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What's New at Independent Can
Independent Can Looking Forward
The year 2019 was a year of learning to understand the rapidly changing world around us and how we must change the way we approach manufacturing in the United States.
In the past, nearly all nations were moving towards globalization and virtually open borders. In the past 3 years the world has moved towards nationalization and rewriting all trade relationships.
Businesses build strategy plans that look out 2-4 years based upon a crystal ball that is, at best, cloudy. The recent past and the expectations for the future are based upon modest or trending governmental change. When radical changes are imposed like the tariffs of 2018, the effects could not have been forecasted.
The biggest challenge for manufacturers is finding young people that want to develop trade skills such as: machinists, mechanics, tool and dies development, electricians, printing press operators and more. Each of these trades require 3-4-year apprenticeships and then on the job learning to be considered skilled. The pay for these jobs begins in the $18-$20 per hour range and can reach the low $30s per hours very quickly. The skills mentioned here are in such demand that once an individual achieves a strong skilled trade certification they will never want for employment as the demand will be strong for years to come.
Most parents want their children to go to college believing this is the only way to achieve a respectable and well-paying career. Today, there are more college graduates that will never be able to pay back their college loans while those having developed trade skills have been paid to achieve their certifications and have ZERO education debt.
What is Independent Can Company (ICC) doing to prepare for the future economic realities?
- Two years ago, we installed an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP): this system touches every part of the business. Order entry drives demand from material sourcing to shipping goods on time every time.
- This has been a huge learning process which now is beginning to pay us back for the pain that the transition has caused us and our customers.
- We have invested more than 2 million dollars a year on process automation to lower processing costs and to increase speed to market
- Automatic packaging systems, automatic guided vehicles (fork trucks without drivers), camera systems to inspect finished product quality, etc.
- We have reduced overhead, flattening the leadership and reducing complexity.
ICC has just finished our 90th year in business and now look forward to the next milestone of 100 years as a family owned business. The changes and the learning we have experienced over the past 3 years have been very painful but have also positioned ICC to be the leader in specialty can making in North America.
We want to thank all of our very dedicated and skilled employees and all of our customers that have supported our business over the years. We ask all employees and customers to continue to challenge us to provide the highest quality work environment and the highest quality metal packaging.
Thank you
Rick Huether
President and CEO
2019 – A Year of Challenges and Progress
When you watch the news today, you might think the world is going in strange directions. This is challenging for all of us.
Over the years, business has learned to deal with globalization and open markets around the world and have designed their strategies around the current demands and challenges. As of 1 – 2 years ago the world began to change in a direction that requires all businesses to adjust their strategies.
This year Independent Can Company is celebrating our 90th year making specialty tins. We are proud to say that we have thrived through the good times and the tough times and today we are working hard adjusting to the current global and local challenges.
In previous articles that I have written I have noted many of the investments and projects we have taken on and I feel very positive about how many of these strategies are now beginning to come to fruition.
Some of the challenges:
- Growth– As a company our focus was never on growth as we knew that if we took care of our customers they would take care of us. Referrals and developing a strong reputation as a reliable supplier has been our guide.
- Several years ago, we found our growth had reached a point where we needed a full ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning system) to help manage the business as long term, talented personnel could not manage the old fashion way with the breadth of the markets and product we now serve.
- In 2018 and early 2019 we suffered from the ERP not providing the data needed to service our customers. Now we have made huge improvements and it is functioning as an asset and not a liability.
- Rebuilding trust and reliability – We disappointed a number of customers on service in the past 18 months. This year, we have many of the tools we need to truly begin to rebuild the quality in service and communications. We are not perfect yet, however, we are on the right track
- Growth– As a company our focus was never on growth as we knew that if we took care of our customers they would take care of us. Referrals and developing a strong reputation as a reliable supplier has been our guide.
- The complexity of making specialty tin is enormous, with a mixture of short run custom work, seasonal demand that is unpredictable and a huge array of products.
- Tariffs– This has been the biggest curve ball presented to us since 2008's recession. A little background:
- Historically we have bought nearly 100% domestic steel. Over the past 10 years the reliability and quality of the domestic mills has become significantly worse, with many quality claims, causing domestic suppliers to be disqualified for supply.
- Domestic deliveries 10 years ago were nearly always on time have now dropped to less than 25% on time.
- The tariffs imposed by the US Government were 25% and when this was done it did not take long for the US Mills to raise their prices to just below the overseas pricing.
- The lead time for domestic steel for re-qualification has been much longer than expected, at times 8-10 months depending on the application, consequently returning to locally produced sheets will take a long time.
- We would like to buy all steel domestically as we believe in Made in America and we are a domestic manufacturer. We buy based upon the following criterion: Quality, Service (on time delivery) and Price.
- Market Pricing for cans: The economy has been strong but the pressure on pricing has also been strong: costs have increased and no one will accept higher prices: margins have suffered badly.
- Domestic and Global Economies: Due to Nationalistic trends around the world and tariffs imposed to protect home markets, global growth is slowing.
- What does this mean to the can industry and steel related industries?
- Steel cost "should" moderate in 2020
- The can companies in the USA have not recovered the higher cost the tariffs imposed, consequently, when steel moderates, can prices will not necessarily follow the downward trend in the near term.
- What is Independent Can Company doing?
- We have the finest lithography capability in North America and now we will have more apprenticeships to prepare for the future skills needed.
- We have automation processes being installed in each of our 5 manufacturing plants that will reduce labor cost, speed up throughput and improve quality. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV's), Automatic packaging systems, the integration of processes etc.
- Our ERP staff is coming out with new and improved reports daily for data collection that will make our plants more effective.
- Plastic Packaging- Finally the world is recognizing that plastic are maybe our most destructive environmental disaster in the past century.As good as plastics are for many applications steel–based packaging could perform equal to or better than plastics and is 100% recyclable without loosing any of its properties.
- Plastics only have a life extension and will end up in a landfill or the oceans and they are not fully recyclable
- Many of the global consumer product companies have committed to significantly reducing the use of plastics and returning to sustainable materials: steel and paper in the next 5-10 years.
- What does this mean to the can industry and steel related industries?
I want to thank you for reading this article and please know we are working very hard to be your supplier of choice and earning your respect and your business through Quality, On Time Deliver and Competitive Pricing.
National Dog Day the Gilchrist Way!
President and CEO of Independent Can Company, Rick Huether, and his companion, Lexi, were featured in the Gilchrist Hospice Care National Dog Day Celebration. Lexi is a 13-month-old golden doodle and therapy dog. Rick has been volunteering with Gilchrist for some time now and this year, obtained certification for Lexi to visit patients with him.
Rick joined the Board of Directors at Gilchrist in 2009 but wanted to do more – to give back. He began participating in the work of visiting with hospice patients at Gilchrist. Now that Lexi has joined him, it is an even more comforting experience for the patients at the Gilchrist Center Towson and Gilchrist Center Baltimore. "Having Lexi with me seems to make the patients and families more comfortable than if I were to walk into a room by myself as a volunteer," Rick says. "As soon as someone lays eyes on Lexi, I'm invisible. Lexi can easily do the 'talking' for me. Especially when a patient is not able to communicate verbally, Lexi's presence at their bedside is all they need." Read the full story.
Lexi also accompanies Rick to work each day and her exuberance brightens up the sales office. She comes prancing around to each cubical to greet everyone when she arrives in the morning. We know how great it is when you are having a stressful day interrupted by her warm and humorous antics.
Photos and article courtesy of Gilchrist Hospice Care Inc.
Independent Can Company is Part of The Kennedy Space Center History
On July 20, 2019, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing. Events were scheduled for this momentous occasion from the 12th to the 24th of July.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) partnered with Independent Can and Chattanooga Bakery to create a commemorative tin to be given to visitors and VIP guest at all of the week long events including the Apollo 11 Historic Launch Flashback, Giant Leaps: Past and Future, One Giant Leap Apollo Moon Landing celebration and Welcome Home Apollo 11 Splashdown Event. They were also featured at gift shops throughout the KSCVC and at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Collectible pins were designed to celebrate the launch, landing, splash down and 50th Anniversary. Bronze statues of the Apollo 11 crew were unveiled at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The One Giant Leap Moon Landing event featured one of the world's largest MoonPies, decorated with the Apollo 50th logo, provided by Chattanooga Bakery of Tennessee.
Using photos and graphics provided by NASA and the MoonPie logo provided by Chattanooga Bakery, Kait Bischoff, from Independent Can's marketing department, designed a 50th anniversary tin for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. It is our 4-3/4 drawn X 1-1/4" drawn can and was filled with a chocolate single-decker MoonPie.
Our tins, an Apollo 11 50th Anniversary brochure and the commemorative pins were part of the gift bags given to visitors and VIP guests at all of the events. The MoonPie Apollo 50th tin will be part of The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex history. We tout the tin can as a collectible item that may increase in value over time. This made a decorative tin the perfect choice.
The Moon Landing, 50 years ago, was a human achievement but also an American accomplishment. Over the years, 450,000 people have made space exploration possible and with it, advancements in science and technology. More than 400 employees come together at Independent Can along with investments in technology to bring quality products to our customers. It was an honor for our American company (est.1929) to work with an American bakery (est.1917), on a specialty package for the US space program's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing. We are part of history.
See the cans being made! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojKwY2WR84E&t=19s
I am writing this article as we approach the end of the second quarter '19. It is hard to believe that we are nearly halfway through this year.
We have a couple more weeks before we wrap up our slower time of year and enter our busiest time of the year. The first 5 months of 2019 have been better than the first half of 2018 in each of the can plants, although lithography sales have been down with our outside customers.
Our focus for 2019 is as follows:
Provide Outstanding Customer service
Being the Employer of Choice
Continuing to build long term Financial Strength
Outstanding Customer service-
2018 was a challenging year for Independent Can due in a great part as a result of our ERP (Enterprise Resource Program) not performing as we had designed and planned. Over the past 30 years we have installed a number of systems that would be called an ERP but in reality they were glorified financial packages with a MRP (Materials Resource Planning) package.
The system that we have invested in this time, CSI (Cloud Suite Industrial), is a fully integrates system that allows total transparency from order entry to shipping the final product shipment. This system will schedule production processes so that all components are available when needed on the can assembly lines.
We have come a long way in employee training and reporting processes. I have worked in our family business for 44 years and must say that this has been the most difficult project this company has ever undertaken.
Why did we go this direction and why now? Very good question.
- In 2014, we had an outstanding year except for the fact that we over sold our capacity to manage the complexity and the diversity of the products we were asked to deliver. We had plenty of machine capacity although we delivered orders late.
- In 2013, we recognized that our most knowledgeable and tenured employees were approaching retirement and we had to back fill talent from outside of our industry. The people we have hired are talented and skilled although they needed to learn our products and our customer's needs.
- We now have talented associates that are learning who and what we are. We have begun giving them the electronic tools to be successful.
Employer of Choice-
Today, our economy is operating at full employment which means anyone that wants a job has a job. We provide all employees a track with many options and career paths. Through apprenticeships for electricians, mechanics, printing press operators, etc., we have significant number of high paying jobs available today.
- Having a defined career path
- Having apprenticeships in various disciplines
- Living in the part of the country in which a person desires to locate (5 Manufacturing locations)
- Having state-of-the-art technology at their finger tips
- Being employed in a business where one can make a difference and not just be a number
We have employee engagement surveys and have had open discussions with them about what they want in their work day world and we are striving to deliver their requests.
From the data we have collected, turnover has slowed and the hiring of talent has become less difficult. People want to work where investments are being made in technology throughout the business.
Long Term Financial Strength-
Independent Can Company has always invested in equipment and talent with a long term view of the business.
Today, it is very difficult to forecast the future with our government changing the rules on globalization and the free flow of goods around the world. TARIFFS: I will not go into all of the challenges tariffs have caused although the administration has force steel costs up 25%. To service our customers well, we will continue to buy our steel based on the following this criterion: Quality, Service (on time delivery), and Price.
To offset increased costs of steel, we are investing in more manufacturing automation: robots, centralized production, centers of excellence and more effective processing plans which the new ERP is designed to provide.
The Environment–
Unless you live in a cave, you have heard about all of the plastic ending up in our oceans and landfills. To date, I have not heard of a plastic material that is truly biodegradable and those that claim that they are biodegradable require a special process. Additionally, the "biodegradable" plastics cannot go into the single stream recycling process as they contaminate other plastics, therefore end up in the landfill. Plastics companies claim their products can be recycled and what they are really saying is that there are applications for second and third uses of plastics. In reality, 100% of plastic material will either end up in a furnace (causing damage to the atmosphere), landfill (covers our natural land with garbage) or in the oceans (into our food chain through seafood).
Cans, whether they are steel or aluminum, are recycled at an ever-increasing rate and are reprocessed into new first-quality materials. This happens with no loss of material properties. If metal cans do end up in a landfill or in the ocean, they will rust away back into the environment in years, not hundreds of years.
Please think of our environment first and choose products that are packaged responsibly. #MetalPackagingNow
Independent Can Participates in Grand Re-Opening of Port Discovery
Port Discovery children's Museum had its Grand Re-Opening on June 14, 2019
On June 14, 2019, Port Discovery's children's museum had its Grand Re-Opening. It was a special day of fun for families as they explored 3 floors of amazing and fun attractions for children. Port Discovery's mission is to educate children and inspire life-long curiosity. They create a safe environment for "child-driven, playful learning".
Independent Can was thrilled to participate in this event by creating the commemorative tins for the occasion. Our digital printing capabilities allow for a fully customized, printed can without placing a large order.
Independent Can owners, Mac and Cathy McClelland, attended the press event. We are thrilled to be a part of these kinds of commemorations. The tins were used as part of the centerpieces at each table! Having a printed can as part of the celebration makes a lasting memory.
Independent Can Company Captures Print Excellence Awards
Independent Can Company has again been recognized for excellence in print quality by the International Metal Decorating and Packaging Association (IMDPA) at its annual conference in May. Each year the IMDPA recognizes the skillful achievements of metal decorators. Independent Can Company, for many consecutive years, has won the prestigious "Award of Excellence" and "Best of Category" in Specialty Packaging, as well as Signs and Displays.
This year's award for "Best of Category" was ICC's first in Digital Printing. The design, "Bundled Up", is from ICC's year-round stock decorative tin program. High quality digital printing enables extension of current programs and speed to market for branding opportunities.
In the fall of 2016 Independent Can added to its printing and can making capabilities with the acquisition of The Ball Corporation's specialty can division in Baltimore, MD, Steeltin. This acquisition was a continuation of the strategic growth initiatives that have made ICC successful for 90 years.
What's New at Independent Can – Winter 2019
As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2019, we have had time to reflect on the past year and to establish goals and plans for 2019.
2018 was a challenging year with many issues that were very rare occurrences:
- Import tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
- The installation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP)
- An economy that provides the quality worker an opportunity to change jobs easily
Another challenge for our country is an aging work force leading to a high level of very skilled workers retiring and a population of young people coming out of high school looking to work in technology and not in manufacturing as a career path.
The challenge for manufacturers is that the United States has a tremendous opportunity to grow manufacturing domestically which is the first time in nearly 25 years.
We want you know what we are doing to address these challenges and how we believe we will thrive in the future.
- Tariffs: We are working through the Administration's policies, to a great extent, although we have been very vocal advocates publicly in the press.
- As a company we testified before Ways and Means Committee in Congress and have received 11 exemptions from the import duties. This has helped to average the impact of the higher costs down however costs still have increased.
- Pricing globally has stabilized although at a higher cost.
- Global supply is also stable which has resulted in Tin Plate being readily available.
- We have brought in additional inventories of steel allowing for more flexibility in responding to customer needs.
- Installation of a new ERP System: Independent Can has a very diverse product offering manufactured in 5 plants strategically located in the USA. We needed a sophisticated system to help schedule processes and to keep track of work in process.
- The system was installed over a 24 month period and the last plant to go live was Belcamp. When this was done, the overall complexity of the largest plant caused huge problems in both scheduling and transparency of work in process. We failed to service our most important customers and we know it.
- Today we have a new team managing the system and are absolutely focused on correcting the issues that plagued us in 2018.
- Why did we install this system? Our company has been successful because we have had for many years very skilled, dedicated long term can makers that grew up with the business although they are now retiring. We have lost many individuals that had, in their brains, all of our tribal knowledge which made the business work without a complex computer system's assistance. To grow and thrive we need systems to help the newer employees.
- Manufacturing slip cover tins for both stock designs and custom –
11 – round diameters and 6 tapered
45 – irregular shapes (square, octagon, rectangle, oval, cut corner ETC)
35 – 2 piece drawn slip cover and continuous threaded and interrupted thread
40+ – different closures and nozzles for various applications
Military tins
- 2. Lithography –
Belcamp – 2 Metalstar lines (4 and 6 color), 1 Crabtree (2 color) and 3 thermal coaters
Vandalia – 1 Metalstar line (6 color) and 1 thermal coater
- The economy has been growing since 2010 and now almost everyone that wants to work is working. Along with this, if there are any exceptional workers in your business they are being recruited.
- What are we doing to help retain and hire the culturally aligned Associates?
- Employer of Choice-
- Flexible work schedules are offered in most plants and are also being developed where there are more challenging customer demands
- Improved a 401K match program
- Evaluated all wage rates to make sure we are competitive in all skills
- Career path development along with apprentice programs
- Technology-
- Today most young people coming to manufacturing directly from High School or College do not want to get their hands dirty. Associates are managing more systems then manual labor.
- CAD – systems
- CNC – mills and lathes
- Robotic packaging system
- Computer skills training
- Today most young people coming to manufacturing directly from High School or College do not want to get their hands dirty. Associates are managing more systems then manual labor.
- Employer of Choice-
We have a lot of challenges although we have even more opportunities for new and exciting metal packaging options today than we have had in many years.
I want to thank all of our very important customers and also to apologize for our performance in 2018 and assure everyone that we are razor focused on every customer, every day.
Thank you and never hesitate to call any of our sales personnel, or even me, if you have a problem or an opportunity.
Rick Huether
President and CEO
Packaging Innovation
Packaging Suppliers Are the Innovators
Recently, I was in a restaurant, famous for crabs and casual dining. It was an average crab house but their presentation of food was memorable. The french fries were in miniature deep fryer baskets. The crab cakes were served in crab shell shaped dishes. Everyone at the table took pictures of the food. Their containers created a buzz and made the visit memorable. It was a topic of conversation when others asked what we thought of the experience.
It benefits a company to come across with a presentation that is seen as clever or creative. It shows thought about the customer experience. In this visual and social media world, people want to see something different.
A recent article in Packaging World Magazine entitled Cracking Open Packaging Innovation, stated that most packaging innovation comes from the packaging suppliers. "With probable bias, I've learned over the years that Consumer Packaged Goods innovations often originate at the packaging supplier. CPG brands have serious struggles innovating. If they change up their product, it's no longer the same product. Change Heineken's formula, and it's no longer Heineken. Since CPGs can't necessarily change the product, their packaging is prime for makeover after makeover. When brands don't have a stream of new packaging ideas coming their way, they start to beat down on price. And you can't blame them; if they can't implement fresh ideas, they'll spend their time pounding on costs. Feed them great ideas, and you'll get to drive that part of the discussion," writes
"Some of the best examples of packaging innovation are those that address unarticulated consumer needs by offering greater functionality and enjoyment of existing products."
Packaging mittens in a coffee can, with a graphic showing mittens holding a coffee mug, could be just different enough to prompt a purchase. The marriage of two ordinary, existing products create this packaging innovation. Independent Can has partnered with our customers in developing creative packaging solutions for nearly 90 years.
Independent Can Company Headquarters SQF2 Certified
Independent Can is pleased to announce the operation of its second SQF2 certified facility by The Safe Quality Food Institute. The Belcamp, Maryland headquarters and main manufacturing facility received its certification on July 27th, 2018. The Vandalia, Ohio facility was certified earlier this year.
The SQFI verifies that our systems have been properly validated and demonstrate continuous monitoring procedures. SQF is globally recognized by retailers and foodservice providers. SQF benefits extend to our customers that are pursuing their own certification.
Level 2 SQF Certification, known as the "Certified HACCP-Based Food Safety Plan", incorporates all of the Level 1 requirements, including Good Manufacturing and Distribution Practices as well as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points risk assessment and implementation. SQF Certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It guarantees a higher level of trust and acceptance in our global marketplace.
In 2018, Independent Can is on track to meet its goal of SQF2 Certification for all facilities in which food-contact packaging is manufactured, including our Fort Madison, IA facility. For decades, Independent Can, through its own best practices, has met the high standards for food-contact packaging including food-safe materials, inks and coatings, as well as safe handling practices. This Certification will provide us with additional documentation of our efforts for the assurance of our customers.View Certificate
Plastic and Steel in the News
Enough Plastic Bashing?
Almost weekly, there is a new story about plastic pollution. Most recently, we have read about the war on plastic straws. Enough plastic bashing, right?
Since plastic first became part of the American landscape, people have valued it for its light weight durability and affordability. It still has its place. Temporary or secondary plastic packaging may have one additional life after recycling before its final destination – the landfill or the ocean.
Being a manufacturer of 100% recyclable steel packaging, we thought we knew all of the facts about competitive packaging such as glass, paper and plastic. Just this week, CBS News featured a report called Piling Up; Drowning in a Sea of Plastic, regarding the current crisis in plastic recycling. The plastic industry is working to make plastics more recyclable or biodegradable but public education and access to commercial recycling facilities for the new plastics may take many years.
Here is what we learned:
- US recycling centers will only process plastics with few contaminants.
- Contaminated plastic (labeled or containing foreign materials) was purchased by China but as of January, 2018, the Chinese government stopped taking it
- Small US recycling centers are closing due to slowing down their production and increasing processing to remove contaminants.
Many US companies are touting their conversion from other packaging to plastic as a sustainability move. There are so many factors considered when claiming to be "green", that a company can convert to a plastic or combination plastic item and claim a carbon footprint reduction. This is due to shipping material that is lighter in weight. That doesn't mean less plastics in oceans and landfills. Watch the CBS report and learn more.
Although steel has been in the news because of tariffs recently imposed, it is a great value in all categories. Steel is promotional, collectible, recyclable, reusable and biodegradable.
Tariffs on Steel:
I want to begin my comments on the tariffs that the United States Commerce Department have imposed to let every reader know that I am passionate about this topic and have a strong personal and a professional opinion.
Over the years technology and communications have moved global and at this point we have no chance to slow down this process. Those that try to change the path towards globalization are fighting the tide, wind and weather, which is an impossible task.
As a country we may have negotiated poor deals with many other countries, and I believe that most people would agree with this. It is easy to understand that any agreement made between any two parties need to be revised, over time, due to unexpected consequences as a result of changes in technology, demographics and economic dynamics.
Tariffs on imported Steel- I want to be clear. I am specifically interested in Tinplate. Tinplate is very thin gauge flat rolled steel with an electro coated surface of tin. Tinplate was developed as a corrosion resistant surface for cans used for the preservation of food products.
Steel is 100% recyclable and can be used in any steel application without losing its strength or characteristics.
Today the can industry has evolved in many directions:
- Beer & Beverage Cans- Almost all containers for these products are made from aluminum
- General Line Cans- (Paints, Chemical, Aerosol) These cans are mostly made from tinplate with surface coatings and printed surfaces
- Sanitary Cans- {fruit and many vegetables (corn, peas, soups etc.)} These cans are made from Tinplate and a steel called TFS (tin free steel).
- Specialty Cans- (popcorn, candy, coffee, tea, cosmetics etc.) Nearly 100% of these cans are made with tinplate.
General Line and Sanitary cans use tinplate because it is required for the long term protection and security of the products packaged. There is no better package to secure these products than steel.
- Plastics are making inroads although this generally is a price driven issue and not the long term security of the product packaged.
- Plastics ultimately end up in landfills or the oceans posing environmental problems.
Specialty Cans- It is truly hard to define a specialty can other than it is a can that the largest can makers tend to no longer want to manufacture. The reason that the large can companies do not want to make them is that the volume or market demand is small requiring short runs and many changeovers.
Tinplate Globally: Steel companies around the world make tinplate. Tinplate as a product line is only about 3% of global steel production. No integrated steel company has tinplate as their primary product nor could they survive producing only tinplate.
- In the United States, currently, as a country we only produce approximately 57% of the tinplate required by all can makers in the USA.
- If all can companies in the USA bought from domestic steel companies and they had the capacity to produce the quality, coil sizes needed and could deliver on time, this would only add about 2% to the primary steel production.
Would Independent Can Company like to buy 100% domestic Tinplate? The answer is absolutely YES.
- Why don't we buy 100% domestic?
- Up until about 2007 we bought 90% domestic- why did we go overseas?
- We buy on the following basis:
- Quality- We need steel that performs through our processes as well as the surface appearance.
- Service- We need to have delivery of ordered steel to arrive on time, as promised by our suppliers
- Price- We need globally competitive raw materials to compete in a global market place
- Domestic Steel supply:
- Quality: Due to lack of investment the US steel companies have not kept up with the demands of the latest equipment requirements for steel performance: coil width, temper control, surface quality
- Service: on time delivery: 2016 18% on time, 2017 12% on time and 2018 year to date 18% on time
- Price: We have been able to purchase from Europe at a slight price advantage with steel arriving on time and the quality has been near perfection.
- We buy on the following basis:
- Up until about 2007 we bought 90% domestic- why did we go overseas?
Independent Can has submitted about 40 requests for exemptions for the tin plate we need to manage our business. As of the writing of this article we have no disposition for or against these exemption requests.
- The USA steel producers need 1-2 years to upgrade their facilities to be competitive and this is information from our domestic suppliers.
- We have asked our domestic steel suppliers to support a 2 year exemption while they prepare to be competitive so we do not lose domestic users of tin cans. Once we lose a customer to overseas production, they may never come back and that may result in a permanent loss of jobs. The steel companies have refused to support any exemption. Very short term thinking.
- We have joined forces with CMI (Can Manufacturer Institute) and are participating in many organized lobbying efforts as well as individual outreach to local governmental officials who have been very supportive.
As a specialty can maker we are proud that we have been able to thrive in a very competitive market place. Many of our competitors have closed their plants and have moved to the importation of tins. We remain focused on Made in the USA solutions as being demanded by many of our year round customers that are supportive of investment. We have great employees that are both talented and skilled. We have invested in the finest equipment that will allow us to meet our customers' needs and demands for quality containers at globally competitive prices.
We thank our customers for their loyalty and their understanding in these trying times. Please call and ask questions.
We are working hard to get the message out: (Please see the video interviews)
Voice of American – Impact of Steel Tariffs
Independent Can Wins IMDA Award of Excellence
Independent Can Company Captures Print Excellence Awards
Independent Can Company was again recognized for excellence in print quality by the International Metal Decorator's Association (IMDA). The award was presented to Independent Can Company at their annual conference held this May. Each year the IMDA conducts a quality contest with entries from around the world, to recognize the skillful achievements of metal lithographers. Independent Can Company, for many consecutive years, has won the prestigious "Award of Excellence" and "Best of Category" in Specialty Packaging, as well as Signs and Displays.
The "Award of Excellence" was in the Miscellaneous category for Signs and Displays for the printing of the "Great Retrievers" metal sign, by Ducks Unlimited, produced for Desperate Enterprises.
Over the past decade Independent Can has invested heavily in the latest printing equipment specifically designed for high definition printing on metal. The company has two strategically located metal decorating facilities and technical experts to direct these highly specialized print operations. "No specialty packaging company in North America can match our quality or capacity in metal lithography," said President and CEO, Rick Huether.
Independent Can Operating SQF2 Certified Plant
Independent Can is pleased to announce that its Vandalia, Ohio facility has now been SQF2 certified by The Safe Quality Food Institute. The SQFI verifies that our systems have been properly validated and demonstrate continuous monitoring procedures. SQF is globally recognized by retailers and foodservice providers. SQF benefits extend to our customers that are pursuing their own certification.
Level 2 SQF Certification, known as the "Certified HACCP-Based Food Safety Plan", incorporates all of the Level 1 requirements, including Good Manufacturing and Distribution Practices as well as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points risk assessment and implementation. SQF Certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It guarantees a higher level of trust and acceptance in our global marketplace.
In 2018, Independent Can is pursuing SQF2 Certification for all facilities in which food-contact packaging is manufactured. That will be followed by our Conneaut facility in early 2019. For decades, Independent Can, through its own best practices, has met the high standards for food-contact packaging including food-safe materials, inks and coatings, as well as safe handling practices. This Certification will provide us with additional documentation of our efforts for the assurance of our customers.
Plastic Pollution is a Global Problem – Think Tin!
Plastic Last Forever – Tin Recycles Infinitely
The image above is not all that uncommon – plastic pollution. As a matter of fact, there is an island of floating plastic named Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) that is approximately 600,000 square miles according to a recent study. It is 3 times the size of the State of Texas. Read more
Plastic, if recyclable at all, is down-cycled, with its second life being the last before the landfill. Every piece of plastic that has ever been made is still here in some form or another. Although the plastic industry is working hard on bio-plastics and bio-polymers, they cannot be combined with curb-side recycling and they contaminate the existing plastic recycling stream. There are not enough commercial facilities nor is there consumer education. While everyone is familiar with #1, #2 and #5, what do you do with a #7? Plastic can only broadly claim an extended life cycle and reduction in fossil fuels due to their light weight.
Steel, on the other hand, can be recycled, time and time again, to make new steel for reuse without loss of quality. Steel is also biodegradable. It separates from the waste stream by a magnet. Cans made from steel never have to end up in the ocean or landfill.
There is more to the sustainability story of the steel can. It extends our food harvest time and keeps food fresh and free of contaminants for a year without refrigeration. Canned food, coffee, nuts and other items are packed at the peak of freshness so they also is packed at their nutrient peaks. Making food portable and in a container that is heat and fracture resistant has helped to feed people throughout the world! Choose tin!
Nostalgic Tin Cans
Everything Old is New Again
So many new package designs are reaching back to previous eras to create a nostalgic or vintage look. Real vintage tins can bring a hefty price but people and businesses love them for their homes and establishments. Collectible package with a nostalgic image is appealing to all ages. Our CEO likes to call this trend "contemporary nostalgia".
Recently, Virginia Diner teamed up with Curtis Publishing and offered their peanuts in a tin decorated with Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post artwork, featuring among others Rockwell's famous "Runaway" and "Soda Jerk" images. In 2017, The Virginia Diner partnered with the Norman Rockwell Family Agency in honoring our American heroes. They sponsored Fisher House Foundation and donated 10% of the sales of their Americana Snack Mix.
Watch how it call comes together at the Virginia Diner. The peanuts are baked fresh right in the restaurant!
The Importance of Digital Printing in Package Design Testing
Often, a brand will introduce a new package design and their sales will increase. The redesign makes they product look as if it has improved or is more attention-getting. There are also times when a package design can alienate a loyal customer because the brand identity has become synonymous with the product. How can companies avoid the risks without missing opportunities to increase sales? Digital printing is the answer.
Online marketers need to select the right key words in order to rank in digital advertising. Using a number of different key words and text ads to see which perform better, is key to spending your budget efficiently while learning of the best way to get your customer's attention. If buyers had the opportunity to introduce several new package designs into the marketplace at the same time, it would be easier to gauge customer impact. Digital printing allows for smaller minimums and speed to market. If an item is taking off, reruns can be done quickly while the decision to introduce the new packaging on a larger scale is in the works.
Brand Packaging Magazine recently wrote about this topic. "A product packaging is essentially the "face" of the product, it's critical to test the packaging with consumers before the product launch to ensure it fits with their needs and aspirations." Read the full article.
A limited edition would also be a great test, while at the same time, a promotional opportunity. Hoopers Island Oyster Company used a digitally printed decorative pail as a Limited Edition Heritage Tin to promote their delectable oysters. Ask your sales representative about our new digital capabilities.
What's New at Independent Can – Fall 2017
September 2017
2017 is flying by. As we enter September we are now in the busiest time of the year for decorative tins both promotional and gift and I can assure you that we have been preparing for this busy season since January of this year.
What's going on?
- Decorative tins: This is a very seasonal business.
- Lithography is working very long hours to make sure that we are able to meet the expectations of our customers.
- 3 of our manufacturing plants produce decorative tins (Belcamp, MD, Vandalia, OH and Ft Madison, IA) and they are all working long hours and weekends to fulfill the orders that are on the books
- It appears that the retail markets are working later this year then we have experienced in the past consequently we are required to produce orders with shorter lead times.
- The good news is that we have added more lines in all 3 plants for flexibility and on two lines; we have doubled our through put (units per hour). These investments are a direct result of the acquisition of the Ball Corp plant in Baltimore, MD.
- Industrial tins: This is a very level business throughout the year.
- 2017 has been a good year as the economy has been strong and the products that we supply to these markets are absolutely tied to how strong business is in America, Canada and Mexico.
- The acquisition of the Ball Corp Plant in Baltimore has also added significant capacity and new capabilities for our open top Hermetic tins.
- 2 Piece Drawn tins: This is very level business throughout the year.
- This has been an outstanding year for 2 piece seamless tins. Combining the capabilities in our "new" Baltimore and our Belcamp plants has permitted significant efficiency and growth opportunities.
The biggest challenge today:
As we all have heard on the news and read in the papers manufacturing is coming back strong in the United States. Manufacturing in the USA can be competitive globally:
- Quality: Through our Quality Assurance program we are working through Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), documentation and specification design to provide the finest cans available globally.
- Environmentally responsible: The tins we make are all made with first class steel which is infinitely recyclable.
- Safe Food Quality (SQF): We are committed to achieving the SQF II certification in all of our plants that produce tins for food. Vandalia, OH will be first and then Belcamp, MD.
- Training: The Manufacturing sector in the USA is so strong that finding good mechanics, electricians, machinists ETC. is a real struggle. We are working on training for nearly every skilled position to develop the next generation of can makers.
- Real time electronic systems: In my What's New posted in May 2017, I mentioned that we are installing a computer system that will ultimately provide real time data from order entry through accounts payable. The update is as follows:
- We have now installed the system in two manufacturing plants with a 3rd going live November 1, 2017.
- The entire system will be fully installed by May 2018.
- With the complexity of business today and the need for real time information we believe this is an investment that will allow our customers the transparency and flow of information required: Bar coding, bin locations, inventory release at the dock when shipped, traceability, etc.I want to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and support as without customers we do not have a business. We now have nearly 400 employees that are fully committed to manufacturing the finest specialty can made in the world.As the President and CEO of our family business I would like to say we are perfect in everything we do although this would not be true. I can say we are working very hard to professionalize all aspects of the company and are installing the skills training and automated systems to provide the resources and data we need to meet and or exceed our customer's expectations. We are a sales and customer driven company- who happens to be a manufacturer.
Thank you again for your support.
Richard Huether
President and CEO


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subset: commoncrawl


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1. Can you tell me what motivated you to create Meaningful Volunteer?
Here are some my thoughts on why I set up in the first place:
It was basically because I saw a lot of things wrong with how volunteering was happening around the world, detailed thoughts of which can be found here:
2. What is it about Meaningful Volunteer that brings you joy?
When we have to do nothing! We are all for the empowerment of women. Our district managers around the world are all female. (http://www.meaningfulvolunteer.org/volunteer/staff/staff_all.aspx)
What brings me the greatest joy is when one of our staff has an idea and runs with it. Female human rights are often abysmal in the countries we work in, so when one of our female staff has the confidence to start a project on our own, it brings me great joy.
Our school in Uganda – for example – has had many additions which we have had very little to do with. Things like a rain-fed water system, a children's playground, a livestock pen and so on.
Here are some links for the additons:
3. How has your experience working with this organization made you happier than working at other places?
I work for Meaningful Volunteer and take care of foster children at home, so it is hard to think of "working at other places".
I don't think working with Meaningful Volunteer has made me happier. Maybe "content" is a better word. It does feel good to complete a big project in another country.
In a weird sort of way it makes me angrier. Angrier at the injustices around the world. Angrier at the greed of people make it worse (Ten fat pigs at a nine pig trough).
4. What have your greatest successes been?
The school in Uganda. Our wonderful staff.
5. Looking to the future, what is your long-term outlook for Meaningful Volunteer, and what is your greatest hope for the organizations?
We have evolved more into a school building organization. We have plans to construct a school in Nepal later this year. Then perhaps onto Ecuador. Exciting times!
Our greatest hope is that the schools become self-sustaining and our wonderful staff run with the projects on their own.
MeaningfulVolunteer.com: Crazymalc's wild life-changing idea
Find something more important than you are and dedicate your life to it. The Secret of Happiness according to Daniel Dennett


text: Hey Guys, so last night at my Lodge's practice I got looking at their small library of books and quite a few of them are pretty old like I think the one I felt most comfortable reading because it didn't look like it might fall apart in my hands if I opened it was printed around WWII time frame or earlier. So here's my question. How would you go about preserving books that old. There was one I dared to pull off the shelf that had a piece of tissue paper over each of the pictures because it looked like each picture in the book was hand painted. I love the history of stuff so I want to read them but I'm afraid of them getting ruined and how to preserve them but also to still be able to read the information that the hold. The margins on each page must be close to 1 inch margins.


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Are public transport plans for Monash and Tullamarine airport on track?
Can we believe it? The Victorian government has announced its intention to build a light rail to Monash and a train link to Tullamarine airport – policies that have been on the drawing board for decades, and are intermittently revived, only to be shelved when the feasibility studies come in.
In April, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews defied the sceptics and said a Caulfield to Monash light rail link would form stage one of a Rowville light rail line. "People have waited since the late '60s … it's time to stop talking about these things and start building them," he said.
A train to Rowville line was first proposed in the 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan. The Baillieu-led Liberal opposition promised to build it, including a stop at Monash, before its election in 2011, but a 2012 study concluded the line would not be economically feasible until 2027. The state government improved the Rowville bus service instead.
Monash's Professor Graham Currie, who holds the Chair of Public Transport, says public transport to the University has been woeful since the 'drive in' university was founded in 1958. "This whole Monash region is a national economic growth centre, Monash is going through the roof, and the transport system to this area is completely inadequate. Unless we provide high-capacity alternatives of high quality – which is what light rail is – we're going to end up with lots of delays, lots of frustrated people, and we'll limit the growth potential of the region."
Monash already supports the largest concentration of jobs in Victoria outside the central business district, and more than 25,000 students are enrolled at the Clayton campus.
Past rail link proposals to Monash have failed to materialise on the grounds that "the economic costs are bigger than the economic benefits," Professor Currie says. "But I think there are much wider benefits that are not included in current evaluations, such as the idea that Monash is going to be a major world innovation city in its own right, and we need a railway network to realise its potential."
Read more: Melbourne public transport: a wish list
To Monash via Chadstone
The Andrews government said $3 million would be set aside in the coming budget for designing and planning the light-rail route. The first stage would involve building a line between Caulfield station and the University, via Chadstone Shopping Centre. (Chadstone needs a rail link, too, Professor Currie says, because it can't afford to keep expanding its car parks.) The route would include the Australian Synchrotron, the Monash Medical Centre and the future Victorian Heart Centre.
Professor Currie conceded that the bus services to Monash had improved – the 601 express bus from Huntingdale Station to Clayton campus is the state's busiest bus route – but said buses alone were still too infrequent, and become caught in traffic. He warns that this should not be allowed to happen to the light rail, because if it becomes "just a traditional tram extension with trams in mixed traffic, there's limited return for the investment".
"I don't want to walk to the tram across a traffic sewer like Dandenong Road. I don't want to see it winding its way through the ocean of traffic on the intersection of Dandenong and Wellington Road. I would like to see the tram in its own right of way coming into the campus, right in the middle of the activity, within the ring road in campus to provide door-to-door service," he says.
Dandenong Road carries about 67,000 vehicles a day between Caulfield and Clayton, while Wellington Road carries up to 46,000 vehicles a day.
Professor Currie believes the proposed railway's "real potential is in land development and liveability improvement for the Clayton region". The rail link would encourage higher-density housing development along the Caulfield to Huntingdale corridor, as well as private student accommodation around the campus perimeter. "If we're going to put the money into such high-quality infrastructure, you need the volumes of people to use it," he says.
Tullamarine more likely
Professor Currie is more confident that the Tullamarine rail link will be given the green light in the short term – and not only because the federal government has promised to provide $5 billion towards its development if the state government matches the funding (which the latter did not announce in the state budget). "We have a great, successful airport, but its future relies on a railway. You can't expand, where it is now, with the transport it's got. The proof of that pudding is that the commercial operator of the airport now recognises that they need a railway. Their main revenue is from car parks. Airports are a secondary income. Now, isn't that funny? And the reason is that they've built as many car parks as they can, and they can't realistically build any more and still function."
The Tullamarine rail link was first suggested in 1958. The airport lies between two existing train lines – the Craigieburn line, which goes through Broadmeadows, and the Sunbury line, which goes through Sunshine. Last November, Mr Andrews outlined an airport rail line plan that involved building a train hub at Sunshine to link the city to Tullamarine, and that would also form part of a high-speed train link to Geelong and Ballarat.
"They've built as many car parks as they can, and they can't realistically build any more and still function."
Professor Currie says the problem with extending either the Sunbury or Craigieburn lines to include the airport is that both lines are "going gangbusters and are full. They are also 'dog-leg' routes to the airport, so are indirect." He's proposed constructing a direct new line that would link the airport to Highpoint Shopping Centre, to undeveloped Department of Defence land on the Maribyrnong River (a proposed new suburb), and then connecting to an existing spur railway line at Flemington Racecourse before going to the city. Building a new line would be expensive, but some of the cost could be recouped from the sale of the Crown land and by charging commercial fares to the airport, as is done in Sydney. He suggests the airport railway will mostly be used by "businessmen coming to Melbourne".
"They aren't paying our taxes. Why should we subsidise them?"
As for the widening of the Tullamarine Freeway that's now taking place, Professor Currie says transport research has shown that "the more you expand roads, the more demand you create".
"The rest of the world's cities don't build urban road projects any more. Why should we?" he says.
To receive a fortnightly email wrap up of stories from Lens.


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Enjoy Life.
Have Fun.
LiveBetter at Ramsgate Leisure Centre
Enjoy Life.
Have Fun.
LiveBetter at Ramsgate Leisure Centre
Gavid Vickers
Indoor Leisure Manager
Your Ramsgate gym can help you LiveBetter and have fun.
Use the Facebook Chat app or call our friendly reception team on 01843 585111
About the LiveBetter Programme
Your LiveBetter Programme incorporates a variety of activities to assist you in leading a healthy and active lifestyle. It has been specifically designed to meet the needs of those over 50 who are on a health journey as well as people who need a little help through our GP referral scheme.
With a range of activities, including Aqua Aerobics, Aerobics, Gym Sessions, Circuit Classes, Swimming and Badminton Groups, there's plenty of choice on offer.
If you require further assistance with choosing an activity please speak to a member of our customer service team or our LiveBetter coordinator.
Our comprehensive Live Better Referral Scheme is ideal for those who are recovering from injury or suffer from prolonged illness and are looking to get back into exercise to enhance their lifestyle.
Referrals must first come from your GP or Health professional, you will then need to register with the NHS.
Just call the Referral Scheme using the freephone number on your referral form.
After calling the NHS Referral Scheme, you will need to call in at your nearest centre to arrange your appointment*.
*Appointment fee is payable £4.45.
LiveBetter Classes Available for You to Enjoy
LiveBetter AQUA
A water based exercise classes specifically designed for people with joint and mobility problems, and for those who require a lower intensity. There are opportunities for progression within the class.
LiveBetter CIRCUIT
A circuit based class aimed at our aged 50+ customers and anyone who requires additional assistance. The class layout varies from week to week and intensity can be progressed.
LiveBetter CHAIR
A chair based exercise class intended for those who have health issues and reduced mobility. There is room for progression both within the class and onto other classes. This class is also a Phase 4 cardiac prevention and rehab class.
A circuit based class which provides safe and supported physical activity for people with different fitness levels, physical abilities and medical conditions. This class is also a Phase 4 Cardiac prevention and rehab class.


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Spider was the red-headed Peter Parker, a mass murderer who merged with the Spider symbiote. As a sociopath who "liked hurting people", Peter had a sense of humor akin to Deadpool.[2] In the course of his criminal career, he was sentenced to 67 consecutive life sentences by a jury.[3]
He was drafted by the Timebreakers into Weapon X.[2]
He replaced Daredevil after it was presumed the Timebroker had sent him back home. When Hyperion (Earth-4023) became a member and de facto leader of Weapon X, Spider joined him in his cause to conquer multiple realities. Peter was subsequently killed by Firestar (Earth-3062) with a mega-blast from her powers,[4] in 2005.[5]
He was buried in the prison cemetery of his home reality.[5]
Powers and Abilities
Semingly those of the Carnage of Earth-616, with the those of the Spider-Man of Earth-616.
Seemingly those of the Peter Parker of Earth-616
The Carnage symbiote, like the rest of its species, is vulnerable to heat and sonic based attacks.
- Peter looks as though he is no more than fourteen years old when he has his mask off, but his grave said he was forty-two when he died. This may be due to the implication that the Exiles and Weapon X members seem not to age while serving on their respective teams.
Links and References
- 18 Appearances of Peter Parker (Earth-15)
- Minor Appearances of Peter Parker (Earth-15)
- Media Peter Parker (Earth-15) was Mentioned in
- 33 Images featuring Peter Parker (Earth-15)
- 2 Quotations by or about Peter Parker (Earth-15)
- Character Gallery: Peter Parker (Earth-15)
Discover and Discuss
- Search this site for: The Spider · Peter Benjamin Parker · Peter Parker (Earth-15)
- ↑ Not always, sometimes drawn with black hair, as in Exiles #38
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Exiles #12
- ↑ Exiles #38
- ↑ Exiles #44
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Exiles #83
|Like this? Let us know!


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Thursday, February 6, 2014
Eraser Valentines for your little Sweetheart
As promised, here is another simple idea for class valentines. I recently stumbled upon a section of adorable Japanese erasers at our local toy shop. They were too cute to resist, and since my little Kindergartener and her friends are learning to write, I knew they would perfect. These little cherries are my favorite and come in six fun colors (you can also find Japanese cherry erasers here). The fruit comes off the stem for easy erasing.
I made another simple template and laid the cherries on top before punching two holes with a small hole punch near each side of the cherry stem. I used a little bit of black thread to tie the eraser to the card and had my daughter sign her name. I had some stripey waxed paper lying around that I ended up making little envelopes from (there are only ten kids in her class!).
The thing I love about this Valentine is that you can use any cute eraser you can find. I'm partial to the Japanese ones, such as these zoo animals, or these vehicle and plane erasers. You could also search your local craft store for other fun options.
Click here to download the eraser Valentine template.
Happy Valentine making!
Posted by Randi at 10:56 PM
Labels: Little Swoon, paper, Valentine's Day
1 comment:
- AnonymousFebruary 20, 2014 at 2:03 PM
Oh this is perfect! simple + cute, I love it!ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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As law schools face declining enrollment, law grads face tough job market
If you think shelling out the big bucks for law school is a fast-track to success (or at least a hefty salary) you may need to think again. Prospective law students in Arizona face a big bill and a rough job search, and law schools nationwide are facing far lower application rates. Two law school graduates for each job; that is one estimate of the job market prospective attorneys face.
In one more year, Allison Kline will be one of those graduates. She got a degree in psychology at Arizona State University and worked in the field for about a year, but Kline realized it was not for her and decided to go to the Phoenix School of Law, less than a decade old and very different from the law schools at ASU and University of Arizona.
"Our school is actually building quite a reputation for itself, and that actually encouraged me to stay here, when some attorneys told me that they were no longer hiring ASU students, because they weren't as practice-ready as people that went to Phoenix School of Law," Kline said.
The school's Assistant Dean of Professional Development Joe Perez said they are honest with students about the tough market they are heading into after graduation.
"The biggest thing is preparing them, if there's two people interested for one position, to be the better of the two," Perez said. "I mean, really, in its most simplistic form. From day one, we're very up front with our students."
Which also means being up front about the hit to their wallets. With a 2012-2013 tuition of nearly $40,000, PSL is the most expensive law school in the state. U.S. News and World Report said nearly all of the school's 2012 grads left with debt, an average of $160,000.
Arizona residents will pay about $24,000 next year to go to U of A's law school. In-state students at ASU this past school year paid about $26,000.
While tuition at the Phoenix School of Law is pricy, placement rates for its graduates in full-time, long-term attorney positions was about 20 percentage points lower than ASU and U of A grads. Phoenix School of Law is also part of a consortium of for-profit law schools. That's troubling to Doug Sylvester, dean of ASU's O'Connor College of Law.
"You change motivations if your goal is to prove to your shareholders and to your investors that you are a good business model," Sylvester said. "I think that just gives you motivations and decision-making authority that is just different than what's best for students and what's best for your graduates."
But Perez sees all for-profit schools getting painted with the same brush.
"Whether you're talking about a graduate-level law school, or you're talking about a for-profit trade school," he said. "And it's justified in some instances, but we certainly don't believe that that negative connotation is justified for us."
And Nancy Rapoport, interim dean of UNLV's Boyd School of Law, said prospective students have more important questions to ask than what a school's business model is: "Will I be able to pass the bar, am I likely to get a law job that will help me deal with the debt it cost me to get that law degree?"
Whatever the business model, all three of Arizona's law schools are in the same boat when it comes to one thing.
"Applications to law schools have declined just shy of 40 percent cumulatively in the last three years. That's not a decline, that's a crash," said Marc Miller, interim dean of the University of Arizona's Rogers College of Law. He said in past recessions, people have invested in themselves by going back to school.
"That's not what we or other law schools have seen in the most recent downturn," Miller said. "I think the changes we've seen in legal practice are not cyclical, they're not a reflection just of the economic downturn. They're actually structural."
Changes like outsourcing some legal services or putting more work on people who bill less. With the huge decline in enrollment, each of Arizona's three law schools has been aiming to innovate.
U of A is reducing law school tuition for the upcoming year by about $3,000. Phoenix School of Law has a new trimester program to help students graduate earlier, and ASU hired a full-time headhunter to help unemployed graduates find jobs.
"I graduated from law school without a job," Sylvester said, "and I remember going back to my career services, and they weren't ready to help you other than say, 'Well, you can do the same things you did for the last year that didn't work.' And so, I remember when we saw this problem arising with our students, I wanted to make sure we did everything we could."
So, how do you fix the system? Rapoport is also part of a group of legal educators that put together recommendations for the American Bar's education taskforce. She wants schools to keep tuition as low as possible and make sure that prospective students come in with the right mindset.
"People say, 'Oh, you can use a law degree for everything!'" Rapoport said. "It's absolutely true that you can use a law degree for everything. It's just not everybody will pay you."
And for law student Allison Kline, finding someone willing to pay her next year is definitely on her mind. She'll graduate $75,000 in debt, but she's also got a lot to worry about before the job hunt even starts.
"I'm worried more about finals right now, and studying for the bar is something on its own," Kine said.
And even though her dad is an attorney, Kline made it pretty clear she is not interested in working for him.


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At A&R Solar, the pride in our work shows on every job. From small home solar energy systems to commercial jobs over a megawatt, our focus is on our relationship with our customers and the craftsmanship and quality we put into every job.
"A&R Solar is a great company. They installed my Itek system, and it has out performed their estimates and my expectations. If you are looking for a honest evaluation, call them. I know you will be happy with their service."


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London fruit sellers may want to stock up on New Zealand blueberries after a study found athletes who eat them recover faster from exercise.
Plant & Food Research and Massey University School of Sport and Exercise scientists have worked on the research, which has just been published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Massey's head of Sport and Exercise Science Dr Steve Stannard says the findings could help Olympians and other athletes return to peak performance faster after strenuous exercise.
The team used a novel method that compared one leg of a participant to the other leg. "We put the study participants on a Biodex machine and had them work the thigh of one leg very hard to damage the muscle," Dr Stannard says. "They did 300 maximal eccentric contractions, which causes micro-trauma to the muscle's fibres."
In the first part of the study, participants were given blueberry smoothies before, during, and for two days after the exercise strength tests, and blood samples were taken to monitor the leg's recovery. Several weeks later, the exercise was repeated on the other leg, but a smoothie without blueberries, and therefore with a different polyphenol content, was consumed instead. Ten female participants were involved in the study.
The blood samples showed eating the blueberries, although possessing a similar total antioxidant content as the control, produced a higher level of antioxidant defence in the blood. This was associated with improved rate of recovery in the first 36 hours in one particular measure of muscle performance.
Dr Stannard says it is not yet clear exactly why the blueberries help. "But it is probably linked to the superior anthocyanin content of the New Zealand blueberry fruit interacting with and assisting the body's natural antioxidant mechanisms," he says.
The team used New Zealand blueberries in the study, sourced from Northland. "For me the attraction of this study is that we're using a real food," he says. "It's not a pill or a supplement, it's fruit, grown in New Zealand and available at any shop."
Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Roger Hurst says the study has come about from a building relationship with Massey's School of Sport and Exercise in which further research on the benefits of blueberries for exercise is being undertaken.
"There is a huge amount of research still to be done. But this work is giving a wonderful indicator and we expect these exciting findings to further boost the desirability of New Zealand blueberries."


text: What did you think of the Blockbuster commercial? I'm not sure it qualifies as a "Superbowl commercial" since it ran before the coin toss, but it's the first I've seen for their dvd-by-mail service. These commercials are expensive to run, so it no wonder they're spending around $50 to acquire a new customer (vs. $35 for Netflix).


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The AN/APS-6 Aircraft Radar
The AN/APS-6 Navy Aircraft Radar was designed for carrier-based night fighter planes. With it the fighter pilot located and attacked enemy planes in complete darkness. It also guided the pilot back to his base on a homing radar beacon. Contracts were given the Radio Division to build 3,600 units worth 134,057,331.
In January, 1943, the Radio Division was brought into this Navy carrier based night fighter radar program. At that time, the Radiation Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology requested Westinghouse to design and build twenty RF heads to be used in an aircraft radar set then being developed by the Laboratory for the Navy. The RF Head is a composite unit containing the transmitter and the front end of the receiver and appropriate switching mechanisms to permit them to operate from a single antenna. The new equipment was expected to displace AIA equipment then being manufactured by the Sperry Gyroscope Company, and which had been Jointly designed by Sperry and the Radiation Laboratory.
Westinghouse accepted this commission and divided the responsibility between the Research Laboratories and the Baltimore Works. The Research Laboratories were to design the electrical components and Baltimore was to do the mechanical engineering and manufacturing. Work began immediately and early in April, 1943, a semi-operative model was taken to the Radiation Laboratory for discussion. Comment on the unit was very favorable.
At the meeting held April 19 at the Bureau of Ships, it was proposed by the Navy that Westinghouse accept a production contract to include not only the RF Head but the complete radar system. It was stipulated that Westinghouse would purchase the Modulator and the Antenna, which were already under development on contracts previously issued to Stromberg-Carlson and Dalmo-Victor respectively. The proposition was accepted by Westinghouse and contracts were issued eventually for four models and 50 equipments. Delivery of the models was expected in the fall and it was estimated that the production units would start about the beginning of 1944.
By September, it was apparent that new features continually being added to the RF Head would prevent production beginning near the time scheduled. The Navy therefore proposed the production of an AN/APS-6A to be as near as possible like the AN/APS-6 except
that it would use & modified RF Head from the ASD, then in production by Philco, until the Westinghouse RF Head could be put into production. Orders for the equipment had meanwhile been increased, and it was decided that the first 150 equipments would be of the 6A type. Deliveries started in about March, 1944. A rapid increase in production rate requirements and a continual development of AN/APS-6 design forced the original quantity to be extended to a total of 741 6A's equipments before the 6 went into production September, 1944.
Undoubtedly, the introduction of the 6A created some delay in the eventual production of the 6 since many new problems cropped up which interfered with the scheduled plans. However, the final tactical application of the equipments in the field was such that time loss appears to have been worth while because of the very satisfactory performance of the hybrid 6A's and their earlier first appearance in the field.
Requirements for the 6 varied with fluctuations in the fortunes of war and new orders were placed at intervals, usually too late to make uninterrupted production easy. Complete terminations were received with the defeat of Japan. At this time, about 2,100 equipments had been delivered and some 1,400 more were terminated.
Final testing of the AN/APS-6 and 6A and the manufacturing of the Receiver-Amplifier unit and the Westinghouse RF Head was done at Plant #1 of the Baltimore Works. The indicator unit and the Control Boxes were made by the Philadelphia W A- R Shop. The Antenna unit, the Modulator, and the Philco RF Head were bought as complete units from outside suppliers.
From the very beginning, production was plagued with the fact that the engineering and design of the equipment was never completed. Changes, either to meet the existing specification or new requirements of the Navy, were continuously being received. Many of the components were unique and these brought on manufacturing problems.
It was originally expected that the design of the AN/AF&-6, with the exception of the RF Head, would be largely done by the MIT Radiation Laboratory. At the outset, however, it was decided to change to miniature tubes wherever possible and to raise the intermediate frequency to 60 megacycles. This called for new design
work in which Westinghouse engineers participated. Later, it was found necessary to redesign the power supply and to make many other changes in design to meet the specifications.
This equipment was designed to enable carrier-based night fighters to find and attack enemy planes. Initially it was planned for installation in the 74U. Before production was under way, the F6F, the Hellcat, became the outstanding Navy plane for night duty, and the AN/APS-6 was installed in this instead. Plans were also made for installation in the F7F and 200 installations of this type were made. The F7F is a fast twin-engine fighter made by Grumman originally designed as a night fighter but eventually turned over to the Marines for land-based service.
Since each type of plane installation required a different set of cables and connectors, the allocations from plane to plane and from 6A to 6 caused a considerable amount of confusion. Difficulty was experienced in obtaining the sizes of cable lengths from the Navy and complete information was not available even at the end of production.
The AN/APS-6 was a radar equipment capable of determining the direction and range of a target and of presenting this information visually to the pilot. To accomplish this, a pulse generating modulator would pulse an X-band magnetron at repetition rates of 500, 1000, and 2000 cycles per second. The short pulses of microwave energy were radiated from a rapidly rotating paraboloidal antenna. The beam from the antenna described a spiral pattern with a maximum conical angle of 120 degrees. Compared to the speed of light, (186,000 miles a second), the motion of the antenna was so slow that echoes from a transmitted pulse would be received by the antenna before it had moved more than a fraction of a beam width. Thus, the instantaneous direction in which the antenna pointed was the direction to the target.
The received signal, or echo, was amplified and applied as an intensity or brilliance modulation on the oscilloscope indicator where it appeared as a bright dot. Three dimensional data were presented to the pilot in the following manner. A baseline ran across the bottom of the face of the tube. The position of the dot right and left from the center of this line was proportional to the azimuth position of the target. Distance to the target was represented
by the elevation of the dot on the indicator above the base line. For long ranges, it was unnecessary to present any elevation data since the angle to a plane could only be small under this condition. At shorter ranges, each signal appeared as two dots side by side. If the target was above or below dead ahead, the right hand dot would be displaced up or down correspondingly.
By means of a control box in the cockpit, the pilot could reduce the range of the equipment as the target was approached, until at about 1/2 mile he would switch to gun-aim position.
In gun-aim position, the antenna no longer scanned in a spiral but rotated in a circular pattern, and the presentation on the indicator became just a dot in the center of the tube face. As long as the target remained dead ahead, in the center of the antenna scanning cone, the dot would remain in the center of the screen. If, however, the target deviated from straight ahead, the indicating dot would make a corresponding motion and provide the pilot instantly with correction information for altering his course to stay on the tail of the target. As firing range was approached, the dot sprouted a pair of wings which grew as the range diminished until at a predetermined firing range, the length of the wings just filled the space between a pair of engraved lines.
The equipment to accomplish all these functions consisted of the following: In the cockpit were the Indicator, the Control Box, and an Auxiliary Control Box. In the fuselage, behind the pilot, were the Modulator, the Rectifier Power unit, which was sort of a junction box for all units named so far; a cable ran through the wing to a Junction Box out in a nacelle near the tip of the right wing. In the nacelle was located the Antenna and the RF Head. The antenna radiated through a plastic radome which formed the front of the nacelle. Behind it was the RF Head which contained the transmitting magnetron, the local oscillators, the mixer, a pre-amplifier, and circuits for automatically tuning the local oscillators. The complete installation weighed about three hundred pounds and was designed to operate on 115 volts, 800 to 2,400 cycles.
In addition to the functions described previously, the equipment was also capable of picking up X-band beacon signals at ranges far in excess of the radar ranges.
One of the problems encountered was the initial use of a brand of resistor which proved to be unstable under exposure to humidity. It was necessary to not only change over in production to a satisfactory brand but to supply retroactive replacements for all sets and spares shipped to the time of the changeover. A long period of time was consumed in finally getting the retroactive shipments made.
Early in production, it was necessary to redesign the grid circuits of the deflection amplifiers when it was found that they became badly unbalanced under high humidity and would drift the picture completely off the screen.
The double-dot method of altitude indication lacked sensitivity at small angles, and an improved circuit giving a deliverately non-linear presentation was developed.
Almost countless other changes were made and several engineers were kept busy continuously assisting the shop and solving minor design problems.
The armed forces have not as yet made any summarized statement as to the benefits derived from the use of the AN/APS-6 and 6A. It is known, however, that even prior to the advent of the Japanese suicide tactics they were having good success and a number of Japs had been destroyed. The large increase in orders which followed the Jap surprise tactics can only lead to the conclusion that the night fighters were an important part of the defense.
In addition to its combat applications, stories have been told of rescues of downed pilots made possible by the use of the AN/APS-6 to locate rescue vessels near which to crash land, for avoiding obstacles in cloudy weather, and as an overhead radar on ships.
There will be little if any commercial peacetime use for this identical equipment. But much of the know-how obtained on this job is directly applicable to the design and manufacture of commercial ship radar, aircraft navigation and beacon radar, and any other equipment operating in X-band, of which there are certain to be an increasing number as time goes on.
A number of new components were developed for the AN/APS-6. Some were applicable only to 6 but others were of far reaching importance. A few of the more significant developments follow:
1) To assist in the testing of the first models of the 6, The Westinghouse Research Laboratories designed and built a portable X-band Spectrum Analyzer, The Navy, interested in the unit, issued contracts for the development of an advanced model and the production of 1365 units. More than 800 analyzers were produced before V-J cancellations. A contract was also issued for a It-band analyzer.
2) To produce a lighter, smaller and more reliable pulse transformer, a coordinated project of the Baltimore Feeder Group and the Research Laboratories resulted in a Fosterite treated transformer of low weight but good performance. The application techniques discovered in the project, made at Baltimore and Sharon, enabled both Sharon and Baltimore to reduce the size and weight of transformers.
3) An improved T-R Box, electronic transmit-receive switch, was developed by the Research Laboratories to improve the performance of the 6. This tube became a standard item, the 1B24, and was Manufactured by the Bloomfield Works. A companion R-T tube waa developed at the same time but was dropped when the Navy decided to use up R-T tubes in stock. The use of the old tube required last minute design changes and a careful machined cavity which was a source of serious trouble in the initial production of the equipment and remained a recurrent problem. In retrospect, it seems that much would have been gained by pushing the use of the new tube.
4) The use of a pressurized RF Head required the development of a wave guide window, to be air tight and yet to transmit microwave energy with little or no attenuation. Such a window was developed at the Research Laboratories and manufactured by the Bloomfield Works.
5) To connect the shook mounted RF Head to the rigidly mounted antenna and yet maintain a tight transmission line between the two required a flexible wave guide. The then existing flexible wave guide did not meet all the requirements for air tightness and low electrical losses. Through the cooperation of Titeflex, Inc., a new rubber covered flexible wave guide was developed which not only was quite satisfactory but found many other applications.
6) The Titeflex Company also assisted in the development of a small light pulse cable. The standard pulse cable, at the beginning of the design period, required special and very bulky connectors. Later, a small and satisfactory cable was evolved by using standard aircraft engine ignition cable and fittings.


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Look forward to visiting a stunning destination with holidays to Ischia Porto. The island of Ischia sits at the edge of the Gulf of Naples, and Ischia Porto is its biggest town. There are lots of great attractions across the island, which wonderfully complement the beautiful scenery and lovely Mediterranean weather.
Great attractions
Ischia is known for a number of things, not least its spectacular castle that rises up on a small islet from Ischia Ponte. The island's also famous for its thermal springs which are said to have healing properties, whether you relax in the water at a public baths or find a little stream that trickles out along the beach.
Beautiful beaches
If you love spending time at the beach, there are some fabulous ones to choose from across Ischia. Bask in some golden sunshine at any number of inviting beaches, or sit back in bath-like rock pools in the shadow of plunging cliffs. Whether you catch the bus, take a water taxi or hire your own boat, there are plenty of ways to explore the highlights of Ischia's picturesque coastline.
Adventurous island
When you feel like being active, Ischia is home to a selection of super walking trails. You can climb mountains to reward yourself with incredible views down across the island and out over the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. After an adventurous day out, settle down for a long dinner at one of Ischia Porto's many restaurants. Tuck into some famous Italian cuisine and try local specialities like the freshly caught seafood.


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I think Ed Seykota said it best:
Win or lose, everybody gets what they want out of the market. Some people seem to like to lose, so they win by losing money.
A couple years ago I read a book about winning poker. The author (I forget who) told a story about a weekly poker game played by some above average players, and another guy who always seemed to loose.
Not only did he lose, but he'd lose big, big pots.
Week after week he'd show up, sit at the table…
And lose.
Finally, one of the more experienced players asked this guy: "Why do you keep showing up here? You never win. In fact, you ALWAYS lose."
Without getting angry, the losing player finally explained that he was an emergency room surgeon by profession. That each week he witnessed pain, bloodshed, death and loss.
Each week. Every week.
He went on to say that he knew he wasn't a good poker player, but that the game was the one thing he looked forward to each week.
The one thing he could get lost in.
The one thing he could be present in.
You see, not everyone is in the market to make scores of money.
For some, the market is the only place they can be present. The only place they can get away.
It takes all kinds to make a market — and whatever your reason for trading, I say — have at it!
The market is an awesome place.
Maybe the best place.


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Back in March the fabulous Nina Simon posted in her fantastic blog Museum 2.0 about the San Diego Museum of Natural History's simple participatory post-it note experiment by guest posters, the museum's exhibit team—Kim Blackford, Cary Canning, Margi Dykens, Michael Field, Erica Kelly, Jim Melli, Mary Lou Morreal, Tim Murray, Josh Payne, and Michael Wall.
The premise of "Case by Case" is pretty simple: put objects on display with no label and provide the visitor with an opportunity to ask questions and/or make observations about the objects. Our exhibits group knocked around ideas for mechanisms of audience feedback. In the end, we went with sticky notes, pencils and plenty of wall space. We knew that we risked off-topic and off-color remarks but felt that the feedback would be more genuine (and useful) than mechanisms that controlled vocabulary (i.e., magnetic poetry). Plus, the implementation is dead simple.
As emerging arts leaders we're always looking for ways to invite our visitors in, increase participation, think this is a successful method?


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Max Payne 2 is just a remarkable production, and what it lacks in length or volume it more than makes up for in quality and density.
Two years after the events of the first game, Max Payne has quit his job at the DEA and returned to his former job as an NYPD detective. While investigating a series of murders by a group of contract killers called the Cleaners, Max encounters Mona Sax, who was assumed dead at the end of the previous game. Wanted for the murder of Senator Gates, Mona is arrested despite Max's protests, and taken to the police station. While at the station, Max overhears his new partner, Detective Valerie Winterson, talking on the phone about Mona. Suddenly, the station is attacked by the Cleaners, who are looking for Mona. Before they reach her, Mona breaks out of her cell and vanishes into the night. After Max meets her again at her residence, where they fight off the Cleaners who followed Max to her place, they begin hunting down the people responsible for the attack. Their search leads them to a construction site, where Max and Mona defend themselves against the Cleaners. After their foes flee, Detective Winterson arrives and holds Mona at gunpoint. Mona claims that Winterson is there to kill her while Winterson claims that she is simply trying to arrest a fleeing fugitive. After several moments of consideration, Max shoots Winterson, allowing Mona to escape. Before she dies, Winterson shoots Max, leading to his hospitalization.
After Max leaves the hospital, he begins looking for answers. When Max is kidnapped by Vladimir Lem, head of the local Russian Mafia, he learns that the Cleaners work for Lem, who uses them to eliminate the competition to his businesses. Max then learns that Lem is part of the secretive Inner Circle, led by Senator Alfred Woden, who had ensured that the charges against Max were dropped at the end of the previous game. Lem plans to kill Woden and gain control of the Inner Circle. Max also learns that Mona is a hired gun for Woden, with orders to kill Lem and Max. After Lem reveals that Detective Winterson was his mistress, he shoots Max in the head, and leaves him for dead in a burning building. Mona rescues Max, and together they go to Woden's mansion to save him from Lem.
At the mansion, Mona knocks Max to the ground in an attempt to follow her orders to kill him, but discovers that her feelings for him keep her from doing so. Lem shoots Mona after realizing that she will not kill Max. Woden then appears in a wheelchair, and lunges at Lem; Woden is killed during the ensuing struggle. Max and Lem then begin to fight, until Lem triggers a bomb that he planted in the mansion. After they both drop to the floor below, Max pursues Lem through the mansion. Max faces Lem in a firefight, and eventually destabilizes the platform below Lem, causing it to fall to the floor below, killing Lem. Max returns to Mona's side as the police arrive, and she dies in his arms. If the game is completed at its highest difficulty level, Mona survives.


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Alienated in Vancouver
(rants and observations on outsider culture, music & cinema in The Big Wet)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
"Festival in Crisis" - querying Coastal Jazz
Received in my inbox today,
an article of relevance
to anyone who cares about the improvised/ creative music scene in Vancouver. (One of my attempts to comment got erased by the sumbitch blog program, but at least a surviving portion of my POV is in the comments section...).
Posted by
Allan MacInnis
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The North Face Men's Ultra Vertical Running Shoes
Ultimate lightweight protection for steep trails.
Designed to tame the most aggressive trail terrain, the Men's Ultra Vertical Running Shoes deliver incredible performance on high-angle ascents and descents. Ideal for runners who want to go technical, you'll benefit from a new geo cage construction that promotes perfect fit and helps keep the foot stable. An anatomically oriented Vibram® outsole ensures top traction in all environments. Lightweight and with breathable FlashDry™ elements, these shoes are the perfect compromise between lightweight feel and heavy-duty protection.
Lightweight fabrics help regulate body temperature and keep you comfortable.
A lightweight construction gives comfort and greater mobility.
- Upper: FlashDry™ collar lining keeps your feet cool and dry
- Sole unit: Forefoot EVA underfoot
- Sole unit: 6 mm offset
- Upper: Quarter geo cable construction offers an outstanding fit
- Upper: TPU cable housing provides rugged, protective midfoot support
- Upper: Open mesh with a protective tight weave on the outer layer offers breathability and protection from debris
- Upper: Welded-suede tongue and derby construction provide a great fit while your foot is flexed
- Upper: Reinforced toe offers protection
- Upper: OrthoLite® footbed
- Sole unit: 20 mm/14 mm heel
- Sole unit: Dual-density CRADLE™ midsole tuned for anatomical cushioning when ascending and descending
- Sole unit: Soft, cushioned heel and top layer for soft landing and transition
- Sole unit: Firmer-density forefoot and bottom-layer platform for efficient toe-off
- Sole unit: Vibram® Megagrip outsole for durable, sticky traction in all conditions with 5 mm lugs anatomically oriented for ascending and descending
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Has anyone ever seen one of these in the flesh? Would love to know more about it.
http://www.espguitars.co.jp/edwards/sn/ ... D_7ST.html
I've been eyeing off a seven string with fixed bridge for a while, but am very picky about neck profiles and nut widths. Ibanez necks are all way too wide for me and I usually don't get along with 25.5 scales (one exception being the E-II Horizon-III, which seems to have an exceptionally narrow neck).
So I'm looking for a seven string with the thinnest and narrowest neck I can find and this might fit the bill since the Edwards page says the nut is only 46 mm which seems very narrow for a seven. The only other guitar I've seen which came close was the PRS SE custom 24 7 string, which had a 45 mm nut, but I wasn't exactly enamoured with how the guitar felt in general (clunky compared to my ESP and Edwards MV's) so didn't buy it when I had the chance.
Also, any idea how much this would cost, if available through BMusic?
Lusting after the E-SN-24 FIXED 7ST!
Discussion on all things related to ESP Japanese sub-brand Edwards
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