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Cyborgisation of Mankind
(June 21st, 2017) Switzerland-based publisher Frontiers awarded its first Frontiers Spotlight Award, honouring an entire research topic – brain augmentation.
After two years of pain-stacking work editing more than one hundred manuscripts from over 600 researchers around the world, editors Manuel Casanova (from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine), Mikhail Lebedev (from Duke University) and Ioan Opris (from the University of Miami School of Medicine's Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) received some unexpectedly good news: The trio were awarded the first Frontiers Spotlight Award for their exceptional work published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, focussing on ways to enhance brain function.
This award was organised by Switzerland-based open-access publisher Frontiers and the $100,000 prize money is going to be used to organise a conference looking at brain augmentation next year. "It feels great to see that this research topic evoked great interest in the readership. The total number of views was more than one million, which is very high for scientific articles, and many of the articles in the collections already have many citations", says Lebedev excitedly. "I think my original intuition was correct, and 'brain augmentation' is indeed a very timely theme. I am very glad that the selection committee appreciated our efforts, the impact and implications of this series of articles".
Under the general theme of brain augmentation, the manuscripts included in this collection cover many areas of research, including "any type of methodology or intervention that could affect brain function in a positive manner, brain-machine interfaces and neuromodulation techniques", explains Casanova. Some of the ideas presented could definitely have come out of any science fiction book, with "exo-brains", where multiple external devices can be connected to the brain to promote artificial intelligence; and ethical discussions regarding the possible "cyborgisation" of mankind. "I think the volume of work will be published as a series of books, and this will be by far the most far ranging excursion into the field of brain augmentation ever published", says Casanova.
Both Lebedev and Casanova believe this is only the beginning and this field will go through enormous advances in the next 10-20 years. "I believe we will be able to intervene and modulate brain function so as to more easily establish behavioural states like attention (for traffic controllers or airplane pilots) and sleep (for those suffering from insomnia), and similar techniques will enable enhanced cognitive abilities in the aged, and alleviate some disabling health symptoms (like sensory abnormalities in autism)", says Casanova. "In ten to twenty years, brain implants will become common", adds Lebedev. "I'm not sure whether they would read thoughts by that time, but they will definitely find some medical and technological applications".
With regards to the conference, it's far too early to have any specific details, but Lebedev believes it is likely to be held in Frontiers' base country, Switzerland, during the summer or autumn 2018. Irrespective of where it will be, this conference will be the perfect chance for researchers in this field to meet, share ideas, and make plans for the future. "We expect that this movement will definitely stimulate research around the world", concludes Lebedev.
Alex Reis
Picture: Pixabay/geralt


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Herbert K. is one of the many recipients of Lung Institute's expert services. Before seeking their stem cell therapy solutions, Herbert was an energetic man who enjoyed cultivating his lawn and helping in other homely chores. He developed COPD which rendered him with a lung capacity of 15 percent. As a result, the regular duties became daunting, living him and his family depressed and worried. When they learned about the Lung Institute, https://lunginstitute.com/, they booked a stem cell therapy session which Herbert reported to have improved his breathing and upped his energy levels. There are hundreds of people who have benefited from the innovative treatment from Lung Institute to heal a variety of lung ailments such as asthma, emphysema, bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease.
Stem cell therapy's technique uses multipotent cells that can differentiate into diverse cell types needed for lung regeneration and repair of the lung tissue. The practitioners fetch the cells from the body and implant them into the affected lung area. As the cells embed themselves onto the tissue, the lung gradually repairs and regenerates itself. The cells have to be part of another part of the lung To treat the lungs. The medical experts design the therapy to instruct the cells to produce blood by cooperating with the bone marrow.
Currently, there are a handful of certified stem cell therapy hospitals in the United States. The Lung Institute is one of the top medical facilities specialized in the regeneration of lung cells and tissues. According to Cedars-Sinai report from the firm's research team, approximately 85 percent of patients suffering from COPD receive satisfactory treatment from their stem cell therapy. Currently, it caters to the medical needs of more than 3000 patients. Lung Institute began operating in 2013 from its Tampa, Florida headquarter office. It has additional offices in Dallas, Texas, Pittsburgh, Ariz, Scottsdale, Tennessee and Nashville. Visit lunginstitute.com for more info.
Jack Coleman, the managing director of Lung Institute, stated that stem cell technology is the future of medicine. He added that the Lung Institute has a determination to give patients safe and excellent treatments to alienate their pain and improve their quality of life.

subset: commoncrawl


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Kasper went to the ballgame today, and provided several details as to the beer scene at Camden Yards. As reported earlier, the Orioles converted an Irish pub named Bambino's (Babe "The Bambino" Ruth was born not more than a few yards from the Orioles' present-day location) into a "Bud Light Warehouse".
Double ack: $7.50 Stella Artrois. That's a fairly standard draft beer at a special beer price. Said Kasper:
It reminded me of Heineken, not especially exciting or flawed.Exactly.
Other finds at the Warehouse included Busch's Shock Top Belgian White. Back on Eutaw Street, Kasper ordered Frederick's Wild Goose Pale Ale (Or did he mean IPA? $6.50 at the microbrew stand).
Things turned dark as the weather soured and the Orioles' 2-0 lead evaporated.
I craved a dark beer, a Guinness. So apparently did many other fans. By the sixth inning, the taps of the Guinness stand on the first level behind home plate had gone dry. No Guinness meant gloom and an Orioles defeat.
Opening Day left me with three questions.
Has anybody else tasted the Stella?
How about the Shock Top?
Finally, is it anti-American to drink beer in the comfort of a stadium pub, rather than sitting outside and sipping brews in the cold weather.
Dispiriting to say the least. Sorry, Rob.
1)Yes, several times. It's a respectable import distributed nationwide. A college friend of mine from Northern California took a liking to Stella but I always felt it was a fairly undistinguished beer. It's good in an emergency when there's nothing else on tap except bud/miller generics, less acceptable when more inventive options are available.
2)No on the Shock Top, but the liquor store nearby carries it. I didn't realize it was a Busch product. This must be their toes-in-the-water attempt to compete with Coors' Blue Moon. Best of luck to them, I suppose.
3)Absolutely not, at least when the weather turns. It's anti-American for baseball to be played in such gloomy weather if you ask me. My experiences at Petco Park and Wrigley Field attest to the value of some mid-game liquid refreshments.
Don't spent an entire game at the stadium pub, but an inning's pit-stop (or two) is a fun part of the experience. Wrigley doesn't have its own pub, but fill-ups before and after the game at the bars literally just steps away from the entrance are a rite for any of-age Wrigley visitor.
Unlike other games, baseball is just as much about the crowds and atmosphere as the timeless game on the field. Or maybe that's the Cub fan in me talking (hey, any team can have a bad century).


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"Paid for by Chris Chaffee for U. S. Senate and authorized by Chris Chaffee for U. S. Senate."
Gun Control
We must protect our Second Amendment. The Constitution gives all Americans the right to bear arms to protect themselves and their families from foreign and domestic enemies under the Second Amendment. It is our law and our right.
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Rights of Veterans
I know the importance of celebrating and assisting our Veterans. I am committed to making sure they have all the tools and resources needed to obtain jobs and medical
care. These men and women are not just soldiers, they are the reason we enjoy the freedoms granted to us as Americans. We need to ensure we care for them as well as they cared for us.
We need to deliver the services promised to our veterans in their time of need. They are entitled to our respect and ensure their health care is a priority.
Federal Spending
We need to cut federal spending before the U.S. Dollar is worthless. Federal spending is only putting Americans further in debt due to tax hikes in order to cover the governments outrageous spending and the misappropriation of our tax dollars. Nobody likes cuts but we must start by cutting 2.5 percent from Discretionary and 2.5 percent Mandatory across the board. We must reduce Federal interest that we pay out. We can do this by making the Government Accountable and stop waste. We gain peace through Strength with this said we must be very careful where we cut in the Discretionary budget. We must fight to keep wind turbines out of the Chesapeake Bay and away from Patuxent NAVAL Air Station. I will fight to keep and increase ourPatuxent River jobs. I will fight for all Federal workers and business owners.
Small Business
PRESIDENT TRUMP has reduced Government regulations and taxes. We still have work to do starting with reducing the choke hold our government has on community banks. These banks are the back bone for our businesses . We must stop the frivolous lawsuits in Maryland .
Term Limits
The men and women of congress and senate need to have legislatively imposed term limits. Holding an office for an extended period of time removes the politician's ability to relate and connect to the people they represent. Congressmen/women who have held office for decades can no longer relate or sympathize with the difficulties and hardships being felt by the people they represent.
Same-Sex Marriage
I am a Catholic and personally believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, but I acknowledge that my beliefs are not shared or practiced by all Americans.


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"Get Caught Shopping" – Week 2
Are You Still Wearing Your Stroll Button Last Saturday??
The Stroll elves were out at participating businesses again last Saturday, December 12, looking for shoppers wearing a Stroll button. And they "caught" 20 of you! (That's a total of 43 so far….)
Here are two of the new winners caught by the elves:
Pictured left: $250 winner, Melissa Ingalls (left), who was caught shopping at The Paint Post, shown here with Stroll elf Rebecca Helvey (center) and Paint Post owner Laura McColley (right).
Pictured right: $50 winner, Joyce Pelesky (center), who was caught shopping at T&C Liquors, shown here with elk Rebecca Helvey (left) and elf Peg Martin (right).
$100 winners:
Danielle Law at P.O. News & Flagstaff Cafe
Sandy Thiel at Twisted Hearts
Barbara Ziegler at Big Horn Trading
Other $50 winners:
Danae Brandjord at The Men's Shop
Tomomi Browne at Cowboy Cafe
Jeannie Ellinger at Cottonwood Kitchen Shop
Cheri Frederickson at 45th Parallel
Stella Montano at High Mountain Mercantile
Megan Perkins at Foot of the Bighorns
Meredith Sopko at Bighorn Design Studio
Leslie Thompson at Fly Shop of the Bighorns
$25 winners:
Julie Bagby at Carroll's Furniture
Brandy Campbell at Paisley n Pearls
Lynette Heide at kilpatrick Creations
Trisha Kula at Riddle's Jewelry
Kathryn Law at Evermore
Amy Leonard at NEST Home & Holiday
Billie Smith at Best Out West
Our elves will be out again on Saturday, December 12, and Saturday, December 19. And it could be YOU who Gets Caught Shopping!
Keep wearing your Stroll button … Keep checking for number matches … Keep shopping local!
Posted in the following categories: Events


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Episode 58: Tee-Double
today's episode is sponsored by: urban squared realty
hello everyone! i hope you're well. i have a couple of announcements to make. first, i'm playing the next three sundays (4/8, 4/15, 4/22) at hotel vegas in austin, texas. i play at 7 pm, danny malone plays at 8. danny is a great singer/songwriter and if you haven't heard him, you should! which leads me to my second announcement... on sunday, april 29th at hotel vegas in austin at 7 pm, instead of playing i'm doing a live recording of "how did i get here?" and my guest will be danny malone!!!!! i might be adding some more folks to the show... we'll see. so, if you like the show and you'll be in austin, please come out and watch a live interview!!!!
my guest for episode 58 is rapper/entrepreneur/producer/songwriter, tee-double. i met tee at a party at sxsw. i listened to his songs and invited him to be on the show. he told me his story about submitting his demos to warner bros. at 9 years old, recording his demos on casios and boomboxes at sears, to getting his songs placed on such highly rated shows as amc's "breaking bad"! he is branching into getting other artists songs placed in movies, television and commercials. i hope you enjoy our conversation. i did.
ciao! -jg
Share | Download


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We, the baan-lovers will be unhappy to c our darling product well behind in niche quadrant . However unavailability of skilled consultants and positioning of other Infor products ahead may be points where one can take consolation if one wants to .
Well, this deserves good reading and understanding.
This can be one of the most exciting news for the Infor ERP LN/ Baan community in United States. Merino Services Limited which is one of the strategic and most successful Infor Partners in Asia has now started its operations in United States. US subsidiary of MSL is Merino Consulting Services LLC.
Merino brings its experience with more the 50 Infor ERP LN and Baan customers to United States. Some of the key strengths and achievements of Merino are as follows:
It gives Merino Services an emmense pleasure to share yet another success story. On 27th May 2009, Shilp Gravures selected MSL as their Parter-2-Progress for implementation of Infor ERP LN.
MSL is expected to play an important role in implementation, Change management and adoption of ERP culture in this new initiative of Shilp Gravures. Shilp Gravures management formed a dedicated team headed by Mr. Amber Patel (Managing Director), MR DN Parikh (Head Finance) and Mr Hasit Shah (Head IT) for selection of most suitable ERP system for the organization. After going through approx 6 months of rigorous evaluation process Shilp Gravures selected Infor ERP LN as the product to be implemented. According to Shilp Gravures Management team, after evaluating various available ERP solutions like SAP, Microsoft Dynamics and ERP LN they selected Infor ERP LN because it fulfill Shilp Gravures requirements more efficiently, and MSL being one of the most reliable and strategic partner of Infor was the right choice for implementation of the solution.
About Shilp Gravures
It gives Merino Services an immense pleasure to announce that Paharpur Cooling Towers Limited (PCTL) has gone line on Infor ERP LN FP2. PCLT selected Merino as Partner-2-Progress to migrate them from Infor ERP LN SP0 to Infor ERP LN FP2. PCTL management formed a dedicated team headed by Mr. Vineet Rohtagi (General Manager- Business Development) and supported by Mr KK Mishra, After going through long discussions and meetings PCTL has awarded the project to MSL in month of December, 2008.
Historic Achievement: MSL has Migrated 100% historical data (More than 400 GB) from Infor Ln SP0 to Ln FP 2 which has been first time ever in history.
Key Challenges:
I can happily announce that ONO has joined the ranks of forum sponsors! It will be sponsoring the Deutches forum for the next 6 months. Please visit their website at http://www.online-office.info/
About ONO GmbH:
Wir sprechen Baan!
Seit vielen Jahren bieten wir aus Erfahrung und mit Cleverness zeitgemäße und wirtschaftliche Lösungen für Ihre Baan-Umgebung. So migrieren wir beispielsweise Ihr Baan-System mit geringem Aufwand auf neue Hardware und ein Linux-System.
Aber wir sprechen auch viele andere Sprachen!
So bieten wir mit unserem Konzept Simple Solutions einfache und verblüffende Lösungen für komplexe IT-Probleme auf allen Plattformen. Tools, Arbeitsumgebungen, virtuelle Server und vieles mehr.
I am happy to announce that Integral IT Consulting has joined our site as a sponsor for the Tools & Administration forum. Please visit their website at http://www.integralitconsulting.com/
About Integral IT Consulting:
Integral IT Consulting, LLC specializes in providing Baan Tools and related technical services to SMBs in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Integral's key service offerings include Baan Tools (Administration & Development), Systems Integration, Data Conversion, Data Migration and database services. With over 20 years consulting experience and 12 years experience with Baan technologies, Integral's principals are able to deliver immediate value to clients seeking technical resources for Baan or Baan related projects. Integral believes that they are key to consulting success is client education. Whether through "hands on" training, client specific procedure documentation or project documentation, Integral strives to educate in every activity of every project. For more information please see our website at http://www.integralitconsulting.com.
ESS is pleased to announce that it is has signed Merino Services Limited (MSL) as a partner for the marketing of ESSENTIAL SPREADSHEET SERVER FOR BAAN and ERP LN throughout India. ESSENTIAL SPREADSHEET SERVER FOR BAAN is a Microsoft Excel Add-on that allows for Financial Reporting directly from Baan and Infor ERP LN with the added ability to drill down to the underlying data.
Rishi Bansal, Vice President- Global Business, MSL said "this is a fantastic tool, which strengthen MSL's portfolio of Add On for Baan / ERP LN. Tool can help the BAAN/ ERP LN customer achieve more from the investments they have made in their Enterprise Systems. It is very simple to use and allows the user to access live financial data within Excel which can bring tremendous data analysis capabilities to the finance users in the organization, we are sure this product will be a great success with Indian customers".
On 12th March 2009, MSL signed RCS-KIDE India as customer. RCS-KIDE a subsidiary to KIDE Spain which is presently using Infor Baan IV c4 (SP7) in Spain. As an intention to be on a single Enterprise platform, RCS-KIDE has decided to implement Infor Baan IV c4 system in India.
RCS-KIDE as selected MSL a Parter-2-Progress as consulting partner for implementing Infor Baan IV c4. MSL objective is to implement Baan IV c4 (Sp18) with configuration similar to KIDE Spain implementation along with implementation of India localization and applying the customizations done in Spain. As a true Partner-2-Progress, MSL is also going to provide Post Go Live 1st Quarter closing in the system for RCS-KIDE as commitment of ensuring success. MSL consider RCS-KIDE win as an important milestone in its GO-Global strategy. KIDE relationship shall play an important role in making MSL a Partner-2-Progress for global Infor customers.
I am happy to announce that Sigma Chemnitz has joined our site as the latest frontpage sponsor. Please visit their website at http://www.sigma-chemnitz.de/soft/softpdm_en.htm.
About Sigma Chemnitz:
SIGMA Chemnitz is an experienced provider of IT systems and software solutions. Our company was founded in 1990 and offers a wide range of professional Infor / Baan services. We employ about 50 highly qualified professionals. Our experts help the customer to implement the Infor PLM and ERP solution. We help you to develop integrated business processes from engineering and product design (PLM) to logistics (ERP) and finance.
We optimize as well as customize the software to fully satisfy customer needs. We are ISO 9001:2000 certified and are continuously reviewing and updating our processes in order to be the best company we can be. If you looking for an Infor PLM solution contact us and we'll be glad to make your software implementation a success.
Now it is becoming increasingly clear that users need liveliness and interactivity on static data from OLTP. This is possible through multi-dimensional modeling available in free-form pivot table or cube structures. As there are not many cube applications and not many established routines to populate cubes incrementally periodically automatically, report-directly-in-excel is becoming vogue. Though most summarized multi-dimensional modeling cab be done easily with old MS Excel 2003, with excellent enhancement in MS Excel 2007, scalability and liveliness has increased manifold in pivoting (multi-dimensional modeling using pivot table).
All that one need is accurate, reliable and relevant figures side-by-side in CSV format for all dimensions / measures to follow report-directly-in-excel-with-data-dict-advantages strategy. For example, here is a baan report which gives all important dimensions/measures related to customer financial behavior.
Here is the list of dimensions:


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Vivitar AA/AAA Battery Charger with 4AAA Rechargeable Batteries
The Vivitar VPower Compact Battery Charger gives you all you need to refuel and power up your batteries in a flash. With worldwide and international functionality, this battery charger has a flip out AC plug to plug in and adapt to virtually any type of power outlet. Environmentally friendly, this charger also is compact, making it easy to store with the rest of your belongings while you're on the go. With the capability of charging AA and AAA batteries, this charger comes pre-packaged with 4 AAA high capacity NiMh batteries that are able to be recharged up to 1000x for an amazingly powerful performance.


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UML is a standard language for specifying, visualizing, constructing, and documenting the artifacts of software systems. UML was created by Object Management Group (OMG) and UML 1.0 specification draft was proposed to the OMG in January 1997. OMG is continuously putting effort to make a truly industry standard. UML stands for Unified Modeling Language. UML is different from …
Tag: Object oriented concepts
Nov 06
- By Abhishek Jaiswal in Technical, Tutorial
November 6, 2012
Permanent link to this article: http://zappmania.in/2012/11/06/uml.htm
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Jeris McIntyre was an assistant under Mike Gregory on the Tampa Catholic High School sideline for the past three seasons and blended into his shadow off the field.
But the days of anonymity are gone for McIntyre, who has assumed the leadership mantle of the school where he was a standout receiver. The transition was made official Wednesday with the Crusaders announcing that McIntyre would replace Gregory, who left after five seasons as coach (nine overall) to take an assistant job at Lyon College in Arkansas.
"When I decided to start coaching high school football, I was fortunate enough to come back to my alma mater," McIntyre said. "What better opportunity is there than to return to where it all started for you as a player and learn from some great coaches.
"I didn't plan on becoming a head coach, but I started envisioning what it would be like to take over at Tampa Catholic. Now that dream has come true."
If McIntyre, 37, had a Crusaders pom-pom, he certainly would wave it.
Though McIntyre had a stellar college career at Auburn and played three seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, the first thing listed on his Twitter profile is Tampa Catholic alum.
The institutional knowledge helped McIntyre stand out among other possible coaching candidates. In choosing McIntyre, the Crusaders ensured continuity in style and substance — much to the approval of the returning players and those within the community.
In fact, McIntyre was the first choice all along.
"We had a coaching change and we only had a few weeks before the start of the season to make a change," athletic director Don Dziagwa said. "Naturally, you'll look at the assistant coaches first. When we looked at Jeris, everything fell into place. He's a graduate of the school, he played at Auburn and in the NFL so it was a well-known name and he's had success everywhere he's been.
"We just felt like we didn't need to look anywhere else."
McIntyre said he will not make wholesale changes to the staff. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker David Lewis will remain as the defensive coordinator and former St. Petersburg Catholic coach Dan Mancuso will be promoted to offensive coordinator.
The stability among coaches will also help retain players, something the Crusaders have had trouble doing recently. This offseason, Tampa Catholic had five starters transfer to other schools, including quarterback Kiael Kelly, the son of Crusaders icon Kenny Kelly who is now at bitter rival Jesuit.
Dziagwa noted it was a factor in the coaching decision.
"We knew guys had left, and we heard other teams were already calling our players after hearing Gregory was leaving," Dziagwa said. "We knew we had to name someone as soon as possible because we wanted to let the players still here know there was no reason to leave. They're in good hands with someone they are familiar with."
The hire drew praise from several in the community, including former Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez, who tweeted: "Great pick to take over. Former player of mine, top notch person and player. He's a winner. Trust me."
Still, McIntyre knows all eyes will be on him in one of the most scrutinized transitions among the new coaches in the bay area.
Football at Tampa Catholic, like other schools where the sport has the feel of an assembly line, is about winning. Under Gregory, the Crusaders won three district titles and went to the state semifinals twice.
McIntyre has already won over one key component: the players.
"I like it," senior running back Jalen Bussey said of the hire. "I can't wait to see how this plays out because (McIntyre) is super cool and chill, but we are going to put in work at the same time. He's definitely competitive and wants to win big so might see some high scoring games."


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I am so blessed.
I have a wonderful Mum who is a fantastic Nanna to my 2 beautiful girls.
I have a wonderful Mum who is a fantastic Nanna to my 2 beautiful girls.
She taught me so many things but the ones I am most grateful for are the importance of kindness and patience. I have to say that I am not always very good at the latter but every time I watch her playing or cooking with my daughters, it reminds me what a wonderful thing it is. She is also responsible for instilling in me my creativity. She taught me how to sew and has been so supportive in everything I try. She is a truly amazing woman and I am very lucky to be her daughter. I am also very lucky to be granddaughter to my amazing Nan.
This remarkable woman never ceases to amaze me. Her sense of fun; her honesty; her love of life and her ability to turn any party into the best one you have ever been to. It is a testament to what a wonderful grandmother she is that my grown up school friends still call her "Nan" and ask after her. My beautiful Eloise reminds me so much of her. Her humour, her sense of style and her love of a good dessert!
Finally, I have these two amazingly beautiful and wonderful little girls. Both surprised me in bed this morning with homemade gifts (a shell strung on a pink ribbon and a decorated tissue box to keep it in); beautiful cards and plenty of hugs.
I am so blessed.


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|Mighty Bear's
|Scouting Page
Welcome to my Scouting page. I will fill you
in on my Scouting accomplishments as a youth to start with.
1979 I became a Bobcat Scout
As a Webelos Scout, I earned my Arrow of Light and the Parvuli Dei Religious Award for Catholics. In 1983 I became a Boy Scout. Unfortunately I did not stay in the Boy Scouts long enough to earn the rank of Eagle. When I left the Boy Scout Program I was a First Class Scout. Now that I am older, I can honestly say that I regret not sticking it out to earn Eagle. Like many youth today, I did not know what the Eagle Rank could do for me. So from me to you, if you have a youth wanting to leave the Scouting program, PLEASE sit down and talk with him since he is more than likely blind to the total value of the Eagle Rank.
In 1995 a friend of mine got me back into the Scouting Program. I was hesitant at first but after the first meeting I attended, those old feelings from when I was a child came back. It was like finding your home away from home. Since then I have worn many hats and got certified in different things. As you will see by the list below I have been very active since rejoining the Boy Scouts. The ones in bold and italicized I am currently certified in or involved with to this date.
BSA Lifeguard
As an adult leader in the Boy Scouts I have had the opportunity to take training to help develop myself to become a better leader. As you can probably tell from the picture on the left, I am a Bear from Wood Badge, Course C-17-96. What kind of Bear you might ask? A "Mighty Mighty Bear" is what I will tell. Listed below is some training I have had the opportunity to attend and awards I have earned as an adult leader.
April 1996 - Scoutmastership Fundamentals I,II,III
|| Home | Scouting | Hobbies | Personal Life |
|This page is updated by: "Mighty Bear"
Copyright © 1999,
David L. Gramelspacher II aka "Mighty Bear"
All Rights Reserved.


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Timeline: May 8-13, 2015
Languages Used: JavaScript (Node.js), HTML, CSS
School: Colorado College
Course: CP215 Application Design
Ever wanted to draw online together with your friends? This app is perfect for that! ... but not much else. It doesn't even have a function to save/download the masterpieces you create, let alone do most things expected of sophisticated drawing applications these days.
Why not? This app was both an experiment in node.js, as well as my collaborative final project for my CP215 Application Design class. So essentially, it was made in a weekend by two people. But that's not to say it isn't a noteworthy project!
Without using websockets or anything of the sort, this application synchronizes a drawing canvas across two or more devices almost instantaneously, while gracefully resolving conflicts individually on each pixel, by prioritizing recency of each user's paint instruction. How? Glad you asked. Well, to start, it's arguably very memory inefficient. But remember, for a weekend project, it's speed of implementation that really counts.
Client-Side Operations
In order to more easily understand these operations, it's best to think of each client's canvas as a child, and the server's canvas as the parent, where the parent reflects the "real" current state of the canvas.
Painting on the Child Canvas
We completed this project so quickly by first choosing to create a "canvas" which is actually an HTML <table> element, made up of thousands of tiny cells, each representing a pixel with a simple background-color CSS attribute. A painted pixel is just a cell with a non-transparent background color, while a blank pixel is a cell with a transparent background color. On mouse-click, a certain number of cells (determined by the current brush size) around the active cell are all painted the color of the currently selected brush.
Polling for Pixels
On the client-side, the browser sends an XHR request to the server every 500 milliseconds (this is called polling) for an updated version of the parent canvas. Regardless of whether any changes have been made, the server will respond to the client with a JSON object containing an array of more objects representing the table's thousands of cells (thus the aforementioned memory inefficiency; remember that this occurs a couple times per second). Upon receiving this response, the client immediately updates the color of every single cell on the local child canvas, corresponding directly to the colored cells in the array sent by the server.**
Listening to Changes
Meanwhile, the client employs event listeners to wait for input (clicks) from the user, and updates pixels on the child canvas accordingly in real-time (i.e. without client-server communication.) The client keeps track of all the changes being made locally to the canvas, via a dynamic array (changed_cells_array) containing only altered "pixels" (JSON objects with x, y, and color properties).
Additionally, every 100 milliseconds, the client will (in a sense) poll itself, to determine whether or not anything has changed on its child canvas. If the local changed_cells_array contains any objects (meaning those corresponding pixels have been somehow locally altered since the last request), then the client sends an XHR to the server containing this array of ONLY altered pixels (as opposed to all pixels in the table) in the form of a JSON object.
Pixel Conflict Resolution
** At any point during the user experience - particularly when the user makes a long brush stroke - it is entirely possible that the following scenario will occur:
During the time period between the mousedown event and the mouseup event, the client has requested and received an updated parent canvas from the server which contains new color values for the same cells currently being painted over by the user. In other words, in the current brushstroke, the user has painted Cell [43, 586] green, but at some point during the brushstroke (perhaps even after said pixel has been painted), the server has informed the client that Cell [43, 586] should be painted blue in accordance with another user's changes. These events can occur in any order, and to more than one cell simultaneously. How does the client know what to do? Can it choose between green and blue in a predictable way? Or does it just crash?
Thankfully, it does not crash. In accordance with our rules of prioritizing recency, if the client's child canvas contains local cells which are currently being manipulated by the user, then the client will not apply the server's changes to those cells until the mouseup event has fired, signaling the end of the user's brushstroke.
Remember the changed_cells_array? This array is only ever filled with the altered cells after the brushstroke ends. This ensures that every time the server asks for altered cells during a brushstroke, this array will always be empty, and therefore nothing will change in the parent canvas on the server. Once the stroke ends, however, the array is updated and the changes are echoed to the parent canvas and all its children.
This delayed response is important for two reasons:
- All cells currently being changed but not yet inserted into the changed_cells_array take priority over changes from the server, because they are considered more recent.
- If two or more clients manipulate the same cells at the same time, the client who waits the longest to end the brushstroke with a mouseup event is the "winner."
Server-Side Operations
The Parent Canvas
Similar to changed_cells_array, the parent canvas on the server is nothing more than an array of objects corresponding to pixels, each with three properties (x, y, and color).
Listening for Changes
While the server never polls the clients, it does listen in a very similar fashion to them. As you may have already gleaned, the server may receive the contents of each client's changed_cells_array as often as 10 times per second. These arrays contain all the individual pixels that have been painted in child canvases by users more recently than the server last updated them in the parent canvas. As soon as the server receives a request from a client in this way, it simply must update the colors for the corresponding pixels in the parent canvas array, in preparation for the next poll request from a client for the updated canvas.
Pixel Conflict Resolution
Server-side conflict resolution is much simpler than it is on the client side. Since pixels must be prioritized by recency, the server does not need to do anything except to accept requests from clients and change the corresponding pixels in the order they are received. This way, without any additional programming, the client who most recently requested changes be made to the canvas is the one whose changes will be prioritized above all others.
Did we make any glaring mistakes? Is this the coolest Node.js app you've ever seen made in a weekend? Let me know in the comments!


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Servicing Every Type of Diesel Vehicle
When it comes to repairing trucks, no job is too big or too small for ROKS Diesel. We've been servicing and repairing diesel trucks for over six years. Our top mechanic has 38 years of experience repairing all types of trucks from various makes and models. Whether you have a Ford Powerstroke™, a GMC/Chevy Duramax™, or a Dodge Cummins™, you can count on our diesel performance repair shop in Wasilla, AK, to get your truck back in working order.
The Right Tools for the Right Job
A mechanic is only as good as the resources around him. That's why we make sure to have the latest equipment to ensure you get your vehicle back to you as soon as possible. We use quality OEM parts to get the job done right and to keep you behind the wheel of your truck. Our repair shop stores thousands of parts from hundreds of manufacturers. We have all of the Ford™, Dodge™ and GM™ diagnostic equipment that the dealerships use to repair vehicles. You can count on us to provide excellent automotive care for your pick-up truck.
Competitive Pricing for Our Customers
At ROKS diesel, we offer competitive rates on diagnostics, repairs, and parts. With partnering with 4 warehouse distributors, we can save our customers money on shipping of performance parts and customer accessories.
Comprehensive Diesel Engine Service
Is your engine making an unfamiliar sound? Have your brakes begun to wear? Our mechanics have seen almost every type of mechanical issue you can think of when it comes to diesel trucks. Through comprehensive diagnostic tests and thorough inspections, we can locate the source of the problem and provide a solution to it. Our repair shop provides a number of services, including:
- Injectors & Injection Pumps
- Rebuild Turbo
- Transmission Services
- Oil Changes & Fuel Filter Changes
- Brakes
- Shocks & Suspension
- Drive Train Repairs
- Engine Repair
- Differential Service
- Engine Replacement
- Computer Diagnostics
- Reflash ECM's, PCM's, and FICM's
- Exhaust Kits
- Installation of Air Bags
- Leveling Kits
- Mount & Balance Tires
- Lift Kits
- Tuners
- Cold Air Intakes
- Performance Upgrades
- Installation of Lights & Bumpers
- Installation of Running Boards & Steps


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Our Dandelion printed duvet sets features a bold floral design. This printed design complements and contrasts against the plain base colour. We also have matching pencil pleat curtains and cushions available.
FREE delivery when spending over £50
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We offer a generous 60 day money back guarantee on any unwanted items. So if you change your mind or it's not quite right then just post it back to us and we'll give you a full refund.
Simply return the items back to us in condition that they were sold (strings must not be pulled on pencil pleat curtains) An easy to use returns slip and address label will be provided with your order showing 5 simple steps to return your unwanted items.
A refund will be given as soon as we receive the parcel. Please make sure that you get a proof of postage on all returns just in case! We do not refund return post on unwanted items in order for us to keep our prices as low as possible but this does not effect your statutory rights.
If you receive a faulty or incorrect item contact us and we will put things right as soon as possible.
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Stormy helped us find our new home after relocating to the San Diego area. She was very professional and knowledgeable. We were fairly unfamiliar with the area of North County and Stormy was very patient with us. We looked at many homes, made several offers and actually opened a few escrows. After home inspections we opted out of those purchases thanks to Stormy's expertise. She stuck with us until we eventually found the perfect home! Thanks Stormy for all your hard work!
Stormy was able to get us into our dream condo with an FHA loan in a market where banks only wanted to look at buyers with cash only offers or huge down payments. It look us exactly 10 months to the day to close on our "Short Sale" and she was working for us every step of the way. On top of daily conversations with banks, negotiators and other agents, she had to encourage two frustrated first time home buyers to hang in there and keep the faith. She was so patient with us and always happy to answer our seemingly endless brigade of questions. She was very knowledgeable about the area and had a great grasp the market in general. In addition, when all was said and done the other agent admitted that she only stuck with us for as long as she did because Stormy had been so great on a day to day basis. She was an all around pleasure to work with and I am confident that we would not have ended up in our place without her. Truly a realtor with honestly and integrity in an industry where they can be few an far between. We are looking forward to working with her again in the years ahead.


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Too Far
I do my nails at least once a week. I soak, file, buff, smooth and sometimes even paint them– colours with classy names like "merlot," "terracotta" and "haute chocolate." But if you can pull off "red carpet" or "strawberry kiss," more power to you. I know I can't.
What annoys me is that some people take things way too far. When fully capable, grown-up women wear multi-coloured glittery flower/heart/butterfly/zebra polish strips, stickers, glued-on beads and jewelry charms on their fingernails (toenails are a whole other level of superficiality)—I'd say that's too far.
Your manicure is not supposed to be a challenge to see how much you can fit between your cuticles and fingertips. It's stupid; it wastes both time and money. Worst of all, it makes you look like an eight-year-old gone wild on their mom's polish stash while on a sugar high.
And don't let your eight-year-old follow your example either. It's just scary and flat-out inappropriate to subject children to this silly shallow custom.
This whole culture of "nail art" comes from a mentality which dictates that the less you work, the more important/noble/rich you are. Just like high heels, wigs and corsets, long and dangly nails make manual work virtually impossible, immediately granting the people who wear it (faux) status in society—the longer your nails, the fatter your bank account.
But how do you expect to be taken seriously if you can barely handle paper, type or open a beer can? Seriously, ladies, I can take the scandalous colours, but please take it easy on the nail bling.
—Julia Jones
Online Editor
This article originally appeared in The Link Volume 31, Issue 28, published March 29, 2011.
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For a summer feast, crabs every which way
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Reports that things are looking up for the Chesapeake Bay and that blue crabs will be big and plentiful this season sealed the deal for the subject of this month's column: a crab-athon.
The theme coincided nicely with my niece Ava's high school graduation at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend. The family, 12 in all, assembled for two days of fun. Responsibilities for Friday night's dinner fell to me, with steamed crabs at the heart of the menu. They are Ava's favorite.
No big deal, right? Just order the crabs over the phone, drive out to pick them up, and throw them onto a table covered with newspaper.
That's what amateurs might do, but Real Entertainers go the extra mile. So as a tribute to the blue crab, which is arguably Washington's preeminent, if not only, regional food, I planned to make crab hush puppies for an appetizer and serve grilled soft-shell crabs with chorizo sauce and jumbo lump crab cakes alongside the hard-shells. For side dishes: crab-feast standbys such as corn on the cob and coleslaw plus asparagus, another Ava must-have.
Having the crabs cooked professionally can be a good thing. It's not that steaming them at home is particularly difficult: You put some cooking liquid (combinations of beer, vinegar, water, wine, etc.) in a big pot, layer crabs and seasoning mix, and cook, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes. The problem is, things get trickier if you need a lot of crabs. Even if you have a pot enormous enough and a heat source capable of handling it, you wind up with uneven cooking. The crabs near the bottom can get overcooked while the ones at the top aren't cooked enough.
Save yourself the trouble and go to a vendor who has the proper facilities to do the job. In Washington, the Maine Avenue waterfront has everything you need.
Haggling works. If one vendor tells you jumbos are $55 per dozen, which they were last week, go to others and ask what they can do. Once you choose the crabs you want, they'll cook them to order with as much spice as you like. (I prefer males, extra-large or jumbo; I find them meatier, but many people like female crabs because they say they are sweeter and contain more mustard, a yellow goo that is actually a crab's hepatopancreas, a gland that serves as a liver and pancreas and therefore a filtration system for impurities. Does that sound enticing?)
From a host's perspective, the most appealing part of the crab feast-themed party is the practice of papering the table: The usual dinner party niceties of flowers and such are not required. Beer can be swigged straight from the bottle, and rolls of paper towels can take the place of cloth napkins.
Compelling as that approach was, however, I had second thoughts about certain dishes on my menu. In my zeal to impress, I had lost sight of a more important entertaining principle: Know your audience. The grilled soft-shells with chorizo sauce had gone over well at a dinner party I gave for friends from the local food scene, but persuading several children to eat molted crabs, shells and all, would be hard.
The neighbors appreciated how ground coriander complemented the crabmeat in hush puppy prototypes I offered them, but did I really want to endure the inevitable question from my father, an Alabaman who doesn't like surprises in his traditional foods: What the hell did you put in these hush puppies?
Instead, I opted to start the meal with party mix (a family addiction), chopped liver (from the freezer), hummus (from the store and prettified with olive oil, pine nuts and paprika) and baba ghanouj, a request from my sister. I'd save the hush puppies for another party.
The dinner ended up more surf and turf than ode to crab, as it turned out. The meat eaters of the family gave a thumbs up to my decision to jettison soft-shells for beef. Using the easy method chef Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve, Eamonn's) had taught me, I seasoned a frenched five-pound rib roast, seared it, stuck it in a cold oven I then set at 350 degrees, and baked it for exactly 50 minutes. At that point, I turned the oven off, leaving the roast there for 70 minutes. The result was slices of perfectly medium-rare beef from edge to edge.


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Combined Heat and Power (CHP) can be much more efficient than central power generation because the waste heat is put to good use. (Thank you to the California Energy Commission for this animation)
Navigate this Report
Back to Supply Shifting Index
1. Background
2. Acronyms/Definitions
3. Business Case
4. Benefits
5. Risks/Issues
6. Success Factors
7. Next Steps
8. Companies
9. Links
|Source: National Energy Technology Laboratory -Modern Grid
- When the United States was being electrified, regulations promoted construction of centralized plants managed by regional utilities. These regulations discouraged decentralized power generation, such as cogeneration. They even went so far as to make it illegal for non-utilities to sell power.
- By 1978, Congress recognized that efficiency at central power plants had stagnated and sought to encourage improved efficiency with the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), which encouraged utilities to buy power from other energy producers.
- Technological improvements in gas turbines have changed the economics of power production. It is no longer necessary to build a 1,000- megawatt generating plant to exploit economies of scale. Combined-cycle gas turbines reach maximum efficiency at 400 megawatts, while aero-derivative gas turbines can be efficient at scales as small as 10 megawatts.
- Distributed generation can augment or even replace the large central power generators of today's electricity grid. The portfolio of distributed generation technologies includes microtubines, solar photovoltaics and various types of fuel cells in addition to today's mainstay diesel engines. These devices put generation closer to the end user, and they are capable of improving power reliability and security for entire communities or individual residences and businesses.
- Distributed or Community Storage provides capability to quickly ramp up MW capacity of storage and has the ability to provide peak shaving capabilities, deferral, and improving reliability
- Grid-connected distributed generation and storage increased from 5,423 MW in 2004 to 12,702 MW in 2007. While grid-connected distributed generation increased 134 percent over two years, it still only represented 1.4 percent of grid capacity, 1.6 percent of summer peak and 2.0 percent of winter capacity. DOE growth projections indicate a doubling of distributed generation capacity in five years.
|Distributed Smart Grid Control will enable greater penetration of efficient DER
2. Acronyms/Definitions
- AB-1613 - California Waste Heat and Carbon Emissions Reduction Act - Designed to encourage the development of new combined heat and power (CHP) systems in California with a generating capacity of not more than 20 megawatts.
The Act directs the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), publicly owned electric utilities, and the California Energy Commission (CEC) to establish policies and procedures for the purchase of electricity from eligible CHP systems. It also directs the Air Resources Board (ARB) to report on the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases resulting from the increase of new electricity generation from CHP.
The Act specifically directs the CEC to adopt by January 1, 2010, guidelines establishing technical criteria for eligibility of CHP systems for programs to be developed by the CPUC and publicly owned utilities. The CPUC is also directed to establish (1) a standard tariff for the sale of electricity to electricity corporations for delivery to the electrical grid and (2) a "pay as you save" pilot program requiring electricity corporations to finance the installation of qualifying CHP systems by nonprofit and government entities.
Under the guidelines, A CHP System shall meet an oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission standard of 0.07 pounds of NOx per megawatt hour (0.07 lb NOx/MWh) of electrical energy produced, crediting
mechanical energy produced at the rate of 1 MWh per 1,341 horsepower-hour (hp-hr).
- Absorption Chiller - A refrigerator that uses a heat source to provide the energy needed to drive the cooling system. Absorption chillers are a popular alternative to regular compressor refrigerators where surplus heat is available (e.g. combined heat and power (CHP) or industrial processes)
- Aggregated Distributed Applications can be "loads as resources" to help with renewable integration. Smart Grid is key to the aggregation of devices.
- CHP – Combined Heat and Power Cogeneration - (Also known as Cogeneration) The use of a heat engine or a power station to simultaneously generate both electricity and useful heat. CHP is often co-located at nearby industrial sites. The raw materials and industrial sectors together account for a little more than two-thirds of US capacity, while the commercial and institutional sectors account for a little under one-third. Conventional power plants emit the heat created as a by-product of electricity generation into the environment through cooling towers, flue gas, or by other means. CHP captures the by-product heat for domestic or industrial heating purposes, either very close to the plant, or—especially in Scandinavia and eastern Europe—as hot water for district heating with temperatures ranging from approximately 80 to 130 °C.
It's more efficient to convert any fuel to heat than to power - such is the nature of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. That's not a gas-specific story, or even really a heat vs. power story. (Try running your computer on heat!) We need heat and we need power. An ideal world would cogenerate them both from a single fuel source. But be careful assuming that any fuel would be "better" used for heat; it's analagous to saying that we'd be better off using our nation's beef processors only to make chuck. Yes, you get higher efficiency, but you end up losing a lot of T-bones, filets and higher-value cuts. Ditto with a preference for heat. We need electricity - our challenge is simply to make it with as low a fossil-fuel signature as possible.
- Combined Cycle - An assembly of heat engines that work in tandem off the same source of heat, converting it into mechanical energy, which in turn usually drives electrical generators. The principle is that the exhaust of one heat engine is used as the heat source for another, thus extracting more useful energy from the heat, increasing the system's overall efficiency. This works because heat engines are only able to use a portion of the energy their fuel generates (usually less than 50%).
The remaining heat (e.g., hot exhaust fumes) from combustion is generally wasted. Combining two or more thermodynamic cycles results in improved overall efficiency, reducing fuel costs. In stationary power plants, a successful, common combination is the Brayton cycle (in the form of a turbine burning natural gas or synthesis gas from coal) and the Rankine cycle (in the form of a steam power plant).
- DG - Distributed Generation - Connects generation directly to the distribution system. The power provided by this generation ranges from 5 to 500 MVA, and includes wind turbines, solar arrays, solar thermal, small hydroelectric plants, fuel cells, and microturbines.
- DER - Distributed Energy Resources - Small-scale energy generation/storage sources capable of providing temporary changes in electricity supply. Expands on DG to include technologies such as battery energy storage, and superconducting magnetic energy storage
- Export - Aggregate generation at a Producer's facility exceeds the aggregate load, and the net power flows to the distribution system. Export can be intended or unintentional.
- Fuel Cell (See my blog article Fuel Cells) - Similar to a battery in that an electro-chemical reaction is used to create electric current. The major difference between fuel cells and batteries is that batteries carry a limited supply of fuel internally as an electrolytic solution and solid materials. Fuel cells have similar reactions; however, the reactants are gases (hydrogen and oxygen) that are combined in a catalytic process. Since the gas reactants can be fed into the fuel cell and constantly replenished, the unit will never run down like a battery. Phosphoric-acid fuel cells (PAFC) comprise the largest segment of existing CHP products worldwide and can provide combined efficiencies close to 90% (35-50% electric + remainder as thermal)
- HHV - Higher Heating Value - Determined by bringing all the products of combustion back to the original pre-combustion temperature, and in particular condensing any vapor produced. Such measurements often use a temperature of 25°C. The higher heating value takes into account the latent heat of vaporization of water in the combustion products, and is useful in calculating heating values for fuels where condensation of the reaction products is practical (e.g., in a gas-fired boiler used for space heat). In other words, HHV assumes all the water component is in liquid state at the end of combustion (in product of combustion.
- IEEE 1547 - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems) is a standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers meant to provide a set of criteria and requirements for the interconnection of distributed generation resources into the power grid
|Distributed Generation Alternatives
- Developed with low penetration in mind
- Does not allow some functions needed for high penetration
- Without communication connectedness (i.e. manageability),utilities don't want DER to try to do anything "smart" or grid supportive, due to concerns that the behavior will not work as intended, even potentially working against the utility. Existing IEEE1547 rules reflect this do nothing approach
- Volt/VAR control
- Low Voltage Ride Through
– Size and capabilities of the DER system itself
– Distribution system configuration and characteristics
– Location of the DER PCC with respect to the circuit's configuration
– Sizes and capabilities of neighboring DER systems
– Requirements of the transmission system for support from the distribution systems
– The regulatory and financial environment of the utility, including utility economics, energy infrastructure and legacy systems.
The oxygen atom formed in the second reaction then goes on to form ozone; this series of reactions is the main source of tropospheric ozone (smog). CH3O2 is just one example of many partly oxidized organic molecules that can react with NO to form NO2. These reactions are rather fast so NO and NO2 cycle, but the sum of their concentration ([NO] + [NO2]) tends to remain fairly constant. Because of this cycling, it is convenient to think of the two chemicals as a group; hence the term NOx.
In addition to acting as a main precursor for tropospheric ozone , NOx is also harmful to human health in its own right.
- Biogas-fueled combined heat and power (CHP) generation
- Natural gas-fueled CHP generation in certain GHG reducing applications
- Certain gas-displacing solar thermal technologies such as solar heating and cooling which are not included in the California Solar Initiative (CSI) because they displace gas not electricity
- Complementary peak load reduction technologies such as energy storage
VPPs rely upon software systems to remotely and automatically dispatch and optimize generation or demand-side or storage resources in a single, secure web-connected system. In the U.S., VPPs not only deal with the supply side, but also help manage demand and ensure reliability of grid functions through demand response (DR) and other load shifting approaches, in real time.
VPPs can be viewed as a manifestation of transactive energy, whereby new technologies such as demand response (DR), solar PV systems, advanced batteries, and EVs are transforming formerly passive consumers into active prosumers. The primary goal of a VPP is to achieve the greatest possible profit for asset owners while maintaining the proper balance of the electricity grid—at the lowest possible economic and environmental cost. Without any large-scale fundamental infrastructure upgrades, VPPs can stretch supplies from existing generators and utility demand reduction programs (and other forms of DER). According to Navigant Research, global VPP implementation spending (excluding energy storage) is expected to reach $2.1 billion annually by 2025.
3. Business Case
- Generating power on-site, rather than centrally, eliminates the cost, complexity, interdependencies, and inefficiencies associated with energy transmission and distribution. Distributed energy is evolving in a manner like distributed PC and laptop computing, cars for transportation, and smart phones. As distributed Internet data and telephony have found a place in the market, so also will distributed energy generation become widespread. Distributed power shifts energy generation control to the consumer much to the consternation of the existing utility companies.
- Integrating Distributed Energy Resources into the grid requires instantaneous communications among all critical devices to allow continuous monitoring, control, and correction. A Smart Grid is a key enabler in integrating distributed generation Managing DER's may be the Internet history's killer lesson for energy.
|Source: National Energy Laboratory - Modern Grid Systems View: Appendix 5
- Quicker Return on Investment - Smaller-scale, distributed generation projects in the range of two to 20 megawatts are on the rise compared to utility-scale projects because they are faster to approve, have high profitability, have shorter connection and permitting reviews, and have increased flexibility. Panelists at the third Solar Electric Utility Conference escribed an average time for project completion in the range of six to 12 months for smaller projects, compared with two to four years for large utility-scale efforts.
- Avoided Transmission Expense - In many locations and in certain circumstances, distributed solar projects are less expensive than utility-scale solar projects because of the avoidance of both new transmission lines and line losses -- the latter of which typically accounts for approximately 7% of the power shipped over transmission systems. The costs associated with utility-scale solar projects are often not included in the side-by-side economic comparison made between the two forms of solar power development.
- Avoided Distribution Expense - An additional benefit of distributed solar is its ability, when developed in clusters (i.e., local micro-grids), to alleviate the need to upgrade distribution substations and add local peaking plant capacity.
- Economic Development: Could create more jobs than the other cases since rooftop PV is labor intensive.
- Local Environmental Quality: Performs well since case minimizes transmission and maximizes rooftop installations. It can also improve local air quality by displacing instate local fossil generation.
- Managed Renewable Variability - The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) estimates that an additional 145,000 MW of wind generation will be added to the grid over the next 10 years. Distributed smart grid technologies, particularly DERs and dispatchable demand resources, have the potential to provide the needed flexibility to manage the resultant increase in supply variability.
- Peak Shaving- DER systems can be applied for a limited number of hours per year to shave the peak power demand. With commercial Time of Use (TOU ) and Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) from most utilities, customers can often save a large part of their energy bill by controlling their peak demand. Customers with high daily peaks or poor load factors, such as office buildings and retail stores with nightly shut-downs, can benefit the most.
- Absorption Chilling - For commercial markets such as food service, retail, office buildings, grocery stores, administrative buildings, and other low thermal/high cooling markets, the addition of thermally activated cooling can often provide enough cooling load to make a combined cooling heating and power system economically viable. The figure below shows the increase in thermal load that is achieved by converting the air conditioning load from electricity driven to thermally driven (jpg)
- Resource Recovery - DER can promote the economic use of waste fuels. DER markets for resource recovery include:
- Landfills
- Sewage Treatment Plants
- Municipal Solid Waste
- Animal Feedlots
- Other Agricultural Wastes
- Oil and Gas production and transportation
- Black liquor recovery and use of wood waste at pulp and paper mills.
- Generating Efficiency - Thermal power plants and heat engines in general, do not convert all of their thermal energy into electricity. In most heat engines, a bit more than half is lost as excess heat due to the Second law of thermodynamics and Carnot's theorem. By capturing the excess heat, CHP uses heat that would be wasted in a conventional power plant, potentially reaching an efficiency of up to 89%, compared with 55% for the best conventional plants.
- Locality - CHP is most efficient when the heat can be used on site or very close to it. Overall efficiency is reduced when the heat must be transported over longer distances. This requires heavily insulated pipes, which are expensive and inefficient. Having generation closer to load also lowers transmission losses.
- Reliability - More available power generation during peak periods. Increases feeder reliability, especially for remote power applications. DER's may be used to support electricity demand or supply management opportunities for reliability or economic reasons.
- Reduces dependency on the transmission system by strengthening the distribution system.
- Increases operational flexibility during routine, emergency and restoration activities.
- Improves power quality during times of system stress (i.e., peak load, storms, etc.) and reduces system restoration time following major events.
- Reduces transmission losses and congestion by locating generation closer to loads.
- Increases "ride-through" capability and momentary voltage support.
- Reduces the chances for a common mode failure to affect overall
operation of the entire grid.
- Security - The ability of the modern grid to accommodate a wide variety of options can reduce its vulnerability to security attacks and improve its security during major events.
- Decentralization to the distribution level reduces the grid's vulnerability to a single attack.
- Large quantities of smaller DER, coupled with smaller quantities of large centralized generation, reduce the impact of a unit's failure on overall grid operation.
- Diversity in DER gives operators more choices in response to a security emergency.
- Diversity in a geographic location provides alternate means to restore the grid following a major event.
- Diversity of fuels at central generating stations (coal, oil, gas, nuclear, hydro) coupled with diversity of fuels at decentralized DER (wind, solar, gas, hydrogen for fuel cells, etc.) increases the probability that adequate fuel supplies will be available.
- Power Quality of circuits can be improved by DER installations. Some commercial and industrial facilities need higher power quality as a result of increased use of microelectronic devices
- Reduced Emissions - Reduced damages from greenhouse gas emissions due to lower electricity consumption, lower T&D losses, and generation from clean energy generation substituting for power from less clean sources. DER supports alternative renewable resources such as solar and wind
- Defer Capital Investments in T&D - Installing DER at or near the end user can also in some cases benefit the electric utility by avoiding or reducing the cost of transmission and distribution system upgrades.
- Energy Independence for consumers. For the consumer the potential lower cost, higher service reliability, high power quality, increased energy efficiency, and energy independence are all reasons for interest in DER
- Reduced Water Use - Another challenging issue for utility-scale solar projects is the use of water. Combined, the Genesis and Mojave projects would use 1.24 billion gallons of water per year due to the wet cooling systems involved. ;One alternative to wet cooling systems, dry cooling, uses 90% less water, but can only handle the full cooling load up to temperatures of 85˚-90˚F. As a result, dry cooling in deserts is not cost efficient.
5. Risks/Issues
- Cost Impact - According to a June 2009 study by the California PUC, a high DG scenario would entail a 14.6% cost premium compared to the 20% RPS Reference Case. This cost is substantially higher than the 33% RPS Reference Case and alternative 33% RPS cases since this case relies on distributed generation, primarily solar PV, to fill the 33% RPS resource needs. However, under the Solar PV Cost Reduction sensitivity, the total costs of the High DG Case are very similar to the costs of the 33% RPS Reference Case. The solar PV industry is predicting dramatic cost reductions in the coming years even though solar PV is currently the most expensive renewable technology studied in this report.
- Lack of Interconnection Standards - In the United States, common standards for interconnecting DER devices into the utility system do not presently exist. Grid interface and interconnection rules are complex. The lack of common standards is a barrier to the wide acceptance and installation of DER technologies.
In February 2008, the EPA did a study of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, assessing their standards for interconnection. The EPA's study based its criteria for favorability on whether or not standard forms were in place, time frames for application approval, insurance requirements, distributed resource sizes allowable, and interconnection study fees. With these factors considered, only 15 states were classified as having "favorable" interconnection standards, with 27 states either being "favorable" or "neutral." The fact that there are five states with unfavorable policies towards distributed generation is also cause for concern, although it is worth noting that that these states are all in the southeast region of the United States perhaps indicating a regional issue.
- Interconnection Bureaucracy - Interconnection with California IOU's can take two years or more.
In May 2012, The California Independent System Operator Corporation (ISO) Board of Governors voted to streamline the process for interconnecting distributed generation. The ISO will annually publish information showing quantities of potential distributed generation at various grid locations. The assessment will be used by load-serving entities, resource developers and local regulatory authorities in negotiating renewable energy contracts and developing projects.
The new approach will align ISO policy with the state's goal to accelerate distributed generation -- smaller scale resources connected to utility distribution systems and located close to customers. The benefit of the new interconnection process is that distributed generation will obtain deliverability status in about half the time as the current process. Achieving "deliverability" qualifies projects as eligible for being counted toward the resource adequacy requirements of utilities and other load serving entities. Currently, it can take about two years to obtain deliverability status at the wholesale level because of the in-depth engineering analysis and customer consultation performed as part of the interconnection process.
The Board approval will enable CalISO to file tariff changes with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) so that the streamlined process can be integrated into the its 2012/2013 transmission planning cycle. With a timely FERC approval, CalISO will perform the first distributed generation deliverability assessment in November, publish the first results in February 2013, and conduct the first allocation of available deliverability shortly afterward.
- DG Developers Pay All Upgrade Costs - Developers are responsible for 100 percent of the cost of distribution grid upgrades when they interconnect projects to the distribution grid. This is different from how it works on the transmission grid. On the transmission grid the ratepayer is going to pay 100 percent of the upgrade cost of the transmission grid. And they're going to pay zero percent of the upgrade cost for the distribution grid. It's just the way FERC has ruled on these things. So the ratepayer is getting a free upgrade to the distribution grid when developers are interconnecting to the distribution grid and paying for network upgrades.
- Transparency of Interconnection Costs - Bbefore you start that process of getting site controls, which could cost hundreds o thousands of dollars, you need to know whether that location has any kind of potential to become a viable project. In order to have transparency you need to know things like what's the capacity. What's the capacity of the substation that this location is connected to? What about the actual circuit and the line segments? What are the back feed potentials and the cross feed possibilities at that point? Keeping minimum loads of all of the items above and the size of the location in the queue.
Not only do you have to have a snapshot of what it is today but you have to have a snapshot of everybody that's ahead of you that's going to be interconnecting wholesale DG projects anywhere near you on that circuit or that substation. You have to be aware of that because that's going to impact the experience you're going to actually have at the end of the day when you finally get it built. You need to be able to predict what those upgrade requirements are going to be and determine what the costs are going to be.
- Locational Benefits Not Included in DG Rates - In California, Market price reference (MPR) is the standard for what you're allowed to sell renewable energy to the utilities. The market price reference is determined at the point of interconnection based on a 500 megawatts gas combined cycled power plant. This means that that interconnection reference point is a out in the middle of nowhere interconnected to the transmission grid. When the locational benefits of interconnecting your energy to the distribution grid instead of the transmission grid are normalized, you get a 25 percent value add for the energy interconnected to the distribution grid. First of all you're not paying transmission access charges which are at least 1.5 cent per kilowatt hour,the standard rate that has to get paid. For every kilowatt hour that drops down from transmission to distribution it's 1.5 cents, that's about 15 percent of the baseline market price. Then there's a line loss and a congestion loss for every kilowatt hour that comes off the transmission. And on average that's about a 10 percent line loss, line slash congestion loss. So there's a 25 percent value boost to wholesale distributed generation in California that is not valued, that's not compensated in the market price reference.
- Markets - Limited export opportunities for excess power|
- Limited PURPA Enforcement
- PURPA undermined by EPAct 2005
- No state CHP policy to complement PURPA
- No real "market" alternatives to utility purchases for CHP products
- No "carrot" or "stick" to encourage utility purchases
- Smart Distribution - All new and upgraded distribution substations should be smart grid compatible, and utilities should be required to conduct cost/benefit analysis if
proposing not to incorporate smart grid features, like 100% bidirectional capability, in all upgrades/new builds. This is required utility practice to avoid distribution substations creating an artificial bottleneck to DG renewable energy development
- Simplified Interconnection – Streamlined complicated regulations and the processes involving interconnection, standardization, certification, environmental review, and permits.
- Improved Communication Technology - Technologies need to be developed to facilitate the expanded use and reduce the cost of DER, including interconnection, control, communication, and other system DER hardware.
- Smart Sensors and Controls - Integrating DER into the system requires advances in the research and commercialization of smart sensors, protective relays and control devices. Lower cost sensors and controls will reduce DER installation costs, ensure stable operation of interconnected DER units and safeguard line crews and the public during maintenance and restoration.
- Reformed Distribution Grid Interconnection Procedures - Both FERC and State PUC's need to hold the utilities responsible for making sure that they are doing their interconnections on a timely and effective and transparent process. We need to have audits because right now the utilities are in charge of the interconnection processes. You have to go to the utility to get your contract and you have to go to the utility to do your interconnection. And there's nobody auditing them on the interconnection.
- Evaluation of Grid Impacts - The limits of penetration for wide-scale grid-connected DER interact with one another when connected to common distribution feeders of different designs, both radial and networked, and their effect on the dispatchability of resources and the integrity of the distribution and transmission system need to be determined.
- Applied New Technology- Including micro-grids, DER aggregation, and advanced control systems that enable safe, reliable and cost-effective integration of DER into the distribution system
- New Operating Models and Algorithms to address the transient and steady-state behavior of the modern grid, and the integration of large amounts of DER.
- Improved Operator Visualization Techniques and New Training Methodologies to enable system operators (both distribution and transmission) to work together to manage systems in both routine and emergency operations.
- Advanced Simulation Tools that can provide a more complete understanding of grid behavior, especially where a large number of diverse DER units are deployed. These tools are also needed to assist system planners in designing reliable power systems in this new environment.
- Market Integration- To maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of DER for end users, access to existing markets needs to be improved or new market structures need to be developed.
- Real Time Pricing - Will tell suppliers, marketers, DER vendors and consumers when it makes sense to buy more DER. That investment will in turn spur the development of next-generation DER devices, making them even more cost effective.
- Performance Standards - We must ensure that DER owners continuously meet their obligations to grid operators. Regulatory groups should perform periodic audits and enforce compliance when needed. Each owner should perform self assessments. (For instance, does the unit follow dispatch instructions within tolerances?)
- In California, the Rule 21 Working Group under the leadership of the CPUC is intended to build consensus among the CPUC, IOUs, generators, and advocates for Rule 21 reforms to meet the technical needs and policy goals of interconnecting distributed generation. Presentation materials and video archives of their April and August 2011 meetings are available on their website.
- At the federal level, getting the tax code amended would attract investors to CHP much the same way other renewable have used it.
Last year, a U.S. House bill with bipartisan support was introduced to recognize the resources as renewable. Heat is Power is seeking a 30 percent investment tax credit and/or a 2.1 cents-per-kilowatt hour production tax credit, just like wind, solar and geothermal power generators receive. "We've been working to get a significant group of Republicans on board before we introduce it again," said Kelsey Walker, director of government relations for TAS Energy. 'What we're saying is that you might have the best renewable energy in the country because it's base load," Walker said, pointing out that the areas in the South and Midwest, thought to be renewable resource-poor, might be prime candidates.
The majority of the projects would be 10 megawatts or less.
- Evaluate Integration Issues with Bulk Power System
- Evaluation of variability impacts on regulation requirements
- Evaluation of forecasting error impacts on ancillary services requirements and associated costs
- Redesign of distribution system as a supply source to bulk power system
- Smart Inverters - Inverters, which convert DC to AC, are required for all PV systems. Inverters are now "software-driven" and have some amazing capabilities to shift their output:
- They can manipulate Watts (energy) output (as long as they remain within the capabilities of the PV system)
- More importantly, they can manipulate VArs
- Can provide capabilities like volt-var control, frequency-watt control, and dynamic grid support as part of low voltage ride through
- Inverters can sense local conditions, such as voltage and frequency, and respond with autonomous actions These pre-set reactions will improve power system efficiency and delay the need for distribution upgrades and can help avoid outages and system black-outs
- Inverter manufacturers are already adding these functions for the European market
- Expensive communications between utilities and these inverters are not immediately necessary
- Smaller inverters may never need communications
- Medium inverters may need to respond to broadcast commands
- Larger inverters or those on more "sensitive" circuits may need more interactive communications
- Functions for Inverter-based DER Generation and Storage Systems
- Immediate commands for inverter-based DER functions:
- Turn on/off
- Limit maximum output
- Status and event log information
- "Modes" for pre-established autonomous behaviour:
- Volt-Var control
- Frequency-Watt control
- Volt-Watt control
- Dynamic grid support during low voltage ride-through
- Temperature-var control
- Pricing signal requests
- Schedules for hourly, daily, weekly, and/or seasonal actions: – Modes – Commands
- IEC 61850-90-7 standard (almost) exists for these functions
- Is already being implemented in Europe
- Already mapped to DNP3, web services, and (soon) Smart Energy Profile
- BPL Global, Pittsburgh PA - Provides software solutions and services to electric utilities enabling an intelligent grid to more efficiently manage demand, integrate distributed energy resources, improve service reliability, and optimize cost and capital productivity. Partners with local utilities, internet service providers, equipment suppliers and financiers to create end-to-end solutions integrating software, communications, hardware and managed services.
Their software solution allows dynamic, real-time management based on the changing conditions of the distribution network. Utilities can efficiently add and manage a variety of renewable and storage resources on the grid and actively coordinate customer load, generation and storage resources.
- Fat Spaniel, San Jose, CA - Provides High Definition Monitoring options for string- and sub-array monitoring, revenue-grade metering, demand monitoring, and environmental monitoring. Fat Spaniel Technologies received $18 million of VC funding in 2008 toward the development of an energy intelligence platform.
- GridPoint , Arlington, VA - Their software platform applies information technology to the electric grid to enable utilities to incrementally adopt and customize smart grid solutions including energy efficiency, load management, renewable integration, storage management and electric vehicle management. GridPoint, Inc. received $15 million of VC fudning in 2008 for their management of distributed storage, renewable generation, and load, bringing the firm's total funding to over $100 million.
- Siemens - One of the first firms to explore the concept of VPPs, playing a key role in providing the management system for one of Germany's pioneering efforts. A VPP project that has been operating since October 2008 aggregates the capacity of nine different hydroelectric plants ranging in size from 150 kilowatts (kW) up to 1.1 megawatts (MW), with a total VPP capacity of 8.6 MW. The VPP framework opened up new power marketing channels for these facilities that would not have been viable if these distributed energy resources (DER) were still operating as stand-alone systems.
The key technology Siemens is offering to the VPP market is its Decentralized Energy Management System (DEMS), which is designed to enhance both wholesale and distributed generation operations according to pre-defined economic, environmental or energy-related priorities. The company is now engaged in a variety of smart grid projects in the U.S. that could be considered VPPs in Kansas, Texas and Hawaii.
- TAS , Houston, TX - Designs and manufactures modular cooling and energy systems for the power generation industry; the district, commercial and industrial process cooling industries; and the industrial sector. Has developed a technology, its organic rankine cycle process that uses lower temperature resources that is being applied in the geothermal power industry. It can operate at 195 degrees, instead of the 900 degrees that are optimal for traditional steam turbines.
- PIER - Distributed Energy Resources (DER)Systems Integration
- CEC - Workshop on Renewable, Localized Generation The California Energy Commission's Integrated Energy Policy Report Committee (IEPR Committee) conducted a workshop May 9, 2011 on topics related to Governor Brown's goal of deploying 20,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy by 2020, including 12,000 MW of localized energy. See WebEx Recording of the meeting and PDF copies of the presentations
- CPUC Distributed Generation Programs
- Heat is Power - Collaboration by American innovators and entrepreneurs who are working to develop a roboust market in the United States for zero carbon emission electricity generated from heat wasted by industrial and oil/gas processes. At the federal level, getting the tax code amended would attract investors in much the same way other renewable have used it.


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Discussion in 'Contests' started by zpqrei, Jul 14, 2010.
Can we Add/ Remove medkits and ammopacks?
no. It changes gameplay, and has nothing to do with detailing.
EDIT: Hereby calling the space station theme.
dibs on snowdrift theme because it's cool
As stated in another thread...
Y'all don't have a chance.
Doesn't having all the ground displacements as power 4 cause problems? Seems like there's a very high triangle density.
Nice contest. i'm not good at making maps, but i can detail.
Although the basic layout is not to be modified, Can some brushes/geometry be modified slightly, moved, added or anything, like in case there is a problem with the original design?
Wait, how do I submit?
I'm not sure if this is the place to post it, but chat is being swarmed by people being linked from the blog. kind of annoying.
I'm still wondering if I can add something wacky.
Zpq did it.
No, you cannot put porn in your map.
Oh god, a proxy texture of porn.
Or even worse, a censored version of Goatese, in a blend texture with some other shock site.
Oh the possibilities.
Just to clarify, are we allowed to change the ambiance (f/e the skybox)?
Also, would adding areas where Engineers can't build change the level too much, or is that also kosher?
Yes to skybox/lighting
For your second question, do you mean detail rooms?
Get your mind out of the gutter!
I'm talking about like, a cat hanging from the wall or something stupid like that.
Only if you think it is something Valve would like to make official.
I'm guessing the answer is "no" in most cases.
Well, I wasn't serious about the cat thing, I put a frog wearing a blue hardhat in front of my blu base. Picture example HERE
Hope it hasn't been asked already, but what are the rules on using tf2map's swamp themed objects?
Are we required to give WIP screenshots every now and then like in the Polycount contest?
Separate names with a comma.


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Four-day event to be held June 19-22 in Austin
Convention to bring together parents, educators, administrators, policymakers and thought leaders from across the country to discuss key issues impacting children, families, schools and communities
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (April 18, 2014) — National PTA® is pleased to announce that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will headline the association's 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition, addressing attendees on Friday, June 20 at the Convention Center in Austin, Texas.
"Under Secretary Duncan's leadership at the Department of Education, a number of significant accomplishments have been made on behalf of American students," said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. "The National PTA Convention and Exhibition is an important event for information sharing and discussing key issues impacting children, families, schools and communities. We are honored to have Secretary Duncan participate in this year's Convention."
Secretary Duncan has helped to secure congressional support for investments in education and interventions in low-performing schools. He also has helped to secure funding for early learning programs. Additionally, under his leadership, the Department of Education has developed a family and community-engagement framework to support schools and districts nationwide in establishing and strengthening family-school partnerships to increase student achievement.
As part of his address during the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition, Secretary Duncan will conduct a question and answer session with attendees.
The 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition will be held from June 19-22 at the Austin Convention Center. In addition to hearing from Secretary Duncan and other speakers during the event, attendees will participate in a wide variety of workshops, including sessions on advocating for every child, enhancing leadership, growing schools of excellence and empowering a generation of good digital citizens. The Convention also will feature an Emerging Minority Leaders Conference, Youth Leadership Summit and a Male Engagement Forum.
For more information about the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition, visit PTA.org.
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.


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Bulldog is a classic poker card shark
The bulldog calls the shots at this poker game! With a classic green visor, a rootbeer, and a bone to make his bets, this pup is set up with all the accoutrement to become a regular card shark. He deals seamlessly and maintains a mean poker face against his unseen, tough dog opponent.


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Marvel is an airtight, vacuum-sealed box of secrets when it comes to storing surprises for its next big blockbuster films. That's why we were so surprised (not to mention excited) to see a grainy bootleg of a scene from the upcoming "Spider-Man: Far From Home." We're being generous with the word 'upcoming;' this one's not going to be in theaters until next July with still no word as to when we'll be graced with a trailer.
While the bad news is we still have no clue what the film's plot holds, the good news is that among the details that slipped through the net was a pretty telling look at who's likely to be the movie's starring villain: Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. While Gyllenhaal playing the infamous illusionist is not piping hot news, we had no idea what kind of interpretation and/or face-lift the Marvel Cinematic Universe would give the popular (if not a little campy) character ….
From what little we were treated to in the leaked footage, we were lucky to get some fairly close looks at Mysterio and we've gotta say we're pretty hyped. Check it out!
Spider-Man: Far from Home: Mysterio in Liberec, Czech Republic pic.twitter.com/wpWaWe0oRE
— Martin Knap (@CZMARTY7) September 30, 2018
The footage was taken from what's reportedly the 'final scene' of the film, presumably where Mysterio and Spider-Man face off in their final confrontation. That would explain why Mysterio is without his trademark fishbowl helmet – perhaps it got knocked off during their tussle or dramatically removed for some plot angle. Either way, though Gyllenhaal has not confirmed that he'll be playing the famous villain it sure does look like him in the costume!
Spider-Man: Far from Home: Mysterio in Liberec, Czech Republic pic.twitter.com/qfgJDQJQLs
— Martin Knap (@CZMARTY7) September 30, 2018
While numerous members from Spidey's rogues gallery have been seen on the big screen before (Doc Ock, Venom twice, Sandman, Green Goblin three times), Mysterio has not been among them. Typically considered more of a laughable side note next to Goblin or Venom, Mysterio is much more of a video game villain.
Having a comic relief character as the main antagonist is decidedly dissimilar to the MCU formula, and that leads us to believe the Mysterio we'll be seeing in Far From Home will be another gritty reboot of the character. Check out this swagger of a walk and you'll start to believe us:
Spider-Man: Far from Home: Mysterio in Liberec, Czech Republic, final scene pic.twitter.com/KCzGJmme01
— Martin Knap (@CZMARTY7) September 30, 2018
Yeah, that's a pretty confident bad guy walk. Following the typical success formula, the sequel film of a super hero's story arc is the more introspective, personal chapter. Mysterio would be a great candidate for this role, preying upon Peter Parker's fears, insecurities, and mistakes with powerful hallucinogens, chemical vapors, and barrages of nasty illusions.
Coming straight from the knock-down, drag-out fight with Thanos that we saw Spider-Man get tangled up with in "Infinity War," it would be a wise change of pace to turn his generally cheerful character down a path where he's forced to grow up quickly – much like Tony Stark or Thor in their respective features.
We're really happy to see what the MCU is doing with Mysterio so far; that costume looks perfect! With luck, this will shape up to be another hit out of the park for Marvel! We're anxious to get more details, but until we do we'll munch on whatever scraps fall off the Marvel table.
Until the full course, stay tuned with us for more info!


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School of Management Sciences, Varanasi
India has been one of the most preferred markets for automobile manufactures. The demand for four wheelers and two wheelers has always been on rise since last 10 years. It is obvious that growing Indian economy based on increase on demand created a huge demand of automobiles in India. Although recent trends has put automobiles companies in dark clouds of recession. Recent statistics indicate that the growth of automobile industry which was stagnant in 2012-13 has declined in 2013-14. This has resulted in reduction in sales volume of these companies too. Well the most important question is who is to be blamed for this? The inflation hit Indian economy, increase in oil prices or failure of most cars to pass safety tests.
India is sixth largest market in terms of units sold. Credible projections suggest that it could become the third largest behind USA and china overtaking Germany, Brazil and japan, but with this recessionary trend the projections can be a paradox. A lot of cars and two wheelers are being sold in developing countries but the safety regulations lag 20 years behind standards. Air bags, rear seat belts, child safe seats are not mandatory in order to keep prices competitive. India has more than 140000 road fatalities every year, which needs to be blamed for making India most dangerous driving environment.
In this case the sentiment of the buyers must be understood and rethink of marketing strategies is very important. This year there has been a substantial increase on attention of buses, since a single bus can reduce 60 personal vehicles causing less accident, pollution and congestion. To make public transport robust in India, the roads and transportation methods must be improved. This again calls a need for good governance. And better roads can also be a factor in increasing the demand for cars.
Hence if the automobile industry wants to come out of the dark clouds of recession, they must need to put some great reforms. And this is the time when then need for innovation comes into being. The Auto Expo that starts form Wednesday will be very crucial for the customers as well as the automobile companies. The companies are launching as many as 70 new models that include cars, bikes, trucks and utility vehicles. This is the largest ever display which includes an entire pavilion of hybrids and electrics, which is a great change. However, the interest or the response that the companies will get from the customers will determine the future of automobile industry in India.
Contributed by:
Satyam Anand
PGDM II Sem