text:
Filer's Files
Editor: George A. Filer
MUFON Eastern Director
April 4, 2013
George Filer: firstname.lastname@example.com
See all the photos at: www.nationalufocenter.com
"I feel the scientific study of UFOs is for the benefit of humankind and is an important endeavor. The weekly intelligence report provides you with information on the latest sightings and UFO news that you need to understand the world situation."
In special reports, this week's files cover: Pinwheel Galaxy 70% larger than the Milky Way,
Leonard Stringfield's Files, 300 Million Year Old Aluminum, Aliens Worked with US Military, John Sphar and Jim Winnipeg, Canada E-mails, and Korean Threats and Air Hogs Switchblade Morphing Toy Aircraft.
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena sightings were reported over: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.
Sightings of UFOs were also reported in: Australia, Canada, China, France, Mexico, and England in the United Kingdom.
The purpose of these files is to report the UFO eyewitness and photo/video evidence that occurs on a daily basis around the world and in space. These Files assume that extraterrestrial intelligent life not only exists, but my hypothesis is that the over a thousand UFOs reported each month represent technologically advanced spacecraft conducting surveillance of Earth. I personally became interested in UFOs when London Control ordered me to intercept one over England while flying for the US Air Force. Under Project Blue Book, the US Air Force investigated UFOs for more than twenty years; and we continue this research.
Filer's Files are now being emailed to 15,100 addresses each week plus 500 copies are forwarded to more thousands. Consider forwarding them to your friends and neighbors.
Dedicated to 5 year old Georgie Filer V whose motto was "Be Happy" and Eddie Pedrick my grandsons who drowned and I was notified my daughter Elizabeth Lynn died March 8, 2013.
Hello Readers,
I've been helping George Filer publish Filer Files for a number of years now and when MUFON held a conference in Covington, Ky., I finally got to meet George in person. I came away feeling that he's one of the nicest, most dedicated people I know. I also know that it's a passion and labor of love for him.
If you enjoy Filer's Files every week, show your love and support to George by donating to the cause. Help us continue bringing you these great reports on UFOs, exopolitics, new books, news and science.
Thank you! - Arie Vandenberg
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Special Reports
Pinwheel Galaxy 70% larger than the Milky Way
Here's a splendid image of the galaxy M101 in the constellation Ursa Major. Called the "Pinwheel Galaxy", M101 is a big spiral, about 170,000 light years across, and some 70% larger than the Milky Way. This so-called "grand design" spiral is a favorite for many astrophotographers.
But why not see the galaxy for yourself? It's visible to northern stargazers with binoculars or a small scope just off the handle of the Big Dipper if you have dark sky.
Leonard Stringfield's Files - Retrievals of the Third Kind
Photo of Leonard Stringfield and George Filer.
He was an American Ufologist who took particular interest in cosmic crashes.
A re-examination of Leonard Stringfield's C.R. cases
By Michael Schratt
(Part 1)
Students of Ufology will recall that Leonard Stringfield was most well known for his research into so called UFO crash/retrievals. During the mid-1970's, Leonard collected reports from pilots, engineers and military personnel, who claimed they had first-hand knowledge of crashed saucers and bodies being recovered by elements of the United States government. This of course would constitute a "Cosmic Watergate" of the highest order. These prized possessions were then quickly whisked away from their crash sites, and sent to multiple military installations around the country for research and development application. Due to the highly classified nature of these retrieval operations, Leonard never released the identities of his sources. This move on his part has frustrated UFO researchers for decades, but also proved Leonard to be a man of integrity. The references included in this multi-segment paper were derived directly from Leonard's day-to-day dictation notes (now on file at MUFON headquarters in Cincinnati). These are comprised of 65 small three-ring binders which measure approximately 5" X 8". This historian was granted unprecedented access to this rare collection on March 8th and 9th of 2013 by the MUFON board of directors including MUFON President David MacDonald.
Per Leonard Stringfield's original request, the identities of personnel directly involved in UFO Crash/retrieval operations will NOT be divulged. However, in the interest of preserving an important part of our national history, the contents and specific details of these important files will now be revealed for the first time.
Reference #1: Throughout the Stringfield collection, there were multiple reports of a TOP SECRET motion picture film which allegedly depicted deceased alien corpses which were placed on a slab. Apparently, this particular film has "made the rounds" within military installations. As the legend states, the film was shown to groups of military pilots in a briefing room setting without any type of prior introduction. When the film was completed, the projector was immediately shut off, and no questions were allowed. Strangely, those who showed the film quickly carried on as though "nothing had happened". Was this an official attempt to "test the waters", in an effort to assess the reaction of military pilots to a possible extraterrestrial reality?
One such military pilot, who apparently claimed to have seen this historic film in 1973, was former NASA astronaut Ellison Ozinuka shown here. In Leonard's addendum update for a report titled: The chase for proof in a squirrel's cage, the claim is made that Ellison remembered uttering aloud "Oh, my God" immediately after seeing the film. Unfortunately, Ellison Onizuka was killed in the Challenger explosion on January 28th, 1986 before researchers could approach him for an official interview. Challenger explosion
Astronaut Frank Borman Apollo 8 Reference #2: In the same report, Leonard's French research colleague Alain Boudier claims to have seen an official NASA film taken by astronaut Frank Borman during Apollo 8 in 1968. The film allegedly depicted six UFO's descending on the moon's surface.
Special note: A subsequent follow up phone call to Apollo 8 astronaut Frank Borman by this historian on March 17, 2013, yielded the following result: "That crap has been around for years".
Reference #3: Leonard's report also states that his intermediary Michael Johnstone, managed to arrange a one-on-one discussion with an ex-marine who claims to have stood guard in 1963 at a facility where specialists were working on a recovered craft.
New details emerge in historic USO encounter
On a cold and dark evening during the Navy's "operation Deepfreeze" (1955-1956), a startling encounter took place in Admiralty Bay (Antarctic region) which was witnessed by two crew members and a scientist aboard the icebreaker US Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind.
Special note: More details of this case will be revealed in Part 2 of this series. Reference #4 (not associated with the Leonard Stringfield collection)
All of the other crew members were below deck at the time of the incident. At around 9:00 PM, a silvery colored bullet shaped craft" was seen to break through 37 feet of solid ice approximately ½ mile from the ship, and fly off into the sky at a high rate of speed. A Brazilian scientist by the name of Dr. Rubens J. Villela was shocked as he saw the craft tear through the ice. As it broke through, the strange craft hurled enormous blocks of ice high into the sky which fell back to the surface with a great roar.
The craft left a circular shaped hole in the ice when it departed. Two additional eyewitnesses (an officer and helmsmen) also noted that boiling water and steam were seen emanating out of the hole where the craft had broken through. This particular UFO/USO case ranks among the most important in all of historic due to the fact that the craft travelled through four different mediums: water, ice, air and space (Source: Invisible Residence by Ivan T. Sanderson) (Operation Deepfreeze USO illustration by William McDonald. - Thanks to Michael Schratt
300 Million Year Old Aluminum
A machined aluminum object is found inside Russian coal mine vein near the Chinese border. Russian scientists claim the coal vein is 300 million years old.
Thanks to MSN News
[UFOINFO Note: The above link does not seem to bring up the correct video - try http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MUpG1CZ5YNc and http://beforeitsnews.com/beyond-science/2013/01/300-million-year-old-machinery-found-in-russia-experts-say-aluminum-gear-not-the-result-of-natural-forces-may-be-extraterrestrial-2440610.html for an article]
Australian MSM Backs 'Aliens Worked With US Military' Story!
Former Air Force Sgt weatherman, Dr. Charles Hall claims he met aliens in Dreamland near Indian Springs, Nevada. Finally, after many years, we may be getting UFO/Extraterrestrial truth from the mainstream media. Australian mainstream media is now backing reports that Aliens worked with the US Military. Is this really disclosure upon the horizon, maybe only days away on the 31st of March, or are they setting us all up for 'Project Blue Beam' and the false flag alien invasion?
According to Veterans Today and Gordon Duff, Australian broadcasting did a 6 minute morning segment featuring a US Air Force enlisted weather expert who spent two years working with three different extra-terrestrial races. The stunning video is below. Tall whites are about 5 feet 11 inches. After age 40 they continue to grow and become much taller. They can live to 500 to 600 years.
John Sphar and Jim Winnipeg, Canada E-mails
John Sphar writes, "George, I'm sad that you lost your daughter Liz. She's beautiful. But I'm glad you have the wonderful attitude that you do. The afterlife is real: we know because so many people have returned and explained their experience. I always knew there was a heaven, but it took me years to envision what the afterlife might look like. My vision continues to grow each time a credible book or a wonderful experience is brought to my attention.
I'm the director of South Bay International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) in Saratoga, CA. We're affiliated (as are more than 50 other groups worldwide), with the global organization, The IANDS has been out there spreading the word, encouraging research, helping experiencers to integrate their experiences in their lives, and educating the general public for 31 years now. The main organization is at www.iands.org. My site is www.sbiands.org. We have monthly meetings and speakers like Paul Robb an Optical Engineer who spoke last month.
Paul Robb who spent 40 years in the Aerospace Industry tells what is it like to meet God? When he was 27 years old, God appeared to him face to face and showed Paul what he is like, overwhelming him with his kindness and love. This led Paul to collect stories written by others who have had similar experiences. The result is the book "The Kindness of God: How God Cares for Us," a collection of more than 100 of these personal accounts.
Another "sister" organization is The After Death Project ( www.after-Death.com). It was created by Bill and Judy Guggenheim, and their book, "Hello from Heaven," created the research field of after-death communications. Bill is a wonderful person. He also lost a daughter about 3 years ago. If you want to talk to him you can contact him through his web site. It's amazing how often bereaved family members and friends report some type of visit from their loved one.
This is another fantastic group whose membership includes family members who have lost loved ones. http://www.foreverfamilyfoundation.org/. There are so many places out there with people who would like to associate with others like them, and they provide so much help. I just wanted to pass along my condolences and best wishes after your significant loss. And as always, thanks for a great web site. Thank you! John Sphar, Coordinator South Bay IANDS, www.sbiands.org, www.north-ca-iands.org, www.iands.org (408) 343-1238
"To Heaven and Back"
Jim from Canada writes, "I`m so very sorry to hear about your loss. I too lost my mother at a young age. I have had paranormal events occur my whole life and came across some interesting books during that time. I would suggest a newer book called "To Heaven and Back," a doctors extraordinary account of her death, heaven, angels, and life again "A true story, by Mary C Neal, MD.
Also Raymond Fowlers "Watchers 2" about the Betty Andreessen-Luca case, and how UFOs, their occupants and Elders are connected to human afterlife. Just an amazing account of what`s to come when we are done on earth.
Our bodies are merely containers for what our real self is, which is the Human spirit that goes on and on through different learning stages. Our life on earth is but a larval stage of life to what is to become. So please don`t be sad for too long your daughter is in a Beautiful, loving place in the "world of light "where we will all end up to live with the One. Best wishes, Jim Winnipeg, Canada
Editor's Note: There are thousands of books written about Angels who are God's messengers from Heaven and numerous books claim near death experiences. The Bible promises those who believe in Jesus will have everlasting life. The Bible written some two thousand years ago describes amazing technology that we may be just starting to understand. Does God have an Air Force flying UFOs bringing angels, and reminding us of light and the promises of the Bible?
The "Watchers" series of books concerning abductions reveals the paranormal metaphysical and spiritual dimensions of what the abduction encounter is pointing toward. It is a whole new understanding of what reality and life is all about for human beings. It reveals the positive side of alien contact and the opportunity to gain new insights into the spiritual dimensions of reality and to discover how aliens have played a major role in the development of our religious history. www.amazon.com
Korean Threats
Despite increasingly bellicose threats from North Korea, the White House said Monday that there was no evidence that the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, was mobilizing his 5.9 million active duty personnel and reserves. Kim Jong-un is Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army one of the largest standing armies in the world. The economy is in dire shape and Kim Jong-un the youngest world leader at 30, may simply want to keep his people thinking about a possible war. He may also wish to take some international pressure off Iran who is also building nuclear weapons with North Korea's help
The Obama administration took pains to emphasize the "disconnect" between Mr. Kim's "rhetoric and action." Mr. Kim threatened to rain missiles on the United States.
F-22s were deployed to South Korea for Exercise Foal Eagle that will continue until the end of April. A Navy guided-missile destroyer the USS McCain was sent from its home port in Japan to waters near Korea and is capable of intercepting and destroying a missile should North Korea decide to fire one off. South Korea currently operates three similar Aegis class ships.
North Korea says the region is on the brink of a nuclear war in the wake of U.N. sanctions imposed in response to its February nuclear test and a series of joint U.S. and South Korean military exercises. Two B-2 bombers carried out a mock bombing run over South Korea and the US pledged to spend $1 billion to expand ballistic missile-defense systems along the Pacific Coast.
The young ruler of North Korea has been pampered all his life and has China to back him up as they China has placed military forces on heightened alert in the northeastern part of the country as tensions mount. The only country for him to launch a ground attack is the comparatively rich South Korea whose new president, Park Geun-hye, ordered her country's military to deliver a strong and immediate response to any North Korean provocation.
Air Hogs Switchblade Morphing Toy Aircraft
Art Wagner writes, "Here is an interesting morphing toy aircraft product review that could be mistaken for a UFO."
Investigators should be aware of a series of products. 20+ items that are available and could cause a report.
www.airhogs.com/en/products, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvBobSj2K4g
Sightings of UFOs in the United States
Arizona Flying Objects
Kingman -- The married couple witnessed a flight of objects while traveling northeast on Interstate 40 a few miles out of Kingman, on March 24, 2013, at 1:30 PM. The woman saw the objects first and they pulled over to the side of the road and started snapping photos with a 'high-end' Sony camera with a telephoto lens. The male witness said. "I didn't think the objects were birds because the "wings" were in the "downward" position in all four photos. The objects would get brighter, then fad out and then grow brighter. The objects were continually changing formations."
The slide show of the four photos reflects this behavior. No sound was heard. Winds were calm at the time of the sighting. The objects were moving silently and slowly and turned northwest towards Las Vegas.
Note: The photo obviously shows that the objects are in the shape of birds. However, the witness pointed out that the "wings" were in the downward position for all of the "objects" in all four photos. The witnesses also stated that the objects had a recurrent "fade in and out" pattern. These two facts cast some doubt on the "bird explanation." Thanks to William Puckett, Director http://www.UFOsnw.com
Note: Ken Larson writes, "About the possible 72 or so objects filmed in the clear sky near Kingman, Arizona, on March 24, 2013: The shape of the many changing directions objects is very similar to photos of a huge triangular or V-shaped flight of about 18 UFOs plus a mother ship that was filmed by Carl Hart, Jr. near Lubbock, Texas, on August 30, 1951. The same day UFOs were seen by four college professors at nearby Texas Tech College in Lubbock" Thanks to Ken Larson.
Arkansas Lights
MENA – I didn't personally observe the object but found it when I checked the photographs taken on March 28, 2013, in this Photo #0017 by a game camera that was set up to photograph sheep predators. Sheep are in the photos and appear to be unaffected by the object, so assume there was no sound. The infrared stationary camera was attached to a tree 2 1/2 feet off the ground. It only took pictures when motion was detected and took numerous photos of animal movement.
I have included a photo progression of four photos taken one second apart.
Photo #0015 shows nothing in the sky, #0016 something is dimly lit in the top right quadrant.
Photo #0017 (Above) shows the lighted rod with three triangles evenly spaced on top and four triangles evenly spaced on the bottom.
Photo #0018 shows nothing but dark sky. Thanks to MUFON CMS
California Orbs
San Diego Safari Park -- My three year old grandson and I were pulling into the park, and I noticed the hot air balloon they use for guests to go up and get a good view of the park. I rolled down my window of the car to get a clear shot of it, on this warm, slight breezy day, about 75 degrees, with a few, wispy clouds. I was so focused on the balloon; I really didn't notice the two different colored lights on the right side of the balloon, until I got home and looked at the pictures! What Are They? Thanks to MUFON CMS
Florida Star Like
MIAMI – A star like object was seen at 7:17 PM, on March 28, 2013. I first noticed it and though to be a plane coming straight at my direction, but it was moving slowly from west to east, in a straight line, it looks like it was below cloud level.
I managed to record it using a Sony camcorder.
Thanks to MUFON CMS
Illinois Triangle
SPRINGFIELD -- My granddaughter who took this photo was in the car with her Mother, uncle , and cousin on March 27, 2013. When they were just south of Springfield my granddaughter thought the moon looked strange so she got her camera out to take photos. Then she noticed a very large arrangements of lights and took photos that she showed later to me. I told her you got a clear photo of a triangle. She said, "Grandma, it kept changing the shape of its lights." One photo showed a triangle with a tail of five lights. She said it had windows between the main body and the straight long line of tail lights. One small blue light was inside the triangle. She told me. She said, "She got scared when she it flew closer, it was no plane and huge." Thanks to MUFON CMS
Iowa Lights
Calmar -- I was getting ready for work on the morning of March 27, 2013, and saw a really nice sunrise so I decided to take a few photos. I snapped off a bunch of photographs in a row. I never heard or noticed anything during my picture taking. It wasn't until after I cropped and posted one of them on my Facebook page that I noticed something that looked like a reflective glare above the sunrise. This prompted me to restore the sequence of photos that I took to see if this was apparent in all photos. The last part of the sequence of 25 photos show an object or lens flares rising and changing position throughout the sequence. I took all of the last 13 pictures within a 30 second time frame. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Maryland Triangle
Waldorf -- On March 24, 2013, I saw lights, while driving on Mattawoman-Beantown Road in moderate snowfall at 8:30 pm. At first, I thought it was a helicopter or a small plane landing, but I saw red blinking lights and there is no airport nearby. As we drove under the hovering object, I could clearly see a black triangle with three red lights on the bottom that alternated flashing in a clockwise motion. No two corner lights were on at the same time. There was also a light searching in a sweeping motion. I exclaimed, "What is that! My 13 year old son looked at the object and said "Wow that is weird". The object hovered until we drove out of view. I drew this picture of it.
On March 30th the object flew overhead a friend's house at about 11:15 pm in Waldorf, Maryland two miles away. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Missouri Lights
LIBERTY -- Walking to my car in the parking lot on March 20, 2013, a woman was on the phone yelling at me "Do you see that?"
I saw flying objects and pulled out my phone and took various pictures as well as a short video. Several other witnesses came from the apartment to witness it. Ten minutes later they were gone. I drove to the Quiktrip store as an officer was being dispatched to investigate the lights over Highway 291. The officer seemed as though he did not believe, but went to investigate. They were flying up from the ground and meeting the others while blinking their lights off and on and forming some sort of triangular pattern. They would circle, hover and fly up and disappear until only one was left, and that was what I captured on my video. Thanks to MUFON CMS
New Jersey Light
Deptford – A blue light moved across the sky -quicker than most planes without identifying lights. I was driving up Route 55 in Southern New Jersey at 5:40 AM, on March 31, 2013, and looked up through my windshield and observed a blue light in the sky. At first I thought it was just typical air traffic, but the light had no other lights nor were there blinking lights as usually associated with airplanes. The light moved east quickly, at a speed not typical of air traffic in the area.
PITMAN – A second witness reports seeing the same blue object also at 5:40 AM, on March 31, 2013. The light had no other lights nor were there blinking lights as usually associated with airplanes. Thanks to MUFON CMS
North Carolina Disc
WEST END – I was standing on my porch last night at about 9 PM, and was watching the full moon on March 26, 2013. I took three pictures in a row when I came back inside and looked at the pictures is when I saw a strange looking object in the first picture and not the other two.
I thought it is very odd, and would like to get your opinion on it. And no it is not Photoshop by any means. I am sending all three pictures. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Ohio Cylinder
DOYLESTOWN -- Driving back home with my son we spot this large object hovering behind the clouds on March 16, 2013.
My son took this picture with his iPhone. No more observation was made because there was no place to park my car and we saw the object when I was driving down the hill. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Tennessee Glowing Orb
Knoxville -- My wife took these photos while driving back from our daughter's gymnastics class on March 27, 2013. She said, "The object hovered in the air glowing a red/orange hue then turned a dark grey color and shot up in the sky disappearing into the clouds."
She first noticed the object because it seemed out of place. The sky was a bluish/grey hue and the object stood out because of its bright and vibrant colors. I was unsure what it was and the object eventually faded into the clouds. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Texas Blinking Lights and Triangle
LUBBOCK – I was barbecuing in the backyard and noticed a weird single cloud hanging around on March 18, 2013 around 6:00 PM. I noticed a lot of blinking lights around the cloud. I went inside and ate dinner, and went back outside about 7:30 PM. It was dark and I looked up and saw a lot of lights coming in and out of that cloud. Yes the cloud was still there. You can't see it on the video, but you can see these amazing UFOs. Thanks to William Puckett, Director http://www.UFOsnw.com
Wells Branch to Leander -- My husband noted a light outside our window on December 30, 2011, that moved oddly. I phoned a family member who has seen UFOs with me and told her where to look. She saw it and drove to Leander and was able to view it all the way there. I decided to get in my car and meet her at her house. I took the shoreline Toll Road 45 west and saw the light approaching. I screamed because I it descended very fast and I thought it was going to crash.
It dropped and 'floated' north to Leander. She was home by then and saw it drop. When I arrived at her house the triangle was there and we were able to get the pictures. This incident is the third time I have seen something like this. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Washington Two Triangular Formations of Red Lights
Battleground -- On March 25, 2013, Nobody else seems to have noticed the strange lights that Nicole Keller's husband saw over Battle Ground late Monday night ? but he does have his cell phone as a witness. Keller's husband, who didn't want his name used in the paper, gave his wife a picture from his cell phone that shows two clusters of three red lights moving slowly over their home near the Best Western. He told her the lights were traveling south for about five minutes, close to midnight.
Keller said. "They were going really slow." Curious about what the lights might be, she sent his image to The Columbian.
A Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency dispatch operator said his agency had no reports of any strange activity. And neither did Peter Davenport who said. "We have received reports the likes of which you described continuously since last June." Thanks to William Puckett, Director http://www.UFOsnw.com
Worldwide UFO Sightings
Australia Metallic Object
Sydney -- Witness was lying near the water on Sunday, March 17, 2013 looking up to the sky and saw two objects fly out from behind a cloud and disappear out of view. One was white metallic and the other appeared green. Witness asked the two others present if they could see them, the others said, yes. Then three more objects were seen, these flew in formation, and also quickly disappeared from view.
View of Sydney Harbor Cricket match
Witness called me and asked me if I could see them from where I was located. I responded, "Why are you calling me, why aren't you filming?" Witness then saw two more and began filming with mobile phone. Witness found it difficult to track the objects because they were so high. Locating the objects on the mobile screen was also difficult, but managed to capture three objects in the footage. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Canada Sightings
Chilliwack, British Columbia -- On March 8, 2013, I took these photos using a Cannon EOS T3 digital camera with an 18 to 55 MM lens. On the first five photos I was driving west on Highway 1 about 1 PM, I was just past Chilliwack, and heading for Abbotsford, when I took these photos. I was snapping photos of the countryside and a couple days later when I reviewed the photos I had caught something big on photo number 5.
When I saw that, I emailed the photo to the Vancouver Planetarium and Space Center thinking it might have been the space station, but they assured me that it wasn`t but didn't know what it was. The lights were not blinking as usually associated with airplanes.
The last two photos were taken two weeks later around 11 AM. I was driving 60 MPH down the freeway so I was more focused on just snapping the photos. It wasn't until a few days later that I noticed these anomalies in the photos near the Abbotsford Airport.
Note: I think that the object is a helicopter. The blades can be faintly seen. However, given that the witness did not hear anything casts some doubt on this explanation. The object is out of focus and was taken with a telephoto lens attached to a Canon EOS T3 camera. Thanks to William Puckett, Director http://www.UFOsnw.com
Chinese Jet Fighter Pursues a UFO
CHANGZHOU -- Four military radar stations in Hebei province, China, reported the presence of an unidentified blip hovering above a military flight training school on Monday, October 19, 1998. Once authorities determined that the intruder was not a military or civilian flight, Colonel Li, the base commander, ordered a Jianjiao 6 jet fighter to take off and intercept the UFO. At least 140 people on the ground saw the object.
To observers at the base, the UFO first appeared to be "a small star" and then grew larger and larger, perhaps as it descended to a lower altitude. The report described an object with a mushroom-shaped dome on top and a flat bottom covered with bright, continually-rotating lights. The crew of the Jianjiao 6 interceptor consisted of a pilot and a radar officer. The two officers said "the object clearly resembled depictions they had seen in foreign science fiction films. When they got within 4,000 meters (13,200 feet) of the UFO over Qing County, it abruptly shot upward, easily evading subsequent attempts to get closer. It appeared to be toying with the fighter by repeatedly outdistancing it and then reappearing right above it," the report said. The pilot requested permission to fire on the UFO with the plane's automatic 20 mm cannon. He was denied permission to shoot by ground control and was told to continue to pursue and observe the object. The pilot broke off pursuit at an altitude of 12,000 meters (39,600 feet) when the jet began running low on fuel. The UFO then disappeared before two more modern Chinese fighter planes could arrive in the area.
Changzhou is 150 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Shanghai. The story apparently first ran in the Hebei Daily around October 22, 1998. Many thanks to Errol Bruce-Knapp and Andy Denne of A.U.R.A. for forwarding the article. NOTE: The above image is a rendering. Ken Pfeifer MUFON NJ www.worldufophotos.org
France UFO Sighting Precedes Terrorist Scare at Eiffel Tower
PARIS – A March 30, 2013, reports, A UFO buzzed the Eiffel Tower Tuesday, just four days before the tower was evacuated due to a terrorist threat; perhaps a coincidence? Video has emerged online showing a glowing orb nearly crashing into the Eiffel Tower, and then rocketing upwards. There's no way this aerial object was a conventional aircraft, weather balloon or Chinese lantern. It was traveling too quickly at 7:35 PM, and changed directions on a dime. But, the real question is whether this was a spaceship. Watch the video ' here' and decide for yourself.
What's really strange is that on Saturday, police cleared the Eiffel Tower because of a telephoned terrorist threat that probably has no connection between these two events. The Eiffel Tower would draws interest from aliens and terrorists alike, and people are always spotting UFOs at cultural hotspots. Thanks to MUFON CMS
Mexico Flying Objects
Strange UFO's like a bird flew over Mexico on March 18, 2013 as shown in video that shows eight unidentified objects with fixed dark wings conducting maneuvers and formation flying. They seem to be circling above the hilly terrain with two lights at the rear of each of the flying object.
The lights may be the exhaust of two jet engines. These objects do not appear to be birds as no tail of flapping of wings are apparent. When you have a sunny day with puffy clouds, it's probably a good day for thermals, and you may see hawks or vultures soaring overhead. Birds can gain altitude inside thermals but normally periodically flap their wings but there are no puffy clouds visible. The flying objects wings do not flap their wings during the video for two minutes and ten seconds from 106.38 PM to 108.49 PM. This makes it unlikely these objects are birds.
Whatever these objects are, they appear aerodynamically structured and mechanical, and display bright lights in the identical spot on all the objects. The objects appear identical, without sound and descriptions and are circumspect as any video on YouTube should be. www.youtube.com/watch?v=--Keqf2MQ2E
UK/England OrbsHerefordshire -- On March 2, 2013, I saw the Kansas City strange orbs and entities picture in Filer's Files # 12 shown here. I have caught a similar looking energy ball in February too. In one picture the orb seems to have a 'smiley face' look to it, others seem to have a solid core with an almost transparent sort of periphery to the object. I have caught these objects on camera a number of times and they can range in color from orange, blue, yellow or green.
Feb. 28, 2013 photo in Kansas City, MO
The photos with the light trails were taken looking south towards Hergest Ridge, Herefordshire, at 6:55 PM. The object was hovering when photographed. When videoed the object looked like a ball of jelly and there were no other obvious explainable objects in the sky. This object appears in an area that attracts daylight frequent sightings of craft, mostly picked up on camera during day, but visible at night. The object photographed is observed on a fairly frequent basis; and lately seems to make more movement than previously. It is difficult to lock on with the camera to get a picture.
Note: The exposure time was 1 second so "camera jiggle" could cause the streaking. The witness is referring to a. Click here to read this report.
Whitehaven -- The object was dull gold huge similar to the Baltic sea anomalies, it dropped threw a cloud waited then it dropped down from underneath this cloud real fast, kind of bobbed in the air as it stopped it went that fast.
Then in seconds it lifted forward up and ahead so fast it disappeared just like the Enterprise does on the old versions of Star Trek. A half hour passes and I knew something would happen when a second smaller bright white light flew right across my window and away over the roof tops out of my sight. The second object may have been a military plane the first was definitely a huge circular crescent shaped craft. I could see the patterns which reminded me of the Baltic Sea anomalies. It had no lights and was a stony dull golden/sand color. Thanks to MUFON CMS
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Hamilton Square, New Jersey
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I grew up right here in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School. I currently live in West Duluth with my wife Krystal, daughters Zoey and Belladora, and our three crazy animals Bloo and Colby (cats) and Jasmine (dog). I went to Lake Superior College to get a degree in Media Production and Management and landed a pretty cool intern position at MIX 108 where I was named Captain Red Beard. After six long months of doing whatever crazy things Jeanne and Cooper told me to do, I finally got my chance! I look forward to some great laughs and fantastic memories with all the beautiful people in the Northland!
Ian Redmond
11 Amazing Things Duluth Gave America
Are you thankful for these 11 amazing things Duluth gave America?
The Most Viewed Duluth YouTube Videos Of 2017 [VIDEO]
I feel like this year has come and gone so fast. Check out the most viewed YouTube videos in or about Duluth that was made in 2017.
Minnesota Twins Third Baseman Miguel Sano Accused of Sexual Assault [UPDATED]
Minnesota Twins photographer Betsy Bissen tweeted out her story of Miguel Sano sexually assaulting her a few years ago after an autograph event.
10 Gifts People From Duluth Don't Want For Christmas
Tis the season to spread Christmas cheer, here are some things I believe Duluthians would not want for the Holidays.
Duluth Businesses That Closed in 2017
As we close out a weird 2017 year, I decided to look back and see what Duluth area businesses we had to say goodbye to this year.
Check Out This Sweet Drone Video Of Bentleyville 2017 [VIDEO]
Bentleyville has become a yearly tradition in Duluth and it gets bigger every year. Check out the Tour of Lights that from opening night this year.
How Sweet It Is Now A Part Of Duluth Grill
few weeks after How Sweet It Is unexpectedly closed their doors at the Holiday Center, they have now teamed up with Duluth Grill.
Duluth Business To Close Its Doors After 20 Years
After 20 plus years of business in Duluth, How Sweet It Is Cakes are closing their doors for good.
A Man's Body Was Found In A Swamp Near Proctor
On Tuesday, October 24th, 2017 a man's body was found near the intersection of Ugstad and Stark roads close to Proctor, MN.
What Happened To Jimmy John's In West Duluth?
Yesterday I went to order some Jimmy John's in the old Hollywood Video location and the phone was disconnected. I went to the building to check it out and it was like Jimmy's never existed there in the first place.
Duluth Woman Raps Maid Of Honor Speech To Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Theme Song [VIDEO]
At a July wedding at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth, the bride's sister turned her Maid of Honor speech into a rap to the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Theme Song.
Why You Need To Sign Up For The Insane Inflatable 5K Today
Last year we had so much fun with the Insane Inflatable 5k, the run is coming back for another year. There is still time to register and save money.

subset: commoncrawl


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WEST PALM BEACH — Good-byes are often difficult, but one farewell at Lion Country Safari this week may be a little harder than most.
Julia, an 8-month-old white rhinoceros, will be separated from her mother to live at the Ruhr Zoo outside Dusseldorf in West Germany. Zoo officials bought the 500-pound calf from the game preserve because they said it is safer and less expensive to get a rhino from another zoo rather than from the wild.
Wildlife Director Terry Wolf said Julia`s 7,000-pound mother, Alice, is probably going to be fighting mad when her toddler is whisked away in a welded steel shipping crate.
``Alice is the most aggressive cow we have as far as protecting her calves. She will try to stop anything that she thinks is going to harm her calves,`` he said. ``It`s going to be a tricky maneuver to get her away from mom.``
Wolf has been gradually weaning Julia away from Alice by coaxing the little rhino into a small concrete building with food, hoping her mother will be unaware of anything different on Thursday, when the baby is lured into her shipping box.
``After several days of doing this, we hope this will all seem natural to the mother and she won`t be alarmed,`` Wolf said.
If the weaning has not worked and Alice goes on a rampage, the game preserve`s veterinarian will tranquilize Alice. Wolf said he would prefer to avoid drugging her because of the added trauma.
Once in her crate, Julia will quickly be taken from Lion Country Safari, where there will still be a dozen white rhinos.


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Altisource Residential Corporation Announces Acquisition of Approximately 4,250 Single Family Rental Homes
OREANDA-NEWS. October 03, 2016. Altisource Residential Corporation ("Residential" or "the Company") (NYSE:RESI) today announced that it has acquired a portfolio of 4,262 single family rental properties for an aggregate purchase price of \\$652.3 million in a seller financed transaction. The assets were acquired from investment funds sponsored by Amherst Holdings, LLC.
The transaction more than doubles the size of the Company's single family rental portfolio and greatly enhances Residential's presence in new and existing strategic target markets, including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. The newly-acquired portfolio is consistent with Residential's existing portfolio of quality, affordable rental homes and is targeted to meet the Company's return on equity objectives.
"Residential continues to successfully execute its strategy to transition the Company into a 100% single-family rental REIT and to capitalize on attractive single-family rental economics," said George Ellison, Chief Executive Officer of Residential. "These high-yielding properties are an excellent fit for the Residential brand and expand our geographic reach in strategic markets. The acquisition of these properties is a crucial milestone for Residential and keeps the Company on track to achieve its stated goal of 10,000 rental homes by the end of 2016."
"This is a transformative transaction for Residential," said David Reiner, Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors. "By continuing to execute on our strategy, Residential is well positioned to reward investors with long-term growth and attractive returns."
The seller financing for this transaction represented 75% of the purchase price and was provided pursuant to a loan agreement with a term of up to five years and a floating interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus a fixed spread. In connection with the acquisition and as a condition to the seller financing, Residential has engaged the current property manager for the portfolio, Main Street Renewal, LLC, to provide property management services with respect to the acquired properties. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. ("Altisource") will continue to be Residential's property manager with respect to all of the Company's other REO and single family rental properties. Residential obtained a waiver of the exclusivity provisions in its existing Master Services Agreement with Altisource in order to complete the portfolio acquisition. In consideration of this waiver, the parties agreed to certain amendments to the Master Services Agreement, including a contingent liquidation fee of \\$60 million in the event Residential determines to liquidate 50% or more of its single family rental portfolio managed by Altisource.
About Residential
Residential is focused on providing quality, affordable rental homes to families throughout the United States. Additional information is available at www.altisourceresi.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding management's beliefs, estimates, projections, anticipations and assumptions with respect to, among other things, the Company's financial results, future operations, business plans and investment strategies as well as industry and market conditions. These statements may be identified by words such as "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "may," "could," "should," "would," "plan," "estimate," "seek," "believe" and other expressions or words of similar meaning. We caution that forward looking statements are qualified by the existence of certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from what is contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, our ability to implement our business strategy; our ability to make distributions to our stockholders; the impact of changes to the supply of, value of and the returns on sub-performing and non-performing loans and single-family rental properties; our ability to successfully modify or otherwise resolve sub-performing and non-performing loans; our ability to convert loans to single-family rental properties and acquire single-family rental properties generating attractive returns; our ability to complete potential transactions in accordance with anticipated terms and on a timely basis or at all; our ability to successfully integrate the acquired properties into our portfolio of single family rentals; our ability to successfully integrate Main Street Renewal, LLC as an additional property manager; our ability to meet our growth estimates or targets; our ability to predict costs; difficulties in identifying sub-performing and non-performing loans and single-family properties to acquire; our ability to effectively compete with competitors; our ability to apply the net proceeds from financings in target assets in a timely manner; changes in interest rates and the market value of the collateral underlying our sub-performing and non-performing loan portfolios or acquired single-family properties; our ability to obtain and access financing arrangements on favorable terms, or at all; our ability to retain the exclusive engagement of Altisource Asset Management Corporation; the failure of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. to effectively perform its obligations under various agreements with us; the failure of our servicers to effectively perform their servicing obligations under their servicing agreements with us; our failure to qualify or maintain qualification as a REIT; our failure to maintain our exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the impact of adverse real estate, mortgage or housing markets; and the impact of adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes and other risks and uncertainties detailed in the "Risk Factors" and other sections described from time to time in the Company's current and future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, financial risks such as liquidity and credit risks could influence future results. The foregoing list of factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
The statements made in this press release are current as of the date of this press release only. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - U.S. crude oil stocks rose sharply last week as imports increased and refinery utilization fell, government data showed on Wednesday. Domestic stocks of crude rose by 5.9 million barrels in the week to Oct. 19, the Energy Information Administration reported. Analysts polled in advance by Reuters had forecast a smaller increase of 1.9 million barrels. Imports of crude rose by 476,000 barrels per day to 8.78 million bpd during the week. U.S. oil product stocks were mixed as refinery utilization fell by 0.2 percentage point to 87.2 percent of capacity, compared with analyst expectations for an increase of 0.5 percentage point. U.S. gasoline inventories rose by 1.44 million barrels, compared with analyst expectations for a 700,000-barrel increase. Distillate stocks, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 646,000 barrels in the week, compared with analyst forecasts for a drop of 900,000 barrels. U.S. gasoline demand over the four weeks to Oct. 19 was down 1.8 percent from year-earlier levels while distillate demand fell 7.7 percent. Crude stocks at Cushing, Oklahoma rose by 40,000 barrels to 44.07 million barrels. U.S. crude futures extended losses after the EIA data, trading down 88 cents at $85.79 a barrel by 10:35 a.m. EDT (1435 GMT). Prices had been down by around 20 cents a barrel before the release of the figures.
(Reporting by Joshua Schneyer; Editing by Dale Hudson)


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Many companies have invested in strategic reengineering efforts, only to see them crash and burn when a flawed deployment across the enterprise discourages employees from using the systems. Companies committed to implementing large-scale knowledge management initiatives must work to ensure that pilot projects grow into successful enterprise-wide deployments.
All KM initiatives have aspects in common. Regardless of type, experts say that many of them fail because their implementers try to do too much in too little time. Companies benefit from beginning with controlled pilot projects to build a foundation upon which they can raise a KM initiative throughout the enterprise, according to Dave Andrew Anderson, a knowledge management specialist with Alexandria, Va.-based project management and consulting company Robbins-Gioia. Even when it is done this way, however, going from pilot to full deployment encounters a host of organizational, planning and cultural issues.
start With Success
Before rolling out a pilot, the project leader should make sure the planned deployment has the potential to deliver enterprise-wide benefits. Numerous knowledge management projects are begun at the departmental level without looking at this bigger picture, according to French Caldwell, research director for knowledge management at the Gartner Group in Bethesda, Md.
"People confuse information management with knowledge management," he says. "Often it's an efficiency exercise, where they try to trim a few people but provide no new economic value." Rather than simply use KM to manage information overload and eliminate positions, Caldwell says, project leaders should seek to boost revenues by methods such as providing better information for proposals that ultimately result in increased business.
A pilot is about more than testing the validity of a project and fine-tuning it. It should also be a small success story you can use as a persuasion tool for the rest of the company, says Robbins-Gioia's Anderson.
In 1998 management at Verizon Wireless in Walnut Creek, Calif., pressed Carl Eberling, executive director of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, to forego a pilot and roll out an enterprise-wide management system to 500 people right away. The application, built on Vista Plus, a report-based information management system from Quest Software Inc. of Irvine, Calif., allows Verizon to transform data from an ERP or custom format into a universal format such as HTML or PDF, so it can be sent to whomever needs it.
But Eberling resisted that pressure and began instead with a small-scale deployment. By conducting a pilot with 18 users for several months, Eberling was able to send a technical support person to spend time with individuals who were having problems; that would have been impossible if the project had started with 500 users. This handholding eliminated early snafus that could have killed the project soon after it started, and the application now runs across the entire enterprise.
Buy-in by All
Successful knowledge management requires many people to embrace an idea, ranging from the executive suites to the cubicles of users. The process starts at the pilot stage and continues through the rollout. Ryder System, the Miami-based transportation and logistics firm, developed a knowledge center using Lotus Notes, QuickPlace and Sametime from Lotus Development Corp. of Cambridge, Mass., and Cincinnati-based Synergistics' Prevail Solutions Suite. The project was designed to support various internal communities and provide a way to produce better and quicker business proposals. Although that concrete objective should yield immediate benefits, Ryder executives didn't take success of the knowledge center for granted.
"We knew we couldn't make this project happen unless we looked at how it... provided value to the different communities of practice," says Dave Baildon, Ryder's group director for knowledge management. So each time the system went through another iteration in the 20-person pilot, Baildon invited people from other departments to look at it, in an effort to make sure the new design would meet their needs as well when it rolled out company-wide.
Similarly, when C-bridge Internet Solutions Inc., a 900-person e-services consultancy in Cambridge, Mass., launched a project to collect both its tacit and explicit knowledge, Ralph Rodriguez, the company's vice president and chief information officer, knew it was important for the pilot to include a diverse set of participants.
"The nontechnical people are dreamy about knowledge management," he says. "The technical people think they know everything. You have to meet in the middle." Rodriguez says an enterprise-wide KM project can succeed only when it is founded on a range of perspectives that reflect the whole organization.
To ensure that the company's intellectual property would be managed properly, Rodriguez hired someone with a master's degree in library science to identify key attributes C-bridge needed in a knowledge management system that was to span the enterprise rather than just address departmental needs.
One of the most common errors is mistaking a knowledge management project for a technology initiative. Even a seemingly straightforward IT deployment must take people-related issues into account. For example, as part of its KM system, C-bridge built its own Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directory to populate passwords into the database so users can access all systems through a single password.
Although the single log-on is technological in nature, it is also a practical way to effect cultural change, says Rodriguez. Technology is most useful when it minimizes change to processes that people are used to doing. "A knowledge management project can fail if you try to do too drastic a cultural change with a couple of hundred older users," he says.
Articulate the Vision
Experts agree that an enterprise-wide KM initiative stands scant chance of success unless upper management takes ownership of the project and gets everyone behind it. Executives need a full understanding of what worked and didn't in the pilot so they can determine and articulate the potential value of moving the implementation across the enterprise.
Executive support can be expressed first in a series of e-mails sent to all employees before and after the enterprise-wide rollout. C-bridge, for example, sent out a regular stream of e-mails before the company-wide launch. "We let people know who was on the team--a who's who in the company--so the company realized this wasn't a pet project of some interns," Rodriguez says. Project acceptance spread through the company as employees began to understand that harvesting knowledge was key to the future of the company.
Look at the large companies that have made knowledge management a priority (whether they call it KM or not), say the experts, and you'll often find a visionary leader with a bird's-eye view who sets the strategic direction.
Ryder, for example, tabbed for the role of "missionary" Gene Tyndall, a senior vice president who had spent 20 years building up Ernst & Young Management Consulting's global supply-chain consulting practice. Tyndall's track record with Ernst & Young and his ability to persuade even skeptical employees was vital to the success of the project.
The missionary should "reach out to individuals who are feeling left out of the success story," those who rarely participate in threaded discussions or e-mails about the project, Anderson says. "The missionary can sit down and explain the importance of it, which gives it a lot of credibility."
Train by Example
On the heels of high-level advocacy comes training, which is vital to engaging individuals in knowledge sharing, particularly when it represents a new way of thinking about the value of one's work.
The most challenging aspect of ramping up Ryder's knowledge management system to 500 people in sales, marketing and operations was communicating the benefits, according to Baildon. Information that explained what knowledge management was and why it was important was not immediately welcomed by the pilot group. "People wanted hands-on information about using the technology more than they wanted a lecture on the KM process," says Baildon.
Baildon found that the most effective approach to engaging employees in Lotus Notes-based collaboration was to deliver it to groups of 10 to 12 users at a time and make the training interactive and case-based. Ryder also offers video-based e-learning so employees can fit it into their schedule.
The Daily Context
Other practitioners also see the value in associating KM projects with people's ongoing personal job concerns. Gartner Group's Caldwell says that KM projects must occur within the context of employees' normal work duties if the organization hopes to get them to participate.
"One of the biggest barriers that we face in working with organizations is that of time: 'I don't have time to learn this,'" says Brad Jackson, founder of Cogos Consulting in Cambridge, Mass., who has worked on a number of high-level KM projects. Participation increases, he notes, when users understand how the project will help them to achieve a goal they've set or to do something specific. Therefore, Jackson argues, "Finding areas of the greatest need and being successful with them is one of the best ways to start the process and scale it to the rest of the organization."
Widespread participation isn't by itself a measure of success. But because so much of knowledge management involves knowledge transfer and collaboration, it can provide a metric for evaluation. Ryder rates employees' "knowledge-sharing proficiency" at one of three levels: occasional contributors, leaders and mentors. Every employee is expected to perform at least at the level of contributor.
In most organizations where KM has been a success, participation is encouraged but voluntary. Incentives are useful, but most companies hesitate to provide them in the form of cash compensation. Instead, Anderson recommends recognition throw the Web site, newsletters and e-mail. "People really want to be recognized for the knowledge they bring to the organizations," he says.
Know What You Want
Company-wide KM deployment requires a commitment to ongoing funding. Project leaders should identify strategic objectives and associated metrics that demonstrate the economic value of the initiative.
Caldwell advises against developing new metrics specifically for the knowledge management program. Instead it's important to use business metrics that are already being tracked within the organization such as job satisfaction or whether it results in improved business processes or innovations in products and services. A second type of metric is job effectiveness. Gartner Group categorizes this as the number of times an employee uses a particular application or the number of times a particular page on the corporate intranet is accessed.
The most relevant metric to senior managers is usually strategic effectiveness, which includes the creation of winning proposals, the attraction of important new customers, a rapid rate of innovation and growth in high-value orders, says Caldwell. "These types of measures can contribute to the basis for calculating ROI [return on investment] as well as ensuring the alignment of the enterprise KM program to business objectives and strategic direction," he says.
When Ryder put together its knowledge center proposal, the ROI was based on increasing revenue. By collecting knowledge throughout the company, Baildon says, management expected that better proposals for clients would be prepared more quickly. This in fact is what happened, he adds.
Caldwell says that putting a KM program into effect will impact business processes only gradually as people associated with those processes learn how to incorporate the new capabilities into their work. Enterprise programs shouldn't be expected to show a ROI until at least 12 months after deployment, he says.
Many KM projects fail before they've even begun because the company has failed to consider the complex interplay of technological, strategic and cultural issues involved. The payoff for the organization that can successfully balance these concerns is big: transforming itself into a corporation whose chief asset is knowledge.


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High school students from Westchester and Putnam counties came out in droves to the 71st Annual College and Career Fair held at the Tech Center on the Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES campus on April 25.
Representatives from more than 220 colleges, universities, community colleges as well as the military and police force were on hand to enlighten students about educational and career opportunities available to them.
Roman Fiscella, of Mahopac High School, thought the fair provided him with the opportunity to see a diversity of schools, all in one day. "It was great to be able to explore a lot of different colleges at the same time," he said.
Mahopac High School student Ryan Russo, who wants to study video music production in college, said "There are so many more schools that had the programs I am interested in than I thought there would be, which is great!"
After speaking with college representatives from schools like Adelphi, Penn State, Tulane, as well as CUNY and SUNY colleges, students toured career booths that included professionals in the health, fashion and law professions among many others.
Students also got to hear a presentation from Ben Carpenter, author of the book The Bigs: The Secrets You Need to Know to Succeed Beyond High School. Carpenter, a former CEO who has spoken at 60 colleges and 75 high schools, told students, "The surest path to success is to do what you're good at. Develop passion for what you have a talent for."
He also advised students to get to work early and stay late, once they landed the job they were looking for. A positive attitude, Carpenter told students, is key to getting that dream job as well as advancing in the workplace. "Happy people attract people," he said, "but unhappy people repel them. So a good attitude is important to success." The fair is also being held in the evening of April 25 at Fox Lane High School in Bedford.


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Santa Clara Vanguard Appoints Fiedler Chief Executive Officer
As the final step of a year-long restructuring effort, Santa Clara Vanguard, a non-profit youth performing arts organization, has appointed Jeff Fiedler as its first chief executive officer. Vanguard board chairman Marc Hebert made the announcement this weekend at the conclusion of the organization's April rehearsal camp.
Fiedler's appointment is the final piece of an organizational restructuring that began last summer as a complete review of Vanguard's governance model, bylaws, board makeup, financial plan and management team. In his role, he reports to Vanguard's board of directors, and directs an organization led by Jeff Pearson, Program Manager; Kathy Serksnis, Chief Operating Officer; and Sandra Adams, Bingo Manager.
Read the rest of the article here.


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After piecemeal updates, a university's policies, procedures and handbooks were inconsistent and out of compliance.
Our team performed a legal compliance audit, identifying key areas of concern. We guided the university through a complete overhaul of its policies, procedures and primary compliance systems. We created custom live and online compliance training, building awareness throughout the institution..


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As an industry marketing manager at Microsoft, I face a challenge that I'm sure many teams share – how do I make it easy for a solution specialist team to follow-up with customers who have registered interest? This is important for 3 reasons:
1. This is a common breakdown point in the value stream that crosses sales and marketing.
2. Customers who want follow-up, want it quickly.
3. This is one of the biggest leverage points in both maximizing the yield out of the lead management process, and in maximizing the process capacity of the specialist team, which is limited.
It is also an item of personal interest to me as it is a problem I struggled with in a DMADV six sigma project in GE in a "previous life" focused on increasing both the yield and targeting of customer acquisition processes. Had I possessed the tools then that are available now, it would have not only been easier to manage my green belt virtual teams, but to use relatively simple, inexpensive technology solutions to take quick, incremental steps to get 80% of the way there.
Some may say "that's what a CRM system does," but I disagree in today's modern workplace. A CRM system forces the team member to enter an unfamiliar and often cryptically complicated application environment to both find and update information. In the case of a system like Salesforce.com, you must be online to utilize it. Given that I am typing this post from seat 39C on a delayed flight back to Newark, this has its limitations. In the case of Siebel, you can put lipstick on the interface, but the system is not fundamentally set up to allow quick collaboration or just-in-time information discovery. I believe that using true collaborative tools in conjunction with CRM systems can significantly improve their usefulness.
If this had been a year ago, I would have advocated Groove as "the solution" – structured collaboration, offline access, and back-end integration to Sharepoint. These things are still true in Groove 2007, but again you have to take the time to install and learn about Groove. For people who love it, myself included, I still prefer this method, but in the spirit of 5s I need to get as close as possible to the ideal of making information appear right where the specialist would naturally look on a daily basis. Where is this? Their Outlook inbox, of course, especially since traveling expert resources spend a lot of time on the plane catching up on e-mail in offline mode and prepping for the next customer meeting.
At its heart an RSS feed or Wiki would do the trick, but there are a couple of catches:
1. Our manufacturing specialists may throw terms like PLC, kaizen, and SCOR around freely, but ask them to use a Wiki and they'll probably burst out laughing.
2. There is a real need to quickly throw together mixed-content in a rich format – unrealistic to reduce everything to HTML:
a. E-mail threads about previous customer interactions.
b. Clippings from research services, online sites, analysts, and publications about the company or individual being contacted.
c. Photos, PDFs, or presentation graphics that relate to a major initiative the individual is driving.
d. Internal structured information from spreadsheets and CRM systems.
The solution! The best tool I've found is a shared OneNote 2007 workbook that is published on a Sharepoint site and published to Outlook as a Sharepoint List. It has the following advantages:
1. Anyone can update it and it is stored securely on the intranet.
2. Information flows automatically to subscribers' Outlook for offline access prior to a customer meeting.
3. Meeting notes, etc. entered in offline mode automatically synchronize back to the Sharepoint workbook.
4. Cutting and pasting are super quick and easy in almost any format (HTML, e-mail, Office applications, PDF, even Ink for Tablet PC users). Images and text co-exist easily with minimal formatting.
This is a great example of how a relatively simple collborative tool can dramatically improve my ability to get information to the specialist who needs it, just in time, just in the place they need it.
Look for a future post showing how to set this up with screenshots, etc.
- Marc from the Lean Team


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- Why the Global Warming Skeptics Are Wrong, by William D. Nordhaus. See also the skeptics' Concerned Scientists Reply on Global Warming.
- Prizes With an Eye Toward the Future (for cartoon macro: development). See also Trade and Dealing with Income Distribution (for cartoon macro: trade)
- Ocean researchers dive deeper into Puget Sound's acidification
- Let Cooler Heads Prevail By George F. Will, Sunday, April 2, 2006
- They're, Like, Way Ahead of the Linguistic Currrrve
- Pacific Sea Otters' Failure to Thrive Confounds Wildlife Sleuths
- How to Frack Responsibly: Suppose, for instance, the current leak rate [of methane from fracking] turns out to be 4 percent. Suppose we then reduce it in half. That would mean an immediate reduction in overall U.S. greenhouse gases by — are you sitting down for this? — 9 percent.
- 3656 FRANCIS AVE N B Seattle, WA 98103. More here.
- State Energy CO2 Emissions
- B.C. Liberals announce review of province's carbon tax. See also Carbon tax review welcomed by B.C. farmers
- What Cameras Inside Foxconn Found
- South Africa to introduce carbon tax. I'll believe it when I see it.
- Washington State's premier Republican social gathering, the Roanoke Conference. The 2012 conference will be held on the weekend of January 27-29.
In the news
March 1, 2012
Posted in Blog


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Steve Watson was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Growing up, he always dreamed of pursing a career in the entertainment industry, but he never expected to fall in love with construction on the way. While working part time for a local contractor, Watson leaned the ropes of the construction business, the trade that would keep a roof over his head and food on the table while he continued to pursue a career in the entertainment business. Steve eventually started his own remodeling business which primarily focused on residential home improvement. In 1998, he moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at a career in comedy. He quickly found success at several major comedy clubs including The Improv, The Ice House, and The Comedy Store. He has also been the host of The Discovery Channel and HGTV's Monster House and Don't Sweat It.
**Steve Watson Speaker**
Spending most of his time in front of the camera, Steve Watson is certainly not new to spotlight. Steve can be seen regularly at different home improvement shows and expos across the country, giving advice and how-to tips to homeowners looking to remodel. If you're interested in having Steve Watson speak at your next event, contact PGS and we'll make it happen.
**Steve Watson Appearance**
Along with his comedy, television, and construction careers, Steve Watson has also made a living acting. He has appeared in several television series and movies, most notably including: In the Heat of the Night, Separated by Murder, To Dance with the White Dog, The Hazel Brandon Story, and Return to Andersonville.
**Steve Watson Endorsement**
Along with the name Steve Watson comes a certain level of credibility and respect in the construction industry. So, if you're interested in having Steve Watson endorse you're company's product or service, contact PGS today and we'll take care of all the negotiations necessary to arrange a Steve Watson endorsement deal for you.
For more information about booking athletes and celebrities with the help of TSE Speakers, please fill our our detailed contact form or call us at (866) 520-7081 to speak with a dedicated TSE representative.
|01. Brown, Katie
|Home and Garden
|02. Gorder, Genevieve
|Home and Garden
|03. Hemmis, Paige
|04. Ramos, Constance
|Home and Garden
|05. Moloney, Michael
|Home and Garden
|06. Golden, Nancy
|Home and Garden
|07. Adams, Michele
|Home and Garden
|08. Rowley, Cynthia
|Home and Garden
|09. Russo, Gia
|Home and Garden
|10. Smith, Janette
|Home and Garden


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Is there a lemur that dances?
Yes. The sifaka is known for its "dancing" or sashaying which results from the lemur's inability to walk due to its splayed feet. When sifakas need to move on the ground hop sideways on their hind legs with bellies thrust out and arms held aloft.
More on sifakas
Dancing lemur attracts tourists to island of Madagascar
Find a mistake? Want to submit pictures or content? Contact WildMadagascar.org
WildMadagascar.org aims to raise interest in Madagascar, a land of cultural and biological richness
You can help support wildmadagascar.org by using this link to buy from Amazon.com.
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About Us
We are dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children throughout Europe and beyond, by providing high-quality platforms – news, blogs, interviews, papers, opinions, conferences and events – for the communities of interest working to develop good practice in the creation of genuinely child-friendly cities.
We have a group of subject matter experts (incl. children's professionals, university lecturers, researchers, city planners, etc.) from all over the world, who write for us and share knowledge, good practice and research findings from the various disciplines that are important to the shared aim of creating child friendly cities. Our network of enthusiastic and dedicated writers produce articles on the following subjects:
- Health
- Participation
- Mobility
- Urban planning
- Children's geographies
- Play
- Intergenerational approaches
- Poverty
- Education
Child in the City Foundation
The main objectives of the Child in the City Foundation is to strengthen the position of children in cities, promote and protect their rights and give them space and opportunities to play and enjoy their own social and cultural lives. We do this by providing communications platforms for academics, practitioners and campaigners for children's rights to disseminate research and good practice. One of the most important of these is the biennial (= every two years) international conference where scientists, urban planners and local authorities are brought together to share the latest knowledge.
The foundation observes 5 general guidelines and encourages national and local networks to translate these into specific local policies addressing local points of focus. The general guidelines are: an holistic, integral and intergenerational approach; the importance of participation for children and young people; and dynamic trade and continuous challenge.
Child in the City Conference
Every two years since 2002 the Child in the City conference has been held in a different European city and attended by 300 participants.
The conference is organised to enable social scientists, researchers, practitioners, politicians and city planners from all over the world to share their thoughts and develop new ideas to meet the needs of children in modern cities. Host cities have included Bruges, Stuttgart, London, Rotterdam, Florence, Zagreb and Odense. The next conference will be held in autumn 2018 in Vienna, Austria.
The themes of the conference explore: issues concerning children's space and mobility; their right to play; matters affecting their health and wellbeing; and their participation in the processes to determine the city environment and services.
The conference is a "high-profile" event, with previous attendance by political figures such as the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingston and the Danish Royal Princess Mary.
Child in the City Project Manager – Kim de Vos by email firstname.lastname@example.com


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National Conference on Lifelong Learning in Uzbekistan 2017
Regional Youth Conference. Khorog, September 26-28, 2017
Central Asian Adult Education Forum dedicated to Community Learning Centres, Kyrgyzstan
The international journal "Adult Education and Development" is a forum fpr adult educationists from all over the world. It is ppublished once a year in English, French and Spanish.
Read more


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Soursop tea is brewed from the leaves and bark of the soursop plant, an evergreen tree native to Cuba, Mexico, the Caribbean and parts of South America. It is often considered to have healing properties and is a component of many folk medicines.
Soursop tea is often called graviola tea, from the Brazilian Portuguese name for the tree. Although the soursop tree produces fruit that is sometimes compared in flavor to the pineapple or pawpaw, the tea is generally made from the leaves and bark. Laboratory studies have suggested that compounds in soursop can help slow the growth of cancer cells or make them more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs.


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John Rich (director)
|John Rich
July 6, 1925
Rockaway Beach, New York, U.S.
January 29, 2012 (aged 86)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
|Alma mater
|University of Michigan
|Television/Film director, producer
|Years active
John Rich (July 6, 1925 – January 29, 2012) was an American film and television director. He directed such television shows as Colonel Humphrey Flack, I Married Joan, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Hogan's Heroes, Where's Raymond?, Mister Ed, The Dick Van Dyke Show, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, Good Times, Barney Miller, Newhart, Benson, The Brady Bunch, and Gilligan's Island. His feature film credits include Wives and Lovers, Boeing Boeing, Roustabout and Easy Come, Easy Go (the latter two starring Elvis Presley). He also participated in the live telecast of the opening-day ceremonies of Disneyland in 1955.
He won an Emmy for The Dick Van Dyke Show, two Emmys for All in the Family, and two Golden Globes and an N.A.A.C.P. Image Award for All in the Family.[1]
In the 1980s, Rich and Henry Winkler formed a production company called Henry Winkler/John Rich Productions and together they produced MacGyver for Paramount Television.
Rich studied at the University of Michigan earning both a B.A. and an M.A. degree in English.
Rich died on January 29, 2012 after a brief illness, he was survived by his wife of 22 years, the former Patricia Dodds; a daughter, Catherine Rich (with dancer/choreographer Sylvia Lewis); two sons, Anthony Rich (Television Director, "The Big Bang Theory") and Robert Rich; three stepdaughters, Megan Lewis, Kimberly Beres, and Dana Benton; and eight grandchildren.[2]
- ^ John Rich: Warm Up the Snake, University of Michigan Press Archived 2006-10-18 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ John Rich dies at 86; director of landmark sitcoms, Los Angeles Times, January 29, 2012
External links[edit]
- John Rich on IMDb
- John Rich Interview with Joe Krein at Elvis2001.net
- John Rich Interview at The Archive of American Television
|This article about a United States film director born in the 1920s is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
|This article about a television director is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
- 1925 births
- 2012 deaths
- American film producers
- American television directors
- American television producers
- Primetime Emmy Award winners
- Golden Globe Award winners
- People from Queens, New York
- University of Michigan alumni
- Directors Guild of America Award winners
- Film directors from New York City
- American film director stubs
- Television director stubs


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It strikes me as totally arrogant that Twitter does not have the sense to create a simple gateway that would allow me to send an e-mail to someone's Twitter address without having to invoke a 3rd party service. Having been involved in the development of e-mail systems for a number of years, I know how simple it is to create gateways. For Twitter, I ought to be able to send an email to
Facebook, sadly, is not much better. Oh yes, FB is willing to give every FB user an email address with a Facebook domain name but what if I want to post a message to someone's wall via an e-mail message. Again, a gateway ought to be able to do this with ease. I send a message to
As much as the social media sphere has gained attention as the new, shiny object that everyone wants to play with, it seems to me that the thoughtful design types at both firms would realize that building a path to "legacy" technology would expand their influence and help them to be embraced by a much larger audience. I also know that as a traveler," store & forward" is much more useful to me as a messaging system than" always connected". My e-mail works that way as does antique SMS (heard about Smashtalk?) FB and Twitter just are not that convenient…..but they could be.
Need more examples? How many e-mail client applications today include a field for a Twitter or Facebook name? Not even Google has these fields available in their contacts list yet Android has multiple clients for both systems. Go figure.
Maybe it's just me thinking in full circles while others are only thinking in straight lines. I have to admit, I am baffled by the blinders these companies exhibit.
I am interested in what you think. Is e-mail considered such a legacy technology that these new interpersonal connection systems need not support the overwhelming standard of electronic communication?


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EBLEX highlights butchery training to French visitors22 April 2014
Butchery training developed in the UK has been showcased to industry experts from France during a mission organised by EBLEX.
To view the full press release, visit the EBLEX corporate website by clicking here
Latest News
Top chefs share tips to increase whole carcase use
08 January 2018
08 January 2018
Six top British chefs have revealed how they use the whole beef and lamb carcase in dishes, to provide increased depth of flavour......more »
Raising the steaks
08 November 2017
08 November 2017
AHDB Beef & Lamb has produced a new guide, Grilling & Barbecue Cuts, which features a range of beef steak cuts that are perfect for a wide variety of foodservice...more »
Muscles matter to get maximum carcase value
20 June 2017
20 June 2017
To help businesses maximise value and quality from the beef carcase, AHDB has drawn on years of master butchery experience to create a new Beef Muscle Guide....more »
Butchers Club Guide Provides Spring Inspiration
24 April 2017
24 April 2017
The latest edition of Butchers Club puts the spotlight on Beef Week and Spring Lamb. ...more »
Meat Education Programme receives industry accolade
08 February 2017
08 February 2017
The benefits to the red meat supply chain of the AHDB Beef & Lamb Meat Education Programme have been recognised at a prestigious industry award ceremony....more »
News archive >>


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MARMALADE Retro Mod Sixties Flower Button Dress
You must select a size before adding to your bag.
Marmalade Retro Mod Sixties flower button dress. In a classic white and black colour way it creates a clean and fresh look. Amazing Mod style that is sure to add Sixties glamour to any outfit! An elegant silhouette that is complimented by contrast Retro colour block trims. Finished with a cute flower button to chest, it is sure to turn heads!
Marmalade Retro Mod Sixties flower button dress in white/black. Textured woven fabric. Sophisticated rounded neckline with a sleeveless design. Zip fastening to back. Contrast black block colour trim to front. Cute faux flower button detail to chest in a fresh white which stands out on the black backdrop. Pleat detailing to front with contrast black trim.
Brand: Marmalade.
Key Points: Marmalade Retro Mod 60s dress with flower button detailing and pleat to front.
Colour: White/Black.
Composition: 97&% Cotton and 3% Elastane.
Care: Dry clean only, please refer to full instructions on garment care label.
Approximate sizing as follows:
XS - Bust 32" - Waist 24.75" - Hips 34.75"
Small - Bust 34" - Waist 26.75" - Hips 36.75
Medium - Bust 36" - Waist 28.75" - Hips 38.75"
Large - Bust 38" - Waist 30.75" - Hips 40.75"
XL - Bust 40" - Waist 32.75" - Hips 42.75"
XXL - Bust 42" - Waist 34.75" - Hips 44.75"
Measuring advice:
Bust: Wrap the measuring tape under your arms and measure around the largest part of the bust.
Waist: Wrap the measuring tape around the narrowest part of the waist.
Hips: Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of the hips.
The above size guidelines are as advised by Marmalade.
Product ID: 19784
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Bruel & Kjaer UK Ltd. - PRODUCT NEWS
Hyundai refines ride quality with a desktop simulator
Automotive expert Hyundai has expanded its testing capabilities with a Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) simulator for benchmarking its new vehicles.
Supplied by Brüel & Kjær, the Desktop NVH Simulator accurately reproduces the noise and vibration of a vehicle in a realistic interactive driving environment. Virtual, in-car testing allows automotive designers to experience first-hand the noise and vibration environment within vehicles, before theyve been fully built.
Hyundais new models are currently being built in Korea and will be sent to Germany for performance acceptance testing and investigations into their acoustic behaviour. Once these tests are complete, Hyundai can easily modify and engineer the sound of its vehicles to meet brand and customer expectations.
The Desktop NVH Simulator consists of a computer, steering wheel, pedals and two additional screens, which are either mounted on a desk or installed in an actual vehicle for instant, accurate recreation of noise and vibration effects.
The Desktop NVH Simulator uses one screen to display a virtual road complete with bends, scenery, single lane roads and even motorways. The second screen allows engineers to select the specification of the virtual vehicle, so they can experience the total sound of a vehicle - or several vehicles - as perceived by the driver. The engineer can also change individual factors such as engine type, gearbox, exhaust and wind noise, all of which contribute to the vehicles total sound.
About Bruel & Kjaer
Brüel & Kjær is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of sound and vibration solutions for use in a wide range of applications including environmental noise measurements, building acoustics, vibration measurements and quality control for use in the automotive, aerospace and consumer industries, as well as by local authorities. Today Brüel & Kjær has 900 employees and sales offices in 55 countries. Brüel & Kjær is a subsidiary of UK-based Spectris plc. (www.spectris.com). Spectris has annual sales of approximately £656m and employs around 6000 people worldwide in its 15 business units.
May 2013
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Airport and Mangere rail Airport and Mangere rail
Auckland Transport (AT) is committed to providing rail access to Mangere and the airport area. The project is focused on planning for and protecting the future rail route.
Project status: Investigation
Project zone: South-East
Project overview
The rail investigations are part of a joint AT and NZ Transport Agency integrated transport scheme for State Highway 20A (southwestern motorway) to improve access to the airport and surrounding employment area. This includes designing and building the new SH20A Kirkbride interchange to allow future rail.
Rail has been identified as the best long-term option for improving public transport in the area. It would provide improved public transport access to jobs in the airport area and for people living in Mangere.
The area is already one of Auckland's largest employment centres, with about 33,000 jobs. It's expected to be one of Auckland's fastest growing employment areas, with jobs increasing to 90,000 and GDP to $5.5 billion by 2044.
About 71,000 people live in the area around the airport and Auckland Airport passengers are expected to double to 24 million a year by 2025.
A rail link would provide more reliable journeys, helping to increase the use of public transport by workers and travellers.
The above video provides an overview of the light rail option. Costs and travel times will continue to be refined.
- Potential to increase the area's economic growth.
- Provide improved public transport access to jobs in one of Auckland's largest and fastest growing employment areas.
- Provide an attractive transport option for the Mangere community to increase public transport use.
- Provide a reliable and high-capacity connection between the city centre, Mangere, the airport and its employment area.
2015 - Protect route through Kirkbride/SH20A interchange; develop business case to determine if light or heavy rail is the preferred option.
2016 - Complete business case on light rail and heavy rail options for rail to Mangere and the airport.
2016 - Develop bus option to compare with light rail.
Project details
Business case
AT has developed a business case considering both heavy and light rail route options for rail to Mangere and the airport employment area to allow a single journey (without transfers) between the city centre and the airport.
The business case includes their differing benefits, costs and potential impacts on property, and requirements in the motorway corridor in addition to the Kirkbride/SH20A Interchange, which has been future-proofed for either light or heavy rail.
The heavy rail option included double tracking the Onehunga branch line and extending rail to Mangere Bridge, Mangere and the airport.
The light rail option would see the extension of a light rail transit (LRT) route via Queen Street and Dominion Road (currently being investigated) to Onehunga, Mangere Bridge, Mangere and the airport.
In June 2016, the Auckland Transport Board considered the business case and ruled out the option of heavy rail to the airport due to poor value for money.
We will now develop a rapid transit option using buses to compare value for money to the light rail option.
The Auckland Council's Long-term Plan includes an approximate $21 million contribution towards the cost of designing and building the new SH20A Kirkbride interchange for future rail and $12.6 million for further route protection.
Business case documents
- Download the South-western Multi-Modal Airport Rapid Transport indicative business case (PDF 5.6MB).
- Download appendix A - SMART investment logic map (PDF 110KB).
- Download appendix B - Heavy rail - General arrangement plans (PDF 21.5MB).
- Download appendix C - Light rail transit - General arrangement plans (PDF 12.3MB).
- Download appendix D - Bus rapid transit - General arrangement plans (PDF 17.8MB).
- Download appendix E - Hybrid bus rapid transit / heavy rail - General arrangement plans (PDF 12.5MB).
- Download appendix F - Shortlist option estimates (PDF 214KB).
- Download appendix G - Auckland public transport model outputs (PDF 10.7MB).
- Download appendix H - Onehunga branch line challenge workshop report (PDF 4.3MB).
- Download appendix I - Auckland airport rail alignment challenge workshop report (PDF 1.1MB).
- Download the South-western Airport Multi-Modal Corridor Project scoping report (PDF 3.7MB)
Travel time estimates for common journeys
Based on latest travel-time modelling.
Britomart (downtown) to airport:
- Light rail: 44 minutes.
- Heavy rail: 39 minutes.
Aotea (new City Rail Link station) to airport:
- Light rail: 41 minutes.
- Heavy rail: 41 minutes.
Cost estimates
- Light rail: $1 billion (approx).
- Heavy rail: $2.2 billion (approx).
Key facts about the Mangere/airport area
- One of Auckland's largest employment areas, with about 33,000 jobs and $3.5 billion GDP.
- Predicted to be one of Auckland's fastest growing employment areas, with 90,000 jobs and $5.5 GDP by 2044.
- About 71,000 people live in the residential areas around the airport employment zone.
- 90% of Mangere residents rely on a car to get to work vs regional average of 82%.
- Only 2% of airport employees and 7% of passengers use public transport.
- Auckland Airport passengers expected to double to 24 million a year by 2025 and 40 per million a year by 2044.
- 85,00 vehicles a day enter or exit the airport district via SH20A and SH20B, expected to more than double to 174,000 a day by 2044.
- Two bus services currently serve the employment area and airport.
- Bus reliability would reduce over time, and add to city centre bus congestion.