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Once a black image is created, I clicked on File> Add Layer(s) From File, and used the Quick Mask tool (yellow arrow on left) to "paint" a line around Gui Lian. The Quick Mask tool wasn't sufficiently precise in blacking out all of the targeted areas, so I also used the Masking Brush tool (red arrow) and went over these areas on complete the task....a task that took me no more than 12 minutes; well within my range of tolerance. I then pumped up the saturation using Iridium Developer tools...a task that took under a minute.
When you really love photographing a certain subject, it shows in your work. If you've built a cohesive collection of images around a particular people or place, consider hanging it in a gallery or selling prints or photo books online. Share your work with artist's galleries in and around relevant locales until you find someone who bites. Southwestern USA photographer Brett Edge took it a step further and opened his own gorgeous fine art gallery in Moab, Utah. Photographer Vivienne Gucwa published a coffee table book featuring her New York City photography. Just getting started? Share your work online for exposure, and upload it to print-on-demand websites for effortless print sales.
Mixing the Hanxiang Water Garden photo shoot and another in the water town of Xinchang, I produced "The Legend of Hua"; a complex photo film meshing the topic of ghosts, opium, Shanghai in its 1930's heyday, traditional Chinese cultural and supernatural elements; all revolving around a plot of betrayal. Its plot is influenced by a 1988 movie by Stanley Kwan (in turn based on a novel by Li Pi-Hua (also known as Lillian Lee), one of the most influential Chinese TV writers, film writers and reporters.
The word travel has come to exemplify a common spelling quandary: to double or not to double the final consonant of a verb before adding the ending that forms the past tense ( –ed ) or the ending that forms the present-participle ( –ing. ) We see it done both ways—sometimes with the same word ( travel, traveled, traveling; travel, travelled, travelling ). As readers, we accept these variations without even thinking about them. But as writers, we need to know just when we should double that final consonant and when we should not. Because American practice differs slightly from British practice, there is no one answer. But there are well-established conventions. In American writing, when you have a one-syllable verb that ends with a single vowel followed by a single consonant, and you want to add a regular inflectional ending that begins with a vowel, you double that final consonant before adding -ed or -ing : stop, stopped, stopping; flag, flagged, flagging. This principle also holds for verbs of more than one syllable if the final syllable is stressed: permit, permitted, permitting; refer, referred, referring. If that syllable is not stressed, there is no doubling of the final consonant: gallop, galloped, galloping; travel, traveled, traveling. British spelling conventions are similar. They deviate from American practices only when the verb ends with a single vowel followed by an l . In that case, no matter the stress pattern, the final l gets doubled. Thus British writing has repel, repelled, repelling (as would American writing, since the final syllable is stressed). But it also has travel, travelled, travelling and cancel, cancelled, cancelling, since in the context of British writing the verb's final l, not its stress pattern, is the determining factor. Verbs ending in other consonants have the same doubling patterns that they would have in American writing. An outlier on both sides of the Atlantic is the small group of verbs ending in -ic and one lonely -ac verb. They require an added k before inflectional endings in order to retain the appropriate "hard" sound of the letter c : panic, panicked, panicking; frolic, frolicked, frolicking; shellac, shellacked, shellacking. Canadians, of course, are free to use either British or American spellings.
Whether you're booking at the last minute, you're not sure what is a good deal, you're departing from a remote city with few options, or you need any help at all, give us a call. We're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Flight Network is a member of TICO and has been awarded a rating of A+ by the Better Business Bureau of Canada which we've held for the last 10+ years.
In comparison, the religious self-mutilations performed by the devotees during the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket are considered to be extreme and shocking. The entranced devotees who perform these acts of religious self-mutilation are called mah song. They wear elaborate costumes, enter into trances and ask the gods to enter their bodies. Men or women (they are usually celibate) puncture their faces with hooks, spears and knives amongst other sharp implements.
Long-haul flights are brutal to your body, and jet-lag can cripple your productivity while you acclimate to your surroundings. I was practically giddy this week when I found a flight to South Africa a mere 36 hours long — 12 hours shorter than I had anticipated. After spending two or three days in transit, it typically takes me a day to feel functional again, and a week to feel normal.
Thank you so much for this trip! It has been amazing , and probably one of the best trips. I have been a fabulous place to visit, and I hope to come back soon. There have been many highlights to the trip, such as the golden Temple, the elongated stay in Dharamshala, and seeing the Taj Mahal! Thank you so much again, I truly mean it when I seeing I've thoroughly enjoyed this trip!
Alessandro Bergamini tells us that he is an Italian travel photographer from Finale Emilia in Italy. He started his photography with an old camera donated by his father, and traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world, capturing the spirit and visual cultures of his encounters. He perfected his post-production techniques to better reflect the atmosphere of the images he gleaned from his travels. During 2019, he offers travel workshops in the Wakhan Corridor (Afghanistan) and Kashmir.


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Waking from the nightmare of war, occupation and civil unrest, Iraq has ambitious plans for the renovation and remodelling of its cities and infrastructure. The rebuiliding isn't purely a physical process – a new mindset is also being developed.
One is not amused
Ahead of April's royal wedding, Monocle's second essay in our Scenarios series looks at the possibility of Britain becoming a republic and its impact on both state coffers and Brand Britain.
Port of call
Hambantota is about to hit the big time thanks to Chinese money and dynastic might. But not everyone is set to benefit.
Alcohol tax in Turkey, election with Finland and Georgia's diplomacy love-in.
Style leader Raúl Castro, South American coffee consumption and London-based US politicians.
Cambodia's embrace of capitalism, congestion busting Chinese-style and election watch Laos.
Nigeria's first anti-corruption chief Nuhu Ribadu was so effective he was sacked and fled the country, fearing for his life. Now he's back and running for president.
Benjamin Netanyahu's motorcade and urban regeneration in Mecca.
National identity in Australia, Tonga and Fiji's territorial dispute and rugby World Cup headache in New Zealand.
Dutch courage in Afghanistan, instability in Nepal and India's homegrown fighter jets.
Ready and able
In a resource-hungry world, Singapore's key strategic position between China and India means it feels the need to maintain a defence policy of deterrence.
Overhauling a business can go two ways: it either backfires badly – BA and Coca-Cola know how that feels – or it radically improves profits. Monocle meets 10 businesses taking the gamble and suggests 10 industries in need of a makeover.
Full of beans
As gatekeeper of illycaffè, one of Italy's most famous coffee brands, CEO Andrea Illy faces some intense competition. He tells Monocle how he has kept the company not just above water, but thriving.
Tills and Thrills
From futuristic cash-register technology to staff trained as vegetable sommeliers to exhibitors promoting their concoctions, Japan's Supermarket Trade Show had the highest turnout yet and offers new ideas for an increasingly competitive industry.
American cigars, Japanese micro sites and innovative Irish forest technology
How do you make people think it's fun to dress up in rubber? That's the challenge facing a diving industry fed up with its image as a sport for middle-aged holiday-makers in the Maldives. At Boot 2011 they seem to have the answer.
China is home to the world's second largest economy and its most dynamic market but, as yet, its companies have struggled to create any distinctive global brands. Could it be that only a few even want to try?
Log on and tune in
The internet is transforming the way we consume music and news as more stations switch to a web-only format and internet radios roll off the production lines. Forget traditional stations – this is the future of the sung and spoken word.
Anchor Man
Lebanese journalist Hisham Melhem has been a correspondent for many of the Middle East's largest newspapers and now presides over TV station Al Arabiya's Washington bureau. He talks to Monocle about covering a winter of Arab rebellion.
Expanding media in South Korea, cult German magazine launches an English edition, plus smartphone card payment systems.
Art Briefing
Christie's in Dubai, Stockholm's Galerie Nordenhake and a Q & A with art collector Jean Pigozzi.
A roundup of the best books, films and music.
Free Spirits
In the days before digital took over the music market, it was enough for record labels to just produce records. Now, a new approach is needed. Step up Ghostly International with its unique brand of art, music and retail.
House Quest
Housing needs a renaissance. Monocle meets the London firm reinventing the town house and talks to pioneering project leaders in Denmark and Japan.
Life craft
The Bosnian wood-working company Rukotvorine has survived many battles – literally. But now it is hoping to sell its Balkan crafts around the world.
Design/Architecture Briefing
Residences, homeware, furniture and everything that's on our radar this month.
A new collection form Mackintosh, a German jewellery designer with a Scandinavian flavour, plus all the latest news.
A young Swiss electronics company has a plan to corner the low-tech market with a range of no-fuss, well-made products that just do the job.
Northern light
Husband and wife Doug Yingst and Bonnie Sloane called upon self-taught architect David Salmela to create their vision of a light-filled residence between forest and lake, exemplifying the shifting northern seasons.
On the button
Monocle's guide to the best in spring fashion, from tailored jackets to strong accessories.
Inventory No. 42
Well-made objects for home and office that have caught our eye this month, from tableware to tea towels and paper knives to pasta.
Welcome to Americano
This spring sees the launch of Hôtel Americano in New York, the first overseas opening from Mexican hotel brand Grupo Habita. In a market already filled with domestic brands, the group hopes its focus on personal service and Latin flair will give it an edge over its competitors.
Monocle travel guide
This month, Monocle's travel round-up covers everything from accommodation options in the historic village of Commeire to the latest fashionable restaurant opening in São Paulo.
Island hopper
The North Atlantic French overseas territory may have only a few thousand inhabitants but it can count on regular flights to Canada thanks to local air carrier Air Saint-Pierre.
Milling about
With a rapidly shifting media landscape and declines in newspaper sales, it might seem logical to expect paper mills to be struggling. Not so in the case of northern England's James Cropper, whose unique colours and specialist papers have ensured healthy profits.
La Pedrera's charm is in its simplicity. Its low-rise architecture, unspoiled beaches and vibrant artistic community are luring foreigners seeking a haven beyond the bright lights of Punta del Este.
Athens is at the forefront of a national drive to refresh Greek cuisine. We take a tour with one of its pioneers.
Food Briefing
Cambodian pepper, the liveliest flavours from Istanbul and an interview with Marché brand strategist Kundo Koyama.
Korean-born, American-raised fashion stylist and boutique store owner Sonya Park is happy to have her last meal on her own. As she ponders the road ahead, she wants to be surrounded by the simple, homely food at her favourite restaurant in her adopted Japanese homeland.
Hooked for life
A fish for celebration.
Density is the magic ingredient that, in the hands of the right designer, can make a hotel lobby a place you want to linger. It can also transform whole cities. That's why we need Ministries of Density & Intimacy the world over, says Tyler Brûlé.
Expo 42: Trading places
Egypt is swept up in a wave of euphoria as it takes bold steps towards democracy following the fall of Hosni Mubarak. But part of any future success relies on the Arab giant harnessing the potential of the Suez Canal – and the surrounding region – as it faces competition from growing superpowers, new trade routes and the ever-present threat of piracy.
Europe / Global
Green eyes on the Green Isle
Ireland may be the sick man of Europe but the new Taoiseach (or prime minister), elected in February, still earns around €230,000 a year – the highest of any OECD countries.
Let them eat grapes
Turkey — ALCOHOL
Planning on a few cocktails on your next holiday in Turkey? You might need a bank loan to pay for it. The government has increased a special tax on alcohol by 30 per cent, making Turkey one of the most expensive countries in the world to have a drink. It also introduced new regulations limiting alcohol sales and advertising. Caterers will need permission to serve at outdoor events such as weddings and it will be illegal to hand out free alcohol, including at gallery openings and receptions. In some cases, it raises the drinking age to 24.
Grigol Vashadze
John Godson
Finnish Parliament
The election-year move has fuelled charges by secular Turks that the Islamist ruling party – the Justice and Development Party or AKP – is trying to "Islamicise" lifestyles. "Who has ever interfered? They drink [freely] until they sneeze and retch," a furious Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. He later apologised for his comment but insisted that the aim was to protect youth from harmful habits.
Last year the prime minister made headlines by urging Turks to eat grapes instead of drinking wine. His deputy Bulent Arinc fanned the fires by telling critics, "Life is not just about sex and wine."
Analysts say the party is trying to appeal to its religious conservative base before June parliamentary elections – while helping to balance the country's books on the backs of drinkers who wouldn't vote for the AKP anyway.
Parliamentary Candidates: Finland's PM, Mari Kiviniemi, appointed in June 2010, may struggle to get re-elected. Although personally popular, her government's approval rating is in the mid-40s. Thirty-four of Finland's 200 MPs are not seeking re-election.
Should compulsory Swedish lessons in Finnish schools be axed?
Monocle comment:
Finland is worth watching – a country with recent experience of recovery from a banking collapse.
Doing the Congo
Georgia — DIPLOMACY
Georgia's Foreign Ministry had a busy 2010, establishing diplomatic relations with more than 20 countries; and signs are that 2011 will be just as fraught with activity. So far this year, communiqués have been signed with Tuvalu, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia. But it's unlikely that Georgia will be importing Congolese goods soon. The reason for the diplomatic drive is simple – any UN member state that Georgia's foreign minister Grigol Vashadze can "snap up" is one more country that cannot be persuaded to back the breakaway states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Russia has recognised as independent.
Godson, who was born in Nigeria, is Poland's first black MP.
Providing free wireless internet in public spaces, increasing state aid to mothers returning from maternity leave, and also deepening Poland's ties with African states.
You have called on Polish politicians to put greater focus on the world's newest country-to-be, Southern Sudan. What could be done to help?
The South Sudanese need every possible help to establish their own country, including training for future government employees and assistance with institution-building. Unfortunately, Poland hasn't been very active in Africa but hopefully Poland's upcoming presidency of the EU in the second half of 2011 will be a perfect occasion to boost our efforts.
Why did you decide to move to Eastern Europe?
I was a student in Nigeria when I came across an article about a young man who was killed by the KGB because of being a Christian. After graduating I went to Poland on a mission. It was 1993, communism had collapsed and the country didn't look much like what I read in that magazine. Poland has been my home for almost 18 years now.
Turkey's other culture clashes:
Under pressure from the Board of Education, three academics were fired from Istanbul's Bilgi University earlier this year after a student turned in a pornographic film for his dissertation. The entire film department was also shut down.
Cosmopolitanism:
Expats in Turkey are still talking about the bloody attack last September on an art gallery opening in central Istanbul. A mob attacked guests and were reportedly armed.
Headscarves:
Turkey's secular establishment continues to battle religious Muslims over the issue. A top court in January ruled that wearing one during a university exam is "unlawful".

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Example of Letters to a Friend Enlightening her with the Cultural Festival of India and telling him/her how great the celebration was.
I hope you are doing well. I am also fine. As you know I am in India these days because of Diwali. I am writing this letter to tell you that how my first Diwali in India went. So, my arrival was wonderful, my all maternal cousins came to airport to receive us. We went to our grandmother's house and my all aunts and uncles were staying with us. We all bought traditional Indian dresses and bought many fire crackers as well. As I was encountering fire crackers for the first time therefore I was afraid as well but later I enjoyed. We had grand Pooja at our place after that we all ate sweets and had delicious Indian food. After that we got money from the elders. We saved the money because we all cousins decided to go to fun land. At night we all played games and had so much fun with fire crackers. Next day my all cousins left as their schools were started but we really had a lot of fun. Now I have realized that celebrating your cultural events in your home country gives you a very special feel instead of celebrating it in another country. I really missed you because you are my only best friend and I could not resist writing you my experience over here. I am coming back to London next week and then I will show you all the pictures I have captured here. I am really going to miss this place. I want to stay more but because of school and my father's job I have to come back.
Pay my regards to everyone at home. See you soon.
Hope you find this letter in good health. I received your letter yesterday in which you repeatedly asked me about how I celebrated my Diwali in England. Well at first even I thought I might not be able to celebrate it here knowing fireworks are illegal to crack in here but then all the societies head from my university begged our vice chancellor to let us celebrate this occasion even for two to three hours. After a lot of begging and convincing she gave in and that's how we started our preparation to celebrate diwali. First of all me and my girlfriends went out to shop for some traditional dresses and on the diwali eve we got ready in completely cultural attire with some heavy Indian jewelry. When we reached the venue we were welcomed with loud speakers bursting the top most Bollywood songs of the year. You know whenever I hear a Bollywood song staying still turns into a challenge for me. We danced for about an hour on all the biggest hits of the year and soon after that the event manager asked us to join him in the main ground where all the stocks for fireworks was present. Although we were just allowed to play with small stuff still it was a lot of fun. At the end they started the biggest fireworks I have ever seen till yet it was so magnificent to see little colorful sparkles of fire bursting into the sky for merely a second but giving such a breath taking view. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life. I have sent you the pictures as well so that you can see what a fantastic event it was. I am sure you also had tons of fun celebrating it in India and I hope you missed me there because I definitely missed you here.


There is something so peaceful and calming about the changing of seasons. Whether this means a new start or something different, we enjoy it! We are waving goodbye to summer fun in the sun and welcoming fall activities and adventures! A pumpkin patch, haunted house, Halloween and more all await for us!
First things first, get your home ready for this seasonal change. You want to get the exterior of your home situated before you start on the inside. Start with the pavement, then clean the patio and outside furniture before it goes into storage.
Now, it's time to prepare the inside of your home for fall time!
You'll want to prepare your furnace! The Midwest and surrounding areas get freezing, cold. You want to make sure to change your filter every month and check to see your furnace is working properly. Next step, turn your furnace on before it gets cold! You don't want to be sleeping in three pairs of pajamas, using four comforters and wearing gloves around the house because the furnace died without you realizing it!
- Rotten egg odor: there could be a gas leak!
The average cost of heating a home is over 2,200 square feet is over $1,000 a year! This is different for every size home, but when you are spending so much money on heating annually, you want to keep all the warm air inside! It's cold outside for a reason. The best thing to do when you build your own home is to purchase Energy Star windows, doors and skylights!
They may seem like a bigger investment in the beginning, but in the long run you'll save more money! When you install Energy Star windows, doors and skylights puts an end to cold drafts from that window and underneath the door. It helps lower the heating bill for small and large homes. Finally, keep your items inside your home safe from damage to floors, carpet and furniture getting ruined from UV rays.
A single- pane window can save a home over $366 dollars from the fall chills!
While you're in the process of building your own home, expand the entrance of your home or add a small area before your kitchen called a mudroom! The benefits of a mudroom is storage, organization and a place for dirty shoes and coats. This keeps all the fall leaves, mud and outside equipment all in one central location that is easy to clean and organize.
On the other side of a mudroom addition, it helps with resale value. This is a growing trend in the housing market. The mudroom is a place for "drop-n-go," options for families, a laundry room and an all-in-one storage area.
The final, and arguably, the best part about the seasonal changes is the fall decor! This allows for anyone who has been building their own home to add their personal touches and seasonal decor galore! Grab some pumpkins, fall-scented candles, fuzzy plaid blankets and bring out the flannel.
Finally, the exterior and interior of your home is ready for that seasonal change! Not only will your home withstand the cold, your design will be on point.
Homestead Homes has been helping people design and build their dream home since 1995. We are currently building in the following states: Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Missiouri, Wisconsin and Iowa! Contact us for information.


Named for professor, dean, and informatics pioneer Dr. Richard Talbot, DVM, PhD., the Talbot Veterinary Informatics Symposium began in 1995 at the annual AVMA Convention. In 2016, the Talbot Symposium moved to its new home at Fetch Central (then the CVC) in Kansas City, held annually in August. Members have the chance to interact with other Fetch attendees at our AVI booth and engage in active discussions with fellow members at the symposium and over BBQ.
We are pleased to announce that beginning in 2017, selected Talbot Talks will also be held at The Fetch East in Baltimore in May and Fetch West in San Diego in December, as part of a new track: Informatics in General Practice!
Veterinary clinical informatics is a rapidly evolving science that blends information technology, communications, social and behavioral science, and veterinary medicine to improve the quality and safety of patient care.
We invite speakers interested in sharing their knowledge with a diverse audience to apply to lecture or participate in a panel discussion at the Annual Talbot Informatics Symposium. Some speakers may be asked to give their talk at the Fetch San Diego or Fetch Virginia Beach following their August presentation(s). The annual call for speakers is announced in late fall.
If you or your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact an Executive Board member for more information. Your support will not only help to advance animal health care, but allow veterinarians to lead our profession from within to shape our own future. We look forward to hearing from you!


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Leitch pictured firing Walther P1 in fundraising email to her Conservative Party supporters, not a Nazi-era handgun, says gun owner
By Rachel Aiello March 28, 2017
Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch promises 'a common sense approach to firearms regulation,' in email blast to her supporters.
Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch, pictured firing a 1972 Walther P1, not a Walther P38. Image courtesy of Kellie Leitch's email
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OTTAWA—An email blast from Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch to supporters shows her firing a 1972 Walther P1, not what two national gun associations had identified as a Nazi-era semi-automatic weapon, a 9mm Walther P38, the owner of the gun told The Hill Times later Tuesday night after reading the story.
"The handgun is not a P38. P38s in Canada are prohibited because of the barrel length. That gun is a 1972 Walther P1. Thousands of them were made for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. They were used in intelligence service. Though I cannot confirm, it is very likely mine is one of those," said Richard Wakefield, in an email to The Hill Times.
In fact, P38 Walthers are not prohibited, but restricted, as the barrel length is 125 mm and, according to the RCMP prohibited firearms, are those with a barrel length equal to or less than 105 mm, whereas those with a barrel length less than 470 mm are restricted. As well, The Hill Times was unable to independently verify Mr. Wakefield's claims about the P1's use.
Canadian Shooting Sports Association executive director Tony Bernardo had identified the handgun as a "firearm of tremendous historical significance as it was the issue sidearm of the German Army (Wehrmacht) throughout World War II."
Blair Hagen, a spokesperson for the National Firearms Association, also told The Hill Times, "it appears to be a Walther P38, a firearm brought back as war trophy by thousands of Canadian servicemen in World War II."
Ms. Leitch's (Simcoe-Grey, Ont.) campaign would not confirm the specific model of gun she was pictured firing, and would only say that it is a "9mm," in an email to The Hill Times. Her campaign did not return further calls for clarification and did not return The Hill Times' request for further comment on the origin of the gun, or the message intended by including the photo in the email.
But Michael Diamond, Ms. Leitch's campaign spokesperosn, told CFRA's Evan Solomon on Tuesday evening that Ms. Leitch has nothing to apologize for.
"It was not a mistake, it was not purposeful, but I do think it was a great photo of Kellie doing something that she enjoys doing," Mr. Diamond said in the interview on Ottawa Now on 580 CFRA Tuesday evening.
In the March 17 email blast she sent to her Conservative Party supporters that contains the photos, titled, "A common sense approach to firearms regulation," Ms. Leitch talked about the "long-standing tradition" of recreational firearm use in her family. Ms. Leitch said she supported former prime minister Stephen Harper's decision to scrap the long-gun registry, and promises, as prime minister, to never institute another. She also stated that long-guns should be recognized as personal property; the classification system should be replaced with "clear objective criteria" for gun owners; firearms classifications should not be under the sole purview of the RCMP, but should be made by Canadian citizens who are gun users, as well as law enforcement; and gun licences last for 10 years, not the current five years to reduce paperwork for gun owners.
"Canada has a long-standing tradition of using firearms for hunting and for recreational purposes. My grandfather was a farmer in Manitoba. He hunted ducks and geese and was an active member of Ducks Unlimited. I grew up in Fort McMurray where hunting is a part of the fabric of life for many," Ms. Leitch stated in her email.
"So I understand the importance of firearms to law-abiding Canadians right across this country. Very often, firearms are cherished possessions with a great deal of sentimental value, invoking memories of our parents and grandparents," she said in the email.
A screen-capture of the email Kellie Leitch sent to supporters on March 17.
Mr. Bernardo said he personally "had the pleasure" of coaching Ms. Leitch on several different pistols during his association's annual Parliamentary Day at the Range event last June. This included instruction on how to shoot a Luger, which has a strong likeness to the gun in the photo, and also has German origins; as well as another Walther model, a PPK, which Mr. Bernardo classified as the "James Bond gun."
"Ms. Leitch demonstrated excellent firearms safety habits, and proved to be a very competent shooter," said Mr. Bernardo, who added that he wasn't aware if Ms. Leitch owned a Walther P-38.
"As I said, she was exemplary in her safe handling of these firearms and I would be delighted to coach her again," Mr. Bernardo said.
Responding to Ms. Leitch's decision to use a gun with this background, Mr. Hagen said: "She shows good taste in using a finely made firearm of historical value, and she is certainly showing that shooting handguns is an enjoyable and relaxing activity."
Conservative leadership contender Rick Peterson, a bilingual businessman from Vancouver, told The Hill Times in an email that he sees "nothing wrong with the picture at all," and declined to comment on the gun's origin.
"Kellie appears to be shooting this pistol under supervision at a shooting range, and has every right to do so," he said, noting that his own firearms policy goes "beyond" what all the other candidates have proposed.
According to Wikipedia, this type of gun has also been used in 20 other countries, including by Finnish UN peacekeeping forces, France, Macedonia, Portugal, Sweden, South Africa, Italy, France, Sweden, Lebanon, West Germany, and others.
"The tone of the article in The Hill Times was clearly an attempt to smear Kellie. You owe her, myself, and the entire readership a clarification, retraction and apology. By the way, she also fired the following of my firearms that day: [a] 1913 Luger (German WWI), [a] StG44 clone (replica of the German StG44 from WWI, the same one Brad Pitt used in Fury), [a] Sig P226, Cz85, Cz858, and [a] AR15 (which is the resulting target she is holding)," stated Mr. Wakefield.
Conservative leadership candidates had until Tuesday, March 28, to get sign up party members for the leadership convention on May 27 in Toronto.
Editor's note: This story originally and incorrectly reported that the gun appeared to be 9mm semi-automatic Walther P-38, the same handgun used by the German Army in World War II, based on confirmation from two gun experts. But the owner of the handgun contacted The Hill Times and identified the gun as a 1972 Walther P1. The story has been updated and corrected. The Hill Times apologizes for this error.
Senate committee blows holes in Liberal gun bill
Expected better from The Hill Times on sensational Leitch story, says regular reader
Rural Liberal MPs 'awfully nervous' about upcoming gun legislation, any tinkering could be trouble
Hill Times story smeared Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch's campaign
Leitch's campaign says mass email to supporters while pictured firing a handgun intended to communicate directly to gun owners, 'very important' community


Little Company of Mary is happy to provide comprehensive bariatric surgery services to patients for whom the surgery is medically necessary and for those who meet the criteria established by the National Institutes of Health.
Hospital bariatric surgery services include standard pre-admission testing and up to three days' hospital stay (day of surgery plus two more nights) for services related to bariatric surgery. If your hospital stay exceeds three days, if you have additional surgical procedures, or if you have any complications requiring the use of hospital services not typically provided to the bariatric surgery patient, you will be responsible for an additional payment beyond what is listed in the standard payment rates.
Please be advised that all physicians who provide services as part of the bariatric program will bill you separately. Those physicians include the bariatric surgeon, the assistant surgeon, anesthesiologist, pulmonologist, pathologist, psychologist, and perhaps additional physicians who may be involved in providing you with quality medical care. We understand that each physician involved in the bariatric program has standard self-pay rates, so that you can be given a package rate for your bariatric surgery.
Self-pay requirements provide that you make your payment to cover the hospital services for bariatric surgery by certified check, money order, or credit card on or before the date of your scheduled pre-admission testing. If you do not have the appropriate form of payment with you on the date of testing, or if you have not made payment prior to that date, we cannot provide service to you.


The first jointers were long-bodied manually operated planes, which were naturally enough called "jointer planes." Their purpose was to smooth a piece of wood after cutting, ensuring that it was both flat enough and smooth enough for use.
These manual versions of the jointer have long since been replaced by power jointers, which still hold the same basic purpose. However, as power tools, they operate differently than the original. Instead of having one fixed blade, they have multiple blades, placed on a revolving drum. While this cuts much faster than the original manual plane, it isn't as smooth. The ripple appearance that is visible on the surface of many commercially produced boards is a result of being run through a power jointer.
Many woodworkers feel that they don't need a plane today, as boards purchased at the lumberyards have already been smoothed. Of course, if one is cutting their own boards on a sawmill, that would eliminate said reasoning. Nevertheless, a jointer is still a useful tool, providing the ability to thin boards as needed and match their thickness.
More than anything, jointers are used by those who make furniture. When laminating a number of boards together to make a tabletop or the top of a dresser, it's not uncommon to have slight variances in the thicknesses of the boards. This problem increases dramatically when the boards have come from a variety of different sources, as not all sawmills finish their boards exactly the same.
There are a wide variety of jointers on the market today, showing that they are still used extensively, even if a lot of people don't have them in their workshops. While there are not that many manufacturers producing them, each manufacturer has several models to choose from.
Jointers come in a variety of sizes, mostly measured by the width of cut they can produce. The wider ones are also referred to as planers, although the two are essentially the same tool. The major difference is that a true planer doesn't allow material to be edge cut on it, but only cut on the flat. A jointer on the other hand, allows the material to be cut on the flat or edge cut.
A couple of these jointers have helical or spiral knives. This is a relatively recent design innovation, created to reduce the waviness that power jointers typically produce in the sides of boards. While they have many more blades to set up, it is worth it, for the smoother cut that they provide.
The other important feature that some jointers have and others don't is parallelogram ways. This refers to the way that the bed of the jointer meets up with the center part of the jointer's body. By placing the sliding ways at an angle, making the center part of the jointer shaped like a parallelogram, it ensures zero clearance between the blades and the feed table. This reduces chatter, helping to reduce the waviness in the board.
Finally, power and size are important considerations. For the sake of this list, I've tried to stick with planers that were reasonably enough priced that they could be considered for a home workshop. I'll have to say, it was hard picking out the best models to choose. For each one you see here, the same manufacturers make other, larger models. However, those larger models have larger price tags as well.
I picked this 6-inch model from Grizzly as my favorite for a number of reasons. First of all, it has a spiral cutterhead for smoother finish. Although they do produce a wider model of essentially the same jointer, I stuck with the 6-inch one for price. In most cases, hardwood boards purchased for furniture making are only six inches wide, or less. This unit comes with a 1.5 HP motor, which provides a maximum cutting depth of 1/8". The fence is a descent length, at 46 inches and is tiltable, with a stop at 45 degrees. It does have parallelogram ways, although for some reason, their website doesn't list that as a feature. The infeed table has a quick adjusting lever and the outfeed has a fine control handwheel. It also comes with a built-in moving dolly.
The reason why I didn't give this Powermatic unit the number one slot was its price. While this is an excellent jointer, it's considerably more expensive than the Grizzly unit that I picked for number one. This one has a helical cutterhead, with 40 blades on it for maximum smoothness. These are triangular blades, so once adjusted, if a blade becomes nicked or dull, it merely needs to be rotated, without having to readjust. That saves time and hassles. While this is also a six inch jointer, the bed is considerably longer, at 66 inches overall. The infeed table has a fine/quick selection for quick adjustment or exacting precision. This one is also a parallelogram design for the smoothest adjustments and maintaining zero clearance between the cutterhead and the tables. The motor is 1 HP.
This Shop Fox unit is wider than either of the ones we've looked at previously, with an 8-inch wide blade. It is not a helical or spiral cut design, but a standard straight bladed jointer. However, it is a four blade cutterhead, rather than the old three blade. The price is lower than the Powermatic unit we just looked at. For reference purposes, the 6-inch version of this same jointer carries a lower price than the Grizzly that I picked as number one. It has the parallelogram bed ways for reduced clearance and a much larger motor, at 3 HP. The table is also longer at 76-5/16 inches long, with both the infeed and outfeed heights being lever controlled.
I had to include this model from Jet because of its amazing price. I couldn't believe that a 10-inch jointer could actually be available for under $500. In all fairness, this isn't as good a jointer as the other ones we've looked at, especially if you need to be able to true up the edges of boards for laminating. The shorter bed means that it might not remove a curve out of a board. However, it is portable and it can even be used as a benchtop unit. The motor appears to be about 1 HP (they say it's 13 amp), which should provide adequate power, as long as you don't try and cut too fast. It will make cuts up to 1/8" deep.
I included this model from Delta even though it was outside of the price range that I was looking at. This 8-inch jointer does not have a spiral or helical cutter head, but does have a jackscrew arrangement on the cutterhead, for ease of individual blade replacement and adjustment. The surprising thing about this jointer is that it can make cuts up to 5/8" deep, much more than the other we've looked at. The motor is 1-1/2 HP, with sealed, permanently lubricated bearings. It has a nice long table at 76-1/2 inches long.


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text:
DUI Lawyer & DWI Attorneys | Nashua, New Hampshire
Nashua DWI Lawyer DUI Attorneys New Hampshire
Published: Tuesday, 09 March 2010 07:56
Nashua New Hampshire DUI Attorney
Nashua Office Location:
20 Trafalgar Sq. #453 Nashua, NH 03060
Attorney Hynes, the N.H. DWI GUY serves all of Hillsborough county NH and has many trials in Nashua District Court representing clients charged with driving under the influence in New Hampshire. Nashua district court covers Nashua, Hudson, and Hollis police departments and certain State police cases with Troop B.
Please note, Nashua District Court has recently relocated. It is now located at 30 Spring St, in the Superior Court building.
Call today to schedule an appointment.
NH CIRCUIT COURT
9th Circuit – District Division – Nashua
30 Spring Street, Suite 101
Hillsborough County Superior Court South
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm*
Nashua Police Station
0 Panther Drive
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061
What to ask a Nashua DWI lawyer before deciding whether to hire them
What is your background/ experience in DWI defense?
Some lawyers will take any case who comes to them. Some lawyers only do certain practice areas. Attorney Dan Hynes is the only lawyer in New Hampshire who represents clients charged with DWI. His background includes 5+ years doing criminal defense work. As a DWI lawyer, he has handled hundreds of cases and has more than 100 hours of combined DWI specific training including being certified as a field sobriety test instrucor.
Doing Business: (fees, consultation, satisfaction guarantee?)
Almost all cases through the N.H. DWI GUY are handled on what is called a flat fee agreement. That means you will know exactly how much the cost will be up front. If the case resolves quickly, or goes through trial, the cost to you will remain the same. Each case is different, and things like an aggravated DWI or subsequent offense will likely cost more. You can expect to pay around $3000-$5000 for a good dwi lawyer in Nashua.
Our attorneys give a one time free consultation.
Guarantee: No lawyer can guarantee an outcome of a case. If a lawyer promises you something ask them to put it in writing. It is generally unethical to guarantee a specific outcome, since it is impossible to know a specific outcome. While I cannot guarantee I will win your case, I can tell you I will do my best to get you the best possible outcome.
Procedure: How long will my case take?
In most DWI cases in New Hampshire, there are two cases. The criminal case, and the one with the DMV. Some lawyers make the mistake of not having the DMV hearing, which means you will lose your license for the amount of time set by the DMV. While the hearings are difficult to win, if you don't have one, you will lose it. There is much to be gained by having the hearing, including cross examining the police officer who arrested you.
The DMV hearing will be within 21 days from the date you request it, which has to be 30 days from the date of your refusal or test above the legal limit.
The criminal case will vary a lot depending on the court and whether it is a trial or plea. If the case is a plea, in most cases that can be done within a month or so of getting arrested. If the case is a trial at the district court, you can expect a trial in some courts in around a month after arraignment, and other courts 6 or so months out. Nashua district court tends to fall in the middle, and you usually will have a trial around 3-4 months after the date of arrest.
Nashua DWI Defenses that work
New Hampshire DWI Defenses That Work
For the majority of New Hampshire state motorists who are charged with an NH DWI offense, their primary concern is to achieve a not guilty verdict, be able to retain their license, or minimize the license loss that does occur. In order to accomplish these goals, it will be imperative for the accused to retain competent legal counsel to represent their best interests in a New Hampshire court of law.
A professional and experienced NH DWI attorney will thoroughly evaluate each facet of the accused's particular case to determine which type of effective defense strategy should be employed. A handful of these defense tactics will require the services of expert witnesses, which a defendant may or may not be able to afford. However, here is a brief examination of 6 effective New Hampshire DWI defenses that NH DWI lawyers frequently employ:
1)The stop the law enforcement official made was invalid.
In order to stop a motor vehicle, law enforcement officials must possess reasonable articulable suspicion. If reasonable suspicion cannot be proven in a court of law, then a lawyer will ask for a motion to suppress all evidence that was obtained through the stop. Without evidence, a DWI conviction cannot be obtained.
2)The accused was not the operator of the stopped vehicle.
One element that the prosecution must be able to prove beyond the shadow of doubt, in a court of law, is that the accused is the one who was operating the moving vehicle. Frequently, the driver of a motor vehicle has left the automobile before the police arrive on the scene.
3)The accused's blood alcohol content was not high enough at the time of the incident to impair their driving abilities.
It is the responsibility of the state of New Hampshire to demonstrate that a motorist's blood alcohol content was high enough at the time of the incident to impair their ability to operate a motor vehicle. For example, if a motorist was not found in their vehicle, doubt can be raised as to whether the drinking took place before or after he or she left the vehicle. Likewise, perhaps the alcohol was consumed much earlier and had not yet had time to absorb into the bloodstream. This is known as the alcohol defense.
4)The breathalyzer test was not accurate.
Breathalyzer tests are not as accurate as blood tests. There are several different types of defense a New Hampshire DWI attorney may choose to employ when it comes to breathalyzer tests, including mechanical limitations, police mistakes in administering the test, and defendant limitations.
For example, one primary issue arises with breathalyzer tests in the form of mouth alcohol. Mouth alcohol, which is not a form of alcohol that will impair a motorist, will sometimes be detected rather than alveolar breath. To remedy this situation, the official administering the test must wait approximately 20 minutes, ensuring that the individual taking the test does not place anything in their mouth or regurgitate, and then administer the test. The problem arises in the fact that New Hampshire law enforcement officials rarely wait the required amount of time.
There are a number of individuals who suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux disease and other similar conditions. The regurgitation/burping that result from this condition can produce mouth alcohol, which produces an inaccurate sample in a breathalyzer test.
5)The blood test is inaccurate.
There are a number of issues that can arise when it comes to the administration and accuracy of blood tests. For example, a law enforcement official might use an expired kit to administer a test. A phlebotomist might omit to add an anti-coagulant (This theory would inhibit fermentation, which is what causes the alcohol to grow in one's bloodstream.). A blood sample may not be stored at the proper temperature. If the blood sample is caused at temperatures that are too high, then it can cause fermentation to develop. Chain of custody issues can cast doubt on whether the blood sample submitted as evidence in a court of law is actually the defendant's or not.
6)The defendant was not actually under the influence of alcohol.
Field sobriety tests are a standard tool that law enforcement officials use to demonstrate whether or not a motorist is impaired. However, these tests are frequently administered improperly. If it can be proven that a field sobriety test was not administered correctly, then it can be prevented from being admitted as evidence in a court of law.
Even if the test was administered correctly, a defendant may possess a number of health issues, which could affect the accuracy of the sobriety test. Examples of such health issues could include eye problems, back issues, weight, age, or balance issues.
Each New Hampshire DWI case is different from the next. A competent New Hampshire DUI lawyer will examine each element of a defendant's case before deciding which course of action should be taken. It should be noted that, while these defenses are frequently observed in New Hampshire courtrooms, there is no guarantee that they will be applicable to a specific case.
A driving while intoxicated charge is a serious offense. In addition to facing criminal penalties, the defendant could lose their license for an extended period of time. Defendants with habitual offender status face stiffer penalties and consequences for an NH DWI conviction. Likewise, those who are convicted of an aggravated DWI charge will encounter mandatory jail time. The penalties for DWI convictions are different for those under the age of 21 and the operators of commercial vehicles.
New Hampshire DWI cases are intricate and complex. If a New Hampshire resident, or one of their loved ones, is facing such a charge, it will be in their best interest to retain excellent legal counsel as quickly as possible. Please contact the New Hampshire DWI attorneys at our office today. Your initial consultation is free, and we will work closely with our clients to ensure that the sentence they receive is proportionate to their crime and no more.
Recent results of the N.H. DWI GUY from 2011 at Nashua District Court include:
December 2011 Charge: Aggravated Driving while intoxicated
Location: Nashua District Court
Driver charged with DWI. Blood test came back .20 (two and a half times the legal limit). After addressing a possible issue with the blood results, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the aggravated dwi in exchange for the minimum license loss on a standard dwi.
Result: Aggravated DWI Dismissed/not brought forward, no jail time, no 12 month license loss or 7 day multiple offender DWI program. Client received 90 day license loss & $620 fine.
September 2011 Charge: DWI Second Offense
Location: Nashua
Client charged with a second offense dwi & for refusing a breath test. Facing 3+ years license loss, mandatory jail time, and an interlock device if convicted of the 2nd offense DWI and 2 year loss of license for refusing the breath test.
Result: Reduced to first offense DWI, No jail or interlock device. Prosecution withdrew license loss for refusing the breath test.
July 2011 Charges: Aggravated DWI & 1st offense DWI
Location: Nashua District Court - State Police
Client charged with Aggravated DWI for blowing .23. Defense counsel got the breath tests independently tests. The tests came back outside the margin of error. After discussing this with the prosecutor, as well as other potential issues with the case, the State agreed to dismiss the Aggravated DWI in exchange for a plea to a 6 month loss of license on a standard DWI. The same license loss client has for testing over .08. The license loss will run at the same time.
Result: No Aggravated dwi conviction which would have included among other things mandatory jail time
June 2011 Charge: DWI
Location: Nashua District Court - Nashua Police
Client, who is in the military, charged with DWI. A conviction would have given him a criminal record, and likely had serious consequences on his military career.
Result: DWI dismissed, plea to reckless conduct. No misdemeanor conviction/criminal record.
May 2011 Charge: DWI
Location: Nashua District Court - Hudson Police
Client allegedly swerved, crossed yellow line 3 times, fog line once, failed field sobriety tests, thick tounged speech, and gave a breath sample of .16. Attorney Hynes argued the admissibility of the breath sample and it was kept out of evidence.
Result: Not guilty of DWI, likely saved client from being deemed a habitual offender.
February 2011 Charge: DWI Drugs & DWI Alcohol
Client involved in a car accident, failed field sobriety tests, and refused to give a blood sample. After peviously winning at the administrative license suspension hearing, the State fully dismissed the charges on the day of trial.
Result: No License loss or DWI conviction!
see Results for more details.


Slought is a non-profit organization on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania that engages publics in dialogue about cultural and socio-political change in Philadelphia, the world, and the cloud. We are a new form of institution that builds relationships and social trust through collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
For over fifteen years, we have worked with artists, communities, and institutions worldwide to develop projects that encourage inclusiveness, advocacy, and the sharing of knowledge.


Difference between revisions of "Aztec Blue" - ZineWiki - the history and culture of zines, independent media and the small press.
Difference between revisions of "Aztec Blue"
Issue 5 (September 2001), features a cover by Brad Foster, a cartoon by Teddy Harvia, and the articles "What's in an Annish" by Henry Welch; Howard Devore on his experiences as a printer; and a reprinting of the article "The Moth and the Arctic Steamroller" by [[Boyd Raeburn]], with tributes to Raeburn on the occasion of his passing by Robert Lichtman ([[Trap Door]]), and Curt Phillips. Letters came from Eric Lindsay ([[E-Ditto]]), Ron Solomon, and Bill Wright.
Issue 5 (September 2001), features a cover by Brad Foster, a cartoon by Teddy Harvia, and the articles "What's in an Annish" by Henry Welch ([[The Knarley Knews]]); Howard Devore on his experiences as a printer; and a reprinting of the article "The Moth and the Arctic Steamroller" by [[Boyd Raeburn]], with tributes to Raeburn on the occasion of his passing by Robert Lichtman ([[Trap Door]]), and Curt Phillips. Letters came from Eric Lindsay ([[E-Ditto]]), Ron Solomon, and Bill Wright.
In the 2002 issue of [[No Award]] (#11), Joseph Major wrote, "Canadian fanzine fandom, after a period in the nineties of vigor, seemed to evaporate...Fortunately we are seeing the stirrings of revival, with Murray Moore's ''Azrtec Blue'' leading the pack."
Issue 1 featured a cover by William Rotsler, and the articles, "Albania, For Enver and Enver: 1988" by John Berry (Pot Pourri); "Our SF Fandom: A Stimulating Diversion", by Mike Glicksohn (Energumen); "Meeting Ray Bradbury" by Dave Rowe; and "Living As A Deaf Person" by Joyce Scrivner.
Issue 5 (September 2001), features a cover by Brad Foster, a cartoon by Teddy Harvia, and the articles "What's in an Annish" by Henry Welch (The Knarley Knews); Howard Devore on his experiences as a printer; and a reprinting of the article "The Moth and the Arctic Steamroller" by Boyd Raeburn, with tributes to Raeburn on the occasion of his passing by Robert Lichtman (Trap Door), and Curt Phillips. Letters came from Eric Lindsay (E-Ditto), Ron Solomon, and Bill Wright.
Murray Moore later did the fanzine Green Stuff for FAPA, and Dinosaur Spit for SAPS.


text:
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const con = require('../database/connection');
const model = require('./models');

var Users = con.bookshelf.Collection.extend({
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});

var Meals = con.bookshelf.Collection.extend({
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var MealSubscriptions = con.bookshelf.Collection.extend({
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module.exports = {
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}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The Baggins End Domes
Malena Hansen
DES 40A / WQ 18
Prof Cogdell / Sec 4
The Baggins End Domes: Raw Materials
The Baggins End Domes, which are nestled on the west side of the campus of the University of California, Davis, are a sustainable cooperative living community which focuses on social, economic, and environmental justice. Colloquially referred to as the "Domes," the structures are rounded igloo-style structures made from exterior fiberglass finishings and polyurethane interior insulation. These two raw materials are observed at each stage of the life cycle from extraction of raw materials, means of transportation, structural maintenance, embodied energy, and waste products. The life cycle of these basic building materials maintains the plan that the structures were only intended to be inhabited for a period of 10 years. Therefore, they are not a viable solution for long-term, environmentally friendly UC Davis student housing facilities without constant retrofit procedures that involve more potentially environmentally devastating consequences.
The acquisition and production of the polyurethane and fiberglass used to construct the Domes, involves the chemical properties of the materials as well as the manufacturing, transportation, and shaping of the outermost structure of the Domes. Polyurethane, which is defined as, "synthetic resin in which the polymer units are linked by urethane groups, used chiefly as constituents of paints, varnishes, adhesives, and foams." In contrast to most synthetic plastics, polyurethane is made directly into the final product, without initial processing into a sub-product, such as granules, sands, or films. This property of polyurethane ensures that it can have many different applications, from cushioning to building panels to electrical insulation. In order to make a specific moulded polyurethane object, two components, polyisocyanate and polyol are mixed in liquid form to form a solid product. Depending on the conditions of the chemicals and the added use of catalysts, the reaction can take only several minutes. Eventually, it obtains a gel-like covering which works as a sufficient adhesive. It is ideal for building and construction.
Much like polyurethane, the creation fiberglass is a multi-step chemical process, but it is most simply fiber and resin in the form of a fiber-reinforced glass material. The process of manufacturing fiberglass is called pultrusion. In the process, an industrial furnace melts naturally mined resources including silica, limestone, dolomite, kaolin clay, and other rare minerals. They are then bundled and coated in a chemical solution and formed into a chopped strand mat as a form of reinforcement. Consequently, it can be easily used in construction thanks to its newfound chemically and physically enhanced properties, such as rigidity and resistance to buckling.
The primary ecological concern with these materials is the extraction of natural resources. It is an example of the tragedy of the commons, in which a natural resource is consumed at a rate far higher than that of which it takes to replace it. This is the replacement time of a material, which may range from years to decades to thousands of years. For precious minerals such as limestone and silica used in the processing of polyurethane and fiberglass, some of the most common construction materials, humans have devastated the natural environment in search of mineral deposits. Practices such as subsurface mining involve digging tunnels horizontally and vertically under the earth, disrupting the natural deposits and the local environment. The Domes do not endorse the practice of intentional environmental destruction, but rather oppose it vehemently. Their usage of the materials involved does not correlate to endorsement, but it must be considered in determination of future building plans and materials involved in retrofit procedures. This extraction and manufacturing process are efficient in terms of creation as they can be simple and quick, but not in terms of overall sustainability and maintenance of the local natural environments.
The distribution and transportation of the fiberglass and polyurethane used to build the Domes is another contributor to energy consumption, as it requires excessive amounts of fossil fuels and natural gases to move the materials in bulk to where they are needed. After examination of the polyurethane industry, it is possible to see the damaging environmental effects of its transportation to be used in construction of structures such as the Domes. The independent company, American Chemistry Council, releases reports on the safety, management, and consequences of the transportation of polyurethane, since it is a $73 billion industry in the United States. Safety guidelines keep handlers safe from toxic chemicals involved in transportation. Since factories that produce polyurethane require large equipment to store, meter, mix, heat, and dispense the ingredients, and because the chemicals can be hazardous to human health, production is stationed far from urban areas where construction occurs. This is also true for production of fiberglass, which involves toxic extractions that are chemically harmful. Since production is kept at a distance from human activity, it takes many miles traveled and excessive gallons of fuel to take the raw materials from their natural resources, to a remote processing location, and then finally to where they will be implemented. In this case, the primary issue is the consumption of fossil fuels by transportation services used in the production process, where the use of local materials at specific intervals could be more efficient and environmentally sustainable.
After implementation of the raw materials, their efficiency in terms of embodied energy while in use must be assessed. Since the Domes were built as sustainable living spaces, the materials they chose aimed to have low net energy levels. However, only the use of the materials ensures low energy impacts, while the manufacturing and recycling at the beginning and the end of the life cycle have higher energy impacts. Polyurethane, although it takes energy inefficient fuels to power the production, have a low impact because they reduce the weight of items they make up, such as transportation vehicles and household appliances. It also functions well as a form of insulation, such as it is used in the Domes. However, there is only a finite amount of energy for their production, which is why constant retrofits to the Domes are necessary.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, boasts extremely low levels of net embodied energy. This is because of several reasons: firstly, they typically do not require additional materials in their implementation, especially as windows. They also do not warp or degrade as easily, which makes them more economical in the long run. It holds its shape, which means that it is not affected by air infiltration. These properties make it a preferred material for sustainable construction. However, the cons include less resistance to heat, it breaks and cracks is bent too much, it is affected by moisture, and it tends to settle and sag. This is because it is strongly affected by external conditions, so that is the factor that determines its effectiveness. In consideration of the Domes, it is a useful material because Davis, California has a temperate climate, with only seasonal fluctuations in climate and weather. This allows time for the structures to be updated in seasons when the weather conditions are not as harsh. Yet in other places, fiberglass is still not widely used because of its lack of resistance to external conditions, which is highly important in constructing an exterior structure.
The topic of reuse and maintenance is especially important to the subject of the Domes in respect to the raw materials, as they have lasted far beyond the years they were intended to but require maintenance and retrofits to maintain their viability. The retrofits necessary to upkeep the Baggins End Domes involve similar materials, such as synthetic plastics, as are used in the primary construction process. However, the retrofits include fixes to electrical insulation, exterior damage as caused by the rain, and interior insulation. It can be conceded that certain materials will last to keep the basic structure of the Dome intact, such as the fiberglass shaping of the igloo.
When the Baggins End Domes have reached the end of their lives, the synthetic plastics can be recycled, but not without a net loss of energy. This is because they were built for a specific time frame, in contrast to other housing facilities which are built to last decades. Waste products from the construction of the Domes, as well as the constant use and upgrades, determines the environmental impact of the raw materials at the end of the life cycle. The standard process for recycling polyurethane is to simply reuse the material in its original physical form in interior manufacturing, such as cushioning for carpet underlay or as parts in the automotive industry. This means that the raw materials could potentially be used for retrofit purposes in interior spaces of the Domes. This is done through mechanical recycling which, after use, physically changes the properties of the material. This includes regrinding or powdering, adhesive pressing or particle bonding, and compression molding. Polyurethane can also be chemically recycled. This changes the chemical composition of the raw materials through glycolysis, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, or hydrogenation. These specific pathways attempt to retain or recover the inherent value in plastics, which is successful if done in a sustainable and non-hazardous manner.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, is not easily recyclable. It is refused at most recycling centers and it cannot be picked up at the curb. However, the fiberglass itself can be made of recycled materials, by its use of recycled glass mixed in with its primary component of silica in the process of manufacturing. Additionally, fiberglass is known for its low levels of embodied energy. In consideration of these factors, fiberglass may be difficult or nearly impossible to recycle, but its environmentally friendly impacts while it is in use outweigh its post-consumer drawbacks.
Even though we can easily observe the standard process for repurposing the raw materials, the recycling process will likely be altered as determined by how the structures are demolished once their life cycle is over. It is possible to opt for a more local and environmentally friendly type of recycling, yet that is to be determined because the structures still stand today. In this case, the most viable option is reuse and repurposing, or upcycling the materials to divert them from the landfill.
All considered, the chemicals, processes, materials, and transportation involved in the production of the raw materials used to construct the Baggins End Domes provides an example of how effective the structures, with their reputation as sustainable housing, would function as a larger scale housing facility for the increasing number of students. The basic raw materials used are found in the earth as mineral deposits, which are mined and excavated. These then undergo several unique chemical processes to produce reasonably durable construction materials, such as polyurethane and fiberglass. The Domes' outer structures consist of mostly these two products, which are made in remote areas to prevent toxic harm to humans. However, this happens at the detriment of the local environment and the transportation costs and consumption of fossil fuels to get the materials to where they need to be are far more than what is considered sustainable. As these steps of the life cycle gain more visibility, it is easier to choose materials with lesser impacts on the natural world as well as those who inhabit it. The modern age is plagued with a lack of knowledge about where our products and belongings come from. A life cycle analysis makes this more transparent so that our choices reflect our values and commitments.
1.) UCD, SCHA. "Baggins End Domes." Http://Schadavis.org, University of California, Davis, Sept. 2011, schadavis.org/campus-housing/baggins-end-domes.
2.) Brown, Patricia Leigh. "A Counterculture Spirit Flourishes, Preserved Under Fiberglass Domes." The New York Times, The New York Times, 20 Jan. 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/01/21/us/domes-at-uc-davis-counterculture-spirit-thrives.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news.
3.) Davis, UC. "Domes Energy Retrofit." Program for International Energy Technologies, Feb. 2018, piet.ucdavis.edu/piet-initiatives/pire/domes-zne/.
4.) Domes, Davis. "Dome Sweet Dome: Volunteers Revamp UCD Landmark." Davis Enterprise, 8 Nov. 2011, www.davisenterprise.com/home-page/featured-stories/volunteers-revamp-ucd-domes.
5.) mendingnews. "p1. The Domes Documentary // Rough Draft." YouTube, YouTube, 30 May 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfqFSVIHnF4.
6.) mendingnews. "p2. The Domes Documentary // Rough Draft." YouTube, YouTube, 30 May 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkfS2XfQIZY.
7.) madehow. "Fiberglass." How Products Are Made, Madehow.com, June 2016, www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Fiberglass.html.
8.) Johnson, Todd. "Thermoplastic vs. Thermoset Resins." ThoughtCo, Dec. 30, 2017, thoughtco.com/thermoplastic-vs-thermoset-resins-820405.
9.) Hodge, Jenny. "Baggins End." 50 Features of Special Collections: Baggins End, University of California, Davis, 22 Apr. 2017, www.library.ucdavis.edu/news/50-features-special-collections-baggins-end/.
10.) "Construct a Dome." Domes and Dome Houses. Build an Energy-Efficient, Disaster-Resistant Dome Home!, 2015, www.dirtcheapbuilder.com/Home_Building/Dome_Houses.htm.
Liano Becerra
DES 40A
Davis Domes Embodied Energy
The Davis Domes intentions were never meant to last forever but for some reason, these domes, lifespan of what was to be only a decade had continued over five decades. The benefits of the amount of embodied energy that is being saved by the Davis Domes are helpful, but the process of making the domes have consequences. Such as the domes need fixing over time yet the input in these domes have a rewarding output of embodied energy. Thermal energy, mechanical energy, kinetic energy, and chemical energy are in use to fully construct the path life cycle of the Davis Baggins End Domes. So for what it takes to construct a dome, is it the best replacement for future UC Davis student housing for its zero net energy and cheap expense compared to today's larger and modern student housing such as Segundo, Tercero, and Cuarto communities.
The Davis Domes are a housing structure community built by and for students who wanted to live in a net zero energy and a less expensive student housing community during the 1960s but did not open until 1972. At the beginning of the Davis Dome life cycle requires the collection of raw materials where mechanical and kinetic energy is in use. The raw materials that were needed for the domes are polyurethane foam and fiberglass which are both energy efficient. Polyurethane is made out of diisocyanates building blocks which are most products we use today in refrigerators, shoes, chairs, mattresses, and etc... Using chemical energy diisocyanates are mixed and reacts with other chemicals such as polymeric isocyanate to create polyurethane. As these chemicals reaction with each other the outcome of the physical properties of polyurethane are used for insulation, durability, protection, weather resistance, and flexibility which are used to conserve energy and to keep heat in building structures. This material processed when insulated into the domes' the walls helps keep in the warmth of the building structure as stated by the EPA, "the U.S Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners who air seal and insulate their homes can save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs," (Polyurethane). In which the polyurethane and fiberglass material reduces energy wasting by reducing heat and cooling lost. The polyurethane foam that lies in between the domes' walls contains low-conductivity gas in its cells which is energy efficient in not needing to our cooling and heating equipment by 35% where I also reduce electricity usage. For fiberglass, it is made out of reinforced plastic that uses mechanical energy to flatten the fiber into a plastic sheet or either woven into a piece of fabric like plastic. The outcome of properties of the fiberglass is used for mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, and non-rotting.
During the development of the dome kinetic, mechanical, and thermal energy was in the manufacturing process of construction. Before anything to make a dome it needs a layout where mechanical and kinetic energy is used to make. The layout is made out of a right mixture of sand and water to form clay to shape the dome for the top part. Then the mechanical use is using a wooden pole hanging above the pile of sand where kinetic energy will move the wooden pole and place in the wet sand to create the right shape and in measurements for the dome. After the shaping of the layout is dome then molding the dome with the fiberglass materials will be made using the design. It took thermal or known as heat energy in shaping the dome half-sphere. The use of the fiberglass and polyurethane materials is that the "fiberglass insulation is an easy, cost-effective method to help conserve energy and improve acoustical performance in residential and commercial new construction," (IDI). As an easy insulation material there are not large amounts of energy such as kinetic energy being used up to set the construction. Later including thermal energy to mold the materials of the dome together. An example for transportation, from a company IDI, an insulation distribution company, manufactures fiberglass and polyurethane transports from Florida in large trucks. What those trucks use for transportation or energy to run is diesel which produces large amounts of carbon dioxide. Where the carbon dioxide is thermal energy that heats up the Earth's atmosphere. Energy usage wise the Baggins End domes do not require the amount of energy that recent UC Davis larger student housing requires in electricity, heating, and cooling equipment. So, even though the domes may have a positive outcome the process of manufacturing and transporting the structures have negative impacts on the environment.
The output of the saving energy in electricity forms in the long term. Polyurethane foam after its life in the walls of the building structure it can be placed into recycling as in, "90 percent of the flooring underlay market is rebond. Today, the market for "virgin" flooring underlay made from polyurethane foam is actually quite small due to the improved value and increased sustainability of rebond" (Polyurethane). Another of energy reduction with the polyurethane scraps is that a company estimated, "for each ton of coal displaced by polyurethane scrap, there is a reduction of more than eight pounds of harmful sulfur dioxide emissions," (Polyurethane). In comparison with coal, polyurethane used to be burn after its lifespan has the ability in decreasing air quality pollution. The amount of recycled materials is not a large number, but it's an improvement for recycling and minimizing the chemicals in the air. When recycling polyurethane foam, it can be used as an alternative coal factoring for burning and can be applied to cement or power. But polyurethane foam is burned and is reduced by 99% in volume to reduce space build up and provides more heat than coal. Unfortunately, with the amount of resources coal, is more accessible than polyurethane foam is out there, so the use of coal continues. Not only just polyurethane but also other plastics are, "recovering enough energy to power homes in five states or the equivalent of 28.6 billion barrels of crude oil," (Polyurethane). With the addition of helping energy recovering in technology to work better. The whole deal with recycling polyurethane leading in different recycling process separated into two groups. Group one is mechanical recycling where the recycled foam is "rebond" in making carpet underlying, sports mats, cushioning, and other products in similarity. Group two is chemical recycling is by four different methods all called glycolysis, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, and hydrogenation. Glycolysis is a process of using thermal energy of high heat energy to create a chemical reaction to make new polyurethane. Hydrolysis is the process of chemical energy using water and other chemicals to be used as a fuel for polyurethane from polyols. Pyrolysis is another chemical energy process that breaks down polyurethane to create gas and oils under oxygen. Finally, hydrogenation relates to pyrolysis recycling but through thermal, kinetic energy, and chemical energy using hydrogen. After for what is used to recycle the rest of the materials goes through waste management since there is no use of energy for the materials. Over time the domes begin to lose strength, and the amount of repairments is not enough and for what is not recycled is thrown out. At the end the Davis Domes in the Baggins End community needed repairs on the foam walls and where only patched in and repainted, so the expense of managing a dome takes time even if outcomes of recycling is beneficial of a domes afterlife.
Is the outcome of the output energy worth the process of the input of the Davis Domes? Unfortunately, the Davis Domes community to increase and continue as a future sustainable student housing will be unlikely because even though the materials used in creating the domes may be energy efficient, the domes yet need repairs too quickly. The whole process of applying kinetic, mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy has its rewards in creating sustainable fiberglass and polyurethane foam that can be recycled for making other products and used as an alternative fuel but its costly. Unfortunately, there was no information in the amount of energy used only the type of energy. To continue with such large projects is beneficial environmentally, but financially its unstable due to the domes needing repairs since these Davis Domes were intentionally built to only last a decade at the time when the domes opened in 1972. So, as a larger project to hold more UC Davis student in these domes for student housing is not a suitable ideas to led onto for the future due to the difficult care and handling of the dome itself even though the structure compared to recent student housing uses less energy for input and output.
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Kayla Hearn
Professor Cogdell
DES 40A A04
Davis Domes Waste
Because the Davis Domes are a cooperative housing community located on the Sustainable Research Area of UC Davis, one would be led to believe that they are sustainable. On the Domes' Baggins End website, the vision statement perpetuates this idea by stating:
Living practices include organic agriculture and permaculture, low-impact construction, energy efficiency, alternative forms of waste management and the general reduction of our ecological footprint, which allows us to meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
But while the Domes' inhabitants may aim to live an environmentally-conscious lifestyle, the "low-impact construction" may not be so. The Domes' shell was intended to be retrofitted every five years (Cary). Instead, the Domes endured 39 years before being retrofitted, which led to the delamination of the polyurethane-insulated fiberglass shell, as well as rot inside the polyurethane foam (Cary, Edwards). While the recycling of building materials would indeed be low-impact, rotten foam cannot be recycled, meaning that the foam must either be dumped in a landfill or incinerated. Doing so causes pollutants in the land, air, and water. Thus, recycling would be the best option for sustainability, which can only be done if the Domes' shells are disposed of before decaying.
Though the cost of the 2011 renovations were not released, it was estimated that renovation would total $602,000 (Cary). The Domes were originally going to close due to the repair costs being too high, however more than 3,000 people wrote letters to oppose the Domes' destruction (Edwards). As a result, the Domes stayed open, and retrofits were constructed. What was done with the old polyurethane-insulated fiberglass shells was not released as well, but because the shells were heavily damaged and decaying, they were more than likely not recycled.
To comprehend the impact of the Davis Domes, one must analyze the lifecycle. Because the shell is what needs to be constantly replaced, only the shell will be investigated. The two components of the shell are polyurethane foam and fiberglass.
Polyurethane foam is made from liquid polymer reactions contained in large steel tanks that hold agitators to keep the materials in a fluid state. The reacting materials are then passed through a heat exchanger, which adjusts the temperature for a polymerization reaction. It is then sprayed on paper rolled out on a conveyor belt, creating the foam insulation (see Figure 1). Because the polyurethane is constructed in a factory powered by fossil fuels, many wastes are produced in manufacturing. From coal, the cheapest form of energy, carbon dioxide and methane emissions are released. In addition, mining coal disturbs land and alters the chemistry of water runoff, which affects the surrounding water quality (Coal). Along with coal, oil is used, which can spill into water or land (Oil). The gas can also evaporate, creating airborne fossil fuel combustion waste (EPA).
Fiberglass, the other component of the Domes' shell is mined from granite, quartz, and minerals for silicate from sand deposits. The machines used to extract the silicate also produce fossil fuel combustion waste. Workers exposed to crystallized silica in the air are ten times more likely to experience autoimmune diseases than those not exposed (Watson).
Transportation also accounts for a portion of waste and pollutants. Fossil fuels are burned in powering all modes of transportation. Accidental spills can result during industrial truck shipments.
To reduce the environmental impact, the best option for both the polyurethane and fiberglass would be to recycle the materials. Like many other types of plastic, polyurethane can be mechanically or chemically recycled. Mechanical recycling consists of making rebonded flexible foam, regrind or powdering, adhesive pressing/particle bonding, or compression molding. Rebonded flexible foam consists of shreds of polyurethane, which is seen in carpet underlay. Regrind or powdering results in a fine powdering that can be mixed with virgin materials to generate new polyurethane foam or reaction injection molded parts, which form items such as car bumpers and electric housing panels. Adhesive pressing/particle bonding create foam boards analogous to wood particle board. Compression molding grinds reaction injection molded parts and applies high pressure to create a 100 percent recycled material (Polyurethanes).
Chemical recycling on the other hand relies upon glycolysis, hydrolysis, pyrolysis, or hydrogenation. Glycolysis combines post-consumer and mixed industrial polyurethanes with diols at a high temperature, creating new polyols, the raw material for polyurethane. Hydrolysis relies upon a reaction between polyurethane and water, which results in polyols and intermediate chemicals that can be used as fuel for the raw materials of polyurethane. Pyrolysis creates gas and oils under an oxygen free environment. And lastly hydrogenation creates gas and oils through a combination of heat, pressure, and hydrogen (Polyurethanes). The only forms of fiberglass recycling are grinding and pyrolysis. However, unlike polyurethane, which cannot be recycled when dirty or decayed, fiberglass does not need to have the impurities removed, as they can be removed from ash or solid by-product easily when pyrolyzed (Sponberg).
Both mechanical and chemical recycling of polyurethanes and fiberglass rely upon power tools that use electricity. Byproducts of electricity use includes ash, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, and sulphur dioxide (Bellman). However, recycling is still favorable to dumping in a landfill or incineration because the waste products occur in smaller amounts. When polyurethane enters a landfill, it can form plastic pile-up density due to the fact that it is difficult to decompose. While incineration can reduce polyurethane volume by 99%, incomplete combustion can result in poisonous gases which has badly polluted the atmosphere and thus is being phased out (Yang). Incineration of fiberglass results in large quantities of ash that goes to landfills. If not incinerated, fiberglass does not biodegrade. Evidence has shown that non-biodegradable waste seepage in landfills contaminate the soil and groundwater with organic compounds that are considered volatile (EPA).
Insufficient evidence has been found involving the maintenance of the Domes. It is uncertain what wastes are produced as a result of repairs in addition to what the repairs entail. Because of this, the argument of the sustainability of the Domes assumes that a retrofit is required with each major fault of the dome. Thus from a sustainability perspective, it is not feasible to be constantly retrofitting the Domes, when taking into account the $602,000 cost that accompanies it.
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