text: Enjoy an evening of wine, craft brews and food at the 1st Annual Night of Golden Opportunities at Mikey's Grill on June 28, 2012. There's music by Crooked Road and an auction with vintage wine, art, VIP winery visits, a golf package and much more. The charge of $100 per person includes a raffle ticket for a weekend stay at Alexander Valley Vineyards in California. Tickets may be purchased from either Mikey's Grill (4524 Southlake Parkway, 205-538-7627) or Pleasure Is All Wine (2152-A Pelham Parkway, 205-985-4760). All proceeds will benefit Adopt a Golden.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Norm Classics by Michael Jantze
- January 03, 2013
- From Beginning
- Previous feature
- Next feature
- Current
Comments (2) (Please sign in to comment)
A new norm character Skeleton Norm No bones about it.
Hey, he drives a stick! Alright! :)
- Refresh Comments.
You must be signed in to make a comment.


text:
Search the IEET
Subscribe and Contribute to:
To most politicians across Africa, separating religion and state presents a very difficult challenge. Secularism is viewed with suspicion, and sometimes with opposition. Many countries across the region have the principle of separation enshrined in their constitutions. But this constitutional principle is hardly translated into reality because of enormous influence of religious establishments on politics and governance.
Secularism is a 'paper tiger' that has little or no bearing on practical politics in many parts of the region. Secular government is seen as a ideal form of government, a western contraption. Separating Church(Mosque) and State is perceived as a form of political utopia that is alien to the African notion of government. Religion and state mix in real African politics. Church(Mosque) and State merge in real governance. The reality of mixing religion and state is not the same in countries across the region. The situation is worse in muslim majority states because there is lack of appreciation of separating mosque and state. Countries are described as islamic republics. States are not res publica- public property but islamic public property. There is no distinction between the islamic space and public space.Islam is the state religion and sharia is the de facto state law or the basis of the state law.
Separating church(mosque) and state poses a serious challenge to politicians because democracy is a game of numbers and votes count. No politician wants to be seen to be anti religion. Democracy is characterized by the rule of the majority. The will of the people is often motivated or swayed by religion. Religious interests determine the fate of politicians. So state actors pander to religious sentiments in order to legitimize themselves- to win elections or maintain their hold on power. Politicians use religion to enhance their political ambitions despite constitutional provisions. Politicians do- and can do it anything to win the majority of votes even if it means replacing secular state laws with religious laws or making religious sins state crimes.
In consequence, this ambiguous relationship between church/mosque and state has not reflected positively and progressively on democracy and governance in the region. Mixing religion and state has led to conflicts, division and discrimination. It has resulted to a politics of exclusion, a form of religious divide and rule. Lack of separation of church and state has hampered the evolution of a modern democratic Africa because politics is not shaped by the will of the people but purportedly by the will of god or allah or better by the will of godmen and women. Unelected priests, Ulema, Bishops and Imams, not the elected representatives of the people determine the laws and policies which states adopt. Many democracies in Africa are de facto theocracies because religious Africans have translated their articles of faith in god into political norms. The politics of the states is determined more by what goes on in churches and mosques than what transpires in the parliament or state houses.
Lack of separation of church(mosque) and state in practical politics has undermined the realization of a peaceful, tolerant and progressive society because state laws have become religious dogmas writ large. Presidents, governors and lawmakers are quasi clerics- priests, sheikhs, bishops and imams.
One aspect of African society where the negative impact of mixing religion and politics is so manifest in Africa is in tackling religious extremism particularly islamic militancy. Many muslim majority countries in Africa are grappling with the problem of islamic fundamentalism. They have recorded with limited success in this fight due to lack of separation of mosque and state. For instance, in Nigeria, an islamic militant group, Boko Haram has been waging a violent campaign to implement a stricter version of sharia law and enthrone an islamic state(1). Boko Haram leverages on the prevalence of political islam in the region including the ongoing state implementation of sharia law.
Due to the merging of mosque and state by the government in this region, states are not neutrally positioned to tackle the problem of islamism head on because there is some commonality between the agenda of the sharia implementing states and that of Boko Haram. Disentangling state law, justice system, policy making from Islam will better position the African governments defeat Boko Haram and other militants groups fighting in Nigeria, Mali, Somalia to enthrone an islamic state.
Another area where the negative impact of mixing religion and politics is very manifest is in the area human rights protection. This has clearly been demonstrated in the case of Meriam Ibrahim, a christian woman who was sentenced to death in Sudan because she refused to renounce her christian faith. Ms Ibrahim has reportedly been freed from jail but the circumstances that led to her conviction and imprisonment in the first place require some reflection(2). Meriam was born to a muslim father and a christian mother. But she was raised a christian by her mother. The islamic court in Sudan ruled that Meriam's profession of christianity was apostasy and that she be put to death.
Ms Ibrahim was pregnant at the time of her conviction and gave birth to her baby while shackled in prison. The judgement was possible because sharia law is currently in force in Sudan. Since 1983 Sudan has enforced a translation of the patriarchal misogynistic norms of islam that are incompatible with universal human rights. And I ask, Why must the paternity not the maternity of Meriam count in her profession of religion? Why must paternity or maternity count at all? Is religion inherited? If someone's father or mother is a muslim, must the person remain a muslim? Why the compulsion to remain a muslim? Religious profession is a right which every individual exercises despite the religion of the parents. Religious confession is not inherited from one's father or mother. Is it? Changing one's religion or converting to another religion is and should be free. It should not be on the pain of death. But it is the case in Sudan due to lack of separation of mosque and state
The secularization of Sudan will help the country end this legalized discrimination that makes a caricature of its claim to protecting human rights, especially the freedom of religion. Disentangling the state of Sudan and its justice system from islam will make the government an impartial arbiter and guarantor of the equal rights of all individuals in the countries. Islam and christianity are ancient religions with norms that are incompatible with those of a modern democratic state.
Separating church(mosque) and state will enable African governments tackle poverty and improve their economy. Mixing religion and politics is impoverishing African countries and undermining their efforts to conquer poverty and underdevelopment. Due to lack of separation or its violation by politicians, many poor African states spend billions of dollars every year sponsoring pilgrimages to the holy lands(3), building churches and mosques(4) and paying clerics(5). These pilgrimages contribute to the economies of host nations like Israel or Saudi Arabia not those of Africans. If African governments separate church/mosque and state, these funds will be saved and will be better utilized in building schools, improving the standard of education, creating jobs and embarking on real developmental projects that can yeild tangible measurable returns that could lift millions of Africans out of poverty.
Separating church(mosque) and state has become a most urgent and compelling project for African peoples and their governments in this 21st century. So let the secularization of Africa begin.
1. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/09/boko-haram-nigeria-islamist-state
2. http://news.sky.com/story/1287772/sudans-meriam-ibrahim-freed-from-prison
3. http://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/137147-governor-aliyu-of-niger-defends-spending-n5-1bn-to-subsidise-pilgrimage-to-mecca-jerusalem.html
4. http://www.nigerianmonitor.com/2013/10/26/katsina-state-to-build-34-mosques-with-n359-million/
5. http://www.punchng.com/news/katsina-to-pay-1820-imams-salaries/
Next entry: Why You are Wrong About Death and Aging
Previous entry: Why "Fetal Personhood" is a Dangerous Word Game
East Coast Contact: Executive Director, Dr. James J. Hughes,
56 Daleville School Rd., Willington CT 06279 USA
Email: director @ ieet.org phone:
West Coast Contact: Managing Director, Hank Pellissier
425 Moraga Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611
Email: hank @ ieet.org


text:
On these pages, all the essential information is shown about our various ticket types, prices and how to book tickets. Advance bookings offer great savings on daily admission tickets, car park passes and also Membership (please note: Membership is subject to availability on the Gate).
We strongly recommend early booking of grandstand seats, particularly on Sunday, as these sell out quickly.
The 2016 Advance Box Office opens:
- Thursday, 28 April at 8.30 am: exclusive to anyone wishing to purchase a Membership or Caravan Membership for the 2016 Event.
- Friday, 29 April at 8.30 am: the Box Office opens for ALL other advance online bookings and telephone enquiries.


text:
Be thankful for every season with this glass ornament that depicts all four of the year's cycles. The Four Seasons glass ornaments depicts delicate tree branches: snow nestled in the crooks of the tree branches for winter, pink and white cherry blossoms for spring, two-tone lush green leaves for summer and delicate orange, red and shimmering metallic gold fall leaves. These ornaments look fabulous from every angle showing the seasonal changes through the glass.
Hand-painted in the United States. 1 glass ornament. Diameter of 3.5 inches. Feature metallic cap and hand-tied hanging ribbon. The ornament you receive will not be the exact ornament pictured, but it will be nearly identical. Each ornament is an original work of art, uniquely hand-painted.
AHAlife is committed to help you live a conscious and inspired life.
Many of the items you discover here are exclusive to AHAlife, which is what makes our community of designers and artisans so special.
If you find one of our products anywhere else for less than it's being sold on our site, we will match it. No questions asked.
Our dedicated Concierge Team is here to help. Reach out any time at:


text:
sexually harassing a colleague and threatening her with acid attacks.The police has arrested NUJS assistant registrar Siddhartha Guha, who has been dodging the police after an FIR was filed against him five months ago for allegedly
NDTV reported that Guha was questioned by Kolkata's Bidhannagar South police station yesterday and taken into custody.
According to NDTV, Guha is accused under IPC sections 500 (defamation), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (outrage of modesty through words and gestures), 354 (outrage of modesty) and 354A (sexual harassment), and sections 66 and 67 of the Information Technology Act.
The victim had first filed her complaint on 12 June, allegedly over a year after informally bringing the issue to NUJS vice chancellor Ishwara Bhatt's notice. After no internal hearing in her complaint at the law school for 43 days, she filed a criminal complaint at the Bidhannagar police station in Kolkata against the accused. The law school suspended the accused on 10 August, for non-cooperation in the ICC's inquiry against him.
The internal sexual harassment complaints committee (ICC) of three members has taken time to deliberate on the complaint, made by a non-academic staff member in the vice chancellor's office.
In September the college's executive council rejected the ICC's interim finding that the allegedly lewd messages sent by Guha were "expressions of romantic interest and love", rather than "sexual in nature". One ICC member, TVNGS Sudhakar, dissented with the interim report.
experts & views
NB: By reading the comments you agree that they are the personal views and opinions of readers, for which Legally India has no liability whatsoever. Because anonymous comments may be biased or unreliable, you agree that you will not allow any comment(s) to affect your estimation of any person(s) or organisation(s). If you believe a comment is inappropriate, please click 'Report to administrator' below the comment with your objection and we will review it as soon as practicable.
O the valiant bearers of the torch of gender justice, the Knights and the Joan of Arc's....was the 43 days (when the University chose to sit on the non teaching staff's complaint)a very short period, too short to arrive at a consensus on the draft of the statement? too short to contact the esteemed faculty members on leave?
Kindly enlighten us o' esteemed official spokesperson of the University,were any of the signatories to the statement dated 25.12.2013 (apart from Ld. Mr. Sudhakar) also a part of the interim committee?
Did you seek to disassociate yourselves/ the University with the accused or the members of the interim committee who gave the brilliant finding that that the allegedly lewd messages sent by the accused were "expressions of romantic interest and love", rather than "sexual in nature"?
or were findings of the report of the interim committee comprising of your own colleagues so fair, reasoned and just that in your vastly knowledgeable and legally brilliant minds, the same deserved no criticism and no statements?
Although later, some members of the Executive Council (the naive and not so brilliant ones) choose to reject the same.
Also another small question to you learned followers of the Vishaka recommendations....what were the interim recommendations of the internal sexual harassment complaints committee (ICC) which was looking into the complaint filed by Ms. SJ against the alleged harassment by an Hony. Professor in December, 2012?
Or was there no complaint? or was it the case that when SJ wanted to complain the university refused to entertain the same and all you Ld. Faculty "forgot" to espouse her cause....as SJ had not blogged about it yet and the allegation did not have the attention of the national press and electronic media...
No limelight...no soul stirring moment....no need to waste precious time otherwise spent in setting the world right (by criticizing the VC, amongst others...or were you esteemed people too busy shielding Mr. Guha and sorting out the "Ghar ka mamla"?
Something should be done to overhaul the management of the top law schools.. These things may not be directly linked to academics, but it's not right to let bright students be mentored in such environments.. are the students to blame in ANY of such stupid incidents? No.. It's shameful that they are the ones who ultimately stand to suffer in some way..
and NLS.. then NALSAR had the infamous showdown between Ranbir Singh and a senior faculty member which ultimately left to the then VC resigning...
Something should be done to overhaul the management of the top law schools.. These things may not be directly linked to academics, but it's not right to let bright students be mentored in such environments.. are the students to blame in ANY of such stupid incidents? No.. It's shameful that they are the ones who ultimately stand to suffer in some way..
Why M.P.Singh resigned from NUJS on 2010 ? Whu EC made him to withdraw his resignation ? Why the same EC accepted former.resignation ? Why former CJi did not constitute University Review Commission when the resolution of EC asked for it ? What was the interest to protect M.P.Singh.?Hope does not block these questions .
Quoting anon:
On News X this was one of the top stories. The channel strongly criticized the VC for trying to hush up the matter. India Today has also
Why is the VC silent and not responding to the heavy criticism of him in the media?
refreshSort chronologically Filter out low-rated comments. Show all comments.


text:
Robert J. BlanchardNovember 15,2012Robert J. Blanchard Rites
PROCTOR The funeral service for Robert J. Blanchard, 71, who died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012, was held Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Union Church of Proctor.
Officiating was the Rev. Howard Gunter, pastor of Pittsfield Federated Church.
Organist was Alan Walker.
Words of remembrance were offered by Kevin Blanchard and Steven Myhberg.
A reception followed in the church hall.
A private graveside service will be at a later date in Lyndon Center Cemetery in Lyndon.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home.MORE IN ObituariesDonald F. Full StoryDonald F. Jones
Poultney Donald Frederick Jones, 76, died Oct. Full StoryCharles M. Sherman
Charles Merrill Sherman, 98, of Rutland, died Monday, Oct. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
Loading product details ...
Reviews (0)
Need Help?
Product Description:
Razor® A2 Scooter :: The Razor® A2 Kick Scooter is uses aircraft-grade aluminum for durability. Razor®'s features spring-less front suspension and an improved shock system that ensures a smoother ride on bumpy pavements. The Wheelie bar is another addition that promises to be make the ride more exciting and fun for your pre-teen. This two wheel kick scooter also has some very good safety features such as the enhanced finger guard, and rear fender brake for quick stops. At 6 lbs. the scooter can support 143 lbs. of weight, and can be folded easily for storage and transport.
Features & Benefits:
Your Help Is Here
Shop with confidence knowing your team of Fit Experts is waiting to answer all your questions. You can always find your perfect product and your perfect fit. Your Road Runner Sports Fit Experts will make sure you get exactly what you want and have tons of fun in the process! Give us a call, chat, or email!
Call 800-743-3206 to
You May Also Like
More Related Products
Razor® Ground Force Drifter :: Slip into its steel go kart-style frame and feel the thrill of Super Slider™ POM ...
Stansport™ Bahamas Single Cotton Hammock :: Lay under the stars or enjoy the afternoon breeze. Cool cotton gracefully cradles you ...
Trimax Ab Wheel Glider :: The PürAthletics™ Ab-Roller when used just minutes a day will target, abs, obliques, triceps, lats, ...


text:
You are hereImportant Information regarding Fat Loss Factor Program Which can Develop Favourable Impression
Important Information regarding Fat Loss Factor Program Which can Develop Favourable Impression
The Fat loss factor can be described as holistic excess fat loss scheme. By "holistic" we signify that it addresses the creates of weight loss somewhat compared to the symptoms only. While you listen to of a excess fat reduction software that works, the choice to use it and reduce excess fat is solely yours, however you could also decide to ignore it and permit the pounds pile up on you. It can be all a few excellent workout regime that people with huge excess fat worries will need to use in endeavoring to shed the extra pounds. It tells of every one of the standards desired with the course to operate. This system accommodates essential related information that should develop a favorable impact with your lifespan for those who are battling with your excess weight. The program concentrates largely on pure organic and natural food items like fruits and farm deliver moreover loads of unpolluted water. It advices the consumers to abstain from having meals that feature chemicals. It is just a relatively healthy plan to utilize in shedding body fat. The initial phase in getting rid of your unwanted fat begins with cleaning. What this means is assisting the liver do its do the trick of breaking down the cholesterol that accumulates and outcome to extra fat get. The following phase of the fat loss factor system is all about appropriate excess fat loss. This is realized through appropriate dieting and physical activity via strength exercise routines and workout. This system is all-natural and so there may be no concern of chemical substances or injections. Fail to remember what the fat loss factor rip-off promises tell you due to the fact that it is usually simply not valid. In today's community, excess fat achieve issues are accelerated because of the dwelling styles that people have taken up. This has guide on the introduction of diverse programs claiming to sort out this unwanted fat attain challenge. Having said that, what has caught everyone's awareness is this fat loss factor, that has received enormous popularity over the years, primarily mainly because it has long been highly productive. It's very clearly researched, choosing dietary experience and proficiency. It teaches most people solutions to abandon their residing varieties which are using them for their grave and embrace the all natural fitness that should see them continue to be nutritious all together. This fat loss factor review states plainly the impression that it's experienced on a great number of customers who've chosen it. Mainly because it promotes all-natural options, it will make it ideal for any age. It doesn't include any constraints and anybody is free of charge to hitch to keep their excess weight under check as well as their wellbeing intact. The professional review goes additionally to listing most of the all-natural specifications. Fat loss factor reviews are around the net. It is generally due to the program's being successful. Various buyers who've second hand it declare that it works miracles. Yet, you should remember that you choose to much too possess a section to play, as this program is not going to succeed by itself. A person detail is clear below and that could it be is not really a one-day speculate process. You are going to have to set in certain labor into it. This system desires patience, arduous work outs and toughness teaching with the slightest consequences being pointed out. The various recommendations throughout cyberspace reveal the program can be quite valuable towards consumer. It provides meal preparation, training routines, individual coaching including a menu of body fat loss techniques. With many of the workouts and exercise sessions that a participant will undergo and when using the all-natural uncooked foodstuff, they may adventure a favourable impact within their life. You will shed all the excess fat and grow to be a lot more flexible and more healthy. Because of this the fat loss factor is known as a holistic approach to the health and wellness and wellness.


text:
Chef Scott Pampuch out at Smyth and the Iron Horse, returns to Minneapolis
An Iron Horse Hotel spokeswoman confirmed Thursday evening that Scott Pampuch no longer is the executive chef at the Iron Horse Hotel, 500 W. Forida St.
She did not address why the hotel and the chef parted ways. Pampuch, who also was the hotel's food and beverage director, said Friday morning that he was returning to Minneapolis to pursue new projects. »Read Full Blog Post(7)
Country star Mindy McCready dies in apparent suicide after chart-topping career, stormy life
Heber Springs, Ark. - Mindy McCready, who hit the top of the country charts before personal problems sidetracked her career, died Sunday in Arkansas in an apparent suicide. She was 37.
The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that McCready was found dead at a residence in Heber Springs from what appears to be a single, self-inflicted gunshot to the head. An autopsy is pending. »Read Full Article(2)
Potawatomi attempts to break Guinness World Record
If there's a rock 'n' roll heaven, then Don Cornelius is smiling down from above.
At 1 p.m. Thursday, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St., will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world's longest Soul Train dance line. »Read Full Article
Elvis Tribute Night rocks Mitchell Park Domes
Burnin' love. A sparkling night. The King on stage. Who can resist a combo like that?
It's tough, and that's what makes Elvis Tribute Night at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., so popular. »Read Full Article(1)
Early Music Now blends old sounds, new composition in engaging program
Premieres of most of the music appearing on early-music concerts happened at least 250 years ago.
Except for Early Music Now's presentation of the Montreal-based group Masques at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Saturday. »Read Full Article
Quasimondo's 'Robot Cabaret' still needs some debugging
Imagine a future in which robots rule, having reduced humans to second-class citizens with whom they rarely interact. Or, if you'd like, think about how fully our own lives are now enmeshed in technology - often reducing us to machine-obsessed zombies.
That world is in full bloom in "Robot Cabaret," which the Quasimondo Milwaukee Physical Theatre opened - wryly enough - on Valentine's Day. »Read Full Article
Circus, auto show, RV show this week
Come one, come all
For four days only, take part in a form of entertainment beloved by children of all ages, going back generations. See the Tripoli Shrine Circus on Thursday through next Sunday at the U.S. Cellular Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. Nine performances of athletic skills with aerialists and acrobats. Watch elephants and big cats perform in one of the three rings of action all lead by Ringmistress Michelle Audrey. Tickets range from $9 to $35; there are also free tickets available for adults bringing a child along. See www.milwaukeecircus.com for information and to purchase tickets. »Read Full Article


text:
I would try putting your ring finger in the third valve ring and your pinky in front of that, not only does it look better on the field but using pressure will be a little harder to do.
I know you ask D.C but try slurring in a no pressure grip and see how bad it really is. From there, do flow studies and long tones being acutely aware of pressure


text:
Display Status:
This object is on display in the Apollo to the Moon exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Collection Item Summary:
This is the Skylab 4 Command Module, which served as the crew cabin for going to and from Skylab, the first U.S. space station. Skylab 4, the third and last of the Skylab missions, was launched on November 16, 1973 with Command and Service Modules CSM-118. The three-person crew, Gerald P. Carr, William R. Pogue, and Edward G. Gibson, spent 84 days on orbit, landing on February 8, 1974. The mission included the observation of the comet Kohoutek, among numerous experiments. The crew completed 1,214 Earth orbits and four extra-vehicular activities totaling 22 hours, 13 minutes.
CSM-118 was transferred from NASA to the Smithsonian in 1975.
Collection Item Long Description:
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Do not reproduce without permission from the Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and titanium structures. Outer shell - stainless steel honeycomb between stainless steel sheets. Crew compartment inner shell - aluminum honeycomb between aluminum alloy sheets. Epoxy-resin ablative heat shield covers outside.
Overall: 10ft 7in. x 12ft 10in., 12000lb. (322.58 x 391.16cm, 5443.2kg)
See more items in
Country of Origin
United States of America
Inventory Number


text:
Printable View
First Lets Define "Hold Out" My take on that is sitting out of mini camp and training camp and not reporting until the 3rd pre season game. Why risk injury when if there is one his next contract will be a lot less. Plus he already said he is speaking to harbs and will work out a plan where if he does not show up to camp and OTAs he is still up to speed with the rest of the team. He knows he is not worth AP money and AP knows he is not worth what he got. Look what happened to him after he signed that deal.... July 15 is a long time away and there is no need to do a deal now. If there is any deal to do now it is Flacco then Webb, then when July 10 comes around start working with rice.
Another option... After this year, if he plays under the tag, why not tag him again and trade him for a 2 #1s or a 1st and 2nd. We will have a shit load of comp picks next year also anyway so that may be a good year to get young again at certian positions
The chances of Rice holding out are greater than the chances of this
He may skip OTAs but I expect him to be in camp.
He will probably speak with other team mates who have been tagged and played under it like Suggs. I expect him to skip OTAs and training camp while keeping in touch with the coaching staff. He will show up around the time camp ends for the 3Rd pre season game. There is no way he skips games
Ray isn't holding out into the season. I hope he is smarter than that.
I don't know...I consider myself to be a much bigger fan of the laundry than the players and I think some of you get too attached to some of them. When things like this happen it's a bunch of blame being put on other people.
Ray Rice wants significantly more than Foster got. I think he feels that he is even owed that because he didn't bitch about his contract last year when he probably had every right to. This is going to be a long and drawn out deal...I don't know how it ends, but I can easily see him skipping most if not all of camp and if he really wants to dig his heals in, may even miss a couple games. Ray Rice is not above all that...no player is really.
Anyway, it pretty much looks like he will be skipping OTA's according to Aaron...
Sources: Ray Rice not planning to report without a new deal
by Aaron Wilson of Scout.com, April 3, 2012 at 2:54 pm ET
Ray Rice Profile
OWINGS MILLS -- Although Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice indicated today during the unveiling of the new Nike uniforms that he looks forward to attending offseason workouts, sources close to the situation stressed that Rice won't be reporting until he has a new contract.
More snaps for Double A.
I can't recall the Ravens ever having a player hold out of actual regular season games, has anyone? I know a few guys have held out over camp/preseason, but not the regular season. Don't think Rice will be the first but I don't think the Ravens are going to budge either.


text:
Montana State University Billings
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA)
A cooperative agreement between the Social Security Administration and Montana State
University Billings.
Reference Award #1 WIP15050402-01-00.
The Montana State University Billings Montana Center for Inclusive Education WIPA project has been awarded a grant as part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act that was established in 1999. The goal of the WIPA project is to help Social Security Disability beneficiaries understand and utilize employment supports and work incentives so they can achieve their employment and vocational goals.
The Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC)
- Provides effective work incentives planning and assistance services to Social Security beneficiaries.
- Promotes and supports employment outcomes for Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities.
- Partners with community agencies and conducts community outreach.
- Understands Social Security Disability benefits programs as well as other federal/state/local programs for which beneficiaries might be eligible.
- Provides healthcare planning and counseling.
The project utilizes community networks such as Vocational Rehabilitation, and Montana Offices of Public Assistance to help in the identification of individuals with disabilities that could benefit from receiving this information. The CWIC provides statewide coverage in local areas either electronically or in person.
The Social Security Administration provides training and technical assistance to the project. For more information about the Montana State University Billings WIPA project please contact:
Social Security Help Line
Montana State University Billings
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
1-888-866-3822 (toll free)


text:
5210 Let's Go Kick Off with Dave Cowens- Celtics Hall of Famer
Mrs. Nickerson's Class recognizes WW1's 100th anniversary
Mrs. Nickerson's Class made and put in the ground 96 poppies to represent all the veterans from Windham who served during WW1. They then read In Flanders Fields and sang God Bless America.
Manchester Learning Gardens
Harvesting pumpkins they grew!!


text:
Release Date: June 5th, 2005
Not Yet Rated|1 hr. 56 min.
Plot Summary
Left with amnesia after a car accident, a man (Arjun Rampal) believes his wife (Priyanka Chopra) is having an affair.
Cast: Arjun Rampal, Priyanka Chopra, Kim Sharma, Sudhanshu Pandey, Saurabh Shukla, Anang Desai, Atul Parchure,
Director: Girish Dhamija


text:
Help Researcher Irkz research skale poison
Edit Page Last Edit: 4 years 1 month ago
- Name: Help Researcher Irkz research skale poison
- Level: 13
- Location: Plains of Ascalon
- Description: Set traps for skale, bring skale oil and meal remains to Irkz, and help his researchers stay safe.
- Karma Merchant NPC: Researcher Irkz
Top Wiki Contributors
Edits: 3,133
Edits: 2,773
Edits: 1,125
Edits: 512
Wiki Help
Need assistance with editing this wiki? Check out these resources:
What Links Here
Expand Navigation


text:
Written on: 13/01/2012 by Bobbase (1 review written)
This is a great domestic machine that preforms well and i have had very few problems whilst stiching various fabrics
There are a few niggles but again these aremainly operator error and not the machines
Some reviews mention the looks i maintain that this js not an ornament but a functioning workhorse the only downside so far is customer support for example
I wanted to by a bias binding foot for it (most of the shop suggested that i use a universal snap in tgat mAy or may not fit)
So rather than take a chance i contacted aeg support who e mailed me back to say that they had no information on this machine and to contact the retail outlet where the machine was bought from.but as this was a chain they suggested i contact aeg.All my lifes a circle huh
I have since been informed that all toyota rs 2000 feet fit it or the janome cat a
Apart from support i recommend this machine
Written on: 05/03/2012
There is a support team in Kent. They can be contacted on email address email@example.com
As rated by our community of reviewers
" DO NOT be Tempted!!! " Read More
" Need parts help " Read More
" UK'S Worst Cimpany " Read More
" Great sewing machine " Read More
" DONT BUY FROM COOPERS " Read More


text:
Gym floor takes shape
FLOOR WORK: Jerry Schrader, a floor installer for Midwest Floor Covering of Lincoln, places maple boards on top of a sub floor in the Community Building gymnasium on July 31. Work on the new gym floor was delayed in May when asbestos was discovered in the sub floor and had to be removed. Schrader said his company should be done by the end of the week. The floor will then need to be finished which could take up to two weeks. School begins again on Aug. 15.
Latest Headlines
- Training for emergency preparedness
- Gothenburg FFA members compete at state fair
- Learning to adapt to change
- City Council sets tax request and levy for 2016-17
- Cornhusking contest returns to Harvest Festival after 17 year absence
- Summer evening bike ride goes wrong
- New hospital safety ratings now available to the public
- Mentees, others share value of TeamMates


text:
The future
of vitamins is clear
Traditional multivitamins weren't doing us any favors. So we made one that will.
Clean out your cabinets. No more cobbling together a complicated regimen or neglecting your nutrition because of information overload. Essential for Women was expertly developed to be the only daily vitamin you need–delivered right to your doorstep.
From D3 to Omega-3, our team of scientists has identified the nutrients most women aren't getting enough of. Nothing more, nothing less.
We searched the globe for the ingredients that work best in the body and we are committed to showing exactly where they come from and why.
Buying lots of unnecessary vitamins can get expensive and annoying. Ritual delivers our obsessively researched vitamin directly to your door.
Innovators, mothers and modern thinkers discuss the rituals that define their days.
"Everyone You Know Is About to Be Taking This Vitamin."
"It's almost too pretty to swallow. And while it's stunning, functionality is the underlying cause here."
"Ritual also only includes the supplements you actually need in a Standard American Diet (SAD) and leaves out the stuff we tend to find in abundance in our foods already."
"Ritual is making a better vitamin."
"People are starting to realize this is something I get nutrition from, so why am I not being as demanding of a vitamin as I am of that bag of chips?"


text:
MEMBER LOGIN | REGISTER | Forgot Password
South Korea was the world's most advanced Internet and telecommunications economy in 2010, with high levels of access, usage and skills, while high-speed Web access remained unaffordable in many low-income countries, the United Nations said on Thursday.
Mobile subscriptions grew 20% over the past year to more than 5 billion, with penetration of over 100%, or more than one mobile device per person, in developed countries and 70% in developing countries at the end of 2010.
Mobile broadband Internet access mushroomed, especially in developing countries where fixed broadband access is scarce, the UN's International Telecommunications Union found in its annual information and communication technology (ICT) report.
But with mobile broadband prices for a monthly subscription of 1 gigabyte costing more than 10% of monthly income in countries such as India, Mali, Kenya and Brazil, high-speed internet access remained unattainable for many.
"The 'mobile miracle' is putting ICT services within reach of even the most disadvantaged people and communities. Our challenge now is to replicate that success in broadband," the ITU's Secretary-General Hamadoun Toure said in the report.
The Internet was used by just 21% of the population in the developing world, compared with almost 70% in developed countries, the ITU said.
Fixed-line broadband prices dropped by 52% globally between 2008 and 2010, but in Africa still cost on average almost three times monthly income. In developed countries, ICT services cost under 1.5% of monthly income.
Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and Finland were the next most advanced ICT countries after South Korea, according to the ITU's development index. The United States was 17th, and China-- with the world's most Internet users -- 80th.
(Reporting by Georgina Prodhan in London, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)
Related Articles
South Korea police probe Google over location data collection
South Korea's KT launches nationwide WiMax network
SK Telecom wins LTE spectrum aunction for $920 million
SK Telecom request sanction for alleged excessive handset subsidies
Historically, network infrastructure is the most expensive component in a mobile operator's overall CAPEX, which holds true in China, the biggest and fastest growing 4G market in the world. This report provides an in-depth overview of market revenue, equipment shipments, and the competitive landscape for carriers. Buy now


text:
Upcoming Events
|Naacp Monthly Meeting
The local chapter #7127 of the NAACP will host it's monthly meeting at the Highland Episcopal Church' 448 Highland Ave. Winchester, Va. 22601 from 10am----11am on the 2nd Saturday of each month....... all are welcome. Come join and participate in making our community equal......
More Info
|Meet the Artist: Ed Bender
Saturday, November 9 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Meet Shenandoah Valley "Santa carver" Ed Bender and watch him carve his unique Santa figures. A variety of Ed's one-of-a-kind Santas are available for purchase in the Museum Store. Admission not required.
More Info
|The Big Wig Mystery
Saturday, November 9 • 1–2 p.m. Don't miss this fascinating program about a discovery in the attic of the Museum's Glen Burnie House. Experts were called in to solve the "wig" mystery, the tale of which will be told by Colonial Williamsburg's Master Wigmaker Betty Myers and her team during this presentation and demonstration about eighteenth-century wig making. You will be amazed! MSV Members: $5; all others: $10 (includes gallery admission). Seating is first-come, first-served; tickets will available at the Visitor Information Desk beginning at 10 a.m.
More Info
|DRYMILL ROAD w/ BUD'S COLLECTIVE @ BRIGHT BOX
High-energy, heartfelt, and original americana bluegrass with some tasty versions of classics! Admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. For tickets and more information visit http://www.brightboxwinchester.com
More Info


text:
Newegg.com - A great place to buy computers, computer parts, electronics, software, accessories, and DVDs online. With great prices, fast shipping, and top-rated customer service - once you know, you Newegg.
If you are reading this message, Please click this link to reload this page.(Do not use your browser's "Refresh" button). Please email us if you're running the latest version of your browser and you still see this message.
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!
Showing Results: Most Recent
This review is from: LG 23ET83V-W Silver 23" IPS-Panel 10-point Touchscreen Monitor 250 cd/m2 10000000:1
Pros: Big, bright and easy to set up. 2 hdmi inputs plus vga. Works great with Windows 7 or 8. Great price.
Cons: I keep trying to clean off these two black dots that are irritatingly present at all times.READ FULL REVIEW


text:
This page may be out of date.
Save your draft
before refreshing this page.
Submit any pending changes before refreshing this page.
Hide this message
Sign In
Analyzing the Mexican Drug War; the genesis and ultimate demise of the Mexican Drug Cartels
El Paso Texas corruption is the reason Cd. Juárez was at the center of the Drug War
Martin Paredes
Former El Paso County Commissioner and self-proclaimed "God father" is sentenced to six and a half years to prison on November 14, 2012. Gandara pled guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering. This is but one of a long line of convicted and un-convicted El Paso County officials. On December...
What role did Bill Clinton, Carlos Salinas de Gortari and Ernesto Zedillo play in Chapo's rise? Find out December 14.
Martin Paredes
Chapo's rise was facilitated by many government officials in the United States and Mexico. Find out which ones and what their roles were on December 14.
18 views
Written Oct 31, 2012
Book website is now open
Martin Paredes
Hello everyone,
My book's website is now open at
The Rise and Fall of the Mexican Drug Cartels
Written Sep 7, 2012


text:
The Wall
Sign In
Main Site
Best Of...
To get email notification when someone adds to a thread you're following, click on the star in the thread's header and it will turn yellow; click again to turn it off. To edit your profile, click on the gear.
The Wall has a powerful search engine that will go all the way back to 2002. Use "quotation marks" around multiple-word searches. RIGHT-CLICK on the results and choose Open Link In New Window so you'll be able to get back to your results. Happy searching!
In fairness to all, we don't discuss pricing on the Wall. Thanks for your cooperation.
Need to contact us? Visit
Series pumps and my hydronic comedy of errors
May 2014
I've searched and read posts here about using pumps in series to obtain additional head to overcome loops that are too long in in-floor hydronic systems. I think I know what I'm going to do, but wanted to ask for comments first. As an incentive to help and for your collective amusement, I will first provide a list of the comedy of errors associated with this system.
Background – this is 1,615 square foot home consisting of two, uninsulated buildings about 15 feet apart. Construction is stuccoed concrete block with high (14 foot) ceilings that comprise a concrete roof topped with Spanish tile, There are many large wood-framed single pane windows and doors throughout both buildings. It was built in 2009, the owner died about six months later, and we purchased the home in 2011.
The home is 7,200 feet above sea level, in Pátzcuaro, México, where in-house heating systems consist of a gas or wood fireplace or portable ventless gas heater at best, or more typically, nothing at all. Insulation is never used in construction, and gaps around doors and windows are standard. Low temperatures in December and January are in the low 40s with daytime highs in the low 60s. Summer rainy season can be cold and damp after a few days without sunshine. People wear a lot of wool sweaters and bundle up in quilts at night during both seasons, not your typical image of México. We cheat at night with electric mattress pads, and run unvented portable gas heaters and a gas-log fireplace when it's cold.
Unvented gas appliances pump a huge amount of water vapor into the air, which then condenses and runs down on the cold window glass, staining the woodwork. (Weather station data and webcam that we installed last November can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/pfbm7b7 by entering a custom date range beginning on Nov. 5, 2013.)
The home has an improperly installed in-floor radiant heat system. It was the architect's first and only system, and he relied on an installer who claimed to know what he was doing. He lied. Here's what I've discovered:
The Comedy of Errors:
1. The installer imported a boiler, mixing valve assembly, and zone controls from Spain and Italy that are 230 volt 50 cycle. Mexico is 127 volt, 60 cycle. They fixed the voltage problem with a step-up transformer, but the 50 Hz pumps are running 20% faster on 60 Hz A.C. In our case, this is not a bad thing.
2. They insulated under the slab but not around its edges. The concrete floors extend under the outside walls and doors to various outdoor patios.
3. The construction photos and architects' drawings were lost when his hard disk crashed. The paper plans were lost when the original owner died and friends emptied the house. There are no engineering designs for the system – no heat loss or sizing
calculations. No one knows the tubing layout or lengths.
4. The 15-foot underground PEX runs from the manifolds to the main building were uninsulated. I've since dug them up and insulated them.
5. The zone thermostats controlled the wrong zones. That is, the zone 1 thermostat operated the zone 2 valve, zone 2 controlled zone 3, etc. I've fixed that too.
6. Thermostats were placed on outside walls instead of centrally located in their rooms. Also fixed by me.
7. Mixing assembly bypass valves were closed, making what should have been a primary/secondary loop system into a single loop.
8. The differential valve was at its lowest setting, so it was always bleeding.
9. The balancers were misadjusted.
10. The 1" copper pipes in the boiler room were all uninsulated.
11. The big one – they ran 1/2" PEX in the slab with only three zones, all longer than 300
I've added pressure gauges, a flow meter, a SpiraVent, and made as many corrective adjustments as possible. I'm running a 176F boiler with the mixing valve set to its maximum of 131F. Supply and return manifold delta-T is 40F, and delta-P is 11.75 psi with one zone on, 11.0 psi with all three zones on. Flow with all three zones on is 2.45 gpm with all balancers wide open. Flow for the longest zone by itself is 0.67 gpm.
Using tables of PEX pressure drop, I estimate my loop lengths at 829, 432 and 576 feet. Zone areas are approximately 715, 412, and 488 square feet, excluding the connected areas outside the perimeter walls. I characterize these zones with Cv's of 0.202, 0.289 and 0.247 respectively.
Zone 1 is the living room, dining room and kitchen in an open floor plan. Only the dining room floor and part of a hallway gets warm. There isn't enough head to push warm water fast enough to the rest of the loop.
Zone 2 is the master bedroom, bath and walk in closet. It gets warm enough to be comfortable, though the floor temperature is far from uniform.
Zone 3 is the guest bedroom, bath and studio in the second building. The guest bedroom comes up to temperature, but the studio receives no heat and requires a portable gas heater to be comfortable on cold evenings.
The secondary loop pump is a Wilo RS25/7, developing 7 meters of head at 50 cycles, or 8.4 meters at 60 cycles. That's 27.56 feet or 12 psi, which corresponds to my measurements. I've posted a PDF with system drawings and photos at
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12631920/System%20Notes.pdf, also attached here.
Page 1 shows the overall floor plan and zones.
Page 2 is a diagram of the system plumbing and valves.
Page 3 is a graph of my estimated system curves as well as pump curves of the present pump and pumps I'm considering to put in series.
Page 4 is a photo of the 18 KW boiler (less derating for altitude) and mixing value assembly.
Page 5 is a photo of the supply and return manifolds.
Page 6 is a photo showing a typical floor section in the main house.
I also have graphs of the boiler supply and return temperatures as well as the manifold supply and return temperatures, recorded with a 4-probe Hobo data recorder that I had left over from an old engineering project. But I think that's overkill for this discussion – I've adjusted things so the boiler no-longer short cycles when supplying two zones.
My thought at this point is to add a 230 volt, 60 cycle Grundfos UP26-116F or UPS26-150FC downstream of the secondary Wilo circulator. The graph in the PDF shows how I expect the system curve to look with additive heads. The three-speed UPS25-150FC can be dialed back to a lower speed if there's a problem with such a large head mismatch with the Wilo. However, my reading on this forum indicates that such problems are most likely at the right-hand, low head, flow-cutoff end of the pump curve, not at the high-head, low-flow end of the curve where this system will operate.
I would like to have some confirmation that the heads will be additive and that there won't be problems of cavitation or wind milling.
For those that have made it this far in this overly long post, I would appreciate any thoughts and comments. I should also mention that finding these pumps in Mexico is difficult, and they typically cost 2.5 times what they do in the US, so trying and swapping if it doesn't work isn't much of an option. I'd like to go with a best guess, and have someone driving here from the US bring the pump and flanges with them. Swapping out the existing Wilo is not an option because it's European and uses 1.5" threaded unions on 180 mm centers, whereas all the US pumps seem to be flange based. That's why I'd like to use two pumps in series and develop a whopping 32 psi (73.7 feet) of head to see if I can finally push the water through fast enough to spread the heat around the floor. If flow increases as the square root of pressure, going from 11 to 29 psi (all zones on) should increase my flow rate by 62 percent (square root of 29/11).
A secondary consideration is the high cost of propane and electricity here. The present system will eventually make the main house and the guest bedroom comfortable, but it runs very hard and consumes a lot of gas. I'd rather spend more on electricity and have the slab be more uniform in temperature.
Thanks in advance for anyone's thoughts, including those who might say I should just abandon the system and buy more sweaters.
Mark E.
Pátzcuaro, México
May 2014
I would...
abandon it. Use what parts you have to run some radiation on the walls. Im not sure what you can get but wall hung panels rads would prob work well.
May 2014
Saturday Night Live:
Never have I read anything as FU'ed as this.
Someone says "You can't fix stupid".
If I went to the lumber yard to buy a nice piece of cherry wood to make a nice table top and it had a big bow in the board, I have to cut or plane the "Hag" out if the board to get it usable. Once I get the board straight, the finished board will be narrower. No matter what I do, the board will be narrower. I can either make a smaller top or I can buy another board that won't match the first board.
Installing radiant tube under a floor is like the cherry wood table top. They don't sell wood width or length stretchers in the specialty tool stores. You won't find pipe stretchers for under floor use at the Internet tool stores either. You're stuck with what you have. Sort of like breeding two really dumb dogs of unknown ancestry. You probably won't get a smart dog.
No matter what you try to do to this system, it isn't going to work to your expectations. Its time to abandon this fools errand. Everyone before you was a fool and you need to stop running errands for them. Go find some Mesoamerica ruins and try to dig up a broken pot. Try to find all the pot shards. If you're lucky enough to find all the pieces, try putting them together and making a whole pot. That doesn't leak. Either way, no matter what, you still have only a broken pot. Repaired, but it's still a broken pot.
Like the saying about a stopped clock being correct twice a day.
May 2014
Reversing valve
I would look into this instead.
You should be able to get the system fairly balanced without going bigger with the circs.
The direction you are going with the circs is going to cost a ton of money to operate and probably won't fix the issue.
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
Albert Einstein
May 2014
Loop Length
Wouldn't it make more sense to weigh the water in each loop? There are .92 gallons in 100 feet of 1/2" pex. Just saying, seems like a much easier way to get actual loops lengths.
"The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
May 2014
Measurements of H2O:
If the installation has purge systems to purge each loop, wouldn't it be easier to blow out the loops with air and measure the volume of water in the loop?
Then, you find out that the system is bogus and doesn't have anywhere enough installed radiant tube to make the floors radiant/radiators.
No matter how hard you try, you can't put 10# of chips in a 5# bag.
No matter how many pumps you install to blow it through. A under designed, undersized and under radiated system will never work. No matter how many pumps.
Its just another example of something that gives hydronic heating a bad name.
May 2014
Replies to comments
- I considered through the wall heaters by Rinnai. They no longer sell them in Mexico, and because of many doors and windows, there are few locations in the outside walls with suitable spacing for the heaters. It would also require a lot of cutting in the masonry to get gas and power to these locations, plus the addition of ceiling fans to bring the heat down from the high ceilings.
- I said it was a comedy. Thanks for your constructive suggestions.
- Reversing the flow to the manifolds was my very first thought on this project, but was advised that seated zone valves were unsuited, and my valve seats are integral with the return manifold. Here's a cross section of the valve and actuator:
. I just called Caleffi technical support, and learned that these valves are fine with reverse flow, and with up to 125 psi of differential pressure should I go with boost pump.
- Excellent suggestion -- thanks. I can do it by weight or volume.
Look guys, I know it's a ridiculous system, but we're generally in a milder climate than what you're used to working with. Besides, it's what I've got to work with. During the coldest months, I used $100 of propane in 21 days, and it kept most of the house pretty darn comfortable, if not uniformly or efficiently heated. Friends would come in from their cold houses and be thankful they could finally remove their sweaters. I would have been happy with heating bills like that during the 40 years I lived in the mountains of Colorado.
Back to my original post, since the logistics of getting stuff here requires a fair amount of planning, anyone see a problem with putting the Grundfos high-head UPS26-150FC in series with the existing Wilo? If I can get heat through half of the longest loop, then the 4-way mixer becomes a good way to finish the job.
Thanks again,
May 2014
Personally I would do the reversing valve way before stacking circulators.
I think you are wise to be concerned about cavitation. The concept to get your head around is "net positive suction head available" I honestly don't completely understand it myself.
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
Albert Einstein
Mark Eatherton
May 2014
Not Pumping So Hot…
It is actually just pressure. These pumps are tested with a certain condition, and one critical condition is the inlet pressure to the pump. If it is less than specified, the manufacturer can't guarantee performance meeting the performance curves they generate.
"Available" means that you can't take a 1/4" line, connect it to the pump, with required static pressure, then turn on the pump and expect it to perform. The inlet pressure will drop due to the pipe friction.
Got to give credit to John Siegenthaler, who introduced me to the alternate meaning of NPSH. Kind of like A.S.M.E., Always Sometimes, Maybe EXCEPT, or A Substantial Monetary Exchange…. Either applies :-)
It's not so much a case of "You got what you paid for", as it is a matter of "You DIDN'T get what you DIDN'T pay for, and you're NOT going to get what you thought you were in the way of comfort". Borrowed from Heatboy.
Jamie Hall
May 2014
Not pumping so hot
I love it!
It's actually even worse than you say, though, Mark -- if you don't have enough NPSHA, not only will the pump not meet its performance curve, it may cavitate so badly as to destroy itself, sometimes in minutes.
I've seen it...
Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England.
Hoffman Equipped System (all original except boiler), Weil-McClain 580, 2.75 gph Carlin, Vapourstat 0.5 -- 6.0 ounces per square inch
May 2014
Reverse Flow
Carl, my thinking has been shifting in that direction too during the day
as I've been reading more on reverse flow fixes for systems with too-long
loops. A Tekmark 721 4-way valve with NPT to sweat adapters to match my
1" copper supply and return pipes, a Tekmar 741 actuating motor, and
some sort of cycling, adjustable timer with SPDT contacts (or a simple
on/off timer with a downstream SPDT relay). My head goes into overload
looking at the world of PLC timers if anyone can point to a simple one
adjustable in the 30-100 minute range.
Thanks for your thoughts.
May 2014
edited May 2014
Re: Not Pumping to Hot
I just read Grundfos' white paper on NPSH(A) and did a back of the envelope calculation for a second pump. Could you walk through this with me?
I run my system at 1.2 bars, so H(a) is 40.7 feet cold (observed 1.6 - 1.7 bars hot). H(s) is the delta-P of the first pump at my new projected flow rate with two pumps, about 24 feet. H(vpa) at 60C is 6.7 feet. I'll give 2 psi over to friction losses, or 4.6 feet. So my ballpark NPSH(A) at the inlet to a second pump would be 40.7 + 24 - 6.7 - 4.6, or 53.4 feet. I can't find NPSH(R) in any Grundfos literature, but elsewhere I've seen minimum inlet pressures on the order of 1 psi or smaller for similar circulators, so I think I would be a very long way from cavitation if I understand the concept and calculation correctly.
If anything, I presently have more of a cavitation danger at the inlet to the existing Wilo pump, because H(s) is effectively zero.
Elsewhere I've read that series pumps get into trouble at the low-head end of the curve, where the first pump is producing only a few feet of head, thereby lowering NPSH(A) at the second pump.
And if cavitation were happening, it seems I could raise NPSH(A) by bumping up the system rest pressure [H(a)] from 1.2 bars to 1.5 or more. The boiler spec says it can go to 3 bars when operating, though I wouldn't want to be up that high. Increasing the system pressure in this way directly increases Vapor Pressure and keeps bubbles from forming.
Another guy here in town who used to do commercial plumbing in Reno, keeps telling me that systems run better with higher static pressure. Since I was seeing the world only in terms of delta-P's, I couldn't fathom what he was talking about. But now I think I might understand -- liquids are more likely to stay as liquids and not produce bubbles with higher system pressures.
Thanks to all for getting me to think deeper about how things actually work.
Steve Thompson (Taco)
May 2014
Series Pumping
Mark, I would be careful about series pumping with circs of drastically different performances (I would always recommend the circs be the same size in this application). Reason being, if the big circ is downstream of the smaller one it can potentially suck the system fluid out of the smaller circ. If the big circ is upstream it will make the downstream small circ ineffective, with it's energy overpowering the small circ.
Regarding NPSHr, all wet rotor circs require a "minimum inlet pressure", not NPSHr as with a dry rotor circ. This is to stop the water from boiling (flashing into steam) in the rotor/can area, killing the sleeve bearings.
Typically small circs are approx 2 PSIG min met pressure with the pump running. Larger ones can go as high as 14 PSIG.
I kind of think reverse flow might the best solution. Or how about some electric glass as a supplemental heat source???
hot rod
May 2014
simple reverser
for under 300 bucks (online prices)
You could notch down a size or two on the Belimo actuator, probably. I believe Belimo also has the mounting hardware available.
A simple lamp timer could do the reverse program.
Screen shot 2014-05-23 at 10.02.21 PM.png
Screen shot 2014-05-23 at 10.02.03 PM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
The magic is in hydronics, and hydronics is in me
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
Don't forget to buy a base for your timer and be sure to read the manual carefully. Some of these timers start the sequential timing as soon as power is applied. Some are powered all the time and need a start signal to initiate and a reset signal to stop. Make sure you get the correct coil voltage.
hot rod
May 2014
spring return actuator, multi voltage
The Belimo actuator I used above is 24- 240VAC, spring return. So just power it with a lamp timer. Reverse about every 30 minutes.
Screen shot 2014-05-24 at 7.47.26 AM.png
Screen shot 2014-05-24 at 7.51.07 AM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
The magic is in hydronics, and hydronics is in me
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
Hot Rod
Where do you find info on the Belimo 4-way and actuator? I was on their website and didn't find anything.
As you said, a repeat cycle timer is unnecessary if the actuator is spring return.
May 2014
Band Aids & Tumors:
This is seriously F-U. You are trying to put a band aid on a tumor and hoping it will go away.
Putting another pump in series with another is just another way of installing a multi-stage pump. Have you ever taken apart a 2 stage water pump and seen one with two different sized impellors? NO. Submersible pumps are designed to PUSH water from deep depths while submerged in water. The higher the pressure it needs to PUSH the water up, the more stages of impellors the pump needs. ALL Impellors are the same size. In the case of what you are trying to do, the ONLY way it MIGHT possibly work is if the first pump is a very high volume but low pressure/head developing pump. It must deliver a far greater amount of water to the second pump than it can ever use. If not, the marbles will be rolling in the case and the metal termites will be eating the impellors.
I don't quite understand the issue of reversing the flow. In MY opinion, the pump/s should be pumping INTO the restriction. If you are considering pumping away from the restriction, you increase the likelihood of cavitation.
Look at it this way. With a big enough pump, you can push water to the moon. If you tried to do the same from the moon and sucked it, you can only LIFT water 25' to 27' practically. You can lift water 33' theoretically. Also, think of it like draft in a chimney. You can only increase the suction pressure to a pure vacuum. But you can blow up the same chimney with compressed air. You can pump air to the moon with a big enough compressor and a long enough pipe.
The other thing that many fail to consider is that the cavitation comes around the edges of the impellor/propeller. Look at the wing vortex's around jet aircraft. Its because of negative air pressures at the tips and allowing the temperature and dew points to form clouds. Sonarmen on Submarines listen to the cavitation signature sounds of ships. Submarines make the same sounds. The deeper they go, the greater the pressure, and the less (if any) cavitation sounds. Look at pictures of boats passing overhead from below, underwater and see the stream of bubbles coming off the tips of the prop blades. Stand at the back of a boat/ship and look at the wake. All white and full of bubbles. From prop cavitation and friction cavitation from any surface that the water passes through.
If you try anything, you need to run the system as high as you can (25#) and increase the expansion availability. Like more or bigger bladder tanks.
But understand that in the world of pumps, very unusual things go on when you mismatch pumps.
In MY experience.
hot rod
May 2014
other brands available
Honeywell, Johnson Controls and others offer actuators. I went with Belimo as they had great tech support and directed me to the best actuator for the application. They suggested the 90 in/lbs. knowing that hydronic valves tend to get sticky in poor water conditions.
Google actuators, or damper actuators and find all sorts of suppliers.
I imagine most brands offer mounting kits to adapt to the stem dimension and bracket to the valve.
You can also find other brands of 4 way valves, I like the tekmar quality, I doubt they forge the valve themselves, probably find it with other names, Danfoss, ESBE, etc.
I have salvaged a few 1000 foot single loop radiant jobs installed by DIYers with the reverser trick. All were pleased to get the slab to a comfortable level with this method.
Screen shot 2014-05-24 at 11.41.40 AM.png
Screen shot 2014-05-24 at 11.46.01 AM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
The magic is in hydronics, and hydronics is in me
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
I got ya. The actuator is a universal piece for multiple different applications. I was thinking it was specifically for the valve body.
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
Series Pumping
This troubles me a little, as I have done it with mismatched pumps and not one of the many pitfalls mentioned in this thread cropped up. I installed gauges to monitor performance and the pumps worked exactly as I planned. The 2 pumps were a 0011 and a 2400-50. I calculated the total system head @ gpm and played with that variable to find exactly where to plot on the pump curves. In my feeble mind, as long as both pumps are able to generate a net positive pressure on the outlet @ the gpm the system will perform at, there is no problem.
One thing that becomes extremely important though with this scenario though, You have to have a minimal psi drop (minimal pipe distance) between the inlet of the first pump and the expansion tank. Pumping away of course.
May 2014
Correcto. And you understand what the concept is. If you have sense and knowledge enough to use gauges, you won't get into trouble.
Put another way, some of us understand that it is no problem trying to fill a 10# bag, that already has 5# of cow chips in it, with another 3# of chips. Some others don't understand that if you have a 5" bag and it is full of chips, you can't put another 3# of chips in a full bag.
And the spacing between pumps or ells from pumps is important for the fluid to get their sheets back together.
hot rod
May 2014
The GEO guys
have been stacking pumps for years, mis-matched, and even push/ pull quad pumps. Some examples from Flow Center.
Not my favorite "look" but they have been selling these modules for quite a few years now. The pump manufacturers know about it
Many are going to large Grundfos Magnas or Wilos.
Wonder where the expansion tank pipes, if they even use one?
Screen shot 2014-05-25 at 10.30.14 PM.png
Screen shot 2014-05-25 at 10.31.12 PM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
The magic is in hydronics, and hydronics is in me
May 2014
Old Souls(ar systems:
Could that be why I see so many dead solar systems installed around?
May 2014
Actuator to Reverse Flow
Thanks for the detailed information and photos. I'm going with the Tekmar 721 1" mixer valve for my crossover. The Belimo spring-return NFB24-X1 (24 VAC) or NFBUP-X1 (Universal Power 24-240 VAC) you pointed me to seems to offer better performance in terms of operating times than Tekmar's own 741 actuator (53 in-lb, 105 second running time) at a fraction of Tekmar's price. Belimo NF's are 90 in-lb with operating times of less than 75 seconds by motor and 20 seconds by spring return. Since my manifolds will be partially bypassed while switching direction, it seems the shorter run time will be more efficient if I'm reversing every 30 minutes. Plus, the Belimo can be controlled with an SPST contact, whereas the Tekmar requires an SPDT contact. The NFBUP can be run on 120 VAC and saves the cost of a 24 VAC transformer.
I just spoke with Jeff at Belimo tech support. You're right about them being very helpful. It seems I can do even better with their non-spring return NMX series, which are even less expensive than the spring return NF series. Jeff said that unless there's a need for fail-safe operation, which there isn't in my case, go with motor driven in both directions. Further, he said I can get 150, 95, 60 or 45 second operating time in both directions by specifying the desired time when placing the order.
has every conceivable Belimo listed on their website. The NMX120-3 runs on 120 VAC and will operate with an SPST contact closure.
When I described my situation -- hydronic, too-long loops, desire to reverse flow with the Tekmar 721, Jeff said I was looking at exactly the right actuator with the NMX series.
-- regarding your comment "I don't quite understand the issue of reversing the flow. In MY opinion, the pump/s should be pumping INTO the restriction. If you are considering pumping away from the restriction, you increase the likelihood of cavitation."
Flow reversal just ahead of the manifolds doesn't change whether I'm pumping into or away from the restriction of overly-long loops. I would always be pumping into the restriction, but just from opposite directions.
May 2014
Article on Flow Reversal
John Siegenthaler's excellent 2004 article on flow reversal, "The Long Way Around", seems to be impossible to get to in the archives of Plumbing and Mechanical magazine. However, I found it cached by Google, and created this short URL that will get you to the cached version if you're interested in reading it.
hot rod
May 2014
you may need additional wiring
Nice tip on that series. Does it also have a mounting kit available?
If the valve is power open and power close, you need to power it with a double throw relay. I've done it with a basic double throw RIB relay RIBU1C.
Here is how we show the 644 motorized open/ close valve wiring.
Screen shot 2014-05-27 at 1.59.11 PM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
The magic is in hydronics, and hydronics is in me
May 2014
Re: you may need additional wiring
Nope -- even though it's power open and power close, no double-throw relay is needed. Have a look at the first of the two wiring diagrams on page 2 of the specs to see how to run it off a single contact closure:
It comes with a clamp to attach to the valve shaft. I'm assuming I'll have to cobble up something for anti-rotation to mount it to the valve body.
May 2014
Re: Timer
Here's the most inexpensive timer I could find -- about ten bucks -- that should do the job with a Belimo NMX120-3, 100 to 240 VAC non-spring return actuator that only requires an on/off signal -- no 24 volt transformer or SPDT relay needed. It's mechanical and can be programmed with 96 integral 15-minute on/off pegs. Seems perfect for achieving flow reversals that are multiples of 15 minutes.
Google "Apollo 6 Timer" and lots of on-line retailers have them. I prefer mechanical to digital because my experience is that digital timers sometimes lose their programming due to surges or power spikes.
The hydroponic grow industry seems to be awash in timers, which is how I first found the Apollo 6. It's made by Titan Controls.
I'll have to run a separate, always-on 120 VAC line to two of the terminals of the Belimo, and then another wire coming from the timer outlet to the Belimo's 120 volt control input.
I think I've now reached a decision on all the components needed to achieve flow reversal. I now have to decide on a secondary boost pump -- either match the existing Wilo or risk going with a larger pump with 3-speed capability that I can dial back if there are problems.
-- Mark
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
At the bottom.
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
hot rod
May 2014
a three pole switch
is another option.
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
The magic is in hydronics, and hydronics is in me
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
edited May 2014
It been my experience that timers are not a good place to skimp. They have some very intricate mechanisms inside that make them work.
If you do end up have to add series pumping on top of doing the reversing, couple things I would do.
Make sure you are pumping away from the expansion tank.
In order to plot your system curve, add a pressure gauge to the inlet and outlet of the current pump. If the pump does not currently have isolating flanges on, put some on. Also install a flow meter, Caleffi makes some really nice ones. You can now make measurements. You need to record 3 separate points of gpm vs pressure drop on the gauges. The first point with the pump on and both isolator flanges open. The second point, slowly start closing one of the isolator flanges till you see the gpm drop and so on.
You can repeat this process for each zone. With the 2 data points from each zone, the hydraulic resistance can be calculated. Then you can use the following formula to map the system, simulating different flow rates and seeing what the head loss would be accordingly.
Head loss = (hydraulic resistance) x (flow rate)^1.75
I think this is a much better method than poking around in the dark. It will help you select the proper pumps. Also, depending on the situation, you may want to wire the auxiliary pump to only come on when a specific zone or combination thereof, signals a call for heat.
May 2014
Characterizing the system
The reviews of this ten buck timer from the hypdroponic people on Amazon were all very positive. At this price, I can buy two and keep one as a spare, or use it on my lamps when we go away.
I have spent a great deal of time attempting to characterize the system, installing pressure gauges and a Caleffi 0-5 gpm flow meter. One problem is that the flows on the longest zone at 11.75 psi are less than 1 gpm and not easy to read accurately on the Caleffi.
To better characterize the system, I put a 25 psi regulator on a garden hose and timed the flow on each zone into a 5 gallon jug. Granted, it's a 60F not 125F water, but it gave me a good estimate of Cv.
All of this information (pump curves, system curves), along with photos and system diagram are in the PDF file that was referenced in my first post if you have time to look at them. The included graph there shows estimated head if I combine the existing Wilo with either of two possible Grundfos circulators.
As for distance between pumps, a booster pump would be about 5 feet downstream from the existing Wilo on 1" copper, with a ball valve, two 90 elbows, and a Spiravent air eliminator in between.
Thanks in advance for your continued interest in my muddled system.
Harvey Ramer
May 2014
Read the first post in detail.
As I should have done before I started talking!
My advice, scratch Series Pumping completely. There is a point where series pumping is no longer a good option, and your system is well beyond that point. It would take an incredible amount of electricity to generate the pressure needed and that pressure would have to be maintained for a very long time to satisfy zone 1. You would have to install a differential bypass for those pumps, as you simply don't want to be running large pumps with so little flow.
All is not lost though. If you can get your hands on a thermal imaging camera, you should be able to map the tubing in zone 1. Run hot water through one way, map it. Then switch the loops on the manifold and run it through the other way to map the other half. You just might find a convenient location about halfway through the loop to cut a small hole in the floor, split the loop and make 2 runs back to the manifold.
If you get that accomplished and do the 4-way reversing, you should be in high cotton.
Probably cost way less too.
May 2014
Reversing Valve
I would go with the reversing valve. Your loops would still be too long based on industry standards even if you were able to split them. It's kind of like when Alaska became a state. The governor of Texas wanted Alaska to be split in half because he wanted Texas to remain the biggest state, The Alaskan representative said "Okay, then we'll have two states bigger than Texas".
Another thing to worry about is the venting (or lack there of) on that boiler. It looks like it's just pointed out of the window. Take care of that before you worry about which way to pump. You won't be able to enjoy the comfort if you're not around to feel it.
May 2014
I undrstand:
I understand. Pumping IN TO the restriction is the only way you can make it work. I didn't understand your concept of being able to pump IN TO the return to make it flow backwards. Sounds like a serious exercise of "Fun With Fittings". Another hydronic piping Picasso in the works. Go for it.
May 2014
Zone splitting and exhaust venting
I appreciate your suggestions, but my chances of finding a thermal imaging camera in Michoacan are about the same as my winning the lottery. I've done a little tracing with a hand-held infrared thermometer, but once the heat runs out in the tubing, there's nothing to trace. And even if I was lucky enough to find a point to split the zone near an outside wall, I'd have to channel through 30 feet of polished concrete and three steps in the surrounding patio to get the new supply and return lines to the manifold. It's just not feasible.
The existing Wilo seems to have held up fine in the low-flow, 27-foot head regime with a differential valve. I don't see why a second, similarly sized pump wouldn't also hold up, especially since both would now experience additional flow. I'll have to relocate the existing differential valve or install a new one downstream of the second pump.
Flow reversal seems to be the most straight-forward first step, even if it results in what icesailor calls a "hydronic piping Picasso".
Good catch on the informal stack venting. I did not include it in my original "comedy of errors" list because it wasn't directly related to hydronics. But when I first saw it, it was another "What the Mexico?!?!?" moment (a friend's expression). This is an externally vented flash heater with a co-axial stack, something the architect apparently wasn't knowledgeable about. It came with a co-axial elbow, but they ran it into a simple horizontal tube through the wall. When it wouldn't operate properly (exhaust gas cycling right back into the fresh-air intake), they rotated the elbow 90 degrees and cut the rectangular hole in the wall that you see in the photo. It fires just fine now.
The boiler is in a small bodega (storage room) with an outside door just out of the picture. It's not a living space, and we only enter to get things out of storage. There's no monoxide danger with the wide-open door if the gases don't make it out the window, which in fact they seem to do. At some point, I'll make a proper co-axial tube and reconnect the elbow as it was supposed to be originally and close up the opening.
I've got someone flying down on June 13th, so I just ordered the parts I need to put the flow reversal idea into practice. I'll report back on the results.
July 2014
Results of flow reversal
In the Radiant Heating forum, I've posted the results of adding flow reversal to my system. You can read that post here:
Mark E.
Pátzcuaro, Mexico
Sign In
to comment.
Sign In
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Sign In
Recent Discussions
Best Of...
All Categories
A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration
Buy, Sell, Barter
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
Domestic Hot Water
Gas Heating
Heating Hell
Indoor-Air Quality
Job Opportunities
Oil Heating
Radiant Professionals
Strictly Steam
The Politics of Heating
Like Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter


text:
Let the Good Times Roll
Trip Start Sep 04, 2008
41Trip End May 19, 2009
Map your own trip!
Loading Map
Loading Map
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
If you want to have a ball,
you gotta get yourself together,
Oh, get your self under control, oooh, and let the good times roll
~Ray Charles
So things are great. Really really great. I've never been in a place before, where despite mucho rain, it's still gorgeous. I really need to get some time to take some pictures for all of you, but I've honestly been kept more busy than I am at home.
But I have found the time for some real good things. One of the things that turns each day into a good time is dinner
So I'm leaving in a few hours for South Africa, but for now, I feel I owe you at least one more update.
Yesterday, while Cat was getting her hair cut and nails done, I spent about 3 hours walking around the shopping district on the West side of town, as well as the heart of the city, in the center of the moat. (I mentioned the core of the city has a giant square moat in it, right?) Whilst visiting the Three Kings monument (dedicated to the Three Kings who founded the city) I was saved from disgracing myself and Thai culture by a Thai who spoke enough english to say "No Shoes!". (The statues are located upon a marble slab, that is displayed on a large platform, that takes about 10 steps to get up to, and I was about to hike up to the statues with my sandals on). I kinda stared at the monument for a while, but I couldn't read any of the writing or inscriptions because it was all Thai, so I turned around and began to walk down to my shoes, and I saw the same Thai standing there still
I did my first official motorbike ride last night, all the way downtown to a mexican restaurant called Miquels, and then over to the Church for a seminar I attended about sharing my faith with Muslims. It was extremely interesting, and I was equipped with a tool called "The Camel Method." I had no idea that the Qur'an mentioned Jesus, much less exalted him as most holy, and most powerful, and the only way to heaven! It right there in the text of the book! It also says that to be a true believer in the Muslim faith, one must read and understand "the books that have come before" (meaning the bible!) Apparently the problem is this: Most Muslim's believe that the only true Qur'an is the one written in arabic, which they can read aloud from, but most have no idea what the text means, they just know how to read it. However, the King of Saudi Arabia has used his personal money to have the text translated and printed in all the languages spoken by Muslim countries. Through this, we (Christians) can bring Muslims to reading the text of the Qur'an in a language they understand, and for many, it stirs a great deal of thought. I left the book I got from the seminar at my dorm, but I'll do another post about this later, after I've read it.
Something the pastor said at Church on Sunday has really resonated with me for the last few days, so I'm going to try to put my thoughts into words here. He said that, "many of the most important people in scripture have spend a great deal of time alone in the desert, just them, and God." Here's why it has meant so much to me: As you know, I've been here 10 days now, and I've spent 8 nights alone in an apartment building where (to the best of my knowledge) I'm the only white person living within a half-kilometer radius. I can't communicate with these people, essentially living within a language desert. My room has no TV, no computer, no pictures or posters, no dressers or desks, no carpet, no flush on the toilet, no kitchen sink, no speakers, and most shocking to me, no other people. By comparison to the world in which I grew up, I'm living in a "stuff" desert. Now, I'm NOT trying to compare myself to Paul or Moses, or even say that I'm going to become an important person in the scripture of the future of my religion, but I am feeling my relationship with the Lord strengthen faster, and to higher levels than it ever has before. Without parents, friends, or roommates to say goodnight to, the only person with me, that knows me, that can comfort me when the world feels strange and uncomfortable is the Lord. I've always tried to rely on the Lord, but how much do you really expect me to lean on and lean into someone when I don't feel that I need them? Leaving the comfort of home on the other side of the world has thrust me into a situation where I NEED God. I feel that it is no coincidence. I've never lived in a world where my only creature comfort is my faith, and my relationship with the Lord. I've never been somewhere, where the most comforting thing I can hold in my hands is my Bible. Terry, if you're reading, I think I'll actually be sticking with "surrender first, listen daily" this time :-)
I can't help but to some of The Cars lyrics in my head, this trip is "Just what I needed! Yeah, yeah, yeah."
However, Nothing could sum up the way I'm feeling better than a song by Relient K.
I Need You:
"I've dug up miles and miles of sand
Searching for something I can't see
And I've just got bruised and battered hands
And a brand new void inside of me
Complete with walls I did create
From all the earth that I've displaced
A mess that I have made from what
I've just let pile and pile up
I have not been abandoned, no I have not been
Deserted and I have not been forgotten
I need you
I need you here
I need you now
I need security somehow
I need you
Like you would not believe
You're the only thing I want
Cause you're everything I need
Explore the cave that is my chest
A torch reveals there's nothing left
Your whispers echo off the walls
And you can hear my distant calls
The voice of who I used to be
Screaming out "someone, someone please
Please shine a light into the black
Wade through the depths and bring me back
I have not been abandoned, no I have not been
Deserted and I have not been forgotten
I need you
I need you here
I need you now
I need security somehow
I need you
Like you would not believe
You're the only thing I want
Cause you're everything I need
When my hopes seem to dangle
Somewhere just beyond my reach
You say you've heard my prayers
And read my words there on the beach
I need you
I need you here
I need you now
I need security somehow
I need you
Like you would not believe
You're the only thing I want
Cause you're everything I need"


text:
Text Size: A | A
Shane O'Connell wasn't taking any chances this year. The Westchester County man arrived in the hamlet of Mariaville around 3 a.m. Wednesday and parked in the dirt parking lot across from the Mariaville Lakeside Country Store — about three-quarters of a mile from the entrance to Camp Bisco. With more than 18 hours before the gates were officially supposed to open, O'Connell decided to grab a few hours of shut-eye, only to awaken in the ...
You Must Log-In or Subscribe to Continue
Individual stories can be found and purchased from our Archives for $2.00
Enjoy this story? Share it!


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Some time ago, Norma found and cited an article on preferments by Didier Rosada, at http://www.bakerconnection.com/artisanbaker/article_04.htm. As I was perusing the article this morning, I found that there were links to many other topics, as shown by the thumbnail photos at the top of the page. Clicking on one of those photos (the third one from the left) led me to an article by Didier Rosada on starter (sourdough) cultures, at http://www.bakerconnection.com/artisanbaker/article_02.htm. I do not recall seeing the article before on the forum but in my opinion anything that Didier Rosada writes is worth reading, especially in this case by members who are just getting started with natural leavening cultures. Peter
Carl,Did you mean to say Craig's predicted fermentation table rather than Steve's?The answers to your two questions come mainly from experience and personal preferences. Different types of dough can call for different hydration values for the starters. Also, as you noted, the degree of activity of the starter is also a variable. Different starters have different DNAs so to speak, and you have to play around with them until you achieve the results you are looking for. Because mastering the use of natural starters is not an easy thing, I usually try to discourage new members from experimenting with them until they have mastered the principles that apply to doughs that are leavened with commercial yeast. Peter
it's produces a very full, rich flavor that is significantly different from a crust made with baker's yeast.


text:
Tesco Drops Biodegradable Bags
Tesco is eliminating a controversial type of additive which helped it to create biodegradable bags, according to news reports.
The U.K. supermarket giant told BusinessGreen that it no longer uses oxo-biodegradable additives (OBD) in its bags. A study backed by the country's Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs suggested such bags could actually harm the environment.
Tesco's replacement bags are not biodegradable, but do contain 15 percent recycled material, BusinessGreen said.
Rival supermaket chain the Co-operative stopped using OBD in its bags after the study came out, the website said, but Tesco continued to use the additives. Tesco handed out over two billion of the bags to customers last year.
A Tesco spokeswoman said the company stopped using the bags in February.
"We took the decision to remove the biodegradable additive because we believed it contributed towards them becoming weaker… and to help better promote their reuse and recycling at end of life," the spokeswoman said.
"This decision was underpinned by a detailed review of the science, using external experts to help us understand the full life-cycle environmental impacts of our carrier bags."
Reader Comments
Thank goodness for that! Degradable / oxodegradable bags such as this have caused confusion for far too long. The retailers should now focus on genuinely compostable bags accedited as such under BS EN13432:2000. These are the eco-friendly alternative to nasty plastic bags
How about a radical approach like re-using bags? It helps when governments adopt rules to encourage re-use, such as requiring retailers to charge for bags rather than wrapping it into the business. In DC a 5 cent tax has led to an estimated decrease of roughly 50% in bags from the store http://www.governing.com/topics/economic-dev/Small-Bag-Tax-Big.html
How about re-thinking packaging more generally? For example, Parisians carry their baguettes without any packaging.
I've just noticed that those yellow shopping bags that come with the groceries at SM Supermarkets are now marked "BIODEGRADABLE. 100% degradable environmentally friendly bag"
Well done!
Energy Manager News
- Unlocking the Power of Building Data
- Avista Lauds 'Fair' Settlement in Idaho Rate Case
- BGE's SEED Program Offers Energy Discounts to 19 Commercial Customers
- Retailer Offers 100% Solar Plan in Texas
- Dissecting the Data Revolution
- Energy Star Recognizes 16 GM Facilities
- CCI Group Awarded Contract for Anniston Army Depot
- Under Hawaiian Electric's New TOU Pilot Plan, Time Is Money


text:
Sweet and White Potatoes With Cilantro Cream
Total Time
Prep 15 mins
Cook 50 mins
I love the combination of the two kinds of potatoes and the sour cream with cilantro makes it so fresh tasting. A great summer recipe. And it is so easy and quick to make. A friend of mine made it a while ago. I think she found the recipe in a cookbook, but I have no idea which one. This is now one of my favorite side dishes and my kids love it too.
Ingredients Nutrition
- 4 medium baking potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small green chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- Preheat oven to 400°F; grease baking dish (11x7x1 1/2 inches).
- Peel potatoes. Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Spread potatoes in baking dish.
- Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with salt. Stir to coat.
- Cover and bake 45 minutes or until tender.
- Mix remaining ingredients. Spoon sour cream mixture over potatoes. Bake uncovered 5 minutes.
- Tips: The original recipe called for margarine but I prefer butter. I usually leave out the chives but it still tastes delicious. Instead of a fresh chili you can use a 4oz can of green chilies (drained). Sometimes I double the sour cream mixture because we love it so much.
Most Helpful
Great recipe, DH loved it. I'm not a huge fan of the sour cream and chives flavor, so I thought it was good, but not much different from that. If you love sour cream and chives you will love this!
Ideal for a gathering of friends, this was very much appreciated by mine!!! Very easily prepared, I used the chives, having plenty in my garden, but, I must confess, omitted the chilli, I wanted the youngsters to eat it! A different potato bake, I loved the combination of the two potatoes, definitely on my keepers list!
REALLY AN OUTSTANDING POTATO CASSEROLE, & for me, the inclusion of the sweet potatoes makes all the difference in the world, as did the cilantro cream sauce ~ In fact, I took your suggestion & doubled the sauce! One thing I didn't do, however, was to peel the potatoes ~ I like the taste & texture of the peeling so left the taters that way! Thanks for a wonderful keeper recipe! [Tagged, made & reviewed for this month's VIP chef in the Vegetarian/Vegan Recipe Swap 13]


text:
Ignore the tiger for a moment. Ang Lee's Life of Pi is a very simple story with a grandiose backdrop. For much of the film, we're alone on a lifeboat, in the middle of the Pacific, with a boy and a Bengal. Rendered in sumptuous 3-D, the swoony special effects and chromatic opulence are at times overwhelming. Lee shot these scenes in a 1.7 million-gallon wave tank in Taiwan, and just as the tiger gets seasick, so too is the cinematography a bit queasy-making. To Lee's credit, the churning waves create a palpable, continual sense of motion as the vessel pitches.
But the story doesn't have such pull. Based on Yann Martel's Booker Prize-winning novel, Life of Pi is a tale of fantasy, adventure and spirituality. But where Martel's extended passages of metaphysical musings carry a consistent tone—meditative yet playful—the film surrenders the novel's more subtle messages for ham-handed schlock and slack-jawed awe. It's philosophy lite, pre-chewed and ready for easy consumption: The chaos of nature sows existential doubt, but faith will allow you to overcome. And unlike better feel-good films, which slowly lock their fangs around your heart, Life of Pi seems downright manipulative.
The film begins in French India, where young Pi's family owns a zoo. After some clunky exposition, the family decides to load its menagerie onto a ship, Noah's Ark style, and seek a brighter future in Canada. Gérard Depardieu has a campy cameo as the ship's racist chef, there's a storm of a magnitude not seen since Titanic, and Pi lands on a lifeboat with the aforementioned tiger for 257 days. Visually, this is where the film picks up. The scenes of India border on the psychedelic; the ocean swirls with phosphorescent plankton and jellyfish, a shimmering whale glides across the frame and the starry sky blurs with the glistening sea. Such sequences call to mind those Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles of underwater scenes with glowing moons and rainbow-hued fish. Less successfully, they reminded me of the neon Lisa Frank dolphin stickers I used to slap on my elementary-school notebooks. It's in these sequences that Claudio Miranda's cinematography draws excessive attention to itself, growing extravagant to the point of ridiculousness. As the director of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Lee is no stranger to intense visuals, but there was a nonchalance to that film that's absent in Life of Pi.
As Pi, newcomer Suraj Sharma deserves praise, and not just because he spends the majority of his scenes with a CGI tiger (which, it must be said, looks pretty realistic). The film's best moments feature Sharma bumbling through survival strategies as he constructs a separate raft for himself, safe from the tiger, or finding amusing ways to train the captive beast. Even as the story devolves into clumsy fable and the screenplay into ham-fisted browbeating, Sharma remains engaging and earnest. Nowhere is this clearer than in his greatest crisis of faith, during which he turns to the stormy skies and shouts, with believable sincerity, "God, I am your vessel!"
Structurally, Life of Pi is—like the one it features onscreen—a shipwreck. Tedious scenes of an adult Pi and a Canadian author (presumably Martel) frame the film's dramatic center, and they make the allegorical conceit all the schmaltzier. As an adult, Pi makes too obvious what his younger self keeps more discreet, and he's not abetted by aesthetic splendor. When at sea, Life of Pi's grand visuals pick up some of the story's slack. But back on land, it just runs aground.
Critic's Grade: C
SEE IT: Life of Pi is rated PG. It opens Wednesday at Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Cornelius, Lake Twin, Oak Grove, Bridgeport, Evergreen Parkway, Movies On TV, Lloyd Mall, Pioneer Place, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville, Sandy.