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Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.
Items that have been used/washed can not be returned.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.
When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.
Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.
Our Flat Rate shipping is $1 per item, except on heavy items like detergent or carriers. Detergent is typically $5 each for shipping. Flat rate shipping will only apply if your order can ship in one shipment. Please note that if you order Pre-Order items along with in stock items, all items will ship once the pre-order comes in. If you would like your in stock items sooner, please e-mail us.
If your order is split into multiple shipments, you may be subject to additional shipping fees.


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The news hit just before question period in the House of Assembly Monday afternoon that the federal government is cutting crab quotas by 22 per cent.
This was an additional blow after the federal government cut the Area 6 shrimp quota by 63 per cent last week, in response to a declining biomass.
Shellfish made up more than 80 per cent of the total landed value of seafood last year, so these kinds of cuts will have a huge economic impact.
"This is devastating news for the industry — both the harvesting and processing sectors," NDP Leader Earle McCurdy said.
"The issue of that magnitude should be above partisan squabbling and we should be trying to work together to make the best of a real tough situation."
To that end, McCurdy said the government should reconvene the all-party committee that previously worked together to give inshore harvesters a larger share of the shrimp quota in the face of declining stocks.
Progressive Conservative MHA Kevin Parsons was mostly in agreement with the idea of an all-party committee, albeit less enthusiastic.
"I think it's a little bit late," he said. "I think the minister should have been on top of this file since science did their estimates weeks and months ago. And he only reacts once the cuts actually come."
Responding to a question from NDP MHA Lorraine Michael in the House of Assembly Monday, Ball said he would consider it.
Fisheries Minister Steve Crocker, speaking to reporters, said the government would help harvesters and plant workers who are affected by the quota cuts, but he didn't have a lot of answers on specifics.
Crocker said that given the age of many fishery workers, retirement might be an option.
"The average age is about 58 years old in most of these fish plants," he said.
"If you look back to 1992, during the cod moratorium, we had a lot of young people that were involved in the processing jobs. So now we do have an older demographic, so that may alleviate some of the stress, but certainly not all of it."
On that front, Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) president Keith Sullivan said he would like to see the federal government look at a fisheries quota buyout system that would leave the harvesting sector more viable for the people left behind.
"In some desperate areas, I think they need to look at investing in a plan that'll give harvesters of the future a good chance of having sustainable incomes in the future of the fishery," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said one silver lining is that the price of crab this year will be substantially higher than last year, which will soften the blow of lower quotas.
But Sullivan said he'd like the government to reconsider the drastic cut to quotas, perhaps doing a more gradual cut over the course of a couple of years.
"They need more co-operation — listening to harvesters more," he said.

subset: commoncrawl


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Do they still play 'Kick the Can?'
The T-ball batters have been perfecting their swings at the Civic Field.
The soccer kiddies are chasing the ball and each other on the grass north of Anderson Center.
The summer recreation season is almost upon us. By "us" I mean "us kids."
Age is not a limiting factor. Attitude and passion define our roles.
If you are intent upon teaching somebody to kick or catch a ball, you are an adult.
Your presence is not necessarily resented if you occasionally pop for a Big Mac and fries after the game.
But under no circumstance are you allowed to include yourself in a game of Kick the Can.
Please. Tell me that kids still play Kick the Can.
That's all that got me through the summer during my learning years.
The rules are simple.
Rule I.
Dads can't play.
Rule 2.
A coin flip decides who has to kick the can. Everybody else runs and hides.
If and when the can kicker spots hidden playmates he or she races to the can, leaps over it and declares that all those revealed are in limbo.
They stay there until somebody still undiscovered races to the can and delivers a good kick, freeing everybody.
That's the equivalent of a Husky lineman blocking a punt and then running the length of the field to score a touchdown.
Only Kick the Can is a lot more exciting than football.
Equipment is minimal. In our neighborhood a soup can was preferred.
It was of course thoroughly washed. If you wanted to play Kick the Can in technicolor, you left the label on the soup can.
In any event, equipment costs were minimal.
I recently scanned a web site devoted to games and learned that if a kid wants to play kick the can these days he would probably need an XBox 360 which costs more than a bad marriage.
I learned that one of the most popular XBox games is called "Kinect Star Wars" which invites participants to "become champions in the most dangerous sport in the galaxy and compete in six races across five planets in podracing mode… and to face off against the Dark Side in duels of fate mode with three speederbike levels, four space combat levels and six Jedi combat levels including boss duels and a Jedi action Dance for Jabba the Hutt."
Hmmmm. How much fresh air and healthy exercise do kids get dancing for Jabba the Hutt?"
Better they should be outside playing healthy games with neighborhood kids. I'll even donate a can to the cause.
A soup can.


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Analyze and evaluate accounts receivable over a 5 year period with this tool. All information can be reviewed graphically over time to provide additional context. Eight key ratios are calculated off of a few inputs. These ratios include Days Sales in Trade AR, AR Turnover, and Bad Debt Expense as a Percentage of Net Sales.
Accounts Receivable Analysis
System Requirements & Download
System Requirements: Microsoft Excel® 2007 or later
User Agreement: Read it Here
Creator: SpreadsheetShoppe.com
At the bottom of each tab is an area referred to as 'Tickmarks' – this area provides space to document analysis conducted associated with any unusual or significant activity identified.


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It's no secret that we as a nation dodged a bullet when Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. We were just reminded of this once again when a former Secret Service agent came forward to reveal new secrets about what the criminal Clintons' years in the White House, including what Bill was hiding in the home's bathroom…
Freedom Daily reported that in his new book "Crisis of Character: A White House Secret Service Officer Discloses His Firsthand Experience with Hillary, Bill, and How They Operate," former Secret Service agent Gary J. Byrne claimed that Bill and Hillary Clinton would use the White House bathrooms to snort cocaine while on the clock, and this was only the beginning of what he revealed. Byrne said that Hillary would fly into such violent rages that he was concerned about Bill's safety. At one point, Byrne alleged that Hillary gave Bill a black eye during one of her tantrums.
Making matters even worse, Hillary often verbally abused her Secret Service detail.
"It's like hitting yourself with a hammer every day," Byrne said of her anger, adding that she routinely exhibited "dangerous" and even paranoid behavior, perhaps because of her husband's incessant infidelity. Byrne explained that Bill kept a so-called "jogging list" of potential mistresses to keep him occupied with.
"In the beginning of his first administration, when President Clinton was jogging outside, women who were dressed as if they were going clubbing or working out, started showing up at the southeast gate," Byrne explains. "The agents . . . would get the women's names, and run them to see who they were. If the women wouldn't cooperate, they would be ushered out of the jogging group. Agents … insinuated that this list was used by President Clinton to try to meet these women."
It's terrifying that this criminal and evil couple came so close to getting back in the White House. Thank God President Donald Trump was able to take them down once and for all!


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Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Iowa State University
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers, whose sole purpose is to provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. The centers, serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico, are linked together through the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology. Centers are funded by federal, state, local, and private resources.
Each center works directly with area manufacturers to provide expertise and services tailored to their most critical needs, which range from process improvements and worker training to business practices and applications of information technology. Solutions are offered through a combination of direct assistance from center staff and outside consultants.
CIRAS manages the MEP program for the state of Iowa.


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Toshiba has revealed its latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich tablet, the AT300 – and it's packed the quad-core power of Nvidia's Tegra 3 processor and 1GB RAM into the slate's 8.95mm thin innards.
The AT300 sports a 1280x800 10.1in Gorilla Glass-clad screen wrapped in an aluminium shell. A 5MP camera graces the tablet's rear, with a 2MP offering on the front.
The Toshiba AT300 also comes chock full of ports – including a combo audio in/out jack, a micro HDMI output and a very handy full-size SDHT/SDXTSD card slot, as well as support for eMMC cards – an ideal DSLR partner perhaps?
Toshiba's new tablet is no slouch in the power department either, promising a battery life of 10 hours of solid video playback. Gadgeteers with puny arms will also appreciate the AT300's 590g weight – a whole 63g lighter than the new iPad 3 (reviewed here).
There's no word on an official price or release date as of yet, but we'll be sure to keep you updated, so stay tuned.
LG 55EM960 heralds arrival of Ultimate Display OLED TV
Samsung Galaxy S3 shatters Android pre-order record


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The NASFAA Reauthorization Task Force developed a framework last week to advocate for needed changes to the federal student aid programs in the upcoming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), and address public concerns about college access, transparency, and accountability.
In anticipation of the expiration of the Higher Education Act in 2014, NASFAA commissioned the HEA Reauthorization Task Force to consult with NASFAA members and other important groups and agencies to develop recommendations on policy issues and specific statutory changes in the federal student aid programs and their delivery systems. The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965, as amended, authorizes the major federal student aid programs. Law mandates that Congress review and "reauthorize" these programs every five to seven years; the next reauthorization is scheduled for 2014, although the actual date will likely be later.
The task force convened this weekend to review NASFAA's 2002 HEA recommendations and move forward with a plan to provide a new and updated list for HEA reauthorization by fall 2013. Task force members discussed a large list of potential recommendations, including:
The group also broadly discussed need analysis and consumer information.
To further review prior recommendations and discuss new ones, the task force will convene four subcommittees to focus on (1) need analysis (including FAFSA issues), (2) student loan issues, (3) consumer information and (4) return of Title IV funds. The group as a whole will review and determine recommendations on the Pell Grant program and other broad issues like campus-based aid.
The task force will convene again at the NASFAA Conference in Chicago this July.
The task force also will hold listening sessions to solicit recommendations and reactions from the financial aid community. As currently scheduled, listening sessions will be held at the following conferences. Additional listening sessions are being added regularly.
|Task Force Members
|Assn. of Private Sector Colleges and Universities
|Tom Babel
|June 20-22
|Las Vegas, NV
|Michigan Conference
|Pam Fowler
|June 24-27
|Mackinaw Island, MI
|NASFAA Conference
|Ron Day
|July 22
|Chicago, IL
|Tom Babel
|July 28-31
|National Harbor, MD
|Tom Babel
|July 31-Aug. 2
|St. Louis, MO
|Mike Pede, George Chin
|Oct. 9-11
|Saratoga, NY
|Robert Gamez, Craig Munier
|Oct. 14-17
|Omaha, NE
|Tom Babel
|Oct. 14-17
|Milwaukee, WI
|College Board National Forum
|Bonnie Joerschke, Mark Lindenmeyer, Frank Valines, Pam Fowler
|Oct. 24-26
|Miami, FL
|Nov. 14-16
|San Antonio, TX
|California Community College Assn. (CCCSFAAA)
|Pat Hurley
|Dec. 8-9
|Sacramento, CA
|California Conference
|Pat Hurley
|Dec. 9-1
|Anaheim, CA
Publication Date: 4/4/2012


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ATL to exhibit at Professional Motorsport Expo
The ATL Technical Sales Team of Darren Forder and Adam Pointer, will be on exhibition duty next week at the Professional Motorsport World Expo in Cologne. On display will be a number of new racing fuel system products from ATL, so please pop along to the ATL booth to find out the exciting news. For a free entry ticket, please visit the PMW website (here). The event runs from 12th to 14th November and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
New ATL Products on display
New Saver Cell Cap
Revamped Internal Collectors
ATL's FIA FT3-1999 Saver Cells can be easily upgraded with a sophisticated internal collector, fuel pump and pressure regulators.
On display at PMW Expo 2013 will be 5 examples of fuel systems that can be plumbed within a budget-priced Saver Cell fuel bladder.
Ginetta ready for ATL Racing Fuel Cells Junior Winter Series
The ATL Racing Fuel Cells Winter Series arrives at Snetterton circuit this weekend. A packed grid of teenagers race for the championship crown,
in this action packed, two day event.
This series has already cemented itself as a proving ground for Ginetta Junior drivers of the future, with ATL Racing Fuel Cells Ginetta Junior Winter Series Champion 2012 Harry Woodhead winning the 2013 Ginetta Junior Championship, following in the footsteps of Seb Morris who did the same in 2010 & 2011.
For more information, please log onto http://ginetta.com/news_article?id=1346
ATL have moved !
Right on schedule, ATL finally moved into our swanky new premises.
For those of you who have not done it, please ensure that you update your current database records to our new address:
Aero Tec Laboratories Ltd
ATL Technology Centre
Denbigh Road
Milton Keynes
Our phone, fax and e-mail contact details will all remain the same:
Tel: +44 1908 351700
Fax: +44 1908 351750
e-mail: email@example.com
Web: www.atlltd.com
Twitter: @ATLFuelCells
Previous ATL building 'For Sale' (or potential lease with option to purchase)
Please contact Giles Dawson (firstname.lastname@example.com)
ATL Champions 2013
With the motorsport season coming to a close, "Congr-ATL-ulations" to the following ATL customers in becoming 2013 Champions:
Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing 2013 F1Driver World Champion
Andrew Jordan Pirtek Motorsport 2013 BTCC Champions
Yvan Muller RayMallock Ltd/Chevrolet 2013 WTCC Champions
Petr Fulin Krenel Motorsport/BMW 2013 ETCC Champions
Mike Rockenfeller Phoenix Racing 2013 DTM Champions
Sebastian Ogier/Julien Ingrassia VW Motorsport 2013 WRC Champions
Pierre Ragues /Nelson Panciatici Signatech Alpine 2013 ELMS Champions
Andrew Howard Beechdean-AMR driver 2013 British GT Champions
Ryan Ratcliffe/Rick Parfitt Jnr Optimum Motorsport 2013 British GT GT4 Champions
For a .pdf version, please click here


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Istanbul Summer Tea Garden
Istanbul Summer Tea Garden Project 2012
Triage Live Art Collective/ Melbourne
in collaboration with Eva Burghardt, Heather McKee and Elise Terranova
The Istanbul Summer Tea Garden is an art and community project in the heart of Neukölln, Berlin.
Over four sundays in August 2012 the Tea Garden -inspired by Summertime in Istanbul- was serving tea and snacks with live entertainment, all the while creating a sense of belonging and community.
Istanbul Summer Tea Garden as a meeting place for strangers, old friends and families. A space for exchange and play using the daily human behaviours that connect us as people. At the heart of the event was the social warmth, music, the sharing of tea, backgammon games, the smile of a stranger, great service by the youth of the neighborhood and conversation menus in Turkish, German and English.
Supported by Quartiersmanagement Ganghoferstrasse BerlinPhotos: Grzegorz Lepiarz


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Music of Indigenous Southeast Asian Filipinos
Harmony with the Creative Forces of Nature
This is the music of the indigenous, strongly animist, though nominally Christian, non-Muslim peoples of the highlands of the Cordillera (ex. Ifugao, Kalinga, Isneg, Ibaloi, Kankanay, Bontoc), Mindoro (ex. Hanunoo, Buhid, Alangan), Mindanao (ex. T'boli, Mansaka, Tiruray, Bagobo, Manobo, Subanun), and Palawan (ex. Batak, Tagbanwa). Sometimes these people are called lumad. Their music generically may be called by the same name. An example of lumad music is that of the Kalinga tongngali (nose flute) or T'boli hegelong (lute).
Our indigenous peoples are the closest to nature. Life to them is an indivisible whole. Art, myth, ritual, work, and activities of everyday life are all integrated into one. Spirit and matter, God and nature, the visible and invisible worlds are not a dichotomy but interpenetrate in many ways. Of all Filipino subcultures, indigenous art is the most integrated with everyday life, multifunctional and participatory.
To the lumad everything is alive: rocks, rivers, the wind, fire and air, though to lesser degree, are permeated by the same vital energy that animates biological life.
Creative activity, for the indigenous peoples, is highly extemporaneous and not cultivated as a special gift by select individuals. Oneness with the creative process is a strength of our indigenous peoples and the culture puts emphasis on the creative process rather than on the finished product, making conception and performance simultaneous activities. Lumads can actively interface with the spirit or dream world, the source of their inexhaustible creative energy. Listening to this inner voice or to the Muse within is something we can learn from them.
The music of our indigenous peoples traditionally has the widest repertoire of sounds in the Philippines, perhaps reflecting the myriad forms and enormous biodiversity in their environment. The uniqueness of indigenous music has attracted the proponents of new or experimental music in the West, which is currently fascinated in exploring the entire universe of aural phenomena.
Indigenous music is also the most communal among Philippine musical traditions. Many instruments are often played by three or more people in an interactive, reciprocal, and interlocking fashion, highly indicative of social cooperation, togetherness, and an egalitarian ethos, particularly in the distribution of and access to resources. Musical form is open-ended to provide maximum opportunity for creative communal interaction or participation. Music is very much a part of everyday life and serves many uses and functions.
The unity of opposites, representing the twin cosmic forces holding the universe together – man and woman, forceful and tender, change and permanence, positive and negative – is a core principle among Filipino indigenous peoples. For instance, the hegalong, a two-stringed boat lute of the T'boli of South Cotabato in Mindanao, is an instrument that clearly shows our indigenous peoples' recognition of the cosmic unity of opposites with its two strings representing change (melody string) and continuity (drone string, playing one note repeatedly).
Main Feature
The Diversity of Philippine Music Cultures


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JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — A brigadier speaking for rebels in South Sudan said Sunday that government troops have attacked their positions, actively violating a cease-fire in what he called a deliberate attempt to sabotage imminent peace talks.
Brig. Lul Ruai Koang told The Associated Press that rebel commanders in South Sudan report that government forces and allied militias attacked northern Leer town and surrounding villages in Unity state Saturday, killing an unknown number of people and destroying property. The rebels' defensive positions in Upper Nile state also came under attack Saturday, he said.
South Sudan military spokesman Col. Philip Aguer said he was unaware of fresh clashes.
Koang said Saturday's attacks "are clear indications that (President Salva) Kiir's government is not interested in peace but prepared for war."
It was consistent with a "trend of government destruction and carnage" that had intensified before the signing on Jan. 23 of a cease-fire agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he said.
It was impossible to verify the allegations from Koang, who is based in Nairobi, capital of neighboring Kenya.
In the run-up to the truce, South Sudanese troops fighting alongside soldiers from Uganda retook key towns from the rebels, to ensure a stronger negotiating position.
Leer is the town where Doctors Without Borders reported Friday that a hospital was hastily evacuated, with 240 people including medical staff and patients fleeing into the bush fearful for their lives following "reports that fighting was approaching."
The Catholic Church's administrator in Juba, Roko Taban, said they have had no contact with Leer for several days since priests and nuns there had fled. "We've not been able to reach them despite trying for some days, the network is not good but we also don't know where they've gone exactly," he said.
Thousands of people across Unity state are hiding in the bush amid heightened insecurity, according to Doctors Without Borders, which said there are no more patients at its hospital in Leer.
Leer is also the hometown of Riek Machar, the fired former vice president who is commanding the rebellion.
The United Nations says both sides have committed gross violations of human rights during the conflict that began mid-December with entire army battalions defecting to the rebels made up of mainly Nuer fighters loyal to Machar. Government troops are mostly from the president's Dinka tribe, the largest in South Sudan.
More than 1,000 people are estimated to have been killed and 800,000 have been forced from their homes, including 123,000 who have fled to neighboring countries.
The government insists the violence was sparked by a failed Dec. 15 coup attempt by soldiers loyal to Machar. Machar, who is in hiding, denies the allegation and says Kiir is a dictator who should be removed from power.
In what was seen as a conciliatory move last week, seven of 11 leaders detained for alleged treason were freed on Wednesday and flown to Kenya. The U.S. is urging South Sudan's government to free the remaining detainees, all allies of Machar.
Tigist Hailu, a spokeswoman for the regional bloc mediating the peace talks, said a 14-member team traveled to South Sudan on Saturday to try to put in place a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the cease-fire.
The second round of talks is expected to start later this month.
Meseret reported from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.


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Hell Hath No Fury is a "Penny Dreadful", an adventure for the Imperial Age Game. Designed for newer characters (2 to 4 1st level).
The author takes care to let you know that while the Imperial Age can coer a variety of Victorian game types, he had to make some assumptions to have a pre-written adventure work out, so this one is described as Occult Steam. I like that.
The adventure is presented in Three Acts and moves at a brisk pace.
The mystery reads like a "Penny Dreadful" and has the feel and atmosphere of a Victorian mystery. I don't want to spoil things, but this is a fun adventure for the first time players.
All the Imperial Age books are all well written and features art from the age, either public domain art and paintings as well as some original art. In all cases the art is very evocative of the time and very well done.
The books are all easy to read, with clean layout and font sizes. They can be printed with ease without killing your printer cartridge.


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Hi All--Today's variety, plantaginea, exemplifies the term "classic" when applied to hostas. A species, it has been widely grown outside of its native China for over a century and in our garden since 1992. It will grow well in a variety of conditions and does particularly well in sunnier locations. The plant in the first pic is growing in a spot that receives some dappled sun and usually measures about 60x23. The plant in the 2nd pic gets a few hours of direct sun and measured 76x26 last summer, plus it has a lot more leaves. Zilis lists plantaginea at 57x25. The plants are free of slug damage in our garden. Plantaginea and its offspring have what many consider to be the most beautiful and fragrant blossoms of the genus.
Registry - not in the Registry - it is a species
MyHostas - http://www.myhostas.be/db/hostas/plantaginea
Hosta Library - http://www.hostalibrary.org/p/plantaginea.html


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Telephone: 971 2 652 6722
Andalus Hotels & Resorts is a luxury resort suites where each suite becomes a fantasy destination to both families and the individual traveler.located on Abu Dhabi's Eastern Ring road and Surrounded by some of the most valued landmarks of the city.
Travelindex allows you to contact all companies and business listed directly. Your message will be send instantly to the above company. Submit your request and click send. A valid e-mail address is required.
Travelindex. Connecting Travel People Direct.


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Drones are, and have the potential, to provide high tech solutions to a range of issues. Growing populations of wildlife need to be controlled as they can have an impact on our health and safety. Remote controlled drones will definitely offer an effective
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 14, 2014
Bird-X, Inc. has a special interest in Drones, since one of the most promising new products we manufacture is designed to condition pest birds to stay away from areas where they are not wanted or where they put themselves and others in danger. Remote controlled drones equipped with speakers that emit predator bird and birds in distress calls are becoming one of the fastest growing segments of pest bird control.
The announcement of the Amazon PrimeAir Drone delivery system is exciting – packages being delivered within 30 minutes or less is certainly something worth getting excited about! Additionally, according to the LA Times, other companies including UPS and Google are testing their own drones for similar purposes.
The BirdXPeller Drone is used in many large outdoor areas, including airports to prevent bird strikes, and on golf courses to keep the greens clean, clear of birds, and ready for golfers. Maintenance costs are reduced dramatically and course conditions improved for more enjoyable rounds.
On golf courses, pest birds leave droppings that disrupt games as balls roll through them, as well as nibble the grass in areas where higher grass is desired. They cause thousands of dollars in damage and maintenance expenses and are a very common problem for most golf courses – especially since so many birds are attracted to the lakes and wide open spaces that golf courses provide.
The Amazon PrimeAir Drone may scare away a few birds that cross its path, but the BirdXPeller drone's secret to bird control is its multisensory attack; visually mimicking an eagle, a natural predator bird, it is equipped with a sonic sound device that emits natural sounds of hawk cries as well as bird distress calls.
In addition to these drone uses, the Chicago Tribune recently mentioned their use as a marketing tool. By equipping a drone with a camera, marketing materials and detailed maps of large areas can be created – not only for golf courses, but for real estate sales. For golfers, having better maps also means a smoother golfing experience, while in real estate they can provide detailed home and neighborhood views.
Drones have come a long way since hobbyists started flying remote controlled airplanes; their true potentials are being realized and are expanding into everyday life. While the emergence of the Amazon PrimeAir Drone and other delivery drones may still sound like science fiction, the BirdXPeller Drone has proven for years that high tech pest control solutions are the wave of the future.
To view a video of the BirdXPeller Drone at work on a golf course, click here.
Dennis Tilles, President of Bird-X, Inc., stated, "Drones are, and have the potential, to provide high tech solutions to a range of issues. Growing populations of wildlife need to be controlled as they can have an impact on our health and safety. Remote controlled drones will definitely offer an effective option in the pest control market segment."
About Bird-X
Bird-X, Inc. is the leader in producing humane pest and bird repellent products, since 1964. We offer the most comprehensive line of bird control products that are humane, non-toxic and eco-friendly. Our bird deterrents range from state-of-the-art laser technology to sonic/ultrasonic bird control, goose and pigeon repellents, bird netting, bird spikes, visual scares, and animal sound repellants.


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Substitute 1/2 cup drained canned sliced water chestnuts for the jicama.
Colorful carrots, rich in vitamin A, are teamed up with other crunchy fresh vegetables to provide vitamin C in this delicious, yet low-calorie and low-sodium, main-dish salad.
* Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.


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TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday wrapped up three days of high-level Mideast diplomacy on a positive note, saying he held "very constructive talks" with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and promising to press on in an effort to break a four-year deadlock over resuming direct negotiations.
Talking to reporters after holding private talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Kerry said the parties all committed to a process that could "create the conditions for peace" so that they can return to the negotiating table. Kerry said he would soon announce new measures to help the Palestinian economy, but offered no details on how he plans to tackle the deeper issues at the heart of the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Kerry stressed that he was mindful of the "good intentions and failed efforts" that have dogged Middle East diplomacy in the past and said he'd focus on "laying the groundwork so we can bring people to the table with a clear understanding of what we're beginning on, what we're trying to do, and where we're trying to end up."
Kerry, who has committed the United States to a multi-month diplomatic effort, stressed that he was being intentionally coy on the specifics of his new peace push. "It's not going to be done and shouldn't be done in piecemeal public releases," he said. "It's best done quietly."
Peace talks broke down in late 2008 and have remained frozen since then. The Palestinians have refused to resume talks while Israel continues to build Jewish settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, areas where they hope to establish an independent state. Israel captured both areas in the 1967 Mideast war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says talks should resume without any preconditions.
Kerry sought to lower expectations ahead of this week's trip, his third to the region since becoming secretary of state, saying he was coming primarily to listen and learn. But he made clear that his aim is to move beyond goodwill gestures and resume talks on the issues at the heart of the conflict, such as borders between Israel and a future Palestine, security arrangements, the conflicting claims to east Jerusalem and its holy sites and the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees and their descendants.
In a preliminary step, Kerry said he would engage in a parallel effort to break down red tape and other barriers to economic progress in the West Bank to improve the lives of Palestinians and provide a climate for two-state solution. He said such an effort would also improve Israel's security. The Palestinians, along with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, have long complained that Israeli travel restrictions are stifling the West Bank's economy.
Netanyahu told reporters earlier Tuesday that he wanted peace. He welcomed proposals for economic assistance to the Palestinians, but said issues of recognition and security remain "foremost in our minds."
"I'm determined not only to resume the peace process with the Palestinians but to make a serious effort to end this conflict once and for all," he told reporters before meeting Kerry. Addressing Kerry, he said, "This is a real effort and we look forward to advance in this effort with you."
Netanyahu has not signaled how far he is prepared to go in meeting Palestinian demands, but it appears unlikely it will be close to what the Palestinians seek. His new government is full of hard-liners affiliated with the Jewish settler movement who will put up a tough fight to any broad concessions to the Palestinians.
Palestinian officials welcomed Kerry's efforts and said they had proposed that Israel make additional gestures, such as halting settlement construction and releasing some of the 4,500 Palestinian prisoners it is holding. The officials also said Jordan wants to play a role in peace efforts, perhaps by hosting future negotiations. Jordan is one of two Arab countries with a peace agreement with Israel and often serves as a mediator. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the Kerry visit with reporters.
Kerry stressed that he was not trying to dictate the terms of any peace deal between the Israelis and Palestinians, and that all differences would need to be worked out through negotiations.
He noted the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which got renewed attention this week when Kerry and Arab officials discussed modifying its terms. But he said the document belongs to Arab countries themselves.
"It suggests ... a way forward for the Arab world to make peace with Israel," he said. "As such, it remains a very important statement."
The Arab peace plan is likely to come up in discussions when an Arab League delegation visits Washington on April 29.
Addressing his talks with Mideast figures, Kerry said, "Each them made very serious and well-considered, constructive suggestions with respect to what the road forward might look like. And they all embraced the goal that we all share here. So this effort is not just about getting the parties into direct negotiations. It's about getting everybody in the best position to succeed."
Associated Press writer Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.


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A 26-year-old man was found shot Sunday morning on Chicago's South Side, officials said.
At about 1:50 a.m., police responded to a call of shots fired in the 7700 block of South Sangamon Street in the Gresham neighborhood and found the victim on the ground with a gunshot wound to his left leg, said Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro.
The victim was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, Alfaro said. The victim's condition was not available.
Police are investigating. No one is in custody for the shooting.


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Legal Law: Recourse for Insurance Disputes
Insurance coverage is a necessity, protecting the assets of individuals and corporations. In a perfect world, claims are paid promptly and in full, but insurers sometimes fail to honor their contractual obligations. If you are involved in a dispute, an insurance law attorney at Bowles & Verna in Walnut Creek, CA, can help you enforce your legal rights.
Insurance companies are held accountable by state laws protecting policyholders, and legal action can and does bring relief. Our firm has handled many insurance law cases that have resulted in substantial recoveries for our clients.
About Insurance Disputes
An insurance policy is a contract, with the insured agreeing to pay premiums and the insurer promising to pay for claims that cover specific, assigned risks. Contracts are not always honored, however. Motivated to reduce their pay-outs, some insurance companies attempt to limit payment of claims or go so far as to flatly deny any coverage.
At Bowles & Verna, we have obtained multi-million dollar settlements and court awards for bad faith cases.
An insurer may point to a technicality, accuse the insured of wrongdoing, or offer no explanation at all for their denial. Many policyholders feel powerless to fight a national insurance company's unfair decision, but this is not the case.
At Bowles & Verna, our insurance law practice history includes many highly favorable settlements and court verdicts. We have obtained multi-million dollar settlements and court awards for bad faith cases. Jurors tend to look unfavorably upon insurance bad faith tactics, and many of these cases include hefty punitive damage awards.
Legal Recourse
Representing clients nationwide, our firm handles routine coverage matters and complex, multi-party claims. We have practiced both plaintiff and defense law since the mid-1980s. As a veteran personal injury and business law firm, we are extremely knowledgeable about insurance defense tactics and the methods used to deflect liability for claims.
Bowles & Verna assists individuals and multi-national corporations. In addition to bad faith claims, we handle coverage disputes and issues regarding:
- General Liability Claims
- Homeowner and Commercial Property Insurance
- Builder's Risk
- Inland Marine
- Professional Malpractice Claims
- Errors & Omissions (E & O)
- Wrap Policies
- Indemnity Claims
- Fidelity Claims
- Directors and Officers Owner-controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP)
- Contractor-controlled Insurance Programs (CCIP)
- Business Interruption
With the goal of keeping legal costs down, Bowles & Verna negotiates many disputes for pre-trial resolution. Sometimes, litigation is necessary, and our trial lawyers are formidable opponents. Our firm has taken more than 200 cases to court, and we offer an impressive record of success in arbitration, trial, and appeal.
Our attorneys encourage clients to consider our relationship a partnership. You will always be aware of your case progress and available options for moving forward. We also provide advice for purchase or renewal of insurance coverage, helping you avoid potential conflicts in the future.
Contact Us
The right law firm can protect you from unfair insurance practices, bad faith, or insurance fraud. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an insurance law attorney.


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Body ImagePage address: http://www.mnsu.edu/shs/bodyimage/
Do you weigh yourself every day or several times a day? Do you skip meals routinely, even when you are hungry? Do you count calories, fat grams, and/or carbs every time you eat? Do you exercise to be thin, not for health or pleasure? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or are concerned about a friend, you may want to talk with a health professional about your concerns. At MSU we offer a variety of different resources to help students struggling with disordered eating and body dissatisfaction.
Resources available on the campus of Minnesota State University, MankatoCounseling Center
Tel: 507-389-1455 Student Health Services
Carkoski Commons 21
Tel: 507-389-6276 Women's Center
Tel: 507-389-6146
* All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Internet Resources
National Eating Disorders Association
Toll Free Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
Something Fishy
A Website about Eating Disorders
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders
Other Eating Disorder Resources
Remember to treat your body with respect and kindness. Feed it, keep it active and listen to its needs. Your body is the vehicle that will carry you to your dreams!


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» Lately I've become nostalgic for a time when Depeche Mode were considered vacuous pop music. This was before NKOTB and Vanilla Ice raised a few good points and N*Sync settled that argument.
» There's nothing better than wet pavement in the dark. Nothing except neon reflecting off wet pavement and steam hissing out of manhole covers. A lit cigarette dying in a puddle seals the deal.


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Definition of theocratic
a. - Alt. of Theocratical 2
The word "theocratic" uses 10 letters: A C C E H I O R T T.
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Uncover the Vibrant You with Bozeman Acupuncture
5 Element Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Whether or not you've had acupuncture before, in our Bozeman clinic or elsewhere, you may find a 5 Element session a bit different than expected. Unlike Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM), 5 Element acupuncture is based on classic Taoist philosophy, dating back thousands of years. This philosophy views humans as three intertwined aspects: body, mind and spirit. In addition, it takes into account the 5 elements, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, or Metal and assumes humans are part of nature and subject to the laws of nature. Like everything else, each of us is made up of those energies in unique combinations. Our particular constitution lends us to certain strengths and weaknesses, the weaknesses often the causative factor in sickness, pain, or a less than a vibrant life. So balancing your constitutional make-up becomes the focus of 5 Element treatments.
The goal of a 5 Element acupuncturists is to customize treatment to support and nourish your constitution. To accomplish this, a thorough intake is needed to get to know you. This will focus on your health goals and expectations. Then, we discuss your symptoms, body and mental functions, emotional health, and lifestyle. It may seem like a lot, but it all matters. It's all connected. It is also important in 5 Element acupuncture to do a physical assessment of your health. This includes feeling your pulse, which gives information about the quality of energy in your body and a tongue analysis, which reflects your internal environment.
Treatment with the 5 Element philosophy includes inserting thin, sterile acupuncture needles into points selected for your unique health status. Moxa (a Chinese herb) may be used on some acupuncture points to nourish energy (Qi) and blood in an area or your body. Unlike most other styles of acupuncture, the therapist is in the treatment room during your treatment. There may be quite periods, but a helping hand is there if you are in need. At times, a customized herbal formula will be prescribed to work with the acupuncture.
Follow-up treatments are similar, but often shorter. We discuss improvements in your health (or not), new symptoms, and how treatments are progressing.
Stand-alone herbal consultations are also available. These are shorter because there is no acupuncture. Custom Chinese herbal formulas are created to address your health needs and support your constitution. Formulas can also be shipped directly to your home if you like. For refills, please allow 24 hours to process.


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WF30 Flúðir – the diamond in the middle of The Golden Circle 10/06 – 20/06 ENVI/MANU 10 vol
WF31 Flúðir – the diamond in the middle of The Golden Circle 20/06 – 30/06 ENVI/MANU 10 vol
Project location: This camp will take place in a small community called Flúðir, which is located in the middle of The Golden Circle in Iceland. In the area, you can find some of the historical places in Iceland, for example, Þingvellir, which is by far Iceland's most famous historic site and one of the two places in Iceland in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Nowhere on earth is the junction between the European and American tectonic plates in the Earth's crust as clear as in the southwest and at Þingvellir. The plates diverge here by as much as 2 cm per year, but the gap is constantly being filled, as volcanoes have been erupting regularly throughout Iceland's history.
The region also has other attractions: places of outstanding natural beauty include magnificent waterfalls, of which Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is the best known. The best known hot spring is Geysir, from which derives the English word "geyser" for spouting hot springs: the big Geysir is surrounded by many more springs of all shapes and sizes.
A little further east are two of Iceland's most active volcanoes. Mt. Hekla has erupted about 20 times in Icelandic history, and Mt. Katla, under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, is almost as active. Many years have now passed since Mt. Katla last erupted, and according to geoscientists, it is long overdue for another burst of activity.
Work: The volunteers will be working with the environmental department of the community. Most of the work will consist of planting trees and taking care of the environment in the surrounding area.
Our work will also depend on weather conditions, which is why we have to be flexible. This is a perfect camp for people who like outdoor work and physical challenges in a beautiful environment.
Leisure: Worldwide Friends volunteers have free access to the local geothermally-heated swimming pool in the area. Traditionally, natural pools have played an important social role in Icelandic culture. Most Icelandic pools offer indoor and outdoor swimming, as well as hot tubs and saunas or steam rooms. Hveragerði is known for having great areas for hiking, including a river heated by hot springs.
WF Iceland will also organise reasonably-priced weekend excursions to some of the most popular, beautiful areas and natural wonders that Iceland has to offer. Excursions include unique Icelandic sights, such as glacial lagoons, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal areas, glaciers, geysers, lava forests, hot-springs, rhyolite mountain ranges, steam-vents or even icebergs.
Accommodation and food: Worldwide Friends volunteers will be staying at a local school. Volunteers need to bring their own sleeping bags, but mattresses are provided. Wireless internet access is provided free of charge.
Food will be provided for the duration of the workcamp, however, everyone is expected to do their fair share of the cooking and cleaning. Since it is always nice to try new and different dishes, volunteers are encouraged to bring along their favourite recipes from home!
Language: A basic knowledge of English is required for this workcamp.
Terminal: Flights arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), just south of Reykjavik, Iceland. WF Iceland will offer a minibus trip from Reykjavik to Flúðir for 60 euros, which includes the Golden Circle South Iceland excursion and a bus trip to Reykjavik after the camp.
Additional information: There is an extra participation fee of 250 euros for this workcamp.


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Today I'd like to share some information about the Zuni Sunface, its symbolism and importance to the Zuni people, and all people who find themselves staring at it's fine craftsmanship.
The Sunface can be seen in many different Zuni art styles from pottery to rugs, and of course in jewelry. Because of its great importance the Sunface has been used in almost every type of jewelry that can be crafted.
The Zuni, like most Native American people, were centered in an agricultural life style. This required them to have a keenly sharpened understanding of the relationship between the seasons and their crops. The Sun plays the penultimate role in this relationship, and is therefore considered one of the most important beings to the Zuni culture. The Sun is the bringer of life, stability, and continuity. The Sun brings prosperity and joy to families, and playfulness to children. The Sun affords the Zuni good luck and fortune. To the Zuni, giving respect and prayers to the Sun is as natural as breathing. As such, their jewelry incorporates the Sun and represents the Sun as Sunface.
From a craftsmanship perspective, the Sunface is one of the pinnacles of Zuni inlay artistry. It requires exacting cuts and an extremely high level of skill to appropriately create the fine inlay used in the Sunface. Most typically the Sunface is crafted in a full circular motif. The center inlay will represent the face of the Sun. The forehead is usually split into two (sometimes three) sections. Depending on the complexity and size of the piece, the two sections can be single cabochons or can be finely inlaid works in and of themselves. The two sections represent two important concepts. The first is the pairing of oneself with the family. To the Zuni people family is as critical to life as food and water, yet they also understand that each person is unique and special. Each one requires the other, and as such, both become represented as a main component of the Sunface. The other meaning is to symbolize the coming and going of the sun; sunrise and sunset or the day and night. The continuity of these events gives hope and stability to the Zuni, and again, neither can exist without the other.
The remaining lower section is made up of the eyes and mouth. The eyes are most typically represented as long rectangular shapes almost always crafted in black (either jet or onyx). These "slits" are the eyes of the Sun, peering out upon all of us. The Zuni do not add detail to the eyes for reasons of respect. The eyes are "windows of the soul" and as such an artist cannot assume to know what lies within. Therefore they are represented by the black rectangles. The mouth is typically round, but can be crafted out of almost any stone. This is the same for the remaining section of the face. Mother of pearl is most common, but all stones have been used. The mouth is fashioned as a simple circle for several reasons. First, this maintains the continuity represented by the Sunface; the circle representing the cycle of life and death, day and night. Another reason often associated with the simple circle design of the mouth is that the Sun is neither good nor bad, and thus no smile or frown is associated with the Sunface. It is simply a mouth.
Beyond the center face, the overall Sunface design can take on several forms. The most common is the full circle. In this design the center face will be surrounded by a fully symmetrical design typically accented by a feather like design. These feathers will often be split and represented by two or more cabochons. This design creates several meanings. First, the most obvious is the form of the Sun itself; the central Sunface surrounded by beams of light, shining down upon the Zuni. Another interpretation is that the feather design offers the Sunface freedom to soar and glide through the sky thus enabling him to create sunrise and sunset. From this comes another interpretation - the Sunface associated with birds, and most commonly the eagle. Thus, as an eagle, the Sunface is both wise and powerful.
The second basic form for the Sunface is where the outer circular design does not complete a full circle. Instead it stops around the 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock positions. This gives the appearance of a headdress. Two feather designs, almost like earrings, are usually found in this style as well. This style is no more or less important that the full circular design. This style represents the Sunface as a decorated god, wearing a headdress and can be thought to show Sunface decorated as a god. Another interpretation is that the partial circular design represents the sky as seen above a horizon. The earring like feather design can be the clouds and rain, giving life to the earth. When worn as a ring or bracelet, the wearer's fingers or wrist can then represent the earth.
A third basic form for the Sunface is an oblong or oval shape. The Sunface's face remains center to the piece, but the outer design is created to give a wider setting. This is typically seen on bracelets and bolo ties. It is more rarely seen in other forms of jewelry. This image gives an even stronger symbolism to the eagle. The wider spread of the setting can represent the wings spreading wide to take flight. Another interpretation is that the wider sections represent the arms of the Sunface reaching out to embrace the world and the Zuni people.
I've only scratched the surface of the fantastic Sunface discussing just a few of the common designs and only several suggestions as to the importance it will have to the artist who created it and the person who wears it. Of course there are thousands, and maybe millions of different styles of Sunfaces, each as unique as its artist and it wearer.
To see some examples of these styles, click any of the above pictures, or click here to visit our sunface items: www.turquoisecanyon.com


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An Apple a day
Canaccord Genuity Technology Analyst Michael Walkley's research this past weekend indicated record preorders for the iPhone 5 at all three U.S. carriers. This along with solid sales of discounted legacy iPhone models at AT&T (T), Verizon (VZ) and Sprint (S) who will discount iPhone 4/4S models on Sept. 21, the initial ship date of the new phone, provide a bullsih outlook for Apple.
In fact, by Sunday, online stores for all three U.S. carriers indicated it will take 2-3 weeks to receive the new iPhone vs. it shipping by the initial Sept. 21 date. Walkley believes the extended ship date indicates record demand vs. limited supply, and his checks with stores suggest record demand. He sees the iPhone 5's differentiated form factor vs. the iPhone 4S, improved hardware specifications including a larger 4-inch screen, A6 processor, LTE network support with improved battery, and new software capabilities introduced with iOS 6 driving strong iPhone 5 sales and extend Apple's strong ecosystem.
Given the record pre-orders, Walkley estimates Apple could ship nine to 10 million iPhone 5 models by Sept. 29, or the last day of fiscal year 2012, vs. his initial six million estimate. He is increasing his fiscal year 2012 earnings per share estimate from $43.25 to $44.32 and his fiscal year 2013 estimate from $56.90 to $56.96. Bolstered by the iPhone 5, he believes Apple's industry-leading software ecosystem and integrated hardware expertise will lead to a strong multi-year product cycle.
Apple (AAPL: NASDAQ: US$699.78), Net Change: 8.50, % Change: 1.23%, Volume: 13,723,555


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Learn About Our Traveling Notary in Lehigh Valley
Do you need something notarized but you are unable to get to us? We can come to you! By using our traveling notary services, we can travel to nursing homes, hospitals, coffee shops, etc. (NO PRIVATE RESIDENCES PERMITTED) to complete notarizations for a variety of different documents. With locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, Berks and Carbon Counties, our 15 mile travel radius should be able to meet your needs. In order for us to complete your notary, we will need to know what type of document you are having notarized.
Please make sure that you have fully read and understand the document you need to sign. Also, make sure that the person is present with valid government ID that matches the name within the document. If the document requires witnesses please provide them and make sure they are present with valid ID. Our fee to travel to you is $90.00 plus $5.00 per notary stamp.
Note: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.


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The endPosted: February 27, 2012 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment
The end isn't coming..so why are people disappointed??
by Devin A Knieriem
About 57 days ago it finally happened…everyone knows what I mean. The calender flipped to the much talked about and much feared Year 2012…the year of the inevitable destruction of modern society as foretold my the ancient Mayan Empire.
If you are like me (and most sane people) you know that this is just another "end of the world" prediction, in much the same way as Y2K and Harold Campings "Rapture" prediction and that on the Winter Solstice at December 21st of this year, nothing will happen! We will go through the shortest day of the year without a hitch and we will all wake up on December 22nd with the sun still rising and people still walking around.
The 2012 predictions though are quite intriguing to me…with some of these other end of the word predictions many people let it go in one ear and out the other, but this one seems different. 2012 has been talked about so much more that it is almost scary. Everywhere you go people are saying "The World will end in 2012" and "we have to prepare" If you watch the History Channel, they have specials almost daily where they get scientists on screen that tell you about the "validity" of the 2012 predictions, or tell you that the Mayans predicted everything else right so far…It almost seems to me that there is a large portion of people that want the world to end on December 21st 2012…and quite frankly I do not blame them.
We live in a terrible world, lets all be honest. Inflation rates are making it so that even people living in modern countries like the US are having a very difficult time affording to live. People living at the top in positions like government are too busy arguing amongst themselves in an attempt to win a countrywide popularity contest. All around the world, wars are being fought over even such trivial things as resources and who gets to use them. Leaders of other countries are killing their own people because they don't agree with them. The planet is overpopulated and overall resources, such as food stores and crude resources are being depleted quicker and quicker. The earths natural cycles are being disrupted by modern technology..I mean lets face it…this world really sucks!!!!
All the reasons above are why I think people keep coming up with their end of the world theories…because they are tired of it all! Some of these people sincerely believe that the world is going to end soon, so they load up on essential supplies for life, train themselves in basic survival skills, create escape plans and wait for the eventual day that everything hits the fan…for they believe that due to their planning, they will survive and carry on their own lives in their post apocalyptic fantasy land. How scary is it that there are people out there that sincerely believe this is going to happen? Or, how scary is it that this life we all know might sincerely come to an end…
The 2012 prediction is probably not true but somewhere deep in your subconscious do you wish it was? If we as a species don't get together and try to make this planet better, there is a very good possibility that we might very well suffer a terrible fate someday…..


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We want to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum at ABC which is why we have partnered with a few waste management professionals in London to help us out.
It is extremely important to us that we recycle or re-use as much of our waste as possible from Camden, Southwark and Wandsworth branches in order to be kind to our environment.
We have partnered up with a few masters of waste management in London who help with our mission to reduce our carbon footprint.
GreenGo Waste help us remove our rubbish from ABC in Wandsworth. Their customer promise is "to dispose of waste in the most appropriate and eco-friendly manner. We offer complete reassurance that all waste will be transferred to a licensed waste centre and we aim to recycle 95% of waste collected."
Any Rubbish is one of the leading waste management service providers in Lewisham and around London. This great team have a 100% landfill avoidance policy and always put the environment first.
RTS Waste Management work with our Southwark branch to dispose of waste in a manner that is beneficial to the environment and offer a zero landfill option to all their customer.


text: All our staff are able to assist you with your basic computer questions about using email, Facebook, Microsoft Word, downloading an ebook or any other basic computer functions. If you require further assistance or would benefit from one-on-one training, call 403-887-2130 and make an appointment with Corrie. This service is available to patrons and community members.


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Too scary? The Nike spot isn't even as scary as some of the promos for upcoming TV shows that I've seen aired on Sunday afternoons during football games that I'm watching with my kids. It's not even as scary as that preceding run-on sentence. You want scary? Turn on the E! channel when they reveal what the Hollywood Celebs are wearing to their Halloween parties. Paris Hilton as a slutty cop/nurse/bunny/princess: Scary. Britney Spears as a Mom: Terrifying. Either one as any kind of role model: Traumatizing.
Have a safe Halloween everyone. I hope that you get plenty of Vanilla Tootsie Rolls and an awesome monster name like mine.
look it up. Sue me.


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Greetings my friends! Earlier this evening my handsome hubby and I made our tastalicious homemade pizza. Yummers! This is a weekly tradition here at our little house. We have the routine down! Tonight's toppings were Sticky Fingers Carolina Sweet BBQ sauce (our fav), chicken, bacon bits and mozzarella. Granted, it didn't dawn on me to snap pictures of the process until after he pulled the heavy pizza stone out of the oven.
Sometime in the next week or two I plan on documenting our pizza making technique. Here's a quick picture:
As for the most important 4th of May news factoid…today is my Dad's birthday! Happy b-day to the best Dad in the world!!!
And now for a quick tribute to my super supportive little sister (granted, she's very much an adult). A few days ago she wrote me an inspiring pep talk email regarding this blog. The line that hit me the hardest was, "I know how it is to not do things because you want them to be perfect or else, but I think you just need to do it!" So here I go little sister…I'm doing it! I'm starting small, embracing any mistakes I make because I'm learning new things and enjoying the process. Thank you for your encouraging words!


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NEW YORK — Surveying the theater season used to be simpler. Only a generation ago, theater was Broadway and September was the time new shows lined up like incoming planes at LaGuardia on a Friday night. Occasionally the artistic radar picked up a blip from London, Los Angeles or downtown Manhattan, but Broadway was unquestionably the center.
The coming season shows just how interwoven and interdependent the theater world has become. And ``world`` is the operative word. Broadway will evidence a decidedly British accent, with a number of notable imports among both dramas and musicals. While the works of two of America`s greatest playwrights, Eugene O`Neill and Tennessee Williams, also will grace Broadway, their leading contemporary heirs will work primarily off- and off-off-Broadway. And the work of foreign playwrights, from South Africa to Poland to Peru, will find stages in New York.
At least that`s how it looks now. Any theater season is a study in hype, luck and surprise. Who could have guessed last September that Big River would be selling out now? That Grind, with talent like Ben Vereen and Harold Prince, would already be a $5 million memory? Serendipity is the soul of theater.
The most significant event of the coming year, artistically if not commercially, is the return of live theater to Lincoln Center. After five years of almost total darkness in the Vivian Beaumont and Mitzi Newhouse theaters, the new regime of director Gregory Mosher and producer Bernard Gersten will begin a three-play season in late fall at the 299-seat Newhouse. The selections have not been made final but the likely prospects are: David Mamet`s Shawl, a psychological mystery starring Mike Nussbaum and Lindsay Crouse; a play by John Guare, author of Landscape of the Body ; and either Athol Fugard`s Road to Mecca, a drama about political and artistic soul- searching, or a revival of Fugard`s Blood Knot. (The latter production, starring Fugard and Zakes Mokae as South African brothers, will play at the Yale Repertory Theater late this month.)


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Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
Journal Basic Information
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The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers
Editor in Chief :
Yun-Jae Kim
Volume & Issues
Volume 30, Issue 12 - Dec 2006
Volume 30, Issue 11 - Nov 2006
Volume 30, Issue 10 - Oct 2006
Volume 30, Issue 9 - Sep 2006
Volume 30, Issue 8 - Aug 2006
Volume 30, Issue 7 - Jul 2006
Volume 30, Issue 6 - Jun 2006
Volume 30, Issue 5 - May 2006
Volume 30, Issue 4 - Apr 2006
Volume 30, Issue 3 - Mar 2006
Volume 30, Issue 2 - Feb 2006
Volume 30, Issue 1 - Jan 2006
Selecting the target year
The Effects of Surface Energy and Roughness on Adhesion Force
Rha, Jong-Joo ; Kwon, Sik-Cheol ; Jeong, Yong-Soo ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1335~1347
Surface energies calculated from measured contact angles between several solutions and test samples, such as Si wafer,
, PTFE(Polytertrafluoroethylene), and DLC(Diamond Like Carbon) films, based on geometric mean method and Lewis acid base method. In order to relate roughness to adhesion force, surface roughness of test samples were scanned large area and small by AFM(Atomic Force Microscopy). Roughness was representative of test samples in large scan area and comparable with AFM tip radius in small scan area. Adhesion forces between AFM tip and test samples were matched well with order of roughness rather then surface energy. When AFM tips having different radius were used to measure adhesion force on DLCI film, sharper AFM tip was, smaller adhesion force was measured. Therefore contact area was more important factor to determine adhesion force.
Navigation Control Architecture of the Reactive Layer for Autonomous Mobile Robots
Kim, Hyung-Jin ; Jeon, Sung-Yong ; Sohn, Won-Jong ; Hong, Keum-Shik ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1348~1357
In a hybrid three-layer control architecture(deliberative, sequencing, and reflexive), the lowest reflexive layer consists of resources, actions, an action coordinator, and motion controllers. Because the execution of individual components in the reflexive layer should be done in real-time, each component has to be simple and, due to this reason, the Linux-RTAI(Real-Time Application Interface for Linux) has been used as an operating system. In this paper, a navigation control architecture, which combines the components in the reflexive layer and the navigation-related modules in the sequencing layer, is proposed. And then, as basic components, four actions(Goto, Avoid, Move, and EmergencyStop) are designed. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed architecture and the performance of individual associated actions.
Development of Pareto Artificial Life Optimization Algorithm
Song, Jin-Dae ; Yang, Bo-Suk ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1358~1368
This paper proposes a Pareto artificial life algorithm for solving multi-objective optimization problems. The artificial life algorithm for optimization problem with a single objective function is improved to handle Pareto optimization problem through incorporating the new method to estimate the fitness value for a solution and the Pareto list to memorize and to improve the Pareto optimal set. The proposed algorithm was applied to the optimum design of a journal bearing which has two objective functions. The Pareto front and the optimal solution set for the application were presented to give the possible solutions to a decision maker or a designer. Furthermore, the relation between linearly combined single-objective optimization problem and Pareto optimization problem has been studied.
Study on Electro-Mechanical Characteristics of Array Type Capacitive Pressure Sensors with Stainless Steel Diaphragm and Substrate
Lee, Heung-Shik ; Chang, Sung-Pil ; Cho, Chong-Du ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1369~1375
In this work, mechanical characteristics of stainless steel diaphragm have been studied as a potential robust substrate and a diaphragm material for micromachined devices. Lamination process techniques combined with traditional micromachining processes have been adopted as suitable fabrication technologies. To illustrate these principles, capacitive pressure sensors based on a stainless steel diaphragm have been designed, fabricated and characterized. The fabrication process for stainless steel micromachined devices keeps the membrane and substrate being at the environment of 8.65MPa pressure and
for a half hour and then subsequently cooled to
. Each sensor uses a stainless steel substrate, a laminated stainless steel film as a suspended movable plate and a fixed, surface micromachined back electrode of electroplated nickel. The finite element method is adopted to investigate residual stresses formed in the process. Besides, out-of-plane deflections are calculated under pressures on the diaphragm. The sensitivity of the device fabricated using these technologies is 9.03 ppm
with a net capacitance change of 0.14 pF over a range 0
180 kPa.
A Study of the Cap Model for Metal and Ceramic Powder under Cold Compaction
Lee, Sung-Chul ; Kim, Ki-Tae ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1376~1383
Densification behavior of various metal and ceramic powders was investigated under cold compaction. The Cap model was proposed by using the parameters involved in the yield function for sintered metal powder and volumetric strain evolution under cold isostatic pressing. The parameters for ceramic powder can also be obtained from experimental data under triaxial compression. The Cap model was implemented into a finite element program (ABAQUS) to compare with experimental data for densification behavior of various metal and ceramic powders under cold compaction. The agreement between finite element calculations from the Cap model and experimental data is very good for metal and ceramic powder under cold compaction.
Prediction of the Critical Stress for the Inclined Crack in Orthotropic Materials under Biaxial load
Lim, Won-Kyun ; Cho, Hyung-Suk ; Jeong, Woo-Kil ; Lee, Ill-Soo ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1384~1391
The problem of an infinite anisotropic material with a crack inclined with respect to the principal material axes is analyzed. The material is subjected to uniform biaxial load along its boundary. It is assumed that the material is homogeneous, but anisotropic. By considering the effect of the horizontal load, the distribution of stresses at the crack tip is analyzed. The problem of predicting critical stress in anisotropic solids which is a subject of considerable practical importance is examined and the effect of load biaxiality is made explicitly. The present results based on the normal stress ratio theory show significant effects of biaxial load, crack inclination angle and fiber orientation on the critical stress. The analysis is performed for a wide range of the crack angles and biaxial loads.
Size Effect on the Modulus of Rupture in Automotive Ceramic Monolithic Substrate using Optimization and Response Surface Method
Baek, Seok-Heum ; Shin, Soon-Gi ; Joo, Won-Sik ; Cho, Seok-Swoo ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1392~1400
Since the monolithic ceramic substrate was in introduced for automotive catalytic converters, the durability of the substrate has been a continuing requirement to reduce the emission, gas of vehicle. The substrate can occupy a volume as small as 82
and as large as 8200
to provide the required substrate for catalytic activity. The long-term durability varies with the size of the substrate from manufacture`s point of view. Therefore this study presents that the response surface model using central composite design can explain size effect on the modulus of rupture in a cordierite ceramic monolithic substrate.
A Study on the Impedance Scaled Tele-Nanomanipulation in a Nanoscale Virtual Environment
Kim, Sung-Gaun ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1401~1407
In a haptic interface system with a nanoscale virtual environment (NVE) using an atomic force microscope (AFM), impedance scaling is important. In order to explicitly derive the relationship between performance and impedance scaling factors, a nanoscale virtual coupling (NSVC) concept and a selection method of scaling factors of velocity (or position) and force are introduced. An available scaling factor region is represented based on Llewellyn`s absolute stability criteria and the physical limitation of the haptic device. Experiments have been performed for tele-nanomanipulation tasks such as positioning, indenting and nanolithography with available force scaling factor in the NVE.
A Simulation Model of the ACL Function Using MADYMO
Park, Jung-Hong ; Son, Kwon ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1408~1416
A mathematical knee model was constructed using MADYMO. The purpose of this study is to present a more realistic model of the human knee to reproduce human knee motion. Knee ligaments were modeled as line elements and the surrounding muscles were considered as passive restraint elements. A calf-free-drop test was performed to validate the suggested model. A calf was dropped from the rest at about 65 degree flexed posture in the prone position. The motion data were recorded using four video cameras and then three dimensional data were acquired by Kwon3D motion analysis software. The results showed that general shapes of angular quantities were similar in both the experiment and computer simulation. Functional stability of the anterior cruciate ligament was explicitly revealed through this model.
An Evaluation of Probabilistic Strain-Life Curve in Polyacetal
Jang, Cheon-Soo ; Kim, Chul-Su ; Park, Bum-Gyu ; Kim, Jung-Kyu ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1417~1424
In order to evaluate variation of fatigue life of mechanical components including engineering plastics, it is important to estimate probabilistic strain-life curves to accurately define the variation of fatigue characteristics. This paper intends to provide new assessment of P-
-N (probabilistic strain-life curves) for considering the variation of fatigue characteristics in polyacetal. The fatigue strain controlled tests were conducted under constant 50% humidity and room temperature condition by a universal testing machine at strain ratio, R
Identification of the Bulk Behavior of Coatings by Nanoindentation Test and FE-Simulation and Its Application to Forming Analysis of the Coated Steel Sheet
Lee, Jung-Min ; Lee, Kyoung-Su ; Ko, Dae-Cheol ; Kim, Byung-Min ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1425~1432
Coating layers on a coated sheet steel frequently affect distributions of strain rate of sheets and deteriorate the frictional characteristics between sheets and tools in sheet metal forming. Thus, it is important to identify the deformation behavior of these coatings to ensure the success of the sheet forming operation. In this study, the technique using nano-indentation test, FE-simulation and Artificial Neural Network(ANN) were proposed to determine the power law stress-strain behavior of coating layer and the power law behavior of extracted coating layers was examined using FE-simulation of drawing and nano-indentation process. Also, deep drawing test was performed to estimate the formability and frictional characteristic of coated sheet, which was calculated using the linear relationship between drawing force and blank holding force obtained from the deep drawing test. FE-simulations of the drawing process were respectively carried out for single-behavior FE-model having one stress-strain behavior and for layer-behavior FE-model which consist of coating and substrate separately. The results of simulations showed that layer-behavior model can predict drawing forces with more accuracy in comparison with single-behavior model. Also, mean friction coefficients used in FE-simulation signify the value that can occur maximum drawing force in a drawing test.
Finite Element Approach to Socket Shape Design of a Concave Piston Assembly for a High Pressure Hydraulic Pump
Eom, Jae-Gun ; Lee, Min-Cheol ; Choi, In-Soo ; Cho, Yoo-Jong ; Joun, Man-Soo ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1433~1438
A systematic approach to socket shape design of a concave piston assembly for a high pressure hydraulic pump of an excavator is presented in this paper. A design model is given and a methodology of socket shape design is proposed. An axisymmetric rigid-plastic finite element method is employed for predicting the approximate socket shape formed by a rotary forming process as well as for simulating the test process for separating the shoe from the piston assembly designed. It is verified that the predictions are in good agreement with the experiments. The approach is successfully applied to developing an optimal concave piston assembly.
Fatigue Strength Estimation of the Fillet Weldments with Different Beveling Angle and Porosity
Hong, Chun-Hyi ; Oh, Se-Jong ; Lee, Won-Seok ; Lee, Hyun-Woo ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1439~1446
The fatigue test of the fillet weldments was executed with different beveling angles and porosities. The beveling angles of
were compared with fatigue lives. After the fillet weldment failure, the porosities which found at the fractured surface were observed to account the effect on fatigue life. Finite element analysis was performed to correlate the fatigue strength and the sizes and the locations of porosities. The stress-strain field was severely affected by the length of notch and the sizes and locations of porosities. Based on the quantitative analysis of porosity effect, the total volume of porosities was a key factor for fatigue strength of the fillet weldment.
Parallel Contact Treatment and Parallel Performance of Impact Simulation Based on Lagrangian Scheme
Back, Seung-Hoon ; Kim, Seung-Jo ; Lee, Min-Hyung ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1447~1454
The evaluation of parallel performance of a high speed impact simulation is not an easy task because not only the development of parallel explicit code is difficult but also a large number of processors is not easily accessible. In this paper, the parallel performance of a new Lagrangian FEM impact code carried out on cluster supercomputer has been described in high speed range. In the case of metal sphere impacting to oblique plate, the overall speed-up continuously increases even up to 128 CPUs. Investigation of elapsed time of each part reveals that most of the inefficiency comes from the load imbalance of contact.
Finite Element Analysis for the Prediction of Fatigue Crack Opening Behavior Using Cyclic Crack Tip Opening Displacement
Choi, Hyeon-Chang ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1455~1460
The relationship between fatigue crack growth behavior and cyclic crack tip opening displacement is studied. An elastic-plastic finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to examine the growth behavior of fatigue crack, where the contact elements are used in the mesh of the crack tip area. We investigate the relationship between the reversed plastic zone size and the changes of the cyclic crack tip opening displacement along the crack growth. We investigate the effect of the element size when predict fatigue crack opening behavior using the cyclic crack tip opening displacement obtained from FEA. The cyclic crack tip opening displacement is related to fatigue crack opening behavior.
The Rolling Behavior of a Small Regular Polygonal Part on an Inclined Plane
Han, In-Hwan ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1461~1471
This paper presents the mathematical model for rolling behaviors of a small regular polygonal part on an inclined plane. Throughout the numerical analysis performed with the simulation program which has been experimentally validated, it is shown that the number of edges of the rolling polygonal part can be a measure for the energy dissipation rather than the coefficient of friction. The appropriate slope angle has been found to be around 20 degree for roughness-separation as well as shape-separation of polygonal parts which have small number of edges. In additions, the vibratory motion applied to the inclined plane is able to cause mixed parts to be separated more effectively according to the shape or the roughness. Finally, a couple of parts separation methods based on the analysis results are presented, and are validated through the numerical simulation.
Design Optimization of Double-deck Train Carbody Under Multi-loading Condition
Lee, Tae-Hee ; Lee, Jin-Min ; Jung, Jae-Jun ; Hwang, Won-Ju ; Kim, Hyeong-Jin ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1472~1478
Double-deck train has been attracted growing attention as next generation transportation around metropolis because of high passenger carrying capacity. To develop high-speed double-deck train with low operational costs, the carbody must be designed as light as possible. In addition, the carbody must be strong enough to ensure the safety of passengers. To meet these design requirements, we perform systematically weight minimization that determines thickness of aluminum extruded panels of the carbody. First, to reduce the design variables, we carry out the screening process that select sensitive or/and important design variables through design exploration. Then, weight minimization is accomplished under multi-loading condition such as vertical, compressive and torsional loads, while satisfying strength constraints of the design regulations. Finally, the result of design optimization is discussed by comparison with its initial design.
Shape Optimal Design to Minimize Dynamic Twisting Deformation of the Door Frame of a Microwave Oven
Lee, Boo-Youn ; Koo, Jin-Young ; Kim, Won-Jin ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1479~1485
To minimize the leakage of microwave which can occur when one pulls the door of a microwave oven during its operation, shape optimization of the door frame is presented. A numerical optimization is implemented to minimize the dynamic twisting deformation of the door frame. Shape design variables are defined, which represent the dimension of the bead in the flange. Two optimal design problems are established to minimize the maximum twisting deformation from harmonic response analysis. The problems are solved, their results being compared and evaluated.
Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of a High Mobility Tracked Vehicle
Lee, Byung-Hoon ; Souh, Byung-Yil ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1486~1493
This paper presents a dynamic model of a high mobility tracked vehicle composed of rigid bodies. Track is modeled as an extensible cable and the track tension between the sprocket and roller is calculated by the catenary equation. The ground force acting on a road wheel is calculated by the Bekker`s pressure-sinkage relationship using the segmented wheel model. System equations of motion and constraint acceleration equations are derived in the joint coordinate space using the velocity transformation method.
Experimental Study on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Copper Alloy for Liquid Rocket Combustion Chamber Application
Ryu, Chul-Sung ; Baek, Un-Bong ; Choi, Hwan-Seok ;
Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A, volume 30, issue 11, 2006, Pages 1494~1501
Mechanical and physical properties of a copper alloy for a liquid rocket engine(LRE) combustion chamber liner application were tested at various temperatures. All test specimens were heat treated with the condition they might experience during actual fabrication process of the LRE combustion chamber. Physical properties measured include thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal expansion data. Uniaxial tension tests were preformed to get mechanical properties at several temperatures ranging from room temperature to 600
. The result demonstrated that yield stress and ultimate tensile stress of the copper alloy decreases considerably and strain hardening increases as the result of the heat treatment. Since the LRE combustion chamber operates at higher temperature over 400
, the copper alloy can exhibit time-dependent behavior. Strain rate, creep and stress relaxation tests were performed to check the time-dependent behavior of the copper alloy. Strain rate tests revealed that strain rate effect is negligible up to 400
while stress-strain curve is changed at 500
as the strain rate is changed. Creep tests were conducted at 250
and 500
and the secondary creep rate was found to be very small at both temperatures implying that creep effect is negligible for the combustion chamber liner because its operating time is quite short.
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Use the Balance Inquiry function to check for available funds on a pre-paid credit card in a separate transaction (not as part of a partial approval purchase transaction).
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The combination of syntax of Perl and Smalltalk is the result of Ruby language. Ruby is used for reflective language, objected oriented and general purpose. It has the specialty of automatic memory management and dynamic systems. These features of Ruby make it a little similar to Perl and Python in different aspects. It was being developed since mid 1990's. The essential factors of Ruby are it is an open source and dynamic system which emphasizes on productivity and simplicity. It was designed for high programmer productivity and which can give importance to human needs rather than the computer needs. Ruby has a very unique feature which is the principle of least astonishment (POLA). This explains the language understanding and supporting the human needs. This will help the programmer get exactly what he is planning to do or wants the application to do
In the mid 1990, a C++ programmer Yukihiro Matsumoto wanted to combine the syntax of Perl and few features of Smalltalk. This made the language more powerful than Perl and object oriented like Python. He designed a language which was managed functional programming and Imperative programming. The name Ruby was decided over an exchange of emails with his colleague Keiju Ishitsuka. There was an option between Coral and Ruby but Ruby was decided as it was the birth stone of one of Matsumoto's friend.
In 1995, Ruby 0.95 was first introduced to the software market. Within 2 days, three other versions of Ruby were released.
In 1996, Ruby 1.0 was released. Ruby 1.3 was launched in 1999 which included Ruby talk. This was the first English language list which was made available with Ruby. 'Programming Ruby' was the first English book which was released as a guide to Ruby language.
The latest version of Ruby is 1.9.2. There are many changes in this language which give higher performance to the applications. Some of the features available in this version are block variables, additional lambda syntax, per-string character encodings, new socket API.
The following list of features are the essential features of Ruby language.
Ruby is observed to be very efficient in Stimulation, munging, code generation, image processing etc. It is also used to do prototyping and many other such applications. One of the most used applications of Ruby is Ruby on Rails. Basecamp and Blinksale are the two most popular organizations which are using Ruby on Rails.


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Kona Humuhumu vs. Electra Moto 1
Tester: Adam Newman
What do we have here? Are they klunkers? Not really, they have 29 inch wheels and disc brakes. Mountain bikes? No way. Too much style. Cruisers? I guess you could say that, but they are a hell of a lot more fun than what you find at the beach.
For the sake of seniority I'll address the Kona first. The Humuhumu model dates back to 1992 when the brand wanted to offer something that put fun ahead of performance. By that point mountain bikes had already gotten incredibly complex, but not everyone needed scandium and elastomers to get around and get dirty.
The Moto 1, on the other hand, is one of the most sporty models in Electra's line-up. Best known for its relaxed, "Flat Foot" cruiser design, it isn't a brand you might normally equate with gettin' rad. Then again it was acquired by Trek Bikes a few years back and the Moto 1 has more than a passing resemblance to the short-lived Fisher Sawyer mountain bike.
Frame and fork
The heart and soul of both these bikes lie within their distinctive frames. Each has an additional top tube that recalls the classic lines of bikes like the pre-war Schwinn Excelsior that often had a faux "gas tank" attached to simulate the motorcycle styling of the day. Many of these bikes were re-purposed in the mid-1970s as "klunkers," sturdy, off-road bicycles that we the genesis of the modern mountain bike.
The Kona's chromoly steel frame has straight tubes and a straightforward layout. The sliding dropouts allow you to tension the chain, but there's no derailleur hanger or provisions for shift cables. Practicality is still possible, as it has a full compliment of rack and fender eyelets, but only one bottle cage mount. The fork has Kona's classic P2 shape and a set of mid-leg bosses for a front rack. The 44 mm head tube means you can even try experimenting with a suspension fork.
The Electra, in contrast, has more curves than Kim Kardashian. The frame might look old-school but the material is modern 6061 aluminum. It's much more sleek than the Kona, with internal brake cable routing, no bosses or eyelets save for the single bottle cage mount, and a simpler, stamped, track-style dropout. While the Kona's paint sparkles in the sun, the Moto 1 has a sinister, matte blue hue that looks like serious business.
By choosing aluminum over steel Electra is able to save a significant amount of money in the construction process and offer the Moto 1 at hundreds less than the Kona. The Humuhumu is a better frame, for sure, but it can't compete with the Moto in terms of looks alone.
Wheels and tires
While the Humu models have traditionally sported 26 inch wheels, Kona outfitted the newest Humu with big 29 inch hoops, in this case WTB SX19 rims laced to Formula hubs and wrapped in buttery smooth Schwalbe Big Apples. The rear hub has a singlespeed freehub body that makes switching cogs a breeze.
The Moto 1 also comes with massive 29 inch cruiser tires, in this case Electra's own design with a moto-inspired tread reminiscent of Steve McQueen's favorite Triumph. The wheels themselves are no-name hubs spinning Electra's own massive, double-wall rims and the rear hub sports a traditional, thread-on singlespeed freewheel. I love the look of the Moto 1's tires, but the Kona just has it beat in terms of quality and especially weight savings.
Both these bikes are dedicated singlespeeds, and while you could conceivable hack a drivetrain onto the Humu, that's not really what it's all about. The Electra is available in a three-speed model, but in the case of these retro-inspired cruisers, more isn't always merrier. Kona sticks to a tried and true mountain bike drivetrain with four-bolt FSA crankarms and a threaded bottom bracket pushing a 38×18 combo.
Electra went for a BMX-inspired look with a Euro bottom bracket and and BMX crankarms and chainring with a 40×18 gear ratio. While the BMX crank looks kind of cool, I'd have to give the nod to Kona for the ease-of-use and compatibility of other parts you might have sitting around in the garage for future upgrades. Both bikes have gear ratios that I would put at the tall end of the spectrum for around-town use, especially the Electra, which isn't hill-friendly out of the box.
Being able to stop quickly and easily is the best confidence booster when it comes to going fast, and I'm quite thrilled that both these brands laughed in the face of the rim brake tradition and chose to go with mechanical disc brakes.
Kona has Tektro Novela calipers with 160 mm rotors and the Moto 1's calipers are unlabeled, but a pretty standard design. They both work quite well but the Humu has a higher quality feel in your hands. The Moto 1 is also hampered by the rear facing, track style dropouts, as getting the caliper to line up properly if you decide to switch up the gearing is going to be a bit of a hassle.
The ride
Both of these bikes are a ton of fun to ride, especially when you're tracking your progress in smiles-per-hour. With the can-do attitude of a happy puppy they are just asking for you to hop a few curbs and skid your way around the neighborhood. I wouldn't choose either for a lengthy, year-round commute, though the Kona can at least take a set of fenders. While the two bikes weigh about the same, the Kona has much more pep in its step, thanks to the high quality wheels and tires. I think the massive rotating mass of the Electra's wheels slow it down and give it a slightly sluggish feel.
While both bikes have chunky, BMX-style stems, only the Kona has the uber-cool handlebar that looks like it just came off a flat-track race motorcycle. It's huge too, measuring 800 mm wide— something that riders small-in-stature might want to take heed of. That single piece notwithstanding, I can't help but think the Electra just looks better from every angle. The extra curve of the tubes, that matte paint, the classic tire tread… It all adds up to a very handsome bike indeed.
It's quite likely that both these bikes fall into shoppers' "N+1" category. Like a summer sports car the priority here is pleasure, not practicality. The Electra is hundreds of dollars less, but if it were up to me I'd be saving my pennies for the Kona. It's a blast to ride, has the edge in terms of practicality, but most of all it brings a mischievous smile to my face every time I ride it, and isn't that what these bikes are really for?
- Price: $899
- Weight: 29.5 pounds
- Sizes: S, M, L (tested)
- Price: $550
- Weight: 29.6 pounds
- Sizes: One size
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