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Teresa Hughes, a former Democratic state senator and assemblywoman from the Los Angeles area who was best known for her focus on education during her 25 years in the California Legislature, has died. She was 80.
Hughes, a resident of Castro Valley, Calif., died at a hospital after a sudden illness, said her husband, Dr. Frank Staggers Sr.
A former New York social worker, teacher and school administrator who had grown up in Harlem, Hughes was elected to the state Assembly in a special election in 1975.
She won handily over her Republican opponent in the heavily Democratic 47th District, which included a large part of South L.A. and the cities of Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Downey and Compton.
"I recall the community rallying around her candidacy for the 47th Assembly District," U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), who served in the Assembly with Hughes, said in a statement. "They were proud to elect a professional educator committed to expanding opportunities for our community."
When Hughes arrived in Sacramento, she was one of three women in the 120-member Legislature and one of seven blacks. And, according to an Associated Press report, she was the second black woman ever elected to the Legislature.
Among her accomplishments during her 17 years in the Assembly were writing a bill dedicating $800 million in bond money to construct school classrooms and creation of a state School of the Arts.
In 1983, she was chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee when she co-wrote an education bill that set state graduation standards, lengthened the school day and year, raised teacher salaries and standards, and required prospective teachers to pass a basic skills test.
Hughes also wrote a bill that established the California Museum of Afro-American History and Culture within the Museum of Science and Industry in Los Angeles.
There were 15 women state lawmakers in 1985 when the Joint Rules Committee formally recognized the new bipartisan Caucus of Women Legislators. Hughes, who was the senior woman in the Legislature at the time, was selected to chair the caucus.
Elected to the state Senate in 1992, Hughes represented the 25th District, which stretched from Marina del Rey to Paramount.
Before she was termed out in 2000, she became the first woman and first African American to serve on the Senate Rules Committee.
Her Senate highlights included establishing the Senate Select Committee on College Admission and Outreach and writing a school violence prevention bill that led to the creation of the Task Force on School Safety.
"She was very dedicated to policy-making, and she was a stickler for doing it the right way," said former U.S. Rep. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles), a longtime friend of Hughes and a former colleague in the state Senate.
Hughes said in a 2000 interview with the Associated Press that things had improved for women during her time in the Legislature. Not only were there more women, she said, but male legislators "are learning to respect women as equals."
"Most leaders of both houses realize they have to have women in significant leadership spots because their constituents demand it," she said.
Born in New York City on Oct. 3, 1931, Hughes earned a bachelor's degree in physiology and public health from Hunter College, a master's in education administration from New York University and a doctorate in education administration from Claremont Graduate School.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1969 to work on her doctorate, she became an assistant professor of education at Cal State L.A. She also worked briefly as administrative assistant to then-state Sen. Mervyn Dymally.
In 1988, the Los Angeles Unified School District renamed a Cudahy school the Teresa Hughes Elementary School.
In addition to her husband of 30 years, Hughes is survived by her children, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Deirdre Hill and Vincent Hughes, an attorney in New Jersey and New York; three stepchildren, Frank Staggers Jr., Barbara Staggers and Michael Staggers; four grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at noon Monday at Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.


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Helen Mirren to Guest Star on 'Glee'
In addition to stellar mash-ups and one-of-a-kind cover renditions, 'Glee' gets its good name for its guest stars. The show will step up in 2012, bringing Helen Mirren to the set … In some capacity.
Apparently, the 66-year-old British actress — who is known for a long list of acting credits — will only be appearing vocally, not physically. Mirren will offer her sweet speak as the inner-voice of one of the 'Glee' characters, according to TV Line.
In fact, the 'Glee' writers specifically wrote said role with Miss Mirren in mind, so when she agreed to do it, everyone was thrilled, though her appearance was a surprise to the New Directions crew. "Helen came in and secretly recorded several long and hilarious monologues two weeks ago," a source reports. "Then she visited the kids on set, and they had no idea she was coming; they were stunned."
The source admits that snagging Mirren was easy, as she's friends with director Eric Stoltz and thinks that the hit FOX show is making positive waves in the world. "Helen's a big fan of the show," the source says, adding, "and the message it sends out about arts education."
Rumor has it that Helen's voice will make its debut on the Jan. 17 episode of 'Glee,' which is the first episode of 2012.

subset: commoncrawl


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Message Board
Susan McBride Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that McBride has written!
Author McBride's Book Reviews
Blue Blood
Avon, Feb 2004, 5.99, 333 pp. ISBN 0060563893 Although she grew up with a silver spoon in her, mouth Andrea Kendricks prefers stainless steel. She was a debutantte drop out who never came was presented to society and works for a living instead of relying on her trust fund. Although she went to a preppy private school, her best friend was scholarship student Molly O'Brien who was raised not in a manor like Andrea, but in a series of foster homes....


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…the Guestbook for Kimberly Collinsworth
Please fill in the form below. When you are sure the information is complete and the way you want it, then click on the "Sign Guestbook" button at the bottom of the form. Do not click more than once.
Please make sure your caps-lock key is not inadvertently on. All capital letters look like SHOUTING and we know you understand that this is not appropriate. Remember your entry will be part of the family's story.


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On May 20, the moon passed between our planet and the sun. This particular eclipse was what's known as an "annular eclipse" because, from the perspective of viewers on Earth, the moon's diameter is apparently smaller than that of the sun, causing the giant fiery ball to appear as a burning, glowing halo around the moon at the height of the eclipse. It's a gorgeous phenomenon, but as with all eclipses, it's fleeting and to see the thing in the first place, you have to take special precautions, lest the event fry your retinas.
In an effort to avoid blindness, Cory Poole (a science and math teacher in California), captured pictures of the event through a specially filtered telescope. He then took those images (all 700 of them), and created a time-lapse video that, while short, is both very pretty and one of those existential things that makes a person realize exactly how immense and awesome the universe is (or, if you're a pessimist, how utterly insignificant we all are). Plus, when the red halo appears, the entire thing looks intensely ominous, like something out of an old Hammer Films movie designed to provide ambience for an unholy coven of surprisingly naked witches.
Before we get to the clip though, read Mr. Poole's official description. It reiterates what we said above, but offers more in the way of solid scientific details, and info on how this vignette was created:
This is a 60 second time-lapse video made from 700 individual frames through a Coronado Solar Max 60 Double Stacked Hydrogen Alpha Solar Telescope. The pictures were shot in Redding, CA, which was directly in the annular eclipse path. The filter on the telescope allows you to see the chromosphere which is a layer that contains solar prominences. The filter only allows light that is created when hydrogen atoms go from the 2nd excited state to the 1st excited state.
What Poole fails to mention is that this type of thing only happens every 18 years. The last annular solar eclipse of this kind happened on May 10, 1994, and the next won't be seen until 2030. Do you know where you'll be two decades from now? No? Then you should probably witness this thing while you still can. Hit "play" below.


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You're poor and about to lose your home. The solution? Hire even poorer adventurers, organize them into a group and send them into dungeons to find treasure. Or die. Use the wealth they bring back to pay off your debts, and reopen the town that's been shut down. Manage your time, money and resources carefully and you might end up wealthy, or don't, and end up worse off than those adventurers you had working for you.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


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June 25, 2014
Gary Crain of Operation Wildlife looks at a great horned owl Monday morning found by Dale Giar.
Stories this photo appears in:
Linwood's Operation WildLife aiding animals despite challenges
Operation WildLife's 20 years in operation helping injured and sick animals is often tested by financial struggles and the constant influx on animals, but that's not stopping the organization's founder or its volunteers.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
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text: For three-quarters of a century Nokona Gloves have been hand made of the best leathers right here in the USA. Nokona offers an impressive array of leathers and leather combinations that change the characteristics of the glove�s attributes to a specific feel and need of any player. Imagine being able to choose between Buffalo, Kangaroo, and three types of Cowhide for your baseball glove. Each of these gloves are handmade by expert craftsmen to surpass the care and quality of all others.


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We are proud to present our latest limited edition bottle, Absolut Facet.
It symbolizes the different and unexpected angles of nightlife, encouraging your nights to become #AbsolutNights The best things happen out of the blue.
Absolut Facet contains the same Swedish vodka as a bottle of Absolut Vodka. It is made exclusively from natural ingredients, and unlike some other vodkas, it doesn't contain any added sugar. In fact, Absolut is as clean as vodka can be. Still, it has a certain taste: Rich, full-bodied and complex, yet smooth and mellow with a distinct character of grain, followed by a hint of dried fruit. All Absolut is made in the same distillery, with wheat from the same fields, and water from our own deep well.
Absolut Facet follows a celebrated tradition of introducing end of year limited editions featuring cutting-edge designs. This year it's taken inspiration from optical prisms and facets. The asymmetrical pattern of facets is a contemporary take on a prism and is symbolizing different and unexpected angles of nightlife.
In 1879, Lars Olsson Smith pioneered the continuous distillation with which he made Absolut Rent Brännvin. Instead of the usual three or four times, the vodka was distilled an infinite number of times. 100 years later, it was reintroduced as Absolut. Just as then, Absolut is produced in Åhus in Southern Sweden. This is also the region where, L.O. Smith was born and where the main ingredients wheat and water come from. And since the way Absolut is made won't change, neither will the true taste of our vodka.
Here are a few inspirational recipes to get you started, just take a pick below!
Absolut Destilāts ir laikmetīga esence tavā epastā par kultūru, pasākumiem un, protams, kokteiļiem. Jeb - īsumā par aktuālo!
Sekojiet līdzi Absolut jaunumiem savā pastkastītē.
|Raksturīgās vērtības
|Uz 10 g alkohola
|Uz porciju*
|Kalorijas (kcal)
|Kopējais tauku saturs (g)
|– Piesātinātās taukskābes (g)
|Ogļhidrāti (g)
|Cukurs (g)
|Olbaltumvielas (g)
|Sāls (g)
|*Porcija = 35 ml
Absolut Destilāts ir laikmetīga esence tavā epastā par kultūru, pasākumiem un, protams, kokteiļiem. Jeb - īsumā par aktuālo!
Sekojiet līdzi Absolut jaunumiem savā pastkastītē.


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Crush of the Day: Katie Cassidy
Here's one thing we're pretty sure about – female superheroes are hot. And DC Comics' Black Canary is one of the hottest lady heroes of all time. So we're glad to hear that The CW made a wise decision in casting the crush worthy Katie Cassidy to play Black Canary in the new 'Arrow' TV show, which premieres this Wednesday.
The 25-year-old actress plays Dinah Laurel Lance, the character who eventually becomes Black Canary, on the show. While she may not don the tight pleather and/or spandex in the show's premiere episode, Cassidy says that we could see her character go full-on hero in the future.
"When – if [she becomes Black Canary] is always still a question. You never know with these writers; they could do anything," she said in a recent interview.
Cassidy isn't new to the CW family. With previous roles in supernatural,' 'Melrose Place,' and 'Gossip Girl,' you could say she's one of the network's stock hotties. And we're not complaining.


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Karma Rx In My Stripper DaughterFavorites [+]
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Running Time: 41 minutes
Released: 04/2018
Studio Name: Taboo Heat
Director: Luke Longly
Categories: Big Tits Blondes All Sex High Definition Taboo
Description: Karma needs to make some money and answers an ad for a go-go dancer. Her Father finds out and accuses her of being a whore and stripper and treats her like one. Karma figures if Daddy is treating her like a slut then she will get paid like one and does not quit her job... Daughter finds that she loves the way Daddy treats her as his personal cum guzzling little slut.
4 Scenes from Karma Rx In My Stripper Daughter
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Sex Acts: Oral Sex, Spanking/Paddling, Choking, Vaginal Sex
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text:
after Clare Rojas
(I have a diamond house with men. I have pierced men and diamond shoes. I have shoed horses and a tilted head. I have a tilted cart and a flowered scarf. I have a gray dress and a hell of a guitar. I play the guitar and the jukebox jack- in-the-box gutted brown


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Family of Christina Grimmie files amended wrongful death lawsuit
There are new developments in a lawsuit filed by the family of singer Christina Grimmie
There are new developments in a lawsuit filed by the family of singer Christina Grimmie
The family of slain singer Christina Grimmie has refiled a wrongful death lawsuit after a judge moved to dismiss the suit last month.
Grimmie had just finished a performance last June at The Plaza Live when she was shot and killed. Police said the man who shot her later killed himself.
The lawsuit was originally dismissed in May, but the judge gave Grimmie's family a 21-day period to file an amended lawsuit.
The lawsuit was originally thrown out due to several problems, including that the family did not name the security company it had filed against in its suit. The lawsuit also claimed that The Plaza Live should have had metal detectors.
The amended lawsuit was filed on June 13.
According to the updated suit, there was a "foreseeable" threat of someone trying to enter the venue with weapons, and that the venue owned by AEG live added metal detectors and other security measures following her murder.
The suit also says Grimmie's brother, Marcus, suffered permanent emotional distress after witnessing the shooting and subduing the attacker.


text: Grocery stores in the US use an average of 52.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and 38,000 Btu of natural gas per square foot annually. In a typical grocery, refrigeration and lighting represent about 65% of total use (Figure 1), making these systems the best targets for energy savings. Energy costs can account for up to 15% of a grocery store's operating budget. Because grocery stores' profit margins are so thin—on the order of 1%—every dollar in energy savings is equivalent to increasing sales by $59. Average energy use data Figure 1: Energy consumption by end use On the national level, grocery stores use the largest portion of their electricity to run refrigeration and lighting systems; space heating and cooking dominate natural gas use. Top technology uses Heating Cooking Refrigeration You'll be better able to manage your store's energy costs if you understand how you're charged for energy. Most utilities charge commercial buildings for their natural gas based on the amount of energy delivered. Electricity, on the other hand, can be charged based on two measures—consumption and demand (Figure 2). The consumption component of the bill is based on how much electricity, in kWh, the building consumes during a month. The demand component is the peak demand, in kilowatts (kW), occurring within the month or, for some utilities, during the previous 12 months. Monthly demand charges can range from a few dollars per kW to upwards of $20/kW. Peak demand can be a considerable percentage of your bill, so care should be taken to reduce it whenever possible. As you read these energy cost management recommendations, keep in mind how each one will affect both your consumption and your demand. Figure 2: Diagram of a hypothetical daily load shape Energy-efficiency measures reduce consumption and lower monthly peak demand charges. Quick fixes this section Many grocery stores can benefit from low- or no-cost reductions in energy expenditures. Turning things off It's the simplest of ideas, and it doesn't require much more than staff training. Remember that every 1,000 kWh you save by turning things off equals $100 off your utility bill (assuming average electricity costs of 10 cents/kWh). Plugged-in devices. Computers, cash registers, bar-code readers, deli scales, and deli cooking equipment should be shut off when not in use. Smart power strips that have built-in occupancy sensors can shut off plugged-in devices after a set interval of inactivity. Lights. Turn off lights when they're not in use. Occupancy sensors can serve as a low-cost, easy-to-implement solution. Install them in some of the many rooms that aren't constantly in use, such as bathrooms, maintenance closets, offices, walk-in freezers, and storerooms. Stores that are open all night may want to install dual-level switching for overhead lights, allowing some fixtures to be turned off during low-traffic hours. Turning things down Some equipment can't be turned off entirely, but turning it down to minimum levels where possible can save energy. HVAC temperature setbacks. During closed hours, turn temperature settings down in warming seasons and up in cooling seasons. Special-use rooms. Make sure that HVAC settings in warehouses, stockrooms, offices, and other special-use rooms are at minimum settings. Cleaning and maintenance Check the economizer. Many air-conditioning systems use a dampered vent called an economizer to draw in cool outside air when it's available, which reduces the need for mechanically cooled air. The linkage on the damper, if it's not regularly checked, can seize up or break. An economizer that's stuck in the fully open position can add as much as 50% to a building's annual energy bill by allowing hot air in during the air-conditioning season and cold air in during the heating season. Have a licensed technician calibrate the controls; check, clean, and lubricate your economizer's linkage about once a year; and make repairs if necessary. Check air-conditioning temperatures. With a thermometer, check the temperature of the return air going to your air conditioner. Then check the temperature of the air coming out of the register nearest the air-conditioning unit. If the temperature difference is less than 14° Fahrenheit (F) or more than 22°F, have a licensed technician inspect your air-conditioning unit. Change filters. Change air-conditioner filters every month—more often if you're located next to a highway or construction site where the air is much dirtier. Check cabinet panels and clean condenser and evaporator coils. On a quarterly basis, run a maintenance check on your rooftop air-conditioning unit. Make sure that the panels are fully attached, that all of their screws are in place, and that the gaskets are intact so no chilled air leaks out of the cabinet—such leaks can cost $100 per year per rooftop unit in wasted energy. In addition, check condenser coils quarterly and remove any debris, natural or otherwise, that has collected there. At the beginning and end of the cooling season, thoroughly wash the coils. The buildup of dirt and ice on evaporator coils slows down the rate of heat transfer and causes the refrigeration system to use more energy to maintain the same temperature. Cleaning cooling coils regularly helps ensure proper airflow and heat transfer, which can save up to 25% in operational costs and help prevent early compressor failure. Check for airflow. Hold your hand up to air registers to ensure that airflow is adequate. If there is little airflow or dirt and dust are found at the register, have a technician inspect your unit and duct work. Check the refrigerant charge. Incorrect refrigerant charge can compromise refrigeration equipment efficiency by 5% to 20% and raise the risk of early component failure. Have a licensed technician check the refrigerant charge of all refrigerated equipment annually. Check refrigerated cases for air leakage. Every month, inspect and replace any worn seals and gaskets on the doors and inspect the door closers for proper operation. Check temperature settings. Set refrigerator temperatures between 35° and 38°F and freezer temperatures between –14° and –8°F. Energy is wasted if refrigeration temperature settings drift too low, so check periodically to verify that the appropriate temperature settings are specified. Add strip curtains to walk-ins. Walk-in units can lose a lot of cold air when doors are opened. In one case, simply adding strip curtains to the doors of a 240-square-foot walk-in refrigerator reduced the unit's energy consumption by 3,730 kWh per year—about 9% of total consumption. It's important to note that, for the best effect, strip curtains must reach the floor to catch the coldest air. Replace incandescent lightbulbs with screw-in CFLs or LEDs. Wherever an incandescent lightbulb is installed that's on for longer than two hours per day, replace it with a CFL or, better yet, an LED. These lower-energy options are three to five times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, last at least 10 times as long, and—because they give off a minimum of one-third as much waste heat—reduce the loads on the store's cooling equipment. For freezer applications, specify low-temperature-rated CFLs or choose LEDs, which work well in cold conditions. Install occupancy sensors in walk-ins. By replacing light switches with low-temperature occupancy sensors, you'll reduce lighting energy consumption by about half. Longer-term solutions this section Although the actions described in this section require more extensive implementation, they can dramatically increase the efficiency of your store. Ask your local utility for more information about initiating such projects. Optimize refrigeration The optimization of refrigeration systems can reduce energy use by 24% relative to standard practice. The following measures yield the largest savings. Floating head pressure. Taking advantage of lower ambient temperatures to reduce refrigerant temperatures is a form of free cooling. One approach is to allow the pressure of the vapor coming out of the compressor (the "head pressure") to float—that is, to drop with reduced ambient temperatures. This requires an expansion valve capable of operating at lower pressures and flow rates, and such valves are now commercially available. In addition, refrigerant pressures must be kept high enough to avoid "flashing"—the unwanted vaporization of refrigerant. According to the Washington State University Energy Extension Office, floating head pressure savings generally range from 3% to 10%. Ambient and mechanical subcooling. Reducing the temperature of liquid refrigerant below its condensation temperature is called subcooling. This can be done either by using ambient air or water to remove heat from the liquid refrigerant (ambient subcooling) or by using an additional refrigeration system (mechanical subcooling). Colder refrigerant means either more cooling per pound of refrigerant delivered to the display case or shorter compressor run times because less refrigerant is needed, both of which can decrease energy use. Ambient subcooling is often more cost-effective than mechanical subcooling because it requires less equipment. Evaporative condensers. Most condensers in grocery stores are air-cooled, but it's also possible to use evaporative condensers, which are cooled by water spraying over the condensing coils. Evaporative condensers are more energy efficient than their air-cooled counterparts, but they do have a notable disadvantage: They require a water supply, which often means increased maintenance due to freezing, clogging, and mineral buildup. Evaporative condensers may be cost-effective in drier climates, but the added maintenance may make them unattractive in other climates. Heat-recovery systems. Heat-recovery systems are available that capture waste heat from refrigeration equipment to make hot water for use in the store. Heat recovered from a 7.5-horsepower compressor can heat all of the hot water a midsize supermarket would use in its kitchens and bathrooms. Often, enough waste heat is also available to supply hot water coils for space heating in cold weather. Display case shields. Aluminum display-case shields can reduce refrigeration load from the display case by 8% when applied overnight and by 40% when applied over a 24-hour holiday, relative to the load present without the shield. Products are kept colder when the shields are attached and remain colder for several hours after the shields are removed. Evaporator-fan motors. Replacing existing shaded pole motors on evaporator fans with electronically commutated motors will reduce the energy consumption of refrigerator and freezer cases by up to one-third. Drop-in replacement designs have made this retrofit relatively simple for a technician to perform. Additionally, most evaporator-fan motors in walk-in units run continuously even though full airflow is usually required only about half the time. Consider introducing advanced controllers that slow the fans when full-speed operation is unnecessary. Annual energy savings from adding walk-in cooler controllers can range from 10% to 60%. Anti-sweat heater controls. The latest anti-sweat heater controls sense humidity in the store's ambient air and reduce the operation of their heaters in low-humidity conditions. They promise significant savings and quick payback, and they are relatively easy to install. Savings can be in the 6% to 20% range, according to the Washington State Energy Solutions Database. Smart defrost controllers. When installed in walk-in freezers, a smart defrost controller monitors several variables and optimizes the number of daily defrost cycles. Adding these kits can save hundreds of dollars a year per freezer, compared to conventional defrosting practices, depending on the size of the freezer. Automatic doors for walk-in coolers. In addition to adding strip curtains to walk-in coolers, automatic doors can provide even greater energy savings, though at a higher cost. Consider combined heat and power Combined heat and power (CHP) plants generate electricity at the point of use and allow the heat that would normally be lost in the power generation process to be recovered to provide necessary heating and cooling. CHP plants can power store equipment and provide backup power generation when grid power is unavailable, which serves to prevent product loss; they can also provide hot water and auxiliary cooling for the facility. In one example, a Whole Foods store in Brooklyn, New York, installed a 157-kW CHP plant to power chillers, provide hot water, and provide power in the event of a power outage. Read more about the steps this store took in the SustainableBusiness.com article Whole Foods Brooklyn Store Is Most Innovative Yet. Consider desiccant dehumidification In humid climates, much of the energy used in air conditioning goes to removing moisture from the air. Desiccant dehumidification can be a cost-effective solution for removing this moisture because it uses natural gas instead of electricity. In some cases, air-conditioning equipment can be smaller because it only gets used to cool dry air. Upgrade to more efficient lighting Lighting is critical to creating ambiance and making merchandise attractive to shoppers. High-quality lighting design can reduce energy bills and drive sales. If your facility uses T12 fluorescent lamps, relamping with high-performance T8 lamps and electronic ballasts can reduce your lighting energy consumption by 35%. Adding specular reflectors and new lenses and reducing the number of lamps can double the savings. Occupancy sensors or timers can add further savings in areas that aren't highly trafficked, and payback periods of one to three years are common. LEDs can provide even greater savings: Fluorescent fixtures can be replaced with LED fixtures, LED retrofit kits, or LED tubes. New fixtures are the most efficient alternative; LED tubes are the easiest, but they may not provide adequate light levels or light distribution. Refrigerated display case lighting. The efficiency of LEDs improves in cold operating environments (unlike linear fluorescent systems, the light output of which drops in low temperatures). LEDs are also directional in nature, allowing for less wasted light. As a result, LED case lighting can cut lighting energy use by more than 40% compared to T8 fluorescent lamps. LEDs can also be tied to occupancy sensors so that the cases are only illuminated when shoppers are present. This is a particularly easy savings opportunity for supermarkets that remain open 24 hours a day. When Walmart initiated a pilot LED program integrating occupancy sensors into its LED display lighting, the company estimated the total time lights were on would drop from 24 to 15 hours per day—a 38% reduction. Occupancy sensors aren't typically used for cases that are illuminated by fluorescent lighting because frequent switching reduces the life of fluorescent lamps, but it has no impact on LEDs. This approach also lengthens the life of LEDs—the more time the LEDs spend turned off, the longer the lamps will last. The use of LEDs also reduces case compressor loads. Because the cases can use lower-wattage lamps, there's less heat to dissipate. Additionally, the heat sink for an LED can be positioned to allow at least some of the heat to dissipate outside the case. With fluorescent lighting, most of the waste heat must be offset with additional cooling inside the case. When LEDs are used with occupancy sensors, they'll spend less time in the on mode and therefore contribute less to the cooling load. LEDs also provide more even light distribution, can be dimmed, have a very long lifetime, and have been shown to appeal to shoppers at significantly greater rates than linear fluorescent lighting. Use smart lighting design in parking lots Reduce light levels. Parking lots are often overlit—an average of 1 foot-candle of light (sometimes less) is usually sufficient. Dimming and occupancy-sensing controls can also add to energy savings in parking lots. Install more efficient light sources. The most common lamps used for outdoor lighting are high-intensity discharge (HID) sources—metal halide and high-pressure sodium (HPS). Fluorescent and induction lamps are also used in parking lots, but LEDs have become the most efficient alternative as their performance has improved and prices have come down. LEDs can be a good choice for parking lots because the fixtures perform well in the cooler conditions that are typically found outside at night, and because LEDs work better with controls than HID products do. LEDs also offer long life (which reduces maintenance costs), they provide more even light distribution, and they produce less light pollution and light trespass—properties that improve aesthetics and contribute to energy savings. For example, in recent field testing, the US Department of Energy (DOE) found that LEDs had only somewhat higher efficacy than HPS lamps, but that LEDs provided substantial energy savings thanks to lower overall light levels enabled by better uniformity and less light pollution. The one downside is that users should be wary of the potential for glare. A parking lot retrofit of LEDs cut lighting energy use by 70% in the DOE-monitored Application Assessment of Bi-Level LED Parking Lot Lighting (PDF) at a Raley's Supermarket in California. Consider reflective roof coating Painting the roof of a grocery store with white or other highly reflective paint can reduce the energy required for summer cooling by 25% to 65% and help trim peak demand, as well as increase the life of the roof. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a list of suitable reflective roof coating products. Content last reviewed: 01/16/2018


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Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday's Tip - Microsoft Office timeline graphic
11 comments:
- Wendy said...
Well wuddayaknow! This is pretty spiffy. Now I just want to build a timeline for SOMEBODY, ANYBODY.
- January 29, 2013 at 10:56 AM
- Heather Kuhn Roelker said...
Yes, you do! This lists a lot of steps, but it is really very easy. Let me know how it goes!
- January 29, 2013 at 10:58 AM
- Wendy said...
I did a practice one - created the boxes but didn't really fill in specific info. And it worked just as easily as you said it would. Writing good directions is an important skill, and you're obviously good at it.
- January 29, 2013 at 12:58 PM
- Heather Kuhn Roelker said...
I'm so glad it worked for you! It was really helpful for me to get my mind around the gaps in my ancestor's past. I hope it helps you do the same!
- January 29, 2013 at 1:22 PM
- Historian said...
Hi Heather
This is such a classically simple solution. I got quite disheartened with Microsoft when I discovered that Visio's timelines don't work with dates prior to 1900 so I bought some dedicated timeline software, Genelines from http://progenygenealogy.com However the charts it produces are a bit too complex especially when trying to interest other less dedicated family members! This looks easy for them to understand so I will give it a go.
- February 1, 2013 at 7:12 AM
- Shelley Bishop said...
Thanks for this tutorial, Heather! I love the timeline you created, and appreciate the clear, step-by-step directions and illustrations. What a great tool for finding gaps and seeing correlations between things. I can't wait to try it for myself!
- February 1, 2013 at 7:58 AM
- Heather Kuhn Roelker said...
Thank you Shelley and Historian! Please let me know how it works out for you.
- February 1, 2013 at 8:32 AM
- Diane Hewson said...
thans, this is great, I can't wait to try it.
- February 12, 2013 at 11:40 PM
- Heather Kuhn Roelker said...
Thank you, Diane. Let us know how it goes!
- February 13, 2013 at 9:19 AM
- joehorrocks said...
Great look and feel on this. Thanks for sharing!
- August 16, 2013 at 11:20 AM
- Heather Kuhn Roelker said...
Thanks, Joe!
- August 16, 2013 at 3:03 PM


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Building a Strategic Plan by and for U.S. Women Living With HIV: Improving Lives, Upholding Rights
December 2, 2013
Female HIV advocates have been active in responding to the HIV epidemic since its earliest days. Yet there is a dearth of leadership by women, and especially women living with HIV, in HIV organizations and in communities most greatly impacted by HIV. Enter the Positive Women's Network of the United States of America (PWN-USA, or PWN), which formed in June 2008 -- not only to prepare women living with HIV to be leaders, but to build the strategic power of all women living with HIV in the U.S., and to train a gender equality and human rights lens on the HIV epidemic as a whole. This year saw a milestone in PWN's development, when the network became an independent organization.
In part two of this conversation, five women living with HIV who have been part of PWN-USA since its founding talk about PWN-USA's path forward in expanding its work and living its values -- and what this will mean for U.S. women living with HIV in the years to come. Read part one of the discussion, in which these leaders talk about how the network came to be, and the strides made in its first five years.
Joining this conversation are: Dee Borrego, a 29-year-old Boston resident and secretary of PWN-USA's board of directors; Vanessa Johnson of Washington, D.C., who is also a member of PWN-USA's board, and has been living with HIV since 1990; PWN-USA's executive director, Naina Khanna, based in Oakland, Calif.; Waheedah Shabazz-El, who received an AIDS diagnosis in 2003, currently serves as vice chair of PWN-USA's board of directors and assists with regional organizing in the Philadelphia area; and Pat Kelly Wilks of Orangeburg, S.C., PWN-USA's board co-parliamentarian, who has been living with HIV for 28 years.
Olivia Ford: Earlier this year, the U.S Positive Women's Network (PWN) became the Positive Women's Network of the United States of America (PWN-USA), and became an independent organization. What does that mean, exactly? What has changed, and what will change, in terms of your work?
Vanessa Johnson: I've had a lot of discussions with the ladies in this conversation, in terms of how PWN-USA, in particular, has broadened my whole perspective on how HIV has impacted women's lives in America. For example, I've worked on two really great projects. One was the strategic planning process. What was thrilling to me was that a group of women could work very intensely and come up with a really good product that would enable other women who are part of a group -- other boards of directors, and other stakeholders -- to really have a voice in how this organization was going to move forward.
I just have to give kudos to Naina, because I think that's how she has operated from the time this organization came into being, always ensuring that everybody had a place at the table. There's a true coming together at the table, at the kitchen table. You know how you have those big family dinners on the weekends, and everybody's at the table, and everybody's just talking and animated? And at the end everybody feels good, because they feel like they were heard? Well, that's kind of how this process was. I've been through strategic planning processes before, and it's not like that. So to really see it from the very beginning to the end, was an illuminating process for me.
I've also worked on a sexual and reproductive health and rights project. That had never been my perspective as a woman. I have a very Afrocentric perspective; if we're talking about black people, I get it right away. For women, it was harder for me to wrap my head around, because I never really thought of myself in those terms. I always, first and foremost, thought of myself as a black woman, woman being second. To go through this process about sexual and reproductive health and rights, and really understand what choice means, and what true decision making is, was ... It brings tears to my eyes now. It's like ... I can't describe it. I know it's changed me. And I hope that it will deepen my work in this field.
Pat Kelly Wilks: I feel as though we are now officially FUBU -- for us, by us. And that's what I have been looking for. Because so many people have always been telling me what I need, telling me what should be done for me, and now I'm a part of the action. We are the ones making the changes that we know we all need. That's been real powerful for me -- and to be involved in the learning process, too, of really looking at HIV from a human rights perspective, and bringing that to my area. Nobody has ever looked at that, and PWN-USA did that for us women in South Carolina.
We always said, from the very beginning, that we would move off to be our own entity. And we did what we said we were going to do! So, watch out, people. We're doing it.
Olivia Ford: That's interesting that becoming an independent organization was always part of the mission, part of the plan, even when PWN was part of WORLD.
Waheedah Shabazz-El: Yes, it was. Even at the convening, we all discussed what it would look like one day to grow from that room, to grow from a project, to being our own entity. And when the time actually came, when we were able to make that leap (because I believe that's what it was), I knew that we were making history. I knew that we were going to save lives on a larger scale. I knew we were going to be able to empower women to learn to advocate for themselves.
We had this set of values that we had put together, that we now call our theory of change. So we're even changing our language as we've grown. Being our own entity gives weight to the voices of women living with HIV. It gives our voices credibility.
And we do value the well-informed, well-meaning allies. But unless you've lived it, unless it's your reality, then you need to step back -- in terms of step forward, step back -- so right now, we're driving the vehicle. We have listening sessions that are constituent driven. The work that we do now is a strategic plan that comes out of the hearts and the souls of our constituents, who we take time to listen to. I think that's really important.
Naina Khanna: In terms of how being an independent organization has allowed us to broaden our work, and our focus: The transition was amazing. We are now living our destiny, which was always, as Pat said, to be an organization by and for women living with HIV.
An example of what we've been able to do, now that we have more flexibility in terms of our structure and our decision making, and truly being accountable to our constituency and to our leadership, in terms of the issues we choose to take on and the priorities we set: We've been able to really live our values around economic justice for women living with HIV. Just in this last year we have had 16 different paid consultants working on PWN-USA projects; 14 of them have been women living with HIV.
Having more flexibility to really be nimble, and create work plans, and implement them in a way that's really in line with our values, is just one example of the way that we're able to do our work as an independent organization.
Olivia Ford: Talk about the results of the strategic planning process. What are PWN-USA's plans, in terms of communicating with a larger body of women living with HIV in the U.S.?
Naina Khanna: We just released our 2014-2016 strategic plan. We are going to circle back with our constituents and stakeholders, and probably do a conference call early next year, to see if there are any questions, or anything like that, coming up about it, and if people have feedback -- because we did involve about 175 women living with HIV as stakeholders in the process, in addition to a number of other stakeholders.
We have a strategic planning committee that was entirely led by women living with HIV. Vanessa was a key member of that committee.
Vanessa Johnson: There was some overlapping development of the organization as we were proceeding with the process: We elected officers in April, and launched the strategic planning process in May. Naina was coming in as executive director, and I was a member of the board. We had two other board members, and then a member who was not necessarily on the board of directors. It was a five-person team that was the actual nucleus of the strategic planning process.
We came up with surveys; but we realized early on that a lot of women's voices might be missed if we just went by online surveys, because a lot of women don't have the technology, in terms of accessing the Internet. And some of us prefer not to be responsive to a survey. So they set up listening sessions. Those were really powerful sessions, because you actually got to hear the women's voices, and hear them speak about what they thought was important in their lives, and how PWN-USA could address those issues.
We had stakeholder meetings. Our stakeholder meetings involved government officials, leaders of other national advocacy organizations, funders. This was a very wide-reaching process, in terms of who we were seeking information from.
The goal was twofold: to figure out how those organizations felt about PWN-USA; but also to figure out, in the future, where we could strengthen existing relationships, or pursue new relationships with different people.
More From This Resource Center
Newly Diagnosed? Words of Encouragement from HIV-Positive Women
What Every HIV-Positive Woman Should Know About GYN Care and Prevention
Related Stories
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UPDATE – Semi Truck Clips Car Causing Rollover on I-90 – Driver Cited [AUDIO]
A semi-truck collided with a Subaru station wagon headed west on I-90 early Thursday afternoon, that led to the car crossing into the eastbound lane, rolling the vehicle.
Montana Highway Patrol trooper Michael Burman was first on the scene, and investigated the accident that occurred just west of the Wye, near the Frenchtown exit.
"The semi-truck was headed west on I-90 and was coming up on a slower semi-truck," Burman said. "The driver attempted to pass the other truck, he did not properly clear his blind spot and did not see the Subaru station wagon who was also attempting to pass.
Burman said this began a back and forth confrontation between the semi-truck and the Subaru.
"The driver of the Subaru reacted and swerved into the center median to avoid that truck," Burman said. "The driver came back up onto the roadway and there was a slight collision between the car and the truck which sent the Subaru back into the median. When the Subaru driver tried to correct herself, the vehicle rolled over into the eastbound lane of the interstate."
Burman said the semi-truck driver did not try to flee the scene, as was originally reported.
"The semi-truck driver returned to the scene," Burman said. "Because of the size of his vehicle, the driver had to go all the way to the next exit and come back to the scene in the eastbound lane. The driver was cited for making an improper lane change."
Trooper Burman said the eastbound lane of I-90 was closed for about an hour while emergency vehicles responded to the scene. The two people in the Subaru received minor injuries in the rollover.
Trooper Michael Burman


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Natural gas prices are on the rise. This is not an opinion, it's a fact. We've all seen the evidence, in the news and now in our utility bills. And while it may not seem so extreme on one monthly bill, the larger reality is quite severe. Depending on whom you ask-Goldman Sachs, the Energy Information Administration, Forbes magazine and so on-prices are up more than 100 percent since this time last year.
What's going on? The reasons behind increasing natural gas prices are varied. Ultimately, however, the answer lies in an economic force we are all familiar with-supply and demand. The concept is simple, and works the same way as any other commodity that is traded on the markets: the higher the demand for any given product, the higher the price. It stands to reason then, that any force that would increase demand on a product would consequently increase the price. So, why is New York advocating for the increased use of natural gas? Do state officials envision fracking to increase natural gas supplies?
Recently, the state Public Service Commission started looking into extending natural gas service mains to areas of the state that are currently off the grid. The move supposedly is intended to help consumers save money on energy and boost the overall economy of New York. But this seems a bit misguided given the latest swings in natural gas prices, not to mention the costs associated with running new gas lines, importing more natural gas to serve more than 1 million new customers, and converting all those residential heating systems to natural gas. How is that supposed to save customers and taxpayers money?
The reality is that all forms of energy have ups and downs in price, which makes a strong case for encouraging fuel diversity in our state, as opposed to narrowing the field to just one energy supplier. This is especially so in light of the tremendous gains oil and modern oil-fired equipment have made in efficiency and environmental sensitivity.
Today's heating oil equipment now runs more than 90 percent efficient. Add to that the radically reduced emissions that come from blending ultra-low sulfur heating oil with a biofuel component, and you've got a fuel that outpaces any other in terms of environmental responsibility. In fact, according to New York City's Clean Heat program, "ULS 2 has close to zero soot emissions, the lowest of all conventional heating fuels," which means cleaner air for buildings and the community.
And what about all the small businesses that will no longer exist after the state and the natural gas industry, working together, force them and other associated small businesses to close shop? The home heating oil industry in New York is comprised of mostly independent, small, family-owned businesses. Not only will thousands of bread-winning jobs be lost, but so will the billions of dollars in tax revenue that those businesses bring into the state. We will all experience the economic shift when thousands of small, community-based businesses are replaced by several large, monopolized utilities.
Are the gas utilities even prepared to handle this? They already have thousands of interruptible customers that end up being curtailed during periods of peak demand for natural gas and told to switch to heating oil. Will they really be able to take on an additional 1 million households, should this natural gas expansion plan be approved?
As the owner of a heating oil company, I am very concerned about the PSC's interest in facilitating such vast natural gas expansion. For years, the heating oil and natural gas industries have competed for the same pool of customers. And while the natural gas industry has the edge of utility dollars to fund their marketing, we have-up until this point-competed against one another in a fairly free market. What the commission is proposing would end all that. Businesses like mine would bleed out market share and most likely go under, taking our employees and the families that depend on them down with it. For my company, that means more than 75 families.
Energy reliability and economic growth are about maintaining and encouraging diversity, both within the energy landscape and in the marketplace. It's time that New York recognizes this and rethinks any plans to essentially eliminate the heating oil industry by promoting and subsidizing this ill-conceived gas expansion program.
Jim Buhrmaster is owner of Buhrmaster Energy Group in Scotia.
7/5/13 (c) 2013 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-546-8303 or email email@example.com.


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On The Cover: Beautiful Design Made Simple Magazine
From the cover of the newly-released 2018 Trends Issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple, designer Cynthia Soda proudly showcases one of her stunning open-concept designs that we simply can't get enough of. In an exclusive Q&A, the talented designer shares details of how this head-turning home came to be:
First and foremost… that floor. We can't take our eyes off it! Tell us all about it.
It's a white oak Vintage Northern Solid Sawn Wire Brushed Herringbone. It's a ¾" product measuring 3-1/4''wide and each plank is 14.68''L. The color name is "Zeus," a really beautiful taupe/grey tone which works really well with the aesthetic of the space. It also has a UV oil finish to protect it over time. I love the effect the light has on it as well – you really see the distinctive rows highlighted throughout.
We love this simplicity of this entryway. Do you have any go-to rules when it comes to styling this particular space?
I love for the entrance to set the tone for the rest of the space. In this case, we had the ability to reconfigure the main floor layout, providing a place for a sofa with personality that really speaks to our clients. It was originally going to be a built-in bench done in a similar style with a tufted back and storage for shoes below but once we found the sofa, our clients were in love. I also like a clean front entryway whenever possible so in this case we located the closet beside the seating area so we can tuck away the everyday stuff.
On to the fireplace: it's stunning! What role does it play and how did that role affect your design decisions for this element?
There was an existing fireplace in the house in that area but it faced the back of the house (old living room which is now the new kitchen). We thought it would be a fantastic feature if we could see it from more than one area of the house so we chose a three-sided fireplace in order for it to be appreciated from the foyer, kitchen, living and dining room.
Can you tell us about the island? What features, both functionally and aesthetically, were must haves?
The island is the gathering place – the hub of activity in any get together – so it was important to have plenty of counter space. Since we have the sink in the island, we wanted to ensure no splashing onto the floor from the back of the sink. The 36" width keeps it clean. The island houses the dishwasher, cutlery storage and a waste and recycling station. The posts on either end were designed to make it feel more like a piece of furniture since it's so central to the space.
The gold-clad back splash and custom hood are gorgeous. How did you go about selecting these two elements?
The style of the hood has been in all of our sketches from day one and I trusted our vision to our friends at Colclo Custom Woodworking. Once we knew we didn't need much back splash beyond the area behind the stove, we really wanted something special there. I remember sending a photo of the back splash sample to our clients from a design show I was at and they originally thought I was nuts. Needless to say, it grew on them and they now appreciate that whole area as a piece of art in their space. Sometimes it takes a little convincing, but inevitably if our clients jump into the vision with both feet, the results speak for themselves.
We notice there are no window treatments. Can you explain your decision to forgo this detail?
Our client's property backs on to a gorgeous ravine. Since they expressed no desire to cover their windows, we chose to highlight the view beyond with black framed windows and white casing. We feel like it connects the interior to the outdoors in a way that highlights the view as art.
The adjacent dining room is darling. What was your thought process behind selecting a round dining table as opposed to a traditional rectangular or square style?
A round table in the dining room really aided the flow of the space and helped to connect the dining area to both the living room and kitchen. It felt more approachable and less formal than a rectangular table. The chandelier and armoire in that space are pieces that we kept from the original house and just gave them a new coat of paint (courtesy of our friends at Born Again Shabby Chic for the armoire and our clients' neighbor gave our chandelier some love). Both of these pieces have curved elements in their design, so a round table just made sense.
What was the most challenging aspect of designing this space as a whole?
It's been a long road from where we started to where we ended up. Our clients originally wanted a quick fix for their bungalow but after noticing that their roof was falling apart, the budget quickly escalated. My trusted pro and friend at Life Home Design worked together with us to come up with our client's dream home working from the inside out. We raised the roof and eliminated columns between the dining room and new kitchen. When our ceiling height increased, it was important for us to keep that cozy feeling. Adding elements like the wood beams (by Anazao), wall sconces, warm metals, tufted upholstery etc. were crucial to our end-game.
View the 2018 Trends Issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine.
Soda Pop Design Inc. is a multi-disciplinary interior design firm providing complete custom renovation and design services for residential and commercial clients throughout the GTA. Soda Pop Design focuses on merging the client's lifestyle, personality and architecture to create customized livable luxury. @csodapop @sodapopdesign
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Dear Mr. Precision:
Your question is extremely important, yet it often goes unasked by organizations when they discuss high-performance culture. Following are a few tried and trusted steps to take.
Step 1. Determine what needs to be measured.
The first step is to define "high performance" in the context of your organization. This necessitates careful thinking about your business strategies and the desired outcomes for customers, shareholders or owners.
Once you define these broad objectives and the expected results, your next step is to identify performance metrics and track progress toward those goals. Typically, measuring only one dimension, such as profitability, won't suffice. Rather, track a range of metrics that indicate the company's level of effectiveness at delivering products or services.
The type of industry/business also influences what you should measure. Technology and consumer-electronics companies measure the rate of innovation and the level of profit derived from new product, as well as the speed with which new products are brought to market.
Step 2. Establish a performance baseline, historical trend and competitive benchmark.
Once the right metrics are in place, your next step is to establish the level of performance that is expected. This gets to the crux of your question: "How can our organization know we are getting the highest performance from our people?"
Since many variables can influence performance, it is difficult to know with certainty that your employees are giving the highest possible performance. There are, however, several different approaches to help answer this question satisfactorily. Each approach hinges on the establishment of a performance baseline and an understanding of the historical trend for each key performance metric.
Sample questions: Are you growing revenue year over year? Are you increasing market share or improving profitability? Questions like these provide basic insight on the general performance of your workforce.
It also helps to understand the gap between your organization's performance and its future potential. This is accomplished by comparing your company's performance to that of its peers, using aggregate performance measures such as market share, profitability and year-over-year revenue growth.
Additionally, your leadership may wish to measure revenue per employee and profit per employee, in comparison to that of your direct competitors. Naturally, the productivity of some employee segments or functions is easier to measure than others. When it comes to measuring the productivity of the sales force, for example, it may not be enough to look at the revenue generated — you may need to examine the total direct labor costs associated with the sales force to measure the return on sales investment, or ROSI. This is calculated by dividing total sales compensation expenses into total revenue, and then expressing it as a percentage. ROSI is a very helpful comparative benchmark in assessing whether a sales force is productive compared to that of competitors.
Step 3: Measure performance at a level that provides "line of sight."
To truly understand how productive your employees are, measure their performance on the results over which they have the most influence. This maximizes your line of sight — the relationship between activities, effort and results. For example, a call center might measure average call handle time or the speed with which customer issues get resolved. These measures are also well-benchmarked across industries.
SOURCE: Garrett Sheridan, president, Axiom Consulting Partners, Chicago
LEARN MORE: HR directors historically have struggled to be viewed by top brass as pivotal to driving high performance.
The information contained in this article is intended to provide useful information on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Also remember that state laws may differ from the federal law.


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SIMULIA provides Design Engineers with powerful simulation capabilities and seamless integration into their CAD environment using the DesignSight and CATIA Analysis products. Guided workflows enable designers to evaluate nonlinear stress and thermal behavior during the design process.
SIMULIA Structural Analysis
Assess mechanical behavior early in the design process
Global competition requires the creation of better products faster and at lower costs without sacrificing quality. Many companies have adopted Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), but it has often been used by a limited number of highly-qualified specialists towards the end of the development cycle. This practice ends up restricting CAE's effectiveness in the design phase.
The generative capability of the CATIA Structural Analysis solution allows design-analysis iterations to be performed rapidly by designers working within the CATIA design environment. It enables linear stress and modal analysis on part and hybrid assemblies, as well as powerful stress and vibration analysis on complex assemblies, including surfaces, solids, and wireframe geometries.
- 60% improvement in the product design-analysis cycle time compared to non-integrated design-analysis solutions
- A user-friendly and comprehensive analysis environment enables both designers and engineers to inspect product quality
- Reduced costs resulting from the ability to detect problems early in the design process
- Productivity gains due to a common environment which enables seamless design-analyze-improve iterations
Linear stress and modal analysis on part and hybrid assembliesPowerful stress and vibration analysis on complex assemblies enabling designers and design engineers to simulate and validate assemblies that include surfaces, solids, and wireframe geometries
Associativity between design and analysis specificationsFull associativity between the assembly design and the analysis specifications is one of the core values of CATIA Analysis. Associativity means that the analysis model remains consistent with the design, no matter how often and substantial the changes to the design. The user can be confident that the analysis results reflect the current state of the design.
Easy-to-use pre- and postprocessing capabilitiesCATIA Analysis products provide a complete and integrated environment for preprocessing analysis models, running analyses, and viewing the results. The entire system is intuitive and visual, based on meaningful icons. CATIA designers can transition easily to using CATIA analysis products in the same environment.
Automatic mesh generation for 1D, 2D and 3D geometriesCATIA Structural Analysis generates reliable finite element meshes without user input. Tools are available for the user to modify and make improvements wherever necessary, as well.
Robust and automatic generation of connection elementsUsers can directly reuse connections defined as part of the assembly design or create new connections to perform structural analysis. CATIA Structural Analysis meshes each 3D solid part and generates all connections automatically to ensure meshing consistency. Because of the generative capability, the assembly connections are updated automatically whenever there is a design change. Available properties include fastened, contact, slider, rigid and smooth, as well as welding connections properties such as spot, seam, and adhesive. These connection properties can be customized to create the most realistic and accurate finite element models.


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It's a question that has weighed heavy on the minds of farmers in the lower Southeast for many years. Can we — and should we — plant cotton early enough so it can be harvested before peanuts?
"In years past, we've always talked about wanting endurance in our cotton crop — we want a full-season crop," says Steve M. Brown, University of Georgia Extension cotton specialist. "And yet, especially if we factor peanuts into the whole farm operation, we do need to think about the possibility of harvesting cotton early."
There are several reasons, says Brown, why a farmer might want to consider an early management system for cotton.
"Tomato spotted wilt virus has a profound impact on when we plant peanuts. In past years, growers typically planted peanuts in mid-April. Now, the ideal planting date for peanuts has moved to mid- and later-May, so that growers can minimize their risk to this terrible problem," he says.
The 2004 University of Georgia Tomato Spotted Wilt Risk Index for Peanuts recommends the ideal planting date for peanuts as May 11-25. The greatest risk to the virus, according to the index, comes if you plant before May 1.
"What has happened with this later planting of peanuts is that we have peanuts and cotton being planted at the same time, and they're ready to harvest at the same time. And agronomically and physiologically, we absolutely had to get the peanuts out before we got into cotton," says Brown.
Another good reason for an early management cotton production system is that a range of maturities can spread out harvest, he adds. "Even in the absence of peanuts, and with the multiple varieties of cotton, we like to think about spreading out our harvest and not have all varieties ready and needing to be picked at the same time," he says.
There are obvious risks to planting cotton earlier, notes Brown, and for that reason, growers should consider planting only a small portion of their crop for earliness.
"You should consider planting only 10 to 20 percent of your cotton acreage for harvest prior to Sept. 20. You want to minimize the potential losses of yield and quality."
Looking at planting and harvest dates based on a 140-day season, a crop planted on April 15 will be harvested Sept. 2, a crop planted May 1 will be harvested Sept. 18, a crop planted May 15 will be harvested Oct. 2, and a crop planted May 25 will be harvested Oct. 12.
Historical rainfall data shows that mid- to late-October traditionally is the ideal time for harvesting either cotton or peanuts.
"The point is, if you back up peanut planting, and you get into cotton harvesting, you're going to push everything on top of each other, and you'll have cotton sitting in the field, losing quality and yield."
In an early management system, growers should manage a cotton crop for harvest prior to Sept. 20, says Brown. "We don't want to plant too early, but we need to plant at about April 15-20. We want to use growth regulators to encourage earliness. We want to avoid excessive nitrogen and not over-fertilize to encourage rank growth. We want the process to be winding down at about the middle to latter part of August."
Growers in an early management system also want to avoid early-season fruit losses from pest management mistakes such as the misapplication of glyphosate and losses to plant bugs, says Brown.
"And as the crop reaches that 60-percent open level, we need to be aggressive with our defoliant and boll opener and get the crop out. Be prepared to apply these materials from about Aug. 20 to Sept. 5. One of the major problems we have with cotton in Georgia is that we don't get the crop out as quickly as we should. We don't spray our harvest-aid products quickly enough and we don't pick the crop as rapidly as we should."
Brown reminds growers that there are risks to an early management system for cotton in Georgia. "If we plant too early in April, we may encounter stand problems and diseases related to cool temperatures.
"Likewise, if you look at the historical numbers, Labor Day plus or minus 10 days is a key time for a rainfall event and there could be problems with boll rot, hard lock and reduced color grade. But that's no more of an issue than having cotton ready to be picked in mid- to late-September and still waiting a month before picking."
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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September 7, 2010
Happy to be Back
11 comments:
Welcome Back! I understand the desire to cut back on the day to day grind of writing. Once a week would be great, if you publish on the same day each week. With random posts you may loose some readers. Just a thought. PBH
- September 07, 2010
- Clandestine Road said...
Glad your sabbatical was beneficial. What a great picture! As far as what I'd like to see more of, I have not preference. I began reading your blog because you are insightful and intentional.
Angela L.
- September 07, 2010
- Reduce, Reuse and Rummage said...
I love the term 'peanut buttering!'. It is something we all face. I've been a long-time reader, and I believe a first-time poster! I would love to see you continue the thrifty threads, and the wine reviews, as well as your thoughts about deciding when not to purchase something that initially seems necessary.
- September 07, 2010
Since your holiday, I have fallen off the wagon and have bought more than I should online.In fact, bought more than I have in a year. So I figure, I would like to read more on living on less and to shake off my addiction to consumerism. I really need the encouragement.
Glad you are back!!
- September 07, 2010
- Alea said...
My favorite posts are the ones where you have shared your thoughts or discoveries about the non-consumer lifestyle. I enjoy Thrifty Threads and your Meatless Monday posts encourage me to try new things rather than just serve vegetable soup each Monday. :)
I don't think any post needs to be weekly. I subscribed by email so that I will receive your posts in my inbox.
- September 08, 2010
- MaddyG said...
Glad you are back!
I agree with Alea, your Meatless Monday posts are helpful. And it's always interesting to see what recipes you come up with to use up some of those CSA oddities.
Oh, and Thrifty Threads is awesome.
- September 08, 2010
- Betsy Talbot said...
I agree with Alea in that sharing your internal thoughts and discoveries about leading a nonconsumer lifestyle are most appealing. Once we learn how to manage ourselves internally, it makes the external actions much easier to control.
Welcome back!
- September 09, 2010
- Angela said...
Thanks so much for your input everyone. I'm glad to be back and happy to hear that what you want to read squares with what I want to write about.
I've gotten similar comments by email, and so I will continue with Thrifty Threads, Meatless Mondays and CSA delivery photos, and all questions about leading an intentional life, purchasing decisions and the internal thought process behind them, and my discoveries and insights about leading a nonconsumer life. Oh, and I'll try to throw in a Wine Finds post once in awhile.
Thanks again, especially first-time posters!
- September 10, 2010
- danielle said...
Welcome back to blogging Angela! Your photo looks triumphant! I love the term peanut-buttering and have hereby resolved never to do it. :)
- September 10, 2010
Welcome back from your well deserved sabbatical. While I enjoy popping in to see your lates on what came in the latest CSA delivery, or your posts on Thrifty Threads and Meatless Monday, I understand the need to cut back a bit. That is much more preferable to a total fade, as some bloggers or podcasters do when burnt out. Thank you for all you do.
- September 10, 2010
- littlegreenvillage said...
Hi Angela,
Welcome back!
Hope you feel refreshed.
I think it is a good idea to post when you feel it is enjoyable for you. So if it is 3 times a week, then good for you.
And if I need a "My year Without Spending" fix, I can just browse the archives for a gem of inspiration!
- September 14, 2010


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Mississippi State officials joined with U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker and U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper Sept. 17 to celebrate the grand opening of the newest building in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
Funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Mississippi Development Authority, the 20,000-square-foot building is home to a new business incubator, as well as operations for II-VI Inc., according to Mississippi State University Research and Technology Corporation Director Marc McGee, who oversees the research park.
II-VI Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based firm with manufacturing facilities, distributors and agents around the world. It is recognized as a global leader in engineered materials and optoelectronic components.
"The presence of a major international manufacturer of high-tech products with applications in industrial manufacturing, military and aerospace, high-power electronics and telecommunications, and thermoelectronics applications in the park illustrates the significant impact that university research parks can have in the communities they serve, particularly in a rural state like Mississippi," said David Shaw, MSU's vice president for research and economic development.
The 2 p.m. celebration included comments by Cochran, Mississippi's senior senator; Wicker, who has served in the Senate since December 2007; Harper, the second-term congressman for the 3rd District, which includes the university; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Greg Bohach, MSU's vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine and president of the MSU RTC board of directors; Vincent Mattera, II-VI Inc. executive vice president; Jim McArthur, MDA deputy director; and Shaw.
"We are very excited about achieving this milestone, and are looking forward to additional expansion of the park in the near future," Shaw said.
The 272-acre park is home to nine buildings and 1,500-plus employees, and represents some $100-million-plus of investment.
Construction of a second entrance and boulevard connecting the park with Highway 182 is under way with completion expected early next year.
In addition to II-VI Inc., Camgian Microsystems, HBM nCode Federal, Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, High Performance Computing Collaboratory, SemiSouth Laboratories, Social Science Research Center, MSU Energy Institute, Sitel and Tennessee Valley Authority are among current residents of the park.
For more information about the park, please contact McGee at 662-325-9575 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Jim Laird | University Relations


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Garden Aesthetics
GARDEN AESTHETICS is the name of my 30+ year old landscape design and consulting business located near Portland, Oregon in the Pacific Northwest. Beginning in 2014 I will be retiring from full time designing, and will instead focus on teaching, sketching and encouraging people to include art and nature in their lives. I feel strongly that we need more than ever to emphasize regionalism and the natural environment....to create gardens with a 'sense of place', and to encourage a philosophy that every landscape on our earth is unique. I feel that it is important that we first 'read the landscape' and learn from what we see. Our gardens should reflect both the region we live in and our own individual personalities, with the realization that gardens themselves can be strongly theraputic and healing in nature. Gardens, above all, can teach us to see what is really important, can help us reconnect to the natural world, and can slow our lives down! Creating a home sanctuary....a tranquil place that extends indoor living space is more important than ever in today's modern, fast paced world. Even the smallest space can be transformed into something that will inspire creative thought.
I grew up on the East coast, earning a design degree from CORNELL UNIVERSITY and worked eight years as a designer for Armstrong World Industries. In 1973 my husband and I moved to OREGON with our two young sons, and in 1976 I received a degree in Landscape Design from Portland Community College. We established CLOUDREST VINEYARDS in 1984 on our 12 acres of hillside property outside of Portland. During the 1980's and 90's I traveled and photographed gardens in England, France, Japan, Italy, Germany, and even Siberia! I studied under the English landscape designer, John Brookes, and the late Oregon landscape architect, Barbara Fealy. In 1995 I collaborated with Al Rogers on a book, PEONIES, published by TIMBER PRESS.
I am a certified member of the ASSOCIATION of PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS, and the OREGON CHAPTER OF APLD and have served on their International Board of Directors as APLD's first webmaster and later as President in 2003. I was honored in August of 2008 to be named a Fellow by APLD. I have taught in the Landscape Technology Program at PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE since 1989, and also offer workshops in landscape illustration and design at my Cloudrest studio. In 2000 I started a mentoring program with graduates of the Landscape Design and Technology program. Barb Simon was my first mentoree, followed by Adriana Berry, Deb Rossi, and Izzy Baptista. I invite you to look at their websites as well as many of my other former students, at the APLD website.
SLIDE-LECTURES ..negotiable plus travel expenses. I am available to groups for 1-2 hour lectures on a variety of topics: Japanese, French, English, Japanese, Italian Gardens,or (my favorite) the Gardens of Siberia!. I can also cover Design Process, Plant Composition, Using Art in the Garden....and more. Call to discuss. LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND SKETCHING WORKSHOPS..to be held at my Cloudrest Studio or on the campus of PCC, Rock Creek. Subjects covering Quick Sketching, Color Sketching, Sketch Journals,Perspective, and Design Practicums.....Look for announcements or call me at (503) 628-2552 / email me to add your name to the rosters! Small class sizes and individual attention.
Garden-making concerns the relationship of the human being to his natural surroundings and an awareness of the interplay between objects occupying outdoor space. When we 'landscape' we attempt to make the best use of the space available by shaping the land to reflect the natural qualities of the site and selecting plant material that is a reflection of the region. A landscape becomes a garden only when it becomes an extension of the owner, both functionally, aesthetically, and emotionally.
Please feel free to read the CLIENT-SITE ANALYSIS a questionnaire that will help you understand what elements are needed in your garden.
INSPIRATIONAL LINKS...and PUBLISHED DESIGNS:
You might want to visit a few of my FAVORITE GARDEN-RELATED SITES:
For more design photos go to my profile on Houzz If you are interested in unusual plants go to Lakewold, a once private NW estate that is now a public garden! Another creative website developed by Scott Anderson is Seiwa-en, the Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden. For the academic types try the OSU Plant Materials Course or take an online course in Landscape Design from John Brookes!
A sampling of some of my published work:
Look for the article 'A Slope Transformed' in the Sept.-Oct., 2003 issue of Fine Gardening.
Look for the article 'Fertile Ground' in the March, 2003 issue of Smart Money.
Look for pictures of my home garden in the July, 2002 issue of Better Homes & Gardens.
Look for 'Shady Arrangements' in the Early Spring 1999 issue of Garden Shed magazine
DESIGN ISSUES AND MORE: There are always questions and issues to explore that relate to design and gardens in general. You might like to check out my BLOG, 'MEANDERINGS and SKETCHES' where you will find some of my sketches and we can continue the discussion.
Last updated Jan 10,2015
©Copyright 1996-2015 Garden Aesthetics© website and photos by Linda Engstrom
All rights reserved


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Create a Quickbooks POS Plugin for Woo-commerce -- 2
I would like to connect Quickbooks POS to woocommerce via a plugin. I should be able to upload new products and change inventory and price levels automatically.
Please review the documents before bidding.
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Wabash promotes the opportunity for students to work side by side with faculty and conduct research. Students like Huy Anh ("Tommy") Le '13 also earn the honor of presenting their work at professional conferences.
Le '13 presented a paper Ma.23 titled "Urbanization and Economic Development in Vietnam: An Environmental Look (1986-2008) at the Midwest Economics Conference in Columbus, OH.
"Tommy's paper was selected via a competitive process for a student panel," Economics Professor Christie Byun said. "It was a great opportunity for Tommy to present his work to other scholars in this area, and to network and receive feedback on his work from well-known scholars and other undergraduates in Economics."
Le plans to attend graduate school and pursue a doctorate post-graduation from Wabash..
"The conference is the biggest and the most renowned regional annual economics conference in the Midwest," Le said. "It is geared toward professionals, graduate students, and professors of economics. Only a few undergraduate presentation sessions are admitted to present at the conference through a competitive selection process. Thus, I'm honored to represent the economics department of Wabash College."
Le said he appreciate an intensive paper critique session and learned a lot on how to improve his research. "After my presentation and hearing from the session chairs, I have come to realize that the education I received at Wabash gave me an edge over other presenters in the room - that is the ability to think beyond the box, the flexibility with economic models and statistical tools (the economic department prepared me really well for economic research with intensive models and tools that many schools do not usually teach students), the critical thinking skills that enabled me to think on the spot, and most importantly the amount of confidence I have when doing my presentation. As a future graduate student next fall, this opportunity definitely means a lot for my future goals of being a researcher and working in academia."
Le also credited Professor Byun for her assistance in editing and motivating him during his research.
"Aside from academic research, we also engage in discussion about different matters of economics studies, which in one way or another helped me a lot with idea brainstorming and improvement of my economic analysis. Her environmental economic seminar also provides me with rigorous framework to conduct this research."


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Payment options
Select 'class pass' type and pay online (admin fees apply)
**Select 'reserve place' ticket type (pay within 24 hours - no fees) and forward IMMEDIATE PAYMENT using one of the following options
1. via paypal to firstname.lastname@example.com , select "send money to friends and family" to avoid transfer fees.
2. Pay Caroline cash
3. Bank Transfer (email me for banking details)
**Although this process is a little more complicated it means you save on booking fees and paypal charges. Unfortunately, if payment is not received within 24 hours from booking, reservations will be cancelled.
£90 for 6 class pass (to be used within 8 weeks) = £15 per 2 hour class
£112 for 8 class pass (to be used within 10 weeks) = £14 per 2 hour class
£17 trial class if space is available
Price includes tea and a snack at the end of class
2018 Dates
Every Saturday from 11:30am to 1:30pm @ Yoga for Harmony, Windsor
In our pregnancy yoga class we include:
* Flowing movements that help to build strength and flexibility.
* Simple breathing techniques to help relieve stress and anxiety.
* Explore movements and sounds that can be used during labour and birth.
* Relaxation techniques.
* Opportunity to connect with other pregnant women.
* Discussions about Pregnancy and Birth.
I truly believe that Yoga helped me to enjoy my pregnancy and birth experience. I look forwards to passing on my knowledge to you.
You are welcome to join the class from 14 weeks of pregnancy to 42 weeks.


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Tejas tours and travels is reputed Travel Rental Company who provide a best quality transportation services in hiring the Cabs/ Taxis/ TT's/ Mini Buses and Buses at Koramangala,Bengaluru Karnataka (India). We are extremely recognized for valuable support and reliability, our esteemed customers can avail the rental service from us at market best and low prices. The 29 Seater Luxury Bus is available for hire which is having a capacity of 29 passengers, 2 additional seats for the driver and assistant. Tejas headquartered in Hoskote and having multiple branches in south urban areas and Sri. Mr. Manjunath who is Managing Director of the company and having huge experience in understanding people expectations or requirements on the travel agencies. Hire Bus for a group from 25 to 50 people to explore around places in Bangalore, Mysore, Tamilnadu, Andra Pradesh, Telungana and Kerala or other neighboring states in India.
Rent 29 Seater Luxury Bus/ 29 Seater Luxury Bus for Hire with facilities of
|Non A/C
|(8 Hrs/80 Km)
|Rs. 6,000
|Rs. 5,500
|Extra Hour
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|Extra Km
|Rs. 32
|Rs. 28
|Outstation Per Km
|Rs. 32
|Rs. 28
|Driver Bata
|Rs. 500
|Rs. 500


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Clues as to Tyler Hansbrough's Return to CollegePosted by rtmsf on June 10th, 2008
(h/t The Big Lead)…
We know that NBAers get all kinds of ridiculous tail thrown at them on an hourly basis, but there's something just a little more wholesome virtuous delicious (yeah, that's what we meant) when it's Mary Sue from calculus chemistry sociology class straddling you like a stallion rather than Misty (and her three kids) from Total Platinum.
Anybody know the provenance of these pics? How old they are or what this function was for?


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In the latest real-life installment of the Ashlee Simpson show, the singer-songwriter-actress has listed a Mediterranean-style villa on a private street in the Beverly Hills area for $4 million. Simpson owned the property before her marriage to Fall Out Boy rocker Pete Wentz in 2008.
The walled and gated compound has hillside and canyon views. There are five bedrooms and 6 1/2 bathrooms in 7,100 square feet of living space on more than half an acre.
The living room features cathedral beamed ceilings, walnut plank floors and French doors that open to decks with views. The multilevel home, built in 1992 and centered on a courtyard, has an eat-in kitchen, an upstairs master bedroom suite with his-and-her closets, a fitness room and a media room leading outside to a swimming pool and spa.
The courtyard contains a meditation garden with a fountain and fire pit. A two-story guesthouse is adjacent to the pool.
The versatile Simpson, 25, made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago" last fall. She starred in the 2004-05 reality TV series "The Ashlee Simpson Show" following a regular stint on "7th Heaven" (2002-04). More recently she appeared on "Melrose Place" (2009) but is no longer on the show.
She released the No. 1 albums "Autobiography" in 2004 and "I Am Me" in 2005, followed by "Bittersweet World," in 2008. She is the younger sister of pop star Jessica Simpson, for whom she was a backup dancer.
Fall Out Boy bassist and lyricist Wentz, 30, has business ventures including a clothing line and nightclubs.
Simpson bought the property in 2007 for $4.5 million, according to public records, which also show comedian Rita Rudner as among the house's former owners.
Jory Burton of Sotheby's International Realty, Beverly Hills, has the listing.
Rocker outgrows Silver Lake gem
Kevin Griffin of the alternative rock band Better Than Ezra has put his Silver Lake home on the market for $1.65 million.
The Tony Unruh-designed steel, glass and wood house has expanses of windows, decks on two levels and city light views, blurring the distinction between the indoors and the outdoors.
When the singer-songwriter-guitarist and his wife, Laurel, bought the multistory house in 2006 for $1,595,000, they felt fortunate to find it.
"We moved here after the hurricane in New Orleans," Kevin Griffin said. "We didn't have a lot of time, and I was getting discouraged looking."
The houses the couple saw either needed a lot of work, he said, or had "no discernible architectural reference point."
"This house was a labor of love for the previous owner for five years," Griffin said. "They took a 1,200-square-foot '50s post-and-beam house and made it 2,900 square feet."
And the three-bedroom, three-bathroom house was within their price range.
"It had style, history, all new plumbing, all new wiring. Instead of being cantilevered, it used girders driven into the bedrock," he said. "We were there at the right time. It was just a no-brainer."
When the Griffins moved in, they had one child. "So now we have 13-month twin boys. That said, a three-bedroom house isn't cutting it for us."
But it will be hard for Griffin to leave Silver Lake. He has enjoyed riding a bike to his studio in Atwater Village and coming home to his peaceful neighborhood. "I'll miss the house with no headaches," he said.
Better Than Ezra, formed in the late '80s, continues to tour and released its seventh studio album, "Paper Empire," last summer. Taylor Swift performed the Better Than Ezra song "Breathless" on the recent "Hope for Haiti" telethon. The rock group will host the ninth annual Ezra Open bowling tournament in New Orleans on March 27 to benefit the rebuilding of the city and the gulf region.
Griffin, who said he writes "everything from pop to rock," also has been working with "American Idol" winner David Cook. They co-wrote the song "Avalanche" from the 2008 "David Cook" album.
Deborah Pisaro of Keller Williams, Studio City, has the listing.
Home buyer: Where u been?
Stand-up comic and actor Sinbad is looking for a buyer for his longtime family home in gated Hidden Hills in the Valley. It came on the market last month at $3 million.
A long private driveway leads to the five-bedroom, five-bathroom country estate -- 5,064 square feet of living space that sits amid mature trees on 2 1/2 hilltop acres. There are fireplaces in the formal dining room and an office/family room; a guesthouse with a kitchen, a recording studio, a pool with waterfalls and a barn.
Sinbad, 53, appeared as a finalist on Ed McMahon's "Star Search" (1983) and went on to work in HBO specials, television series and movies. In film, he starred in "First Kid" (1996), "Jingle All the Way" (1996) and "Houseguest" (1995). On TV, he had the title role in "The Sinbad Show" (1993-94) and played coach Walter Oakes on "A Different World" (1987-91). A DVD of the comedian's Comedy Central concert "Sinbad: Where U Been?" is set for release later this month.
Public records show Sinbad purchased the property in 2007 for $1,525,000.
Marty Trugman and Cara Sheriff of Teles Properties, Beverly Hills, have the listing.
History included in Cheviot Hills
Television writer Daniel Freudenberger has listed his historic Cheviot Hills home for $3,695,000.
The Spanish-style house, built in 1925, was constructed on a double lot for the tract's developer, W.R. McConnell. The 4,200-square-foot home sits on 14,180 square feet at the high point of the neighborhood, providing expansive city views. The U-shaped home has a center courtyard.
There are four bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, original archways, an updated kitchen with two butler's pantries, and a living room and a den with fireplaces. An 800-square-foot guesthouse is set up as an office and gym. The black-bottom swimming pool is solar heated.
Freudenberger wrote for TV series including "Cagney & Lacey" (1986) and "Blue Thunder" (1984). His writing credits include "A Husband, a Wife and a Lover" (1996), "With Murder in Mind" (1992) and "Do You Know the Muffin Man?" (1989).
Ben Lee of Coldwell Banker's Beverly Hills North office has the listing.