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Mar 09 2009
Day 379: The Trouble with Six Beds
It wasn't until some recent guests (our first real group of visitors) left The Lodge a couple of weeks ago that I realized how much work it would be to have a real, full-time bed-and-breakfast. Our guests were as neat as they could be, and left very little clean-up that needed to be done. All I needed to do was do a quick touch-up to the bathrooms…and wash the sheets and make all the beds.
Sounded easy. But washing and drying sheets and remaking six beds is no small job. I don't live in The Lodge, so it's not something I can just do gradually throughout the day as I go about my daily routine. I've also got plenty going on around my own house, though, so I can't exactly spend an entire day at The Lodge waiting for sheets to go through laundry cycles.
I also don't have a staff or crew to do it for me.
So I had to come up with a system.
The system involves a practice that will be somewhat controversial. A practice I learned from my mother-in-law.
A practice that might make a few of you balk.
It might make some of you say "I do that, too!"
And a few of you will say "Please pass the Velveeta." If you do, you're in the wrong section. Please click on The Pioneer Woman Cooks at your earliest convenience.
Here's what I do.
I wash the sheets of one bed (along with towels from that bedroom's bathroom). Then I remove the sheets from the washing machine. Then I put them on the bed while they're still damp. I make sure to smooth out the sheets as I'm putting them on the bed. Short of hanging them on the line and/or ironing them, putting sheets on the bed while they're still damp, I've found, is the best way to get them smooth and delicious-looking.
Sometimes I put them in the dryer for five minutes to heat them up a little bit. But usually, I don't. But the key is, I don't tuck in the sheets while they're damp; I just let them hang loose.
Then…I leave The Lodge, go home, and get on with my life, allowing the sheets to air dry naturally.
Keep in mind that the spin cycle gets all the excess water out of the sheets, so they're never damp enough to impart any dampness at all to the mattress pad below OR to the wood on the bed frame.
(That was for those of you who are feeling very uncomfortable and forlorn at the thought of putting damp sheets on a bed.)
Then I come back whenever I can—later that evening or even the next day. And I throw another set of sheets into the washing machine. While they're washing, I finish making the first bed—the one I earlier that day or the day before. The sheets are dry, smooth, and lovely.
As soon as the spin cycle ends, I remove the sheets from the washer, put them on the bed…and leave.
Then, when I come back later or the next day, I throw in another set of sheets and finish making THIS bed. And so on…and so on…and so on. This way, I never have one huge day I have to carve out of my life in order to get all the beds back together.
So the system, in a nutshell, is this:
Go to the Lodge.
Throw a set of sheets into the washing machine.
While they're washing, finish making the bed that I washed previously.
Remove sheets from washing machine.
Place them on the bed, smoothing them out and allowing them to hang loose.
Leave and get on with my life.
Repeat as my life permits, starting from the top.
I had to come up with some kinds of system. Because the other day when I realized I had to wash the sheets and make six beds in addition to the ones already in my own house, I considered moving to a small apartment somewhere. Somewhere in a city. Somewhere by myself.
Somewhere near Starbucks.
492 Comments
Beth On Monday, March 9 at 10:03 pm
Here on the wetcoast of BC, we grow mould like nobody's business and keep a dehumidifier going year round as a first line of defense. And just the THOUGHT of damp sheets makes those millions of tiny spores rise up and a happy dance!
Ice Cream On Monday, March 9 at 10:04 pm
Sounds like a lovely idea. Sadly I live in moldville and have to run dehumidifiers just to keep my dry sheets from going damp. *sigh* Oh how I miss the midwest.
Tina On Monday, March 9 at 10:11 pm
Doesn't your brother Mike like to do laundry? Hire him for the day to do all your laundry.
SusanL On Monday, March 9 at 10:14 pm
What a Fabulous tip! I would never have thought of doing this, but I can see how it's the perfect solution.
Circle F On Monday, March 9 at 10:14 pm
i agree with the ladies that say …. get a spare for every bed, strip the beds, put the spare ones on, take the dirty ones home to do as you can…. that sounds SO much simpler …… and I don't like 'crisp' sheets…. I like them soft and fluffy My mother always hangs her sheets, towels, etc on the clothesline in the summertime… I always hated the rough towels and sheets. But I LOVE my mommy
Laurie On Monday, March 9 at 10:55 pm
See comment #26… I'm afraid I agree with Susan.
Jessica On Monday, March 9 at 11:26 pm
#4. Sherri O. beat me to the idea.. I even have an extra set of sheets for the beds in my home and I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. It has saved me time and from lack of sleep when the kids have been sick throughout the night. I could quickly put the kids in the bath, change the sheets, put them in the wash, clean up the "mess" and then have the kids redressed & back in bed in no time. I would always switch the sheets, towels, & clothing over to the dryer on my way back to bed (sometimes I even would have to wait for them to finish… I have a pet peeve about the smell of laundry that has been sitting in the washer for very long. It's hard for me to smell it on sheets especially, rubbing my face in it for hopefully at least eight hours). I wouldn't want to imagine doing it without the extra set of sheets.
All that being said, I can only imagine that your lodge will be completely booked in the near future so I'm sure that the extra set of sheets might help.
Lily On Tuesday, March 10 at 12:09 am
Hey, whatever works for you.
Patty On Tuesday, March 10 at 12:36 am
Wow, the comments on this one almost make me cringe. I'm not going to tell you how to do your laundry. I certainly have no right to. Most mornings my kids are rooting through the sock basket to find matching socks. Did I mention I LOVE sandal weather! I do make my kids change their own sheets. I don't have any extra sets, I just strip a couple of them each morning and wash/dry them, then tell the kids to put them on the beds when they get home. Ideally this happens at least once a week.. like that sock basket getting matched up … yeah.
I have to wonder though why you wouldn't WANT to spend more time at the Lodge. It's simply amazing. I'd make a cup of coffee and sit on that amazing deck and look out over the ranch while the sheets and blankets dried. *shrugs*
gretchen On Tuesday, March 10 at 12:37 am
wow. never thought of this…. and i'm sure it would work fine except for the fact it's way too damp where i live more than not. years ago, i worked for all of one winter week up in eastport idaho and the crazy lady i rented a cabin from ( with no running water) used to hang her sheets outside…in the dead of winter, snow be damned. she said it only took about two weeks, but they'd dry ….. she'd also give the baby she watched a spoon to pick up the dead mice the cats had killed …. in the house. i was very glad to leave.
Tendai On Tuesday, March 10 at 1:00 am
It is just fabulous that you have created a really nice space for your guests and that you even provide them with nice clean sheets! As far as I am concerned, you can put the sheets on anyway you like!
Marie M. On Tuesday, March 10 at 1:45 am
Here's what I would do: BUY MORE SHEETS! Think Wal-mart, Target, White Sales. I realize editors and photographers and stylists from Southern Living are not people you'd ask to make their own beds. However, most vistors are going to be close friends and relatives, right? We had a tradition in our family when we visited each other — we'd strip the sheets and remake the bed we'd used with clean sheets. If there was time we'd do the laundry and leave our hosts saying, thank you and please come again. My advice — start a new tradition. People want to help. I say let 'em.
Growing up we didn't have a dryer. Actually, we didn't have a washing machine. It was after World War II and they just weren't available. My Mother washed clothes by hand on a wash board. Oy vey. A neighbor had a machine that had a roller/wringer thing-a-ma-jig. Laundry took all day. Have you heard the expression "Washday Monday"? Ladies, thank your lucky stars those days are in the way back machine. Anyhow, during my childhood we hung everything (think cloth diapers — which had to be boiled first!) up on a line outdoors and had indoor lines in the garage for rainy days. Everything needed to be ironed. The ironing board was always up in the kitchen. But I loved the smell and feel of both the sheets and towels. Stiff and scratchy and smelling of fresh air and sunshine and bleach.
And we walked ten miles everyday to and from school, barefoot, in the snow. Just kidding folks. About the ten mile barefoot walk. NOT about how we washed clothes. Go as your Grandmother. Great-Grandmother?
OldNufftoKnowBtr On Tuesday, March 10 at 2:35 am
Whew, much ado about something!
steph smith On Tuesday, March 10 at 3:14 am
I don't think this is a good idea! The mattress will become damp over time and mould will start to grow.
PrissyD On Tuesday, March 10 at 4:43 am
I think she may be kidding……In southeast NC that would not be possible to do. I have a nice front loader too, but I still have to dry my sheets. My son has ashtma and the dr. said that the heat from the dryer kills dust mites and such. That they are not killed by washing alone.
Yes. She is bored and kidding us!! I just know it.
Judy On Tuesday, March 10 at 4:47 am
Hey, here's an idea! How about a second set of sheets for each bed? Or maybe you could buy more sheets? I can't believe that nobody has suggested you just get more sheets! (/sarcasm)
PrissyD On Tuesday, March 10 at 4:57 am
I had to come back. I thought about it. I'm sure she does not actually do this. It's a lead up to some great give away to sheet sets or a washer and dryer!!
Cathy Nebrrraska On Tuesday, March 10 at 5:24 am
Okay, I enjoyed all the comments.
Ree, I think you're smart! I have the wrinkliest beds on earth!
Jeanne A On Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30 am
Definitely would not work with my 20+ year old washer. That thing does not spin at all dry. Another reason I can wish for a newer more efficient one……………..But one of those large more efficient washers would not fit into my laundry area…….we had to take apart the washer we do own to get it through the entry way when we moved in……..such problems……….
Jane george On Tuesday, March 10 at 5:45 am
Wow, bet you didn't expect all those wrinkled up noses going ehhhhh!
Lauren On Tuesday, March 10 at 5:49 am
Hey Ree…
Don't you have one of those washing machines that will wash like 100 pair of Wranglers at once.???? Sheets squish down pretty well in the wash..I would wash all the sheets (or all the fitted first, then the flats) then do the towels. Keeping with your put em on damp routine. Seems like it might be less loads. But this is coming from someone who seperates laundry in "tops" and "bottoms" because it makes the putting away process easier.
Coffeegirl On Tuesday, March 10 at 6:50 am
Your MIL is brilliant, of course this works best if one lives in Oklahoma, Kansas or Texas.
I long for the days of Miss Manners, when good guests knew that the proper thing to do was to strip the bed before one left. Leaving one less, job for the hostess.
Nah, I long for the days of Jane Austin when one arrived with their own set of servants to help the servants that were already at the manor….
Cindy On Tuesday, March 10 at 6:54 am
The thought of putting wet sheets on the bed makes me shudder. Then again, I do live in the land of 85% humidity and mildew (Florida).
Diane On Tuesday, March 10 at 8:00 am
I think your system is fabulous . . . what works for you is what is right. While I, too, was raised with the "at least one extra set of sheets for every bed" throught process I gave it up lonnnnnnnnnnnnnng ago. Investing the extra bit (when you don't have to shell out the mega bucks if you hit TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Tuesday Morning, etc. for the luxury linens) for ONE GREAT set of sheets that will last and last is all you need. "Back in the day" you truly HAD to have multiple sets of sheets because you either didn't have an automatic washer/dryer at all or surely not a super size load one. Hence having extras so that you could change everything out in a day was a necessity.
With today's modern appliances it's relative quick and easy to wash, dry, and replace all the bedding in a short time. Plus unless you have the time, space, and desire to fold perfectly and store pristinely, there isn't anything appealing to me about putting sheets that were washed a month or more before and have been sitting in a closet since on my bed and and calling it fresh. Fresh is laundered that day, smoothed on the bed, and feeling like you just settled in at a five star hotel.
Less stuff is better, and for me, that includes sheets taking up unnecessary space in the linen closet or dresser drawer. Sorry, it's just how I handle it.
Joan B. On Tuesday, March 10 at 8:35 am
OK, I haven't read through all the comments, but one thing I noticed is that you said you are washing sheets and towels together. I've always heard that sheets should be washed with sheets and towels with towels. Maybe because of the lint. Anyway, it probably would be easier to just do a load of towels and a couple of loads of sheets, assuming they are all the same color. Isn't it funny how opinionated we are about laundry matters?
Nicole Slack On Tuesday, March 10 at 9:12 am
I told my husband about this and he actually liked the idea, LOL! He was like YAY, fresh sheets with no dryer wrinkles!!! But I can put every sheet in our house in the washer in my house which is 1 king fitted & 6 twin fitted – so why are you doing only one set at a time, sister? I do air dry our comforters – even in the winter. The dryer takes FOREVER!!! And they smell much yummier airdried.
thatgirldownsouth On Tuesday, March 10 at 9:30 am
Down here it is too humid even in a temperature controlled room for that. though i wish i could because it would save time and energy.
Julie On Tuesday, March 10 at 9:33 am
Michigan: where it's never dry enough here to air dry much. Unless it's political hot air. Or it could be my washer never spins out enough water, hmmm. It's cool that you can do that while you can; but there may come a day when one group of six leaves and the next group of six is coming in hot on their tails. That's when stimulus comes into play and you can hire some extra hands – sort of like 'shovel ready' work! Because the incentive is there: take on an extra 20 grand wage + benefits and you get a 3 grand tax break. Not really a small business tax break, but hey! Stimulus!!!! Oh, and it's good for one year only.
Signed: small business woman trying not to get bitter in MI.
Julie On Tuesday, March 10 at 9:34 am
I think I need a new washing machine. My sheets would be way to wet to put on the bed. But I soo love the idea.
Mandy On Tuesday, March 10 at 9:40 am
I can see why the system would be tempting to you, but I think you might be better off with a spare set of sheets for each bed. You should be able to get the sheets for at least two beds in the washing machine at the same time. Strip all your beds, start a load, make the beds, move the load to the dryer. Wash the comforters, fold the dry sheets, dry the comforters.
Stephanie On Tuesday, March 10 at 10:14 am
I want to come to the lodge! I will wash my own sheets! I would live there and wash all the sheets if you needed me to!
Sandra On Tuesday, March 10 at 10:26 am
Ok, so I think the universe is pretty unanimous about an extra set of sheets and using the dryer for 'hygiene' purposes. Who knew we could all be so passionate about something so mundane. Thanks everyone for playing nice
MY question is….what is the big deal about wrinkly sheets? Don't they get wrinkled as soon as you sleep on them anyway? Mine come out of the dryer pretty smooth — as long as I fold them or put them back on the bed right away.
viola On Tuesday, March 10 at 10:43 am
Or you could just have a front loading Whirlpool washer. I'm pretty sure I can fit 3 sets of sheets in there no problem. Just pack 'em in. They'll get clean.
Anna Potatoes (as good as it gets) On Tuesday, March 10 at 10:50 am
I would assume you'd just purchase extras as time went on, that way you don't have to do them all at once. Maybe 2 at a time.
naomig On Tuesday, March 10 at 11:00 am
Do what ya want with sheets, I say. If folks don't like it,they can sleep in a hotel. That's how we treat our guests around here, anyway. My FIL hates the food I make, (I am an excellent cook, thank you very much. He's picky, and won't eat food that is good for him) I always tell him, if ya don't like it, go to mcdonalds, or don't come to my house.
Anyway, I would probably buy 2 sets of sheets for each bed. Just cuz I'd be paranoid. But I wouldn't freak out over how you choose to process your sheets. Just not that picky.
Kathy On Tuesday, March 10 at 11:37 am
Prissy, I got to thinking about it and I think you are on to something. I think Ree might be pulling out leg after all. If this is a contest I could sure use some nice sheets for my bed. Hey maybe she's gonna give away a new front loader washer and dryer? Hmmm now ya got me wondering.
Shelley N. On Tuesday, March 10 at 11:56 am
Ree, this whole damp sheet thing….really, just get the extra sheets. Now you've got people thinking that Oklahoma is a "dry climate" – and the people from Ohio and MIchigan think they must have humidity that we don't. Oh my…
Chrissie On Tuesday, March 10 at 12:20 pm
Isn't everywhere near a Starbucks?
Janet On Tuesday, March 10 at 1:08 pm
I will come make beds for some cinnamon rolls. I do windows too.
Dharmamama On Tuesday, March 10 at 2:11 pm
I've stayed at several retreat centers where the guests strip the beds and remake them before they go. At one, they told us a little about the next group that was coming in, and asked us to pray/send good thoughts/focus on their well-being as we made the beds for them. I passed that idea on to every retreat center I've stayed at since then! I loved it.
Patty On Tuesday, March 10 at 3:12 pm
Offer a discount for the guests that bring their own linens.
I always put my slipcovers back on my furniture slightly damp. I only wash them when the weatherman predicts
furnace weather.
When we had a family reunion in Wyoming your washcloth would be dry within hours after your shower.
Now, I want to call a sheet summit and worry about how the heck I am going to afford to buy new sheets when the stock market tanks and the government wants my linen money.. I will be hanging my linens out to dry to save money.
Patty Paulsen On Tuesday, March 10 at 3:23 pm
I don't have an answer for you, but I will share my DREAM…if I were rich I would pay someone to strip my bed then make it up with clean sheets EVERYDAY. (nuthin' better than sliding into clean sheets every night…) Until that time (which, until/unless I win the lottery, isn't happening) I will be stripping my own sheets every Saturday morning. I did buy a second set so I can just remake the bed immediately…
Baba On Tuesday, March 10 at 4:21 pm
Ok I'm down with the Starbucks.
Alysun On Tuesday, March 10 at 4:31 pm
I think I am with the other 400 commenters…. I would buy another set of sheets for each bed, so you could do them at your leisure (as if that much laundry is ever done in leisure).
Just a note, my mom is head of housekeeping at a camp that sleeps 400. She keeps her sheet sets with pillow cases and fitted sheet folded between the top sheet. It make a tidy bundle and fits nicely on the shelf. I don't think it is out of the question at all to ask your guests to strip the bed and remake it. There is hospitality and then there is insanity.
Rosie On Tuesday, March 10 at 4:43 pm
Get your butt to Target and get six more sets of sheets for pete sakes! No way on earth, for love or money, would I be running back and forth washing one load at a time.
kel On Tuesday, March 10 at 5:01 pm
I couldn't do it. I can smell the mildewey sheets now. PU!
Jackie P On Tuesday, March 10 at 5:54 pm
Two sheets of linens for each bedroom. Just before the guest leaves, you ask them to change the linen with the clean set that's in their room and leave the dirty ones for you. You collect them all, wash them then (or later) fold them and put them back into the appropriate rooms for the next set of guests. The cycle continues. Washing/drying is not problem, it's making all those critters up! Our guests don't mind changing the linen at all—free room/board for changing a bed? Priceless.
Marilyn On Tuesday, March 10 at 7:01 pm
At my SIL's house in Lake Tahoe – the beds are not made. The sheets & towels are washed, dried, folded and placed on each bed. It is up to the new arrivals to make the bed. We try very hard to do our own laundry before we leave – that way my SIL is not left with a houseful. Sure saves her lots of work.
Jenny On Tuesday, March 10 at 8:09 pm
Hmmmm.. I'm just not sure about this. I would think they would mildew and smell weird.
Do you SMELL them before your guests sleep on them? I'd make sure they smell fresh. There's nothing like sleeping on icky smelling sheets.
I might try this one time.. I'm not sure. It kind of grosses me out just thinking about it, though. LOL
I love all your other ideas, though. And I love your site!
Jenny On Tuesday, March 10 at 8:19 pm
And oh yeah.. You have to watch out for head lice, too. What if one of your guests has it and doesn't know about it? If you don't dry the sheets in the dryer, those boogers won't die. Seriously Ree, you definitely need to dry them in the dryer. I'm not trying to be negative Nelly like some of these ladies. I'm just worried about your guests.
Jo Ann On Tuesday, March 10 at 8:41 pm
I personally would send the kids with MM and get the laundry done and over with in one afternoon. Grab a good book and read while in between loads. Two sets per load also, can't see doing one at a time. Just a thought….
Nancy On Tuesday, March 10 at 9:50 pm
I never wash sheets with other fabrics especially towels as they tend to get pills on them and that makes them very uncomfortable. To keep the fabric smooth wash them alone. I have never put damp sheets on a bed. I guess it is worth a try.
genevabear On Tuesday, March 10 at 11:01 pm
i do think this subject is about moldy by now……
but, has no one read that she also puts the towels the guest used, in with the sheets when she washes them? thats one reason she only put in one set at a time. btw i didnt read all the comments, who knows? maybe someone else already said this!!
Jennifer On Wednesday, March 11 at 8:26 am
These comments made me laugh so hard! I would never expect such strong reactions.
I have to say wet sheets give me the creepy crawlies BUT I live in a damp area. When I lived in West Texas I have no doubt they'd be dry in no time, especially from a nice washer like yours.
I'm for the extra sheet idea though, mainly because if someone has an accident or something on the bed a spare set of sheets is called for. I also agree strip them all at once and wash them in one or two large loads. Mark the tags on the sheets for beds 1-6 so you know where they go… and maybe I'm just lazy but a few wrinkles never hurt anyone. Its not like you are charging, and you are being incredibly hospitable putting people up in your lovely lodge. You are balancing 4 kids (home schooled even) , a billion animals, two houses, and what, eleven beds, I'd say anyone who has a problem with wrinkly sheets at the lodge should go sleep somewhere else. You are not superwoman and should not stress yourself trying to be!
becky On Wednesday, March 11 at 10:44 am
did i miss this post……
Marni On Wednesday, March 11 at 10:49 am
laundrymat!! gets all your wash done within an hour and a half…not that you live all that close to one but still…if you planned it right you could make a trip to the mall and starbucks….
LoriM On Wednesday, March 11 at 1:05 pm
I sent this idea to my husband and another friend with a lake house near ours (Huron). We have a lot of company and it's nice when they strip their own beds and even load the washer. We're still trying to figure out nice ways to ask FAMILY to do this when they're there. I know my husband will be shocked that you wash towels WITH sheets but that just makes sense to me.
LoriM On Wednesday, March 11 at 1:05 pm
Also – I want to read all the comments for other B&B ideas – but it's 53 pages!!!! WOW!
Katie On Wednesday, March 11 at 1:33 pm
I once worked at a guest lodge with twelve bedrooms (each with one king-sized bed) and let me tell you, washing and drying the sheets and towels was an all-day chore. On top of simply getting the linens clean, we had to IRON them once they were on the bed! I wish my employer had let me put damp sheets on the bed and skip this step . . .
SpriteLover On Wednesday, March 11 at 3:47 pm
Ree, I love ya…but sheets washed with dirty towels and washcloths (that people have washed their nether regions with) and then NOT put in the dryer is kind of icky.
Buttercup On Wednesday, March 11 at 8:48 pm
Love this but our 6-bedroom cabin is 4 hours away! :& Glad it works at yours! You're a hoot and a lot of fun to watch. You're living my life. xo
Tee On Wednesday, March 11 at 9:13 pm
I would definitely buy an extra set of sheets for each bed. What would you do if the sheets had to be changed, say during the night, as a result of someone getting sick? We have lots of company and as soon as the tail lights are going down the driveway I'm upstairs stripping the beds. I can change the linens before they get to I-75 (we are only one mile away), then I can do the laundry at my pace, and only have to climb the stairs once.
Laurie on the Prairie On Thursday, March 12 at 8:59 am
I was so hoping you didn't do what my Mom does … her trick is, after a week, she rotates her bottom fitted sheet so that she is sleeping on the fresh side that hasn't been slept on because she sleeps alone in her queen size bed. She flips her top sheet too. Seriously, I probably need to get her some help. This is just too funny for words, to me anyway.
Karen ~j~ On Thursday, March 12 at 10:10 am
Great idea! I used to work at a Bed & Breakfast and change beds like that almost daily! :-O I sure don't miss that. I love the new cabinet btw.
skyzi On Thursday, March 12 at 11:22 am
The idea of moldy mattress makes me itchy!
MiWa On Thursday, March 12 at 11:48 am
With allergies to mold, there is no way I could do that. My mother has millions of guests (5 guest bedrooms and a couple "community" rooms where the grandkids all crach out. She keeps an extra set of stuff in each room and we change them before we go, and put our dirty stuff in the laundry room. It works pretty well.
dianagrind On Thursday, March 12 at 12:42 pm
A PAIR AND A SPARE. That's what my cleaning lady REQUIRES. lol
Debco On Thursday, March 12 at 9:57 pm
I agree with all those who said to buy 6 extra sets of sheets. Plus it's always a good idea to spare set of sheets because you just never know when you might need them. (This coming from someone who just spilled some hot chocolate on her sheets while watching tv in bed.)
And one other thing, I used to work in a linen store and you should never, EVER wash your towels with your sheets. It doesn't matter how good a quality of sheet or towel you have, if you wash them together, the towels will cause the sheets to pill. Trust me on this. Protect your investment and wash them separately.
ann On Friday, March 13 at 9:16 am
If your kids can work cattle they can change sheets.
StuffMomsWant On Friday, March 13 at 1:13 pm
Do you ever sleep? If not, what's your secret?
Kristin On Friday, March 13 at 1:37 pm
Sounds like a good plan. At least they are clean! ;0) It also is a very energy efficient, save the earth kind of plan.
LoriFromUtah On Friday, March 13 at 5:34 pm
You put damp sheets on a bed you are charging people to sleep on?
On my.
Buy new sheets and use the steam settings on your samsung set. Get those puppies clean.
For your guests.
Whether they pay or not to stay at the lodge.
Grateful for Grace On Friday, March 13 at 8:34 pm
I always knew you were crazy.
Ashley On Friday, March 13 at 9:47 pm
well, that's pretty creative… I never thought of that
Anonymous On Friday, March 13 at 11:15 pm
She already said she was going to buy extra sheets, okay?
LoriFromUtah On Saturday, March 14 at 12:33 pm
My first comment got deleted so I'll try it again.
Sorry… but guests at any establishment, especially one as highly advertised as Ree's Lodge deserve better than damp sheets and a bathroom that's received a 'once over' cleaning.
Wash and dry all sheets, blankets and towels from the lodge in the hottest water and hottest setting possible.
Samsung washers can superheat water for the sheet and towel cycles and there's the disinfecting feature on the dryers. Use those features and get your linens clean. Do it for your guests.
You owe them that much.
I have never stayed at a lodge or bed and and breakfast where I was expected to make up my own bed.
Chores such as these are the responsibility of the host and hostess. If running the lodge is so overwhelming you cannot do the job properly (clean bedding and towels) then hire someone who will. That said, buying six extra sets of sheets and towels will hardly put the endeavor into bankruptcy. You can, you know, deduct the cost as operating expense.
mickey On Sunday, March 15 at 10:17 pm
#399… "wind chill factor"… hilarious! Thanks for the laugh.
Ree, what are you doing with the towels that you washed in that load? Drying them and folding later?? I'm sorry. I love you! But I don't get the gazillion trips to head up to the lodge to do loads. Take them home to your house if you need to, and pay the kids a quarter for each load they wash and fold at your house. Then haul them back up to lodge and let the older kids each make up one suite… beds, towels, etc. Pay them a little bonus for no wrinkles, straight edges, etc. Good lessons in bedmaking. :o) ha!
Hey, if this works for you, it's fine. And I hear ya about buying that many extra sheet sets when you are still furnishing, stocking kitchen and pantry supplies, etc. So don't buy extra sets if you're not ready for that. Just haul those stinky sheets home and make the child labor tend to them. It's a win/win. ;o)
sue On Sunday, March 15 at 11:23 pm
it's so damp here (shoreline, WA) that damp sheets would take a long time to dry, if they didn't mildew first. maybe in the one or two weeks of summer they might dry. clothes left in the washer overnight can smell musty/mildewy ! I say teach the kids to make the beds and have races to see how fast they can be. that way the beds get made all at once. all you gotta do is hold the stopwatch.
Juli P On Monday, March 16 at 1:03 pm
Excellent idea! The beauty of the front loading washer, stuff if practically dry when you do the super fast spin on the final cycle.
But I can get 3 sets of queen size sheets in my front loader . . . you should in yours too.
The second set of sheets for each bed is a better idea!
Jaci On Monday, March 16 at 1:55 pm
Mold mold mold.
Jenny On Friday, March 20 at 8:40 pm
I just tried this today, and I was amazed! I just want to tell everyone how well it worked. It's still pretty low humidity here in IL, though. I have a new washer/dryer and put them on an extra spin cycle. Then tossed in the dryer for 5 minutes. They were so much easier to get on my very thick mattress when damp. I'm usually tugging and pulling when they're dry. I smoothed them out and was so impressed a few hours later when I went to check on them. I flipped the pillows over to dry the other side of the cases and the damp spots on the sheets where the pillows were previously. My sheets really look like I ironed them! They are soft–I didn't use fabric softener & we don't even have very soft water. These sheets are pretty good quality, though. Yes, I do have 2-3 other sets for this bed, but I hate folding sheets. Therefore, I usually just wash and remake it the same day. I guess I just wanted to affirm this method and say to the doubters that it works great. Also, I'm all for saving on gas and electricity for the dryer.
Eveline van Heijst On Saturday, March 21 at 4:41 am
Why don't you just take all the sheets home. Saves a lot of petrol and going up and down to the lodge and do other things instead.
susann On Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 pm
Ree: I ran a B&B for three years,along with my husband. I thank the Lord often that I don't have to do that for a living! Making beds, keeping everything neat, (we lived in part of the house), doing outside plus inside housework left me hating housework. Making beds with damp sheets is something I never heard about.
Katie On Thursday, March 26 at 9:05 am
Actually, that sounds like a pretty good idea. Especially during the summer when all the windows are open and the breeze is blowing and there are clean sheets making the room smell good…. Whoa. Just had a little moment there…
Do you put the fitted sheet all the way on the mattress first, and then cover with the top sheet? I'm confused about how the 2 sheet thing works.
Barbara On Monday, April 13 at 11:03 am
 Where were you with this wonderful idea when my kids were small and I was helping my hisband start up a new business, basically taking care of the kids on my own and trying to keep up a house all at the same time???
Samantha S. Keller On Tuesday, April 14 at 4:34 pm
We are doing something very similar to you. Your website is so funny and real. I can really relate, because I too was a city girl who married a country boy!! By the way, get chickens, your friends will love you when you won't let them leave until they have taken a dozen eggs.
Jazzy On Saturday, April 18 at 5:03 am
emmmmm, I hesitate to suggest this but………….wouldn't it be easier to have two sets of everything for each room so that it wouldn't all have to be done in one day.
Tamra On Sunday, April 26 at 2:10 pm
WHy not do it the Ronal McDonald House way of doing things? I stayed with them while my daughter was in NICU and they requested two things: a small donation to help run the place (little did they know I was a single mom who would need my own small donation in life) and that I do my own laundry and have it back where it came from. Yes, I was expceted to wash and dry my sheets and towels and make the bed. DId they not realize that when a parent gets word that their child is finally going to be released from the NICU, the last thing they are thinking is, "Oh, before I take my precious baby, who has been needing wires, IV's and oxygen to help her start life, home, I need to run back and clean the sheets and towels I used and make the bed. I did wash everything! I threw it in the dryer, which was taking forever. So, I placed the comforter on the bed without any sheets in hopes the next person would be happy to make their own bed upon arrival and departure. At the lodge there shouldn't be any NICU babies being released and the time of departure should be known in advance, so this system should work nicely. You are sharing your time, life, and knowledge with adoring fans and loved ones, so why not have them earn their keep? Leave a simple reminder card that prior to departure to please wash and dry all used linens and replace them as they were before.
Audrey C On Thursday, July 30 at 10:46 am
Ree, that's crazy! 'Cause, dampness and mites and bacteria… and, and. I have to go wash and dry my bedding now. You've freaked me out!
MustangSally On Friday, July 31 at 11:28 am
I've just got the one guest bed which is enough of a PITA with no time to babysit laundry. So I just buy two sets of sheets for each bed. Then all you have to do is strip the dirty beds and make them up with the spare sheets, and take the dirties back top your house to be washed as part of your regular routine. Keep in reserve there or drop back off at the lodge when you get a chance.
home improvement - wood flooring On Thursday, August 13 at 10:22 am
Nice post about The Trouble with Six Beds. thanks for the posting
Kate Flynn On Sunday, November 15 at 3:05 pm
If you really started having lots of visitors you could try the system my Aunt, the Sacred Heart Nun, uses at all the convents. When you arrive there are clean sheets on the dresser. You take off the dirty sheets, put on the clean ones and have the whole of your stay to wash dirty sheets as opposed to spending all Sunday morning waiting for sheets to dry. Works for them.


text:
6 Best Android AntiVirus Apps
February 1, 2014 in Android by
Kaspersky recently merged its Android phone and Android tablet security products into one, and it certainly looks the part. The big shields that fill up to show you the completion percentage of virus scans and updates are about as user-friendly as these apps come, although in other respects Kaspersky
antivirus can make life a little more di cult for the
user than it should.
For example, Kaspersky shows a fleeting
notification to tell you it's completed a virus scan after you install a new app, but that notification
disappears in the bat of an eyelid, and on our test Motorola Moto G handset, the message ran off the edge of the screen, making it unclear if Kaspersky had found a problem with the app or not. Luckily, with a 100 percent success rate in detecting malware-laden apps in the most recent AV-Test labs, you can be fairly sure it's going to root out the known bad apples.
By default, malicious apps is all Kaspersky will keep an eye out for. If you want file scanning and browser protection, you have to pay and, oddly, switch on the Extended Protection option in settings. Once switched on, we were pleased to see Kaspersky send out a screeching alert when we used our browser to download a test virus, and
the file was immediately placed in quarantine. Once again, however, the notification swiftly disappeared,
and we had to delve deep into the menus to find evidence of the quarantined file. The anti-theft features are rudimentary compared to those of Avast, but they work well.
Remote commands can be sent either via SMS or Kaspersky's well-designed web console. The lock and locate feature pinpointed the position of our "missing" phone over both Wi-Fi and 3G, and the option to insert a custom message on the lock screen is a bonus for those wanting to offer passersby instructions for handing in a lost phone.
The option to surreptitiously snap photos using the phone's camera also did the job admirably, delivering five crisp snaps that could well identify whoever's using the phone. The wipe facility offers the option to merely clear off personal data or factory reset the phone, which is a step up from Norton's offering. The only anti-theft disappointment was the alarm, which merely produced a short, rather muted buzzer noise, which certainly wouldn't
help you locate a phone that had fallen down the back of the sofa.
The call-blocking feature is basic, allowing you to bar messages and texts from selected callers, but with no scheduling or logs of blocked calls. Privacy Protection, meanwhile, allows you to hide certain contacts from the address book, making you enter a PIN to see their details.
Set-up is clunky, and it's a feature of limited benefit in our opinion.
VERDICT: A slickly presented antivirus package that does a decent job of proactive protection.
A few usability fl aws and a limited set of anti-theft and extras stunt its appeal, but then that's reflected
in the very reasonable subscription price.
Android Antivirus #4
Norton Mobile Security 2014
Free; £29/year Premium
Everyone knows Norton, it's is one of the biggest names in the security business, and there's no questioning that it knows what it's doing when it comes to detecting apps known to be laden with malware: a score of 100 percent in the AV-Test labs is proof of that.
You might wonder if Norton is actually scanning new apps after you've installed the software and there's no notification that it's doing so, but you can turn these on in the app's settings. Norton is also scanning your web browser for suspicious activity, although we couldn't do anything to set its alarm bells ringing: downloading a test
virus, clicking on links in phishing emails, and clicking on all manner of dubious ads on file-sharing sites didn't once provoke Norton to step in, unlike other packages on test here.
Norton doesn't o er as many anti-theft features as Avast and there are some worrying holes in them. The wipe-device setting – which like all of Norton's premium anti-theft features, can be activated via SMS or through Norton's web console – is woefully ineffective. It doesn't perform a factory reset on the device, but merely clears out contacts, files and other personal data. Yet, it still left our Gmail account accessible on the device, as well as all our apps and access to the Play Store.
Locking the device is more effective. The lock feature doesn't set o any audio alarms, which we think is a more sensible approach that's less likely to put o a passer-by from picking up a lost handset and handing it in. You can also type a custom message on the lock screen, perhaps offering a reward for the safe return of the phone,
which is a nice touch.
Location tracking proved a bit wayward in our tests. With Wi-Fi turned on, it gave our next-door neighbour's address, which is forgivable, but relying on 3G alone it placed the phone 500m and three streets away, which is of little use. When we tried to use the Sneak Peek feature that takes a snap from the phone's camera, we received a warning message that this features wasn't available in our country "due to privacy laws", yet when we locked
the phone, it automatically took some photos using the phone's camera, which is contradictory.
Call blocking is also rudimentary compared to Avast's. You can choose to block a particular contact's calls or text messages, or both, but there's no scheduling, so you can't divert work calls to voicemail at weekends, for example. Backup is equally primitive, backing up only the contacts – which already available in Android devices by default.
VERDICT: A vast array of security and useful phone management tools, all offered without any charge whatsoever. We'd like its antivirus to be more proactive and the anti-theft tools are relatively weak, but it's harder to complain when it's free.
Android Antivirus #5
Qihoo 360 Mobile Safe
See the next page (link below)
Join SenseiPhone onFacebook https://www.facebook.com/SenseiPhone
Twitter https://twitter.com/SenseiPhone
Google+ https://plus.google.com/108865025658541181081

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Sponsors and investors have been paying much attention to the potential use of real estate investment trust (REIT) structures to hold and finance renewable energy assets in a tax-efficient way. A recent SEC filing by Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (Hannon Armstrong) illustrates such a structure. In its S-11 registration statement filed on February 15, 2013, Hannon Armstrong announced its intent to become a publicly traded mortgage REIT that specializes in financing sustainable energy-related projects, including renewable energy (e.g., solar or wind) projects and projects that enhance the efficiency of users of energy.
In order to qualify for the special tax treatment afforded to REITs under the tax code, an entity must, among other things, invest primarily in qualifying "real estate assets" (including mortgages on real property) that generate qualifying real estate-related income (including interest on mortgages on real property). In recent years, the IRS has confirmed its position that certain types of immovable assets — for example, billboards, gas pipelines, storage and terminalling facilities, electricity interconnection assets, offshore oil rigs and cell towers — are qualifying assets for purposes of the REIT requirements.
The filing by Hannon Armstrong indicates that the IRS has continued this trend by ruling on the treatment, for REIT purposes, of certain immovable renewable energy and energy enhancement assets. In particular, Hannon Armstrong announced that it has received a private letter ruling treating loans secured by energy enhancement and renewable energy assets as qualifying real property mortgages that generate qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the REIT requirements.
Although a private letter ruling is binding on the IRS only with respect to the taxpayer that received the ruling, the ruling disclosed in the Hannon Armstrong S-11 is an encouraging sign for REITs that are interested in investing in the renewable energy sector, as the announcement of the private letter ruling confirms the tax law viability of the energy REIT vehicle.
Skadden has extensive experience with REITs, including with the use of REITs to invest in renewable energy. Our REIT group is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the use of REITs for renewable energy investments.
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DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
© Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
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text:
"Time & Space" ~ Mural by Mear One CBS and Risk WCA
From Mear: This Mural is a Collaboration between Risk and myself. This marks the final Mural of my year-long Tour Of Conscious Art. Particles and Wavelengths Park West Miami on NE 10th St. on corner of NE 2nd St.


text:
"The most beautiful card, such great quality. This was a great choice. Can't wait for the next occasion to order more cards. Everybody loved the cards and thought that I spent a fortune, thinking that I hired someone to do my cards, that is how beautiful they turned out."
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"I loved the classic look of this card. It really reminded me of an old fashioned Christmas card. Excellent quality. First time shopper with tineyprints I will definitely be shopping with them again!"
"I was so happy with how this turned out! Exactly like the example and showed up days early. Loved the design and type choice. Perfect!"


text:
The invention is a method of consolidating and forming a composite part having a plurality of principle surfaces, the part made from a preform having a filamentary material in a resin matrix. The method comprising the steps of placing sheets of material on each of the principle surfaces of the preform; clamping a portion of the preform and the sheets of material together in a moveable clamp; and pultruding the preform with the sheets of material on the principle surfaces through a consolidation and forming zone of a die by moving the clamp.
1. A method of consolidating a composite article into a final shape having a plurality of principle surfaces, the part made from a preform having a filamentary material in a resin matrix, the method comprising the steps of:
placing sheets of material on the principle surfaces of the preform;
clamping a portion of the preform and said sheets of material together in a moveable clamp; and
pultruding the preform with said sheets of material on the principle surfaces through a consolidation and forming zone of a die by moving said clamp wherein heat and pressure consolidate and form said preform into the final shape.
2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheets are made of metal.
3. The method as set forth in claim 2 wherein said metal is a stainless steel.
4. The method as set froth in claim 3 wherein the thickness of the said metal sheets are between 0.003 and 0.005 inch thick.
5. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein in the surfaces of said sheets in contact with the preform are coated with a parting agent.
6. The method as set forth in claim 5 wherein said preform is passed through at least one preliminary forming die prior to the step of pultruding said preform.
The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in the invention and the right in limited circumstances, to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for in a U.S. Government contract No. F333l5-86-C-5008 awarded by the U.S. Air Force.
The invention relates to the field of the manufacture of composite articles or parts and, in particular, to the manufacture of composite parts by the pultrusion process.
Composite parts typically consist of filamentary material in a resin matrix. The filamentary material may be unidirectional, or woven, or a combination of both; in fact, most parts are made up of numerous layers of such materials with each layer having a different orientation. The particular orientation of the filamentary material and number of plies will be dictated by the actual design requirements of the part. Typical filamentary materials include: graphite, glass, and KEVLAR. There are two basic types of resins used: thermoset, such as epoxies which cure (undergoes a chemical change) upon heating to forming temperatures, and thermoplastics, such as polyetheretherkeytone, generally called "PEEK", which only melt at their forming temperatures.
The pultrusion process is a simple and cost-effective method of making long, constant, cross-sectional area parts using composite materials. In detail, and in its simplest form, the process involves the "pulling" of resin-impregnated filamentary material through a heated die to simultaneously consolidate and form the impregnated filamentary material as it passes therethrough. A typical process using thermoset resins would begin with the running of numerous strands of filamentary material from individual reels or "tows" through a bath of resin, dissolved in a solvent, and thereafter through a collimating die. The "wetted" filamentary material is then pulled through the die, heated to the curing temperature of the resin, wherein the part is consolidated, formed, and the resin cured prior to exiting the die. Such a method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,930, "Method of Production of Fiber Reinforced Resin Articles" by L. R. Boggs and U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,287, "Segmented Pultrusions Comprising Continuous Lengths of Fiber Having Selected Areas Along The Lengths Containing Resin Matrix Impregnations" by A. F. Lewis et al. In the latter patent, a method is disclosed for producing a part with cured and uncured segments.
If the part is to be made of numerous layers of filamentary material at various orientations to the "pull" direction (typically designated the X-axis), a "preform" will be necessary. In such cases, the preform is first assembled from tapes or sheets having the desired orientations and passed through the resin bath. Sometimes the preform is assembled from pre-impregnated (often called prepreg) tape, with the tape layers laid up in the proper sequence. Prepreg tape is basically the filamentary material impregnated with the thermoset resin and partially cured to a state wherein it is tacky but easily handled (often called B stage). The preform is pulled through the die, as in the previous example, to form the part. In either case, if the resin is very tacky and/or any of the principle surfaces of the part have filamentary material orientated at large angles to the X-axis, frictional forces will cause the filamentary material in these "off-axis" layers to tend to straighten out and become aligned with the X-axis and/or gather and wrinkle, etc., producing unacceptable parts. In addition, the pull force may become excessive. This problem is solved by prestitching the individual layers of the preform (whether preimpregnated or not) together in a direction perpendicular to the X axis such that the filamentary material orientated along the X axis is used to "pull" the non X axis material through the die. The advantage here is that the preform can still be supplied in rolls so that continuous production can be accomplished. However, while this method works, it requires the time-consuming stitching step.
If the resin is a thermoplastic, the problem of pultruding a preform with off-X-axis filamentary material is even more difficult since, at room temperature, the resin is at full strength and stitching layers of the preform together is all but impossible. In the past, this has limited the off-X-axis orientation of the layers of filamentary material to only a zero angle. Of course, the problem becomes next to impossible when more complex parts, such as "T" cross-sectional parts, are to be manufactured by the pultrusion process. Another approach is to add unidirectional plies over the exterior off-X-axis plies and pultrude an essentially over-sized part. After pultruding, the part is machined to remove the added unidirectional plies. This, of course, is an expensive operation and should be avoided if possible. Thus, what has been needed is a method of pultruding thermoplastic resin matrix preforms that allows large, off-X-axis orientation of the filamentary material.
A system for pultruding tubular composites is disclosed in U.S Pat. No. 4,891,179, "Method of Consolidating composite Articles" by D. G. Peacock, et al. The preform is enclosed in a protective member, for example a glass cloth coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON). The cloth can be in the form of half tubes or a flexible type that can be wrapped around the preform. Such a protective member can keep the preform free of longitudinal tension because the Teflon acts as a lubricant preventing the preform from sticking to the die, and the protective member bears the frictional loads. However, the use of conventional composite material having a resin matrix as the protective cover when pultruding high-temperature resin matrix materials, such as PEEK, is impractical. PEEK has a melting temperature in the 700 degree Fahrenheit range (hereinafter referred to as degree F.), well above the useful operating temperature of most other resins. In addition, if the preform is to undergo a large amount of distortion during the pultrusion process, a simple flexible cover will not be adequate.
Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a method of pultruding composite parts.
It is another primary object of the invention to provide a method of pultruding composite parts from preforms which undergo large amounts of deformation during the pultruding process.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a method of pultruding composite parts having a high-melting temperature resin matrix material.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of pultruding composite parts having outer plies with large angular variations to the X-axis or pultruding direction.
The invention is a method of making composite articles or parts from a preform having a filamentary material in a resin matrix and having a plurality of principle surfaces. The method comprising the steps are:
1. Placing sheets of material on the principle surfaces of the part;
2. Clamping a portion of the preform and the sheets of material together in a moveable clamp, and
3. Pultruding the preform with the sheets of material on the principle surfaces through a consolidation and forming zone of a die by moving the clamp.
For example, if a rectangular beam were the composite part in question, the preform would comprise a plurality of laid-up plies of pre-impregnated sheets of filamentary material. The orientation of the filamentary material and number of plies would be dictated by the design requirements. The sheet of material may be made of an organic material such as a high-strength polyimide, but preferably is made of metal. If the sheet is made of metal, the thickness is preferably 0.003 to 0.005 inches thick and would be placed on each principle surface of the preform. The surface in contact with the preform should be coated with a parting agent to insure that it can be easily removed after the step of pultruding. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the filamentary material on the outer plies of the preform to the X-axis, they would be protected by the metal sheets during the actual step of pultruding.
If the composite part is of a more complex shape, such as one having a T-shaped cross-section, then a more complex preform will be necessary as well as additional forming steps such as passing the preform through one or more intermediate forming dies. For example, the preform for the T-shaped part could begin with a circular cross-section, with the individual plies in the form of tightly nested rings. Such a preform is formed on a round mandrel with the individual plies both laid up and braided thereon. These plies could also be either spot welded or ultrasonically welded together to hold them in place once removed from the mandrel. As previously stated, the preform is drawn through one or more dies, some or all of which would be heated so as to make the progressive forming of the circular preform to a "roughly" T-shaped configuration. This "rough" shape must be sufficiently close to the final T-shape so that a metal sheet can be placed on all the principle surfaces of the "T", across the top of both shoulders, on the underside of each shoulder, and on either side of the leg of the "T". This allows the metal sheets to be dispensed from spools or reels. In the fabrication of the T-shaped part, it has also been found that the sheet on the underside of the shoulder can be joined to the sheet on the side of the leg, forming a right-angled corner section. However, such a shape does not allow dispensing from spools but would be useful when pultruding relatively short lengths. No matter what the preliminary steps of the process, the actual step of pultruding the preform into the final shape is conventional in nature. However, the die must be sized somewhat oversize to take into account the thickness of the metal sheets. The actual inlet taper, the length, the material used for the die, etc., will vary from part to part and some trial-and-error experimentation may be necessary.
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which the presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the part to be produced by the subject pultrusion process which, for purposes of illustration, has a T-shaped cross-section. Also shown are unattached sheets of material placed on each of the principle surfaces of the T-shaped part.
Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 4 taken along the line 5--5.
Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preform used to make the T-shaped cross-sectional part.
Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an apparatus for pultruding the part.
Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of the preform shown as it passes through the various forming dies as it is molded into the T-shaped cross-sectional part.
Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a part identical to the part shown in FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate design for the sheets.
Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the a T-shaped part made of composite materials, generally indicated by numeral 10. The part 10 includes a shoulder portion 12, having a top surface 14, and left- and right-bottom surfaces l6A and l6B, respectively, and a leg portion 18, having left and right sides 20A and 20B, respectively. Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hollow preform, generally indicated by numeral 30, with an interior 31, mounted on a supporting mandrel 32 and having a longitudinal axis 33, commonly referred to as the X-axis. The preform 30 is composed of a first or inner layer 34 of prepreg material having unidirectional filamentary material at 0 degrees to the X-axis and which is held in place by tacking. Over the inner layer 34 is a layer 36 of braided prepreg having the filamentary material at plus and minus 45 degrees to the X-axis. Over the layer 36 and, in respective order, is another layer of prepreg 38 having unidirectional filamentary material at 0 degrees; a layer 40 of braided prepreg having the filamentary material at plus and minus 85 degrees to the X-axis; another layer 42 of unidirectional filamentary at 0 degrees to the X-axis and, finally, a second layer 50 of braided prepreg having the filamentary material at plus and minus 45 degrees. To hold the layers of the preform in positional relationship to each other, the individual layers of prepreg can be ultrasonically welded together.
Illustrated in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pultrusion apparatus 54 for making pultruded parts such as shown in FIG. 1. Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the preform shown in FIG. 2 passing through the various forming steps in the apparatus 54. Finally, illustrated in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along the line 5--5. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, in order for a circular preform 30 to be pultruded into the part 10 it must undergo a dramatic change in cross-sectional shape. If the preform incorporates a thermoplastic resin matrix material which would be at its final strength level, it will be stiff and will not readily be deformed. Thus, the preform may have to be passed through several heated dies which progressively deform the preform prior to the final consolidating and forming in the putrusion die. Thus, the apparatus 54 incorporates a first die 60 which only deforms the preform 30 to a very rough approximation of a "T", indicated by numeral 30A; note that the interior, indicated by numeral 31A, is still quite large. The preform 30 is next pulled through a heated die 62 which further deforms the preform to a shape much closer to the shape of the part 10, indicated by numeral 30B; note again, the interior, indicated by numeral 3lC, is now almost completely closed.
At this point the preform 30 is ready to be pulled through the final heated consolidating and forming die 63; however, the frictional forces will normally be so high that the layer 50 (best seen in FIG. 2) of the preform is likely to be severely pulled out of shape with the filamentary material tending to align with the X-axis and/or "gather" or "bunch up" causing a wrinkled finish. This will also cause the necessary pultrusion forces to rise to a very high level, which may be above the strength of the filamentary material or of the apparatus itself. To prevent this from happening, Applicants have modified the prior art method of pultruding parts by adding the step of placing sheets of material on all of the principle surfaces of the preform 30 prior to entrance into the final die 63. The material can be a polyimide or other high-strength organic material, which could be reinforced with filamentary material. However, it is preferred that the sheets be made of thin metal, such as stainless, having a thickness of between 0.003 and 0.005 inches. The determination of the actual thickness of the metal sheet that should be used to pultrude any particular part will require some trial-and-error experimentation. In general, however, a more complex cross-sectional shape requires thinner material so that the sheet can conform to the part. On the other hand, the larger the surface area of the principle surfaces of the part, the thicker the sheet must be in order to absorb the loads.
Thus, a metal sheet 64 from a spool 65 is fed onto top surface 14 of the shoulder 12, and metal sheets 66 and 67 from spools 68 and 69, respectively, are fed onto surfaces l6A and l6B of the shoulder 12, and metal sheets 70 and 72 from spools 73 and 74, respectively, are fed onto the surfaces 20A and 20B of the leg portion 18. In order to insure easy removal of the sheets from the completed part, they should be coated with a parting agent 75 on the surfaces contacting the preform. Illustrated in FIG. 6 is an alternate configuration for the sheets. Here, the sheets 66 and 70 and sheets 67 and 72 are replaced with single sheets 76 and 77, respectively, both in the form of flexible, right-angled "brackets". While the sheets 76 and 77 reduce the number of sheets required, they cannot be wound on spools to provide continuous feed.
Referring particularly to FIG. 5, it can be seen that the heated consolidating and forming die 63 having a die cavity 84, is a conventional design but it must be designed to accommodate the metal sheets. However, increasing the size of the die cavity 84 by an amount equal to the increase in thickness caused by the metal sheets is sufficient in most cases. As illustrated, the forming die 63 is in three sections: top section 85 having forming surface 86; right-side section 87 having a forming surface 88, and left-side section 90 having a forming surface 91, all held together by fasteners 54. The three forming surfaces 86, 88, and 91 form the die cavity 84 when the three die sections are fastened together.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the preform 30 is pulled through the various dies by means of a jaw assembly 100. However, it is important at this point to discuss how preform is initially fed through the die cavity 84 and clamped by the jaw assembly 100. The preform 30 is formed so that the end 101 thereof has less than the total number of required layers, such that it can be easily fed by hand through the dies 60, 62, and the die 63 by hand (with the metal sheets installed thereon as it passes through the die 63). It is then attached to the clamp assembly 100. As illustrated, the clamping jaw assembly 100 is composed of three members: a flat top member 102, and two lower right-angled members 104 and 106, all clamped about the reduced end 101 of the preform 30 and sheets 64, 66, 70, and 72 by means of a plurality of fasteners 108. The fasteners 108 pass through holes (not shown) in the members 102, 104, and 106, and in the end 101 of the preform 30.
Thus, in operation, the preform 30 is pulled through the dies 60 and 62 to initially form the preform 30 and, thereafter, through the die 63 by means of the jaw assembly 100. As a portion thereof passes through the die 63, the resin in the preform is melted, consolidated, and formed into the part 10. It must be understood that the main thrust of the invention is the actual clamping of both the preform 30 and sheets by the jaw assembly 100 during the pultrusion process. This protects the exterior layers on the preform, since the pulling loads are absorbed by the sheets and not the preform. A second major thrust of the invention is the use of metal sheets on the principle surfaces of the part during the consolidation and final forming through the forming die 63. Whether or not the preliminary forming steps are necessary will depend on the cross-sectional shape of the part and the type of preform required. For example, a simple, rectangular, cross-sectional part may only require a single die. Finally, while the above example contemplated a part using a thermoplastic resin matrix, the use of thermoset resins is not precluded.
While the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it should be understood that the embodiment is merely illustrative as there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made by those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention is to be construed as being limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The invention has application in any industry using composite structures.
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Framingham State University Police Department
McCarthy Center (Access off Church Street)
100 State Street
P.O. Box 9101
Framingham, MA 01701-9101
Phone: 508-626-4911
Fax: 508-626-4899
All bomb threats will be taken seriously and should be recorded on the Bomb Threat Checklist Form provided by Campus Police.
Receiver of the Threat:
If you receive a bomb threat notify Campus Police at extension 4911
Use the bomb threat checklist form to record the exact statement made by the caller. The terminology, expression, and whether male or female are of definite significance, as are any other clues which may be obtained. It is important to know the location of the bomb whether it is inside the building or outside.
An emergency warning "CODE RED" evacuation may be issued, unless otherwise directed.
Campus Police along with the Framingham Fire Department will assess the situation and provide further instructions.
Direct staff and students not to touch or move any suspicious device or object found on the premises, as some may explode with the slightest movement. Avoid cell phone use and turn off two-way radios, as they may detonate a device.
Keep loud noise and movement to a minimum, even when evacuating. Devices may be sensitive to noise or movement. The Framingham Fire Department will be fully in charge and will determine when re-entry is possible.


text:
Shows how to find and manipulate text using regular expressions.
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Quotes & Info
|OFC > SEC Filings for OFC > Form 8-K on 25-Jul-2014
|All Recent SEC Filings
Results of Operations and Financial Condition, Financial Statem
On July 25, 2014, Corporate Office Properties Trust (the "Registrant") issued a press release relating to its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and, in connection with this release, is making available certain supplemental information pertaining to its properties and operations as of and for the period ended June 30, 2014. The earnings release and supplemental information are included as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and are incorporated herein by reference.
The information included herein, including the exhibits, shall not be deemed "filed" for any purpose, including the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or subject to liabilities of that Section. The information included herein, including the exhibits, shall also not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.
(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information
(c) Shell Company Transactions
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit Number Exhibit Title 99.1 Corporate Office Properties Trust earnings release and supplemental information for the period ended June 30, 2014, including the press release dated July 25, 2014


text:
Faculty News
Research Highlights
Honors & Awards
Alumni News
Seminars & Events
Past News
Selectivity Control of Heterogeneous Catalysis: Designing Selective Reaction Pores on Metal Surfaces
A heterogeneous catalytic process typically involves three important steps: the adsorption of reactant molecules on the active metal surface, reaction between reactant molecules on the metal surface, and, finally, desorption of products. In
Professor Frank Tsung
's design, a nanoporous material, a metal organic framework (MOF), is coated on the surface of metal nanoparticles. Because the size of the MOF pores is comparable to that of the reactant molecules, the MOF could concurrently manipulate the molecular size-selectivity, adsorption geometries and sorption energies of reactant molecules on the catalyst surface. The Tsung group has applied this catalyst to the gas-phase hydrogenation of ethylene, cyclohexene, and cyclooctene. The size of ethylene is smaller than the pore size of the MOF; the size of cyclohexene is similar to the pore size, and the size of cyclooctene is much bigger than the pore size. The MOF shell provides excellent molecular-size selectivity. The results show high activity in ethylene and cyclohexene hydrogenations but not in cyclooctene hydrogenation. Different activities for cyclohexene hydrogenation were obtained for the catalysts with and without the MOF shell. The difference could be due to the conformation of the molecules on the metal surface during the hydrogenation. The cyclohexene molecules could only interact with the active metal surface by the successive variation in their conformations. None of these enzyme-like behaviors have ever been previously observed in heterogeneous catalysis. The work has been published in
J. Am. Chem. Soc.
, 14345-14348.
To read the article, go to:
For more details, see also:
This work has been highlighted in
Science Daily
and other science news venues. See:
Transitions from Functionalization to Fragmentation Reactions of Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) Generated from OH Oxidation of Alkaline Precursors
The importance of atmospheric aerosols as climate forcing agents has become evident. The quantitative parameters required for reliable modeling aerosol climate effects, however, are not yet available. This is most notably the case for organic aerosol. To address this problem,
Professor Paul Davidovits
and his collaborators have been systematically studying the formation of organic aerosol via atmospheric oxidation of organic vapors due to anthropogenic and biogenic emissions. They measure cloud formation effectiveness and optical properties of organic aerosols of known shape, size, and composition. They also determine how these properties are affected by transformations in the atmosphere
oxidative reactions and coatings formed by deposition.
The experiments described in their publication in
Environmental Science & Technology
, 5430 were designed to study aerosol formation from gas phase alkanes emitted into the atmosphere as a result of oil spills such as the Deepwater Horizon accident. The experiments provided data that determine yields and chemical composition of the aerosol produced from atmospheric oxidation of the relevant gas phase species.
These studies were conducted in Professor Davidovits's laboratories at Boston College in collaboration with colleagues from Aerodyne Research Inc., MIT, and Pennsylvania State University. The wide range of instruments and expertise required to perform complex atmospherically relevant studies make such collaborations essential. Three Boston College undergraduate students,
David R. Croasdale
Justin P. Wright
, and
Alexander T. Martin
, were important participants in these experiments and are co-authors of the publication.
To read the article, go to:
1,3,5-Triazine as a Modular Scaffold for Covalent Inhibitors with Streamlined Target Identification
Cysteine residues play key functional roles in regulating protein activity by acting as catalytic nucleophiles, sites of metal-binding, and redox-active centers. Small molecules that covalently modify these functional cysteine residues provide pharmacological tools to perturb protein activity within biological systems. In a recent publication in the
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Professor Eranthie Weerapana
and her coworkers reported the utility of trifunctionalized 1,3,5-triazine as an ideal modular scaffold to generate covalent inhibitors for cysteine-mediated protein activities. Triazines were derivatized with a thiol-reactive electrophile for covalent modification of target proteins, an alkyne as a click-chemistry handle for target identification, and a binding group to direct the compounds toward distinct subsets of the proteome. A library of trifunctionalized triazines was generated, and the cellular protein targets for these compounds were evaluated. These cellular screens identified two compounds, RB-2-cb and RB-11-ca, as cell permeable and highly selective covalent modifiers for Cys239 of beta-tubulin (TUBB) and Cys53 of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), respectively. These compounds demonstrate
in vitro
and cellular potencies that are comparable to currently available modulators of tubulin polymerization and PDI activity. These findings demonstrate the versatility of the triazine core as a modular scaffold to generate potent and selective covalent modifiers of diverse protein families for future chemical genetics applications. Future studies will apply these bioactive small molecules to further interrogate the role of TUBB and PDI in a variety of pathological systems and expand the triazine library to target other reactive amino acids in the proteome. Postdoctoral fellow
Ranjan Banerjee
, graduate student
Nicholas Pace
, and undergraduate student
Douglas Brown
contributed to this study.
To read the article, go to:
Simple Organic Molecules as Catalysts for Enantioselective Synthesis of Amines and Alcohols
Discovery of easily accessible catalysts that generate high value organic compounds by sustainable enantioselective transformations is central to advances in the life sciences. In the February 14 issue of
, in a paper by various members of the
research group, graduate students
Dan Silverio
Erika Vieira
, postdoctoral fellows
Drs. Sebastian Torker
Tanya Pilyugina
, and senior research associate
Dr. Fredrik Haeffner
introduce a set of small organic molecules that catalyze reactions of unsaturated organoboron reagents with imines and carbonyls; products are amines and alcohols of high enantiomeric purity, intermediates used to synthesize many biologically active molecules. A distinguishing feature of the catalyst class is a proton embedded within their structure. The resulting electronic activation and structural organization play a key role in every stage of the carbon-carbon bond forming processes; this includes achieving high rates of catalyst regeneration and product release, typically obtained through rapid ligand exchange with metal-containing systems. The catalyst is derived from the abundant amino acid valine and can be prepared in large quantities in four steps with cheap chemicals. Reactions are scalable, do not demand stringent conditions, can be performed with as little as 0.25 mole % catalyst in less than six hours at room temperature, and furnish products typically in >85% yield and ≥97:3 enantiomeric ratio. The efficiency, selectivity and operational simplicity of the transformations and the range of compatible boron-based reagents render this advance vital to future progress in chemistry, biology and medicine. The research is part of a longstanding collaboration (since 1995) between the research groups of
Professor Amir Hoveyda
Professor Marc Snapper
in our department.
To read the article, go to:
To read other accounts of this work, go to:
Magnesium Fluctuations Modulate RNA Dynamics in the Sam-I Riboswitch
Experiments demonstrate that Mg
is crucial for structure and function of RNA systems, yet the detailed molecular mechanism of Mg
action on RNA is not well understood. In collaboration with the research groups of
Jose Onuchic
(UCSD/Rice) and
Karissa Sanbonmatsu
(Los Alamos),
Professor Udayan Mohanty
has examined the interactions between RNA and its ion atmosphere at atomic resolution in the SAM-I aptamer. Specifically, they have carried out ten 2 µs explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations and determined the excess number of ions around RNA as a function of varying ion concentrations. This quantity, which is experimentally measurable, is called the preferential interaction coefficient. Surprisingly, the investigators found that between 80% and 85% of the excess Mg
ions that contribute to the preferential interaction coefficient reside in the outer-sphere layer. The electronegative RNA atoms and the hydration layers both play a role in situating the excess Mg
ions. Furthermore, the outer-sphere Mg
ions exhibit 100-fold slower kinetics than the Mg
ions in the diffuse layer. As the outer-sphere accounts for most of Mg
, it changes the paradigm of the characteristics of RNA-Mg
interactions. The work has been published in
J. Am. Chem. Soc.
, 12043–12053.
To read the article, go to:
Efficient Syntheses of 6,5'-(S)- and 6,5'-(R)- Cyclouridine
Professor Larry W. McLaughlin
and graduate student
Christopher S. Theile
have successfully synthesized both the 5'-
and the 5'-
diastereomers of 6,5'-cyclouridine. Cyclonucleosides feature an extra bond between the backbone/sugar portion of the nucleoside and the base. These compounds are products formed
in vivo
from oxidative damage induced from radiation exposure or reactive oxygen species. The work has been published in
Chem. Commun
, 5587.
Two diastereomers can be formed in the cyclization reaction. The 5'-
isomer has its 5' hydroxyl group positioned over the sugar portion of the nucleoside, whereas the 5'-
compound has its hydroxyl group pointed away. These compounds have been very difficult to synthesize, especially the 5'-
isomer. The McLaughlin lab synthesis features an efficient oxidation step that generates both isomers at once, but favors the 5'-
compound over the 5'-
in a nearly 2:1 ratio. X-ray crystal structures of the compounds were also obtained, which show that the nucleobase is "pulled" back from its normal position, preventing it from forming hydrogen bonds in its native fashion.
Now that these compounds have finally been synthesized in the laboratory in an efficient manner, other scientists can begin using them to probe enzymes and biological systems, in order to understand better the damage that these cyclonucleosides can cause.
To read the article, go to:
Dual Absorber Hematite/Si Nanowire System for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting at Low Applied Potentials
Using the sun to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, which could be used for fuel, remains elusive. However, a new study by
Professor Dunwei Wang
and co-workers brings this goal tantalizingly closer by crafting silicon nanowires coated with hematite (alpha-Fe
) that work synergistically to collect photons from different areas of the solar spectrum for conversion into electricity.
Such sun-powered water splitting, also known as photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, would be an efficient way to collect solar energy and use it in the form of hydrogen fuel. The choice of the photoelectrode, the component that collects solar energy and converts it into electricity, is especially important because it determines the water-splitting device's performance over time. The ideal photoelectrode would absorb light broadly, be inexpensive, and resist photocorrosion. Hematite fits some of these characteristics, but alone, it doesn't perform well enough for consideration.
To improve hematite's performance, Professor Wang's research team grew crystals of this iron oxide on silicon nanowires, a material that absorbs light that is transparent to hematite. Together, the two materials absorb light from a much larger portion of the solar spectrum and efficiently convert that energy into electricity. The fact that the photoelectrode's active materials are "primarily composed of three of the four most abundant elements in Earth's crust (O, Si, and Fe) offers promise that renewable energy harvesting by PEC water splitting remains an achievable goal", Professor Wang concludes.
To read the article, go to:
Boston College Chemistry Department
Merkert Chemistry Center, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3860


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Digital Desire - Free Video Trailer
Members receive 1,000 uncensored videos
We have an enormous archive with hundreds of beautiful videos in our Members' Area. We offer HD video in multiple formats to work with your PC, Mac, or handheld device. Also enjoy all of our videos streaming in amazing high quality. Join to see the web's most beautiful models tease, strip, and touch themselves. We dare you to compare!See our Free Tour Video page for more trailers!


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Philip Chinn
Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
Washington, D.C.
Philip Chinn is a law clerk at The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). PDS represents indigent adults charged with felonies in Washington, D.C., as well as providing representation for indigent juveniles charged with offenses.
July 1, 2013
It's been just over a month since I arrived in Washington, D.C. (the other Washington), and my time at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is going great! I'm working in the trial division at PDS, in the same room as fellow PILF grant recipient Shantrice Anderson. So far, it's been a super intense internship, but the work is fascinating and it's really cool to be working in an office where there are so many talented trial attorneys.
The first week was all orientation, which was very intensive but also really interesting. It was also nice to get a chance to meet the other interns and some of the attorneys before the hard work started. The second week was when we all got assigned to supervising attorneys and started working on actual cases. We also worked at an event to help people with arrests or criminal records determine whether they were eligible to get their records expunged or sealed. There were a lot of people who came through the event, and even though the new D.C. law about record sealing is pretty complicated, it was good to be able to help people determine their eligibility and give them information on how to seal their records.
In terms of working on cases, I have been keeping busy with reviewing discovery and researching issues that come up while my supervising attorney is preparing for trial. Seeing the trial preparation process has been very interesting, because so many different issues come up. One odd thing about D.C. is that the courts out here do not follow the Federal Rules of Evidence, so everything about evidence comes from case law, which makes researching evidentiary issues somewhat challenging.
I have been doing a lot of researching and writing on short deadlines, and I have also spent a lot of time reviewing discovery, watching surveillance videos and interrogations, and listening to police radio logs. I am learning a lot about what actually goes into preparing for trial for a criminal case and the wide variety of issues that can come up in any trial.
PDS also focuses heavily on developing trial skills, and I have been learning a lot about how to write and deliver effective opening statements and how to conduct effective cross-examinations. Later this summer I will be learning about closing statements. The focus on trial skills has been especially helpful this summer because I am learning these skills from experienced, aggressive trial attorneys in a small group setting.
I have also had the opportunity to attend several presentations and special events focusing on public defense. I was able to attend a lunch discussion with the director and deputy director of PDS, and I have attended presentations on prisoners' rights litigation and the state of public defense in the South. All in all, my experience at PDS this summer has been very enjoyable so far!
Aug. 14, 2013
I'm back in Seattle after two and a half months in Washington D.C., and looking back on my experiences, I have to say that the most valuable part of my summer was being able to help prepare for and watch two jury trials over the summer. I learned about what really goes into trial preparation, and it was very interesting to see how the trial preparations played out during the actual trials. The last-minute work during trial, such as researching issues that arise only in the midst of trial, also taught me a lot about how quickly trial strategies may need to be changed. It was interesting to see the different ways lawyers do opening statements, cross-examination, and closing statements.
Another important part of trial preparation was working with investigators. PDS has an investigator intern program that runs at the same time as the law clerk program, so the trial team was comprised of my supervisor, her investigator, the investigative interns, and me. We all worked together on preparing for trial, and working directly with investigators was an interesting experience that I think made the trial preparation easier. I also had the opportunity to work with other law clerks on cases where our supervisors were co-counsel for the same defendant. For example, I was assigned, along with another intern, to meet with a client who was in jail and then write a sentencing letter for submission to the judge on his behalf. Getting feedback from two attorneys and working with another clerk to collaboratively draft a letter was a good experience, and actually meeting with a client was very interesting.
Another valuable part of the PDS experience was seeing the organization's commitment to helping us further our careers. Representatives from several public defenders around the country came and talked to us about hiring opportunities, and there were several other events geared towards providing career advice. This was especially helpful given that the hiring cycle for fall of 2014 is almost upon us.
Finally, becoming friends with the other interns was an important part of the summer for me. The other law clerks at PDS this summer are some of the most intelligent, passionate people I have ever met, and I am glad that I was able to spend a summer getting to know them. It was good to meet people from all over the country who are also passionate about public defense, and I'm sure that I will stay in contact with them for quite some time.
Overall, my summer at PDS was incredibly important and valuable for many reasons. I helped prepare for and watched trials, I reviewed discovery, I met with clients, and I did a lot of research and writing. I feel now that I have a better understanding of what actually goes into being a public defender, and I am glad that I was able to learn all of this at an office that is on the forefront of public defense. PDS showed me what aggressive, client-centered representation looks like, and I'm glad that I had the opportunity to be a law clerk for such a strong organization. My summer PILF grant made this incredibly valuable opportunity possible.


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Jordan Burnham is a
confident, articulate young man who makes appearances to speak about mental
health awareness and encourage youth to seek help when things are bothering
them. Jordan speaks from experience and from his heart, which is why the kids
who hear him pay close attention and feel comfortable asking him questions.
Jordan recently visited Dr.
Julius Licata, Director of TeenCentral.Net, and graciously gave a talk to the
teens who are in treatment at KidsPeace in the PA Residential Programs, making quite
an impression on the kids and adults who heard his presentation. He also talked
to the members of TeenCentral.Net via videotape, hoping to help teens feel more
comfortable about admitting they have problems and seeking help.
Jordan's Story
Jordan learned early on
that wearing a happy mask was the best way to keep up appearances and pretend
to be "normal." His true feelings were deep inside and only came to the surface
when he had consumed a lot of alcohol. His "cover" for seeming happy included
sports, jokes and dating. He became very popular and won the election to be
class president in 9th grade. All the while, he was hiding feelings
from his family and friends. Then he failed his driving test for the third time
and lost his cool for the first time, yelling, screaming and cursing at his
father. His mother took him to a counselor, but he found it hard to relate to
her. He was diagnosed with depression in 10th grade.
Jordan Burnham
As Jordan entered 11th
grade, he felt more pressure to do well on his standardized tests and make sure
his slipping grades got better in order to get accepted by a good college. It
was in 11th grade that he started thinking about suicide. He was
taken to a "mental hospital" after telling his girlfriend that he was going to
take pills to end his life. Hearing about the problems of the other youth in
the hospital made Jordan feel that his issues were minimal and actually
apologized in group for "only" suffering from depression. The hospital counselor
told him that his depression was a serious issue that needed treatment just as
much as the conditions of the other youth.
After he was released,
Jordan experienced great guilt for doing things that in his mind disappointed
his parents, both of whom are educators. He drank more and more and was caught
drinking illegally twice. The final blow was when he threw a party while his
parents were out of town, serving alcohol to school athletes. The party was
broken up by the police, and Jordan felt he had truly hurt his parents with his
Senior year arrived, with
Jordan being nominated to the homecoming court and playing golf so well that he
was headed for the playoffs. His parents confronted him with two duffle bags of
alcohol that were in his trunk. They were sad and disappointed.
Jordan felt terrible about
letting his family down. He went to his room and jumped from his 9th
floor bedroom window, fracturing his pelvis, tibia, fibula, jaw, femur and ribs
and waking up after a 5 day coma with a tracheotomy tube in his throat to allow
him to breath. Doctors were amazed that he had survived, but they were not
optimistic about his ever walking again. Imagine being in your senior year of
high school and being confined to a hospital and then a rehabilitation
A reporter heard about
Jordan and asked if he could write his story. Jordan insisted that the focus of
the story be on mental health issues and the importance of getting help for
problems no matter how young a youth is. The article was published on the front
page of the newspaper, and Jordan began receiving many calls and emails
thanking him for sharing his story.
Jordan attended his senior
prom in a wheel chair and used a walker to receive his diploma. Today, Jordan
walks on his own, but with difficulty.
See a video of Jordan's presentation at www.TeenCentral.Net
Speaking Out
Jordan has made it his
mission to take his story to audiences that will benefit from hearing about his
struggles. He has appeared on CNN, ESPN, "Good Morning America," "The Doctor
Phil Show," "Good Day Philadelphia," "The Early Show" and the Phil Eskin radio
show and has nearly 1,000 of fans on Facebook. He also appeared in a
documentary directed by Joe Pantoliano called "No Kidding, Me Too!" and was
featured in a People Magazine article
that highlighted "The Heroes Among Us."
To Jordan, his most
important role is as a speaker for Active Minds, a nonprofit that promotes the
discussion of Mental Health issues through chapters on college campuses. Jordan
travels the country for individual speaking engagements and is a panel member
with other members of the elite group of Active Mind speakers called "The
Heard." He has had people who have heard him speak contact him to say that he
helped dissuade them from suicide, a wonderful byproduct of being on the
speakers' circuit for Jordan.
And what does the future
hold for Jordan Burnham? At 21, he would like to finish writing a book about
his experiences this year and continue to reach to as many young people as
possible with his presentations and appearances. He has been invited to appear
on the Oprah show, as well. Jordan takes medication for his depression and
still sees a therapist. He will eventually return to college to finish his last
2 years, but, right now, helping others is the most important job he can


text:
Few days ago I was searching for a RESTful PHP framework to help me develop a little project of mine. As I was searching, I stumbled upon PHP micro-framework. At first I didn't know what that means, but as I dug deeper I saw some new ideas, new ways to develop a web application.
As you know, I have experienced with several PHP frameworks before, but all of them have many things in common: MVC, Controller-Action mapped to route, etc. When I read about micro-frameworks, they don't enforce you to any fixed architecture. You could build your own architecture, they only provide the basics such as routing and database wrapper, thus the name "micro".
But just like PHP frameworks, there are many PHP micro-frameworks. One of the oldest is Limonade, too bad it's not actively developed anymore, i think. The other name I stumbled upon is Slim Framework, one of Sinatra-inspired framework, quite good. Then I found Fat-Free Framework, which some article said "tiny script with real muscle" or what I may say "kecil kecil cabe rawit" in Indonesian.
A bit about Fat-Free, I like how it provides people with many "getting started" guides so new people could understand how to use it. Also, it has many features despite having such small size. I happened to read all those guides and done some "hello world" using Fat-Free. But what I dislike is how it uses PHP eval() function. I checked there are about 10 occurrences of eval(). But I'm going to keep Fat-Free as my backup choice for my project.
Next, I saw Laravel, a new PHP micro-framework with "Clean & Classy" slogan. At first I notice how it also provides good getting started guide like Fat-Free. Even tough it has less feature, it didn't use any eval(), so a big plus in my opinion. When I skim through Laravel source code, I realize how beautiful it is written. Laravel uses latest PHP technology like anonymous function and namespace very well. For example, let's see a portion of Eloquent (Laravel's ORM) class:
<?php namespace System\DB\Eloquent; use System\DB; use System\Str; use System\Config; use System\Inflector; use System\Paginator; abstract class Model { ...
When I saw this, I was like "This is the one!".
The only downside of Laravel is that the fact it's still new (started about June 2011) so it still need many improvements, especially its ORM. But I saw a bright future and I think I'm gonna use Laravel for my project.
Next? I'm gonna write a simple blog tutorial using Laravel.


text:
You can't like your own messages.
Entrepreneur and business mentor with a flair for digital marketing, a passion for innovative business development and over 30 years of experience in Travel & Tourism. - Beyond that... it's all about the pension!
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