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During the cold days winter it's nice to get cozy by the fireplace or curl up under a warm blanket.. or in the summer you might find yourself standing in front of the air conditioner vents or a fan for a little relief from the heat. Is this because it's just not possible for your entire home to be comfortable? It may be because you are concerned with the energy use or $$ being spent to keep the home cool/warm OR it may be that certain areas of your home just never seem to be comfortable. If one or more rooms in your home seem to ALWAYS be outside your "comfort zone", Ecojay's SmartZone may be able to help. Directing airflow (heat/cool) to the rooms that you want, can make rooms in your home comfortable when you want them to be.
Home comfort hack: Could ZONE CONTROL improve your home's indoor climate?homeowners, Zone Control InfoComment
Installing zone control in your home allows you to add thermostats to several areas (rooms) so temperature can be controlled throughout the house. Most homes have only a single thermostat located in a "central" area. This means the temperature of the whole house is determined at this one spot. With zone control, temperature is measured and controlled in each zone for more comfort everywhere.
There are many reasons that zone control might be desirable (or even necessary).
- Homes with two stories where the upstairs is regularly warmer than downstairs during the winter can benefit from zone control.
- If a house has a fireplace that causes some areas of the home to get too cold when a fire is burning, zone control can help balance the temperature and keep those cold areas warm.
- Bonus rooms or unused bedrooms can be turned off with zone control when not in use.
- Computer rooms or grow areas that need to be a different (more consistent) temperature than the rest of the house.
Zone control can balance temperatures to create a comfortable living space throughout your home or create different temperatures throughout a building for varying needs.
CLICK HERE to find out more about how HVAC Zone Control works and if it will work for you.
What's a TON got to do with AC?homeowners, Other HVAC1 Comment
So you've probably heard of someone refer to an air conditioner's size in terms of "TONS". Something like "I got a new 4 TON HVAC unit". This refers, not to physical size, but to the capacity (ability) of the equipment to generate heat. That's right, even air conditioning (cooling), is sized by it's ability to produce heat. In the case of air conditioning, the heat is being "pulled" from inside the house and dispersed outside. This is why there is always an outdoor component (the air conditioning compressor) when you have AC.
Back to TONs... most people thing of a TON as being 2000 lbs. but with regard to HVAC, a TON is a measurement of heat generation per day.
1 TON of air conditioning is a measure equivalent to the amount of heat necessary to melt 2000 lbs of ice (H20) in a 24 hour period.
But how did we get there? A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the unit we use express heat energy. One BTU is equivalent to the amount of heat energy released when burning 1 match all the way. When rating an HVAC unit either for heating or cooling, the amount of BTUs per Hour is often sited. It has been measured that it takes 143 BTUs to melt 1 lb of ice. Since, 1 TON of ice is 2000lbs, It will take 2000 x 143 = 286,000 BTUs to melt 1 TON of ice. The ice could be melted by lighting 286,000 matches all at once or by lighting one at a time... In other words, BTUs only tells us how much heat energy is necessary but not over what time period. It could melt in 1 minute, 1 hour, or even 1 year depending on how the energy is generated. So, to rate the output of HVAC equipment, someone decided back in the early 1900s (probably someone at Carrier) that it should be done over a 24 HR peroid (1 day). This is how we get 286,000 BTUs / 24 hrs =~ 11,917 BTUs per hour or commonly know as 12K BTU/hr is equal to 1 TON.
This means that that 4 TON AC unit you have can melt 8,000 lbs of ICE per day or about the same size block of ice as a Suburban. That's a lot of heat energy!
ADD-A-WIRE with Zone ControlHVAC Contractors, homeowners, Other HVACComment
An ADD-A-WIRE device can be used when upgrading to thermostats that need a "COMMON" wire from one that didn't have one... and there is no way to run the additional wire needed. This device, ranging from $15 to $40 can come in very handy especially in the case of zone control where one or more thermostat does not have enough wires to accomodate a modern thermostat such as a WiFi thermostat.
Be sure to follow the wiring diagram for the specific model of "ADD-A-WIRE" as well as the system type. Show here is the LUX Products LPB-WH Power Bridge wired to a GAS/ELECTRIC thermostat and SmartZone-4X controller, however, the basic principal is the same for any application.
All of the different ADD-A-WIRE models come with instructions, read them carefully and follow exactly and you won't have any problems.
For more information about the method of ADD-A-WIRE when there is no way to run an extra wire from your zone panel to your equipment, check out this post:
From an engineering perspective this is an elegant and simple solution. Without giving away trade secrets, the ones i have tested use the a half wave bridge using diodes at the thermostat and some simple relay logic plus the another half wave at the equipment (no micro necessary) to use only 1 wire for both Y and G signals.... brilliant.
For more information, or with any questions, please contact us.
Upgrading thermostats; solving a "common" problemHVAC Contractors, Support, homeownersComment
So, maybe you have decided to upgrade to a Wifi thermostat, or even just a standard "programmable" thermostat... only, you come to discover that your old thermostat has one less wire connected to it than the new thermostat needs. This is usually the "24VAC Common" wire sometimes just called "C" or "24C". This means that your old thermostat was either mechanical, power stealing, or battery operated... which isn't a problem if you don't want a modern thermostat. MOST modern thermostats (especially WiFi) need a "C" wire from the 24V transformer to power the thermostat... this means getting a "C" wire to the thermostat.
This isn't a new problem, it started showing up in the 1980s with the first programmable thermostats... over the years, I have suggested and used several different methods to overcome this issue both with zoning and with typical single thermostat applications. Until recently, I couldn't really recommend anything other than running a new wire... and running a new wire isn't always possible.
METHODS to add "C" Wire
- Run another wire to the thermostat
The most straightforward and full-proof method is obvious: run another wire. If possible, this is ALWAYS your best solution.
- Power thermostat from separate transformer
Don't use this method... it is risky and not all thermostats support the ability to separate the "R" from the equipment transformer.
- Use the "G" wire for "C"
This method DOES work but it limits the functionality of your thermostat control. (ie. you will not be able to independently control fan from the thermostat) The reason this works, is that the equipment automatically turns the fan on during a heating or cooling call, so the "G" wire controlling the fan from the thermostat is only necessary to turn the fan on by itself. You will NOT be able to turn fan on from the thermostat by itself with this method.
NOTE: This works with MOST equipment, but you should check or test before employing this method. (#3)
- ADD-A-WIRE Device
It is the BEST method and really the only method I would use if a wire cannot be run. This is a relatively new concept to me... it has been around for a few years at least but we just started recommending it within the last 2 years. Several companies have started offering an "ADD-A-WIRE" device that allows the addition of a "COMMON" wire. These devices range from $15 - $40 and are very simple to wire (you have to be able to get to your equipment furnace/blower).
How an ADD-A-WIRE Device works:
It will come in 2 pieces, one is a small box with several connections labled "R", "C", "Y", "G", "W". You will follow the included wiring instructions to connect this box at your indoor HVAC equipment. The other piece that comes with the ADD-A-WIRE is a wiring connector with 3 leads, this connects at the back of your thermostat as shown in the wiring instructions.
Once these two pieces are wired properly you will have the "C" you need for any thermostat... it's almost like magic (electrical engineering magic).
NOTE: Make sure all wiring is done with the power to the HVAC equipment OFF at the breaker.
A few different models to choose from (prices on amazon at time of writing) There are many others available but they all do the same thing (NOTE: we are not compensated by any of these companies or any others for our opinions):
- LUX Products LPB-WH - $18 (Our favorite because it's the easiest to wire)
- Venstar ACC0410 - $27
- Honeywell THP9045A1023 - $15
For more information about specific use with zoning and zone control systems such as SmartZone... contact us
Another thing to consider: The ecobee3 and ecobee3 LITE both come with an "ADD-A-WIRE" type device. So, if you are thinking about a WiFi thermostat and are afraid you will need to add a wire... keep the ecobee in mind. See our WiFi stat roundup for more info
SmartZone Advanced: Method to reduce/eliminate pressure relief with variable speed fan systemsComment
We have discussed here the myths and facts about zone control and bypass. As the debate still continues, ecojay SmartZone has yet another innovative way to reduce or possibly eliminate pressure relief (bypass, dump zone, etc) in certain circumstances.
- Variable/Multi speed fan (DS/BK/DH* Terminal on equipment)
*DS/BK/DH energized = High speed fan
- Two (2) Zone systems only (although a 4 zone board can be used)
- One of the zones cannot be smaller than 30% of total airflow
This method will only allow high speed fan when BOTH zones are calling. If only one zone is calling, low speed fan will run. NOTE: The system, depending on duct sizes, may still require some method of pressure relief even if it is much less. Typically, a small amount of "leakage" into the largest zone when the smallest zone is calling will accomplish what (if any) pressure relief is needed. If using ecojay SmartZone dampers, they can be set easily to leak any amount of air necessary.
SPECIAL NOTE: This method is VERY similar to using zone 1 thermostat for controlling DE-humidification. For more about this see the article here.
Always find out more by contacting us at ZoningSupply.com about your application.
De-humidification and SmartZone - Zone 1 Thermostat ControlHVAC Contractors, Other HVAC, Support1 Comment
Although SmartZone does not have any built-in capabilities for controlling DE-humidification (DH) or Humidification, some applications are possible by using a thermostat on ZONE 1 that does have the capability to control DH.
Before we get to zoning, the equipment being used must have the capability to control humidity. This usually means it has a terminal (DH/BK/DS) that is energized or DE-energized by a thermostat to control fan speed of the equipment. Controlling fan speed allows the equipment to DE-humidify the air when the fan is running in low speed.
Back to zoning, using zone 1 thermostat to control DH is not as simple as wiring directly from the thermostat to the equipment. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. The equipment and the zone thermostats are running on different transformers and this will case problems and potentially damage to some components. You could isolate the output from the thermostat with a relay to get around this issue of different transformers but you would still have an issue with this method of wiring "around" the zone controller. The issue can arise when zone 1 calls for DH but the equipment is already running in heat, this mixed signal might just be ignored by the equipment but we cannot take that for granted... all equipment works differently.
The best way to control DH using SmartZone on single stage equipment is by using the method below. It may seem a little UN-orthidoxed but it is a valid APP note from the engineer at Ecojay (It's intended to work this way).
- Select a DH enabled thermostat of your choice
- Connect Y2/ECO on SmartZone Zone 1 to Zone 1 Thermostat DH/DS/BK
- Connect Y2 on SmartZone Equipment toEquipment DH/DS/BK
- Set Zone 1 "STAT TYPE" to G2
- Set DIP switch #4 to "LOCKOUT"
Zone 1 thermostat will now enable and disable DE-humidification any time the equipment is running in the cooling mode.
NOTE: When starting cooling from OFF state, 90 second delay will occur before HIGH speed fan will energize.
Using this method we are assuming that the equipment is expecting DS/BK/DH input terminal to be ENERGIZED for high speed fan and DE-ENERGIZED for low speed fan. This method should not be used for more than 3 zones or with multi-stage compressor equipment.
MEP Drawings & Specs for Generic HVAC Zone Control SystemHVAC Contractors, HVAC Industry, Zone Control InfoComment
Typical wording for HVAC Mechanical drawings to include SmartZone Zone control (2 to 8 zones):
WiFi Thermostat Roundup 2017homeowners, Other HVAC, thermostatsComment
Just a few short years ago, WiFi thermostats were only made by a very few companies starting with Ecobee and RadioThermostat, followed by Nest. A couple of years pass and big names in the HVAC industry (Honeywell, Emerson, Venstar, etc) join the WiFi thermostat party. In 2017 we have more to chose from than can easily be kept up with. Note: All prices as of this article publish date.
All of the WiFi thermostats listed below will work with any SmartZone
I am sure there will be even more on the market in 2018, we will keep watching the WiFi thermostat bubble grow! More than 15 are listed here (and I know they are not all listed). If you know of any more, comment or tweet to us @zoning_supply
Ecobee Si - $ 145, 2-Heat, 2-Cool, Color: White
*Ecobee 3 - $ 169, 3-Heat, 2-Cool, Best for zoning in our opinion.
Ecobee 4 - $ 247, 3-Heat, 2-Cool, Alexa-Enabled
Honeywell Color Touch - $ 190
Honeywell Lyric T5 - $ 110
Honeywell Lyric Round - $ 170, Geofencing
Honeywell Basic 7-day - $ 90, 1-Heat, 1-Cool, GE, Color: White (Yes this is WiFi--even though it doesn't look like anything other than an inexpensive thermostat)
Honeywell B&W Touch - $ 118
iDevices Thermostat - $ 112
Lux PRO GEO - $ 115, Geofencing, Mount Vertical or Horizontal, Color: Black or White
RadioThermostat - $ 99, 2-Heat, 2-Cool, GE/HP, Modules for Zigbee & Z-Wave
*Vine - $ 99, Settings Knob, Color Screen & Night-Light
Vine Touch - $ 129 Color Touch Screen,
Any information in this article should be verified with the manufacturer of each product listed. Specifications, prices & availability are all subject to change and will not be kept current on this post. Please email us if you have any questions.
ALSO NOTE: We (I) have not been paid or compensated in any way for this article by any of the manufacturers of these products. I have not even received any free product... anything reviewed has been purchased through retail outlets and tested with SmartZone zone control products for the use of ZoningSupply.com customers. This information is not intended to be exhaustive or claim expert knowledge about all of these thermostats. Thank you.
Need more than 40VA to power LOTs of dampers on one SmartZone?HVAC Contractors, SupportComment
Some systems with many small ducts leading to each zone can require lots of dampers. The example below is a 2 zone system that requires 6 dampers per zone (12 total). If you look at the zoning guide, you will find that you should budget for at least 55VA for this system... but you only have 40 VA transformers. 75 and 100 VA transformers can get VERY expensive! Instead you can use two 40VA transformers, but not how you think. It can be dangerous and unreliable to connect transformers in parallel to create ~80VA. We recommend the method below that employs the use of a simple relay to separate half of the dampers to be powered from a second transformer and the other half being powered by the SmartZone and it's transformer.
See the SmartZone Install Guide to calculate required VA.
It is always necessary to verify that the PRIMARY side power is sufficient to power the transformer connected. A dedicated PRIMARY circuit is best but not always possible. If sharing the 110V or 220V circuit, make sure the total power required for all devices connected (including zoning transformers) doesn't exceed the capacity of the circuit (usually 15 or 20 AMPS).
Where to get a relay?
Any 24V relay with a DPST or DPDT configuration will work. The one pictured in the above diagram is available at ZoningSupply.com (see below). If you are chosing your own relay, the "Contact" current rating will determine how many dampers can be connected. (For example: A 10 Amp relay can handle up to 10 power open, power closed dampers)
HVAC Zoning - SMALL office application - More comfort, less fighting... over temperatureComment
If you have a small office or commercial building that has multiple rooms & different people using these rooms, you have probably experienced that some rooms or areas can be comfortable while others are not. Temperature can fluctuate throughout a building depending on the time of day, time of year, activity or usage. Sophisticated and complex systems for LARGE commercial buildings use sensors placed throughout and computer-controlled equipment at adjust capacity of cooling or heating when needed. Smaller commercial buildings, however, use basically a "residential" type thermostat control with just larger equipment than you would find on a home. (Side note: Residential HVAC equipment up to 5 ton, "Light" Commercial HVAC equipment can be up to 20 ton as long as it uses standard 24VAC control)
In "light" commercial applications like:
- Shared office spaces
- Doctors offices
- Churches
- Schools
- Small to medium office buildings
- Massage / Salon
- Many more!
SmartZone can be added to give control in each different area of the office. Occupants of different offices might simply have different comfort preferences or some rooms might have specific needs for temperature control such as an IT / computer room. Also, rooms that are occasionally used (conference room) can be turned off when not in use to reduce HVAC equipment run time and help keep the rest of the building comfortable.
Having a thermostat for control in each room has obvious advantages in many applications, additionally, SmartZone offers an ECO-mode feature that is especially useful for commercial/business applications. The ECO-mode feature allows the building manager to put the entire system (up to 20 zones) into "setback" either on a schedule with a timer OR with a basic switch. You can even tie the ECO mode to most security systems so that, when it's armed, the SmartZone goes into "setback." ECO mode will prevent thermostats from running the equipment unless ZONE 1 is running. It can be a hassle to make sure that all your thermostats have been turned off at the end of every day, with SmartZone, you can turn them all off in one place.
Universal 4-Zone Controller
Replace almost any brand existing zone control ... use with any thermostats (even WiFi like nest and ecobee).
Control heating and cooling comfort room by room.
- EASY INSTALLATION - no screwdriver or voltmeter required
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY - drop in replacement for many models (see list in Additional Info)
- BEST FEATURES - built in Fresh Air Control, expansion port up to 20 Zones
- SUPPLY AIR TEMP SENSOR - included for Smart-Staging & equipment protection
SmartZone is simple to install and setup & it can be used with virtually any equipment (Gas, Electric, Heat Pump, Fossil Fuel, Dual Fuel, Up to 2 stages cool, 3 stage heat). Many applications call for different types thermostats and SmartZone works with all of them, giving the building owner the flexibility to purchase any thermostat that suits their needs. WiFi thermostats are a popular option and SmartZone is the perfect match for Nest, Ecobee, LuxPro, RadioThermostat, etc. Literally any thermostat you choose!
If you have any questions or would like DESIGN help on your zone control system, please contact us via email or phone.
New & Improved Rectangle Dampers available at ZoningSupply.comProducts, HVAC Contractors, ZoningSupplyComment
Tired of flimsy residential-grade rectangular dampers that easily bend and bind and, worse yet, stop working prematurely. We, at ZoningSupply, are too! And, we have the answer with this commercial-grade, super-duty rectangular damper. Like all of our power dampers, it includes the best motor in the industry (Belimo) and now is constructed with heavy guage aluminim for rigidity and long-life.
Rectangle Damper
8" X 8" thru 24" X 24"
New & Improved Heavy-Duty
Aluminum rectangular damper w/ Ecojay by Belimo motor
Built to stand up to use and abuse
SHIPPING TIME: 2 Weeks
(because they are made to order)
RETURNS for rectangular dampers require 35% restocking fee because they are custom made to order... make sure you order the correct size.
NOTE: Order "Height" for the side with the motor.
No other rectangle zone damper on the market is as sturdy or reliable. Simplicity of design and precision manufacturing in the USA (Ohio & Texas) make for the BEST rectangular damper that has ever been available to the residential zone control market. Try it for yourself today.
Ashrae 62-2 Ventilation (Fresh Air) sizing & calculationHVAC Contractors, Support, Other HVACComment
Many homes these days have such tight seals around doors, windows, and even closed-cell foam insulation... they are almost air-tight. You can think of an old house like an antique metal or wooden ice box where modern homes are more like Yeti coolers. While this is great for keeping temperatures steady inside the home, it also can trap moisture and toxic gases inside. Fresh air ventilation is necessary to keep a healthy and efficient home.
But how much fresh air is needed? If you bring in too much, you will make your HVAC equipment work too hard and loose efficiency. If not enough fresh air is brought into the home, the air can become humid and allow mold growth or VOCs and other toxins can build up. Luckily, the national organization ASHRAE has a specific recommendation for the amount of air based on occupancy and square footage of the home. See table below.
However, this table should not be taken as gospel. Just like other HVAC calculations and estimations, many factors are not really being taken into account with this rough estimate based on # of bedrooms (occupancy) and square footage. Some adjustments may be needed based on factors such as climate, ceiling height, other air-leakage, etc. To comply with 62-2 is the baseline & adjustments can be made in the field by setting run-time.
Learn more about how SmartZone-4X can control fresh air more efficiently than a separate fresh-air controller in the Install Guide
Zoning for comfort and / or economy... basics of HVAC ZoninghomeownersComment
We have explained in other posts on ZoningSupply.com, when it comes to HVAC zoning, each application must be evaluated individually. Situations vary widely from building to building, but, in all cases HVAC Zone Control puts the user (homeowner, building manager, etc) in control of comfort.
Let's rewind, what is zoning? Homes and buildings that have "central" heating and air conditioning typically have 1 thermostat that controls the whole house temperature. With zoning, multiple thermostats can be placed throughout the house to better control temperature throughout. SmartZone connects to all of the thermostats & automatically controls dampers (air valves) installed in the air ducts. These air ducts direct air from the heating & cooling equipment to the different areas or "zones" of the home/building. The dampers allow SmartZone to direct air only where needed.
Once a SmartZone has been installed, you will have the ability to set each of the zone thermostats to whatever temperature or settings you desire. SmartZone will, within reason, keep each zone at the correct temperature by running the equipment and directing hot or cold air into the zones only when necessary. This achieves the purpose of comfort control to manage hot or cold areas of your home.
As for energy savings, if some of the zones are rarely used and can stay off for a sufficient amount of time, the equipment will run for a shorter time to heat or cool the rest of the building. This and other applications that allow the user to turn off or set-back one or more of the zones can, in some cases, result in energy savings. Some sources have published % energy savings possible with zoning, however, this is too arbitrary to have any real meaning. Like stated at the beginning, every application is different & the real possibility of energy savings is in the hands of the user and how the thermostats are set.
Zoning is an amazing solution to comfort issues and gives the user ultimate control over comfort throughout the home or building. However, zone control is NOT a magic bullet for energy savings. HVAC Zoning only puts more control in the hands of the user & it is ultimately the thermostats and how they are set that determines potential energy savings.
The reality is that in a normal home with one thermostat, the only way to get more "comfort" is to spend more energy (ie run the AC or heat). With zoning, you can stay more comfortable in some areas while reducing run-time by not heating/cooling other areas.
SmartZone is the best hvac zone control for upgrades or new-installs. Order today and install yourself of call any HVAC contractor in your area for installation.
SmartZone is great opportunity for DISTRIBUTORS.Other HVAC, HVAC IndustryComment
There are many reasons that distributors should take a look at stocking SmartZone, but basically because they can make more money & have a higher customer satisfaction with a very low up-front investment.
- Only 2 models needed to cover all applications.
A lot of manufacturers require stocking 5,6... even dozens of different products to get the best price. With SmartZone, you only need the SmartZone-2 and the SmartZone-4X. That's right, only 2 models will cover everything from 2 zones to 20 zones, single & multi-stage, gas/electric & heat pump (including dual fuel). As a bonus, the SmartZone-4X has built-in Fresh-Air control.
- Best wholesale pricing.
Options for small and large volume distributors with 30 day NET terms pending credit approval. Start with a small order or only 10 zone controllers. Contact ECOJAY (www.smartzoning.com) for details.
- Documentation & training.
Ecojay is committed to supporting distributors with documentation, signs, marketing materials, phone & online support. Ecojay will even do an in-person training for contractors at new distributor locations (minimum order required for free training - normal price for training $500)
- Increase zone control profits & sales.
SmartZone has allowed many of our distributors to increase sales of zoning because it is so much easier for contractors to use & install... they buy more. Distributors of SmartZone also have increased margins on the higher-end controllers because SmartZone-4X can do everything the Honeywell HZ432 can do at a much lower price.
- Contractors will love you for it.
Even contractors that "don't do zoning" occasionally come across a system that needs it or a customer that wants it. SmartZone is the best the the occasional zoning contractor or the contractor that does it every day. Most contractors that try it, don't want to use anything else.
Right now, only about 25-35% of the US has physical distribution of ECOJAY products, specifically SmartZone. This is a HUGE missed opportunity. Online distribution reaches nationwide, but even this is in it's infancy. SmartZone deserves to be on the shelf of your local distributor and contractors deserve to have access to it. Right now it is available on Amazon.com, Ebay, ZoningSupply.com for contractors in the US & Canada to have in a couple of days shipping time.
It would be great if some of the large online supply houses like ... Supplyhouse.com or AlpineAir.com would stock SmartZone so it could be purchased and shipped along with systems. Or some of the national-chain distributors like Johnstone would also carry SmartZone for the sake of availability and exposure to SmartZone style zoning.
SmartZone is not a new gimmic in zoning, it is simply the BEST traditional forced-air zone control board that is available. SmartZone has been designed with the HVAC contractor in mind and it shows with the feedback that is received over and over again from contractors. SmartZone has been shipping since 2004 and has had rave reviews from the beginning.
Contractors that never liked zoning before even love SmartZone. Many of the problems that people had 10 or 15 years ago with zoning such as freezing coils or short cycling have been solved by more sophisticated zone controls but SmartZone made it simple. Using Ecojay SmartZone makes zoning simple.
Fact or Myth? #HVAC #Zonecontrol can save energyhomeowners, HVAC ContractorsComment
First of all, if you are not familiar with HVAC Zoning (Zone control) for your home you can click here and learn more about how it works.
Sometimes, zoning is pitched as a device that can be added to your current HVAC system that will "save you energy" because you are able to turn "off" heating and cooling to areas that are not being used. Sounds good, right? Well...there a "but." This as actually a highly debated or more aptly put... highly contested claim among HVAC professionals.
The simple fact is that it isn't a simple answer but the simplest version is: HVAC Zoning CAN save energy in some applications.
Not all applications of zoning are intended to save energy, some are set up to optimize comfort. In these situations, energy savings may not the top priority but it can still be set up to help save energy when the comfort is not in demand.
Zoning puts the control in the hands of the user (homeowner) via the thermostats. These thermostats can be set to optimize energy savings or comfort... or, most likely, somewhere in between.
Some believe the primary purpose of zoning is comfort & I would agree, but, SmartZone can be used in some applications to save energy by reducing necessary run-time.
As far as I have found there have been very few and NO independent studies on the energy savings capabilities of hvac zone control but I have personally been in the industry for 14 years and I believe I know why. Every test I have seen is try to prove some % of energy savings and yet there is a flaw with even the question that is being asked. The problem with this question is that it is looking for an automatic percentage saving when zoning is installed. I think this gets to the heart of why the professionals that dispute zone control's ability to "save energy" do so.
This is an IMPORTANT NOTE: HVAC Zone Control by itself will NOT save energy. However, it CAN be used to save energy.
A proper study to prove that zone control CAN save energy would be straight-forward. Two identical houses with identical hvac systems, one with a 2 zone system & the other with a single thermostat. On the house with zoning, set one thermostat to OFF 12 hours per day and the other thermostat to run a normal 24hr / 7 day schedule. The thermostat schedule should be the same as the 24hr / 7 day schedule in the house with only one thermostat. This study would show that zoning can save energy if used in certain ways.
SmartZone has been around since 2004 and we have over 200,000 installed in the field. We have seen direct feedback that empirically shows energy savings, not just in isolated cases but in extremely high volume. First hand, real-world experience shows that it can be done, but it also shows that in cases where comfort is the priority... energy savings isn't a guarantee with zone control.
Check out SmartZone at ZoningSupply.com
Get SmartZone at ZoningSupply.comOther HVACComment
See why SmartZone is the best zone controller on the market.
ZoningSupply.com for all your zone control and damper products at the best prices with FREE shipping.
Eliminate BYPASS on a Zoning System?Comment
There has been a lot of buzz around eliminating bypass more so lately, but it has been talked about for 20+ years. Some states have even mandated that all new Zoning systems be installed without bypass in certain types of buildings. Others have argued against bypass for many years but only recently have HVAC zone control manufacturers offered products specifically designed to eliminate bypass. Although these products are new, the principals they employ are NOT. The different products on the market are just elaborate ways of "leaking" air into zones or areas that are not calling for it.
At ZoningSupply.com we rely on more than 2 decades of HVAC Zoning experience to come up with our recommendations and with regard to eliminating bypass, we do have some suggestions of applications with SmartZone that have worked well.
First of all, how many zones do you have? The more zones you have the more difficulty you will have operating without a bypass. It becomes more challenging because the amount of surplus air and air pressure in your duct work increases when (worst case scenario) your smallest zone is the only zone calling and all other zone dampers are closed. A zone system with more than 4 zones needs bypass almost certainly.
Secondly, how large are your zones ducts? Are they capable of handling the excess CFM of air that will be generated when other zones close? Most duct can handle much more airflow than it is designed for but only up to a point. Make sure that the smallest zone is capable of handling most or all of the airflow when the other zones are closed. If the smallest zone is NOT capable of handling ALL of the airflow then there are at least a couple of options of techniques that can be used to possibly still eliminate bypass.
Airflow management techniques that can be used in conjunction with each other to reduce or eliminate the need for bypass on a zoning system:
- Over-sized ducts - increase the size of ducts and dampers beyond normal spec.
- Leak into zones - adjust the dampers stop screws so the dampers "leak" a fixed amount of air into some or all zones (no more than 25% recommended into each zone).
- Dump zone - a room or rooms where the duct does not have a damper and will receive air flow any time the hvac system is running.
- Managed dump zone - use a "bypass" damper connected to "dump" duct into any or all zones. Adjust the bypass damper to stabilize the static pressure when the smallest zone only is calling. This is much preferable to the other "Dump Zone" because you are not dumping air when it isn't necessary which can affect air speed.
Multi-stage HVAC equipment - If your current hvac system has multi-stage (2 or more speeds) SmartZone can select the appropriate speed based on the number of zones calling (if set to 2nd-Stage Lock). This capability can significantly reduce the amount of surplus air volume and pressure that would normally be bypassed because when only 1 zone is calling, the equipment will be in low speed.
Even with all of these techniques there are some systems and applications that just must have a bypass & for that we recommend the static pressure controlled version. You can find more about why this is best in another blog post on ZoningSupply.com.
When it comes down to it, with Bypass or any other type of pressure relief on a zoning system, there is a balancing act between air velocity/noise. You want to relieve or bypass as little air as possible to maintain efficiency of the HVAC system, however, with zoning it is inevitable that the air velocity will be come too high when only one zone is calling and that is why some combination of the techniques discussed should be used with any zone control system.
NEW to ZoningSupply - Insertable (Retrofit) DampersHVAC Contractors, ProductsComment
We are proud to announce the continuation of our damper product line here at ZoningSupply.com with the "Insert-able" damper.
Some applications call for dampers that can be "slipped" into round duct that is spiral or other hard pipe style duct. This is not intended for use with flex-duct but can be used with any other type of hard duct. Simply cut a slit in the duct, insert the damper and screw it down.
4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 12" ROUND Diameter Dampers
Industry-leading quality & highest reliability, Belimo Motor, Full-seal gasket blade, makes mounting in any round duct easy with these super-heavy duty retro-fit slip-in dampers
NOTE: All dampers subject to a 10% restocking fee.
Spring is HVAC maintenance season... think about Zone Control.homeownersComment
With warmer weather approaching, upstairs or certain areas of your home can become uncomfortably warm without SmartZone. HVAC zone control can make the entire home more comfortable in the hottest Summer months.
Most homes with a single thermostat have some issues with keeping everyone, everywhere in the house comfortable. With SmartZone, thermostats are places throughout the home to achieve comfort everywhere... and if you choose to turn off some of the areas (zones), you can even save energy. Most importantly, however, SmartZone can make your home more comfortable than it is now. See the slides below for how it works.
How it works...
- SmartZone is connected to several Thermostats placed in "zones" throughout the home or building.
- SmartZone is connected to the Air Conditioning (AC) and Heating equipment.
- Dampers (air valves) are installed in the existing ducts that connect to room vents in the "zones."
- SmartZone controls the AC & Heating equipment AND opens/closes dampers to control air to the zones based on the thermostats.
There is obviously a lot more to HVAC Zone control than the above bullet points. Bypass & static pressure, duct sizing & damper leakage, thermostat & equipment types, equipment modes & changeover, compressor staging, emergency & auxiliary heat... and much more. The good news is that SmartZone takes the guess work out of the potential complications of zoning. Check out more about why SmartZone is the best choice here.


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ABOUT ideaologie
It all starts with a simple conversation . . . !
ideaologie was created to offer dynamic support and multi-faceted expertise for businesses of all sizes; leveraging strengths in Strategy, Branding, Licensing, Business, and Marketing. I realize that just like individuals, no two companies are exactly alike, and I handle each client on an individual basis. ideaologie studies each company holistically – reviewing the architecture and archeology of the business, and continually asking the question "What if . . . ?"
I have found from years of experience that building a company, and a brand, is much like building a house. If you attempt to start your construction with walls and a roof, your house will quickly tumble. With every situation, you must begin by building a firm foundation for the business – looking at each and every aspect of the culture, the finances and the activities of the company - to establish the platform from which the rest of the company can be grounded (a factor that is true of existing businesses as well as start-ups).
ideaologie has refined a recipe for the necessary strategic support, development and ideation for all levels of clients: retailers, manufacturers, artists, and businesses. I ensure the success of my efforts, and negotiate the greatest return on investment for all aspects of your business. I assist in charting the path forward with strategic options; factors that enhance the company's positioning, and determine how the company launches to market and competes day-to-day. With years of building and maintaining the best companies and brands in the world, ideaologie has refined and forged the path for properly building your company brand.
ideaologie works comprehensively with our clients, offering both introductory and long-term conversational options. I will not only build your company brand with a solid ground and tough structure, but at the end of the day, ideaologie will ensure great success and satisfaction with each client interaction.
I can help you change your business forever!
"What you have done for other companies?" you ask. I am happy to share some of my successes:
- Based on our market needs analysis, I created and developed a new line of humor cards, WeinerDog™, for Sunrise greetings that increased the original company sales plan by 200% in the first year (the line is still growing strong after eleven years!)!
- Through strategic planning, asset allocation and key networking as President and COO, I helped increased licensing revenue for Kathy Davis Studios more than 250% in a three year period of time, and initiated the single largest license agreement in the history of the company!
Here are a few of the many other companies we have successfully worked with:
Disney, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, Harry Potter, Nickelodeon, Mary Engelbreit, Kathy Davis, Bonnie Marcus, Joy Butler, Sandra Magsamen, and Flavia . . . to name a few!
Target, Walmart, Michaels, Lowe's, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, and Wegmans
Greeting Card Companies
American Greetings, Hallmark, Sunrise Greetings, Kathy Davis Studios, Mary Engelbreit Studios, Bonnie Marcus Collection, Borealis Press, 1canoe
Manufacturers/General Businesses
National Geographic, Moyer Indoor/Outdoor

subset: commoncrawl


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Photos: Christian Siriano's Fall Collection
Check out pics of the Project Runway Season 4 winner's new line.
I, like most, was blown away by Christian Siriano's spring collection, and I gotta say "sophomore slump" doesn't apply to his fall collection AT ALL. Although I didn't attend his show this year, I was happy to get some behind-the-scenes pics in my Inbox. Check them out HERE.
Um, is he friends with Aubrey O'Day? (Yes — that's her in the front row.)
- Monica A. Reyhani
You May Also Like...Recommended by Zergnet


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Impact Investing for Health: The Big Money Flowing to the Healthy Futures Fund/
The Kresge Foundation's overall goal for its Social Investment Practice program is to find ways outside of the foundation's traditional grantmaking by which it can leverage its assets to accelerate change in its main areas of funding interest.
This approach isn't so unusual these days. However, one way in which Kresge is a bit divergent in this space is that it rarely makes direct investments. Instead, the foundation opts to make grants, equity, loan deposits, and guarantees to partner organizations such as community development institutions like the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC).
Back in 2012, Kresge, along with LISC and Morgan Stanley launched the Healthy Futures Fund (HFF) which supports the development of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and affordable housing efforts that incorporate healthcare programs in low-income areas. HFF also uses tax credits to expand access to affordable healthcare and housing in high-poverty areas. When the partners established the fund they did so with $100 million in joint backing via equity, loans, and grants.
That initial $100 million has already been fully invested. So, the partners got together again to launch a second round of funding for another $100 million. This time, Kresge's financing reached close to $3.5 million.
According to David Fukuzawa, managing director of the Kresge's Health Team, "This round of funding will allow LISC to build new partnerships between health centers and other types of organizations working to improve the social determinants of health in low-income communities."
Kresge is backing the Healthy Futures Fund with a $2.5 million loan guarantee and a $916,000 grant that will be paid out over the course of two years. The grant was awarded out of Kresge's Health program, which focuses on improving overall community health. The foundation's loan guarantee was provided via its Social Investment Practice program, which supports social enterprises working in its areas of grantmaking focus including Arts & Culture, Community Development, Detroit, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services.
Related: Kresge's Impact Investment Program Reaches an "Inflection Point"
The Kresge Foundation recently announced a $350 million Social Investment Practice funding pool, which the foundation plans to invest by the year 2020. The program will continue to use loans, deposits, equity, and guarantees as its main vehicles of financial backing.


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Whether you've long been hooked on podcasts, or got sucked in because everyone around you won't stop talking about Serial, the recent rise of the medium means enthusiasts like us no longer get blank looks when effusing the easy commute to work thanks to our latest discovery.
In the spirit of helping the format grow further, long-time podcasters and producers of South London Hardcore, Jack McInroy and Steve Walsh formed Hold Fast Network in September to bring together fellow creators of the downloadable audio shows, cross-promote each others' work and share experience.
Now they've organised what is believed to be the UK's first podcast festival. The event on Sunday features live recordings of the 150th edition of South London Hardcore, as well as fellow network members Daniel Ruiz Tizon, and Process, who have an interview with artist Babak Ganjei.
"You never used to get two people talking about podcasts in the pub," laughs Jack. "Now you hear whole tables chatting about them. But it's still quite tricky to get discovered when there's such dominance by BBC and US public broadcast output.
"Holdfest will be a bit like a music festival — people will be able to come and hear the podcasts being recorded live, and meet other people who are interested in them."
It's probably one place where having your headphones in won't be considered rude.
Holdfest, January 11, 2pm-5pm, The Cinema Museum, 2 Dugard Way, SE11 4TH, tickets are £5 available from the website.


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Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Port Blair
In the Afternoon and transfer to respective hotel and rest. In the afternoon proceed for the Corbyns Cove Beach - 7 kms from Port Blair - a coconut palm fringed beach, ideal for swimming, sun-basking & bathing. Late evening witness the enthralling Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail - where the heroic saga of the Indian freedom struggle is brought alive. Overnight stay at respective Hotel / Resort at Port Blair.
Day 2: Port Blair - Havelock
After Breakfast, departure by M.V.MAKRUZZ (CATAMARAN LUXURY FERRY) or Govt. AC Ferry to Havelock Island (54 kms by sea from Port Blair).Enjoy your afternoon at the World Famous Radhanagar Beach (Beach number 7). Evening back to Port Blair By the Same vessel. Overnight stay at Port Blair.
Day 3: Port Blair - Baratang
Early Morning visit to Baratang Island - a journey through the evergreen forest for enjoying Creek Safari and Lime stone cave, After Lunch we proceed back to Port Blair.
Day 4: Ross Island & Chidiyatapu
After breakfast, start for half- day excursion to Ross Island, the former residential and administrative island of the British during their rule of South East Asia, was nick named the Paris of the East. This island was completely destroyed in an earthquake, now in ruins. After Lunch, we travel to Chidiyatapu Beach for Sunset Point. Night at Hotel.
Day 5: Port Blair - Wandoor - Jolly Buoy/Redskin
At early morning (0800hrs) proceed for full day trip to JOLLY BUOY/REDSKIN, is a part of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, An island in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, it offers a breath taking underwater view of coral and marine life. It is an ideal place for snorkeling, sea bathing and basking on the sun kissed beach. Night at Hotel.
Day 6: Departure
Drop to Airport with memories and terrific holidays at Andaman Islands.
Tour Detail
Inclusions :
Exclusions :
Terms & Conditions :* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.~^#^~* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date. ~^#^~


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Aircraft Crash One Freeway Exit From Us1:58 PM
Around noon today a F-18 fighter jet crashed about 2 miles from my home studio. Reports say the jet was trying to land at the Miramar Airbase when it made two loud popping sounds before crashing into nearby neighborhood. We know the pilot ejected but whether or not people got hurt on the ground is still to be determined. Let's keep everyone aprayer.
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"Community and voluntary groups can benefit greatly from the skills and experience of jobseekers who can volunteer their services and retain their entitlements while remaining available for and genuinely seeking work" said Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Social and Family Affairs who was outlining details of the Voluntary Work Option scheme.
Minister Hanafin said that "there are many local and national organisations which can use the valuable skills and experience of men and women who are willing to help out. For the jobseekers concerned the voluntary work can help them keep their skills up to date, give them valuable experience as well as make new contacts which can help them in their on-going search for paid work."
In Department of Social and Family Affairs offices around the country, regular enquiries are made by jobseekers and groups about who and what is covered by the Voluntary Work Option – the aim is twofold:
Examples of voluntary work in which jobseekers may engage include helping the sick, older people or people with a disability or assisting youth clubs, church groups, sports groups, cultural organisations or local resident associations.
One such organisation is Special Olympics Ireland. This year the Special Olympic National Games are being held in Limerick in June 2010. The organising group will need 3,500 volunteers to plan, organise and run the games and are planning to hold recruitment events during February at various locations in the Limerick/Clare area. However, jobseekers from any part of the country may volunteer.
Minister Hanafin said "jobseekers who avail of this opportunity to support the Special Olympics by volunteering their services may continue to be entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance provided that, in engaging in the voluntary work, the customer continues to satisfy the statutory conditions of being available for and genuinely seeking work."
The jobseeker or the voluntary organisation/group involved should request an application form VW 1 from their Social Welfare Local Office. The completed application form should be sent to the Local Office and a Deciding Officer will determine whether the customer may take up the work in question without affecting entitlement to the jobseeker's payment.
In considering all applications under the Voluntary Work Option, a Deciding Officer of the Department of Social and Family Affairs has to determine whether the work concerned is voluntary within the meaning of the scheme and will have to be satisfied that the customer is available to take up employment, if offered it, and that genuine efforts are being made to secure employment. This applies whether the voluntary work is full or part-time. Some of the factors to be taken into account would include:
The voluntary work would normally involve only a few hours a day or a few days a week but full-time involvement in voluntary activities would not necessarily be ruled out. However, there should be no implication of job replacement or cheap labour. Any reimbursement should generally be limited to out-of-pocket expenses such as travelling expenses.
More information is available on 'www.welfare.ie' or at the following hyperlink:'www.welfare.ie/EN/Pages/JobseekersVoluntaryWorkOption.aspx'


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Neighborhood Watch Change In Procedures / Here's an Idea
By Tony Vellucci
Moving out of KPW soon? This could be important to you. About two weeks ago, I received a call from Bridget Merz (Fairfax County Zoning Enforcement) who advised that she had received several calls from neighbors of vacant homes in KPW asking whether Neighborhood Watch patrols could go onto the properties to check them out. NW patrols routinely walk around vacant homes to ensure the properties have not been vandalized, and to ensure that they are not being used for illegal activities. Their efforts to date have been very successful, however Ms. Merz said that unless the NW patrols had the permission of the owner - or an agent acting on the owner's behalf (real estate agent) – both the civic association - since it sponsors NW - and the individual could be subject to civil / trespassing violations collectively and individually if an owner/agent chose to follow that path. Master Police Officer J.T. Frey, Crime Prevention Section, West Springfield District noted that "technically, parties are "trespassing" on private property when they go beyond the 'public' observation sites from which one can see the property."
Having NW patrols check on vacant homes to ensure they are not being used for illegal activities is a win-win for both the property owner and the community. To date, when the NW Coordinator Rick Huska has contacted owners and agents, they have been very receptive to NW patrols checking out back and side entrances - those not necessarily visible from the street. MPO Frey noted that NW training includes taking a look at the vacant / foreclosed homes in a community and that most would welcome the extra set of eyes on their property.
Consequently, since checking out vacant homes is an accepted NW best practice, but since we are technically trespassing without having permission from the owner to do so, NW has adopted a standing policy with respect to vacant properties that no NW patrols will check out any more than what can be observed from a public vantage point, unless KPWCA/NW has written permission from an owner/agent. Unfortunately, this is an additional administrative burden – for both the property owner and NW - but is important to legally protect both the civic association and the individual NW member.
In this way, neighbors who see NW patrols checking on the side and back entrances of vacant homes will know that NW has received the owner's permission to be on the property, and do so.


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I really hope that someone gets this other than me, 'cause I really liked this idea.
Ads by Project Wonderful! Your ad here, right now: $0
elsh (Guest), May 11th, 2009, 3:25 pm
I get it! And I like how they all look just maybe slightly prepared for action of some sort.
Fenghar The Nord (Guest), May 11th, 2009, 3:38 pm
I want to make these movies.
Ennokni, May 11th, 2009, 5:31 pm
Well now I am much more confident in the upcoming one.
alallin (Guest), June 22nd, 2009, 2:49 pm
I got it :D I feel special :D
Loving the titles by the way :P
I like vowels best (Guest), July 9th, 2009, 12:34 pm
I get it!
I love this! best out of the 3 so far
Bogus (Guest), January 18th, 2010, 5:46 am
If you don't understand why people would want to save the world in a suit, you haven't been wearing the right suits.
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Download the flyer for this event.
A screening of conductor Ferenc Fricsay's last rehearsal of Smetana's "The Moldau", recorded shortly before his death, presented by Jonathan FIELDS, musician.
"You must enjoy the sound, along with me. More movement! […] How beautiful is to live! Here it is! It is really beautiful to live! Living is the most beautiful thing!"
(Ferenc Fricsay, during his last rehearsal of Smetana's "The Moldau")
"It is ideal when a soloist and a conductor can arrange for a series of concerts, for instance if they can go on tour together and have time to reach the essential musical truth that each one is striving for. I had this good fortune with Ferenc Fricsay. The tour we did together through Germany to Copenhagen, London and Paris will always remain in my memory as a musical and human experience that was both inspiring and touching. I was not only able to enjoy the complete agreement in our understanding of the works played in my part of the program, but better I had the opportunity to watch and analyze the extraordinary way in which he dramatized each musical score. Each work became a novel fraught with human passion, with moments of crises and thanksgiving, of joy and agony, all strung together in a continuous story, which his imagination wove in greatest detail. He created such drama in his music-making that it seemed to me he would need no other literature in his life."
(Sir Yehudi Menuhin, violinist)
"What amazed me most was Ferenc Fricsay's intuitive relationship to the vocal. It isn't presumptuous in this case, to talk about a sixth sense, so perfect was his empathy for the human voice. He went as far as to give us valuable advice, although he had never had any training as a singer nor had he ever studied the complicated physiological process of singing. His advice helped me personally on my way and it helped other singers as well.
For him, music was absolutely fundamental. That was why the mere word "routine" was hateful to him, to say nothing of a routine singer or a lethargic routine orchestra. Situations like these made him totally helpless; he felt personally insulted and his beloved music violated. In such occasional moments of clashes with his colleagues he forgot diplomacy and flew into a rage. "You don't care at all about music," he once snapped at a colleague, "You only sing notes!" In these matters he would not accept a compromise. In rehearsals that didn't turn out to his satisfaction or when he felt opposition, he was driven to desperation. He needed mutual response, attention, an echo for his intentions. Once this echo was created, he was able to lead his colleagues to the highest levels of accomplishments."
(Maria Stader, Swiss soprano)


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40oz NY has basically taken over the snapback game. The brand has released some of the best headgear of the year, collaborating with the likes of Been Trill, Vintage Frames Co., and Cream. Next up is a project with London's Trapstar: the limited edition "LDN" hat.
The snapback is available in two color ways—Pearl White and Black—with the words "London" and "New York" stitched on the back, "LDN" on the front, and each of the labels' logos on each side. Now, if these look familiar to you that's probably because you've seen them on Pretty Flacko himself, A$AP Rocky, the resident Bad Gyal, Rihanna, and RiRi's good friend and supermodel, Cara Delevingne. Up to this point, these big names, and a few others, have been the only ones get their hands on 40oz and Trapstar's latest creation. But now you too can join in on the look.
For those who live across the pond, you can pre-order the snapback today at the Trapstar store in Portobello between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rest of the world can visit Trapstar's webshop tomorrow at 20:20 GMT (or 3:20 p.m. EST), in honor of Trapstar's 2020 Vision and 40OZ Van's usual 12-hour drops. They'll only be on sale for 12 hours on Sunday, so be sure to act fast. Set your home screen to iamatrapstar.com right now.


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On the Mountain
K and I are co-creating. I doodle on ArtRage, and he writes a little story for me. It makes us happy.
I swing my aching legs over the top of the final boulder and collapse, exhausted but relieved. My lungs are on fire, and my head is spinning from the prolonged shortage of oxygen. I am no professional mountaineer, and this trek has been way tougher than I had imagined it would be. But still I have reached the summit, and as I stagger up to look around me I am rewarded with the most spectacular panorama I have ever witnessed. A vast ocean of rolling white clouds stretches out for miles in every direction, blanketing the earth below, broken only by the scattered mountain peaks that float across its surface like jagged, lonely islands. Above me, smoky wisps of cirrus drift lazily by, making it feel as though the ground beneath me is silently moving. I almost have to sit down again..
Looking down at where I am standing, I see small pools of water trapped within the flat, rocky surface. Tiny lakes gouged into the barren landscape, unable to flow away or evaporate, and growing silently through each diurnal cycle of freezing and thawing. Even in this lifeless environment, everything seems to possess some life of its own. Everything is shifting, evolving, at a geologic speed that I can hardly perceive. I exhale, my breath briefly coalescing into a transient cloud that drifts away and dissipates into vapour.
She is sitting there, right in front of me.
I blink, my mind unable to comprehend what my eyes are seeing. She is facing away from me, sitting with her legs crossed at the edge of a large rock that seems to drop away into nothing. I cannot see her face, and she's wrapped up in this thick, puffy grey jacket that she has never worn before, but somehow I am certain that it is her. On her head is a huge grey beanie, or helmet, I cannot quite make out from where I am standing. I walk towards her, slowly, my mind reeling in disbelief. She was definitely not there a moment ago, yet my eyes would surely have caught some movement if she had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. It was almost as if she was always there, but that somehow my mind had yet to register her presence till now.
"Yin," I whisper, hoping not to frighten her from her precarious perch. "What… are you doing here?"
She turns around to look at me, looking somewhat startled, but not nearly as shocked as I am. Almost as if she was expecting me to show up, just perhaps not right at this moment. She smiles briefly at me, then turns back to look out into the sky beyond, quietly beckoning me to share this moment with her. I take a tentative step forward, and for a few moments we gaze out at the cloud ocean in silence.
"It's so beautiful, just like you said it would be."
"Just like… ?"
"I can sit here forever, really," she continues, stretching her legs out and dangling them over the edge, "Just looking at this."
My mind is filled with questions. Am I dreaming? Is she a ghost? How did she get up here? What in the world is she wearing on her head? Why is she even…?
Am I dreaming?
"Me too," I say, lowering myself to sit down beside her.
"This is the best day of my life," she declares softly to the wind, and I notice that her left cheek is wet. Then she laughs lightly, looking up into the sky, and as I follow her gaze I realize that it is beginning to drizzle. The drops of water fall gently on my face, erasing my own tears as I find myself laughing out loud with her, our voices ringing out across the thin mountain air.
Art by Huiwen & story by Kenneth. Originally published on Lillots, my personal blog.


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Challenge: love_bingo
Rating: PG to PG-13
Words: 950
Prompt: LO5 - Heavenly Love
Warnings: Nothing too explicit but will warn for violence/implied torture in a couple of the later parts (I'll post a specific warning on those posts). Everything in the series and comics is fair game, so spoilers ahoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own, nor am I affiliated with, CBS or Jericho or...whoever else may actually own this show. I just like to take the characters out to play. I put them back, mostly unharmed...although not always...this is for fun, not profit and no copyright infringement is intended.
Beck found her in the middle of the field, standing still, looking around her, breathing deeply. Beck walked up to her, his eyes scanning the terrain, looking for strategic points for defense, looking for areas of weakness. The flat, empty Kansas prairie was deceiving; it wasn't completely flat, and distances were difficult to judge. Any advantage would lie with the one who wasn't a stranger to the area.
"What do you see when you look at this?"
Beck blinked, startled, and met Heather's gaze. He looked away, scanning the horizon, and for a moment he could see two armies engaged in a bloody battle, with no high point, no camouflage, no strategic objective other than control of the roads in the area; with no way to win except to grind the other side into a bloody pulp beneath their feet. His nostrils flared at the imagined stench of blood and sweat and fear. His ears ached at the ghostly cacophony of gunfire and artillery rounds, at the screams of troops from both sides. He could feel the adrenaline, taste its metallic flavour on his tongue. He could see the carnage, the stillness of the battlefield, the dead and the dying.
He blinked the visions away.
"I see," he said carefully, "a very difficult place to defend."
Heather stared at him, then laughed. "No - I meant - " she stopped and cocked her head as she observed him.
"Where're you from, Beck?"
Beck frowned at her. "From?" he repeated stupidly.
"Yeah. You had to have grown up somewhere, right? You weren't born wearing a uniform, were you?" Her teasing smile took the sting away from her words.
Beck flushed a little. "Almost," he replied. "I was born in New York but my father was career army, like his father before him. I grew up all over - here, overseas. Why?"
"I was born and raised in New Bern. A geeky tomboy never quite fitting in that small Kansas town. I couldn't wait to get out and see the world. I ended up going to college in Denver. I moved to the mountains. I didn't get too far physically, but it was as different from New Bern as you could get. And I could never get comfortable.
"When I came to Jericho to teach, I felt...like I was expanding - like I could finally breathe. When I drove here, and could see the sky and the horizon again, this vast expanse of land and - and - and freedom. I felt comfortable in my own skin again, seeing the sky and the horizon - I felt like I had come home. It felt like heaven.
"You see a place difficult to defend; I see my home.
"We'll fight, Beck. We'll do whatever you need us to do to help you win the war that's coming. To hold this place against all enemies in your absence - to give you and your allies a safe place when you need it. You'll be leaving soon -"
She broke off and glanced away, blinking rapidly at the brilliant blue sky. She swallowed hard and continued. "This is our home, and we love it. We'll do whatever it takes."
Beck gave a short chuckle. "You've proven that already - several times over."
Heather chuckled and glanced away. "We'll do whatever it takes," she repeated softly.
Their eyes met, and he was taken aback at the bleak determination in her eyes. He looked at her with increasing respect, and a sudden desire to see the Kansas landscape the way she saw it. To feel connected to something other than bloodshed and battle plans and maneuvering to keep his growing base of allies hidden from the ASA until the time was right to strike. With the ASA incursion into the East, he was rapidly running out of time - and options.
He looked at Heather and saw a woman determined, a person standing her ground, a person prepared to sacrifice everything for a cause she believed in and to protect the home and people she loved.
"You'll help us, won't you?" she asked. "Before you - before you have to go?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "Of course I'll help you. But we don't have much time."
"I know," she said.
"The only advantage we have is the advantage of surprise. It's going to be hard work, especially to have you ready before I leave, and to do anything without someone noticing."
"If anyone can do it, it's you," Heather said, quietly confident.
Beck blinked at her, surprised. Then he a quirked a half-smile at her. "I'm not sure I deserve such faith, but...thank you."
"It's true," she replied, and for a moment she looked at him the way she'd looked at the landscape a few minutes before. Like she was filled with an almost transcendent love of and connection to him. He felt dizzy, as - in a split second - he could see their potential future: making love with the afternoon sun shining across their bed; girls with their mother's eyes and boys with their mother's smile. Passionate arguments, and healing laughter; peaceful, lazy Sunday afternoons, breakfasts and morning routines. Heather with gray in her hair and lines on her face, growing ever more beautiful in his eyes.
He blinked, and it was only Heather again with her faith in him shining in her eyes, blinding him.
He felt something give inside him, some resistance to her, his will power fracturing under the spell she wove around him without even realizing it. He felt himself falling a little more in love with her and wondered what she'd say if she knew.
He opened his mouth, then closed it again. No promises, he reminded himself.
No promises.
Part Three Part Five
- Current Mood: tired
- Current Music:Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald - Gordon Lightfoot


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"Adrian is an extremely talented film crafter and did a fantastic job for Intel when we needed a technical video case study. What really impressed me was how he captured and edited all the right content with very little direction from our marketing team. This was the first time we had someone that "just nailed it" in his first revision. I am looking forward to working on my next project with Adrian soon!"
— Martin Leslie, Intel Enterprise Account Manager / Media & Entertainment / Cloud Gaming
"Adrian's creative, personable, high integrity approach is a complete and total joy. I've been approached by many, many people who claim to be able to do what Adrian has done. The bottom line is that I am very happy I waited until I met Adrian. He had a great approach, a strong willingness to work with me, coach me, and stay on track with the vision. I work with many TEDx organizers and events and Adrian's excellent work with me has already made a big contribution to several TEDx events around the world. His commitment to making me look great and be sure I served my message well ended up producing a wonderful product that was delivered massively ahead of schedule, to boot. I recommend Adrian very, very highly. His ability, talent and work ethic are exemplary!"
— John Bates, CEO Executive Speaking Success, TEDx Trainer
"Adrian provided a first rate service for the XPRIZE Foundation at our event at the United Nations. He proved to be a key asset in getting the key messages on video that this complex event required."
— Marc Schulman, Publicity Consultant
"Adrian created a brilliant 4-minute video for Hollywood PAL that has become our greatest tool in raising awareness and soliciting support. We told him the purpose of the video and the audience, and he did the rest. The message is clear and concise, tells our story while expressing our vision, and the images and moments that he captured of the kids are powerful. We are so grateful for all of the hard-work that he invested in this project, going above and beyond to deliver a piece of art that will have a deep impact on everyone who views it. Thank you again, Adrian."
— Valerie Lord, Executive Director, Hollywood PAL
"We had the pleasure of working with Adrian from Film Crafter on a short documentary about our work to turn around one the nation's most chronically underperforming schools into one ranked as America's best by Newsweek. There's more to be done, and Adrian's ability to help us tell our story in a concise and compelling way furthers our work to help students achieve. I've worked with several film makers, and what was refreshing about Adrian was his investment in us. He took the time to learn about Green Dot as an organization and was able to offer helpful insights and suggestions that resulted in telling a story that resonated emotionally with our audience. He is uniquely talented in conceptual, creative and efficient storytelling. As a filmmaker he is both highly professional and a pleasure to work with. I recommend his services without hesitation."
— Gabriel Sanchez, Director of Communications, Green Dot Public Schools
"I had the great opportunity to work with Adrian and his company, Film Crafter LLC, who was contracted to create a promotional / publicity video for UCLA Extensions Technical Management Program (TMP). TMP is a world class leadership, communication and team building seminar that has attracted top producing industry leaders as keynote speakers, instructors and attendees since 1955. Our program is frequented by Fortune 500 companies who look to us to prepare future leaders of their organizations. We needed a video that accurately represented the talent, quality and class of our attendees and the TMP Brand. Adrian's work exceeded our expectations on many levels and was screened to glowing reviews from our marketing and publicity teams. He has created a marketing and communications asset for TMP that will surely stand the test of time and pay for itself many times over as a result of the positive impression and curiosity that it will generate for TMP. Adrian went above and beyond the call of duty in creating an excellent product. He was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. He is very knowledgeable, caring, holds a strong work ethic, and is very passionate about his work. I highly recommend his company Film Crafter without hesitation."
— Jeanna Trammell, Program Manager, UCLA Extension TMP
"Adrian and his company Film Crafter LLC provided us with an extremely effective marketing and communication tool when he produced a testimonial video dealing with our company's success and how it involves a partnership with Intel. The video, which can be seen on our website and has contributed significantly to our marketing and communication efforts as well as to our online presence. Adrian's company Film Crafter uses the language of film to communicate with resonance and brevity. He did a tremendous job and we highly recommend him!"
— Patrick Macdonald-King, CEO, DAX Digital
What We've Achieved
- Created an award winning short film which was funded on kickstarter.com and played in international film festivals including: Las Vegas Film Festival (Silver Ace Award), Monaco Independent Film Festival (Supporting Actor Award), LA Comedy Film Festival, and IFFCA.
- Produced reality episode for MTV Base.
- Shot reality episode for Channel 5.
- Created multiple fund raiser videos, corporates, EPKs and short form documentaries.


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This is an Emergency Water Restriction update for North Kona. The Department of Water Supply's (DWS) Honokohau Deepwell is out of service. Therefore, ALL residents and customers in North Kona must immediately restrict water use to health and safety needs (drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes) only. Cease all landscape irrigation activities.
During today's work, it was discovered that the spare motor is defective and cannot be used. DWS is now working on several options to obtain another spare motor before resuming the installation work. The updated repair schedule is to be determined.
DWS appreciates the community's efforts to restrict their water use during this time. Government agencies, businesses, and other customers that use recycled wastewater or reclaimed water, in lieu of potable water, for their daily operations are to be commended. Adjustments were made to the water distribution system and a minimum level of water service is being maintained.
However, without everyone's continued cooperation, there will be areas that will experience periodic loss of water service or lower water pressures. We also recommend that residents store a sufficient amount of water for basic household needs, such as drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes, in the event of service disruptions.
For your use, potable water can be obtained from a water tanker located on Hina Lani Street between Anini Street and Manu Mele Street as well as water spigots on a fire hydrant along Ane Keohokalole Highway, between Kealakehe Parkway and Kealakehe High School. Please bring your own drinking water containers to fill.
For more information visit our website at www.hawaiidws.org. To report any observed wasteful use of water call 961-8060 during normal business hours or email firstname.lastname@example.com. For after hour emergencies call us at 961-8790.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Hawaii County Public Notices, Kona, Security, Unexplained Phenomenon Tagged: | Hawaii Department of Water Supply, Honokohau Deepwell, North Kona Water Restrictions


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The number of Montessori schools in the U.S. is growing, and key Montessori ideas are being integrated into many public schools and universities. Along with growing interest and acceptance, there are also questions and misconceptions. Here are some of the questions we hear most often.
Montessori is a preschool system, isn't it?
Montessori schools may be best known for their programs with young children, but the underlying educational method describes programs for students up through high school.
Are Montessori schools religious?
No. Montessori educates children without reference to religious denomination. As a result, Montessori classrooms are diverse, with representation from all peoples, cultures and religions.
How many Montessori schools are there?
The North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA) estimates that there are about 4,500 Montessori schools in the United States and about 20,000 worldwide.
What are some differences between traditional learning methods and the Montessori method?
There are many differences, including:
- Montessori programs work on three-year cycles. Children stay in the same classroom and have the same teacher for three years.
- Montessori classrooms have children of mixed ages. Multi-age classrooms encourage cooperative learning and allow for broad emotional and social development.
- Because children develop and master skills at their own pace, Montessori students work according to their developmental levels rather than their biological ages.
- The primary role of the Montessori teacher is not the transmission of information, but rather to nurture development and to guide activities, resources, and materials that allow the child to take the next step in learning.
- Montessori students are free to move around the classroom instead of staying at desks.
- The Montessori teaching materials are unique. Most were developed by Dr. Montessori to meet specific developmental needs of children of different ages.
I hear the children calling their lessons "work". Do the children have fun?
The term "work" is used in the classrooms to give dignity and respect to the students' activities. Their time is spent on purposeful lessons. The children have free choice to decide what work they will complete. They have many options, and are empowered to do what interests them most. And yes, they do have fun! Maria Montessori said "Play is the work of the child."
Montessori classrooms look so different. Where are the students' desks? Where do the teachers stand?
The different arrangement of a Montessori classroom mirrors the difference in Montessori education from traditional education. Rather than putting the teacher at the focal point of the class, with children dependent on her for information and activity, the classroom shows a literally child-centered approach. Children work at tables or on floor mats where they can spread out their materials, and the teacher circulates about the room, giving lessons, answering questions or resolving issues as they arise.
Why is the Preschool and Kindergarten classroom sometimes referred to as the "Children's House"?
Maria Montessori called her first school in Rome the "Casa dei Bambini", or the "Children's House". It truly was just that. Everything was designed for 3 to 6 year olds, with child-size furniture and materials. To this day, Montessori preschool & kindergarten classrooms around the world are referred to as Children's House classrooms.
Aren't Montessori children free to do whatever they want in the classroom? How do you ensure that each one gets a well rounded education?
Montessori children are free to choose within limits, and have only as much freedom as they can handle with appropriate responsibility. The classroom teacher and assistant ensure that children do not interfere with each other, and that each child is progressing at an appropriate pace in all subjects.
Are Montessori schools as academically challenging as traditional schools?
Yes. Montessori classrooms encourage deep learning of the concepts behind academic skills rather than rote practice of abstract techniques.
Without objective measurements like grades, how do you assess a Montessori child's performance?
Classroom teachers keep extensive records of lessons given and work practiced, and also offer the benefit of their individualized observations of the child's work in the classroom. Parents of children at all levels at Hollis Montessori meet at least twice a year in conference with their children's teachers to learn more about classroom work and behavior. Because students work independently and one-on-one with the teachers, assessment happens all day, everyday, through careful observation of each individual child.
Is it true Montessori schools have no textbooks and no homework?
Montessori education is hands-on; children work with specially designed materials in the classroom before learning abstract pencil-and-paper methods. As students grow into the Upper Elementary and Upper School years, written resources make more and more appearances, though usually in the form of novels or reference books. Students tend to do their own research rather than relying on a class textbook's descriptions.
Montessori homework does not necessarily show up on worksheets or on assignment pages at the end of each day, but yes, Montessori schools do have homework. Many activities are considered to be appropriate homework. These include activities such as reading, keeping a garden, taking music lessons, taking a hike, keeping a journal, or playing a sport. In addition to this work, students may be asked to complete components of some class projects at home. We also encourage parents not to over-schedule a child's time and to leave plenty of time for free play.
Upper School students have homework such as math problems, writing and reading assignments, Spanish, and research projects.
How do Montessori graduates fare in the "real world"?
They do very well. Increasingly, the world of modern education and business favors creative thinkers who combine personal initiative with strong collaborative skills: exactly the characteristics which Montessori education nurtures. Cultural movers and shakers from Julia Child to the founders of Google have spoken of how their childhood experiences in Montessori gave them not only the ability to work cooperatively in existing settings, but also the skills of confidence, creativity, and communication needed to make innovative and ground-breaking changes.


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Repairs, rewinds and refurbishment work is carried out on various types of DC motors for industries including pulp & paper, transport, mining and printing. All motor sizes from small drives up to large DC mill motors. Repair and redesign of associated brush gear and commutators is completed where required.
Milbank Industrial Electric provides a comprehensive armature and motor repair & rewinding service. Our Kawerau facilities enable us to rewind all types of AC and DC units up to 15MW in our workshop or larger machines on site.
If you would like to enquire about repairs, rewinds and refurbishment work to DC Motors and Generators,
contact us on 07 323 7733, or


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Marine Sciences Minor requirements: http://bulletins.psu.edu/undergrad/programs/minors/M/MARSC
This program provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to pursue their interests in the study of the oceans and make more informed decisions about future graduate studies in marine sciences. Although Penn State does not award degrees in this field, a number of faculty pursue research interests in the marine sciences, and a varied selection of undergraduate courses in the marine sciences is available. The student can either complete the requirements for the minor at University Park (UP) or participate in an intensive semester-long oceanography experience at the Southampton, UK, Oceanography Centre (SOC) through education abroad:
The latter option may be of particular interest to students from non-UP locations. SOC has designed a program for PSU students that provides abundant opportunity to participate in shipboard oceanographic research, including a week of day-cruises in the spring and a 2-week series of cruises in June. Students who elect to pursue that minor at UP have the opportunity to receive training as scientific scuba divers through Penn State's Science Diving Program and participate in a number of other field experiences in the marine sciences.
MARINE SCIENCES MINOR: The Marine Sciences Committee is authorized to award a minor certificate to any undergraduate student regularly enrolled in a degree program at the University who, in addition to satisfying the degree requirements of his or her baccalaureate major, satisfies the requirements for the Marine Sciences minor. The completion of the minor is reflected by a formal notation on the student's official record at the time of graduation.
For more information, contact:
Iliana Baums, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Cactus Greetings Card
Cactus Greetings Card
Single A6 greetings card with Cactus print, blank inside.
100% recycled, envelope included.
Add To Cart
Postage costs for 4 cards or less is £2.50 within the UK, Royal Mail 2nd Class.
Over 4 cards or together with any print, shipping is flat rate of £4.50 within the UK, Royal Mail 2nd Class.
EU and Worldwide shipping is calculated at checkout.


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i am a constant work in progress
Dreamer. Designer. Optimist. Motion Graphics Artist. Activist. Animator. Problem Solver. Illustrator. Painter. Design Researcher.
A constant work in progress.
I've been given many names before, but YES girl remains my favourite. I am a human centered designer that's moved by positive impact. After finishing my studies in Graphic Design from the American University of Beirut, I went to pursue a Masters degree in Multimedia at the I.E.S.A in Paris, where I specialised in Motion Graphics. After three years of working in motion design companies and French television TF1, I returned to Lebanon and joined post production House VTR Beirut working alongside Lebanese advertising agencies and production houses.
A breakthrough.
In 2012, I joined a team of 25 other designers in Desmeem, a cross cultural collaborative workshop for three month, that linked creatives to local organisations. This was the start of my journey of discovery of Service Design, and I knew I wanted to use my creative skills to create impact around me.
In June 2011, I co-founded the Beirut Green Project, a collective aiming to have more usable and well-maintained public green spaces in Beirut, and have been invited to various seminars and forums worldwide to share the experience around the right to have parks in urban settings. I am a regular mentor on OpenIdeo, a Salzburg Global Seminar fellow and a board member of the MENA Design Research Center.
... And when I'm not doing all of that, you can find me painting big murals, or small tattoos.


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When we are looking for a new home, we insist that it has more bedrooms, bathrooms, and a spacious kitchen, big windows, and a balcony. However, we spend almost all our time at home in the living room, no matter if we are watching the new episode of our favorite series if we are having a birthday dinner with our family or we are simply hanging out with our friends. And since the living room has become our favorite place in the flat, it's also the room that needs a lot of cleaning. Unfortunately, we realize that not until the moment our rent agreement is coming to an end and we have to do the end of tenancy cleaning. Ok, calm down, it sounds scary, but if you know how to do it, it won't take you a lot of time or many efforts.
The sofa
This could be the easiest and the hardest task. If you have taken care of this piece of furniture through the years, now you could easily refresh it. Start with vacuum-cleaner and take off all the dust. Then if you have a steam cleaner, you are the lucky one, because thus you will be ready for this part of the after tenancy cleaning in a few minutes. Otherwise, use a wet clout to wash the textile of the sofa. If the couch has some stains tough, it won't be that simple.
You can buy one of the specialized detergents that are supposed to help you, but be prepared that you will have to make more efforts.
The carpet
Here the situation is almost the same because we are talking about textiles again. Start with a vacuum-cleaner and then use a steam cleaner or a wet clout. It's good to know that if you spill something and you want to clean it you have to be fast because the more time passes, the more impossible it is the stain to vanish. So every time you spill something, take your time and wash it at the moment because that will save you a lot of trouble. You perhaps won't be able to cope with the old stains, and that's why don't hesitate to call one of the London's cleaning companies and ask for help.
The windows
This task could be at the same time easy and tough, too. Cleaning the windows is normally not a big deal. You need a wet clout to take off the dust and the dirt from the glass and the windows frames. Then with a detergent and a rug, you can make them shine clearly. If you strive for perfection with a microfiber cloth you will be able to make them excellent. The windows can, however, be really inconvenient to clean. More often than not you need a chair and because you are not good at climbing, your legs start trembling while you try to simply spray the glass. However, it's not something you cannot do, and soon the living room is going to be ready.


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"We were lying in bed and this extremely bright light lit up the room. We assumed it was a star because it was a clear night but it was so bright. "Then it slowly rose up and suddenly shot over the top of our house and you could hear an aircraft like noise but it was too fast to be a plane. "As it passed over the power in our house dropped and came back. It really freaked us out. Then about 45 minutes later we heard the same sound and the power dropped again briefly and came back. We took a picture but didn't have time to do a video as it suddenly shot off."
"I was sat watching telly with the blinds closed but one of them was sort of lit up, as if someone was shining a torch on it. I looked out and saw this really bright light and then it suddenly shot across the top of the house and as it did all the lights went down and came back on. "The lights went down a few more times in the next hour too, I'm no conspiracy theorist but it was really bizarre."
A UFO event in which a physical effect is alleged. This can be interference in the functioning of a vehicle or electronic device; animals reacting; a physiological effect such as paralysis or heat and discomfort in the witness; or some physical trace like impressions in the ground, scorched or otherwise affected vegetation, or a chemical trace.
Wikipedia: Close Encounter.
originally posted by: alldaylong
originally posted by: ColaTesla
Is there any video footage?
Photo on the enclosed link.
It won't be long before certain members come along and say it's a meteorite.
"Then it slowly rose up and suddenly shot over the top of our house and you could hear an aircraft like noise but it was too fast to be a plane.
I'm no conspiracy theorist but it was really bizarre."
originally posted by: Soloprotocol
Anywhere near Buckingham Palace?.... LRRU...Lizard Rapid Replacement Unit..
but would a drone cause the power to go out and then come back on ? If so, I have not heard of this.....
A Buckingham Park resident, who did not wish to be named, said


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Stung by a rapid rise in interest rates, stocks plunged Thursday in their worst selling spree since June, raising the question of whether a long anticipated correction has begun.
Yields have been rising, and the pace of bond selling picked up after weekly jobless claims fell to the lowest level since 2007. Other data were weaker than expected, including industrial production and the Empire State and Philadelphia Fed surveys. But the claims report reflects an improving employment picture, and that's what traders believe will spur the Fed to slow down its bond purchase program. There was also consumer inflation data, with the CPI, up 0.2 percent as expected.
(Read more: Jobless claims plunge to near 6-year low)
The 10-year yield jumped to 2.82 percent, its highest level in two years, after finishing Wednesday at 2.712.


text: Best Emmy Accessories: Get the Look for Less\\nLea's Lorraine Schwartz choker was the perfect complement to her midnight blue Oscar de la Renta gown—it drew eyes upward and prevented the taffeta ruffles from distracting from her face.\\n\\n______Get the look:__Vale's metal mesh collar necklace, $98; at [searlenyc.com.](http://www.searlenyc.com/store/product3220.html)\\n\\n____\\nThe *Modern Family* star chose a pair of big, beautiful Lorraine Schwartz earrings that didn?t get lost in her long, wavy locks. The gold danglers enhanced the embellishment and color of her Carolina Herrera gown.\\n\\n______Get the look:__ Marie Chavez's French Fan Earrings, $55; at [maxandchloe.com.](http://www.maxandchloe.com/fulldetails/7913/32,33)\\n\\n____\\nKeri channeled Old Hollywood in a pink vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture dress and a glamorous silk flower pin in her hair.\\n\\n______Get the look:__ Forever 21's Haute Rosette Hair Clip, $6.80; at [forever21.com.](http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fhat%5Fhairgoods&product%5Fid=1079336816&Page=all&pgcount=25)\\n\\n____\\nTo keep her full-skirted Monique Lhullier gown looking a bit more bohemian than princess-y, the Emmy winner layered on beaded bracelets in earthy tones.\\n\\n______Get the look:__ American Eagle's ombre beaded bracelet, $12.50; at [ ae.com](http://www.ae.com/web/browse/category_feature_item_guide.jsp?catId=cat90050)\\n\\n____\\nThe *Project Runway* host showed off her gorgeous gams in a dangerously short Marchesa cocktail dress and sexy Christian Louboutin pumps. The edgy, pointed-toe heels took her look from prom-like to high-fashion.\\n\\n______Get the look:__ Sam Edelman's \\"Lorissa\\" heels, $200; at [Zappos.com](http://www.zappos.com/product/7689104/color/106).\\n\\n____\\nLauren added some big bling to her classic black-and-white Yigal Azrouel dress with multiple oversized rings.\\n\\n______Get the look:__ Rachel Rachel Roy's Detail ring, $55; at [rachelroy.com](http://www.rachelroy.com/Detail-Ring/110067900,default,pd.html?cgid=110009100&itemNum=21&variantColor=ANTGOML&variantSizeClass=)\\n\\n____\\nThe True Blood star added an edgy vibe to the red carpet in a gladiator-style Alexander McQueen dress and vibrant studded clutch.\\n\\n______Get the look:__ French Connection clutch, $54; at [asos.com.](http://www.asos.com/French-Connection/French-Connection-Moroccan-Suede-Studded-Clutch-Bag/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=944794&SearchQuery=clutch&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=PinkLady)\\n\\n____


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Given $f$:
$$ f(x) = \begin{cases} \frac1{x} - \frac1{e^x-1} & \text{if } x \neq 0 \\ \frac1{2} & \text{if } x = 0 \end{cases} $$
I have to find $f'(0)$ using the definition of derivative (i.e., limits). I already know how to differentiate and stuff, but I still can't figure out how to solve this. I know that I need to begin like this:
$$ f'(0) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(h)-f(0)}{h} = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\frac1{h} - \frac1{e^h-1}-\frac1{2}}{h} $$
But I don't know how to do this. I feel like I should, but I can't figure it out. I tried distributing the denominator, I tried l'Hôpital's but I get $0$ as the answer, while according to what my prof gave me (this is homework) it should be $-\frac1{12}$. I really don't know how to deal with these limits; could someone give me a few tips?


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This deal has expired and may no longer be valid.
Just a heads up – today is the last day to get in on this deal!
York Photo is offering a deal on this Personalized Deck of Playing Cards for just $3.99 (regularly $21.99) when you enter the promo code DADDECK at checkout. Please note that you will need to pay shipping, which starts at $5.99. That means you can pick up a pack of personalized photo playing cards for as low as $9.98 shipped.
You can choose from pre-made designs or customize your playing cards as you like with photos, clip art and backgrounds, adding text, special effects, and more. My husband is big into card games (cribbage, poker, etc.) and I know he'd love something like this.
Plus, shop through Pocket Your Dollars Rewards to earn 7% cash back.


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