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Sunday, March 10, 2013
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Back-to-back Peach Belt Conference regular-season champion USC Aiken men's basketball completed the 2012-13 league sweep on Sunday afternoon with a 65-60 league tournament championship win over Montevallo at the Lumpkin Center.
The tournament championship is the third in program history (1993, 2010 and 2013). USC Aiken has now defeated Montevallo in the tournament championship game in 2010 and 2013.
The 2013 Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship continues a tremendous run for the Pacers over the past six years. Since the 2007-08 season, USC Aiken has claimed three league regular-season championships (2007-08, 2011-12 and 2012-13) and two tournament titles (2010 and 2013).
After claiming the league's automatic bid with the 2013 Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship, the Pacers have now advanced to the NCAA Tournament in five out of the last six years. The Pacers advanced to the NCAA Division II "Sweet Sixteen" in 2009.
USC Aiken entered the halftime break down by four at 31-27.
Montevallo commenced the second half on a 10-0 spurt to own a 41-27 lead with 16:04 to play in the game.
USC Aiken would not be deterred though with the Pacers going on a 20-4 run to take a 47-45 lead with 9:39 remaining in the contest.
The two teams would battle back and forth over the next nine minutes with the Pacers clinging to a 61-60 lead with 35 seconds to play in the game.
That would be as close as the Falcons would get with DeVontae Wright (Goose Creek, S.C./The Citadel) and Kinley Branch (Stone Mountain, Ga./Arkansas State) both connecting on two free throws each over the course of the rest of the game in the Pacer four-point win.
Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year and Peach Belt Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player Re'mon Nelson (Columbus, Ohio/Canal Winchester HS) led the Pacers in the game with 20 points. Nelson once again put on a clinic in the second half as he scored 16 of his 20 points in the game in the final stanza.
Nelson also had four assists and one steal in the game. He was 9-for-11 at the free throw line in the game.
Nelson's four assists in the contest allowed him to become the all-time leader in Peach Belt Conference history in assists. Nelson now has 497 assists in his four-year Pacer career.
Three Pacers finished in double figures in the game in total with Branch finishing just behind Nelson with 16 points. Branch also had four rebounds and one block in the Pacer win.
Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament choice Ronald Zimmerman (Columbia, S.C./Spring Valley HS) was the final Pacer in double figures with 12 points. The national leader in 3-pointers made per game had three treys in the game.
Three Falcons ended their efforts in double figures with Troran Brown leading the way with 17 points.
As a team, USC Aiken closed out its championship victory shooting 36 percent (18-for-50). The Pacers connected on 77.8 percent (21-for-27) of their free throw attempts as a team in the game.
Montevallo closed out its loss to USC Aiken shooting 40.3 percent (25-for-62) as a team. The Falcons hit just 55.6 percent (5-of-9) of their free throw attempts as a team.


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Travel/Entertainment \ Chester W. Ditto Golf Course
About this Business
Chester W. Ditto Golf Course
801 W. Brown Boulevard
Arlington, TX 76013
20% off green fee, cart, & non-sale merchandise Mon-Thurs and after 12pm Fri-Sun
Show UTA ID at time of purchase. Offer valid through 12/31/2011. * Not valid during tournament play, or with any other coupons, offers, or special outings.
Website: www.ArlingtonGolf.com
The University of Texas at Arlington has approved all the listed vendors to participate in the Maverick Discount Program. It is the vendor's responsibility to maintain their discount offers and to check the university status of a potential customer. The University of Texas at Arlington is not responsible for issues between vendors and customers.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Vitamin Guide
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Rose Cottage Wrens Doormat by MatMates 18" x 30". Adorable wren perched atop white cottage birdhouse surrounded by pretty roses. Artistic details make this welcome door mat a special way to warmly greet your friends and neighbors. Use as a front entrance doormat, Matmates Interchangeable Doormats complement your home decor. MatMates Outdoor Doormats look great alone or pairs beautifully as shown with optional decorative tray. Click thumbnail image to see doormat without the tray. (NOTE: Tray sold separately).
NOTE: Tray Size: 24" x 36". Tray sold separately.
Tray features scroll work border and metal corner embellishments, adding an upscale look to your home. Choose seasonal and holiday doormats to enhance your home. Note: Doormat TRAY sold separately. Buy indoor, outdoor doormats direct from Flags On A Stick. Enjoy fast shipping. Doormats ship in 1-2 business days.


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Home Energy Pros 2016-08-29T15:02:35Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills http://api.ning.com:80/files/y1XUu5oba-Cjs0JWDq8x0WmY9Q2m3hhWvSBGMuw5rQD5RzF*5uvxIpfUQY1xxH167xB8leYLtwOeZxYwVaTNaCc0k4cLpcve/XBD2005090033618_2.jpg?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1 http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=1shvb9xnyieqo&feed=yes&xn_auth=no BPI Accepting Applications for Multifamily Standards Technical Committees tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-08-22:6069565:Topic:208304 2016-08-22T15:47:39.059Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
Malta, NY, August 22, 2016 - The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) continually reviews and updates technical standards used by the residential energy retrofit industry. BPI's Standards Technical Committees (STC) develop standards in an open and fair manner in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved BPI standards development procedures. Currently, BPI is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the Multifamily STC.…

Malta, NY, August 22, 2016 - The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) continually reviews and updates technical standards used by the residential energy retrofit industry. BPI's Standards Technical Committees (STC) develop standards in an open and fair manner in accordance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved BPI standards development procedures. Currently, BPI is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving on the Multifamily STC. Interested parties should submit an application by September 22, 2016.

The STCs are appointed to review and take action on proposals and comments from the general public, with updates to the standards made on a regular basis. BPI is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the Multifamily STC, which is addressing ANSI/BSR BPI-1105-S-201x Standard Practice for Multifamily Energy Auditing. BPI seeks applications from stakeholders willing to invest the time and energy to develop the technical standards our industry needs. Prospective nominees' applications will be assessed to ensure a balance of interest categories and representation by technical expertise, geographic location, experience in the building sciences and willingness to serve. New members will be appointed to a term of up to three years.

If you would like to join BPI's Multifamily Standards Technical Committee and help craft the standards used by the residential energy retrofit community, please fill out the Application for Membership on Standards Technical Committee form and submit it electronically by September 22, 2016, in accordance with the instructions on the form.

For more information about how BPI Standards are developed, visit BPI's Standards Development Procedures webpage.

Visit Standards Technical Committee for details about the STC.
 What if more efficient homes were actually worth more? tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-08-20:6069565:Topic:208216 2016-08-20T15:00:54.937Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
originally posted here

What if it was easy to find out how much energy a home uses and how much that energy costs? It could unlock a whole new market that doesn't exist today worth hundreds of billions.

According to an …

originally posted here

What if it was easy to find out how much energy a home uses and how much that energy costs? It could unlock a whole new market that doesn't exist today worth hundreds of billions.

According to an Elevate Energy study, Chicago homes that disclosed energy costs sold almost ⅓ faster (43 vs. 63 days) and had higher deal closing rates (63% vs. 53%).

Barry Haaser and Jeremy Roberts at the Green Button Alliance noted studies in Illinois and Washington DC that said simply disclosing energy costs raised average sale prices by $4000, regardless of energy use. Transparency is the likely reason for this - there is less uncertainty and friction in the transaction.

Putting a metric on energy use that is easily comparable between homes could begin to value efficient homes more in addition to this effect.

The question becomes what metric(s) is best for doing this? Rather than a laundry list, we need to focus on one or two that could fit in a 50x75 pixel box on MLS. If Zillow/Trulia added it to their listings, that could be the essential first step. I propose Energy Use Intensity, or EUI as kBTU/square foot/year. The rest of this article will show my reasoning.

Focusing down to one or two metrics forces us to think of them in multiple levels. The metric we should be looking for is top level, similar to combined city and highway mileage for a new car. That helps narrow the field of what vehicles to consider, once we narrow down, then we dig deeper into more metrics like what city and highway mileage are, horsepower, safety features, etc.

How This Might Actually Work

In the home buying process, this metric will be used at the stage right after prequalifying. For example a buyer qualifies for a $200,000 loan. What that really means is their income allows them to spend $950/mo at 4% for 30 years.

Enter an energy metric. The real cost to own this example home includes taxes ($200/mo), insurance ($100/mo), and utilities ($200/mo). So what you're really looking for is about $1450/month including all costs. This ignores maintenance costs for now.

What if one of the homes being compared is Net Zero after solar panels and a Home Performance upgrade? Now utilities are only $35/mo for meter fees. That frees up $165/mo out of the $1450.

$165/mo at 4% is $22,000 over 15 years or $34,000 over 30. That means a house with those energy bills vs. a comparable home is likely to be worth $20,000-$35,000 more than its comps. Possibly more because a home like that is likely to have fewer maintenance issues since efficient homes usually have lower air leakage rates and lower air leakage typically leads to fewer moisture problems. That's for the market to decide. Right now the market can't see energy costs, so it doesn't value them.

If we knew how much operating costs were for 5 comparable homes, and one home had double the operating cost, that would be an easy way to potentially cross one home off the list. That's what this metric needs to do.

Cost Alone Is Problematic

The trouble with cost alone is that it's very squishy. It's not a useful metric over long periods. Costs go up and down. The same house may cost $200/mo with lower energy costs, but 10 years ago when costs were higher it could have been $300/mo for the same usage. Different fuels experience different pricing ups and downs. Fuel costs aren't directly comparable either, an oil heat home generally costs a good deal more to heat than a comparable natural gas heated one.

In my opinion, the top level metric needs to be usage based, cost is a secondary metric, although a close second.

Benefits of a Good Energy Use Metric

Home Buying Comparisons - A good metric to compare homes, even of different sizes.

Home Values - Efficient homes will be valued more, less efficient homes will be devalued. It's easy to see a spread of $5,000-$15,000 coming from this.

Drive Home Performance Contracting - If inefficient homes are worth less, it will open up capital to improve them. The Home Performance industry is poised to help.

Rank Contractors - If contractors can make measureable and predictable reductions to energy use and operating costs, they can be ranked by these capabilities. Better contractors will be able to charge more because they will better be able to predict home value changes.

Reduce Lender Risk - If a lender knows a home is less expensive to operate, the odds of default will tend to be lower. Lower risk can lead to lower rates. There is some data to back this up. (I nearly lost my first home after utility costs skyrocketed, this is personal for me.)

Reduce Project Financing Costs for Home Performance Projects - If realization rates get better from HP projects, banks can better predict value changes. The lower the spread in realization rates, the lower the risk of the project. Interest rates should follow. PACE rates routinely run in the high single digits, we find interest rates this high eat up all of the energy savings. Rates nearing prime would really help make more projects happen. Rates wouldn't be lower out of altruism, the market would show there is lower risk.

If those are the benefits, there are a number of things this top level metric needs to do well.

Elements of a Good 'Top Level' Energy Metric

One or Two - The metrics need to fit on MLS listings, likely 50 x 75 pixels.

Free - No professional needs to be paid to obtain them

Actual Energy Use - No proxies, no ratings.

Difficult to Game

Bankable - In time, the metric would be considered by banks for mortgage qualification.

Layman Friendly - Quickly explainable and understandable

Raw - A raw number with no math required or transparency to backtrack to raw numbers

Granular - wide range of values, i.e. 94.2% vs. 1-10.

Adjustable - Adjusts automatically over time - the housing stock won't stay the same. HERS is locked on the 2006 IECC which limits its usefulness as a comparison. 90 may be good today, but what about in 20 years?

Comparable - Easy to compare homes of different sizes and fuels.

How does Energy Use Intensity Stack Up?

EUI (site) has all of these except the raw part. I feel it's worth the sacrifice for that one item, particularly because with only three numbers behind it - electric usage, heating fuel usage, and square footage, it's easy to figure out if any funny business was going on. Plus it has a unique benefit:

A Scale of 0-100

In kBTU/square foot/year the scale for EUI generally falls in a range between zero and one hundred. This is very similar to a HERS score, and like a HERS score, zero is net zero. A 0 EUI means either no energy usage or completely offset energy usage. EUI 100 is a bit piggish, but not awful. Explaining what 6.4 million BTUs per year means to a homeowner sounds like work. Explaining 0-100 sounds very simple.

Here is a chart of Energy Smart Home Performance's projects using EUI using the ResiSpeak tool:

The highlighted home with a 24.9 EUI is an all electric Deep Energy Retrofit for Hiram College called the TREE House. Is it possible that home might be worth more than the home at 100? (Ironically, that is my house.)

Already Common

Passive Houses aim at 4.75 kBTU/sf/yr for heating and cooling. 475 Supply is named after it. The Department of Energy has the Building Performance Database which uses EUI and has data on thousands of homes across the US. It's not something new we have to come up with. In fact, here are my projects overlaid on the Building Performance Database homes in Ohio:

Difficult to Game

EUI only needs fuel usage and square footage. Fuel usage usually comes from utility bills, so those are tough to game. We're down to gaming square footage. I propose we use county record square footages. County records have these attributes:

Publically available - Zillow, Trulia et al pull from them.

Difficult to game - They are what they are. Homeowners can't simply make up a number and put it in a calculator, although it would be good to give them such a calculator for what-if scenarios like Zillow does.

Possible to change - Homeowners can petition to have things changed. They have a disincentive to overstate square footage (which will reduce EUI) because they will pay higher taxes. Less gaming is likely to ensue.

Consistently inconsistent - While frequently incorrect, they are likely to be fairly consistently so. Plus they can be changed.

Conclusion

My argument is for two primary energy metrics: Energy Use Intensity (EUI in kBTU/square foot/year) and total annual energy cost. These are only 'top level' metrics. The raw data needs to be available so that deeper analysis can be made when narrowing to a few home choices.

These metrics can create total transparency around ownership costs of homes and influence home values, opening up a new market for Home Performance upgrades and lowering risks for lenders. Lower risks mean lower interest rates, which mean more projects make economic sense: a virtuous cycle.

This virtuous cycle can lead to numerous societal benefits: jobs that can't be exported, reduced pollution, reduced health consequences from that pollution, and an easier transition off of fossil fuels because more homes will be capable of going all electric. (We have four pre-1920 all electric homes under our belts now - one is getting solar panels this month.) There are many more benefits that could be argued for as well.

All because we started publishing a few numbers. Is this rosy? Of course, but it's probably not that far off. Chant with me: EUI! EUI!

It's not that hard to make it a reality, if Zillow and Trulia add it, or the National Association of Realtors pushes for it, it could happen very quickly. The Green Button program can be used with monthly data, making data access for easier. This isn't that hard of a lift. If you have any interest in helping, reach out!

Note on the inset picture:

This 1900 Cleveland home had a substantial energy retrofit. A 53% air leakage reduction, complete insulation package, and new forced air HVAC system including ductwork and fresh air was installed. It doesn't look any different than it used to, but it's much healthier and comfortable than it used to be. The EUI last winter was shockingly low: 10.9. That was unoccupied during a mild winter with a low set point, I look forward to seeing what it is this winter. Shouldn't this home be worth more because of these upgrades? You can read more about the project and it's "womb-like comfort" here.

Resources:

Building Science Corporation - Kohta Ueno - Review of building energy use metrics. A great overview of energy metrics. Ironically he argues against EUI, but Ueno's aim is understanding the deeper implications of energy use, not a top level metric for driving market value. Well worth a read.
 Home Performance is Failing - let's turn that around? tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-08-20:6069565:Topic:208113 2016-08-20T14:54:30.107Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
Originally posted here

Home performance is failing, yet there is a large contingent unwilling to acknowledge it is failing.

It is failing to scale.

It is failing to serve consumers.

It is failing to serve contractors.

It fails to deliver on promise, and therefore fails to gain consumer trust, and thus fails to gain meaningful…

Originally posted here

Home performance is failing, yet there is a large contingent unwilling to acknowledge it is failing.

It is failing to scale.

It is failing to serve consumers.

It is failing to serve contractors.

It fails to deliver on promise, and therefore fails to gain consumer trust, and thus fails to gain meaningful market share.

David Margalit, COO of NYSERDA in a discussion about the NY HPwES program conveyed these numbers - At 6,000,000 homes, 6,000 projects a year* with essentially no growth means it takes 1,000 years to get through the inventory.

Please, can we just STOP doing this?...

Until we change the tone of the conversation from false cheer to honest criticism, we are stuck. This cowardly "fear" of addressing elephants in rooms is going to sink all of us. Things don't get fixed until there is consensus that they are broken. With that in mind, here are some links that support how Home Performance is broken:

$7 Billion Spent... Not Much to Show

34% Savings Realization in California

NY, Mass, Wisconsin all fail to deliver (p.3 under "Results")

Green Deal savings overstated

 NY Annual Project Graph; "projects dropped below 6000 (Figure 2-2)"

Want more? Feel free to browse my saved links here... http://bit.ly/TedKiddSavedLinks

HP Programs clearly don't know how to save energy, much less do it with the accuracy and precision that leads to high consumer satisfaction.

TRUST CAPITALISM - OFFER MONEY FOR OUTCOMES AND THE MARKET WILL DELIVER.

Consumer trust and satisfaction drive capitalistic markets. Unfortunately, these programs are basically communistic and administrators don't seem to understand or trust capitalism.

We need programs to stop dictating and paying for measures, and start simply paying for outcomes.

This will mean we must begin to actually measure outcomes...
 Dear DOE, PACE sucks - please fix or make it go away... tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-08-20:6069565:Topic:208213 2016-08-20T14:50:14.840Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
Who thinks Energy Efficiency is having a hard enough time gaining traction due to lack of credibility and accountability for performance already, we don't need specious forms of financing further harming our efforts to build brand?

My comment to DOE on PACE - originally posted HERE:

Dear…

Who thinks Energy Efficiency is having a hard enough time gaining traction due to lack of credibility and accountability for performance already, we don't need specious forms of financing further harming our efforts to build brand?

My comment to DOE on PACE - originally posted HERE:

Dear DOE,

PACE financing is another opaque, complex, perverse financing mechanism that, like NINJA and Teaser Loans, creates short, medium and long term harm to the exact financially unsophisticated and vulnerable demographic that it was intended to help.

Pace allows people whose only asset might be their home, to tap into those assets to finance dubious investments that usually have little to no residual value. These assets are often labeled "energy improvements' although all evidence suggests energy savings associated with these improvements are usually geometrically overstated.

Pace in practice does nothing to help create meaningful wealth for the poor and middle class. Instead, by creating the appearance of credibility, it actually steals wealth from a class who can ill afford it. It is a wealth creation experiment that places at risk the wealth of those who can least afford the loss.

When compared to other secured financing, Pace interest rates are abusive. The cost of initiating financing is high and confusing, options for prepayment are complex. The only argument for this financing seems to be "look at all the sales this is creating!" This argument has no integrity. It is the same argument used to justify the bad loans that led to the housing crisis, the harms of which are still causing harm to the poor and the general economy nearly a decade later.

Here are links to two well written articles that express problems with PACE more eloquently than I can:

http://bit.ly/pacesucksMBA

http://bit.ly/PACEsucks

If we are to move Residential Energy Efficiency mainstream, there needs to be more cost and benefit transparency, not less. There needs to be on-going direct correlation between cost and savings.

On Bill Recovery Financing, securitized by the energy meter, possibly financed by Utilities as a capital asset (very low capital cost) is a much better solution. The cost and benefit are accounted for on the same bill, providing clarity of net benefits. These programs are having good success in many places (most NY utilities, Midwest Energy, etc...)

http://bit.ly/HowSmartMWE, http://bit.ly/obrNYloan

On Bill Recovery has numerous ancillary benefits beyond transparency, low cost, and accountability. On Bill Recovery allows strengthening of the relationship between utilities and their customers. This provides additional incentive for utilities to focus on more comprehensively serving the client instead of simply serving the meter. This alignment of interests and partner creation will help accelerate deployment of Energy Efficiency.

Pace financing should be relegated to the heap of "bad ideas implemented quickly during desperate times." It is a bad idea whose time has come and gone.

Sincerely,

Ted Kidd

Energy Efficiency Specialists

One Knob Consulting

 Shell Sealing Limits to Existing Homes tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-08-05:6069565:Topic:207575 2016-08-05T17:45:13.848Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
What is the appropriate level to shell seal existing homes, in a cost-effective manner. Is it appropriate to target the sealing goal to current IECC or Energy Star standards for new homes or as DOE says in one publication to shoot for a 20 - 30% tightening (CFM50) level? Time and money are limitations, I could spend a week completely trying to seal an existing leaky bucket but the cost would be atrocious. So what is a good, reasonable, and cost-effective target?

What is the appropriate level to shell seal existing homes, in a cost-effective manner. Is it appropriate to target the sealing goal to current IECC or Energy Star standards for new homes or as DOE says in one publication to shoot for a 20 - 30% tightening (CFM50) level? Time and money are limitations, I could spend a week completely trying to seal an existing leaky bucket but the cost would be atrocious. So what is a good, reasonable, and cost-effective target?
 Do You Have New Windows? Please help NREL research lowering costs of window installations. tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-08-03:6069565:Topic:207551 2016-08-03T16:55:49.970Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills

Did you recently replace the windows in your home? If so, you can help advance research that could reduce the cost of replacement windows.

The Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is studying the costs of installing energy-efficient windows in homes—from the cost of the windows themselves to costs for installation and labor— and…

Did you recently replace the windows in your home? If so, you can help advance research that could reduce the cost of replacement windows.

The Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is studying the costs of installing energy-efficient windows in homes—from the cost of the windows themselves to costs for installation and labor— and we're collecting as much data as possible. We are searching for copies of actual invoices from energy-efficient window installations.

We are particularly interested in receiving invoices that break out the cost of the windows from the installation costs, but invoices that show total costs will also be helpful. Our team is only interested in cost information and wants to ensure your privacy is respected; please black out any personal information and submit your invoice to Catherine Burke. [email@example.com].

This research is being done as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Energy Manufacturing Initiative for the Building Technologies Office. More information about CEMAC can be found at http://www.manufacturingcleanenergy.org/

Please contact Maggie Mann [firstname.lastname@example.com] with any questions.
 IECC 2012 & 2015 Compliance & HRVs tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-07-29:6069565:Topic:206365 2016-07-29T18:43:10.722Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
 I'm failing IECC 2012 with the HRVs we've been using – Honeywell . (See specs below that I entered into REM for another rating.) I'm getting error/fail messages that the fan efficacy isn't what's required.

(My REM inputs: sensible recovery efficiency 61%, 100 CFM, 24 hours/day, 106 fan watts).

I've been researching some HRVs that might, just might pass like the…

 I'm failing IECC 2012 with the HRVs we've been using – Honeywell . (See specs below that I entered into REM for another rating.) I'm getting error/fail messages that the fan efficacy isn't what's required.

(My REM inputs: sensible recovery efficiency 61%, 100 CFM, 24 hours/day, 106 fan watts).

I've been researching some HRVs that might, just might pass like the Zehnder 350. So I tried modeling THAT in this house. No go. I even tried modeling like a PERFECT HRV – 100% sensible recovery efficiency. STILL no go.

HELP! I've got projects that are snagged at permitting b/c of this. There is one thing I wonder about – these houses are BIG (5,000 s.f. or so), and my HVAC contractor says he has to use the Honeywell models to push enough air. Hmm …

Anyway, 'really need some guidance here as soon as you can render it.. Thanks!
 Foam insulation on attic floor tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-07-29:6069565:Topic:206569 2016-07-29T14:46:01.611Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills

 West Michigan Organizations Awarded LEED Homes Power Builders tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-07-29:6069565:Topic:206444 2016-07-29T11:42:33.144Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
Recently two West Michigan Organizations were awarded the distinguishing "LEED Homes Power Builders Award by the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). Through this award and others, the USGBC recognizes projects, architects, developers and home builders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in the residential green building…

Recently two West Michigan Organizations were awarded the distinguishing "LEED Homes Power Builders Award by the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). Through this award and others, the USGBC recognizes projects, architects, developers and home builders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in the residential green building marketplace.

The "LEED Homes Power Builders," was developed by the USGBC to honor an elite group of developers and builders who have exhibited an outstanding commitment toLEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the green building movement within the residential sector. In order to be considered as a Power Builder, developers and builders must have LEED-certified 90 percent of their homes/unit count built in 2015 at any LEED certification level.

One of the great benefits of the LEED certification process is that it can apply to very different projects types. As you will see with the two organizations recognized, LEED certification has important benefits to low-income houses in urban settings to higher end homes in remote settings. Both organizations benefit from using the LEED certification process to add validation to their building efforts and to ensure the homeowner is getting a quality built efficient home.

Cottage Home based of out Holland and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County were the two West Michigan recipients honored with the recognition of Power Builders. While they are in different segments of the development and remodeling of homes in West Michigan, both are setting the standard for sustainable building practices.

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is on their way to completing 150 homes and counting in the Kent County/Grand Rapids area that has achieved some level of LEED Certification. Corri Sandwick Home Performance Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County stated that the organization started seeking LEED Certifications in 2006 and by 2007 all new homes built were LEED Certified.

Recently, they have been one of the first builders committed to building according to the new and more stringent LEED v4 criteria even before it had been fully finalized. Sandwick said it started in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College Residential Construction Program in celebration of their 100th anniversary. The two organizations decided to try a v4 build. Once they accomplished that build, Habitat Kent decided to build all future homes to the same criteria knowing it would soon be the standard. To date, Habitat Kent has completed 10 LEED v4 certified homes.

Habitat Kent has aggressive goals in the future both related to LEED but also participates in programs such as Energy Star. Habitat Kent is also considering the benefits of getting involved in Zero Energy Ready and the EPA's Water Sense Program. Building homes that are sustainable just make sense for Habitat Kent. It sets homeowners up for success, keeps costs down for homeowners and aligns with Habitat Kent's partner organizations' principles. Habitat Kent states that by being wise about green building, they include only what will be most beneficial to families. This creates a healthful environment and drastically reduces energy and water use, saving Habitat Kent homeowners thousands of dollars. For a family of four living on $30,000 a year, reducing their utility bills to an average $105 a month goes a long way in helping them be successful in their home.

Cottage Home based out of Holland is the other recipient of this prestigious title. According to Jeremy Vaneyk construction manager, they started building based on LEED criteria in 2008 and to date have built 100 sustainable homes along the lakeshore. Vaneyk also said that 31 homes have achieved a LEED certification with 13 of those homes being Platinum certified. Building sustainably is very important to Cottage Home. Both Vaneyk along with Founder Brian Bosgraff both live in LEED Certified homes and can use their experience as builders and homeowners to help their clients. Cottage Home strongly believes it is their responsibility to build with the environment in mind. The LEED certification process provides their clients with a validation that their home is being built to some of the most stringent standards. LEED certification is one of the many tools they use to build focusing on air quality, energy efficiency and site preservation as a core foundation of the build. It is much more than a certification process to Cottage Home but more of a business philosophy.

Both Cottage Home and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County are equally passionate about green building and both use the LEED Certification process to set the bar for sustainable building in West Michigan. Their business while different in many regards is also very similar in others. They both show a strong desire to build with the environment in mind and factoring in their homeowners wants and needs.

LEED has become the world's most recognized rating system for green buildings. The LEED for Homes rating system was created as a way for single-family homes and multifamily buildings to achieve LEED certification. LEED for Homes projects undergo a technically rigorous process to become certified, including multiple on-site inspections and diagnostic tests. According to Green Home Builder, more than 230,000 single family and multifamily units are certified or registered. USGBC is working to make the LEED residential program even more accessible and utilized by builders, developers, and architects. LEED v4, the latest version, will be required for new projects certifying after October 2016. USGBC's recent Green Building Economic Impact Study found that the residential green construction market is expected to grow from $55 million in 2015 to $100.4 million in 2018, representing a year-over-year growth of 24.5 percent.

Get your next LEED for Homes project started or find more educational resources at the greenhomeinstitute.org/leed-for-homes/

 Vent Cap Systems and SENSIT Technologies Products Added to BPI Product List tag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2016-07-25:6069565:Topic:206501 2016-07-25T14:34:38.930Z Evan Mills http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/EvanMills
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) has recognized four new products in its Product Listing Program that meet or exceed industry standards.

In the diagnostic category, Vent Cap Systems listed their Vent Caps, which are 100% reusable air vent covers that provide a safer, more cost effective and reliable seal than the tapes currently used for duct leakage testing. These caps can help…

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) has recognized four new products in its Product Listing Program that meet or exceed industry standards.

In the diagnostic category, Vent Cap Systems listed their Vent Caps, which are 100% reusable air vent covers that provide a safer, more cost effective and reliable seal than the tapes currently used for duct leakage testing. These caps can help reduce costs and improve testing accuracy.

Three products listed by SENSIT Technologies monitor the presence of hazardous gases in a home or working environment. TheSENSIT® Gold EX/CO + 1200 Gas Detection Instrument meets the BPI 1200 standard for residential energy audits and inspection of combustion appliances and fuel distribution systems. It displays LEL (combustibles), oxygen, carbon monoxide (PPM) and air free CO readings (CF). Similarly, the SENSIT® HXG-2d Combustible Gas Detector is ideal for detecting and locating natural gas, propane gas and other combustible gas leaks quickly with a 0-990 ppm readout, 0-100% LEL readout and LEL Digital Tick control. The SENSIT® P100 Personal Monitor is available in a wide-range of models that detect an individual gas, such as carbon monoxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

To be featured on the BPI's approved Product List on its website, products must meet the appropriate industry standard or efficacy requirement that BPI identifies. Once the product is tested, reviewed and approved, the product's manufacturer is eligible to place the BPI Product Mark on its packaging and marketing materials. The benefits of being included on the Product Listing website include differentiation of higher quality materials, identification as a leader in the home performance industry and direct connection of consumers and contractors to the manufacturer's website.

There are currently 22 products from five different categories approved and listed on the BPI Product Listing website.

To view the full BPI Product Listing, visit bpi.org/productlisting. To learn more about the steps to have products listed, visit bpi.org/productlistingsteps.


text:
PORTLAND, Ore. — A lawyer for Nike told Gov. John Kitzhaber the company was looking to expand outside Oregon unless the state promised tax certainty.
The statement was made in an email in early December that was released Wednesday in response to a public records request from The Oregonian.
The governor called lawmakers to Salem for a special session that promised to hold Nike taxes steady in return for an investment of at least $150 million and 500 jobs. That agreement was signed before the end of the year.
While footwear and clothing are manufactured outside the United States, the Nike headquarters near Beaverton is the site of management, research and marketing operations.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
Max writes in: "While cutting lemon grass – yes, lemon grass, the blade of my knife snapped off in a clean shear from the handle. Keep in mind there is no bone in lemon grass."
KitchenAid Knives Are No Match For Lemon Grass
Looks like a batch of bad steel. You'd think this would have been caught in testing.
Submitter wasn't trying to cut lemon grass from across the room, right?
Submitter wasn't trying to cut lemon grass from across the room, right?
Dammit, is that what I'm doing wrong?
@pegr: Must be the same steel my garlic press was made from. It broke from (what else?) a clove of garlic. Luckily I'd only had it a few weeks & getting a refund was really easy.
@pegr: Not that these things should just snap like that, but I would also suggest buying a real knife if you spend any real time in the kitchen. That knife comes in a 14 piece set which costs as much as one decent knife. I would not want to cut lemongrass with that thing.
@liquidnumb: . I find it hilarious that people feel the need to buy a $200 knife for their kitchens. My best friend is an executive chef at a 4-star restaurant, and when people ask him which kind of knife is the best, he tells them "one that cuts food and stays sharp." He brings his knives to the restaurant in a toolbox and I think his entire set (15 or so knives) cost him maybe $300.
@Segador: It's not that you need a $200 dollar knife, but a decent Wusthof knife for instance (retail 30-90USD depending on style and the like) works wonders, stays sharp, and has a lifetime warranty. One that I can think of that people do spend oodles of money on is Japanese sushi knives. You can get those for upwards of 600 or more easily.
Does this knife say "Made in China" on it?? Because if it did, that would definately explain a few things…
A lot of hardened steel knives can snap if you torque them the wrong way. A little sideways force could snap a smaller knife. You'd be prying the tough lemongrass fibers apart lengthwise, after all.
That said, it's probably also due to bad (overzealous) heat treating at the factory. Or maybe Max has been using his knife to stir hot coals or something? :-)
@wee0x1B: More so, did he ever have to sharpen it? Over heat treated steel is hard and brittle and hence should be able to hold its edge over a long period of time.
Wow. I think I'm going to see if Nintendo can get my Farfetch'd an upgrade from Leek Slap. Lemongrass Slap ought to be a one-hit KO!
Hahahaha. This comment made my day. <3
@puyro: Mine too. Now I know what vegetable to go for when Samurai attack my village.
@mythago: It's sad that I understand what this reference is about >.>
@Raekwon: Don't worry, I do too lol.
I choose you Consumerist! EECB attack!
@YourTechSupport: Awesome line.
How old was the knife and what was the sharpening routine used?
@floraposte: Looks fairly new. Even still…when I went to college my parents get me a bunch of old silverware/knives from like the 80's, all worked fine.
I'd have to ask a mechanical or materials engineer, but to me it looks like the knife was bent and snapped at the handle, due to pulling the handle the wrong way. It does not look like the knife broke from proper usage.
Now the question is: is this a brand new knife, and did he handle it properly? Alternatively, is this an old knife that he has abused over the years?
@Bakkster_Man: Without further info like age and looking closeup at the fracture surface it's hard to say what happened. Could have been a fatigue crack, and inclusion in the metal, anything.
@sir_eccles: Without further info, it's pretty dang easy to say what happened: Someone tried to chop something with a paring knife. Paring knives are for little cuts, like making decorative pieces out of vegetables. They should ahve been using a chef knife or maybe a sentoku or cleaver, all of which would have thick tangs and long blades and allow for the proper rocking lever action necessary for the task at hand. The short blade on the paring knife doesn't allow enough leverage for a good clean chop, the knife got stuck, and the user probably tried to use a sawing motion to free the blade. This put a sideward force on the tang, and the thing snapped. I half expect that the knife has been through the dishwasher a few times, too. It's definitely a case of user error.
@Bakkster_Man: It looks pretty new to me. Probably a weaker bit of steel near the handle.
This kind of thing rarely happens, though. Now I'm worried CutCo will start showing these pics to people they're trying to swindle :(
@sir_eccles: It also looks like part of the knife is a little thin to handle the stresses one would expect at that point.
@Bakkster_Man: Was the original poster cutting or chopping? Chopping could lead to fatigue. As sir_eccles said, a closeup of the fracture will tell us.
@Bakkster_Man: It's just semantics, I know, but this isn't technically a shear crack. Shear cracks tend to run 45 degrees to the plane of loading. It looks like one of three things:
1) The blade was made too thin/narrow where it met the handle.
2) The blade was bent in transit or in the home, forming a "crease" at the handle.
3) The user was cutting with a twisting motion, creating the situation described in 2).
@Coles_Law: Shear fracture planes will run at an angle, but not necessarily at 45 degrees from the normal plane under a combined loading condition. However, since we do not know the loading or the geometry (especially of the blade) we will need to see very clear pictures of the fracture surface, and perhaps a nice view under a stereoscope.
/However, it looks to be like a brittle normal stress failure from bending (the wrong direction). It occurred at the point of maximum stress concentration where the blade widens to form the handle.
@Bakkster_Man: So fragile kitchen utensils is the new normal, right? I have some cheap knives, and while they can't hold an edge like a better quality knife can, I have never had one snap in two on me, no matter what I was trying to cut.
The OP is lucky. I usually have to pay extra to have the bones removed from my lemon grass.
Shit!! I just bought a KitchenAid fridge!
@nicemarmot617: This definitely isn't enough to make me think that KitchenAid is a lousy brand. Sure, they might not be perfect, but they're better than average (Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Kenmore, Amana, etc…). I have had several years of flawless functionality out of my KithcenAid stand mixer.
@nicemarmot617: I definitely wouldn't put any lemon grass in that new fridge, if I were you.
Well, as long as you aren't going to use your fridge to cut lemon grass, you should be okay.
@sebadoh128: I dunno, the handle could just snap right off anyways ;)
@nicemarmot617: You ought to be OK. The sad thing is that many manufacturers of quality large appliances also lend their name to some pretty shoddy small appliances, utensils, and whatnot. This "Kitchenaid" knife is but one of them. I bet if you looked hard enough, you'd find that same knife being sold under a few different brand names, all coming from the same Chinese factory. I wouldn't even be surprised to see one labeled Henkel or some other "top drawer" brand.
It seems that nowadays, everything smaller than a dishwasher has been commoditized, that is, made so cheap one could buy it by the pound. If toasters, for example, were built and priced the way they were in the 1960s, a cheap one would cost a hundred bucks. It would also last twenty or thirty years.
Pretty obvious it wasn't a Ginsu!
I use a serrated blade for lemongrass, plus you have to strip some of the tough outer bark off the stalks anyway so when you put it in your soup you're not spitting out inedible pieces of lemongrass that never get cooked.
Also KitchenAid makes great kitchen appliances but terrible knives.
At least KitchenAid has great mixers. I got one for Christmas and use it all the time.
@dripdrop: my wife and I generally only buy Kitchen aid when it comes to counter top appliances. I have an old mixer that we gave my grandmother 24 years ago (when I was a wee lad) and it still works like it is new.
We have a set of kitchen aid knives (that we have had for 3 years now) and have never been disappointed. To be fair, knives are not their major product and they don't compare to some of the high end knives out there, but for the price they again, were a great purchase.
Defects happen I guess, I would contact customer care and see what they say.
Kitchen Aid Customer Care: (800) 541-6390 (8-8 est)
From: [www.kitchenaid.com]
If the knife was under 1 year old, you can get a new one free of charge. If not, I suggest playing on their hatred of lemon grass.
@Thaddeus: They replaced my toaster within two days so I would definitely suggest the OP give it a shot.
@Thaddeus: @Thaddeus: @ludwigk: "Either for boning/prepping a small piece of meat, or for peeling/pairing in your hands"
I like to use them in my off-hand for an extra 1d4 damage. Very nice combo with my butcher knife +2. Very nice vs level 6 chicken breasts
Perhaps he shouldn't be using such a small knife. Get a 10′ chef's knife.
I'm no expert, but isn't that knife a bit on the small side for cutting up a batch of… anything? I wouldn't expect it to snap like that, but I still wouldn't use a paring knife, or anything smaller than a real chef's knife for that work, personally, just 'cause it'd be a pain in the ass.
@Jakuub: The size doesn't really matter, that just indicates *how* you should be using the knife. It should be sufficiently sharp and strong to handle cutting lemon grass, but you wouldn't use it like this.
This is a pairing knife, so it's meant to be used off the board. Either for boning/prepping a small piece of meat, or for peeling/pairing in your hands. The blade obviously provides no clearance for the handle, which is why its not for board work. It's yet another one of my pet peeves: People don't know how to use knives, but they use them every day.
@ludwigk: "size doesn't really matter"
thats not what she said :(
I agree, wrong tool for the job. I <3 my santoku for general use.
@ludwigk: I agree so much. Seeing people on TV using steak knives and paring knives for chopping stuff always annoys me. They're inevitably sawing with them, and the tip is usually 2-3 inches off the board. I find it really unsettling.
yes, lemon grass
So how hard/soft is lemon grass for those of us who've never seen it before?
@Rectilinear Propagation: It's pretty inedibly tough in the outer layers when raw. It's kind of like cutting through a less-brittle cinnamon stick with a soft center. Think trimming a slender tree branch rather than cutting a vegetable.
@Rectilinear Propagation: It's sort of like those plastic-y bands that are sometimes wrapped around a shipping box. Very fibrous, very tough and pretty hard to cut through.
@Rectilinear Propagation: I would describe it like cutting through a bundle of corn husks, or a handful of straw. It's a bit like cutting through cardboard, in that it can give you a hard time if your knife isn't up to it. It is grass afterall, which has tremendous strength-weight ratio.
@Rectilinear Propagation: Think sugarcane or bamboo. You're actually supposed to grate it or put it through a food processor. A knife ain't gonna cut it.
@DeanOfAllTrades: Th right choice of knife would help considerably, though. A properly sharpened 8-10 inch chef knife with the tip firmly planted on the cutting board handled with the appropriate motion (a lever with a sliding fulcrum) will make pretty short work of it.
I have a Kitchen-aid knife about the same size but it has the bigger Japanese style blade. It has a hair line crack in the blade. I blamed it on other people in the house who insist on using it to cut blocks of cheese. The knife was probably not meant for that kind of use and torque.
I bought it because it was cheap and because other people in my house do stupid things with knives like trying to cut blocks of cheese with them. I don't want to spend a huge amount of money just to have it ruined.
@bohemian: I've actually broken a couple of knives cutting through cheese. it takes a lot of downward pressure, and most people don't put pressure on both sides (or use a knife too small to do so).
Also it could have been over-hardened during manufacturing resulting in weakness in the blade (but boy would it hold an edge forever).
@bohemian: i hope you have learned your lesson about having nice things in a shared household. if there is a way for someone to ruin something, it's almost certain that they will.
cheapo knives and pans! you don't get as mad at housemates…trust me
Too small of a knife for lemongrass, and I would wager that you inadvertently torqued the blade while it was sunken it at the hilt. Usually, your should remove the tough outer husks, split the lemongrass lengthwise, and then use a large chef's knife or cleaver to chop them into the desired lengths.
I'm sorry to see that you broke a knife, but this happenstance is hardly a consumer issue.
@BerniceMelbourne: I've been wondering since I started reading Consumerist a few weeks ago what exactly constitutes a consumer issue.
@ccbweb: Anything to do with Comcast or receipt-checking and you're aces.
Wow, Kitchen Aid's full-tang, triple rivet construction is no match for the Lemon Grass! Probably some freaky metal-stress related to the carbon steel being too brittle.
I'm just glad it didn't fly off at some odd angle and end up embedded in the OP's neck. Although, that might have made an even better photo.
For one thing it looks like it wasn't being held correctly for chopping/slicing. You need to have your thumb and forefinger gripping the blade near the hilt. Don't just palm the whole handle. Too much pressure applied at the wrong point. (Not that the blade SHOULD snap, just saying the right grip helps.)
dude..no matter how you hold the knife, it shouldn't break like that
i just got that same knife for xmas free with a purchase of a meat slicer. Now i know why it was free.
I also own some kitchen aid knives…they start to trust in left in the sink overnight and get dull very easily
I just want to take a second and point out that YOU PEOPLE KNOW WAY TOO MUCH ABOUT KNIVES!!!
Just kind of scary, that's all. And here I was hoping that maybe the blade would break, thus ending the impending knife attack, I'm sure to suffer.
@Wormfather is Wormfather: Just arm yourself with some lemongrass.
@Wormfather is Wormfather: Haha. This is why I don't own expensive knives. It doesn't matter what I'm cutting, I just start sawing away with whatever is reasonably sharp. I don't think I've ever paid attention to torque while cutting lemongrass. Also, you need a bigger knife than that to cut cheese? really?
@Wormfather is Wormfather: ja, i feel myself in need of a quick google search of the term 'cutting board clearance' just to know how to interpret some of these comments.
@Wormfather is Wormfather: You should try to read the coffee post on Lifehacker. It's a big pile of WTF.
I am periodically surprised by the things that snap: alternator shafts that turn freely after being reinstalled with new bearings, only to snap like a piece of celery hours later; camshafts in thoroughly broken-in engines; fanjet turbine shafts after swallowing a goose – OK, that one's not so surprising. Anyway, a cheap knife is not going to be X-rayed looking for metallurgical flaws before it's packaged up.
Who wants to be somewhere it says "Made in China" ?
You're lucky you didn't hurt yourself. I was chopping parsley with a big kitchen knife and the blade popped off and embedded itself in the wall behind me, some 6 feet away. In some alternate universe, I died then, several inches of cheap steel sticking out of my eye socket.
I'm not sure why this is on the consumerist. I just don't get it. Was he using it correctly and this happened during the first use? Did kitchenaid refuse his service request? I don't see what this has to do with the theme of the website. Should I send in a picture of my worn out sneakers?
freeze the lemongrass then grate on a microplane, it will turn into a fine powder. saves your knives and your fingers.
Oh Snap!
@DogToy: At least the victim didn't fly off his handle.
I've had similar Kitchenaid knives, and there's nothing wrong with their design, assuming they haven't changed in the 5 years I've had mine. In fact, my wife and I have since acquired two other brands of knives (moved in together, got wedding presents) and I refuse to use the other knives.
In general, I've always been really happy with Kitchenaid products. If this is an even possible scenario (breaking a knife cross-plane on lemongrass), I'd be surprised if it was anything beyond an extreeemely isolated incident.
i had the same thing happen a few days ago with my chicago cutlery knife, only i was cutting cheddar freaking cheese!
Should've sold those CutCo knives for vector marketing. I would've been rich AND had a great set of knives.
Hey guys, I'm amazed to see my article up on Consumerist! To help out the discussion here:
This ancient knife is approximately 30 days old – billed at Target in a 3-knife set as a "3.5" all purpose/paring knife"
And no, ladies and gents, I wasn't throwing the knife from across the room to cut the lemongrass :3
I've had a well worn high quality 6″ chef's knife snap in half like this after dropping it on a tile floor – something about the vibrations set up in it. I brought it to a local high service kitchen store and they replaced it on sight, no questions asked. I would expect that that same behavior could be expected with the Kitchen Aid brand…
I'm glad I saw this story- I just found lemongrass in the market today and will be cooking with it soon.
I have those knives and I've never had a problem cutting anything with the large chef's knife. The knife in the pic looks more like the paring knife.
Lemongrass is actually fairly tough, he probably twisted the knife some when it was lodged in the stalk, which exploited the cheaply made-in-China impurities of the steel…. there's a reason those knives are so cheap.
best fake caption: "John Wayne Bobbit's penis cuts knife in half, irony colaspes into itself like a black hole."
I guess I am pretty clueless about lemongrass, but all the comments about torque and a larger knife and using knifes to cut cheese and all that stuff has be baffled.
Steel vs Vegetable … I would assume in ALL CASES that steel would win out. One should not need a degree in rocket science to cut vegetables with a sharp pointy object.
@david.c: War and manned space flight is so passé. What else is a person going to do with the their rocket science degree?
This happened to me once, but with butter.
Of course, it was sort of a Mickey-Mouse knife (cheaply made and actually featuring a picture of Mickey Mouse on the side.) I feel it is important to point out at this juncture that the knife was not mine.
The best solution, if you can afford it:
This could also be due to the fact that the blade wasnt forged but stamped out and the welded to the bolster. It looks to me like a faulty weld that snapped due to any number of factors that have already been listed.
only thing i see as a problem with those knives, as a friend bought them with the idea "expensive means it's good" is that if you look at them, the damascus does not go all the way through the metal as if it is printed on. Thus paying for a damascus type blade which supposedly makes it that much better seems stupid.
@Ereshkigal234: Cook's Illustrated, which gets a lot of interesting "expensive isn't better" results (especially when they test blind), still gives the $25 Victorinox its top recommendation over knives close to $200. (I also tend not to like non-contoured handles, but that could just be personal preference.) Interestingly, they do talk about some blades having a problem with bowing under pressure, which obviously knocks them out of the recommendation stakes.
Get a Shun
@AlteredBeast: It's SUPER EFFECTIVE!
How was the knife washed?
It could have been repeatedly washed in a dishwasher and weakened by it.
I use stainless steel chisels at my work– we sharpen them and use them to crack bone open. We wash them and then sterilize them in an autoclave.
We have some chisels made by the same company we buy from that are 5 years old- they may not be as as sharp but they have not failed. Like this knife did. But we also have brand new chisels from the same company that several have failed from only several cycles of use…
A few years back I bought a Chef Mate set of knives from Target. They look very similar to these Kitchen Aid knives. Most of the smaller knife and steak knives snapped just like this.
This is a knife that's sold as part of a set of 11 for $69.99. assuming bigger knives in the set cost a little more we're looking at about $10. From the price and the look they're probably stamped and welded. Based on the break, This knife suffered from metal fatigue. It may not have been properly heat-treated after primary manufacture.
You don't have to have an expensive kitchen knife, but you should probably pay more than $10 for quality and safety.
@Sian: okay I misjudged the size. that's obviously a small 4-5″ paring or utility knife. jeez.
I had this happen with a knife that looked just like yours but was branded Calphalon. You may be able to send it back to Kitchen Aid for a replacement. I would check their website and e-mail someone in customer service. Glad you didn't get hurt– I was so stunned to suddenly find the handle in my hand– sans blade!
@mythago: I guess Orihime will have to do the Lemongrass Spin?
that's a bad Oman
The guy probably didn't use the knife correctly.
As in, tried to use it like a butcher's knife and tried to chop it.
I once bought a brand new can opener. It broke on the first can I tried to open. Of course, I did buy it at the dollar store.
To me there are two faults. It definitely appears that the knife itself may have been badly manufactured and the steel not hardened sufficiently.
But I also put some blame on the OP in that if you're torquing the knife so much that it breaks like that:
1) You're not using proper form on the knife
2) The knife is so dull you have to use force to cut
The sharper the knife, the safer it is. Most knife accidents (not intentional stabbings :P) are because people are using too much force while cutting because their knives are so dull. Keep your knives sharp and you'll be a better and safer cook.
Next up: my rubber scraper melted to my gas grill when i tried to turn my steaks!!
YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG! this is the wrong knife for the job, period. Blame the operator, not the tool. You cannot possibly make that cut with that knife without twisting the blade handle in the wrong direction. GET A CHEF'S KNIFE AND APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR INTEMPERATE COMPLAINING. Also, learn how to cook, which includes learning what kitchen tools are suited to which jobs. (go isotopes!)
This is why you want a knife with a tang the part of the knife that extends into the blade) that extends the full length.
Usually, when a knife is made this way, you can actually see this when you look along the top of the knife and see that the blade extends continually past the cutting part and into the handle.
Of course, the KitchenAid knife may have had that and broken anyway, in which case have no idea why wheatgrass proved to be such a formidable adversary, but a tang that extends the entire length of the knife is one sign of quality in a knife.
I can't tell if this is a really deft troll or not. Just in case it isn't:
1) From the picture, the blade in question is obviously a full-tang blade, just as you describe. Besides, full-tang or stick-tang wouldn't have mattered in this case because the blade snapped forward of the bolster. Now, given that I know the cost of a knife like this, I'm willing to bet that this knife had a welded bolster and not a forged bolster, and that COULD introduce a stressor that could cause this failure if the weld was dirty. But as I said nothing in the tang or scales (the wood "grips") failed, so this isn't a "tang" issue.
2) Wheatgrass shouldn't ever be much of an adversary, but LEMONgrass is a completely different animal. Think (slightly) edible bamboo, and you'll have a better idea of the consistency.
Count me among the "Wrong tool for the job" crowd. A paring knife is not meant to be used on the board, and it certainly isn't meant to be "leaned into". Cheap steel, poor heat-treating, whatever, I wouldn't be at all surprised if any "correctly" made paring knife wouldn't fail under the same circumstances.
Anyone who is confused about this stuff, please take 10 minutes to watch Alton Brown's take on the subject:
Maybe time to step up to a ka-bar.
It seems to me that knives should be properly hardened and not break. I know metalurgy is complex and the knife manufacture has to be harden the steal enough, but not too much or it won't keep an edge. But it's their job, especially a company like Kitchen Aid that developed a brand name based on quality.
I think the comments about improper knife technique are way off base. I use the hell out of my chefs knife every day, I don't know how much it costs and I still expect it won't break while I'm cutting vegetables. And I torque the heck out of the blade every time I smash garlic, which is pretty often.
The only proper knife technique I've every heard of is to make sure the food get cuts up and not the cook; make sure the food is held down firmly on the cutting board(so it won't roll) and cut away from you. If you or your family are hungry it helps to cut more quickly. A sharp knife is safer and faster to work with.
Other then that I don't know what everyone's comments about inproper knife technique or using the wrong knife has to do with some poor schmuck breaking a piece of steal on a vegetable (OK it was a hard vegetable).
@HaxRomana: But…Mickey Mouse is for kids…and a knife is not for kids…what kind of product IS that?
@AlteredBeast: A product that wasn't mine. That's all I can really say.
That's what you get for eating lemongrass, hippies!
I have had my Ginsu knives for 15 years and they still cut open tin cans!!!!
Once, the serrated blade on my Leatherman Wave did this very thing.
I was really bearing down on it at the time (don't remember what I was cutting, it was years ago), and the blade snapped right off and went flying across the room. It didn't stick into anything or hurt anything, but it sure could have.
There was no lateral pressure in the case of my Leatherman, there was jut straight-down pressure, but a lot of it, and that was enough for the hard, tempered steel of that particular blade.
Leatherman cheerfully replaced it, and I haven't had one of their blades snap since.
That's why I always buy Chicago Cutlery. Yup.


text:
As a holistic vet, I'm frequently asked, "How can I deal with my cat's
bad attitude?" The problem area dubbed "feline aggression" can be
complicated, upsetting and potentially hazardous for pet parents. Not
only can cat bites and scratches really hurt, they can transmit
diseases, too, such as cat scratch fever (yes, it is real). While most
cat moms and dads prefer a purring lap-warmer, especially on cold winter
nights, some felines need extra help learning how to sheathe their
Unfortunately, feline aggression is not well understood or handled
appropriately. An important first step in dealing with this frustrating
issue is to understand the behavior. Learning why a cat lashes out can
help pet parents deal with the issue patiently and properly.
In this post I'll be covering the five basic types of aggression in
Pain- or Health-Related Aggression
A cat who is experiencing pain or ailing may exhibit aggressive
behavior, so it's vital that your first stop be a trip to your vet,
especially if what you're witnessing is a recent change in behavior.
Medical conditions that can cause pain and aggression include abscesses,
dental disease and arthritis. Additionally, hyperthyroidism is
associated with increased aggression in older cats. Alleviation of
underlying medical conditions can often resolve the aggressive behavior.
Play Aggression
This form of aggression is typical of young cats and kittens. You can
recognize play aggression by the feline's posture: stalking or crouching
like a lion, lashing the tail from side-to-side, especially when their
pupils are dilated. As unsuspecting "prey" passes, whether it's your dog
or your spouse ... pounce! The cat who attacks your ankle and then
disappears in a flurry of fur isn't trying to maim you - he's playing,
albeit aggressively.
The best way to address play aggression is integrate a toy, such as a
cat fishing pole or a laser pointer, into play sessions. These toys
serve a dual purpose - they will hold your cat's attention while burning
off excess energy and keep your hands out of the "strike zone". A
stuffed sock can provide the perfectly-pouncible object. If additional
measures are required to curb the behavior, consider blocking access to
your cat's favorite stalking places or use a noise deterrent, such as
shaking a can full of coins. Remember that you must use a noise
deterrent within the first few seconds of the inappropriate behavior for
it to be effective. Never let your cat, even when he is a cute kitty,
view you as an acceptable chew-toy. You might also trim her nails to
minimize the "ouch factor" (here's a video that shows you how).
Fear Aggression
When a fearful cat encounters an unpleasant situation, such as the
veterinary office, he will likely take steps to protect himself. Fear
clues include crouching with tail and legs tucked under, hissing and
baring teeth, flattened ears, dilated pupils and fur standing on end. If
your cat is fearful, it is important to identify and avoid, if possible,
the thing triggering the fear. To overcome fear aggression, you can try
to desensitize your cat to the fear-inducing object by keeping it at a
distance and rewarding your cat with treats for non-aggressive behavior.
Also, try to minimize stress in a fearful feline's home environment. If
your cat is completely out of control, have your veterinarian refer you
to a behavioral specialist who can work with you and possibly prescribe
medications to get your cat through the rough spots.
Redirected Aggression
I like to refer to this type as "innocent bystander aggression".
Redirected aggression typically occurs when a cat is aroused by one
stimulus, such as a bird outside, when another pet or person intervenes.
A cat exhibiting redirected aggression can be staring at something while
growling and pacing with a lashing tail and dilated eyes. Avoid this cat
until he has calmed down because interaction can lead to injury. If you
can identify the stimulus that sets off your cat, you may be able to
prevent the aggression. If it's an external stimulus for an indoor cat,
try using sticky tape or window blinds to prevent him from perching on
windowsills. This, coupled with motion-activated lights (or sprinklers)
to discourage outdoor visitors, could end the behavior. If your cat is
aroused for an extended period of time, you can herd him with a thick
folded blanket to a "time out" room equipped with food, water and
litter. After he becomes calm, reward him with loads of attention.
Similar to redirected aggression, overstimulation usually occurs when
you are petting your cat and out of the blue they grab you and sink
their teeth or claws into you. For highly reactive and vivacious cats,
even a single long stroke down the spine can elicit an aggressive
reaction. The key here is to recognize the warning signs: when the tail
starts twitching, stop petting. Restrict your affections to areas that
your cat enjoys, such as behind the ears or under the chin. If your cat
grabs you, try not to overact; in fact, if you can, simply freeze … they
will usually calm down quickly and let go.
If you take-away anything from this article, I hope it's to never, ever
hit a biting or scratching cat. Physical punishment, even a light rap on
the nose, can increase fear and anxiety, potentially worsening the
aggressive behavior. With time and patience, you can turn even the most
claw-happy kitty into a loving companion.
Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion
Dr. Jane
Related posts
March 24. 2011 22:47
A small black female cat adopted me this year. She is agressive, claws extended toward my other two cats and rabbit, who are laid back--california cats. I try to catch the situation before the claws come out with a squirt of water.
I heard that there is a calming spray that w/help this problem. She's a sweet kitty and loves to play and cuddle. But I don't want my other two california cats to get scratched and injured where I'd incur a vet bill. I don't want them to be hurt.
She was fixed when I found her. Her behavior toward people is friendly and playful. So my guess is that the owners didn't take proper care of her.
She was overeating and throwing up when I first welcomed her into the home after the lukemia test. That subsided and started up again. I think she is anxious of afraid of my other pets. I just want everyone to feel safe in their home. Thanks and Jesus Loves you and me, too!
cindy rogers
March 25. 2011 14:51
We have a cat, Tigger, who is usually the sweetest, most loving cat. Tigger in neutered and is an indoor-outdoor cat and comes and goes out our doggy-door as he pleases. He's in good health and is 5 years old. We have another cat and 3 dogs and most of the time, everyone gets along together. But, every-so-often Tigger look will down the street, spy another cat, who is sitting in its own yard, minding its own business, and Tigger will go trotting down down the street and attack this other kitty. Any suggestions for how to curb this unwanted behavior?Thanks!-Catherine
Catherine Mikkola
March 25. 2011 21:43
I liked this article, but my cat's issues don't seem to fit into one category. Shouldn't there be a "dominance" section in the article? I think that's what my cat's problem is, but I'm not sure.I have an adult Siamese who is bullying my adult Ragdoll. I've had her for 2.5 years but just got him 3 months ago. Everything was fine until a few weeks ago when he began chasing her around. She would hiss and growl, and he wouldn't stop. It has now progressed to him bothering her and trying to bite her on the back. They are both fixed. It isn't a constant thing; it's usually just in the evening. They'll sit next to each other on my bed but nowhere else. When he acts up, I put him in my room for about 15 minutes so everyone can calm down. My vet's advice was to keep them separated when I'm not home because they will never get along. I don't think that's true; I just don't know how to help them get along.All I can think of is that he is trying to be very dominant OR he knows that my cat has trichomonas and that has somehow affected his behavior. But, she's had it the whole time he's been here, though she is being treated for it. I don't like mysteries! If anyone can explain this behavior, I'd welcome it!
March 25. 2011 23:57
I've seen cats, my own, go up to a dog, my own, and swat him for no reason and walk away. My guess is that tigger is showing his dominance to this other cat. And it's possible that he just flat out doesn't like that cat. We don't always like every person we meet and cats are alot like that, too. As long as no injury or fights, it will prob continue as such. Don't like to see it happen, but it does. It could be that cat isn't fixed, too.
My cats are all fixed. My females do not like to lay next to Rochester. He's a snuggler and likes to get as close as he can to the girls or anyone. It's happened with 3 girl cats. Might be the scent. Or perhaps, it's because sometimes, he wakes up and starts to fight them. Why, I don't know. He'll be sound asleep, wake up and start biting lacey on the neck. What a way to wake up at 4am. No alarm clock needed here.
A friend told of a spray that helps to relax cats that live in the same house and some of the spray or have conflicts with the other cats. Also heard that prozac/other anti anxiety meds and other commercial calming meds--I think, but not sure, they maybe herbal, it helps the cat to relax. Being the new cat on the block, I think something like this w/help suz. That reminds me. I went outside to spray stuff on the windshield to keep the ice off, we are or may get 1-4 inches of the white stuff that refuses to leave, it's 35 degrees. Suz ran out and ran from me. Perhaps, now she has kewled down enough to come back in. Good luck. Keep in touch. Jesus Loves YOU! Cindy.
April 1. 2011 07:44
These are all great suggestions in dealing with aggressive behavior. I work with cat rescue and have a couple of suggestions for aggressive behavior described here. First, the article is spot on with why a cat responds the way it does to stimulae. Pain is an important aspect to rule out. Also unseen influences, smells, behavior are critical. Feliway can work well depending upon the cat. On the other hand, there is no way to keep cat on dog or cat on cat aggression under control if the animals are allowed to run free. That is why our shelter really says that cats belong in the home -- not outdoors. If the cat really wants to be outside then look into ways to keep both the cat safe from predators and the other animals safe from the cat. There are many enclosure systems that are available now to look into. Moreover, when one of my cats gets into a fight with another one I separate the two, put one of them in a room and close the door. That stops the prey reflex that is at the heart of some of the aggression. A quick way to separate cats is to use either a water spray or an air spray used to clean off computer keyboards. And a final note, when introducing a new cat to a clowder of cats in a house or even to one cat, make sure that the new cat has its own room in the house for however long it takes for the cat to feel at home. While it is in that waiting room, make sure the other cats get to sniff the litter as it is changed and the bedding and food dishes. This is an easy way for a house cat to become accustomed to a new cat. And if all this doesn't work, do what I do and spread catnip on the floor and get ready to referee. I tried that last year when all three of mine were having a serious relationship issue that lasted a week. And it worked well. Now when they start to get into hissy fits, I use catnip to defuse the fight. Take care out there
April 1. 2011 13:43
As a pet sitter, I have found that cats that behave badly create a lot of stress for the pet owner as well as the other pets in the house. Many times, they are placed in a new home so that the rest of the household can live in peace. Sometimes these cats are happier by themselves and do not want to be touched. Amelia
September 9. 2011 07:54
This is brilliant!
Season Margolis
October 31. 2012 07:37
All excellent comments. I like the one about the motion sensor water sprinkler. That will take care of 8 months out of the year. Since I live in cold Wisconsin, I'll have to find something for the other 4 cold months (freezing water). My problem is a patio door. Clear glass runs down to the floor. The neighboring cat sits outside the door driving my indoor cat nuts. I might play with blocking off the bottom portion of the door during those months. Any other suggestions?
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text:
Industrial Automation NewsFrom GlobalSpec - a leader in industrial and engineering product news and information
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Past Issues of this eNewsletter
Volume 5 - Issue 18 - 12/03/2009
RISC Single Board Computer Offers Unmatched I/O; Compact Digital Torquemeters; Controls and Automation Systems; Feeding and Cutting Components; Moving Six Legs at a Time; Performance Driven Automation Systems; Tough As Nails; ControlNet Ring over Fiber
Volume 5 - Issue 17 - 11/19/2009
Designed for Your Needs; Power DIstribution Equipment PDU's; Latest Smallest 3.5 in. Disk Size SBC; New Patent Pending In-slot Winding Technology; Custom Mechanical Motion Systems
Volume 5 - Issue 16 - 11/05/2009
MGate Adds Intelligence to EIP/DF1 Gateways; Connectors that Increase Plant Production; Square Drive Reaction Torque Transducers; Small PC's Completely Sealed LCD PC; Feeding and Cutting Components; Data Runs Amuck at Wastewater Plant; 1/2 inH2O Millivolt Pressure Sensor; MEMS Gyro Sensors Replacing FOGs; Precision Fixed Location Kinematic Components; Buy CoilBoss Retractile Coil Cords and Bulk Cable Online; Auto Tuning PID Temperature Controllers; DEPRAG 3-HP Turbine Angle Grinder; System Integ
Volume 5 - Issue 15 - 10/15/2009
LabVIEW 2009 - Do More with Industrial Measurements and Control; 'Seaworthy' Wi-Fi Ethernet Serial Servers; When Was Your Last Automation Equipment Audit?; Lumex Extreme Temperature LCD Technology; Air Movers with Short Lead-times; Basic Dual Pressure Sensor; High-performance IR Camera; Precision Fixed Location Kinematic Components; Controls and Automation Systems; 2D/3D Profile Measurement Made Simple; Tire Handling
Volume 5 - Issue 14 - 10/01/2009
SDN-C DIN Rail Power Supplies; RTDs and Thermocouples to Improve Plant Performance; Lose the PLC with All-in-one HMI Plus Control; Tough As Nails; Itasca ships solenoid coil bobbin process automation line; Drive Screws Robotically Where Operators Can't; DSCA33 True RMS Input Signal Conditioners; ARCA Redefines Enclosure Technology!; Network-critical Physical Infrastructure for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems; Sony GigE Cameras and Industrial Automation; Easily Connect PLCs/PACs wit
Volume 5 - Issue 13 - 09/17/2009
Bearingless Torquemeters Without Critical Installation Constraints; Sony GigE Cameras and Industrial Automation; Auto Tuning PID Temperature Controllers; Preventing Holes in Donut Production Schedule; 25 Years and New Product Catalog; Lanner Rugged Computing Platforms - Built Tough; NIR-SWIR InGaAs Camera; Sleek, Modular, Snap-On DIN Rail Mount Controllers; Finite Capacity Scheduling at Your Fingertips; Easy, Fast Wiring of Marshaling Cabinets; DIN Rail Signal Conditioners - DR7 Series; OPTIMISE
Volume 5 - Issue 12 - 09/03/2009
Industrial Universal PCI for Optimized Performance; ProSoft Technology Wireless POINT I/O Adapter; RISC Single Board Computer Offers Unmatched I/O; Small PC's Completely Sealed LCD PC; Network-Critical Physical Infrastructure (NCPI) for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems; ARCA Redefines Enclosure Technology; Weartec Plus for Harsh Environments; Time-saving Integration; WC302 Automatic Wire and Tubing Cutter; Custom Mechanical Motion Systems; Providing Innovative Document Handling Solu
Volume 5 - Issue 11 - 08/06/2009
PPT Vision Uses Microsoft ActiveX Platform for Machine Vision Applications; Overcome Device Commoditization, Restore Profit Margins; Accu-Set Automation Machinery; Intelligent Simultaneous Digitizer Doubles as PAC; Robust Plant Data Repository Software Solution; Northwire's EnduroFLEX XM and CRXM; Lose the PLC with All-in-one HMI Plus Control; Compact Digital Torquemeters - A True Breakthrough
Volume 5 - Issue 10 - 07/02/2009
Top Equipment Manufacturing Expo in China; Automated Solution for Your Foxboro I/A; System Integration, Process Evaluation, Improve; BitFlow Announces New Neon-CL2 Camera Link Frame Frabber; Snapshot about our FlexPlus Controller; Northwire's EnduroFLEX XM and CRXM; Air Valve Simplifies Solutions for Packaging Industry; Sleek, Modular, Snap-On DIN Rail Mount Controllers
Volume 5 - Issue 9 - 06/18/2009
Factory Direct Sales; IT Happens! Now What?; PID Auto Tuning Temperature Controllers; Catch N Count Parts Handing and Sorting Systems; Commercial Automation; Modernization
Volume 5 - Issue 8 - 06/04/2009
Express 2-Day Cylinder Shipping Program; Compact Digital Torquemeters - A True Breakthrough; Industrial USB Solutions for Rugged Reliability; Achtung! CIP Survivable Photoelectric Sensors; Transparent Covers Added to ARCA Line; New P3 Linear Motor Actuator; New Long Range 900 MHz Wireless Ethernet Module; Comprehensive solutions in Industrial Microscopy; Tough as Nails; UV Luminescence Sensor with Calibration Function


text:
Community-based Interventions to Increase HIV Testing and HIV Care Utilization
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
The purpose of this study is to conduct a cross-site evaluation of the Kaiser Permanente's Community-based Interventions to Increase HIV Testing and HIV Care Utilization Program, designed to support community-based interventions to reduce the number of new HIV cases and to increase HIV care acquisition and maintenance in minority communities disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. This effort builds on the President's National Strategy for HIV Prevention and recent research documenting the importance and efficacy of "test and treat" and "treatment as prevention" approaches. Hence, goals of this important and novel work will focus on the following objectives:
- identification of HIV infection among recently infected adolescents and adults
- improved access to HIV care, particularly among newly diagnosed adolescents and adults
To achieve these objectives, the following outcomes are expected from grantee programs:
- increased HIV testing among populations at risk for HIV
- improved health care utilization among HIV infected adults and adolescents
This initiative has been undertaken by Kaiser to affect HIV at a population level via community approaches to prevention, intervention and care in minority communities most affected by HIV (e.g. gay, African American, and Latino communities). The University of California, San Diego has developed and will oversee a cross-site evaluation of Kaiser grantee programs funded under this initiative. Each site will have a treatment and comparison group, and will conduct follow up surveys with their participants three and six months after their interventions.
Other: HIV testing
Other: standard of HIV care
Behavioral: HIV care utilization
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Non-Randomized
Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Open Label
Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
|Official Title:
|Community-based Interventions to Increase HIV Testing and HIV Care Utilization
- Increased HIV care utilization [ Time Frame: 3 and 6 months following intervention ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]Improved access to HIV care, particularly among newly diagnosed adults.
- Increased HIV testing among populations at risk for HIV [ Time Frame: at baseline ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]Increased HIV testing among populations at risk for HIV and identification of HIV infection among recently infected adults.
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|June 2013
|Estimated Study Completion Date:
|December 2016
|Estimated Primary Completion Date:
|December 2016 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
HIV testing
Identification of HIV infection among recently infected adults
Other: HIV testing
HIV testing. Enhanced testing protocol is used: RESPECT, an evidence-based HIV prevention counseling intervention helping people increase condom use, decrease risky behaviors (resulting in a decrease in STIs) compared to those who did not receive the intervention. RESPECT includes: one-on-one counseling using a structured protocol; "teachable moments" during counseling to motivate clients to change risk-taking behaviors; to explore the contexts in which risk behaviors occur to increase awareness of susceptibility; and negotiate achievable "next steps" with the client that support the larger risk reduction goal. Implemented using a structured protocol with monitoring to ensure the fidelity of the testing intervention.
Experimental: HIV care utilization
Improved access to HIV care and HIV care utilization, particularly among newly diagnosed adults
Behavioral: HIV care utilization
Sites will use a peer-based, client navigation model of an Integrated HIV/AIDS Early Intervention Services (ARTAS) Community Health Worker (CHW) Program (1-5 sessions with newly dx/dx within 12mo; case management/support services (4 contacts/mo/client for 6mo) linking people to continuous, coordinated care after HIV dx. Another site will do 3, 2hr Motivational Enhancement Intervention (MEI) sessions in 3 wks for HIV+: quality of life workshops, support groups at Butterfly Nest (safe project office for transgender women); 1 booster session (2hrs) after 3-month follow-up; 6mo follow-up assessment. Health Educators recruit clients, make appointments, escort to test sites, intake, review. 4th site will hold monthly risk-reduction workshops, weekly HIV testing for formerly incarcerated.
Active Comparator: standard of care
Standard of HIV care; standard of linkage to HIV care
Other: standard of HIV care
Standard linkage and referral to HIV care includes HIV counseling, testing, and referrals. Both intervention and comparison groups will receive these.
Show Detailed Description
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)
|Genders Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals will be adults,
- aged 18 and over,
- with the capacity to give informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Those who do not have the capacity to give informed consent will be excluded.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01867177
|Contact: Alexandra Caraballo
|Contact: Anita Raj, PhD
|United States, California
|University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, Division of Global Public Health
|La Jolla, California, United States, 92093
|Contact: Jennifer Yore email@example.com
|Contact: Anita Raj, PhD email@example.com
|Principal Investigator: Anita Raj, PhD
|Principal Investigator:
|Anita Raj, PhD
|University of California, San Diego
|Responsible Party:
|Kaiser Permanente
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01867177 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|May 29, 2013
|Last Updated:
|April 18, 2014
|Health Authority:
|United States: Institutional Review Board
Keywords provided by Kaiser Permanente:
health care utilization
HIV testing
access to care
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on August 29, 2016


text:
- Today Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 51. South southeast wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
- Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. South southeast wind 10 to 13 mph.
- Saturday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.
- Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a chance of showers. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 44. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
It was an open and frank discussion about sex--in particular, what's legal and what's not when it comes to what your kids can do.
News 12's Diane Cho was at Monday night's meeting, where the district attorney was trying to warn parents and kids.
A number of cases of kids having sex is what's driving the D.A. to talk face to face with parents--hoping that they'll learn something now, so they don't pay the price later.
Sex, drugs and alcohol...they're topics parents don't like to discuss with their children because many parents don't think kids are involved with them.
"There's no sense of me coming here and sugar coating things about real life decisions and real life consequences."
District Attorney Danny Craig is speaking in front of parents, teachers and even students at Riverside Middle School, so they don't make a mistake that could stick with them for the rest of their lives.
"We can't go back and change things," says Craig.
Ginger Custer, a Columbia County parent, says she came to the seminar with her 14-year-old son so that he could hear the consequences himself even though he's already seen it first-hand...recently one of their family friends had a child prosecuted in superior court.
"I've seen the pain of what that family has gone through and at that point I said I need to educate my children and not think my child won't do that type of thing," Custer says.
One of the biggest problems Craig sees in the tri-county area is the "after party".
"If you think of yourself as a cool parent, you're probably your child's worst nightmare," he says.
Parents say they do feel the pressure from society to be that parent.
"For a lot of parents being the child's friend, they want that communication but the children want us to be their parent," says Custer.
"Absolutely, kids come back and say 'Well Mom, their parents are cool they let us do this or that', there's a lot of pressure," says Peggie Whitehurst, another Columbia County parent.
If turnout is any indication, this is something parents wanted to find out more about. The gym at Riverside Middle was full.


text:
This spring (especially April) has been colder and wetter than normal. In fact, record flooding events occurred throughout the far north, as well as in south central Ontario. Significant snowfall amounts also fell throughout the north including the Hudson's and James Bay lowlands. Due to relatively cool temperatures and significant precipitation events, most inland wetlands are near their maximum water-holding capacities, providing good overall spring breeding conditions for waterfowl.
Last year, Great Lakes water levels were at record lows, which was cause for significant concern. Currently, lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior are still significantly lower than normal (by 1 foot on average) while lakes Erie and Ontario have rebounded to near-normal water levels. Migration of Canada geese and duck species has been typical, and local breeding populations of Canada geese have produced a strong number of goslings. With relatively good breeding and brood-rearing habitats across most of the province, waterfowl production will be strong.
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law.
First duck stamp, designed by Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, issued.
Prairie drought peaks.


text:
Power Quality Mitigation Strategies
- Surge Protection and Fiber Optics
- Surge Protection Devices
- Fiber Optic Line Drivers
- Optical Isolators
- Power Filtering
- Power Line Filters
- Line Reactors
- Shielded Isolation Transformers
- Voltage Regulation
- Standard Tap Changers
- Buck-Boost Regulators
- Constant Voltage Transformers
- Magnetic Synthesizers
- Harmonic Control
- Transformer Connections
- Harmonic Filters
- Active Power Line Conditioners
- Energy Storage Systems (Non-Battery)
- Motor-Generators
- Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Systems
- Statordyne
- Compressed Gas/Fluid Systems
- Energy Storage Systems (Battery)
- On-Line Uninterruptible Power Supplies
- Standby Power Supplies
- Rotary UPS
- Ferroresonant UPS
- Line Interactive UPS
- Utility-Side Solutions
- Fast Transfer Switches
- Dynamic Voltage Restorers
- Spot Network
- Reserve Capacity
- Var Compensation for Voltage Flicker
- Static Var Compensators
- Adaptive Var Compensators
- Intellivar
- Questions/Open Discussion
I know what the problem is, but now what can I do to reduce or eliminate it? Mitigating the problem is the next step after discovering the problem. The solutions aren't always obvious - and it is very frustrating to keep making "band-aid" fixes that take care of the problem for one machine, but create problems for others.
This Power Quality program is one of the most informative and beneficial programs for facility engineers and maintenance personnel. Due to the vast content and depending on the number of people attending, this program may need an entire day for proper presentation.