text:
Journal of Structures
Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 628759, 10 pages
Investigations on Efficiently Interfaced Steel Concrete Composite Deck Slabs
1Structural Engineering Research Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Taramani, Chennai 600113, India
2Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai 600036, India
Received 19 February 2013; Revised 5 June 2013; Accepted 24 June 2013
Academic Editor: Francis Collombet
Copyright © 2013 K. N. Lakshmikandhan et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The strength of the composite deck slab depends mainly on the longitudinal shear transfer mechanism at the interface between steel and concrete. The bond strength developed by the cement paste is weak and causes premature failure of composite deck slab. This deficiency is effectively overcame by a shear transferring mechanism in the form of mechanical interlock through indentations, embossments, or fastening studs. Development of embossment patterns requires an advanced technology which makes the deck profile expensive. Fastening studs by welding weakens the joint strength and also escalates the cost. The present investigation is attempted to arrive at a better, simple interface mechanism. Three types of mechanical connector schemes are identified and investigated experimentally. All of the three shear connector schemes exhibited full shear interaction with negligible slip. The strength and stiffness of the composite slabs with shear connectors are superior about one and half time compared to these of the conventional reinforced concrete slabs and about twice compared to these of composite slabs without mechanical shear connectors. The scheme2 and scheme3 shear connector mechanisms integrate deck webs and improve strength and stiffness of the deck, which can effectively reduce the cost of formworks and supports efficiently.
1. Introduction
Cold formed profiled steel sheets with embossments are widely used for composite floor decking systems in multistoried steel buildings wherein they remain permanently placed as an integral part of the floor system. The metal sheet performs as the formwork for concreting and as the primary tension reinforcement. The composite deck flooring results in faster construction and lighter floors. It also performs as a good ceiling surface and a convenient ducting for routing. Additional steel in the form of reinforcing bars or welded wire fabric needs to be provided for taking care of shrinkage, temperature, and the negative bending moment at supports. In composite slabs, the composite action between two dissimilar materials like concrete and steel is developed by bonding at the interface of two materials. The cement paste develops weak surface bonding and it is not sufficient to retain the composite behaviour. In addition surface bonding between concrete and metal deck requires shear connectors at the interface of the two materials. These shear connectors are normally the embossments in the deck sheets. These embossments are in typical pattern unique to each profile. These embossments develop friction as well as mechanical interlock between the concrete and steel deck. These embossment patterns carry the longitudinal shear developed at the interface of the concrete and steel sheet. The interlock prevents slip thereby enabling the two materials to act as a single entity of composite deck. The mechanical interlock can also be achieved by the use of welded stud connectors, and other local means of connection are in practice to develop the interfacial shear resistance.
The mechanical interlocking system in the deck profile provides the resistance to vertical separation and horizontal slippage between steel and concrete. From the numerous shear transferring mechanisms, few methods to provide transverse shear strength in composite steel deck slab are shown in Figure 1.
2. Review of Literature
Profiled steel sheets are widely accepted in recent times for fast track construction. It has been established as a pragmatic solution for the construction of tall steel buildings at minimum duration. The overall weight of structure is considerably reduced by these composite deck floors. The strength of the composite slab mainly depends on the interface bond between the steel and concrete. The steel deck and concrete are then essentially free from slip relative to one another and this resistance is provided by mechanical interlock, normally by embossments. As an alternative to these embossment patterns, the interface strength was enhanced by welding shear studs, rods, and wires on the metal decking top flange surface. The interface shear behaviour of composite deck slab is a complex phenomenon and several research works were carried out in the past four decades. In early 1976, Porter et al. [3] carried out a large number of experimental investigations on the composite deck slabs. The full-scale cold formed steel deck one-way composite floor slabs are tested to failure and established shear-bond failure mechanism. The shear-bond failure is defined as the formation of a diagonal tension crack in the concrete which results in slippage between the concrete and deck which is observed at the end of the span. Further, Porter and Ekberg [4] have conducted experimental studies on the shear-bond failure characteristics of one-way composite slabs and reported several observations on the significant parameters which are influencing the composite behaviour. They also recommended the design equations for the shear-bond capacity which is derived from the data collected from a series of performance tests on the slabs and establishing the linear regression relationship. This performance testing involves a series of tests which need more time and cost. In view of this, Seleim and Schuster [5] came with a solution to reduce the number of tests for the performance testing. From the experimental work carried out on composite deck slabs, they developed an ultimate shear-bond equation for composite deck slabs, in which the equation considered steel deck thickness as an important parameter. The number of laboratory tests required for earlier shear-bond equations decreased by about 75 percent. Seleim and Schuster concluded that neither the reinforcement ratio nor the compressive strength of concrete has a significant influence on the shear-bond resistance, but deck thickness was a governing parameter.
Calixto et al. [6] and Tenhovuori and Leskela [7] carried out an experimental investigation on one-way single span composite slabs with ribbed decking. Several aspects were studied including different steel deck thickness, total slab height, and the shear span length. The effect of stud bolt type connectors on the end anchorage was also investigated and found to have better performance of the composite slab. Chen [8] presented the test results of simply supported-single span composite slabs and two continuous composite slabs using different end restraints. The slabs with end anchorage with steel studs carry higher load due to higher shear-bond strength. The authors found that the shear-bond slip at the sheet-concrete interface governs the shear-bond failure of composite slabs rather than the strength of the end constraints. Marimuthu et al. [1] investigated their indigenous embossment pattern. They carried out experimental work on 18 slabs to get the shear-bond strength.
The review of literature clearly indicates that the load carrying capacity of the composite slab is mainly affected by the interfacial shear interaction. The interfacial shear depends on many parameters, such as height, shape, orientation of the embossment pattern, and the mechanical shear connector. The parameters that affect the shear-bond capacity need a series of tests and linear regression analysis. The composite strength of composite deck varies with the capacity of horizontal shear transfer between the concrete slab and steel deck. It is found that the interface shear strength depends on the embossment patterns. These embossments patterns are unique in character which requires separate performance evaluation tests even for a slight change in the geometry.
In addition to the interfacial shear forces, the flexure also leads to vertical separation between the steel and the concrete. Resistance to vertical separation needs to be examined with these embossments. The production of dimples and embossments leads to a cost escalation of about 25 to 50 percent of the decking profile cost. Any change in the existing embossments again needs a series of testing and this makes the analysis of composite deck slab complex.
The studs fastened at the deck end for the anchorage perform better. But the shear-bond slip at the sheet-concrete interface governs the strength rather than the strength of end constraints. Welding studs or rods over the deck top flange can modify the shear-bond failure of composite slabs. But the welding of shear connectors is not a successful concept. The metal decking sheet is generally about 1 mm thick, and welding the studs on the metal surface weakens the metal sheet strength. The welding heat induces voids, cracks, and erupts out of molten metal which weaken the bond strength of joints. The welding of studs also considerably escalates the cost [9–11]. The screw type shear studs were found successful then the welded studs for the end anchorage between steel beam and concrete with higher plasticization. In view of the forementioned, it is necessary to obtain shear interaction without the cost escalation and without weakening the metal strength by welding.
In addition to the performance, the analysis and design of composite deck slab behaviour is complex due to the partial interaction between metal deck and concrete. Full composite interaction between metal deck and concrete makes the design procedure of composite deck system become simple and straight forward. Suitable mechanism is the necessity of present days to overcome the above difficulties and deficiencies. Composite slab with a full shear interaction can reduce the rigid procedures. The bolted studs seem to be a better option for the interface mechanism with higher plasticity and overall ductility. These studs should mandatorily be efficient to control slip and uplifting of concrete. This enlightened us to develop a mechanism to control slip and uplifting forces for effective interface. In the present paper, three types of shear transferring mechanisms are developed using mechanical shear connectors. The bolts and/or steel rods are fastened in the metal deck to control the debonding forces at the interface. The holes are created to affix the shear connectors at the appropriate locations of web and flange of the metal deck. The metal sheet having enough resistance against the metal tearing and the process of creating the holes do not affect the metal strength. Series of experimental investigations are carried out to evaluate the efficiency of these three shear connector mechanisms on better interface strength.
3. Development of Deck and Composite Slab
The shear connectors present in the composite deck slabs effectively transfer interfacial shear. The embossment pattern type shear connectors have their own difficulties in terms of uniqueness in character and their cost escalation for production. The mechanical shear connectors are simple to implement with a negligible cost escalation. These mechanical shear connectors are fastened with metal deck by welding, bolting, or screwing into the surface. The welding of studs with deck sheet is categorical due to its tough measures. The present investigation is carried out experimentally with mechanical shear connectors without welding. One mm thick mild steel sheets are used in this investigation. The plain steel sheets are pressed into trough shape with a size measuring 750 mm width, 1830 mm length, and 75 mm depth, and they are developed as shown in Figure 2.
The metal deck profile was fabricated with a press breaker machine. It is a high precision machine which presses, bends, folds, and accurately forms the deck profile. The holes are produced by punching with relevant equipment fitted with these press breaker machines. The holes in the deck are formed with a minimum edge distance of 75 mm between the hole and sheet edge accurately. The centre to centre distance between the individual holes in a line along the length of sheet is kept as 300 mm. The holes are formed at the appropriate locations of the deck flange and web. The shear connectors are positioned through these holes. Three types of shear connector schemes are derived based on the position of shear connector assemblies.
Out of these three shear connector schemes, the first type is proposed with fastening of 8 mm diameter bolts with 100 mm length at 300 mm center to center distance on the web of trough profile. These bolts are placed perpendicular to the web in a staggered manner in the opposite webs to simulate equivalent dove tail action. These bolts are designed to transfer the bond separation forces in terms of longitudinal interfacial shear forces and the uplifting force of slab efficiently as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). The bolts are fixed by tightening the nut and this type of shear connector mechanism is designated as scheme1.
The second shear connector scheme is proposed with higher shear strength in both transverse shear and uplift force, separately. In this shear connector mechanism, the bolts are placed at the top flange of deck for the transverse shear force, and 8 mm rod is inserted through the hole which is created at the middle height of deck web for uplifting force as shown in Figure 4(a). The schematic view of scheme2 shear connector scheme is shown in Figure 4(b). The second shear connector mechanism is purposefully planned with higher shear capacity to achieve full shear interaction and it is designated as scheme2 shear connector scheme.
In the third shear connector scheme, 10 mm steel rod is affixed to control both the transverse shear force and the uplifting force. In this shear connector mechanism, 10 mm high strength deformed bars are inserted through the holes created at the deck web center of steel deck in the direction perpendicular to the primarily reinforced direction as shown in Figure 5(a), and the schematic view of scheme3 is shown in Figure 5(b). The steel rods are placed at 150 mm from the web edge and 300 mm distance between the adjacent rods.
The construction of composite system requires minimum reinforcement over the deck for accounting shrinkage and temperature effects. These secondary reinforcements were also utilized to control the negative moments. Generally about 6 to 8 mm diameter reinforcements, welded meshes, or the synthetic meshes were used for this purpose. When the steel reinforcement is used as a secondary reinforcement, it is connected with a metal sheet by welding to enhance the control over the interface separation as shown in Figure 6. The secondary reinforcement provided over the top of the deck improves the load carrying strength of composite slab about 10 percent. Mounting reinforcing bars over the deck in both directions help minimize the cracking of composite-deck slabs. The bars also help in reducing the slab curling and the local damage of deck profile during concreting.
In view of Figures 4 and 5, the proposal of implementing full shear interaction particularly in scheme2 and scheme3 shear connectors, the strength and stiffness of metal deck are improved and they withstand the local damage during concreting. To economize the composite deck, this paper also made an attempt to address the issue of using light weight chicken mesh for the secondary reinforcements instead of steel reinforcement mat at the top of the composite slab. The use of chicken mesh is very simple to handle and practise due to its flexible steel wires. The chicken mesh can efficiently control the temperature and shrinkage stresses. Three composite slab specimens are cast for each shear connector scheme. Out of three composite slab specimens, one slab was examined with 8 mm diameter bar and the other two slabs are with chicken mesh for secondary reinforcements. The selection of 8 mm steel reinforcement is an arbitrary choice mainly to evolve the possibilities in strength reduction due to chicken mesh. The concrete is placed over the steel deck and the overall depth of 120 mm is precisely maintained in all slab castings. To assess the performance of composite slabs with mechanical shear connecters, testing of composite slabs without mechanical shear connecter is carried out. Since the reinforced concrete is engaged in the major portion of construction industry, the composite deck slab performance is also compared with the test results of reinforced concrete slabs for better perceptive. The M25 concrete of mix proportion 1 : 1.5 : 3 : 4.8 with 28th day average compressive strength of 33.25 N/mm2 is used for concreting. The trough deck profile was produced from the mild steel sheet of 1 mm thickness with modulus elasticity of N/mm2 and Poisson's ratio of 0.3. The readily available steel studs and rods are used as shear connectors. Modulus elasticity of steel studs and steel rods is N/mm2 and Poisson's ratio is 0.3.
4. Load Setup and Testing Method
The composite slabs are prepared to be tested under two-point loading condition. The schematic view of the experimental setup and the photographs of the hinge and roller supports are shown in Figure 7. Two mild steel rods of 50 mm diameter are placed over the slab to apply a perfect line load. The rods are placed at a distance of L/4 from the supports. A standard I section ISMB 200 is placed over the rods in the transverse direction. A 30 ton hydraulic jack is fixed in the loading frame for applying load. The load is measured with a proving ring which is kept between the hydraulic jack and the ISMB 200 section. The dial gauges are used to measure the mid span deflection and end slip. The mid span deflection and the end slip are noted down at specific load intervals. The test series is started with testing of composite slab without any mechanical shear connector. The two-point load is applied on slabs and corresponding deflections are observed. The steel deck and concrete are separated due to the lack of bond between the steel deck and concrete as shown in Figure 8. The load carrying capacity and stiffness are reduced due to the loss of composite action between concrete and metal deck. The composite slab without shear interaction carring a maximum average load at about 65 kN is observed from the test. The metal deck and concrete completely debonded from each other and that makes the two parts act separately. The loss of composite action is evidenced from the metal sheet buckling at the web top. The results showed the necessity of efficient interface bonding between steel and concrete of composite deck system. The mechanical shear studs and rods are necessary to modify the performance of composite system by controlling the slip and uplifting forces. Three shear connector schemes are implemented to control the interface behaviour.
The composite slabs with different mechanical shear connector schemes are tested to failure. The load is increased and corresponding deflections at three points along the center line of slab are noted. Until the load reaches ultimum, it is applied as a load control increment and after that the load is altered with a displacement control, in which the jack head movement is controlled with the deflection increment in the central deflection. During the test, no sudden drop in load is observed up to ultimate load. In the entire testing of composite slab with mechanical shear connectors, no slip was observed. Also it is found that the secondary reinforcement in the form of chicken mesh or the 8 mm rod is not much affecting the performance of composite deck slabs. The composite slabs are performed in a ductile manner. The ultimate load carrying capacity of the composite slab with mechanical shear connector increased considerably and attained about 100 to 120 kN. The failure patterns of composite slab with mechanical shear connector are showing in Figure 9. The composite slab initially shown several microcracks and few cracks is widened after ultimate failure without showing any slip at the end.
From the experimental investigations, all three types of mechanical shear connectors performed well and no slip nor uplifting between concrete and deck sheet was observed. The composite slabs with shear connectors exhibited full shear interaction with remarkable increase in the load carrying capacity.
5. Results and Discussion
Three numbers of composite slabs without any shear connectors (NSC) are tested under two-point loads. The load is increased in steps, and corresponding center span deflections of slabs are measured up to peak. Furthermore after reaching the peak load, the load is altered for the increase of deflection and corresponding load is observed. The slab exhibited merely a linear behaviour till the load reaches about 38 kN and suddenly the load dropped to about 30 kN. The center span deflection is increased abruptly with a visible slip of about 2 mm at end. Further the load increased with increase of center deflection and end slip simultaneously. The composite slabs completely lost their composite action and developed an opening between concrete and metal deck. The load deflection performance of composite slabs without shear connector is presented in Figure 10 with an identity designation NSC.
Three composite slabs without the mechanical shear connectors behaved in an identical pattern with slight variation of results. The ultimate failure load observed from the experimental study is about 65 kN. At the failure of specimen, about 13 mm visible end slip and separation of concrete and steel deck are observed. The slip causes complete separation and it emphasizes to implement a supplementary technique. A reinforced concrete slab with 120 mm depth and reinforced with 10 mm steel rod at both directions is tested for a vital comparison. The average ultimate failure load of about 71 kN is observed from the experimental study. The load carrying capacity of reinforced concrete slab is about 15 percent more which shows the deficiency in composite slab without shear connector.
Three shear connector schemes are implemented to overcome the slip and uplifting. Three numbers of composite slabs with scheme1 shear connectors are tested under two point loads with a suitable load increment. The behaviour of slab is a comparable trend with any reinforced concrete design. The load drops after reaching the ultimate load at about 115 kN. After reaching load drop, the load is altered with an increase in deflection, and corresponding load in the proving ring is observed. The slab exhibited nonlinear behaviour with expected full shear interaction. The load deflection performance of composite slab with scheme1 shear connector is presented in Figure 11 with an identity designation t1CSLB.
Three composite slabs with scheme1 mechanical shear connectors behaved in a similar pattern. The secondary reinforcements for creep and shrinkage are examined with 8 mm steel rod and with chicken mesh. Both of the secondary reinforcements have exhibited similar behaviour with about 5 to 10 percent variation in strength. The chicken mesh shows impressive results for the secondary reinforcements instead of the conventional steel rods at nonnegative bending moment. The effect of chicken mesh at negative moment region is not covered in the present investigation. The composite slab with scheme1 shear connector exhibited complete interaction between steel and concrete surfaces. The full shear interaction improved strength, stiffness, and ductility of composite slab. The slabs failed in flexure and no slabs failed in interface separation and slip. The load carrying capacity improved about 75 percent of additional load compared to the composite slab without shear interaction. The failure pattern is gradually descening after the peak load and replicated under reinforced concrete behaviour.
The scheme2 shear connectors are examined for their efficiency and the same test procedures were followed as earlier. The slab exhibited nonlinear behaviour with full shear interaction similar to that of scheme1 shear connector. The load deflection behaviour of composite slabs with scheme2 shear connector is plotted and displayed in Figure 12 with an identity designation t2CSLB.
Three composite slabs with scheme2 mechanical shear connectors are performed in an identical pattern. The ultimate failure load at about 120 kN is observed from the experimental study. The performance of composite slab with scheme2 shear connector is not much affected with light weight chicken mesh and steel rod for the secondary reinforcement. The failure pattern of composite slab with scheme2 shear connectors has shown similar ductile performance like scheme1 shear connector. The slab failed in flexure and the scheme2 shear connectors offered good resistance against the interface bond failure. Shear connector schemes, scheme1 and scheme2, offered resistance against the longitudinal shear as well as the uplift debonding forces.
Three numbers of composite slabs with scheme3 shear connectors are investigated. In scheme3, continuous steel rod is inserted at the center of deck to control the slip and separation of surfaces. This experimental study aimed to assess the efficiency of the inserted rod for the transfer of both longitudinal and uplifting forces. The load is increased in steps with suitable load interval, and the center span deflections of composite slab are measured. The drop in the load is observed at about 115 kN. After reaching load drop, the load is altered for an increase of deflection, and corresponding load in the proving ring is observed. The slab exhibited nonlinear behaviour with full shear interaction similar to that of scheme1 and scheme2 shear connectors. The load deflection performance of composite slab with scheme3 shear connector is plotted as shown in Figure 13 with an identity designation t3CSLB. Three composite slabs with scheme3 mechanical shear connectors have performed well.
The composite slab with scheme3 shear connectors with chicken mesh as secondary reinforcement has performed well. The failure pattern of composite slab with scheme3 shear connectors has shown similar ductile performance to that of scheme1 and scheme2 shear connector schemes. The performance composite slab with scheme3 shear connector scheme is comparable with the performance of slab with scheme2 shear connector. The scheme3 shear connector seems to be more economical when compared to the other two shear connector schemes. The three shear connector schemes exhibited full shear interaction, and the bond slip comparison is shown in Figure 14 which confirms the control over the slip. The load slip behaviour of composite slabs clearly indicates the importance of mechanical shear connectors.
The performances of different slabs are given in Table 1. The load deflection performances of different types of slabs are compared in Figure 15.
The defective performance of composite slab without shear connector is modified by adding the shear connectors. The slab with all the three schemes of shear connectors showed a uniform behaviour with a negligible slip and exhibited a full shear interaction. The slip measured in the composite slab with shear connectors is very meager and negligible. All three types of shear connectors performed well in controlling the bond slip between concrete and steel deck.
The ultimate load carrying capacity of composite slab is increased due to the presence of mechanical shear connector. The scheme1, scheme2, and scheme3 shear connector schemes exhibit better performance in terms of the increase in stiffness, strength with deflection reduction compared to reinforced concrete slab and composite slab without shear connector. Composite slabs with these three types of mechanical connectors reached the ultimate load about 115 kN. The stiffness of metal deck in primary reinforcement direction is high and it has negligible stiffness in the other direction. The insertion of steel rod at the middle of the deck web in scheme2 and scheme3 shear connector schemes ties and integrates the metal deck. The new method of integration improves the strength and stiffness of metal deck in both directions. The increase in strength and stiffness of decking profile sheet is a positive sign during placing concrete which can reduce formworks and props. The scheme3 shear connector scheme also has a scope in two-way deck slab application with a minimum cost which is schematically shown in Figure 16.
The energy absorption of different slabs is derived from the load deflection plots to enrich evidence for the efficiency of composite slab with shear connectors. The energy absorption is calculated up to the ultimate load by calculating the area under the load deflection curve. The composite deck slab without mechanical shear connector showed very low energy absorption of about 1800 Nm. The energy absorption of reinforced concrete slab is found about 2035 Nm. The composite slab with mechanical shear connector absorbed energy about 3748 Nm.
The composite slabs without shear connectors seem to be inferior when compared to the reinforced concrete slab. The load carrying capacity of composite slab without shear connector is 15 percent below when compared to that of reinforced concrete slab which is modified with the addition of mechanical shear connectors. Addition of shear connectors converts the poor behaviour of composite slab to superior performance when compared to that of reinforced concrete slabs. The composite slab with mechanical shear connector carried about 60 percent more load when compared to the reinforced concrete slab with the same depth. The load carrying capacity of composite slab without shear connector enhanced by about 110 percent with the addition of shear connectors with negligible cost escalation.
6. Conclusion
The slab constructed with stud bolts and shear rods showed a different behaviour when compared to that of the composite slab without shear connector. The full shear interaction is achieved without drop in load before reaching the ultimate load, and a negligible slip is observed during the entire monotonic loading procedure. From the experimental investigations, the following was conduded.(1)The composite slab without shear connectors slips and fails at the earlier load level. The insertion of shear connector modifies the brittle behaviour of the composite slab into ductile.(2)Three mechanical shear connector schemes develop full shear interaction and do not show any visible delamination and slip.(3)The insertion of steel rods at the middle of the deck web in scheme2 and scheme3 shear connector schemes ties and integrates the metal deck. The integration improves the strength and stiffness of metal deck and reduces formworks and temporary supports.(4)Steel rods present in the deck web can be efficiently tied and showcased for the two-way composite deck system.(5)The inclusion of shear connector enhances the flexural capacity, stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption of composite deck system. (6)The load carrying capacity is improved by about 110 percent when compared to that of the composite slab without mechanical shear connector with minimum/negligible cost escalation. The composite slab with mechanical shear connector carried about 60 percent additional load when compared to that of the reinforced concrete slab with same depth.(7)The flexural capacity of composite deck slab with wire mesh is found competitive for shrinkage and temperature effects.
This paper is being published with the kind permission of Director of CSIR-SERC, Chennai.
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Ceredigion council leader disappointed over flood cash help request
The leader of Ceredigion Council said she is disappointed with the Welsh Secretary's comments that Wales is unlikely to receive extra money to deal with flood repairs.
Ellen ap Gwynn said Aberystwyth could be threatened again by floods with big high tides due in February.
David Jones said the Welsh and UK governments already had schemes to help councils with floods.
About 200 people volunteered to help clean up Aberystwyth front on Saturday.
As well as students, one man had travelled from Gloucestershire to help clear shingle from the walkway armed with buckets and shovels.
Mr Jones said the Treasury was unlikely to release extra money and he doubted EU funds would be available.
Ellen ap Gwynn told BBC Radio Wales his comments were "disappointing", adding: "He doesn't seem to have taken on the seriousness of this storm and the effect it has had all the way round the Welsh coast."
She said it was up to the UK Government to seek more money for flood defence work from the EU for the British Isles.
"There is the cost of the recovery which is the period we are in now but there is also the cost of the initial repair because we are promised high tides again at the beginning of February and March which could affect the buildings along the prom and along the rest of the coast if we don't put some immediate work in hand," she said.
Worst hit
"I think we have got to look much further ahead and design new flood defences where they seem to be wanting or damaged to such an extent that they are no longer really useful."
Damage stretched across the country from Deganwy in Conwy county to the Gower but it was Ceredigion - particularly Aberystwyth seafront - that was worst hit.
Surveyors are still estimating the cost of repairing damage to the Ceredigion coast.
The UK government is providing emergency financial assistance for English councils under the Bellwin scheme, which aims to help councils forced to spend more than 0.2% of their budget on exceptional costs.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Politics Wales programme, Mr Jones said that it was up to the devolved administration to take action in Wales.
Last week Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies said emergency funding was available but there would not be any "blank cheques" available for the rebuilding of Aberystwyth's storm-damaged seafront.

subset: commoncrawl


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STAMFORD, Conn. — Three Westhill High School students were taken to Stamford Hospital following an altercation at the school Monday morning, said Sharon Beadle, the school district's public information officer.
One of the three students was accused of throwing bleach at the others during the incident, Beadle said. The students, all ninth-grade girls, are expected to be released from the hospital today, she said.
She was unsure if any of the girls are in police custody or have been charged in the scuffle. The schools will discipline the girls after police investigate, Beadle said. Stamford Police have not yet responded to phone messages.
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I am thrilled to be onboard at Energy Source. This is a very exciting time for the company and the industry. I am looking forward to putting all of my focus on saving energy for customers in the region and beyond."
(PRWEB) March 27, 2014
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- Provide analysis of project economics
- Maximize benefits of incentive programs
- Provide complete installation services
- Provide extended lamp and ballast warranties
- Recycle lamps and ballasts
- Lighting Upgrades
- HVAC efficiency improvements
- Energy Management Systems
- Variable Speed Drives
- Motor upgrades


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Senior joins Source as MD and head of investment content
Source adds Senior and Mautone as managing directors in London
Exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider Source has appointed Edgar Senior as managing director and head of investment content and product development. In this new role, he will report to Source's chief strategy officer, Peter Thompson. Senior was previously the global co-head of hedge fund Capital Services for Credit Suisse in London for close to five years. Prior to that, he was European head of fund-linked products structuring and marketing for Goldman Sachs, where he spent a total of seven years
More on Structured products
7 days in 60 seconds
VM change, Libor fallback and DTCC blockchain
The week on Risk.net, November 10-16, 2017Receive this by email


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Type: Improvement
Status: Closed
Priority: Major
Resolution: Fixed
Affects Version/s: 3.3
Fix Version/s: 4.0-ALPHA
Component/s: None
Currently solr depends on commons-httpclient 3.x. EOL has been announced , for some time , for that release line.
Need to upgrade the same, to httpclient 4.1.x , to begin with. Targeting 4.0 .
jira logged as per the discussion of "solr - httpclient from 3.x to 4.1.x" thread.
Issue Links
- All
- Comments
- Work Log
- History
- Activity
- Transitions
Some of this work has already been done:
the two issues seem related, but not necessarily a duplicate. It would be great to get someone with httpcomponent-4.x know how to look at how the http client is used thoughout solr.
In /trunk (4.x) we can change the solr APIs to depend on the newer httpcomponent stuff
For what we are looking at, it is very important to change the API, port to the 'hc' (httpcomponents) world. It probably implies going back and revisiting the rest of the usages as well.
Any thoughts on how to handle back compatibility? I tried to add the new SolrServer implementation and deprecate CommonsHttpSolrServer, but there are lots of other places that create the HttpClient directly.
I suggest that we:
- add HttpSolrServer from
SOLR-2020, deprecate CommonsHttpSolrServer
- merge this change to 3.x
- distributed search will still use CommonsHttpSolrServer
- Solrj users can switch to using HttpSolrServer
- in /trunk only, migrate all httpclient usage to supported stuff
I suggest that we: ...
Sounds good to me, I am going to commit
SOLR-2020 to trunk soon. After that I can port the client only part to 3.x. unless somebody thinks that's too late to do it because of the 3.x release procedure is going to start soon... If that is the case then I can only deprecate the CommonsHttpSolrServer from trunk
As far as i can tell, httpclient 3.x is no longer used anywhere in Solr's branch_4x, so this seems resolved.
Sami: if i'm wrong please re-open and clarify.


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From farm to fridge for £3 a week
12:31pm Thursday 17th April 2014
12:31pm Thursday 17th April 2014
EATING healthily no longer has to cost the earth, thanks to a new food co-operative in Milford Haven.
Poverty relief charity PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship) has joined forces with the Welsh Government to open a local produce co-op at its base in Milford Haven.
Thanks to a deal with a local supplier, people will be able to pre-order a bag full of tasty, seasonal fruit and vegetables for just £3 a week, which can then be picked up from the PATCH headquarters.
Abbi Morrison, food development worker with the Welsh Government's rural regeneration unit, said co-ops were a great idea that helped customers and suppliers.
"By buying a bag of 'staples' once a week from a co-op, people can save around £200 a year on supermarket prices," said Abbi.
The scheme can also help people achieve their 'seven-a-day' fruit and veg target and learn what foods are in season.
Recipe cards and leaflets will also be available at the co-op, giving customers top tips on how to cook up their ingredients into tasty, healthy meals.
Abbi said delivering in bulk also helps lower suppliers' carbon footprint, and taking payment beforehand means no over-ordering.
"It's already been paid for before it's dug out of the ground so there's no waste," she added.
THE PATCH co-op joins the list of 330 across Wales, offering low-cost local produce at a range of venues, from schools to churches and WI groups.
At the official opening on Monday (April 14), PATCH co-ordinator Tracy Olin said the scheme would be great for local people, including those who had used the charity's services.
"We're always thinking of the next step to help people get back on their feet," she said.
Anna Malloy, communications officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: "We are delighted to support PATCH with their new venture."
The PATCH co-op will be open every Wednesday from 10am until 2pm, at the charity's branch at Unit C, Haven's Head Business Park, Milford Haven.
© Copyright 2001-2017 Newsquest Media Group


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Tamara Rollison 804-786-2715
Lou Hatter 434-529-6314
March 19, 2014
Transportation Secretary seeks 'reasonable solutions' to congestion in Charlottesville region
Presentation to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, March 19, 2014
An advisory panel convened by Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne will meet in Charlottesville on March 27 to assist with the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) work on recommendations for improvements to the Route 29 corridor in the Charlottesville region.
"We must identify reasonable solutions to the congestion on the Route 29 corridor in the Charlottesville area," said Secretary Layne. "Local input and support is crucial but we must also consider the needs of the other communities along this vital transportation artery. This group brings all those interests to the table as the commonwealth develops recommendations for improvements that will benefit those communities as well as the entire state."
The 10-member panel led by former VDOT Commissioner Philip Shucet will include officials from Albemarle County, the cities of Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Danville, the towns of Culpeper and Warrenton, the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Charlottesville and Lynchburg Chambers of Commerce and the Southern Environmental Law Center.
VDOT will provide recommendations for improvements that can be built or substantially under way within four years, can be accomplished within the approximately $200 million already dedicated to Route 29 improvements in that area, and to bring the recommended solutions to the CTB no later than May 14.
The first meeting will be held at the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research at the University of Virginia. Additional meetings will be held at locations on the Route 29 corridor. The advisory panel's meetings will be open to the public. Public comment will be accepted via the project's web site and reviewed at each meeting.
Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.


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Been to here? Upload
Exploring Thailand
My best friend Caleb and I took a journey to Southeast Asia for 5 weeks. We started by backpacking all across Thailand. From overnight trains, to 15 hour long bus rides, from tuk-tuk's to mopeds, we did whatever we had to too get from central all the way to the northern, back to central, all the way south down the islands of thailand. We saw and did it all! Our next journey after Thailand was India, which will be in my next video, Across India! www.thebellaphotography.com
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"Matt Fradd is unquestionably one of the most exciting young speakers in the Church today. His vibrant love for the faith coupled by his joy, humor, and eloquence make him a powerful force for the New Evangelization. Whether the topic is pornography, chastity, or the basic gospel message, his testimony is compelling for audiences of all ages." – Jason Evert, Author and Chastity Speaker
"Matt Fradd's ministry meets a critical need in the Church today. He is dynamic, bold, and convincing. Matt is reclaiming the truth, goodness and beauty of human sexuality in a way that is dynamic, knowledgeable, and engaging. I support his work in the Church." – Terrence Prendergast, S.J. Archbishop of Ottawa
"Our event was a HUGE success and Matt did an AWESOME job. In the short time that has passed since the event, I have heard so many positive comments about Matt's talk to the 7th and 8th grade students (especially the one on Wednesday). It was PERFECT and just what they needed to hear. It really spoke to their hearts." – Sr. Cecilia Joseph
"In addition to his globe-trotting work promoting chastity, Matt is a talented apologist, giving talks on how to defend the Church's teaching and writing on hot-button issues such as atheism and how to combat it." – Karl Keating, Founder of Catholic Answers
"I'm quite impressed by Matt Fradd and his formidable skills as a burgeoning Catholic apologist. His explanations and defense of the Faith are cogent, clear, compelling, and, best of all, conciliatory." – Patrick Madrid
"Matt Fradd is an exceptional speaker, a gifted evangelist, and a rising star in the world of apologetics. His talks are the perfect balance between an intellectual depth presented in an understandable fashion and an entertaining style that keeps his audiences riveted." – Tim Staples
With his smooth and easy-on-the-ears Aussie accent, Matt Fradd is not only an entertaining speaker but he's profoundly knowledgable about the Catholic Faith. Whether it is explaining atheism, the Trinity or how to carry on a good discussion with non-Catholics, he is a crowd pleaser on a great number of topics. While he is thorough and in depth, he also approaches his topic with a simple and infectious enthusiasm which is appreciated by young and old. Put Matt in front of the microphone, sit back, learn and enjoy. – Steve Ray
"I just wanted to let you know you changed my life this weekend. I am an 18 year old and I am a freshman in college. I, unlike most of my friends, am still a virgin and I have this girl who is a friend who has basically been in love with me for 3 years. I planned on using her to finally "get rid" of my virginity. Your talk changed my mind 100% and made me realize what a horrible thing that would be. I plan on waiting until I get married and find the perfect woman!" – Teenage male


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- Carpenter
- Location: The Great White North
- Join Date: 3/20/2012
- Posts: 52
- Minecraft: Hunter3216
- Member Details
I accidentally changed the default program to open my run my server.jar to winrar and I can't change it back to the default java program that runs it, I have tried using the four java apps in my JRE7 bin and it won't work, also bat files won't run my server. I am on a 32 bit windows 7 computer and I need to use a jar file because I want to play with mods with my friends. Please help.


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1544 Dee, Wyandotte, Michigan
$124,9002 Beds1+ BathsActive
$124,9002 Beds1+ BathsActive
1544 Dee, Wyandotte, Michigan 48192 - WYANDOTTE- 2 possibly 3 bedroom home, 1.1 bath bungalow style home. 3rd bedroom currently used as utility room. This home was taken care of beautifully. Kitchen in basement. Sprawling backyard with grape trellises surrounding the deck. Active alley in the yard of the home that is located on a double lot. Don't let the older furnace scare you, this home has a cast iron heat exchanger. This feature is truly an asset! Range, dishwasher, refrigerator included in the sale. The electric fireplace is located in the living room.
Listing Courtesy of Re/Max Dynamic


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Mayweather, Alvarez Kick Off Tour in Times Square
By Dennis Waszak, Jr.
NEW YORK — Floyd Mayweather stood in the middle of a jam-packed Times Square, speaking over the chants of "Mex-i-co!" that grew increasingly louder.
The eight-time world champion also had plenty of fans cheering him on, but Mexican star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez appeared to be the slight crowd favorite as the two kicked off an 11-city tour to officially announce and promote their title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 14.
Not that it seemed to bother Mayweather all that much.
"I take my hat off to the country of Mexico, and they have produced some tremendous champions and I respect the country of Mexico," Mayweather said on a steamy afternoon in the heart of Manhattan in front of a few thousand fans with Broadway marquees serving as a colorful backdrop.
"But one thing I always know about the sport of boxing is that my fans can't fight for me, and his fans can't fight for him," he continued. "The Earth is my turf. You can put me in any ring and I will always come out victorious."
The promotional tour includes stops in cities such as Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami and Mexico City, and is jumpstarting the hype ahead of one of boxing's most anticipated bouts in recent memory.


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Comments from readers:
A RANT FOR Marion Williams and Betty Beard, who have once more resorted to the schoolyard bully tactic of name-calling. Shame on you two.
WHEN THE WHITE Christmas lights came out a few years ago they were really pretty, but please, enough is enough. Can you please replace your white lights with some colored lights; it is really boring to see white lights on 90 percent of the houses that are decorated.
THE WEATHER CHANNEL regularly reports "Bush Field: No Delays". What they don't tell you is "No Flights."
OK, AUGUSTA, ISN'T the most disappointing thing about the trip that Holland, Beard and Williams took to Reno that they came back? I'd give them the $6,000 just to go away and stay!
I'M DISGUSTED. I just read about the city's plans to drop improvements on the skate park. My son and his friends were very excited about getting a better skate park. The selfish commissioners could have used the money they spent on that Reno trip to finance the skate park, but they don't care about the people or our kids. They're selfish people and I can't wait until election time.
ISN'T AUGUSTA ALREADY polluted with fumes from chemical factories and many others right here in Richmond County? Must we also be polluted from a race track? You know and I know that the fumes are not going to drift straight up and they're not going to just lay flat on the track. They're going to drift all over Richmond County. That, with the noise factor, is going to keep people from even building anywhere out there around that place.
THIS IS IN RESPONSE to the person who stated that only fat people ride the electric carts in these supermarkets and so forth. Well, that's a bunch of hooey. I've seen skinny people in there. As far as the fat people, you don't know their health conditions. I ride them and I'm overweight. ... I can hardly walk and I'm grateful for the electric carts in the supermarket.
THIS IS A RANT FOR Andy Cheek and Marion Williams. Why do you say you don't understand? We don't need or want a race track. If you like to race, go to South Carolina.
TO HASAN, WHO THINKS that he's going to represent the education in Augusta, Ga., don't you get it, Hasan? The people don't want you as part of the education system in Richmond County. You were voted out.
THIS IS A RANT AGAINST the billboard companies. Why have we got to lose our beautiful trees on the sides of Bobby Jones Expressway and I-20 westbound so that people can see those ugly billboards?
I'VE GOT A COMMENT on the person that made a suggestion about the Regency Mall being a jail. I think what needs to be done to Regency Mall is make it an outlet store. That way Augusta will make a lot of money instead of money leaving, going to Savannah.
THIS IS A RANT FOR the state-employed chaplain who's benefits have been cut back asking for an agency, a.k.a. we the people, to pay for his health insurance. Maybe this is a sign, chaplain, a sign that says get your hand out of my pocket. Get off your rear and go find another job.
MY NEXT-DOOR neighbor had his Christmas ornaments stripped off his outside bush, and then a bunch of animals threw a brick on my front porch. Thankfully I have no decorations outside.
THIS RANT IS FOR the Canal Authority. I've waited 16 years for a boat ramp to be built leading to the Savannah River near the head gates. They have finally built some very steep steps. Let's hope no one gets hurt falling down trying to carry a canoe. How about providing a hoist or something?
YES, I AM A TWIN. Yes, I go out shopping with my sister some days, as do many other people with a sister. I am also an adult. Why do people insist on stopping and asking us if we are twins when we are out together? Why does it matter? Why do you have to know? Will it ruin your day if you don't know the answer? I don't ask you if you are stupid, don't ask me if I am a twin. It's rude, it's not cute and it's really none of your business.
I'M RAVING ABOUT THOSE blow-up decorations. It is amazing to me how quickly we forget we were young once, too. My grandchildren's eyes light up when they pass a decorated home with the blow-up ornaments or lights. They remind me of the Macy's Day Parade, only on a smaller version.
MY RANT IS FOR NOT renewing Richard Rogers' contract. I guess he's not a dirty lowlife enough to have his contract renewed. He's a good guy. You need to think about it.
THIS IS A RANT FOR A.K. Hasan. We have voted you out. We do not want you part of the Richmond County Board of Education. Please go and not fish for another job at the taxpayers' expense.
THIS IS FOR THE state chaplain whose hours have been cut and he has no health insurance. Tell him he could try Project Access at (706) 733-5177. I hope it helps. At least a little.
THIS IS A RANT about the dirty officers that are working down here in Richmond County. Keep going when you keep getting rid of all the dirty ones.
REMEMBER ONE RANTER suggested leg cramps for an enemy. There is help for leg cramps. If you're on your back, simply turn over onto your stomach. Different muscles are used. The blood flows. The pain is gone. And thank the Lord for whoever gave this idea.
I WOULD LIKE TO RAVE about the ditch out in Hyde Park. Why won't the city clean them up? They clean the rest of Hyde Park.
TO THE GENTLEMAN THAT killed Mr. LaBoard, you not only took a mentor for the Augusta Youth Center, you took a friend. You took a brother. But most of all you took an angel.
HAS ANYONE IN AUGUSTA ever thought of dimming their headlights at night to oncoming traffic?
I WAS BLESSED BY an angel in a grocery store in the soup aisle. I started speaking with a lady and we were talking about Christmas and the reason for the season being Jesus Christ and the Lord moved upon her and she came up and gave me, a total stranger, $50 to help me through a needy time. God bless her. She was truly my Christmas angel. Thank you, Miss Cathy.
I HAVE A RANT OR MAYBE a rave for the assistant principal at Murphey Middle School. Why can he wear a belt that's three times the size of any of the children's and yet they take the children's belts from them? What is wrong about this situation? Somebody needs to look into it, if we had a board of education that was willing to do it.
THIS IS A RANT for Marion Williams and Andy Cheek. I agree with the rant in the paper about both of them should be gone. Marion Williams is an uneducated fool. Andy Cheek is a coward. A blowhard. Andy Cheek can talk for 40 minutes and never say a word. He talks in circles and speaks with circle tongue.
DEAR SANTA: Please bring Marion Williams a brain. And Andy Cheek needs one, too. We definitely do not need all the proposals that they have going for the city. All they're doing is dragging us down while Evans is building up and taking all the business and tax dollars away from us.
THIS IS A RANT against Cynthia McKinney who, in her last days, continues to distract the nation by trying to impeach our president. She could have done great things while in Congress but chose a path of antagonism and hatred. What a waste of a position; shame on you!
I HAVE A BETTER IDEA. We don't need to choose another day to worship Christ. We can celebrate his birthday on Dec. 25 in the manner we each wish to and we can (and should) worship him every day!


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Worship Service
Our Worship Service
Our worship service is at the heart of our church's ministry. This is the time we have set aside to worship and glorify God as a community. Our Sunday morning worship tends to be traditional and formal, and generally follows the Common Lectionary. The sermons are biblically based, provocative, and relevant to the practice of our Christian faith in our daily lives. Our worship includes elements that are both corporate and intimate, and meet the spiritual as well as the practical needs of worshippers.
Another element of our service is Time as Children, during which the children of our congregation gather with the Director of Christian Education for a brief conversation. We are often treated to the astonishing insights of which only children are capable. On a recent Sunday morning, one of the children offered a prayer closing with an innocent and delightful "keep in touch."
Our youth are also involved in worship, not only in choir, but also as acolytes and lay readers.
We observe the ritual of Communion on the first Sunday of each month. This is open to all people, members and non-members, of all denominations, who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ.


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Firmware update for 1DX
blueuser wrote:..snip..Hope that Canon will do the same for the 5D Mark III
I'm skeptical that Canon will also propagate this 'fix' to the 5DIII.
My theory is that certain renowned photographers proved that the AF in the 1DX worked quite well at f/8 using a certain non-reporting TC. Given that many 1DIV and earlier 1D series owners grumbled about the lack of this ability and also that the camera seems to function quite well at f/8, perhaps Canon felt some pressure to re-enable this ability, regardless of any limitations they may have determined previously that caused them to limit AF to less than f/8. Do recall it took a really loooong time for Canon to release the 1DX. Time will prove whether or not the camera is up to the task for the majority of 1DX owners who rely on this capability..
Since no previous 5D model ever focused at f/8, its rather doubtful Canon would provide this functionality. Does the 5DIII have the necessary resources to properly provide AF at f/8?
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|Oct 17, 2012
|Oct 17, 2012
|Oct 18, 2012


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State, congressional candidates to discuss platforms Sunday
March 6, 2010
If you go
What: Meet the candidates, a meet-and-greet with Republican state and congressional candidates
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites, 377 Cedar Court
Cost: Free with a light breakfast included
At last week's Moffat County Republican Central Committee Lincoln Day Dinner at the Holiday Inn of Craig, several candidates running for office in November's election had a chance to speak to a Moffat County audience. Some of those candidates will have another opportunity Sunday.
John Ponikvar, Moffat County Republican Central Committee chairman, and his wife, Corrie, are sponsoring a meet-and-greet from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 377 Cedar Court. The public will have the opportunity to speak with several Republican state and congressional candidates touring Northwest Colorado.
Several candidates who are attending a Lincoln Day dinner Saturday in Steamboat Springs will attend Sunday's event before moving on to Meeker and Rifle.
Candidates scheduled to attend are:
• Scott Tipton, State House District 58 Representative and a candidate for the Third Congressional District.
• Bob McConnell, Third Congressional District candidate.
Recommended Stories For You
• Ken Buck, U.S. Senate candidate.
• Tom Wiens, U.S. Senate candidate.
• J.J. Ament, state treasurer candidate.
• Walker Stapleton, state treasurer candidate.
• Dan Maes, governor candidate.
State Sen. Al White, R-Hayden, and Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, also will attend, and Lori McInnis is scheduled to appear on behalf of her husband, Scott, who is running for governor.
John Ponikvar said more candidates still might attend and that he is continuously receiving calls about possible appearances.
There will be a free breakfast available for guests.
The breakfast is meant to function like a meet-and-greet, but some of the candidates might make short speeches, Ponikvar said.
He said the event would be an asset to the candidates who are not yet familiar with life on the Western Slope.
"They need to know where Northwest Colorado is and what we do here," he said. "They need to understand about our industry and our jobs."
But, it's not just the responsibility of the candidates to get to know their constituents.
Ponikvar said it is important for voters to shake hands with candidates and learn about their personalities.
"Normally all we get to do is see them on TV and read stories in the paper," he said. "You don't get a good feel about who a person is. In person, you can tell personalities better, that they're not being glossed over on TV. Here, they're themselves."
He urged any voter with interest in the upcoming election or the way government is run to attend the meet-and-greet and be heard.
"It's important just to get out and meet candidates," Ponikvar said. "If you have questions about how government should run or how representatives should represent us, I think you need to be there.
"This is our opportunity."
If you go
What: Meet the candidates, a meet-and-greet with Republican state and congressional candidates
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites, 377 Cedar Court
Cost: Free with a light breakfast included


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The Bureau of Land Management has proposed closing 5,620 acres in Payette County to protect a rare plant.
The closure would protect the habitat for Packard's milkvetch, a flowering plant that only occurs in a 10-square mile of rolling grassland east of Payette. The BLM is seeking to steer off-road motorized use to public lands next to Big Willow Creek, 15 miles east of Payette.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently designated the plant a candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. The milkvetch grows in light-colored sedimentary outcroppings, with soil properties different than the surrounding grasslands that likely allowed the plant to avoid competition from other native plants.
But cross country motorized use has fragmented its habitat and helped bring invasive species in that compete with it for moisture and nutrients.
The BLM is proposing travel designations where motorized cross country travel is allowed, , limited to designated trails and closed. The area designations are scheduled to take effect by the fall of 2013.
Approximately nine miles of trails would be designated for motorized use. The BLM will fence the open area to delineate the boundary and mark designated trails.
A parking/staging area will be developed adjacent to Big Willow Road with signs showing the off-road area designations. Signs will also be used to identify trails remaining open and those that are closed.
Closed trails will be physically blocked by boulders across the routes and by other means.
"These travel designations would allow motorized vehicle use to continue on designated trails and provide for hill climbing opportunities in certain areas while insuring the protection of the plant and its habitat from further damage," said Terry Humphrey, field manager of the BLM Four Rivers Field Office.


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Funky,Originally Posted by Dr Funkyhttp://www.wivb.com/global/story.asp?s=7805312
Manhattan Project Still Affecting Western New York
(Niagara County, NY, January 31, 2008) - - No one investigates like News 4. The federal government is trying to decide what to do with tons of radioactive material from the Manhattan Project. News 4's Luke Moretti reports.
Its been temporarily stored both above and below ground in Niagara County for decades. Behind this gate are stark reminders of a buried history in the Town of Lewiston.
Bill Kowalewski, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "There is buried radioactive material."
Atomic materials that have been in the ground, covered by a clay cap, since the 1980's.
Michelle Rhodes, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "A majority of them have a an extremely long half life in the millions of years range."
The United States Army Corps of Engineers just released the findings of an eight year investigation of the site. It concludes the clay containment cell is working, and that there's no imminent hazard to safety or health.
Bill Kowalski, "This structure will be protective for another 200 years."
But not everyone accepts the government report on its face. University at Buffalo scientist Dr. Joseph Gardella.
Dr. Joseph Gardella, University at Buffalo Scientist, "I have no confidence in those conclusions. That's the strongest statement I can say."
Walt Garrow, Environmental Health Professor, "Our fear is that it may be leaking. We don't know. We would like to find out more information."
To understand what's happening today, we need to go back in time 60 years. A time when a proud Western New York work force did what was required to end World War II.
August 1945, a mushroom cloud rises above Hiroshima, Japan. The atomic genie is out of the bottle. Results from a secret program known as the "Manhattan Project " with a deep connection to Western New York, drops Japan to its knees, ending World War II.
President Harry Truman, "...which specifies the unconditional surrender of Japan..."
Bill Kowalski, "This nation had one World War II. We had one Manhattan Project and there's one Niagara Falls storage site."
Commercial industries in places like Niagara Falls, Lockport, Tonawanda and Lackawanna provided much of the materials required to make the bomb.
We are standing right on the site of radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project, correct?
Michelle Rhodes, "Yes."
Located south of Lake Ontario and east of the Niagara River is the Niagara Falls Storage Site in the Town of Lewiston. This once robost farm land is now a radioactive graveyard.
Walt Garrow, "It's not designed for long-term. Even the government reconizes it by using the word interim."
Bottomline, although the government knew how to make the most complex weapon known to mankind, little was done to find a permanent solution for the radioactive waste. In fact for the first 30 years it was stored above ground in this silo.
Dr. Joseph Gardella, U.B. Scientist, "Certainly in the 80's it was just inexcusable to have this much material stored in an open silo."
Will we ever know the exposure from those materials being in the silo?
Dr. Joseph Gardella, "No..no..we won't."
In the mid 1980's the government moved it from above the ground silo. Today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must decide whether it stays forever.
While the government claims there's no imminent public health threat to you, there is concern about the long-term storage of this radioactive material."
Bill Kowalski, "We know that there's a risk here. We have assumed that there is a long term risk here, and it needs to be dealt with."
Lou Ricciuti, Niagara County resident, "This community paid a very high price for America to have it's global standing. And the very least that's owed to us is the truth."
So what is the truth about the storage of atomic waste at the Lewiston site? If it's safe now, will it be ten, twenty, or hundred years from now?
My Father worked at Linde (now Praxair) amongst a whole lot of government projects that cannot be spoken of. He died a very brutal death due to cancer that was probably exposure related, except all that exposure is classified.
NuclearLou got the closest to piecing it all together, but then he turned into Dick Kern (anyone see the similarities?) and the message was discredited due to the shortcomings of the messenger.


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LAS VEGAS April 27, 2010 Marking one of the most significant milestones in the companys 19-year history, SonicWALL today unveiled Project SuperMassive, the industrys first next-generation security platform and technology capable of detecting and controlling applications, preventing intrusions, and blocking malware at up to 40 Gbps without introducing latency to the network. Project SuperMassive comprises key elements, including: SonicWALLs Massively Scalable Next-Generation Network Security Platform architecture, SonicWALLs Next-Generation Firewall technology, and SonicWALLs patented Reassembly-Free Deep Packet Inspection (RF-DPI) engine. At more than 10 times the speed of todays fastest technologies, Project SuperMassive revolutionizes application visualization and control, and is capable of protecting the worlds highest performance networks from malware of all kinds. Today, companies are being forced to choose between performance and security, since existing security architectures have not been able to keep up with the volume of network traffic, especially with the explosion of rich media and the rise in malware-ridden social media applications.
Designed for enterprise organizations with high performance networks that are currently struggling to deploy the latest technologies such as converged communications, data center consolidation, and Web 2.0, Project SuperMassive is designed to allow organizations to embrace these technologies in order to enhance workforce productivity, business collaboration and effectiveness without compromising performance or security. Traditionally, security has been viewed as a barrier to business innovation with available security technologies lagging behind and threatening the success of next-generation IT projects. For the first time, the availability of 40 Gbps technology, coupled with application control and threat protection, turns security into an enabler of business innovation and makes the deployment of new technologies, as well as custom-built IT applications, possible.
Project SuperMassive
Project SuperMassive features a large scale multi-core, Cavium Networks (NASDAQ: CAVM) OCTEON®-based architecture, running on SonicWALLs multi-blade chassis. Prototype implementations featuring 96 and 384 cores will be demonstrated at Interop (SonicWALL Booth #815) as well as the roadmap that scales to 1024 cores.
Three years ago we set out to design the fastest, most effective, next-generation security platform on the planet and we called this Project SuperMassive, said John Gmuender, Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technical Officer of SonicWALL. Given the increasing bandwidth speeds and the escalating volume, frequency, and sophistication of Internet threats, we knew this technology platform needed to be massively scalable. Im very happy to say that with Project SuperMassive we have achieved this goal. By leveraging Cavium Networks superior silicon technology the platform scales to 1024 cores, and the platforms performance has been validated to beyond 40 Gbps by Ixia, the leader in network security and vulnerability testing.
Next-Generation Firewall Technology
SonicWALLs RF-DPI engine provides organizations with increased insight into inbound and outbound network content without compromising security or performance. This is particularly important as Web 2.0 applications continue to push their way into the business environment introducing new threats and taxing organizations' network bandwidth. Using the RF-DPI engine's speed and intelligent inspection capabilities, Project SuperMassive allows administrators to inspect network traffic against malware, viruses and other threats to provide uncompromised security, without sacrificing bandwidth no longer an either/or situation.
Application Intelligence and Control
SonicWALLs Application Intelligence and Control provides protection, management, and control over application-layer traffic. Continuously leveraging and updating over 2,700+ unique application signatures, SonicWALL Application Intelligence can identify and control traffic based on application identification, user/group identification, and content identification, and manage the traffic by establishing policies for both ingress and egress bandwidth management instead of only a simplistic Block/Allow approach. And unlike other application control-only approaches, Project SuperMassive seamlessly integrates Application Intelligence with Intrusion Prevention and malware blocking in an industry-leading Next-Generation Firewall to form a unified and comprehensive network security platform.
Superior Malware Protection
Project SuperMassive leverages SonicWALLs powerful malware protection engine and offers the same superior effectiveness in blocking threats as SonicWALLs existing enterprise product line with malware catch rates well ahead of other firewall vendors. Unlike other technology approaches, SonicWALLs RF-DPI technology can scan, identify and control applications while simultaneously protecting against intrusions, viruses, spyware and Trojans. In addition, the RF-DPI technology leverages SonicWALLs GRID Network reputation databases providing extra-firewall intelligence.
We are delighted to power SonicWALLs Project SuperMassive with our OCTEON processors, said Raghib Hussain, CTO and Corporate VP Software at Cavium Networks. SonicWALLs overall system design which linearly scales multi-core performance for comprehensive, feature-rich security functionality to over 40 Gbps is truly impressive and is an excellent showcase of OCTEONs market leading performance, scalability and multi-core programmability.
Social networking and rich multimedia applications are dominating next generation networks. It is critical to enable real time prevention of malware and security attacks while providing high bandwidth quality of service said Victor Alston, Senior VP of Product Development at Ixia. Using Ixias IxYukon-NP load module and IxLoad to generate 40Gbps of real world application services fully injected with malware, the SuperMassive platform was able to enable secure and consistently high throughput. Ixia, a leader in providing highly scalable solutions that validate and test security platforms, is working with SonicWALL on the performance testing of Project SuperMassive.
Dynamic Security for the Global Network
Project SuperMassive is a major step towards fulfilling the companys vision of Dynamic Security for the Global Network, where security solutions are intelligent enough to adapt as organizations evolve and as threats evolve dynamically and globally.
Stay Tuned
To find out more information about Project SuperMassive and to receive regular updates, please visit www.projectsupermassive.com
About SonicWALL, Inc.
SonicWALL, Inc., the leader in network security, focuses on developing solutions that remove the cost and complexity out of managing a secure network environment. With over one million award-winning appliances shipped through its global network of ten thousand channel partners, SonicWALL provides end-to-end solutions including firewalls, SSL VPNs, e-mail security and continuous data protection that collectively ensure robust, secure network protection. For more information, visit the company web site at http://www.sonicwall.com.
About Cavium Networks
Cavium Networks is a leading provider of highly integrated semiconductor products that enable intelligent processing for networking, communications and the digital home. Cavium Networks offers a broad portfolio of integrated, software-compatible processors ranging in performance from 10 Mbps to 40 Gbps that enable secure, intelligent functionality in enterprise, data-center, broadband/consumer and access and service provider equipment. Cavium Networks processors are supported by ecosystem partners that provide operating systems, tool support, reference designs and other services. Cavium Networks principal offices are in Mountain View, CA with design team locations in California, Massachusetts, India and Taiwan. For more information, please visit: http://www.caviumnetworks.com.
Cavium Networks Contact:
Angel Atondo
Marketing Communications Manager
Cavium Networks
805 East Middlefield Road,
Mountain View, CA 94043
Telephone: +1 (650) 623-7033
All contents are Copyright © 2000 - 2017 Cavium. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy | Site Map


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A refurbished Madison Square Garden hosts the NBA's first contest in a lockout-shortened season when the New York Knicks play host to their longtime rival Boston on Christmas Day.
A revamped Knicks club featuring an impressive front line of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire and new center Tyson Chandler hopes to finally put an end to the C's Atlantic Division dominance this season.
New York returned to the postseason last year after a seven-year drought thanks in large part to the offseason signing of Stoudemire and the in-season deal that brought them 'Melo from Denver. However, that dynamic duo was not enough to even compete with the veteran-laden C's in the playoffs, as the Knicks were swept by Boston in the first round following a 42-40 campaign, their first winning season since 2000-01. The Celtics also swept New York in the regular season and has won eight of nine overall against Boston.
The thought was that even with those moves the Knicks were still a year away from seriously competing since everyone assumed they would make a strong push for point guard Chris Paul next summer. The Knicks, though, never thought that was a feasible plan and instead shifted gears, going after one of the best free agent available this year in Chandler, landing the big man with a four- year, $58 million deal.
"I think for us, the sky's the limit," Anthony said. "I think the organization did a great job of just building a very unique front court. We're ready to take on the challenges that are to come. Line 'em up. We're ready to play."
Chandler instantly gives the Knicks a defensive presence in the middle and will only make Stoudemire better with him being able to move back to his normal power forward position. The Knicks now have their own "Big Three" and feel they are ready for a serious run at an Eastern Conference crown.
The four-time defending Atlantic Division champion Celtics, of course, are in the way and have been atop of the NBA food chain since putting together its own tremendous trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Piece before the 2007-08 season. But, it's all about windows in Beantown these days.
Four years removed from the franchise's last NBA title, the clock is ticking on this version of the Celtics. Garnett, Allen and Pierce are all on the downsides of brilliant careers and the front office has seemingly soured a bit on its one ascending star, point guard Rajon Rondo.
Concerned with reported "maturity" issues, the C's shopped Rondo before training camp in the hopes of luring Paul to town, a move that was stillborn when the All-Star, who eventually landed in LA with the Clippers, made it clear he had no intentions of signing a long-term extension with the Celtics.
Problems aside, the Celtics certainly still have enough talent to dominate a slowly improving Atlantic but the condensed 66-game schedule is not expected to do the legs of aging players any favors.
Doc Rivers' ability to navigate things and keep his veterans fresh for one last run will be the key in helping Boston keep its "window" ajar for one more season.
To that end Pierce didn't practice Friday while resting a nagging heel injury. The Kansas product may not play this afternoon and with Jeff Green already out for the season due to an aortic aneurysm, Rivers would be forced to go with Sasha Pavlovic.
"I can tell you this, it's very unlikely [Pierce] will start if he plays," Rivers said. "If he does play, he'll play 15 to 20 minutes, but right now, I don't see him playing."
The Knicks have played a record 46 Christmas Day games and are 21-25 all-time, including a 20-19 mark at MSG. Boston, meanwhile, has played 26 of its 27 Christmas Day games on the road and the club is 10-16 in those encounters.
powered by www.sportsnetwork.com.


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In July we reported backlash against Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul of Kentucky for comments he made opposing farm subsidies; now he is facing similar criticism for comments he reportedly made about decreasing mine-safety regulation. "The comments attributed to Paul in Details, a monthly magazine published by Condé Nast Publications, reportedly came from a public appearance Paul made at the Harlan Center in Harlan County before the May 18 GOP primary election," Bill Estep and Jack Brammer report for the Lexington Herald-Leader. The magazine says Paul said, "The bottom line is I'm not an expert, so don't give me the power in Washington to be making rules. You live here, and you have to work in the mines. You'd try to make good rules to protect your people here. If you don't, I'm thinking that no one will apply for those jobs."
Tony Oppegard, a Lexington attorney and mine-safety advocate, called Paul's statement "idiotic," and members of the United Mine Workers from Kentucky have scheduled a telephone news conference Tuesday to take Paul to task for the comments. Oppegard said Paul's comments show "a lack of understanding of Eastern Kentucky, the region's economy and of the history of underground coal mining in the region, where for generations coal operators strongly opposed efforts by workers to form unions," Estep and Brammer report.
The Paul campaign did not dispute the quotation but criticized the initial Details story and subsequent follow-ups as "sloppy reporting on more sloppy reporting." Paul spokesman Ryan Hogan said in a statement, "Dr. Paul has been clear that he favors more local control rather than ham-fisted, one-size-fits-all dictates from Washington. Insinuating Washington bureaucrats are the only solution to problems is insulting to Kentucky." Hogan also said Paul feels punishment is called for if the investigation into the April explosion that killed 29 miners at a Massey Energy mine in West Virginia reveals safety rules were broken, the reporters write.
The Details story, by Jonathan Miles, begins with him and Paul "trying to remember why Harlan, Ky., might be famous." Paul mentions the nearby county seat of Hazard and says, "It's famous for, like, The Dukes of Hazzard." While Hazard, Ky., used that supposed connection while the TV show was on network TV, the show was actually set in Georgia. Even when a campaign aide correctly says Harlan was known for "the coal battles" of the 1930s, Paul ignores him. Later, Miles confirms that and provides details, leading into Paul's comments's about coal, which also included an endorsement of mountaintop-removal coal mining.
UPDATE, Aug. 10: Though his concept of mine-safety regulation is clearly libertarian, Paul writes in an op-ed for USA Today that "I choose to use a different phrase to describe my beliefs — I consider myself a constitutional conservative, which I take to mean a conservative who actually believes in smaller government and more individual freedom. The libertarian principles of limited government, self-reliance and respect for the Constitution are embedded within my constitutional conservatism, and in the views of countless Americans from across the political spectrum." He says the libertarian label "has become an emotionally charged, and often misunderstood, word in our current political climate." (Read more)
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Senate candidate Paul taken to task for comments about making mine safety a local responsibility
Written by Jon Hale Posted at 8/03/2010 11:26:00 AM
Labels: Appalachia, coal, elections, mine safety, mining, politics
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text: Hey guys(and gals), I'm looking for some good Jazz music as I've recently been getting into it a lot, and want to know where else I should look. Also, any Soul, Funk, R&B, Blues, just whatever you make think is appropriate/similar. Artists I like as a reference point: Al Green, Amy Winehouse, Billie Holliday, Caro Emerald, Dean Martin, Fitz and the Tantrums, Frank Sinatra, Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum, Jimmy Ruffin, Madeline Peyroux, Mayer Hawthorne, Melody Gardot, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, and Tony Bennett. Sorry if the list is excessive, just wanted to have my bases covered! Thanks!


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Monday I was still on a BlogHer11 adrenaline high. After four and a half days of being with awesome bloggy friends, that is to be expected. I'm glad I had BlogHer over the weekend, because my amazing son was formally diagnosed with Autism. Which we knew. But hearing it for real is something else.
Tuesday I crashed. Tired. Spent. Worn out.
Wednesday I am in recovery mode, replying to emails, stalking Twitter, picking up the pieces. Finally getting around to writing this post, which might actually not get published until tomorrow.
BlogHer11 –
On the plane there were two awesome bloggers in the row in front of me and behind me. I did not know this until the plane landed in San Diego. Figures. However we shared a cab, and then afterwards, I kept seeing one of them, Dana. Like, every day, all the time. 🙂
Within hours of arriving in San Diego I was running into friends. So all those blog posts that say oh get your friends numbers blah blah blah you will never see them otherwise, um, I must be the exception that rule. Because I saw some of my most favortist bloggers EVAH that very first day. I am not naming names because I do not want to hurt any feelings.
Please don't ask me what I did at BlogHer in any particular order. All I know is most days I was up somewhere between 7-8am and non stop until close to midnight. I didn't go to a single session. I had intentions of going, really, I did. I went to BlogHer to talk to brands and network with other bloggers. And that's what I did.
Here is what I know:
- I am not Loralee. She is not me. It is my baby. Confused? Read THIS POST from Backpacking Dad.
- The sponsors of the Haute Green Party are crazy generous. Quincy has some beautiful fluff now.
- Leila and I are destined to be Power Rangers. For Reals. Her last name is also THE Ninja. Ironically, Leila also knows a
boyman I dated in high school. Why does this mean anything? Um, because I dated him like 20 years ago. It proves my theory that I probably do in fact, have less than six degrees of separation between me and Kevin Bacon.
- The Big Toy Book party aka SweetSuite (thank you KidzVuz too) was like being a kid in a candy store and has made a little girl and boy in my house very happy with all the goodies we took home. While we were there, Q and I lavished on the Pink Berry and oohed and aahed over the AdoraDolls. Did I mention Christmas is likely covered from the generous swag bag they gave me? I also got to meet (finally) the awesome PR gal, Monica, from LeapFrogthat I've been working with, like forever.(Excuse the lousy piccy, darn iPhone)
- The Blogging Angels really are angels. Not only did they arrange for a tour bus to pick us up for breakfast, but I learned a lot at our power session too. Win win.
- Mom Sparkles ROCK! I was beyond ecstatic to finally meet Jill, Haley, Amy and all the other incredible women from the Mom Spark forums that I've been chatting with over the past year.
- That it is possible to "sneak" a baby into a bar in San Diego.
- The Bloggess has a pretty bathroom.
- I met some of the most incredible, wonderful people ever and I already miss them terribly.
- The fruity martini that Merrygot for me from the bartender at the East Village Tavern and Bowl was REALLY good. There's a story here, I'll let her tell it.
- Quincy made friends at BlogHer too!
- The parties are fun and sparkly! Even when wearinga baby.
- That after a full day of friends, networking and parties, it's really important to get a good nights sleep.
- I need to take more pictures, and hunt down the people that took them of me. Oh, and the camera on my iPhone 3 sucks. Guess I better activate the HTC Surround I got (THANK YOU)
- A million other awesome things happened, but this post has met it's quota for bullet points.
- I'll be buying my ticket for BlogHer12 soon…. I"ll figure out how to get across the country and how to convince my dear husband about going later. Priorities. 🙂
- I'm no longer a BlogHer virgin. I loved every single minute and I can't wait until my next conference. If you are hesitating for a single moment about whether or not you should buy a ticket for BlogHer 12? Doooo EEEEEET.