Acoustic pass-by measurements of in-service trains and track characterization
Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Aktiebolag
Request for tender:
Description of goods/services
Chalmers Applied Acoustics is carrying out a research project on rolling noise on slab tracks. In this context, a measurement campaign will be carried out in September 2022 at Trafikverkets demonstrator at Gransjö in Northern Sweden, where a new type of slab track is tested. The measurements are financed by Trafikverket. Tenders are invited here for these measurements, which consist of the measurement of rolling noise and accelerations at the track during pass-by of in-service trains, the measurement of structure-borne transfer functions at the track, the measurement of track decay rates, and a detailed measurement of the rail roughness at the test site.
Requirements specifications of goods/services
The purchase must include the following products/commitments/services:
The measurement location has the address
Trafikplats Gransjö, S-961 92 Boden, Sweden
On google maps
The measurements are planned for week 38.
All measurements are carried out both centrally in the 60-m long slab track section and at a reference section with ballasted track in vicinity to the slab track section. The exact location of the reference section will be decided in situ by Chalmers.
1. Pass-by measurements
Pass-by measurements are carried out during one working day for all passing trains (in total about 30 trains are normally passing within 24h on a weekday). However, at least 5 iron ore line trains, 5 other freight trains (Green Cargo) and 5 passenger trains have to be measured. Measurements in both sections have to be carried out for the same passing trains. All measurements within one section have to be synchronized, but they do not have to be synchronized between the two sections. All data has to be delivered as calibrated temporal raw data (sound pressure, acceleration). If further processed data is required in addition, this is specified below.
The following quantities have to be measured during pass-by:
a) Sound pressure at both the slab track and the ballasted track section:
measurement at one side of the track at 7.5 m from the centre line of the track at the heights 1.2 m, 2.0 m, 3.0 m and 3.5 m above track level; in total 8 microphones; measurement according to ISO 3095 Section 6 but with the difference that vehicle conditions and train speed are ‘as is’. Required valid frequency range at least 20 Hz – 10 kHz. Data delivered as calibrated temporal raw data (i.e. the sound pressure signal over time). In addition, for each pass-by and microphone position, the A-weighted sound pressure level LpAF(t) as a function of time with time weighting F (fast), the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level LpAeq,Tp, the pass-by time Tp, and the A-weighted sound pressure level as spectrum in one-third octave bands in the range of at least 31.5 Hz to 8 000 Hz are required according to ISO 3095.
b) Vertical and lateral rail acceleration at slab track section:
measurement on the outside of both rails, positions according to EN 15461; vertical and lateral acceleration above a rail seat and mid-span in the middle of a block; in total 8 uniaxial accelerometers; valid frequency range at least 20 Hz – 10 kHz;
c) Vertical Acceleration of block and slab at the slab track section:
measurement of vertical block and slab acceleration on both sides of the track close to a rail seat and in the middle of a block; in total 6 uniaxial accelerometers (2x slab, 4x block); If there is no space on the top of the slab to attach uniaxial accelerometers to measure vertical slab acceleration, two 3-axial accelerometers attached to the side of the block might be required to measure vertical slab acceleration; valid frequency range at least 5 Hz – 3 kHz;
d) Vertical and lateral rail acceleration at ballasted track section:
measurement on the outside of both rails, positions according to EN 15461; vertical and lateral acceleration above sleeper and at midspan; in total 8 uniaxial accelerometers; valid frequency range at least 20 Hz – 10 kHz;
e) Vertical sleeper acceleration at ballasted track section:
measurement of vertical sleeper acceleration next to the rail seats on both sides and in the middle of the sleeper; in total 3 uniaxial accelerometers; valid frequency range at least 5 Hz – 3 kHz;
f) Train speed of each measured train
The positions of accelerometers and microphones are indicated in the attached document measurement_positions_gransjö.pdf.
2. Structure-borne transfer functions
a) Transfer function rail to rail, block, slab and microphones in slab track section:
vertical and lateral excitation on each rail at mid-span and over the instrumented rail seat (8 excitation positions), response using identical accelerometer positions on rail, slab and block and identical microphone positions as used in pass-by measurements (18 responses); 8x18 combinations; valid frequency range at least 20 Hz – 10 kHz for rail-rail, rail-microphones and 5 Hz to 3 kHz for rail-block and rail-slab; data delivered as complex frequency response functions with corresponding coherence and the calibrated temporal raw data
b) Transfer function rail to rail, sleeper and microphones in ballasted track section
vertical and lateral excitation on each rail at mid-span and over the instrumented rail seat (8 excitation positions), response using identical accelerometer positions on rail and sleeper and identical microphone positions as used in pass-by measurements (15 responses); 8x15 combinations; valid frequency range at least 20 Hz – 10 kHz for rail-rail, rail-microphones and 5 Hz to 3 kHz for rail-sleeper; data delivered as complex frequency response functions with corresponding coherence and the calibrated temporal raw data
3. Track decay rate
Measurement of the vertical and lateral track decay rate according to EN 15461 on both rails in both the slab track section and the ballasted track section. Requirements: valid frequency range at least 20 Hz – 10 kHz; data delivered as calibrated temporal raw data for all combinations of excitation and response points, as complex frequency response functions with corresponding coherence for all combinations of excitation and response points, and as track decay rate as spectrum in one-third octave bands calculated according to EN 15461.
4. Acoustic rail roughness with trolley
Rail roughness measurements have to be carried out both in slab track section and in the ballasted track section
- Measurement on both rails in both sections over a distance of at least 60 m
- Measurement in parallel lines with 1 mm lateral distance. At least the whole running band needs to be measured and at least 30 parallel lines
- The spatial resolution along the rail must be <= 1mm
- The measurement needs to be synchronized between the different lines on one rail and between the two rails in one section. Our aim is to combine the measurements in different lines to obtain a 3D roughness profile.
- Roughness wavelength range covered at least 2 mm – 100 cm
- Amplitude resolution <=0.1 micrometer
- Delivery of the data as calibrated spatial raw data of displacement
Further information and requirements:
- Delivery of data as calibrated temporal/spatial raw data (and processed data in some cases as specified above) with all necessary information for continued processing, analysis, and evaluation; The delivered data format has to be readable in Matlab.
- Time to plan the measurements with Chalmers Applied Acoustics before departure and in situ needs to be included in the contract.
- Trafikverket takes care of the security arrangements during the measurements.
- Trafikverket will arrange access to electric power 220V 16A. They will put up boxes to provide electricity.
- The measurements are planned for week 38. However, as the measurements are weather dependent (rain, wind, snow), it can become necessary to postpone the measurements with short notice. A postponement will be decided by the consultant in consultation with Chalmers. It is the responsibility of the consultant that all measurements are carried out under suitable weather conditions. All measurements must be carried out as close in time to week 38 as possible (week 38 or later). The different measurements (1)-(4) must also be carried out as close in time as possible to each other. Preferentially, all measurements should be carried out within the same day. The maximum acceptable delay between the measurement of roughness (4) and the pass-by measurements (1) is one week. Likewise, the maximum acceptable delay between the measurement of track decay rate (4) and the pass-by measurements (1) is one week. The measurement of structure-borne transfer functions (2) must be carried out for the same mounting of accelerometers and microphones as the pass-by measurements (1), i.e. the sensors are not to be removed between the measurements.
- In case the measurements cannot be carried out in autumn 2022 due to an early onset of winter, they will be postponed to May or June 2023.
- During weekday nights, there are time windows of about 5 hours where there is no regular train traffic, which could be suitable to carry out the roughness measurements. However, these time windows are also used for maintenance work that can involve maintenance-related traffic.
- Maximum price 230 000 SEK. This price includes all costs of the assignment including costs caused by rescheduling the measurements due to bad weather as described above.
Price shall be submitted in SEK excluding VAT and include all related costs requested in this request for tender.
The supplier must accept all agreement terms.
The tender must be received no later than 2022-06-24.
The tender shall be valid until 2023-07-01.
Questions during the tender period
Questions should only be asked via the function "Questions and answers" in Mercell Direct Procurement.
OBSERVE: Last day for questions will be 2022-06-16. Questions will be answered 6 days before the last day for tender at the latest.
Evaluation of tenders
The most economically advantageous tender (i.e. an assessment of price, quality, service etc.) will be chosen.
Description of the criteria that will be assessed (in the prioritized order):
1. Competence and capability to carry out pass-by measurements according to ISO 3095, measurement of accelerations at the railway track, measurement of structure-borne transfer functions at the railway track, measurement of track decay rate according to EN 15461, and continuous measurements of acoustic rail roughness over distances of several tens of meters as specified in this document. Competence and capability must be demonstrated by providing the educational background and a CV of the person(s) that will carry out the measurements and by demonstrating previous experience with such measurements (describe your previous experience with such measurements and provide three reference projects with contact details of corresponding reference persons). To demonstrate the capability to carry out the requested rail roughness measurements provide in addition the technical specifications of the measurement device including spatial resolution, amplitude resolution, wavelength range and achievable documented accuracy and precision, and describe how the synchronization between different lines on one rail and between the two rails is carried out.
2. Competence and capability to cooperate with academia in the planning and execution of measurements demonstrated with references
The evaluation will be carried out by a reference group from Chalmers Applied Acoustics.
Confidentiality and the freedom of information principle
After the procurement has been terminated the principle of public access to official records applies. This means that all documents related to the procurement process become public and may be disclosed to anyone who requests access to them. Exceptions may only be made if there is any specific reason to believe that the Tenderer may suffer damage if the information is disclosed.
If you have information that you feel is of such nature, your tender shall include precise details of which information should remain confidential, and how you would suffer damage in case of the public disclosure of this information. Chalmers will evaluate your request and determine whether confidentiality in accordance with Swedish law may be deemed to apply.
Västra Götalands län


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Backyard Sweet Potatoes Workshop
Have you ever thought of growing your own sweet potatoes? Sweet potatoes are very easy to grow in small spaces - in the home garden, raised beds, or even containers! This workshop will take you through the process, from propagation to planting to harvesting, storing, and cooking, including recipes and nutritional information. You will start your own sweet potato slips to take home.
This program is brought to you by University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, a service of the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources—a land-grant institution.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the office two weeks prior to the event.
Monday, March 2, 2020 at 4:30pm to 6:30pm
69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE

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Can I fly to Ballina Byron from Christchurch right now?
Information is based on travel restrictions from Christchurch to Ballina Byron
Most visitors from Christchurch need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result and/or quarantine to enter Ballina Byron.
COVID-19 testing requirements
Visitors from Christchurch must present a negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test taken 72 hours before departing to Ballina Byron.
Visitors from Christchurch are not required to quarantine after entering Ballina Byron.
Travel Authorization Form - Travelers who are not in an exempt category may request an individual exemption to Australia's travel restrictions using this form.
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Returning to Christchurch from Ballina Byron
Visitors from Ballina Byron are not required to quarantine after entering Christchurch.

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CANIS DIRUS "Anden Om Norr" CD
Quantity in Basket: None
Minnesota’s wolves in black metal clothing return with their landmark second album "Anden om Norr". "Anden om Norr" - which translates from Swedish to English as "The Spirit from the North" epitomizes CANIS DIRUS' epic song writing based on their adoration of nature and their beautiful surroundings in northern Minnesota. As with their critically acclaimed debut, "A Somber Wind from a Distant Shore", the overall feel and atmosphere of "Anden" takes a "depressing / melancholic" view of how humanity continuously treats nature with contempt and disrespect. Named after the "dire wolf" indigenous to North America over 100,000 years ago, CANIS DIRUS return with fangs gnashing to claim the throne of US Black Metal with the foreboding atmospheres of "Anden om Norr"!
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* Highly anticipated second album from the Nature inspired US Black Metalers!

domain: artistic


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You look so purdy sitting up der too. You almost like a statute - so regal.
That is a most lovely picture.. I love the printer too and watch for the paper coming out.. HUgs GJ x
Cheryl you are a wise cat as printers are usually nice and warm.We hope that Jimmy is doing better and the vet has been able to help him!Whicky Wuudler

domain: pet


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In some foodie cultures, like USA and China, the use of honey crystals are quite popular. Americans like to bake with it, as the ratio is the same as cane sugar, so no adjustments need to be made to the recipe. They also add it to their coffee or tea, preferring it above the stickiness of liquid honey. Chinese and other eastern people like honey flavoured tea crystals, often mixed with ginger. They also like honey flavoured sweets, often made with tapioca flour and honey crystals.
Honey crystals by definition, is dehydrated honey. The main benefit is an intensified honey flavour. It is used among other ways as a crunchy topping for muffins, as a spice rub, as a sprinkle over desserts and in commercial cereals, where it is very important to keep the ingredients dry, to insure shelf life. It is also used in dry cake mixes. It is free flowing and easy to use.
Honey is hygroscopic, which means it attracts moisture. That is why cakes and breads with honey, stays fresher for longer. It stays moist for longer. That is true of liquid and crystal honey.
So why do we not make and use honey crystals at Quercus Honey?
We stand for everything raw and real. Health foods and slow living. Cautious with people’s well being- especially diabetics and auto- immune responses. Sensitive to our footprint and environmental impact.
Honey crystals are primarily made in one of two ways, if it is DIY. The first way is to boil the honey until it is caramelised. It is then spread out on sheets to cool down and form brittle. The brittle is then ground in a grinder to either a coarse texture, or fine to form a powder. A bit of corn starch is added before grinding, to absorb the last of the moisture, otherwise it will form lumps and will be difficult to handle.
The second method is a little less harsh. A food dehydrator is heated to 49 degrees Celsius. Liquid honey spread out on sheets are then dehydrated for two days, or until brittle. It is then ground in the same way.
In a commercial setting, it is in fact honey infused cane sugar. Cane sugar crystals are covered in liquid honey, and then dried again. So it is actually just honey flavoured sugar. Sometimes molasses and corn starch are also added. If you read honey crystal packaging, you will see that cane sugar is the first ingredient, and honey is somewhere in the rest of the list of ingredients.
The take away is this: in neither of the three methods used can any vitamins or health benefits prevail. It is merely a processed food with an intense honey flavour. So if you read a “health cereal” box and it says, ” made with real honey”, you need to know that it was real honey to start off with. What landed in the box is a highly processed food that contains none of the benefits of real honey.
Raw honey is never heated above hive temperature, which is 37 degrees Celsius. The live enzymes and other health properties in Raw Honey are extremely heat sensitive. So any nougat, cereal, or other honey flavoured foods must be seen as just that. A honey flavoured processed food.
Quercus Raw Honey is committed to only provide raw honey and raw honey products. The best available honey.


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Vice Ganda ‘proposes’ shutting down MRT, turn tracks into ‘skywalk’ and set up ziplines
The Metro Rail Transit has brought no respite for commuters with over 500 breakdowns in 2017. While the number of passengers has dropped to seek better options, near-daily breakdowns continue to be reported in 2018.
An Inquirer report cites that currently, only seven MRT 3 trains are available to serve 250,000 commuters.
Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis voiced commuters’ woes on noontime show “It’s Showtime”.
Vice lamented the traffic situation, stating the volume of cars on the road that includes transport network vehicle services (TNVS), private cars and buses.
“Kaya saksakan ng dami ng trapik, e,” he said. (That’s why there’s so much traffic.)
“Tapos ang MRT, panay-panay din ang paltik, di ba?” (With the MRT, there’s always a glitch, right?)
“Tumitigil, madalas this month, ‘di ba?” noted Curtis. (It’s been stopping a lot this month right?)
Vice described the passengers’ plight with constant breakdowns and long lines.
He then declared, “Kung ako talaga magiging pangulo, isasara ko ‘yang MRT na ‘yan…sesementuhan ko.” (If I were president, I would shut down the MRT. I would cement it.)
“Gawin ko na lang siyang park,” he said. (I’ll turn it into a park.)
“Pwede siyang gawing skywalk,” Curtis chimed in. (It could be made into a skywalk.)
“Tutal ‘yung mga tao naglalakad din diyan pag nasisira. Gawin nyo na lang park (Anyway, people walk there when it breaks down. Just turn it into a park),” remarked Vice, adding that people can also zipline from one station to another.
On Feb. 20, over 1,000 passengers had to walk on the tracks when the MRT-3 experienced an electrical failure during rush hour. About 900 passengers were offloaded on Feb. 21 due to three systems failures.
He fumed, “Naku, ang mahal-mahal ng tax na ibinayad ko diyan, hindi n’yo naman nababagu-bago yung ano na ‘yan, MRT na ‘yan.” (I pay such high taxes but you can’t fix the MRT.) JB
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New Delhi : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a meeting of the High Level Committee (HLC) in connection with providing central assistance to Karnataka in the wake of drought (Rabi).
Union Minister for Finance Arun Jaitley and the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Radha Mohan Singh attended the meeting.
The committee examined the proposal based on the report of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team which visited the drought-affected state.
The HLC approved the assistance from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) in respect of Karnataka to the tune of Rs 795.54 crores. (ANI)


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East Hampton Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident on Route 66 in the area of Stop and Shop.
Police were called around 7:30 p.m.
A 58-year-old local woman was struck by a pickup truck as she was walking across Route 66.
The woman sustained severe injuries and later died at Middlesex Hospital.
The accident remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.
Copyright 2011 WFSB. All rights reserved


SAN FRANCISCO, May 19, 2010—Entergy Nuclear employees at the Palisades nuclear power station in western Michigan have been honored with the B. Ralph Sylvia Best of the Best Award for developing an innovative device that improves the inspection of reactor vessel heads.
The device, called a gimbaled head, uses ultrasonic transducers to identify irregularities within the welded steel reactor vessel head nozzles used for control rod drive mechanisms and nuclear instrumentation. A vessel head is a massive, multi-ton component that helps house the uranium fuel assemblies that are the energy source for 20 percent of U.S. electricity supplies, as well as various instruments used to operate the reactor.
Previously, engineers at the Palisades plant needed four different kinds of testing devices to complete the inspection. The gimbaled head device performs the entire inspection, conducting an even more thorough, accurate and effective examination in less time. Additional improvements have enabled the ultrasonic transducers to produce higher quality and more consistent inspection information.
“The team at the Palisades nuclear plant developed an innovative inspection device that identifies irregularities in reactor vessel nozzle welds and provides accurate, consistent results,” said Tony Pietrangelo, NEI senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. “It’s not only a better way to inspect these nozzles, it’s also far more efficient. This special tool will help identify material stresses in the early stages—before they can develop into a larger problem. The team’s vigilant, questioning approach produced an important step forward for the nuclear energy industry.”
The Best of the Best Top Industry Practice (TIP) award was presented at NEI’s annual meeting. The TIP awards recognize industry employees in 14 categories—four vendor awards, nine process awards for innovation to improve safety, efficiency and nuclear plant performance, and one award for vision and leadership. The Best of the Best Award honors the late B. Ralph Sylvia, an industry leader who was instrumental in starting the TIP awards in 1993. NEI this year received 142 entries for awards.
Other companies with employees who received awards are: American Electric Power, AREVA NP Inc., Dominion Nuclear Connecticut, Dominion Power, Exelon, Exelon Generation Co., Exelon Nuclear, FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Co.,
Progress Energy, PSEG Nuclear, Southern Nuclear Operating Co., Tennessee Valley Authority and Westinghouse.
TIP VENDOR AWARDS
• Dominion Power employees at Virginia’s Surry power station collaborated with AREVA to win the AREVA Vendor Award for developing the Deposit Minimization Treatment process to decrease the buildup of sludge on the plant’s steam generator tubes.
Sludge buildup on the steam-producing side of the steam generator tubes had reduced steam pressure and could have affected power generation. The previous solution for cleaning such material from the tubes required harsh chemicals.
Dominion Engineering and Chemistry personnel developed a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution to eliminate the buildup and restore consistent power generation. The Deposit Minimization Treatment is a safer, simplified system that reduced deposits by 700 to 800 pounds and saved the company approximately $32 million. It does not require harsh chemicals, and waste from the process can be treated with filtration to decompose the active ingredient.
While the old system required that cumbersome equipment be connected to the steam generator in several places, the new system has smaller and fewer pieces and requires only a single connection. The equipment now can be placed in a remote location, eliminating the need for work within the reactor building and enhancing radiation safety and security. The process has application potential for other pressurized water reactors.
• Employees of Exelon at the Dresden generating station in northern Illinois collaborated with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy to earn the GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Vendor Award for their creation of the Control Rod Drive Tube Flushing “Vortex Tool” that removes iron oxide buildup in control rod drive guide tubes.
Iron oxide in the water flowing through the reactor can adhere to fuel assemblies and later detach during refueling, affecting control rod drive mechanisms. The previous method for removing loose iron oxide was to vacuum the guide tubes when control rod blades were replaced. However, blade replacement rarely coincided with the need to remove iron oxide buildup, and the cleaning process was time-consuming and cumbersome.
The team’s Vortex Tool can be used with the control blades in place. It deploys from the bottom of the vessel, flushes iron oxide from the control rod drive mechanism and then visually inspects tubes with a camera in a two-minute process. The tool increases equipment reliability while reducing refueling outage time and radiation exposure. The tool can be adapted for use at all boiling water reactors.
• American Electric Power employees at Michigan’s Donald C. Cook nuclear plant attained the Westinghouse Design Vendor Award for their root cause analysis of a turbine failure in 2008.
The surface of each failed turbine blade was analyzed for data about the blade loss. State-of-the-art analytical techniques revealed that three blades on two of the three turbines were subjected to several stresses exacerbated by a design fault.
By determining the root causes of the turbine blade failure, the team facilitated the necessary repairs and Donald C. Cook Unit 1’s return to service. Key lessons have been shared with the nuclear industry and will help improve turbine reliability and safety.
• Dominion Nuclear Connecticut employees at the Millstone power station were honored with the Westinghouse Combustion Engineering Design Vendor Award for accomplishing two major plant modifications while increasing safety, reducing worker radiation exposure and decreasing work time.
First, the team needed to replace reactor components known as “thimble tubes.” Underwater divers perform the job. This task had been done in the industry only five times before. Using a Westinghouse process mapping technique, the team overlaid work flow diagrams from each previous effort and analyzed every step and component down to the minute. This analysis, along with several weeks of diver training exercises, ensured that the safest and most efficient process was used to replace the thimble tubes.
The second modification was a weld overlay of unprecedented scope for nine nozzles in the reactor coolant system. The team combined process improvement tools with timed challenges in a mock-up environment to identify the most efficient repair method. The experience enabled the team to refine the process and reduce the time needed to complete it.
The techniques used in both modifications are applicable throughout the nuclear energy industry.
TIP PROCESS AWARDS
• Entergy Nuclear employees at Palisades were honored with the Maintenance Process Award and the nuclear energy industry’s B. Ralph Sylvia Best of the Best Award for developing an innovative inspection device for vessel heads (as described above).
• Exelon Nuclear and AREVA NP Inc. employees won one of two Community Relations Process Awards for developing and implementing comprehensive communications plans surrounding the transport of two massive steam generators for the Three Mile Island nuclear generating station in Pennsylvania. Two 153-foot-long transporters weighing 825 tons each made a month-long, 75-mile journey spanning parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland and 23 municipalities.
Implementing a joint communications plan developed over 18 months, Exelon and AREVA communicators used new and existing tools to ensure necessary information about the transport was available to the public, media, public officials and other key stakeholders. Their goal was to make the process as transparent, safe and smooth as possible.
The plan included open-house meetings and educational programs, advertising and notifications, and safety briefings and updates. The winners of this award embraced electronic communication, disseminating updated information via the Web and a Twitter account. They ensured that members of the public could call a dedicated phone line to learn how the transport could affect them. They stationed communicators along the transport route, walking alongside the generators throughout the process and answering questions from onlookers.
The two steam generators—a shipment more than twice as large as any load ever transported by road through Maryland or Pennsylvania—arrived safely and on time at the Three Mile Island site. The transport garnered more than 110 news stories, and more than 12,000 spectators turned out to witness the event.
• PSEG Nuclear employees at the Salem and Hope Creek generating stations received one of two Community Relations Process Awards for an outreach program that built public support for the license renewal of the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear plants and the early site permit for a potential fourth nuclear reactor at the Salem/Hope Creek complex in southern New Jersey.
The company hosted meetings with elected officials and programs with business groups and formed an active partnership with local media. The effort also ensured that stakeholders could experience nuclear energy first-hand. Plant tours, organized for a variety of community groups, featured a visit to a control room simulator and enabled visitors to learn about everything from plant design and licensing requirements to safety and security. Members of the public met with security personnel, plant management, training personnel and subject matter experts.
In all, more than 430 people toured the power stations, and more than 730 met with members of the PSEG Nuclear leadership team. The program was bolstered by a partnership with the local community college and technical schools, with establishment of a nuclear technology degree program to develop the future work force.
No contentions were filed when the license renewal application for the Salem and Hope Creek generating stations was submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and significant community support was shown at the public license renewal meeting.
• Southern Nuclear Operating Co. employees collaborated with Westinghouse to earn the Equipment Reliability Process Award for their development of the industry’s first-of-a-kind Engineered Leak Rate Seals® that have improved the reliability of Westinghouse reactor coolant pumps. Poor seal performance can result in the shutdown of a reactor coolant pump and, consequently, the shutdown of a reactor.
Low levels of seal leak-off resulted in four forced or extended outages at Southern Nuclear power plants between 2004 and 2008. To address the issue, Southern Nuclear employees formed a subcommittee that developed and copyrighted the industry’s Engineered Leak Rate Seals. They determined the angle of the seal surface is critical to seal performance and leak-off flow. The group collaborated with Westinghouse to improve the manufacturing process to produce a seal with a more tightly controlled seal angle measured to millionths of a degree. The new seal ensures that leak-off remains within normal levels and cannot drop low enough to affect the pump’s performance.
Westinghouse now offers the Engineered Leak Rate Seals for use with Westinghouse 93A and 93A-1 type reactor coolant pumps throughout the industry. The new seals have been installed in two of Southern Nuclear’s reactors and are performing well.
• Exelon Generation Co. employees took the Nuclear Fuel Process Award for their Fuel Vendor Collaborative Management Review Process that implemented an integrated management review process across a fleet of reactors to ensure relevant issues are regularly discussed with three fuel vendors.
The process is centered on regularly reviewed performance indicators in 11 areas ranging from engineering productivity to fuel integrity and reliability. Initiatives and improvements are developed, and the fuel vendors have the opportunity to provide feedback to Exelon. This open dialogue facilitates continuous improvement and has resulted in cost savings, increases in safety and improved efficiency.
An example involves the metal control blades that move in channels within the reactor’s fuel assemblies. Durability issues were brought to management’s attention through the review process. Now, by improving the capability to predict and address interference between control blades and the channels they move within, the blades will be fully utilized through an extended, carefully monitored operating lifetime.
Easily transferable across the nuclear industry, the review process also resulted in steps to protect fuel, implemented a core design strategy to use fuel more efficiently, reduced worker radiation exposure and increased safety.
• FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Co. employees at Beta Laboratory landed the Materials and Services Process Award for their success in upgrading integrated control system circuit cards. By developing an in-house solution based on manufacturing processes, the team enhanced the design and produced a more reliable circuit card while saving time and money.
Because integrated control system circuit card malfunctions can cause power reductions and other plant challenges, improved equipment reliability was also among the team’s top goals. The new circuit cards featured improved relay design and higher performance specifications, which enhances plant reliability and reduces the preventive maintenance needs of the plant.
All steps of the process were completed in-house including design enhancement, prototyping, manufacturing and assembly. The final step was a rigorous testing process conducted by a comprehensive automated program also developed in-house. The in-house solution upgraded a circuit card for eight percent of the cost of off-site manufacturing. This innovation saved more than $1 million and contributed to greater supply chain efficiency.
• Exelon Nuclear team members at Peach Bottom earned the Operate Plant Process Award through their development of the Exelon Jet Pump Ultrasonic Cleaning Hummingbird used to clean the jet pumps that control power level in the Pennsylvania plant’s reactor.
Jet pumps regulate power level by ensuring enough water flows in the reactor vessel to be changed into steam. Millions of gallons of water flow through the jet pumps, and the large amount of flow can result in a buildup of microscopic corrosion products. Over time, this buildup can increase vibration and reduce flow, requiring more fuel to compensate for lost generation.
The standard technique for removing corrosion from jet pumps is ultrahigh pressure cleaning that requires portions of the jet pumps to be disassembled and removed from the reactor vessel. The team developed methods to utilize an ultrasonic cleaning bath that also has been used in the nuclear energy industry to clean pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies. The method allows the jet pumps to be cleaned more often and more effectively to combat buildup before it interferes with power generation.
Most importantly, this new method of cleaning requires no jet pump disassembly. As a result, it improves safety and has a positive impact on outage scheduling.
• American Electric Power won the Plant Support Process Award for its innovative solutions during turbine restoration at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant.
The loss of several turbine blades led to turbine failure and subsequent damage to the lower exhaust hoods that are the outermost casing of the turbines. Vibration created friction between the base of the exhaust hoods and the surface below, necessitating detailed inspections, leveling and repairs that included straightening bent turbine rotors.
To raise the 175-ton hood for inspections and repairs, the team used an innovative lifting technique. Instead of disassembling the hood into several pieces and repairing each separately, which could result in inconsistent adjustments, the team raised the entire hood as a single unit. This innovative method eliminated the disassembly process, thereby reducing the likelihood of a safety incident and saving time.
The team also pioneered a method to straighten three bent and damaged rotors without requiring complete disassembly. Using heat, vibration and high-speed spinning, they successfully repaired each of the 400,000 pound rotors eliminating the need for costly replacements. This project involved three million work hours and the lifting of heavy loads totaling 43 million pounds, and did so safely without a single lost time or restricted time incident.
• Tennessee Valley Authority employees at Browns Ferry Unit 1 in northern Alabama were honored with the Management Processes and Support Services Process Award for their program that resulted in the lowest occupational dose to workers at any boiling water reactor in the world.
The integrated source term reduction program reduced the amount of radioactive cobalt available to be activated and thus distributed in the plant. The multi-faceted program incorporates a variety of technologies to maintain equipment and prevent the buildup of cobalt including the application of a protective coating to key materials. X-Ray Fluorescent Technology also was used to identify cobalt that needed to be removed.
The benefits of the program are numerous. With a lower occupational dose comes a reduced need for engineering controls, respiratory protection and administrative controls on high-radiation areas. The program also has shortened outage time and improved worker efficiency. For radiation protection technicians in particular, the program allows a greater focus on improvement rather than constant monitoring. This program is expected to lower radiation exposure and yield millions of dollars in cost savings.
• Southern Nuclear Operating Co. employees at Georgia’s Plant Vogtle station were recognized with a Nuclear Training Process Award for their Training Dosimetry Simulator that creates a virtual radiation environment where workers can develop their skills to keep radiation exposure as low as possible – well below federal limits.
Previously, instructors followed trainees so they could alert the worker of higher-than-expected doses. The new method combines two technologies. First, Virtual Radiation Environment is a software program that allows a trainer to define a virtual radiation zone and assign radiation sources and areas of varying radiation levels. The second, Near-Field Electromagnetic Ranging, uses low-frequency radio technology to track worker location in real time. Together, these technologies display the exposure levels based on the worker’s location within the virtual radiation zone. It is a realistic approach that ensures workers remain protected from radiation as they gain actual work experience.
Additionally, the system maps the steps the worker will take in performing an upcoming task. By reviewing the task map, planners can eliminate unnecessary actions, minimize idle time and reduce radiation exposure thereby making the work process safer and more efficient.
TIP VISION &LEADERSHIP AWARD
• Progress Energy employees at the Shearon Harris nuclear plant are recipients of the Vision & Leadership Award for their pioneering developments in fire protection.
In 2004, the NRC approved use of the National Fire Protection Association’s performance-based standard. The Shearon Harris fire protection team has led the industry in implementing the standard, focusing on two actions in particular to improve fire protection.
First, because extreme heat can damage conventional cable, the team replaced vital and vulnerable cables with a fire-rated version that can withstand three hours of exposure up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The use of fire-rated cable in critical areas helps insure that the plant can be shut down safely in the event of fire.
Second, the team developed an early warning system that can detect fire-prone conditions before a fire can start. The new detection hardware combats fires by detecting precursor conditions. The system monitors critical equipment for signs of degradation and notifies operators so they can perform preventive maintenance before problems arise.
The Progress Energy team led the nuclear energy industry through this important strategic fire protection process. Their innovations will improve nuclear plant safety and produce significant savings across the industry.


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Bold. Dramatic. Different..
Normally, I don’t post blog updates on the weekend since I receive the most activity during business hours (yea,View full post »
© 2017 Dallas/Fort Worth Based Modern Wedding & Portrait Photographer: Lyncca Harvey Photography|ProPhoto Photo Theme Theme design by Color Splash Design Studio


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Hispanic women earn the least in apprenticeship programs compared to all other groups by racial, ethnic, and gender breakdown. Policymakers who oversee apprenticeship registrations can both encourage increased equity in current apprenticeships, as well as expanded apprenticeships into new industries and occupations. All the while, policymakers must ensure that these apprenticeships continue to be paths to training while earning living wages. Collective bargaining agreements also mimic pay transparency by clearly defining pay scales for different positions.26 As such, pay gaps are lower for union workers. Similarly, banning salary history helps eliminate outright wage discrimination by preventing workers from carrying around lower wages as they change jobs.
Access to training and apprenticeship is especially important for underrepresented groups. Women workers are only 7.3 percent of those in registered apprenticeships.33 Of women who are in apprenticeship programs, less than 10 percent are Hispanic, compared to men in apprenticeships, almost 16 percent of whom identified as Hispanic. Furthermore, women earn less in their apprenticeship programs than men do.
“It just doesn’t happen by itself.” In Finland, for example, the law requires that the proportion of men and women serving in certain governmental, municipal and intermunicipal bodies be equal to at least 40 percent for both groups. Although women serve in top government positions, as is the case with the speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, they occupy only 101, or 23 percent, of voting seats in the House. On a global scale, the country ranks 83rd in terms of female representation in national legislatures, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Geneva-based international organization of parliaments.
Somewhat surprisingly, they found that mestizos in a given part of Mexico tended to have the same “rare” genetic variants as their indigenous neighbors. The mestizo genomes “track so well with the indigenous groups that we could use the genetic diversity in mestizos to make inferences about ancestors,” Pasaniuc says. Strong genetic markers of Maya ancestry, for example, show up in the genomes of modern people living in the Yucatán Peninsula and the northern part of Mexico’s Gulf Coast in the modern state of Veracruz, which likely reflects a pre-Columbian Maya trade or migration route.
“I Go Red for myself, my family and all Hispanic women,” Maricela proudly declares. For Hispanic and Latina women, cooking for family is an act of love that can involve unhealthy pork products and lard. And the more they assimilate to American traditions, the quality of their diets really deteriorate. While heart disease doesn’t discriminate, you could argue that it does have a bit of a penchant for racial bias where Hispanic and Latina women are concerned. On average, Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanics.
Exploring how race, ethnicity, and class intersect to affect economic outcomes in the United States. No matter how you slice the data, it is clear that there is a lot of work to be done to improve the standard of living for Latinas and their families. More educational attainment and access to better quality education would certainly help to improve the Latinas’ chances to move up the job ladder and get better paid jobs. However, this is not the whole story, since even after controlling for education, the wage gap remains very large.
A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment. The 1990 census was not designed to capture multiple racial responses, and when individuals marked the “‘other” race option and provided a multiple write-in, the response was assigned according to the race written first. “For example, a write-in of “black-white” was assigned a code of “black,” while a write-in of “white-black” was assigned a code of “white.” The 1950 census questionnaire removed the word “color” from the racial question, and also removed Hindu and Korean from the race choices. President Franklin D. Roosevelt promoted a “good neighbor” policy that sought better relations with Mexico.
Another single from the album, “Slow Down”, peaked at number 27 in the Billboard charts. It became her first album to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, where it sold 97,000 copies in its first week. The album remained in the top ten in its second week, though declined down the chart in the following weeks. The record was https://villa-estate.com/what-to-expect-from-colombian-girl/ met with mixed reviews where some music critics noticed her inability to create her own musical identity and her lack of vocal ability “doesn’t help”. Gomez incorporated choreography and dance routines into her promotional performances and music videos for the album, feeling inspired by artists such as Janet Jackson and Britney Spears.
Puerto Ricans and Dominicans have by far the highest rates of intermarriage with blacks, of all major Hispanic national groups. Cubans have the highest rate of intermarriage with non-Hispanic Whites, of all major Hispanic national groups, and are the most assimilated into White American culture. Mexican Americans, who are the majority of the US Hispanic population, are most likely to intermarry with Whites and Asians when marrying out. Unlike those for marriage to Blacks and Asians, intermarriage rates of Hispanics to Whites do not vary by gender. The combined median earnings of White/Hispanic couples are lower than those of White/White couples but higher than those of Hispanic/Hispanic couples.
But take it from the girl who went to UCLA and would always be told “yeah, but you don’t count as Mexican” , that people perceive Latinos to be professionally challenged. Cultural limitations include getting married too young, having children out of wedlock, and having parents that don’t want them to leave their hometown. There are so many other socio-economic obstacles that must be over-come by Latina women. On that note, people will assume she’s not educated or skilled.
1961 and 1962 were marked by full family Cuban immigration. Thus, many Cuban women found themselves in the United States as a result of their family. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, the ability for Cubans to immigrate with their families became limited as a result of strained US-Cuba relations. This led to Cubans use of flotillas in order to make it to the southern coast of Florida.
Selena Quintanilla–Perez (April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995), known as simply Selena, was an American singer-songwriter, actress and fashion designer. She was named the “Queen of Tejano music” and was also known as the “Mexican Madonna”. Selena was born as the last child of a Mexican-American father.

domain: sociology


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Elon Musk’s X-linked AI modeler xAI has an agreement for the private sale of $865.3 million in unregistered equity securities, according to a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made on Dec. 5.
xAI filed the SEC’s Form D to allow it to engage in the private sale of securities without registration. The form is used to comply with Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, which provides exemptions to the standard rules. On the form, Musk is listed as the executive officer and director of the business.
The xAI Form D further clarifies that the securities will be sold to accredited investors with restrictions on their resale under Rule 506(b). The form also indicated that $134.7 million in such securities have already been sold, with the first sale taking place on Nov. 29. Thus, the company is seeking to raise $1 billion.
XAI’s product, a chatbot called Grok, has not yet made its public debut, although there is a waitlist to use the prototype. Its website described Grok in a post dated Nov. 4 as “a very early beta product” and added:
“A unique and fundamental advantage of Grok is that it has real-time knowledge of the world via the X [formerly Twitter] platform. It will also answer spicy questions that are rejected by most other AI systems.”
Musk announced the launch of xAI in July and claimed its goal was to “understand the universe.” He claimed Grok would perform better than ChatGPT and in November got into an online squabble over it with ChatGPT co-founder and CEO at the time Sam Altman. Musk was also a co-founder of ChatGPT, but left the company.
CRYPTO BREAKING NEWShttps://t.co/VMCYZcQCw4, Elon Musk’s AI Play, Files for $1 Billion Equity Offering. Would-be investors need at least $2 million to participate, with nearly $135 million already sold. check us out @ https://t.co/8dh137buUp pic.twitter.com/HFEwXn9PpO
— InnovatekMobile (@Neome_com) December 5, 2023


Get fit now, and you might stave of lung or colorectal cancer when you’re older. According to a new study of 14,000 middle-aged men, those who could run an eight-minute mile had 55 percent lower risk of lung cancer and 44 percent less risk of colorectal cancer later in life than men who could muster only an 11.5-minute mile. And although being fit did not affect their odds of developing prostate cancer, the fit guys who did wind up with prostate, lung, or colon cancer were 32 percent less likely to die from their disease.
Previous research has suggested that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) can impact cancer risk. However, this is the first study to show that CRF is foretelling of site-specific cancer incidence and the resulting risk of death. "Individuals with higher CRF tend to have lower circulating concentrations of metabolic and sex steroid hormones, enhanced immunity, and less inflammation and oxidative injury," says lead researcher Dr. Susan Lakoski, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Vermont. "These effects act in concert to inhibit tumor development and decrease the risk of cancer-specific mortality."
As for why these factors don’t seem to offer the same level of protection to the prostate, "the relationship between fitness and prostate cancer risk is controversial," Lakoski says. "It’s possible that the men with higher CRF were more likely to undergo more frequent preventive screenings and thus had a greater opportunity to be diagnosed as having localized prostate cancer."
But the key takeaway regarding prostate cancer is that men who were physically fit before getting the disease were way less likely to succumb to it than their out-of-shape counterparts. "This speaks to the importance of being fit in midlife to improve survival," Lakoski says, "even if you do end up developing lung, prostate, or colorectal cancer later in life."
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Document outlines effective exchange security to help educate users, policymakers, cybersecurity professionals on secure crypto-exchanges
The Cloud Security Alliance® (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today announced the release of the Crypto-Asset Exchange Security Guidelines, a set of guidelines and best practices for crypto-asset exchange (CaE) security. Drafted by CSA’s Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Working Group, the document provides readers with a comprehensive set of guidelines for effective exchange security to help educate users, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals on the pros and cons of further securing cryptocurrency exchanges, including both Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) and hosted wallets at cloud-based exchanges, OTC desks, and cryptocurrency swap services.
Cryptocurrency exchanges are increasingly becoming targets of hackers. For instance, last December, U.K.-based cryptocurrency exchange Exmo “detected suspicious withdrawal activity” to the tune of more than $10 million. Months earlier, a secure hardware wallet provider, Ledger, was hacked and lost 272,000 customer records.
The document includes a model that identifies the 10 top threats to crypto exchanges, plus a reference architecture and set of security best practices for the end-user, exchange operators, and auditors. Also covered are security control measures across a wide area of administrative and physical domains.
“As the digital assets industry evolves and matures, crypto-asset exchanges increasingly cover areas that were, for decades, the sole dominion of long-established financial service institutions,” said Bill Izzo, co-chair of CSA’s Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Working Group. “It’s our hope that this document will provide a roadmap for those tasked with ushering new and existing financial services organizations into the future in a controlled and secure manner.”
The Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology Working Group works to produce useful content to educate different industries on blockchain and its proper use, as well as define blockchain security and compliance requirements based upon different industries and use cases. Individuals interested in becoming involved in the future research and initiatives are invited to do so by visiting the Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Working Group join page.
About Cloud Security Alliance
The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. CSA harnesses the subject matter expertise of industry practitioners, associations, governments, and its corporate and individual members to offer cloud security-specific research, education, training, certification, events, and products. CSA’s activities, knowledge, and extensive network benefit the entire community impacted by cloud — from providers and customers to governments, entrepreneurs, and the assurance industry — and provide a forum through which different parties can work together to create and maintain a trusted cloud ecosystem. For further information, visit us at www.cloudsecurityalliance.org, and follow us on Twitter @cloudsa.
Kari Walker for the CSA
Source: Cloud Security Alliance
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Engineering, heavy equipment, mining and construction
Jardine Matheson offers a wide range of services and solutions in the areas of engineering, heavy equipment and mining, construction, aviation and transport services, infrastructure and logistics.
Astra is a diversified business group operating in Indonesia with seven core businesses: Automotive; Financial Services; Heavy Equipment, Mining, Construction & Energy; Agribusiness; Infrastructure and Logistics; Information Technology; and Property.
As of February 2022, Astra employed nearly 190,000 employees in 240 companies, joint ventures and associate entities. It is one of the largest companies in Indonesia by market capitalisation. It is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
Jardine Cycle & Carriage has 50.1% interest in Astra.
Astra supplies heavy equipment and provides aftersales services for various sectors, including mining, plantation, construction and forestry. It is the sole distributor of Komatsu, UD Trucks, SCANIA, Bomag and Tadano heavy equipment. Primarily a mining services contractor, it also owns a few thermal and metallurgical coal, gold and thermal power assets. It also participates in construction and has expanded into the renewable energy sector.
Astra develops and manages toll roads. It has a total interest in 396km of operational toll roads. This includes the Tangerang-Merak, Cikopo-Palimanan, Semarang-Solo, Jombang-Mojokerto, Surabaya-Mojokerto and Pandaan-Malang toll roads, which form the Trans Java network, enabling one to cross the island of Java from end to end, from Jakarta to Surabaya. Astra also operates the Kunciran-Serpong and Kebon Jeruk-Ulujami toll roads, which make up the Jakarta Outer Ring Road.
Jardine Pacific represents a significant number of the Group’s non-listed interest in Asia. Its diverse portfolio comprises industry leaders in the areas of engineering and construction, aviation and transport services, and restaurants. Its companies seek to deliver excellent performance and best in class service to their customers and to create value for their business partners and shareholders.
Gammon is an Asian-based construction services group that is jointly owned by Jardine Pacific and Balfour Beatty. Headquartered in Hong Kong for over 60 years, the group also has extensive operations in the Chinese mainland and Southeast Asia. (50%)*
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Randy Roberts, the founder of Spread Spectrum Scene Online, was an avid
ham radio operator. Listed below is his proposal for a spread spectrum radio for ham
use. The information is a bit dated, but can still be of interest for someone who wants
to do some tinkering....
We want to encourage experimentation with SS techniques! When SSS was
a paper publication, we published a number of "how to" articles, one or two
variants on the theme of a DS STA radio (for Buass' STA), two gener-
ations of "Ham Hopper" transceiver designs and a number of other tidbits
for the avid or budding experimenter. Here's our first update:
Here's my proposal:
I (and RF/SS) will grant a THREE YEAR NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE
to TAPR [or any other Bona Fide Amateur Radio Organization], at
NO COST WHATSOEVER, which includes a relatively complete
design and documentation package for a "Universal," DSSS / FHSS
/ Hybrid FH-DS radio-modem with the following initial design
characteristics and specifications preliminarily outlined below.
This licensed design package will allow the user to rapidly assemble
the pieces needed to offer either kits or completed products to the
Amateur Radio Community. These kits can be modular in capability
and can be designed with expansion in mind. The performance of this
licensed design is State of the Art in every way. It uses the latest in
ASIC technology and provides better than commercial WLAN SS
communications that rival what the US military are using today!
The radio-modem is used ONLY for Amateur / non-commercial or
to-be-negotiated educational uses.
TAPR (or any other Bona Fide Amateur Radio Organization) and
other assorted / interested volunteers supply labor and materials,
as needed, to fully develop and test this new design.
TAPR (or any other Bona Fide Amateur Radio Organization) sets
up a Project / Team organization to provide direction, guidance and
start on a "Ham Radio SS" Standard, ASAP!
The draft standard mentioned in (3) above is ready for circulation
and comment by 1 May, 1997 AND that the Final Interium Standard
for Ham SS operations is released by 1 August, 1997.
*** HOT from the LAB -- ACTUAL Spectrum Plots from our HP8561A ***
Spectrum Analyzer on the RF/SS Breadboard SST-1 Radio-Modem
The plot on the left is without any power amplifier on the radio-
modem's output. The righthand plot is with a linear 100 mW
power amplifier. Both plots use a master XTAL Osc. of 5.12
MHz for a PN Chip rate of 1.28 MHz (see first spectral nulls
at +/- 1.28 MHz from the suppressed carrier). Data rate for
both plots is 20.3 kbps -- for a processing gain of 63 chips per
bit or 18 dB. NO DATA is being transmitted in either plot!
*** Here's another View: ***
The lefthand plot shows the radio-modem's actual occupied RF
Bandwidth -- BW(-20 dB) -- or 99% BW = 1.8 MHz (this is
only 1.41 x Chip Rate!) The markers are a "little" hard to see --
aren't they? The righthand plot shows the details of the
spectral lines within the DSSS signal. The lines are 20.3 kHz
apart (= the Data Rate). Note also that the (suppressed )
carrier is 20.67 dB down from any line! Both plots uses an X.O.
of 5.12 MHz for a PN Chip rate of 1.28 MHz and ALL plots
here use BPSK-DSSS modulation. NO DATA is being trans-
mitted in either plot!
*** Want to go FASTER?: ***
*** How about larger plots?: ***
This plot uses an X.O. equal to the carrier frequency =
29.000 MHz for a PN Chip rate of 7.25 MHz and a Data Rate
of 120 kbps. NO DATA is being transmitted in this plot!
*** How about SLOWER?: ***
This plot uses an "audio" clock = 7560 Hz for a Chip rate of
1890 Hz and a Data Rate of 30 bps (that is 30 Baud!) This
might work for EME -- anyone want to try it? NO DATA is
being transmitted in this plot either!
*** How About another Band?: ***
*** How about Frequency Hop?: ***
We will be posting this kind of info plus more test results,
schematics and lots of other stuff on this proposed design,
if there is any interest -- email us if you want more info!


By Andrew Kunambura
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) will no longer collect departure and airport taxes directly from Air Zimbabwe (AirZim)’s customers with effect from February 1.
Effective that date, AirZim will now charge the taxes as part of the airfare and remit the money to Caaz before it falls due.
Caaz had been collecting the taxes from AirZim’s customers at the airport, greatly inconveniencing the airline’s customers.
The authority had resorted to that measure because AirZim had not been remitting the money after collecting the taxes from its clients.
The standard practice the world over is that passengers pay their departure taxes as part of their air fares. The money is used for purposes of airport maintenance.
AirZim’s corporate affairs and communications manager, Tafadzwa Mazonde, said they negotiated with Caaz, which agreed to allow them to collect that tax on the ticket as is the norm.
“This will bring convenience to our passengers as there will not be any extra costs to be paid at the airport over and above the ticket price as is currently prevailing,” said Mazonde.
AirZim is currently struggling to go back to viability following years of collapse which at one point saw all its planes getting grounded.
It is saddled with a crippling debt of up to $300 million and has failed to attract partners to turn around its fortunes due to its high level of indebtedness which scares off potential investors.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Jorum Gumbo recently disclosed that the national airline was making a loss of $2 million every month and was relying on daily government bailouts.
AirZim has also been grappling with declining load factors with passenger numbers having plummeted to about 230 000 per annum from a peak of one million in 1996 as travellers opt for other airlines. DailyNews


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Ladakh the Persian adaptation of the Tibetan La-dvag or the “land of high passes” is the northernmost province of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and lies betwixt the Karakoram mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south, colonized by people of Indo-Aryan and Tibetan descent. At times it is also known as “little Tibet”. During its good old days, the domain constituted the Indus Valley, Baltistan (Baltiyul) valleys, Lahaul, the remote Zangskar, and Spiti to the south, Ngari and Aksai Chin covering Guge and the Rudok region, in the east, and the Nubra valleys to the north. Ladakh’s peculiarly level headed traditional civilization has much to demonstrate the West in details of ecological perception. While most Ladakhis are not rich in terms of money but their conventional mud-brick logins are massive, pleasant and self-sufficient. In terms of fuel and dairy stocks, organic vegetables and barley are used to make chhang (barley booze) and tsampa (roast barley flour). Such self-sufficiency is an unbelievable accomplishment given to the precise budding season and a finite cultivable land. In this hillock desert, where water supplies must be stiffly channeled from glacier-melt mountain streams.
Ladakh is defined by the walls of vivid mountains. This makes for cohesive sceneries but mind that the road access craves crossing anguishing high passes which close generally around October to May or longer during heavy snowfall. Temperature/Climate/Weather In optimum winters the temperature in Ladakh goes towards the lower position to about 30 Degree Celsius in Leh and Kargil and near about 50 Degree Celsius in Dras. Temperatures prevail in minus for practically 3 months from December to the month of February. But on lucid sunny days, it becomes very hot and one can get suntanned. Due to the geographical location of Ladakh, the rainfall is less. The rainfall is throughout 50 mm per annum. It is the melting snow which makes the durability of human and animals viable. In the desolate like photograph one may come across the dunes or as it may be causal to the dust storms. The weather and climate of Ladakh exhibit enormous diversification. On one hand, you can get frigidity due to the extreme cold weather circumstances while on the other hand, the piercing sun can give you sunburn, if not well guarded. The summers in Leh Ladakh combat a medium climate in the dimension of almost -3° C to 30° C. Leh Ladakh experiences combats cold winters with heavy snowfall. The ordinary temperature in the winter season is around -20° C to 15° C. While packing for a trip, you should keep the weather and climate of Ladakh in mind. Some of the things that you should carry are a goggles, hat or woolen cap, thick socks, woolen clothing, windcheaters, gloves, scarves, boots or walking shoes, sunscreen, etc.
How to get to Leh?
All year round, even in winters flights to Leh are open for booking. The Leh Airport is a military airport so the security checks are a little more acrimonious than customary. Please carry a printout of your e-ticket before getting into the airport, if you by any means fail to bring the printout your entry can be denied. From the airport, taxis are regularly accessible to take you to your destination
From Jammu and Kashmir or from Manali, if you’re devising to advent Leh in a bus, get ready for an adventurous some rutted ride. It’s got what it takes to become the ride of a lifetime and will take at least 4 days to get you to the place, starting at New Delhi.
Pathankot and Chandigarh are in spitting distance railway stations to Leh, yet a three-day bus-ride away. This is one route that most travelers to Leh avoid. Modes of transportation to be used to travel around There are plenty of different means of transportation inside Ladakh like Train, Bus, Car, & Taxi. Local/public transport is available all the time in Ladakh.Transportation in Ladakh is equitably effortless to make use of.Local rails and roads are the supreme ways to move from point to point. For transportation within Ladakh, you can hire a cab or taxi for an allotted span of time from the renting agencies. This is the supreme method of transportation in Ladakh as you can take all your the time you need to appreciate the various attractions.Local buses are other means of transportation in Ladakh which are easily accessible. There are many different modes of transportation within Ladakh like Car, Train, Bus & Taxi.
About passes in and around:-
5.615 m Kardungh La – Pass – the highest pass on earth!
5.390 m Tanglang La – Pass- the second-highest
5.360 m Chang La – Pass – the third-highest
5.300 m Wari La – Pass
5.050 m Namshang La – Pass
5,019 m Lachungla – Pass
5,000 m Polokangla – Pass
4,900 m Namshingla – Pass
4,908 m Kanglajal la – Pass
4,890 m Baralacha la – Pass
4,740 m Nakila – Pass
3,978 m Rohtang la – Pass
Situated about 75 km from Keylong, Baralacha La is at an elevation of 16,040 feet across the Bhaga river. It is the beginning point of several treks in Leh Ladakh region including the famous Suraj Tal trek and Chandra Tal trek. It is always preferable to make one’s way across Baralacha La pass before noon as the melting snow on the higher altitudes of this pass makes it difficult to cross it as the day advances.
Tanglang La Pass
Tanglang La on the Manali – Leh highway is at an elevation of 17582 ft is the topmost point on the highway. On the Manali – Leh route Tanglang la is the gateway to Leh. The highlights of the Manali – Leh highway are the Gata Loops and Tanglang La. Nearly all of the mountain passes in Leh a small temple and a marker stone with the altitude of the pass mentioned on it so is on Tanglang la also.
Chang La Pass
The gateway to Changthang, Chang La at an elevation of 17,590 ft is the third highest motorable pass. A shrine devoted here to Chang La baba after whom the pass is also named. The nearest settlement is Tangste is. Tourists visiting Chang La pass are served with free tea by the Indian army.
ITBP built the Marsimek-La pass at an elevation of 18634 ft, which makes unsupported declares of being the lofty motorable pass in the world! 35 km from Pangong Tso, Marsimek-La is on the northern-most tip of the Plateau
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In 2021, it had actually valued its value at more than $800 million. The business is noted on the Boston Stock Exchange and is one of the biggest futures and choices trading companies in the world.
Cryptocurrencies have actually been making buzz recently due to their anticipated rise in value over the coming years. Lots of people have actually been purchasing them due to their pledge of significant profit. However, for those who are brand-new to trading these cryptosystems, it can be rather tough to identify the correct time to offer or buy. This is where etoro enters into play. Their order matching system will enable traders to get in a particular currency pairing and instantly make the matching sell or buy order without needing any previous understanding of which currency pairs to trade.
They can begin with the order placement feature once traders get access to etoro. This is where they will have the ability to get in an order in the market and have it matched with a readily available currency set. By utilizing this feature, they will have the ability to maximize their earnings and reduce risk by diversifying their financial investment in between many currencies.
Another function of etoro is the live trading platform. This is where they can engage with other traders using the same platform. This allows them to learn from the methods of others and to apply them in their own trading portfolio. They can even use the live chat function to give guidance to fellow traders and share ideas on how to make their investments work.
The third significant benefit of using the platform of etoro for their financiers is that it gives them access to all kinds of details about their selected cryptosystems. This includes not simply market details about the currencies being traded, but likewise information on patterns in the market. They can also see what their competitors are doing in regard to their investments and make some great decisions themselves. There’s no need for them to spend time sifting through piles of data in order to discover what is taking place in the market, given that they can get all of it from the one location.
The fourth advantage is that etoro offers a low commission for all of its trading sets. Traders who have an account at etoro will be paid through a cut-throat pay plan. If you have an account at other brokers, it would do you well to switch to etoro and advantage from all of its terrific features at an extremely low expense.
There are other trading platforms out there, none has the staying power of eToro. Due to the fact that it uses a lot more than contending exchanges, this is. In addition to having a low commission, it has a number of special functions that set it apart from other platforms. For instance, it lets traders trade in three significant trading currencies, along with ether (the most famous type of currency today), and four major commodities. Traders will likewise be able to position a limit order, which is similar to a standard stock trade, permitting them to restrict the dangers they are taking on a specific trade.
Its trading platform does not have the personalization that some traders desire. These concerns are small compared to the great functions etoro deals, so even if it does have some drawbacks, it still has excellent advantages. Etoro Equivalent

domain: economics


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Fans reaction after watching first half of Jai Lava Kusa
Thu, Sep 21, 2017, 07:31 AM
After watching the first half of Jai Lava Kusa, fans said that director Bobby has introduced characters. They stated that Jr NTR’s acting performance was superb in Jai’s character. Fans said first half has more comedy scenes. Jr NTR, Nivetha Thomas, and Rashi Khanna have played lead roles in Jai Lava Kusa. The movie directed by Bobby and music scored by Devi Sri Prasad. Cinematography by Chota K Naidu and produced by Kalyan Ram. The movie also features Ronit Roy, Nanditha Raj, Hamsa Nandini, Priyadarshi, Abhimanyu Singh and Harish Uthaman.


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A parody of Oblong Pictures' "Where'd the Cheese Go?"
About this creation
This was my first official film I have published on the web. It is a parody of Oblong Pictures' "Where'd the Cheese Go?", which is a great movie. Please forgive me, for I couldn't find a lightsaber clash sound.
If I saw this movie, I would rate it 5 out of 5. But it wouldn't let me see the movie, so I'm going to rate it a 4 out of 5. I know where you can find lightsaber clash sounds, I've got loads! Visit www.galaxyfaraway.com for sound effects on lightsabers.

domain: entertainment


PlushBeds Topper Review
PlushBeds is home to several high-end sleep accessories, including mattresses, bedding, pillows, and toppers. This PlushBeds topper review focuses on their toppers, analyzing their features, and comparing their performances to help you choose the ideal one.
Currently, PlushBeds has six mattress toppers on the market. These include:
Natural Latex Topper
PlushBeds Natural Latex Topper contains natural latex. This topper is free of chemical dyes, bleaches, synthetic blends, or fillers, keeping it 100% natural. It also has a separately sold topper cover made of certified organic cotton.
The key features of PlushBeds natural latex topper include:
100% Natural Talalay Latex
Not all Talalay latex toppers are 100% natural. This is because some manufacturers introduce petroleum-based additives and chemicals into the latex at different processing stages. As a result, their final products don't qualify as purely natural, and can easily trigger allergic reactions in chemical-sensitive sleepers.
To avoid chemicals and other harmful toxins, PlushBeds gets its Talalay latex from sustainable sources. This ensures its latex for its mattress toppers remains pure right from the source to the factory. As a result, these latex toppers don't contain harmful pesticides, beaches, chemical dyes, or chemical retarders, among other toxins.
Five Firmness Levels
PlushBeds natural Talalay mattress topper offers sleepers five firmness choices. This beats most toppers on the market, which only offer one or two firmness options.
The mattress toppers are available in Soft, Medium-Soft, Medium, Medium-Firm, and Extra-Firm levels of firmness. To select your ideal firmness level, consider your sleep needs. For example, choose Soft to Medium mattress toppers if you need more cushioning and pressure relief. On the other hand, if you need more support, the Medium and Medium-Firm mattress toppers work best. And, if you're over 240 lbs, or prefer sleeping on firm surfaces, the Extra-Firm mattress topper is a great choice.
Two Thickness Options
This topper is available in two and three-inch thicknesses. The two-inch adds more support to your bed, but allows you to feel your latex mattress below. On the other hand, the three-inch mattress topper adds cushioning and support to your latex mattress to make it plusher.
Additionally, it prevents you from feeling the mattress underneath, ideal for totally transforming how your existing mattress feels, without buying a new mattress.
Organic Quilted Latex Topper
The Quilted Organic Latex Topper is a luxurious four-inch topper, consisting of organic latex and wool. This topper promotes a rejuvenating sleep experience, thanks to its unique features.
The unique features of the organic quilted latex topper include the following:
If you're looking for a luxurious organic mattress topper, you’ll appreciate this quilted topper. It consists of three high quality organic materials: cotton, British wool, and latex.
The latex forms the topper's supportive core because of its strength and durability. The wool makes up the topper's comfort layer, and acts as a fire barrier. Lastly, the topper has a soft cotton cover that improves breathability, soothes the skin, and complements its luxurious feel.
This latex mattress topper is available in Soft, Medium, Medium-Firm, and Firm levels of firmness. Each of these toppers is designed for different groups of sleepers with varying sleep needs.
The Soft organic quilted topper best suits side and back sleepers who prefer a body-contouring sleep surface. This latex mattress topper cushions the shoulder to prevent shoulder pain, including the neck and hips to ease pressure buildup, while supporting the back to align the spine correctly while sleeping.
The average mattress topper on the market measures three inches in thickness. However, PlushBeds quilted natural latex topper is an inch thicker. This feature sets the topper apart from the rest in terms of performance.
The topper's core consists of a three-inch thick latex foam. As a result, it gives sleepers generous support that mimics PlushBeds' Botanical Bliss Mattress. Additionally, the topper helps reduce sleep discomforts, such as lower back pain triggered by unsupportive sleep surfaces.
The topper's comfort layer makes up the remaining inch with 2 ounces of organic wool, and a thick organic cotton cover. This supportive layer is sufficient for pressure point relief, relieving pain, and promoting rejuvenating sleep.
Handmade Natural Wool Topper
The Handmade Natural Wool Topper offers exceptional comfort every night. It contains 100% natural wool, carefully crafted for superior comfort and premium quality.
The Topper's key features include:
100% Pristine Wool
PlushBeds uses ethically-sourced virgin wool to avoid introducing chemicals and toxins to the topper. As a result, the topper is of top-quality, long-lasting, and ideal for chemical-sensitive sleepers.
Besides its premium quality, virgin wool has many advantages. For example, it absorbs sweat and moisture from the surface of the topper, leaving the air around your skin cool and dry during hot, sweaty nights, which is perfect for hot sleepers. When the night is cold, the wool traps heat within its layers to keep you warm. As a result, you can use this topper throughout the year, thanks to its temperature regulation capabilities.
Sleeping on three inches of a natural wool topper is a one-of-a-kind experience. This topper cradles contact points to relieve pressure, and ease body aches and pains. Additionally, it promotes longer REM sleep cycles because of its soothing and temperature-regulating abilities. Although the topper is buoyant, its thickness sufficiently supports the sleeper's body to keep the spine correctly aligned.
PlushBeds natural wool topper is made by hand for comfort and exemplary quality. Skilled craftsmen tuft and stitch each topper to prevent the wool from clumping up on one side. As a result, the topper remains evenly thick, enabling it to spring back into shape after use.
400 Thread Count Certified Organic Cotton Sateen Cover
The organic cotton cover is more than a mattress topper cover. For example, it has a 400 thread count, giving it a soft feel, and a soothing sensation on the skin. Additionally, this cover is hypoallergenic, and free of chemicals and harmful toxins. As a result, this dust-mite resistant topper is safe for sensitive sleepers, as it doesn't trigger allergic reactions.
Down Alternative Mattress Topper
The Down Alternative Mattress Topper is a vegan topper containing ultra-fine fibers with high fill power. It is plush and cozy, making it the ideal topper for sleepers seeking pressure relief.
The key features of the down alternative mattress topper include:
This topper contains ultra-fine microfibers that mimic airy-light down feathers. As a result, it feels fluffy and buoyant, enabling it to cushion a sleeper's contact points, and ease pressure buildup. Additionally, the fibers improve air circulation around the topper to keep the sleeper cool and comfortable all night.
100% Cotton Twill Cover
This topper has a cotton twill cover that gives it a luxurious appeal. In addition, the cover improves air circulation around your body, keeping you cool during hot nights, and warm during cold nights.
Box Stitch Design
The topper's box stitch design helps keep the fibers in place, improve breathability, and maintain a consistent loft throughout its surface.
Three Inches Thickness
This three-inch topper offers sufficient loft for cradling and cushioning the body, exactly what you need for a good night’s sleep.
Memory Foam Mattress Topper
PlushBeds Memory Foam Topper consists of patented memory foam to keep sleepers cool and comfortable. It comes in different sizes, thicknesses, and densities, giving sleepers a broad selection scope.
Here are the key features of this memory foam mattress topper.
Patented Memory Foam
Memory foam is best known for its pressure-relieving properties. On the downside, it's also known to trap heat, and cause a sleeper to feel excessively hot and uncomfortable. But that's not the case with PlushBeds patented memory foam.
Thanks to its open-cell viscoelastic structure, the PlushBeds memory foam topper dispatches heat from a sleeper's body to keep them cool. This design also gives the topper consistent density and responsive support that most conventional mattresses lack.
Two Density Choices
The density and thickness of a mattress topper play a significant role in determining its firmness and support. For this reason, the PlushBeds memory foam topper is available in two densities and thickness options.
The 4 lb mattress topper is soft and cushiony, making it a great choice for sleepers seeking relief from pressure. On the other hand, the 5.3 lb option is firmer, and best for sleepers looking to add more support to their mattresses.
On the other hand, the two-inch thick mattress topper is ideal for petite sleepers, while the three-inch thick topper is for heavier sleepers.
Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper
If you appreciate the pressure-relieving ability of memory foam, but dislike sleeping hot, the Cooling Gel Memory Foam Topper is ideal for you.
This topper has the following notable features:
Cooling Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel-infused memory foam has gel microbeads that enable the mattress topper to dispatch body heat to keep a sleeper cool.
No Harmful Gasses or Odors
Unlike conventional memory foams, this topper doesn't emit smelly or harmful gaseous chemicals. Therefore, you don't have to air out your topper for several hours before using it, or worry about chemical sensitivity or reactions, such as breathing difficulties and skin irritation.
Pressure Relieving Foam
The cooling gel memory foam relieves pressure by contouring a sleeper's body, while supporting their spine. Additionally, the foam feels soft and easy on the skin, making the sleeper cozy and comfortable.
Comparison of PlushBeds Toppers
PlushBeds mattress toppers are high-quality, and solve multiple sleep and comfort needs. Here is how these six toppers compare in performance.
All six mattress toppers are good at pressure relief. However, the cooling gel mattress topper takes the upper hand in this category. This is because of its patented memory foam that contours the body, and cushions pressure points. Additionally, it immediately springs back to its original shape to avoid sagging and dipping.
The natural wool and down alternative toppers are excellent options, if you're looking for luxurious comfort. These toppers are soft, breathable, and cuddly. As a result, they ease pressure points, keep you cool, and soothe you to fall asleep faster.
If your mattress triggers lower back pain, it may be because it doesn't support you adequately. In that case, you need a supportive mattress topper, such as PlushBeds natural latex, or quilted organic latex topper, to solve this problem. These toppers contain latex foam, best known for being responsive and resilient.
All PlushBeds toppers have temperature-regulation properties. This is because they contain breathable materials, such as latex, wool, cotton, and gel memory foam.
PlushBeds quilted organic latex and natural latex toppers come with a five-year warranty. However, these toppers can last up to 20 years, approximately five times longer than conventional mattress toppers.
Pros of Purchasing a PlushBeds Topper
Buying PlushBeds mattress toppers has many advantages. For instance, the toppers:
- Are available in a wide variety
- Are high quality and reasonably priced
- Solve multiple discomfort issues simultaneously
- Have various purity certifications, including Global Organic Latex Standard, Global Organic Textile Standard, and GreenGuard Gold
- Come in many standard sizes.
Cons of Purchasing a PlushBeds Toppers
Mattress toppers are personal bedding items. For this reason, you can't return your PlushBeds mattress topper.
A mattress topper is perfect for fixing a functional, but uncomfortable mattress. For example, you can use a thick, Medium-Firm mattress topper to make your latex mattress more supportive, soft, and cuddly. However, there are several factors you must consider when shopping for a mattress topper. These include the topper's materials, thickness, firmness, and design.
PlushBeds eases your shopping experience by offering six mattress toppers to select from. These GreenGuard Gold certified toppers come in all shapes and forms, and solve multiple sleep discomfort issues. So, whether you need more support, pressure relief, temperature regulation, or even more, you'll find the perfect choice at PlushBeds.
Are PlushBeds Mattress Toppers a Worthwhile Investment?
A resounding yes! These mattress toppers are high performing and long-lasting.


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Week of Events
Bean Stork’s Developmental Baby Massage - Price: £48 for 5 weeks Courses are 5 week courses suitable from birth to crawling. Each 50 minute class incorporates song, sign, sensory play and mindfulness alongside the development baby massage. Parents will be taught a variety of techniques to soothe, calm and relax their babies whilst supporting their […]
Price: £8 per class (drop in) or book 6 classes for £40. Slow Flow Practices to build strength and flexibility, and to promote well-being. All classes are at room temperature and are for 60 minutes.
Price: First two classes for £15 as part of our Intro Offer, after that classes are block booked per month. Our pregnancy yoga classes combine stretching, breathing, and relaxation techniques to offer relief from the common discomforts of pregnancy and to prepare the body for birth. Deepen your awareness of your ever-changing body and mind […]
Price: £13.00 per single class or £60.00 for a block of 5 consecutive classes. In Iyengar yoga Yoga students learn through a carefully graded and systematic programme of asana (posture) & Pranayama (breath control). Yoga practice both relaxes and energizes. It brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration, self-confidence and mental calm. Practising Yoga helps you overcome […]
The Ashtanga yoga class will be taught by Wale. He was introduced to Iyengar yoga while he was a Martial Arts instructor in London . When he moved to Bristol in 1996 hetrained as an Iyengar teacher. He came across Ashtanga Yoga and studied with Guy Donahay and went to Mysore the home of Ashtanga […]
Price: £9 per class Delivered in 6-week blocks on Thursdays 11:30am – 12:30pm. Mum and baby yoga offers mother and baby the opportunity to bond whilst enjoying the practice and benefits of yoga together. Classes offer mums movements and practices to stretch out achy parts of the body that can get stiff and tired from […]

domain: health


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The upcoming Hindi movie directed by maestro Mani Ratnam, ‘Raavan’ is selected leave the audiences spell bound with dark, mysterious visuals. Undertake it ! take a peek at the latest Raavan trailer and investigate the excellent frame on Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. The movie will undoubtedly block buster; one know of this by by means of award winning star cast of the film. Add to this the news that it is often a Mani Ratnam film and there’s no room for doubt.
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If really like watching action movies, you would then certainly want to getting a facility makes it possible for you to watch your favourite movies without having to spend money on these kinds of. Some of you may not necessarily aware belonging to the services that enable you to watch movies on the online market place. You can watch them whenever you get time. This way, you can easily watch new movies as soon as they get introduced. One can search for the flicks according to your countries with the origin. There’ goseries4k of advantages of watching Online movies. Firstly, can perform download them legally and secondly, there’s no them in high DVD quality. The movies, you can also watch Tv series as to tell the truth.
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Being placement to watch a full length movie in the comfort of your home is great. There is no need to get yourself a babysitter because even the youngest child can be present. Dinner and a movie could be as simple as delivery pizza in many choices to suit the entire family. Pause the movie for bathroom breaks. Finish the movie the next night. All over on foot charge of the schedule.
Every film buff understands the prestigious American Film Institute. Feel to reward their love for films than allowing your movie buff to become part of that institute by buying them a membership to the AFI. And also the range from $60-2,500. Offering cool perks like movie tickets, exclusive release schedules and magazine subscriptions, an AFI membership also grants members admittance to AFI episodes. On top of that, your movie buff would even be able to vote alongside industry professionals for various movie awards and accolades dealt out by AFI each year. To top it off, they would even have an AFI membership card to proudly blow their own horns to friends as a to their dedication to films.
There is a range of activities that can be done online apart from shopping, case music and gaming. Going surfing to watch movies is one of the many best in order to entertain your own situation. This way, one doesn’t have to go all the way to a cinema hall and stand it long queues to it is ticket. Simply download your favourite movie and watch it if you like. Tend to be not compelled to watch it at a stretch. You can view it at your convenience. Just go online and flick thru the associated with action movies available there for see. Select your desired one and start downloading.


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The Gwen Skirt is cut from a fluid crepe fabric and designed to be fitted at the high waist. This eventwear style features a gathered drop waist paneling that flows into a maxi length, finished with a front side split leg. Styled with our matching Gwen Top.
designed to be fitted at the high waist with a maxi length. Skirt is accessed through an invisible zip closure. Crepe fabric offers some stretch to the fit.
true to size, select your normal size. Model is 178cm / 5’10” wearing an AU 8 / US 4.
Designed + made in Australia
Fabric + care
Main – 91% polyester, 9% elastane. Lining – 100% polyester.
Cold hand wash separately
Do not soak, do not bleach – gentle spin to remove water
Hang to dry in shade – do not tumble dry
Light steam if required
Do not dry clean
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domain: design