we can sometimes feel like we're in over our heads. It may be hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know I'm not the only one when I say it's sometimes hard to see the positive in a negative.
Here's what I've learned to be thankful for when it comes to the whirlwind of college and life thus far:
I am thankful for the sometimes heavy workload my professors give me. Believe it or not, your professors want to see you succeed and actually take something away from their course. They're not trying to make your life miserable. Philosophy or chemistry may seem totally irrelevant to your major, but by becoming knowledgeable in these courses, you are turning into a well-rounded, diverse individual that knows a little somethin' outside your field.
I am thankful for the tiny dorm room I had to share with a stranger. Growing up, I never had to share anything. I was the baby and the only girl, so I felt entitled to all of my possessions. It came as a huge shock when I realized I had to share a 20×20 dorm room for an entire year. It taught me how to be more respectful of other people's time and space (which I wasn't always good at prior to college). It also made me more thoughtful of my actions and how they affected other people. And when I moved out and got my own room in my own apartment, it made me appreciate alone time even more.
I am thankful I went to a college where I knew almost no one. When I graduated high school, the majority of my friends (seriously, like 80% of them) went to a different state college than me. I knew about 5 people at my university. This encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and get to know people I normally wouldn't. And guess what? I've made some of the best friends in the world and I wouldn't change it for anything.
I am thankful for heartbreak. I tried to do the whole "long distance" thing my first year of college, and I wasted a lot of time and energy that year trying to make something work that was really doomed to fail. Not only did that failed relationship lead me to an even better guy, it taught me independence. I learned to be happy on my own. College is a transformation period—you are constantly changing and finding yourself, and if your happiness is dependent on another person, it's hard to find who you truly are.
I am thankful for that professor who called me out in front of the entire class. As embarrassing as it was that first time, the professor who asked me to voice my opinion on a touchy subject in front of the whole class made me realize that I shouldn't be afraid to speak up on how I feel. As you get older, you learn that it's not a bad thing to have a different opinion than someone else. It means you are courageous enough to stand up for what you believe in. Controversy is inevitable, so you might as well speak your mind. Plus you feel reallllllly ballsy afterwards. Not a bad thing.
As these things happen (and they will), try to keep an open mind on how they might affect you down the road. It's always easier to see the negative side of things than the positive, but by remaining optimistic, you can't help by sigh in relief knowing that this is how your life is beautifully unfolding.
What things are you thankful for? Tell us in the comments below!