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South African Journal of Science
versión On-line ISSN 1996-7489
versión impresa ISSN 0038-2353
S. Afr. j. sci. vol.103 no.9-10 Pretoria sep./oct. 2007
Recent research in seismology in South Africa
L.M. LinzerI, III, *; M. BejaichundII; A. CichowiczII; R.J. DurrheimI, III; O.D. GoldbachI; M.O. KatakaI; A. KijkoII; A.M. MilevI; I. SaundersII; S.M. SpottiswoodeI; S.J. WebbIII
ICSIR NRE: Mining, P.O. Box 91230, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
IISeismology Unit, Council for Geoscience, Private Bag X112, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
IIISchool of Geosciences, Private Bag 3, University of the Witwatersrand, WITS 2050, South Africa
This paper summarizes the most important developments in South African research in earthquake, exploration and mine seismology for the period January 2003 to December 2006. The South African National Seismograph Network (SANSN) has been considerably improved in this time, and the upgraded seismological stations now use the SeisComp recording system and GPRS cellular communications for retrieving data in quasi-real time. The largest mining-related ever to occur in South Africa registered 5.3 on the local Richter magnitude scale (ML) on 9 March 2005. An unusually large earthquake of ML = 7.3 occurred in Mozambique on 23 February 2006, at the southernmost end of the East African Rift System. Improved seismic location and source parameter calculation methods have been developed for the data recorded by the SANSN, and significant research has been completed on seismic hazard and risk methods. The work in mining seismology has been wide-ranging in pursuit of improved understanding of the complex rock mass response to underground mining. Novel underground instrumentation has been developed. A new model of the Bushveld Complex uses seismically determined crustal thickness values to assess its isostatic responses and has important economic implications.
Routine seismic monitoring in South Africa is undertaken by the Council for Geoscience (CGS) using the South African Seismograph Network (SANSN), which comprises 23 broadband and extended short-period seismometers. The CGS has invested substantial resources in upgrading the network in recent years. To date, 19 stations are equipped with GPRS cellular communications for retrieving data in quasi-real-time.
The CGS publishes quarterly comprehensive earthquake bulletins of the seismic events recorded by SANSN.1 Most of the events are associated with deep-level gold mining of the reefs on the periphery of the Witwatersrand Basin. The largest mining-related seismic event ever to occur in South Africa took place on 9 March 2005 and registered 5.3 on the local Richter magnitude scale (ML). This event had far-reaching socio-economic consequences because the mine was closed for several months, and this led to a comprehensive investigation commissioned by the Chief Inspector of Mines. The brief was to investigate the risks to miners, mines, and the public posed by large seismic events in the gold mining districts.2
More accurate epicentral locations of data recorded by SANSN have become increasingly important because of the more frequent incidence of large events in mining districts. There is a need to be able to identity the particular mine in which an event occurred. This has stimulated research at the CGS on improved relocation methods, as well as in the fields of seismic risk and hazard assessment.
Not all the events listed in the earthquake bulletins are mine-related. An unusually severe earthquake, measuring 7.3 ML, occurred in the southwestern part of Mozambique, on 23 February 2006, in the vicinity of a village named Massangena. The event was located using data recorded by SANSN and showed that the earthquake occurred at the southernmost extension of the East African Rift System. Although seismicity associated with the East African Rift is common, the magnitude was unexpectedly large because the faulting mechanism associated with diverging plate boundaries generally produces smaller seismic events.
Several ambitious, inter-institutional, international research programmes have been initiated during the last four years: the AfricaArray initiative is a long-term (20-year) programme co-directed by the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Pennsylvania;3 Inkaba ye Africa is a multidisciplinary initiative between South African and German earth scientists;4 and the DAFSAM (Drilling Active Faults Laboratory in South African Mines)NELSAM (Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines) project involves South African, German, Japanese and American scientists.5 All of these programmes couple research with capacity building in the geosciences. Research in seismology is using regional events to determine earth structure from the data recorded through Inkaba ye Africa and AfricaArray, as well as by building on previous research from the Kaapvaal Project.
There have also been high profile achievements by local seismologists. The Department of Science and Technology has established the South African Research Chairs Initiative to reinvigorate research at the country's higher education institutions and to develop research capacity. The first 21 chairs were awarded in December 2006 through a highly competitive review process. One of these (the joint University of the Witwatersrand/ CSIR Chair of Earthquake, Exploration and Mining Seismology) was conferred on R.J. Durrheim. It is envisaged that he will provide scientific leadership to the AfricaArray and Minimizing the Risk of Rockbursting research programmes, and will develop partnerships with the hydrocarbon and mineral sector, as well as with science councils and universities in South Africa, elsewhere in Africa, and abroad.
Two South African seismologists were awarded the Rocha Medal by the International Society for Rock Mechanics for their Ph.D. research projects. Lindsay Linzer received the medal in 2003 for her thesis entitled 'A relative moment tensor inversion technique applied to seismicity induced by mining', in which she developed a robust moment tensor inversion method that compensates for the various types of systematic error (or noise) that influence seismograms recorded underground.39 In 2005, M. Hildyard was awarded the medal for his thesis on 'Wave interaction with underground openings in fractured rock', in which he implemented novel numerical and theoretical developments to address the problem of rockbursts in mining and the interpretation of fracturing in rock.40 No other country has achieved more than three of these awards, whereas South Africa has now collected five. In exploration seismology, George Cameron Smith and Maurice Gidlow were each awarded a Krahman Medal by the South African Geophysical Association in 2003, for their development of an AVO (Amplitude Variations with Offset) procedure. After more than 15 years of scrutiny, it remains a critical seismic attribute that is employed routinely by geophysicists. This work has achieved international acclaim: the year before, Smith and Gidlow were each presented with the Reginald Fessenden Award by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Rockbursts remain among the greatest challenges facing the South African mining industry. This arises from the ever-increasing depths at which gold and platinum mining occur. Rockbursts are seismic events associated with mining that result in damage, costing the industry about US$1 billion a year (in terms of ground lost in pillars, local support, difficult mining as well as other factors). Consequently, most of the research in mining seismology is focused on reducing the rockburst risk. The key contributors to research on mining-induced seismicity are CSIR employees, Integrated Seismic Systems International (ISSI), various consultants and, to a lesser extent, the universities. Very few mining seismologists remain as mine employees, with the routine running of the in-mine systems either being outsourced or becoming the responsibility of the rock engineering departments.
The review that follows attempts to summarize the most significant developments in South African seismological research and development for the period January 2003 to December 2006. These consist of:
upgrades to the SANSN
a summary of recent international research initiatives
improvements to seismic location and source parameter calculation methods
developments in seismic hazard and risk methods
research in mining seismology
a summary of the investigation into the risks posed by large seismic events in gold mining areas
and a review of studies performed using earthquakes to determine earth structure.
Improvements to the South African Seismograph Network
The SANSN comprises 23 seismological stations (Fig. 1), most of which were installed during the 1970s and early 1980s. The network is operated and maintained by the Council for Geoscience, mandated by the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) to report on earthquakes in South Africa through quarterly seismological bulletins.1 Waveform data from three stations of the International Monitoring System (IMS), namely, Boshof, Sutherland and Lobatse, are also routinely used in data analysis.
The CGS has invested significant effort and resources in upgrading and restructuring the entire network. The delay in transmitting waveform data recorded by the SANSN to the CGS offices in Silverton, Pretoria, was addressed in early 2006. General Packet Radio System (GPRS), a mobile data service for wireless communications that operates at speeds up to 115 kilobits per second, compared with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) that operates at 9.6 kilobits per second, proved to be the most attractive in terms of transfer speed and cost. GPRS additionally supports a wide range of bandwidths that are suitable for sending and receiving large volumes of data. A total of 19 stations have been equipped with GPRS to date. The use of near-real-time data communication has shortened the response time of the CGS to release earthquake data to interested parties. A refitting programme to phase out 18-bit digitizers and replacing Stand Alone Quake Systems (SAQS) with the Earthquake Acquisition Recording System (EARS) developed in-house, was executed in parallel with the communication programme. The need to replace the SAQS recorders was paramount as availability of spare parts has been an increasing problem. The SANSN is currently equipped with five broadband (100-second) and 14 extended short-period (30-second) seismometers.
The CGS implemented the SeisComp data acquisition software, developed by the GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ) in Potsdam, Germany, during the last quarter of 2005. This records waveforms in the internationally accepted MiniSEED format and has an additional feature for automatic earthquake location. Waveform data are presently communicated at 20 samples per second (sps) for continuous data and 100 sps for triggered data.
A station was installed in each of the gold mining areas of the Central Rand and Far West Rand, under a DME-funded project. These stations are located at East Rand Proprietary Mines and Kloof Mine, and are equipped with 24-bit digitizers, GPRS communications and three-component short-period sensors.
The CGS has pledged five stations of the SANSN to the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS). These stations are equipped with broadband sensors and record continuous waveform data at 20 sps. There are plans to channel waveform data from these stations through the GFZ to the International Data Center in Indonesia.
Research initiatives
AfricaArray Initiative
The name 'AfricaArray' encapsulates the essence of this enterprise and describes the suite of training programmes, scientific observatories, and projects of scientists across the continent. Most importantly, AfricaArray refers to a vision that is shared between the project partners, so that Africa can retain capacity in an array of scientific fields that are critical to the development of its natural resources.3 The founding partners of AfricaArray are the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Pennsylvania and the CGS. The programme was launched officially in January 2005.
AfricaArray's initial focus is on geophysics education and research, due to the high demand for geophysicists in the strategically important fields of oil and gas exploration, mineral exploration, geothermal energy development, water resource development, and earthquake hazard mitigation (including mine tremors).3 Seismic stations belonging to participating countries are being either installed or upgraded, and technical personnel are being trained to maintain these stations. The network currently consists of 24 permanent broadband stations and forms a backbone network for recording earthquakes across eastern and southern Africa (Fig. 2). The eleven stations in South Africa belong to the SANSN.
Seismic data are being used for student M.Sc. and Ph.D. research projects as well as in collaborative research programmes involving South African and American seismologists. One project is funded by the US Department of Energy and involves building a network of five broadband seismic stations around the deep gold mines in the Carletonville district, west of Johannesburg. These data will be interpreted in combination with those recorded by the in-mine networks as well as the AfricaArray stations with the aim of studying the source properties of mining-related events and how seismic energy propagates at regional distances (2001000 km). Three temporary stations have been installed by the CGS to date, while preparations for the permanent stations of the project continue. Data from these temporary stations are sent to IRIS to supplement the data obtained from the noise tests performed during the site surveys for the new stations.
The AfricaArray initiative is not just limited to capacity building and research in geophysics, but will be extended to other science fields that are crucial to development in the natural resources sector. Monitoring equipment such as GPS, and meteorological, hydrological and other environmental sensors will be added to the existing observatories.3 The projected network of scientific observatories, in 10 years' time, is shown in Fig. 3.
Inkaba ye Africa
More than 100 earth and space scientists from a consortium of 15 government and academic institutions in South Africa and Germany are involved in the Inkaba ye Africa initiative.4 The teams of scientists aim to survey a cone-shaped sector of the Earth from core to space, encompassing South Africa and the Southern Ocean.
The enterprise consists of 12 projects that contribute to three main research themes: the 'Heart of Africa', the 'Margins of Africa' and 'Living Africa'.4 Some seismic reflection and refraction surveys were performed in 2004 and 2005, by teams from various institutions, to collect data, both onshore and offshore, along the AgulhasKaroo transect. These surveys contribute to the 'Margins of Africa' component, the main scientific objective of which is to investigate the causes and consequences of the break-up of Gondwana. Another objective is to provide training and mentoring for local earth scientists in a collaborative environment. The data recorded by these surveys are currently being evaluated.
This is a large, long-term international programme to examine the fundamental physics of earthquakes.5 The deep gold mines in the Carletonville district provide a unique opportunity for making direct and near-field seismic observations at the focal depth. The projects aim to build an earthquake laboratory at a depth of 3540 m in the vicinity of the Pretorius fault at TauTona Gold Mine. Internationally recognized scientists from research organizations in the US, Germany and Japan are involved in the research in collaboration with scientists from ISSI, TauTona Gold Mine, the University of the Free State and the CSIR in South Africa.
Developments in regional seismology
Improved seismic location methods
A study recently conducted by the CGS shows that errors in locating mine-related events recorded by SANSN could be as large as 20 km. The CGS is currently able to specify only the district in which the event occurred, such as Klerksdorp, the Far West Rand, the West Rand or Welkom. However, there is a need to be more specific; namely, that the SANSN should be able to identify the particular mine where events occurred.
Relocation techniques have also been applied to the automatically-picked first arrivals of the P-and S-waves. Two different relocation methods, and the double-difference method, have been applied to a cluster of mining-induced events using data recorded by the in-mine networks.6
A new method, referred to as the multi-reference relocation technique, has been tested by the CGS for locating newly recorded earthquakes.7 This technique uses the accurate location of several events to constrain the relocation process in contrast to the arrival-time difference (ATD) method, which uses only one master event. The first tests with synthetic and real earthquakes have shown that the method is effective in reducing location errors.
New software has been developed at the CGS to calculate stable source parameters from the SANSN on a routine basis.8 The software performs three main tasks. First, the full synthetic seismogram is calculated for a one-dimensional layered velocity model, which includes P-waves, S-waves and the surface waves. In the second step, all observed waveforms are filtered to allow an appropriate and consistent treatment of the propagation effects. Finally, an inversion process is used to calculate several source parameters by matching data with the synthetic seismogram, enabling the deformation in the source region (seismic moment) and the duration of the rupture to be computed. A stable magnitude and static stress drop can then be easily calculated from these parameters. The first results indicate that source parameters can be reliably achieved for distances between seismic source and stations of less than 200 km. Future developments will focus on extending the software, to include a complex seismic source model.
Research in seismic hazard and risk assessment
A large body of research has been completed at the CGS in the field of seismic hazard and risk. The scope of the work has involved sites of crucial engineering structures like dams, tall buildings, bridges, nuclear power plants, gas and coal terminals, pipelines and mining regions. The research highlights in 2004 involved producing maps of maximum earthquake magnitudes for stable continental regions in Africa using several statistical methods.9, 10 The lack of completeness in earthquake catalogues in Africa is still a major problem and this work will be revised as more data become available.
Procedures and software have been produced for the generation of Monte Carlo catalogues for use in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment.11 These synthetic catalogues are used by seismic hazard practitioners in the insurance industry for risk analyses. The Seismic Hazard Assessment and Risk Program (SHARP) is a user-friendly application, first released in 2004, which assesses the maximum possible earthquake magnitude, with or without a seismic event catalogue.11 In addition, earthquake recurrence parameters can be calculated for the seismotectonic province or seismogenic fault of interest, for any region in the world. Monte Carlo catalogues can be generated and seismic hazard curves (that provide return periods of peak ground acceleration) can be computed using the Parametric-Historic procedure and/or the Cornell McGuire approach. The SHARP software was compiled from the MATLAB format in 2005, and is now available as stand-alone software.
Attenuation models have been developed for South Africa based on recorded intensities from several isoseismal maps created for large earth-quakes that occurred throughout South Africa, dating as far back as 1912.12 A report on building vulnerability curves for typical buildings in South Africa was produced.12 This work formed the basis of newly released codes: D-SHARP13 and P-SHARP.14 D-SHARP provides maps of seismic risk for a user-specified earthquake, anywhere in South Africa (Fig. 4). This toolbox is similar to that of the USGS Shake map that provides near-real-time maps of shaking intensity that follows significant earthquakes. P-SHARP provides probabilistic seismic risk assessment for any location in South Africa.
Developments in mine seismology
SIMRAC projects
The following list highlights some of the recent research projects funded by the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC), where seismology was used to help understand the complex rock mass response to underground mining. A complete listing of the research projects, as well as the completed reports, can be downloaded from the source given in ref. 15.
1) SIM040302: 'The determination of loading conditions for crush pillars and the performance of crush pillars under dynamic loading'.16 The mechanisms involved in crush pillar behaviour are complex and many factors influence their performance, including local and regional geology, rock mass characteristics, nearby seismicity and mining. Seismic monitoring of crush pillars shows that the pillars are not affected by nearby seismic events, but that micro-seismicity (indicative of brittle fracture) occurs over the duration of the pillar's life.
2) SIM020307: 'Calibration of integration-ready numerical models to real seismic data'.17 The numerical stress modelling codes MAP3Di and IDRM (Integrated Damage Rheology Model) were compared in this project to identify common advantages and potential problems associated with the integration of modelling with real seismic data. The significant result was the demonstration that the calibration of integrated models to observed seismicity is possible. This changes the status of the integration concept from that of an interesting idea to the level of a practical tool.
3) SIM020302: 'Proactive approaches to rock mass stability and control'.18 The aim of this project was to implement the findings of research around tap-tests and panel sequencing, as well as to report on the trials of Integration for Controlled Mining, a technique in which numerical modelling is combined with seismic information to provide short-term guides for mining. Quantitative acoustic emission information was recorded within two hours of blasting at a variety of sites, and compared with the levels of seismic activity recorded by mine-wide networks over three-month periods. It emerges that the short-and long-term seismic responses are correlated, and that tap-tests can be easily implemented. The trials of the Integration for Controlled Mining technique were inconclusive.
4) SIM040303: 'Quantification of optimum lead-lag distances between adjacent panels in longwall, scattered and sequential grid layouts with respect to seismicity patterns and rockburst damage related to abutment shear events'.19 This project aimed to quantify the effects of lead-lags on fracturing, stability, support and seismicity to either confirm or modify current design guidelines. Seismicity, associated with lead-lags, was identified from mine seismic catalogues. Moment tensor inversions were used to calculate the source mechanisms of the lead-lag events. Fault plane solutions were used to confirm the selected seismicity as lead-lags events and to determine the focal mechanisms. The ambiguity of fault plane solutions was resolved using the Doppler shift in corner frequencies.
5) SIM020203: 'New methodologies for quantifying remnant extraction hazards in deep mines'. The term 'remnant' refers to reef that has not been mined, owing to low grades, or the presence of hazardous geological features. This project investigated the rock mass behaviour occurring within remnant blocks in an attempt to quantify the hazard.
6) SIM040301: 'Evaluation of the design criteria of Regularly Spaced Dip Pillars (RSDP) based on their in-situ performance'. This current project aims to evaluate the design criteria of regularly spaced dip pillars and to identify the conditions under which RSDP mining works best as a rockburst control method. The observed long-term tilt and strain will be compared with elastic and inelastic results, obtained by modelling using MINF.
7) SIM 050302: 'Minimizing the Rockburst Risk' is a 5-year research programme that began in April 2005. Collaborators include the CSIR, ISSI and the CGS. The programme encompasses both fundamental research on topics such as seismic source mechanisms, the dynamics of fault zones and rock burst damage mechanisms, and applied research on methods to estimate seismic hazard and to assess the vulnerability of excavations to rockburst damage. The deep mines in South Africa are unique in the world, as they represent the only place on the globe where ruptures that are related to earthquakes and seismic events can be viewed and studied in situ.
Developments in underground instrumentation
A device called GoafWarn has been developed at the CSIR in consultation with the coal mining industry. GoafWarn can monitor micro-seismicity associated with the formation and extension of fractures prior to the collapse of the roof strata. Recent research in coal mines using this event-detection device has been successful in giving warnings prior to goafing.21 A more recent prototype, renamed FogWarn, is being tested in the platinum industry; results show that reliable early warning of roof instability prior to falls of ground (FOG) in platinum mines can be achieved. It is envisaged that this technology could reduce accidents and, in exceptional circumstances, prevent damage to infrastructure.
Considerable progress has been made by CSIR scientists in the study of strong ground motion and site effect surrounding underground mining excavations. A stand-alone instrument, known as the Peak Velocity Detector (PVD), specially designed for recording strong ground motions underground, was used to create a large database of peak particle velocities measured on stope hangingwalls. The project monitored a total of 58 sites, located in stopes mining the Carbon Leader Reef, Ventersdorp Contact Reef, Vaal Reef and Basal Reef. The peak particle velocities were measured at the surface of the excavations. Based on these measurements, the generally accepted velocity criterion of 3 m/s was found to be an adequate value to meet the requirements of support systems during a rockburst. The data recorded on the skin of the excavations were compared with those measured by the mine's seismic networks to determine the site response. The peak ground velocity measured on the skin of the excavations was found on average to be 9 ± 3 times greater than the peak ground velocity derived from the mine seismic data.22
Another unique and recently established research field is that of in-stope micro-seismic monitoring. This encapsulates a wide range of research, such as regional and local support behaviour, the mechanism of pillar failure,23 quasi-static and dynamic deformations of the rocks,24 as well as rockburst and rockfall control.
Sixth International Symposium on Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines (RaSiM6)
The RaSiM symposia are held every four years and are regarded as the best single source of papers on mining-induced seismicity. South Africans have followed their colleagues in other countries by concentrating their efforts on publishing on mining-induced seismicity in the RaSiM proceedings.
The sixth RaSiM symposium, held in Perth, Australia, in 2005, included a wide range of papers from South Africa, on such topics as: assessing the success or otherwise of mine layout design,25,26 failure mechanisms,23 and providing hazard assessment on a daily or even hourly basis.27 Overall, 23 out of a total of 80 papers in RaSiM6 were written by South Africans as first or sole author. Most of the South African papers were on seismicity or rockbursts in deep-level gold mines, although four articles were related to other types of mining, namely underground platinum23,28 and copper29 as well as open-pit mining.30
Tenth Congress of the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM )
This congress was held in South Africa in September 2003. Although the focus was mostly on rock mechanics, nine papers by South Africans on mining seismology research and case studies were presented on a wide variety of topics. These were strong ground motion and site response;31 improved seismic location methods;32 seismic hazard assessment methods;33 seismic risk of mining layouts;34,35 the fractography of rockbursts and impact structures;36 the dynamic failure of pillar remnants;37 and dynamic numerical modelling.38
Second International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining
The aim of the seminar, which was held in Johannesburg in 2004, was to gather the latest information on mining conditions in deep and high stress situations. In addition to seismicity, issues such as cooling and ventilation were also addressed. Papers by South African authors, with a significant seismological component, included a seismic and modelling analysis of dip-pillar mining,41 a laboratory investigation of the rock-mass response to mining,42 a case study of rockburst mechanisms,43 and a description of strategies to manage seismicity at depth.44
Investigation into the risks posed by large seismic events in gold mining areas
A large seismic event, with a magnitude of 5.3 ML, occurred on 9 March 2005 at DRDGOLD's North West Operations in the Klerksdorp district. The event damaged several buildings and injured 58 people in the nearby town of Stilfontein (Fig. 5). Two mineworkers were killed and 3200 others had to be evacuated. It was the largest mining-related seismic event ever to occur in South Africa.
The Chief Inspector of Mines appointed a team of experts, led by the CSIR's R.J. Durrheim, to investigate the risks to miners, mines, and the public posed by large seismic events in the gold mining districts.2 The team included local seismologists, mining and rock engineers, a hydrologist, and a seismic public safety specialist and seismologist from California.
It was found that the event of 9 March could be ascribed to past mining. The possibility that the event and its aftershocks were solely due to natural forces was considered to be extremely small. Seismic events will continue to occur as long as there is mining, and for some time after mining ceases, as earthquakes are likely to be triggered when worked-out mines flood. It is unlikely that the magnitudes of the events and intensity of the shaking would be significantly greater than the levels that have been experienced to date. Nevertheless, the recommendation is that seismic monitoring networks be improved, and that monitoring continues after mines close. The seismic hazard should be taken into account when the future use of mining land is being considered or new buildings are designed. Municipalities are aware of the risks posed by seismicity, and are incorporating these risks in their disaster management plans.
Reflection seismology
South Africa has been a pioneer in adapting the reflection seismic method to the hard rock environment to explore for gold and platinum deposits. Two review papers were included in a special volume on hard rock seismic exploration published by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.45,46 Deep seismic reflection data were also used to image crustal structures across the central Kaapvaal Craton.47
Research in Earth structure
Seismological results have also motivated additional work in other fields. Recent research has demonstrated the value of seismically determined crustal thickness values, for assessing the isostatic response to the load of the Bushveld Complex in the crust.48 These crustal thickness values confirmed earlier predictions of crustal thickness based purely on geological and gravity data arguments.49,50 This new model48 has important economic implications. The platinum resources of southern Africa would greatly increase if the Bushveld Complex can be shown to have economic horizons at shallow depth in its centre. Surprisingly little research has been conducted on the 3D geometry of the Bushveld Complex, for such an economically important resource. Research Vibroseis lines should ideally be collected across the entire extent of the complex, to delineate fully this important resource. A less expensive alternative would be the placement of an array of passive broadband seismometers, focused on resolving crustal structure.
In another research project using crustal thickness results51 and seismic velocity variations52 beneath the Kaapvaal Craton, it has been shown that the crustal thickness variations at the Moho give a strong contribution to the gravity signal of southern Africa.53 Interestingly, the seismically determined crustal thickness variations are not strongly correlated with topography there is a stronger correlation with regional geology. The contribution to the gravity signal from the seismic velocity variations in the mantle is, surprisingly, about the same order of magnitude as the gravity variations due to the Moho variations. However, the seismic velocity variations in the mantle keel beneath the Kaapvaal Craton appear to be dominated by composition variations as opposed to more commonly supposed temperature variations. These gravity models lend additional support to the isopycnic hypothesis,20 which proposes that Archean cratons are underlain by thick, depleted mantle keels with relatively high magnesium content.
The SANSN has been upgraded, enabling data to be retrieved in quasi-real-time. The location accuracy of data recorded by the network has been improved by replacing the short-period instruments with broadband and extended short-period seismometers, as well as by developing a multi-reference relocation technique. Stable source parameter calculation methods have been developed for the data recorded by the SANSN, and a large body of research on seismic hazard and risk for sites of essential engineering structures has been completed. Two short-period instruments have been installed in the gold mining areas of the Central Rand and Far West Rand to improve the accuracy of locating mine tremors.
An investigation into the ML = 5.3 event near Stilfontein concluded that it could be attributed to past mining, that further seismicity would occur due to present mining activities and would continue for some time after mining activities ceased, as a result of flooding. The unusually large earthquake of ML = 7.3 that occurred in Mozambique was related to the southernmost extension of the East African Rift System.
Several MHSC research projects involving large components of mining seismology research have been completed. The highlights include insights into the behaviour of crush pillars, further work on the integration of seismicity and numerical modelling, research in proactive approaches to rock mass stability, the quantification of the effects of various lead-lag distances between adjacent panels on fracturing, stability, support and seismicity, and new methods for quantifying the hazards association with remnant extraction. Devices to detect seismic events have been developed to give prior warnings of goafing in coal mines and falls of ground in platinum mines. The site response has been evaluated from measurements of peak ground velocity of the skin of excavations, which was found to be on average nine times higher than the velocity in the rock mass, as inferred from the in-mine networks.
New models of the structure of the Bushveld Complex have used seismically determined values of the crustal thickness to assess the isostatic response to the load of the complex in the crust, and postulate the existence of economic horizons in the centre of the complex. The consequences of this research have the potential to increase greatly the platinum resources of southern Africa.
1. Graham G. (ed.) (2006). Seismological Bulletins (produced quarterly: January March, AprilJune, JulySeptember, OctoberDecember). Council for Geoscience, Pretoria. [ Links ]
2. Durrheim R. J., Anderson R. L., Cichowicz A., Ebrahim-Trollope R., Hubert G., Kijko A., McGarr A., Ortlepp W. D. and Van der Merwe N. (2007). The risks to miners, mines, and the public posed by large seismic events in the gold mining districts of South Africa. In Challenges in Deep and High Stress Mining, eds Y. Potvin, J. Hadjigeorgiou and D. Stacey, pp. 3340. Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth. [ Links ]
3. Nyblade A. (2003). White Paper. AfricaArray: Training a Scientific Workforce for Africa's Natural Resource Sector. Online: www.africaarray.psu.edu/about_us/ africa_array_white_paper.pdf [ Links ]
4. Online: www.hartrao.ac.za/inkaba/index.php; www.gfz-potsdam.de/pb4/ pg3/projects/INKABAyeAFRICA/
5. Online: www.icdp-online.de/contenido/lakedb/front_content.php
6. Cichowicz A. (2005). Automatic processing and relocation methods. Controlling Seismic Risk, Proc. Sixth International Symposium on Rockburst and Seismicity in Mines, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, 547554. [ Links ]
7. Cichowicz A. (2006). Location of Mine Related Seismic Events using Characteristic Appearances of the Waveform. Council for Geoscience, Pretoria. [ Links ]
8. Cichowicz A. (2006). Investigation of the Spectral Parameters of the Mine Related Seismic Events. Council for Geoscience, Pretoria. [ Links ]
9. Bejaichund M., Kijko A. and Hattingh E. (2004). Estimation of Maximum Earthquake Magnitudes for Stable Continental Regions of Africa. CGS Report No. 2004-0065, Pretoria. [ Links ]
10. Kijko A. (2004). Estimation of the maximum earthquake magnitude, mmax. Pure Appl. Geophys. 161, 16551681. [ Links ]
11. Kijko A., Bejaichund J. and Ramperthap J. (2004). SHARP: Seismic Hazard Assessment and Risk Program. Software Package for Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment. CGS Report No. 2004-0285, Pretoria. [ Links ]
12. Kijko A., Hattingh E., Ramperthap J., Pule T. and Bejaichund M. (2006). Intensity Attenuation Models and Vulnerability Curves for South Africa. CGS Report No. 2006-0335, Pretoria. [ Links ]
13. Kijko A., Ramperthap J., Bejaichund M. and Saunders I. (2006). D-SHARP, Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment and Risk Program. Software Package for Deterministic Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment. CGS Report No. 2006-0312. Pretoria. [ Links ]
14. Kijko A., Ramperthap J., Bejaichund M. and Saunders I. (2006). P-SHARP, Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment and Risk Program. Software Package for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment. CGS Report No. 2006-0326. Pretoria. [ Links ]
15. Online: www.simrac.co.za.
16. Canbulat I., Grodner M., Lightfoot N., Ryder J., Essrich F. Dlokweni T., Wilkinson A., Krog C. and Prohaska G. (2006). The Determination of Loading conditions for Crush Pillars and the Performance of Crush Pillars under Dynamic Loading. SIM040302 Final Project Report, Department of Minerals and Energy, Pretoria. [ Links ]
17. Ilchev A.S. and Mendecki A.J. (2005). Calibration of Integration-Ready Numerical Models to Real Seismic Data. SIM 020307 Final report SIM020307-REP-020. Department of Minerals and Energy, Pretoria. [ Links ]
18. Lynch R.A. (2003). Proactive Approaches to Rockmass Stability and Control. SIM 020302 Final report. Department of Minerals and Energy, Pretoria. [ Links ]
19. Goldbach O.D., Rangasamy T., Linzer L.M., Kataka M.O., Spottiswoode S.M. and du Pisani P. (2006). Lead-lag Design Criteria and Seismicity Patterns. SIM 040303 Final report, Department of Minerals and Energy, Pretoria. [ Links ]
20. Jordan T.H. (1979). Mineralogies, densities and seismic velocities of garnet lherzolites and their geophysical implications. In The Mantle Sample: Inclusions in Kimberlites and other Volcanics, eds F.R. Boyd and H.O.A. Meyer, pp. 114. American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C. [ Links ]
21. Makusha G. (2004). Stooping low safety factor pillars at Goedehoop Colliery 12 months later. In Proc. 23rd International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, West Virginia, August 35. [ Links ]
22. Milev A.M. and Spottiswoode S.M. (2005). Strong ground motion and site response in deep South African mines. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. 105(7), 515525. [ Links ]
23. Milev A.M., Hildyard M.W., Linzer L.M. and Spottiswoode S.M. (2005). Underground microseismic monitoring of pillar systems to evaluate mechanism of failure. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 239246. [ Links ]
24. Spottiswoode S.M. and Milev A.M. (2006). A study of mine stability using records of ground tilting. In Proc. ARMA/USRMS, the 41st U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Golden, Colorado, CD-ROM, Paper No. 061168. [ Links ]
25. McGill R.B. (2005). Strategies to manage seismicity in a deep VCR environment on Mponeng. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 419424. [ Links ]
26. Spottiswoode S.M. (2005). Mine layout design and medium-term prediction of seismicity. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 211217. [ Links ]
27. Van Aswegen G. (2005). Routine seismic hazard assessment in some South African mines. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 437444. [ Links ]
28. Singh N., Naidoo K., Milev A.M. and Urcan H. (2005). Evaluation of the rockburst potential in platinum mines in shallow to intermediate depths when mining beneath overlying remnants. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 165173. [ Links ]
29. Glazer S.N. and Hepworth N. (2005). Seismicity induced by cave mining, Palabora experience. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 281289. [ Links ]
30. Lynch R.A., Wuite R. Smith R.S. and Cichowicz A. (2005). Microseismic monitoring of open pit slopes. In Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, RaSiM6, eds Y. Potvin and M. Hudyma, Perth, Australia, 581592. [ Links ]
31. Milev A.M., Spottiswoode S.M., Murphy S.K. and Geyser D. (2003). Strong ground motion and site response of mine-induced seismic events. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 817822. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
32. Spottiswoode S.M. and Linzer L.M. (2003). Improved seismic event locations. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 11411146. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
33. Van Aswegen G. (2003). Applications of seismic hazard assessment methods in mines. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 12611268. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
34. Vieira F.M.C.C. and Budavari S. (2003). Evaluation of four layouts for gold mining at a depth range of 3500 and 5000m. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 12991310. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
35. Klokow J.W., Reimer K.L. and Ferreira R.I.L. (2003). An initial assessment of the closely spaced dip-pillar mining layout as practised at Driefontein Gold Mine. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 655664. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
36. Armstrong R., Reimold W.U. and Charlesworth E.G. (2003). Comparison of the fractography of rockbursts and impact structures. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 4956. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
37. Bosman J.D. and Van Aswegen G. (2003). Dynamic failure of pillar remnants. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 143150. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
38. Kataka M., Hildyard M.W. and Sellers E.J. (2003). Integration of seismic observations from deep level gold mines with dynamic numerical modelling. In Proc. International Society for Rock Mechanics, 10th Congress, Technology Roadmap for Rock Mechanics, eds M. Handley and D. Stacey, September 2003, pp. 617624. SAIMM, Johannesburg. [ Links ]
39. Linzer L.M. (2005). Manuel Rocha Medal recipient: A relative moment tensor inversion technique applied to seismicity induced by mining. J. Rock Mech. Rock Engnrg 38(2), 81104. [ Links ]
40. Online: www.isrm.net/fotos/gca/1153998415rocha_medal_2005_mhildyard_ summary.pdf
41. Spottiswoode S.M. (2004). A seismic and modelling analysis of dip-pillar mining. In Proc. 2nd International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining. S. Afr. Min. Metall. Symp. Ser. S37, 6778. [ Links ]
42. Durrheim R.J. and Labrie D. (2004). Data-driven simulation of the rock mass response to mining (part 1): Laboratory experiments using Nepean sandstone models. In Proc. Second International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. Symp. Ser. S37, 365394. [ Links ]
43. Ortlepp W.D., Murphy S. and Van Aswegen G. (2004). The mechanism of a rockburst an informative case study. In Proc. 2nd International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. Symp. Ser. S37, 2340. [ Links ]
44. McGill R.B. (2004). Strategies to manage seismicity in a deep VCR environment on Mponeng. Proc. 2nd International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. Symp. Ser. S37, 7994. [ Links ]
45. Pretorius C.C., Muller M.R., Larroque M. and Wilkins C. (2003). A review of 16 years of hardrock seismics on the Kaapvaal Craton. In Hardrock Seismic Exploration, eds D.A. Eaton, B. Milkereit and M.H. Salisbury, Geophysical Development Series, No. 10, 247268. [ Links ]
46. Stevenson F., Higgs R.M.M. and Durrheim R.J. (2003). Seismic imaging of precious and base-metal deposits in Southern Africa. In Harddrock Seismic Exploration, eds D.A. Eaton, B. Milkereit and M.H. Salisbury. Geophysical Development Series, No. 10, 141156. [ Links ]
47. De Wit M. and Tinker J. (2004). Crustal structures across the central Kaapvaal Craton from deep-seismic reflection data. S. Afr. J. Geol. 107, 185206. [ Links ]
48. Webb S.J., Nguuri T.K., Cawthorn R.G. and James D.E. (2004). Gravity modelling of Bushveld Complex connectivity supported by southern African seismic experiment results. S. Afr. J. Geol. 107, 207218. [ Links ]
49. Cawthorn R.G., Cooper G.R.J. and Webb S.J. (1998). Connectivity between the western and eastern limbs of the Bushveld Complex. S. Afr. J. Geol. 101, 291298. [ Links ]
50. Cawthorn R.G. and Webb S.J. (2001). Connectivity between the western and eastern limbs of the Bushveld Complex. Tectonophysics, 330, 195209. [ Links ]
51. Nguuri T.K., Gore J., James D.E., Webb S.J., Wright C., Zengeni T.G., Gwavava O., Snoke J.A. and Kaapvaal Seismic Group (2001). Crustal structure beneath southern Africa and its implications for the formation and evolution of the Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe cratons. Geophys. Res. Lett. 28, 25012504. [ Links ]
52. James D.E. and Fouch M.J. (2002). Formation and evolution of Archean Cratons: Insights from southern Africa. In The Early Earth: Physical, Chemical and Biological Development, eds C.M.R. Fowler, C.J. Ebinger and C.J. Hawkesworth, [ Links ] Geol. Soc. Spec. Publ. 199, 126. [ Links ]
53. Webb S.J. and James D.E. (2005). Contributions to the gravity field of southern Africa from crustal thickness variations and mantle seismic velocity variations. In Extended abstracts of the South African Geophysical Association Ninth Biennial Conference, Cape Town, CD-ROM. [ Links ]
54. Jordan T.H. (1979). Mineralogies, densities and seismic velocities of garnet lherzolites and their geophysical implications. In The Mantle Sample: Inclusions in kimberlites and other volcanics, eds F.R. Boyd and H.O.A. Meyer, pp. 114. American Geophysical Union, Washington, D.C. [ Links ]
* Author for correspondence. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
I wish Hasbro would recirculate these VOTC figures that are prefection throughout the line. The sculpt is there, use it. Stormies need out on the pegs, that Chewbacca could be re-used with both its headsculpts, Han should be re-used. I'd buy Leia again if they maybe put a hood-up head on her. VOTC sculpts are as close to perfect as it gets generally, I wish we would see these re-used more often than they seemingly want to. I mean, Cantina Han again!?
For a possible ESB/PotF release in the fall, I'd love to see:ESB - Hoth Leia, SA Snowtrooper, SA Rebel Trooper
I have to admit, I think I climaxed a little just at the thought...But we all know I'm one of those guys that takes his toys too seriously.... I admit it, I masturbate into a Darth Tater.
I've said too much!
As far as these rumored figures, I'm going to do my best to army build a bit with the Tusken and Scout as well.
What's really a tragedy is that there's potential for the Tuskens to be great, and I'll end up wanting at least one more Bantha to go with them. I'll bet money that updated speederbikes are going to be a big deal one it's obvious the Scout can sit properly on one.
I have to admit, I think I climaxed a little just at the thought...
Yeuck... I don't even want to know what you do with your Spudtrooper then.
I'm excited about the Endor Han myself; I'll probably get 3 for diorama scenes: one for the rebel fleet meeting (to replace a Cantina Han I have there), one with cloak searching for Leia in the forest, and one without cloak to defend the bunker position. Oops, I need a fourth one for my Ewok village celebration dio! As for the Tuskens, I plan on 3 to replace my 2 repainted ones, and probably 2 scouts for the bunker scene.
Quote from: Jesse James on January 20, 2006, 12:00 PMI've said too much!That's you in the corner, that's you in the spot. light. masturbating to Darth tater.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 16, 2013) — Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Senior Vice President Matthew Bennett today issued the following statement:
"Several members of Congress today echoed President Obama's recycling of a flawed policy proposal: imposing mandatory government price controls in Medicare Part D, cleverly disguised as "rebates." But unlike familiar consumer rebates that return savings to shoppers, this policy would undermine a successful and popular program, sending "rebates" to the Federal Treasury, not seniors. The reality: analysts predict that this proposal would bring higher premiums and copays, more restricted access to medicines for seniors and Americans with disabilities, and diminished research on the next generation of medicines.
"In Medicare Part D, as in the broader market for prescription drugs, large and powerful private insurers and pharmacy benefit managers negotiate discounts and rebates. Some of these purchasers represent total patient populations equal in size to the population of some European G-8 countries, and also negotiate on behalf of private employers and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). The competition between health plans in Part D is the secret to its ability to offer beneficiaries broad choice and high enrollee satisfaction at an affordable premium. What is the result? Prescription drug costs in Part D are hundreds of billions of dollars less than projected, while the most recent government data show that retail prescription drug spending is growing more slowly than health care overall. Drug spending grew by just 0.4 percent in 2010 and by 2.9 percent in 2011, while overall health spending grew by 3.9 percent in both years.
"The fact is that Part D is working for seniors and taxpayers. It has greatly improved seniors' access to medicines, held down premiums, achieved billions of dollars of savings on other Medicare costs by improving health, and cost hundreds of billions of dollars less than projected. What's more, biopharmaceutical companies are paying tens of billions in new fees and discounts on medicines in Medicare that were imposed after Part D was created.
"The biopharmaceutical research sector is the most research and development-intensive sector in the entire economy. The unmatched level of investment in R&D translates into remarkable medical advances that make lives better and longer and spurs economic growth. The right path is to work toward policies that benefit patients and the economy instead of continuing to promote counterproductive proposals that would undermine both the biopharmaceutical research sector and America's ability to achieve new medical advances, promote innovation and create jobs."
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading innovative biopharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested approximately $550 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $48.5 billion in 2012 alone.
Find PhRMA Online:
- Website – http://www.phrma.org
- Facebook – www.facebook.com/PhRMA
- Blog – www.phrma.org/catalyst
- Twitter – www.Twitter.com/PhRMA and www.Twitter.com/PhRMApress
- YouTube – www.youtube.com/PhRMApress
For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit: http://www.innovation.org
For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit: http://www.pparx.org
For information on ensuring the flow of medicines during public health emergencies, visit http://www.rxresponse.org


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March 4: Officers returned a phone call to the Department of Defense. A criminal damage to property report was taken.
March 5: Officers checked a report of a student leaving Marion High School.
March 6: Officers assisted the sheriff with two inmate escapes. Officers assisted the Sheriff with a spill on U.S. 56.
March 7: Open doors were secured at Auto House and Air Stream Guy businesses.
March 8: An open door was found at Marion Airport.
March 11: Officers responded to a disturbance in Marion City Park. An open door was found at Brookens Law Office.
March 12: A criminal damage to property report was taken.
March 13: A reckless driver was reported on U.S. 56. Officers met with County Attorney Susan Robson about a possible suicidal juvenile.
March 15: A driving with a suspended licenses citation was issued.
March 16: A theft was reported in the 400 block of North Fourth Street. A citation was issued for driving with a suspended license.


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When severe weather conditions are within five miles, our Thor-Guard severe weather warning system automatically alerts golfers with one long horn blast. At that time, all golfers must cease play and return to the clubhouse. When conditions improve to an acceptable level, the warning system will automatically sound three short horn blasts. At that time, golfers may return to the golf course at their previous position.
Guests must present their golf fees receipt to obtain a rain check.
Rain checks are pro-rated based on the fees paid and amount of holes completed.
No cash refunds will be given for golf fees. Rain checks will be issued consistent with the fees purchased, providing the conditions warrant the stoppage of play. Rain checks must be redeemed during the current golf season and are not redeemable for cash or merchandise.
Cranberry Highlands Golf Course reserves the right to close the golf course at any time due to weather, unplayable conditions, or golf course work, especially during the off-season (November 1 through April 1)
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In this section you'll learn how to use FitOrbit Discount Coupons on checkout. If you are new to shop at Fitorbit.com, we will thoroughly guide you how you can use FitOrbit discount coupons to save your money on online purchases at Fitorbit.com
Once you have find the available Fitorbit.com promo code, choose the best Fitorbit.com code according to your needs because you can have multiple promo codes for Fitorbit.com.
Just select the discount coupon / vouchers / coupon codes and copy it or write it down and enter in to Coupon Box. It depends on the merchant, in most cases, the Coupon is entered on the checkout page. Other times the coupon can be entered while in the shopping cart. Look around carefully for the "Submit Coupon" area the first time you purchase from any online store.
You should check any restrictions and policies before applying coupon, such as expiration date, because some coupons are valid for very short period, So if you need a Latest Fitorbit.com Promo Coupon / promotion code please BOOKMARK US (Ctrl + D) and check this site frequently. And one important thing some coupon codes are case-sensitive.
IMPORTANT: We try very hard to ensure that all information on this site is accurate. However, just occasionally, an error can occur. If we discover an error, we will do our upmost to ensure the same error does not occur and it is rectified as quickly as possible. Please note that any discounts/promotions/offers on the website may be/may not be used in conjunction with any other discounts.
We wish you best of luck on getting discount on your online purchase.
Happy Shopping...!


text:
Unisex Slim Line Burgundy Leather Watch
Select color:
Select Size:
Additional Information
- 42 mm Stainless Steel Case / 7.65 mm Case Thickness
- 22 mm Burgundy Leather Band
- Burgundy Red Sunray Dial Color
- 100 M Water Resistance
- Mineral Crystal
- Quartz Function
- Regular Buckle
- Imported
Shipping & Returns
We offer the following convenient delivery options within the United States including Alaska & Hawaii.
Standard $5.00 FedEx Ground $7.00 FedEx 2nd Day $12.00 FedEx Overnight $20.00
Perry Perks members get access to exclusive free shipping offers. The program is free to join and also rewards you with points for every purchase. Learn More >
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Rhonda (Dave's longtime friend, roommate and caregiver) sent me Dave's wall clock — he had promised it to me a long while ago when during a phone conversation, I remarked on how lovely was the sound of the chime as it marked the half hour — I could hear it! I could picture him smiling as he told me that every house should have a pendulum clock — it was the heartbeat of a home — and that when he was gone, I could have it — he would leave it to me. Trying to keep a sobering moment light, I joked that it would be symbolic of all the time we spent together on the phone…
I mentioned that conversation to Rhonda last November while she was here to help scatter Dave's ashes on Cape Canaveral beach.
She never forgot. She packaged it up and sent it to me at Christmas…
After returning to Florida late Sunday night following a two-week Christmas holiday in North Carolina, the first thing I did yesterday was fetch the huge box from the post office.
I found the perfect spot for it.
After carefully unpacking it from buckets of foam popcorn and yards of bubble wrap, I rearranged my living room to accommodate Dave's clock (spent all afternoon cleaning and moving furniture!!!) and though I was exhausted afterward, I stepped back to admire it, excited to incorporate Dave's "heartbeat" into my home.
The clock is ticking — the heartbeat of a house, as Dave once described it — and the chimes on the half hours are a delight to hear — almost heavenly!
He lives on with every beat.


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To better meet Intel's business requirements while providing our internal customers with optimal data center infrastructure capabilities and innovative business services, Intel IT has overhauled our data center strategy. Our data center transformation strategy is to run Intel data center services like a factory, affecting change in a disciplined manner and applying breakthrough technologies, ...solutions, and processes.
We use three key metrics to measure data center transformation success: meet growing customer demand (service-level agreements and quality of service) within constrained spending targets (cost-competitiveness) while optimally increasing the utilization of infrastructure assets (operational efficiency).
Building on previous investments and techniques, our refined data center strategy has generated savings exceeding USD 1.5 billion from 2010 to 2016.
Over the next three years, we plan to extend the data center strategy to continue to transform our data center infrastructure. We will do so by using disruptive server, storage, network, and data center facility technologies that can lead to unprecedented quality-of-service levels and total cost of ownership reduction for business applications—all while continuing to improve IT operational efficiency.
Our data center transformation strategy is key for Intel IT to stay competitive, compared to public cloud services. Implementing breakthrough solutions and pursuing aggressive goals are critical factors to success in this transformation.
Complete a simple sign up form and an Intel IT Advisor will contact you within 2 business days to provide you with individualized assistance.


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|Minerva McGonagall's office
|Location information
First Floor, Defence Against the Dark Arts tower, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Scotland, Great Britain
|Permanent residents
Minerva McGonagall's office was the place where Minerva McGonagall, the former Transfiguration professor, worked and slept during her stay at Hogwarts. It is located on the first floor of the Defence Against the Dark Arts tower. This tower overlooks the Training Grounds.
There is a sparse stone-floored bedroom behind a concealed door in the office's study.[1]
During their fifth year, the Gryffindor students went to this office to talk to Professor McGonagall about their academic future as she was their Head of House. Also, during Harry Potter's Fifth Year at Hogwarts, Neville Longbottom was forced to visit this office during the night to tell her that Harry was having a vision. At the end of that school year, upon her return to Hogwarts following her recovery from the Stunner attack on her, she had Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle take her carpetbag and cloak respectively up to her office.[2] There is a fireplace in this office, connected to the Floo Network, which was used by students during the 1996–1997 school year when they returned to Hogwarts, following the Christmas holidays. It is unknown whether she occupied this office due to her position as Transfiguration professor, Head of Gryffindor House, or Deputy Headmistress.
Behind the scenesEdit
- In the films, McGonagall often seems to use her classroom as the office, spending much time there correcting exams and doing her other work. This is shown in the first and sixth film adaptations.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film) (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Pottermore
Notes and referencesEdit
- ↑ Pottermore biography of Minerva McGonagall (transcription available here)
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 38 - (The Second Year Begins)


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I decided one day to tell stories. I wanted to write things that would make people laugh, and think, sometimes at the same time. I write about the past, people, things that matter to me, and to exercise a creative muscle in the digital age. I write for the fun and the challenge of it, enjoy. That's all.
Showing posts from October, 2017


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Rennick Andreoli, a 1971 graduate from the Scripps College of Communication
Photographer: Jim McGuire
Feb 17, 2014
By Selina Nadeau
The restaurant, hotel and tourism industry is one of today's fastest growing industries. To keep pace with the demand for industry professionals, Ohio University alumnus Rennick Andreoli and his wife, Dee, established the Rennick A. and Dee Andreoli Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Scholarship and have also provided support funding for the Patton College of Education's Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Program.
With the help of the Andreoli's gift, graduates from OHIO's Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Program—known as the Hospitality Program—will be better prepared for this growing field.
"It's a growing industry. There are so many opportunities—not only in Ohio, but all over the country," said Rennick Andreoli, who received his bachelor's degree in journalism in 1971. "And, it's a field that is also one of the best for job security in the coming years. They're not shipping hotel jobs overseas."
Andreoli's success story reaffirms the belief that following your passions always takes you down the right path. After earning his bachelor's degree in journalism at OHIO, he studied Hotel Management at Cornell University in New York and spent the next few decades building an incredible career in the hotel industry.
"I was always drawn to the hotel industry and I was passionate about it. I got an opportunity and it grew into something great," he said. "Journalism just didn't appeal to me as much."
Andreoli purchased his first franchise with his brother in 1969. Together, they acquired underperforming hotels across the country in states like California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. They renovated these properties so they could reposition and reflag them. Over the next 30 years, Andreoli built and purchased countless other businesses including restaurants and hotels in Colorado, Louisiana and Texas.
In 2009, his first property, the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, celebrated 40 years of business under the same owner, making Andreoli the owner of the longest-running Hilton franchise in the world.
Andreoli offers some final advice to students looking for a career in the hospitality industry.
"We took a lot of risk when we were growing our portfolio. You just have to take a lot of risks, but you also go with your gut instinct," he said. "You have to be able to adapt to change, because it's a complex business. It's not as easy and straight forward as some people think."
Giving Back
Proceeds from the 40th anniversary Hilton Akron/Fairlawn celebration went to the Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, a foundation established in 2006 to provide financial assistance for families dealing with cancer. Andreoli serves on its board.
"We provide financial assistance to those who are dealing with cancer and have added financial pressures on them. To date, we've helped more than 1,800 families," Andreoli said.
In addition to his service on the Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation, Andreoli has also served on the board of the Akron Art Museum, the Akon Community Foundation and the Hilton Advisory Ownership Council.
Andreoli is also passionate about supporting Ohio's youth. Before his gift to OHIO, he endowed several student scholarships at the University of Akron and was instrumental in rebuilding the Akron Rotary Camp, a camp for children with disabilities.
Helping people, Andreoli said, is a vital part of being successful in his industry.
"Hospitality is people serving people, so you have to have a passion and a desire to make people happy," he said. "Everything else we can train. You have to be able to relate to the guests well."
Andreoli's gift is a part of Ohio University's The Promise Lives Campaign, which seeks to raise $450 million by June 30, 2015, and already has secured more than $441 million toward its goal in support of students, faculty, programs, partnerships and select facilities at Ohio University. Learn more at www.ohio.edu/campaign.


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Today seems like a great day for randomness. I mean, it's been such random weather, my mood has been all sorts of random lately, and to top it all off, I just kinda feel like it's time to ramble a bit and empty out my brain a bit...
- I am tired.
- I find myself still having a hard time getting out of my comfy warm bed in the mornings! That is SO WRONG! Why is it that I still bundle up on the couch at night with an afgan? It's JUNE! Almost JULY! It shouldn't be cold! I should be wearing shorts and sprawled on the couch with the AC and fan on full blast!
- Dinner tonight is gonna be SO YUMMY! I am making shredded sweet pork, with baby carrots, rice, and homemade bread for dinner.
- I ate Ramen noodles for lunch, and they tasted GOOOOD! Why? I dunno. But they did.
- Tomorrow I am taking dinner to a neighbor of mine. Unfortunately, I won't be eating any of the meal I take her- since I have a family party to go to, but I am serving her one of my all time favorites. Italian Au Jus Sandwhiches with home made buns. YUMMY! And what doesn't smell better than fresh bread baking in the oven? (Which is exactly where they are right now... Here's to hoping they last til tomorrow, I may eat them all before then! YUM!)
- My house is a wreck, and I really don't feel like cleaning. I think I need a housewife. You know, someone who will clean and cook so I can focus on being a mom and playing with my kids and sleeping...
- I am tired of waiting on the holdup for my business... UGH! But you do what ya gotta...
- Lilia informed me yesterday that Lacey is annoying and she wants to get rid of her and trade her in for a boy.
- Lacey was growling (very loudly) when Lil told me the above.
- My kids make me laugh.
- Joe makes me laugh too. He is awesome.
- Lacey's language has been growing by leaps and bounds. I have to share this video with you cause it is really funny. She has her own special technique to eating cherries... I got her to showcase some of her latest words in the video too. Enjoy!
- Lilia is going through a secret telling phase. It's been all sorts of fun to hear her secrets. Mostly just confessions of love for all sorts of things. But occassionally she has a real doozy of a secret. For example, she came up to me yesterday and said, "Mom, I have a secret for you." Then she leaned in close and said, "I have to go potty cause my tummy is upset." She then broke wind, and giggled as she ran off to the bathroom. The little stinker! (Quite literally)
- I have to share one other picture with you. Ironically it is seriously the ONLY picture I took while on vacation last week. But it was funny to me.
(Notice the lock? hehehe)
Hope you all have a great weekend!


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Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at https://call.lifesizecloud.com/call/2490521
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This session is geared toward the Admin(s) of the Lifesize account. This session is one hour long, covering everything a Admin would need to know about the Management Console including tools and resources for admins and users alike.
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Information about programs and services designed to help you conserve electricity and protect the environment
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What you need to know if you're considering buying an electric vehicle.
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Using a generator can be very dangerous. If you are planning to use one, please consider the tips found on this page as ways to increase both your safety and that of our line crews.
Trained energy professionals provide a whole home performance evaluation of current energy use and energy conservation potential.
Updated instructions for reading 4-dial and 5-dial meters
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read on to find out more. UPCOMING TOYOTA CARS IN INDIA 1. NEW TOYOTA VITARA BREZZA A Japanese automakers, Toyota was working on a sub-4 metre SUV for the Indian...Read More »
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friendly features at every turn. 2020 Toyota Highlander Engine Specifications and Features When the 2020 Toyota Highlander arrives at Downeast Toyota in December, it will be available in five grades:...Read More »
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part. With 2016 models starting to arrive, imagine that the decision will be 2020 Toyota Camry. 2020 Toyota Camry Redesign We've seen everything Toyota work its way up to a...Read More »
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2021 Toyota Tundra Redesign – The Toyota Tundra is one of the oldest full-size trucks sold today. While manufacturers like Ford, Ram, and Chevrolet each renewed their own trucks recently,...Read More »
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Release Date and Price Canada
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Release Date and Price Canada is the most modern age of correct certainly understood Toyota four Entryway should go with some supporting and new features....Read More »
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2019 Toyota Supra Release Date South Africa – The "Supra"-type plate if his arrival in 2019. Toyota has not joking about building reliable cars, the interest in the core of...Read More »
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2020 Toyota TJ Cruiser Review Canada – 2020 Toyota TJ Cruiser concept really changes our vision of the van, where this type of vehicle is actually designed to SUV and...Read More »
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2019 Toyota 4Runner Redesign – By 2019 Toyota 4Runner is as now being discussed, due 2019 4Runner in the foreground. It is straightforward, how this swinging to order by 2019...Read More »
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2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Specs Review – The manufacturer has announced the new Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 2020, which should receive several changes. Therefore, in terms of exterior design,...Read More »
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Originally published Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 11:17 AM
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Online scammers jump on bin Laden news
Online thieves and spammers are using the killing of Osama bin Laden to send out malicious software and spam to unwitting Internet users.
AP Technology Writer
Online thieves and spammers are using the killing of Osama bin Laden to send out malicious software and spam to unwitting Internet users.
In what's become common practice among the Internet's less savory citizens, these scammers are sending out emails and spreading Facebook posts that purport to be videos or photos of the dead bin Laden.
They are not. But by clicking the links, users can download computer viruses that steal personal information or otherwise infect their computers.
Computer security firm Symantec says one spam email contains a link to bogus photos and videos purporting to be from CNN Mexico. Instead, it directs people to a scam site designed to look like the real thing but created to steal passwords. Some Facebook users also fell victim to fake bin Laden links that then spread the links to their friends' pages on the site.
The FBI warned Internet users of the scams Tuesday. On Wednesday, President Barack Obama said he has decided not to release photos of the dead bin Laden because they could incite violence and create national security risks for the U.S.
That didn't stop Internet scammers from spreading fake, doctored photos to lure people into giving away their personal information or downloading the troublesome programs known as "malware."
Symantec senior manager David Cowings said spammers are "pretty opportunistic," using everything from scare tactics to celebrity gossip to pandering to mere raw curiosity to send out their messages. Some of these Internet ruses pre-date the nearly decade-long hunt that culminated in bin Laden's death.
"They'll frequently spoof well-known news organizations to make (the) email more legitimate," just as they did in the case of CNN.
Avoiding scams is best done by practicing "good Internet hygiene," Cowings said. That means avoiding questionable sites by reading their URL, or address, from left to right. Sometimes the first few letters of a site will look legitimate but subsequent ones will raise red flags. Also be suspicious of sites prompting you to install video-viewing software or antivirus protection. Sometimes bad links will be packaged with a prompt to download something, saying your software is not up to date, Cowings said. It's safer to go directly to the website that offers the software.
Common sense is another good tool. Is your staid college professor writing "LOL, check it out!!!" on a Facebook link? If it's not characteristic for a person to write that way, chances are they didn't type it. Having up-to-date security software is also crucial. This can protect your computer from viruses even if clicking on a bad link that attempts to download malware.
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Eugene Short Hall
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Description: The Eugene Short Building houses the Alaska Quarterly Review, The Health, Physical Education & Recreation Department, and the University Police. The building was dedicated in 1972 and named for Eugene Short who was appointed director of the Anchorage Community College, now called the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Notable People: Eugene Short


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Two years ago, the U.S. government was so concerned about sudden acceleration problems in a specific Toyota model that it decided to do its own testing to try to figure out what was causing the problem. The government then ruled out electronics as a cause – and safety experts believe that was a mistake.
Regulators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were alarmed after reports of 40 sudden accelerations with the 2007 Lexus ES350 sedan, a Toyota product, resulting in eight crashes and 12 injuries.
NHTSA documents show that the agency ran a series of tests on a Lexus sedan, ultimately concluding the problem was the floor mats trapping the accelerator pedal. In an April 2008 report, the government ruled out any problem with the vehicle's electronic control system. Auto safety advocates believe that was a mistake, and accuse the government of not pursing the issue aggressively enough.
Clarence Ditlow, director of the Center for Auto Safety, asked NHTSA for specific details on how it tested the electronic system. The government's written response: "We searched for, but found no records relating to or describing test protocols."
Ditlow told ABC News, "They have no documentation on what they did or the results. So they don't know what test procedures they used, how they carried out the test, or what data they got."
"It tells us," Ditlow added, "that the government did not do a good investigation into whether it was an electronic system failure." Safety expert Sean Kane of Safety Research & Strategies also told ABC News that he believed it was a mistake for the government to rule out electronics.
As reported on the Blotter, NHTSA has conducted repeated investigations into acceleration in Toyotas and ruled out electronics as the cause.
The final NHTSA report also indicates that not everyone who had the sudden acceleration problem blamed it on floor mats. The government surveyed 1,986 registered owners of the Lexus ES-350. Six hundred people responded, and of those 59 said their car had suddenly sped up without warning. Thirty-five of those 59 blamed all-weather floor mats for trapping the accelerator pedal.
As Toyota now moves ahead with a fix to the vehicles' gas pedals, it's clear that floor mats were hardly the only problem. Now the automaker and the government are taking another look at the vehicles' electronic systems, although still insisting those systems are not to blame.
In a statement, the government said, "NHTSA's continuing investigation includes looking at the possibility that electromagnetic interference might somehow be causing Toyota's electronic throttle controls systems to malfunction, though NHTSA has not seen evidence to support that yet."
Auto safety experts hope this time the government does a more detailed investigation.


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At times, everything comes together. I work for ActBlue and I read Ezra Klein and Matt Yglesias regularly. Sometimes I see Prof. Lessig in the distance when I head out for lunch. Yesterday, Ezra and Matt both had posts up about Lessig's presentation on institutional corruption that I wanted to address.
Part I: Lessig's Argument
The video is rather long, so I'll summarize. Lessig defines institutional corruption as follows:
Institutional corruption isn't Blagojevich. It's not bribery or any violation of any existing rules … [it's] a certain kind of influence within an economy of influence. It's institutional corruption if it (1) weakens the effectiveness of an institution to serve its purpose or (2) Weakens the public trust of that institution, leading to the inability of the institution to serve its purpose.
In other words, it's not so much about corruption within an institution as the corruption of the institution itself, or the appearance thereof. That last bit is important in Lessig's formulation: if everyone believes the institution to be corrupted, then it might as well be. They won't trust the process, and they won't trust the results–an idea that's validated to a certain extent by the unfolding healthcare reform crisis.
If you're onboard with that, you're probably wondering what the "economy of influence" Lessig mentions is. Briefly, it works like this:
Special interests have a lot of money, and are in search of favorable policy outcomes. They hire lobbyists, who promote their employer's preferred policy. Legislators grant these lobbyists access because 1) running a campaign is expensive, and lobbyists represent a lot of campaign cash and 2) once a legislator's campaigning days are over, lobbying is a pretty good way to make a living. That results in legislation that meets the needs of the interests that dispatched the lobbyists. So they send more.
In other words, everybody is being rational, but that way of doing business undermines public trust, produces severely compromised policy, and ultimately results in broken political institutions.
Part II: What Is To Be Done?
Driving the whole process is the fact that legislators need money to run their campaigns. If you take that out of the picture, both lobbyist access and the lobbying industry dry up, which also handily removes the lure of a potential second career as a lobbyist from a legislator's calculation.
Lessig advocates public financing for elections as the best way to create this alternate food source for federal campaigns. The problem is that he's just spent 45 minutes explaining why that can't happen. Robust public financing legislation would represent a system-wide failure of the "economy of influence." Assuming the political climate even allows legislators to consider such a bill, chances are it would be imperfect and riddled with loopholes that interests insert in order to exploit them later. Additionally, as the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC demonstrates, even imperfect campaign finance law isn't safe. Clearly, that alternate food source has to come from outside the Washington D.C. economy of influence. Transparency is also crucial, as part of reversing institutional corruption is restoring public trust. People have to know where the money is coming from.
ActBlue does that, and more. We track donors and dollars in real time. We report everything to the FEC. We are, in a word, transparent. Moreover, we work with campaigns at every level of politics. Annise Parker, the newly-elected mayor of Houston, has an ActBlue listing. So do Democratic state legislators and members of Congress. They and their staffers are learning a new participatory model for campaign fundraising. We are building a farm system for the Democratic Party, and the results are real. Read the quarter-by-quarter breakdown of our 2009 numbers for the data on that.
Rep. Donna Edwards, MD-04, said it best:
ActBlue removes the K Street lobbyists from the equation … [candidates] can actually act on their own, and work on policy that makes a difference in people's lives.
Donna Edwards defeated 8-term incumbent Al Wynn in the 2008 Democratic primary. She raised $500,000 on ActBlue from 9,000 donors. ActBlue unravels the economy of influence, one donor at a time. And we do it through methods I think Prof. Lessig would approve of. While I may disagree with him on the technical aspects, I agree with him on this:
We face as a nation an extraordinary range of critical problems that require serious attention … the responsibility we need to focus is the responsibility of the good people, the decent people, the people who could've picked up a phone. The responsibility of us.
I took the title of this post from a great blues tune by Albert Collins. There's a lyric that comes to mind whenever I get frustrated with American politics–and yes, political professionals do get frustrated with our political system, even as we work within it–that keeps me going. I think I'll end with it.
She said, 'I want you to be a winner / I love you, son, I don't want you to quit.'


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It's not a story you hear every day. The Army would rather turn down $91 million dollars worth of battle tanks from Congress.
But that's the case.
The Senate Armed Service Committee (SASC) has just approved its $631.4 billion version of a bill to authorize the new defense budget.
And the M1A1 Abrams— a main battle tank made by General Dynamics— is on the shopping list.
Austin Wright at Politico digested the multi-page press release summarizing the SASC bill and confirms tanks are a "Winner" — the Senate committee wants to authorize $91 million for 33 new M1 Abrams tanks. The House agrees.
But the Army says it doesn't have any use for them.
It has actually been planning to end its orders of Abrams tanks by 2014, and won't need to upgrade its current vehicles until 2017. Kate Brannen at Defense News reported in March that U.S. Army Officials tried to convince lawmakers that the service really didn't need any more. Officials explained:
Not only does the Army not need new tanks, it doesn't need to upgrade the ones it has for another few years, Gen. Ray Odierno, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers during a March 7 hearing of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.
It is one of the most modernized platforms in the Army and has an average age of two-and-a-half-years old, Army Secretary John McHugh said.
Plus, the Army is looking into re-structuring its forces — cutting combat teams and the need for "heavy capabilities."
So why do lawmakers insist on spending $91 million for unwanted tanks?
It comes down to this:
Ordering the 33 new tanks will keep the production line of the General Dynamics Land Systems' facility in Ohio open.
The new SASC bill indicates congressmen want to keep the defense contractor in business, just like they did last year when the Army previously attempted to convince lawmakers to hold off on new tanks.
"The Army tried to make the same argument last year, but Congress did not agree. In the 2012 defense appropriations bill, it provided an additional $255 million to buy 42 more tanks," reports Defense News.
Austin Wright at Politico points out the president's budget request this year, on the other hand, would temporarily shut down tank production in Ohio. The Army's own analysis of the production line agreed it would be more cost-effective to close the plant and re-open it later, when necessary:
"It would cost $600 million to $800 million to close and later reopen the production line versus the nearly $3 billion it would take to keep it up and running during that same time."
But the SASC has disregarded that — coming up with yesterday's authorization of $91 million to sustain the GD factory. It's a very calculated number — just enough to keep the factory lines open at minimum production capability, safeguarding a military-industrial partnership with General Dynamics.
The SASC bill will be considered by the Senate this June or July.


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Yesterday was a great day...a fabulous day...a wonderful day! We went to Drumheller. It may not sound that glorious to you, but to someone (me) who has kinda been couped up at home, doing the same thing day after day after day...any sort of change was welcomed and so nice! It was a spontaneous sort of decision (all the better sometimes) and we ended up touring the Royal Tyrell museum and going to the Hoo Doos just outside Drumheller for a little bit. My body surprised and amazed me at how well it coped with the slow paced walking. It was so nice for our family to get out and do something like that together....I loved every minute of it!! Then that evening I joined 12 other women in my first bible study called "Listening to God" and it was great. Since Wes is home in the evenings consistently I am so blessed to be able to start this and am excited about what I am going to learn. Thank you Lord Jesus for providing, in every little detail, just what we need.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Posted by Shauna at 9:36 PM 2 comments
Friday, July 3, 2009
Skater Boy
Posted by Shauna at 9:49 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Our Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day! Today was a beautiful day here in Red Deer. I always love Canada Day, and love getting the boys matching t-shirts and taking their photos (imagine that). I wasn't able to get a decent group photo of the boys together, but did manage to take some of each of them. Since I wasn't feeling well enough for a lot of walking (we had wanted to go for a weiner roast at the park) we ended up having a little picnic in our backyard. Do you know how much I love our back yard??? So, Wes' parents brought most of the food over and we had a picnic lunch. Wes filled the little pool with water, which Asher spent most of his time in. Our nephew Trysten is here visiting us so he was able to enjoy the day with us as well. Later on we went to my parents for a wonderful supper. I am so thankful for our wonderful country and all the freedom we have! Thank you Lord for giving us such a wonderful place to live and call home.
Posted by Shauna at 8:19 PM 1 comments