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Trees Unlimited in suburban Chicago employs a diverse array of skid steers and attachments to achieve a common land clearing goal. Whether they are performing selective thinning and beautification for a private landowner, trail development and maintenance for park projects, or clear-cutting for a commercial endeavor, the skid steers work in tandem to get the project done quickly, efficiently and with minimal disruption of the surface.
Owner Curt Pfaffinger initially purchased the Bull Hog mulching head, a shear and a grapple so he could do more work for park and conservation districts. Selective thinning is the name of the game, so the highly maneuverable skid steers are a perfect fit. "They want to make trails without taking much down – everyone wants to save a tree," says Pfaffinger. "With the Bull Hog we can do that work efficiently. We get around the big oak tree but not destroy anything that you do not want to."
The low ground pressure imparted by the skid steers – especially his rubber tracked Cat 287s, and John Deere 280s – was another big selling point for the municipal work. "There is no compaction," Pfaffinger says. "We do not hurt the root structure so the keeper trees continue to grow and develop."
As counter-intuitive as it may seem, the maneuverability of the skid steers also enhances efficiency with commercial projects where all of the vegetation is removed. Pfaffinger sends in a skid steer with a Bull Hog mulcher head to clear away the undergrowth before bringing in skid steers with shears, grapples, saws and other equipment to clear away larger material. "We'll go in with a Fecon head first and get rid of all of the minus-4-inch material – that gives us room to maneuver around without brambles and thorns grabbing at the operators," says Pfaffinger "The Fecon head goes in the day beforehand, mows it all off and gives the other guys room to work."
The "other guys" use grapples, tree saws and bunching shears to fell larger diameter trees before hauling them to a central chipping location. "We've got a Vermeer with autofeed, which we feed with a Bobcat," says Pfaffinger. "One guy just feeds the grinder and two guys bring the material to them. He doesn't have to waste time schlepping logs."
Sticking to their specialized roles has helped increase the productivity of the entire crew. But that's not to say that operators never switch attachments. "We're using all implements on any given job – we flip-flop all the time, because the time to change from one to another is minimal," says Pfaffinger.
Depending upon the terrain and site conditions, operators may start using the tree saw to fell large diameter trees and then switch to the bunching shear for more control. "Both will handle the same diameter materials – about 16 inches – but the shear gives us more control since we're still holding onto the tree after it has been sheared," Pfaffinger says. It's important in tight working areas, especially residential or where there are other Trees Unlimited crew members working in the vicinity, he says.
Pfaffinger also believes in bringing more equipment than will be used so the project can continue in the event of a breakdown. If the project calls for removal of the mulched material, then Trees Unlimited blows the chips into one of their fleet of chip trucks. "We've got 6-wheelers with a box on the back, and a box inverted on top so we can handle 20 yards of chips at a time," he says.
He takes the chips to his gravel pit and runs them through a tub grinder to produce mulch, which he then sells or uses on internal projects. As the land clearing business expands, so does the mulch production. Pfaffinger produced 20,000 cubic yards of mulch last year – up from 12,000 the prior year.
But not everything that his crews touch turns into "black gold." Sometimes they'll mulch the materials with a mulcher head, and then leave them onsite to help control erosion. As the mulched materials decompose, they return nutrients to the soil. Mulching and leaving the material on site is operationally easier and eliminates the hauling of chips and further processing at the gravel pit.
Whether they are removing the materials or leaving them to Mother Nature, Pfaffinger wants his crews to "get in, get done, and get on." Pfaffinger estimates that they've completed projects as small as a single tree removal up to 12 to 15 acres. "It is nothing for us to clear two or three acres a day," Pfaffinger says. "It is a testament to the hard working crews and the productivity of their attachments."
Multi-gang dowel drill attaches to backhoes or excavators
E-Z Drill's Model 210 Eq. Mt. is a multi-gang dowel drill that can be quickly mounted to most backhoes or excavators. It uses pneumatic drill motors, and has a standard hydraulic "side-shift" feature with nylon wear pads to eliminate jamming or sticking and allows for faster positioning. This feature can also be used to drill two sets of holes without moving the boom. Other standard features include a safety swivel lock for transporting and quick release bit guides for faster changing of bits. The unit can accommodate three to six drills, requiring 100 cfm per drill.
Handle trees with loader mounted tree transplanter
The Big John Model 42 loader mounted tree transplanter safely handles trees and increases the survival rate of your transplants. Big John equipment offers alternatives to cutting, dozing or destroying trees, with a full line of machines that can be either truck or loader mounted.
Track system bolts on quickly, offers stability
Turn your wheeled skid-steer loader into a hard working track machine in under an hour with the Versatile Track System from Loegering. This complete track undercarriage bolts on quickly adding traction, stability and a more comfortable ride to your existing skid steer.
Versatile landplane allows controlled grading and leveling
John Deere's landplane attachment can be used with a skid-steer loader or compact wheel loader, and provides versatile, cost-efficient productivity for finish-work. Front and rear cutting edges allow controlled grading and leveling in forward or reverse.
Rotary disc cutters assist in mulching projects
ProMac Manufacturing's Model 36 CMP II and 52 CMP II extreme service rotary disc cutters are designed as attachments for excavators in the 15- to 37-ton class. The discs are available with two disc and three cutter bit designs to assist in the mulching of heavy brush and trees. The ProMac mulching units are effective tools in forestry, power line transmission right of way applications, seismic line work and land development.
Sweep away debris with rotary power broom
The MB Company's Model HL angle rotary power broom sweeps snow, sand, gravel and other debris from sidewalks, parking lots and other worksites. The HL can be fitted on skid steers, backhoes and tractor loaders and is available in widths ranging from 5 to 8 feet. Options include electric/hydraulic swing, dirt deflector and sprinkler, in addition to a dual motor for hydraulic flow in excess of 22 gallons per minute at 2,000 psi.
Change cut depth for slot cutter with skid-steer controls
The Coneqtec/Universal SSG slot cutter has a patented roll-in depth control so the operator can keep hands on skid-steer controls at all times. Change the cut depth using skid-steer bucket controls. The high torque direct drive motor delivers power directly to the cutting wheel. The attachment cuts 9 inches deep with 5,000 psi.
Cut, grind and dig through tough materials
The Felco UTS milling bucket has a hydraulic milling unit attached for cutting and grinding tough materials. Contractors can cut through and grind pavement, concrete, building foundations, rock, slate, as well as trees and landscape. It combines the durability of a Terex cutting unit within a heavy-duty bucket to allow cutting, grinding and digging with one attachment. The unit can mill from 2 to 5 1/2-inches of material. Felco's milling bucket can also be used to grind material out of the bottom of the bucket to create more backfill.
Hard-hitting breaker dissipates shock back toward ground
The Cyclone Model SW3500 hard-hitting breaker can be mounted to a skid-steer loader. At nearly 3,500 foot-pounds of impact per blow, the attachment has no point to break or wear out, no front head bushing to grease, no accumulator to recharge, no seal kits to replace and no daily or weekly lubrication. The Cyclone features a skid-steer system that dissipates the shock back to the ground and transfers no shock to the carrier. Universal Impact offers the Cyclone drop hammer in three different sizes. The mid-size Model SW3500 can break 8-inch concrete at a rate of 3,500 square feet per hour.
Low flow stump grinder able to cut up to 8-inches per pass
Atco's low-flow stump grinder requires only 16 gallons per minute, enabling it to run on machines that normally could not run a stump grinder. The design works on low speed and high torque to cut up to 8 inches per pass. The 28-inch cutting wheel is positioned 90 degrees to the operator, making it safer and offering added visibility. The grinder is also compact for storage and transportation.
Drill attachment produces clean, compacted cavities
McLaughlin's horizontal earth drill attachment assembles easily to a mini skid-steer loader by using a "quick-attach" system. Versatile attachment aids in installment of irrigation pipes, sprinkler systems, cable television and utility lines under landscaped areas, lawns, driveways, sidewalks and bushes without costly surface damages and restoration. This boring attachment produces clean, compacted cavities from 1 1/4-inch to 4 1/2-inch diameters utilizing McLaughlin's full range of Mighty Mole drilling tools, Flex Alloy drill rod, mole heads, reamers and specialty tools.
Automatic blade control aids in earthmoving and grading applications
Apache Automatic Blade Control is a laser based grade control system used on construction machinery to automatically control the blade in earthmoving and grading applications. Installations can be adapted to dozers, skid-steer loaders, box blades and scrapers. It can also be used with agricultural drainage and land leveling machinery. A Bullseye laser receiver is mounted above the cutting edge of the blade. A control box designed to work with most hydraulic valves and a hydraulic installation kit are included with the machine's hydraulic system. Grade information from a rotating laser is processed and automatically directs the machine's hydraulics to maintain the blade's elevation.
Screening unit processes endless types of material
National Attachments introduces the ideal solution for on-site material handling, screening, mixing and crushing operations. The Australian manufactured Mobile Integrated Screening Unit is now available in the United States. Offering operating cost reductions and operation productivity, the MISU bucket eliminates multiple handling costs when processing endless types of material, such as soil, loam, clay, salt, gravel, construction and demolition materials. Different forms of material can be processed with the patented Spinning Rotor System, allowing smaller particles to fall through while larger debris is held back. MISU's Floating Rotors shed material that would otherwise stick and blind the discharge envelope.
Hydraulic breakers tackle a variety of applications
Okada America offers eight hydraulic breaker models for mini skid-steer loader, excavator or tractor/loader/backhoe applications. With sizes ranging from 150 to 1,450 pounds and blow speeds of up to 1,350 bpm, Okada has a full line of breakers for compact machines. Each breaker's compact design ensures ease of maneuverability, while also providing power needed to complete the job. Features such as special alloy steels, superior heat-treating, ultra precision machining and a simple innovative design provide for a long-life span.
Pulverizer provides power and maneuverability
National Attachments is proud to introduce the leading pulverizer from Nye Manufacturing. Custom fabricated with 100,000 psi quenched and tempered multi-alloy Swedish steels with hardened pins and bushing throughout, the Nye Extreme Service digital concrete pulverizer is designed to endure years of the toughest applications possible. The patented four-position ripper provides superior maneuverability, with the power to rip, pry, manipulate, sort and position any material. Convertible with a live back jaw to increase crushing forces, this tool was designed to process concrete of all forms.
Increase machine productivity by 30 to 50 percent
Leica Geosystems' MC200 Digger automated excavator guidance system allows the operator to dig rapidly, accurately, on grade and on-the-fly from inside the cab.
The guidance system features an exclusive "Learn and Dig" profile mode, real-time digging depth reading and target indication.
It can also operate in stand-alone mode or with laser grade
No separate lift assembly required for compact packer/roller
Handy Hitch Manufacturing has added 75-, 90- and 120-inch Profile packer/rollers to its line of grader-mounted packer/rollers. The new patent-pending design has been engineered to be compact and light and no longer requires a separate lift assembly. The 24-inch packer offset and grader adaptor plate is bolted into place on the main 10-by-6 frame. The grader adaptor plate is then bolted directly onto the grader or the ripper bar. The new design is also able to follow the contour of the road by diverting oil from one hydraulic cylinder to another via the hydraulic pressure relief system.
Percussion bucket combines power of hydraulic hammer with maneuverability
Powertech's 1000 series percussion bucket for compact excavators performs demolition and excavation jobs in restricted spaces. By combining the power of a hydraulic hammer with the maneuverability of a conventional bucket, the PicBucket is able to deliver substantial gains in worksite efficiency and productivity. It can be used to lay pipes, demolish concrete structures and buildings, do foundation work, construct and/or maintain water and gas conduits, and bury telephone or telecommunications cables and wires. This multifunctional bucket is 12 inches, and can handle loads of .12 cubic yard. The impact energy of the hydraulic cell is 200 foot-pounds and generates a percussion frequency of 1,650 beats per minute.
Hydraulic bucket thumb ideal for grasping and handling
Amulet's G2 PowerClamp hydraulic bucket thumb features an improved curved profile and tooth bar and up to 180 degrees of rotation. The versatile, custom PowerClamp design provides the grasping and handling ability sought after by even the most demanding contractors for efficient demolition, logging and land clearing projects. The G2 PowerClamp is manufactured of high strength alloy plate using heavy welds, hardened pins, AR400 steel teeth and heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders. The thumb is also available in non-linkage or progressive linkage for use with or without a quick coupler.
Cut hauling and tipping fees with mountedcrushers and screeners
Giberson Enterprises distributes portable and affordable excavator-mounted jaw crushers and screeners. The Eco-Crusher and Flip Screen cut hauling and tipping fees out of a contractors costs. This adds to onsite convenience, increased productivity, lowered downtime, fewer employees and higher profit margins.
Brush mulching and forestry packages offer several options
The ASV RC-100 machine for brushcutting offers flexibility and increased productivity. Tackle heavy-duty land clearing applications with ASV's new line of brush mulching and forestry packages. There are five packages available, including a complete forestry package, a custom-designed guarding system that helps protect the operator and machine. A Fecon HD7460 Brush Mulcher, manufactured for the ASV RC-100 by Fecon, is also available. The HD7460 is 74 inches wide with a 60-inch cutting width. A total of 30 fixed- position, double-tipped carbide tips process trees up to 8 inches thick and can plane stumps up to 12 inches in diameter to ground level.
Grind the hardest stumps into fine mulch
Shaver Manufacturing has a new addition for its StumpBuster line. The SC-25-H is a skid-steer loader-mounted StumpBuster specifically designed for contractors, landscapers and maintenance departments. It provides a simple, maneuverable solution to tree stump removal. Powered by a minimum 15 gallons per minute hydraulic hookup, the SC-25-H can whittle a 45-inch in diameter stump to a 10-inch hole in a single pass – without repositioning the unit. The unit can easily be maneuvered around buildings, storage sheds, fencerows, trees and homes without ever leaving the loader seat. Quickly eliminate a single large diameter stump or simply clean up a whole grove.
Cut through trees, weeds and vines with special alloy knives
The Loftness Timber Ax with its patented design for selectively cutting and mulching unwanted trees or brush has just been improved with special alloy Timber Ax knives. The alloy knives are expected to provide an increase of two to three times the normal wear and dramatically reduce sharpening time. The Timber Ax, with its fixed sharpened blades and upward rotation of the rotor, tends to pick the material up off the ground and process it between the blades and shear bar resulting in smaller particle size. The use of sharpened blades also results in lower horsepower requirement and the ability to cut grass, weeds and vines, as well as 6-inch or larger trees.
Grind up to six acres per day with stump grinder
The Sneller 275-horsepower Stump Mill and 140-horsepower Stump Mill have a patented tooth and wheel design for fast and smooth stump cutting. This stump grinder will grind up to six acres per day. The triple sealed lower bearing system increases the cutter wheel bearing life up to 7,000 hours. The excavator-mounted unit attaches to the Sneller 190 Multi-Task carrier on your existing excavator with no modification and is as easy to mount as a bucket.
Articulating side grip speeds up the pile driving process
Hercules Machinery's Sonic SideGrip Vibratory Pile Driver is an excavator-mounted attachment with an articulating side grip that speeds the pile driving process on any jobsite. This attachment eliminates the need for peripheral equipment used in the piling operation. The Sonic SideGrip uses an excavator's hydraulics to safely and quickly pick up, unload, place, drive and extract piling. The robotic grip picks up the sheet pile without any assistance from a ground crew member. And because the sheet pile is safely clamped in robotic gripping jaws, the operator is in control and the piling is secure. You can handle sheet pile up to 50 feet long, I-beams, H-beams, pipe pile and woodpile with this attachment.
Mulcher designed for lighter, smaller weight excavators
Fecon adds the BH74EXC to its extensive line of Bull Hog mulchers. Weighing 2,850 pounds with a flow of 30-35 gallons per minute, the new BH74EXC was designed for lighter, smaller weight excavators with a low ground pressure. The model offers the same versatility of other Bull Hog mulchers, and has 30 carbide tipped tools, a 63cc motor and a maximum cutting width of 60 inches. Bull Hog applications include land clearing, right-of-way clearing, trail and park maintenance, forest and prairie restoration, fuel load reduction, orchard pruning and removal of invasive species.
Remediate contaminated soil with stabilization system
Allu's Situ-Soil stabilization system helps remediate contaminated soil and transforms clay, peat, sludge and other soft soil into solid layers. The Power Mixer hydraulic excavator attachment processes material to a depth of 16 2/5 feet, while the Pressure Feeder injects a blinding agent into the ground through a pipe during the mixing process. The data acquisition system then measures, controls and reports on the stabilization process.
Crusher attachment uses split system hydraulic design
Mounted to a wheel loader, Iron Wolf's Crusher SS series attachment incorporates the latest in split system hydraulic design. Equipped with additional drum rotation safety features, reversible variable pitch cooling fan and increased horsepower, rock, concrete and asphalt processing has become more efficient.
Root grapple improves site cleanup productivity
Crafted from abrasion-resistant, high strength steel, Construction Attachments' RG-Series root grapple can handle the removal of surface and sub-surface. This attachment can be used with skid-steer loaders and agricultural tractors up to 90 horsepower. A large grapple opening accommodates irregularly shaped objects while providing the clamping force (1,500 pounds per grapple) for safely removing and loading debris. An available slat kit provides smaller tine spaces when working with bricks and smaller rocks. The RG-Series is offered in 66-, 78- and 84-inch models.
Versatile drilling attachment works in tough soil conditions
The new LoDril DH-100 breaks the 100,000 foot-pound torque barrier with power to spare. At 110,000 foot-pounds, the DH-100 is the most powerful LoDril in Bay Shore Systems' product line. The DH-100 is especially suited for power line contractors who are constantly upgrading and replacing miles of high voltage transmission lines. This attachment features a drilling speed of 60 rpm, and a spin-off speed of 100 rpm. It is able to penetrate to hole depths of 30-100 feet, and makes hole diameters of up to 144 inches.
Multi-Ripper bucket replaces rock trenchers for a fraction of the cost
Leading Edge Attachments introduces the High-Capacity Multi-Ripper bucket, designed to replace rock trenchers for a fraction of the cost. The new bucket works on the same principal as the company's Multi-Ripper, with the exception of allowing more capacity with stronger tooth mounting and longer lasting Metalogenia KingMet teeth. Other features include SHARC (Shanks on an ARC) technology, meaning that the bucket functions similarly to that of a trencher, but uses the hydraulic excavator rolling action to rip.
Achieve cutting efficiency, more uptime with heavy-duty mulcher
Fecon has expanded its line of Bull Hog mulchers by offering the BH85-PTO ground wide heavy-duty model. The BH85-PTO has 36 double carbide-tipped cutting teeth, a cutting width of 70 inches and weighs 2,900 pounds. It can be used for lot clearing, right-of-way clearing, brush and yard waste piles, park trails, wildlife habitat, firebreaks and removal of invasive species. The BH85-PTO features an average tool life of 300-500 hours, a patented rotor design for cutting efficiency and a belt drive system for more uptime. Options include custom or universal mounts and rake teeth for the push bar.
Dig, crush and stockpile with one attachment
RR Equipment's Crush-All combines the flexibility of an excavator with the latest crushing technology, all in the form of one heavy-duty attachment. The Crush-All is a loader, hopper, feeder, crusher and conveyor all in one, making it extremely efficient. Some features include an automatic dust suppression system and a tramp iron relief system that allows un-crushable material to pass freely. The simplicity of the Crush-All makes it significantly less expensive to operate and maintain, while its rugged design provides for durability and longevity.
Pick and place pipe with C-Hook Pipe Lifter
The C-Hook Pipe Lifter from Construction Lifters saves contractors labor by eliminating the need to dig a hole under the pipe or rolling it over a cable or chain for lifting. The adjustable lifting eye allows the hook to always be carried level and it stands up for easy attachment. There are new sizes available in six different capacities up to 30,000 pounds to handle pre-cast pipe from 4 to 8 feet in length. This lifter is a quick and efficient way to pick and place pipe.
Mobile air compressor system mounts under hood
The Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors under-hood VR70 is certified at 73.5 cubic feet per minute and 175 psi. The complete system weighs less than 150 pounds and mounts under the hood on most popular work trucks. This high output air compressor may eliminate a tow-behind and lower insurance, fuel, maintenance, equipment and labor costs. Because it mounts under the hood, it makes getting to the jobsite easier and limits the chances of theft.
Universal tool performs soft demolition applications
The Brokk G-50 is a high-powered universal tool for all kinds of soft demolition and sorting of debris. The G-50 has an integrated 360-degree rotator and can open up to 19.7 inches. Mounted on a 2,050-pound Brokk 90 or a 4,190-pound Brokk 180 remote controlled demolition machine, the G-50 can carry weights of up to 265 pounds.
Trenching in confined spaces no longer a hassle with hydraulic breaker
Breaker Technology's hydraulic breaker design produces stable high-speed percussion, in addition to having exceptional value and durability for all construction, demolition and rock breaking requirements. The boxed section housing provides lightweight, high strength construction, while the upper and lower shock absorbing dampers reduce noise and vibration to the carrier. Trenching in confined spaces is no longer a problem with the breaker's narrow profile, which allows for optimal visibility and access when working in tight quarters. Ten models are available in the BT Series, ranging from the 400 foot-pound class up to the 10,000 foot-pound class.
Enhance efficiency of loading operations with telemetry
The Loadlog 8000 offered by Loup Electronics features the expandable capabilities of in-cab printing, wireless data communication and data logging. Enhance the efficiency of loading operations with the addition of telemetry, and assure that the load records are accurate and up to date by wirelessly linking the loader operator with the scale house. Data logging provides a similar enhancement by allowing the loader operator to store load information directly to a data card in the loader. This information can then be transferred to an office computer for further processing.
Switch from buckets to forks with grapple's second quick-tach
With its T-1 high-grade, high-tensile steel teeth, four supporting rods and shielded hydraulic cylinders, the new Double Quick-Tach grapple from Sheyenne Tooling offers operators another use for their skid-steer loaders and compact tractors. The Double Quick-Tach grapple attaches to all popular skid-steer loaders and compact tractors equipped with a skid-steer quick-tach. With a second quick-tach built on the grapple, operators have the option of switching from buckets to forks to any other attachment quickly and easily. This grapple fits most buckets on the market.
Contour, grade, cut and smooth with roller level attachment
The roller level attachment from John Deere has a front roller that offers total control for contouring, grading, cutting and smoothing flat or significantly sloped terrain. The attachment can be used with a compact wheel loader or skid-steer loader.
Switch attachments safely with hydraulic quick coupler
Because there may be a safety risk due to operators dropping attachments at the initial latching stage, Wedgelock Equipment has introduced the I-Lock Multi-Model hydraulic quick coupler. The I-Lock coupler has an independent front latch that automatically engages onto the front pin. Even if an operator gets distracted during the changing of attachments, the I-Lock safety latch automatically resets itself to ensure that the coupler is always in safe mode.
Skid-steer tracks eliminate tire slippage
Featuring unmatched flotation, traction and tire protection in an easy-to-install and inexpensive to maintain package, McLaren Industries Protrac Series skid-steer tracks are offered in three styles to handle virtually any job environment. Constructed with manganese-enriched steel alloy for durability, McLaren's Protrac Series tracks are self-cleaning, stabilize skid-steer bouncing, eliminate tire slippage and offer a variety of interchangeable shoes. It uses pins made of heat-treated forged chromium, offers wear resistance, enhancing track life.
Quickly secure attachments with Bob-Tach System
The Bobcat Bob-Tach System allows fast, secure attachment changes throughout the company's skid-steer loader and excavator line. The Bob-Tach frame moves into an attachment flange and the handle pushes down easily, pressing the wedge through the frame and attachment hold for a solid connection. You can replace a bucket with a blade, auger, grapple and more. The heavy-duty Bob-Tach features spring-loaded, wear-compensating wedges for a secure fit time after time.
Universal thumb's integrated design allows for easy storage
The Werk-Brau multi-tine universal rigid thumb is used for material retention in demolition, placing landscaping stone of riprap, brush and log handling and scrap handling applications. The universal thumb uses high-grade T-1 steel in critical components and two working positions for versatility. In addition, the integrated design allows the thumb to be stored in a retracted position against the stick as one unit, so there are no concerns about storing separate components. Adjusting the thumb is accomplished by moving a single pin, which keeps downtime to a minimum.
Handle wood debris with heavy-duty grapple
The RPA 4570R from Rotobec is a heavy-duty model with a 3-by-4 tine configuration designed to handle logs, wood debris, stumps, etc. When it is time to feed a grinder, it performs better than the traditional bucket and thumb or the non-rotating contractor grapple. If control and flexibility are required, these grapples can be equipped with a RGP Rotobec rotator, which can be positioned by the excavator tool cylinder. Simplify hydraulic installation on the excavator with a valve in head option that requires only one circuit from the machine to feed the grapple. A saw option is also offered. Rotobec's line of power attachments (RPA) has three sizes to match excavators from 15 to 45 tons, all with different jaw configurations.
Add versatility to shouldering machine with 4-foot extension option
HTC's Model 2000 Shouldering Machine features a 4-foot extension option that allows the operator to convey material and pinpoint the drop location. Whether building shoulders on new construction, backfilling, trench filling or another application, this attachment helps you complete the job more cost effectively. Eliminate backbreaking hard work and reduce the manpower needed for most jobs with HTC's Model 2000 Shouldering Machine.
Mix cement, fertilizer, other materials with ease and uniformity
The SS-585 skid-steer mixer from Worksaver features all welded steel drum construction with internal paddles to provide uniform mixing and clean dumping. Equipped with a direct-mount all welded frame, the mixer fits skid-steers with universal style attachment systems. The SS-585 design minimizes moving parts for a long, trouble free service life. A hydraulic motor provides easy operation coupled with low maintenance. A flow control valve allows the speed of the mixer to be easily controlled, while a simple lever engages and disengages the drum. A sturdy number 50-roller chain drives the mixing drum. The SS-585 can mix feed, cement, fertilizer, inoculating seed, potting soil and other materials.
Compaction wheel gets added protection with rock guards
American Compaction Equipment now offers rock guards on all 20 base models of excavator compaction wheels. This new feature gives added protection against rocky soil conditions and improves the performance of the compaction wheel. Diamond compaction wheels are available in sizes from 14-to 72-inches wide, and include an OEM mount with pins and a soil leveling plate.
Scarifier and smooth drum roller available in different widths
Double D Manufacturing introduces two new attachments to the Grade King Series Leveling Scrapers. The addition includes a front-mounted, hydraulically controlled scarifier and a rear-mounted, smooth drum roller, also hydraulically lifted. Both attachments can easily be added or removed in minutes. The scarifier attachment is available in widths of 10- or 14-feet. The 10-foot-wide model is designed for the 10- and 12-foot model leveling scraper and the 14-foot model for the 14- and 16-foot-wide leveling scrapers. Double D's smooth drum rollers are 24 inches in diameter, can be filled with liquid ballast and are available for all models of Double D Grade King Series Leveling Scrapers. All of these scrapers are designed to accommodate tractors with up to 550 horsepower.
Demolition bucket ideal for heavy-duty applications
Pemberton's demolition buckets are designed specifically for all sorts of heavy-duty demolition applications, such as dozing, pushing, pulling, grappling and carrying any debris available. The bucket's rugged construction consists of high strength materials and guarded cylinders. Other features include a clamp configuration for dozing and piling, a mold board with replaceable bolt-on edges and the main lip, which has teeth and segments. It's available in pin-on versions and coupler equipped.
Extend the reach and digging depth with Add-A-Stick
L and G Products Add-A-Stick attachment extends the reach and digging depth of hydraulic excavators from 8 to 26 feet. This attachment specializes in longer reach jobs, such as ditch cleaning, fly ash loading, sediment pond clean-up, dredging, demolition, trench digging, underwater excavating and many more. The Add-A-Stick can be easily mounted and then taken off, allowing the operator to go from him long reach job back to production digging. The standard installation allows the excavator to retain a true digging configuration, resulting in a longer boom section and a truly active longer dipper stick.
Backfill open trenches faster and easier
Contractors can backfill open trenches faster, safer and easier with Felco's backfill conveyor. For maximum production, place material in the hopper to send it the length of the conveyor into the trench (past the trench box). The material is immediately accessible for compaction. Increase efficiency and profitability with the backfill conveyor by removing truck requirements from the trenching operation and eliminating spoil stockpiling to maximize digging time. Prevent clean-up costs and potential damage to private property. The conveyor is also available with a custom swivel conveyor option.
Reach aggravating roots with stump bucket
Atco's Extreme Stump Bucket for skid-steers aids in tough stump removal. This aggressive bucket is made of all 1/2-inch steel and has three replaceable teeth. It is 56-inches long with teeth that cut into the sides to break or hold onto aggravating roots. Achieve exceptional leverage between the length and the curve of the bucket to break out stubborn stumps.
Hydraulic crusher features steel construction
Mid Atlantic Hammers' GS300A hydraulic crusher not only comes with 360 degrees of rotation, but also offers powerful crushing performance with its special steel construction. The GS300A is compact for working in small or narrow spaces, and can also be used for cutting steel reinforcement.
Cab offers total visibility for safety and convenience
Escape the winds and foul weather with Burch's 3S Kab King, made of heavy vinyl for strength and durability. The Kab King is used in conjunction with standard ROPS canopies. The cab's open front allows total visibility for safety and convenience. Installation is quick and easy. The cab also detaches easily and folds up into a compact size for storage.
Bedding conveyor offers control in tight work areas
Felco bedding conveyors allow an excavator operator to control when, where and how much bedding material is placed in the trench when bedding pipe. Compact enough for projects involving tight work areas and narrow alleyways, bedding conveyors will help you increase production. Mounted between the tracks and attached to the car body, the conveyor taps into the excavator's track drive circuit to power its hydraulic motor. It delivers 1 cubic yard of bedding material every seven to 10 seconds.


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Garcetti v. Ceballos: Why It's a First Amendment Case
In my post on Garcetti v. Ceballos, a lot of commenters are wondering why this is a First Amendment issue at all. I am wondering why this is so difficult to understand.
Put simply, Ceballos alleges that officials of the government punished him for expressing a particular viewpoint regarding a matter of significant public concern.
Read that sentence. How is that not a claim that raises at least potential First Amendment issues?
Xrlq complains that public employees should not have greater rights than private employees. We don't. We all have the same right: not to have the government treat us badly based on the viewpoints we express.
Indeed, government employees enjoy this right to a lesser extent, because it's easier for the government to punish us for the content of our speech when it employs us. Case law does indicate that the state has a freer hand to restrict speech when it acts as an employer. But this ability to restrict its employees' speech is not unlimited. As Marty Lederman explains:
The state has broader discretion to restrict speech when it acts in its role as employer, but the restrictions it imposes must be directed at speech that has some potential to affect the state employer's operations.
Lederman points to the case of Givhan v. Western Line Consol. School Dist., 439 U. S. 410 (1979), which was not overruled by Ceballos. Givhan
provided First Amendment protection to an English teacher who had raised concerns to the principal about racism in her school's employment practices.
What Ceballos did was give unlimited discretion to the state to retaliate against employee speech that is made pursuant to the employee's official duties — as opposed to the speech in Givhan, which was related to the employee's job, but still protected.
As Lederman sums it up:
So, it appears that if one's duties are to expose wrongdoing in the workplace, such exposure is entitled to no constitutional protection, but that if an employee whose duties do not involve such whistleblowing makes the exact same complaint, then Pickering/Connick [balancing test] analysis still applies.
You might agree with this rule, but it's a new rule, and not one obviously mandated by historical First Amendment precedent.

subset: commoncrawl


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Show All Answers
Yes. The policy is posted on our website.
Every officer is issued a camera except for Command Staff.
The Brentwood Police Department will deploy 25 cameras.
Brentwood Police Department's Body-Worn Camera Policy details a series of situations for which a BWC should be activated. Essentially, the BWC will be activated for all law enforcement functions.
Officers perform a multitude of tasks throughout their shift. Much of that involves administrative duties such as report writing and directed patrol. Throughout the officer's shift, there are instances where the officer may have an expectation of privacy (restroom break, lunch break, phone call). Continuously recording during the officer's 12-hour shift would stress the system and drain network resources (such as video management and storage space).
Body-worn camera video will be stored on premises on a secure server located within the Brentwood Ppolice Department.
All BWC-captured recordings not scheduled for court proceedings, litigation, active investigations, or departmental uses shall be maintained for 30 days in accordance with Missouri Police Clerks' Records Retention Schedule.
Officers are not obligated to announce if they have activated their body-worn camera.
This depends on the situation. There may be times when an individual may not wish to be recorded, especially in locations where they may have an expectation of privacy (such as a residence). If the officer feels that stopping the recording will not in any way hamper the investigation, then the officer may choose to turn off the BWC. Howerver, officers are not obligated to stop the recording of incidents involving an investigation, lawful search, arrest, or other circumstances that clearly dictate that continued recording is necessary.
Yes. However, in locations where individuals may have a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as a residence), individuals may request that the officer refrain from recording them. Officers will evaluate each situation and, when an officer deems it appropriate, may honor the individual's request.
It depends on the situation. Individuals may request that an officer not record them. Officers will evaluate each situation and, when an officer deems it appropriate, may honor the individual's request.
Generally, no. The Brentwood Police Department's primary use of the cameras will be in situations when officers are responding to calls for service and during law enforcement functions, such as traffic stops, arrests, searches, interviews and pursuits.
Requests for video are subject to the Missouri Sunshine Law.
Additionally, one of the most critical issues for people interacting with the police is privacy. Individuals often desire to seek police assistance when they are going through difficult personal challenges. Some individuals have strong specific privacy protections, particularly juveniles. Victims also have privacy protections in the law.
While BWCs can be a useful tool and can provide a unique perspective on police encounters, there are limitations, including:
Please contact Major James McIntyre or Major Angela Hawkins.


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The news from today's economic indicators was mostly negative, although one key report may have a silver lining. CNBC's Diana Olick reports that the new S&P/Case Shiller report shows that home prices hit a new low in the first quarter, but that signs within the data suggest that we may have finally found a bottom in the market:
All three "headline composites" of the latest and widely watched S&P/Case Shiller home price indices ended the first quarter of 2012 at new post-crisis lows.
But one of the authors of the indices, Robert Shiller, told CNBC Tuesday: "We have encouraging signs in the market, we are seeing some signs of hope."
His cohort, S&P's David Blitzer, agreed. "Digging into the details, it's a whole lot better than the headlines," he said in the same interview.
Finally, index co-author Karl Case explained: "We lag, and the indicators for the last three, four months on the quantity side have been real positive, so we look like a bottom. You have to pick to find real negatives."
I wrote about where the bottom might be found last summer, almost a year ago. If one relinked housing prices to inflation and accounted for the asset decline in the collapse of the bubble, I figured that the Case Shiller index bottom would be close to 128.1. That's about where Q1's index is now. Olick notes that construction has perked up a bit in markets like Las Vegas and Phoenix, where the collapse hit home values hardest and where inventories have finally declined to rational levels, or at least approaching them.
Unfortunately, other economic indicators out today suggest that demand may not pick up again soon, in housing markets or other areas. Consumer confidence in May suffered the biggest drop in eight months, going the opposite directions economists expected:
Americans confidence in the economy suffered the biggest drop in eight months as worries about the weak jobs, housing and stock markets rattled them again. The decline comes after a few months of optimism amid some positive economic news.
The Conference Board, a private research group, said on Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 64.9, down from a revised 68.7 in April. With gas prices falling, Americans were expected to push the measure to 70, according to analysts polled by FactSet.
But the May figure, which represents the biggest drop since October 2011 when the measure fell about 6 points, shows that consumers need more encouraging economic signs before their concerns start to dissipate. Americans remain worried about slow hiring, declining home values, big drops in the stock market and a worsening European economy that they fear will negatively impact the U.S.
"Consumers were less positive about current business and labor market conditions, and they were more pessimistic about the short-term outlook," said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.
On top of that, the New York Times reports that hundreds of thousands of people currently on jobless benefits will lose those subsidies soon. It's unclear if this is separate from reports last month of the same issue, or merely an extension of the same data. Either way, it will mean lower consumer spending and more people dropping completely out of the workforce figures.
CNBC's Patti Domm warns that June will be a turning point for the economy:
There are many worries, but there are three main themes where investors are focused.
The first is Greece and fears a sloppy euro exit would trigger a breakdown of the euro zone. The Chinese economy and the ability of leaders there to engineer a soft landing is also a major concern.
And finally, the idea that the U.S. economy, on its shaky road to recovery, could be derailed by outside forces makes for heightened interest in U.S. data and also in the doings of the Federal Reserve, which holds an important meeting June 19 and 20.
If the consumer confidence numbers are any indication, that turning point may have already arrived.


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Good morning! I can't believe the weekend is almost here already. You've got to love the four day work weeks that follow long holiday weekends! I'm certainly not complaining.
I'm actually looking forward to laying pretty low for the next couple of days. Scott will be out of town with a bachelor party (for Alex's fiancé!), so it will just be me, Roadie, and the girls holding down the fort. As lame as it sounds, I am pretty pumped about giving the house a good clean and catching up on emails and such after teaching tomorrow morning. Sometimes you've got to have weekends like that to feel like you're staying on track!
It's time to dive into this week's edition of Friday Favorites. Each week, I take a look back and share new finds, articles, products, or just some things that made me smile.
I always invite you to join in on the party by sharing what you have been loving in the comments section. If you are a blogger, make sure to look for the blue Inlinkz button at the bottom and link up your own #FFavorites posts, too!
Friday Favorites #106: Week of 9/11
• this never forget necklace
First and foremost, it doesn't feel right starting this post without acknowledging today's date. Today, and every September 11th, everyone living in the United States and old enough to understand what took place fourteen years ago remembers exactly where they were when tragedy struck the heart of New York City. America changed forever.
I stumbled upon this beautiful twin tower tribute necklace on Etsy the other day, and it tugged at my heart as soon as I figured it out. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the tragedies that took place in 2001. <3
"What separates us from the animals, what separates us from the chaos, is our ability to mourn people we've never met." — David Levithan
• aromatherapy stress relief body wash
I am one hundred percent in love with the aromatherapy stress relief line from Bath & Body Works. I have a handful of items in different scents, and I finally tried the body wash in vanilla verbena when it was on clearance this summer.
That scent must have been discontinued since I can't find it on their site, but it's been my favorite so far. I'm sure any scent is dreamy though! For the record, it takes a lot for me to like a body wash. Due to skin sensitivity, I have been using Johnson's Baby Moisture Wash for almost a year now. I took a risk mixing it up, and I haven't noticed any irritations or troubles so far. Woo hoo!
If you haven't tried anything from aromatherapy line, do yourself a favor and test it out. It's extremely calming and most scents remind me of visiting a spa!
(By the way, B&BW is currently having a huge 50% off select items sale! Get onnnn it.)
• fresh flowers
I received the sweetest delivery on our front doorstep a few nights ago. It was two dozen beautiful rainbow roses from my friend Alex. She sent them as a thank you for organizing her bachelorette party and totally took me by surprise!
I just love rainbow bouquets of roses. They're my absolute fave. Having them in the house has made the downstairs smell like heaven, and I want them to last forever.
(Thank you so much, Alex!)
• MAC pro longwear concealer
I ran out of my concealer the morning we were traveling to Chicago. Convenient timing, right?
It's a good thing there were plenty of places to pick some up once we arrived! I quickly ran into a MAC store on our first shopping adventure and have been loving the pro longwear concealer one of the makeup artists picked out for me.
The pro longwear foundation was my go-to for games and special nights out when I was dancing, but this was the first time I tried anything else from the pro longwear line. I love it, and I was told it has a matte finish that will hold up to 15 hours!
I also appreciate that the concealer has a pump top that they encourage you to use directly on your fingers. Another MAC find for the win!
• floor snuggles
You know how I casually mention that our pets flock to us the second that one of us is on the floor? Case and point…
This was me about twenty seconds after I came in from a long run outside last week. I got on the floor to cool down and stretch, and I could barely get my shoes off before I had two fur balls stuck to me. It's like I have some sort of gravitational (please come over and shed your fur on my sweaty skin) pull. You can't get mad at them though! Too sweet.
• love grown oat clusters
Oh my goodness. This toasted granola in cocoa goodness is officially addictive!
Have any of you tried it before?
The cocoa goodness flavor is gluten-free and full of toasted oat clusters, dark chocolate chips, and pure cocoa powder. I bought it to throw on top of yogurt, but I have ended up consuming most of the bag with a simple hand to the mouth. It's been a great late night snack when I've been craving something sweet, which is basically every night.
You can find it in most health food grocery stores or order it online.
• favorite LIL posts
» Alex's Chicago Bachelorette Party & Day Two
• Friday funnies
Let's round out the week with a nod to sarcastic humor, shall we?
(I would literally trip on this every single day.)
(Well played, Siri.)
(If I ever saw this sign, I would immediately bust out some surprise jazz hands!)
Your Turn
Grab The New Friday Favorites Button
Happy weekend!
Disclaimer: Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you. While #FFavorites isn't sponsored, affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, any support is much appreciated! <3


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Police across the province will begin stepping up their roadside enforcement this Canada Day weekend to crack down on impaired drivers.
Every year in B.C., an average of 65 people die in crashes involving impaired driving. On Canada Day, ICBC claims one person is killed and 190 are injured in about 730 crashes across the province.
RELATED: Supreme court upholds B.C.'s drunk driving laws
With the nation's birthday quickly approaching, ICBC and police are urging drivers to plan ahead for a safe ride home if their summer fun includes alcohol.
Chief Cons. Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee, warned the trauma and financial costs of a crash or arrest are significant and can last a lifetime.
"Police are out on B.C. roads looking for impaired drivers at CounterAttack roadchecks this summer," he said in a news release.
According to ICBC, while progress has been made, impaired driving remains the leading cause of criminal death in Canada and in the top three contributing factors for fatal crashes in B.C.
If you're hosting a celebration this summer and plan to serve alcohol, get an ICBC special event permit kit for free at icbc.com.
The kits includes items to encourage designated drivers to stay sober and for guests to find a safe ride home.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


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Question Ahead for Grandparent or Family Roles
Define your interpersonal roles in people's lives and you'll succeed more in living those roles with zip. You'll also be less likely to step on the people you care about. Interpersonal intelligence often starts with family, yet carries into all relationships. How so? You've likely heard it too. Parents tell… Read more »


text: A new kind of pub crawl by Angela Herring August 23, 2012 Share Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Websites like Facebook, LinkedIn and other social-media networks contain massive amounts of valuable public information. Automated web tools called web crawlers sift through these sites, pulling out information on millions of people in order to tailor search results and create targeted ads or other marketable content. But what happens when "the bad guys" employ web crawlers? For Engin Kirda, Sy and Laurie Sternberg Interdisciplinary Associate Professor for Information Assurance in the College of Computer and Information Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, they then become tools for spamming, phishing or targeted Internet attacks. "You want to protect the information," Kirda said. "You want people to be able to use it, but you don't want people to be able to automatically download content and abuse it." Kirda and his colleagues at the University of California–Santa Barbara have developed a new software call PubCrawl to solve this problem. PubCrawl both detects and contains malicious web crawlers without limiting normal browsing capacities. The team joined forces with one of the major social-networking sites to test PubCrawl, which is now being used in the field to protect users' information. Kirda and his collaborators presented a paper on their novel approach at the 21st USENIX Security Symposium in early August. The article will be published in the proceedings of the conference this fall. In the cybersecurity arms race, Kirda explained, malicious web crawlers have become increasingly sophisticated in response to stronger protection strategies. In particular, they have become more coordinated: Instead of utilizing a single computer or IP address to crawl the web for valuable information, efforts are distributed across thousands of machines. "That becomes a tougher problem to solve because it looks similar to benign user traffic," Kirda said. "It's not as straightforward." Traditional protection mechanisms, like a CAPTCHA, which operates on an individual basis, are still useful, but their deployment comes at a cost: Users may be annoyed if too many CAPTCHAs are shown. As an alternative, nonintrusive approach, PubCrawl was specifically designed with distributed crawling in mind. By identifying IP addresses with similar behavior patterns, such as connecting at similar intervals and frequencies, PubCrawl detects what it expects to be distributed web-crawling activity. Once a crawler is detected, the question is whether it is malicious or benign. "You don't want to block it completely until you know for sure it is malicious," Kirda explained. "Instead, PubCrawl essentially keeps an eye on it." Potentially malicious connections can be rate-limited and a human operator can take a closer look. If the operators decide that the activity is malicious, IPs can also be blocked. In order to evaluate the approach, Kirda and his colleagues used it to scan logs from a large-scale social network, which then provided feedback on its success. Then, the social network deployed it in real time, for a more robust evaluation. Currently, the social network is using the tool as a part of its production system. Going forward, the team expects to identify areas where the software could be evaded and make it even stronger.


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Genetic defect disturbs salt handling and pushes up blood pressure levels
Scientists from Max Planck identify gene responsible for hypertension
Hypertension is an endemic condition with far-reaching consequences. For instance, high blood pressure is the main cause of heart attacks and strokes. Other organs are also damaged by the chronic condition. Hypertension is attributed to a high salt intake and a genetic predisposition. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim have now discovered that even a normal salt intake can cause hypertension in people suffering from a sodium dysregulation. Researchers have managed to identify the responsible gene.
The regulation of blood pressure is highly complex. The blood pressure level is first and foremost determined by the blood volume. The more blood is circulated in the body, the higher the blood pressure. The 'control centre' is located in the kidneys: Here, blood volume and, in turn, blood pressure, are regulated by renal excretion of water and sodium. To do this, the kidneys receive information from arterial pressure receptors, the autonomic nervous system and different hormones.
The research group headed by Thomas Böttger from the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Bad Nauheim has looked closer at the gene SLC4A5. This gene encodes a protein that transports certain ions (salt compounds), thereby preventing an excessive concentration of salt in the blood. The scientists were able to prove that a defect in this particular gene causes excessive renal retention of sodium and water. This leads to an abnormal increase in blood pressure. "Through studies of large series of patients, many genes have been identified that could be associated with hypertension. However, their specific roles were often not clear", Böttger says.
The scientists in Bad Nauheimer managed to corner the gene when studying mutant mice in which the gene had been specifically inactivated. The so-called "knockout mice" suffered from hypertension. Although various compensatory mechanisms had been activated in the mice, the sodium concentration and blood pressure remained permanently high in these mice. "This shows that we have indeed discovered an important gene for blood pressure regulation in SLC4A5", Böttger says. The study of the knockout mice largely contributed to the result. It actually enabled the scientists to closely investigate the mechanisms that cause high blood pressure. In previous studies of human genetics, SLC4A5 was only known as one of many candidate genes.
The Max Planck scientists hope that they have found a new approach to treating hypertension more effectively. "First, we must investigate in which percentage of patients hypertension is caused by the SLC4A5 gene", Böttger says. Any potential treatment depends on this. "If it is possible to re-establish the regulation of sodium in these patients, we could bring the blood pressure back to normal levels."


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[Toby Cole] likes to mix tunes whenever he gets a chance. But the size of his DJ equipment made it a real bother to lug around with him. He does own a Behringer portable mixer but without cross faders it's not really all that usable, and most of the other offerings don't get good reviews. He ended up replacing the enclosure of a proper mixer in order to make it light and small. The growing availability of affordable laser-cut parts made this project possible.
Build Brighton, [Toby's] local Hackerspace, has a laser cutter. So he knew that if he could figure out a smaller case design it would be a snap to get his parts made. He cracked open the heavy metal case on the KMX 100 mixer and found it had a ton of extra room inside. He designed all of the plates using a digital calipers to properly space the holes and text labels. These designs were combined with BoxMaker to produce the files the laser cutter needed. The first prototype was cut from cardboard, with the finished product cut from 3mm plywood.


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You can see some of the bank floor plans we have available for Bon Air commercial lots as well as temporary lease fleet floor plans.
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Call us (316) 821-9590 or email us firstname.lastname@example.com to have the NAB team create an individual and tailored package to accommodate your bank or credit credit unions growth objectives.


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The Roanoke debut by the Hudson Trio will include a concert at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14 in Virginia Western Community College's new Center for Science and Health Professions Multipurpose Room, HP210. The concert is free and open to the public.
Americana, a program of irresistible American music, will reflect the trio's eclectic approach to programming, combining standard works of chamber trio repertoire with rarely performed compositions. From Arthur Foote, "The Dean of American Composers," comes music of great drama and romanticism, reminiscent of a young Johannes Brahms. A hundred years later, pianist Paul Schoenfield gives us Café Music–composed in the restaurant in which he played nightly–where jazz tones mix with fiery classical virtuosity. In between, audiences will hear some of their favorite melodies from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and an arrangement of his gorgeous piano Preludes. Our favorite Cole Porter song sounds even better arranged for the Trio, and some swinging Scott Joplin Rags will have the audience wanting to dance in their seats. Impressionistic sonorities in New York composer Ernest Bloch's Nocturne feed the imagination, and the Orange Blossom Special showcases our take on American country fiddling.
The Hudson Trio features violinist Caroline Chin whose playing has been described by the Chicago Sun Times as "…riveting and insightful, who lights up in passages of violin pyrotechnics." Chin, who gave her solo debut at the age of 12, has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Chin is also deeply involved in music education in the classrooms of New York Public Schools where she develops outreach programs.
Cellist Robert Burkhart has been dubbed "the adventurous cellist" by Russell Platt of the New Yorker. He frequently collaborates with living composers as a member of the American Modern Ensemble. He recently concluded a residency at Yale where he was presented on WQXR's "Young Artists Showcase." He has performed with orchestras for over 15 years and is principal cellist of the New York Symphonic Ensemble, where he has been featured soloist in several tours of Japan.
Vladimir Valjarevic, pianist, has been praised by critics for his "caressing legato" "silk-on-velvet seductiveness" (Fanfare Magazine), "beautiful lyricism and a wide variety of tones and colorings, perceptively applied with care" (All Music Guide.) A dedicated chamber musician and soloist, he has performed throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Valjarevic participated in the European premier of Cage's "Four Walls" in Berlin and Hamburg. At the SWCC Festival of the Arts, he performed world premiers of pieces written for the Festival by Aleksandra Vrebalov and Dick Hyman. He is on the piano faculty at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Mannes College in New York and also teaches at Rutgers University. Valjarevic is affiliated with the Beijing International Music Festival and Academy in China.
Contact (540) 857-8914 or email@example.com for performance information.


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Up until the turn of the century, vitamin D did not get a great deal of attention compared to other vitamins. That is no longer the case, as vitamin D research has exploded in the 21st century; yielding an impressive and sometimes surprising list of conditions caused by – or made worse from – low or deficient levels of vitamin D. In turn, testing for vitamin D has revealed suboptimal values at a much higher rate than anyone anticipated. And no group has repeatedly demonstrated lower levels than Americans of African decent. This provoked researchers to ask how and/or why this has happened.
A new study has shed light why so many African-Americans have low vitamin D. Blacks with low laboratory values of vitamin D on the standard blood tests may not be low in vitamin D at all.1 It turns out that many African-Americans have lower amounts of the protein that carries 25(OH)D in their blood. In other words, unlike lighter skinned people without African genetics, lower amounts of inactive vitamin D in their blood does not correlate with their overall vitamin D status.
Research is ongoing to determine how blacks compensate for lower 25(OH)D in the blood. In the meantime, unlike a light-skinned person, a dark-skinned person with low vitamin D on a blood test must have clinical correlation such as low bone density, low dietary intake, low sun exposure, lipid-lowering medication and/or symptoms of low vitamin D (muscle, bone and joint pain, fatigue, malaise, fractures)
Vitamin D is made from cholesterol and sun exposure. Vitamin D can also come from food. The top source is fortified milk. Cod liver oil, swordfish and salmon contain more vitamin D per serving, but for most people they are not everyday foods. Meanwhile, per-capita milk consumption has been decreasing for at least three decades, and the most prescribed drug in America (with almost 24 million prescriptions a year) lowers cholesterol.
Sun exposure is also on the decline, and people with very dark skin genetically adapted to spend long periods outdoors in the sun have been spending their time indoors. Darker-skinned people can require 5-6 times as much sun to make the same levels of vitamin D as a person with very light skin. (My rule of thumb is the that the average black skin tone will need three times as much sun as the average white skin tone to make equal amounts of vitamin D if sunscreen is not used.)
The form of vitamin D we measure in standard testing is called 25-hydroxyvitamin D [(25(OH)D)]. It is biologically inactive, but is far better indicator of vitamin D status than the active form, which is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [(1,25(OH)2D)]. This is because 1,25(OH)2D will still have normal levels in the blood, even when a person is low in vitamin D.
- Powe CE, Evans MK, Wenger, J, et al. Vitamin D–binding protein and vitamin D status of black Americans and white Americans. N Engl J Med, 2013;369:1991-2000.
Click here for previous articles by G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN.


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East Beleriand
East Beleriand was the part of Beleriand that lay east of the River Sirion and west of the Gelion, and stretched a hundred leagues across at its widest[1]. This region was ruled by Thingol from Doriath and (east of Aros) largely under the control of the Sons of Fëanor during the late First Age.[2]
Geography[edit | edit source]
Sirion descended from the north to the south. With its tributaries Mindeb, Esgalduin, Aros and its tributary Celon, they formed Neldoreth and Region, the forests of Doriath. North of Doriath, the rivers separated the lands of Dimbar, Nan Dungortheb, Dor Dínen and Himlad, just south from the northern highlands.
Separated from Doriath, next to the eastern banks of Celon was the small wood of Nan Elmoth.
The Pass of Aglon and the March of Maedhros were two passes among a couple of small mountain ranges, which led to Lothlann.
To the south was Estolad and more open, vast empty lands, until the eastern part of the ridge of Andram, ending to the Amon Ereb.
The eastern part of Beleriand was dominated by the river Gelion, which separated the main lands from Thargelion and the land of Ossiriand, marked by the river's tributaries (Ascar, Thalos, Legolin, Brilthor, Duilwen and Adurant). Further to the east, the Blue Mountains separated Beleriand from Eriador.
Between the great rivers Sirion and Gelion, to the south of Beleriand was the great forest Taur-im-Duinath.[3]
See also[edit | edit source]
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 261
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beleriand and its Realms"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North"


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SWF K-Series 4 head Compact Machine
The SWF K-Series 4 Head K-UH1504C-45 is one of the most advanced traditional tubular embroidery on the market with many advanced features.
Incorporating a standard stitching field of 450mm x 400mm also makes it the biggest stitching field on a compact designed machine available.
This SWF Traditional Tubular 4-Head Compact machine is controlled by a 10.4 inch Colour LCD display and can embroider designs on flat or tubular garments, caps, boots, and much more.
Coming standard with advanced features such as SWF Automatic Oiling System, Directly Driven Trimming System, Oversized Body and Beam for strength and vibration free embroidery, Built in Power Failure Recovery, Laser Design Trace, Embroidery Hoop limits for safety, Optional Quick Change Cap Frames and much, much more makes this SWF embroidery machine one of the most advanced embroidery machines currently available in the world.
It's available in 9, 12 or 15 colour versions but is supplied in to the United Kingdom & Ireland in this 15-colour version as standard.
This SWF K – Series Model comes Delivered, Installed with full Training together with up to a  5 Year SWF Factory Warranty not forgetting our 7 Year SWF Stitch Quality Guarantee!
Brochure Download
Download the latest SWF Product Brochure Here
Request An Official Quotation
Please use the form below to request a quotation for this specific machine
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]Specification
Spec | Description | |
Machine Speed | Max | 1000 spm (Tubular/Flat)900 spm (QC Caps) |
Machine Sizes | At Delivery(L x W x H) | 2,440 mm x 860 mm (Removed Legs 770mm) x 1,610 mm |
After Setup (L x W x H) | 2,440mm x 1,200mm x 1,610mm | |
Power Usage | 2 Head : 700 W 4 Head, 6 Head, 8 Head : 1.0 KW kW |
Oil Lubrication System | Pump Action Lubrication System | |
Machine Control System | Color LCD Screen | |
Machine Memory | Capacity | Standard: 20,000,000 Stitch up to 99 designs |
Media | USB, Series, Ether Net Lan & Option Floppy Disk Drive | |
Machine Sewing Field | Normal | 400 x 450 mm / 19.68 x 17.71 inch |
Cap | 360 x 75 mm / 14.17 x 2.95 inch |
Feature | Description |
Expanded Memory Size | Up to 99 designs can be saved to the memory and the capacity includes Twenty Million Stitches. |
Mirror Image Conversion and Design Direction | The design can be turned by 1° between 0° and 359°. Supports mirror image conversion (X-axis conversion). |
Enlarging and Reducing Design | Embroidery design can be increased/decreased by 1% to X or Y axis within the range from 50% to 200%. |
General Repetition Work | Same design can be repeated up to 99 times (X, Y axis direction). |
Special Repetition Work | Allows repeat work up to 63 times for various designs and can modify the angle and the mirror during the repeat work. |
Automatic Offset | To make frame replacement convenient, frame is automatically moved to the offset position after a completion of work. Offset position can be configured from the "Parameter Setting Mode†|
Manual Offset | Manual offset function allows users to manually move the frame to a certain position while embroidering. The function allows convenient applique and frame replacement during the embroidery process. Frame can be moved to its original position afterwards with simple key control. |
Origin Return | Allows frame to return to its start point during embroidery. |
Float Stitch Function | Needle bar can be moved forward or backward in the units of 1, 100, 1000, 10000 needles and colour cord without actual embroidery. |
Frame Backward | Allows frame to move to the position where embroidery started from 1 to 10 times when the thread becomes cut or falls off from the frame. |
Auto Return to the Embroidery Stop Position After Sudden Power Interruption | In case of power outage, frame is automatically returned to the position where embroidery stopped. This function greatly reduces the risk of ruining embroidery from unexpected power outage. |
Edit Function of the design | Edit Function allows users to delete, modify, and/or insert stich data and function code such as jump, end, and trimming. |
Individual Head Operation | Individual Head Control allows users to control each head individually and leave other heads in their original location. |
Auto Recognition of Other Company's Design Code | Design formats from other companies saved in USB memory are automatically recognized and can be applied towards embroidery. |
Setting Speed and Current Speed are Displayed at RPM on the Screen | Allows input/output, deletion of design using USB memory stick |
Design Trace Facility with Laser | This allows the customer to accurately trace the perimeter of the embroidery pattern with a 5 mm margin, absolute margin or in a box shape. |
Embroidery Frame Limits | Each machine is equipped with embroidery hoop selection with frame perimeter limits to make the embroiders roll easier when combined with the hoop center feature. |
- Sequin/Zigzag Optional devices available SQ40i and ZD-10 devices
- Veneer cutting tool built in (for easy badge cutting out)
- Multi-language support Removable control box with convenient A/S service


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
The City expects to receive approximately $ 1.1 million annually. If approved, 100% of the funds raised by measure will stay in Blythe. Currently, the City receives 1% of the revenue collected from the 7.75% sales tax – the rest goes to the State or Riverside County.
Show All Answers
The Special Election was May 5, 2020.
It was a mail ballot election, which means there were no polling places. Ballots were be mailed to voters. Voters mailed or dropped off ballots at designated drop-off locations, including the City Clerk's Office. Ballots were dropped off by May 5, 2020 or postmarked on or before May 5, 2020 and received no later than May 8, 2020 to be counted.
The Sales Tax Measure was for a one cent local sales tax and was approved by Blythe voters. This will generate approximately $1.1 million per year that will go directly into the City's General Fund. The City's General Fund is used to pay for the City's general operations, including police and fire services, blight and building abatement, and street and sidewalk improvements.
The City continues to experience stagnation in the local economy and the remaining effects of the Great Recession. Although the City's General Fund is not currently running a deficit, there are minimal reserves available in the event unexpected City expenses exceed projected expenses. Further, the City has already made deep cuts to City expenditures, which has resulted in the elimination or reduction of key programs, positions and services in order to deliver a balanced budget. The City needs revenue enhancement measures in order to prevent further cuts, maintain City services and preserve the health, safety and general welfare of Blythe residents, workers, and visitors. The proposed tax measure is such a revenue enhancement measure.
The City could use the funds to maintain City services, address street repairs and other facility and operational needs. The funds could go to maintain public safety, the quality of life, and the services the community has come to expect that make Blythe a desirable place to live and work.
Examples of how the funds may be used:
The Sales Tax Measure funds would be deposited into the City's General Fund and would be allocated by the City Council during the annual budget process. The funds would be subject to an annual independent audit.
No. The Sales Tax Measure does not apply to groceries, rent, mortgages, utilities, prescription medicine, or personal services, such as medical and dental services.
If enacted, the tax will apply to common items such as clothing, furniture, and restaurant meals.
The tax would be paid by anyone who shops and dines in Blythe. This ensures that both residents and visitors contribute to revenue for public safety services and other resources they utilize while in Blythe. The City estimates about 50% of Measure revenue would be paid by non-Blythe residents.
If passed, a taxable purchase of $100 in Blythe would cost an additional $1.00.
The new rate would go into effect on October 1, 2020. At that time, the combined total sales tax rate in Blythe would become 8.75%. The funds would start being received in the first part of 2021.
No. However, this tax will make a significant difference in maintaining services and addressing some infrastructure needs.
One time election costs are estimated at $10,000, which will be paid directly to the County to administer the Special Election. The Special Election will be run by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.
Yes. Approximately 95% of the state's population live in one or more transactions and use tax areas.
While the measure will not, by itself, fix the City's fiscal challenges, it would generate General Fund revenues that could be used to support City services, such as police and fire services, blight and building abatement, and street and sidewalk improvements. If the measure is not approved, the City would need to identify other revenue enhancement measures in order to avoid further expenditure reductions. These reductions could translate to further reduction or elimination of City services.


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West Point prepares for graduation, some cadets test positive
More than 15 members of West Point's graduating class tested positive for the coronavirus upon their return to the U.S. Military Academy, which is preparing to host President Donald Trump for an unusual graduation ceremony that has been criticized as too risky during a pandemic.
Trump's announcement in April that he would give the commencement address at the historic academy was criticized as a political move. But Army officials said graduates needed to return before beginning their careers as officers anyway, so the logistically daunting task of preparing for the June 13 ceremony is underway.
"At some point, they had to come back to campus," academy spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Ophardt said Wednesday. "And it was like, 'If they have to come back, how do we protect the campus and the surrounding community and protect them?'"
The roughly 1,100 class members preparing to graduate returned to campus over five days last week, with most of them driving and others flying commercially. Arrivals were immediately tested for the virus.
Ophardt said 1.5% tested positive, which works out to about 17 people, and none showed symptoms. Those who tested positive are going through 10 days of isolation in a designated barracks, before four more days of slightly less strict quarantine. They have internet access in their rooms and can go outside in set areas to read or perform physical training, Ophardt said.
The rest of the class has been divided into four groups of roughly 275, and their health is being monitored.
The groups do not intermingle with each other. For instance, the mess hall takes in two groups at a time, and they eat in different parts of the hall, Ophardt said.
"They had to turn in their military equipment, which they're still doing now. They've been doing P.T. (physical training), they've been turning in library books, all the stuff a normal college kid would do right before they were going to leave," he said. "And they're getting all the medical appointments done, blood draws, all that type of stuff that needs to get done."
The color guard marches ahead of cadets in formation at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. (U.S. Department of Defense imagery)
The graduation ceremony this year is being moved from the on-campus football stadium to the expansive parade field known as the Plain. Cadets will march on to the Plain in socially distant formations and take seats 6 feet (2 meters) apart. In a dramatic departure from past years, there will be no guests. Family members can watch the ceremony via livestream.
Presidents routinely speak at West Point commencements. But Trump's announcement during the pandemic has been dismissed as a way get him on stage at the academy, which is 40 miles up the Hudson River from New York City, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a member of West Point's Board of Visitors, said in April: "Trump's reckless decision to gather 1,000 Cadets at West Point for a speech puts our future military leaders at increased risk — all to stroke his own ego."
Army officials and the White House have stood by the decision. Gen. James McConville, the chief of staff of the Army, told Pentagon reporters: "We can't telecommute to combat."
"This upcoming graduation is about these incredible cadets and their amazing accomplishments, and as the Commander-in-Chief, President Trump wants to celebrate that and thank them for their service to our country," White House spokesman Judd Deere wrote in an email Wednesday.
West Point's ceremony will be similar to the U.S. Air Force Academy's scaled-down ceremony in April. Vice President Mike Pence addressed hundreds of graduates sitting in chairs spaced out on the school's parade field, instead of its stadium.
In contrast, the U.S. Naval Academy opted to hold its first-ever virtual graduation ceremony last month.
West Point plans to bring the other three classes back for summer training in July and to welcome members of the class of 2024 that same month.


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Call or email me and say, "I'm not making a profit." I don't have to hear your tale of woe to know the reason the bottom line of your profit & loss statement is printed in red – your overhead is too high.
"But," you say, "I increased my markup, and I'm still not profitable." I could have guessed that.
When your overhead is too high, it doesn't matter how much you mark up your product, your company will still not be profitable.
Cutting overhead solves a myriad of problems:
Problem – Your customers are complaining that your service department is too slow.
Solution – Cut your company overhead so you can afford to hire another service person and buy another service truck. Your customers will be happier, and your profits will go up.
Problem – Vendors are threatening to cut you off because you are consistently late paying their bills.
Solution - Slashing overhead will give you the cash to not only pay all your suppliers on time but allow you to take vendor prompt pay discounts. Prompt pay discounts of 2-5% will help your bottom line.
Problem – Your employees are grumbling about wanting raises.
Solution – Lowering overhead in other areas of the business will give you the flexibility to raise the wages of your most important asset, your employees.
Here are some specific places to reduce overhead:
- Instruct your warehouse employees to turn off the lights every time they leave the warehouse. When they exit for the night, they must also lower the thermostat on the heater. As you are leaving each night, check the warehouse - I'll bet the lights are still on and the heater is set at 78 degrees. The back door is probably unlocked, too. . .
- Teach your employees to turn off their computer monitors and local printers before they leave each day. Any electronics that are on standby are still drawing power and raising your electricity bills.
- Every office has at least one Brenda. Brenda is always hot, so she demands that the office temperature be kept at or below 40 degrees year-round. If the temperature gets above 40, she complains loudly and heads for the thermostat. The rest of your staff has gotten tired of arguing with Brenda, so they are now wearing parkas and gloves to work. Brenda also has cold feet, so she runs an electric heater under her desk regardless of the season. Bet you didn't know that Brenda never turns off that heater when she goes to lunch nor when she leaves at night. Brenda's heater is costing you at least $50 a month in electricity. Brenda's internal thermostat is also costing you another $60 a month in air conditioning bills and upsetting the rest of your staff.
- Do you really need the local newspaper delivered to the office daily? My guess is that your receptionist takes the paper home each evening because no one else is reading it.
- The single-serving coffee maker your employees pressured you into buying is the most expensive way to brew coffee. Tell your employees you will pay for coffee for a conventional coffee pot, but not their single-serving coffee pods. If Bob thinks he can't live without his decaf caramel mocha frappuccino twice a day, he can bring his own single-serve pods.
- You used to ship a lot of boxes from your store to customers. Now, you have most products drop-shipped directly to clients from your suppliers. You are probably still paying UPS and FedEx a weekly pickup fee even though you are not using the service. Eliminate freight pick up at your office, and take your occasional shipments to the UPS store in the next block.
So, how do you figure out what overhead to cut?
- Ask your CPA (or your in-house bookkeeper) for a detail of what items are in each category of your latest P&L (Profit and Loss) Statement. For example, what expenses are under the "Utilities" category? Electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash removal, and internet are typical bills under utilities. Analyze each provider bill looking for ways to lower expenses from that vendor.
- At least quarterly, go through the analysis again. Each time you look for places to cut expenses, you will probably find new ways to lower costs.
- Look for expenses that you incurred months or years ago that you may not now need. For example, if you took out additional contents insurance for a large customer order last year, are you still paying that increased insurance premium? Do you have enough inventory to justify the premium? Talk to your insurance agent about other ways to lower insurance costs when you cancel that unnecessary contents coverage.
- As you look at each expense item, ask yourself, "Do we need that? Why do we have that expense?" For example, do you know who ordered cable TV for the breakroom?
- Sign up for a vehicle fuel service. Fuel cards will save you money and let you track vehicle expenses more accurately. A fuel card will also stop employees from charging snacks to your credit card.
- Give employees a per diem instead of paying for out-of-pocket expenses when they are traveling. When employees receive a per diem, they will stay at more moderately-priced hotels and eat meals that are reasonably priced (instead of steak dinners twice a day.)
These are just of a few examples of the dozens of places you will find to cut overhead expenses. Now, go look for other places to cut expenses to make your company more profitable. Start that regular process of reviewing all company expenses, and put your firm "in the black" instead of "in the red."
When your overhead is too high, it doesn't matter how much you mark up your product, your company will still not be profitable.
Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org
Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.


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Book Puddle
An easy and friendly way to recommend the books you love.
Add "gamification" to your app, site, or service the easy way. Just tell our back-end system when a user does something on your app or site, and we will do the rest.
Rack 4 Java
A simple yet powerful interface between a web server and your Java web application. Based on lessons learned from "Rack", the server interface standard for Ruby appications, and arguably much more useful than the Servlet API.
Stringtree and Mojasef
A collection of Java APIs and components which together form a powerful and effective way to develop software. Wherever possible, the components which form the Stringtree collection may be used independently, but the biggest benefits come when they are used together.


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UHT also provided the supply of SKF machined seals.
Out SKF SEAL JET NG 60 system includes:
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) production system
- High-precision cutting tools optimized for polymeric materials and high performance sealing materials for innovative seals production
- State-of-the-art software with up to 169 pre-programmed seal profiles
- Advantages of the SKF SEAL JET system:
- Production of sealing solutions for most industries tailor-made to your customer's needs
- Prompt manufacturing of seals and components up to 600 mm in diameter
- Short delivery times
- A wide range of seal designs
- Application engineering support
With the SKF SEAL JET system and optimized sealing materials from SKF our clients can solve almost any sealing problem.
SKF has developed a broad range of materials for manufacturing of machined seals:
- Polyurethanes(ECOPUR series)
- Elastomers(SKF Ecorubbers, SKF Ecosil)
- Thermoplastics(SKF Ecoflon series, SKF Ecomid, SKF Ecopaek, SKF Ecotal)
- Special materials(SKF Ecoflas, SKF Ecowear 1000, SKF Ecopps, SKF Ecotex)
The SKF SEAL JET machines are developed and produced by SKF.


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MINNEAPOLIS – Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore scored 20 points apiece and Seimone Augustus added 18 to lead the Minnesota Lynx to an 85-62 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday night.
Diana Taurasi scored 15 and Brittney Griner had 13 points and six rebounds for the Mercury, who now face a must-win situation in Game 2 in Phoenix on Sunday.
Both teams started out cold on, but Minnesota recovered quickly and turned the first half into a mismatch. After hitting just one of their first six field goal attempts, the Lynx made 16 of their next 23 shots, while Phoenix was just 9 for 37 (24.3 percent) for the half.
Minnesota has won all six meetings with the Mercury this season, but they hadn't played since July 24. The Mercury went 9-4 down the stretch after naming Russ Pennell their interim head coach.


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Maurice Jones-Drew remains as passionate as ever about his value.
So when the Jacksonville Jaguars running back ended his 38-day holdout Sunday -- without a new contract -- he had no apologies, no regrets and no concerns about his standing with the franchise.
"I'm in a good place," he said. "I did something I felt was right, and I'm always going to feel right. I'm not going to feel wrong for what I did it at all. And that's why I can come back and not have a negative attitude. I think if you regret things, you're going to come back salty, be a distraction, things like that.
"I don't feel that way 'cause what I did was right. No one can tell me it was wrong. Not one person here can tell me what I did was wrong."
Jones-Drew arrived at the team facility Sunday morning, chatted with teammates and then had a 40-minute conversation with coach Mike Mularkey.
Later, he spent nearly half an hour answering questions about his holdout, even getting to a point where he told reporters to "make sure we all get this out of the way because I'm done after this."
"This is the last talk about the whole contract situation," he said. "We're going to move forward to football after this."
Jones-Drew considered skipping games, missing paychecks and causing an even bigger distraction for the team. Ultimately, though, he opted to report a week before the season opener. Jacksonville plays at Minnesota next Sunday.
"It really wasn't about budging," said Jones-Drew, who took a conditioning test later in the day. "For me, it got to the point where I wasn't going to be traded. Obviously, they weren't going to pay me. I could have easily sat out until Week 10, come back and been a distraction. It wasn't about that. I'm not going to come back and distract guys from playing the game the right way."
Mularkey has said that Rashad Jennings will start for the Jaguars in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings because of his strong preseason (209 yards on 47 attempts) and the fact he has been with the team at training camp.
Mularkey said in a statement Sunday that he "had a really good visit" with Jones-Drew.
"It was good to finally speak face-to-face. I can tell he's ready to go, so we'll be working with him to get him up to speed as quickly as possible. It's great to be able to proceed with our preparation for the opener and the season beyond with Maurice as part of the plans."
The NFL's leading rusher in 2011, Jones-Drew skipped the team's entire offseason schedule in what became a nasty contract dispute.
Mularkey can fine MJD up to $30,000 a day -- plus $60,000 for a three-day, mandatory minicamp in June -- meaning the total tab could end up being $1.2 million. Jones-Drew declined to reveal what he and Mularkey discussed regarding the potential fine.
Jones-Drew is scheduled to make $4.45 million in 2012 and $4.95 million next year.
He wanted to renegotiate the final two years of a five-year, $31 million deal that paid him nearly $22 million the last three seasons. Owner Shad Khan and general manager Gene Smith refused, not wanting to set a precedent of paying players in the middle of lucrative deals.
Things got tense after Khan said publicly that Jones-Drew's absence "doesn't even move the needle." Khan also said his message to Jones-Drew is the "train's leaving the station. Run, get on it."
Those comments didn't sit well with Jones-Drew, who would have accepted a trade if it meant getting a new deal.
"I was disappointed about the comments," Jones-Drew said. "I expect you guys or people outside the organization to make those comments like that. But when you do get it inside the organization, with how hard we work, with the time you put in through the offseason, the time you spend away from your family here at the facility, you expect a little more appreciation."
Khan welcomed Jones-Drew aboard Sunday.
"The Jaguars are a better football team today than we were yesterday, and now our entire franchise can move forward together and as one," Khan said in a statement. "Nothing more needs to be said. "
Coming off a career year, Jones-Drew wanted to be one of the NFL's highest-paid backs. His average salary per year ranks behind Minnesota's Adrian Peterson, Tennessee's Chris Johnson, Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy, Houston's Arian Foster, St. Louis' Steven Jackson, Carolina's DeAngelo Williams and Seattle's Marshawn Lynch.
The 27-year-old Jones-Drew signed his deal in 2009, before rushing for at least 1,300 yards in three consecutive seasons. He had a league-best 1,606 yards on the ground in 2011. Not only has he seemingly outperformed his contract, Jones-Drew is the face of the franchise and probably the only player on the roster known outside small-market Jacksonville.
"My production spoke for itself," he said. "At the end of the day, that's how it played out. I read some articles that said there's no way you can outperform a contract. That's a lie."
The Jaguars, though, felt like they paid him based on the expectation that he would flourish as a starter after spending the first three years of his career splitting carries with Fred Taylor. The team doesn't want to pay a running back into his 30s, especially one who takes as many pounding hits as Jones-Drew does. Plus, the Jaguars have missed the playoffs in each of his three seasons as the starter.
"I knew it was going to be a difficult situation," Jones-Drew said. "I had two years left. But the way I was raised, the way I grew up, is if you believe something you fight for it. You fight for whatever you believe. My production stated something. I fought for it, plain and simple.
"Yes, it went into a holdout and all these different things. At the end of the day, that's what it was about: my production and my value. I haven't stopped fighting. I'm going to come out and play."
But will playing get Jones-Drew a new contract? Or will MJD and the Jaguars be in a similar position next year?
"We're over it," he said. "It's solved for the time being and we're ready to move on."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.