text:
Bird control system
A computer based bird control system is provided. The bird control system utilizes an impactor that is attachable to a structure, such as an I-beam or other similarly sized and dimensioned metal object, to create an acoustic impact noise similar to a whacking of the structure. The impactor is preferably actuated at a random or a semi-random impact rate such as around once every ten seconds. The acoustic impact noise may be provided in addition to the playing of bird predator or other deterrent sounds maintained in audio files on the computer. The system also provides audio and/or physical bird presence detection within a monitored area. Detection of the presence of a bird may be used as a trigger for the actuation of the impactor and/or predator/deterrent sounds. Actuation of the impactor and/or sound files may be accomplished via a schedule through the use of timer files in addition to or in place of animal presence detection. A graphical user interface of the system provides user control of the system including the ability to set and/or modify system parameters such as those that can detect particular bird species via audio detection, as well as the manipulation of timer file parameters for automatic or forced activation of the impactor and/or sound files.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/486,635, filed Jul. 11, 2003 now abandoned, entitled Audio Bird Deterrent Software and Unit, which application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to devices for deterring pests and, more particularly, to a system and method for deterring animals such as birds.
2. Background of the Invention
Various animals such as rodents and/or birds are, in some situations, considered pests that need to be deterred from being in or from a particular area. In view of this, the prior art is replete with devices for deterring or expelling animals from an area. These devices typically utilize a monitoring device such as a motion sensor to actuate a repellent such as a sound or a visual display. The sound or visual display is designed to either evoke panic or fear in the animal or to create an unpleasant sensation in the animal. Animal repellant devices of the prior art typically rely upon periodic generation of noises or sounds that thus have the tendency to frighten the animals in order to deter or expel them from the monitored area.
With respect to the sound deterrent/expulsion devices, most of these devices utilize sound waves having frequencies that are considered offensive to the animal, such as ultrasonic frequencies which are at frequencies that are above the range of human hearing. The offensive sounds thus drive off the animal from the affected area. Typically, animal deterrent systems incorporating an ultrasonic deterrent utilize a single frequency. While the selected frequency is chosen to have a deterrent effect, the constant frequency can fail to get the attention of the animal. Furthermore, the use of a single frequency does not contemplate variations in the hearing capabilities of the animals, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the animal deterrent system. As such, prior art devices have been developed that generate varying-frequency ultrasonic emissions.
Other prior art animal repellent/expulsion devices utilize different tactics. For instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,787 low frequency vibrations are used to induce animals to leave a particular area. Indirect structure coupling of the vibrations to buildings, earth ground rods, and water/gas pipes carrying the vibrations. The vibrations, however, do not produce audible noises in or from the structure to which it is attached.
Still other prior art animal repellant/expulsion systems use ultrasonic, supersonic, microwave, screeching and/or oscillated screeching with limited success (see e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,284,845; 4,658,386; 4,965,522; 5,208,787; 5,214,411; 6,016,100 and 6,250,255). Additionally, these sounds are also annoying or undesirable to humans in the area of intended animal eradication. This can lead to human interference in defeating an installed system.
It is noted that most, if not all, of the prior art animal repellant devices such as have been described above do not produce audible noises from the structure, but rather from audio devices or files. Furthermore, such prior art devices are not designed to specifically repel, expel or prevent animals such as birds from landing on or nesting upon certain outdoor structures. Outdoor structures such as oil refineries, chemical plants, electrical substations and the like that have components or equipment that are open to animal and/or bird infestation are easily susceptible to damage from such animal and/or bird infestation. Still further, these animal repellant/expulsion device are not computer controlled and therefore lack the ability to allow a user to manipulate the system and/or alter the parameters thereof.
Moreover, the prior art animal repellant/expulsion devices are discrete systems that cannot take advantage of current computer capabilities. As such, prior art animal repellant/expulsion devices do not provide for easy modification of system parameters, if at all.
What is therefore needed in view of the above is a computer implemented bird repellant/expulsion system.
What is therefore further needed in view of the above is a computer implemented bird repellant/expulsion system that allows easy modification of system parameters.
What is therefore still further needed in view of the above is a bird repellant and/or expulsion system for use with outdoor structures.
What is therefore also needed in view of the above is a bird repellant and/or expulsion system that is operable to generate a deterrent noise from an outdoor structure.
The present invention is a computer based bird control system. The computer based bird control system is configured to deter, repel, eradicate and/or expel birds from a particular area.
In one form, the present bird control system is a graphical user interface based system that provides user control of system parameters. Such control includes the ability to set and/or modify system parameters such as those that can detect particular bird species via audio detection and provide forced deterrent activation, select and play various audio deterrents, as well as for the manipulation of timer file parameters for automatic activation of the impactor and/or sound files.
In another form, the present bird control system utilizes an impactor, attachable to a metal structure such as an I-beam, to generate an acoustic impact noise in conjunction with the structure similar to a whacking of the structure. The impactor is preferably actuated at a random or a semi-random impact repetition rate such as around once every ten seconds. The system also provides a method for deterring animals through the generation of an acoustic percussion via interplay between an impactor attached to a metal structure. The acoustic impact noise may be provided in addition to the playing of predator or other deterrent sounds maintained in audio files on the computer.
In yet another form, the present bird control system provides audio and/or physical animal presence detection within a monitored area. Detection of the presence of an animal may be used as a trigger for the actuation of the impactor and/or predator/deterrent sounds. Actuation of the impactor and/or sound files may be accomplished via a schedule through the use of timer files in addition to or in place of animal presence detection.
In still yet another form, the present bird control system provides for seasonal adjustment of start times for automatic activation of one or more sound deterrents.
The objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Moreover, the present invention is described herein as for the control (deterrence, repellant, eradication and/or expulsion) of animals from a particular area and/or structure. The present system, however, is particularly applicable to birds but may be applicable to other animals such as rodents or otherwise.
The animal control system 10 has a motion detection subsystem 14 that is operably coupled to the computer 12 via an I/O port of the computer 12 or the like. The motion detection or physical animal presence detection subsystem 14 may be termed a watcher and is operable to monitor or watch an area via motion sensing or the like for the presence of a bird. The animal deterrent system 10 also has an audio detection subsystem 16 that is operably coupled to the computer 12 via an I/O port of the computer 12 or the like. The audio detection subsystem 16 may be termed a listener and is operable to listen to sounds within a monitored area for the presence of a bird. Moreover, and as explained in greater detail below, the audio detection subsystem 16 is operable to detect the presence of one or more different types of species of animal within an audio detection area.
The animal deterrent system 10 furthermore has an audio output subsystem 18 that is operably coupled to the computer 12 via an I/O port of the computer 12 or the like. The audio output subsystem 18 is operable to emit sound or acoustic energy for the playing of deterrent and/or predator sounds that cause unwanted animals to leave or not enter the monitored area. Still further, the animal control system 10 has an impact subsystem 20 that is operably coupled to the computer 12 via an I/O port of the computer 12 or the like. As explained in greater detail below, the impact subsystem 20 is operable to provide impacts, strikes or hits onto a substantial steel structure to which an impactor of the impact subsystem 20 is mounted in order to create or generate an impaction noise or percussion with the structure.
The computer 12 has a keyboard and/or mouse 22 as input devices in order to accept input from a user. A screen or display 24 is also part of the computer 12. The computer 12 includes a processor and/or processing circuitry/logic 26 such as is known in the art for operation of the computer 12 in a known manner, control of the various systems connected to the computer 12 forming part of the present animal control system 10 as described herein, and control of the various components of the computer 12 in a known manner, some of which are described herein and some of which are not in conjunction with appropriate operating software and the present animal control software. The computer 12 also includes other components such as are known in the art. The operating system for the computer 12 may be any desired operating system.
Moreover, the computer 12 includes memory and/or data storage 28 such as is known in the art for the storage of various program instructions, files and data for the operation of the computer 12 such as is known in the art, for the operation of the computer as is known in the art, and for storage of the animal control software for the operation of the present invention as particularly described herein. The memory/data storage 28 also includes program instructions for a graphical user interface (GUI) 30 and system routines 32 the functions, features and/or operation of which are described in greater detail below that make up part of the animal control software. Moreover, the memory/data storage 28 includes audio or sound files 34, timer files 36, data files 38 and other operation files 40 for operation in conjunction with the present animal control software, the functions, features and/or operation of which are described in greater detail below.
The GUI 30 is designed to allow easy user access to operating parameters, options, status updates and other data of the present bird deterrent/control system 10 including the modification and setting of system parameters. The present animal control system 10, however, can operate without operator intervention. In
Additionally, the GUI 30 allows file processing 106 of animal control system files and access to tuning parameters 114 of the listening routine for sound/species detection in accordance with the present principles, as well as the showing of system status/information 116 of the present animal control system 10. Moreover, the GUI 30 provides various function keys, toolbar buttons and option buttons 112 for general use of the various functions and/or features of the GUI 30. The GUI 30 is thus operably connected to disk I/O 118, the keyboard/mouse 22 and the display/screen 24. An exemplary GUI is depicted in
With respect to timer files, the system 10 is operable to utilize one or more timer files, either in accordance with a set sequence or in connection with the detection of an animal. Thus, a timer file may be utilized as set by the system (automatic) or an operator (manual), or a particular timer file may be utilized when an animal or a particular animal is detected. A timer file has one or more adjustable parameter timers. Each parameter of each timer of each timer file is adjustable either by the operator via the GUI 30 or by the system 10.
System routines 32 are assorted routines for the general operation of the present animal control system as well as the various subsystems of the present invention. Particularly, the system routines 32 allow operation of motion detection subsystem 14, audio detection subsystem 16, audio output subsystem 18 and impact subsystem 20 all of which are described below in greater detail.
Audio files 34 within the memory/data storage 28 represent one or more audio/sound files that are preferably common sound file format files that allow for digital storage of various sounds. The audio files 34 particularly provide predator and/or animal deterrent sounds that are designed to deter or control animal such as birds. The animal deterrent sounds are distinguished from common industrial noises such as piston action, relief vents, sirens, clanging and the like. The audio files 34 include such sounds as human noises, dogs barking, guns firing, trash can lids banging, a truck backfiring, a helicopter flying, predator sounds, bells ringing and the like (i.e. non-industrial sounds). While these sounds may include such noises as blasts or explosions, the playing of such sound files may be suppressed at particular installation environments (e.g. chemical plant installation). The audio files 34 may be sounds that are aimed at particular species of animal. The audio files 34 may be pure sounds (e.g. recorded sounds) or digitally mixed or produced sounds. The plurality of audio files 34 may be customized for a particular installation environment and/or animal species, such that only a selection of a larger plurality of audio files may be encompassed by the term audio files 34. Moreover, audio files 34 may be optionally recorded at different volume levels effectively varying the perceived volume of the deterrent sound (i.e. a form of random audio file playing). The audio files 34 may be randomly selected for playing in order to prevent the target animal from detecting a pattern which might lead to challenging the system.
Timer files 36 represent one or more system timer files each having various parameters for the control of various subsystems and their associated devices/components. The timer files determine when and/or whether audio files should start playing, the duration of play time, and whether the impactor should also be activated and, if so, the duration of impactor duration. The duration of impactor activation is not necessarily the duration of actuation and, in most cases, is not. Thus, while the impactor may be active (activation), the impactor is only actuated intermittently or at various intervals. Such intervals are not necessarily periodic and may be random or at varying intervals during the activation period of the impactor. Each one of the timer files includes parameters that specify a number associated with the timer file, the time of day that a selected audio file is to play or start ("start time"), its duration of play time (sound duration), impact or activation duration (impactor duration) and may include the particular audio file to play. The number of timer files 36 may be essentially limitless dependent only upon the configuration of the computer 12. While a few timers (i.e. <10) may be adequate, the system 10 preferably includes at least 15–20 timers or more, up to an unlimited number confined only by system configuration. The timer files may be distinguished in the system by the use of a ".brd" extension (i.e. each file is of the format, *.brd). This may distinguish the timer file for use with a bird or may be a general extension. Other extensions may be used for other animals. With the GUI 30, timers can be added, deleted and incremented by minutes and/or hours.
Data files 38 represent one or more data files that are used for operation of the present system 10. Other operation files 40 represent one or more operation files utilized by the present system 10.
Check active timers routine 42 of the system routines 32 determines if any active timers need to be started and starts them accordingly. Check forced activation 44 checks the system for any forced activations. Particularly, the system determines whether any triggers (motion detection or sound detection) have occurred and activates an appropriate audio file and/or impactor for a predetermined duration. In
The listen routine 50 samples sound from the microphone 64. Particularly, the system captures a sound sample from the microphone 74. Thereafter, the system converts the time based sample to a frequency based sample using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) techniques 66. The frequency based sample is compared to user configurable (tuning) parameters 68. This allows the system to be tuned to specific species and to compensate for loud/busy installation environment background noise. The forced activation routine 44 is invoked thereafter if appropriate. Tuning of the parameters may include tuning of 1) lower frequency, i.e. the lowest frequency of the target species or desired analysis range; 2) upper frequency, i.e. the highest frequency of the target species or desired analysis range; 3) threshold, i.e. the minimum level used to distinguish input sounds from background sounds; and 4) number of peaks, i.e. how many peaks in the selected range are present in the signal. Preferably, sound sampling is turned off if the system is actively generating deterrent sounds. This eliminates feedback in the system as well as mistaken detection where target sounds are part of the deterrent composition.
The system routines 32 further includes a sound routine 46 that is operable to select and play the predator and/or deterrent sound audio files 34 either in response to a forced activation (detected animal), a timer file, or manual activation. In
The audio output subsystem 18 includes a speaker or speaker array 88 (collectively, speakers). The speakers 88 are coupled to and receives audio signals from an amplifier 86 that, in turn, is coupled to and receive audio signals from a pre-amplifier 84 (if necessary). The amplifiers are connected to a sound card 82 that provides an interface with the computer 12. The speakers 88 are placed strategically to direct sound in the area of desired deterrence. The speakers 88 play the selected sounds and provide acoustic energy. Preferably, 70V audio distribution systems are used to reduce environmental interference with the deterrent sound. Armored or shielded cabling is used to reduce distortion or environmental impact to the sound signals. Installation may be mounted within conduit runs. The power amplifier (such as a Crown CT210 or similar unit) provides volume/attenuation controls. Multiple speaker systems may also be used. Optionally, the power amplifiers may have automatic shut offs when not in use to reduce power draw and heat generated in the system housing.
The system routines 32 also includes an impact routine 48 that is operable to cause an impact, percussion, strike, blow or the like against a large metal structure to which the impactor is mounted resulting in a loud audible noise or whack. Particularly, the impact subsystem 20 is operable to simulate the presence of humans (human presence) by mimicking the action of someone hitting a structure with a bat, pole, rod, hammer, rock and/or the like. This is accomplished by an impact device or impactor 98 that is connected to a structure 99 as further explained below.
When activated, that is, during an impactor activation or "on" duration (impactor duration), the impactor 98 is controlled so as to provide an impact, strike, thump, hit, impulse, impingement, whomp, blow, stroke, whack, knock, rap or the like (collectively, impact) against the structure to which it is mounted in intervals of preferably once approximately every seven (7) to ten (10) seconds. While this impact interval, impact rate or impact repetition rate may have a lower end that is less than seven (7) seconds and/or an upper end that is greater than (10) seconds, it has been found that the seven (7) to ten (10) second impact rate is optimal for simulating a human presence. Typically, the impact duration is from between thirty-five (35) seconds to one (1) minute.
Thus, when the impactor 98 is activated for an impact duration, the impactor is intermittently actuated to provide an impact at the impact rate. Thus, if the impactor is on for an impact duration of thirty-five (35) seconds and the impact rate is seven (7) seconds, the impactor 98 will be actuated five (5) times (35÷7). The impact rate, however, may not be constant during the impact duration and thus may be varied during the impact duration. This prevents the resulting impact noise from becoming periodic such that a bird may become accustomed to the noise.
The impactor 98 provides an impact force or a magnitude of impact against the structure of between ten (10) to sixty-five (65) pounds and preferably between fifty (50) and sixty-five (65) pounds. Too little of an impact force and there won't be a loud enough noise generated. Too much of an impact may compromise the integrity of the structure, particularly over repeated impacts. The range of impact force, however, may differ depending on the dimensions of the structure as well as its composition. The preferred range of impact force is for a typical eight (8) to ten (10) inch steel I-beam or support pole such as are found in electrical substations. Thus, the impactor 98 may provide an impact force of less than fifty (50) pounds on a smaller structure, and greater than sixty-five (65) pounds on a much larger structure.
As indicated above, the impactor 98 may be a pneumatic impactor or an electric impactor. A suitable pneumatic impactor is a Martin Thumper Timed Impactor available from Martin Engineering of Neponset, Ill. If a pneumatic impactor is used, the impact subsystem 20 would include a compressed air supply and the actuator would be an air valve or pneumatic actuator. The valve would be actuated by control signals to provide the desired impact rate. Another pneumatic impactor that may be used is a pneumatic piston vibrator available from VIBCO of Wyoming, R.I. The VIBCO pneumatic piston vibrator is variable in its vibrations speed such that a vibration may occur only three (3) to six (6) times a minute. The impact force of the vibration at this rate provides an impact rather than a vibration.
In the case of an electric impactor 98, suitable impactors are one or more of the SCR-Electric line of vibrators available from VIBCO of Wyoming, R.I. The SCR-Electric line of vibrators provides for adjustable vibration speed from 0–4000 RPM and adjustable force from 0–1000 pounds (impact force) depending on the particular model (see www.vibco.com). A suitable and preferable model is the SCR-60 which has an adjustable vibration speed of 0–4000 RPM and an adjustable impact force up to sixty (60) pounds. In this case, the actuator will be a solenoid that is controllable by the computer 12.
When the SCR-60 is adjusted to within a range of three (3) to six (6) vibrations per minute, an impact repetition rate of from once every twenty (20) seconds to once every ten (10) seconds is provided. The impact force may be the maximum sixty (60) pounds.
In the case that the present system 10 is installed in an electrical substation, the impactor 98 is preferably connected to a beam or support pole of an electrical transformer. The dimensions of the support pole of an electrical transformer are adequate to provide the needed sound performance from the impact by the impactor 98. An impact thus produces a noise that may then produce reverberations.
In all cases, the impactor 98 is connected to a large structure such as an I-beam, pole or the like that is roughly four or more inches in diameter and/or which creates a substantial noise or percussion when whacked (impacted). The larger the structure the better since a larger structure produces a more vibrant sound when impacted.
Referring back to
Referring now to
GUI 30 also includes an automatic seasonal time adjustment area 150 for enabling and/or disabling the seasonal bias routine. A detection monitoring area 148 is provided for enabling and/or disabling the automatic animal detection routines. Thus, the system 10 may utilize both automatic animal control via the timer files and the forced activation animal control via the detection subsystems. Moreover, a forced activation area 140 allows user modification of the duration of the audio file to play 142 (in seconds) and/or the duration of the impactor to activate 144 after animal detection (forced activation).
The GUI 30 also shows the active sound either playing or next in queue and the number of active audio files in the system. As well, output status is shown. Other parameters area also evident. The GUI 30 also shows the parameters of the loaded timer file. Particularly, the number of each timer of the timer file is shown adjacent the start time of the audio file (sound), the duration in seconds of the audio file to be played ("Duration"). Additionally the length of activation of the impactor in seconds ("Impact") is depicted. All of these parameters are user adjustable. Once a timer has been played, another randomly or programmed audio file is selected for next playing as appropriate for the next timer start time. As seen, the impactor does not necessarily activate with each timer.
The present system 10 or at least some components thereof may be provided in a housing. The following is an exemplary housing configuration for at least portions of the present system 10. Other housing configurations are thus contemplated. The housing may include a rack mount amplifier bracket, a removable mid shelf for mounting the peripheral devices, power distribution or power strip, microphone power/adaptor, external speaker terminal block, and external I/O device with interposing relay as needed. The housing may also include an upper shelf (such as on a slide tray for in and out movement/access) that holds a laptop computer and optionally the external computer speakers to allow interfacing with the volume/balance controls. In order to allow the upper drawer/shelf to move in and out, all of the wiring between the laptop, computer speakers, the power amplifier, digital I/O device, microphone, other detection devices, and/or power cords are stress relieved on the back panel. Wires are routed optimally to separate sound wires from power wires.
The housing is typically open from the front (the entire front panel being hinged to allow access thereto) and mounted on a wall optimally elevated to provide ergonomic access to components of the system. Moreover, the housing provides air flow paths to direct air flow across the components/electronics thereof. This may be accomplished by forced draft fan, penetrations or louvers in the housing to allow air exchange. Air may be drawn through the front panel/door through perforations with or without an air filter media and then out side panel louvers of the lower housing assembly. Other configurations to provide adequate air flow may be provided and are contemplated.
Variations of the present system 10 are also contemplated. Particularly, the computer 12 (being a laptop or otherwise) may be connected to a battery backup power supply for uninterruptible power. The system may also include a solar power unit. Various detection systems such as sonic, infrared, heat, motion, radar, trip wire and other common devices are also contemplated. Remote control access and/or control may be utilized for the various components of the system. The system 10 may also be connected to a network such as the Internet for remote access and/or control.
Of course, other configurations of a bird deterrent system and/or device are contemplated. The various embodiments of the subject bird deterrent system presented herein and thus fashioned in accordance with the present invention are only exemplary of the many bird deterrent configurations that may utilize the principles of the present invention.
A preferred embodiment of the system 10 includes bird control software and the computer hardware to run the same as described herein, wherein a base unit includes a housing, laptop computer, power amplifier, preamplifier/external computer speaker, power distribution/power strip, adaptors/cables/fittings for connecting these devices, software installation and computer I/O interface devices for the subsystem components. At least one speaker is provided for the audio output subsystem, typically mounted at a roosting/intrusion site. A microphone sensing subsystem including a multi-directional microphone, power supply, means for detection, and the audio sensor placed to reduce feedback but produce deterrent sounds. The timer sequence includes start time, duration of sounds and/or impact duration programmed relative to a target intrusion time (for example, roosting time/sunset), several timers provided for before and after sunset or other optimal times. Lastly, the system includes an impactor programmed to correlate with any, all or none of the deterrent sounds.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
1. A bird control apparatus comprising:
- a computer;
- an audio output subsystem connected to said computer and operable to play audio;
- an audio file stored on said computer and operable to be played on said audio output subsystem upon receipt of an audio actuation signal from said computer;
- an impactor connectable to a structure and operable to intermittently impact the structure with an impact force so as to create an audible noise upon receipt of an impact actuation signal from said computer; and
- a timer file stored on said computer and containing an audio output parameter operable to provide said audio actuation signal to said audio file play and an impactor parameter operable to provide said impact actuation signal to said impactor upon execution of said timer file by said computer.
2. The bird control apparatus of claim 1, wherein said audio output parameter comprises an audio output playing duration, and said impactor parameter comprises an impactor actuation duration.
3. The bird control apparatus of claim 2, wherein said impactor is operable to intermittently impact the structure with an impact force once every seven to ten seconds within said impactor actuation duration.
4. The bird control apparatus of claim 3, wherein said impactor actuation duration is between 35 seconds and one minute.
5. The bird control apparatus of claim 1, wherein said impactor is operable to intermittently impact the structure with an impact force of between ten and sixty pounds.
6. The bird control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a graphic user interface executable on said computer and operable to modify said audio file parameter and said impactor parameter of said timer file.
7. The bird control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- an audio input subsystem connected to said computer and operable to receive bird noises from an audio detection area and determine species of bird from the bird noises by sampling the bird noise, performing a fast Fourier transform of the sampled bird noise, and comparing the fast Fourier transform to various audio parameters.
8. The bird control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a seasonal bias routine operable to adjust start time of the timer file in accordance with a change in sunrise and/or sunset.
9. A bird control system comprising:
- a computer;
- an audio input subsystem connected to said computer and operable to receive bird noises from an audio detection area and determine species of bird from the bird noises by sampling the bird noise, performing a fast Fourier transform of the sampled bird noise, and comparing the fast Fourier transform to various audio parameters;
- a bird deterrent timer file stored on said computer and containing a bird deterrent start time and a bird deterrent duration; and
- a bird deterrent subsystem connected to said computer;
- wherein said computer is programmed to utilize said bird deterrent timer file to activate said bird deterrent subsystem at said bird deterrent start time and for said bird deterrent duration.
10. The bird control system of claim 9, wherein said computer is further programmed to adjust said bird deterrent start time of said timer file for changes in sunrise and/or sunset.
11. The bird control system of claim 9, wherein said bird deterrent subsystem comprises an impactor subsystem.
12. The bird control system of claim 9, wherein said bird deterrent subsystem comprises an audio file subsystem including a bird deterrent audio file playable on said audio file subsystem.
13. The bird control system of claim 9, wherein said computer is programmed via a graphical user interface.
14. A bird control method comprising:
- providing a computer;
- providing an audio input subsystem connected to said computer that is operable to receive bird noises from an audio detection area;
- determining species of bird from the bird noises by sampling the bird noise, performing a fast Fourier transform of the sampled bird noise, and comparing the fast Fourier transform to various audio parameters;
- storing bird deterrent timer file on said computer, said bird deterrent timer file containing a bird deterrent start time and a bird deterrent duration;
- providing a bird deterrent subsystem connected to said computer; and
- utilizing said bird deterrent timer file to activate said bird deterrent subsystem at said bird deterrent start time and for said bird deterrent duration.
15. The bird control method of claim 14, further comprising:
- adjusting said bird deterrent start time of said timer file for changes in sunrise and/or sunset.
16. The bird control method of claim 14, wherein said bird deterrent subsystem comprises an impactor subsystem.
17. The bird control method of claim 14, wherein said bird deterrent subsystem comprises an audio file subsystem including a bird deterrent audio file playable on said audio file subsystem.
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Patent History
Type: Grant
Filed: Jul 9, 2004
Date of Patent: Feb 6, 2007
Inventors: Robert W. Markham (Rockville, IN), Patrick W. Thomas (Clinton, IN)
Primary Examiner: Daryl C Pope
Attorney: William F. Bahret
Application Number: 10/888,569
International Classification: G08B 23/00 (20060101);


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I'm writing this at almost 2 in the morning, so if you see any mistakes, bear with me and/or e-mail me. Happy Thanksgiving.
Usually these contrived holiday tournaments feature either a crappy field or one power team beating up on a mid-major. Not so with this year's 76 Classic which will take place in Anaheim, California. As we did with Maui, we will take a team by team tour through the field (and hopefully guess the champion correctly like we did with Maui)
West Virginia v. Long Beach State
Gone are the John Beilein days of the 1-3-1 zone and the shooting tons of threes, but this West Virginia team packs some punch. There isn't a Kevin Pittsnogle or a Joe Alexander type player, but the Mountaineers feature lots of depth. West Virginia has gotten just 12% of its points from beyond the arc so far this year, and they are shooting just 50% from the line, so they need to maximize their two point attempts. Given the fact that they have just a 50% EFG, they could be primed for an upset. The 49ers have a little bit better offense than West Virginia (albeit against worse competition) but their defense has been pretty bad so far this year, allowing almost a point per possession. Long Beach is going to have to shoot better than they have so far from beyond the arc to have a chance – their two most frequent shooters are a combined 18-54 from three.
Texas A&M v. Clemson
This is a matchup of two teams who are outside the conversation in their respective conferences and are itching to get into the conversation. The Tigers actually had a pretty damn good offense last year, averaging 116.1 points per 100 possessions, good for 16th nationally. This was fueled by their ability to get 2nd shots – they had the 17th best offensive rebounding team in the country. Of course, their best offensive rebounder from last year is gone, so that will be a point to watch. The Aggies meanwhile were thought of as a gritty defensive team by the mainstream, but in reality they were another very good offense. They scored 113.6 points per 100 possessions, but since they were so slow (65 possessions per game – 231st overall) their defensive numbers were inflated. The Aggies will probably rely on the Senior trio of Donald Sloan, Bryan Davis and Chinemelu Elonu (how was he not on the all name team?).
Portland v. UCLA
UCLA opened up their season by losing to Cal State Fullerton. I don't see them suffering an upset here, for no other reason than the cliched one that they will have an opportunity to have a resume win in the semifinals. The three best players off the 3rd ranked Bruin offense last year (Darren Collison, Josh Shipp, Jrue Holliday) are all gone, and in their place are guys like Michael Roll and Nicola Dragovic. Roll actually had the 17th best O-Rating last year, partly buoyed by his 52% shooting from beyond the arc, but that was in extremely limited playing time. Regardless of UCLA's struggles, I think they'll come out on top.
Butler v. Minnesota
This is the game to watch. Butler, as we've said, is led by foul drawing/shooting machine Matt Howard. Howard has been pounding the defensive glass so far, but is really struggling in other areas of his game, posting just a 35.7 EFG. Willie Veasley, Gordon Hayword and Shelvin Mack have been picking up the slack in his downturn. The Gophers, meanwhile, have dealt with the dismissal of star recruit Royce White and have not been challenged yet. He takes a lot of shots, and sometimes some unnecessary ones, but Laurence Westbrook is the key to the Gophers offense. Even though he had just a 50% EFG he drew quite a few fouls for a guard and shot his free throws at an 83% clip last season. He also shot 35% from three.
This could go a lot of different ways, but I think I'm going to play it save and pick Butler to win the classic.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mark Noble
Mark Noble competed at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games where he won the silver medal alongside teammates Barry Wynks and Lynda Bennett.
Mark collected a silver medal in the 2017 Eight Nations and is coached by Sharon Sims, a Commonwealth Games Gold medallist. He represented New Zealand in the Trans Tasman series in November.
Born in Petone Mark is now based in Feilding playing his bowls from Takaro (Palmerston North) and Victoria (Wellington).
Outside of bowling Mark's time is split between his family, chess and bridge, being New Zealand's only Correspondence Chess Grandmaster.
At what age did you start playing Bowls: 16 years old
Nickname: Flipper
Why did you take an interest in Bowls? Mum and Dad
Most memorable match? Nationals Fours Last 16 vs Rob Ashton
Greatest influence in Bowls: Mother Beryl Noble
Toughest opponent? Ray Park
Aspiration in Bowls? Become a Commonwealth Games Champion!
Advice for new players? Training should be fun and drills and skills will help make your goals come true.
- 2 New Zealand Open (Disabled) 1 Triples 1 Pairs
- 1 New Zealand Astro Mixed Triples
- 24 Open Centre Titles
- Silver Medal Commonwealth Games 2014 Glasglow
- Silver Medal 8 Nations 2017 Australia
Date of Birth: 30 September 1962
Bowl Type: Dreamline XG Size 4
Current Clubs: Takaro Bowling Club – NZ And Victoria


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Mar 7, 2012 . Using toxin-free furniture in kids rooms is easier now with many . Formaldehyde is most commonly used in MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
Jul 9, 2017 . While the furniture is fire retardant free and made of sustainably produced . Good luck with that if you have toddlers or young children in the house! . Fire retardant foam and cheap, formaldehyde emitting particleboard is.
Jul 27, 2015 . How to Find Safe Furniture + Mattresses for Kids Rooms and the Whole . Select Flame Retardant & Formaldehyde-free Furniture Pieces.
The paint used on the Stokke Sleepi is free of formaldehyde, but the glue . You can purchase your Dutalier from a children's furniture store, or even on Amazon.
DucDuc's kids' furniture is made from sustainably-harvested, regional New . It also uses low-VOC finishes, lacquers, glues, and formaldehyde-free dyes.
Oct 18, 2013 . FYI, formaldehyde is used in the finish painted on a lot of household . The big furniture hitters had few chemical-free options: Ethan Allen,.
Jul 30, 2017 . A list of nursery products, cribs, furniture, mattresses and bedding made of eco-friendly, natural and organic materials . Most of the baby and kids products are certified organic. .. All pieces are formaldehyde and VOC-free.
Dec 11, 2015 . She said all of the non-toxic furniture for nurseries was too expensive, but she was . I learned about formaldehyde in glues, VOC's in paint, and why .. Although free from flame retardant chemicals, the couch padding may still.
Feb 22, 2013 . Look Out For Formaldehyde In Children's Furniture! . Choose formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard (MDF) in place of plywood for.
Apr 21, 2015 . . it contains formaldehyde and other chemical additives, according to Care 2. . This one stop shop for children's furniture sells a vast selection of . made of solid knot free pine, and their practical 4-in-1 bed that converts from.
No particle board or MDF is used in the manufacturing process therefore all Romina products are free of formaldehyde and any other toxic emanations. At Tots to.
"Hoot Judkins San Francisco Bay Area Furniture store has been "A Greener Choice" . It usually contains formaldehyde that can release toxic gases that can be.
Select furniture and soft goods that emit fewer toxins to protect your children. . Formaldehyde is commonly used to keep fabrics wrinkle-free. Flame retardants.
Aug 9, 2011 . My composite wood furniture has not fared so well, especially after several . uses a formaldehyde-free soy-based adhesive called PureBond. . Healthy Child Healthy World: Look Out for Formaldehyde in Children's Furniture.
Feb 9, 2010 . . popular "cheap" chemical used in clothing, shoes, furniture, fertilizer paper, toys, cosmetics and food. Our recent article on formaldehyde in children's clothing gave details on how . Formaldehyde-Free Clothing Companies.
Feb 22, 2012 . The only way for a children's furniture manufacturer to prevent such a . that their finishes are water-based, free of lead, VOC, formaldehyde,.
Today one out of seven kids has asthma (more than doubled since 1985). . Look for Independently certified wood that is formaldehyde free to ensure that it.
Water Based Formaldehyde Free Stains or Linseed Oil Finish . All of these beds and furniture are reasonably customizable..when you place your order, we.
Young children spend nearly half of their day in the bedroom. . Solution: Making the bed with healthy, toxin-free organic cotton sheets is the next step. . and filter common toxins like formaldehyde (present in carpets, particle board furniture,.
Oct 24, 2014 . Nursery (including Crib & other furniture, Crib mattresses, Rockers & gliders, . however IKEA claims to only use formaldehyde-free lacquers (see ... Kids II (which manufactures Bright Starts, Baby Einstein, and Disney play.


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Linkedin Profile Image Background LinkedIn is an extraordinary channel for individual branding and might enable you to make a competent existence on the most prominent social media network with greater than 377 million professionals.
LinkedIn might be handy for the pursuit of employment, arranging and also moreover for lead generation particularly when you are mindful of all hidden tricks in addition to strategies to LinkedIn Profile Optimization. In case your "Who's Viewed Your Profile" diagram is level covering week after week like a body without a beat, below is a character check rip off sheet and also couple of hints to boost the LinkedIn profile that will certainly help bring some life right into your profile and also develop even more account views.
Fortunately, there is a totally free tool you could make use of to position yourself in addition to your personal brand and it is recognized as LinkedIn!
This is the place you can user interface with the possible clients to make the organisation, clients who are particularly keen on just what you give the table as well as locate the one remarkable contract you have been trying to find.
Branding on LinkedIn generally implies knowing just how to feature what you give the table. With a fantastic many documents on LinkedIn, without adjusting your "brand name", you may become blended in the team. Emerge from the pack by shaking your personal brand with these tips. Right here are few ways you could fabricate your own brand on LinkedIn by LinkedIn Profile Optimization:
Linkedin Profile Image Background Describe Your Narrative
When somebody initially communicates with the account, they will pick a prompt arrangement to proceed pursuing or hand down to the following account who is likely your rival. Due to this, you've to center around progressing the profile to influence it to emerge.
The issue various people challenge is that they merely transfer their resume or throw something with each other. Which indicates the account is unimpressive or undistinct.
You have the phenomenal position of standing where you are today, regarding exactly how you showed up and also focusing on where you are going. You get the possibility to earn your tale.
You obtain the opportunity to select which work you put right into your profile as well as which parts of those line of work to feature. All that you place on your profile should be collaborated specifically towards the brand you are making and for that LinkedIn Profile Optimization is a must.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Include Keywords
It might be predictable and time-worn – yet the what's what is keywords as well as the subsequent uncover capability is just what affecting the Internet globe to go round. Consider exactly what somebody may kind into Google if they were hunting down someone like you.
Think verb, thing, equivalent word, and phrase. Exactly what is your organisation name? These are key words to use in your account.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Include Your Elevator Speech
You require a lift pitch or speech, and you have to add it to LinkedIn. A "lift speech" is that extremely short speech you would certainly use (pitch) to an official in the middle of the trip approximately his office or down to her vehicle. You have perhaps 30 secs to pitch an inconceivable tale, publication or believed to them.
You have to do likewise with your LinkedIn brand name. In the event that someone messages you or you need to chat with them concerning your brand name, have a respectable lift speech prepared. In the occasion that it is in on-line message structure, you could use a one area pitch.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Concentrate on Your Connections
Odds are that you have seen the documents on Facebook where somebody has a few thousand "companions." Do they conceivably have these various real pals? Presumably not. Do they actually speak with this numerous people? Once again, it's not likely.
LinkedIn is a professional systems administration account, so essentially going out and interfacing with your companions truly isn't important. Search out individuals in your field, search for those you value or that speak to their organization in a way you such as.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Use the Publisher Tool
Exceptional among various other techniques to LinkedIn Profile Optimization as well as to construct the networking potential and to uncover new service accomplices is to use the posting tool. There are a number of LinkedIn profile optimization instances that you could look at as well as these LinkedIn profile optimization examples will help you to improve your very own brand.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Customize URL
When you make a LinkedIn account you will certainly wind up with some baffled wreckage of a URL. It motivates it to emerge on a web page as well as will help in LinkedIn profile optimization as well as in enhancement boost your own brand.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Sector Photo
Utilize an account photograph that talks to your specialist side in addition to interfaces with the organisation. Scrape the photo of you hanging with buddies for a photo talking to your inclusion in business. Try to maintain the branding pictures regular over the on the internet pages. This makes it less requiring to regard. There countlesses LinkedIn profile optimization examples that you can look and also see what kind of images they have published on their profile.
Linkedin Profile Image Background Utilize Other Content
You do not generally require to make material to assist your own brand. This could achieve new connections primarily to leverage the other content as well as additionally assist in LinkedIn profile optimization. Linkedin Profile Image Background
It doesn't make a distinction in case you are initially stages of the organization, are simply starting to take off or in case that you are a heavy steam train as well as nothing could avoid you from development. By making use of these tips, you will see the expanded interest for your account, in addition to you will certainly hold your profile over the opposition, which is something you have to attain your specified objectives.


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MacEwan University's Book of the Year for 2015/16 is Mãn by Kim Thúy.
Everyone is welcome to attend the FREE reading and Q&A with one of Canada's celebrated authors. Author (and past MacEwan Book recipient) Angie Abdou will host the on-stage Q&A. Kim will be signing copies of her books following the event.
When: Tuesday, March 8, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Main Floor Lobby (9-100), Robbins Health Learning Centre, MacEwan University (10700 104 Ave)
For more information please visit the event website.


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GOTV: Use Social Media/
Voter Gravity, a political consulting group that has a great blog worth following, wrote recently about social media in campaigns and used some stats to back up their positions. The article is a great read if you're running or thinking of running for office.
One point they made - and one I want to expand on - is the use of social media for Get-Out-The-Vote operations. Social media is a useful tool for a lot of things in campaigns, but what it's most effective for is rallying your base.
Here's the key: when a campaign calls someone to remind them to vote, people tend to ignore it. When a friend reminds them to vote, they are far more apt to listen.
Have your supporters check in on facebook/twitter when they are at the polling location, recommend you specifically, and maybe even follow up with a post saying they voted later (preferably including video or a photo).
One interaction like that is worth a dozen gotv calls, if not more. And if you're in a lower profile race where most go into the polling place not knowing who to vote for, it might be an effective persuasion tool as well.
If you would like to get more campaign tips, you can check out "Running for Office" magazine, subscribe to the blog or connect with me on twitter or LinkedIn. You can also get an campaign tips emailed to you once a week by signing up to to the right of this post.


text: Ultra High Speed EMS Scanners with wide angle 40K to 60K pps. Laser is the only item for sale. Comes with no software or additional accessories. The item "NSL-2000 Model ZLaser Projector Nu-Salt Laser Light Shows" is in sale since Saturday, April 14, 2018. This item is in the category "Musical Instruments & Gear\Stage Lighting & Effects\DJ Lighting\ Single Units".The seller is "cactuscanyon4" and is located in Victoria, Texas. This item can be shipped to United States.


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Coupland's Bakeries is proud to be one of the largest independently owned bakery chains in New Zealand with 25 Retail Stores throughout New Zealand. As the "Home of Good Baking" we aim to pass onto consumers both great customer service and wonderful products.
Our Richmond Store is looking to fill a part time position. As a 7-day a week 7am to 6pm store we require some one who is flexible with hours and able to work weekends and public holidays where required.
Key attributes include:
Work well with teams
Great customer service skills
Positive attitude
Ability to work weekends
Good health and physically fit
Available immediately
For the right person, there is the ability to grow within the company and continue to gain more hours and responsibility
If this sounds like you and you would love a new challenge, then please email your Cover Letter and CV through to email@example.com Please include the store name in your application.
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency and be available for permanent work – not suitable for temporary or traveling work visa's.


text: Hi, [For review next Tuesday 8 December during PWG F2F in Austin] I've just posted a Prototype draft of the PWG Power Management Model: ftp://ftp.pwg.org/pub/pwg/wims/wd/wd-wimspower10-20091204.pdf / doc - clean copy ftp://ftp.pwg.org/pub/pwg/wims/wd/wd-wimspower10-20091204-rev.pdf / doc - redlines This draft is technically aligned with the Power MIB. Comments? Cheers, - Ira -------------------------------------------- Changes made to create 4 December 2009 version (Prototype Draft) Editorial – Kept document status as Prototype Editorial – Corrected definition of Standby in section 2.4.2, per Bill Wagner Editorial – Deleted ISSUE comments in section 3.2, now closed Editorial – Renamed power state Off (ambiguous with Off Mode) to OffSoft (to distinguish from OffHard) in section 2.4.2 DMTF CIM Power States and section 9.1 PowerStateWKV, consistent with DMTF CIM, per Bill Wagner Editorial – Renamed PowerComponentId to PowerComponentReferenceId in section 5.2 Power Monitor, to clarify usage (found in SNMP MIB development) Editorial – Renamed PowerUsageWatts (ambiguous with power gauges) to PowerNominalWatts (per vendor) in section 6.1 Power Support, to clarify usage Technical – Added section 9.7 PrtAlertCodeTC in IANA Printer MIB, for 'standby(508)', 'suspend(509)', and 'hibernate(510)', per WIMS WG discussion -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.


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No not a prison this time but a lovely big old converted warehouse off Radford Boulevard that City Arts moved into some time in 2005 I think. I along with six or more other artists were given free studio space in return for interacting with users and contributing to City Arts.
These photos taken at the time.
City Arts now on same road as Nottingham Writers Studio in Hockley.


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of test taking....
I'm really going to start running out of titles for each new blog but anyways back the topic of this entry: I HAVE A TEST TOMORROW!!! It's just the written version and it shouldn't be that difficult, but I know that I'll miss a couple here and there. Hopefully I won't. You know what? It'll never end...this test taking thing. I guess there really isn't any other way to put numbers on someones knowledge of detail of skill on double checking. You know of course that that's where I fall short. I always not only question myself, but only if and only if I really really know and think that I am right, I'll be 75% sure of the answer. Not even 99% sure. I really hope that I do really well tomorrow and I think that I will but of course there are other things that I should be worrying about especially what's in store for me in the upcoming weeks. It's only going to get a little more difficult.
Back to studying!
- Breakfast - cereal and a nutri grain bar
- Lunch - two cans of Starkist tuna with some bread and cheese and lots of carrots
- Dinner - canned Chef Boy R Dee something along the lines of beef and pasta and a triple layer cheese sandwich
This diet isn't going to get me back to my old waste line huh? I'm totally like growing outward now. Good thing that I finally just gave in but I still own a good pair of motivational pants (my old size) that I'll try in 30 days. I'm going to try to work on it. I just need to workout a little bit more. Goodnight!


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Cannabis Pushes Advancement in Agritech; (OTC: $ETII) (TASE: CSURE) (CSE: $VGW.C) (OTC: $VGWCF) (TSX: $OGI.TO) (OTC: $OGRMF) (TSX: $WEED.TO) (NYSE: $CGC)
Point Roberts, WA and Delta, BC - February 5, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investorideas.com, a leading investor news resource covering hemp and cannabis stocks releases a snapshot focusing on the new agritech wave of innovation in the cannabis sector.
Since the passage of the Farm Bill late last year, the development and distribution of CBD and hemp products nationwide has greatly expanded, creating a need for new agricultural technologies.
EnviroTechnologies International, Inc. (OTC: ETII), a company that develops and markets green, natural and organic products, recently confirmed that it is preparing to introduce its patent pending water treatment technology to licensed cannabis growers in the northwest. The EO Machines will help eliminate growth-impeding pathogens and stimulate harvest yields.
"What hasn't been covered as much is the potential and existence of fungal and contaminants that are prevalent in nearly all phases of plant growth, harvest, and post-harvest product processing of hemp and cannabis," said Gaylord Karren, ETI's President.
ETII also recently reported their estimated 2018 revenues and first quarter equipment orders under contract. "During this last month, we have received great interest in our EO Equipment and have signed more purchase orders," said Randall Waters, ETI's Vice President, Sales & Marketing. "First quarter, 2019 revenues will be approximately $605,000 and contracts for second quarter, 2019 are expected to be $885,000."
"We are particularly excited about the acceptance of our EO Machines and equipment in the agriculture world - with the apple farms in the northwest and the emerging CBD, cannabis industry," said Waters. "There are literally thousands of apple, cannabis and fruit farmers in the US that will benefit greatly from our proprietary technology, which will help them retain a much greater crop harvest and achieve higher yields by sanitizing their crops and eliminating dangerous and yield-stunting fungal and bacteria, particularly in the CBD, hemp and cannabis farming."
Cannassure Therapeutics (TASE: CSURE), a subsidiary of Solbar Food Technologies Ltd., a 57 year-old producer of plant based raw materials and solutions for the food and food additives industries, went a different route with the recent announcement of its collaboration with Cannika Holdings, an agritech incubator specializing in cannabis innovation.
Nir Peles, Interim Chairman of Cannassure commented: "We are delighted about this collaboration with Cannika. We are committed to medical cannabis innovation for the purpose of enhancing treatment and improving the quality of life of people worldwide with medical cannabis products. Having a cannabis technological incubator on our campus is directly in line with our strategy, activity and goals. Cannika's leadership team has extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of agritech, science, and business development which gives them the ability to support early stage, cannabis initiatives and fast track their path to successful commercialization."
Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW) (OTC: VGWCF), a multi-licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services focused on various proprietary extraction methodologies, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing, announced that it has entered into a multi-year extraction services agreement with Organigram Inc. (TSXV: OGI) (OTC: OGRMF) for cannabis and hemp extraction services.
Valens subsidiary, Valens Agritech (VAL) holds a license to cultivate cannabis and produce cannabis oil under the Cannabis Act, as well as a license to conduct analytical testing for the cannabis industry and currently has extraction processing and supply agreements with other leading producers across Canada
"Looking ahead to another year of unprecedented firsts in the national and global cannabis industries, our growth strategy is aggressive," says Greg Engel, CEO, Organigram. "A key element of that success is partnerships with companies like Valens who can offer the capacity, quality and expertise to help ensure we deliver on our ongoing commitment to meeting the increasing demand of the global medical and adult recreational cannabis markets."
VAL also has a supply agreement with Canopy Growth Corporation ( TSX: WEED) ( NYSE: CGC) under their extensive CraftGrow distribution network. Canopy announced in December 2018 that it had entered into a multi-year extraction agreement with Valens GroWorks Corp.
The US agriculture industry suffered years of stagnation under the crop monopoly of corn, but perhaps hemp and eventually cannabis, will allow companies like EnviroTechnologies International (OTC: ETII) and Valens to create a new era of agriculture and bring advanced technology to the US Farmer, improving yield, efficiency, and profitability..
For investors following cannabis stocks, Investor Ideas has created a stock directory of publicly traded CSE, TSX, TSXV, OTC, NASDAQ, NYSE, ASX Marijuana/Hemp Stocks
About Investorideas.com - News that Inspires Big Investing Ideas
Investorideas.com is a recognized news source publishing third party news and press releases plus we create original financial content. Learn about investing in stocks and sector trends from Investorideas.com with our news alerts , articles , podcasts and videos talking about cannabis, crypto, technology including AI and IoT , mining ,sports biotech, water, renewable energy and more . Investorideas.com original branded content includes the daily Crypto Corner and Podcast, Play by Play sports and stock news column, Investor Ideas #Potcasts#Cannabis News and Stocks on the Move podcast and column, Cleantech and Climate Change Podcast and the AI Eye Podcast and column covering developments in AI.
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This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire – News that Inspires big ideas Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. Disclosure: this news article featuring ETII is a paid for news release on Investorideas.com – third party . Learn more about costs and our services https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/
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Selling business outcomes assessment was launched simply by Cisco. Cisco is probably the most well liked companies worldwide. The normal objective of this opportunity is usually to attributes needed verification in the got skills and abilities to help nominees with its exceptionally demanded qualification. Selling business outcomes examines the data of the customer together with his skills which have been relating to the assistance of reselling technological innovation also to the resolutions from the pinpoint the business outcome.
Exam highlight:
The test number is 810-403 (Real Study Guides). Business transformation is its linked qualifications. There are entire 60 to 70 queries provided in the test that are necessary to be accomplished inside time volume of 90 minutes. Aspirant who knows to control the best time usually in the assessment are able to move the exam generally he may will have to come back around the examination. The 810-403, Selling Business Outcomes test is very useful English and Japanese dialect. Candidate could possibly enroll test at Pearson VUE exam centre.
Subject matter with the examination:
It is a covered guide exam and prospect will not be capable to have every hardcopy or simply any content external to accept examination. Typically the contents of examination are instead many of those themes which happen to be quite likely going to can be bought in the exam. The applicable subject material ought to be organized basically because they can be negligence examination. If for example the consumer is not going to realize adequately concerning matters added through the 810-403, Selling Business Outcomes examination, then he will not be able to ready efficiently. The subject material within the Selling business outcomes examination really are Business outcomes sales approach, customer business environment, customer business context, challenges, and opportunities, outcomes based opportunity for customer impact, manage and communicate with stakeholders.
Tactics to arrange the test:
The Cisco recommends several courses on the appliers for taking if they're fascinated with passing away test. Working out course delivered by Cisco is undoubtedly selling business outcomes (OUTCOMES). Other classes are also offered by Cisco. These kinds of classes are offered with the Cisco exam and even these are true going through form for any major contenders. On top of all of these lectures, there are models of Cisco headings which could be available in Cisco advertising. Study leads coupled with brain dumps can certainly be great during fixing the 810-403 Exam. Prospect usually takes those brain dumps and look publications anyhow, merely a study manual through legality can easily make certain all the achieving success inside the test.
Get to learn more accurate and workable study material for Cisco Specialist Certification Exam and 820-427 Practice Test from ExamsBoost, because ExamsBoost has the team of experts in Information Technology.


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Di Palomo - Black Cherry Handbag Essentials Set
per item
Hand & Nail Cream - An enriching and luxurious Hand & Nail Cream blended with the finest ingredients including Olive Oil to keep your hands smooth & soft.
Our advanced formula contains UV filters to help protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, which can cause skin darkening and premature ageing.
Lip Balm - A luxurious lip balm with beeswax and shea butter that melts on the lips to give a soft shiny finish with a subtle tint.
Hand & Nail Cream - INGREDIENTS:Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylmethoxy Dibenzoylmethane, Stearic Acid, Ceteareth 20, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Octocrylene, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Isopropyl Myristate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, D-Limonene.
Lip Balm - INGREDIENTS: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Euphoriba Cerifera (Candililla Cera) Wax, Parfum, Tribehenin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 42090, CI 15850.


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Large Nonprofit Turns to MTS to Manage Their Telecom Expenses
Key Factors in Selection Process: TEM Suite's Flexibility, Automation & High Customer Satisfaction
Apr 21, 2016, 08:00 ET
RA'ANANA, Israel and RIVER EDGE, New Jersey, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
MTS - Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ Capital Market: MTSL), a global provider of Telecommunications Expense Management (TEM), Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and video advertising solutions, announced today that it has signed a 39-month, $400,000 TEM managed services agreement with one of the largest voluntary health organizations in the US.
"We're very excited that this major non-profit chose MTS to replace its incumbent TEM provider," said John Venditti, MTS's VP of Marketing. "Besides offering a superior solution, we also demonstrated our ability to be a true business partner, including ongoing collaboration and the flexibility to adapt to the unique telecom expense and mobility management needs of this organization."
This nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization was looking for a managed TEM and EMM solution that could easily map into their existing business processes, and that offered a high degree of flexibility and automation. In addition, the nonprofit required mobile help desk, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) management capabilities and integration into existing enterprise systems.
MTS's TEM Suite will manage the nonprofit's full telecom expense and mobility management lifecycles, including its wireline and mobile telecom vendors, procurement activities, contracts, invoice processing and auditing, dispute management, and will make payments to vendors on the nonprofit's behalf. The solution also provides asset management, usage management and cost allocation, mobile help desk, BYOD eligibility management and wireless optimization. In addition, TEM Suite's dashboards and reporting will provide management with full 360-degree visibility and analytics into the organization's daily operations.
MTS's TEM Suite is a fully integrated Communications Lifecycle Management solution that includes a TEM, EMM and Call Accounting cloud suite and a flexible managed services offering. With the MTS TEM Suite solution, companies of all sizes and industries can benefit from increased operational efficiency and effectiveness, corporate mobile security governance and policy compliance, significant communications cost reduction, business cost alignment and 360-degree visibility into their global communications environment.
About MTS
Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. (MTS) provides video advertising solutions for online and mobile platforms and TEM and Billing solutions and services.
MTS's Vexigo (http://www.vexigo.com) subsidiary creates highly sophisticated video advertising solutions for online and mobile platforms, and leverages them to offer advertising optimization services to advertisers and website owners.
MTS's Telecommunications business provides innovative products and services for enterprises in the areas of telecom expense management (TEM), enterprise mobility management (EMM), mobile virtual network operators/enablers (MVNO/MVNE) and IOT/M2M enablement for mobile service providers.
Headquartered in Israel, MTS markets its solutions through wholly-owned subsidiaries in Israel, the U.S and Hong Kong, as well as through distribution channels. For more information please visit the MTS web site: http://www.mtsint.com.
Certain matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, risks in product development plans and schedules, rapid technological change, changes and delays in product approval and introduction, customer acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, market acceptance, the lengthy sales cycle, proprietary rights of the Company and its competitors, risk of operations in Israel, government regulations, dependence on third parties to manufacture products, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Company Contacts:
MTS Contact:
John Venditti
Vice President, Marketing
SOURCE MTS – Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd.


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Access Denied Car Locksmith Ware 24/7 Response 07534 277020
Car Key Replacement Ware by Access Denied, can provide car key replacement for almost all types of vehicles. We have a suitable team and have a mobile setup including all the parts needed for car key replacement. Choose Access Denied, Ware & Auto Locksmith Services.
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Our mobile car key cutting service is on call 24 hours a day, so you never have to worry about losing your keys – we will have you mobile in moments!
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We provide an auto-locksmith service so that you can gain access to your car, even when your keys have been locked inside – we conduct this so entry is damage-free!
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If you've mislaid your car keys, then Access Denied can supply Car Key Replacements in Ware. Our team can replace keys – even if you don't have any of the originals!
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Not years ago, getting replacement car keys cut was a simple task. But now car keys have all types of components built-in to handle the extra functions: central locking, alarms, immobilisers etc.
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It doesn't stop there. After repeated use buttons will stop working, some manufacturers being worse than others. A well-established car key replacement company will be able to get the right type of key fob and transfer the electronics and battery from your old key.
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The moisture will still be around the metal componants and the miniature circuit board. Eventually oxidization will eat away at the contacts and tracks on the boards and the car key will stop working. So if you have dropped your key into water, it's well worth arranging a trip to a car key replacement company in Ware to get some alternatives before your original set stops working!
If your car key has come apart, make sure you keep all the components. If it's snapped off in the lock, then a good car key replacement firm will extract the metal part but they will need the plastic shell and the parts inside it to use in your new key. It can be done without those parts but it will take longer and cost more, so try and keep all the parts you can.
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At Access Denied we provide full car key reproduction
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If your car key requires reprogramming in Ware, we have a qualified team of experienced engineers that can assist you.
In several cases, the key fob tends to be flawed but we can simply replace these.
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Auto Locksmiths Ware
Auto Locksmith in Ware
Forgetting where you've put a set of car keys is all too easy. Most of us have had to play the game 'if I was a toddler, where would I think a good place to put car keys might be?'
Or even still, when you've been away on holiday, and suddenly your fingers are all thumbs. Right before your eyes – as if in slow motion – your keys slip out of your hands and disappear down the drain you hadn't even noticed til that second.
As the case may be, about 1 in 3 of us lose our car keys each year, while another 1 in 20 have them stolen.
Then hastily you have to find a stand-in set. And you may have to do so quickly, especially if you need to urgently get home or to work. Or even to avoid the risk of the car being stolen with the lost/stolen keys
Contemporary car keys aren't as simple as the keys you use to unlock your front door. It's best to make sure you get a trained professional on the job – someone who is local to Ware and can help you out quickly.
Keys Locked Inside Car Ware
Based in Ware, we're able to offer our car locksmith services to those in Ware and the surrounding areas. Plus, we work throughout the rest of Hertfordshire. Though we offer a range of professional services, our most popular is being called out when keys are locked inside the car. Though it's a stress and a hassle for you, it's a problem we're able to solve with ease. When your keys are locked in, we're able to help.
Keys Locked In Car?
If your keys are locked in the car, you need to seek the assistance of expert locksmiths. There are many locksmiths available, much like those here at Access Denied, who are specialists in automotive locks and car keys. At Access Denied, we're able to provide:
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As you can see, at Access Denied we work tirelessly to make sure our customers receive the very best service. When it comes to keys being locked in a car, our service is unmatched.
Help With Keys Locked In Car
When it comes to getting your keys out of the car, we don't ever advise it to be something you should try yourself. Regardless of how well you think you'll do the job, there's a high chance you'll end up causing damage to the car. In fact, retrieving keys from a locked car requires a great deal of experience and a range of specialist equipment.
At Access Denied we often deal with keys locked in cars, so we've had the experience to know what to do. We work quickly and efficiently, ensuring we gain access to the vehicle as quick as we can.
If your keys are locked in the car in Ware, contact Access Denied. Get in touch with the team on 07534 277020 or via the online contact form.
As well as car key substitutes, Ware residents are inclined to also want a new fob and a replacement transponder key if the car is made after 1995.
A transponder chip is embedded in the key to disable the immobiliser system and enable the car to start. Without this, you would not be able to drive the car anywhere.
Current cars all come with central locking systems, making it easy to quickly open and shut a car, or just the boot if required. Transponder keys – specifically suited to each car, remote car keys, key fobs, and standard car keys can all be restored by an auto locksmith for most types of vehicles with the right information.
You just need to make sure you have the following information to hand: the make and model of your vehicle, registration, vehicle identification number, and personal identification with a photo and address to prove that you own the car.
Car Key Repair Ware
In the event that your car key is damaged, Access Denied will be able to help you!
Some of the problems we provide services for include: Snapped Key/s, Damaged Key Fob, Keys Broken in Locks, Jammed Car Keys, and Jammed Ignitions.
Get in touch with us regarding your specific issue and our staff members will provide the right options for you.
All of our work is fully insured and guaranteed, so you can repair your keys and have peace of mind that the work will be to the highest standard.
The Access Denied Promise
Access Denied Car Locksmiths Ware use the safest forms of non-destructive entry to your car to ensure high quality repairs with no damage. We only use quality approved products and will only carry out work that's necessary.


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SEEC student symposium 2015 – synopsis
The 2015 SEEC student symposium was held at the UCT Research Office at Cormack House in Mowbray on Friday 16 October, and was well attended by postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and a few visitors. The symposium is intended to give SEEC postgraduate students and postdocs experience in conference presentation, and an opportunity for all SEEC members to become familiar with the research being done in the group and also provide input to each other's work.
Res Altwegg opened the event, and highlighted the objectives of SEEC – to bring together field ecologists, statistical ecologists and mathematical statisticians and to promote collaborative research and supervision. SEEC's vision is to produce world-class relevant and useful research that is statistically and ecologically sound.
All the talks highlighted the importance of using appropriate statistical tools to describe ecological systems. The impact of ecological research on environmental management decisions and policy development – particularly on the key issues of rapid climate change, land use change and loss of biodiversity – depends on the quality of the research process, from start to end – hypotheses, sampling and data, analytical methods, results and synthesis.
The scope of the talks highlighted these objectives, and covered all aspects of the research process. Subjects included:
- The role of grazing and fire in grassland management in South Africa
Pair-bonding dynamics in wandering albatross populations
- Geelbek (Cape salmon) population spatial dynamics in relation to commercial fishing
- The impacts of protected areas on common bird species
- The range and populations of the rare and threatened Rose's mountain toadlet in the Table Mountain National Park
- The effects of climate change on barn swallows (long-distance Palearctic migrants) in South Africa
- Sexual and natural selection as drivers of diversity in monkey beetles
- Continuous-time spatial capture-recapture models
- Approximate Bayesian occupancy models.
Studies in all stages of academic progress were presented, from early-stage Master's and PhD projects to theses and post-doc papers in various degrees of completion. Michael Schaub of the Swiss Ornithological Institute closed the symposium with a highly interesting plenary talk discussing his work on modelling immigration dynamics in bird populations.
There was time for questions after each talk and lively discussion during the breaks. This second SEEC symposium built on the success of the first symposium held at Kirstenbosch in 2014, and we look forward to the next one. Special thanks go to Sue Kuyper for planning and coordinating the event, venue and catering.


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Tu sei qui
SUN'S PALACE residenza a Monaco
SUN'S PALACE. One more residence associated with Sun in Monaco. We agree that Monaco is a truly sunny destination. Monaco is reported to have more than 300 sunshine days a year offering a wondeful mind climate. Warm autumn and pleasant winter make this area particularly attractive for Northern countries residents. Here you can enjoy summer, when the rest of Europe is already in a deep fall.
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Tuesday night, the Lackawanna College basketball team used double digit nights from five players to outscore County College of Morris 99-89, to claim a Region XIX Division II victory. With the win the Falcons improved their conference win/loss record to 4-2 and 6-3 overall.
The five Falcons scoring in double digits were Gil Benz with 26 points; Cartier Talford with 20, Jonathan Williams with 15, Teron Reddy with 14; and Justin Iton with 11. Iton was Lackawanna's leading rebounder with 8, while Reddy led in assists with 7.
Lackawanna plays again next Thursday when they travel to Wayne, Pennsylvania to take on the Trojans of Valley Forge Military College. Thursday's game is the nightcap of a women's and men's basketball doubleheader and is scheduled to start 20 minutes after the completion of the women's game.


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Newcomers to Richmond Warming Up to the Game
|Tuesday, October 10, 2017
For many families, moving to Canada from a foreign country typically means getting your kids involved in hockey, or even getting involved yourself. It's part of the culture here and it's everywhere you go.
For Daniel Luk, this happened right away and his whole family now loves the game.
The Richmond Minor Hockey Association was very helpful and welcoming to Daniel and his family, and is a fine example of how the people in Richmond are, as well as how much they love the game of hockey.
Looks to be a fantastic host for the 2020 CARHA Hockey World Cup!
Original story posted here.
Daniel Luk first put on skates when he moved from Guangzhou in southern China to Richmond in 2014. A year into lessons — with his parents, Colin Luk and Shuying Kong, navigating their new lives here — the then-five year-old wanted to try hockey.
His mother, who hails from the northern Chinese city of Harbin, was up for her son being on the ice, but not so much for him banging around, chasing a puck.
"It seemed very violent," says Kong, waving her elbows in the air.
"I didn't want his body to be injured in one of the crashes."
But Daniel kept asking, and the family ran into an outreach booth set up by the Richmond Minor Hockey Association to more energetically attract just their demographic. The association used to get more children signing up for hockey because one parent played or was familiar with the game.
When the Vancouver Canucks play exhibition games in Beijing and Shanghai, it'll be a notable step in the league's plan for promoting hockey in China. It's obvious what capturing hearts in this market has done for basketball. The popularity of Chinese superstar Yao Ming has fuelled fans, billion-dollar television deals and investment interest in the NBA.
There is definitely an eye on up-and-coming elite players of Chinese descent across North America who might do the same for professional hockey.
And so, across Metro Vancouver, in the much humbler circles of amateur hockey that could feed into the possibility of this happening, Asian-Canadian players, with and without particular ties to mainland China, are talking about how their participating in the sport is changing. Even so, some say there are lingering stereotypes and moments of outright racism. They yearn for inspiring role-models and more inclusive stories.
Back in Richmond, the minor association drew Daniel and his parents into an introductory program. "They really cared for us," says Kong.
"Many participants borrow equipment from us," says Carolyn Hart, president of the Richmond Minor Hockey Association, emphasizing how its community has rallied around these programs.
"If I need nine shin guards, I could put out a call and find two pairs on my doorstep within hours."
This September, the association has more than 50 children registered in introductory programs and "we fully expect that some will join teams in short order," says Hart.
Many of these families also benefit from a dedicated and willing circle of Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking translators, including the association's director of hockey. They help with paperwork and guidance that used to be available in Chinese but in a much more haphazard way.
As for Daniel, two years later, and he is now part of a "Hockey 3 team," having progressed through an entry level and a second one. There is joy in each story as his dad, Colin, describes joining friends at team parties and taking practice shots on a scraped-up wall at home. "He teaches me what I have to do to help him," he says.
In an unexpected twist, Colin says that Daniel's playing hockey in Richmond, which he agreed to so his son could "be part of the national sport in Canada" is, at the same time, connecting them to back to China, where there is growing interest in the game ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
"We watch NHL hockey (online) on Channel 5," says Colin, referring to China Central Television's Sports Channel, CCTV-5, the main sports broadcaster in mainland China. Last season, it was airing as many as four, live broadcasts of NHL games a week, calling them in Mandarin.
Even Daniel's mom, who was reluctant for him to play, is a convert.
"It really is so much fun. I understand now that, actually, at his age, the playing is not so intense, so I have let go of my worries," she says. "He is a little bit of an introvert, but now has more confidence. He is standing taller than he used to be."
They are thrilled and, like any parents, dare to quietly dream about the possibilities.
"We hear other people talking, and they say, in the last two or three to five years, there are many, many more Chinese families like ours," playing minor hockey, says Kong.
"Once one child likes it, they bring their friends and other families, and it gets easier to bring in more players," says Lynne Kiang, a longtime volunteer and president of the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association, which overseas minor hockey associations in the Lower Mainland from Hope to the Sunshine Coast.
This community drive and family support to play hockey in the early years is different from the experiences of Courtney Szto and some of her teammates in a recreational league.
When she signed up in Vancouver for hockey lessons as an adult — "I was 21 (and) realized that I had a car to get me to and from hockey and enough money to buy my own equipment" — and that she was the only Asian.
Then, she was one of two Asians on a team, she recalls. Now, around 10 years later, she is on a team, known as the Hatchicks, that is "equally Asian and white."
The shift is due, in part, she says, to "demographic changes" across the city. But her team still feels "more diverse in race than most other teams it competes against."
On a recent Saturday, Szto's team kicked off the season with a game at Burnaby 8 Rinks. Her mom watched from a room upstairs.
"You sometimes hear that you (being Asian) don't have the right body type to play hockey. If there is more playing of hockey in Asia, it can bring attention to the fact that this is absolutely not true," says Szto, who has done academic research about South Asian experiences in hockey and writes articulately about racial discrimination in sport.
"I keep my head up. Not that I think it has to do with my race, but I do take more head shots because of my height," says teammate Bonnie So, who is smaller in stature.
She also grew up in Vancouver and started playing hockey as an adult in her mid-20s after first falling in love with watching it on television during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
Says So: "Nobody in my family plays hockey. If they can grow the sport around the world, and in Asia, and here, I think that would be amazing. I don't really see any Asian players. If I did, then I could wonder, 'how did they get started?'
Or how do they handle racist comments? Says So: "I've heard at face-offs at centre, 'open your eyes,' but my eyes are open. That's something I hear. There are worse things, and I haven't heard them in this league, but I've heard it before."
There is a lot of recent chatter about hockey players of Asian descent breaking into professional ranks, but Szto points out there hasn't been much myth-making of past milestones. There's Larry Kwong, she says, who was born and played junior hockey in Vernon before briefly joining the New York Rangers in 1948. He only played one disappointing game where he was barely on the ice and didn't score a goal, but, considering the times, it was a moment complete with the Montreal Canadiens and the legendary Maurice Richard in opposition.
"He was like the Jackie Robinson of hockey for us and we don't hear much about this," says Szto, drawing parallels with to the African-American player known for ending segregation in professional baseball when he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
The academic in Szto says common beliefs about who is playing hockey need to be fuller, that there are "partial truths stand(ing) in for whole truths: Where are the stories about our adult hockey parents hanging out in cold rinks to support their grown-ass daughters playing recreational hockey? Where are the depictions about single Asian women showing up at the rink by themselves to learn how to play hockey?"
The Canucks are off to China to play two exhibition games against the L.A. Kings on Thursday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 23. Ed Willes will be filing live reports from Shanghai and Beijing as he covers the team. We also have a special feature each day looking into why the NHL has undertaken this trip and what the spinoff effects are locally and globally for hockey and for the Vancouver Canucks.