text:
A laptop that's new is something you should spend some time thinking about. You will want to consider quite a bit of information. Fortunately, the information here will set you on a path to make the best choice. Keep reading for more useful tips.
Think about the weight of the laptop. If you choose a heavier laptop, it can cause back and neck pain if you have to carry it everywhere. You don't have to spend more money to get a lighter laptop. However, it may have a shorter battery life.
If you plan to play videos games and watch HD movies, buy a laptop that has a dedicated graphics chip. You may not be able to run these graphics with an integrated graphics system. Choose a dedicated graphics chip for the best results.
If you're wanting to watch high definition movies and play computer games, you want to get your laptop that has a graphics chip that's dedicated. Integrated graphics aren't going to work well enough if you wish to display nicer graphics most of the time. Also make sure to get a processor that can handle the card, such as dual or quad core processor.
Look for coupons and discount offers before you buy a laptop. Search before you confirm your purchase. It's better to go in with a clear mind then to later out find out you lost the ability to save 15% more.
Before you make a laptop purchase, search on the internet for discounts and coupons. Search for some discounts to make sure you get the best deals available. The worst feeling in the world is to make a purchase only to find that you spent more than you needed to.
Consider what you need your laptop for. This will help you determine how much you need to spend. If you're only going to surf the Internet on your laptop, you'll not need all the amenities that a professional graphic artist would need. Consider what you really need with it, and let that guide your buying decisions.
Think over the kinds of things you'll be doing prior to buying your laptop. That will factor into how much you need to spend on one. If you just search online, you won't need a complex machine like a graphic designer will. When you think about what you do on the laptop, that will guide you to a machine that may be more attractively priced.
Use a laptop cooler for your laptop. The battery compartment of your laptop can get very warm. If you want comfy legs, then be sure to obtain something that will help displace the heat generated by the laptop.
A cooling pad can increase the life of your computer and help it run more efficiently. People don't often realize that many laptops end up no longer working because they were allowed to get too hot. These cooling pads are inexpensive and can keep your laptop running longer.
Size is something to consider when looking for a laptop. The sizes of laptops usually range from 13 inches to 17 inches measured diagonally. If you want a laptop to substitute for your desktop, a larger monitor would be best. If portability is more important, steer towards 13″.
Invest in your laptop's sound system. Many laptop makers do not worry about this important feature. Nothing is worse than trying to watch a video and your sound quality is laughable. Make sure you check out the sound before you purchase a laptop.
Screens that are large may seem impressive, but they won't be terribly convenient if you want your laptop to be versatile. When you choose a screen above 17 inches, you will usually find it is attached to a burdensome laptop weighing seven pounds or more. This is tough to carry around. Additionally, larger screens use more power.
Check for the ability to upgrade RAM and the hard drive for the laptop you plan to buy. You may need extra storage space and added speed later on. At this time though, upgrading isn't going to cost you as much as a new computer will. Think this over prior to making your choice.
One thing that will drain a laptop's battery is the screen's display itself. To get the most battery life you can, dim the screen to the lowest brightness possible. Dimming your laptop display screen helps make your battery last.
When buying laptops, be open to spending a tad more than you budgeted. Technology is always changing and a simple laptop will become outdated quickly. Even a small bump in speed can make the difference between your machine being obsolete in a year and one that can be used for several years.
Start Menu
Decide what size laptop you are interested in purchasing. The sizes of laptops usually range from 13 inches to 17 inches measured diagonally. If you're trying to get a laptop that works as your desktop, then getting one with a monitor that's 17 inches will be your best bet. Smaller displays are great if portability is a requirement.
If you have programs that you use frequently, add the shortcuts to your Start menu. Once you've found the shortcut, you can right click and select "Pin to Start." Now you will find that icon on the Start menu where you can click on it easily.
Think about a tablet when you just want a machine for entertainment. You could save money while still being able to download apps. Many tablets all have the option where you can have a wireless connection to a keyboard, this way you can use it to write emails, or use it like a notepad.
The laptop speakers are important if you will be watching movies, playing games or listening to music on your laptop. The speakers will be very important for your entertainment needs, and you don't want to have to use external speakers every time.
Large screens aren't the best if you want a laptop that is portable. It can be difficult to lug around seven or eight pounds of computer wherever you go. Large screens also cause the battery to drain quickly.
Wait until your computer is room temperature before powering it up. If the temperature changes suddenly, you could have problems with condensed moisture inside your laptop. The moisture can play havoc with the machine's internal electrical components.
Don't shop for your laptop just based on a brand name. Brand name products are generally more expensive. When you understand what is in the laptop, you can make a more reasonable decision. Sometimes you can get great deals from companies that aren't as well known.
For a lighter, portable laptop, try going with one that has "no drive bay." If you don't have any drive bays, you will need to download software from the Internet or use a USB key. In fact, there are portable DVD drives which you can connect by USB and cost less than $100.
To maximize the amount of time your new laptop's battery stays powered-up, dim the LCD screen to the lowest setting you can tolerate. Minimizing the screen's brightness will conserve battery life, allowing you to use your laptop longer. Look in the Control Panel to adjust the settings.
In terms of laptops, brand names are not everything. Compare the comments about several major brands. You'll figure out quickly that brands all have a reputation attached, so it's a good idea to look over these things first.
Before you finalize your purchasing decision, take a look at how far away the next new model release is on your chosen laptop. Two reasons make buying laptops a good idea when a newer model has been released: the first comes with the lower prices for the older model, saving you cash. The second involves newer models offering better features that are worth the price.
Before starting to shop, limit your purchases to online retailers that have free shipping. If you find the right computer from one of these retailers, you will end up saving a lot of money.
Do some comparison shopping prior to making a purchase. When you know the laptop you want to purchase, you can visit multiple sites and find the best deals and offers. Just be careful to see that you're matching the right model number as well as the features to do the comparison correctly.
Try to find out the software that comes on the computer. Most people use a word processor and spreadsheet software. Some laptops look like they come with this kind of software but you find out later it is just short-term trial software. You will need to purchase these programs separately if versions are not already included in the cost of your machine.
Decide what tasks you are going to use your laptop for. You should consider getting a Chromebook. These are inexpensive laptops by Google which do not have cutting edge hardware or the heftiest OS. They do offer strong browser experiences and great speed. Additionally, they are quite affordable. You can get one for $300 or less.
If you're mostly going to be gaming on your laptop, you're in luck. Some of the best laptop brands are just loaded with features designed for gamers. However, be advised that gaming laptops are quite expensive.
If you are thinking about getting a cost-effective computer that is light, think about one that is no drive bay. You will save a great deal of money; however, you must be prepared to install software via USB key or by downloading it because there will be no drives. Additionally, you can get a portable DVD drive that is connected via USB for under $100.
Check out online complaints once you have a list of laptops you are interested in. Search for the specific model numbers you're considering and add search terms like "not working" or "broken." You might find that monitor deteriorates quickly or that its power cord must be constantly tweaked to prevent it from falling out.
If you are worried about anyone accessing your laptop without permission, you should do everything you can to keep it secure. This won't be an issue if you purchase a newer laptop that requires fingerprints and/or facial recognition to log on.
Consider the laptop's weight when choosing a laptop. You ought to feel comfortable with the keyboard and any mouse. If you are accustomed to desktop models, you will have to get yourself acclimated. Appearance should not be your prime concern when you are choosing a new laptop.
Look at different brands. There are some brands that are a household name for a reason. Do your research on the brands you have heard good things about. Just because you do not know the name of company, doesn't mean the company is selling a bad quality computer.
Don't rule out brands you aren't familiar with. You might have heard of several of the brands on offer. Do some research on all the brands that interest you to determine the best systems for you. A brand you've never heard of may make a great laptop.
When you buy a laptop, make sure to get the quickest processor you can afford. Software and web services take advantage of faster processor speeds almost as soon as they come out. You want to be on the cutting edge as much as possible without breaking the bank. You don't want your processor to become outdated within two years. Plan ahead and purchase the biggest and fastest one you have the money for today.
To protect your laptop during security screenings, always keep watch over it as you proceed through the checkpoint. A lot of bags for laptops are similar, and there are a lot of thieves out there that may want to snag the computer up so they don't have to buy one. Watch it the entire way through the screening and checkout process. Carry it on the plane if possible.
Figure out if you want function or form. Narrow down the features you need before you start thinking about size, color and style. Before going out to purchase the machine of your choice, figure out what is the most important in your mind. If you only need a laptop for casual use, you don't need a flashy model.
When you're going to purchase a new laptop, you should buy the one with the fastest processor available for your budget. As technology progresses, programmers make use of increases in space and speed. Do not have your budget processor become outdated in a couple of years. Keep the future in mind and buy the highest speed processor you can afford.
You want to be aware of which operating system your laptop ships with. There are a number of viable options these days. Macs utilize a different operating system than PCs. Some laptops have linux systems pre-installed, which leave more storage and memory on a hard drive, if you've decided that Windows isn't for you.
You must consider a number of factors before buying a laptop. Whether you're getting a new one or upgrading the one you have, you now should know what to do. These tips can help you get a great deal on the right laptop.
One important consideration is whether or not the keyboard feels comfortable. Laptop keys tend to sit closer together than those on a PC. When you first transition from a desktop to a laptop, you need to get accustomed to the keyboard. Try out several models in store to know what feels right to you.


text:
Class Teacher
- Recruiter
- Location
- London
- Salary
- Unspecified
- Posted
- 26 Mar 2018
- Closing date
- 19 Apr 2018
- Industry
- Schools, Primary teaching, Other
- Job level
- Experienced (non manager)
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract
- Permanent
- Listing type
- Job vacancy
We can offer
- A brand new state of the art school including specialist teaching spaces for food technology, drama, music, art, dance and PE.
- A friendly, dynamic and inspiring community of children, teachers, families and governors.
- A dedicated and motivated staff team who flourish through CSPD.
- Exciting opportunities to use Apple technologies throughout. A successful candidate will receive a school MacBook Air, iPad Pro and Pencil.
- A focus on care, guidance and support for all staff members.
- An experienced leadership team working in partnership with the Primary
Holy Trinity is an outstanding two form entry primary school located in the heart of Dalston, with excellent transport links nearby connecting to all major tube lines. We serve a vibrant and diverse community, where excellent relationships promote an inclusive, warm and secure environment where children feel safe and valued.
Holy Trinity CE Primary School is looking for inspirational and energetic teachers to work in our school from September 2018.
We wish to appoint a teacher who:
- Are enthusiastic, hardworking and committed to supporting all children.
- Have excellent teaching, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- Have the potential to develop others effectively and work as part of a team.
- Have highly reflective practice.
- Have creative ideas with an ability to translate them into inclusive practice.
- Are committed to improving outcomes for all.
More information about our school can be found on our website. Please contact Venessa Williams to arrange a visit or if you have any further queries.
The closing date for this application is: 19.04.18
The interview date for shortlisted candidates is: WB 23.04.18

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mad Brit Pork Apple and Cheddar Sausage
The Mad Brit Sausages are consistently voted best in Vancouver by our customers! With no fillers or nitrates they are an easy and nourishing choice for you and your family. Over 15 varieties to choose from at any given time, there is always something new for you to taste.
300g pack containing 4 sausages. Each pack of 4 sausages costs $11.88.
Free Range Pork, Cheddar Cheese, Granulated Apple, Water, Lemon Juice, Sea Salt, Black pepper, nutmeg, caraway, marjoram, sodium erythorbate, ginger
Click and enlarge the second image for the nutritional panel.
It is Gluten Free.
5 Star rating:
Order by 10pm and your product will ship next day before 3pm, or be ready for pickup at that time. No orders will be available for shipment or pickup on weekends and holidays. Store credit will be applied if an item is not in stock.
Similar Recommended & Popular Products


text:
About Anastasia Island:
We'll paddle from inside Matanzas Inlet past Fort Matanzas, then around Rattlesnake Island and head south down the ICWW. Making our way through a maze of marsh tidal creeks, we'll enter Pellicer Bay from the north and then cross over to the Princess House
These photos are part of a report on Fort Mantanzas, which is associated with Anastasia Island. You can read cgodreau's report here.
Get more information about this location


text:
Data Upon Weighty Information For Bitdefender Promotion 2017
Data Upon Weighty Information For Bitdefender Promotion 2017
And after that hacking any Skype Profile may nicely be effortless. As documented they additionally are possible toward be slightly comprehensive and really well penned. The questions that are requested fluctuate depending on the kind of programmer you're hiring. EWN welcomes all comments that are constructive, contribute to discussions in a meaningful manner and take stories ahead. Business World. Not surprisingly, hackers are sharpening their arsenal to assault World Cup-associated web sites and hundreds of customers who can be utilizing those web sites during the tournament. Skype Spy Software runs in an entire invisible mode in order that customers will not know its existence. This edition is best suited for heavyskype customers and small business. It was once that you could additionally use your mobile quantity if you linked the accounts, you cannot anymore, a minimum of not the business accounts. Skype Account Hacker. Why and when to use Skype Password Hack. So why did my account get unlocked within minutes of my submitting the Account Recovery form? Kernel Hotmail MSN Password Recovery v.Four.02 Kernel Hotmail MSN Password Recovery software program instantly … Hacking MSN Hotmail Password Software FREE Obtain.. Best Spy Software is an extremely highly effective keylogger which lets you secretly report all Pc activities, together with emails sent and obtained, websites visited, keystrokes (including passwords of all types of internet sites).
Is there any spy software that's free or that does not should be paid with visa like whatsapp? These GPS tracker apps also can do: actual time tracking, and be a spouse and youngster Locator May 27, 2016 · For those who need to trace down a cellphone, you've come to the appropriate place. Free up your time while participating your contacts. Apr 15, 2016 Corel VideoStudio is an expert video editor designed that can assist you create films descaargar a perfect sync between dialog and background sound, burn them 9 Dec 2014 Corel VideoStudio Pro free download. skype password hack and Video Logging: See all pictures and videos in target cell phone. Hackers hack Anyways lets see how e-mail hacking works offers with manipulating someones thoughts to figure-out his personal. My Blurtit household. If you hack into one other person's Facebook account, it is an. Every telemarketing hack exhibits up that way.
Find out how to Hack Anyone's Skype Password using Username – one hundred% Working, No Survey Needed To Download! On-line storage for Android apps – Now you won't lose your saved video games while you swap to a new telephone, as a result of Android app developers can write apps that save things online. It's one account for all providers. Jon Money was a tv meteorologist for 23 years for one in all the best rated morning shows within the nation. Multi Skype Launcher 1.8Multi Skype Launcher is a free software that permits you to run multiple Skype instances on one pc concurrently. SourceBottle is a free on-line service that connects journalists with sources. We introduced you word earlier this week that some folks suppose Skype is starting to spy on individuals who use the service. When the discussion is over, use the "/archive" command to archive the sub-channel. Skype Webcam HackPS: Use this by yourself threat!
We just downloaded SKYPE and when trying to name my computer rings as if it have been an incoming name and it would not go through to the other social gathering. All those packages include rather more code that exhibits the commercials within just pop-up residence home windows or in the course of a bar that seems to be upon a laptop or computer show. It helps Windows Dwell Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, ICQ and others. Did skype password hack embody the wrong picture above this part? Wassif upon Fb or Twitter, they'll keep on being "inside the realize" yearly they log upon. Skype has no telephone number for help but they do have Live Chat. Indicators that indicate fishy vogue of movable cellphone. I've. A Ipod 4GO and the far facet is required. After I've found someone to interview I put them by a technique of four steps. We discovered that the area title you wished to find didn't Using google analytics. Start typing skype password hack of the person or channel you want for quick access.


text:
The shape of Santa Ana, California's (SNA) airspace is changing effective July 11, 2002. In the final rule creating the modifications, the FAA addressed concerns raised by AOPA and the Southern California Airspace working group.
In response to AOPA's objections, the FAA rejected an earlier proposed circular design that would have established Class C airspace out to 10 nm. That would have effectively closed a VFR practice area. "We are pleased the FAA incorporated general aviation's recommendations throughout this process, including continuing the access to the VFR practice area near El Toro by raising the outer floor area to 3,500 feet msl," said AOPA Vice President of Air Traffic Melissa Bailey.
The review of the Santa Ana airspace was prompted by the revocation of the El Toro Class C airspace area, reverting the eastern side of John Wayne Airport to Class E airspace.
The FAA published the notice of proposed rulemaking for the modifications in late January 2002. AOPA, working with the Southern California Airspace working group, submitted comments supporting the proposed changes, saying, "The proposed changes will result in more efficient use of the airspace by segments of the general aviation community."


text:
Valentine special microwave Cornflake cookies
Valentine day is special day for you and your beloved. So why not make some interesting and special recipe for valentine day. It is matter, I am helping you out. Give a try to these cookies and make your loved ones feels really special with your attempt. Valentine special microwave Cornflake cookies recipe is an eggless recipe which you can make in microwave in just 25 minutes with a very easier and quicker way.
Ingredients required for preparing these Valentine special microwave Cornflake cookies are:
Butter – ½ cup
Castor sugar – ½ cup
Maida – 1 cup
Baking powder – ½ tbsp
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Vanilla essence – ½ tbsp
Cornflakes crushed – 1 cup
Method for preparing these Valentine special microwave Cornflake cookies is:
- Sieve the maida and baking powder.
- Mix butter and castor sugar till they get fluffy.
- Now add maida and baking powder in the butter mixture.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla essence and mix.
- Divide the batter into equal parts and roll them over the crushed cornflakes.
- Arrange the cookies on microwave tray.
- Bake it on convection mode at 180 degree Celsius for 18-20 minutes or till they turn light brown in color.
- Free eggless homemade cookies are ready.
- Your Valentine special microwave Cornflake cookies are ready to serve now.
I hope you and your partner like this recipe and will check chocolate cake recipes on this site.
Please follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.
Please comment below and provide us some inputs:


text:
FINDLAY TWP. - The Allegheny County Airport Authority could face a federal fine because airport operations workers failed to immediately report an early-morning trespassing incident last month.
Airport spokeswoman JoAnn Jenny said Federal Aviation Administration security guards spotted a man climbing over a fence to get into the airport's Cargo B area around 1:30 a.m. April 24 and immediately reported the incident to the airport's operations department.
It appears operations workers failed to relay the message to the Allegheny County Police Department, which patrols the airport, for nearly 15 minutes, though they did contact the federal Transportation Security Administration right away, Jenny said.
The time lapse in contacting county police is the focal point of a joint investigation being conducted by the TSA, county police and the airport authority.
"It's standard operating procedure to contact police immediately. They're investigating why that apparently did not happen," Jenny said, adding that the authority could be fined for the lapse, though she did not how stiff the penalty could be.
TSA and county police officials did not immediately return calls from The Times.
The fence jumper has not been found, though county police led a five-hour search at and around the airport. There was no evidence of property damage or other illegal activity in the cargo area, and authorities think the trespasser climbed back over the fence and ran away a short time later, Jenny said.


text:
October 16th, 2017, Published in Articles: EE Publishers, Articles: PositionIT, Featured: PositionIT
Information from Technical University of Munich
A world record in information retrieval from satellite data has been set by Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu and her team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) – 3-million measurement points in 1 km2. The team, who have succeeded in making four-dimensional point clouds of Berlin, Las Vegas, Paris and Washington from TerraSAR-X radar satellite image stacks, plan on creating 4D models of cities around the world.
The world's major cities are growing. According to United Nations estimates, today approximately half of the world's population is already living in cities. By 2050 the figure is expected to grow to two thirds of the world's population. Xiaoxiang Zhu, professor for Signal Processing in Earth Observation at TUM states that this growth places high demands on building and infrastructure safety, since damaging events can endanger thousands of human lives at once. Together with her team, Zhu has developed a method for early detection of potential dangers: for example, subterranean subsidence can result in the collapse of buildings, bridges, tunnels or dams. The new method makes it possible to detect and visualise changes as small as one millimetre per year.
Three-dimensional radar views of the world's major cities
The data for the new urban images come from the German TerraSAR-X satellite, a civilian radar satellite offering some of the highest resolution photos in the world. Orbiting the earth at an altitude of approximately 500 km since 2007, the satellite sends microwave pulses to the earth and then collects their echoes.
The TUM professor collaborates with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), where she is also in charge of her own working group. The DLR is responsible for the operation and use of the satellite for scientific purposes.
Initially these measurements are only in a two dimensional image with a resolution of 1 m. The significance of the images is limited by the fact that reflections from different objects that are at an equal distance from the satellite will layover with each other. This effect reduces the three-dimensional world to a two-dimensional image.
Not only has Zhu developed her own algorithm which makes it possible to reconstruct the third and even fourth (time) dimension, she set a world record at the same time: Four-dimensional point clouds with a density of 3-million points per square kilometre are reconstructed. This rich retrieved information makes it possible to generate highly precise 4D city models.
Different perspectives produce a 3D radar image
How it's done
The scientists use images taken from slightly different perspectives. The satellite flies over the region of interest every eleven days. However, its orbit position is not always exactly the same. The researchers use these 250 m orbital variations in radar tomography in order to localise every point in three-dimensional space. This method uses the same principle as used by computer tomography, which creates a three-dimensional view of the inside of the human body: A variety of radar images taken from different perspectives are combined to create a three-dimensional image.
As this method processes only a poor resolution in the third dimension, the team applies additional compressive sensing methods which make it possible to improve the resolution by 15 times, says Zhu.
Scientists can use the radar measurements from the TerraSAR-X to reconstruct urban infrastructure on the earth's surface with great precision, for example the 3D shape of individual buildings. The method has already been used to generate highly precise 3D models of Berlin, Las Vegas, Paris and Washington, D.C.
The fourth dimension
As the images are taken at different times, it's possible to estimate the change over time – the fourth dimension – at the order of a fraction of the radar wavelength. The resulting 4D model reveals the tiny changes with a precision on the order of approximately 1 mm per year, for example the thermal expansion of buildings in the summer or deformations resulting from subsidence below the earth's surface.
The method is suitable for the detection of danger points and Zhu concludes that satellite technology can make an important contribution to making our urban infrastructure safer.
In the future the researchers intend to watch major cities grow. In the recently launched ERC project "So2Sat", all the world's metropolitan areas are being mapped and observed on a long-term basis. The investigations are centered on newly industrialising countries, where entire urban neighbourhoods spring up almost overnight.
In the future, Zhu and her team plan to use various big data sources which will see measurements from satellites being fused with map information from Open Street Map and the stream of images, text and activity patterns provided by social networks. The Leibniz Supercomputing Center (LRZ) is supporting the researchers with the handling of these vast quantities of data.
[1] J Kang, Y Wang, M Körner, X Zhu: "Robust Object-based Multipass InSAR Deformation Reconstruction", IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, in press. DOI: 10.1109/TGRS.2017.2684424 http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7926387/
[2] Y Wang, X Zhu, B Zeisl, M Pollefeys, 2017: "Fusing Meter-Resolution 4-D InSAR Point Clouds and Optical Images for Semantic Urban Infrastructure Monitoring", IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Volume: 55, Issue: 1, Jan. 2017; DOI: 10.1109/TGRS.2016.2554563 http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7587405/
[3] S Montazeri, X Zhu, M Eineder, R Bamler, 2016: "3-D Deformation Monitoring of Urban Infrastructure by Tomographic SAR Using Multi-Track TerraSAR-X Data Stacks", IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Volume: 54, Issue: 12, Dec. 2016; DOI: 10.1109/TGRS.2016.2585741 http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7548332/
Contact Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu, Technical University of Munich, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Monthly Meeting- Plymouth
From 06.09.2016 18:00 until 06.09.2016 21:00
At the George Inn 191 Ridgeway Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2HJ
Posted by Andrew Nunn
Categories: Monthly Meeting , CPD
Hits: 2196
For this months DCHI meeting, we will be welcoming Sunamp to provide information about this interesting Heat Storage system. We will also have the Conventions discussions and Food. Please come along and join in.
Sunamp Heat Batteries http://sunamp.co.uk/about/ Sunamp designs, produces and sells non-toxic, compact highly efficient Heat Batteries that can be used to store heat for a number of applications including many renewable and low carbon technologies.Sunamp has immense growth potential not only in the Built Environment in the UK but also many other industry sectors and worldwide markets. Sunamp Heat Batteries makes sense for all consumers who want to make their renewables work better as the Heat Batteries deliver heat and hot water on demand.
We are also being visited by Redwell Infrared Heating-http://www.redwellgb.co.uk/
Rather than heating and circulating the air in the room like traditional heating systems, infrared heats you directly as well as the very fabric of your building. This includes the walls, the furniture and any other objects in it.
These objects then release heat to you at a slow and steady rate, furthering the effect of the infrared heating system. For example, stone used in the construction of a building will absorb a considerable amount of heat and release it back out over time. The end result is that your building stays warmer for longer so you can run your heating less often and keep energy bills down.


text:
Kermes Oak
Quercus coccifera Fr: Chêne Kermès
This is actually a shrub, rather than a full-fledged tree. The Kermes oak grows to about a meter high. (They can grow larger, with the straight appearance of a tree, but very seldom do so in the wild.) Like its larger Mediterranean brothers, the leaves are year-round. They are also very small (2-4 cm), dark shiny green, and have shallow, sharp spines around the edges. The appearance of this bush, including the color and shape of its leaves, closely resembles a holy bush.
The Kermes oak grows very thickly on the hottest and driest hills throughout the region. In the Spring, the bush sprouts fluffy, yellow catkins and acorns which ripen every second year among the old leaves.
A Kermes, by the way, is the name of the tiny insect that lives its entire life on the branches of this bush. This beetle Coccus ilicis was, since classical greek times, collected, dried and used as a scarlet food and wool dye. Coccineal has now taken its place!


text:
Hands-on original research & learning
DRA's Archaeology Field School provides a unique opportunity for laypeople and students to make an important contribution through participation in a professional dig. Students will attain the fundamental principles and rigors of archaeological fieldwork. College participants in past years have made arrangements with their professors or advisors to obtain college credit.The program also benefits teachers who require recertification credits.
This year's archaeology team will be excavating at the Elisha Hatch (1769-1803) Homestead site located off River Road in Newcastle. See below for details about the site and plans for excavation.
Join the fun, help contribute to an important chapter in the maritime history of the Damariscotta River region, and learn the rigors and fundamental principles of archaeology in midcoast Maine!
2019 Schedule and Rates
Session I: July 7 – July 12, 2019
Session II: July 14 – July 19, 2019
Session III: July 21 – July 26, 2019
Sign up for more than one session and receive discounted rates.
One session: $400 / $375 for DRA members
Two sessions: $640 / $590 for DRA members
Three sessions: $840 / $765 for DRA members
Participants are encouraged to sign up early, as there is a maximum of twelve participants per session.
The minimum age to attend is 14. Past field school sessions have included a mix of high school age students, college students, and retirees who have always wanted to participate in a professional archaeological dig. Experience among participants in past years has ranged from first timers, to seasoned excavators, to up and coming archaeologists.
Two partial scholarships are available to qualifying teachers and students through the Helen Gurland Scholarship Fund. Additionally, one full scholarship is available for a high school student, with preference given to a student at Lincoln Academy. Call DRA at 207-563-1393 or email firstname.lastname@example.com for additional information.
Register online using the link below.
If you have registration questions, contact Deb Suchar at 207-563-1393 or email@example.com.
To take a member discount and/or a discount for registering for multiple sessions, choose the applicable code from the list below.
You will be able to enter the code on the summary page before you check out.
|1 session with member discount:
|2 sessions, non-member:
|2 sessions with member discount:
|3 sessions, non-member:
|3 sessions with member discount:
About the 2019 excavation plans
Damariscotta River Association's (DRA's) 2018 Archaeology Field School is returning to the Elisha Hatch Homestead site (1769-1803) located off River Road in Newcastle. The site marks the third and final leg of historical archaeologist Tim Dinsmore's investigation into the 18th-century Barstow-Bryant shipbuilding complex, which began in 1980. Dinsmore is directing field school participants in the partial excavation of the Hatch Homestead site with the aim of continuing to define the structural layout of the site.
Hatch carried out the smithy work for shipwright George Barstow (Hale site), and presumably for contemporary shipwright Nathaniel Bryant (Bryant-Barker Tavern site) during the mid-1760s to 1772. Soon after, the Hatch homestead and property was acquired by yeoman James Givens – kin to David Givens of Sheepscot and Robert Givens of Pemaquid Falls – and by 1790 was occupied by Nathaniel Bryant's son, Nathaniel.
Nathaniel Bryant II resumed building wooden sailing vessels at his father's yard prior to relocating his operations to the Damariscotta Mills in 1803. Thus the Hatch site was occupied by a blacksmith, yeoman and shipwright during its relatively brief existence. What became of the homestead shortly thereafter is unclear though archaeological evidence indicates that that its demise soon followed.
The Hatch site, located atop the riverbank on the Damariscotta River and overlooking what would have been the shipyard, has remained untouched since last occupied in 1803. As such it represents a time capsule for which to study the early maritime history of the Damariscotta region. Archaeological priorities at the Hatch site include determining the layout and orientation of the homestead as well as locating blacksmithing activities including Hatch's blacksmith shop.
Photo Gallery: Excavating at the Hatch Homestead site
Click on any image for a larger view.
Here's what past field school participants have said about the DRA Archaeology Field School:
Hildy Johnson, a teacher at Boothbay Region Elementary School, shares:
"I had a fabulous week. I learned a lot and was able to do some hands on things that I teach the kids during a small archaeology unit I do.
Tim does a great job explaining the 5 W's of the site, the tools and techniques being used, and the importance of what we found… or didn't find.
It's exhausting work, but rewarding. Hoping to return next year."
Shawn Joy, 32, of Worcester, Massachusetts, who is pursuing graduate work in nautical archaeology writes:
"As an older college student, seeking a future in this type of work, it was essential to me to be able to get this kind of fieldwork under my belt. This particular dig project is important as it holds the homestead sites of two of the first shipwrights to the Damariscotta region."
Dr. Jane Coryell, 73, of Augusta, has participated in the field school sessions for 16 years. She writes:
"This work is interesting and fun. Tim is very knowledgeable, and I get to know lots of interesting people."
Coryell also enjoys helping Tim put all of the pieces together, processing found artifacts off-season.
Mona Whittaker, 53, a medical transcriber from Nobleboro, Maine has participated since 1997.
"Archaeology has always been fascinating to me. You are finding artifacts that link you to the past and bring things that happened 200+ years ago to life."
About Archaeologist Tim Dinsmore
Historical Archaeologist Tim Dinsmore received a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Maine at Orono, with a specialization in archaeology, and attended the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia for graduate work. Tim has thirty years of experience in archaeological research and cultural research management (CRM). He is a level 1 Certified Professional Historical Archaeologist with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission (MHPC). He has conducted all levels of archaeological research in Maine and also has experience working in Jamaica, West Indies.
Tim's primary research focus has been the Barstow & Bryant Shipbuilding Complex along the upper Damariscotta River in Newcastle, consisting of the Barstow Homestead site (a.k.a. Hale site), Bryant Homestead site (a.k.a. Bryant-Barker Tavern site), and Hatch Homestead site (a.k.a. Hatch site), respectively. This shipbuilding complex marks the birthplace of the shipbuilding industry along the upper Damariscotta River in midcoast Maine. Tim's research is focused on determining the relative success of these shipwrights and blacksmith and whether their success can be determined based upon the material culture (artifacts) found in the archaeological record. Tim argues in his research that while shipbuilders could attain a comfortable livelihood they relied on secondary occupations or trades to ensure financial stability.


text:
25 April 2006
16:30 - 18:00
Service Innovation and Design
This panel introduces the CHI community to a growing area of innovation and business development that leverages new technology platforms, namely service design. This topic is explored through a series of case studies of service design in a diverse set of industries and contexts from healthcare delivery to IT services.
Jeanette Blomberg
|Back to the Schedule At a Glance | Back to the Author List


text:
Logos Imaging LLC is a leading provider of innovative total X-ray solutions designed to meet the requirements of industrial and security customers worldwide. Externally, our focus is on providing customers with advanced technologies that add value to their operations at a competitive price. Internally, we seek excellence in all we do through a culture that excels in realizing the full potential of each employee. We believe in fostering an environment where how we do our jobs is as important as what we do in our job.
We began operations in 2002 in Richmond, IN functioning primarily as a systems integrator of computed radiography (CR) systems. Through acquisition and expansion, we have added manufacturing capabilities and additional imaging technologies. From the early days of offering only the Logos CR System, our product portfolio now includes two CR scanning systems, three direct radiography (DR) systems, a line of portable X-ray accessories, and a revolutionary flash CR system.
Now headquartered in Loveland, CO, our commitment to developing next generation X-ray solutions has never been stronger. Through strategic partnerships with US National Laboratories and increased R&D funding, our staff of electrical, mechanical, and software engineers are positioned to achieve their full potential as we continue to release truly revolutionary products.
2002 – Formed Logos Imaging LLC
2002 – Released first Logos CR Systems
2003 – Released EOD/IEDD specific imaging software
2005 – Released new Logos CR scanner
2009 – Released first DR systems
2011 – Moved HQ to Colorado
2012 – Entered software licensing agreement with Sandia National Labs
2013 – Acquired Assets of Alara, Inc.
2013 – Signed technology licensing agreement with Los Alamos National Labs
2014 – Opened overseas sales office
2016 – Released the MÓNOS and NEOS III Wireless Flat Panel Systems
2018 – Released LIA 8 Security Software
What's Next?
Watch for PRÒTOS our newest ultra-protable small format DR imaging system.


text:
A few weeks ago, My Favorite Things (MFT) had a sale on their flower dies, so of course I took advantage to get a few! It wasn't until this weekend, though, that I really had time to play with them. Today I'm posting a card made with the Loopy Flower Die. So easy and so cute!!
My Favorite Things, the papers are all from Stampin' Up!, and honestly, I don't know where that stamp came from!
Thanks for clicking by. Check back tomorrow for another sample of a rose made with an MFT rolled flower die!
And yay, it's finally Spring!!


text:
Modern strategies needed for grey area
Up to one-fifth of the population will be past retirement age in 2010, but are marketers paying enough attention to older consumers?
It is unlike the beauty industry to miss out on a marketing opportunity. However, last week a spokeswoman for L'Oréal admitted the company had been ignoring one giant section of the population – women aged between 55 and 75.
Announcing the launch of a range of home hair colourants called "Grey Chic", which are designed to enhance grey hair, the spokeswoman said: "Women aged between 55 and 75 represent 19 per cent of the population… This market has more disposable income than any other. [But it] has yet to be tapped by the health and beauty industry."
While most marketers chase the elusive youth market, they ignore the older consumers who are less responsive to advertising messages and branding. Perhaps older consumers are just too wise to fall for marketers' tricks.
Tony Cole, marketing consult-ant of The Oldie, maintains: "This segment is more intelligent and cynical but most marketers, being young themselves, are oriented only towards creating a youth culture."
While analysts predict that nearly a fifth of the UK's population will be past retirement age in 2010, most marketers and advertisers ignore the "grey pound".
Martin Smith, managing director of Millennium Direct, a "mature" marketing agency, says: "There is no market that really exists for the 50-plus people. It is surprising that a segment that includes 20 million people is totally being written off.
"The term 'grey market' itself sounds derogatory. In fact we call people aged between 50-59 years 'thrivers'.
"These are people who believe that it was them who invented consumerism. They are more promiscuous in terms of spending and most seem to understand all about branding."
According to research conducted by London-based analysts Business Strategies, in any average household the "greys" spend £9 more a week on leisure services, 25 per cent more on motoring, 15 per cent more on household and leisure goods and eight per cent more on household services.
Hann-Ju Ho, a senior economist at Business Strategies explains: "The study is based on the fact that most retailers are not paying sufficient attention to 'grey' consumers; there is no account of the fact that in the next ten years this segment will account for the majority in the market."
Mintel, which separates the population into various age segments, says the "third age" is a large population sector whose numerical power has influenced successive markets as they have moved through various life stages. In its latest report, published in June, Mintel states that it is a common misconception that mature consumers are all alike in terms of lifestyle interests, values and characteristics.
Angela Hughes, consumer research manager at Mintel, says: "Those aged 50-plus today are different from when their parents were that age, so there is a gap which needs to be catered for. Most are not interested in the likes of Saga holidays – for the not-so-fit group.
"Today there is a market with an older but more sophisticated and knowledgeable consumer who does care about pensions and at the same time is interested in eating, drinking and clothes."
The market meanwhile seems to be busy lumping the over-50s into one walking-stick-waving band with discounted travel passes. An insider at Saga Magazine, the specialist title for the grey market, says: "The proportion of 'care' ads in the magazine, which includes ads on dentures, arthritis pains and aches, cosmetic surgery and spectacles, accounts for almost 40 per cent. That is what our target market wants."
And though some recent covers of Saga Magazine did feature the likes of Twiggy and Kevin Keegan, the publication insists that the perception of what its readers expect has changed little over the years. The magazine has a readership of more than 1 million in the over-50s age group.
Neil Jenner, managing director of Senioragency International, a recently launched company specialising in communication with seniors and owned by Grey Advertising, says: "Everyone falls into a trap of viewing the 'grey' market as senior citizens.
"But most over-50s end up spending huge amounts of money on things like holidays, luxury goods and health foods. They have 80 per cent of the nation's wealth and are obviously more important in terms of commerce and economics."
However, another study by Mintel on the financial status of over-45s reveals that a high proportion of the UK's grey population have little money to save or invest. The study, which splits the greys into 45 to 54, 55 to 64, and 65 and over, adds that many "younger" greys find their earnings peaking and other financial commitments disappearing, leaving them with high disposable incomes.
The fact that there is a wide disparity among "greys" suggests the need for more targeted marketing strategies. As Smith concludes: "Marketers need to wake up to the fact that by only targeting the youth, they are restricting themselves to a declining market."


text:
Birth Problems in Horses: Dealing with Dystocia
DIFFICULT PASSAGES: Dealing with Dystocia
The 11-month gestation period of horses is longer than that of most other mammals, but when the foal finally comes, the birth is surprisingly swift under normal circumstances, taking less than 30 minutes from the time the mare's water breaks to complete foal out. This rapidity is necessary for wild horses, as a prolonged birth would leave both mare and foal extremely vulnerable to predators. While domestic mares giving birth don't usually have to contend with predators, there are other dangers associated with the birthing process that owners of pregnant mares should be prepared to deal with. Dystocia, meaning difficult birth, can be serious or even life-threatening, and often requires human intervention. Ninety percent of the time, mares give birth without any difficulty, but understanding what can go wrong the other ten percent of the time can be a life saver.
Claire Card, DVM, Phd, diplomate ACT, is a Professor of Theriogenology (animal reproduction) at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, with a special interest in Equine Reproduction. Having attended the births of countless foals, she says, "The risk of dystocia to the mare is that she will become injured by trying to foal with the foal in an abnormal location, as she may strain and strain until something ruptures or prolapses out like the uterus, bladder or rectum. She may also have her blood vessels injured or ruptured, resulting in hemorrhage, and she may go into shock and die. She will suffer a great deal of pain. Her uterus, cervix or birth canal may be permanently damaged. She may also be injured in the process of correcting the problem. Retained placentas and toxemia are common. The risk to the foal is death or debilitation due to oxygen starvation or acidemia. In many cases of dystocia, the placenta eventually detaches from the uterus and the foal dies by asphyxiation because that is its lifeline before birth."
Dr. Card explains that there are two main categories of dystocia: maternal, which are attributable to the mare, and fetal, which are attributable to the foal. Common maternal causes include a small pelvis, uterine torsion, exhaustion, placentitis, "red bag" or premature placental separation, and more rarely, twins. Common fetal causes include various malpositionings, developmental abnormalities, and oversized foals.
The most common cause of dystocia is malpositioning of the foal. Because of its long limbs and relatively large size, a foal must be in a specific position to facilitate its passage through the birth canal. Says Dr. Card, "It is very important that a foal attendant is alert and looking to see two feet and a nose coming out first from the mare's vulva. One forelimb is usually about four to six inches ahead of the other in a normal delivery. Once the cannons are visible, the nose should be seen." If this is not the case, the mare should be examined, as any deviation from this position is cause for concern and usually requires human intervention.
If a foal is malpositioned, labor typically does not progress, and no parts – or the wrong parts – are visible within 20 minutes of the water breaking. As Dr. Card explains, "In a normal birth, the limbs and nose are usually visible within five minutes of the water breaking. Once the water has broken, no more than 20 minutes should elapse before a mare is checked if the parts of the foal are not visible. The foal should be on the ground within 30 minutes of the water breaking."
The most frequently seen malposition is the retention of a forelimb. In this case, one foot and the nose will appear from the mare's vulva, but the other front leg is either folded up at the knee or extended backwards along the torso. Correcting this problem generally requires the attendant to push the foal back in while reaching inside the mare to get hold of the retained leg and gently bring it forward. This can be relatively simple, depending on how far back the foot is and how much room there is to work inside the mare. If the position of the retained limb is corrected before the mare is too exhausted to push anymore, the rest of the birth usually progresses quite quickly.
Other malpositionings include head back, poll lock (forehead on mare's pelvis, nose pointing down), breech (rear end first, no legs coming), and transverse (all four legs and abdomen coming, or no legs and just the back coming). Says Dr. Card, "Most cases of malpositioning when the foal is normal are either chance events or the foal is a little too big. If the foal is a bit on the large side, the limbs may take up most of the space in the birth canal, and when the head tries to enter there is not enough room so it is turned sideways. Fetal oversize is rarely a serious problem, however, and experiments done many years ago crossing shetland mares with draft stallions via AI showed that the mares had the foals on their own without incident. Once in a while we do get a large foal that is too big to come out, but that is very unusual. If we can reposition the foal we can almost always get it out. With a posterior presentation (hind legs coming first), the solar (bottom) surface of the hooves face up. When the hooves of the foal face up, either the foal is backwards and the hind feet are coming out, or it is coming front end first but is upside down. Check to see if there is a nose or tail nearby."
Abnormalities of the foal can also lead to malpositionings and dystocia. Foals with contracted tendons can be a problem because their legs simply do not bend the way they are supposed to. "When the problem is contracted tendons," says Dr. Card, "repelling the foal sometimes allows us to get enough room to reposition the foal, or if it is severe, we usually have to anesthetize the mare to get the foal repositioned at the right angle to pull the foal." Asked about other foal abnormalities that can cause dystocia, Dr. Card says, "Hypothyroid foals can cause dystocia due to their typically prolonged gestation (over 365 days), and they may be big or small or have badly contracted legs. Labors are not normal. Once in a while we get a 'fetal monster', such as hydrocephalus (huge head), or schistosomas, where the guts of the foal are not enclosed in a body wall, and the legs are abnormal."
Twins are a high-risk situation in horses, and it very unusual for a mare to successfully carry twins to full term. Usually, the mare will naturally abort or resorb one of the fetuses on her own, and if she doesn't, a veterinarian will perform a procedure to "pinch" or crush one of the embryos to allow the other a reasonable chance at survival. When a twin pregnancy is undetected or allowed to continue, the mare commonly aborts both fetuses in mid to late gestation, leaving her at risk for a retained placenta. However, in rare instances where neither twin gets resorbed or aborted and the twin pregnancy was not dealt with by a veterinarian, a twin birth may result.
If it is not already known that the mare is carrying twins, there will usually be discernable clues during the birth. "Mares carrying twins usually develop a premature udder and foal at the beginning of the 11th month," says Dr. Card. "Often the first twin foal is very small, which would lead you to suspect that there is another, especially if the mare is huge and she is foaling early. Another clue is that the two foals may try to come out at once, with one frontways and the other backwards. What you will often see in this instance is one limb facing up, and the other down, which you can tell by looking at the hooves. The way the leg bends tells you if you have a front or back leg. And, if you get two legs of impossible color combinations – like a bay and a palomino – you know you've got twins!"
The birth of twins is likely to be a difficult one and is best attended by a veterinarian. As Dr. Card explains, "The risk of complications is very high in a twin birth, which is why it is best to prevent such births whenever possible. General complications for the mare include: retained placenta (common due to foaling early and large placental mass), excess weight which can lead to issues with the abdominal wall muscle of the ventrolateral abdomen and prepubic tendon area, laminitis from excess weight, vaginal/vulvar injury/tearing/hematomas, and uterine infections due to manipulations to get the foals out. In terms of the foals, they may be stillborn, neurologically and/or physiologically abnormal, immunocompromised, and they may need intensive care to survive" Anyone assisting a twin birth should therefore have the knowledge, experience and tools to cope with these challenges, as well as the ability to sort out which parts belong to which foal, and the skill to manipulate malpositioned twins in extremely tight quarters without unnecessary damage to the mare.
Unfortunately, when a twin birth does occur, it is common for both foals to die due to inadequate development and nutrition in the womb. Veteran breeder Laurie Takoff of Kelowna, BC, however, attended one unusual case that had a happier ending. As she recalls, "Some folks called us early in Spring because their mare was foaling out about 60 days early. We rushed over to the farm, but by the time we got there, we found this tiny, hairless creature about the size of a fawn struggling to stand. After trying to calm the frantic mare owner and helping to get the stall organized, we noticed a dark smelly mass along with the placenta in a corner. It turned out to be a dead twin foal, and as it looked quite decomposed, we surmised that the mare's body was dumping the dead foal, and at the same time, its twin was born. Surprisingly, the live foal ended up surviving – not without a ton of help and serious attention – but it did survive."
Premature separation of the placenta is commonly called "red bag" because it presents as a red membrane bulging out through the mare's vulva. The placenta has two main parts: The outer membrane, called the chorioallantois (CA), and the inner membrane, called the amnion, which is the opaque sac that the foal is in. The CA attaches to both the uterus and the amnion, and normally stays attached to the uterus until after the birth of the foal, at which time the CA is expelled. When the CA detaches too early, red bag occurs.
As Dr. Card explains, "In a red bag birth, the cervix continues to dilate and the detached red CA membrane that should be attached to the uterus passes into the vagina. Contractions of the uterus allow more and more separation to occur, and finally enough separates so that the placenta bulges out through the vulva. When this happens, you do not see the water break. Normally, the CA breaks open at the cervix and the allantoic fluid is released. When it does not break, you may see movement in the mare's vagina and movement of the vulva without fluid coming before the CA membrane is seen. The movement is the foal's legs inside the membrane and it struggles due to asphyxia. Then the red CA with the cervical star on it bulges out. The star is white because it is the portion of the placenta that was up against the cervix, so no red villi form on it. Placental villi only form when the placenta is in contact with the uterus. The CA feels like a sac of fluid, and if you press hard on it you will usually be able to feel the foal's parts inside the sac. Immediate intervention is required because the CA membrane normally provides the foal with oxygen during delivery, but it can't do that if it is detached. If the foal is deprived of oxygen it may perish or have abnormal behaviour, what we call a maladjusted or 'dummy' foal'."
Intervention in cases of red bag involves cutting the placenta open and getting the foal out as quickly as possible to allow it to start breathing. Care must be taken not to cut the foal or the mare, but if you are careful and expeditious, the foal can often be saved, even by someone with little experience. Of course, if the foal is malpositioned, which is not uncommon in red bag deliveries, it will require a more experienced hand to right the situation in a timely manner.
The causes of red bag vary, but in most cases, the cause is never known. "We know that older mares are predisposed to the condition," says Dr. Card, "and older mares are considered higher risk pregnancies and deliveries in general, just as older women are. Infections of the placenta (placentitis) that cause it to thicken or toughen are another cause, and the infection may spread into the foal so it is too sick to get into the right position to be born. Exposure to the toxic endophyte products found in some fescue grass and hay are associated with the problem because they massively thicken the placenta." Unfortunately, a mare that has had one red bag delivery is more likely to have another, with some mares having them year after year.
In these and other types of dystocia, the best case scenario is to have a veterinarian present, but in reality, it is sometimes not possible to get a vet out in time to save a struggling mare and/or her foal. If you are inexperienced with such situations, a knowledgeable friend or neighbor can be your greatest asset. As Dr. Card says, "I strongly encourage people to set up a phoning tree when they have a mare due to foal. Make sure they have someone who is knowledgeable available, and be prepared to transport the mare for help if needed." She also encourages people to watch foaling videos so that they know what to look for, and recommends the use of some kind of foaling monitor or camera to help ensure that you will be alerted to and present at the birth. She cautions, however, that foaling monitors on the vulva may not help with red bag deliveries. "I advise people to use milk strip tests because they are a quick and easy way to determine which three days they need to check their mares very closely. The milk strips detect ion changes in the prefoaling mammary secretion (calcium and magnesium increase) that are a sign foaling is impending. If you catch your mare sweating behind the elbows, restless, dripping or streaming milk, stand by."
Laurie Takoff recommends that people get as much education as possible to prepare them for what can happen. "Many vet clinics offer foaling clinics or mare care and foaling classes, and if you're very lucky you might live near a college or university that offers weekend courses. I highly recommend these! Most veterinarians have favourite pre- and post-foaling mare care literature and many of them offer to put together kits to help new mare owners be prepared. Seeking the advice and knowledge of experienced mare owners and breeders can also prove quite fruitful."
It is important to remember that while intervention is sometimes necessary in a foaling, an inexperienced person can cause serious harm to both mare and foal by doing the wrong thing, or even by doing the right thing but at the wrong time or in the wrong way. As Takoff says, "I've seen and heard all kinds of problems over the years, and unless you know what to do, then getting in there to 'help' is often times just as damaging as doing nothing. Pulling the foal out can cause damage, and while some folks try to get the mare up to walk her, in many cases that can cause problems too. Unfortunately, waiting for the vet can be a death ticket, so sometimes all you can do is pray."
Ultimately, if you are located in an area where experienced help is not readily available and your vet is more than a few minutes away, you may want to consider boarding your pregnant mare at a clinic or other facility that offers qualified, specialized care. While it may cost you a few hundred dollars, the peace of mind of knowing that your mare and foal will be in good hands should a problem present itself is well worth it.


text:
"If it was about the money, I wouldn't be here. I went from a high six-figure salary to just getting by." Dominick Fioresi is explaining the allure of a two-year apprenticeship at Linden Vineyards in Fauquier County. He's now in his second year after a 15-year career in Internet technology. "I was looking to learn from the master. I did my homework. Jim is very passionate about the winemaking. With Jim, it's all about the wine, and I was going to learn from the Number One winemaker on the East Coast, bar none."
Apprentices Dominick Fioresi, left, and Jonathan Weber join wine master Jim Law, right, on the porch at Linden Vineyards. "Looking at a bigger scale," says Law, "this apprenticeship is something that's been lost. We're not craftsmen anymore. Now we're focused on getting higher degrees and it's not applicable to everything."
The Jim in question is Jim Law, legendary back-to-the-lander, borderline curmudgeon, and much-admired hero in Virginia winemaking. As another pioneer has told me, "I never had a bottle of his wine I didn't love."
After years of classroom teaching, the advent of the highly selective apprenticeship program (only two apprentices at any given time—and they must commit to staying in the Virginia industry) seems inevitable for Law, a champion of old-fashioned values and purity in winemaking. Where winemaking has joined the league of the credentialed, spawning college courses, certificates and advanced degrees, Law believes in a hands-on training sequence that starts with apprentices, moves through journeymen, and results in masters (among which, after 30 years of winemaking, he rightly counts himself). "I taught for decades and found it frustrating that people who had an intensive 16 hours in the classroom thought they knew it. There was no evolution. And they produced pretty mediocre wines.
"I think you have to have a deeper understanding," he adds.
Thoughtfulness is a watchword for Law, who prizes (and makes!) wines that are "intellectual, long-lived and pair well with foods." Indeed, on the afternoon I visited Law and his pair of apprentices—Jonathan Weber was three weeks in, at that point—they took their seats at a well-appointed yet modest table for the daily 4 o'clock "blending trial." The atmosphere became nearly convent-like at one stage, as four Petit Verdots—candidates to fill out the mid-palate of the 2009 Hardscrabble Red— were blind sampled. "In order to taste objectively, you need to be quiet and taste under the same conditions," Law said.
While he may not be unique in his seriousness of purpose as a winemaker or even his aversion to additives in the winemaking process, Law is in the minority among Virginia winery owners in keeping his operation closed to weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, whathaveyous. The sign at the bottom of his hilly road, situated in some of the most beautiful countryside your urban narrator has ever enjoyed, states "No buses, no limos, no groups larger than six." Looking for a party? Head up the road a stretch.
But for those seeking a serious wine experience, Linden is a magnet. "This is very soulful, very healthy," says Fioresi, despite the fact that his work has included, besides obsessively tending to 22 acres of vineyard and racking wine in the tank room, "taking the trash to the dump and changing a toilet seat." He adds that he's been surprised to discover—first-hand, of course—the degree to which you have to mind the details in a vineyard and winery. "I don't think half the people realize the work it takes to be successful," he says.
Characteristically, Law eschews a formal application process. He relies on word of mouth to find apprentices. He asks for a letter about a prospect's interests, including what wines he or she likes. He even claims that he wouldn't mind if the answer were Yellow Tail, "as long as they can say why."