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Concrete contributes to not only the strength of a reinforced concrete (RC) structure but also, to a large extent, its long-term durability performance in a given exposure environment. It is common practice in Kenya that, in the majority of cases,focus in placed mainly on strength.Durability is seldom taken into account even though it is a vital property of concrete if the design life of the RC structure is to be realized and/or extended while mitigating and minimizing, respectively, deterioration and maintenance and repair costs. This trend is partly, due to lack of appreciation of the importance of the contribution of durability towards achieving the structure's design service life, and partly due to insufficient knowledge on how to incorporate concrete durability in the design of RC structures.Concrete durability should be given the seriousness it deserves both at the design and construction stages of a RC structure. This should be the case, at least, for RC structures in harsh exposure environments e.g. at the Kenyan coastline where chloride-induced steel reinforcement corrosion can significantly shorten the design life of the structure if concrete durability aspects are not incorporated into the project. This paper puts forward a case for the need to consistently incorporate durability in the design and construction stages in order to ensure that RC structures meet their design life.
Keywords:Concrete;cement;durability; sustainability
1 Introduction
Concreteis currently the most commonly used construction material not only in Kenya but all over the world. The current global consumption stands at over 20 billion metric tonsper annum[1], with increasing rates of consumption in developing countries especially in Africa.Over the years, a lot of practical research developments have been made in the field of cement and concrete use– innovative cements, concretes and design approaches have been developed and are being used. However, the suitability of these developments are not being actively explored and fully exploited in Kenya's concrete construction industry, especially with respect to concrete durability. The new developments relate not only to the adoption of new cement and concrete standards but also to the drive towards the adoption of performance-based specification approaches to optimize onstrength, durability and sustainability requirements.
In the recent past, there has been a general increase in cement consumption in Kenya (see Fig. 1) which has seen the number of cement manufacturers double from three to six – East Africa Portland Cement, Bamburi Cement, Athi River Mining, Mombasa Cement, Savannah Cement and National Cement; a seventh cement company 'Dangote Cement' has already been awarded an operating licence and is expected to enter the Kenyan market in 2021[2]. The increase in the number of cement manufacturing companies is consistent with the recent and ongoing boom in the real estate sector (urbanization) and large infrastructural investments such as the LAPSSET (Lamu Port – Southern Sudan – Ethiopia Transport) project, and the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway project. It is without doubt that we will continue to experience this increase in cement consumption in the coming years as long as there is a political goodwill, and the county and national governments are committed toinvesting in large infrastructural projects. In fact, CW Group[3], a leading global research firm that tracks cement production and consumption, projects that Kenya's cement per capita consumption will continue to increase exponentially.
However, for these RC infrastructural developments to be long-term investments as they are intended to (or maximize on the return on investment from both economic and functional viewpoints), it is important that civil engineers, especially those dealing directly with their design and supervision during construction, ensure that they are designed and constructed to not only be strong enough to carry the expected service loads but is also be durable enough to resist deterioration such as reinforcement corrosion.It is the author's view that if the measures proposed and discussed in this paper are adoptedand implemented correctly, less capital investment will be spent in the near future in maintaining, repairing and retrofitting the structures being built now; this capital can better be spent on investing in new much needed infrastructure. This is capital that, if proper concrete technology is applied, can be diverted to other well-deserving sectors of the economy such as education and health.
2 The need to consider concrete durability
In the context of this paper, durability is defined as 'the ability of a RC structure to withstand its design service conditions for its design life without significant deterioration'. Concrete was in the past perceived as a material whose main contribution to the structural system is compressive strength – this is undoubtedly not the case now! However, many civil practicing engineers working with concrete have been reluctant to adopt new concrete technology practices; it is still a common practice for RC structural design engineers to specify only the minimum compressive strength grade e.g. 25 MPa, 30 MPa, etc. If any, very little consideration is given to the concrete durability requirements of the RC structure with respect to the intended service life vis-à-visthe aggressivity of the exposure environment e.g. coastal region, inland environment, etc. It is seldom that in addition to strength, other concrete parameters such as permeability, sorptivity and diffusion coefficient are specified. The consequence of this is thatconcrete durability has been neglected as an important parameter contributing to the service life of the RC structure. In some cases, even when durability is considered important, procedures and experience to incorporate it in the design process is, respectively, seldom lacking and limited.
Fouraspects that needto be taken into account for durability to be achieved in RC structures include the following [6]:
- selection of materials: proper selection of materials (cement type and content, water-to-cement (w/c) ratio, aggregate type, etc) at the design stage should be done with regard to foreseen in-service exposure conditions;
- testing: appropriate test methods and interpretation of results are critical;
- responsibilities: the roles of the engineer/owner/client, contractor and concrete supplier should be well stipulated and understood. These will be covered briefly later in this publication;
- cost: ensured durability may require higher initial costs, although this is not inevitable. These costs should be incorporated in the tender and cost schedules, either implicitly or explicitly, or both.
A few salient and practical factors will be discussed in the following sections.
2.1 Contribution of cement to concrete durability
Cement is an important constituent of concrete both from strength and durability viewpoints. It is important that the contribution of cement to the durability of concrete is understood by the engineer. For example, it is improper to specify plain Portland cement, PC, (commonly known as ordinary Portland cement) for a structure that will be situated in a coastal region such as Lamu or Mombasa due to its established history of poor durability performance i.e. high penetrability of PC concretes (even with low w/c ratios and proper curing)[7].In such a case, blended cements should be used.Currently, the following types of cements available in the Kenyan market (produced by the six manufacturers mentioned previously) amidst other imported cements:CEM I (plain PC), CEM IIA-LL (Portland limestone cement) andCEM II/B-P (Portland pozzolanic cement).These cements should all comply with Kenyan [8] and/or international standards[9]. From a durability point of view, it is obvious that the concrete engineer (or the contractor) has very little cement options to select from. It is therefore important that the durability performance of these cements and cement blends is studied and well documented so that practicing engineers can make informed decisions when specifying concrete for use in a project.
It is also important to strongly discredit the misconception that high cement content results in more durable concrete i.e. high quality. First, from a sustainability point of view, this route should be avoided so that the amount of clinker used in the manufacture of PC is minimized in order to minimize CO2 emissions which contribute towards global warming. Secondly, high cement content may have detrimental effects such as increases heat of hydration and hence (internal cracking) – this is important especially for large concrete structures such as concrete dams and deep beams.
Finally, concrete durability should be viewed more as a function of cement type than cement content. It is also advisable not to specify minimum cement content for concrete as this places a ceiling to innovation on the part of the contractor or concrete supplier.
2.2 Consideration of exposure environment
Concrete durability is usually defined with respect to the exposure environment of a RC structure – see the definition that was presented earlier. It is therefore important that the expected in-service exposure environment of a RC structure is taken into consideration when specifying durability-related parameters such as cement type, concrete cover depth to reinforcement and concrete quality (i.e. penetrability). It is important to underscore that the latter parameter, concrete quality, should be seen as a function of cement type (not cement content), water-to-cement ratio, aggregate properties (e.g. grading), compaction, cover depth and curing. Among other exposure environments in Kenya, the following need specialist specification of concrete to ensure desired durability performance is achieved:
- Coastal regions: The main problem in these areas is usually corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel in the concrete due to ingress of chlorides i.e. chloride-induced corrosion. This is a more severe type of steel corrosion (with respect to rate of deterioration) than carbonation-induced corrosion which is common in inland (and industrial) regions e.g. in car parks. Its prevention and/or mitigation requires use of highly impenetrable concrete, proper curing and provision of adequate concrete cover to the steel. These parameters are important considering that in coastal regions such as Mombasa, the availability of airborne chlorides coupled with the high ambient temperatures and relative humidity are conduciveto sustain the propagation reinforcement corrosion once it is initiated. In such areas, the limitation of crack widths is also vital as their presence accelerates the rate of steel reinforcement corrosion[10].
- Concrete sewer pipes: The use of concrete to manufacture sewer pipes is common but requires the use of special cements (and aggregates) such as calcium aluminate cements (CACs) as opposed to using plain PCwhich leads to significant reduction in the life of the sewer pipes due to corrosion (or decomposition) of the concrete (mainly the cement paste). The process involvesconversion of hydrogen sulphide gas (from the wastewater) to sulphuric acid by anaerobic bacteria (on the surface of the sewer pipe) to sulphuric acid which corrodes the concrete[11].
It is important to bring to the attention of the reader the durability exposure classesin the European Standard EN 206-1 [12]that are meant to assist the engineer in assessing the severity of an exposure environment and hence specify concrete durability parameters (quality, cover depth, cement type, etc) appropriately; this type of approach to durability design is referred to as the performance-based durability design and specification. However, these exposure classes are used as a general guide and should,if necessary, be modified to meet specific or general Kenyan exposure environments.
Table 1: Exposure classes according to EN 206-1 [12]
|Class designation
|Description of the environment
|No risk of reinforcement corrosion or attack
|Reinforcement corrosion induced by carbonation
|Sub-classes: XC1, XC2, XC3, XC4
|Reinforcement corrosion induced by chlorides other than from sea water
|Sub-classes: XD1, XD2, XD3
|Reinforcement corrosion induced by chlorides from sea water
|Sub-classes: XS1, XS2, XS3
|Freeze/thaw attack with or without de-icing agents
|Sub-classes: XF1, XF2, XF3, XF4
|Chemical attack
|Sub-classes: XA1, XA2, XA3
2.3 Contribution of concrete cover to durability
Concrete cover to reinforcing steel acts as a physical protective barrier to the ingress of deleterious species such as chlorides, sulphates, moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide. These species are detrimental in the sense that they can either facilitate the initiation of chemical deterioration processes such as alkali silica reaction and reinforcement corrosion or sustain the propagation of such processes. Therefore, the quality, depth and condition (cracked or uncracked) of the concrete cover are important to achieving durability of RC structures. As a general guide, a relatively low concrete quality should be accompanied by high cover depth (within some limits) and vice versa. However, in reality, it is not always a straightforward process because other factors such as cost and the presence of cracks have to be taken into consideration.
In day to day practice, concrete cover depth, quality and condition are seldom given in-depth consideration before being specified; a common practice among structural concrete engineers is to adopt a universal cover depth, and in some cases, crack width (especially at the design stage) regardless of the RC structure's exposure environment. This trend should be reversed and more emphasis placed on not only specifying appropriate concrete cover depth, quality and condition but also ensuring that the contractor and concrete supplier adhere to the laid down specifications.
2.4 Tertiary education and continuous professional development
To achieve concrete durability, both civil engineering scholars and practicing engineers need adequate knowledge of concrete as a construction material which, as already mentioned, not only provides strength to the structural system but also, in a large proportion, contributes to the RC structure attaining its intended service life. More emphasis should be placed on the teaching of [modern] concrete technology in our tertiary institutions. At the same time, practicing civil engineers dealing with concrete should constantly update their knowledge in this field; this is the intension of continuous professional education/development (as articulated in the Engineers Act 2011[13]) and should therefore be exploited. This will require the input of academics in our tertiary institutions to work closely with the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and the Engineers' Board of Kenya (EBK) to develop conferences, workshops and seminars targeted towards updating practicing engineers with new and practical concrete practices.
2.5 Appropriate testing methods
Potential durability can be inferred by measuring the resistance of the cover layer to transport mechanisms (e.g. permeation, absorption and diffusion) by which deleterious substances (e.g. carbon dioxide, chlorides, sulphates, etc) penetrate concrete.Without appropriate or standardized durability tests, it is not possible to check if durability is achieved or not. These tests can be used in both the selection of concrete mix materials and proportions (through trial mixes) and to quantify the actual durability of concrete in the as-built RC structure. Currently, the most commonly used test to check conformity of concrete in Kenya is compressive strength test. However, as already mentioned, concrete strength is in general not synonymous to concrete quality (i.e. penetrability). It is therefore imperative that suitable test methods are used to test for durability conformance. At this stage, it is advisable to adopt the durability test methods that are already being used internationally to achieve this e.g. the South African durability index test methods[14-16]. The use of standard durability tests also asserts confidence on the engineer/client/owner that the contractor will supply concrete with the specified durability properties. With such tests in place, engineers can then focus on specifying the desired concrete durability properties (e.g. sorptivity, chloride resistance, permeability, etc) as opposed to prescribing concrete mix ingredients, and strength. It also gives the contractor room (within the specified boundaries) for innovation with respect to developing concrete mixes that meet the engineer's/owner's/client's strength and durability specifications.
3 The role of the cement manufacturing companies
As already mentioned, the Kenyan market has limited cement types available to the concrete engineer to choose from. It is the author's assumption that, from a cement manufacturer's viewpoint, the development of new cement types is usually motivated by the need to maximize cement sales profit while at the same time minimizing carbon emissions during cement manufacture to meet legislative requirements regarding environmental protection (i.e. the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act No. 8 of 1999[17]). Cement manufacturing companies should be seen by the concrete engineer more as partners than just producers/suppliers of cement. A healthy working partnership between the existing cement manufacturing companies and institutions of higher learning should be formed and nurtured to encourage and facilitate market-driven basic and applied research into the improvement and development of cements that can satisfy local needs. This should also involve exploring the use of locally available materials such as concrete (rubble) waste or shredded rubber tyres as aggregates. In short, the cement companies in Kenya should be ready to invest generously in cement and concrete research in tertiary institutions.
4 Responsibilities of the engineer, contractor and supplier
In order achieve concrete durability in the Kenyan concrete construction industry, it is imperative to clearly define the responsibilities of the various players in the concrete production process and use chain– engineer/client/owner, contractor and concrete supplier. This is important not only to ensure each player clearly understands their roles but also for arbitration purposes, if any.These roles should be agreed upon and clearly defined in the contract tender documents. In the following sections, a few of the salient responsibilities of these players will be outlined.
4.1 Responsibilities of the concrete engineer
The concrete engineer should be responsible for, among other duties:
- defining the relevant environmental exposure class for the RC structure.
- establishing the performance criteria for concrete depending on the expected environmental exposure conditions during placement of the concrete and when the RC structure is in service.
- stating any other concrete properties that may be required to meet the desired durability performance e.g. permeability, sorptivity, chloride resistance, etc.
- preparing the technical specification stating the performance criteria together with the teststo be used for checking conformity in the as-built RC structure.
- conductingin-situ quality assurance to ascertain on the that the performance criteria have been met.
- clearly state the steps to be taken if the specified concrete durability performance requirements are not achieved e.g. repair options, financial penalties depending on the degree of conformity to the specifications, etc.
4.2 Responsibilities of the contractor
The contractor:
- is responsible for procuring concrete and related materials and incorporating them into the structure in a manner that meets the desired (engineer's) performance requirements.
- needs to be aware of the durability conformance test programme prior to bidding. If necessary, pre-qualification concrete testing can be carried out and results included in the project bid.
- should conduct appropriate and sufficient quality control to demonstrate that the durability performance requirements have been met.
- must be aware of and share the responsibility for handling, constructability, curing concrete and scheduling issues that influence the in-place (fresh and hardened) concrete properties.
- shouldclearly detail in their bid how they intend to meet the durability performance requirements part of the bid e.g. placement methods, protection, curing, etc.
4.3 Responsibilities of the concrete supplier/producer
The concrete supplier/producer should:
- at the request of the engineer, provide documentation to the satisfaction of the engineer demonstrating that the proposed concrete will achieve the required strength and durability performance targets.
- certify that the concrete mix design to be used satisfies the engineer's durability performance standard.Pre-qualification concrete testing may be required to achieve this.
- certify that the production and delivery of concrete will meet the engineer's durability requirements.
- implement a quality control plan to ensure that the engineer's and contractor's concrete performance requirements will be met.
- provide documentation verifying that they meet industry certification requirements, if required.
It is also important to state that, with appropriate conformity test methods in place, the concrete supplier and contractor should be flexible enough to choose suitable combinations of materials, concrete mixtures and construction techniques to meet the desired performance criteria.
5 Concluding remarks
The objective of this paper was to raise awareness among the concrete users in Kenya's construction industry about the importance of taking concrete durability into account during design and construction. It was motivated by the current ongoing huge infrastructural investments being undertaken in Kenya which will without doubt utilize concrete as the main construction material. It is highlighted in the paper that for these investments to achieve their design life with minimum maintenance and repair costs, concrete durability needs to be incorporated into their design and construction. Parameters such as, among others, thickness of the concrete cover to steel reinforcement, condition of the concrete cover (cracked or uncracked) and cement type should be clearly specified by the engineer and implemented by both the contractor and concrete supplier/producer. In summary, the contribution of concrete to not only the strength of the structure but also its long-term durability should be appreciated by engineers working with this material, and appropriate measures such as the ones proposed and discussed in this paper taken to ensure desired durability targets are met. Finally, even though not explicitly covered in this paper, sustainability of concrete as a construction material should also not be ignored in the quest to achieve durability.
[1] Mehta, P. K. & Meryman, H. (2009) Tools for reducing carbon emissions due to cement consumption. Structure Magazine, March, Structural Engineering Institute (ASCE, Sustainability Committee), pp. 11-15.
[2] Dangote (2017) Dangote cement now delays Kenya entry to 2021. https://www.businessdailyafrica.com, Accessed on 4th January, 2018.
[3] CW-Group, www.cwgrp.com.
[4] KNBS (Kenya National Burueau of Statistics) Cement production and consumption. 1 pp (Accessed on 4th January 20118).
[5] Global-cement (2017) http://www.globalcement.com, 1 pp (Accessed on 4th January 20118).
[6] Alexander, M. G. & Beushausen, H. (2007) Performance-based durability design and specification in South Africa. Proceedings of the International Concrete Conference and Exhibition (ICCX – Concrete Awareness), 14-16 February, 2007, Cape Town, South Africa.
[7] Neville, A. M. (2011) Properties of Concrete (5th Edition). Pearson Education Limited, Edinburg Gate, Harlow, Essex CM20 2JE, England, ISBN: 978-0-273-75580-7.
[8] KS-EAS-18-1 (2005) Cement – Part 1: Composition, specification and conformity criteria for common cements (Kenya Bureau of Standards).
[9] ENV-197-1 (2000) Cement – Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements. European Standard.
[10] Otieno, M. B., Alexander, M. G. & Beushausen, H.-D. (2010) Corrosion in cracked and uncracked concrete – influence of crack width, concrete quality and crack re-opening. Magazine of Concrete Research, Vol. 62(6), pp. 393-404.
[11] Fattuhi, N. I. & Hughes, B. P. (1988) The performance of cement paste and concrete subjected to sulphuric acid attack. Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 18(4), pp. 545-553.
[12] BS-EN-206 (2013) Concrete – Part 1: Specification, performance, production and conformity, European Standard.
[13] Laws-of-Kenya (2012) The Engineers Act (No. 43 of 2011). Kenya Gazette Supplement, The Government Printer.
[14] SANS-3001-CO3-1 (2015) Civil engineering test methods: Part CO3-1: Concrete durability index testing – Preparation of test specimens. South African Bureau of Standards – Standards Division, Pretoria, South Africa, ISBN 978-0-626-32799-6.
[15] SANS-3001-CO3-2 (2015) Civil engineering test methods: Part CO3-2: Concrete durability index testing – Oxygen permeability test. South African Bureau of Standards – Standards Division, Pretoria, South Africa, ISBN 978-0-626-32800-9.
[16] SANS-3001-CO3-3 (2015) Civil engineering test methods: Part CO3-3: Concrete durability index testing – Chloride conductivity test. South African Bureau of Standards – Standards Division, Pretoria, South Africa, ISBN 978-0-626-32801-6.
[17] NEMA (1999 (ammended 2015)) National Environmental Management Authority. https://www.nema.go.ke.


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Saudi Arabians and their Miswaks
Practice Manager, Shay-anne, worked for over 8 years in Saudi Arabian specialist dental. She assisted in the treatment of a range of local people, from professionals to Bedouins as well as visiting the Royal family in their Palaces. And they all had one thing in common: the 'Miswak'.
What is miswak?
Twigs from the Salvadora percisa tree are cut into 10-12 cm lengths. One cm of the bark is chewed off at one end revealing fibre-like bristles, which are then ready to use, much like a regular toothbrush. It also leaves a fragrant smell and taste in the mouth. Depending on use, the bristles last up to a few weeks. Then the fibrous tips are removed and the next segment of bark is peeled away, to expose the new set of bristles.
The Miswak is used before religious practice or entering a house. Also commonly used before sleeping, after waking and whenever hunger or thirst is felt.
Benefits of use
The sticks contain minerals including sodium, chloride, sodium bicarbonate and calcium oxides, which aid in strengthening tooth enamel. It is said to strengthen gums, prevent or halt tooth decay, eliminate bad breath, improve the sensitivity of taste buds all while promoting cleaner teeth. Truly Nature's toothbrush!
By Shay-anne

subset: commoncrawl


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We are glad to announce that "Audio-heritage" salon demonstrates "Rush-speakers" products
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Being the new girl kinda sucks. It often means having to learn new ways of working, building solid relationships with your team, familiarising yourself with different processes and adjusting to a whole new culture – all from scratch. It can take several months to fully settle into a new role to the point where you feel both comfortable and competent. Here are five quick tips for newbies struggling with new office job jitters.
1. Make time for your team
It helps to build good relationships with the people you'll be working closely with. If you do a typical 9-5 you'll spend more time with your colleagues in a week than you do with your own family, so try and make your time with them as pleasant as possible. Some companies will arrange one to one meetings during your first week in which each member of the team has an introductory chat with you to talk about what they do and how it relates to your role. This is a great opportunity to not only establish rapport but also to pick their brains and ask any niggling questions. If this isn't part of your induction think about setting up these meetings yourself. Don't forget to check each person's diary to make sure you're not suggesting a meeting that conflicts with another of their appointments.
2. Asses the atmosphere
What's the general vibe like? How do your colleagues behave in this environment? There's no point bulldozing your way in if everyone around you is quiet and calm. Likewise you could become an afterthought if you're surrounded by huge personalities and can't muster up the courage to get involved in conversations. Does your office scream straight-laced and corporate, or is it a more informal and relaxed space. This often depends on the nature of your profession so act accordingly.
3. Figure out the phones
Office phones can be unnecessarily complicated. You'd be surprised how many places I've worked where people don't even know how to transfer calls. And it's incredibly embarrassing when you pick up a call that needs to be diverted elsewhere and end up accidentally cutting the person off! So if someone on your team is unable to help, do some digging on the staff intranet to search for a phone guide. If there's no such help available play around with the phones yourself until you get the hang of it. You may even be able to teach your team a thing or two.
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It's easy to get lost in a new building so get to know your office layout. Finding out where the toilets, lifts, meeting and post rooms are is always helpful. Also try to familiarise yourself with the local area. You never know what hidden eateries or cool lunch lounging spots you may find on your tour.
5. Don't skimp on the tea round!
If you're a regular recipient of hot beverages it's only right to return the favour. No one likes a selfish colleague so pitch in during the tea round every now and then.
Do you struggle with new job anxiety? If so, what do you do that helps you feel more at ease? LLY


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America's loss of face on the economic world stage is now complete. Two of America's biggest allies: the UK and now Israel have defied Washington's orders and have applied to become founding members of the Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Israel applies to join China-backed AIIB investment bank
Posted by Gaucho Greg at April 02, 2015
Labels: AIIB, applies, China-backed, investment bank, Israel, join
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text: I really want to get into playing classical guitar. I can't decide what type of guitar to go for. Do I go for the traditional type (but I'd still want a cutaway and electrics!) i.e. no truss rod, cedar top, high action, no strap button (hey! Its important!) damages very easily...or a more modern style i.e Taylor Nylon etc... I played a Almansa 435 thin body ce which was very nice but I would be worried about the neck warping (living in humid Japan) and the action was already pretty high compared to the Yamaha and Takamine next to it... Is it better to have a " traditional one" for classical or will a modern one do the job, or are they more for pop style/session stuff? Anything I should really be careful of? Any thoughts and opinions gratefully received!! I know what I am doing with electrics but know nothing about these! Thanks


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Quote To Live By: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." -Helen Keller
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- Geostatistics/Statistics
- Full Profile
Dr. Gross is a hydrogeologist with over 25 years of research and consulting experience. During her career, she has served as the technical lead for site investigation, characterization, and remediation projects related to contaminated site clean-up, nuclear waste site monitoring, nuclear site licensing, and dam reconstruction. Lori has an interest and experience that span the engineering and geoscience disciplines and is able to integrate knowledge and methods from both to meet project objectives. Lori enjoys working on challenging problems, learning, and striving for innovation. She is client-focused and values a collaborative work environment.
- Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 1994
- M.S., Civil Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 1990
- B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1984
- Licensed Professional Engineer, State of Pennsylvania, Civil Engineering, PE074887
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 40-Hour H&S Training
Site Investigation and Remediation
The Chemours Company, Gibbstown, New Jersey
Principal Hydrogeologist
Served as the technical lead for groundwater fate and transport and the lead author of RAWPs for two former production areas with residual source zones. Provided technical support for the development of a RAWP for a tar pit/PCB area and a RAWP/RAR for a redevelopment area due for land transfer.
The Dow Chemical Company, South Brunswick Township, New Jersey
Principal Hydrogeologist
Served as the technical lead and lead author for the RIR of a former chemical manufacturing facility. The site has had a long history of investigation and remediation. The final phase involved development of a CSM and CEA, with modeling used to project the downgradient boundary and duration of the CEA. Completed the soil RAO and recommended MNA for groundwater.
The Chemours Company, Deepwater, New Jersey
Principal Hydrogeologist
Served as the technical lead and lead author on the final RFI report, a comprehensive document that resulted in a CMS recommendation for a 1500-acre site, which has 96 SWMUs and 11 AOCs. Lead on use of geostatistics to reduce the number of monitoring wells in the site-wide water-level network. Lead on optimization of multiple groundwater quality monitoring programs to align the monitoring with current site conditions and reduce costs. Independent technical reviewer of projects on an as-needed basis.
DuPont, Waynesboro, Virginia
Principal Hydrogeologist
Served as the technical lead for groundwater in the final CMS for the site. Developed an evaluation of both pumping and non-pumping scenarios with the recommendation that no pumping was required and monitoring was protective. Proposed TI boundaries for three SWMUs based on an evaluation of mercury in groundwater.
Confidential Client, Hagerstown, Indiana
Principal Hydrogeologist
Served as co-lead to develop a groundwater flow and transport model to evaluate and inform the design of an emulsified oil injection intended to remediate a chlorinated organic plume.
DOE, Hanford Site, Washington
Senior Scientist
Evaluated the transport of contaminants including radionuclides from the vadose zone to groundwater. Compared resulting groundwater concentrations to drinking water MCLs and evaluated the long-term receptor dose of radionuclides.
U.S. Navy and Air Force, Multiple Facilities
Senior Scientist
Prepared field sampling plans; evaluated site-specific geological and hydrogeological conditions; developed surface water, sediment transport, groundwater, and contaminant transport models; performed statistical evaluations of spatial and temporal data sets; supported assessments of risk to human health and the environment; and supported remedial designs and implementation. Served as the company-wide technical focal point for geostatistics.
Project sites included:
- MCCDC Quantico, Quantico, VA
- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, NH
- New London Naval Submarine Base, New London, CT
- Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL
- Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, SC
- Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, NC
- Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant, Fridley, MN
- Calverton Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant, Long Island, NY
- Charleston Air Force Base, Charleston, SC
Taiwan Power Company
Senior Scientist
Provided statistical analysis and review of annual groundwater data for a radioactive waste storage facility. Designed and supervised development of a groundwater flow and transport model based on current data trends.
Dams and Dewatering
Omaha Airport Authority, Eppley Airfield, Nebraska
Principal Hydrogeologist
Reviewed a groundwater flow model developed to assess dewatering impacts during storm sewer reconstruction.
Duke Energy, Belews, North Carolina
Principal Hydrogeologist
Co-developed a groundwater flow model to validate the dewatering design for dam remediation.
Various Dams
Senior Hydrogeologist
Evaluated several dam leakage and grouting problems and provided recommendations for remediation. Reviewed pumping test analyses and groundwater models for several dam reconstruction projects.
Nuclear Site Licensing and Flood Hazard Reviews
Constellation Energy, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, Ginna Nuclear Generating Station, and Nine Mile Point Nuclear Generating Station
Technical Reviewer
Reviewed Flood Hazard Reevaluation reports, which evaluated existing flood design elevations and mitigation structures under a wide variety of flood hazard scenarios. These scenarios included local intense precipitation, flooding in streams and rivers, dam breaches and failures, storm surge, seiche, tsunami, ice-induced flooding, and channel migration or diversion.
Ameren UE, Callaway Unit 2 EPR Design and COL Application – FSAR Section 2.4 and ER
Senior Hydrogeologist and Project Supervisor
Designed large-scale hydrological and hydrogeological investigations to characterize site conditions for plant construction and operation. Prepared site work plans; purchased field equipment; developed safety-related field testing, equipment calibration, and software validation procedures; supported the field team; analyzed field data; developed groundwater flow and radionuclide transport models; prepared FSAR and ER reports; and presented results to NRC reviewers.
Ameren UE, Callaway Unit 1 Operational Assessment
Senior Hydrogeologist
Evaluated Unit 1 groundwater monitoring plan, proposed an updated approach to monitoring based on EPRI and NEI initiatives and Unit 2 COL application results, and provided Unit 2 COL groundwater flow model for internal use.
Unistar, Bell Bend Nuclear Power Project EPR Design, COL Application
Senior Hydrogeologist
Senior staff support to field investigation, data collection, analysis, calculation report review, and report review.
Confidential Client, United Arab Emirates
Senior Hydrogeologist
Reviewed hydrologic engineering sections for two proposed site license applications.
Various NPPs
Senior Hydrogeologist
Provided hydrogeological support for several NPP licensing projects on an as-needed basis. Specifically, reviewed field methods, groundwater models, and reports.
Graduate Student Research
Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Civil Engineering
Graduate Researcher
Developed a numerical sedimentary process model for subsurface characterization and evaluation of contaminant transport; specifically, the model simulated the deposition of sediments in a meandering river and its floodplain and the resulting depositional patterns were assessed for contaminant transport behavior. The model simulated annual floods, sediment transport, channel migration and cut-off, overbank flow and deposition, and crevasse-splay development. The depositional patterns predicted by the model were related to the hydrologic and sediment inputs, compared to those observed in a subsurface formation, and assessed for an impact on contaminant transport. Supporting activities included interpretation of geophysical logs, stratigraphic correlation, and statistical analysis of depositional patterns.
Juergens, L.J. and Small, M.J. April 1990. "A Model of Channel Deposition and Resulting Interconnectedness and Dispersion," EOS Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 71(17).
Juergens, L.J. and Small, M.J. October 1993. "Predicting Large-Scale Heterogeneity Within a Sedimentary Basin", Invited to GSA Hydrogeology Division Symposium, "Geologic Insight and Groundwater Modeling, Geological Society of America, Boston, Massachusetts.
Juergens, L.J. May 1994. "Geologic Process Modeling and Spatial Analysis of Fluvial/Floodplain Facies for Subsurface Characterization", Ph.D. Dissertation, Carnegie Mellon University.
Gross, L.J., and Small, M.J. September 1998. "River and Floodplain Process Simulation for Subsurface Characterization", Water Resources Research, Vol. 34, No. 9, pp. 2365-2376.
Gross, L.J., 2007. "Use of Geostatistics to Evaluate a Monitoring Well Network for a TCE Plume", International Journal of Environment and Pollution, Volume 29, Number 4, pp. 370-382.


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Web ToolsActions
Media Release ListActions
March 30, 2020
Statement from York Region Medical Officer of Health on third and fourth deaths in York Region
"It is with great sadness I report of two additional deaths in York Region related to COVID-19.
The Region's third COVID-19 related death is linked to the previously declared COVID-19 outbreak at the Markhaven Home for Seniors. York Region Public Health continues to work closely with the staff and residents at Markhaven, and all long-term care centres in the Region.
The fourth death is an individual who was a close contact to the individual who passed on Thursday, March 26, 2020 and announced as York Region's second COVID-19 death. They lived in the same household in the City of Vaughan.
I know I join all members of our York Region community in extending my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of these individuals. I also extend my sincere thanks to our tireless frontline health care workers who continue to provide excellent and compassionate care.
This case further emphasizes the seriousness of the current situation and how, as a community, we all need to do our part to protect one another.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and well-being of our community, residents need to stay home, maintain physical distancing and practice good hand hygiene. Even as the number of positive cases continues to grow, these measures will help slow the spread of COVID-19."
Dr. Karim Kurji
York Region Medical Officer of Health


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Send mail to firstname.lastname@example.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 06/06/17


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JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he will move swiftly to annex nearly a third of the occupied West Bank if voters in next week's election choose to keep him in power.
His plan to annex territory along the Jordan River would give the nation "secure, permanent borders" to the east for the first time in its history, he said.
But it also would reduce any future Palestinian state to an enclave encircled by Israel. Netanyahu's rivals on the left and right largely greeted the announcement as a political ploy in the heat of a campaign in which he is battling to remain in office.
Israel seized the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war. Most of the world considers it occupied territory and Israeli settlements or annexations there to be illegal.
Netanyahu said he wanted to capitalize on what he called the "unique, one-off opportunity" afforded him by President Donald Trump's administration, which has expressed openness to Israeli annexation of at least parts of the West Bank.
"We haven't had such an opportunity since the Six-Day War, and I doubt we'll have another opportunity in the next 50 years," Netanyahu said at a news conference in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan. "Give me the power to guarantee Israel's security. Give me the power to determine Israel's borders."
The White House said in a statement that there was "no change in United States policy at this time," and it confirmed that the administration's long-promised plan for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians would be released after the Sept. 17 election.
U.S. officials said Netanyahu had told them about his proposal ahead of time and that they had not raised any objections because they do not believe it will affect prospects for an eventual peace agreement. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
Netanyahu earned the largest share of the vote in an April election but ultimately failed to form a governing coalition. He has struggled to maintain his hold on power as he also faces indictments in three criminal cases involving fraud, bribery and breach of trust.
Locked in a close race against Benny Gantz, a centrist former army chief of staff, Netanyahu has tried to shift the focus of the election away from the corruption scandals and toward national-security issues.
Netanyahu has highlighted Israel's increasingly overt military campaign against Iranian expansion and announced the discovery of a site where he said Iran had once pursued nuclear weapons. But Tuesday's announcement was seen as a bid to draw the Palestinian conflict back to center stage in the election campaign.
This was not the first time Netanyahu has days before an election made a promise related to annexation. Before the April election, as he was fighting to shore up right-wing support, he announced his intention to apply Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank. But he gave no specifics and no timetable.
This time, Netanyahu boasted that thanks to "my personal relationship with President Trump, I will be able to annex all the settlements in the heart of our homeland."
Netanyahu said he planned to annex all Israeli settlements in the West Bank and that he would move immediately after forming a new government to proceed in the Jordan Valley, a strategic and fertile strip of territory along the border with Jordan that runs from Beit Shean in northern Israel to the shores of the Dead Sea.
Palestinians see the Jordan Valley as their future breadbasket. Israel's critics say it has been steadily uprooting Arab farmers and herders from the area.
Netanyahu's main opponents -- Gantz and the other former army chiefs who are running in his Blue and White party -- have said publicly that Israel must not yield the Jordan Valley for security reasons, leaving them little room to challenge his plan.
But Gantz and his party criticized Netanyahu's announcement, accusing him of making an empty promise and of playing politics.
"The residents of the Jordan Valley do not feature in Netanyahu's propaganda," Gantz said in a statement. "Blue and White have made clear that the Jordan Valley will be a part of Israel forever. Netanyahu drafted a plan to cede the Jordan Valley in 2014."
Yair Lapid, the No. 2 Blue and White leader and a former finance minister, said that Netanyahu had had 13 years as prime minister and that "no one stopped him from applying sovereignty to the Jordan Valley." Lapid dismissed the announcement as "an election stunt."
Ehud Barak, a former prime minister who is campaigning to oust the current leader, said Netanyahu "has no public or moral mandate to determine things so fateful to the state of Israel."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said all agreements with Israel will be canceled if Netanyahu presses forward.
"We have the right to defend our rights and achieve our goals by all available means, whatever the results, as Netanyahu's decisions contradict the resolutions of international legitimacy and international law," he said.
Saeb Erekat, the longtime chief negotiator for the Palestine Liberation Organization, warned Tuesday night that if Netanyahu manages to put through his plan, he will have "succeeded in burying even any chance of peace between Palestinians and Israelis."
He added that unilateral annexation of occupied territory was a war crime.
"Israel's unprecedented culture of impunity, enabled by international inaction, is the only explanation for Mr. Netanyahu's audacity in using annexation as an election ploy, and asking the Israeli public to facilitate yet another Israeli crime," Erekat said.
"The Israeli, the international community must stop such madness," he said. "We need to end the conflict and not to keep it for another 100 years."
In a possible sign of Palestinian displeasure, rockets fired Tuesday night from Gaza set off alarms in southern Israel, including in Ashdod, where Netanyahu was hustled offstage by bodyguards to take cover in the middle of a campaign speech.
Jordan's foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, condemned the annexation plan as "a serious escalation that undermines all peace efforts."
At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also rejected the proposal. "Such a prospect would be devastating to the potential of reviving negotiations, regional peace and the very essence of a two-state solution," said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
Daniel Kurtzer, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel under Republican and Democratic administrations, said there was a consensus within Israel's national security establishment that Israel should retain control of the Jordan Valley for some period after a peace treaty is signed, to ensure that the Palestinians continue to cooperate with Israel to maintain security.
But unilateral annexation was another thing, he said.
"If Netanyahu now says forever," Kurtzer said, "this clearly will not be acceptable to any present or future Palestinian leader."
Advocates of a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict, who have been warning that annexation could be disastrous for Israel, said Tuesday that a move like the one Netanyahu was proposing could be enough to drive the Palestinian Authority either to abandon its security cooperation with Israel on the West Bank or to fold up its tents altogether.
Either action could lead to violence that could force Israel to send its troops back into territory where Palestinians have largely policed themselves, said Nimrod Novik, a veteran Israeli peace negotiator.
Information for this article was contributed by David M. Halbfinger of The New York Times; by Josef Federman of The Associated Press; and by James McAuley and Ruth Eglash of The Washington Post.
Israeli soldiers stand watch over the Jordan Valley near the West Bank Palestinian village of Bardala in 2014 during a tour by members of Israel's Parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday to annex territory along the Jordan River, giving the nation "secure, permanent borders" to the east for the first time in its history, he said.
A Section on 09/11/2019
Print Headline: Israeli vows to seize third of West Bank


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Google-backed "Startup Grind" community will soon come to Newark
Newark will soon be home to an official chapter of "Startup Grind," an entrepreneurship community backed by Google for Entrepreneurs.
Newark will soon be home to an official chapter of "Startup Grind," an entrepreneurship community backed by Google for Entrepreneurs.
Acclaimed Military Park burger joint BURG has announced its official reopening date for the spring. This Monday, May 1st, the restaurant will be back with new menu items and restaurant features for customers
How to get free exercise, make new friends, learn new skills, figure out what's where and much more!
The carousel in Military Park is now open for the warm months of 2017.
It's time to welcome the season at Greater Newark Conservancy's Spring Block Party & Plant Sale on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rain or shine at the Conservancy's Outdoor Learning Center
This week, young violinists at BRICK Avon Academy came face-to-face with what a career as a successful musician might look like when acclaimed millennial violinist Eric Stanley visited the school for a series of special instrumental music classes with Avon students who play the violin.
The City of Newark recently convened experts to deliver home buying advice recently to a packed room of more than 100 people at St. John's Community Baptist Church on Bergen Street. The response to the 2017 Newark Housing Summit was so overwhelming, the city will repeat the session at Newark City Hall on Saturday, April 22nd.
Alongside the grand opening of Ashley Stewart at 204 Springfield Avenue yesterday, Tucker Development, the team behind Springfield Avenue Marketplace at Jones Street and Springfield Avenue, announced that seven new retailers are coming soon to the mixed-use development.
By all accounts, New Jersey's largest city is experiencing a renaissance. But as Newark's skyline continues to morph, who's documenting the facelift and safeguarding the city's lustrous architectural history? The Barbara and Leonard Littman Architecture and Design Library at NJIT created the Digital Archive of Newark Architecture (DANA) to help document Newark's robust built environment.
On Friday, April 21st, Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton, hosts of the top-rated "Boomer & Carton" morning show will co-host the Third Annual Mike Nichols Charity Hockey Game to benefit spinal cord research and quality of life initiatives.


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Matric Results
Waterberg Academy emerged this year in the list of the top 41 schools in RSA (from 400 schools) and Lucy Calcott was listed among the top 61 learners in the country (from 11 500 matriculants). We were also the only Limpopo school to feature in the IEB's Outstanding Performance list.
Lucy's results were by far the best recorded at the Academy in its short existence. Not only was she listed among the learners who scored 6 subjects among the top 5% of marks in RSA, but she had 5 subjects in the top 1% category as well and an average of 92% ! This is amazing, Lucy, and we are all very proud of you
The Matric 2018 class was also pretty impressive. They got a 100% pass rate and a 90% BD rate (university entrance.) Nadja Nortje got 6 distinctions and is confirmed as a Wits Medical School student for this year. Add to this her Junior Protea colours in June, and we have another exceptionally high performing young lady in that group, three others of whom also got a distinction each.
Our two top performers were both educated entirely – from pre-school to matric – at the Academy. No other school had a hand in their education. We did not "buy" them from a poorer school as many high schools do. They were entirely "home grown." This tells me that you can take you child out of the Academy and put him/her in an expensive school with a fancy name, but he will not get a better education than he will get here. If your child is aiming at top drawer matric results, there is no better place than Waterberg Academy for him to get them.
First Day
We have had a very positive start to the year. Our Grade Twelves have adopted the slogan "Lead with Love" and seem to be living up to it. On the first day they visited the Grade Ones and shared with them some stories about and views on the School and their lives here. Later they got to mingle with the entire Junior Preparatory Phase. Well done, Matrics.
Our Grade Eights, or Guppies as they are known for the first three weeks, had their Guppy Camp over last weekend
on Craig and Trish Pidduck's beautiful farm – Hillsong. This camp was arranged and supervised by Mr Simiti, the
Grade 8 class teacher and Mrs McBride, the Grade 12 class teacher. The Grade Twelves exercised their leadership
role by inaugurating the Guppies into Waterberg Academy High School life and traditions. Thank you, Matrics! And a
special "Thank you" to Mrs McBride and Mr Simiti for giving up their weekends to look after our learners.
This exercise required a great degree of cooperation. The boys had their ankles connected on
a short rope, so doing your own thing was out of the question.
Our Grade Eights are taking their "hardships" in good spirit and the cohesiveness in the group is palpable. This morning at the assembly, Quentin Brugnolo said a few words over his pet rock, Patrick, who had mysteriously died. His eulogy was touching and appreciated by all present
The entire community suffered through the loss of Eskom power as a result of a monumental electric storm at the weekend. Starting up a school without power was quite a challenge, but I must commend our Admin staff and our teachers on the way they circumvented the various difficulties as these arose. Thank you, also, Pierre Leonard, for the loan of a generator which saw us through day 2 of the crisis. And well done to the Boarding Establishment staff and the Kitchen staff for coping under trying circumstances. The restoration of power was not the end of things,
however. The low voltage was a threat to our equipment and we were advised not to use our air conditioners until the voltage reached normal levels. The result has been some very uncomfortable classrooms and some teachers taking their learners to shady spots in the grounds to escape the heat generated where they are unable to set up a through draft.
We hope to be back to normal on Monday, but that depends on Eskom.
PTA Annual General Meeting
The PTA will be holding its AGM at 07h30 on Thursday. It is vital that all parents attend, especially in light of the resignations of Delmar Nortje (Chair) and Mariette Nicholson (Secretary/Treasurer). It is now time for the next generation to take up the baton.
On that note, I would like to thank Delmar for 11 years of service to the Waterberg parents and learners, 8 of these as chairman. Also, thanks are due to Mariette Nicholson for her 11 years on the PTA, many of these as an office bearer. You guys will leave a massive hole.


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Veracruz, officially known as Heroica Veracruz, is a major port city and municipality on the Gulf of Mexico in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The city is located along the coast in the central part of the state, 90 km (56 mi) southeast of the state capital Xalapa along Federal Highway 140.
- Guerra de Titanes 2002 - November 15, 2002.
External Links
- Veracruz, Veracruz on Wikipedia
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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One of the key visual innovations desktop operating system macOS Mojave is a dynamic desktop Wallpaper. The background is replaced, depending on the time of day, this activated location services. All anything, but in the standard set of OS there is only two options of dynamic Wallpapers. Today we'll show you how you can extend this list.
Especially for you we have found some beautiful interactive imagery. It should be noted that in quality they are not inferior to original dynamic Wallpapers of the Mojave desert. Wallpaper presented in the highest available resolution.
Download for maximum quality
macOS Mojave Minimal
Download for maximum quality
Download for maximum quality
Canary Islands
Download for maximum quality
How to install a new interactive Wallpaper?
Unfortunately, Apple did not provide the official way, which would allow to easily add new dynamic Wallpapers. But the way out of this situation is, and it is quite simple.
- The first thing you need to download any background;
- Run file Manager Finder and select the option "Navigate -> go to folder…" or hold down the Shift + Command + G;
- In the input line insert the following address: /Library/Desktop Pictures;
- We confirm our selection of a Go button;
- Folder opens. Copy there the downloaded file. You will need to enter the administrator password.
- After that, go to "System settings" -> "desktop and screensaver" and select new dynamic background. Important note — all third-party screen savers will be displayed in the form of the desert;
- You're done!
We offer you to subscribe to our channel in "Yandex.Zen". There you can find the exclusive materials that are not on the website.


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My teachers, my students, nature, architecture
Why I Practice
My practice keeps me grounded and allows the quality of my life to be elevated.
Why I Teach
I teach yoga because I want to be able to provide a safe and secure space for my students the way previous teachers have done for me. I teach because I know what yoga can do for the mind, body, and soul, and I want to provide that opportunity to everyone.


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Amy Liu wrote to say, "Our editors recently reviewed your blog and have given it a 7.1 score out of 10 in the recreation category of Blogged.com."
She characterized this as, "quite an achievement."
As it turns out, though, Fear and Loathing - The Gonzo Papers isn't exactly listed in the "recreation" category, it appears in the directory under Business/Small Business.
The second category associated with this blog is Journalism, which is perfect for a site written in the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson. Speaking of which, how do you like the Yahoo! avatar I created?
It made me feel good, actually, that Blogged.com had difficulty "defining" what this blog is about, because that's always the most challenging thing when I want to register with a directory.
The message from Blogged.com went on to say the criteria for evaluation included:
- Frequency of Updates
- Relevance of Content
- Site Design
- Writing Style
Based on it's evaluation, Blogged.com authorized me to display this badge...
To conclude her email, Liu wrote, "Please accept my congratulations on a blog well-done!!"
If You would like to Review Fear and Loathing - The Gonzo Papers you can do so here.


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Best Rate Guarantee
In the early eighties, a well-known Davos entrepreneur and passionate golfer discovered a spot, that was outstandingly suitable for the realization of his vision. He dreamed of the first golf hotel in Davos, in the midst of the 18-hole golf course.
In 1984, together with the local architect Paul Bauriedl the vision became a reality. An idyllic location near the forest, not just in the middle of the golf course, but also in the immediate proximity of cross-country tracks and only five minutes walk from the world-famous convention center, a hotel was build that at that time set new boundaries. The "Golf Hotel Waldhuus" consisted of a main building and a residence with 47 rooms.
The hotel was built in typical Swiss chalet - style with lots of local timber and is characterized by a cozy, rustic yet elegant atmosphere. In the idyllic garden just behind the hotel, a mini golf course was built, which until today remains very popular as well to guests as to locals.
The Waldhuus is owned by the Arabella Group Switzerland since 1999, when the Munich entrepreneur Stefan Schörghuber bought the main building and the residence. Under the direction of reknown architect Paul Bauriedl the hotel grew by 60 guest rooms and suites as well as three seminar rooms, the extension is called the "Golf House". Also a new, spacious lobby was added, that connects the new building with the original parts of the hotel. The typical Waldhuus Chalet was preserved in the extension.
In further stages of construction and renovations, the kitchen, the wellness center with swimming pool and gym, and the restaurant were adjusted to meet the requirements of a four star superior hotel. The rooms in the residence and in the main building have all been renovated. Partially two small rooms were transformed into one suite. Today the hotel has 93 rooms and suites, which our guests value due to their comfort and coziness.
2014 the Restaurant Waldhuus experienced an extensive renovation. The rustic character is still present. It is inviting, elegant and was inspired by the landscape and tradition of Davos. While completely redesigning the restaurant, a show cooking station was integrated. And we still serve the most beloved breakfast in Davos.
The Schörghuber family ran the hotel in the early stages in cooperation with a well-known international hotel chain. The franchising contract was terminated by the end of March 2016 and the traditional house is nowadays called "Arabella Hotel Waldhuus".
In April 2019 the hotel was bought by Davos Klosters Bergbahnen AG. The hotel is now run by hotel manager Linda Staag. This know the hotel for many years and was before than vice manager in actuated. The hotel is run as a "Hotel Waldhuus Davos" and continues to appear on a 4-star superior hotel.


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This wide view of the great room lounge area shows the custom sheer drapery color-matched to the paint color used for the walls and ceiling. The drapes go from the ceiling line to the floor, to soften the hard edges of the tall windows.
Long and dramatic cream-colored drapes frame the single hung vinyl windows and offer contrast for the library's rich gray walls with a subtle brown undertone.
Floor-to-ceiling navy-blue drapes in the dining room coordinate with the upholstered dining chairs, add some privacy from the neighbors, and bring the navy-blue color all the way up to the ceiling.
This look toward the back corner of the pool lounge shows the white linen drapery that helps diffuse light and keeps the room very bright.
Thanks to its versatile neutral tone, these smartly tailored curtains will blend well with any number of design settings.
To juxtapose the masculine upholstery of the bergère chairs with a touch of femininity, flame stitch Missoni womenswear fabric was used to create graphic throw pillows. Many interior designers suggest shopping at apparel fabric retailers to save money and add touches of high fashion to a room's decor.
Floor-to-ceiling embroidered drapery continues the blue color scheme and provides privacy.
The simple addition of floor-to-ceiling drapes changed the entire personality of the master bedroom, not to mention that they allowed natural light to pour into the space. Designer Debbie Perez simplified the accessories, leaving a few Asian-inspired pieces, to create a polished, coordinated whole.
One entire wall of this sleek, transitional master bedroom is draped in rippling metallic silk, creating a luxurious backdrop for a tall upholstered headboard. Built-in cabinetry lines another wall in the space, providing hidden storage. Soft teal on the walls complements the home's waterfront view.
Fully lined drapes featuring an ikat pattern ensconce the great room of HGTV Smart Home 2014. When the window treatments are open during the day natural light fills the room, and when closed in the evening, the drapes allow plenty of privacy.
Go with a bright white curtain for your holiday living room.
Soft white drapes decorate the far wall, providing shade from the sun during the day and privacy at night. Meanwhile, a sleek sideboard showcases the family's favorite sculptures and art.
Velvet drapes surround this neutral home theater. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Armchairs create comfortable seating options.
As one of three bedrooms in this Tampa home, this one is traditional in design from the neutral walls to the window treatments. Dark, floral bedding compliments the area rug and striped drapes. The en suite bathroom is placed just beside French doors that open to a private balcony.
This white bathroom features a floating vanity and modern fixtures, making the space feel sleek and stylish. Green drapes offset the white walls, giving the room a pop of color.
In the master bedroom, color-blocked drapes have a strong personality that's softened by playful art. The color combination carries over from the window treatment to the walls, lending incredible structure and visual interest to the design.
A canopy bed draped with cream linen fabric embroidered with a delicate floral pattern in tan creates a casual, contemporary feel in this master bedroom.
The patterned yellow drapes make the ceiling seem lower than it really is, and they help create a cozy and welcoming environment.


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I would like to select an advisor to assist me during the student conduct process. What does this mean?
Being an advisor means that an individual is tasked with helping a participant prepare for student conduct meetings or conferences, accompanying the party in any conduct proceedings, advising the participant in the sharing of information, and assisting during the appeals process.
This is an important role because resolving a complaint through the student conduct process can be a challenging experience and for that reason the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards encourages both parties to seek the assistance of an advisor to support and accompany them through the process.
We strongly encourage individuals not to choose as advisors individuals from Complainant or Respondent support services in the Dean of Students.
Students can find free legal assistance at Student Survivor Legal Services (for complainants) or at the Office of Student Advocacy (advises mainly respondents). However, an individual can also choose to hire independent legal counsel to serve as an advisor. In that event, the individual is solely responsible for any fees related to the representation.
What is the advisor's role in the student conduct process?
As someone who helps the Complainant or Respondent navigate the student conduct process, the advisor is a silent participant during all official meetings. This means that the advisor may provide advice outside of these meetings but may not advocate on behalf of, speak on behalf of or instead of the individual they are assisting, or act in opposition to university policy during the course of the resolution of a complaint. The advisor may not provide testimony or otherwise intercede in or obstruct the student conduct process.
However, you may request a break at any time during meetings to talk to your advisor, as long as it doesn't unreasonably impede the meeting.
The advisor is someone who is present to help the Complainant or Respondent understand the proceedings and to support them in what can be a difficult and stressful experience. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that the advisor become familiar with the investigation and resolution process in order to effectively advise the participant and accurately and appropriately guide them throughout the process. The Title IX Coordinator and designees are available to provide training for advisors. Additionally, advisors are encouraged to review the information and resources on this website so that know the university process and proceedings so that they can more effectively assist the Complainant or Respondent.
Unfortunately, we have seen advisors choose not to take advantage of these opportunities and therefore provide inaccurate and sometimes disadvantageous advice. Engaging in obstructive behaviors, ignoring or intentionally violating the procedures set in place or providing flawed guidance not only does a disservice to the participant they are assisting, but may also place advisors in violation of their own ethical obligations (such as in the case of attorneys).
It is also important for advisors to understand that if they do not comply with the university's rules and procedures, they may be asked to leave the proceeding or be restricted from serving as an advisor.
Does an advisor need to be an attorney?
No. A student may select any person to be an advisor, including but not limited to:
- Another student not involved in the complaint
- A parent or family member
- A member of the faculty or administration not involved in the complaint
- A translator
- An attorney, limited to one attorney if a member of a law firm
- A union representative
It is strongly recommended that an advisor not be a witness or have a conflicting role in the underlying allegations or student conduct process.
As a reminder, you should not offer legal advice if you are not a trained legal professional.
Do I need to have the advisor complete a form?
If you have chosen an advisor for the student conduct process, you (the student) must complete the Advisor Designation and Authorization form.
Where can my advisor get more information on the student conduct process?
An advisor can call the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards to talk with a conduct professional about the conduct process. For questions related specifically to the prohibited discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct process, advisors can call the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance.
The student conduct process is outlined in the Student Conduct Code.
Additional standard operating procedures apply to allegations of prohibited discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.
The student conduct process is also described in detail on the Office of the Dean of Students website which provides a general overview.
The Title IX Coordinator and/or the Office of the Dean of Students will also supply the student with confidential resources and support information. These are described in greater detail at the Resources for Complainants and Resources for Respondents sections of this site.
Who should I contact if I need disability accommodations during the student conduct process?
The Complainant or Respondent should promptly notify the Investigator in charge of their investigation if they may need accommodations during any part of the student conduct process and if the party is a student, they student should contact the Accessible Education Center (AEC) to discuss what accommodations may be appropriate for their particular situation. All student accommodation requests are assessed, granted and made by AEC. Non-student participants should contact the Investigator to discuss accommodation requests.
However, if at any time the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards determines that a student accused of misconduct under the Student Conduct Code lacks the mental capacity to respond to the allegation, the Director will pause the student conduct process and/or proceeding until the Director determines the student may adequately respond to the allegations and meaningfully participate in the process.
I speak English as a second language. Are there additional resources available during the student conduct process?
The Complainant or Respondent may, on their own, select an English interpreter to assist them with the process. Individuals have often sought assistance from professors, advisors and friends or family when language has been a barrier to full participation. There are resources in the Eugene/Springfield area and the student may request assistance from the Director or the OICRC in locating assistance. The University will attempt to fulfill this request as appropriate and reasonable. The interpreter may accompany the student to official meetings along with the advisor, but their role at official meetings will be limited to language translation.
Does the designation of an advisor affect the student conduct process?
The designation of an advisor does not change how an allegation of student misconduct will be resolved because the student conduct process is a student-centered process. All communications will be directed to and take place directly with the Complainant or Respondent.
The investigator reserves the right to recommend for removal any advisor who distracts, derails, impedes or disrupts any part of the student conduct process. If the Title IX Coordinator and Director of Student Conduct or their designees determine that the advisor has engaged in unreasonable, disruptive, harassing or retaliatory behavior, they may require the Complainant or Respondent to proceed without an advisor or identify a new advisor.
Can I have more than one advisor?
No, a participant may only have one advisor during the process. In order to change advisors during the process, a participant will need to submit a new Advisor Designation Form. Generally, changing advisors mid-process will not constitute a reasonable delay.
Specifically, a participant may not designate an entire law firm as their advisor for this Formal Process. Only one attorney from that firm may be designated as the advisor at a time. However, to avoid unreasonable delays, if an attorney encounters a conflict in representation or scheduling, another attorney from that firm may replace temporarily the designated advisor. The participant will need to confirm this temporary replacement by submitting an Advisor Designation Form prior to the advisor's participation in the process.
Where can I find more information on my rights during the student conduct process?
Students involved on either side of the complaint are entitled to a fair, balanced, and equitable resolution process. Learn more on the Complainant Rights and Respondent Rights pages.
Are there alternative resolutions to allegations of student misconduct other than the formal student conduct process?
Please see Section D of the standard operating procedures which answers this question.
What happens if there is a criminal investigation?
Please see Section H of the standard operating procedures which answers this question.


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Police ask help in search for liquor store robber
Milwaukee police asked the public for help Friday in their search for the man who robbed Steve's Liquor Store, 6213 W. Appleton Ave., shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Police described the man as black with a medium complexion, 40 to 50 years old, 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds.
He was wearing a blue-rimmed baseball cap, a Gerry Brand black winter jacket with a hood, a white/gray checkered button-up shirt, blue jeans, black shoes and gold-rimmed sunglasses.
Anyone with information about the man is asked to call Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360.
Read or Share this story: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2019/01/04/police-ask-help-search-liquor-store-robber/2485858002/


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Btw, this is actually my 20
0th1st post!
Actually it is not. I tend to write about 2 weeks ahead so Monday's scheduled 199th and today's scheduled 200th post were written a long time ago and scheduled in auto post. I had purposefully held off on any TMI's or FFF's to time the posts accordingly as I was intending on making some goofy points (see my last post). But I woke up this past Sunday and felt foolish (or maybe it was the fact that I love to post on Holidays because let's face it I'm foolish on most days) and could not hold off on writing that post thus making today's post in fact my 201st which is in direct contrast to the point I was trying to make Monday. But two things come to mind: 1) who's counting and 2) I'm always contradicting myself anyway.
But it actually relates to my point today regarding blogging which I'll get to after I digress for a bit more.
First thing though the lyric title above is in fact from the Queen song NOT that Vanilla Ice song. The Vanilla Ice song goes dot dah dah dah dah dah dah (it's not even close). Although I do remember driving down A1A with Chelle back in the day!
First thing though the lyric title above is in fact from the Queen song NOT that Vanilla Ice song. The Vanilla Ice song goes dot dah dah dah dah dah dah (it's not even close). Although I do remember driving down A1A with Chelle back in the day!
I was thinking about Riff the other day. I remember that he said the original concept for his blog was kind of a way to talk about his exploits to the guys and maybe share some best practices and some "how to's" so to speak. But later he realized that women were really diggin' the blog. In fact I am sure if you had gone through his followers and comments you would have found way more females.
So on another plane but along the same rationale I was talking to Kat about a blogging award. I was going to nominate 6 but she wanted to nominate one of my six. The 6th was the one male blog I was going to nominate. So in the end I nominated all female blogs and she nominated mostly male blogs. I chalked it up to us both being sluts and she concurred! :)
OK, another dimension on these multi-planes of logic for which I promise to tie together at the end if you will keep following me. So, since all these Sandee posts I've been chatting up a few 20-something bloggers. Now, I say this in the most respectful way - to be honest I doubt any of this chatting will lead to any "hook-ups" over at the J.W. Marriott on Pennsylvania Avenue. Although if any of you are interested I could tell you about a great story about me and that property many years ago! But my main point to this and the others above is that you never know where any of this will go. :)
Oh wait 2 more things:
1. One of my all time favorite movies is Less Than Zero, I've mentioned it a few times in my blog - the archtypal Gen X movie (a must see for all of us 30/40 somethings). Within that movie is one of the greatest quotes of all time and I paraphrase a bit here "this road doesn't go anywhere..... that doesn't matter dude just that we're on it."
2. Back to my Diversity Symposium from the other week. There are 3 types of stress: 1) Inevitable stress (e.g. death and taxes), 2) imposed stress (someone gave it to you and you accepted it), and 3) chosen stress (and don't forget you chose it). Try to make sure you don't worry so much about #1 (only worry about things you can control), avoid #2 at all cost (trust me it's no fun to step in #2 so don't choose it unless it will do something for you down the road which let's face it how often does #2 bring you pleasure :), and focus on #3 and more importantly why you chose it.
I'm not even sure it I know what I'm trying to say now???? Do you?
OK I think it is this. This blogging thing is really fun. But how to keep it fun and not flame out. I see so many people try it and then they go "balls to the wall" with posts out every three hours. Sooner or later they burn out. If you look at my "play list" to the right you will see a pretty consistent, steady pattern. Kind of like my golf game "dead, solid, perfect" and right down the fairway every time! Ryan, that's bullsh*t your tee shots hook more then Heidi Fleiss and you believe a 3-putt is cause for celebration! OK, so my point is I do enough to make it fun but not so much to make it homework.
So my points today because you know I always have to have bullet points:
* Decide ahead of time what is reasonable and do that and no more. If it's one post per week, per day, or per month do that and don't go over. As Dave Chapelle once said "if it ever get's more expensive than the price you name - get out."
* Keep it fun. Even when you are writing about something painful make sure you are better for having told the story. Poke some fun at yourself. Chances are someone out there has a similar experience and you will be able to laugh or cry with them now.
* Meet new people and put yourself where you don't feel comfortable - you may learn something.* Be flexible. If you plan for your 200th post on Monday don't be afraid to do something different on Sunday if it tickles your funny bone. Again, if you get inflexible you kind of get outside of the reason for blogging in the first place.
* Comment on other people's blogs! We all live for the mental candy of feedback. And comments are actually a great way to promote your blog and further your on-line persona. Actually comments and reaction to comments on his blog was one of the big ways that Riff interacted with his audience and thus one of the most poignant ways he achieved such success.
* And most importantly when you are blogging make sure you don't feel "Under Pressure" but most importantly as they say in the song "give love one more chance!"
I'll get back to Sandee next week after a food post on Friday.


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Bar & eatery
At the very heart of Rookley park, you'll discover our spacious and relaxed Bar & Eatery. This is the place to eat, meet and relax. Why not choose a beautiful dish from our fantastic new menu, crafted by genuine food fanatics with a flair for something special.
Swimming Pools
A large indoor heated swimming pool is open year round, with changing facilities, a seating area and beautiful glass roof. Throughout the warmer months of the year, guests can also use the outdoor pool.
Family Activities
Our new activity schedule will keep the children entertained, in both low and high season, with everything from sports competitions to creative activities in our new craft studio.
Entertainment at The Lakes Rookley
A brand-new entertainment programme for 2018 brings upscale entertainment for the whole family to the main stage at The Lakes Rookley.


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Since last year we have seen an increase in prices of graphics cards due to the mining boom and it seems that now prices are going back down again but that might not be the case for long. PC hardware components are going to get expensive again and this time we are not just talking about graphics cards but motherboards as well.
While we are on the topic of PC hardware that has become expensive, RAM has more than doubled in price in the past couple of months and there is an investigation underway and it is possible that memory manufacturers have been limiting supplies in order to get the prices up and make huge profits. The numbers reveal that these companies are making record revenues and record stock highs. According to Nvidia:
All new cell phones coming out by Apple and Samsung (and others) last year started using the same memory as graphics cards. Apple and Samsung are willing to pay more for this memory to make sure they get it first and all of it that they need. This has created a shortage of memory for the much smaller companies like MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, and EVGA to make graphics cards.
Prices for silicon wafer have also been expected to increase by around 20% which will be reflected in the prices of PC hardware components as well. If all that was not enough we are now getting news that Aluminum electrolytic capacitors will also be getting more expensive and will add the cost of making PC hardware components.
Aihua, the largest supplier of aluminum electrolytic capacitors in China, has announced an 8% increase in price and other manufacturers will also be following in the footsteps. You can expect to see an increase of 10% overall. Why is this happening you ask? Well, this is one of the industries that have been hit hard as China is now trying to be environmentally friendly. Such manufacturers often have a hard time complying with green laws and are forced to close down.
With players in the market closing down, the bigger fish now see that the demand in the market is the same but the number of supplies is dropping. This is allowing them to charge more for the same product and hence the increase in price that we see. It will be interesting to see how intensely this will affect the pricing of PC hardware components.
Let us know what you think about PC hardware components getting expensive and whether or not you are comfortable with paying more.


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Fender's Road Worn '60s Jazz Bass, like classic cars or your favorite T-shirt, shows that some things just get cooler with age. It's especially true of electric basses, and this roughed-up Jazz bass is designed to exude that same unmistakable mojo they develop over time that only makes them look cooler and feel even more comfortable than when they were brand-new. The Road Worn '60s Jazz Bass guitar was designed with 1960s specs and delivers that killer aged look, feel, and mojo-it's a true player.
Body: Alder Finish: Lacquer Neck: Maple Fingerboard: Rosewood 7-1/4" (184mm) Frets: 20, Vintage Scale Length: 34" (864 mm) Nut Width: 1-1/2" (38mm) Hardware: Nickel/Chrome Tuning Keys: Vintage Style Reverse Tuning Machines Bridge: American Vintage Jazz Bass Pickguard: 4-Ply Brown Shell Pickups Neck: N/A Middle: Standard Vintage Alnico Magnet Jazz Bass Single Coil Pickup Bridge: Standard Vintage Alnico Magnet Jazz Bass Single Coil Pickup Pickup Switching: None Controls: Volume 1, Volume 2, Tone Strings: Fender Super Bass 7250ML, NPS, Gauges: (.045, .065, .080, .100) Included Accessories: Deluxe Gig Bag


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Data Solutions Product Owner, VP
Lewisville, TX, USA | J.P. Morgan
Industry:Financial Services
Position Type:Full-Time
Functions:IT / Information Technology
Product Development
Experience:7-10 years
Job Description:74 people have viewed this job
Management consulting skillset (impact orientation, business understanding, program management, executive presence)
Client service focus (for merchants as well as internal business stakeholders)
Affinity for technology and product management (and end to end product development)
Leadership and presence to engage with the highest levels at JPMorgan Chase
Exceptional analytical acumen and demonstrated ability to advance thinking to "best in class", with a digital mindset
Proven record of innovation and thoughtful risk-taking
Appreciation for controlled execution and applicable regulatory requirements
Ability to concisely articulate complex information in both verbal and written form
Strong interpersonal skills to both partner with and influence stakeholders
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Define the "what" – based on understanding on what adds business value to our merchant and Merchant Services as a business
Drive and own end to end progress – based on clear understanding of the "what", needs to make decisions and review output that lead to overall positive outcome
Manage technology team within an agile delivery framework
Align the firm – delivering a merchant solution requires collaborating across many cross-functional groups (e.g., analytics, sales, technology, data, compliance, legal); the solutions delivery manager needs to have a good understanding of all functions (with a spike in data) and create alignment by working across these functions
Develop strategy for utilization of external data sources to improve insights and analytical conclusions
Improve the data quality of current reporting to support the delivery of insights across all analytics platforms globally
Develop ways in which we can use our data assets for clients to improve their experience
Definition and execution of new business models / services based on data
Experience Requirements:
Degree in the fields of engineering, computer science, statistics, mathematics
Product management experience in an analytics/information technology setting
Management consulting experience is a plus
7+ years of working in large and medium project teams, as a contributing member in self-directed roles.
Expertise in data mining (esp. SQL on Hadoop) – candidate needs to have the ability to analyze data
Expertise in data and analytics platforms, data base administration and data warehouse design and associated technologies (e.g., APIs)
Understanding of application development process; prior programming experience preferred
Experience in the payments industry and/or technology-enabled industries
Experience in agile methodologies
Skill Requirements:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to work across functions as well as with outside parties to ensure alignment and timely implementation of initiatives
Excellent problem structuring capabilities
Ability to build trust-based relationships
Proven strategic thinking and creative problem solving skills with ability to translate strategy into tactical plans
Strong aptitude for technical concepts and ideas
Ability to work well within deadlines
Executive presence and presentation skills
Strong written and oral communication skills
Understanding "deep data" environments, ideally with a Merchant mindset
High achievement orientation with ability to lead and motivate others around results
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