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It's not hyperbole to suggest that a little piece of the AFL died on Tuesday.
Lance Franklin's reported nine-year, $10m offer from the Sydney Swans is headline-worthy on multiple levels. While the contract’s length and figure is unprecedented in Australian football, there's also the query of the role the Swans' controversial cost of living allowance played in the move and the not insignificant matter of how the swaggering Franklin will fit in with the club's well-documented 'no dickheads' policy.
But the real story is that this was a watershed moment for free agency in Australian sport. Until last year, free agency was the domain of American and European sport, where large men with even larger egos could change clubs at their will when they tired of their team's facilities/guernsey colour/locker room catering. How can anybody forget LeBron James's hour-long TV special The Decision, when the then-Cleveland Cavalier and biggest name in NBA revealed he would “take my talents to South Beach”? Partnering with fellow All-Stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, James won back-to-back titles while the Cavs flounder near the bottom of the table. The rich get richer while the poor... well, you know the rest.
Loyalty and the AFL have always gone hand-in-hand. The legacy of big names like St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt, Fremantle’s Matthew Pavlich and Brisbane’s Jonathan Brown will be enhanced by the fact they repeatedly rebuffed offers from rival clubs. Young stars like Geelong’s Joel Selwood and Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury cited the desire to be “one-club players” when they shunned contracts from cashed-up expansion teams to remain where they were. In many ways, the loyalty regularly displayed by footballers unpinned the “she'll be right, mate” element of Australian culture. If an athlete was going to be well compensated either way, and was already settled with team-mates, why uproot their career just for a payrise?
Frustrated by the cumbersome trade period where deals were seldom completed, it was the players through the AFL Players' Association who pushed for free agency before its approval by the league in 2010. Notably, Sydney's Ryan O'Keefe requested a trade to Hawthorn in 2008 but a trade couldn’t be struck and the Swan stayed put (somewhat ironically, he won the Norm Smith Medal against the Hawks four years later).
Fourteen players switched clubs during the inaugaral AFL Free Agency period between October and December last year. The majority were players out of favour with their previous club, looking for a fresh start. With Saint-turned-Bomber Brendon Goddard, it was a chance for St Kilda to rebuild with a strong compensation pick, and for Goddard to chase a premiership in his twilight years (shame all that Asada stuff got in the way, hey?)
As an ardent Geelong supporter, I wished our two-time premiership veteran Shannon Byrnes all the best on his move to Melbourne. Unlikely to get another game with the Cats, he thoroughly deserved the chance to continue his career elsewhere.
I'm almost embarrassed to admit it now, but that's what I hoped the introduction of free agency was about. Facilitating fringe players changing clubs, veterans being thrown a lifeline and the occasional star moving if it was mutually beneficial for his current team. From a footballer’s perspective, it’s a chance to take more control over their career than they have been permitted to in the past.
The Franklin story, however, has turned free agency on its head. The forward shunned what was reportedly already the largest offer in Hawthorn's history to join the club's premiership rivals in a move that blindsided Hawks and Swans supporters alike. Most Hawthorn supporters had accepted the likelihood Franklin would sign a lucrative deal with Greater Western Sydney and spend his remaining All-Australian quality years trying to lift the newcomers out of the bottom four.
The fact he’s now a realistic chance to win a premiership next season, against the team he recently professed he wanted to remain at, has left a sour taste in the mouths of millions of football fans across the country.
It's tough to blame Buddy for being enticed by the money, and no doubt escaping the fishbowl of Melbourne's sporting media was a factor in his decision. It's tough too to blame the Swans, who look set to pull off one of the greatest sporting coups in Australian sporting history.
Instead, it's the system that's at fault. A system that will result in thousands of children unwrapping new brown-and-yellow guernseys on Christmas morning, replacing their old #23 jumpers. A system that’s forced equalisation back onto the agenda (Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon today called for the AFL to share its revenue equally between all 18 clubs to ensure clubs like the ‘Dogs aren’t left behind). A system that now means any star player may be temped by big bucks, regardless of their history with their current club.
A system that, in the space of one afternoon, ensures AFL will never be the same again.


US 4257903 A
A drilling fluid having extremely desirable physical properties which comprises an aqueous solution of a hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative and a water soluble ionic aluminum crosslinking agent, preferably sodium aluminate.
1. An improved drilling fluid comprising an aqueous solution of a gelling amount of a hydroxyalkyl galactomannan crosslinked with a water soluble alkali metal aluminate.
2. The improved drilling fluid of claim 1 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is present in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 2.5 pounds per barrel, of unweighted drilling fluid, and wherein said water soluble alkali metal aluminate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.17 to about 11.5 pounds per barrel.
3. The improved drilling fluid of claim 2 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is present in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5 pounds per barrel and wherein said water soluble alkali metal aluminate is present in an amount ranging from about 1.5 to about 3.5 pounds per barrel.
4. The improved drilling fluid of claim 1 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is a hydroxypropyl galactomannan.
5. The improved drilling fluid of claim 4 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is hydroxypropyl guar.
6. The improved drilling fluid of claim 1 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan has the following generalized molecular structure: ##STR2## wherein R=CH2 CH(CH3)O, and the molecular substitution of said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan ranges from about 0.35 to about 0.50%.
7. The improved drilling fluid of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein said water soluble alkali metal aluminate is sodium aluminate.
8. In a rotary drilling process for drilling a borehole into the earth utilizing a rotating drill bit, wherein a drilling fluid is circulated past the surface of the drill bit and thence to the earth's surface, the improvement which comprises employing as the drilling fluid the composition defined by claim 1.
9. The process of claim 8 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is present in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 2.5 pounds per barrel of drilling fluid, and wherein said alkali metal aluminate is present in an amount ranging from about 0.17 to about 11.5 pounds per barrel.
10. The process of claim 9 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is present in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.5 pounds per barrel, and wherein said alkali metal aluminate is present in an amount ranging from about 1.5 to about 3.5 pounds per barrel.
11. The process of claim 8 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is a hydroxypropyl galactomannan.
12. The process of claim 11 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan is hydroxypropyl guar.
13. The process of claim 8 wherein said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan has the following generalized molecular structure: ##STR3## wherein R=CH2 CH(CH3)O, and the molecular substitution of said hydroxyalkyl galactomannan ranges from about 0.35 to about 0.50%.
14. The process of claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 wherein said alkali metal aluminate is sodium aluminate.
15. An improved drilling fluid comprising an aqueous solution of a gelling amount of a hydroxypropyl galactomannan crosslinked with a water soluble ionic aluminum compound wherein said hydroxypropyl galactomannan is present in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 2.5 pounds per barrel of unweighted drilling fluid, and wherein said water soluble ionic aluminum compound is an alkali metal aluminate which is present in an amount ranging from about 0.17 to about 11.5 pounds per barrel of unweighted drilling fluid.
16. The improved drilling fluid of claim 15 wherein said hydroxypropyl galactomannan is hydroxypropyl guar which is present in an amount ranging from about 0.15 to about 1.5 pounds per barrel, and wherein said ionic aluminum compound is sodium aluminate which is present in an amount ranging from about 1.5 to about 3.5 pounds per barrel.
This invention relates to drilling fluid compositions utilized in drilling wells. When drilling subterranean wells such as, for example, oil or gas wells, the rotary drilling method is commonly employed. The rotary drilling method utilizes a bit attached to a drill stem, and a drilling fluid or "mud" which is circulated through the drill stem to the bottom of the borehole where it is ejected through small openings in the drill bit. The fluid is then returned to the surface through the annular space between the drill stem and the borehole wall, or casing if one has been installed. Upon reaching the surface, the drilling fluid or "mud" is ordinarily treated to remove cuttings obtained from the borehole, and is then recirculated.
Drilling fluids serve many functions, and should therefore possess a number of desirable physical and rheological properties. For example, the viscosity of a drilling fluid should be sufficient to permit it to effectively transport bit cuttings from the bottom of the borehole to the surface for removal. A drilling fluid should also prevent excessive amounts of fluid from flowing from the borehole into surrounding formations by depositing on the wall of the hole a thin but substantially impervious filter cake. In addition, a drilling fluid should be able to hold solids in suspension, preventing their return to the bottom of the hole when the drilling rate is reduced or drilling is temporarily interrupted. This property can be obtained by utilizing additives which will impart a gel structure to the drilling fluid to increase viscosities. The gel structure, however, is preferably such that cuttings can be removed from the drilling fluid by passing the fluid through filtration equipment such as a shale shaker and/or sand cyclones prior to recirculating the fluid to the drill bit. A drilling fluid must also serve as a weighting agent, exerting pressure on the surrounding formations, thus preventing possible caving of the borehole by highly pressurized oil or gas in the formation. Finally, a drilling fluid should serve as a lubricating agent for the surface of the bit teeth.
Traditionally, bentonite or other clay solids have been utilized to increase the viscosity of the drilling fluid. Today however, there is a growing belief that bentonite or clay suspensions have serious limitations as a drilling fluid base. Of primary importance is the fact that the rheology of bentonite-based fluids is such that the hydraulic horsepower delivered to the bit at a given surface pressure is significantly less than with drilling fluids of lower viscosity and/or solids content. This results in a slower bit penetration rate which in turn increases the drilling costs. In an effort to overcome these problems, dispersants have been utilized to lower apparent viscosities and gel strengths of clay suspensions.
More recently, those working within the industry have attempted to substitute for the clay solids of the older muds various polymeric materials including, for example: cellulose compounds such as carboxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, alkylhydroxyalkyl celluloses, alkyl celluloses, and alkylcarboxyalkyl celluloses; polyacrylamides; natural galactomannans such as guar gum, locust beam gum, and gums derived from endosperm seeds; and various other polysaccharides.
Additionally, those working with drilling fluids containing the polymeric materials have discovered that it is possible to improve their rheological properties by employing them in combination with different crosslinking agents. Wyant, U.S. Pat. No. 3,079,332, discloses the use of borates as crosslinkers for guar gum and locust bean gum employed as a fluid-loss agent in drilling fluid applications. More recently, Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,243,000, Chrisp, U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,723, Browning et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,042, and Browning et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,753,971 have disclosed polysaccharides crosslinked with organic polyelectrolyte ligands and polyvalent metal cations. Certain metal compounds are objectionable from a practical standpoint, however. For example, heavy metals such as chromium are potentially somewhat toxic and may also act as a catalyst poison if residues remain in the formation and become entrained in recovered petroleum products. Other metals such as iron can contribute to more rapid corrosion.
In addition to the drilling fluids employed in drilling subterranean wells, it is known throughout the industry that other fluids can also be utilized for certain specialized applications. For example, fracturing fluids, spacing fluids, plugging fluids, cementing fluids, and completion fluids may be utilized in addition to a drilling fluid to achieve a particular result at one stage or another in the drilling operation. It is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that compositions exhibiting properties desirable for some specialized application may not perform satisfactorily where employed for another purpose. Jordan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,483,121, and Free, U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,077, disclose the use of hydroxypropyl guar in fracturing fluids; Kern, U.S. Pat. No. 3,058,909, and Free, U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,077, disclose fracturing fluids comprising guar gum crosslinked with borate ions. Borate ions have proven undesirable for crosslinking polysaccharides utilized in drilling fluids. Unlike fracturing fluids, drilling fluids are recirculated through the well many times. Although much of the larger particulate matter, such as bit cuttings and the like, is removed from the drilling fluid after each cycle through the well, the fine solids content of the fluid becomes progressively greater with continued circulation. Where the drilling fluid comprises polysaccharides crosslinked with borates, it has been found that the borate ions tend to flocculate the fine solids suspended in the fluid. This flocculation or "clumping" characteristic reduces the effectiveness of the drilling fluid, and is considered undesirable. Tiner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,312, disclose fracturing fluids using organotitanate-crosslinked hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivatives.
Therefore, notwithstanding the advances made in drilling fluid technology in recent years, there remains a need for a fluid that will significantly improve bit penetration (and hence the drilling rate), will remain shear stable even after being recirculated through the borehole many times, will reduce the pressure losses due to friction in the drill pipe, will promote better lifting and therefore less grinding of cuttings at the bottom of the borehole, will better lubricate the bit during cutting (thereby increasing bit life), will improve borehole stability, will better lubricate the borehole so as to diminish the chances of hang-ups during "tripping" of the drill pipe, will maintain borehole cuttings in a suspended state during drilling interruptions, and will not flocculate the fine solids suspended in the drilling fluid.
This invention may be generally described as an improved drilling fluid comprising an aqueous solution of a hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative crosslinked with a water soluble ionic aluminum compound. A most preferred ionic aluminum crosslinking agent for use with the present invention is sodium aluminate. Preferably, the unweighted drilling fluid comprises from about 0.05 to about 2.5 lbs. polymer per barrel of fluid (0.14-7.13 kg/m3), and from about 0.17 to about 11.5 lbs. crosslinker, calculated as sodium aluminate, per barrel (0.49-32.81 kg/m3). Most preferably, the unweighted drilling fluid comprises from about 0.5 to about 1.5 lbs. polymer per barrel (1.43-4.28 kg/m3), and from about 1.5 to about 3.5 lbs. crosslinker per barrel (4.28-9.99 kg/m3). The subject drilling fluid is made by admixing the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative with water, circulating the admixture thus formed for a period effective to permit hydration of the polymer, and thereafter adding the ionic aluminum crosslinking agent. An improved method for drilling subterranean wells through use of the novel drilling fluid of the invention is also provided.
The present invention utilizes aluminum compounds which are sufficiently soluble in water so that an effective amount of the compound can be dissolved in the water to crosslink the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative. Preferably, alkali metal aluminates, and most preferably sodium aluminate, are employed as the ionic aluminum crosslinking agent for the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivatives in the drilling fluids of the present invention. Mixtures of aluminum compounds can also be employed if desired. Preferably, the hydroxyalkyl substituent is hydroxypropyl. The polysaccharide derivative is preferably derived from a galactomannan gum, and most preferably guar gum. The derivatives disclosed by Jordan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,483,121, are suitable for use herein. The novel composition disclosed herein will exhibit extremely desirable physical and rheological properties, including improved lubricity and flow characteristics as well as increased shear stability over a prolonged period of use. This improved shear stability is believed to be attributable to the strong ionic bonds formed when alkali metal aluminates, and preferably sodium aluminate, are employed as the crosslinking agents.
The drilling fluid of the subject invention is preferably made at the use site by slowly adding a powdered hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative such as hydroxypropyl guar to water circulating through conventional blending equipment such as a jet hopper, and into the mud pit. The water employed is preferably as fresh as is reasonably obtainable, although brines may also be employed and may be preferable where shale sloughing or formations with a high clay content are expected to be encountered. This versatility is another advantage of the drilling fluid of the present invention. When all the polymer has been added, the fluid is circulated until hydration of the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative is substantially complete. An effective amount of a suitable buffer may be added if desired to promote hydration, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. After hydration is substantially complete, the ionic aluminum crosslinking agent is slowly added thereto, preferably as an aqueous solution, and the combined fluid is circulated for an additional period of time effective to achieve crosslinking of the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative. The crosslinking agent should be present in an amount sufficient to provide a polymer:aluminum weight ratio of from about 1:0.05 to about 1:2.2, preferably about 1:0.37 to about 1:0.77, and the balance water.
The unweighted drilling fluid thus formed preferably comprises from about 0.05 to about 2.5 lbs. polymer per barrel of fluid (0.14-7.13 kg/m3), and from about 0.17 to about 11.5 lbs. crosslinker, calculated as sodium aluminate, per barrel (0.49-32.81 kg/m3). Most preferably, the unweighted drilling fluid comprises from about 0.5 to about 1.5 lbs. polymer per barrel (1.43-4.28 kg/m3), and from about 1.5 to about 3.5 lbs. crosslinking agent (4.28-9.99 kg/m3). If desired, the viscosity of the drilling fluid may be increased at a point in time subsequent to the initial preparation of the drilling fluid by gradual addition of more polymer and/or crosslinker.
The most preferred hydroxypropyl polysaccharide derivative of the invention, hydroxypropyl guar, has the following generalized molecular structure: ##STR1## wherein R+CH2 CH(CH3)O, although it is understood that both the degree of substitution and the position of the derivative groups may vary within the scope of the invention from that shown above. The molecular substitution of the hydroxypropyl polysaccharide derivative will preferably range from about 0.35 to about 0.50 percent. A satisfactory hydroxypropyl polysaccharide derivative for use with the present invention is a hydroxypropyl guar gum derivative (galactomannan ether) marketed under the trademark Jaguar HP-8 by Stein, Hall and Co. Inc., 605 3rd Avenue, New York, New York. Jaguar HP-8 disperses readily into water, hydrates slowly to form a solution, and will eventually gel if left at its inherent alkaline pH. However, if an acid dilutent is added immediately after initial dispersion to reduce the pH to neutral or slightly acidic conditions, the product will hydrate in about 15 minutes to a high viscosity solution having a smooth appearance. Jaguar HP-11, a hydroxypropyl guar gum derivative with the same generalized molecular structure as HP-8, but with an added buffer salt, is capable of achieving complete hydration within about eight minutes, and can also be used within the scope of the invention.
The ionic aluminum crosslinking agent of the invention is preferably selected from the group consisting of the alkali metal aluminates, and the most preferred alkali metal aluminate for use with the present invention is sodium aluminate. Other soluble aluminate compounds can also be employed, however. For example, ammonium aluminum sulfate can be employed as a crosslinker, with the pH adjusted with a suitable base to obtain optimum crosslinking. Sodium aluminate is a water soluble white powder that is strongly alkaline in aqueous solution. While the reason for the significantly enhanced shear stability achievable through use of sodium aluminate as a crosslinking agent is not precisely known, it is believed to result from the strong ionic bonds formed when the dissociated aluminate ions are combined with the hydrated hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the density of the subject drilling fluid ranges from about 8.34 to about 20 lbs. per gallon (1.0-2.4 g/ml), or greater, depending upon whether or not an additional weighting agent such as barite is combined therewith. The Fann viscosity of the drilling fluid preferably ranges from about 5 to about 60 centipoises at 300 rpm at ambient temperature, and the pH preferably ranges from about 8 to about 11, depending upon the formation, formation water pH, optimum crosslinking pH for the particular combination of polymer and crosslinker employed, and the like. Furthermore, the preferred drilling fluid of the invention remains shear stable at static temperatures ranging up to about 180° F. (82° C.) and circulating temperatures ranging up to about 250° F. (121° C.).
The significantly improved results that can be obtained through use of the novel drilling fluid disclosed herein are further illustrated by reference to the following examples:
Comparative drilling rates for the various drilling fluid compositions listed in Tables I through VII below were determined by measuring the penetration rate of a six inch tricone medium hard rock bit into Bedford limestone and Berea sandstone blocks. A constant 50 rpm and 10,000 psi bit weight were used throughout the tests. Drilling fluids were circulated through 30 feet of drill pipe and through the bit at different flow rates. Drill solids were removed by flowing the drilling fluid over a shale shaker fitted with a 200 mesh sieve screen.
The six inch drill bit was fitted with three 9/32 inch nozzles, and the pressure drop across the bit nozzles was measured at different flow rates. Two flow rates were selected for each drilling fluid such that the bit hydraulic horsepower per square inch of bit surface was either 1 or 2 HHP/in2 as calculated from the equation: ##EQU1## where P=pressure, psi
Q=flow rate, gallons per minute
D=bit diameter, inches
The penetration rate of the drill bit into the blocks was measured in feet per hour at 1 HHP/in2 and at 2 HHP/in2. The change in drilling rate as a function of hydraulic horsepower is the difference between the penetration rate at each horsepower level, as shown in Tables I and II.
TABLE I______________________________________Effect of Hydraulic HorsepowerChange on Drilling Rate Drilling Rate - Limestone - Ft/Hr Change in Drilling RateDrilling Fluid per Change in% Composition 1 HHP/in2 2 HHP/in2 HHP/in2______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 72.2 75.0 3.01.68 PSD Polymer 62.4 67.5 5.43.0 Bentonite 73.3 76.6 3.3Low Solids Mud 73.1 83.5 10.4Fresh Water 84.12 98.4 14.3______________________________________
TABLE II______________________________________Effect of Hydraulic HorsepowerChange on Drilling Rate Drilling Rate - Sandstone - Ft/Hr Change in Drilling RateDrilling Fluid per Change in% Composition 1 HHP/in2 2 HHP/in2 HHP/in2______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 35.2 37.5 2.31.68 PSD Polymer 33.1 34.3 1.23.0 Bentonite 41.7 45.0 3.3Low Solids Mud 45.2 47.7 2.5Fresh Water 50.8 57.0 6.2______________________________________
In the tables, "1.68 PSD Polymer" refers to a drilling fluid containing 1% polysaccharide derivative, by weight of water. To prepare the fluid, an aqueous solution of 38 weight percent sodium aluminate was prepared. To 50 barrels (7.95 m3) of water was added about 300 lbs. (136.08 kg) of hydroxypropyl guar gum. After circulating the polymer until it hydrated, 25 gallons (0.095 m3) of the 38% sodium aluminate solution was added to crosslink the polymer. The polymer:crosslinker ratio was the same for the 1% PSD fluid. The "Low Solids Mud" contained less than 3 weight percent bentonite, but contained about 0.05 weight percent BenEx brand bentonite extender. The penetration rates shown in Tables I and II depend upon the hydraulic horsepower available at the drill bit. The bit hydraulic horsepower, in turn, depends upon the flow rate Q, and the pressure P, available at the drill bit. Frictional pressure losses occur when fluids are pumped down the drill pipe, and this results in varying levels of hydraulic horsepower being expended at the drill bit. These hydraulic horsepower losses can be determined by first calculating the drill pipe pressure losses from the Fann rheometer readings, using the method outlined in API Bulletin 13D, May, 1977. The pressure losses and bit hydraulic horsepower losses are summarized in Table III.
TABLE III______________________________________Bit HHP Losses Due to PressureLoss in Drill String Pressure Bit HHP Fann Readings Loss in LossDrilling Fluid 600 300 Drill Pipe HHP/in2 /% Composition RPM RPM PSI/1000 Ft 1000 Ft______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 8.4 4.8 154.9 0.641.68 PSD Polymer 27.8 19.4 203.4 0.843.0 Bentonite 27.4 17.2 205.9 0.85Low Solids Mud 11.0 7.2 168.7 0.70Fresh Water 3.0 1.5 128.6 0.53______________________________________
Tables IV and V list the change in penetration rate for the drilling fluid of this invention and for several other commonly used drilling muds. It should be noted that the decrease in penetration rate is much less for the subject drilling fluid than for either the conventional drilling muds or fresh water.
TABLE IV______________________________________Limestone Drilling Rate Drilling Bit HHP Change Per Rate ChangeDrilling Fluid Loss HHP/ HHP/in2 - Ft/ Ft/Hr/1000% Composition in2 /1000 Ft Hr/HHP/in2 Ft______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 0.64 3.0 1.921.68 PSD Polymer 0.84 5.4 4.543.0 Bentonite 0.85 3.3 2.81Low Solids Mud 0.70 10.4 7.28Fresh Water 0.53 14.3 7.58______________________________________
TABLE V______________________________________Sandstone Drilling Rate Drilling Bit HHP Change Per Rate ChangeDrilling Fluid Loss HHP/ HHP/in2 - Ft/ Ft/Hr/1000% Composition in2 /1000 Ft Hr/HHP/in2 Ft______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 0.64 2.3 1.471.68 PSD Polymer 0.84 1.2 1.013.0 Bentonite 0.85 3.3 2.81Low Solids Mud 0.70 2.5 1.75Fresh Water 0.53 6.2 3.29______________________________________
Tables VI and VII show how the drilling rate changes with depth as a result of the increased pressure loss due to friction in the drill pipe. Laboratory data, however, cannot demonstrate many of the advantages of the present invention such as cuttings removal efficiency, bit life, borehole stability, drill stem friction effects, and the like.
TABLE VI______________________________________Limestone Drilling Rate ChangeDrilling Fluid Initial Drilling Per HHP/in2 -Ft/Hr/% Composition Rate Ft/Hr 1000 Ft______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 75 1.921.68 PSD Polymer 67.5 4.543.0 Bentonite 76.6 2.81Low Solids Mud 83.5 7.28Fresh Water 98.4 7.58______________________________________Drilling Fluid Drilling Rate at Depth% Composition 1000 ft 3000 ft 5000 ft 7000 ft______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 73.08 69.24 65.4 61.51.68 PSD Polymer 62.96 53.88 44.8 35.73.0 Bentonite 73.79 68.17 62.55 56.9Low Solids Mud 76.22 61.66 47.1 32.5Fresh Water 90.82 75.66 60.5 45.3______________________________________
TABLE VII______________________________________SandstoneDrilling Fluid Initial Drilling Drilling Rate Change% Composition Rate Ft/Hr Per HHP/in2 -Ft/Hr/______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 37.5 1.471.68 PSD Polymer 34.3 1.013.0 Bentonite 45.0 2.81Low Solids Mud 47.7 1.75Fresh Water 57.0 3.29______________________________________Drilling Fluid Drilling Rate at Depth% Composition 1000 ft 3000 ft 5000 ft 7000 ft______________________________________1.0 PSD Polymer 36.03 33.09 30.15 27.211.68 PSD Polymer 33.29 31.27 29.25 27.233.0 Bentonite 42.19 36.57 30.95 25.33Low Solids Mud 45.95 42.45 38.95 35.45Fresh Water 53.71 47.13 40.55 33.97______________________________________
Looking at the data tabulated in Tables I through VII, it is apparent that for the Bedford limestone, the smallest drilling rate change (per HHP/in2 -Ft/Hr/1000 Ft) was achieved with the drilling fluid comprising about 1.0 percent of the hydroxypropyl polysaccharide derivative polymer crosslinked through the addition of sodium aluminate. Similarly, with the Berea sandstone, the lowest drilling rate change (per HHP/in2 Ft/Hr/1000 Ft) was achieved with the drilling fluid comprising about 1.68 percent by weight of the hydroxypropyl polysaccharide derivative polymer crosslinked through the addition of sodium aluminate. Therefore, it is seen that the decrease in penetration rate was much less for the subject drilling fluid than for other commonly used conventional drilling muds or fresh water.
In order to demonstrate the increased bit life achievable through use of the drilling fluid disclosed herein, comparative tests were done on two wells located about 220 yards apart drilled near Asherton, Texas. In drilling the first well, conventional bentonite drilling mud was used. A drilling mud according to the present invention was used to drill portions of the second well when drilling was resumed after the surface casing was set. To prepare the fluid, 232 barrels of water were gelled using five 50 pound sacks containing 96 weight percent hydroxypropyl guar, 3.5 weight percent monobasic sodium phosphate, and 0.5 weight percent silica gel, together with 2.5 gallons of liquid sodium aluminate (38%). Shortly after drilling started, another 50 pound sack of the hydroxypropyl guar mixture was added to make up for the approximately 30 barrels of water in the hole. Drilling proceeded at an excellent pace. Over the interval of 535 feet to 2,410 feet, the well logs showed an improved instantaneous drilling rate in the second well that was about 20% greater than the instantaneous drilling rate achieved over the same interval in the first well by using the conventional drilling mud. Furthermore, the bit life (measured in drill footage per bit) ranged from about 17 to about 21% greater in the second well than in the first. This significant increase in bit life is believed to be attributable to better lubrication of the bit, and more effective removal of cuttings away from the bit face, thereby minimizing grinding of the cuttings and the wear on the bit teeth. Furthermore, absolutely no difficulty was encountered in removing the drill stem to change bits and in returning the drill stem to the hole, which indicated the resulting borehole was relatively slick.
While the description of the drilling fluid of the subject invention set forth above has primarily focused on the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative and ionic aluminum crosslinking agent components thereof, it is understood that other components can also be included within the scope of the invention. Additional components which might be desirable for use in particular situations can include, for example, weighting agents, antifoamants, viscosity modifiers such as plastic beads, fluid loss additives, lost circulation additives, biocides, and the like.
It is therefore seen that through the manufacture and use of the drilling fluid disclosed herein, those working in the drilling industry are now provided with a drilling fluid which significantly reduces pressure loss in the drill string, thereby increasing the bit penetration rate; which improves lubricity, reduces regrinding of cuttings, and significantly prolongs bit life; and which exhibits unexpected improvements in lubricating and stabilizing the borehole. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure, many alterations, substitutions, and equivalents may be applicable to the various disclosed embodiments of the invention. It is the intent, however, that the concepts disclosed herein be limited only by the appended claims.


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Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Ginseng Bak Kut Teh 人参肉骨茶
Weather is still quite good now with the strong cooling wind blowing. Gotta enjoy these breezy days before the hot humid period comes back up again!
Making use of this nice weather, I cooked a pot of bak kut teh for dinner. Yums! A little spicy peppery feel but not too much and easy on my weak tummy. Got 1 meal settled :)
If you have bak kut teh soup leftover, do not dump it. Put the balance into a smaller pot, reboil it and leave it to cool, before leaving in the fridge. Actually I just left it out on my stove, bring to boil the next day, threw in 2 bundles of mee sua into the boiling soup. Let the mee sua cook till done and there you are, your homecooked bak kut teh mee sua! I love that the soup had a richer and more flavourful taste after being left overnight!
1 week plus countdown to the Chinese Lunar New Year! Lots of good food to enjoy soon! Time to be gather with your loved ones, be jolly and celebrate!
Be back soon!
Ginseng Bak Kut Teh
Recipe found on the overleaf of Pearling Brand instant Ginseng Bak Kut Teh spices pack
600g pork ribs (I used prime pork ribs)
6 bowls of water (I used 1.8l)
5 pcs garlics or more if you like (I crushed it slightly with the back of a knife)
1 packet of Ginseng Bak Kut Teh Spices
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
Salt to taste
1. Put water in main soup pot, add in garlics, bak kut teh spices pack and dark soy sauce and bring to boil.
2. While waiting for main soup pot to boil, fill a small pot with some water (enough to cover pork ribs) and bring to boil. Add in prime pork ribs and let it blanch for about 5 min. Pour away water and rinse pork ribs under running water, drain and set aside.
3. When main soup pot has come to a rolling boil, add in prime pork ribs. Cover and let simmer for 40 min. (I let it simmer for 1.5 hour and set the soup pot into my thermal pot holder.)
4. When ready to consume, bring soup to boil once more, add salt to taste and serve with rice and dark soy sauce with cut red chillies.
You may add other ingredients into the soup, e.g. dried chinese mushrooms, buttom mushrooms, vege, pig stomach, pig liver, kidney, chicken, beef and mutton.

domain: food


text:
So I haven’t been out to eat and write a review for a little while.. so where better to go to than with the Milton Keynes Chef of the year .. I know Jon and his creative flair well.. I… Read More ›
Where to find all the past posts..
Yeah ok.. so I have been asked that quite a few times recently .. so just where the heck have I been? Well it’s simples really.. the street food has just been so busy! Serving up fabulous foods for wonderful… Read More ›
A quick curry in a hurry .. we’ll ok no hurry really.. it was just made speedily by the awesome #pressurekingpro .. that machine is really pretty freakin awesome I tells ya! An abundance of lamb chops ensured that there… Read More ›
Three time truffle oil spiked and herbed baked potatoes -ala godson Patrick Starsky and then a roast chicken for a second outing
Well it’s that Wonderful time of year when our fabulous godson Patrick Starsky swings on by to help me out with fabulous food for our wonderful clients.. Yet also to play with his food .. perfect to expiriment with some… Read More ›


Principal Funds has launched a website for financial professionals, preferredsecurities.com, that demonstrates how preferred securities can offer the potential for increased income, diversification and reduced volatility.
The website includes commentary from preferred securities specialist Spectrum Asset Management, which is sub-advisor of the Principal Preferred Securities Fund. The site will continue to publish analysis, videos, details on various preferred strategies and investor-friendly sales tools.
“The preferred securities environment continues to shift dramatically, in part due to recent regulatory changes,” said Phil Jacoby, executive director and chief investment officer at Spectrum and portfolio manager of the Principal Preferred Securities Fund. “We believe this is a unique timeframe, and we seek to structure the portfolio to provide an attractive and stable return for investors.”


text: Dr. Howard Guthmann helped start Novant Health Waxhaw Family & Sports Medicine almost 20 years ago. He still loves taking care of the entire family, from newborns to the elderly. Over the years he has realized the limitations of even modern medicine and encourages his patients to work on the lifestyle changes that are so much safer and often more effective than pills or supplements. He and his wife of 37 years have lived in Waxhaw for 24 years and have raised 9 children. He loves his church and enjoys woodworking.

domain: health


Published in Oakland Local, 3/2/14
The first test of Oakland Unified School District’s ability to include parents and students in making budget decisions — something now required by state law — happened Wednesday night when about 100 people asked the school board to let schools, rather than the central administration, decide how to spend a pot of money.
The students and parents won.
At issue was $1.5 million — a paltry sum within an overall $589 million budget for the district. But it was the subject of great debate because the Board of Education had decided last June to gives schools this money, and $3 million more, to spend as they see fit, but then faced increased expenses, so considered rescinding that decision.
Amid a sea of yellow signs that read “Fulfill the promise! Send $$ to support students in their schools,” parents and students stood up one by one to speak at a Board of Education meeting Wednesday night about letting schools make spending decisions.
“When I was in school, I didn’t learn as much as I was supposed to. I faced challenges in school. I was homeless much of the time. I did not get the attention I needed until I got into Dewey Academy, where teachers took interest in me. More teachers like that are needed,” said D Di’jah’nay Stewart, who graduated from Dewey in 2012.
Stewart, an intern at Oakland Community Organizations, said she had campaigned for the passage of state Proposition 30 which brought more money to public education in California, so other students could benefit, she said.
Two pieces of legislation passed by the state last year changed how schools get funded. One was Prop. 30, which restored education funding to pre-recession levels.
The second is the Local Control Funding Formula which sets a new formula for how state funding is distributed. Under LCFF, public schools receive a base amount for each of their students, and then additional supplements for each student who is low-income, a foster child or an English learner. Schools where a majority of students fit in those categories get yet another grant, called a “concentration grant.”
Oakland stands to benefit significantly from this new formula. Already this year, its schools received $12.5 million more than last year because of LCFF.
What parents and students wanted Wednesday was the “local control” part, or more say in decision making.
“I am here to demand that the money from LCFF go directly to the school sites. We fought for that money to go to students,” said high school student Precious Brazil, a leader at Castlemont High School who also campaigned for state legislation.
Several parents from Edna Brewer Middle School said the high-performing school is popular with students and families, but faces attrition every time the district talks about possibly reduced funding.
Board member Roseann Torres, in voting with almost all of her colleagues to allocate the $1.5 in question to the schools, said it was “an investment in our parents,” and school communities to make decisions about the education of their kids.
“It is not just $1.5 million. It is restoring some sense of hope that those who are closest to our children are making great decisions,” Torres said. The board voted 6 to 1 to allocate the money to the schools, which was against the recommendation of the Superintendent, who said the district reserves might fall below required levels as a result.
Nonetheless, the debate was an exercise in the “local control” part of the new state legislation, because parents are supposed to have a much greater say than in the past on how money is spent.
During four Saturdays in March, Oakland Unified will hold community meetings on how best to spend extra LCFF dollars to benefit low-income, English-learner and foster children. The first was Saturday morning, March 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 at Oakland Technical High School. More LCAP meetings will be held the mornings of March 8, 22 and 29.
Across the state, school districts are having to change their decision making to include more parent and student and teacher input. Each district is supposed to have a Local Control and Accountability Plan, which Oakland has not yet developed, but the March meetings are intended to develop that plan.
Ben Tabscott, who leads a group of parents and former educators trying to improve McClymonds High School in West Oakland, charged that Oakland is behind some other in holding community meetings and forming parent advisory meetings.
Rev. Billy Dixon, pastor of At Thy Word Ministries in Oakland, said he graduated from high school in Oakland in 1983, “and yet we are still having the same problem. Can we send the money where it is supposed to go? Do what you need to do. Do what we ask you to do. We fought hard for this legislation.”


text: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has markedly improved the prognosis of people with HIV infection. However, there are long-term side effects associated with HAART. Alterations in metabolic parameters are common and include hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance (IR), either in isolation or as part of the lipodystrophy and metabolic syndromes. Insulin resistance is common in HIV-infected people, particularly among those being treated with protease inhibitor therapy. The prevalence of hyperglycaemia and diabetes mellitus is significantly higher in people with HIV infection being treated with antiretrovirals (ARVs), as compared with the general population. Hyperglycaemia is an important risk factor for the development of secondary pathology, including cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to consider the effects of IR in HIV-infected individuals, and take measures to prevent or manage it appropriately. There is limited evidence for the benefit of pharmacological interventions for IR alone although the metabolic changes and body shape changes of lipodystrophy might benefit from the combined use of metformin with exercise. At present, therefore, it is best to concentrate on preventative measures, including lifestyle modification, the careful selection of ARV drugs, and changing drug combinations where appropriate.

domain: literature


text:
A 13-year-old girl returned to her home in Umaria, Madhya Pradesh on January 15 after she was gangraped by 9 men. Seven of the accused have been arrested.
She was abducted by a man she knew on January 4 who took her to an isolated place and raped her along with his six other friends. Before releasing her from their clutches on January 5, the main accused threatened to kill her if the girl revealed anything to anyone about the incident.
Six days after the horror, the girl was again abducted by one of the seven men who raped her before. They kept her captive in the forests and roadside eateries, where three of them raped her again , a police official said.
Traumatised, the girl sought help from the vehicles passing by is when a truck driver Rohit Yadav spotted her. He allegedly took her to a dhaba where he raped her. She was dropped by Yadav near Umaria-Katni toll plaza from where she sought help from another truck passing by. She was again raped by this truck driver before she escaped and got back to her home on January 13.
She was counselled for over 20 hours after which she helped the police identify the accused. The cops nabbed seven of the 9 accused, while a manhunt for other two is underway.
Umaria Superintendent of Police Vikas Shahwal said, “According to the doctors, she is in deep mental trauma and shock. We have kept her under observation at one-stop crisis centre, where she is being counselled.”
This is the fifth such incident in Madhya Pradesh in less than 10 days. Four other females were brutally assaulted and raped between January 9-January 11, of which one 13-year-old was murdered after rape in Khandwa district.
A 48-year-old woman was gangraped on January 9 in Sidhi district. The five accused who now are in the police custody assaulted the woman with an iron rod, the police officials said. Another such incident was reported on Janury 12 in Ujjain where a young woman was brutally assaulted by her husband with sharp-edged weapon. She is currently battling for her life in a hospital of Indore while the police have nabbed two accused.
Meanwhile, such crimes are on the rise in MP at a time when chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has initiated the ‘Samman’ campaign that intends to spread awareness among people on crimes against women.

domain: sociology


text:
The Shibu Inu (SHIB) ecosystem is teasing an announcement featuring North American luxury firm Bugatti Group.
A tweet from the Shibu Inu ecosystem’s social media account says the announcement will be coming over the “next few days.”
The tweet, which mentions Shiboshis, tagged the social media account of Bugatti Group, a luxury brand dealing in luggage bags, handbags, briefcases and accessories headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
Shiboshis, which were launched in October of 2022, are a collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that are exclusive to the Shiba Inu ecosystem.
Accompanying the tweet is a video clip featuring what appears to be the logos of Shiba Inu and the Bugatti Group as well as travel bags and briefcases with Shiboshis plastered on the sides.
The Bugatti Group announced its inaugural NFT project in November of 2022 in partnership with the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain-based Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT collection. At the time, the luxury brand said it was in the process of enabling the printing of NFTs onto its merchandise.
“In order to execute this intricate manufacturing process, Bugatti Group is in the process of investing in building an entirely new facility, equipped with advanced technology and machinery that enables them to print one-of-a-kind NFTs onto luggage and crossbody bags.
This modern patented technology will also allow NFT holders to print their custom profile pictures on said products and soon on international retailers’ websites.”
Shiba Inu is trading at $0.00000864 at time of writing, up by around 5% over the past seven days.
Featured Image: Shutterstock/karnoff
Generated Image: Midjourney
Read the full article here

domain: news


text:
Anti-parietal Cell Antibody
PARIETAL CELL ANTIBODY
Looking to order a test?
We’ve provided helpful links to make ordering easy.Find a Requisition
All specimens should be accompanied by a requisition.Submitting Specimens
Learn about how to properly label and where to ship specimens.Order Kits and Supplies
MLabs provides all the supplies necessary for the collection of specimens.Test FAQ
Visit our provider FAQ and learn about common questions to ordering tests.
Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA), Mouse stomach kidney substrate.
Useful in the diagnosis of pernicious anemia in which approximately 80% of patients demonstrate antibodies. A positive test in the presence of a megaloblastic anemia makes pernicious anemia a probable diagnosis. A negative test will help differentiate pernicious anemia from other anemias and Whipple's disease. Rarely, antiparietal cell antibodies are found in patients with gastric ulcer, atrophic gastritis, chronic thyroiditis, iron deficiency anemia, juvenile diabetes mellitus, idiopathic Addison's disease, gastric carcinoma, and in the normal population.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Collect specimen in SST tube. Specimen should be frozen if it's not going to be received in Immunology within 3 days of collection.
Collect specimen in SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Specimen should be frozen if it's not going to be received in Immunology within 3 days of collection.

domain: medical


text:
It was just two years ago when the PlayStation 3 launched and began its epic battle with the rival Xbox 360. The showdown featured a face off between the PS3’s standard bearer Resistance: Fall of Man, a first person shooter, against third-person shooter Gears of War, the top title for the Xbox 360.
Fast forward two years and the two franchises are at it again with Resistance 2 and Gears of War 2 bowing this week. I’ve gotten a chance to play some of both games and I think this will prove to be another epic tussle.
Gears of War 2 provides a deeper story this time that is both more intimate and yet larger in scale, as the COG forces assemble to take on the Locust army underground. The game features a secondary story as hero Marcus Fenix’s best friend Dom Santiago searches for his lost wife.
The game is even more beautiful and horrific than the first with amazing graphics and new kill moves. Though I’ve only played a few hours, the game provides the same visceral thrill of the first while improving on the story and adding a good mix of new elements and graphics to keep you enthralled. Metacritic agrees, saying the game has earned an average score of 94, matching the score of its predecessor.
Resistance 2 also ratchets up the scale of the fight and brings you closer to home as the story shifts from Britain to the U.S., San Francisco in fact at one point. You play as Lt. Nathan Hale as he leads a team of soldiers who like him are similarly resistant to the Chimeran virus.
The game play is bigger and more visually stunning right from the start and you also get a slew of new inventive weapons, which were one of the highlights of the original game. And now you also get 8-player co-operative play, 60-player online play and a new health system. Metacritic gives Resistance 2 a score of 89, up from 86 for the original.
I have a ways to go to finish both games but I am totally looking forward to playing through both. These are two of the reasons why the gaming industry can hope to avoid a holiday slump due to the economy. So which one will you be playing this holiday season?

domain: entertainment


text:
KIMBALL -- Kimball/White Lake outscored Sanborn Central/Woonsocket 10-2 in overtime and picked up a 54-46 girls basketball victory on Tuesday.
Kimball/White Lake (7-1): Grace Konechne finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and five steals. Kennedy Leiferman recorded 19 points, 14 rebounds and five steals. The WiLdKats play Gregory on Thursday in Kimball.
Sanborn Central/Woonsocket (3-4): Trinity Boschee added 12 points. Brooke Doering chipped in eight points and nine rebounds. The Blackhawks play in the 281 Conference tournament on Friday in Wolsey.
SCW\u000910 17 32 44 46
KWL\u00097 17 24 44 54
Hanson 46, MCM 35
ALEXANDRIA -- Hanson handed Class A No. 4 McCook Central/Montrose its first defeat of the season in girls basketball action on Tuesday.
Hanson (5-2): Morgan Huber tossed in 20 points, while Mekiah Campbell scored 11 points and collected four rebounds. Elizabeth Arend added 10 points and five rebounds. The Beavers travel to Parkston on Thursday.
McCook Central/Montrose (5-1): Jacy Pulse and Madisen Koepsell finished with 11 points apiece. Koepsell collected 11 boards. Ashtyn Wobig scored nine points. The Fighting Cougars play Sioux Valley on Thursday in Volga.
MCM 8 17 26 35
H 16 30 36 46
Wagner 60, Gregory 38
GREGORY -- Wagner scored at least 17 points in each of the final three quarters, as the Red Raiders took down Gregory in girls basketball action on Tuesday.
Wagner (3-4): Kayli Kocer recorded an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Macy Koupal finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Abby Brunsing added 11 points. Lizzie Tyler dished out six assists and Eve Zephier recorded five steals. The Red Raiders host Parkston on Thursday.
Gregory (3-5): Mya Determan scored 14 points. Sydney Svatos added seven points and Gracie Kenzy finished with eight rebounds. Jessy VanDerWerff dished out five assists. The Gorillas play Kimball/White Lake on Thursday in Kimball.
W 7 25 43 69
G 12 17 25 38
De Smet 46, Howard 43
HOWARD -- Class B No. 2 De Smet used a strong first quarter to get past Howard in girls basketball action on Tuesday.
De Smet (8-0): Kennadi Buchholz recorded 13 points and six rebounds, while Autumn Wilkinson added 16 points. Mackenzie Zell finished with seven points and a team-high nine rebounds. The Bulldogs play Colman-Egan on Thursday in Colman.
Howard (6-2): Hilary Albrecht poured in 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Tigers. Kenedy Koepsell added five points and Kate Connor grabbed six rebounds.
DS 12 21 38 46
H 2 17 26 43
Winner 66, Valentine (Neb.) 29
WINNER -- Class A No. 1 Winner picked up a girls basketball win over Valentine (Nebraska) on Tuesday.
Winner (9-0): Bella Swedlund led the Warriors with 23 points and six assists, while Maggie LaCompte tossed in 12 points. Kalla Bertram scored 11 points and Morgan Hammerbeck finished with 10 points. The Warriors play Lennox in the Hanson Classic on Saturday at the Corn Palace.
Valentine (Neb.): Allison Hitchcock scored 11 points.
V 7 12 24 29
W 15 40 64 66
Scotland 51, Centerville 32
SCOTLAND -- Scotland picked up its fifth girls basketball win of the season by defeating Centerville on Tuesday.
Scotland (5-1): Grace Fryda finished with 14 points and six rebounds. Issabela Vitek added 16 points and eight rebounds, while Audrey Sayler grabbed seven boards. Ashton Simantel recorded four assists and three steals. The Highlanders travel to Avon on Thursday.
Centerville (2-4): Haley Meyer recorded 13 points and three rebounds. Thea Gust recorded 12 points, six boards and two steals. The Tornadoes host Irene-Wakonda on Thursday.
C 9 14 21 32
S 12 28 43 51
Ethan 63, Bridgewater-Emery 35
ETHAN -- Class B No. 3 Ethan allowed 12 points in the second half to take down Bridgewater-Emery on Tuesday.
Ethan (7-0): Cameryn Logan scored a game-high 24 points, while Hannah Bartscher added 15 points and four rebounds. Maddie Miiller also made six steals. The Rustlers play Faulkton Area on Saturday at the Corn Palace in the Hanson Classic.
Bridgewater-Emery (3-4): Julia Weber had 19 points, while Kerrigan Schultz had 12 points and nine rebounds. The Huskies play Menno on Thursday in Emery.
BE 12 23 28 35
E 22 38 48 63
MVP 54, Wessington Springs 33
PLANKINTON -- Mount Vernon/Plankinton defended its home court with a girls basketball win over Wessington Springs on Tuesday.
Mount Vernon/Plankinton (5-3): Emilee Fox finished with 17 points, five assists and four rebounds. Dacey Rihanek added 11 points and six rebounds. Katlyn Briggs finished with 10 points and nine boards. Maria Baker recorded nine points and four rebounds. The Titans play Redfield on Jan. 21 in Mount Vernon.
Wessington Springs (2-7): Grace Gran, Chloe Munsen and Angie Paulson all scored six points. The Spartans play in the 281 Conference tournament on Friday in Wolsey.
Chamberlain 58, Wall 46
CHAMBERLAIN -- Chamberlain notched a double-digit girls basketball win over Wall on Tuesday.
Chamberlain (2-4): Mya Knippling had 13 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in the win. Hannah Anderson added 18 points and 10 boards for the Cubs. Caycee Guinn scored 12 points.
Wall (4-4): Ava Dinger scored a team-high 16 points. Searra-Sioux Deutscher and Keaunna Poor Bear each scored eight points.
W 9 20 33 46
C 13 29 55 58
Menno 53, Canistota 29
CANISTOTA -- Menno improved to above .500 with a girls basketball win over Canistota on Tuesday.
Menno (4-3): Morgan Edelman finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight steals for the Wolves. Paityn Huber added 14 points and Jesse Munkvold scored 12 points to go with four steals. The Wolves play Bridgewater-Emery on Thursday in Emery.
Canistota (1-6): Skylar Bultje scored a team-high nine points. McKenzy Krinke added seven points, six rebounds and three steals. Alexia Tieszen recorded four steals and Natalie Becker grabbed seven rebounds. The Hawks travel to Centerville on Saturday.
M 9 23 37 53
C 12 22 29 29
TDA 34, ACDC 32
TRIPP -- Tripp-Delmont/Armour squeaked out a two-point win over Andes Central/Dakota Christian in girls basketball action on Tuesday.
Tripp-Delmont/Armour (4-2): Kianna Payer finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. Ashlee Gerber added 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Nighthawks play Platte-Geddes on Friday in Armour.
Andes Central/Dakota Christian (4-4): Mackenzie Muckey scored 14 points. Lexie VanderPol chipped in nine points. The Thunder travel to Mitchell Christian on Thursday.
ACDC 4 15 25 32
TDA 12 18 25 34
Jones County 44, Colome 36
COLOME -- Jones County earned a road victory on Tuesday, taking down Colome in girls basketball action.
Jones County (3-4): Jadyn Jensen finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Emily Jacobs added 10 points, while Mallory Valburg finished with nine rebounds, six assists, four blocks and three steals. Emmalyn Hunt had three steals. The Coyotes travel to Mitchell Christian on Jan. 20.
Colome (2-5): Makayla Shippy recorded 13 points. Saydee Heath added nine points and five rebounds. Elizabeth Yeaman added seven rebounds and Jordyn Ring recorded two steals. The Cowgirls play Burke on Thursday in Bonesteel.
JC 10 24 37 44
C 11 20 28 36
Area boys basketball
MCM 59, Beresford 48
MONTROSE -- McCook Central/Montrose scored 35 points after halftime to take down Beresford in a boys basketball game on Tuesday.
McCook Central/Montrose (4-5): Collin Kolbeck finished with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double for the Fighting Cougars. Gavin Gordon led the team with 13 points. Koltan Lindstrom added 11 points and five rebounds. The Fighting Cougars play Sioux Valley on Friday in Salem.
Beresford (1-8): Tate Van Otterloo scored 11 points. Jack Bickett added nine points, while Isaiah Richards recorded seven points and five rebounds. The Watchdogs host Tri-Valley on Friday.
B 17 22 34 48
MCM 10 24 42 59
Winner 74, Valentine (Neb.) 57
WINNER -- Winner took down Valentine (Neb.) on Tuesday in boys basketball action.
Winner (6-2): Brady Fritz had a massive 29-point, 12-rebound double-double for the Warriors. Joren Bruun added 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Fred Whiting scored seven points and five rebounds. The Warriors host Tri-Valley on Saturday.
Valentine (Neb.): Grant Fischer and Jacob Dorian each scored 13 points Fischer grabbed seven rebounds and Dorian added six boards.
V 10 30 41 57
W 16 38 52 74
FAM 66, Avon 43
MARION -- Freeman Academy/Marion remained undefeated on the season with a boys basketball victory over Avon on Tuesday.
Freeman Academy/Marion (8-0): Quincy Blue finished with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. Gavin Pankratz added 19 points, eight steals and five rebounds. Thalen Schroeder tossed in 10 points and Payton Arbach collected six rebounds. The Bearcats travel to Flandreau Indian on Thursday.
Avon (2-5): Logan Schuurmans recorded 19 points and nine rebounds. Lincoln Thury had seven points and five steals. Ashton Frank grabbed eight boards. The Pirates host Scotland on Thursday.
FAM 19 36 48 66
A 6 19 34 43
Ethan 74, Bridgewater-Emery 70
ETHAN -- Ethan held off Bridgewater-Emery’s fourth-quarter rally to pick up a boys basketball win on Tuesday.
Ethan (5-3): Brady Hawkins scored a team-high 24 points. Kaden Klumb scored 16 points and Riley Endres added 14 points. Jay Storm chipped in 12 points. The Rustlers host Canistota on Friday.
Bridgewater-Emery (5-6): Chase Arend scored a game-best 32 points to go with eight rebounds and eight steals. Tyler Kjetland added 18 points. The Huskies play Howard on Jan. 23 in Emery.
BE 15 32 42 70
E 19 40 60 74
De Smet 52, Howard 48
HOWARD -- Class B No. 2 De Smet edged Howard in a tightly-contested boys basketball game on Tuesday.
De Smet (6-1): Kalen Garry finished with 23 points, while Tory Holland scored 11 points. Rett Osthus and Cody Cavanaugh finished with eight and seven points, respectively. The Bulldogs play Colman-Egan on Friday in Colman.
Howard (7-1): Jake Brooks scored 24 points and Sam Aslesen scored eight points. Colton Spader finished with six points. The Tigers travel to Baltic on Friday.
D 9 26 40 52
H 14 25 35 48
Parker 74, Freeman 34
FREEMAN -- Parker took down Freeman for a double-digit boys basketball win on Tuesday.
Parker (8-2): Carter Robertson finished with 22 points and seven rebounds. Kaden Pesicka added 20 points and Matt Van Vliet scored 15 points. Davin Fuller grabbed six rebounds and Cole Jurgens added four steals. The Pheasants host Hanson on Thursday.
Freeman (0-8): Bradey Kaufman scored 13 points. Micah Swensen scored 11 points and Blake Rumelhart grabbed four rebounds. The Flyers host Bon Homme on Thursday.
P 17 38 59 74
F 11 20 30 34
Gregory 63, Wagner 33
GREGORY -- Gregory notched its sixth boys basketball win of the season with a victory over Wagner on Tuesday.
Gregory (6-3): Daniel Mitchell scored a team-high 25 points. Tommy Determan added 19 points and Coy Determan scored 10 points. Bryan Eagle Star grabbed 12 rebounds. The Gorillas play Burke on Friday in Bonesteel.
Wagner (1-5): Nolan Karda scored 17 points. The Red Raiders host Parkston on Thursday.
W 10 23 26 33
G 21 37 51 63
KWL 44, SCW 42
KIMBALL -- Kimball/White Lake built a 13-point halftime lead and held off Sanborn Central/Woonsocket in boys basketball action on Tuesday.
Kimball/White Lake (3-4): Bennett Namanny finished with 16 points and three assists. Justin Becker added 10 points and 15 rebounds. Rafe Kiehn scored nine points. Brady Westendorf added five rebounds and four assists. The WiLdKats play Corsica-Stickney on Friday in Corsica.
Sanborn Central/Woonsocket (4-4): Malachi Bruce scored 15 points. Noah Dickson recorded 10 points and 13 rebounds. Tater Moody added nine points, nine rebounds and four steals. The Blackhawks play James Valley Christian on Thursday in Huron.
SCW 8 10 29 42
KWL 12 23 30 44
MVP 71, Wessington Springs 44
PLANKINTON -- Mount Vernon/Plankinton connected on 13 3-pointers in a boys basketball win over Wessington Springs on Tuesday.
Mount Vernon/Plankinton (3-5): Kolby Kayser scored 24 points on six 3-pointers, while Reed Rus had 12 points. The Titans play Redfield on Jan. 21 in Mount Vernon.
Wessington Springs (5-3): Pablo Garcia finished with 12 points. Mason Schleske had nine points and 10 rebounds. Gerritt Brandenburg scored nine points. The Spartans play Highmore-Harrold on Saturday in Wolsey during the 281 Conference tournament.
WS 11 23 32 44
MVP 18 36 55 71
Scotland 62, Centerville 57
SCOTLAND -- Scotland broke away from a 42-42 third-quarter tie and knocked off Centerville in boys basketball action on Tuesday.
Scotland (4-4): Ty Mogck finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. Mason Dennis added 18 points and nine rebounds. Keenan Souhrada contributed seven points and 10 rebounds. The Highlanders travel to Avon on Thursday.
Centerville (1-6): Hunter Ellis finished with 19 points and four rebounds. Jack Walters added 11 points and three rebounds. Malachi Brouwer finished with 10 points. The Tornadoes host Irene-Wakonda on Thursday.
C 13 29 42 57
S 17 23 42 62


2017 could be the year that dividend growth becomes the most important aspect of income investing.
In 2016 and recent years, low levels of inflation have meant that investors focused on higher yielding stocks. While this was enough when inflation has been at or near zero, a faster rising price level could mean that the market favours fast growing dividends over high yields.
For companies which are stifled by high payout ratios, lacklustre earnings growth and large interest repayments stemming from high debt levels, this could be a problem. Their dividend growth may be unable to keep pace with inflation and their share prices could suffer.
However, for companies such as RSA Insurance (LON:RSA), a renewed focus by investors on dividend growth could be a fillip. It is due to raise dividends per share by over 40% in 2017. It should also benefit from continued improvements in its operating performance and a low valuation over the next year.
A changing landscape
Dividend investors have enjoyed a relatively calm period since the global financial crisis. Interest rates have been at 0.5% or lower, inflation has remained below historic levels and the UK and global economies have generally been relatively subdued.
However, that is all due to change in 2017. Notably, inflation is forecast to reach 2.7% according to The Bank of England, although there is a good chance that this will prove to be a conservative estimate. Other estimates such as that from The National Institute of Economic and Social Research have the figure at 4% over the next year.
Undoubtedly, the main cause of higher inflation will be weaker sterling. It may have fallen by between 15% and 20% since the EU referendum, but is likely to depreciate further in my view, particularly against the US dollar, since the Federal Reserve is becoming increasingly hawkish.
Furthermore, confidence in the UK economy could fall since Brexit negotiations will commence prior to the end of Q1. With a stalemate between the UK and EU and a ‘hard’ Brexit seeming likely, sterling could weaken in 2017 and send inflation higher.
Dividend growth appeal
Therefore, even if a stock has a high yield, it could offer a real decline in income in 2017. This could cause investors to switch to companies which offer dividend growth that can keep up with inflation. Such companies may be relatively hard to come by, however, since the outlook for the world economy is uncertain.
…if interest rates are raised to cool inflation, fast-growing high-yielders could be among the most coveted stocks next year.
A new US President, turbulence in the EU/Eurozone and a slowing China could combine to stifle economic growth. Companies which are able to increase dividends through a rising payout ratio, improved profitability or through leveraging their balance sheet could become more popular due in part to their scarcity value.
Furthermore, if interest rates are raised to cool inflation, fast-growing high-yielders could be among the most coveted stocks next year.
2017’s fastest growing dividend stock?
Due to the potential for companies with fast-growing dividends to perform well in 2017, RSA Insurance has appeal. It only yields 2.6% today, but it is due to raise dividends by 40.3% in 2017. This could make it one of the fastest growing dividend stocks in the UK index, and it is being paid for out of a mix of a slightly higher payout ratio and improving operating performance.
RSA is forecast to increase its payout ratio by 1% next year, which will put it at 48% versus 47% for 2016. Therefore, in spite of such a large planned increase in dividends, there is still the prospect of a higher payout ratio to boost payouts over the medium term.
In fact, the company is targeting a payout ratio of up to 50% plus special dividends over the medium term. The bulk of the 40%+ forecast rise in dividends next year will be from improved financial performance as RSA gradually continues to benefit from a sound strategy.
In terms of RSA’s operational improvements, it has completed a large disposal programme. This has totalled around £1.2 billion, taken two years to complete and left a more appealing core business.
The ‘new’ RSA has a superior risk/reward ratio than the ‘old’ RSA and should position the company for better performance in the long run. It has also cut costs and is on target to deliver £350 million in cost savings by 2018. This has taken place alongside a deleveraging process. For example, in the first half of the current year around £200 million of subordinated debt was retired.
The ‘new’ RSA has a superior risk/reward ratio than the ‘old’ RSA…
In spite of these improvements, RSA has a relatively low valuation. Its P/E ratio of 17.8 is due to drop to 13 next year. Given the company’s positive outlook, I feel this is fair. Further evidence of an appealing valuation is evidenced by its prospective yield for 2017 of 3.7%.
Given the risks facing the global economy, 2017 is a challenging year to forecast. However, higher inflation seems likely and this could cause income investors to pivot away from high yielding, slow dividend growth stocks and towards lower yields from stocks which have superior dividend growth potential. The risk of negative real income growth could spur this change.
Since uncertainty from Brexit in particular is likely to rise, sterling could weaken and the pound could depreciate further. Therefore, inflation may overshoot The Bank of England’s current target.
In such a climate, RSA has appeal. Its yield may be low today, but rapid growth in 2017 and the potential for further growth in 2018 mean that it could become more popular among income investors. Its operational improvements mean that its business is now lower risk and offers potentially higher rewards than in recent years, which bodes well for the long term.
Trading at a fair price and with an upbeat outlook, the search for dividend growth leads to RSA in my view.


The country has called for a closer relationship with Egypt as it begins a new era under President Mursi.
New foreign partners, mainly from the Far East, are being targeted as stakeholders of the future.
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is the man behind Mashreq, the UAE’s largest privately owned bank. In a rare interview he opens up to Alicia Buller on the greed culture that engulfed the UAE’s
banks and lurched the industry into crisis.
UAE-based business has teamed up with global enterprise MSD to target cardiovascular diseases.
The Dubai-based port operator sold its 60 per cent stake to Australian firm Flinders.
Eissa Al Suwaidi has been appointed as the new head of the UAE telecoms company, replacing Mohammad Omran.
Number of visitors to Dubai’s International Airport climbs with a big increase from flydubai’s new Russia service.
Al Nabooda, the distributor of Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen in Dubai, plans major investment push.
UAE exchanges say there is still no clarity regarding the Indian government’s proposed service tax on remittances.
Average apartment rents increased six per cent and villa rents rose nine per cent in Q2 2012, says Asteco.
The number of guests in the emirate’s hotels reached 192,374 during May this year, official statistics show.
The airline will fly 73 extra flights to Jeddah and Medinah Al Munawarrah from July 20 to September 1.
The UAE city is ranked as having the most transparent real estate market in the MENA region.
The crown prince and the US president discussed regional issues and global energy prices during the meet.
Restaurants and shops consider rejecting premium credit cards as Network International hikes fees.
Flights to Basra, the low-cost airline’s fifth destination in Iraq, are scheduled to start next month.
The Arabtec consortium, that includes Greek and Turkish firms, will build a terminal at the Abu Dhabi airport.
The Swiss company is opening a Dhs500 million manufacturing plant in Dubai World Central.
A firm linked to billionaire Robert Kuok is set to take a stake in Drydock’s Southeast Asia operations, say sources.
UAE mall developer Majid Al Futtaim Holding plans to issue a dollar-denominated bond this year.
Visitors from the UK topped the list, spending almost $500 million in 2011, according to Visa.
Media reports had claimed that Etihad and Qatar Airways were eyeing a minority stake in the Indian budget carrier.
Trade links between the two countries have never been stronger as new figures reveal the growing relationship.
The emirate has seen consumer confidence rise in the first quarter of the year, say official statistics.
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund expects emerging market stocks to outperform in the long-term.
Majid Al Futtaim has begun choosing banks to arrange investor meetings ahead of a second bond issue.
The investment company, which plans to launch an IPO, raised Dhs100 million from the sale.
The free zone has repaid the Islamic loan five months early and consequently received a rating upgrade from Fitch.
Contracts have been signed for the construction of projects in Ras Al Khaimah and Khor Fakkan.
The new pipeline is expected to end the UAE’s dependence on the shipping route that Iran has threatened to block.
© 2021 MOTIVATE MEDIA GROUP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.


The Dominic Greco Band will perform three concerts this month as they continue their 2022 summer season. The first concert will take place on Saturday, June 18th at 7pm at the Tuscora Park Amphitheater. The second concert will be on Saturday, June 25th at noon at the Cy Young Festival in Newcomerstown. And the third show will be on Thursday, June 30th at 7pm at the Deis Hill Band Shell. The theme for all shows is “Marches and More!” and will feature songs that relate to classic marches and honor our history. The concert will include vocal numbers featuring Ron Barkett singing New York, New York and God Bless the USA.


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The Sacred Harp, a Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Odes, and Anthems, Selected from the Most Eminent Authors: Together with Nearly One Hundred Pieces Never Before Published; Suited to Most Metres, and Well Adapted to Churches of Every Denomination, Singing Schools, and Private Societies with Plain Rules for Learners was first published in 1844 by Benjamin Franklin White (1800-1879) and Elisha James King (1821-1844) of Hamilton, Georgia. The Sacred Harp has been the most enduring tune book of all the shape-note books.
The Sacred Harp had other tune books to compete within its early days: William Walker's The Southern Harmony (1835), Walker's The Southern & Western Pocket Harmonist (1845), William Hauser's The Hesperian Harp (1848), John Gordon McCurry's The Social Harp (1855), and perhaps a few remaining copies of the old and frequently reprinted The Missouri Harmony (1820) by Allen D. Carden. Not long after the publication of The Sacred Harp, new seven-shaped tune books appeared: Jesse Bowman Aiken's Christian Minstrel (1846), W. Harvey Swan and Markus Lafayette Swan's Harp of Columbia (1849), Walker's The Christian Harmony (1866), and M. L. Swan's New Harp of Columbia (1867). Of all the books listed here, only The Christian Harmony managed to maintain a large area of use, ranging from North Carolina to Mississippi; the other books either dwindled to use within a single community or completely faded away. The Sacred Harp was able to overcome this competition against other similar books, and its usage spread westward as far as Texas and Oklahoma with the help of migration.
B. F. White, with the assistance of a committee, revised the book three times: 1850, 1859, and 1869. The first two revisions only added pages: the 1850 revision added 104 pages to the original 262 pages; the 1859 revision added an additional 66 pages. The 1869 revision removed tunes that were perceived to be not in use but added more tunes and a few more pages to total 477 pages.
In the early 1900s, different individuals led committees to revise The Sacred Harp. Wilson Marion Cooper, of Dothan, Alabama, worked with a committee to publish The Sacred Harp: Revised and Improved in 1902, known among singers as the "Cooper Book." Cooper added alto parts to all songs that did not have an alto, added some new compositions, added a few modern gospel songs, and removed tunes that he perceived that were not in use. The regions that used this book were Texas, Florida, and the southern regions of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
In 1905, a new convention was organized in Atlanta by Joseph Stephen James (1849-1931) and James Landrum White, son of B. F. White. The proper name of this convention is the United Sacred Harp Musical Association, commonly known as the United Convention. In 1906 this convention passed a resolution to revise The Sacred Harp and compile "other smaller music books."
In 1909, James and his committee published the Union Harp and History of Songs. This book included a variety of music styles, including the types of new songs found in Cooper's edition. the Union Harp seems to answer the call for "other small music books," and possibly be used as a supplement to the pending revision of The Sacred Harp (as per the Convention's resolution). This book also included a historical sketch of each song, passing along a bit of information about the composer, poet, or even the song itself.
Also, in 1909, J. L. White and his committee published the fifth edition of The Sacred Harp. This revision was a mixture of songs with dispersed harmony, which Sacred Harp singers find so appealing, and his "improved" harmonization. This book was rejected by the singers.
In 1911, James and his committee published the Original Sacred Harp. This revision, known to singers as the "James Book," is considered to be the official continuation of B. F. White and E. J. King's The Sacred Harp. Alto parts were added to most of the tunes, and some of these added alto parts were taken from Cooper's revision with little modification. New tunes were added, bringing the total number of tunes to 609. James also added historical sketches to each song in the book, much like he did with the Union Harp.
The James Book went through another revision in 1936. The book still went by the title Original Sacred Harp. The revision committee was headed by the Denson brothers: Seaborn McDaniel Denson (1854-1936) and Thomas Jackson Denson (1863-1935). The Denson brothers died before the book was released, and Tom's son, Paine Denson (1882-1955), took over the leadership role to complete the revision. At this point, and still to this day, the singers refer to this book as the "Denson Book." The committee removed 176 rarely or never used tunes and added 41 new tunes. The book would be revised again in 1960, 1966, and 1971.
The last revision was in 1991. The title of the book was then changed to The Sacred Harp, 1991 Edition. This latest revision is still known to many of the singers as the "Denson Book." As part of this revision all pages were reformatted, and the historical write up of the songs were removed--many of which were not that accurate.
At the current date (2023), a new revision is under consideration. A committee has been combing through 700-800 song submissions to be considered for the new revision, most of which cannot be used.
Before the 1970s, the James Book, later known as the Denson Book, was used in Tennessee, Texas, and the northern regions of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. During the 1970s, about the time of the American Bicentennial, the usage of the Denson Book began to spread outside of the South to places like California, Washington, Midwest, and New England. Twenty years later, singings began in Canada and Great Britain, and they are now spreading across the globe to places like Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Australia.
There were three ideas concerning book revisions. The Missouri Harmony was eventually controlled by the printing company and not the original compiler of the book. Their "corrective measures" caused the book to fall into obscurity. The singers that were singing from The Southern Harmony believed we should leave the book the way it was before the compiler, William Walker, passed away. Other than about three exceptions, this book would also fall into obscurity. The Sacred Harp has been revised several times since the passing of B. F. White. Each revision was overseen by committees of active singers that actively sing from these books. We even reached the point to where we now have three separate revisions: Denson, Cooper, and J. L. White. All three are still in active use.
Cobb, Buell E. The Sacred Harp: A Tradition and Its Music, (Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press 1987).
Jackson, George P. The Story of the Sacred Harp: 1844-1944, (Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 1944).
James, Joseph S. Union Harp and History of Songs: Brief Sketch of the Authors of Tunes and Hymns; Newly Arranged Tune and Song Book Consisting of Sacred Tunes, Songs and Anthems: Prepared for Churches, Sunday-Schools, Singing Schools, Conventions and All Public Gatherings as Well as Private Classes and the Home, (Douglasville, GA: publisher not identified, 1909).
Steel, David W. and Richard H. Hulan. The Makers of the Sacred Harp, (Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press, 2010).
White, B. F. and E. J. King. Original Sacred Harp, Centennial Edition, (Breman, GA: Sacred Harp Publishing Company, 2011).
White, B. F. and E. J. King. The Sacred Harp, (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1968).
White, B. F. and E. J. King. Original Sacred Harp, (Breman, GA: Sacred Harp Publishing Company, 1971).

domain: history


Low Visibility Decoy Flare
Department of Defense
Special Operations Command
Agency Tracking Number:
Solicitation Topic Code:
Small Business Information
General Sciences, Incorporated
205 Schoolhouse Road, Souderton, PA, 18964
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged:
AbstractLow visibility rotary aircraft decoys are needed to protect vehicles against heat seeking missile attacks without illuminating the target which exposes the aircraft to small arms fire and potentially compromising the mission. The novel approach to this challenge is to produce a decoy which emits only in the bands of interest utilizing techniques such as containment and composition selection to optimize performance from the limited volume of existing dispensers. Reactive materials will be used to generate heat which will produce a hot cloud of molten metal and hot CO2 gas neither of which will produce a visible signature, but will produce the IR signal desired. This effort can be leveraged to create a non visible signaling flare useful for covert target marking and covert rescue efforts. BENEFITS: Commercial aircraft decoy protection can benefit from this technology. The development of a low temperature/ low visibility decoy will allow the devices to be deployed without the risk of fires while still providing safety for the aircraft, particularly during take off and landings.
* information listed above is at the time of submission.


Deliveroo generated 29 million euros in additional income for Belgium’s restaurant sector between June 2016 and June 2017, the British online food delivery company said in a press release based on an economic impact study by the Capital Economics research bureau.
Deliveroo said its delivery service paved the way to expansion for its 1,100 partner restaurants, 45% of which said they acquired new clients via Deliveroo. One in five (20%) partner restaurants indicated that they had broadened their menus or extended their opening hours thanks to the increased customer base resulting from home deliveries, Deliveroo added.
In Belgium, the company’s activities led to the creation of 1,848 job opportunities for deliverers and partner restaurants during the period under review, while 180 jobs were created in the restaurant sector to cater for the increase in activities.
The revenue accruing to the Belgian State in the form of corporate and income taxes was estimated at 2.2 million euros, while about 3.7 million euros in value-added tax was earned from meal purchases through the platform.
Over the next two years, Deliveroo aims to create 8,000 jobs throughout Belgium (deliverers, jobs in restaurants, employment within the Deliveroo company itself) and generate 68 million euros in gross value added for the Belgian economy.


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Main / Uncategorized / Diablo 3 ps3 strategy guide pdf
Diablo 3 ps3 strategy guide pdf download
13 Sep Get ready to amplify your Nephalem powers! The Diablo III game guide has just been updated with information on the console versions of the. 25 May This Diablo III game guide contains mostly a detailed description of all of the game's quests. The missions have been divided into acts and they are listed in the Download Game Guide PDF, ePUB & iBooks . PC PS3 X This guide for Diablo III: Reaper of Souls includes example builds for level Download Game Guide PDF, ePUB & iBooks which gets rid of all the quests, dialogues and cut-scenes, so that the player can developer: Blizzard Entertainment; publisher: Blizzard Entertainment; platform: PC, XBOX, PS3, XONE, PS4.
18 May Diablo 3 wiki at IGN: walkthroughs, items, maps, video tips, and Download PDF Ultimate Evil Edition (PS3, PS4, Xbox , Xbox one). 12 Aug Console Versions - Diablo III: ign-live-presents-diabloconsole Welcome to IGN's Diablo III Console PS3 Cheats Download PDF A lot of our hints for PC starters center around optimizing the keyboard/mouse interface. For Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition on the PlayStation 4, I like strategy guides myself, but I'm just wondering what the difference may be. I would be . Outside of a downloadable PDF which has revisions or updates. Intel i5 k 8GB DDR3 MSI TF3 HD | PS2 | Xbox | PS3 | Wii U | PS4 | PSP | DS.
4 Jan Need help picking and speccing your hero in Diablo 3? help inspire you, whether you're playing on PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox or PC. In this Diablo 3 guide we'll look at giving newcomers to the game some tips to get. Diablo III Limited Edition Strategy Guide Console Version . to look through it while waiting for my pre-order PS3 copy to arrive on the following Tuesday. 8 Sep Surviving in Sanctuary: Your guide to getting started in 'Diablo III' . A good strategy, both in the early game and long-term, is to sell all of your.

domain: hobby


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D. TERZIYSKI1, L. NIKOLOVA1, L. HADJINIKOLOVA1, A. STOEVA1 and R. KALCHEV2
1 Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture, BG-4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
2 Institute of Zoology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BG-1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
TERZIYSKI, D., L. NIKOLOVA, L. HADJINIKOLOVA, A. STOEVA and R. KALCHEV, 2008. Investigation of ducks influence upon nutrients in carp ponds by means of RDA (redundancy analysis). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 14: 221-226
Integrated breeding of fish and ducks in fish ponds during the course of three years has been investigated (2000-2002). The polyculture applied has included carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linn), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis Rich.) and grass carp (Ctenopharingodon idella Val.). The grass carp has been absent from the composition of the polyculture used in 2001. Some of the ponds has been used as control, while in the remaining, a definite number of ducks have been grown (140-350 numbers per ha), by one, two or three runs (series) per year, for a period of 15-52 days each, within the interval May-September. The final result of ducks‘ and of the other variable influence upon the nutrient concentrations of the aquatic environment by using the RDA (redundancy analysis) at different degrees has been determined in this paper. The overgrowing of ponds with macrophytes and the redundancy with ducks have been the most significant factors, which have influenced upon the nutrients. The differences among nutrient concentrations in the control ponds (Duck0) and those with 1, 2 and 3 levels of loading (P=0.01 for the 1 level and 0.005 for the second and third), as well as those with the 1 and 3 (P=0.005) levels, have been significant. The differences between the ponds with the 1 and 2 levels, as well as those with 2 and 3 levels have been not significant (P=0.06 and P=0.08).


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Write What You Know by Erin Soderberg Downing
Controlled Burn is the book I’ve been wanting to write since I started my publishing journey more than twenty years ago, but it took almost fifteen years of writing other books before I truly believed I was a good enough writer to do this story justice. Even though this novel is a tribute to my grandpa Howard, and my childhood adventures, and an exploration of the fears and anxieties that sometimes try to control me, I couldn’t quite figure out how to put all those pieces of me together into a story that felt just right. I didn’t know how to write well about the things I know best.
Ultimately, this book’s journey started with a photo. When I was growing up, most of the pictures on my grandparents’ walls had fun stories behind them. The one that fascinated me most was a newspaper photo of my grandpa Howard, nursing a newborn fawn.
There is a scene in the middle of Controlled Burn where the main character, Maia, and her grandpa Howard come upon a deer that’s been hit and killed by a car. When Grandpa stops and pulls the dead animal to the side of the road, he realizes the deer is pregnant…and the fawn is still alive inside her belly. This scene—a key piece of the story that helped inspire both the setting and Grandpa’s character for this novel—was one of the first scenes I developed and was based on a real-life event. Many years ago, before I was born, my grandpa did exactly that: cut a fawn from its dead mother’s womb, brought it home with him, and nursed it to health alongside his dogs until the deer was old enough to release into a nearby wildlife preserve.
The idea for Controlled Burn has been living as a spark inside me for years, but the story has taken time to build and grow. It is a book that was inspired by many true things:
- The story behind that photo, of my grandpa and the fawn
- My own childhood adventures exploring Minnesota’s woods and lakes with my parents and cousins
- Grandpa Howard’s stories from his years working in a fire lookout and as a wilderness guide in Northern Minnesota
- My mom’s firsthand experience fighting forest fires when I was a kid and teen
- The myriad of fears and anxieties that have too often consumed and controlled me, as well as the healing power of nature that helps ground me when I’m feeling lost and overwhelmed.
The best part of writing and planning this book was getting the opportunity to remember and reflect on some of the wonderful time I spent with my amazing grandparents, while growing up surrounded by the nature and beauty of Minnesota’s great Northwoods. Though my own grandpa Howard was not nearly as gruff as Maia’s (my grandpa was hilarious, outgoing, mischievous, and everyone who met him loved him), so many pieces of his character, this novel’s setting, and Maia’s experiences were based on bits and pieces borrowed from real life experiences.
In this story, I’ve written about the people, places, and feelings that I know best, and I hope readers will enjoy spending some time in a story I love so much.
ABOUT CONTROLLED BURN:
Twelve-year-old Maia’s parents say she’s lucky she noticed something as early as she did. Lucky to have smelled the smoke, lucky to have pulled her sister, Amelia, out of their burning house. But is it really “lucky” when Amelia’s stuck in the hospital, covered in burns? And is it “lucky” when Maia knows it was her candle, left unattended, that started the fire in the first place?
When she’s sent to spend the summer with her grandparents in Northern Minnesota while her sister heals, Maia discovers that her anxieties and demons are intent on following her wherever she goes…unless she can figure out how to overcome them. But what if she can’t? Maia barely knows her grandparents, she desperately misses her sister and home, and she’s not thrilled to be spending the summer with Grandpa Howard on his daily motorcycle rides out to the middle of the woods, where he spends all day keeping watch for forest fires. There are no kids her age in Gram and Pop’s small town at “the end of the road”—just the chatty nine-year-old neighbor who is intent on getting his Bear Scout badge at all costs, and a friendly, stray dog who’s been lurking around.
But Maia will soon learn that nature is a powerful teacher, and sometimes our greatest strengths show themselves when we have to be there for someone else. As Maia begins to figure out how to face her guilt and paralyzing fears, she’ll discover there’s a fine line between fear and adventure. And when danger strikes again, Maia must summon all her bravery and overcome her self-doubt if she wants to save those she loves most.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIRS BOOK TRAILER:
Erin Soderberg Downing has published more than seventy-five books for kids, tweens, and young adults, including Controlled Burn (a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection) and the forthcoming Just Keep Walking (Scholastic Press, spring 2024). She has also written several popular series for young readers: The Great Peach Experiment (a JLG Gold Standard Selection), Puppy Pirates, and The Quirks. Erin loves reading, swimming, baking, exploring the woods, traveling with her family, and walking around Minneapolis lakes with her fluffy and mischievous dogs, Wally and Nutmeg. More information can be found at www.erinsoderberg.com.


Streaming Media West is the place to learn about cutting-edge online video technologies and new business strategies.
Why You Should Attend
Learn what you need to know to make streaming work— from content capture and creation to distribution and management
Get in-depth training on online video technology and applications in intensive preconference seminars
Learn about the new business and distribution models for online video
Gain access to the Exhibit Hall featuring major streaming and online video vendors
Network with your colleagues, peers, and experts in streaming media


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Double pressed Oaten Hay from Australia. 25Kg strapped and wrapped bales, 26MT per container. Available now ( Oct 2014 ) and for the next few months. Price will vary with availability and destination. Our target market is Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China and nearby. Ideal for dairy and horse feed. Email for specs and details please.
7 Ernst Street
Melbourne Victoria 3108 AU
Wise Foods are producers and manufacturers of premium quality food from Australia. Our mission is to help Australian manufacturers take their products to the rest of world by building a brand that is based on quality. Farming in Australia is done in a way that protects the environment and works in harmony with existing ecosystems. Traditional farming methods are often used, such as rotating crops to prevent depleting the soil of nutrients, and many foods are produced without chemical processing. Australia has strict quarantine standards and is free from serious plant and animal diseases found in other parts of the world. That all adds up to a biosecurity history that is hard to beat, and it’s one of the things that makes our food so highly valued. It is our hope that the success of Wise Foods will sustain a way of life for Australian farmers and manufacturers by finding new markets.


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Posted on May 16 2017
Five common signs of heart disease in dogs
By Dr. Kelly Diehl
Morris Animal Foundation
Heart disease is a common problem in dogs that can be caused by a variety of underlying diseases including heart valve degeneration, irregular heart rate and rhythm (arrhythmia), and heart muscle disease. Despite the different types of heart diseases affecting dogs, many share common signs that can alert an owner to a problem....


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Lauren M. Knott
What factors underlie associative and categorical memory illusions? The roles of backward associative strength and inter-item connectivity
Knott, Lauren M.; Dewhurst, Stephen A.; Howe, Mark L.
Professor Stephen Dewhurst firstname.lastname@example.org
Professor of Cognitive Psychology
Mark L. Howe
Factors that affect categorical and associative false memory illusions were investigated in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, backward associative strength (BAS) from the list word to the critical lure and interitem connectivity were manipulated in Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) and category list types. For both recall and recognition tasks, the likelihood of producing DRM and category false memories was greater for lists with high BAS and low interitem connectivity. In Experiment 2, DRM and category lists with high BAS showed similar indirect priming effects in a word stem completion task. With low BAS, category lists, unlike DRM lists, showed no priming effect. We discuss the role of BAS, interitem connectivity, and associate-level differences in implicit and explicit measures of false memory production. © 2012 American Psychological Association.
Knott, L. M., Dewhurst, S. A., & Howe, M. L. (2012). What factors underlie associative and categorical memory illusions? The roles of backward associative strength and inter-item connectivity. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 38(1), 229-239. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025201
|Journal Article Type||Article|
|Acceptance Date||Jan 1, 2012|
|Publication Date||Jan 1, 2012|
|Publisher||American Psychological Association|
|Peer Reviewed||Peer Reviewed|
|Keywords||DRM paradigm;False memories;Backward associative strength;Indirect priming;Category lists|