COUNCILLORS blasted plans for a price hike in leisure facilities yesterday which would provide the council with more than £170,000 in extra income.
The planned increases will affect a number of leisure services, including the cost of parking at the city's parks, library services and Passport to Leisure facilities.
In a meeting of the full council, Cllr Tony Skipper (Lab, Radford) asked representatives how much the council was set to gain.
And in a written response to the council it was revealed that by 2011 an extra £40,761 would be made from parks, excluding Coombe Abbey, which alone would bring in an extra £79,000.
An extra £39,332 would be made from libraries where there would be increased costs for the hire of DVDs and fines.
And the increased Passport to Leisure prices would generate a further £11,250.
Cllr Skipper claimed the proposal was made in the hope of filling the depart-ment's financial hole.
He said: "Will it be acceptable to cover the deficit in the leisure services budget?
"And will it go into the leisure services budget or will it go into the central pot?"
Cllr John Mutton (Lab, Binley and Willenhall) said a leaflet which stated that all the extra money raised at Coombe Abbey will go back into the park was misleading because there was no guarantee the funds would not be used elsewhere.
In response, Cllr Tim Sawdon (Cons, Wainbody), cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Libraries, said the plans had been in the pipeline for a long period of time and the increased charges were necessary to cover the lack of investment into leisure facilities by the Labour council.


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By placing markers in to your action plan, you lessen amount of correct bets needed to double up, if you don’t use markers, it requires 6 correct successive bets, with markers it requires only four different.
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domain: hobby


text:
Tired of going to a bar or restaurant for every date? Whether you’re just getting to know each other or have been married for years, these twists on traditional date nights will make everyone happy.
8 Creative Nashville Date Ideas
Hand Pour a Candle
Pick a vessel, find a fragrance, place your wick, and pour the wax at Paddywax Candle Bar. This hand-pouring candle experience is available Tuesday through Sunday, so make a reservation or call ahead to see if any seats are open. You can also stop by the Gulch location and pour your own candle by the hour (reservations needed) Thursday through Monday! Bring a bottle of wine or champagne to enhance the experience. Your candle will dry within a couple of hours, which you can pick up or have shipped. It’s only $40-$45 per person.
See Art for Free
At the elegant 21c Museum Hotel downtown, you’re welcome to get tipsy and artsy at the same time. Start by grabbing a creative cocktail at the hotel bar, Gray & Dudley, and take it with you as you stroll through the adjacent museum’s modern (and occasionally interactive) exhibits. Spanning more than 10,000 square feet, this one-of-a-kind art collection is free to view and open to the public.
Create a Couple Masterpieces
If you prefer do-it-yourself art, make your next date night a BYOB painting class—zero experience or talent required. Nashville is not lacking for options of this popular two-for-one activity, with franchises Sip ’N’ Strokes and Painting with a Twist as well as the locally owned Dabble Studio. Sip ‘N’ Strokes is currently only offering off-site events, so they’ll come to you!
Upgrade Your Movie Experience
The recliners at the Green Hills theater are nice and all, but Marvel sequels don’t exactly scream “date night.” The intimate Belcourt Theatre offers a truly unique movie experience with new releases.
Go Absinthe Tasting
The Germantown sweet spot known as Tempered Cafe & Chocolate has a secret identity: On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:00pm, it transforms into an absinthe bar called The Green Hour. (You’ll know the time is right when the green light in the front window flicks on.) Learn how to do a traditional absinthe ritual called la louche, which involves dissolving a sugar cube with iced water before imbibing.
Dance the Night Away
So you think you can’t dance? Change that attitude via Swing Dance Nashville, which offers a drop-in demonstration before its Friday night Jump Session which takes places every other Friday. If you’re feeling fairly confident in your Lindy hop, show off those moves at The 5 Spot’s popular Monday night dance party which segues into the Motown Monday sweat fest. For a different pace, the Nashville Country Dancers host a contra dance with live music every Friday; get there a half hour early for a beginner lesson.
Reach Great Heights
A couple’s ultimate test of trust, patience and communication: climbing to the top of a giant rock wall together. No matter how long you’ve been together, you’ll likely survive a trip to Climb Nashville because it’s more fun than frightening. Day passes start at $16, depending on the type of equipment you need, and West Nashville’s location is open until 10:00pm during the week in case you’re feeling ambitious after digesting dinner.
Every few months, the Adventure Science Center hosts a special ticketed event especially for the 21-and-up crowd. The themes range drastically—from crime solving to Harry Potter—but expect a blend of science, pop culture, costumes and adult beverages.
Have other creative date ideas in Nashville? Let us know in the comments!


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domain: finance


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What do i do if my fire bellied toad wont eat i just got him?
he wont eat small crickets. and i got him 4 days ago
Try another type of food. Research online for care tips.
You should try and change the type of food you give it. It could be that it is familiar to the food. Change of food and environment makes toads get nervous and hence refrain from eating. See a vet for more details.

domain: food


US 7195658 B2
An antiloading composition includes a first organic compound. The compound has a water contact angle criterion that is less than a water contact angle for zinc stearate. The first compound also satisfies at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a melting point Tmelt greater than about 40° C., a coefficient of friction F less than about 0.3, and an antiloading criterion P greater than about 0.3. Another embodiment includes a second organic compound, having a different water contact angle from that of the first organic compound. The composition has a particular water contact angle W°p that is determined, at least in part, by the independent W°g of each compound and the proportion of each compound in the composition. Also, an abrasive product includes the antiloading composition. A method of grinding a substrate is disclosed that includes employing effective amount of an antiloading composition. Further disclosed is a method of selecting an antiloading compound.
1. An abrasive product, comprising:
a binder support substrate;
an abrasive material affixed to the support substrate by the binder; and
an antiloading composition comprising a first organic compound and a second organic compound, wherein each of the first and second organic compounds independently:
has a water contact angle criterion W°g that is less than a water contact angle W°z for zinc stearate; and
satisfies at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a melting point Tmelt greater than about 40° C., a dynamic coefficient of friction F less than about 0.4, and an antiloading criterion P greater than about 0.2, and
wherein the first and second organic compounds are different, and wherein each of the first and second organic compounds independently is represented by a formula selected from the group consisting of R—OSO3 −M+, RCONH(CH2)3N+(CH3)2CH2COO−, R—CONR′CH2CO2 −M+, and R—O(CO)CH2OSO3 −M+, wherein
R is C6–C18 linear alkyl;
R′ is C1–C4 linear alkyl; and
M+ is an alkali metal ion.
2. The abrasive product of
3. The abrasive product of
4. The abrasive product of
5. The abrasive product
6. The abrasive product of
Generally, abrasive products comprise abrasive particles bonded together with a binder to a supporting substrate. For example, an abrasive product can comprise a layer of abrasive particles bound to a substrate, where the substrate can be a flexible substrate such as fabric or paper backing, a non-woven support, and the like. Such products are employed to abrade a variety of work surfaces including metal, metal alloys, glass, wood, paint, plastics, body filler, primer, and the like.
It is known in the art that abrasive products are subject to “loading”, wherein the “swarf”, or abraded material from the work surface, accumulates on the abrasive surface and between the abrasive particles. Loading is undesirable because it typically reduces the performance of the abrasive product. In response, “antiloading” compositions have been developed that reduce the tendency of an abrasive product to accumulate swarf. For example, zinc stearate has long been known as a component of antiloading compositions. Many classes of compounds have been proposed as components of antiloading compositions. For example, some proposed components of antiloading compositions can include long alkyl chains attached to polar groups, such as carboxylates, alkylammonium salts, borates, phosphates, phosphonates, sulfates, sulfonates, and the like, along with a wide range of counter ions including monovalent and divalent metal cations, organic counterions, such as tetraalkylammonium, and the like.
However, there is no known teaching in the art as to which of this large class of compounds are effective antiloading agents, short of manufacturing an abrasive product with each potential compound and performing a time consuming series of abrasion tests. Many proposed compounds are actually ineffective antiloading agents.
Furthermore, some agents known to be effective for antiloading result in unacceptable contamination of the work surface, e.g., commonly leading to defects in a subsequent coating step. For example, use of zinc stearate in finishing abrasives in the auto industry leads to contamination of the primer surface, requiring an additional cleaning step to prepare the primer for a subsequent coat of paint.
Also, some antiloading agents that are known to be effective, such as zinc stearate, are insoluble in water. As a result, manufacturing an abrasive product with a water-insoluble antiloading agent can require organic solvents or additional additives and/or processing steps.
Thus, there is a need for antiloading agents that are effective, that are easily incorporated into an abrasive product, and that minimize contamination of the work surface. Further, there is a need for a method of selecting effective antiloading compounds.
It has now been found that certain compounds can be effective antiloading agents, particularly compounds, such as anionic surfactants, that satisfy certain criteria, as demonstrated in Examples 1–5.
An antiloading composition includes a first organic compound. The compound has a water contact angle criterion W°g that is less than a water contact angle W°z for zinc stearate. The first compound satisfies at least one condition selected from the group consisting of a melting point Tmelt greater than about 40° C., a dynamic coefficient of friction F less than about 0.5, and an antiloading criterion P greater than about 0.2.
Another embodiment includes a second organic compound, having a W°g different from that of the first organic compound. The composition has a particular water contact angle W°p that is determined, at least in part, by the independent W°g of each compound and the proportion of each compound in the composition.
An abrasive product includes the antiloading composition.
A method of grinding a substrate includes grinding a work surface by applying an abrasive product to the work surface to create work surface swarf, and providing an effective amount of an antiloading composition at the interface between the abrasive product and the work surface swarf.
Another embodiment of the method includes grinding the substrate to a particular water contact angle W°p by employing the second organic compound.
A method of selecting an antiloading compound includes selecting the first organic compound. Another embodiment of the method includes selecting the second compound, and determining a proportion for each compound, whereby a composition comprising the compounds in the proportions has a particular water contact angle W°p that is due, at least in part, to the W°g of each compound and the proportion thereof.
The advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein are significant. By providing effective antiloading compositions, the efficiency and effectiveness of abrasion products and methods are improved, thereby reducing the cost and improving the quality of the work product. By providing antiloading compositions which lead to ground surfaces with decreased water contact angles W°g, the manufacture of abrasive products incorporating antiloading compositions is eased, and the contamination of work surfaces is reduced, particularly for work surfaces to be coated after abrasion, e.g., with paint, varnish, powder coat, and the like. By providing antiloading compositions that are effective at a range of temperatures, work surfaces at different temperatures can be abraded without requiring temperature modification and/or multiple products for different temperatures. Furthermore, by grinding a work surface to a particular water contact angle W°p, the ground surface can be “fine-tuned” to be compatible with a subsequent coating. The result is a significant improvement in the versatility, quality, and effectiveness of abrasion products, methods, and work product produced therefrom.
The disclosed embodiments are generally related to additives used to increase the effectiveness of abrasive products, in particular, antiloading compositions that are incorporated into abrasive products. A description of various embodiments of the invention follows.
As used herein, an “antiloading composition” includes any organic compound or salt thereof that can be an effective antiloading agent with respect to the particular combinations of two or more of the criteria disclosed herein, such as P, F, Tmelt, ΔT, Tsub, W°, W°g, W°z, W°p, and the chemical structure of the agent.
As used herein, a water contact angle, e.g., water contact angles W°, W°g, W°z, and W°p, can be determined by one skilled in the art by the method of goniometry. When water is applied to a substrate, the water contact angle is the angle between the plane of the substrate and a line tangent to the surface of the water at the intersection of the water and the substrate.
As used herein, the substrate can be any material ground or polished in the art, e.g., wood, metal, plastics, composites, ceramics, minerals, and the like; and also coatings of such substrates including paints, primers, varnishes, adhesives, powder coats, oxide layers, metal plating, contamination, and the like. A substrate typically includes metal, wood, or polymeric substrates, either bare or coated with protective primers, paints, clear coats, and the like.
As used herein, W° is the water contact angle measured for an un-ground substrate. W°g is the water contact angle measured for a substrate ground in the presence of an effective amount of an antiloading compound, e.g., the first organic compound. An “effective amount” is an amount of antiloading compound or antiloading composition sufficient to have an antiloading effect when present during grinding of a substrate. W°z is the water contact angle measured for a substrate ground in the presence of an effective amount of zinc stearate. When two such values are compared, e.g., when W°g is less than W°z, it can mean that the respective water contact angles are measured for identical substrates ground with identical abrasives in the presence of an effective amount of each respective compound, e.g., the first organic compound and zinc stearate.
In various embodiments, W°g for the first compound is less than W°z, typically less than about 125°, more typically less than about 110°, still more typically less than about 100°, yet more typically less than about 70°, or less than about 50°. In a particular embodiment, W°g for the first compound is about 0°.
In various embodiments, a particular water contact angle W°p, can be desirable, e.g., if it is an angle that can not be easily achieved by employing a single antiloading compound, or it is an angle that can be easily achieved by employing a single compound that is undesirable for other reasons, e.g., cost, toxicity, antiloading performance, and the like. A composition can contain two or more compounds with different values for W°g, combined in a proportion that can achieve the particular water contact angle W°p. When two compounds are employed, at least one compound, e.g., the first organic compound, satisfies the minimum antiloading criteria, e.g., W°g is less than W°z and at least one condition is satisfied from a melting point Tmelt greater than about 40° C., a coefficient of friction less than about 0.6, and an antiloading criterion P greater than about 0.3. The second compound can be any effective antiloading compound, for example, the second compound can be zinc stearate. In particular embodiments, both the first and the second organic compound satisfy the minimum antiloading criteria, e.g., W°g is less than W°z and at least one condition is satisfied from a melting point Tmelt greater than about 40° C., a coefficient of friction less than about 0.6, and an antiloading criterion P greater than about 0.3.
In a particular embodiment, the particular angle W°p can be selected to match a subsequent coating, which can reduce defects due to contamination by the antiloading compound. For example, a water-based coating can perform better when the surface is prepared with a lower W°p compared to a surface prepared for an oil based coating. For particular coatings that can be very sensitive to W°p, e.g., an emulsion based coating, the W°p can be selected to be about the optimal value for the coating. In various embodiments, the two or more compounds can be employed together, e.g., as a composition included in the abrasive, or a composition applied to the abrasive, the work surface, or both. In other embodiments, the compounds can be employed separately, e.g., at least one compound can be included in the abrasive product, or applied to the work surface, or the abrasive, and the like. For example, the abrasive can contain at least one compound, and the second compound can be applied to the work surface using, e.g., a solution of an antiloading agent, applied by, for example, a spray gun which can be controlled to apply particular amounts. Thus, a single abrasive can be employed between multiple coatings, and the value of W°p after each grinding operation can be adjusted by the amount of the second compound that is employed.
As used herein, the melting point, Tmelt, of the compound can be determined by one skilled in the art by the method of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further experimental details are provided in Example 3. One skilled in the art can appreciate that in this context, the term “melting point” refers to a thermal transition in the DSC plot that indicates softening of the compound, i.e., the melting point of a crystalline compound, the softening or liquefaction point of an amorphous compound, and the like. In various embodiments, the melting point of the compound is greater than about 40° C., or more typically greater than about 55° C., or alternatively, greater than about 70° C. In particular embodiments, the melting point is greater than about 90° C. .
The coefficient of friction F for a compound can be determined by preparing coated samples and measuring the coefficient of friction at 20° C. Experimental details for determining F are provided in Example 2. In various embodiments, the value of F for the compound is less than about 0.6, more typically less than about 0.4, or alternatively, less than about 0.3. In a particular embodiment, the value of F is less than about 0.2.
The antiloading criterion P can be calculated by Eq (1):
In Eq (1), variable ΔT, in units of ° C., is the difference Tmelt−Tsub, where Tmelt is the melting point of the compound and Tsub is the temperature of the substrate being ground. The temperature of the substrate, Tsub, can be measured by measuring the temperature of the work surface by employing a thermometer, thermocouple, or other temperature measuring devices well known to one skilled in the art. In various embodiments, the value of Tsub, as employed to calculate ΔT and P, can be from about 20° C. to about 45° C., or more typically from about 20° C. to about 45° C. In a particular embodiment, Tsub is about 45° C.
For example, in various embodiments, the antiloading criterion P has a value of greater than about 0.2, or alternatively greater than about 0.3. In a particular embodiment, P is greater than about 0.5. Further details for antiloading criterion P are provided in Example 5 and in
In various embodiments, the variable ΔT is greater than about 20° C., typically greater than about 30° C., more typically greater than about 40° C., or alternatively greater than about 50° C. In a particular embodiment, ΔT is greater than about 75° C.
One skilled in the art can appreciate that many abrading applications can occur at temperatures above ambient temperature, i.e., greater than about 20° C., due to frictional heating, workpiece baking, and the like. For example, in the automotive industry, during the painting process, a car body typically goes through a paint coating station. The car body can typically be heated to greater than ambient temperature at a paint station, which can be as high as about 43° C. As it exits the station, operators can inspect the body for defects, and identified defects can be abraded.
One skilled in the art can also appreciate that in testing to select effective antiloading compounds, the particular temperatures employed in the test to calculate P do not limit, per se, the temperatures that a selected compound can be used at. For example, a compound that is tested at 45° C. can be used at temperatures that are higher or lower than 45° C.
One skilled in the art can appreciate that certain antiloading agents, e.g., zinc stearate, can have high values for P. However, one skilled in the art can also appreciate that many applications of abrasive products can be contaminated by an antiloading agent that increases the water contact angle of the substrate. For example, if zinc stearate was employed on a surface to be coated with a water-based coating, residual zinc stearate would probably need to be removed from the abraded surface or the coating can be less effective at adhering to the surface.
The compounds, e.g., organic compounds that can be effective antiloading agents typically include surfactants or molecules with surfactant-like properties, i.e., molecules with a large hydrophobic group coupled to a hydrophilic group, e.g., anionic surfactants. Typical hydrophobic groups include branched or linear, typically linear aliphatic groups of between about 6 and about 18 carbons. Hydrophobic groups can also include cycloaliphatic groups, aryl groups, and optional heteroatom substitutions. Typical hydrophilic groups include polar or easily ionized groups, for example: anions such as carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfite, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphate, thiosulfates, thiosulfite, borate, and the like. For example, an anionic surfactant includes a molecule with a long alkyl chain attached to an anionic group, e.g., the C12 alkyl group attached to the sulfate anion group in sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Thus, for example, anionic surfactants that can be effective antiloading agents include compounds of the general formula R—A−M+, where R is the hydrophobic group, A− is the anionic group, and M+ is a counterion. One skilled in the art can appreciate that acceptable variations of the formula include stoichiometric combinations of ions of different or identical valences, e.g., (R—A−)2M++, R—A−−(M+)2, R—A−−H+M+, R—A−−M++, and the like.
R can be a C6–C18 branched or linear, typically linear aliphatic group. R can optionally be interrupted by one or more interrupting groups, and/or be substituted, provided that the resulting compound continues to be an effective antiloading agent according to the criteria disclosed herein. Suitable substituents can include, for example, —F, —Cl, —Br, —I, —CN, —NO2, halogenated C1–C4 alkyl groups, C1–C6 alkoxy groups, cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups, heteroaryl groups, heterocyclic groups, and the like. Suitable interrupting groups can include, for example, —O—, —S—, —(CO)—, —NRa(CO)—, —NRa—, and the like, wherein Ra is —H or a small, e.g., C1–C6, alkyl group, or alternatively, an aryl or aralkyl group, e.g., phenyl, benzyl, and the like.
Counterion M+can form a salt with the compound and can be, for example, a metal cation, e.g., Mg++, Mn++, Zn++, Ca++, Cu++, Na+, Li+, K+, Cs+, Rb+, and the like, or a non-metallic cation such as sulfonium, phosphonium, ammonium, alkylammonium, arylammonium, imidazolinium, and the like. In one embodiment, M+ can be a metal ion. In another embodiment, M+ is an alkali metal ion, e.g., Na+, Li+, K+, Cs+, or Rb+. In a particular embodiment, M+ is Na+.
The anionic group depicted by A− can include, for example carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfite, sulfosuccinate, sarcosinate, sulfoacetate, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphate, thiosulfate, thiosulfite, borate, and the like. A− can also include carboxylate, sulfate, sulfonate, phosphate, sarcosinate, sulfoacetate, or phosphonate. Alternatively, the anionic group can be sulfate, sarcosinate, sulfoacetate, or betaine (e.g., trimethylglycinyl, e.g., a carboxylate). In another embodiment, the anionic group can be sulfate.
One skilled in the art will know that a sample of such molecules typically can include a distribution among neutral, i.e., protonated or partially or fully esterified forms, For example, a carboxylate surfactant could include one or more of the species R—CO2 −M+, R—CO2H, and R—CO2Rb, wherein Rb is a small, e.g., C1–C6, alkyl group, a benzyl group, and the like.
Thus, in various embodiments, the compound can include, for example, compounds represented by formulas R—OSO3 −M+, R—CONR′CH2CO2 −M+, R—O(CO)CH2OSO3 −M+, or RCONH(CH2)3N+(CH3)2CH2COO— wherein R is C6–C18 linear alkyl; R′ is C1–C4 linear alkyl; and M+ is an alkali metal ion. In other embodiments, the compound can include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, lauramidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. In a particular embodiment, the compound can be sodium lauryl sulfate.
As used herein, an abrasive material is any particulate ceramic, mineral, or metallic substance known to one skilled in the art that is employed to grind workpieces. For example, abrasive materials can include alpha alumina (fused or sintered ceramic), silicon carbide, fused alumina/zirconia, cubic boron nitride, diamond and the like as well as combinations thereof. Abrasive materials are typically affixed to a support substrate, (e.g., a fabric, paper, metal, wood, ceramic, or polymeric backing); a solid support, (e-g., a grinding wheel, an “emery board”), and the like. The material is affixed by combining a binder, e.g., natural or synthetic glues or polymers, and the like with the abrasive material and the support substrate, and the combination is then cured and dried. The antiloading composition can be combined with these elements at any stage of fabricating the abrasive product. In one embodiment, the antiloading composition is combined with the binder and abrasive material during manufacture of the abrasive product. In other embodiments, the antiloading composition is at the interface between the abrasive surface of the final product and the work surface swarf, e.g., by applying the antiloading composition to the abrasive surface at manufacture, applying the antiloading composition to the abrasive surface, applying the compound to the work surface, combinations thereof, and the like.
The abrasive product, e.g., in the form of nowoven abrasives, or coated abrasives, e.g., sandpaper, a grinding wheel, a disc, a strip, a sheet, a sanding belt, a compressed grinding tool, and the like, can be employed by applying it to the work surface in a grinding motion, e.g., manually, mechanically, or automatically applying the abrasive, with pressure, to the work surface in a linear, circular, elliptical, or random motion, and the like.
A particular embodiment includes an organic surfactant. The water contact angle criterion W°g, for a test substrate ground with an abrasive in the presence of an effective amount of the composition is less than about 20°. Also, the antiloading criterion P for the surfactant is greater than about 0.3. Typically, the organic surfactant is selected from a group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, sodium octyl sulfate, lauramidopropyl betaine, and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. In a particular embodiment, the surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate.
In various embodiments, the first compound is selected to satisfy one or more of the following sets of conditions selected from the group consisting of:
P is greater than about 0.4;
ΔT is greater than about 5° C.;
F is less than about 0.5;
W°g is less than W°z;
W°g is less than W°z, Tmelt is greater than about 40° C., and F is less than about 0.5;
W°g is about equal to W°, Tmelt is greater than about 40° C., and F is less than about 0.5; and
ΔT is greater than about 5° C., F is less than about 0.5, and W°g is about equal to W°.
The following examples are provided to illustrate the principles of the embodiments, and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
Measurement of Empirical Grinding Performance
A commercial abrasive product that contained no initial antiloading composition, Norton A270 P500 sandpaper (Norton Abrasives, Worcester, Mass.), was employed for all tests. The experimental anti-loading agents (listed in Table 1; obtained from Stepan Company, Northfield, Ill.; except Arquad 2HT-75, Akzo-Nobel, Chicago, Ill.; and Rhodapon LM and Rhodapex PM 603, Rhodia, Cranbury, N.J.) were prepared as 30% solutions by weight in water and coated onto 5 inch (12.7 cm) diameter discs of sandpaper with a sponge brush. A back surface of the discs includes a mating surface comprising hook and loop fastening material. The experimental workpieces were steel panels prepared by painting the steel panels with a paint selected to be representative of a typical primer in the automotive industry, e.g., BASF U28 (BASF Corporation, Mount Olive, N.J.). The workpieces were ground by hand using a hand-held foam pad to which the abrasive disc was attached via the hook and loop fastening material. The downward force exerted on the abrasive against the workpiece was monitored using a single-point load cell (LCAE-45 kg load cell, Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, Conn.) mounted underneath a 50 cm×50 cm metal plate. The grinding was performed with the workpiece clamped on top of the metal plate. The downward force was maintained at 11 N±1N by monitoring the output from the load cell. The foam pad was held at an approximately 60° angle relative to an axis projecting normal to the steel panels so that only approximately ⅓ of the abrasive disc's surface was in contact with the workpiece. The resulting pressure at the abrading interface was therefore approximately 2.6 kN/m2.
An approximately 5 cm diameter area of the workpiece was ground with the abrasive. Sanding was performed by back-and-forth motion of the abrasive across the surface of the workpiece that was not previously ground. A rate of sanding of approximately 3 strokes per second was used. The stroke length was approximately 4 cm. The test was performed in 5-second increments for a total of 150 seconds, or to the point where the cut rate dropped to zero, whichever occurred first. Cut rate for each increment was reported using an empirical scale of 4 through zero, where 4 represented a very aggressive cut rate and zero denoted that the product had ceased to cut altogether. The ratings were a result of visual evaluation of the amount of material removed and swarf generated combined with the amount of resistance to lateral motion felt by the operator. A high cut rate was reflected in large amounts of swarf generation and low resistance to lateral motion. Empirical performance G in the test was expressed as the sum of all the cut-rate numbers over the duration of the test. The highest G value that can be achieved in this test can be defined by 4 (maximum cut rate increment)*30 (number of test increments)=120. In Table 1, the empirical performance results were normalized resulting in values for G ranging from 0 to 1. The grinding tests were carried out at three values of substrate temperature Tsub, e.g., at about 21° C., 32° C., and 43° C. The results are provided in Table 1 under G, normalized to the best performance at about 21° C. The parameters F, ΔT, and P are discussed in Examples 2, 3, and 5, respectively.
Table 2 shows the performance of sandpaper coated with sodium lauryl sulfate (Stepanol VA-100) versus zinc stearate and versus no coating. The total performance of each material is equal to the sum of all ratings over the 150 second test. The values for G, obtained by normalizing relative to the best-performing product in Table 1, are also shown in Table 2. The sandpaper coated with sodium lauryl sulfate performed better than the sandpaper coated with zinc stearate, which in turn performed better than uncoated sandpaper.
Measurement of Coefficient of Friction
The coefficient of friction F for a compound was determined by preparing coated samples and measuring the coefficient of friction at about 20° C. Chemicals to be tested were coated by hand onto 0.127 mm (millimeter) polyester film (Melinex®, DuPont Teijin Films, Hopewell, Va.) using a 12.7 cm (centimeter) 8-path wet film applicator (Model AP-25SS, Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla.) with a 0.127 mm gap setting. If the antiloading agent was provided in a liquid solution, it was coated directly. If it was solid and water-soluble, it was dissolved in approximately 10 parts water by weight prior to coating (if the solution was not clear, more water was added and the solution was heated until the solution became clear, indicating that the agent can be fully dissolved). The coating was then allowed to dry inside an oven set at 80° C. for 4 hours to remove at least a portion of any remaining solvents. For zinc stearate, which is a solid at room temperature and is water insoluble, the powder was dispersed into Stoddard solvent (CAS#8052-41-3) and then coated onto the film following the former procedure. The coated material was placed inside an oven at 145° C. for 30 minutes to fuse the stearate powder onto the film. After drying in the oven, all coated samples were conditioned at room temperature for at least 40 hours prior to testing.
Once the samples were prepared, the coefficient of friction was measured by sliding coated material across itself. The apparatus used was a Monitor/Slip & Friction Model 32-26 (Testing Machine, Inc., Amityville, N.Y.). A strip of film coated with the antiloading agent was cut and mounted to fit a 6.35 cm square sled weighing 200 grams. The sled was dragged across another strip of coated film according to the standard test method described in ASTM D 1894-01 (American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, Pa.). The strips of coated film were oriented such that the two coated surfaces are in contact as they slide past one another. The F values are provided in Table 1.
DSC Measurement of Melting Points
A sample of approximately 5 mg of each experimental antiloading compound was loaded into a differential scanning calorimeter sample cell (model DSC 2910 TA Instruments New Castle, Del.), and the temperature was increased until the melting point was observed. The value for each compound is reported in Table 1 as Tmelt, along with ΔT calculated from Tmelt−Tsub.
Water Contact Angle of Compounds Shows Superior Compounds
1.3 cm-wide strips of steel coated with DuPont U28 primer were ground offhand with Norton A270 P500 for 20 seconds at a pressure of 66 kN/m2 with A270 P500 sandpaper coated with each experimental antiloading compound, and the water contact angle was measured with a VCA 2500XE goniometer (AST Products, Inc, Billerica, Mass.). Six readings were taken for each ground surface. The water contact angle W°g for each compound is reported in Table 3.
The data illustrate that the water contact angle W° increases after abrasion to with a sandpaper coated with zinc stearate, e.g., to W°z. However, after sanding with certain antiloading compounds such as Stepanol WA-100 and Ammonyx 4002, the water contact angle, e.g., W°g, can be reduced to about 0°.
Grinding Model Predicts Variation in Antiloading Performance
A regression analysis was performed, employing empirical values F and ΔT as the independent variables and the relative grinding performance G as the dependent variable. Using this approach, Eq. 1 for calculated performance P was obtained. Table 1 shows the empirical G values versus the calculated P values. Table 4 shows the statistics of the regression analysis, reflecting the model's ability to account for up to about 75% of the variation in the data.
While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.


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"Paiste cymbals have always had that distinct sound which I cannot find in any other cymbal manufacturers. It's a personal thing."
Ben HAKALITZ (Drummer/Kuakumba Flutes/Guitar and Vocals) with a musical career spanning over 30 years, is from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea (PNG).
He has toured worldwide with international artists including, Yothu Yindi, Sanguma and Tribe Of Jubal. Ben lives in Cairns and was awarded the Australia Centenary Medal for services to the Australian Community through Music.
He worked on the soundtrack to Australian Director/Producer, Bill Bennett's film: In The Savage Land (won an AFI Award, 1998). He also performed at the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sydney and in the opening acts for Bon Jovi, Kylie Minogue (2003) and Carlos Santana's Australian Tour (2004). Ben has also worked with Edou, DrumDrum, Toni Nation, Tamabaran Culture, Seaman Dan, Not Drowning, Waving and Telek. Ben co-wrote the music for the PNG's National Theatre Company stage musical: Sana Sana, which was performed at the South Pacific Festival of Arts in Cook Islands. Currently working on film soundtracks for Mr Pip composed and arranged by Tim Finn.

domain: artistic


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Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1909
Paris, France 1968
Untitled 3 "Eve"
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Materials & Technique:
drawings, drawing in pen and black ink and wash in colour inks Support: cream paper
Primary Insc: signed and dated lower right in pen and black ink, 'Opie / '50.'.
Secondary Insc: no inscriptions.
image 31.2 h x 16.2 w cm sheet 31.8 h x 16.5 w cm
: Gift of James Agapitos OAM and Ray Wilson OAM 2007 Accession No
: NGA 2007.907 Subject
: Australia, Art style: Surrealism
- Agapitos/Wilson Collection, Sydney
- Gift to the National Gallery of Australia, of the Agapitos/Wilson Collection, from James Agapitos and Ray Wilson, Sydney, 2007


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Vent Spleen Blog:
Vent Spleen Interview w/ Barsi
Inside The Box Podcast (Click Episode 6):
Inside the Box Interview w/ Barsi
The Tom Show:
DIMENSION Review on iTunes:
REVIEW BY BRITISH SCIENCE FICTION NOVELIST STEWART BLINT 2.15.2015:
“As a sci-fi writer myself I always view offerings in this genre – whether they be books, films, audio, whatever – with a slightly more critical perception than most readers, viewers, listeners, etc.
My critiques are always based on how entertaining I found the offering, how well the story moves along, and how well the communication techniques work. Absolutely no worries on any of those scores with Dimension.
The storyline is intriguing, and therefore kept me entertained from the very first word to the last in each episode. The scene was set nicely, first by the narrator, and then by interspersing the thoughts and words of the mystery woman, who wakes up with no knowledge of who she is, where she is, or how she got there.
Hang on, I hear you saying…that story scenario has been done before: the amnesiac in a strange place. Yes it has, but, to my knowledge, not like this. Without giving away too many spoilers, this plot device is used to create a fascinating story which aims to debunk Einstein’s theory of relativity by suggesting that there are infinite timelines, all linked and running side by side, which contain altered versions of everyone.
With the narrator “telling” and the characters’ dialogue “showing,” the story moves along at a well-planned pace, developing nicely for each new twist and turn. The writing is crisp and well executed by the cast. The intrigue builds professionally, as information about the characters and settings is let out bit by bit.
Overall, I will give the episodes I listened to, four and a half stars out of five. The half star was lost purely because I personally found some of the sound effects too loud and prolonged. Other listeners may disagree with me on that, and find the volume of the wailing siren in particular, to be an important aspect of that episode.”


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Pawan Kalyan-Trivikram’s much-awaited film is on its last leg of shoot. Recently, the unit has wrapped up a major schedule in Europe and the latest buzz is that the makers are planning to hold an audio launch event of the film in Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravthi.
However, an official confirmation is awaited regarding this news. Tentatively titled Agnathavasi, the film is gearing up for a massive release on January 10th as a Sankranthi treat.
Anirudh scores music for this high budget entertainer. Anu Emanuel and Keerthy Suresh play crucial roles in this film
- Rakul Preet, Aditi Rao Hydari groove to AR Rahman’s tunes
- Latest update on Suriya’s NGK
- Sudheer Babu begins preparing for a prestigious biopic
- Kavacham’s team reveals film’s release plans
- Dhanush confirms his next

domain: news


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MANILA,Philippines — I was intimidated at first, I must admit.
I was invited to attend a songwriting workshop by the Filipino Society of Composers and Songwriters (FILSCAP) two weekends ago in Subic.
I’ve attended many songwriting workshops as a teacher/mentor. Just three weeks ago, I was in Lingayen doing one for PhilPop were 30 kids attended.
But this invitation from FILSCAP was different. I was not going to be a mentor. I was going to be with some of the top songwriters in the Philippines and would collaborate with some of them during the workshops. Weeks before when I got my invitation, I already had my apprehensions and had voiced them out.
How would seasoned and successful artists sit down and collaborate when all of us already have our own tried-and-tested styles and ways of doing what we do? Most songwriters can be very protective o their secrets in writing good songs. Would people be able to set aside their pride and egos and work together and come up with something decent? I was not sure. Besides, some of us were meeting for the first time ever. Would we be able to establish rapport immediately to have enough time to do the work required?
It was called the FILSCAP Master Camp. Sixteen songwriters, plus staff, media to document the event, and officers of FILSCAP all met at Kamana Sanctuary and Spa in Subic. It was a great location to relax and be inspired. We would spend four days writing there. The first morning we all got together, Trina Belamide, a fellow composer and one of the proponents of the project, announced there would be four groups of four songwriters each and one arranger (tracker). For the next two days, each group was required to write and submit at least one song. If we were on a roll, we could write more.
The first group I was in had Yumi Lacsamana, Ebe Dancel, Herbert Hernandez and myself. Our arranger (tracker) was Marlon Barnuevo. We met at Marlon’s Casita by the sea after breakfast where he had his laptop and gadgets that could make any song sound decent enough for a good presentation.
I entered the casita with an open mind. I swore that I would be active but would listen to everyone. I was also a bit scared that these young people I was working with would find my ideas trite or passé. We started by focusing on what we wanted to write about. I suggested we write a love song but with an angle not yet too exploited. I suggested that particular, though random, experience where you have a five-second interaction with a stranger, that it can feel like an eternity has happened between the two of you. We talked about a setting like the Shibuya crossing where hundreds of thousands of people pass daily. Or a huge shopping mall filled with people on a weekend.
Immediately, someone suggested the phrase “Walang hanggang sandali” to describe that moment. We also adopted it as the title. Before we knew it we were throwing melodies and lyrics around, editing and changing words and phrases for better effect. It was an exciting process. We all felt open, and gave way to each other while, at the same time, we were all actively contributing to the creation of the song. Our tracker was playing chords as we were creating the musical phrases. It was like building something brick by brick. After about four or five hours, we knew we had a song.
Marlon played it on the piano while Yumi sang it. It was beautiful. We were all ecstatic. It was a good song. While Yumi was recording her tracks, we were continuing to edit the lyrics. The final outcome was more than wonderful. It felt and sounded like a great song with a powerful recall. We felt so proud and happy. We were even jumping with joy. We were thankful that we bonded well. We formed a group hug and our spirits did the same. Our hearts were full.
We had fulfilled the requirement. We decided to end the day and leave Marlon to arrange the song. There was enough time to make another song the next day.
The next morning, we followed the same process and wrote a fast pop song. It started with Herbert playing a few chords on the guitar and Ebe singing the first line. It was about a couple that can’t seem to get along even when they actually love each other. This one was written in less time. The title was Sige na, Oo na! Very catchy!
On the third day, we were reshuffled again and I ended up with Yeng Constantino, Edwin Marollano and Titus John Monterde. Our tracker was Paulo Zarate.
Again, we asked ourselves what topic should we write about. I told the story of a guy who had an affair that ran for 30 years while he was married. We decided to explore the point of view of the husband. The song would be about him talking to his wife and explaining himself. The title of the song would be Mali. We immediately came up with a melody and a few lyrics. Edwin and Yeng were concentrating on the lyrical phrasing. Titus was taking notes and running all the suggestions by the group. Everyone was excitedly pitching in.
After about an hour, Yeng had this idea and suggested that we change and turn the narrative around. We would take the wife’s position and she would be explaining to her husband why she had an affair. That was an inspired “a-ha” moment. We were getting away from stereotypes. We immediately changed course and came out with a poignantly beautiful song.
On the last day of the workshop, the 16 songwriters, staff and FILSCAP officials listened to all the songs every group made. There were 11 of them written in different genres, styles, and approaches. They were all good and quite outstanding. Everyone was so high after the listening session. There were hugs, tears, and affirmations going around and being passed on.
I was amazed that, in the end, all my apprehensions were for naught. Everything worked like a charm. Everyone just sort of slipped into the right vibe to make everything work well. We were open to each other. We left our egos behind. We were focused on writing great songs without having an attitude of personal ownership. We relinquished control to the collective. It was a group effort through and through. And we built new friendships and cemented old ones.
Between sessions, we would get into discussions about life, death, creativity, etc. It was fascinating to listen to fellow artists. We learned a lot from each other. Personally, I am thankful that opportunities like these are beginning to happen in the music world here. Rico Blanco, FILSCAP president, has pioneered a lot of projects that have given songwriters venues for self-expression. But this was his boldest, most successful endeavor yet. Congrats to the songwriters, FILSCAP, and everyone who was part of Master Camp.
Expect all of this to translate into great songs and music you will hopefully hear soon.


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Creepy Popeye by side Escrivá and Thundermates
Pokeye. A name that resonates in us since childhood but already 90 years old. It was in 1929 that it is discovered in the Comic Strip entitled The Thimble Theater With its over-developed forearms and well tempered character. A custom popular character that pleases so much to the artists they each deliver their vision, as Escrivá side with Thundermates. The illustrator, based in Valencia, is known for its diversion of pop icons, including those from cartoons: Bart Simpson, Mickey Mouse, Bob The Sponge ...
Yet this is our gentleman retro muscles that sees itself portrayed in the style of Escrivá side. Creepy, This is the adjective associated with the Popeye figurine created with Thundermates. And for good reason, The Popeye Skeleton is bare in places, thus respecting the visual codes of the universe of Escrivá side. We had to see what all these spinach were used! But do not deceive yourself, this Creepy Popeye figurine keeps its chromatic markers, to please the fans of the sailor as to the fans of Escrivá side. A beautiful pop collaboration that comes alive with a poly-resin figurine of about 22 cm, edited to 300 pieces.
Credits:Escrivá / Thundermates
Source: Thundermates Instagram
Our cool products


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Judith Anger; Immo Fiebrig; Martin...
Want to grow food but have nothing larger than a balcony, windowsill or a piece of wall? No problem! This gardening book can help you to grow your own fruit...
The first how-to guidebook for gardeners with big ideas for growing small!
Robert Gough; Cheryl Moore-Gough
Shows exactly how to collect, save, and cultivate the seeds from more than 300 vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as the techniques and timing for gathering...
A brilliant, ambitious follow-up to The Secret Lives of Buildings, in which Hollis turns his focus from the great architectural constructions of the past and present to the now-vanished chambers...
Samuel Clark; Samantha Clark
Offers the 150 seasonal recipes for such favourites as Pigeon salad with figs, chickpeas and pomegranate molasses, Tortilla with onion tops, and Courgette and yoghurt soup.
In this book, top interior designer Nina Campbell breaks down the elements of style. Nina's interiors are fashionable, yet they stand the test of time.

domain: agronomy


text:
We are here to build community.
This single purpose brings meaning to our daily work. What drives us forward is our spirit of fellowship, that sense of belonging that enriches our ability to give and our capacity to receive.
You too can help us do something good right now. Every day we rescue and redistribute surplus fresh bread so that we can stop the waste and share a loaf with someone in need. It could be the homeless roaming the streets, the old person who lives alone at the end of the road or your next door neighbour trying to make a sandwich for the kid’s school lunch.
Sharing bread is a simple way to reach out and build community.
With the help of dedicated volunteers who share the same vision, we collect fresh bread from many local bakeries who generously donate their surplus at the end of the day. We slice the loaves, sort the rolls and buns and pack every item in sealed bread bags to maintain freshness.
As we deliver fresh bread to the hungry and needy and share a moment of Grace with the isolated and lonely, it helps us build a strong community spirit, one that is conscious of the difficulties and hardships in our society.
Who Gives A Loaf? We Do! Come and join us, grab a loaf and do something good in your community today.

domain: sociology


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18 December 2015 (Friday) – 3 January 2016 (Sunday)
1:00pm – 10:00pm
PMQ offers a packed all-year-round events calendar. Lots of upcoming series of festive Christmas-themed events are ready for you. And this year, PMQ and GP Batteries present a 3D hologram Christmas tree for the very first time. So come and chill out to the soothing sounds of a live band playing underneath the Christmas tree, PMQ wishes you a festive season filled with art and joy!
3D Holographic Christmas Tree
PMQ Christmas Market
“Let Your Joy Float” Balloons & “Recharge with GP” Christmas Games by GP Batteries
Bling bling golden & silver Christmas balloons and best offers can be found at GP Batteries’s “Recharge with GP” booth. Get ready to “Recharge” yourself this Christmas in the exciting shuffleboard table and crane machine games for more GP batteries products and Christmas gifts!
All details are subject to change without prior notice.

domain: entertainment


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CMH brings back post-cesarean birth option
- Women say they want choices
Community Memorial Hospital will spend about $360,000 a year in staffing changes, including having obstetricians and anesthesiologists stay in the Ventura hospital overnight, to provide a once controversial, long-demanded childbirth method.
Gary Wilde, CEO of the private nonprofit hospital, said Community Memorial launched a Trial of Labor After Cesarean Section program March 1 that allows some women to undergo vaginal birth after previously going through a C-section.
The hospital, the second in west Ventura County to offer routine VBACs after Ventura County Medical Center, once offered the natural birth choice after C-sections but, like hospitals across the nation, did not allow it except in emergencies because of concerns about complications.
Citing concerns about how often surgical births are performed, leaders of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued guidelines stating VBAC risks can be minimized in hospitals where around-the-clock staff is available. They did not completely shut the door on hospitals without immediately available staffing.
They said patients have the right to decide whether to take on increased risks.
The guidelines, issued in 2010, fed into rising demand for more birth choices from women who don't want surgery in a wave that triggered a protest last weekend at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The hospital does not routinely offer VBACs, with a spokeswoman citing the risk of complications and the physician staffing that's recommended.
Many women want more options.
"I just think you should have the choice," said Heather Silva, of Santa Paula, who was rushing to Ventura County Medical Center to have a VBAC on Jan. 25 after her water broke during a doctor's appointment. Matthew James Silva entered the world a few minutes early — in the parking lot at the county-run hospital in Ventura.
"The doctor came out and caught him," Silva said, noting she would have delivered at Santa Paula Hospital but was told it doesn't have the staffing for routine VBACs. "There's no reason why if you want to have a birth in a hospital that you shouldn't be able to. Being forced into a surgery isn't really a birth option."
In Ventura County, more hospitals are offering options. VCMC started offering VBACs in June and has performed 31 procedures. Doctors decided it was safest for eight other women who had tried to deliver naturally to give birth through C-sections.
At Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, some obstetricians perform VBAC and others do not. Officials at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard said the hospital plans to add VBACs.
"We don’t have a firm timeline at this point — but we plan to add them so that we can provide a broader suite of services to the community," said spokeswoman Megan Maloney in an email.
Women don't want to go through surgery unless it's absolutely necessary. They want to immediately connect with their newborn. They don't want options limited because doctors worry about getting sued, said Lupe Lane of Little Birdy Lane children's and maternity consignment store in Ventura.
"I barely went into labor and I only labored all night," said Lane of the birth of her fourth child eight years ago. "They automatically wanted to do a C-section. I felt like I was pressured into it."
Before March, vaginal births after cesarean sections were performed in emergencies at Community Memorial when women refused to have surgery. About 18 months ago, obstetricians asked the hospital's executive medical committee to adopt a trial of a labor system that allows women with low complication risks to have vaginal births.
"We posed the question, 'Is this the time to do this?'" Wilde said. "About six months ago, we got to 'yes.' This is the right thing to do."
He cited research that suggests maternal mortality rates decrease slightly with VBACs.
The additional about $1,000-a-day cost of staffing obstetricians and anesthesiologists at the hospital around the clock, along with nurses, is partly offset by the reduction in costs in performing a natural birth compared to a C-section.
Women are told up front there is still a chance, if issues develop during the pregnancy or labor, they could still have a C-section.
Megan Beckham, of Newbury Park, learned of the new choice when she went to Community Memorial a couple of weeks ago because of contractions that turned out to be false labor. She thought a C-section was her only option but worried because the surgery meant she wouldn't be able to pick up anything heavier than 10 pounds for several weeks, including her 1-year-old daughter.
When a nurse told her she could have a VBAC, she jumped at it. Now, after 38 weeks of labor, she's waiting for the real contractions to begin.
"I don't think anyone actually wants to have a C-section," she said. "It's major surgery."

domain: health


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Mackinac Island Events: Here at MyNorth.com, we tend to get very excited about all kinds of goings-on in Northern Michigan. We love to celebrate everything and anything which recognizes the wild beauty of our remote paradise and want to share it with everyone who has the same attachment to clean, fresh water lakes, deep green forests and impossibly vivid sunsets. Officially called the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Island, "The Mac" is a perfect example of a Northern Michigan event.
Started simply for the love of sailing on Lake Michigan, the Race has evolved into one of the most competitive and anticipated races in the international sailing world. Despite this, the sailors we spoke with about the CYC Race to Mackinac Island were the most passionate when they were describing sailing by Point Betsie on a Sunday evening, or the atmosphere of comradery at the finish line at Mackinac Island.
Over the past month or so, we have done a lot of research on this year's Race to Mackinac Island, and have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Now with the July 21st take-off in Chicago just a week away, we want to share the history, stories, and tips we have collected about The Mac. Learn more about the best ways to get involved in one of Northern Michigan's most celebratory summer events!
The History of the Race
Did you know that the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackianc has been sailed for the past 104 years? Or that it is the longest freshwater race in the sailing world? Find out how what started as a bet between two 19th century Chicago sailors became the Mighty Mac and why they selected Mackinac Island as the ultimate destination in our article on the race's early history!
Get ready for the 104th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac by brushing up on your sailing lingo! We've compiled a list of both frequently asked questions about The Mac and some tricky nautical lingo to help you learn the finer details which make tracking the race even more exciting. Read it online!
Places to watch the Sailboats During the CYC Race to Mackinac
Here in Northern Michigan we are perfectly situated to see the sailboats as they race from Chicago to Mackinac island. Head to some of the most stunning Lake Michgian look-outs–even from the shore line you can taste the sense of adventure. Plan your sight seeing with our guide to the course!
An Inside Look with Chairman of the Race Lou Sandoval
To get an accurate view on all aspects of the Mac, we sought someone who has both authority and personal experience—Chairman of the 104th Race to Mackinac, Lou Sandoval. Read our interview with Lou to learn about winning strategy, race traditions, and how he made his passion for sailing in to a way of life.
Talking with Traverse City Sailor David Gerber
Get a Northern Michigan perspective on the race from Traverse City-based sailor David Gerber, whose attitude towards sailing, and in extension, life, is quintessentially Northern Michigan–keep it simple. Read it at MyNorth.com!


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Eskom has sent precautionary force majeure notices to all its coal suppliers, notifying them of the possibility that it may ask them to curtail supply as a result of lower demand since the start of the national lockdown.
"None have yet been asked to curtail supply. We are not even certain that this force majeure may be implemented, as it is not clear what the demand profile will be once the lockdown has been lifted," said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha on Tuesday morning.
Force majeure describes a clause which exempts companies from fulfilling contractual obligations in cases of unforeseen disruptions beyond their control.
In an update to shareholders on Tuesday morning Exxaro - one of the power producer's largest coal suppliers - said it had received a force majeure notification for coal supply agreements in place for the supply of the Medupi and Matimba power stations.
"As indicated in the letters received, this will be applicable for the period starting at 16 April 2020 until one month after national lockdown has been completely lifted."
Exxaro said it does not believe that the force majeure is warranted, "as the powers stations are still capable of supplying power".
"Exxaro will vigorously defend its position in this matter and take the necessary action," it added.
The notice to coal contracts is a second such communication by the state-owned power producer during the ongoing nationwide lockdown which is expected to expire at the end of April. On March 25, Eskom issued notices to Independent Power Producers in the wind sector informing them that it would stop receiving power from them due to low demand for electricity.
The power utility at the time said each supplier may be curtailed for a few hours a day over the lockdown period, and that producers would be compensated for the downtime.
However, the South African Wind Energy Association accused Eskom for failing to communicate the decision with the sector prior to issuing the notices, and stated that it would consider a legal opinion on whether the reduced demand for electricity constitutes a force majeure.
- Additional reporting by Sibongile Khumalo


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Navigator Group Purchasing
Navigator Group Purchasing, a subsidiary of Managed Health Care Associates, has reached an agreement with Extendicare Health Services Inc. to purchase its group purchasing subsidiary, UHF/Star Purchasing Services, for $56 million. Upon completion, it would be Managed Health Care Associates' third major GPO-related acquisition in a year. The deal would lay the groundwork for forming the biggest GPO serving long-term care, according to MHCA. Previously, Managed Health Care Associates purchased Navigator Inc. in December 2010 and Tidewater GPO in May. The Extendicare sale — comprising Star Purchasing Services and UHF Purchasing Services — is expected to close early next year, according to a statement from Extendicare Health Services' parent company, Extendicare Real Estate Investment Trust.

domain: economics


If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient air compressor for your industrial needs, look no further than the Industrial Air Machine 80 Gallon.
Equipped with a powerful 5 horsepower motor, the Industrial Air Machine can deliver up to 175 PSI of maximum pressure, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re running a small garage or a large workshop, the 80-gallon tank ensures that you’ll have enough air supply to get the job done.
One of the standout features of the Industrial Air Machine is its patented pump design that delivers efficient performance, low maintenance, and long-lasting durability. The pump is also equipped with an oil sight glass, making it easy to monitor the oil levels and prevent damage to the machine.
Another great feature of the Industrial Air Machine is its ability to run multiple tools at the same time. With a high CFM rating of up to 14.0 at 90 PSI, you can run multiple air tools without any compromises on performance or productivity. This feature can save you time and increase your efficiency in the workshop.
The Industrial Air Machine is also designed for easy maintenance and portability. The pre-wired magnetic starter ensures a trouble-free start, while the wheels and handles make it easy to move the compressor around the workspace. The compressor also comes with a one-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.
In conclusion, the Industrial Air Machine 80 Gallon is a powerful, reliable, and efficient air compressor that can help you maximize your productivity and efficiency in the workshop. With its patented pump design, high CFM rating, and easy maintenance, it’s a smart investment for any industrial operation.


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Vancouver, Wash. — January 26, 2015 — Medicus Research recently presented a poster titled: “Efficacy of a Proprietary Methylsulfonylmethane Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis Induced by a Standardized Allergen” at the
- $3.85M research grant links naturopathic and conventional medicine in fight against cancerLargest research grant for naturopathic medicine awarded to two Ottawa-based institutions OTTAWA, October 21, 2014 – Ottawa [...]
- Naturopathic Gathering Oct 10-12 WHO: Intended for naturopathic medical students and naturopathic physicians, however all are welcome. WHAT: The Naturopathic [...]
- Drug Thought to Prevent Breast Cancer DebunkedSAN FRANCISCO, CA – A study has shown that osteoporosis drugs may not protect women [...]
- Increasing the Survival Rate of Patients with ALSResearchers in Italy have identified two protein markers that announce longer survival rates in patients [...]
- Vitamin D Deficiency can Lead to Early DeathIt is commonly known that a vitamin D deficiency can lead to illness, but according [...]
The NDNR Physician’s Choice Award is bestowed upon companies that embrace naturopathic medicine and support naturopathic physicians, their practices and patients. Characteristics of a nominee include, but are not limited to: quality products, superior customer service, community outreach, and social/environmental impact.

domain: medical


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LONDON (AP) — An investigation launched Wednesday blamed British Top Minister Boris Johnson and different senior leaders for permitting boozy govt events that broke the U.Okay.’s COVID-19 lockdown laws, and whilst Johnson mentioned he took “complete duty” for the breach, he insisted he would no longer surrender.
Revelations that Johnson and his body of workers again and again flouted restrictions they imposed at the nation in 2020 and 2021 have fueled outrage in Britain and ended in calls from combatants for Johnson to step down over the scandal referred to as “partygate.”
Maximum lawmakers in Johnson’s governing Conservative Birthday party have up to now stood through him, and it’s no longer but transparent if senior civil servant Sue Grey’s much-anticipated document will exchange that.
Grey investigated 16 gatherings attended through Johnson and his body of workers whilst U.Okay. citizens have been barred from socializing, and even from visiting ill and loss of life kin, as a result of coronavirus restrictions.
Grey’s document concluded that the “senior management staff … will have to endure duty” for a tradition that allowed occasions to happen that “must no longer had been allowed to occur.”
She mentioned there have been “screw ups of management and judgment in No. 10,” a connection with the high minister’s 10 Downing St. place of work.
“The ones in essentially the most junior positions attended gatherings at which their seniors have been provide, or certainly arranged,” she mentioned.
A separate police investigation led to fines for 83 other people —together with Johnson — making him the primary British high minister ever discovered to have damaged the legislation whilst in place of work.
Talking to lawmakers after the document used to be revealed, Johnson mentioned he took “complete duty for the whole thing that happened,” including that he used to be sorry however insisted that he didn’t knowingly smash any laws. He mentioned he used to be “humbled” and had “realized a lesson” however that it used to be now time to “transfer on” and concentrate on bolstering the economic system.
Critics, a few of them throughout the Conservative Birthday party, have mentioned Johnson lied to Parliament in regards to the occasions. Ministers who knowingly deceive Parliament are anticipated to surrender.
Johnson insisted that after he advised Parliament final 12 months no laws have been damaged and there have been no events, “it used to be what I thought to be true.”
The British media and opposition politicians have discovered that onerous to sq. with body of workers participants’ accounts of “deliver your personal booze” events and common “wine time Fridays” within the Downing Boulevard place of work on the peak of the pandemic.
Keir Starmer, the chief of the opposition Labour Birthday party, mentioned Grey’s document used to be a “catalogue of illegal activity.” Starmer mentioned Johnson’s govt had “handled the sacrifices of the British other people with utter contempt.”
Grey’s mandate didn’t permit her to mete out punishment. A lot of her 37-page document is dedicated to an in depth account of the occasions, together with a Would possibly 2020 birthday celebration within the Downing Boulevard lawn to which “the Top Minister introduced cheese and wine from his flat” and a birthday celebration the next month at which “one person used to be ill” and “there used to be a minor altercation between two different folks.”
At some other birthday celebration — held the evening earlier than the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip — revelers within the lawn broke a swing belonging to Johnson’s infant son Wilf and partied till 4 a.m.
The document contains emails and WhatsApp messages suggesting that body of workers participants knew they have been breaking the foundations. One invitation used to be modified from “Wine and Cheese Night time” to “Finish of Yr Assembly with Wine & Cheese.” On some other instance, a staffer warned that newshounds could be within the construction for a information convention and other people must steer clear of “strolling round waving bottles of wine.”
In measured civil carrier language, Grey slammed the habits of the ones concerned. She mentioned there have been “more than one examples of a loss of recognize and deficient remedy of safety and cleansing body of workers,” and branded that “unacceptable.”
“Many can be dismayed that habits of this sort happened in this scale on the center of presidency,” Grey wrote. “The general public have a proper to be expecting the very best possible requirements of habits in such puts and obviously what came about fell smartly in need of this.”
Johnson has clung to energy in spite of the scandal, partially as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has diverted consideration. Some Conservatives who regarded as in the hunt for a no-confidence vote of their chief determined it could be rash to push Johnson out in the course of the battle, which is destabilizing Europe and fueling a cost-of-living disaster.
The high minister were given an additional reprieve when the Metropolitan Police advised him final week that he wouldn’t be getting to any extent further fines even if he attended a number of occasions below investigation.
Now that Grey and the police have completed their investigations, Johnson’s destiny is within the arms of his Conservative Birthday party, which has a historical past of throwing out leaders who develop into liabilities. Tory lawmakers say they have got gained offended messages from citizens, and lots of are uncomfortable protecting serial rule-breaking.
Grey’s conclusions may revive calls from Conservative lawmakers for a no-confidence vote within the chief who received them a large parliamentary majority simply over two years in the past. Beneath birthday celebration laws, this type of vote is precipitated if 15% of birthday celebration lawmakers — lately 54 — write letters calling for one.
If Johnson misplaced this type of vote, he would get replaced as Conservative chief and high minister. It’s unclear what number of letters had been submitted up to now.
Conservative legislator Robert Jenrick mentioned that “with a battle in Europe, with an financial disaster … it’s now time to show a web page” and depart “partygate” at the back of.
However some other Conservative, Tobias Ellwood, mentioned, “I’ve made my level and my place very transparent to the high minister: he does no longer have my fortify.”
“However a query I humbly put to my colleagues is ‘are you keen day in and day trip to shield this habits publicly?’”
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domain: law


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Soft and spreadable, lightly creamy with notes of summer pasture and lemon. A simply beautiful farmstead cheese, made with just sea salt, this cheese appeals to all cheese lovers, even those who are scared of a little goat.
Comes to us from Lost Peacock Creamery via Walla Walla Food Hub. Lost Peacock Creamery is run by one strong willed, outrageously over-the top, everything looks better in pink woman; one very opinionated, get out of her way she’ll show you how it’s done, 5 year old; one tough as nails (you’ve got to be with an older sister like him), tiny little mister; and one incredibly kind, patient and really really ridiculously good looking man.
As a Grade A Goat Dairy we are conscious of how our presence impacts the environment and we’re proud to be a Thurston County Green Business. We milk 36 goats once a day and make cheese every other day. Our power comes from alternative energy sources and we utilize our whey by-products to feed our pigs.
We are committed to creating an environment that sustains us without sacrificing the land. We are a certified Animal Welfare Approved farm. In Europe the term “High Farming” is used to reference the perfect balance between plants and animals. Animals enrich the soil, the soil produces plants, the plants feed the animals. As lofty as it may sound, we aspire to succeed at “High Farming” and, in turn, nourish the people.
Our farm has made the conscious decision to raise animals with respect and dignity. We believe by giving animals a free and protected environment they will grow happy and healthy, without the constant bevy of antibiotics, hormones and fillers, factory farms are forced to use. We also believe when animals are raised in fresh air and sunshine (or in our case, rainshine) their milk, meat and eggs are healthier for us.When you purchase our Pastured Pork or Goat Milk Products you support a working family farm. Our farm is committed to raising good, healthy food, while doing our part to increase the health of the land. The end result is a beneficial food system that encourages healthy communities.
We don’t use antibiotics in the animals we eat. We don’t use growth hormones. We’re doing our part to reverse the overuse of antibiotics in livestock, not just for healthier animals, but also to decrease the instances of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can exist in these unhealthy growing situations (think “superbugs”). How do we do it? Fresh air, sunshine, pasture rotation and good clean living. Additionally, we breed right here on our farm, and we only breed the best. Better genetics means stronger, healthier animals for everyone.


This Rhino® Plus Combo Neck Medium is a mid-weight turnout blanket that has a 1000 denier polypropylene outer shell with waterproof and breathable barrier technology. Lined in coat-smoothing nylon, this winter blanket has 200 grams of fill for warmth. The neck cover provides added protection against the elements.
The Rider's International Supreme Detach-A-Neck Heavyweight Turnout Blanket will keep your horse warm and dry during the harshest winter weather. This turnout blanket features a waterproof, breathable Teflon®-coated 1200 denier ripstop nylon outer and a smooth lining. 340 grams of thick poly fill insulation in blanket; 150 grams insulation in removable neck cover.
Redesigned with the V-front closure, Horseware’s Amigo® Bravo 12 Plus Heavyweight Turnout Blanket offers the same tough protection as the original. The V-front closure eliminates blanket tightness at the shoulders and allows comfortable grazing. This heavy blanket has the classic Horseware fit and Front Leg Arches™ for stay-put yet comfortable coverage.
The Shires StormCheeta Combo is waterproof and breathable to keep your horse warm and dry. ShireTex 2000 denier ballistic shell will hold up to the roughest turnout antics. 400 grams poly fill insulation along with the neck cover will keep your horse toasty in harsh weather. This is a durable and quality turnout.
The Rambo® Original Heavyweight Blanket by Horseware® Ireland is the turnout blanket that started it all! It offers indoor warmth and outdoor freedom. Made of a heavy-duty, waterproof 1000 denier ballistic nylon with 400 grams of fill and breathable nylon lining.
The Rambo® Original Lite Blanket with Leg Arches™ features a 1000 denier ballistic nylon outer that is waterproof and breathable over 10 times the industry standard. Breathable, antibacterial lining with no fill. Added reflective strips help with visibility. Horseware's non-slip design and Leg Arches™ for maximum coverage.
The Rider's International NorthWind Detach-A-Neck Medium Weight Turnout Blanket has a 1680D ballistic nylon outer shell that keeps your horse warm, dry and protected from the elements. The blanket has 200 grams of poly fill; removable neck cover has 100 grams of fill. Smooth linings glide over your horse’s coat.
The Weatherbeeta Freestyle 1680D Detach-A-Neck Medium Weight Turnout Blanket gives you the ultimate flexibility in protecting your horse against changing winter weather. 3-in-1 system to layer your horse based on current condition. Each layer is a thoughtful design that is aimed at giving your horse freedom of movement while staying warm and dry.


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Q. The TSP L Funds are going to be more aggressive going forward and are also increasing the amount allocated to the I Fund. Does this change your recommendation to choose the L Fund closest to your life expectancy?
Q. I’m retiring soon at 60 years of age and 30 years. I have TSP savings of about $600,000 in the L2020. My monthly retirement annuity before taxes is estimated at $3,971, which includes $1,414 in the Social Security supplement. My mortgage is $260,000 and I am paying $1,889 a month with a balloon payment due in 2022 for $244,380. The interest rate is 4.99 percent (as is the APR) with total interest percentage (TIP) of 32.9 percent. I need advice on whether to withdraw $260,000 from my TSP and pay off the mortgage or leave it. I’ll need to…
Q. I am planning to retire soon. I have over 200 hours annual leave. Is it better financially to take the lump sum for the annual leave or use one month annual leave and extend my time of service one more month (and receive a lot smaller lump sum payout)?
Q. I am 59 years of age and will retire with 35 years of federal service (FERS) in five years. I have approx $250,000 in TSP. An advisor wants me to rollover $200,000 of my TSP funds into a fixed index annuity with ATHENE. He states if the market goes down it will not affect my monthly allotment. Why would I do this if TSP offers an annuity as well (single life) with lower overhead and surrender fees? In other words, is a fixed index annuity a better option than TSP’s single life annuity?
Q. I am retired from the U.S. Postal Service. I have a Roth, TSP, some old brokerage accounts and too much cash. I’ve been trying to find a fee-only advisor, but the offered services are far more that I want to start out with; I only want advice on re-positioning my investments for today. Do you have any suggestions?
Q. I understand that earned income (i.e., wages from a job) above a threshold may reduce or eliminate the special retirement supplement (SRS). What about passive forms of income from interest, dividends or rent?
Q. I retired at age 62 with over $400,000 in my TSP account. I made a lump sum withdrawal in the amount of $120,000 to an annuity IRA account with Pacific Life through Edward Jones, which pays $500 for life and the account balance will never drop below the yearly gain (which holds its value at the account anniversary). The account value is now over $130,000. Upon my death the remaining funds are distributed to my beneficiaries. My Edward Jones financial advisor is suggesting that I consider transferring my TSP balance to an account with Edward Jones. Since I made…
Q. Many years ago I withdrew money from a previous employers retirement system (not federal) and rolled over to a private mutual fund company, where the fund was put into a 403(b) and tagged with a USDA title. It is not an account associated with USDA, but since I was starting work with USDA at the time somehow that label got assigned to the account. I want to roll over these funds from the current private mutual fund company to another private mutual fund company. The first company said I can’t do it until a live qualifying event happens, but…
Q. My wife and I contribute 18 percent to TSP (Roth) but also have five outside funds (1 mutual fund, 2 Roth IRA’s, 2 traditional IRA’s) that we no longer contribute to. I am retiring soon; however, my wife will work another three years. Would you recommend rolling them into our TSP (L2030)?