text:
Inspections, Compliance, Enforcement, and Criminal Investigations
Pace Tech, Inc. 29-Apr-05
Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
555 Winderley PI., Ste. 200
April 29, 2005
Ilhan M. Bilgutay, President
Pace Tech, Inc.
510 N. Garden Avenue
Clearwater, Florida 33755-4126
Dear Mr. Bilgutay:
During an inspection of your establishment located in Clearwater, Florida on January 24-26, 2005, a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigator determined that your establishment manufactures stationary and portable patient monitors (Class 2). These products are medical devices under section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 U.S.C. § 321(h)].
The investigator documented significant violations from the Quality System (QS) Regulation, Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 820. These violations cause the device(s) you manufacture to be adulterated within the meaning of Section 501(h) [21 U.S.C. 351 (h)] of the Act.
The investigator noted the following violations of the QS regulations:
1. Your firm fails to have sufficient personnel with the necessary education, background, training, and experience to assure that the requirements of the QS Regulation are correctly performed, as required by 21 CFR 820.25. Your firm lacks qualified personnel and resources to institute an adequate quality control program. Both your production and quality control managers left the firm and personnel who assumed responsibility for production and quality control functions are not adequately trained in the Quality System (QS) Regulation or Medical Device Reporting (MDR) (FDA 483, Item #1).
Your firm's response dated March 18, 2005 is inadequate because the investigator determined during the inspection that your firm was operating short-handed then, and the rehiring of one individual will not address the lack of trained personnel to production, quality and regulatory affairs. Secondly, your response states that all test equipment is in the process of being calibrated and documented . No documentation was provided showing corrective actions that have been effected.
2. Each manufacturer shall establish procedures for quality audits and conduct such audits to assure that the quality system is in compliance with the established quality system requirements and to determine the effectiveness of the quality system . Quality audits shall be conducted by individuals who do not have direct responsibility for the matters and shall be taken when necessary. A report of the results of each quality audit, and reaudit(s) where taken, shall be made and such reports shall be reviewed by management having responsibility for the matters audited. The dates and results of quality audits and reaudits shall be documented as required by 21 CFR 820.22 . internal quality audits conducted by your firm failed to verify that the quality system was effective in fulfilling quality system objectives (FDA 483, Item #2).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 is inadequate because it fails to provide evidence that a quality audit was conducted and fails to identify the areas that were audited.
3. Your firm fails to implement and maintain corrective and preventive action (CAPA) procedures that include requirements for analyzing processes, work operations, concessions, quality audit reports, quality records, service records, complaints, returned product, and other sources of quality data to identify existing and potential causes of nonconforming product, or other quality problems as required by 21 CFR 820.1 00(a)(1). First, your firm fails to analyze and document in-process rejects according to defect codes over time in order to determine the need for corrective and preventive action. Second, your firm's analysis of complaints/repairs (trend analysis) last done in 2003 uses defect codes which fail to identify a failure mode, e.g., 23 of 88 repairs were coded "monitor opened by end user", 12 of 88 repairs were coded "old manifold", 19 of 88 repairs were coded "unable to find problem", 9 of 88 repairs were coded "old connector", 8 of 88 repairs were coded "incorrectly repaired by end user", 7 of 88 repairs were coded "old battery", and 5 of 88 repairs were coded "faulty connector". In addition, review of compiaints/repairs received in 2004 found complaints related to failures of main boards, EPROMS, pneumatics, broken fuse holders, SpO2 not working and recalibration of blood pressure and temperature revealed there are no defect codes for these types of failures . Third, your firm's trend analysis which is supposed to be done twice a year has not been done since 2003 (FDA 483, Item #7).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 to FDA 483, item #7A is inadequate because it failed to provide a copy of revised procedure QOP-83-01 addressing the revisions made with regard to non-conforming product. There is no evidence provided that trend analysis has been established and will be documented or of the performance of CAPA.
Your response to FDA 483, Item #7B appears to be adequate, however, blank copies of forms were provided and will require assessment during the next inspection to assure the forms are used and effective in resolving the issues related to complaints.
Your response to Item #7C is inadequate because there is no documentation or evidence that this procedure is established and effective.
4. Your firm fails to establish and implement corrective and preventive action (CAPA) procedures that include_requirements for identifying the action(s) needed to correct and prevent recurrence of non-conforming product and other quality problems as required by 21 CFR 820.100(a)(3) . Your firm has had units returned for recalibration even though it is known that patient monitors will drift out of calibration over time. The Model 911 Operator's Manual includes a requirement that the MiniPack 911 should be checked occasionally for proper calibration of NIBP using the stated procedure and, if consistent discrepancies persist to return the device to Pace Tech to perform the calibration. No other calibration is mentioned and the Operator's Manual fails to state that patient monitors will drift out of calibration and, therefore, calibration must be done to assure accuracy. This also applies to the Operator's Manuals for the Model 400114100 monitors (FDA 483, Item #6).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, Item #6 is inadequate because there is no evidence of updates to service manuals and documentation that will be used to track calibration intervals.
5. All activities required by 21 CFR 820.100 must be verified or validated to ensure that such action is effective and does not adversely affect finished devices, and the results of these activities shall be documented as required by 21 CFR 820.100(a)(4) and (b). Your firm's CAPA procedures fail to document how analysis is done and fails to require verification/validation that CAPA does not adversely affect finished devices (FDA 483, Item #8).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, iiem #8 is inadequate because QOP 85-04 fails to address how complaint investigations, design control and CAPA will be established to address all forms of reports of non-conformance. The QOP also fails to address validation of new designs made as a result of complaints and other forms of quality reports.
6. Where the results of a process cannot be fully verified by subsequent inspection and test, the process shall be validated with a high degree of assurance and approved according to established procedures as required by 21 CFR 820 .75(a). Your firm fails to conduct adequate process validation in that soldering (baking) validation is not documented and there is no validation of software used in the complaint repair system to document previous repairs to devices.
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, Item #12A & B is inadequate because there is no evidence of a validation protocol or actions that have been taken to date for both your soldering process and changes made to software.
7. Each manufacturer shall maintain complaint files and, establish and maintain procedures for receiving, reviewing, and evaluating complaints by a formally designated unit to ensure that all complaints are processed in a uniform and timely manner as required by 21 CFR 820.198(a). Your firnn fails to document complaints unless the device is under warranty or the device is actually sent in for repair; and your firm fails to process complaints in a uniform and timely manner since repairs received in 2004 were only given four dates (1/29, 3/25, 8/10, and 11/18/2004) (FDA 483, Item #s 3 & 5).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, Item #3 appears adequate, however, no evidence of the establishment of the revised Complaint procedure, its current use or any documentation of complaints that have been received was provided. Your response addressing FDA-483, Item #5 fails to provide evidence of your commitment to document all complaints including devices returned for service and the investigation to the root cause.
8. Your firm fails to properly investigate complaints involving the possible failure of a device, labeling, or packaging to meet any of its specifications. Such complaints shall be reviewed, evaluated, and investigated, unless such investigation has already been performed for a similar complaint and another investigation is not necessary as required by 21 CFR 820 .198(c). "Not in code" complaints concerning NIBP (two complaints dated 11/18/2004), main board complaints, EPROM complaints, cuff keeps inflating complaints, leaking pneumatic complaints, and cord defective complaints were not properly investigated by your firm to determine the root cause or take corrective and preventive action (FDA 483, Item #4).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, Item #4 is inadequate because your revised QOP fails to include how Design Controls will be implemented to address all changes made and validation/verification is not addressed to ensure that CAPA is effective.
9. Your firm fails to document and review environmental control procedures as required by 21 CFR 820.70(c) . Where environmental conditions could reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on product quality, the manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures to adequately control these environmental conditions. Environmental control system(s) shall be periodically inspected to verify that the system, including necessary equipment, is adequate and functioning properly. The following observations reveal that environmental controls are not properly documented or reviewed: (a) there is no assurance that employees are adequately grounded by using a single ankle strap since employees do not always have the strap in contact with skin or a grounding mat, (b) there is no grounding mat on the floor in the pc board testing area, (c) the grounding mat next to the Pick & Place/Solder machine is not properly grounded, (d) grounding mats are not tested pursuant to a specified schedule, (e) paper is placed inside pc board anti-static bags, (f) two totes of power boards were observed not placed in anti-static bags, one tote of main boards was stored in open anti-static bags, (g) an employee was observed touching pc boards without wearing a wrist or ankle strap, (h) there is no written Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) procedure, and (i) testing of ankle straps was not documented from 10/22/2004 to 1/21/2005 (after pre-notification of this FDA inspection) (21 CFR 820 .70(c) (FDA 483, Item #9).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, Item #9 appears to be adequate . Your corrective actions will be addressed during the next inspection of your firm.
10. Your firm fails to establish and maintain the requirements, including quality requirements, that must be met by suppliers, contractors, and consultants as required by 21 CFR 820.50(a). Incoming (bare) pc boards are not sufficiently verified by test stamp upon receipt. Only the first article test is completed on some boards (FDA 483, Item #13).
Your response dated March 18, 2005, addressing FDA 483, Item #13 is inadequate because there is no evidence of documentation to certify that vendors meet all of your requirements.
11. Your firm fails to have and document calibration procedures that include specific directions and limits for accuracy and precision, equipment identification, calibration dates, the individual performing each calibration, and the next calibration date, as required by 21 CFR 820.72(b) . There is no calibration procedure for test equipment except for multimeters ; and there is no documentation of calibration dates for inspection, measurement, and test equipment (FDA 483, Item #s 10 & 11).
Your response dated March 18, 2005 addressing FDA 483, Item #s 10 & 11 is inadequate because you fail to provide any evidence other than the procedure for the ESD test device 3M Charge Guard Model 716 of corrective actions taken and their effectiveness.
12. Each manufacturer shall establish and maintain procedures for validating the device design. Design validation shall include risk analysis, where appropriate as required by 21 CFR 820 .30(g). There was no risk analysis conducted as part of design change from Model 4000 to Model 4000 CL done in 1998 to 1999 (FDA 483, Item #14).
Your response dated March 18, 2005, addressing FDA 483, Item #14 may be adequate and will be assessed during the next inspection of your firm. You should take prompt action to correct these deviations . Failure to promptly correct these deviations may result in regulatory action being initiated by the FDA without further notice. These actions include, but are not limited to, seizure, injunction, and/or civil penalties. Additionally, no premarket submissions for Class III devices to which QS regulation deficiencies are reasonably related will be cleared until the violations have been corrected. Also, no requests for Certificates to Foreign Gove'rnments will be approved until the violations related to the subject devices have been corrected.
Please notify this office in writing within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of this letter, of any steps that you are still in the process of taking to correct the noted violations, including (1) the time frames within which the corrections will be completed, (2) any documentation indicating the corrections have been achieved, and (3) an explanation of each step being taken to identify and make corrections to any underlying systems problems necessary to assure that similar violations will not recur.
Your response should be sent to Timothy J. Couzins, Compliance Officer, Food and Drug Administration, 555 Winderley Place, Suite 200, Maitland, Florida 32751, (407) 475-4728.
Emma Singleton
Director, Florida District


text: Little Ann's 40-year-old single "Deep Shadows" is a marvel of subtle understatement and emotive power. courtesy of the artist hide caption toggle caption courtesy of the artist Song Of The Day Little Ann: 40 Years Later, An Unlikely Resurrection April 30, 2010 Little Ann's 40-year-old single "Deep Shadows," produced by Detroit's Dave Hamilton, is a marvel of subtle understatement, built around little more than a bass line, a slight tinkle of piano, a cutting guitar line and, most notably, those bells, which ring loud and portend nothing auspicious. 'Deep Shadows' by Little Ann Toggle more options Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/126415299/126399362" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

subset: commoncrawl


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T200 thermal camera - ideal for smaller sailing boats
by Polly Tyekiff/Sail-World Cruising on 11 Mar 2013
Raymarine's new compact T200 thermal camera is ideal for sailors wanting all the advantages of the latest thermal technology without the hefty price tag. It's still not inexpensive, but unlike radar, which only lets the skipper know there is 'something' out there, a high quality Raymarine thermal camera like the T200 will show exactly what it is.
Detecting floating objects, navigation aids, other vessels, and even people in the water is easy using FLIR thermal imaging technology and now even small boats can see at night with the T200 Series fixed mount thermal night vision cameras. These excellent value fixed-mount thermal cameras bring ownership of genuine FLIR thermal imaging technology within the grasp of more boaters than ever before.
'When it comes to detecting objects at night, thermal cameras like the new T200 are even better than having bright spotlights shining out in front of the boat,' says Mark Milburn, CEO of Lusty and Blundell Ltd, the New Zealand Raymarine distributor.
'A thermal camera allows you to see exactly what is in or on the water, no matter how small it is and regardless of the weather conditions. Thermal cameras work just as well in fog or heavy rain as they do on a calm, clear night. What's more, they can be left 'on' the whole time, without affecting anyone's night vision.'
Being both very affordable and small and compact, the T200 is ideal for smaller boats, giving cruising yacht owners the same benefits as those enjoyed by owners of far bigger vessels. The T200's small footprint allows it to be easily mounted on any cabintop, radar arch or mast.
With a simple 2-cable install the T200 is easy to fit, uses Power-Over-Ethernet and has an analogue composite video output. It can also be controlled directly from a Raymarine multifunction display (MFD). This means users can simply control colour palettes, choose either 'white hot' or 'black hot' (or switch between them) use the digital zoom and configure the camera functions, all from their MFDs and without the need for any additional control panels.
The T200 Series cameras are available in either 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 resolutions. The 320 x 240 resolution model features a wide-angle 13 mm lens and 2× digital zoom. The high-resolution 640 x 480 version offers enhanced long-range performance using a 25mm lens and 4× digital zoom capability. There is also a choice of NTSC or PAL versions of the T200.
The compact T200 series of thermal cameras measure just 7' high and 5.9' in diameter, incorporate genuine FLIR thermal imaging technology. They are available in many countries now, but are gradually being introduced to others.
New Zealand is lucky in that they are available now from any of Lusty and Blundell's three showrooms, in Albany, Whangarei and Tauranga, or from their nationwide network of leading marine dealers.
T200 pricing starts from around US$3500, depending on where you purchase.
For complete specification, http://www.raymarine.co.uk/news/mynews.cfm?story=7100!click_here.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/107372
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text:
Date of Action: 6 May 1945
USCG Units Involved: USS Moberly (Coast Guard-manned Frigate)
Sinking/Capture/Assist? Assist
Location: 41.13N x 71.27W
Credit by U.S. Navy? Yes, USS Moberly credited with an assisted sinking with USS Atherton
Enemy Warship's Commanding Officer: Kapitänleutnant Helmut Frömsdorf
Enemy Casualties: 55 killed in action; all hands lost
USCG Casualties: None
In early 1945, U-853, a Type IX C/40 U-boat, was ordered to patrol the waters off the northeast coast of the U.S. along with six other U-boats to harass coastal shipping in an operation code-named "Seewolf." She departed on 23 February 1945 under the command of Oberleutnant zur See Helmut Frömsdorf. U-853 apparently had little success during the intervening weeks before attacking and sinking the patrol boat USS Eagle 56 on 23 April 1945 off Portland, Maine. On 30 April Adolf Hitler committed suicide and the former head of Germany's U-boat fleet, Gross Admiral Karl Dönitz, became the Third Reich's second führer. On 4 May he ordered, by radio, all of his U-boats, especially the 49 still on patrol at sea, to cease hostilities.
U-853, by this time patrolling off of Rhode Island, probably did not receive Dönitz's order or, less likely, deliberately chose to ignore it. The following day, 5 May 1945, the U-boat located, tracked, and torpedoed the steamer S.S. Black Point off Narragansett Bay. Black Point sank, taking 11 of her crew with her. A passing vessel sighted the U-853 and reported to the authorities. With the sinking of the Black Point and the U-boat sighting in hand, the Navy quickly organized an ad-hoc "hunter-killer" group from readily available escorts. These were the destroyer USS Ericsson along with destroyer escorts Atherton and Amick. The Coast Guard-manned frigate Moberly was also assigned to the group.
Moberly arrived in the area of Black Point's sinking first, and the two destroyer escorts arrived soon thereafter. Moberly's commanding officer, LCDR Leslie B. Tollaksen, USCG, took tactical command. The three warships then formed a patrol line abreast and began searching out to sea. Atherton made a sound contact five miles east of Grove Point, Block Island and attacked with hedgehogs. After the third attack, Atherton lost contact with the target. Three hours later, with each escort following a prescribed search pattern, the Atherton once again obtained a sonar contact. Once again she attacked, and this time U-853 was hit. Oil began seeping to the surface while Moberly also began attacking. Debris rose to the surface, including a German naval officers' hat and a piece of a chart table, indicating that the U-boat was severely damaged or destroyed. Ericsson soon arrived in the area and each warship took turns attacking the now cornered U-853 throughout the night and into the morning of 5 May. Divers later confirmed the kill.
"Scratch another U-boat."; no date; CG Photo No. 2451; photographer unknown.
Crewman paint an "authorized" U-boat silhouette aboard Moberly for receiving credit for assisting in the destruction of U-853.


text:
Christmas Wishes and SeasonŌĆÖs Greetings
A warm hello to you.
ItŌĆÖs the end of another year again, and IŌĆÖm amazed that time has flown by so quickly! I hope that 2008 has been a fulfilling one for you and your loved ones, and that this message finds you in good health and prosperity.
I would like to sincerely thank you for your support and friendship throughout the years. 2008 has been a year of growth and development both for me, and my team at the Mastery Academy, and it couldnŌĆÖt have been possible without you. It was my greatest pleasure to have been able to revisit old friends and acquaintances and make new connections during the course of my classes, consults, events, and speaking engagements. I look forward to forging many new friendships in the year ahead.
As always, when the year draws to a close, people tend to become reflective and ponder upon all that has gone on in the previous year ŌĆō and start planning for the year ahead. I would like to take a moment to share with you the various personal milestones weŌĆÖve hit over the course of 2008 precisely because all of you played such an important role in helping us arrive at those achievements.
Reflecting on the Year that Has BeenŌĆ"
IŌĆÖm happy to note that we carried on with the Feng Shui Mastery Excursion Series in China for the 5th year running, and it was a wonderful experience, as always. ItŌĆÖs always heartening to see how my students throw themselves into the coursework, both theoretical and practical, with such energy and enthusiasm that makes my teaching responsibilities seem like all play and no work! I couldnŌĆÖt have chosen a better group with which to have explored the residential village of the forefather of Feng Shui, Grandmaster Yang Yun Song.
Besides heading the National Feng Shui Congress for the 2nd year running, this year also gave me an opportunity to speak in two very exciting cities ŌĆō New York and London ŌĆō for the ŌĆ£Thriving in Challenging TimesŌĆØ seminar in November. It was an opportunity for me to reach out to a whole new audience, and I absolutely enjoyed both the culture and the people in those two places. It was a wonderful experience for me to be able to convey the message of Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics to a warm and appreciative audience in both places.
I was also happy to release Your Aquarium Here, a streamlined explanation of how to ŌĆśFeng Shui It YourselfŌĆÖ for the regular person ŌĆō the first of a series of books in my newly-launched Fengshuilogy series. Besides that, I also had my first international publication launch with Pure Feng Shui, and had the chance to promote and talk about it in various venues across London and New York. It marks the first time that my book was published by an international publisher.
And speaking of booksŌĆ" you can read all about the China excursion trip (this yearŌĆÖs, and the previous ones) in my book, Walking the Dragons. IŌĆÖm especially pleased with this work, as it is something different from the books IŌĆÖve usually done. ItŌĆÖs a travelogue and a Feng Shui book all in one, and I was thrilled when it hit the Bestseller List for Non-Fiction.
I also fulfilled a long-term dream of putting out more Chinese Metaphysics reference books, including the Plum Blossom Divination Reference Book, the Xuan Kong Da Gua Structures Reference Book, the upcoming Date Selection Compendium: Book One, and several others. I say ŌĆ£dreamŌĆØ because in the course of my study and practice of Feng Shui, IŌĆÖve always wanted to collect and compile the various ancient sources of information into easily accessible source books that provide reference terminology in both English and Chinese. And IŌĆÖm happy to say, this year IŌĆÖve been able to take this dream to new heights under my Chinese Metaphysics Reference Series.
Looking Forward to a Brighter FutureŌĆ"
I know weŌĆÖve all been bombarded with bad news about how much harder things are going to be in the coming year. I want to remind you that no matter how bad it sounds, nothing is completely bad all the time. There is always plenty we can DO to make things different. The cards that weŌĆÖre dealt are just that ŌĆō cards. ItŌĆÖs up to us, as individuals, to play it right and make the game of life a game worth winning.
John F. Kennedy once said, ŌĆ£When written in Chinese, the word ŌĆścrisisŌĆÖ is composed of two characters ŌĆō one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.ŌĆØ I particularly like this quote, because it highlights an essential fact of life: nothing is ever wholly good, or wholly bad. Even in times of crisis and danger, there is opportunity. So yes, thereŌĆÖs a lot of pessimism surrounding the forecast for 2009, but what can you do about it? You can actually use your Feng Shui and BaZi knowledge to stay ahead of the game.
IŌĆÖll be discussing some of these strategies and techniques in my upcoming Feng Shui & Astrology for 2009 seminar next year. In the midst of the gloom and doom, there should be a focus on self-empowerment and the opportunities we have at hand, and thatŌĆÖs precisely what IŌĆÖll be focusing on during the seminar. If you have the time, IŌĆÖd like to see you there!
In the pipeline is also my TV show that IŌĆÖm very excited about, ŌĆ£Walking the Dragons with Joey Yap.ŌĆØ It will air on Astro MalaysiaŌĆÖs Wah Lah Toi channel from end of February onward. Shot on location in Beijing and Shenyang in China, it will be Walking the Dragons come to life onscreen, and youŌĆÖll be able to see for yourself the classical landform structures of fascinating places, such as the Qing Dynasty tombs. The producers were wonderful and gracious in helping me put forward my perspective on the Feng Shui of the culture and history of China, and I had a tremendous amount of fun filming the show.
Also in the works for 2009 are the long-awaited BaZi ŌĆō The Destiny Code Book 3! I had plenty of material to squeeze into Book 3 ŌĆō too much, in fact ŌĆō that a fourth BaZi book is also in the works.
AndŌĆ" one of the highlights IŌĆÖm most looking forward to next year?
To once again teach the Feng Shui Mastery Series Modules 1 and 2, as well as the BaZi Mastery Series Modules 1 and 2 in KL during March of next year! I am especially thrilled about this because I havenŌĆÖt been teaching Modules 1 and 2 personally for some time now, and itŌĆÖs a good time to get back in the saddle. I have decided to upgrade the syllabus of these courses, because when it was first developed there werenŌĆÖt any reference texts on the subjects that students could easily refer to. Since the publication of my books and reference texts, I felt it was time to come up with a far more advanced syllabus ŌĆō and so an upgrade was needed. If youŌĆÖre keen to get the upgrade, please contact us for more details. IŌĆÖm excited to be teaching it again for this one time only, and look forward to seeing you in the classes!
I hope next year brings you happiness and fulfillment in whatever it is you choose to pursue, and I hope we get the chance to reconnect over our shared passion and interest in all things Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics during one of my future events and seminars.
I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and I hope you have a wonderful Year of the Earth Ox in 2009!


text:
A 14-year-old boy died and another teen was hospitalized after they got into a knife fight at a midtown apartment complex Friday night.
Police were called to the complex in the 4400 block of East 29th Street between South Columbus Boulevard and south Swan Road at about 9:45 p.m., Sgt. Chris Widmer, spokesman for the Tucson Police Department, said in a news release.
Officers found Mike Garcia, 14, with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a local hospital where he died about 10 hours later, Widmer said.
Police also found a 15-year-old with multiple stab wounds in an apartment. He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Widmer said.
Detectives investigating the incident learned from witnesses "that the two boys were involved in a physical altercation with each other in the parking lot of the apartment complex. During the altercation, both boys produced knives and both stabbed each other," Widmer said.
As of Saturday morning, an arrest had not been made and the investigation is ongoing.


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note demerphq
 Dont thank me for linking to it, thank [dominus] for writing it. Writing perl books is really really hard, and he did an absolutely outstanding job on it. Additionally if you ever get a chance to attend any kind of talk, or workshop or lecture or even just a beer with him then take it. It will definitely be worth it. He also has an excellent set of online resources: [http://perl.plover.com/|perl.plover.com]

 ---
 $world=~s/war/peace/g

 770977 771536


text:
Join Galería and Las Bomberas de la Bahía (Las Bomberas) for an evening of música y baile.
RSVP on Facebook >>
Las Bomberas, founded in November 2007 under the direction of Denise Solis and Sarazeta Ragazzi, held their very first performance at Galería on November 2, 2007, making this special Dia de los Muertos night performance a homecoming and celebration of five years of music excellency. Las Bomberas is one of only a handful of all-women's Bomba ensembles to exist internationally. The ensemble is composed of Bay Area artists, educators, and activists. Their work, dedicated to expanding the Bomba tradition by highlighting the living cultural form and its legacy of resistance that was born in the sugarcane plantations of Puerto Rico by enslaved persons, also simultaneously highlighting the important role women play in supporting our communities. Las Bomberas have performed nationally for educational institutions, cultural centers, cultural festivals, and in two commissioned original works; don't miss this exclusive engagement!
Listen to Las Bomberas >>
$5-$15 sliding scale


text: We love fig(deejay)! And they have quickly become our go to recommendation for clients. They have a knack for reading a crowd and always go above and beyond to ensure each guest is having a great experience. Anytime one of their artists performs at an event, you can count on the energy being fun and upbeat. We can't wait until next time!


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Empire State South; Atlanta, GA
"This recipe's roots are classically Southern with the hearty addition of leeks and bacon. I also like to use Canadian Cheddar, which reminds me of my childhood growing up outside of Ottawa. That's a key element to comfort food—it has that resonating cord in your history. The dish, like me, is a lot of Canada happily enmeshed in the South." —Hugh Acheson


text:
Coffee & Conversation: Kemal and the Bosnian Genocide
Wed 30 Oct 2013
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Kemal Pervanic shares his experience of genocide in Bosnia. Kemal is a survivor of the Omarska concentration camp and has dedicated his work to education, reconciliation and peace-building. He co-founded Most Mira (Bridge of Peace) to promote peace and reconciliation in his local community. He's also a filmmaker and an author.
Admission: Free, but booking is essential as space is limited.
Location: The Wiener Library, 29 Russell Square, London - click for map
How to book:
Online Ticketing for Coffee & Conversation: Kemal Pervanic powered by Eventbrite


text:
"Spacious Condos in the Heart of the Village
Stay close to all the best slopes, shops and dining in the Village when you stay at Town Square Condominiums. The 32 spacious and luxurious condos come equipped with full kitchens, wireless internet, and telephones. Enjoy access to the White Mountain Athletic Club during your stay, along with plenty of exciting outdoor activities just minutes away. This beautiful mountain location transforms into a winter wonderland full of skiing and snowboarding in the colder months, along with ice-skating and snowshoeing. If you're here during the summer, explore the rugged hiking trails, or enjoy a nice afternoon on the tennis courts. Come enjoy the beautiful White Mountains in your own condo today!
- Wifi
- Restaurant Onsite
- Pets Allowed
- Property Size 32 units
- Conference Facility
- Kids Allowed
- Nearby City Waterville Valley
- Nearby Water N/A
- Open Dates All Year
Located in the heart of the New Hampshire White Mountains, Town Square Condominiums offers you and your family a refreshing mountain escape at any time of the year. Their three-bedroom condos are perfect for families of varying sizes and you can enjoy plenty of fun activities nearby. The kids will love going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or ice-skating at the indoor arena. Enjoy complimentary shuttle rides to and from Waterville Valley Ski Resort where you'll find challenging runs for all skill levels!
Explore this classic mountain setting with your special someone or with the entire family at Town Square Condominiums. During the summer months, you can enjoy a round of golf, go kayaking on Corcoran Pond, or mountain bike through the rising peaks surrounding you at every turn. Try a dogsled excursion if you're planning your getaway during the winter months for an unforgettable outdoor experience!
Surprise your sweetheart with a romantic vacation away to the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. At Town Square Condominiums, a private condo is the perfect way to say 'I love you.' Indulge in many outdoor activities, from skiing at Waterville Valley Ski Resort, snuggling up together on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or simply strolling around the village hand-in-hand. Take advantage of special romantic packages to make your romantic vacation even more special.
Town Square is located just five minutes from Waterville Valley Ski Area. The ski area offers 12 lifts, plus snowsports programs, child care, award-winning Kids Kamps, terrain parks, and more. A shuttle takes skiers and riders from the pedestrian-friendly village directly to the ski area. A stay in Town Square Condos is easy and conveniently located adjacent to the shops and restaurants.
The stunning White Mountains are the backdrop to your vacation when you stay at Town Square Condominiums. This four-season destination is an outdoor playground waiting for you to explore. The Waterville Valley Ski Resort is just minutes away, and Town Square Condominiums offer complimentary shuttle rides to and from the lifts! If you're visiting in the summertime, you can still enjoy the majestic hills on a hiking or biking trip!
The luxurious accommodations at Town Square Condominiums offer the perfect venue for your first moments together as a married couple. The one-bedroom condominiums feature a full kitchen and a living/dining room area you and your spouse will love. You'll also love all the activities you can enjoy during your stay. Explore the village shops together or just go hiking through the stunning White Mountains.
Villas and Condos
Town Square Condominiums offers 32 three-bedroom townhouse-style luxury units in the heart of the White Mountains. Their spacious accommodations feature a variety of convenient amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, wireless internet, televisions with DVD players and much more!
- Basketball Court(s)
- Bicycles
- Cribs
- Fitness Center
- Gift Shop
- Pack N Play
- Outdoor Playground
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Court(s)
- Air Conditioning
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Full Kitchen
- Hair Dryer
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Arts and Crafts
- Basketball
- Dodgeball
- Ice Cream Social
- Kid's Activities
- Live Entertainment
- Photography
- Raquetball
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Beach
- Biking/Bicycling
- Bird Watching
- Canoeing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding
- Fly Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Golf Course
- Outdoor Grill(s)
- Hiking
- Ice Skating
- Kayaking
- Wildlife & Nature
- Picnic Table(s)
- Babysitting/Daycare
- Concierge
- Laundry Facilities
- Meeting Room(s)
- Spa Services
Nearest Airports
- Berlin Regional Airport (BML) / 46.2 miles
- Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) / 45.6 miles
- Manchester Airport (MHT) / 70.5 miles
* Not all airports listed here may be open to public use, or service commercial flights
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text:
Rating: 2 stars
Featuring free WiFi and a year-round outdoor pool, Hotel le Ravin offers pet-friendly accommodation in Grand-Lahou. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. The rooms have a flat-screen TV. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. You can play table tennis at the hotel. 자세히


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Hamilton, Greinke still on market
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As baseball's new Mr. Moneybags, Ned Colletti gets mentioned when almost any free agent is discussed this offseason.
"There's a perception that we're in on a couple dozen starting pitchers, three dozen outfielders and infielders, 17, 18 catchers," the Los Angeles Dodgers general manager said.
"People like to have us in. I guess it doesn't hurt to have us in, even though we're not in. We may have to hire somebody next year just to tell everybody who we're not in on," he said.
As teams headed home from the winter meetings Thursday, the biggest free agents were still on the market. The availability of slugger Josh Hamilton and pitcher Zack Greinke held up decisions on other signings and possible trades involving Rangers infielder Michael Young and Mets Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey.
The New York Yankees, quiet thus far, were pursuing former Boston star Kevin Youkilis and also met with the agent for Mark Reynolds.
With most clubs already packed up and leaving the sprawling, 2,881-room Opryland hotel, Philadelphia acquired outfielder Ben Revere from Minnesota for right-handers Vance Worley and Trevor May.
Hamilton could remain with Texas, and Seattle seemed to be interested. Greinke's options include staying with the Los Angeles Angels, moving up the coast to the Dodgers or signing with the Rangers.
Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said that after taking in information from other clubs and agents, it was time to return home and "cool your jets."
"There can be a domino effect," he said. "I think when clubs are focusing on a certain position, a certain need, there's options out there. And once one option goes away, then that changes the landscape of what a club would want to do. Everybody's got their ducks lined up in a row, and it's just a matter of how things fall."


text: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...ent-accuses-the-nfl-of-misleading-the-public/ Robert Mathis's agent accuses the NFL of misleading the public The agent for Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis is continuing his public campaign against the NFL as a result of the league suspending Mathis four games for violating the policy against performance-enhancing substances. On Friday, agent Hadley Englehard accused the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell of acting in an "unjust and unfair" way. That led to a rare response from the NFL defending its suspension of Mathis. Today, Englehard said on Mike & Mike that the league's statement defending Mathis's suspension was misleading. "They released a statement, which the NFL never does, and even in their statement, they're misleading the public," Englehard said. What Englehard said was misleading was the NFL's focus on the fact that the drug Mathis used, Clomid, is FDA approved only for women, not for men. Englehard said that doesn't mean men can't legitimately use it as a fertility drug. "There's many drugs that are not FDA approved for certain things and are used for other things, and the doctor, in direct and cross examination, even talked about that: He's been using this as a fertility drug for 20-plus years. There's not one shred of evidence, there's not one shred of testimony, that says anything but, Robert used it not for anything but fertility. He used it for a short period of time, 10 to 12 days, once he found out his wife was pregnant he stopped taking it. He has the left over medication from it. There is not one shred of evidence that he used it for other than fertility," Englehard said.


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The issue involves the pharmacy medmanager functionality.
If the user performs a modify action on an order with an existing duration and duration unit, the order's stop date might not be recalculated.
Specifically, this occurs when only the duration value is changed prior to entering the original duration unit.
Pt care could be adversely affected, as medication therapy could be concluded prematurely or could last longer than intended based on the order details prior to the modification.
This issue can be avoided if the user performs a renew action instead of a modify action to change an order's duration.
If performing a modify action is required, users can manually set the stop date and time during the modify action.
Cerner received communication that a pt's surgery required rescheduling as a result of this issue.
Cerner has distributed a priority review flash notification july 26, 2007 to all potentially impacted client sites.
The software notification includes a description of the issue and an interim workflow adjustment to prevent the malfunction.
Additionally, a script was provided to identify orders impacted by this issue.
A software modification has been developed and is available to address the issue for all sites that could be potentially impacted.
Cerner corporation considers this issue resolved and no further narrative is required for follow-up.
Page Last Updated: 06/30/2017
Note: If you need help accessing information in different file formats, see
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text:
This week we're offering you a Fiorelli handbag (RRP £49) for £40 or less.
Inspired by a vintage holdall shape, the Cecilia medium grab handbag from Fiorelli's latest collection is your ultimate go-to bag this season. The classic barrel shape is given a fashionable edge with feature straps and hardware and is finished in a beautiful, on-trend Taupe colour, making it easy to dress up or down and meaning it will look chic and stylish with any outfit.
The perfect work-to-weekend bag, the Cecilia grab bag is an ideal present (Christmas is hurtling ever closer), or simply a treat for yourself. You deserve it, after all.
Not only is the Cecilia rather wonderful to look at, it definitely holds its own in the functionality stakes.
As well as the double grab handles, there is also a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap if you fancy a change. There are also interior zip and slip pockets, and a double zip closure for extra security. And let's not forget the signature Fiorelli branded hardware and lining.
This is your perfect chance to snap up this beautiful web exclusive bag, which is not available in the shops.
For every 10 buyers that sign up, the price will drop by £2 - until it reaches the rock bottom price of just £34. That's more than 30% off the RRP.
Don't forget to tell all your friends and followers about this co-buy via Facebook and Twitter so we can get to the best possible price.
And remember: if you bring more people into the co-buy than anyone else and it sells out, you could receive yours for free!


text:
St. Elizabeth Medical Center Completes 37th Annual "Operation Share" Campaign
Utica, NY (WIBX) – About six tons of food is going to needy families this Thanksgiving, during St. Elizabeth Medical Center's 37th annual "Operation Share" campaign.
According to James Getter, the Director of Hospital Services, 325 families- totaling nearly 1,400 people- are receiving a box of food containing stuffing, fruit, vegetables and a turkey.
"It's just something that I think is a nice yearly event that is true to the mission of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and the Sisters of St. Francis," Getter said.
Getter also said the community's need has grown exponentially during the program's 37 years.
"The economy has a little bit to do with it," Getter said. "I just think families are a lot needier now than they were before, and it's just a good thing to be able to help a lot of people that are in need."
Recipients were recommended by local charitable groups, the Sisters of Saint Francis and by Saint Elizabeth employees.
Donations came from several places, including Mohawk Valley Imaging, Chanatry's Supermarket and Rock Tenn. Other donations were provided by volunteers and staff members.


text:
6th annual International Cultural Dinner
- By admin
- September 27, 2014
- No Comments
Join us at Grace Bible Church Anaheim for an evening of live music and fun prize giveaways. Sample dishes from South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia and the USA. Saturday, … Continue Reading →
Arthritis Foundation approved exercise
- By admin
- August 19, 2013
- No Comments
Classes started on Monday here in the Fellowship Hall. We had 12 ladies going through the routine led by Joanne Gray, Grace Bible Church"s own parish nurse. Joanne is an … Continue Reading →
Dick Grey's Memorial held here at the church
- By admin
- July 30, 2013
- No Comments
We had so many compliments about our facility and the conducting of the service from the 200 plus people who attended Dick Grey"s. Memorial Service on Saturday night. Dick, his … Continue Reading →


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Yarelis Bonilla, a 5-year-old girl from Elizabeth, N.J., is suffering from a severe form of leukemia. Doctors say that the only way Yarelis will survive is if she receives a bone marrow transplant from a perfect match. For Yarelis that perfect match is her sister, Giselle.
Unfortunately, due to a complicated family matter, Giselle lives in El Salvador. She has been denied a visa to come to the United States on several occasions, and experts say that the transplant must be performed here.
Visa Denied For Sister Of NJ Girl In Need Of Bone Marrow Transplant
Current Status: Blessed (1)
Seeded on Tue Nov 29, 2011 6:04 PM
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|2008-06-01, 18:13
|Link #121
so hungry...
kenpachi isn't all that smart...all he use in battle are instincts...and zanpakutou of course :-D
hitsugaya is strong pretty strong all of you could clearly see it in battle...he was showed in many battles...he is one of the strongest...6th I believe
these stats makes perfect sense...for example it explains why aizen didn't attacked unohana
and I believe that 100 means limit for shinigami...well why not? captain is second highest rank so it's logical that stats of a captain will be close to max
even if zaraki is no good at kidou he is pretty deadly when it comes to brute strenght...and everyone has to win with what they're good at...so he just uses brute strenght and wins cuz he has this ability max out...plus these stats ain't including reiatsu and that is where kenpachi would get points he miss compared to the others
you can't say kenpachi owend both tousen and komamura cuz komamura used just one attack and then he backed off...also we didn't see komamura in fight...we did see his bankai but that is all...not many shinigami can show their full power against aizen especialy against his damn complete hypnosis >< I'm not saying that komamua is stronger than kenpachi I'm just saying we didn't see how strong he really is
Last edited by Ganshou-dono; 2008-06-01 at 19:31.
|2008-06-01, 23:28
|Link #122
Hitsugaya is overrated, his biggest drawback, the lack of experience isn't covered by those charts. That and his illness are the reasons why Ukitake seems to be weaker than some others according to those charts. In fact it was no problem for Gin to dominate our ice brat while lying back by 20points in overall score
And Ganshou, could you please tell me where exactly Yoruichi stated that? I can't remember her saying something about Ukitake's strength compared to Byakuya.
|2008-06-02, 06:00
|Link #123
so hungry...
oh come on hitsugaya became shinigami later than hinamori...much later...she was visiting him while she was still on that academy or what...and by the time she got to the rank of lieutenant hitsugaya was already captain...you have to realize that he is real prodigy...is it that you just don't like him and you won't accept that he is strong? I would understand that but if that's the case it's pointless to discuss how strong he is or isn't
sure I'll tell you it was right after yoruichi saved ichigo on the bridge that leads to the Shrine of Petinence...on that brigde there was ukitake byakuya rukia and others...after she saved ichigo he was all pissed off cuz he wanted to take down byakuya and she said there was nobody on that bridge who was match for byakuya...and sice ukitake was on that bridge it's clear that he is weaker than byakuya
Last edited by Ganshou-dono; 2008-06-02 at 08:20.
|2008-06-02, 10:48
|Link #124
Senior Member
|2008-06-02, 11:59
|Link #125
so hungry...
|2008-06-02, 12:50
|Link #126
Senior Member
Dont know why they made Luppi #6 cause its very obvious he was way weaker then grimmjaw.
Doesnt change my view that Hitsugaya atm are among the weakest captains, he just lack that extra we have seen from the more experienced captains. We have seen #5, #7 #8 espada fall easily to the older captains and they didnt need to work as hard as Hitsu when he fought Luppi
|2008-06-02, 13:06
|Link #127
so hungry...
because he lost easily to hitsugaya automaticlly means he is weaker than the rest huh? right so numbers doesn't mean anything...charts doesn't mean anything...results of fights doesn't mean anything as well...hmm I guess this discussion is pointless
|2008-06-02, 14:07
|Link #128
Senior Member
#1 When Luppi focused on hitsugaya he pummeled him badly and it was only due to him diverting his attention to Ikkaku etc that made hitsu have time to recover and set everything up , he had every advantage going for him at that time so no real surprise that he managed to win.
#2 Remember when Grimmjaw got his arm back ? He killed Luppi with his bare hands, if that doesnt show you there was a huge difference in powers I dont know what will.
|2008-06-02, 14:17
|Link #129
Hitsugaya needs another 50 years to rise on top, he's always frightened and surprised in his fights which makes him look weak. His Bankai is immature too,.. he's just a noob right now
|2008-06-04, 00:58
|Link #132
|2008-09-05, 15:49
|Link #133
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: East London
Age: 28
this is how the power graph is suppose to be like.
1.) Yamamoto & Aizen
2.) Unohana
3.) Kyoraku
4.) Byakuya
5.) Ukitake
6.) Gin
7.) Kenpachi
8.) Tousen
9.) Soifong
10.) Komamura
11.) Mayuri
12.) Hitsugaya
|2008-09-13, 10:38
|Link #134
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
hitsugaya the weakest? next you will say chad and orihime are stronger than ishida?
this is my opinion how it stands right now:
1.) Aizen
2.) Yamamoto
3.) Unohana
4.) Kyoraku
5.) Byakuya
6.) Ukitake
7.) Gin
8.) Kenpachi
9.) Hitsugaya
10.) Tousen
11.) Komamura
12.) Soifong
13.) Mayuri
|2008-09-13, 14:18
|Link #136
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Ichigo defeated byakuya because in the fight his sword was broken he can flash step all he wants because he has no sword!! ichigo can kill him at any point as he soon goes to fight eizen, but in my opinion kenpachi is the strongest in total because if he uses both hands takes his bells and eye patch off learns bankai and shikai then takes up training from urahara to learn hollow abilties he will have the same chanceas ichigo except 10000000000000000000 times more power he has so much more 2 learn for example kido's! think about what im saying!
|2008-09-13, 15:22
|Link #137
Optimus Prime
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Japan/Canada
Age: 32
I think it's interesting how most people here have pegged Unohana quite high on their lists (2nd or 3rd ranking). I hope that's true. We need some more strong women in Bleach.
Alrighty, here's how I think it might shake down. I'm only putting SS captains on this list because to incorporate the others (espada, vizards, urahaha etc. would just be too time consuming).
1.) Yamamoto
2.) Aizen
3.) Unohana
4.) Gin
5.) Ukitake/ Shinsui (I see these two as inherently equal)
7.) Byakuya
8.) Kenpachi
9.) Hitsugaya
10.) Soi Fon
11.) Mayuri
12.) Tousen
13.) Komamura
At present, Ichigo is probably at the level of a Shinsui/Ukitake. I would be surprised if he ranked any higher than that on the scales for now considering
Spoiler for manga spoiler:
|2008-09-18, 20:13
|Link #138
Join Date: Sep 2008
I've never understood these things. How can Hitsugaya rank higher than Gin when Gin gave Hitsugaya a serious run for his money and he was just screwing around.
My view on the Captain's ranking based on power:
1. Aizen
2. Yamamoto
3. Unohana
4. Shunsui
5. Ukitake
6. Ichimaru
7. Kuchiki
8. Zaraki
9. Tousen
10. Soi Fong
11. Komamura
12. Mayuri
13. Hitsugaya
|2008-09-19, 16:07
|Link #139
Well Rounded Critic
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: In a class of my own.
That made my day, actually...!!
|2008-09-19, 16:09
|Link #140
Well Rounded Critic
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: In a class of my own.
Does it occur to Anyone that these graphs are all just pretty inaccurate???
I DO NOT ACCEPT TOUSHIRO's chart!!!
Plus, we all know that Shanks and Whitebeard have more spirit energy than AIzen, Gin Yamaoto, Unohana, and Kenpachi put together.
When was the last time YOU saw any one of THEM walk into a battlefield and make over 500 fainst and cause physical damage to the surroundings and not even feel the least bit Depleted?
Shanks OWNS.
Last edited by holypanl; 2008-09-19 at 16:22.
|Thread Tools


text:
Target: Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff
Goal: Maintain quality control of deputies within the Los Angeles County Jail system and uphold stricter penalties for officers who abuse their power
A new report by the American Civil Rights Union (ACLU) brings to attention the ongoing battles faced by prisoners in Los Angeles County Jail. The ACLU, which has been appointed by the courts to monitor the jail since 1985, has found a significant rise in instances of brutality of guards on inmates and guard provoked fights between inmates.
Margaret Winter, the associate director of the ACLU's National Prison Project comments on the findings: "No jail in the nation matches the level of pervasive, savage, long-standing and notorious deputy-on-inmate violence of the kind we see in the Los Angeles County Jail system." Further stating that "what is most stunning of all is the stubborn refusal of Sheriff Baca, the man in charge, to acknowledge there's even a problem."
Baca sees things differently believing that just because their is a large amount of accusations coming his way, it is not proof.
Despite the evidence against him, Baca maintains that everything is under control. And instead of tending house is in his department, Baca seems more concerned with the FBI investigation that brought about even more devastating news for the Sheriff and his team of deputies. As part of that investigation they discovered police in the jail system taking outside bribes in order to facilitate the needs of the prisoners inside.
All this comes to no surprise to the ACLU and the FBI, who found that "the violence is not the work of a few rogue deputies, but systemic…It has continued unchecked for decades."
Dear Sheriff Lee Baca,
Recently, both the ACLU and the FBI have found major flaws existing in the Los Angeles County Jail system. With the reports of deputies mistreating their power as well as inmates, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a lack of authority and accountability within the system.
In a society such as our,s it is the responsibility of those with authority to act on behalf (and with the best interests in mind) of the people.
It is disconcerting that those with the power are abusing it with no ramifications for their actions. It is at this point that I write you. We as a public demand the most out of those that work for us, and relieving those that are not up to the task. Change is necessary, to ensure the safety of those in the jail system and outside of it.
[Your name will go here]


text:
The Grow 'N Go Bike® is the perfect first bike for beginning riders! This unique design features an easy-adjust clamp that allows the bike to expand as your child grows, ensuring a perfect fit.
|1 1/2 - 3 Years
|19" L x 15" W x 19.5" H
|8" x 2"
|Seat to Floor:
|Seat to Handle:
|9.5" -12.5"
|Seat to Pedal:
|12" -15.5"
|Training Wheels:
|4" x 1"
|7.5 lbs.
|Weight Capacity:
|37 lbs.
|Carton Dimensions:
|17.69" L x 15.56" W x 20.06" H
|Download Assembly Instructions
|Product Review
This bike was great for our boys. We bought it when our middle son wanted to keep up with his older brother riding a bike. It was easy for him to ride and although he couldn't match the speed of his older brother he enjoyed being able to ride a bike, just like his older brother. (Posted on 5/31/2016)
|Product Review
I have this trike from two years ago, its still brand new, hardly used. I bought it because I wanted my 20 month old to be able to reach the petals. In short, this bike tips extremely easily. Besides the fact that it has a tiny seat and hard for the child to get on. It is not the least bit steady or safe for a toddler. I am surprised that radio flyer still makes this bike.
***********************Radio Flyer Customer Service************************
Hi Supermamma, Thank you for your review. We apologize for the experience you have had with your Grow 'N Go Bike. Please contact our Customer Service team at 800.621.7613 to receive additional assistance with your bike. (Posted on 5/22/2014)
If you need personal assistance with Radio Flyer products or have general questions, please contact us by e-mail or call us at 1.800.621.7613 Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm CST.


text:
The Carmel City Council is comprised of seven members elected to four-year terms: two at-large and five elected from five districts.
The City Council constitutes the legislative body of the city. It has power over the city budget, and passes city ordinances and resolutions.
All older Carmel City Council Documents and be found on LaserFiche WebLink™ - Council Meeting Agendas, Meeting Paperless Packets, Meeting Results and Meeting Minutes.
2017 Carmel City Council meeting dates
To see the Council persons biography please click on their name
Central District
Bruce Kimball
Phone: (317)476-0841
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Southeast District
Jeff Worrell
Phone: (317) 471-9836
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Council Chaplain
Northwest District
Laura Campbell
Phone: (317)432-9985
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An Imaginary Conversation With This Origami Model
Model: I need you to be honest with me.
Me: Always!
Model: What do you think of this outfit? Me: I kind of love it.
Model: Really?
Me: Totally.
Model: I'm afraid it looks like I'm wearing one of those origami fortune tellers.
Me: I mean, yeah, it does, but who says that's a bad thing?
Model: I guess those were pretty fun.
Me: When I was in 4th grade, I rigged an origami fortune teller to use on this guy I hated. I wrote some variation of "You will die tomorrow" on all of the inner flaps, so no matter what combination of letters and numbers he chose, I would always get to lift up the last flap and say, "Hmmm … that's never happened before. This one says you're going to die tomorrow too."
Model: Did he think it was funny?
Me: No, he cried and told the teacher I had put a curse on him.
Model: So that kid probably wouldn't like this outfit.
Me: Most likely not.
Model: That is, if he's still alive.
Me: Good point. His opinion is probably irrelevant.


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This eco-home has a grass roof, wooden frame, mud floor which sprouts bracken in the spring, windows rescued from an old coach and a crooked metal chimney stack poking out of the side.
The building is festooned with vines, wild flowers and sprouting dock leaves.
Why are the authorities intent on tearing down the most eco-friendly home in Britain?
Current Status: Blessed (1)
Seeded on Sun Aug 5, 2007 6:47 AM
keyboard shortcuts: V vote up article J next comment K previous comment


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'American Idol' Winner Scotty McCreery Nominated for 2012 Best New Artist ACM Award
Congratulations to Scotty McCreery! The 'American Idol' Season 10 champ and country crooner has been nominated for a 2012 ACM Award, aka an American Country Music Award. McCreery has been nominated in the Best New Artist category, which is a considerable feat for someone who just turned 18!
McCreery is going up against fellow up-and-coming country acts Hunter Hayes and Brantley Gilbert, who fans also voted into the top three running for Best New Artist, at the 2012 ACM Awards. 'The Trouble With Girls' singer is thrilled over his nomination, writing on Twitter: "Big thanks to everybody who voted and helped me become a top 3 finalist for the ACM New Artist of the Year award! Yall are the best!"
The road to becoming a 2012 ACM Award nominee wasn't easy for McCreery, as he conquered on 'American Idol' week after week, giving his absolute all when he performed in his signature, bass vocals. Now, he has gone down in history as the first-ever 'American Idol' alum to see their debut album skyrocket to No. 1 on the Billboard's albums chart. McCreery's also the first country artist whose debut LP went to No. 1, and he's also the youngest male recording artist whose first-ever album topped the Billboard 200.
Fans can vote for McCreery in the Best New Artist category starting on March 19 at 12PM EST, and the polls will be opened until April 1 at 8PM EST. The show airs live on CBS on April 1, with 'The Voice' coach Blake Shelton and redheaded country vocalist Reba McEntire taking over hosting duties. If you want to check out a full of the 2012 ACM Award nominees, head over to our sister site Taste of Country.


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Meet favorite WTTW Kids characters including Elmo, Cookie
Monster, Grover, Cat in the Hat, Arthur, D.W. and Martha from
Martha Speaks and get moving with the 3K Family Walk and 5K Fun
Run. WTTW members can enjoy the live pre-race performance by
Ralph's World at 8 a.m. Plus, food and beverage, special
activities, and a summer morning packed with fun. Registration
includes an official event t-shirt, goodie bag, runner/walker
number. Advanced registration closes Aug. 14. For more information,
visit wttw.com/funandrun.


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Welcome to the PLC website of Bovis Homes. We are one of the UK's leading housebuilders, proud of our long-standing reputation for quality build and design, high specification and dedicated customer service.
We operate from eight regional offices and have developments across England and Wales.
Our portfolio of properties ranges from one and two bedroom apartments to five and six bedroom detached family homes.
The Group is a member of the FTSE 250 and the FTSE4Good indices. The Group was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1997 and our heritage dates back to 1885.


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Ethicon Endo-Surgery Circular Stapler Sets: Class I Recall – User Difficulty With Firing Stapler Devices
- Ethicon PROXIMATE HCS Hemorrhoidal Circular Stapler and Accessories 33mm (Product Code: PPH01)
- Ethicon PROXIMATE PPH Hemorrhoidal Circular Stapler and Accessories 33mm (Product Code: PPH03)
- Ethicon TRANSTAR Circular Stapler Procedure Set (Product Code: STR10)
AUDIENCE: Risk Manager, Surgery
ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class I Recall of these products because of difficulty users have firing the stapler devices, resulting in incomplete firing stroke and incomplete staple formation.
Failure to complete the firing stroke of the stapler can result in severe pain, sphincter dysfunction, rectal wall damage, sepsis, bleeding, and occlusion of the rectal canal. Failure to complete the firing stroke can also result in poor staple formation, dehiscence of the rectal wall staple line and bleeding.
The affected products were manufactured from April 16, 2011 to July 24, 2012 and distributed from April 18, 2011 to July 23, 2012. This recall includes all lots manufactured between April 16, 2011 to July 24, 2012.
BACKGROUND: These devices are used in the surgical treatment of prolapse and hemorrhoids, or in other applications where circular or semicircular stapling of anorectal tissue is needed.
RECOMMENDATION: Customers who have purchased the affected devices will be notified by letter through overnight delivery from Federal Express or UPS. All customers should respond to the included Business Reply Form indicating whether they have the affected devices, quantity of affected devices and if they have or will return the product(s).
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the Class I recall, at:


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Re: Diagrams don't work everywhere
> Unfortunately, the "diagrams that
> just work everywhere" say
> "browser is not supported"
> when used with Mozilla 1.7.13.
Mozilla 1.7.13 is end of life and Mozilla have recommended switching to Firefox. We don't support end of life products, this is standard practice.
A tool for securing DNS communications between a client and a DNS resolver.
A polyhedral extraction tool (PET).


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1. Download the file of the printer driver.
2. Double click iPF Driver Installer X, and execute the installation.
Follow the instruction of the screen after starting installation.
English | Spanish | German | French | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Chinese
The following hardware and software are recommended for this printer driver.
Current OS:
Mac OS X v10.4.11 to v10.7
- This printer will operate only with the operating systems listed above.
Recommended operating environment:
- Computer:
Macintosh Series Power PC G4,G5 or Intel processors running Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later
- Memory:
1 GB or more
- HDD Capacity:
10 GB or more
Compatible Printers:
Canon imagePROGRAF iPF760
Canon imagePROGRAF iPF765
- If you have upgraded your OS, reinstall the printer driver.
- After installing this software, install Media Confuguration Tool, and run it to add the media information.
- We recommend that you upgrade the firmware of the printer to the latest version.


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The age of the steam logging railroad in the Sacramento Mountains was very brief by most measures, barely over forty years. During that period, however, the railroads brought about many changes affecting the land and our view of it. For the first time, extensive mechanized logging took place over a large area. During the same period, the tourist and resort business was developed and vigorously promoted. The tourists came by the thousands, first by rail, then by road. The district's economy was transformed from one of frontier farming and ranching to one with a capital-intensive industrial base closely tied to regional and national trends. The evolution of the lumber industry left its own mark on the mountains in the form of rail beds, skidways, and campsites. Decades after their abandonment, these signs of human activity are, for the most part, forgotten and unknown to most of the present users of the National Forest.
The purpose of this study, which was requested by the Southwestern Region of the U.S. Forest Service, is to provide a description and history of the railroad logging industry that so profoundly effected the Sacramento Mountains. In addition, a general interpretation of the artifacts of the steam logging railroads is provided to aid those responsible for subsequent studies and surveys of the cultural resources within the Lincoln National Forest (see frontispiece for area map).
A large part of the construction of railroad lines into the area predates the formation of the National Forest. Information and records are scattered among numerous institutions and individuals. Gathering together the bits of data has been a labor of love on the part of several dedicated people rather then a project to be completed to a timetable. Nevertheless, the material presented here is a reasonably comprehensive picture of the business and engineering history of the logging railroads.
The history of the early lumbering industry in the Sacramento Mountains is inextricably involved with that of the main line railroads of southern New Mexico and west Texas, especially the companies that make up the Southern Pacific lines. The key element of the relationship was the timber itself. Railroad construction required immense quantities of timber for crossties, trestles, buildings and structures such as culverts, water tanks and cooling chutes. The ongoing maintenance and upkeep of these facilities required significant quantities of timber on a continuing basis. In addition to the railroads, mining companies in the region used timber extensively for underground supports and for material-handling structures both above and below the surface. The mining market was very competitive and the miners' requirements were often filled by timber shipped in from as far away as Oregon. This added considerably to the risk of the lumber and timber trade in the southwest.
In the days of railroad expansion in the southwest it was the practice of the men building the railroads to become involved in mining and other related enterprises to provide some traffic for the railroads. Often, too, mining men would build railroads to gain access to their markets and to reduce their shipping costs. All of these relationships, reflecting regional and even national conditions, had considerable influence over the day-to-day affairs of otherwise locally managed enterprises. This was certainly true of the logging companies in the Sacramento Mountains (Neal 1966:1).
The Main Line
Plans to build a railroad to the Sacramento Mountains began almost with the arrival of the Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific main lines in El Paso, Texas, during the first half of 1861. A line called the El Paso and White Oaks Railroad was incorporated in New Mexico on February 28, 1882 (N. M. Corp. Commission n.d.). Little came of this enterprise and it was not until June 1888 that a more substantial attempt was made with the incorporation of the Kansas City, El Paso and Mexican Railroad (KCEP&M) (Engineering News 1869).
By December 1, the KCEP&N had completed ten miles of track, extending northward to a point called Lanoria, Texas, from a terminal in El Paso. Once more, interest in the project lagged, and construction trailed to a halt. Morris R. Locke, who was promoting the line, noted in his prospectus the potential value of the timber traffic to be drawn from the Sacramentos. It was important, but it was considered to be only a fraction of the revenues to be gained through development of the coal and metal mines near White Oaks (Engineering News 1889).
It was not until 1896 that the ultimately successful El Paso and Northeastern Railroad (EP&NE) appeared on the scene. The first incorporated entity was the El Paso and Northeastern Railroad Company, incorporated in Texas on June 12, 1896. Its stated purpose was to build 19.22 miles of railroad from El Paso to the New Mexico boundary (Poor 1902:493). This corporation was set up to comply with the Texas law requiring that all railroads operating in the state be headquartered in Texas.
Next to be incorporated was the New Mexico Railway and Coal Company (NMRy& CCo), in New Jersey on May 15, 1897. This was the overall holding company, controlling not only the railroads but the lumber and mining companies as well. And on October 21, 1897, the El Paso and Northeastern Railway was incorporated in New Mexico for the purpose of building a railroad from the Texas line to the Capitan coal fields (Poor 1902:493).
The promoter of the EP&NE lines was Charles Bishop Eddy, who had earlier developed the communities along the Pecos River in southeastern New Mexico. For the EP&NE venture, he obtained the very substantial backing of a group of capitalists from Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: H. M. Boies, Benjamin S. Harmon, John Welles Hollenback, F. L. Peck, Charles O. Simpson, and others (Poor 1902: 493). These men acted in various roles in the increasingly complex structure of the NMRy&CCo. Before long numerous subsidiaries would be involved in branch line railroads, a new main line railroad, coal mining, and lumbering activities.
Construction of the EP&NE began in December 1897, working out of El Paso. Some 4.16 miles of the old KCEP&N route were used, then the line ran northeast directly toward the Sacramento Mountains. By June 15, 1898, the tracks had reached the site of the new town of Alamogordo. Located near a good spring at the foot of the mountains, the point was 86 miles from El Paso. Alamogordo was selected as the site of the main shops of the new railroad. It had the necessary water, it was near the junction of the planned logging railroad, and the land was under the control of the EP&NE backers (Neal 1966:5).
The EP&NE construction forces paused only briefly at Alamogordo. Within a matter of weeks, work had begun on the new logging road, the Alamogordo & Sacramento Mountain Railway, into the mountains. Within a few months work resumed on the main line toward Carrizozo and the coal mines near Capitan. The main line tracks reached Three Rivers on June 20, 1899, and Capitan on August 3. At Carrizozo the tracks swung eastward and began climbing toward Indian Divide, a pass between the White Mountains and the Vera Cruz Mountains. This came as a surprise to some who had assumed that the railroad was inevitably headed for the mining town of White Oaks. But the goal of the railroad was in fact its own coal mines, located on Seaborn T. Gray's ranch, just to the north of the future site of Capitan. The tracks reached the mines on October 1, 1899, and coal production began immediately (Myrick 1970:76).
It was not long until the limitations of the Capitan mines became painfully apparent. Cut and broken by volcanic intrusions and slate, the coal veins could not be efficiently worked to produce the amount of coal needed for the railroad and other customers. Eddy and his attorney, William Ashton Hawkins, were very much aware of the disaster facing their young enterprise, and a complex and somewhat bewildering series of events began to unfold. Eddy and Hawkins secured an option on the excellent coal under Dawson's ranch up on the Maxwell Grant in northern New Mexico (Keleher 1962:291-293). Then the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad resumed construction of a long idle line extending west and south from Liberal, Kansas. For its part, the EP&NE commenced building an extension northward from Carrizozo under the name El Paso & Rock Island Railway. From a start on January 15, 1901, this line met the Rock Island at Santa Rosa, New Mexico, on February 1, 1902. This connection completed a through main line to Kansas City and St. Louis, opening those markets to the timber trade (Myrick 1970:76-77).
The EP&NE construction gangs didn't stop at Santa Rosa. They moved up to the raw new town of Tucumcari and built the Dawson Railway northward to the mines at Dawson's ranch. To speed the opening of the mines, a second railhead was established through a connection with the Santa Fe Railway at French, New Mexico. The first coal shipment went out over this spur on May 23, 1902. The entire Dawson line was opened for traffic on July 1, 1903. With the completion of the Dawson Railway, the expansion of the NMRy&CCo was completed (Myrick 1970:82).
During the same period, the copper interests of Phelps Dodge & Company had pushed their El Paso and Southwestern Railway (EP&SW) from Bisbee, Arizona, across southwestern New Mexico to EL Paso, completing the line on November 19, 1902. The EP&SW not only connected the mines at Bisbee with the new smelter at Douglas, Arizona, but it provided connections to a number of other railroads to avoid dependence on one hauler. Given their need for coal and timber, as well as an interest in competitive transportation it was not surprising when, on July 1, 1905, Phelps Dodge purchased the entire property of the NMRy&CCo. The railroad properties, including the mountain branch, were immediately merged with the EP&SW for operation under a single management (Myrick 1970:88-89).
Although the EP&SW was a financial success, it was essentially an industrial feeder line dependent on its connections with the Southern Pacific and the Rock Island for profitable through traffic. Ultimately, Phelps Dodge decided to concentrate on copper production, and sold its interest in the EP&SW to the Southern Pacific (SP) on November 1, 1924. This ownership continued throughout the remaining life of railroad logging in the Sacramento Mountains (Myrick 1970:94).
Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway
As the EP&NE neared Almagordo, its backers went to work to develop a timber industry in the nearby Sacramento Mountains. The Alamogordo Lumber Company was organized to purchase land, build a sawmill, and log in the mountains. The connecting link was to be the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway (A&SM), incorporated in New Mexico on March 24, 1898. In the coming years, the A&SM would be the longest portion of the route traversed by logs on their way to the sawmills (Neal 1966:10).
Construction of the A&SM began in mid-1898, shortly after the main line arrived in Alamogordo. The first section of the A&SM was opened during November 1898. It extended from Alamogordo Junction (1.4 miles north of the Alamogordo depot) to a point in upper Fresnal Canyon called Toboggan, 19.3 miles from the junction. The engineering of the route was a classic example of mountain railroad design. To make the climb from Alamogordo Junction at 4,372 feet elevation to Toboggan at 7,580 feet, the railroad was a nearly continuous series of sharp curves combined with steep grades. The normal curvature was a so-called 30 degree, or 193 foot radius, bend. Grades exceeded five percent, with one half-mile stretch of over six percent peaking at a fearsome six and one-half percent. The result was a standard gauge railroad that far exceeded the fabled Colorado narrow gauge roads in severity (Railroad Gazette 1902:466).
Such a railroad offered plenty of spectacular views to its passengers as it wound along the ridges. That proved to be one of its assets. The steep and sinuous track presented plenty of problems, too. Locomotives had to be specially designed and equipped to operate on the line. Brakes had to be efficient and well kept. Ultimately, log cars with dual brake systems became the norm. Wet and icy weather proved to be a regular and occasionally fatal hazard. But the A&SM had one advantage the narrow gauges could never match, and that was the ability to ship out and receive normal freight cars. The use of standard gauge track eliminated the damaging and very expensive car-to-car transfer required for many shipments to and from narrow gauge roads.
The opening of the A&SM to Toboggan was celebrated with elaborate Dedication Day ceremonies on November 18, 1898. Two trains were on the line that day, one a special passenger run and the other a short train of logs.
The A&SM rested, so to speak, at Toboggan for a time. The next portion of the line would be even more difficult and expensive to complete and a great deal of preparation would be required. It was not until early October 1899 that construction crews moved out to extend the railroad from Toboggan to Cloudcroft and Cox Canyon. It is likely that the first couple of miles of the line, including the famous switchback (Figure 1), were built initially as a logging spur of the Alamogordo Lumber Company to reach the timber in upper Bailey's Canyon.
The A&SM extension was only 7.5 miles in length, but it incorporated a rise of 2,000 feet, the usual 30 degree curves (193 foot radius), grades of 5.2 percent, and no fewer than 27 major timber trestles (Figure 2). The largest of these survives today in Mexican Canyon, just below Cloudcroft (Figure 3). This structure is listed on both the New Mexico and National Registers of Historic Places. Figure 4 shows the famous 6-trestle incorporating a double 30 degree curve in its 338 foot length. As many as 500 men worked on the line during the winter, grading, building trestles, and laying track. The railroad was completed to Cloudcroft on January 25, 1900, and to Cox Canyon during June (Alamogordo News 1899d, 1900, 1900f).
As soon as the A&SM was in operation to Cox Canyon, a number of logging railroad spurs or "tramways" as they were sometimes called, were built along various canyons. At each junction loaded log cars were received by the A&SM from the Alamogordo Lumber Company, and empties returned.
The final extension of the A&SM was Cox Canyon to Russia, a distance of 4.4 miles. The line, characterized by the same numerous trestles and sharp curves, was completed during May 1903. Russia was destined to remain the terminal of common carrier operations throughout the life of the railroad. Further extensions were built and operated by the lumber companies (Neal 1966:21).
Following the purchase of the NMRy&CCo properties by Phelps Dodge and Company on July 1, 1905, the A&SM was operated as an integral part of the EP&SW system. The use of specially equipped locomotives and log cars necessarily continued. The four cabooses and four open passenger excursion cars of the A&SM were supplemented by at least two EP&SW passenger coaches fitted with special short wheel base trucks (Alamogordo News 1907a). El Paso and Alamogordo families would move to Cloudcroft for the summer to escape the desert heat. And the weekend low-fare excursions from El Paso were sell-outs throughout the entire season. The Cloudcroft Lodge became the center of tourist activity (Figure 5).
The real business of the railroad to Russia was hauling logs. Although traffic fluctuated widely, as many as five trains daily ran on summer weekends: one passenger and four logging round trips. Even during the winter months, one or two log runs came down every day, with a similar number of cars being returned. One of the daily round trips carried passengers, express, and mail, usually in a single car at the end of the train. The peak years of log hauling occurred during the late 1920s when two companies were shipping over the railroad: George E. Breece Lumber Company from Cloudcroft and the Southwest Lumber Company from Russia. By this time the railroad had come under the control of the Southern Pacific. Although many changes had occurred in management and engineering, train service and rolling stock continued much as before. A notable improvement was the use of about 200 SP log cars, somewhat larger than the earlier Russel cars and equipped with dual air brake systems (Neal 1966:63).
Minor derailments were an everyday occurrence on the A&SM, They were considered a routine part of the railroading of that era. Runaways occurred all too frequently on the very steep grades, with sometimes fatal results. The worst wrack occurred on October 19, 1903, when seven men of a steel gang lost their lives in a wreck of heavily loaded cars of rail (Neal 1966:56). In August 1907 Engineer Weldy was killed when EP&SW locomotive 184 ran away on wet rail below Toboggan (Alamogordo News 1907c) (Figure 6). But it is also a matter of record that no passengers were ever killed on the A&SM.
In addition to the logs and passengers, a lot of ordinary freight was handled on the A&SM. Produce, fruit, livestock and lumber went out. Incoming freight included coal for locomotive fuel, supplies, and machinery. From the peek traffic of the 1920s, business slowly deteriorated. The automobile traveling on vastly improved roads drained off the passengers, at the same time opening the mountain region to many more visitors from Texas and New Mexico. Special Cloudcroft excursion trains did not run after September 20, 1930, the closing date of the season. Rail passenger service was discontinued altogether after February 13, 1938 (Neal 1966:67).
Railroad logging south of Russia ended in 1941, effectively eliminating all business there. Although the logging tracks were removed during 1942, the logging locomotives and miscellaneous rolling stock were not shipped out until 1945. After attempts to bring out the ancient locomotives by rail failed, they were cut up for scrap at Cloudcroft. Some log loading appears to have continued along the A&SM line after 1941, but rail shipments ceased completely with the sale of Southwest Lumber Company to M. L. Prestridge in 1945. As fewer and fewer trains ran down to Russia, it was only a matter of time until the Southern Pacific applied to the Interstate Commerce Commission for permission to abandon the branch. Permission to abandon the entire line from Alamogordo Junction to Russia was granted on May 7, 1947, but with a mandatory delay of several months to hear any protests. The last scheduled train came down from the mountains on September 12, 1947 (Figure 7). And two days later the scrappers began pulling up the rails at Russia (Neal 1966:66, 67).
Rails, fastenings and spikes were sold as scrap steel. The rail was too twisted and worn for further use. Ties were picked up and sold locally, but most of the timber trestles remained where they had stood for so long. Some were dismantled and sold for their timber content. Up on the National Forest, the Forest Service removed the ties and stringers from the ends of the larger trestles as a safety measure to keep the unsuspecting and the adventurous from clambering out on the increasingly shaky structures (Neal 1966:68, 69).
Last Updated: 02-Sep-2008


text:
20th-22nd October 2017
Adult £25
Child (aged 2-16 yrs) £13
Child under 2 FREE
Family (2 Adults and 2 Children 1 child effectively free) £63
Advance tickets include all booking fees and tickets cost the same on the day.
Entry is by travel ticket only. Site/platform tickets, intermediate fares and discount vouchers, including Tesco Clubcard vouchers, are NOT valid for this event.
Once tickets are purchased they cannot be changed or cancelled for any reason.
The Company does not guarantee that the trains will arrive or depart at the times stated and reserves the right to cancel, alter or suspend any train without notice, or to substitute a different train should this be necessary for whatever reason.
Image for illustration purposes only.


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Epic Adventure ~ Snorkeling with Whales
I felt like an alien. I was in a full piece black neoprene wet suit complete with hood, sitting in Ocean Quest's Zodiac listening to Holly Stanley my tour guide for the next three hours. We were headed out of Petty Harbour into the Atlantic Ocean to do something I did not even realize was possible. We were about to go snorkeling with whales.
The tour can accommodate up to 12 people and was full the day I went. Our Zodiac was zipping along looking for the mist of a whale saying hello. It was a beautiful clear day with only a few small clouds dotting the pale blue sky. There was not even the slightest hint of a breeze. Holly, who has spent a great deal of time on the water, told us that she had never seen the water that calm which was very lucky as this would make it easier to spot the whales. I was enjoying just being on the water admiring the beauty of the shoreline and being amazed at how much it looked like Ireland. The sunshine glisten on the crystal blue waters as Holly explained how;
"Ocean Quest, back in its earlier days, teamed up with a company called Ocean Net who's mission was to help instill a marine conservation ethic starting with the youth. We had youth and the oceans conferences every year with guest speakers such as Bill Montevecchi, who helped to educate the youth and even the adults on how important it is to keep our oceans clean."
She told me how one of the company's moto's is:
"'Take only pictures, leave only bubbles' and clean up when they can. We do not want to harm or disturb any animals that we encounter on or under the water. This will allow us to be able to see them year after year. Everyone needs to respect them, just as they do us."
They want people to have incredible experiences, to see things that they never would have seen and to get a greater appreciation for the ocean and marine life. They want to do this in a way that does not harm the ocean life or disrupt the the animals environment. They want to not only amaze but also educate people as well.
Holly's explanation was interrupted as said as she pointed out into the ocean at the whale blow spraying in the air. She told us that it was a humpback as the driver turned the Zodiac towards the whale. We saw the whale jump and dive, this time even closer as the boat raced toward the giant creature. The Zodiac stopped which placed us right beside the whale's path about 100 feet away. We watched it jump and breach. Holly looked at all of us in the boat and told us to put on our snorkel masks, jump out and swim towards the whale.
Everyone did as there were told.
Everyone except for me.
I had questions.
This is a wild animal that can weigh between 25-40 tons and we were just suppose to jump in the water and swim to it? Holly reassured me by telling me "With the knowledge and experience throughout our 16 years in business, Ocean Quest has been able to try and gauge the reactions of these giant creatures but we also respect that everyone and everything can makmake mistakes. Due to the whales echolocation, they know exactly how large they are and where we are in respect to their say tail. We make sure to have a safety swimmer in the water when we have a large group in order to keep the group together and reduce the risk of accidents. We have a spotter along with the boat operator looking for aggressive activity from the surface. If the whale is aggressively feeding, actively breaching or lob tailing we do not put anyone in the water with them."
She assured me that she would never put anyone in a dangerous situation, and told me that it is an incredible experience that you will never forget. As the other people climbed back into the boat, amazed with what they had seen I took a deep breath and got ready to jump.
The next whale we found was a Fin whale, one of the largest whales in the world. I secured my mask and waited for Holly's cue to jump. The Zodiac came to a stop and we were told to go. I jumped into the ocean and shivered a little as the cool water snuck into my wetsuit. I kicked my finned feet towards the whale and then looked up. There before me was the most incredible thing I had ever seen.
A massive creature gliding through the water in a graceful dance. Seeing a whale jump and breach through the waves when in a boat is amazing, but being so close to this giant of the sea and getting to see it in it's entirety was heart stopping. Time seemed to slow down, it was just me and this whale. The only sound the controlled rhythm of my breathing through my snorkel. I have never felt so small, so peaceful and so connected to everything. How could something so immense move with such elegance? I was in awe. As my new friend dove out of sight I silently thanked him for sharing a swim.
Ocean Quest excels at ensuring that everyone gets to swim with a whale before they head back to shore.
We stopped a few more times, allowing all on board a fair chance to swim with one of these marvellous ocean residents.
As the Zodiac sliced through the water and headed back to shore, the smile on my face grew wider. I just got to share a swim with one of the largest creatures on the planet! I shook my head, just another day in Newfoundland.
Ocean Quest Whale snorkeling tours run all July and August for $199 a person. For more information please visit www.oceanquestadventures.com.