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Carbon Tax Draft Bill: National Treasury briefing
Finance Standing Committee
Chairperson: Mr Y Carrim (ANC), Mr P Mapulane (ANC) (co-chairperson) & Mr C De Beer (ANC) (co-chairperson)
First Draft Carbon Tax Bill 2015 Response Document December 2017
Explanatory Memorandum for the Carbon Tax Bill, 2017 [December 2017]
Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) Final Impact Assessment Template (Phase 2) July 2017
Media Statement Release of Carbon Tax Bill for Introduction in Parliament and Public Comment
Draft Carbon Tax Bill [B-2017]: national Treasury presentation
South Africa's Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction System
The briefing by National Treasury on the draft Carbon Tax Bill consisted of two presentations. The first presentation clarified South Africa's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction system, while the second detailed South Africa's Draft Carbon Tax Bill, 2017.
In 2015, Cabinet had approved South Africa's climate change mitigation system framework. The system included the following key elements:
Greenhouse gas inventory;
Mitigation potential analysis;
National emissions trajectory;
A carbon budget for each company;
Pollution prevention plans by companies with carbon budgets;
Desired emissions reduction outcomes for key economic sectors;
A reporting system, to gather information on the actual emissions of users; and
A variety of other measures to be applied to support and/or complement the carbon budget system including a carbon tax.
The system would be introduced in two phases. Phase one (2016-2020) would be voluntary, as there was no legal basis to set emission limits for sectors or companies. Phase two and subsequent phases (post-2020 period) would become mandatory only when climate change response legislation was in place.
The second presentation detailing South Africa's draft Carbon Tax Bill indicated that according to the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a carbon tax was an important component of its mitigation policy strategy to lower GHG emissions and ensure it would meet its NDC commitments as part of its ratification of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Emissions in 2035 were expected to be 33% lower than in the baseline, and the carbon tax could make an important contribution to meeting South Africa's NDC, but would not be sufficient by itself under these settings. In the context of the expected growth of the economy, the impact of the tax on gross domestic product (GDP) was small.
Important points raised in the discussion included the need to determine the most recent statistics in respect of the GHG inventory so that the impact of the Carbon Tax Bill could be more readily assessed. It was emphasised that Carbon Tax legislation needed to be geared towards addressing the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment facing South Africa. Moreover, the need to fast track the finalisation of the legislation was stressed. Since 2020 was just around the corner, the legislation had to be processed so that when 2020 arrived, there were some binding legislative instruments that could be used to facilitate the necessary transition.
Opening remarks by Chairpersons
Mr Y Carrim (ANC), Chairperson of the Finance Portfolio Committee, commented that the matter before the joint Committee was essentially a policy issue. Money bills could be processed only by the Standing Committee on Finance. What the Committee did was to engage with the policy Committee, after which the way forward was determined. There were various options on the table in this regard.
Mr P Mapulane (ANC), Chairperson of the Environmental Affairs Portfolio Committee, said that since the Carbon Tax Bill was a money bill, it had to be processed by the Standing Committee on Finance. The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs had been invited to consider the Bill, but during the voting process its Members would remain observers. It was very important that the Portfolio Committee was part of the process, as the Carbon Tax Bill had an impact on the work it was doing.
Mr CJ De Beer (ANC), Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance, National Council of Provinces (NCOP), said the two Finance Committees in the two Houses would embark in a joint fashion on a process for 2018 and 2019 to bring the Select Committee on Finance and the NCOP earlier into the process of processing these Money bills.
Carbon Tax Bill
Mr Ismail Momoniat, Head of Tax and Financial Sector Policy: National Treasury, commented that the Bill was largely motivated by trying to deal with the environmental challenges. Climate change was the biggest challenge facing the planet. The issue with the Carbon Tax was that it needed to get the price of carbon emissions right.
Ms Nosipho Ngcaba, Director General: Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), by way of context, continued that South Africa was a signatory of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. It also had a policy that was processed by Parliament, namely, the White Paper on Climate Change, which outlined what South Africa needed to do both in terms of reducing carbon emissions, as well preparing South Africa to adapt to the variable climate that the globe and South Africa would experience. The presentation would outline why South Africa needed a Carbon Tax -- a tax that would be able to regulate industry and citizens' carbon emissions so as to meet South Africa's commitments.
South Africa had ratified the Paris Agreement, an undertaking that seeks to reduce carbon emissions globally and to ensure that the globe does not exceed temperature increases of 2 degrees Celsius. It was important that South Africa played its part in terms of mitigating its contribution to carbon emissions. This had to be done in a way that allowed a transition both from South Africa's high-carbon intensity industries, especially the power-generation sector, and towards the introduction of renewables. With regard to the latter, there was a project which was led by the Department of Energy. The Carbon Tax took into account a swathe of these interventions. With the Carbon Tax, the goal was to ensure that South Africa transitioned to a 'green economy.' The Carbon Tax employed a 'carrot and stick' approach to encourage a change of behaviour on the part of Industry. Those who did not change their behaviour accordingly would be penalised. South Africa's mitigations system was based on carbon budgets.
Ms Deborah Ramalope, Chief Director: Climate Change Mitigation, DEA, spoke to South Africa's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which had three key elements. Firstly, the long term goal was in the form of a national emissions trajectory range to 2050. Secondly, a medium term goal would be within the range of 398-614 Mt CO2 eq in the years 2025 and 2030. Thirdly, it provided flexibility in the form of a range, which would require a periodic review in the medium/longer term in the light of science and national circumstances. She said one of the central principles of the Paris Agreement was that countries would submit progressively more ambitious goals – and South Africa's current NDCs were not sufficient to meet the two degree target.
National Climate Change Response Policy
Ms Ramalope outlined the vision and objectives of the National Climate Change Response Policy. The vision of the policy was to transition to a climate resilient and lower-carbon economy and society. The policy had two objectives. Firstly, it aimed to manage climate change impacts through interventions that would build and sustain South Africa's social, economic and environmental resilience. Secondly, it aimed to make a fair contribution to the global effort to stabilise green house gas (GHG) concentrations. The Carbon Tax Bill would contribute to the second aim.
Approach to Mitigation
The approach to mitigation seeks to achieve a balance between, on the one hand, the economic and social opportunities presented by the transition to a lower carbon economy and, on the other hand, the country's contribution as a responsible global citizen to the international effort to curb global emissions.
Ms Ramalope clarified that phase one involved the migration potential analysis being conducted in five sectors, with particular attention to the Integrated Resource Plan (2010), setting carbon budgets, calls for pollution prevention plans, annual reporting (from 2016 to 2020), and assessing compliance (end of the cycle, in 2021). Phase two would be introduced after 2021 (See Slide 9).
Mitigation System: Carbon Tax
Ms Ramalope contextualised the carbon tax in the mitigation system. Firstly, the price of carbon was one of the instruments available to achieve the objective of transitioning to a low carbon economy and society. Secondly, this had the effect of incentivising large carbon emitters to take measures to reduce their emissions. Thirdly, the emission reduction achieved would contribute to South Africa's efforts in meeting its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
The key issues that arose in relation to the carbon tax included, firstly, that pricing carbon was key to driving the transition to a green economy. Secondly, the carbon tax was part of the spectrum of measures available to achieve emission reductions. Thirdly, the integration of the carbon tax with other measures to achieve reductions, would result in increased energy efficiency and increased productivity, competitiveness and local manufacturing of green technologies. Fourthly, options for the carbon tax to interface with measures for achieving emission reductions depended primarily on the level and nature of the emission reduction outcomes per sector.
The DEA and National Treasury (NT) had examined various options for the alignment of the two instruments, the Carbon Tax and Carbon Budget, for phases one and two. Phase one entailed that companies which participated in the carbon budget system may receive an additional 5% allowance, and this additional allowance would raise the overall maximum tax-free threshold to 95% and a reduction in tax liability. With regard to phase two, there was an in-principle agreement on the alignment option -- there was no double penalty scenario, that is, at no point would the alignment between the carbon tax and carbon budget penalise companies twice. The integration of the current design features of the carbon tax and carbon budget was still under discussion. The carbon tax legislation would require amendments to include the designs that would allow for the phase 2 interface.
Draft Carbon Tax Bill 2017
Mr Momoniat highlighted that South Africa's Carbon Tax policy process had begun with the Environmental Fiscal Reform Policy Paper (2006). A Discussion Paper on the Carbon Tax had been approved by Cabinet and published for public comment in 2010. The paper had been revised to take into account stakeholder comments, and the Carbon Tax Policy Paper was published in May 2013. An initial draft Carbon Tax bill was published for public comment in November 2015, following Cabinet approval in October 2015.
There were extensive consultations on the draft bill during 2016. Cabinet had requested that the draft Carbon Tax Bill be re-submitted to Cabinet for further consideration after taking into account comments received from the public consultations on the Bill. 91 written comments had been received from a broad range of stakeholders, including industry associations, companies, state-owned entities, non-governmental organisations, organised labour, academia, individuals and consultants, while bilateral meetings and workshops were held with key sectors and industry associations in 2016. Cabinet had adopted the second draft Carbon Tax Bill and approved its submission to Parliament on 16 August 2017, noting that the carbon tax was an integral part of the system for implementing government policy on climate change. National Treasury had published the second draft Carbon Tax Bill in December in December 2017 for public comment, its introduction in Parliament, and the convening of public hearings by Parliament in early 2018.
Introduction and Policy Context
Ms Sharlin Hemraj, Director: National Treasury, commented that South Africa had voluntarily committed at COP 15 in 2009, to curb GHG emissions by 34% by 2020 and 42% by 2025 below the "business as usual" (BAU) trajectory, subject to support from developed countries – climate finance, capacity building and technology transfers. South Africa had ratified the Paris Agreement in November 2016 and endorsed the submission of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) which required that emissions peak in 2020 to 2025, plateau for a ten-year period from 2025 to 2035 and decline from 2036 onwards. South Africa's emissions by 2025 and 2030 would be in a range between 398 and 614 Mt CO2-eq, as defined in national policy.
The Paris Agreement would require sizable reductions in energy-related GHG emissions by large emitting countries, including in developing economies. According to South Africa's NDCs, carbon tax was an important component of its mitigation policy strategy to lower GHG emissions. Carbon tax formed an integral part of the climate change response policy package under the National Climate Change Response Policy (NCCRP) of 2011, and the National Development Plan (NDP), as an important cost-effective instrument. The Carbon Tax Bill gives effect to the polluter-pays-principle and helps to ensure that firms and consumers take these costs into account in their future production, consumption and investment decisions. It would assist in reducing GHG emissions and ensuring South Africa would meet its NDC commitments as part of its ratification of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The main sources of GHGs were air transport, oil production, fertilization, land transport, landfills, coal plants, industrial processes, coal mining and thawing permafrost.
Sobering facts of climate change
Ms Hemraj brought to the attention of the meeting the sobering facts of climate change. The last three years were the hottest on record, according to the United Nations weather agency, citing new global data underscoring the dramatic warming of the planet. Of the 17 hottest years on record globally, 16 had now occurred since 2000. Consolidated data from five leading international weather agencies showed that 2015, 2016 and 2017 had been confirmed as the three warmest years of record, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said. Impacts of this rapid warming ranged from triggering long-term drought in places accustomed to higher rainfall (Cape Town, for instance) to threatening mass extinctions, with up to a sixth of all species alive today at risk.
South Africa's Western Cape province had been suffering a drought since 2015, when it received about 60 per cent of its normal rainfall. Rain amounts had continued to plummet in the two subsequent years. Ms Hemraj referred to images of the Theewaterskloof Dam, the province's largest reservoir, at full capacity in October 2014 and at 27 per cent of capacity in October 2017. Exposed sediment around the edge of the basin in the later images showed where the water level had declined. The World Economic Forum said climate change was the number one threat to the global economy.
Ms Hemraj placed South Africa in the global context in terms of its fuel combustion. In 2008, fuel combustion constituted 1.31% of South Africa's total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (15th globally), while in 2010, fuel combustion amounted to 1.15% of South Africa's total CO2 emissions (18th globally) (see slide 15).
She explained that South Africa's four major GHG emission sectors were energy, industrial processes and product use, agriculture, forestry and other land use, and waste. The energy sector was the major overall contributor to South Africa's GHG emissions (82.66%). Industrial processes and product use constituted 8.56%, agriculture, forestry and other land use 4.96%, and waste 3.82% of South Africa's overall GHG emissions (518 239 CO2 Eq [Gg]) (See slide 6).
South Africa's National Climate Change Response White Paper, 2011
In accordance with South Africa's National Climate Change Response White Paper, 2011, one of the elements in the overall approach to mitigation was the development of a range of economic instruments to support the system of desired emission reduction outcomes, including the appropriate pricing of carbon and economic incentives, as well as the possible use of emissions offsets or emission reduction trading mechanisms.
Ms Hemraj subsequently commented on the National Development Plan's (2011) position on climate change (see Slide 18).
Mr Mapulane referred to the GHG inventory of 2010, and asked whether more recent statistics were available which took into consideration developments since 2010.
Ms Ngcaba answered that a 2012 report with more recent statistics still had to be approved by Cabinet, but it would be forwarded to Parliament as and when that happened.
Mr Mapulane advised that the most recent statistics had to be determined so that the impact of the Carbon Tax Bill could be more readily assessed. This was very important information going forward.
Mr De Beer reiterated that it was important for the Committees to have the most recent indicators. Otherwise, they would have to be reviewed on an annual basis.
Mr Momoniat answered that generally, statistics were gathered once every five years. The goal was to achieve a regular cycle of statistics.
Ms Hemraj explained South Africa's climate change response governance framework (see Slide 19). Referring to the National Treasury Environmental Fiscal Reform Policy Paper (2010), she drew attention to and explained several design considerations for environmentally-related taxes: environmental effectiveness, tax rate and revenue, competitiveness impacts, distributional impacts, adjoining policy areas, support for the tax, and legal, technical and administrative feasibility (see Slide 20).
Rationale for a carbon tax / price
Ms Hemraj said that a carbon tax was a means by which government could intervene by way of a market-based instrument to appropriately take into account the social costs resulting from carbon emissions. A carbon tax seeks to level the playing field between carbon intensive (fossil fuel-based firms) and low carbon emitting sectors (renewable energy and energy efficient technologies). Although this option does not set a fixed quantitative limit to carbon emission over the short term, a carbon tax at an appropriate level and phased in over time to the 'correct level' would provide a strong price signal to both producers and consumers to change their behaviour over the medium to long term. At COP 22 in Morocco in 2016, Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics, and Lord Nicolas Stern had agreed to chair a new high level commission on carbon pricing. According to the report of the commission, 'a carbon tax guarantees a maximum cost per unit of pollution in the sectors covered by it. If a carbon tax underperforms environmentally…the tax could be raised or designed in a way that it would rise automatically in response to emission trends.'
Ms Hemraj brought into sharp focus and unpacked three key messages of the report of the Commission. Firstly, tackling climate change was an urgent and fundamental challenge. Secondly, a designed carbon price was an indispensable strategy for reducing emissions in an efficient way. Thirdly, the Commission had concluded that the explicit carbon-price level consistent with achieving the Paris temperature target was at least US$40 – 80/tCO2 by 2020, and US$50 – 100/tCO2 by 2030, provided a supportive policy environment was in place (see Slides 22-23).
Ms Hemraj remarked on international developments with regard to the introduction of a carbon tax. China had introduced seven regional carbon trading pilot schemes. A carbon tax had been introduced by Mexico in 2014 and applied to fossil fuels. India had implemented a coal tax effective from 2010, currently at US$ 6/ton coal. Chile had implemented a carbon tax at the rate of US$5 from 2017. In 2008, the Canadian Province of British Colombia had launched its carbon tax at a rate of Can$10 per tonne of CO2. Colombia had implemented a carbon tax in 2017 on transport fuels. Brazil, Ivory Coast and Morocco were exploring a carbon tax. Singapore was scheduled to implement a carbon tax in 2019.
South Africa Carbon Tax Carbon Tax Design Features:
Ms Hemraj clarified the design features of the proposed South African carbon tax.
Carbon tax at R120 per ton of CO2;
60% basic tax-free threshold;
Maximum of 10% tax-free allowance for trade exposure;
10% tax-free allowance for process and fugitive emissions;
Up to 5% performance allowance;
5% tax-free allowance for complying with carbon budgets information requirements;
5-10% allowance for carbon offsets – to reduce the carbon tax liability.
Tax-free allowances:
Tax-free allowances of 60-95%;
Effective tax-rate of R6 –R48 t/CO2e;
No impact on electricity prices in the first phase;
Revenue recycling:
Energy efficiency savings tax incentive;
Credit against Eskom's carbon tax liability for the renewable energy premium built into the electricity tariffs;
Credit for the electricity levy;
Support for the installation of solar water geysers;
Enhanced free basic electricity / energy for low income households;
Improved public passenger transport and support for shift of freight from road to rail.
Tax-free allowances
Ms Hemraj referred the meeting to the table on tax-free allowances (see Slide 27).
Carbon offsetting under the Carbon Tax
In the phase one, permitted carbon credits should be developed under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), and the Gold Standard. The allowance for potential domestic standards to cover project types was not well catered for under international standards e.g. Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU).
Ms Hemraj outlined the specific eligibility criteria for carbon offset projects for effective implementation of the offset mechanism in South Africa. These provided that:
Project activities must occur outside the scope of activities subject to the carbon tax;
Only South African based credits would be eligible for use within the carbon offset scheme;
Carbon offset projects registered and / or implemented before the introduction of the carbon tax regime would be accepted subject to certain conditions.
She briefly commented on revenue recycling measures and the phasing in of the Carbon Tax (see Slide 29), the energy sector and carbon pricing (see Slide 30) and the energy efficiency savings tax incentive (see Slide 31).
Carbon Tax Modelling Results
Under the World Bank Partnership for Market Readiness Project, a carbon tax modelling study had been completed, and the report was published in 2016. The results of the carbon tax modelling showed that the carbon tax would have a significant impact in reducing the country's emissions, and that these emission reductions could be delivered while realising sustained growth in the economy. The results of the simulations showed that the tax would lead to an estimated decrease in emissions of 13% to 14.5% by 2025, and 26-33% by 2035 compared with 'business as usual'. The tax was expected to lead to a marginal reduction in the annual average growth rate of the economy of just 0.05-0.15 percentage points, compared to BAU.
Ms Hemraj discussed the various scenarios that the modelling considered (see Slide 33).
Emissions in 2035 were expected to be 33% lower than in the baselines (see Slide 34).The carbon tax could make an important contribution to meeting South Africa's NDC, but would not be sufficient by itself under these settings. In the context of the expected growth of the economy, the impact of the tax on gross domestic product (GDP) was small. The average annual growth rate of the economy was expected to be 0.15 percentage points lower, leading to GDP in 2035 being 3% lower than in the baseline. Other macroeconomic aggregates were also only modestly affected: household consumption (-4,6% ) and employment (-1.4%) (see Slide 36).
2015 Draft Carbon Tax Bill: Main Comments
Ms Hemraj said the main comments made in relation to the 2015 Draft Carbon Tax Bill were related to electricity pricing and electricity levy; tax rates and thresholds and the request for certainty for phases one and two of the carbon tax; alignment of the carbon tax policy with the carbon budgeting system of the DEA; carbon tax modelling results and the socio-economic impact of the carbon tax; international competitiveness impacts; timing and long-term policy certainty; and the GHG reporting framework and tax administration.
Responses to the comments on 2015 Draft Bill
Some of the responses to the comments on draft Bill were:
Electricity pricing and electricity levy: the Carbon Tax (taken with electricity levy) would be revenue neutral in the first phase and would have no impact on the price of electricity (see Slide 38);
Tax rates and thresholds and the request for certainty for phases one and two of the carbon tax: Section 5 of the bill had been amended to include the headline, a marginal tax rate of R120/tCO2e; and specified an annual increase to the nominal carbon tax rate by a maximum of inflation plus 2 per cent;
Alignment of the carbon tax policy with the carbon budgeting system of the DEA: the DEA and the National Treasury were working on alignment and integration of the carbon tax and carbon budget instruments of phase 2, and no double penalty (see Slide 38);
Carbon tax modelling results and the socio-economic impact of the carbon tax showed a significant impact in reducing the country's emissions (see Slide 38).
International competitiveness impacts: The design of the trade exposure allowance had been adjusted from a company to a sector-based trade exposure allowance, and mining and iron and steel would qualify for full 10% allowance.
Ms T Tobias (ANC) raised a number of questions and concerns. Firstly, especially in relation to fuel combustion, had it been determined whether or not the GHG inventory was adequate? Secondly, had a comparative study been conducted which compared the nature and scope of fuel combustion in South Africa with that of Europe? Thirdly, more by way of comment, an in-depth study was needed as to why the utilization of certain energies had to be discouraged in the energy sector that would be detrimental to what the objectives were in the long-term. Fourthly, the situation should not arise where one sector subsidised another sector which was actually the main polluter. Fifthly, in terms of the offsets, there may be a need to consider and encourage companies that were taking the initiative.
Mr A Lees (DA) asked what exactly a carbon budget was. Had there been a substantive assessment of the possible impact that the withdrawal of second highest emitter -- the United States of America -- from the Paris Climate Change agreement would be? What was being done in terms of the costs of administering the plan? What were the details concerning the implementation phases of the plan? What would the impact be if Parliament decided that the Carbon Tax Bill should not be passed? Since there was no chance of recycling taking place, what was the mechanism, other than ring-fencing, to ensure that state revenue was channelled towards this plan? Taking into account that South Africans were faced with a massive tax burden at a time of minimal economic growth, there was no merit in additional taxes. Moreover, how many jobs were at risk with the introduction of the Bill?
Mr De Beer reminded the gathering that the Bill was yet to undergo the process of public hearings.
Ms H Nyambi (ANC) asked if there was any indication of how much carbon emissions would be reduced by the Carbon Tax Bill once it was introduced?
Mr S Makhubele (ANC) asked, concerning the consideration and integration of the three elements -- sustainable development, social impacts, and economic opportunities -- who did the balancing act between implementing the carbon tax and ensuring that these elements were promoted? Based on the 91 written submissions received from various stakeholders, what were the actual expectations? Regarding international experience, the presentation had not reflected on countries which had adopted a carbon tax, only to do away with it later. Could the DEA share with the Committees why these countries had abandoned their Carbon Tax Bills? Since the Carbon Tax was only one of the instruments employed with a view to reducing carbon emissions, was it known what their contributions had been? What were some of the choices that had been made around the offsets?
Mr T Motlashuping (ANC) asked how the Carbon Tax legislation was geared towards addressing the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment facing South Africa, as none of the presenters had addressed these issues in their presentations. How was the shortfall of R50 billion going to be addressed? To avoid problems in the future, had a comprehensive study been conducted which verified that the Bill in question complied with the applicable treaties and legislation? What were the impacts of the Carbon Tax Bill on the taxpayer? Could the DEA unpack the issue of employment against what the expected output would be in passing the legislation? It was important to assess what approach would be best suited to the South African context. What was important to consider was the impact that the passing of the legislation would have on the ordinary citizens of South Africa. Passing legislation for its own sake would not necessarily benefit South Africa.
Mr Mapulane asked how far the DEA was in finalising the legislation considering the fact that phase two (post-2020) -- when it would become mandatory to set emission limits -- was just around the corner?
Mr Momoniat answered that since South Africa had begun this process in 2006, it was not adopting the Bill because of international pressure to do so. It was a voluntary commitment. It had emerged out of looking at what challenges the world faced and, in the face of these challenges, what needed to be done. It was also reasoned that, if the global context was changing, it was preferable to stay ahead of the curve. At this moment, jobs were being lost, for example, due to the water crisis. When it came to job losses, the question arose how to reverse these job losses.
In terms of the Carbon Tax Bill, it was critical that growth, development and job creation were a priority. Many stakeholders and political actors needed to weigh in to realise this. For the Paris Agreement to be realised, the world had to work together, especially the major carbon emitters, such as China, the USA and India. The goals could be leap-frogged through the use of advanced technology. This was why an important stakeholder would the Department of Science and Technology.
Countries that had removed the carbon tax included Canada. These governments were not in agreement with the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, and were not countries that South Africa would like to be associated with. In respect of the United States, in spite of the President's proclamations, various cities had come quite far in relation to independently reducing their carbon footprint. Contrary to the use of coal mines, taking action on climate change was like taking out an insurance policy. Cities that did not take steps to mitigate risks would end up paying much higher insurance rates.
While South Africa did not have all the answers, the worst position was to say that nothing should be done. Unless one was certain that climate science was 100% wrong, there was a lot to be gained from taking steps to mitigate the effects of climate change, including the creation of job opportunities. Unlike other taxes, the DEA and National Treasury had taken a very long term view on the carbon tax to allow industries to project where the tax was going by gradually bringing it in line with inflation. Moreover, those industries which did not comply would be punished by an increase in the carbon tax. While not all the information was available, after two or three years of implementing the carbon tax, there would be another review.
Ms Ramalope said that although there were some data gaps in the inventory, the GHG inventory was adequate at the moment. Because the DEA was using a methodology provided by the International Panel on Climate Change, there were ways of closing the data gaps. It would improve on a year-by-year basis. The DEA had just published and proclaimed the regulations for the data gaps on GHGs.
Insofar as the socio-economic benefits of climate-change technology was concerned, South Africa had a responsibility to contribute its fair share to carbon emission reductions. It was also about managing South Africa's transition to a lower carbon economy. The International Standards Organization was developing a standard on carbon footprints. This would be looking at the carbon-footprint of different products, which could have a positive or negative effect on the export of certain products. The sooner that South Africa started managing its own transition the better.
Regarding what a carbon budget was and whether it was voluntary or not, a carbon budget was a GHG emission allowance. An allowance given to a company referred to the carbon space given to a company. Since at present it was voluntary for all companies, what the DEA had done was come up with an agreement which had been discussed with all stakeholders. Among others, the criteria had been that any company that emitted more the 0.1 billion tons per annum fell into the category of companies that had to submit applications for a carbon budget. Companies were not forced to participate in the first phase, because it was voluntary.
Concerning the question of job losses, a project in which the DEA had partnered with the Department of Economic Development entailed undertaking National Impact Vulnerability Assessments (NIVAs) and coming up with sector job plans. The aim was to look at the impact of climate change interventions, both adaptation and mitigation, on jobs and whether the impact was positive or negative. If the impact was negative, steps needed to be taken to counter the negative impact. The sector job plans were geared towards countering the potential negative impact.
Regarding the contribution of other carbon-reducing measures, the DEA was conducting a project in which it was interrogating other processes and measures and their impact on South Africa's NDC and possible gaps. While South Africa's current NDC was known, the plan was to assess what the impact of these measures, including the Carbon Tax, would be on South Africa's emission reduction and NDC, and if there were gaps, how South Africa should fill them.
Mr Tlou Ramaru, Deputy Director General: Climate Change, DEA, said there was no technical study which clarified what was at stake with the US withdrawal in terms of carbon emissions. It had to be understood in the context that the US withdrawal could not be effective after three years after the coming into effect of the Paris Agreement, according to which the USA would still have to observe the Agreement for three years. However, although the US had indicated its intention to withdraw, there were different competing voices, such as the private sector, which were still committed to the Paris Agreement. France and the US had indicated that they intended to plug the financial gap stemming from the withdrawal.
He said it was anticipated that the legislation would be approved for public consultation in April this year.
Mr Lees asked, if Parliament did not approve the Carbon Tax, what the impact would be in terms of South Africa's obligations under the Paris Agreement? Had research been done about the administrative costs of the Carbon Tax Bill?
Ms Hemraj responded that a high-level assessment had been conducted outlining the costs of implementing the Carbon Tax Bill, which would amount to R20 million. The tax would be administered through the DEA's GHG reporting system, which required entities to report their GHG emissions to the DEA. The DEA would also be responsible for the verification of the emissions. SARS would rely on the GHG reporting system that was being developed.
Regarding the impact of not adopting the tax, the reason for proposing a carbon tax was that it helped to internalise the costs that already existed. It gave the State an opportunity to give flexibility to companies on how they could reduce their emissions. The other option was to adopt a command and control mechanism which dictated what was allowed, and companies would be fined if they infringed upon the limit, irrespective of their processes and activities. The tax had to be part of a package of measures.
Ms Ramalope commented that the impact of not implementing the carbon tax would have to be measured in relation to the impact of the other measures and could, therefore, be determined only once the impact of the other measures had been measured.
Mr Mapulane thanked all the presenters for the engagement. An opportunity for various stakeholders to give their views on the legislation was pending. The climate change legislation was an important piece of legislation which allowed South Africa to move progressively towards meeting its commitments -- for example, the Paris Agreement. It was important for the DEA to speed up the process. 2020 was just around the corner. As such, the legislation had to be processed so that when 2020 arrived, there were some binding legislative instruments that could be used to facilitate the necessary transition. This would force companies to restructure their operations and meet the obligation that South Africa has. Climate change was a reality. There was a consensus in the scientific community. The question was: how soon could South Africa transition?
The meeting was adjourned.


text:
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#define LEVELDB_THREAD_POOL_H_

#include <map>
#include <queue>
#include <pthread.h>
#include "leveldb/env.h"
#include "port/port_posix.h"
#include "util/mutexlock.h"

namespace leveldb {

class ThreadPool {
public:
  ThreadPool();
  ~ThreadPool();

  // A task will be put in queue and being processed by background thread
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  int64_t Schedule(void (*function)(void*), void* arg, double priority,
                   int64_t wait_time_millisec);
  // Modify a task's priority or execute time
  void ReSchedule(int64_t id, double priority, int64_t wait_time_millisec);
  // Set background threads number. 'num' needs to greater than zero
  void SetBackgroundThreads(int num);
  // Return maximal allowed thread number
  int GetThreadNumber();
  void SetLogger(Logger* info_log) { info_log_ = info_log; }

private:
  struct BGItem {
    void* arg;
    void (*function)(void*);
    double priority;
    int64_t id;
    int64_t exe_time;
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      if (exe_time != item.exe_time) {
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  typedef std::priority_queue<BGItem> BGQueue;
  typedef std::vector<pthread_t> ThreadVector;
  typedef std::map<int64_t, BGItem> BGMap;

  void Timer();
  void BGThread();
  void PutInQueue(BGItem& bg_item, int64_t wait_time_millisec);
  bool IsLatest(const BGItem& latest, double priority, int64_t exe_time);

  static void* TimerWrapper(void* arg);
  static void* BGThreadWrapper(void* arg);

  int total_threads_limit_;
  bool exit_all_threads_;
  int64_t last_item_id_;
  int active_number_;

  Logger* info_log_;
  port::Mutex mutex_;
  port::CondVar timer_cv_;
  port::CondVar work_cv_;

  pthread_t timer_id_;
  ThreadVector bg_threads_;
  BGQueue pri_queue_;
  BGQueue time_queue_;
  BGMap latest_;
};

} // namespace leveldb

#endif // LEVELDB_THREAD_POOL_H_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Man jailed for total of 27 years for murder of Ricky Collins in Derbyshire town
Permaroof UK Ltd is recruiting workers for Alfreton headquarters
A family-run business is expanding its workforce after a record-breaking run of business.
Monday, 24th August 2020, 4:57 pm
Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof UK Ltd. Photo courtesy of Permaroof UK Ltd.
Permaroof UK Ltd is looking to recruit two customer service representatives for its head office in Alfreton following the most successful May, June and July in its 19-year history.
Managing director Adrian Buttress said: "The coronavirus pandemic has seen a heightened focus on building, renovation and DIY, which are key not only to our EPDM rubber roofing products but to our extended portfolio which includes artificial grass, maintenance-free fencing, skylights, and steel-framed buildings. As such, we're seeing a much higher rate of direct orders as well as demand rising throughout our nationwide stockist network. Extending the team is crucial to maintaining our high standard of customer service.
"This is a family-owned business and the culture here reflects that. We're looking for others that share that ethos as well as anyone committed to putting the customer's needs first. We have just recruited someone because of their fantastic telephone manner and the way they will be able to build relationships with our customers. She was made redundant from the travel industry; so, we're really interested in hearing from the amazing talent that's emerging from those industries that were hit hardest by the pandemic."
To apply for one of the vacancies, send your CV and a cover letter to Sharon Hawkes at [email protected] or call 01773 608839 for more information. For further information on Permaroof UK, go to www.permaroof.co.uk.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Sailboats Grand Soleil 40
This Spanish design, built in Italy, cruises or races with speed, style, and stability. A boat review from our August 2008 issue
By Stacey Collins
If you've spent any time sailing in Europe lately, you're probably familiar with Grand Soleil's racy performance cruisers. For 30 years, the Italian yard Cantiere del Pardo has built high-quality sailboats designed by the likes of Germán Frers and Judel/Vrolijk & Co. In the same tradition, the new Grand Soleil 40 comes from Botin Carkeek Yacht Design, a Spanish firm whose designs dominate European raceboat circuits.
With a tapered cabin house, uncluttered decks, and elegant Italian interior design, the Grand Soleil 40 has a classic look. Like Botin Carkeek's raceboats, the hull has a longer waterline, reduced wetted area, and a deep, efficient rudder and keel designed and built based on research by the automaker Ferrari's aerodynamics department. The hull laminate consists of unidirectional fiberglass and vinylester resin, with a cross-linked PVC foam core called Termanto used above the waterline and in the deck layup.
Bonded inside the hull, an epoxy-coated galvanized-steel grid system absorbs the loads from the chainplates, keel, and mast step. Cruising World's team of Boat of the Year judges agreed that the boat felt remarkably solid, but we wondered about potential long-term problems with the mild, or low-carbon, steel. Grand Soleil representatives, though, assured me that rust and corrosion don't become problems over time, and they also pointed out that the entire grid is accessible for inspection by way of screw-held sole panels.
The GS 40 has a sleek and purposeful deck, with halyards and reef lines led aft under the coachroof. Like many new designs, however, cabin-top handrails don't extend ahead of the mast, so going forward in a blow may be dicey. I did find that the optional teak decking provided excellent traction and the side decks were easy to navigate. With the adjustable genoa tracks tucked against the cabin side, the only potential impediments are the outward-opening ports in the long cabin windows.
Some of the same features that make the boat fast and easy to control also call for vigilance on the part of the crew. The long, low boom maximizes sail area but can be an occasion for head banging, and the convenient location of the Harken traveler-just forward of the wheel-means that a slack mainsheet could foul the binnacle when changing tacks from reach to reach.
Moving around the wide cockpit was easy, but I'd have appreciated foot braces. Our test boat was equipped with only one set of cockpit winches, so the mainsheet led to the cabin top, out of reach of the helm. With a second pair, the double-ended sheet can be led to primaries close to the helm, at either end of the traveler, and that's an option most owners buy. The 12-inch bridgedeck, required for European Union certification, should do a good job of keeping the interior dry in case of boarding waves. The companionway boards have a neat self-stowing system, but when they're closed, there's a finger-width gap underneath, which is something to address before heading offshore.
For such a high-performance boat, the Grand Soleil's interior is remarkably inviting, with cherry-stained mahogany and a wide-open feel. A choice of one or two heads is offered in the three-cabin layout. The substantial master cabin forward (with optional en-suite head) boasts a queen-size centerline berth. I always climb into berths and turn on the reading lights to see if they're usable, and the Grand Soleil was up to my test.
In the main saloon, the C-shaped dinette includes a stand-alone bench on centerline, which also provides back bracing for the cook in the in-line galley to port. The countertops have excellent fiddles, but the upper lockers lack any means of restraining the contents. The deep, stainless-steel double sink has an easily accessible seacock that may need to be closed against flooding when the boat's well heeled on starboard tack. The small, two-burner stove has room to swing if the factory-installed rubber stop is removed; cruising cooks may want to install a stove guardrail.
I find it distressing that many new boats-even those intended for long-distance cruising-have navigation desks unfit for anything but half-size chart kits. Not this boat. While the nav area has lots of extra space in which to add more electronics and a desk ergonomically designed for laptop use, it also has space to spread out a full-size chart. The electrical panel is neatly installed, as are all of the systems, and drip rails under the ports help protect electronics from damage.
Opposite the nav desk is the main head and shower. Twin quarter cabins with standing headroom, hanging lockers, and double berths extend under the cockpit. The split mattresses allow lee cloths to be rigged for use as sea berths. Panels in each cabin and under the companionway ladder provide access to the engine.
On the day we test-sailed the boat, the wind was gusting into the low 30s. We assumed that we'd tuck in a second reef but soon realized it wasn't necessary. With the genoa partly furled and one reef in the main, the boat felt solid and under control. The standard sails set very nicely when reefed, and steering was a dream.
The Grand Soleil should be a nimble upwind boat: Even in fairly heavy winds, steering through constant puffs with less-than-perfect sail trim, we tacked through 110 degrees while going more than 8 knots. On a reach in 25 knots the G.P.S. showed 7.4 knots speed over ground.
Under power, the 40-horsepower Volvo Penta saildrive and two-bladed folding prop moved the boat smartly at 6.6 knots at 2,500 rpm and 7.6 knots at 2,900 rpm.
The Grand Soleil 40 is seriously fun. After sailing it-and gushing about the exceptional helm, the stability, and the powerful big-boat feel-our team of judges noted the price: $350,000 seemed low for so much boat. For club racing, daysailing, or coastal cruising, the Grand Soleil 40 deserves serious consideration. With a few minor additions and changes and an experienced crew, I wouldn't hesitate to sail it offshore.
Stacey Collins was a 2008 CW Boat of the Year judge.
LOA 41′ 2″ (12.55 m.)
LWL 34′ 7″ (10.54 m.)
Beam 12′ 8″ (3.86 m.)
Draft 7′ 1″/7′ 11″ (2.16 m./2.41 m.)
Sail Area 812 sq. ft. (75.4 sq. m.)
Ballast 5,610 lb. (2,545 kg.)
Displacement 16,830 lb. (7,634 kg.)
Ballast/D .33
D/L 182
SA/D 19.8
Water 105 gal. (397 l.)
Fuel 47 gal. (178 l.)
Mast Height (cruising/racing)58′ 6″/61′ 1″ (17.8/18.6 m.)
Engine 40-hp. Volvo Penta saildrive
Designer Botin Carkeek Yacht Design
Grand Soleil NA
www.grandsoleil.it
More 2001 - 2010, 31 - 40 ft, Coastal Cruising, grand soleil, monohull, racer / cruiser, sailboat reviews, Sailboats


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Leave a comment Posted on 24May18 Battle for the Atlantic, Battlecruiser, Battleship, Cruiser, Kriegsmarine, Military History, Naval, Royal Navy, Sailors, WWII
77 years ago today – HMS Hood sunk during the Battle of Denmark Strait
Bismarck firing on HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales during the Battle of Denmark Strait 24MAY41 photographed from Prinz Eugen
Smoke from HMS Hood immediately after an explosion during the Battle of Denmark Strait 24MAY41
A sketch prepared by Captain JC Leach (commanding HMS Prince of Wales) for the 2nd Board of Enquiry, 1941. The sketch represents the column of smoke or flame that erupted from the vicinity of the mainmast immediately before a huge detonation which obliterated the after part of the ship from view. This phenomenon is believed to have been the result of a cordite fire venting through the engine-room ventilators
At 06:00, Holland ordered his force to turn once again to port to ensure that the aft main guns on both Hood and Prince of Wales could bear on the German ships; during the turn, a salvo from Bismarck, fired from about 9 mi (7.8 nmi; 14 km), was seen by men aboard Prince of Wales to straddle Hood abreast her mainmast. It is likely that one 38 cm (15 in) shell struck somewhere between Hood's mainmast and "X" turret aft of the mast. A huge pillar of flame that shot upward 'like a giant blowtorch,' in the vicinity of the mainmast, followed by an explosion that destroyed a large portion of the ship from amidships clear to the rear of "Y" turret, blowing both after turrets into the sea. The ship broke in two and the stern fell away and sank. Ted Briggs, one of the survivors, claimed Hood heeled to 30 degrees at which point 'we knew she just wasn't coming back'. The bow rose clear of the water, pointed upward, pivoted about and sank shortly after the stern. "A" turret fired a salvo while in this upright position, possibly from the doomed gun crew, just before the bow section sank.[nb 4] Splinters rained down on Prince of Wales .5 mi (0.43 nmi; 0.80 km) away. Hood sank in about three minutes with 1,415 members of the crew. Only Ted Briggs, Bob Tilburn and Bill Dundas survived to be rescued two hours later by the destroyer HMS Electra.
The Admiralty later concluded that the most likely explanation for the loss of Hood was a penetration of her magazines by a 38 cm (15 in) shell from Bismarck, causing the explosion. Recent research with submersible craft suggests that the initial explosion was in the aft 4 in (100 mm) magazine and that it spread to the 15 in (380 mm) magazines via the ammunition trunks. It has been suggested from examination of the wreckage, found in 2001, that the magazine explosion in the 4 in (100 mm) armament near the mainmast caused the vertical blast of flame seen there, and this in turn ignited the magazines of the aft 15 in (380 mm) guns that caused the explosion that wrecked the stern. This explosion might have travelled through the starboard fuel tanks, igniting the fuel oil there, setting off the forward magazines and completing the destruction of the ship.
The wreck of Hood revealed the bow section bereft of any structure. A huge section of her side is missing, from the 'A' barbette to the foredeck. The midship section had its plates curled outward. Moreover, the main parts of the forward structure, including the 600 long tons (610 t) conning tower, were found about 1.1 km (0.59 nmi; 0.68 mi) away from the main wreckage.[21] This has sparked theories that the 15 in (380 mm) forward magazines exploded as a result of the force, flames and pressure, caused by the detonation of the aft magazines.[22] However, a team of marine forensic scientists has found that implosion damage to the forward hull due to the rapid sinking of the Hood, is the most likely cause of the state of the forward hull, and they do not support any theory that the forward magazines exploded.[23]
If you have Amazon Prime, I found The Battle of Hood and Bismarck: The Sinking of History's Greatest Warships to be pretty interesting.
I remember reading The Sinking of the Bismarck by William Shirer in 1979 when I was 8. I didn't understand most of it but I liked the pictures and I thought the cover was cool yet sort of creepy. I think I need to track it down to add to the library.
1 Comment Posted on 23Dec17 Hero, Imperial Japanese Navy, Military History, Pacific Theater, PTO, Sailors, Soldiers, US Army, USMC, USN, WWII
76 years ago today – Wake Island
The first landing attempt by the Japanese on 11DEC was driven off by the Marines manning the coastal batteries (6 – 5″/51 cal naval rifles removed from the USS Texas during a refit in the mid-1920s) and the F4F-3 Wildcats of VMF-211 and cost the IJN 2 destroyers.
The Hayate was hit in the magazine by 1 or 2 shells from Battery L on Peale Islet at a range of approximately 4,000 yds. She broke in two and sank within 2 minutes with only 1 survivor being picked up.
The Kisaragi was hit during the withdrawal by the Wildcats of VMF-211. She caught a bomb which took out most of the bridge and possibly set off the depth charges. She went down with all hands in about 5 minutes.
After what could be qualified as a disaster, the IJN was in no mood to play around on the second landing attempt. They detached Sōryū and Hiryū from the returning Pearl Harbor force and upped the number SNLF troops from 450 to almost 2,000.
The second landing attempt started around 0235 following a pre-landing bombardment with fighting continuing into the mid-afternoon before the garrison surrendered.
The US Marines lost 49 killed, two MIA, and 49 wounded during the entire 15-day siege, while three US Navy personnel and at least 70 US civilians were killed, including 10 Chamorros, and 12 civilians wounded. 433 US personnel were captured. USMC History estimates that 125 Japanese were killed in ground combat with another 125 wounded. It also estimates 92 killed and 195 wounded from damaged ships.[13] At least 28 land-based and carrier aircraft were also either shot down or damaged. The Japanese captured all men remaining on the island, the majority of whom were civilian contractors employed by the Morrison-Knudsen Company.[14]
Of those captured, 98 American civilian workers were kept on the island as forced labor. On 07OCT43 the Japanese garrison commander, fearing an attempt by the US to re-take the island, ordered them executed. 97 were executed by machine gun with 1 unknown worker escaping and carving "98 US PW 5-10-43" into a large coral rock near the mass grave of the executed. This unknown American was recaptured and personally executed by the garrison commander. After the war the garrison commander was tried and hanged for war crimes.
Wake Island was surrendered by the Japanese to a detachment of US Marines 04SEP45.
The 98 rock
The Wake Island exhibit at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia, United States, 15 Jan 2007 ww2dbase
Bryan Hiatt
A destroyed Japanese patrol boat (#33) on Wake.
5″/51 caliber gun on Texas 1914.
KAMIKAZE-class profile (IJN Hayate) via http://www.combinedfleet.com/hayate_t.htm
MUTSUKI-class profile (IJN Kisaragi) via http://www.combinedfleet.com/kisara_t.htm
1 Comment Posted on 11Nov17 23Dec17 Aircrew, Hero, Holiday, Marine, Military, Military History, Sailors, Soldiers, Veterans Day
Thank a Veteran today
Happy Veteran's Day to my fellow Vets and as @laststandonzombieisland says:
Remember, today is not about how much you can save on bedding
When I see Dad today, I'll ask him if Valley Forge was as cold as the books claimed…
American troops preparing to sail home from Russia after World War I. Credit via the Library of Congress
M4 Sherman tank fitted with a bulldozer blade supporting US Marine infantry on Iwo Jima, Mar 1945.
1 Comment Posted on 29May17 Aircrew, Holiday, Marine, Military, Military History, Sailors, Soldiers, US Army, USAF, USCG, USMC, USN
149 years ago today – General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order
Today is about the members of our military who gave their lives for our country, not saving on household goods.
General Order
Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,–the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.
By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief
N. P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant-General
Leave a comment Posted on 25Feb17 Battle for the Atlantic, Battleship, Cruiser, Kriegsmarine, Military History, Naval, Royal Navy, Sailors, Weapons, WWII
The Mk38 Gun Mount and Ballistics and Weapons Effectiveness Lessons from Pursuit of the Graf Spee, Part 1
This is the first of a 2 part post by Chuck Hill's CG Blog. Part 1 uses The Battle of the River Plate to help explain the difficulties of just stopping a large ship, never mind actually sinking one.
Part 2 shows the potential weapons systems, tactics and difficulties today's USCG could use to stop a large ship being used for nefarious purposes, either as a weapons carrier or as the actual weapon.
As a naval history buff Part 1 is the most interesting to me but both parts are well worth the time to read.
Photo: Heavy cruiser HMS Exeter seen after the battle, looking aft from the bow. Both forward twin 8″ gun turrets and the firecontrol system were disabled and the bridge destroyed by "splinters."
Admiral Graf Spee in the English Channel in April 1939. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 89566.
Photo: After superstructure of Admiral Graf Spee showing 15 cm/55 and 10.5 cm/65 guns. Note the burned-out Arado Ar 196A-1 floatplane on the catapult and the after main-director rangefinder. Photograph taken at Montevideo, Uruguay in mid-December 1939, following the Battle of the River Plate. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 80976.
Note, this has been edited from the original, based on feedback particularly with regard to the ammunition remaining on Graf Spee after the engagement. I don't believe the thrust of the post has been changed.
This is the first of two parts. Part one will tell a story. Part two will talk about the implications of lessons learned, applied to how the Coast Guard might deal with the threat of terrorists using a medium to large merchant ship to make an attack.
These are themes that will be discussed in part 2 before looking at specific tactics to make the best use of what we have. Hopefully you will see these illustrated in the following story.
In comparing guns, at any given range, the longer ranged weapon generally enjoys an advantage in accuracy.
It is very difficult to sink a ship by gunfire alone.
Ships' structure provide a degree of protection that makes it difficult to comprehensively target the crew of a ship without sinking the ship.
It is difficult to forcibly stop a ship with gunfire alone.
You can run out of ammunition before you accomplish your mission. The depth of your magazine may be important.
But first the story: The Mk38 Gun Mount and Ballistics and Weapons Effectiveness Lessons from Pursuit of the Graf Spee, Part 1
2 Comments Posted on 05Jan17 05Jan17 Battle for the Atlantic, Kriegsmarine, Military, Military History, Naval, Sailors, Submarine, U-Boat, WWII
75 years ago this month
It's 35 degrees Fahrenheit this morning (it feels like a balmy 40 degrees in the shop) and we're supposed to have flurries Friday morning. My blood is too thin for this so here's a picture to remind me it could always be colder and wetter. I feel sure the North Atlantic in January qualifies…
The forward gun crew of U-123 prepare to engage a surface vessel sometime in January 1942.
This view from the conning tower of U-123 shows their intended victim in the distance.
via: http://ww2today.com/
More on U-123
Leave a comment Posted on 07Dec16 Military, Military History, Pacific Theater, Sailors, US Navy, USN, WWI, WWII
Warship Wednesday Dec. 7, 2016: The eclipsing old bird of Battleship Row
Here at LSOZI, we are going to take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1859-1946 time period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all of their own, which sometimes takes them to the strangest places. – Christopher Eger
Here we see the Lapwing ("old bird")-class minesweeper-turned-seaplane tender USS Avocet (AVP-4) from atop a building at Naval Air Station Ford Island, looking toward the Navy Yard. USS Nevada (BB-36) is at right, with her bow afire. Beyond her is the burning USS Shaw (DD-373). Smoke at left comes from the destroyers Cassin (DD-372) and Downes (DD-375), ablaze in Drydock Number One. The day, of course, is December 7, 1941 and you can see the gunners aboard Avocet looking for more Japanese planes (they had already smoked one) at about the time the air raid ended.
Inspired by large seagoing New England fishing trawlers, the Lapwings were 187-foot long ships that were large enough, at 965-tons full, to carry a pair of economical reciprocating diesel engines (or two boilers and one VTE engine) with a decent enough range to make it across the Atlantic on their own (though with a blisteringly slow speed of just 14 knots when wide open on trials.)
Not intended to do much more than clear mines, they were given a couple 3″/23 pop guns to discourage small enemy surface combatants intent to keep minesweepers from clearing said mines. The class leader, Lapwing, designated Auxiliary Minesweeper #1 (AM-1), was laid down at Todd in New York in October 1917 and another 53 soon followed. While five were canceled in November 1918, the other 48 were eventually finished– even if they came to the war a little late.
Which leads us to the hero of our tale, USS Avocet, named after a long-legged, web-footed shore bird found in western and southern states– the first such naval vessel to carry the moniker. Laid down as Minesweeper No. 19 on 13 September 1917 at Baltimore, Maryland by the Baltimore Drydock & Shipbuilding Co, she was commissioned just over a year later on 17 September 1918– some seven weeks before the end of the Great War.
Read the rest here: Warship Wednesday Dec. 7, 2016: The eclipsing old bird of Battleship Row


The Rail Trail Chicks did a fabulous job yesterday at Spartan Fenway. I'm so proud of all of my girls. We really do make a great team. I do have a full recap coming, when my arms work again.
I have to make a trip to the grocery store and the thought of lifting grocery bags makes me want to cry. Sad. I know.
Georgia77! I emailed you. Please respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.
For those of you who didn't win - my discount code for 20% off rwtg20 is good through the end of the year at Charming Ties!
I'm glad you had a great time at the Spartan race yesterday, can't wait to hear about it!
Yay!!! Congrats Jen!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!!
Nice job Rail Trail chicks!!


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While writing my book Fantasy Life, I heard of every imaginable punishment. I heard of leagues where the loser has to we
HomeWhile writing my book Fantasy Life, I heard of every imaginable punishment. I heard of leagues where the loser has to we
While writing my book Fantasy Life, I heard of every imaginable punishment. I heard of leagues where the loser has to wear nothing but a Speedo, dress up as a woman, dress up as a clown, get waxed, get shaved, and swallow a tablespoon of cinnamon while getting slapped in the face by a fish.
At least seven team owners donated $1 million each to Trump inaugural committee. But Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, New York Giants owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk and San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York were among the league power brokers who issued condemning statements through their clubs..
The aftermath is a presidency rocked by its most serious self inflicted crisis yet, exposing dysfunction and distrust within his West Wing and imperiling his agenda. The momentum for the health care bill that passed the House is gone, and a week scheduled to be devoted to Trump preparations for a high stakes foreign trip was overtaken by distractions and fury..
"But if you started something, you had to finish it. I don't care if you don't like it.". WOW. I loved Chris Borland's game but I can't fault him for calling it quits. But interest in making the trip increased as the importance of the game grew. Shortly after the Ravens beat the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, Snyder sold the last of 100 spots on two charter buses.
Do whatever it takes to achieve them. May not even remember it, but I felt bad about it for years. Thus these Bears will lack talent but not motivation, and playoff teams typically prefer the former to outweigh the latter. To compensate for mismatches, the Bears must be the best coached team in the NFC and adhere to the tried but true philosophy of running the ball and stopping the run.
The Seahawks won in Minnesota 38 7 on Dec. 6.. Eventually they will share Stan Kroenke's football palace basketball jersey white in Inglewood, but until then they will compete for fans and dollars in separate locations. The Rams hired young offensive wiz Sean McVay and the Chargers replaced Mike McCoy with Anthony Lynn, so both franchises have new coaches leading them.
That recipe makes for a strong pairing with a Ravens defense that has struggled immensely to defend the pass, allowing at least two touchdown passes in six of seven games going into their Week 9 bye. It's hard to see Baltimore fixing its many issues over one off week, making Bortles a good candidate to extend his own high scoring streak and the Ravens' season long run of misery..
He good at screens. He good at routes out of the backfield, 49ers Shanahan said of McCaffrey earlier this week. Sadly, it is also a trait that is lacking in both the public sphere and also in the masses, especially in the current generation of recent college graduates. The latter group is childrens football jerseys without precedent in recent American history when it comes to aversion to accountability, which is perhaps a consequence of the fact that this generation has been coddled to an extent that was previously unimaginable.
Maybe the Seahawks D is another kind of bird a black swan. That's science's name for an event that can't be predicted because it's never happened before. When the gun sounds, the pack takes off and about three and a half hours later, rounding the turn onto the National Mall, comes a pack of Leas, all but Tracy, who had never intended to pedal all the way. As they near the finish, Bobby and his father slow down and Syd crosses the line first, arms raised in triumph.
Yards in each of past 5 seasons, longest streak in NFL. WR BENNIE FOWLER III had career high 2 TD catches in Week 1. The second one was in the 4th quarter to reliable veteranNate Burleson. Jahvid Best was his usual self on the ground amassing 37 yards, but did grab six balls for another 73, putting him over 100 yards total for the game..
Most positions are not paid.Know a lot about the sport. It helps to be a player or ex player, but it is not essential. John Urschel, offensive lineman for the Ravens and doctoral math student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pulled up a white stool with pink hearts drawn on it, sat in the front of a classroom and tried to tell a room of 14 year olds he was once just like them. They found evidence of CTE in 87 percent of the samples, and in 99 percent of former NFL players' brains..
Twitter said it struck over 40 live stream deals last year and plans to continue bringing live content to its users. "In Q1 2017, we aired more than 800 hours of live stream content from over 400 events across sports, news, politics and entertainment," a spokesman said in a statement.
So, you to can excel at online football gaming competitions all it takes is a little knowledge and time and you will be fine. Trust me friend you will be ok.. Just as Henderson began picking up steam midway through camp he suffered a major setback. A torn ligament in his thumb required surgery that put Henderson rookie season in doubt.
"Whenever I've played since I was a little kid, games never feel perfect. cheap nfl jerseys There's always good, there's always bad. Took him how long to get to Puerto Rico? said Bree Harris, a 25 year old chef and Democrat from Los Angeles. She suspects Trump even know that Puerto Rico was an island that was part of America.
In many respects, the country has changed a lot since then partly because of those unpopular demonstrations. What has not changed is that whites generally resent organized efforts by African Americans to raise grievances and seek change. MATTHEW MILESTONE: Stafford surpassed 30,000 yards passing for his career, becoming the fastest quarterback to reach the mark. He did it in his 109th game Sunday night against Green Bay.
It's all about football all the time. Even though I don't play an athletic position like they do, I still try to take that same mindset of: If it's not going to help me get better at what I want to get better at, then I'm not going to do it. 15% of patients who are infected and have symptoms are not going survive, said Lyons, who is also an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. The survivors, at least 50% will have long term neurological damage that is not going to resolve.
The District of Columbia was the only other place were salaries exceeded this figure. Made approximately $91,000 per year.. In 2015, the Broncos took Missouri DE Shane Ray with the 23rd pick. In 2014, the Chiefs picked Auburn DE Dee Ford at No. Were dominated up front, Elliott said. Couldn get any movement off the ball.
That special teams prowess hasn been seen here since Ted Ginn Jr. (2010 12) and it could earn Bolden a roster spot. Reality television competition shows offer the opportunity to gain fame, notoriety and a sometimes even a cash prize. Aside from the potential prize winnings, though, reality television shows generally do not pay contestants much money.
Sloter thanked the Broncos in a social media post, adding: opportunity coupled with the best decision for me and my family financially was too much to pass up. The Vikings officially re signed seven of Saturday cuts to the 10 man practice squad on Sunday: linebacker Elijah Lee, defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, running back Bronson Hill, receiver Cayleb Jones, defensive tackle Dylan Bradley, cornerback Horace Richardson and tight end Kyle Carter..
Perfectly toned arms, washboard abs or a rock hard backside, most celebrities know what their best asset is and work hard to keep it that way. So what are their secrets? We asked, and it turns out the fittest stars like to change it up. Gregory went into February's scouting combine projected to be among the top 10 picks but he was not taken on the first night of the draft. (Nati Harnik / Associated Press).
Last fall, just as TV ratings went into a tailspin, the National Football League invited fans into a lab designed like a living room. Technicians asked them to watch games, tracking their eyes, heart rates and skin response. After the Super Bowl, one week later, the Pro Bowl is played between the NFC and the AFC. The Pro Bowl teams are made up of the best players in the league..
And really, given his past http://www.cheapjerseysupplyforyou.com/ criticisms of Kaepernick, king of the on field political protest, it really not that surprising after all.agree that America is not perfect, he said, in response to last year bended knee antics by Kaepernick. Agree that there are a lot of issues with minorities in this country.
When Nick Riewoldt took his place for St Kilda in 2001, it was shameful to share a laugh with an opponent after a loss, because players were supposed to be "hurting" too much to smile. Now they could be wearing their opponents' colours within a year, and soon, perhaps, within the same year.
I dont know how much Ive changed as a player. I tell everyone I feel just good today as I felt back in 2009. People might stop and say, "Well, Alabama always has great linebackers," but Foster was evaluated and picked apart by scouts, coaches and GMs in every way imaginable in the leadup to the draft. Where he goes has much more to do with that than just the fact that he played linebacker for the Crimson Tide..
Nike always places the tags lower in the shirt or prints them onto the fabric. Inauthentic jerseys may even misrepresent the Nike Swoosh symbol. Fans can take their pick for the Alabama Game of the Week. Three games have 11 players on the active rosters of the two teams Texans Bengals, Cleveland Browns Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills Carolina Panthers.
Think it goes to not only the quarterback position, but it goes to all those positions that are high cost positions, Roseman said last year when asked about the advantage of quarterbacks on rookie salaries. Escalating salaries, as you see in all these positions, if you get a guy in the top 10 [of the draft] who you have under contract for four plus the option [year], it gives you some flexibility elsewhere, because those are high money positions..
Erinn Reed joins her father, former Buena Vista coach Norwaine Reed, as the first father daughter team in the Hall of Fame. Reed, a 5 foot 5 guard, averaged 25.3 points per game in 91 varsity games. Remarks provoked team owners and the NFL to stridently defend the sport and its players. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has taken heat for Kaepernick struggle to find a team, quickly condemned Trump comments..
That makes his average of 1,368 yards per season even more impressive. He had 1,527 yards in his second season and then a career high 1,863 yards in his seventh season, which if played out over a 16 game schedule would still be a league record 2,129 yards.
Lane and Adams tangled and fell to the ground, Adams shoving Lane as much Lane shoved Adams. One of Lane's forearms did catch Lane around the face mask. Jonathan Vaughters: For the cobbled classics we got potentially the best team in the world. That said, the team that Fabian Cancellara (winner of the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix this year) rides for will be a pretty damn good team too.
The custom basketball jersey design online stance I am taking today did not come easily. It's heartbreaking, actually.. "The NFL and our players are at our best when we help create a sense of unity in our country and our culture. There is no better example than the amazing response from our clubs and players to the terrible natural disasters we've experienced over the last month," Goodell said.
Simone Boyce is an Emmy nominated news reporter, anchor and producer with over 4 million views on You Tube. As a reporter on the KTLA 5 Morning News, she enjoys covering political headlines and local perspectives on immigration, race relations and the environment.
Based statistics so far, you would be very impressed with the team. They are averaging a league leading 31.2 points a game and have only permitted 7.2 points a game. The talk around the NFL has been a little different this year about the Lions, than in the past. The Detroit Lions finished with a 10 6 record this season, second only to the Green Bay Packers.
That's that's a loooooong time to go before worrying about renegotiating it. But at some point soon, it's going to hit a ceiling. This is the first time he had a bad day. Chargers have started 0 2, with losses to the Broncos and the Dolphins both ending on Koo misses from 44 yards away.
Concussion has one interesting running theme that America has stopped being the place of fulfilling dreams, for immigrants or others. When that disenchanted mantra keeps getting repeated in a wide release picture starring Will Smith, something may really be up..
Port Charlotte High School (PCHS) is a four year, comprehensive, public high school located in Port Charlotte, Florida, US. The school opened in 1982, its mascot is the pirate, and the school motto is "Yes, I am a Pirate."[1] It is operated by Charlotte County Public Schools.[3] With 2,082 students cheap jerseys wholesale enrolled in grades Grades 9 through 12, Port Charlotte High School has more students than any other public school in Charlotte County.[5] Enrollment was traditionally based on students' geographic locations,[6] but is now by choice under the more recently created open enrollment program.[7] The school has grown much, and it survived Hurricane Charley.
The lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston on Thursday claims that the team and league deprived Avielle Hernandez of the companionship of her father. It is separate from a $1 billion settlement in which the league agreed to pay families of players who suffered brain damage because of repeated head trauma while playing football..
After Monday night's 20 17 loss to the Vikings, the Bears' condensed turnaround for Sunday's game against the Ravens prevented Trubisky from reviewing his debut to the extent he normally would after a Sunday game. But even without logging onto his iPad and into the game video library, two passes stood out..
I just don see a guy being able to change directions the way he done in the past. Is currently no firm timetable for Verrett return. For college teams, he might assist in recruiting high school players by traveling to their games and meeting the players, their coaches and their families. At the professional level, offensive coordinators might help out with scouting and drafting the right prospects.Qualifications and ExperienceAn offensive coordinator needs outstanding interpersonal, leadership and communication skills to be successful.
The main advantage of futures is that you can get appealing odds by betting far in advance of when the event takes place. For example, betting on the 2006 Masters golf tournament now might get you much better value on Tiger Woods, who may be 10/1 at this moment but dip to 6/1 closer to the event if he is on a roll..
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Bringing people into an environment where they are used to watching video for extended lengths, Schroeder said. We anxious to see is how putting video into a video first experience leads to consumption of NFL live games. For the Dallas Cowboy faithful, NFL Hall of Famer, Troy Aikman only ranks 41st All Time, with an 81.6 QB rating. The bottom line is: What has Tony Romo done in his 6 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys? Jack and squat!.
The NFL decided against switching the game to Thursday night in Miami. Yates on the injured reserve list in making a series of moves before their season opener against the New York Jets on Sunday.. It is because it provides opportunities to its citizens that no other country does. The issue is that it doesn provide equal opportunity to everybody..
The sprawling dining hall features a full bar, stone fireplace and stained glass, domed ceiling. Gosford also has experience in copywriting, having developed a series of articles related to network marketing.. Other Linebacker CoachesLinebacker coaches at the lowest levels of competition such as junior high or high school football do not earn anywhere near what college and NFL linebacker coaches earn. Linebacker coaches at public high schools generally receive several thousand dollars for an entire season or may even work for free.
Proposal did not offer to return the 320M taken from players by the elimination of certain benefits in 2010. It replica jerseys also did not offer to compensate over 200 players who were adversely affected in basketball vest tops 2010 by a change in the free agency rules. "League traditions disfavor relocations if a club has been well supported and financially successful and is expected to remain so. Relocation pursuant to Article 4.3 may be available, however, if a club's viability in its home territory is threatened by circumstances that cannot be remedied by diligent efforts of the club working, as appropriate, in conjunction with the League Office, or if compelling League interests warrant a franchise relocation.".
Giant prints aren't limited to baseball stadiums. Sports fans can find landscape panoramas of NASCAR venues, NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, NHL rinks, and even college sites like Clemson University's famed "Death Valley," also known as Clemson Memorial Stadium.
Enjoy it. Have fun with it. The crowd booed as the Ravens held hands and dropped to a knee as a team. The players stood as one before the song, during which fans customarily chanted in tribute to the Orioles during say can you see you see?. Both the number of people playing fantasy football and the amount of money being spent on it have increased rapidly make your own custom basketball jersey recently with the advent of daily fantasy sports betting fantasy games in which people bet on players' performances in a single game rather than over an entire season. Armed with enormous TV advertising budgets, companies like FanDuel and DraftKings have convinced millions of people to put a little money on this running back or that QB..
Central State UniversityCentral State University is a historically black university located in Wilberforce, Ohio. The university has been in existence for nearly 125 years, and it is Ohio's only predominantly African American institution of higher education that is open to the public.
Listen, we've been in much worse stadiums, believe me. And they still have great fan support. FILE In this Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, file photo, the Dallas Cowboys, led by owner Jerry Jones, center, take a knee prior to the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals authentic gameday nfl jerseys in Glendale, Ariz.
San Francisco 49ers Keith Reaser (27) fights for a fumble by the Los Angeles Chargers against Los Angeles Chargers Dan Feeney (66) in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Thursday, August 31, 2017. San Francisco 49ers Ray Ray Armstrong (54) recovered the ball.
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Still, I'm puzzled by the whole Joe Mixon thing. As long as they were dealing in players with character questions, the Vikings easily could have said lovely things about a new and mature Joe Mixon, now an employee of the Cincinnati Bengals. A pro style QB in college and a big 6 4 frame built for the AFC North, I like Kizer for the Browns more than Deshaun Watson if both are still on the board. I like Trubisky to Cleveland more than both of them, but I think he's off the board by 12..
One week earlier, Saskatchewan offence had a 50.1 per cent success rate. Winnipeg was far behind at 39.3, but that percentage did not account for the Bombers repeated big plays. The cornerback matched up with Atlanta's Julio Jones on 34 plays. Jones caught two passes for 9 yards with Breaux in coverage.
Jaguars vs. Panthers Live S tream 12.09.2015 Indiegogo 6 hours ago You can watch Carolina Panthers vs Jacksonville Jaguars Live Streaming NFL Football Game, TV Start Time, Carolina Panthers vs. He takes care of himself. Plays from whistle to whistle and always looks like the most energized player on the field.
Trump is on Twitter offering a salute to Jones, who Trump says BENCH players who disrespect our Flag. Writes that National League Football players should for Anthem or sit for game! said Sunday, we are disrespecting the flag, then we won play. Exactly what I was going through. My hands would shake so much I couldn throw strikes.
Dixon spent the last month of last season with the exception of a few days on Pittsburgh's practice squad. On defense Dixon is third string.. Michigan, Paw Paw, Michigan. There will be a reception in the church basement following the service. The Miami Dolphins have a few tough decisions to make as the Sept. 2 cuts from the 90 player training camp roster to the 53 man regular season roster approaches, and this week's practices and final preseason game could swing a vote or two on several units.
Fun. It reminds you that Tom old. They didn screw up the top pick and got versatile Jabrill Peppers. I appreciate Cleveland not forcing the issue at QB, but I have a bad feeling Brock Osweiler will be the starter come Week 1. Anderson owners are looking for a sign, any sign, that he can recapture his form from last season, and the lowly Browns run defense presents that opportunity. Either way, relief should be ahead.
10, 1897. He attended college at Montana and later played in one NFL game in 1928 for the Frankford Yellow Jackets, coached by Nebraska native Ed Weir. "In determining that a violation occurred, we applied the standard of proof stated in the Integrity of the Game Policy: namely, preponderance of the evidence, meaning that 'as a whole, the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.' This is a well recognized legal standard, which is applied in courts and workplaces every day throughout the country. The evidence gathered during the investigation and reviewed in the report more than satisfy this standard and demonstrate an ongoing plan by at least certain Patriots' employees to deflate footballs, to do so in a secretive manner after the game officials have certified the footballs as suitable for play, and to hide these activities even from their own supervisors..
20. Tina Hutchinson (Women's Basketball) An incredible basketball talent at East St. Asking Hill to shoulder significantly more of a load than he has since high school, while exhibiting the all around receiving skills to defeat the variety of coverages he'll face, may be a bit much as is asking him to score a pair of rushing touchdowns of at least 68 yards, as he did last year. As for those big plays on the ground, they speak to another reason to temper optimism, because gadget players don't tend to become consistent weapons..
Rather than risk performance, Gonzalez started adding some meat back to his food plan. Today, he eats a largely vegetarian diet, with small amounts of fish or chicken and large quantities of vegan protein powder. Certain that saccharin was a danger, Wiley took his case to President Theodore Roosevelt. But Roosevelt would have none of it, as he was using saccharin to manage his weight.
Our organization takes great pride in equality and inclusion and find the comments by the President disappointing and inappropriate relative to our players on this issue. Our players and our organization serve the New Orleans community selflessly and do so without care of race, creed or sexual orientation and that makes us a better city and a better team. We believe strongly in honoring our flag and the national anthem and what it represents and we support our players.
After your cool down, devote about five minutes to static stretching, making sure to hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.4 of 30Skip the high cal, butt widening, sugar spiked baked goods and sip this hydrating, nutrient packed juice from Eric Helms, founder and owner of Juice Generation, when you want a sweet snack that sneaks in servings of produce to boot: In a juicer, combine 2 to 3 carrots (greens removed), 1 seeded apple, 1/2 small beet, and 1/4 peeled lemon. This combo will boost your vitamin A levels while also giving your skin a rosy glow and providing a little natural SPF for your skin thanks to all of the caroteoids packed in the beets and carrots.5 of 30You can get the mind body benefits of yoga without even rolling out a mat: Just work some poses and pauses into your morning grind, says Erin Moone, co owner of StarCycle, an indoor cycling studio in Portland, OR.
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Hi, I'm Catherine freelance designer and illustrator based in Kalgoorlie, West Australia. My passion for illustration and typography began when I completed my Bachelors Degree in Computer Graphic Design from the University of Waikato in 2010. After graduating I worked full-time as a Graphic Designer for Hanson Creative in Cambridge New Zealand for a year before moving to Kalgoorlie in 2011.
Since then I have worked for myself part-time while having a family. I have two beautiful boys who are growing up way too fast!! A dog that love's a walk and a chicken neck. A house that would just love a makeover and a loving husband that I honestly would not change a thing about.
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