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Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama wants to sign a new contract in Scotland, in spite of growing interest from English giants Arsenal and Manchester United, reports the London Metro.
The 21-year-old Kenyan international has been a revelation in the SPL since his £900,000 move from Belgian side Beerschot just over 12 months ago, attracting admiring glances from the Premier League.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been monitoring Wanyama's progress at Celtic Park with a view to a future move, while Arsene Wenger is also said to be interested in his signature.
However, the African is undistracted by speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford or the Emirates Stadium, insisting that his future lies at Celtic.
"All I do is concentrate on the football," said Wanyama. "Celtic is a big club and we are in the Champions League so I don't think there is anywhere better.
"I leave the transfer talks for the club and my agent but I'm really happy here and looking forward to staying for as many years as I can."
The box-to-box midfielder, who can also operate in defence, is set for a bumper pay-rise when he finally begins talks over a new deal with Neil Lennon's side, with the possibility of a release clause being added to his contract.
Celtic will command at least £10million for Wanyama, and may look to drive up the fee by playing the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United off each other, selling to the highest bidder.
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Latin American applied research
Print version ISSN 0327-0793
Lat. Am. appl. res. vol.41 no.2 Bahía Blanca Apr. 2011
Application of electrochemical oxidation as alternative for removing methyl green dye from aqueous solutions
D.A. Carvalho, J.H. Bezerra Rocha, N.S. Fernandes, D.R. Da Silva and C.A. Martínez-Huitle
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Terra.
Departamento de Química, Lagoa Nova CEP 59078-970 - Natal, RN, Brasil
Tel/Fax.: +55 (84) 3211-9224. firstname.lastname@example.com
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Núcleo de Estudos em Petróleo e Gás Natural - NEPGN, Lagoa Nova - CEP 59.072-370 Brazil.. email@example.com
Abstract - In this work, the treatment of synthetic wastewaters containing Methyl Green (MG) by anodic oxidation using Ti/PbO2 anodes was investigated. Galvanostatic electrolyses of MG synthetic wastewaters have led to the complete decolourization removal at different current density values (10, 20 and 40 mA cm-2), temperatures (25, 40 and 60°C) and agitation rate (100, 200 and 300 rpm). According to the experimental results obtained in this work, the electrochemical oxidation process is suitable for removing TOC and decolourising wastewaters containing MG dye, due to the electrocatalytic properties of Ti/PbO2 anode. In general, the energy requirements for removing color during galvanostatic electrolyses of MG synthetic solutions depends mainly on the applied current density; it passes from 0.29 kWh at 10 mA cm-2 to 1.64 kWh at 40 mA cm-2 per volume of treated effluent removed (m-3). The results are described and discussed in the light of the existing literature.
Keywords - Anodic Oxidation; Water Treatment; Decolourization; Lead Oxide Electrode.
Nowadays, electrochemical treatment is one of the methods used for removal of organic and inorganic impurities from fresh, drinking and waste waters. Consequently, many researches are attempting to use electrochemical methods as an effective method for detoxification of aquatic systems containing bio-refractory pollutants (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Panizza, 2010; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006; Martinez-Huitle et al., 2005; Comninellis and Pulgarin, 1993; Comninellis, 1994; Rajeshwar et al., 1994; Rodgers et al., 1999; Galla et al., 2000). Indeed, several works have shown that the electrochemical oxidation represents a feasible alternative in the wastewater treatment (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Panizza, 2010; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006; Martinez-Huitle et al., 2005; Galla et al., 2000; Nelson, 2002), being possible the application of this technology as a direct or indirect oxidation process (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Panizza, 2010; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006). Whereas the electron transfer taking place between electrodes and decomposable species is the key factor in direct electrochemical oxidation, the use of mediators electrochemically formed as oxidizing species to destroy the organic compounds is the distinctive aspect in indirect electrochemical oxidation. For these reasons, both direct and indirect electrochemical oxidation can be considered as good alternative for remediation of aquatic systems with pollution problems (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Panizza, 2010; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006).
In the first case, the model of the oxidation process on the substrate has been investigated on different anodic materials, generally metal oxides such as IrO2, PbO2, SnO2 and SnO2-Sb2O5 (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006; Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004), but also on boron doped diamond (BDD), one of the more recent electrode material for electrooxidation processes (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006; Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004, Martinez-Huitle et al., 2008; Quiroz et al., 2006). Lead dioxide, with its high oxygen overpotential, is among the most commonly used anodes for the destruction of organics because the rate of organic oxidation has proved to be higher than on other traditional anodes. For example, as recently reviewed in detail (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009; Martinez-Huitle and Panizza, 2010; Martinez-Huitle and Ferro, 2006; Bonfatti et al., 1999) comparing the oxidation of glucose on different electrode materials such as Ti/PbO2, Ti/Pt, and Ti/Pt-SnO2, showed that the incineration of glucose and its oxidation intermediates (i.e. gluconic and glucaric acid) took place at reasonable rate only at Ti/PbO2 electrodes. The electrochemical oxidation of phenol was thoroughly investigated under different experimental conditions by Tahar and Savall (1999). Phenol and its intermediates (benzoquinone, maleic and fumaric acids) were completely eliminated at a pure Ta/PbO2 anode through the intermediation of hydroxyl radicals adsorbed on the active site of the electrode.
On the other hand, synthetic dyes are extensively used in many fields of up to-date technology, such as in various branches of the textile industry, leather tanning industry, paper production, food technology, agricultural research, light-harvesting arrays, photo-electrochemical cells, and in hair colourings. The chemical classes of dyes employed more frequently on industrial scale are the azo, anthraquinone, sulfur, indigoid, triphenylmethyl (trityl), and phthalocyanine derivatives. Due to large-scale production and extensive application, synthetic dyes can cause considerable environmental pollution and are serious health-risk factors (Forgacs et al., 2004). Traditional wastewater treatment technologies have proven to be markedly ineffective for handling wastewater of synthetic textile dyes because of the chemical stability of these pollutants. A wide range of methods has been developed for the removal of synthetic dyes from waters and wastewaters to decrease their impact on the environment. As an innovative alternative, the electrochemical processes for treating wastewater containing dyes have been proposed (Martínez-Huitle and Brillas, 2009).
In recent years, several scientific groups have investigated the application of electrochemical oxidation alternatives for removing dyes from water using different anodes, as recently reviewed in detail by Martínez-Huitle and Brillas (2009); using Ti-supported PbO2 anodes. Therefore, in the present study is proposed the use of electrochemical technology as alternative to remove synthetic dyes from water in order to eliminate their strong colour and their ecotoxicological consequences on aquatic environment. For this purpose the electrocatalytic activity of Ti/PbO2 anodes was investigated as well as the effect of the applied current density, temperature and agitation rate on the colour and TOC removal efficiency of MG of a synthetic solution containing MG (a basic dye widely used as a stain in bacteriology and as an oxidation-reduction indicator, as an antidote to cyanide and as an antiseptic in veterinary work (Fig. 1)) in order to identify optimal experimental conditions which gives high current efficiency and needs low energy requirements.
Fig. 1. Chemical structure of MG: C16H17N4O2SCl.
A. Chemicals
Ultrapure water was obtained by Simplicity water purification system. Chemicals were of the highest quality commercially available, and were used without further purification. MG and H2SO4 were purchased from Fluka. The model organic compound solution was prepared dissolving 300 mg L-1 of MG in distilled wastewater containing 0.5 M H2SO4. The linear polarizations were recorded in H2SO4 0.5 M because this electrolyte is commonly used in literature to study the oxygen evolution reaction.
B. Apparatus and procedures
Potentiodynamic measurements (polarization curves and cyclic voltammetry) were carried out at 25°C in a conventional three-electrode cell using model Autolab 302N (Methrom, Switzerland) connected to a PC. Ti/PbO2 has been used as working electrode, an Ag/AgCl electrode as a reference and Pt wire as a counter electrode. The exposed apparent area of the working electrodes was 1.5 cm2.
Bulk oxidations were performed in a one-compartment electrochemical cell, the reaction compartment having a capacity of 3 L. Ti/PbO2 was used as the anodes (50 cm2 geometrical area), and a Ti mesh was used as the cathode electrode. The distance between both electrodes was 10 cm. Ti-supported PbO2 anode was supplied by De Nora Electrodes Department (Milan, Italy). The anolyte consisted of 300 ppm MG in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. A concentration of MG, no higher than 300 ppm, was chosen in order to cover the concentration level a little more than those permitted by Brazilian government regulations. The temperature of the electrolyte was fixed at 25°C In these conditions; the estimated mass transfer coefficient in the cell, determined using the ferri/ferrocyanide couple, was 2×10-5 m s-1. Experiments were performed at 25 °C and the stirring rate was kept almost constant by using a magnetic stirrer for studying the role of applied current density (10, 20 and 40 mA cm-2); furthermore, the effects of the temperature and agitation rate were investigated, carrying out experiments in the range from 25 to 60 °C, and 100, 200 and 300 rpm, respectively, under a current density (jappl) of 10 mA cm-2. A DC Regulate Power Supply MPL 3305 was used during electrolysis experiments. During the runs, samples of anolyte were withdrawn and analyzed for the colour and TOC removal of MG.
C. Analysis
Experimentally, decontamination of dyes wastewaters is monitored from the abatement of their total organic carbon (TOC), while their decolorization efficiency or percentage of colour removal is determined by the expression:
where ABS0M and ABStM are the average absorbances before electrolysis and after an electrolysis time t, respectively, at the maximum visible wavelength (l max) of the wastewater (Martínez-Huitle and Brillas, 2009). Colour removal was monitored by measuring absorbance decrease, using a Shimadzu Model UV 1800 spectrophotometer. TOC removal measurements were carried out using a Shimadzu model TOC analyser. The energy consumption per volume of treated effluent was estimated and expressed in kW h m-3. The average cell voltage, during the electrolysis, is taken for calculating the energy consumption, as follows (Martínez-Huitle and Brillas, 2009):
where t is the time of electrolysis (h); V and A are the average cell voltage and the electrolysis current, respectively; and Vs is the sample volume (m3).
Preliminary experiments have been carried out by polarization curves and cyclic voltammetry, to obtain information on the electroactivity of MG at PbO2 anodes (electrooxidation mechanism), prior to anodic oxygen evolution. Figure 2 shows linear polarization curves of PbO2 anode obtained in 0.5 M H2SO4 (in absence or presence of MG in solution), with a scan rate of 50 mV s-1, which started form the open circuit potential (OCP). The curve (a) is very different respect to other ones and it shows that oxygen evolution potential increases from 1.85 V versus Ag/AgCl for PbO2. This means that Ti/PbO2 has high oxygen evolution overpotential and consequently is poor electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (Martínez-Huitle et al., 2010). These outcome is confirmed when two additions of concentration of MG was incorporated in aqueous solution, curves b and c. The electrocatalytic activity showed by using PbO2 anode to oxidize the model organic compound (curves b and c) was higher than in absence of MG (around 1.7 V), confirming that the PbO2 material is a good electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxidation process (Martínez-Huitle et al., 2010; Tahar and Savall, 1999). In addition, polarization curves obtained in presence of MG in solution demonstrated that a weak adsorption mechanism could be attained; the peak observed at 1.75 V corresponds to the oxidation of MG. However, at this electrode material, the generation water decomposition intermediates, mainly hydroxyl radicals, is principally favoured than direct electron transfer from the substrate; therefore, the participation of ·OH radicals in the electrooxidation process is evidently achieved.
Fig. 2. Polarization curves of PbO2 anode in supporting electrolyte solution (curve a) and in presence of 20 and 30 ppm of MG (curves b and c). Inset: Cyclic voltammograms for PbO2 anode in presence and absence of model organic compound in solution. Ag/AgCl (3.0 M) as reference electrode and a platinum wire as counter electrode. Temperature: 25°C.
Voltammograms were obtained at 10 mg L-1 of concentration of MG, in acidic media (H2SO4 0.5 M) and at room temperature (25°C). In all cases, the cyclic voltammograms (CV) curves were recorded below the decomposition potential of water and/or supporting electrolyte. Inset in the Fig. 2 shows the CV for background electrolyte and for solution containing 10 mg L-1 of MG at PbO2 anode. CV curves obtained with in H2SO4 0.5 M (Inset in the Fig. 2, black curve), presented the typical behavior of Pb oxide layer. A very different behavior was observed, when, as shown in the inset of Fig. 2 (red curves (line and dashed lines)), a significant current shift could be recorded when MG was added to the solution, compared with the curves recorded in 0.5 M H2SO4, at the same j value. This indicates that the pathway of MG oxidation involves water decomposition intermediates, mainly hydroxyl radicals, which are only available in conditions of oxygen evolution rather than direct electron transfer from the substrate (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009). In fact, on a PbO2 anode, which has a higher overpotential for oxygen evolution (Fig. 2, curve a); this secondary reaction is not favored over organic mineralization (Fig. 2, curves b and c). In addition, as the number of cycles increased, the voltammogram decrease moderately round about the same (Inset in the Fig. 2, scan 1-4), meaning that the electrogeneration of hy droxyl radicals inhibited the electrode fouling which instead occurred on the other anode materials, such as Ti/SnO2 anodes (Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004).
The visible spectra of MG reported in the Fig. 3, show a maximum absorption peak in the range of visible light which are in accordance with the green color of MG solutions. Thus, the measurement of the color removal was obtained using a UV/vis spectrophotometer at 426 nm. Fig. 3 shows the decrease with time of the absorbance band at 426 nm during galvanostatic electrolysis of MG synthetic wastewaters containing 300 mg L-1 by applying different values of current density, 10, 20 and 40 mA cm-2. As can be observed, the absorbance was satisfactorily reduced during the treatment. The intensity of the visible band decreases continuously until its disappearance after about 30-35 min of electrolysis leading to complete solution decolourisation.
Fig. 3. UV absorption spectra of MG in 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions as a function of time, during electrochemical oxidation process at (a) 10 (b) 20 and (c) 40 mA cm-2.
Figures 4 to 5 present the influence of the applied current density on the decay of colour (Fig. 4) and TOC removal (Fig. 5) during electrochemical oxidation of synthetic waste of MG containing 300 mg L-1. As can be observed, the complete removal of colour was achieved, independently of the applied current density; it is due to that the experiments were carried out in a zone controlled by mass transfer and under these conditions the efficiency of the process is very similar (Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004). Although the elimination rate rather increase when the applied current density values were decreased, as can be observed in the Fig. 4. It indicates that the complete dye elimination was attained by direct anodic oxidation (adsorption dye molecules to electrode surface) and indirect oxidation by means of its reaction with electrogenerated OH· radicals (Panizza and Cerisola, 2009). TOC removal values from 43 to 70% were achieved, depending on applied current density (10, 20 and 40 mA cm-2), as can be observed in Figure 5. TOC values showed that by products formed on the final processes avoid the complete elimination of organic matter due to the lower capacity to remove these by-products at the Ti/PbO2 anodes, increasing the time process (Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004).
Fig. 4. Electrochemical oxidation of MG at Ti/PbO2 electrode at different applied current densities (relative absorvance vs time (min). [MG]0 = 300 ppm in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 25°C). Inset: Colour removal efficiency vs time (min) under the same experimental conditions.
Fig. 5. Electrochemical oxidation of MG at Ti/PbO2 electrode at different temperatures (relative absorvance vs time (min). [MG]0 = 300 ppm in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 10 mA cm-2).
The oxidation curves reveal a faster removal of MG at 40 mA cm-2 and a more gradual removal at 10 and 20 mA cm-2, also accompanied by a good faradaic efficiency for the oxidation of the organic substrate (80%). In fact, this outcome confirms the polarization curves and cyclic voltammetry measurements on a Ti/PbO2 anode, where organic mineralization reaction is favoured than oxygen evolution (Fig. 2). Figure 5 shows the influence of temperature on the colour as function of time by applying 10 mA cm-2 of current density. As can be seen, total colour removal was achieved in all cases. It seems that the temperature has a significant impact on the kinetics of the electrochemical oxidation of MG because the rate of colour removal was considerably increased by increasing the temperature (from 25 to 40 or 60°C). The increase of temperature from 25 to 60 °C decreases the electrolysis-time required for the total colour removal from 30 to 15 min. A change in the temperature has slight influence on the electrooxidation with hydroxyl radicals. But, this can be explained by the increase on the chemical reactions rates, in agreement with results reported by other authors (Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004, Panizza and Cerisola, 2009). In addition, incomplete TOC removal was achieved in all cases (data not showed); this may occurs due to favor the side reaction of oxygen evolution at higher temperatures. Nevertheless, TOC decay values achieved at 40 and 60°C were higher (60 and 82% of TOC removal, respectively) than 25°C (40% of TOC removal).
For this electrocatalytic process, PbO2-Organic interaction is assumed, the carbonyl groups can exhibit a short-range interaction with surface Pb(IV) sites favouring the MG and by-products oxidation as proposed for p-nitrophenol (Quiroz et al., 2005), chloranilic acid (Martinez-Huitle et al., 2004) and glucose (Bonfatti et al., 1999).
In this last case, the formation of intermediate species with simpler molecular frames could originate blocking phenomena on superficial lead sites decreasing, consequently, the efficiency of the short-range MG-Pb(IV) sites interactions. Therefore, it is clear that oxidation process is practically dependent on the applied current density and temperature. From figures reported in Table 1, the energy consumption for the MG removal increases from 0.289 to 1.637 kWh m-3 when jappl increases from 10 to 40 mAcm-2. On basis of these results, best performances were achieved at 40 mA cm-2 of applied current density at this anode material. Table 1 also compares the energy consumption values during anodic oxidation at different temperatures. Since the process efficiency remains almost constant, doubling the temperature allowed to diminish the requested treatment time. In addition, energy consumption values at different agitation rates were also reported, confirming the decrease of charge required when a decrease on the hydrodynamic conditions was attained. The faster MG removal with increasing current can then be ascribed to the concomitant greater production of ·OH from reaction that accelerates the oxidation rate of all organics. The simultaneous increase in specific charge for overall mineralization indicates a slower relative proportion of ·OH produced at the PbO2 surface. The electrochemical method also showed great effectiveness to destroy different MG contents, using PbO2 anode. The MG-time plots obtained for 300 mg L-1 MG solutions at 40 mA cm-2 are depicted in Figures 4 and 6. As can be seen, the time required for total mineralization increases from 30 min to 400 min when colour or TOC are removed, latter depending on the presence of more pollutants. This trend can be related to the transport of more organics to the anode causing their faster reaction with greater amounts of ·OH, thus decreasing the loss of this radical by non-oxidizing reactions (Quiroz et al., 2003).
Fig. 6. Electrochemical oxidation of MG at Ti/PbO2 electrode at different applied current densities (TOC removal efficiency vs time (min). [MG]0 = 300 ppm in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 25°C).
Table I - Energy consumption calculated from Eq. 2,a per volume of treated effluent during anodic oxidation of MG for different applied current densities. [MG]0=300 mg L-1, Electrolyte: 0.5 M H2SO4. Cost eliminationb (Brazilian currency).
Comninellis (1994) explained the different behavior of electrodes in electrochemical oxidation considering two limiting cases: the so-called "active" and "non-active" anodes. Typical examples are Pt, IrO2 and RuO2 for the former and PbO2, SnO2 and BDD for the latter. The proposed model assumes that the initial reaction in both kind of anodes (generically denoted as M) corresponds to the oxidation of water molecules leading to the formation of physisorbed hydroxyl radical (M(·OH)). Both the electrochemical and chemical reactivity of heterogeneous M(·OH) are dependent on the nature of the electrode material. The surface of active anodes interacts strongly with ·OH and then, a so-called higher oxide or superoxide (MO) may be formed. This may occur when higher oxidation states are available for a metal oxide anode, above the standard potential for oxygen evolution (E° = 1.23 V vs. SHE). The redox couple (MO/M) formed acts as a mediator in the oxidation of organics, which competes with the side reaction of oxygen evolution via chemical decomposition of the higher oxide species.
In contrast, the surface of a "non-active" anode interacts so weakly with ·OH that allows the direct reaction of organics. Therefore, our results confirm that not only the chemical structure influences the time process; but also the electrode material used strongly affects the decolorization efficiency or TOC removal. This behavior has been reported by other authors, as recently reviewed and described in detail by Martínez-Huitle and Brillas (2009).
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the applicability and the efficiency of the electrochemical oxidation process. The results obtained confirm that it is possible to apply this method for the elimination of MG from aqueous solutions. Removal levels and efficiency percentages were investigated as a function of applied current density, obtaining TOC removal efficiencies from 43 to 70% and 90% of colour removal, depending on applied current density. In the electro-oxidation process a strong influence of jappl values on MG oxidation was observed, during elimination of TOC. By changing the jappl values, it was possible to carry out the oxidation obtaining good current and removal efficiency on Ti/PbO2 anode. Colour decay as a function of time during bulk electrolyses of MG synthetic wastewaters was significantly affected by temperature and agitation a rate, meaning that oxidation rate that was increased.
In the case of effect on temperature, TOC decay efficiencies achieved at 40 and 60°C were higher (60 and 82% of TOC removal, respectively) than 25°C (40% of TOC removal); while colour removal was more than 90% in all cases. Finally, agitation rate effect only increases slightly the efficiency of the colour removal; but, it decreases the energy consumption favoring the application of this process for treating industrial effluents.
As a final remark on possible use of PbO2-based electrodes, we have to bear in mind that PbO2 is a good anodic material for the elimination of organic pollutants, but its application in the wastewater treatment may be limited by the risk of lead contamination, due to its dissolution under specific anodic polarization and solution composition. In this connection, however, it may be also worth mentioning that the wear resistance of lead dioxide is significantly conditioned by the preparation method. For instance, Ti/PbO2 electrodes prepared according to the procedure outlined in Shimamune and Nakajima (1996) are much more stable, compared with simpler preparations). The energy consumption makes inadequate Ti/PbO2 anodic oxidation for complete elimination of wastewaters polluted with dyes (TOC removal) but it can be a feasible process for decolorizing wastewaters containing dyes as a pre-treatment process. Finally, taking into consideration an electrical energy cost of about R$ 0.3 (Brazilian price, taxes excluded) per kW h (Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica, Brazil), the process expenditure was estimated and reported in Table 1 in order to show the viability of this process as a green alternative.
D.A.C. gratefully acknowledges the CNPQ and PROPESQ/UFRN for his fellowship (Iniciação Científica - PIBIC). J. H. B. R. gratefully acknowledges the CAPES for Master fellowship. The authors thank the financial support provided by PETROBRAS and they also thank Industrie De Nora S.p.A. (Milan, Italy) for providing the Ti/PbO2 electrodes.
1. Bonfatti, F., S. Ferro, F. Lavezzo, M. Malacarne, G. Lodi and A. De Battisti, "Electrochemical incineration of glucose as a model organic substrate. I. Role of the electrode material," J. Electrochem. Soc. 146, 2175-2179 (1999). [ Links ]
2. Comninellis, Ch., "Electrocatalysis in the electro-chemical conversion/combustion of organic pollutants for waste water treatment," Electrochim. Acta, 39, 1857-1862 (1994). [ Links ]
3. Comninellis, Ch. and C. Pulgarin, "Electrochemical oxidation of phenol for wastewater treatment using SnO2, anodes" J. Appl. Electrochem. 23, 108-12 (1993). [ Links ]
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5. Galla, U., P. Kritzer, J. Bringmann and H. Schmieder, "Process for total degradation of organic wastes by mediated electrooxidation," Chem. Eng. Technol., 23, 230-233 (2000). [ Links ]
6. Martinez-Huitle, C.A., M.A. Quiroz, Ch. Comninellis, S. Ferro and A. De Battisti, "Electrochemical incineration of chloranilic acid using Ti/IrO2, Pb/PbO2 and Si/BDD electrodes, " Electrochim. Acta, 50, 949-956 (2004). [ Links ]
7. Martinez-Huitle, C.A., S. Ferro and A. De Battisti, "Electrochemical incineration in the presence of halides," Electrochem. Solid-State Lett., 8, D35-D39 (2005). [ Links ]
8. Martinez-Huitle, C.A. and S. Ferro, "Electrochemical oxidation of organic pollutants for the wastewater treatment: Direct and indirect processes," Chem. Soc. Rev., 35, 1324-1340 (2006). [ Links ]
9. Martínez-Huitle, C.A., S. Ferro, S. Reyna, M. Cerro-López, A. De Battisti and M.A. Quiroz, "Electrochemical oxidation of oxalic acid in the presence of halides at boron doped diamond electrode," J. Braz. Chem. Soc., 19, 150-156 (2008). [ Links ]
10. Martinez-Huitle, C.A. and E. Brillas, "Decontamination of wastewaters containing synthetic organic dyes by electrochemical methods. A general review," Appl. Catal. B: Environ., 87, 105-145 (2009). [ Links ]
11. Martinez-Huitle, C.A. and M. Panizza, "Application of PbO2 Anodes for wastewater treatment," In: D. V. Zinger (Eds.) Advances in Chemistry Research, Nova Science Publishers, Inc, New York (2010). [ Links ]
12. Nelson, N., "Electrochemical destruction of organic hazardous wastes," Platinum Metals Rev., 46, 18-23 (2002). [ Links ]
13. Panizza, M. and G. Cerisola, "Electrochemical processes for the treatment of organic pollutants," Chem. Rev., 109, 6541-6569 (2009). [ Links ]
14. Quiroz, M.A., S. Reyna and J.L. Sánchez, "Anodic oxidation of pentachlorophenol at Ti/SnO2 electrodes," J. Solid State Electrochem., 7, 277-282 (2003). [ Links ]
15. Quiroz, M.A., S. Reyna, C.A. Martinez-Huitle, S. Ferro and A. De Battisti, "Electrocatalytic oxidation of p-nitrophenol from aqueous solutions at Pb/PbO2 anodes," Appl. Catal. B: Environ., 59, 259-266 (2005). [ Links ]
16. Quiroz, M.A., S. Ferro, C.A. Martínez-Huitle and Y. Meas, "Boron doped diamond electrode for the wastewater treatment," J. Braz. Chem. Soc., 17, 227-236 (2006). [ Links ]
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18. Rodgers, J.D., W. Jedral and N.J. Bunce, "Electrochemical oxidation of chlorinated phenols," Environ. Sci. Technol., 33, 1453-1457 (1999). [ Links ]
19. Shimamune, T. and Y. Nakajima, US Patent 5,545,306 (1996). [ Links ]
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Received: March 4, 2010.
Accepted: May 27, 2010.
Recommended by Subject Editor Ricardo Gómez.


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ENVS and GEOG Mulitdisciplinary Lab TAs- HB105
Lab TAs are needed for the fall semester. Hang out with other like-minded ENVS and GEOG d folks. Second year students are especially encouraged to apply, but all UAS students are welcome to apply.
Duties include:
• maintaining open lab hours in the MDL Lab HB 105
• providing assistance with software and printing
maintaining lab data, materials, and hardware as assigned by the MDL lab manager (experience helpful)
8 hours\week
Salary $10\hour
Contact Mike Hekkers for application info.


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Six students from the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Visual Arts Department have been honored at the annual Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards, including one who earned a Gold Key, the highest honor.
"There are a ton of competitions out there, but this is the big one we focus on every year," said Paul Brissette, chairman of the high school arts department. "For them to get recognition on this level is great."
The Scholastic Arts Awards are open each year to students in grades seven through 12 enrolled in public, private and parochial schools throughout Massachusetts. Professional artists and designers from around the state judge entries in one of six categories: painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking and sculpture. They then award entrants with the Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention. The panel this year saw 3,487 individual entries from 376 participating schools.
In December, Mr. Brissette gathered with the other three visual art teachers at the high school and began sorting through thousands and thousands of pieces of student artwork. The teachers are limited to 12 submissions. "It is no small accomplishment just to have the work sent up," Mr. Brissette said.
This year, Joshua Paulson received a Gold Key for drawing, Christopher Ewing and Danielle Fogg received Silver Keys for photography and Amanda Brown, Jessica Cummens and Raymond Ewing all received Honorable Mentions for the categories of jewelry, drawing and photography respectively. Judges this year awarded 342 Gold Keys and 573 Silver Keys.
Winners were presented with their awards Monday at the John Hancock Hall in Boston. Gold Key winners will compete in New York city in May for the Gold and Silver awards.
Award-winning artwork will be on display in an exhibit at the Massachusetts State Transportation Building at 10 Park Plaza. The exhibit, free to the public, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from noon to 5 p.m. through Feb. 22.
In addition to the six Vineyard students whose individual work was recognized, three seniors from the high school were honored with gold awards for their portfolios. They are Amelia Adler, Tyler Bilodeau and Micah Thanhauser. All gold winners move on to a national competition in New York city. Judges this year selected 192 portfolios out of 622 entries.
"It's just great for them to get off-Island with their artwork," said Mr. Brissette, who has been submitting student artwork to the awards for more than 30 years. "It's difficult being on an Island. This let s them see where they stand in relation to everyone else out there in New England."
In 1950, a group of art educators from around the state started the Boston Globe Scholastic Arts Awards. The program is an affiliate of the national Scholastic Art and Writing awards, which is administered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Inc.


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More than 100 people who profited through the alleged Ponzi scheme, Zeek Rewards, have agreed to settlements with a court-appointed receiver, court records show.
More than 100 people who profited through the alleged Ponzi scheme, Zeek Rewards, have agreed to settlements with a court-appointed receiver, court records show.
Receiver Kenneth Bell, who has collected more than $300 million for what he estimates as more than 840,000 victims of the program, asked a judge to approve the settlement agreements of 135 profiteers, totaling about $1.82 million, according to a motion filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Charlotte.
The agreed settlement total reflects a 56 percent return on the participating profiteers' nearly $3.24 million in total winnings, Bell said in his motion.
Bell estimates that about $291.6 million was fraudulently transferred to nearly 77,000 "net winners" from Zeek Rewards' parent company, Lexington-based Rex Venture Group.
Zeek Rewards was shut down by the federal government in August 2012 for operating an alleged pyramid and Ponzi scheme.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which filed fraud charges and emergency asset freeze, alleged the company and its operators raised more than $600 million from about 1 million affiliates through the sale and offer of unregistered securities.
Bell made it clear early on that he intended to recover money from any person or group who "ought not have it." He sent out subpoenas asking the program's largest winners to forfeit their profits and took to a public website to ask profiteers to settle. Most recently, in April, Bell sent emails to all "net winners" who made more than $1,000 through the operation, notifying them they had until May 31 to settle.
Settlements involved profiteers who made anywhere from a little more than $1,000 to close to $570,000, according to court records. Of the nearly $1.82 million in total settlements, the receivership has received about $634,500 to date.
In his motion, Bell said the settlement agreements will minimize the risks, costs and delay of litigation against those who profited from the scheme.
Bell has said all along that anyone who profited from the scheme could be subject to clawback litigation.
Several of Zeek Rewards' largest "net winners" requested to dissolve the receivership entirely. That motion is scheduled to be heard at 10 a.m. July 23 in U.S. District Court in Charlotte.
Victims of the alleged scheme have until Sept. 5 to file their claim with the courts. They must use a court-approved claims portal, which can be accessed at www.zeekrewardsreceivership.com.
Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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STERLING – Maura Scanlan and Anna Ivarson were both defiant.
The former, a Sterling sophomore, was floored that she arrived at the Sterling Secretary of State office well before it opened at 8 a.m. on her 16th birthday, only to find out her instructor didn't send the approval for her driver's license.
The latter, a freshman, stood defiantly as the rain fell in the evening. She and her new No. 1 doubles partner, Allie Shank, had surrendered the momentum they worked so hard to steal. After rallying to win the first set over Hayley Kent and Jessica VanOosten in a tiebreaker, Ivarson and Shank saw the Dixon duo storm back and seize a 5-0 lead in the second set.
"I'm really excited to get back out there for a rematch," Ivarson said to Shank.
It wasn't to be. And Scanlan just had to wait until today to get her driver's license. Someday, they might look back on Tuesday as an important education in patience.
Scanlan was already being adult about it and willing to blame the iPad that failed to send her information, according to driver's education instructor Jon Schlemmer. He resent the info Tuesday and assured her she'll be able to drive to school this morning.
"I don't blame him," Scanlan said. "It's not his fault, and I definitely feel his pain. Younger kids are into the technology. Older people are getting used to it. Gradually."
Moments before the match was postponed – it will be determined today when the teams, tied with 1-1 records in the NIB-12, will make it up – Dixon coach Steve Boll predicted the match would be decided by mental toughness.
His Duchesses had already been swept in singles play – Scanlan winning 6-1, 6-1 over Jenna Longan at No. 1, and Erin Ansusinha beating Katie Hammitt 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2 – but his doubles teams were showing true grit.
Moments before players darted for their respective buses, Maribeth Johnson and Stephanie Tressel took the tiebreaker 7-2 to beat Charish O'Neal and Katie Schauff 6-3, 7-6 at No. 2 doubles.
"We really didn't want to play a third set," Tressel said.
"You just have to focus and make sure you get everything in and be consistent," Johnson said.
"Every point counts in a tiebreaker," Tressel added.
Sarah Trobaugh and Sidney Lippens – a junior-varsity call-up because Grace Steinke was unable to go – led Joan Bratt and Rachael Turffs 6-1, 4-6, 4-3 in their No. 3 doubles match when play was suspended.
With Steinke out, Sterling coach Kelly Reynolds and former head coach-turned assistant Kip Aitken had a decision to make – an easy one, it turns out. Ivarson slid up to No. 1 doubles, despite she and Shank never having so much as practiced together.
"We both said Anna, because she's the one who could do it," Reynolds said. "We could put her there, and she wouldn't be intimidated. She's not afraid. At all."
So much was obvious when she outfoxed Kent at the net for the decisive point in the first set, capping Sterling's rally from down 5-4 to win 7-6 (7-2). Kent tried to rifle a tailor-made smash past Ivarson, but the frosh showed extraordinary reflexes in returning it. Perhaps surprised, Kent sent the next shot deep.
"She's really nice, but she is really tall and intimidating at the net kind of," Ivarson said of Kent. "But her shots aren't impossible to get, even though they're really good."
VanOosten said the key to seizing the 5-0 lead – where we still stand – was immediately shrugging off Sterling's rally.
"It's frustrating at first, but then you have to let it go. You have to. It's a must," Van Oosten said. "You have to continue forward, if that makes sense. If you don't, you're just going to take it out on every ball you hit."
"The worst emotion to play tennis with is anger," Kent said.
Reynolds was visibly bummed to not complete the match. She'd heard the forecast and got the meet started half an hour early.
But considering the number of momentum shifts, who knows when the two outstanding matches would have been completed.
"They were great matches, and the momentum swings in both directions were amazing," Reynolds said. "We just wanted to finish it."
Outstanding matches
No. 1 doubles: Anna Ivarson/Allie Shank (S) lead Jessica VanOosten/Hayley Kent 7-6 (7-2), 0-5
No. 3 doubles: Sidney Lippens/Sarah Trobaugh (S) lead Joan Bratt/Rachel Turffs 6-1, 4-6, 4-3


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Obamania the Day After November 6, 2008Posted by Adam Nowland in Election 2008, Politics, President Bush, President Obama, Republican Party, U.S. Government.
Tags: Democratic Party, economic crisis, Election 2008, Ginsburg, GOP, Great Society, John Paul Stevens, President Bush, President Obama, President-elect Obama, Republican Party, Scalia, Supreme Court, War on Terror
3 comments
Congratulations, Democrats. After eight years, you and your party have seized control of the White House with Senator Barack Obama's victory over Republican Senator John McCain on Tuesday. Throw this in with your increased majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and you must feel like you are flying on top of the world. In fact, with all the outpouring of love for America expressed since the election, you may very well be doing just that. Just think of the circumstances. The first black American President? Check. A sweeping endorsement of liberal control of the country? Check. Your biggest opponent, the hated GOP, reeling and searching for answers? Check.
So break out the glasses and pop open the bubbly – after all, nothing can stand in your way now, right? Now is the time to push for social equality, increase taxes on the rich and give generously to the poor. Pack the Supreme Court with liberal-minded judges who will uphold Roe v. Wade and stop pesky Justices like Scalia and Roberts in their tracks. Now that Bush is gone, we can bring home the soldiers to well-earned confetti and parades, ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in one fell swoop. After all, if we're not over there, the problem should take care of itself, right? Now is the time for Obama to start implementing all those wonderful promises he made while crisscrossing the nation over the last few months, correct?
Not quite.
There are a number of reasons why Democrats and other liberals will be disappointed during Obama's initial work in the Oval Office. (more…)


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Stacy DeKeyser is the author of The Brixen Witch, a new Middle Grade release with a witch, a curse, and lots and lots of rats! I invited Stacy to the Café to talk about her latest release. Check out what she has to say!
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Stacy DeKeyser] Book nerd; loves dogs; consumes too much sugar. Whimpers upon realizing she'll never get to read all the books she'd like to.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about The Brixen Witch?
[Stacy DeKeyser] It's kind of two stories combined into one: a story about a village with its own witch, built on the bones of the Pied Piper legend.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Stacy DeKeyser] I'd wanted to write a story about a mountain witch for years, ever since visiting the Italian Alps in 2000, where there are local legends about witches. But I could never figure out what her story should be.Then, in 2009, I stumbled across a mention of the Pied Piper legend, and how it may be based on real events. I'd always known that, of course, but this time I couldn't stop thinking about it. The tragedy and lopsided cruelty of that story haunted me. Most fairy tales tend to be dark, but this is one of the few where NO ONE lives happily ever after, and NO ONE gets their comeuppance. It bothered me, and so I wanted to write my own version of the story.
As I researched, I came upon Kate Greenaway's illustrations of the Robert Browning poem, "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." Greenaway's version of Hamelin looked just like the village in the Italian Alps with the witch. Something clicked in my head, and I knew I had found a way to write the witch's story too.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Rudi?
[Stacy DeKeyser] Serious. Kind. Brave.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are three things Rudi would never have in his pocket?
[Stacy DeKeyser] Keys — Because his house is never locked.
Marbles — He's a little too serious to play with marbles.
A handkerchief — He's a boy. He knows what sleeves are for.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Rudi had a theme song, what would it be?
[Stacy DeKeyser] You know that song about conquering your fears and meanwhile discovering who you're meant to be? Yeah! That's the one.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Stacy DeKeyser] My mom, Dori Chaconas, who has been writing and publishing since I was a kid, and who showed me that even "regular" people can write books and be published.
Jonathan Stroud, who can weave plot and character seamlessly. A master.
Richard Peck, who says "No one but a reader ever became a writer." Because he's talking about me.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Stacy DeKeyser] A beverage (preferably caffeinated)
Background music (preferably instrumental; preferably with a Celtic flavor)
A deadline (preferably imposed by someone else)
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Stacy DeKeyser] I loved The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud . That book is satisfying on every level: It's expertly plotted and yet the story never feels forced; the characters are vivid and real. It entertains and yet it asks thought-provoking questions. And, it's hilarious. I especially love the footnotes.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Stacy DeKeyser] I was turned on to reading before I ever learned to read. I honestly remember being very small and wishing I knew how to read. I couldn't wait to start school, because I knew that's where the magic would happen.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren't writing?
[Stacy DeKeyser] Well, reading, of course. Traveling. Hiking. Shopping. Eating.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Stacy DeKeyser] I love hearing from readers! I'm on Facebook, and Twitter, and you can email me via my website.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
You can purchase The Brixen Witch from your favorite bookseller or by clicking the widget below. Available in print and digital.


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Saving tigers: A special offer
Buy one and get one free. Purchase in bulk and save. This offer includes a free set of steak knives. I love a special offer as much as everyone else but today I have one of the best offers you'll ever hear. Give me a chance to explain – I promise I will eventually meander my way to the point.
In past decades we have seen the extinction of some iconic animals; species like the Javan and Bali tiger have been declared extinct and vanished off the face of the Earth forevermore. Although we have increased our conservation efforts in recent years we still have work to do. This is evident as the Javan rhinoceros was declared extinct just last year when it was believed the last remaining animal was shot by poachers.
At the present one of WWF Australia's focuses is the Survival Appeal. They are focusing on five iconic species; the Borneo orang-utan, the giant panda, polar bears, black-footed wallabies and an animal I have long felt a connection to – tigers.
As a child growing up I was always fascinated by animals. I loved their unique abilities, their personalities, their colours and loved the idea of all the different animals spread around the world. Then there comes an age when you realise that animals are not as abundant as original thought. For me this came when I saw a sign at the Perth Zoo tiger enclosure. Here it listed the eight species of tiger. Then it showed how many were left and how much of the tiger habitat had been lost due to the encroachment of humans. It was then I realised that humans and animals were not cohabitating harmoniously around the world.
I have always been attracted to the majestic manner of the tiger. One moment I will always treasure happened just two years ago during my time as a volunteer at Toronto Zoo. I had ended my shift on a cold winter day. The ground was covered with snow and the massive zoo was practically empty as the only people brave enough to venture out from their warm and comfortable homes on this wild day were the keepers and crazy volunteers. I walked over to visit one of the Amur Tigers (once called Siberian tiger but name was changed because their range has reduced from throughout Siberia to just the region surrounding the Amur River). I stood at the fence but couldn't see him. No one else around and the snowfall stifled any sounds from nearby. Then suddenly he came bounding over the hill and stood right in front of me, staring straight into my eyes, separated only by wire mesh. He refused to look aside and I started to walk and he followed. For what seemed like ages I walked back and forwards around the perimeter of his enclosure and he followed, turning when I turned, stopping when I did. It really felt that day that I was walking through the forest with a tiger. I felt a bond and I'll never forget it.
But what about this great deal I mentioned? Tigers are referred to as a keystone species. A keystone species is a species that plays a major role within an environment or ecosystem. Such species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and numbers of various other species in the community.
By protecting tigers and the habitats in which they live you are also ensuring the survival of the Amur Leopard, the Red-crowned Crane , the Oriental White Stork, the Ussurian Asiatic Black Bear as well as many other animals and plants found only in the areas where tigers roam. So the great deal is SAVE THE TIGER AND SAVE MANY OTHER SPECIES TOO! You can do this by supporting WWF's work to double tiger numbers by 2022.
Maybe in ten years time when I take my children to Perth Zoo, they can see a new sign which shows how much the tiger range has grown in the last decade.
Click here if you want to help WWF protect these big cats before it's really too late. Your donation gift to WWF will help to save some of the Earth's most magnificent animals by protecting their habitats, reducing threats like the illegal wildlife trade, and empowering local communities to save the animals that they share the land with.


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Martha Burnau, 94
Martha M. (Johnson) Burnau, 94, passed away at 4 p.m. Nov. 27, 2012, in her home. She was born on Feb. 11, 1918, in Huntington County, to Flora (Weber) and David Roscoe Johnson. She married Donald T. Burnau in Markle Jan. 11, 1941. He preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 1993.Surviving relatives include three sons, one daughter, six grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and a sister in law.Funeral services fwill be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Visitation will be today from 4 to 8 p.m. Pastors Bill Garner and Gary Boschain will officiate the service. The burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.The family has asked for memorials to be made to the Kosciusko County Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196, Warsaw, IN 46581-1196.


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Originally posted 6 years ago… but it works today too!
I have a feeling that it's not as hot as Northern California right now.
When there are very few birds flying around, the bugs are doing dive bomb maneuvers after your blood and the geckos are hiding, you know it hot.
So to solve this problem there are a few options: (yes pretty bullet points again):
- Stay in the pool until either you are so waterlogged you can't float anymore or the SPF 1,000,000 you put on first thing that morning has worn off.
- Put a fan on the table with a bowl full of ice cubes in front of it and let the cool breeze hit you in the face until the ice melts. Then repeat until you run out of ice because the ice maker can't keep up.
- Or my favorite, stay inside with the a/c set at 68 deg. until there's a brown out.
Of course if you do item number three it will help more with getting your word count or page count or #wordmongering done. Sitting back in a/c comfort with a tall cold drink trying to decide if the Main Character in your book is going to get the s**t kicked out of him or if he is going to pull a ninja/ kung fu/ samurai super move on the bad guy and kick some serious butt! What could be better than that? Oh, wait maybe it would be sitting here:
With a tall glass of this:
With this guy to rub lotion on the spots you can't reach:
If you don't recognise him that is Dean from Supernatural! >:)
So what do you do to beat the heat? Your favorite cooling drink with or without alcohol? Do you use sunscreen or are you a tan-all-the-time-and-damn-the-age-spots type of person? Do we need to pick a different cabana boy or are you happy with this one? Guys, what cabana girl would you like to have?
Thanks for stopping by……going for more ice the bowl is empty! LOL!


text: In this eTwinning project the students from all countries will get to know each other by writing on the twinspace. They will introduce themselves and their schools. Then they will begin to share different scientific experiments that they perform at school. Topics in common are "Acids and Alkalis" and "Chemical Reactions". They will also share other experiments from different topics. They will do this by writing down the experimental report, filming and uploading the video clip of the experiment and posting feed back to each other commenting about what they like, what they would improve and what they didn't like. At the end of the project (about June) there will be an online competition and all the students will vote for their favourite experiment and say why they chose it. We will have a final winner! ! ! !


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Naked Lubed Swedish Studs Wrestle To Promote HIV Testing (NSFW)
Nigel Campbell | December 2, 2013
RFSL Göteborg (The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights) produced this exciting (and HOT) spot in an effort to encourage HIV testing.
We suppose naked wrestlers lathering themselves up in flavored jelly (lube?) and battling it out does the job.
Watch! (Sorry, gotta head to the link, it's a little too hot for the Instinct site!)
We think they're driving the message home.
Image Source (H/T: Accidental Bear)


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As summer quickly approaches many locals and tourists think about taking a cruise on Lake Tahoe.
Tonight we'll show you how the U.S. Coast Guard makes sure the journey is safe.
You might not realize it, but the U.S. Coast Guard considers Lake Tahoe just as important as any U.S.port.
One of their duties here as in other parts of the country is to inspect every vessel that does commerce or carries passengers. That includes big boats which carry locals and tourists on Tahoe.
"They want to know that they'll have a good time and be safe. But, ultimately we want to know that no one gets hurt," says Cheif Warrant Officer Greg Miller.
So, Coast Guard members periodically conduct underwater surveys and annual inspections like this one.
Miller is checking every inch of this boat - the Tahoe Gal - from the top deck to the fuel lines in the engine room. He even inspects nearly every life jacket individually.
The Coast Guard says having the right safety equipment is key, but the most important part is the competence of the crew.
That's why Miller says this drill is so important.
During a "man overboard" drill, the crew keeps a close eye on the life jacket "victim" until the captain has them in sight. Then they swing into action to bring the "victim" onboard.
"We run then through all our safety equipment, life jackets things like that," says Tahoe Gal Captain Greg Johnston.
Captain Johnston says the training these crew members get is extensive and Chief Warrant Officer Miller seems to agree.
"I feel comfortable that if any type of emergency were to happen on board, they would be able to take care of that very safely and ensure the safety of all the passengers on board," Miller says.
The Tahoe Gal received either met or exceeded Coast Guard standards in every aspect of today's inspection.


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HOUSTON, TX -- (MARKETWIRE) -- 11/12/12 -- Vanguard Energy Corporation (OTCQX: VNGE), an oil development and production company, today announced that the Company has successfully brought three more recently completed wells into production.
The Company put the three new wells on its Batson Dome Field in southeast Texas into production at collective rates that meet or exceed average rates for the field. The three wells, financed with proceeds from the Company's recently completed convertible debt financing, have enabled the Company's total production to exceed a total of over 6,000 barrels in October, a new record. The Company recently renegotiated its contract with SUNOCO and now sells its production at an $11 premium to posted WTI pricing.
Continuing its development program, the Company has permitted one additional drill location at Batson Dome and will commence drilling that well shortly. The Company has also identified its first well location at the recently acquired acreage in the Hull Field located in Liberty County, Texas. Final preparations to permit that well are under way and it is expected that drilling will commence before yearend.
Management Comments
Mr. Warren Dillard, President of Vanguard Energy, said, "I am very pleased to have these three wells successfully completed and in production. More important is the fact that we are continuing our drilling program with another well at Batson Dome and our first well in the Hull Field in Liberty County. I anticipate that these new wells will be completed and in production shortly and I look forward to announcing those results."
About Vanguard Energy
Vanguard Energy is an oil drilling and production company with a focus on established oil fields in southeast Texas. Concentrating on oil properties in established areas with proven production, Vanguard applies its managerial expertise to maximize production while minimizing risk. Vanguard is focused on creating shareholder value by building cash flow and oil reserves through an aggressive, focused acquisition and development program in the prolific southeast Texas oil producing region. Vanguard's initial area of operation is in the famous Batson Dome Field where it controls 500 strategic acres with substantial oil reserves. For more information visit the Company's web site at www.vanguardenergycorp.com
Safe Harbor
This press release and other statements Vanguard Energy may make in the future contain forward-looking statements that relate to Vanguard's plans, objectives and future estimates. Various risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. For a more detailed list of such risks, uncertainties and other factors, please refer to the Risk Factor section of Vanguard's Registration Statement on Form S-1 and in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Vanguard makes no commitment to update any forward-looking statement, or to disclose any facts, events, or circumstances after the date of this release that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statement, except as may be required by applicable law.
Investor Relations Contact:
Brad Holmes
(713) 654-4009
Email Contact
1330 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 1600
(713) 627-2500 (tel)
(713) 963-4663 (fax)
Source: Vanguard Energy Corporation


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Release Notes: Experimental support for playing non-protected Blu-ray discs was added. Full screen control has been improved. The annoying font scanning in Windows has been fixed. New presets were provided for the audio equalizer. Better support for Youtube was provided. Many bugs were fixed.
Release Notes: Youtube playback has been fixed. A new section was added to the preferences for configuring the update checker. Auto-load of subtitles when using file names with non latin1 characters on Windows has been fixed. Searching in opensubtitles.org has been improved.
Release Notes: The option to find subtitles in opensubtitles.org has been fixed. The interface with support for skins is now the default. An option to enter URL(s) in the playlist has been added. There are two new options for Audio -> Stereo mode: Mono and Reverse. The problem with mplayer2 and the -fontconfig option has been fixed.
Release Notes: A new option to select the FPS for external subtitles was added. The video equalizer dialog was rewritten. Automatic version update checks can now be performed. Support was added for ISO-8859-16 encoded subtitles. New translations were added. Various bugs were fixed.
Release Notes: Fixed for YouTube playback.
Release Notes: This release adds support for mplayer2. The seeking method can now be selected. Playlist items can now be sorted. A "favorites" menu and a toolbar editor have been added. The subtitles server can now be changed. YouTube URLs can now be directly inserted, and a separate YouTube player "smtube" has been added, with a search, preview, and download interface. Many further improvements and several bugfixes have been made.
Release Notes: An occasional failure to find subtitles in opensubtitles.org was fixed. Selection of the left or right audio channel was fixed. ALSA is no longer the default audio driver on Linux, to avoid freezes on Ubuntu. The ability to mark an A-B section for partial playback was implemented. The video resolution and frames per second can now be displayed in the status bar. Support for VDPAU on Linux was improved.
Release Notes: Support for TV was added. A new option to enable a global volume was implemented. Support for VDPAU (a video acceleration API by NVIDIA) was added. A new option to take consecutive screenshots was added. Better support for *.ts files was implemented. Two translations were added.
Release Notes: Spaces in arguments of the MPlayer configuration are now handled properly. Two options were added for setting audio and subtitle delay. Enhancements were made for playlist handling, ASS subtitles, and others. Experimental support for DVD menus was begun. Several bugs were fixed.
Release Notes: A newly designed GUI (resembling Media Player Classic) was added. Some auto zoom options were implemented to allow for removal of black borders. A new option to generate thumbnail previews of videos was added. A new optional per-media-file settings file was implemented. Seeking was made more accurate. Stay-on-top mode was enhanced. Proxy usage for Internet connections (for subtitle handling) was enabled. Several other minor changes were made.


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Transfer news: Diego Costa's future 'more at Chelsea than Atletico Madrid'
By Lucas Brown
Last Updated: 21/06/14 11:45am
Diego Costa has stated that his future lies more with Chelsea than Atletico Madrid, but he is staying focused on Spain for now and has refused to confirm that a deal has been done.
Chelsea had expected to sign the striker before the World Cup but there has been no announcement yet and matters were put on hold as he linked up with his country on international duty in Brazil.
Spain have been knocked out of the tournament after losing their opening two group games and speculation is mounting about an imminent move to Stamford Bridge.
However, Costa is now preparing for La Roja's last game at the tournament against Australia and his club future is still not at the forefront of his mind.
"At the moment I am not paying attention to it because I am thinking about the World Cup, but it is clear that my future lies more with Chelsea than with Atletico Madrid," he is quoted as saying by Sport.
"Atletico has been my home, my life and I have great feelings towards the club, but things happen in life and one has to accept them.
"I do not know what the situation is because I have not been involved in all that.
At the moment I am not paying attention to it because I am thinking about the World Cup, but it is clear that my future lies more with Chelsea than with Atletico Madrid.
Diego Costa
"I have asked everyone to leave me alone now because I just want to do the best I can [at the World Cup] and to be with the national team.
"Now I will have to speak to my family because this year has been so good but also very hard in some aspects."
Costa is grateful to Atletico for everything they have done for him, having been at the club since 2010, but he says his decision has been influenced by what is best for his family.
He said: "My future is put to one side for the moment, but there are situations in life that one has to take advantage to improve your life and that of your family.
"Atleti has been my whole life and I think that after all this time that I have fought to have a place there I have succeeded.
"I intend to do things in the best way possible and thanks to them I have won a place with the national team and to wear the Spain shirt."


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November 1, 2012 — Planned Parenthood will continue to participate in Texas' Women's Health Program for the time being, despite the state's promise to exclude affiliates of abortion providers beginning on Nov. 1, state officials announced on Wednesday, the AP/Washington Post reports (AP/Washington Post, 10/31).
In explaining the decision, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) and state Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek cited ongoing legal challenges to the state's plan, as well as their desire to retain federal funding for WHP (Fikak, San Antonio Express-News, 11/1). Currently, the federal government covers 90% of the program's annual cost of about $40 million, but it is phasing out support because the Texas law violates federal rules. Planned Parenthood provides preventive care to about half of the 130,000 low-income women enrolled in WHP (AP/Washington Post, 10/31).
Texas officials said federal officials have suggested that funding will not continue past Dec. 31. Perry added that court action within the next few weeks should help clarify the matter. The state has pledged to end the program entirely if a court orders it to include Planned Parenthood (San Antonio Express-News, 11/1).
Perry emphasized on Wednesday that the state still plans to move forward with the state-funded program that excludes affiliates of abortion providers (Aaronson, Texas Tribune, 10/31).
Perry expressed confidence that the new Texas program would be able to handle the influx of patients from Planned Parenthood, noting that the program has added 500 health care providers for a total of 3,000 (San Antonio Express-News, 11/1).
Planned Parenthood Responds
Ken Lambrecht, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, said in a press release, "Today's announcement is an important victory for every woman who relies on the Women's Health Program for basic, preventive health care," adding, "Our doors remain open today and always to every Texas woman in need of affordable, high quality health care" (Texas Tribune, 10/31).
Meanwhile, Mara Posada of the Planned Parenthood Trust of South Texas said the state's delay suggests "they are not ready to start this program," adding, "There are simply not enough providers with the capacity to see the same number of patients as Planned Parenthood" (San Antonio Express-News, 11/1).


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UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States does not expect this week's planned meeting between major powers and Iran's foreign minister on the Iranian nuclear program to resolve any issues but hopes it can chart a way forward, a senior U.S. official said.
"While we do not anticipate that any issues will be resolved later this week during the P5+1 meeting that EU High Representative (Catherine) Ashton has organized, we are hopeful that we can continue to chart a path forward," a senior State Department official said.
The P5+1 group - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - is scheduled to meet with Iran's Jawad Zarif on Thursday.
(Reporting By Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Bill Trott)


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Photographer's Note
Why are the British so squeamish about their food? In Britain, we appear to have become so accustomed to buying meat, poultry and fish in pre-packed plastic wrappings from our huge supermarkets that so many of us feel squeamish and upset to see these products in their native state.
Here is the fish market in Ciutadella, a large fishing port in Menorca, brimming over with the freshest seafood. I have uploaded a couple of workshop pictures here and here of the articles for sale - not the sorts of things which we in Britain are used to seeing in our shops!
As usual, shot in RAW and converted and edited in PSE9.
Critiques | Translate
Crispilandia (846) 2011-06-23 8:51
Hi Jhon,
You've really managed to capture the essence of these fish fresh fish markets. In its "natural" state, you would cut in front of you so you can check product quality and the taste is much more authentic. I like these warm colors colors surrounding the counter. Although fish and gives more repair seen eating but I guess people here are more used by the markets that exist.
I hope you take good memories of Spain:)
Best REgards
PS. My English has many errors if I write a lot, sorry
holmertz (69488) 2011-06-23 11:34
Hello John,
Fish markets are really among the most interesting places to visit when "far away". They are colourful, offer unusual views and have a nice smell. Here you have captured some interaction between a saleswoman and her customer while showing us a nice display of fish of various kinds, most of them unknown to me. The colours and light are very good, maybe mainly because the lack of direct sun.
Kind regards,
saxo042 (38022) 2011-06-23 12:29
Hi John,
An interesting picture, in many ways. I read your note here and I believe that we are not that squeamish in Gothenburg. This is a big fishing harbour and we are used to buy our fish this way. I get the impression that the big salmon quite close is "made in Norway" where most of our salmons come from. But I would definitely try many of these fishes that are on sale here, I like fish! So, a very fine picture with a dominating pink colour, even in the clothes of the customer!
Kind regards
williewhistler (16606) 2011-06-23 14:30
Hello John,this lay out certainly dwarfes our puny local fish stall,there sure is a fine selection of species here.
The ambient light beneath the canopy has helped bring out the detail and colours.
Good timing on your part to catch the inter action between the two ladies.
Best regards Les.
RhodieIke (11752) 2011-06-23 15:23
Wew, whats that smell? HI John super photo of this fish scene that you have captured so well, we can smell them, Cheers Iain.
macondo (20413) 2011-06-24 1:34
Hi John.
A return to your holiday, eh.
BTW, I am glad to see your previous shot attracted quite a lot more attention subsequent to my comment. I must have shaken them up a bit.
Anyway, this one is a big change, and not one for the vegans in our midst. You made a good point about the squeamishness. Although I think if more people visited abattoirs we might have a lot more vegetarians; the packaging today removes almost totally the idea that it is part of a once-living thing we are buying.
I have also found that fish and other animal products are much more naturally presented in Mediterranean countries. I like the way this one seems to zoom in on the pink flesh of that large salmon or whatever it is, immediately placing the humans on a background level. Your composition has a strong perspective view along the front edge of the stall and has the benefit of a customer to fill the space and convey the commercial/social interaction involved. Sharp as a tack and well exposed.
SnapRJW (31629) 2011-06-24 2:34
Hi John - This shot, and the two which accompany it, make a nice little story. What catches my eye here is the colour, a variety of pinks and oranges with the fresh fish and walls working in harmony. The large fish (salmon?) looks so delicious and certainly forms the focus around which everything else revolves. It is a shame that face of the lady in the BG is not fully visible but this is a minor detail. Good sharp and interesting DL shot. Take care Rosemary
PS Did you buy any fish?
Another gem that I have been too preocupied to have treated fairly.. ( I missing the GP to be typing and catchnig up even now !! )
I like this for the very different colours and content from that we are used to, all part of your holiday expereince I guess.
You have a neat compositon, and your old steam camera is dealing with the exposure issues well ! Its all in the person behind the settings of course !
It would be nothing without the shopper in the scene, so timing has played its part too.
I think I might have cut a bit of roofscape off the top; no doubt part of your viewing experience, but not especially adding to ours ! But maybe its whiteness helps balance the front cloth...
Hmmnn, decisions decisions...
kind regards
delpeoples (60286) 2011-06-28 20:00
Hi Jhn
I apologise if it looks like I'm ignoring your latest lovely UK shots. But I couldn't go past this fishmarket shot. I have a thing about markets, whenever you visit a country (especially a European one) it's where you really see the daily life of a country. And you've illustrated that here. (And on top of that I love fish). I'm glad you included the vendors and also the lady buying her fish. Great colour, good light and the dquare framing is a winner, emphasising well the fish in the FG.
Thanks for sharing, have a lovely evening
Photo Information
- Copyright: John Cannon (tyro) (26832)
- Genre: Lieux
- Medium: Couleur
- Date Taken: 2011-05-17
- Categories: Vie quotidienne, Nourriture
- Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP AF, HOYA 67mm HMC SUPER UV(0)
- Exposition: f/11, 1/60 secondes
- More Photo Info: view
- Map: view
- Versions: version originale, Workshop
- Date Submitted: 2011-06-23 7:29
- To Crispilandia: Good English and muchas gracias! (1)
by tyro, last updated 2011-06-23 09:17
- To SnapRJW: No fish that day! (2)
by tyro, last updated 2011-06-24 04:36


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2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami to launch Monday Official event preview
Sunday, 27 January 2013
For the 24th time in ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami history, excellence in Olympic and Paralympic class racing will take place on the emerald waters of Biscayne Bay. This six-day regatta gets underway on Monday, with over 300 of the best sailors in the World representing 35 countries. The regatta marks the second of four stops on the 2012-2013 ISAF Sailing World Cup series.
Coconut Grove was energized on Sunday in anticipation of the start of racing, as sailors finalized registration details, toured the event's five sailing venues, fine tuned their equipment, and acclimated to the conditions on Biscayne Bay with some practice. Sunday's Miami Marathon added to the electric scene at "The Grove" in celebration of fitness and athleticism.
The ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami provides an opportunity for U.S. and international Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls to begin their campaign for Rio 2016. Olympians, World Champions, and a cast of rising stars will be tested.
All eyes are on the Nacra 17 (mixed multihull) and 49er FX (women's skiff) as the two new Olympic class events. The Nacra 17 will be making its debut at the ISAF Sailing World Cup this week in Miami. The 49er FX made its first appearance on the international stage at ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne last December. Many of the sailors in each of these events are making the transition from another boat or class. ISAF World Cup Miami will provide the perfect opportunity for these sailors to build camaraderie with new teammates and make progress with their new boats.
The Nacra 17 fleet is headlined by Puerto Rico's Enrique Figueroa. Joining the three-time Olympian as crew will be his wife Carla Malatrasi. "My objective this week is to get as much time in the water as possible in order to learn as much as I can about the Nacra 17 and place well in the regatta," explained Figueroa. "We have only sailed the Nacra 17 for a few hours over the past couple weeks, but we are definitely getting better."
U.S. skippers Taylor Reiss and Matthew Whitehead will be making a move from the SL16 to the Nacra 17 this week. As a team, Reiss and Whitehead placed sixth at the 2011 ISAF Youth Worlds in Croatia. Reiss will be sailing with Sarah Lihan, who represented Team USA in the Women's 470 at the 2012 Olympic Games. Whitehead will be sailing with Sarah Streater. Also competing in this intriguing fleet will be Canada's Luke Ramsey and Nikola Girke. Ramsey and Girke represented Team Canada at the 2012 Games in the Men's 470 and Women's RS:X, respectively. Another interesting tandem includes Women's Match Racing standout Elizabeth Kratzig (USA), who will be teamed up with Jonathan Farrar.
There are some familiar names in the 49er FX fleet, including 2008 Olympic gold medalist Anna Tunnicliffe (USA) in the Laser Radial. Tunnicliffe represented Team USA with teammate Molly O'Bryan Vandemoer in Women's Match Racing at the 2012 Games.
A pair of Italian Olympians Giulia Conti and Francesca Clapcich will be joining forces in the 49er FX. Conti is making the switch from the 470 and Clapcich transitions from the Laser Radial. Brazilians Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze are also strong contenders following their win at the 49er FX North American Championship.
Portuguese 49er Olympian Francisco Andrade and teammate Andre Fonseca will be a factor in the men's 49er. They recently won the 49er North American Championship earlier this month on Key Biscayne Bay. Swedish 470 Olympian Sebastian Ostling will be making a shift to the 49er, while teaming with Kalle Torlen.
Ireland's Annalise Murphy came up just short of winning an Olympic medal this summer in the Laser Radial with her fourth place finish in Weymouth/Portland. Her quest for Rio 2016 begins in Miami. "I am just getting back into training after taking a long break," said Murphy. "All my plans for the next four years start here and it's great to do it in Miami."
Four-time Olympian Tatiana Drozdovskaya (BLR) is fully committed to make a run at Rio 2016. The 8th ranked Laser Radial sailor in the world won the gold medal at Kiel Week in Germany last June. 2012 Olympian Paige Railey (USA) will be on hand in the stacked Laser Radial fleet. Railey is ranked 7th in the world. Finland's Tuula Tenkanen is the highest ranked Laser Radial sailor competing this week at #5.
The Laser fleet is the event's largest with 72 boats. Guatemala's Juan Ignacio Maegli will be a legitimate contender. He is a two-time Olympian at just 24. World #3 Bruno Fontes (BRA) returns to ISAF World Cup Miami where he finished with a silver medal last year. He also represented Brazil at the 2012 Olympics.
The Finn fleet is led by World #1 Brendan Casey (AUS), who won the gold medal at ISAF Sailing World Cup Melbourne in December. He will be challenged by World #3 and defending ISAF World Cup Miami gold medalist Zach Railey (USA). Casey and Railey both represented their countries in Weymouth/Portland this past summer.
Another intriguing storyline in the Finn class includes Brazil's Bruno Prada. The 2011 Star World Champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist is making a shift to the Finn. Prada returned to the Finn three months ago and has been working hard to get re-adjusted to the heavyweight dinghy. "My objective in Miami is to hit the medal race and continue to improve," said Prada. "I'll be sailing all the big regattas this year, including the World Championship in Estonia."
There are two Austrian teams competing in the Men's 470. World #13 Matthias Schmid and Floran Reichstaedter are fresh off a win at the 470 North American Championship here in Biscayne Bay. Their Austrian counterparts David Bargehr and Lucas Mahr finished third. 2012 Olympian Stuart McNay (USA) will be teaming up with fellow American David Hughes. McNay is ranked #7 in the world and he narrowly missed the medal stand in last year's event with a fourth place finish.
Brazil's Fernanda Oliveira and Ana Luiza Barbachan performed admirably at the Summer Games in Weymouth/Portland with a sixth place finish, and have their sights set on gold in Miami. Oliveira won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics with Isabel Swan as crew. Swan is racing this week with Renata Decnop. 2012 Olympians Lara Vadlau of Austria and Jolanta Ogar of Poland have paired up as a new team representing Austria, and have won both events they contested together, including the 470 North Americans.
2012 Olympic gold medalist Dorian Van Rijssbelberghe of The Netherlands has arrived in Miami and is prepared to pick up where he left off in the RS:X. "The biggest thing for me this week is just getting back on the board," said Van Rijssbelberghe. "This is my first time racing since the Games." Van Rijssbelberghe is no stranger to success here at this event. He won three consecutive gold medals at ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami in 2011, 2010 and 2009.
The Men's RS:X fleet will feature several other Olympians, including Ricardo Santos (BRA), Zachary Plavsic (CAN), Ivan Pastor (ESP), David Mier y Teran (MEX) and Sebastian Wang-Hansen (NOR).
Olympic gold and silver medalists will duke it out along with a strong fleet of Windsurfers in the Women's RS:X. Finland's Tuuli Petäjä hopes to ride the momentum she gained by winning the silver medal Weymouth. She will face stiff competition against Spain's gold medalist and World #5 Marina Alabau, who has won the ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami event in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2007 (No racing in 2008). Alabau recently won the RS:One World Championships in December. The 2010 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Blanca Manchon (ESP) will also be competing this week.
The 2.4mR (open) and Sonar (mixed) Paralympic classes will be racing this week in Miami. Nine Americans and nine Canadians make up the bulk of the 2.4mR fleet. However, Great Britain's Megan Pascoe is one of the fleet's strongest contenders. She finished third at the 2.4mR World Championship in September. World #4 Byornar Erikstad of Norway will also be making a bid for the crown. 2012 Paralympic bronze medalists Aleksander Wang-Hansen, Marie Solberg and Per Eugen Kristiansen of Norway lead a talented Sonar fleet.
ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami, established in 1990 by US Sailing, is open to boats competing in events chosen for the Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Competitions. Visit the event website for an updated competitor list at http://bit.ly/mocr13_competitors with complete ISAF bios for each sailor.
Six of the Olympic Classes, including RS:X men and women, Laser, Radial, 49er and 49er FX will test new racing formats under consideration for Rio 2016. The remaining Olympic classes will consist of a five-day opening series (Monday-Friday) and a double-point medal race (Saturday). The top 10 finishers in the opening series of each class will advance to the medal race. Competitors in the Paralympic classes will have five days of fleet racing (Monday-Friday) and no medal race. Medals will be awarded to the top three boats in each Olympic and Paralympic class on Saturday, February 2.
Regatta Headquarters will be located at the US Sailing Center Miami, an official Olympic training center, in the Coconut Grove section of Miami, Fla. Event organizers have partnered with the city of Miami to provide world-class venues for competition. Additional hosts for the event include Coral Reef Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Miami Rowing Club and Shake-a-Leg Miami. These sailing organizations host classes onshore, as well as help run the on-the-water racing. The Coral Reef Yacht Club also hosts the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
The ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami organizing committee, headed by co-chairs Gary Bodie and Meredith Muller, with support from Carol Ewing, announced the International Jury: Chris Atkins (GBR), Bernard Bonneau (FRA), Pat Healy (USA), Elliot Levy (VEN), Ana Sanchez (ESP), Luiso Fernandez (ESP), Lynne Beal (CAN), Charlotte Greppe (SWE), Sandy Grovsenor (USA), Marianne Middlethon (NOR), Jim Capron (USA), National Jury Kai Masuda (JPN), Chris Petracco (USA), Marty Ottenhimer (USA), Bruce Martinson (USA) and Pat Sheehan (USA).
The event's Principal Race Officer is Christophe Gaumont (FRA) assisted by Deputy International Race Officer Mark Murphy with International Race Officers Tom Duggan (USA, Laser Radial), Bruce Greene (USA, 49er, FX), John Craig (USA, RS:X), Peter Van Muyden (CAN, Paralympic classes), Jim Tichenor (USA, 470, Finn, Nacra17). International Measurer is Barry Johnson (AUS), with Equipment Inspector Dina Kowalyshyn (USA).
Sponsors of ISAF Sailing World Cup Miami 2013 include Sperry Top-Sider, Harken McLube, Kattack, Switlik and the University of Miami Hospital.
Jake Fish US Sailing Communications Manager
See Yacht racing - dinghies & skiffs > Sail Melbourne images
Last Updated ( Sunday, 27 January 2013 )


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I had to scan these for other reasons, and as long as I was I figured that I would share them. The newspaper is the Dickinson County News. The best part is the fact that this paper is published in Spirit Lake, our county seat which has BSL (click here to see SL's Dangerous Dog ordinance). The current ordinance is actually a step up, as there used to be a complete ban.
But, a few short miles south, a vicious killer lurks in the Milford Memorial Library. Here are a few of our recent news articles.
August 5th, 2009
August 12th, 2009
August 26th, 2009
September 2nd, 2009


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Butterscotch Hot Cocoa Recipe
4 1 1
Most people are used to adding mint flavoring to their hot cocoa. But my family favors this version, which calls for brown sugar and butterscotch ice cream topping. —Aims62, Taste of Home Online Community
Featured In: Hot Chocolate for the Holidays
VERIFIED BY Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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- 4 cups 2% milk
- 3/4 cup half-and-half cream
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup baking cocoa
- 1/2 cup butterscotch ice cream topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Miniature marshmallows
- In a large saucepan, heat milk and cream over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan (do not boil). Remove from the heat; whisk in the brown sugar, cocoa, butterscotch topping and vanilla until smooth. Return to the heat; cook and stir until heated through. Pour into mugs; sprinkle with marshmallows. Yield: 5 servings.
Originally published as Butterscotch Hot Cocoa in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2010, p21
Reviews forButterscotch Hot Cocoa
My Review
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Reviewed Feb. 28, 2014
"Found this recipe on a whim, and glad I did! My family liked it a lot - it was a little too sweet for me, so I might cut back on the butterscotch a little next time."


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The Christmas season is in full swing in Vacaville, heralded in by a night of gleeful revelry on Tuesday during the 30th annual Merriment on Main celebration.
With strains of classic holiday carols trailing through the crisp November air, thousands descended on the downtown area, sampling the variety of cookies, cupcakes, hot cocoa and other yummy treats as they awaited the night's main attraction: the lighting of the tree.
For longtime Vacaville residents Kelly and Terry Pine, it was the perfect way to ring in the season.
Staking out a good spot to witness the flipping of the switch that would illuminate the 60-foot white fir, the couple stood listening and occasionally singing along with the Mobility trio from Travis Air Force Base -- one of the highlights of the night, they said.
"I think it's fantastic," Kelly said. "It's really cool seeing this many people coming out and the music is great."
His wife agreed.
"It really gets you into the holiday spirit," Terry noted.
"I love the Christmas carols," she added.
Strolling past storefronts with windows sporting festively painted holiday themes, Merriment-goers wandered in and out of welcoming businesses, many with their doors standing open.
The night was a first for Elaine Sciacca as the new Vacaville resident experienced the festivities along with her children, 3-year-old Ben and 1-year-old Ro.
"It's a lot of fun," she said. "It's easy to bring out the kids and see the special occasion."
After ducking into a few of the stores, Sciacca said they planned to see how long the wait was for one of the carriage rides before the tree was to be lit -- which, she said, is "the best part."
As the clock ticked closer to 6:30 p.m. -- the appointed time for the tree lighting and Santa to make his yearly arrival -- Robby Bakosh and his daughter, Briana, took their post on the edge of the sidewalk, as the crowd began to cluster around the Three-Flags Monument.
"We've been doing it for years," Bakosh said, adding that he enjoyed the number of people "coming together and enjoying Christmas."
"It's great for the kids, too," he said, indicating his newly turned 5-year-old daughter, who was enjoying her perch atop his shoulders. "All the cookies and cupcakes and hot chocolate you can drink."
Bakosh, who has lived in Vacaville his whole life, said he has been attending since he was young.
"It's definitely grown over the years," he observed.
Santa hats dotted heads through the crowd that continued to pack tighter and tighter together as the long-awaited moment finally arrived.
Attendees joined in the countdown, shouting out the final numbers: "Five ... Four ... Three ... Two ... One!"
The strands of multicolored lights were suddenly aglow, adding warmth to the street corner as many paused to take pictures to commemorate the event.
"I think they did a very nice job," said John Miller, as the crowd began to disperse around the base of the tree. "Vacaville is very lucky to have a community like this that puts up a Christmas tree."
"It was nice that they recognized Richard Rico," he added, referring to the former Reporter publisher's work to begin the tradition 30 years ago.
"Every year, it seems like there are more people and more booths," he observed. "It's just a great feeling for a small town like Vacaville. Great support."
Follow Staff Writer Catherine Bowen at Twitter.com/CBowen4.


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After going down by one, the Flames had a two-goal second period lead by Calgary hands-man Brian McGrattan. However the Big Ern's performance wasn't enough as Anaheim scored two in the third to win this one by a single goal. The 44th time Calgary has been on either end of a one-goal-game this year.
Karri Ramo played fantastic against a much different version of the Ducks compared to the last time they were here. It's too bad Calgary couldn't have at least got him a point for his efforts.
I also missed the Flames win over the Sharks on Monday, and the debacle up in Edmonton on Saturday. What can I say? I was busy.


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These are a few of my favorite things.
Thursday night was the Winter Clinic at North Central Cyclery. It was a night of bliss for the author of this particular blog. Why? Soooo Muuuuch Gooooodness.
Demo Beargrease (like the one I rode a couple of months ago, also at NCC).
Demo Krampus.
Brand-spankin-new Ti Warbird.
Delectable S'mores made from energy waffles endorsed by now besmirched cyclist formerly known as '7 time tour winner.'
They were so energy packed, that Chad came in clean-shaven, had one bite, and instantly grew a beard.
And there was Peter.
PBR. Like a moth to a flame, I tell ya…
There was a dinglespeed TI Muk wearing Big Fat Larry's on 82mm rims. I took these pics to show that there's plenty of room for Lou's in the rear.
And there were oodles and oodles of people. Over 60, not including the sponsors. For a winter-riding clinic, that's pretty exceptional.
Lots of cool products to ogle…like the entire line of Gore clothes.
An array of Knog's latest and greatest lights, including a couple of models with nifty features like USB recharging.
Mattias found something pretty in pink…
And then decided to find out whether Gore-Tex is really waterproof or not.
It is.
No, really.
GoreTex Works–North Central Cyclery Gore Demo 11.1.12 from Lawfarm on Vimeo.
Not kidding.
And lest you think that pink was the only questionable clothing choice of the evening…
Yeah. There's that, too. The belt really completes the outfit.
BPaul tried on approximately 435 coats. I'm pretty sure he ruled out at least 3 or 4, and he'll probably settle on a final choice right around the time the national debt gets paid off.
In the realm of demo bikes to ride, they had the aforementioned Beargrease and Krampii, and a host of fatbikes from XL Pugs, Neck Romancers, Moonlanders and Mukluks, all the way down to a 14″ Pugsley. You can't help but smile.
Beth…you really need that bike. It is sooooo you.
And if you had questions, they could be answered by none other than Salsa's own E-Fred:
Or you could hear about how the fuzzy lining on the inside of Windstopper is made from the hair of shaved, free-range Unicorns from Brendan Gore-Cik.
Or maybe you have a light question for Knog's Brian Mark…
So yeah, a night full of awesome. New products to ogle, information to learn, things to see, things to try. I can't convey all of the information received, but here are a few Gore highlights:
The gore membrane used in Windstopper and Goretex are related fabrics. The Windstopper is a bit more porous, but still waterproof. Windstopper doesn't have taped seams, so they don't market it as waterproof…and it's more breathable than straight Goretex.
They had a demo where you'd get your hand wet, and stick your wet hand in a goretex gloveliner. You'd then put your wet hand, in the glove, in a bucket of water. You would then move your hand around vigorously.
I kid you not…when you pulled your hand out, it was dry. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it.
Seriously. Moving your hand generated heat, which turned the water on your hand into vapor, and the Goretex transferred that vapor away from your hand, directly into a bucket of water. Ridiculous.
Brendan used a great metaphor for Goretex…he said it's like a chain link fence. On the outside, water is the size of a softball, and thus cannot get through the fence. But on the inside, sweat vapor is smaller, like a golfball, and can pass through the fence. Makes sense, and was a great analogy to consider.
I kind of feel like I'm rambling right now, but there was so much information to learn and absorb. It was truly a great evening. I ride outside a lot, and have read a ton about Gore clothes…turns out, I haven't scratched the surface.
I cannot emphasize enough how awesome it is to have a local bike shop able to pull together events like this, and get experts and information like this.


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Chargers fire coach Turner, GM Smith
The San Diego Chargers officially fired coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith on Monday.
San Diego finished 7-9 this year and went 8-8 last year. The Chargers missed the playoffs for the third straight year.
"I thank A.J. and Norv for the determination and integrity they brought to the Chargers each and every day," team president Dean Spanos said in a statement.
"Both Norv and A.J. are consummate NFL professionals, and they understand that in this league, the bottom-line is winning. My only goal is the Super Bowl, and that is why I have decided to move in a new direction with both our head coach and general manager positions. I am committed to our great fans, and we will do whatever we possibly can to achieve that goal."
Turner, 60, was 55-40 over six seasons as the Chargers coach. He also coached the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins. His career record is 114-122-1.
The move certainly was not a surprise to Turner, who said after Sunday's season-ending win over the Oakland Raiders that he expected to lose his job.
"Obviously, we're going to meet with the team, and I'm sure they'll start looking for a new coach," he said.
Turner has one year left on his contract, which will pay him $3 million.
The Chargers reached the AFC title game in 2007, Turner's first year as coach, but declined after that.
Smith, 63, has faced heavy criticism in recent years as the Chargers' roster has depleted in talent. He drafted Eli Manning in 2004 and traded him to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and additional draft picks, which he eventually used on kicker Nate Kaeding and linebacker Shawne Merriman.
Smith also feuded with coach Marty Schottenheimer and fired him after going 14-2 in 2006.