"We are cautiously optimistic that we will have it all up and ready for Saturday's tree lighting, with the Conway Village Fire Department setting up the lights at 10 a.m. Thursday. That's our plan," said Conway town manager Earl Sires late Wednesday afternoon, after town crews worked to check the old lights that have been used for years to light the conifer at the Conway Village Information Booth.
The annual Conway Christmas parade is definitely not going to happen — but the tree lighting, caroling, and the serving of hot chocolate and other refreshments will take place as originally scheduled.
Still to be worked out is whether a screening of a children's film will take place at the Majestic Hometown Theatre.
Sires, saying he felt a bit like Clark Griswold in "Christmas Vacation" when crews checked out the old bulbs from the tree Wednesday, said "a few popped," but others were found to be in working order.
"We had 16 sets of lights resuscitated," said Sires.
Other businesses have come to the aid of the effort. PainCare donated additional lights, and The Conway Daily Sun offered to donate $500 toward the purchase of energy efficient LED lights, whether for this or next year.
Other local businesses also stepped up with donations of lights and refreshments.
Sires worked Wednesday to get the lighting ceremony back on for Saturday at 5 p.m., collaborating with Janice Crawford, executive director of the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Melody Nester of the chamber and the MWV Skating Club.
Also involved were chief Steve Solomon of the Conway Village Fire Department and Conway Village Water Precinct commissioner Joe Quirk, operator of the Majestic Hometown Theater and a past Conway Village Chamber president.
The efforts took place after a story ran in Wednesday's Conway Daily Sun and on the paper's Facebook page, saying that the annual Conway Village holiday parade and tree lighting were not going to happen this year due to a combination of factors — most notably, that since the Conway Village Chamber dissolved in May, no one had taken the lead to organize the events.
The MWV Chamber took over the running of the Conway chamber's information booth after that vote, but not the Conway chamber's events, Crawford underscored this week.
The MWV Skating Club had offered to lead the tree-lighting efforts in recent weeks, but the club's Nester had run out of time during the Thanksgiving holiday week when she sought to buy new LED lights as she was leaving the area due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
"Melody wanted to buy LED lights. We were not looking for cheap lights as we wanted to make sure they would last and the money would not be wasted," said Crawford.
At Conway selectmen's weekly board meeting Tuesday, selectman Larry Martin — who is employed by the N.H. Electric Cooperative — threw his support for giving some of his own money to the effort, as well as pledging his help to obtaining LED lights, using his electric co-op expertise. "He said that would not happen until Dec. 17, however," said Crawford Wednesday.
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Hella Lighting Featured on New 2012 Volkswagen From Puebla
A major global supplier of automotive lighting and electronics, Hella has lighting production facilities with more than 2,000 employees in Mexico - two in Guadalajara and one in Mexico City.
Shown for the first time at this year's New York International Auto Show, the new Beetle is equipped with Hella headlamps, fog lamps, front side markers, tail lamps, rear reflex reflectors and a center high-mounted LED stop lamp.
In addition, Hella Electronics' products supplied for the new vehicle from the company's San Jose Iturbide manufacturing plant include daylight-running-lamp printed circuit boards, which are part of an energy-saving module.
"Hella's relationship with Volkswagen and the VW Beetle dates back to the first Beetle prototype in 1935 and the start of mass production in 1945," said Ignacio Moreno, CEO of Hella Lighting for the Americas and president of Hella's Corporate Center Mexico. "Our lighting partnership with Volkswagen has continued on a variety of Beetle models over the years."
Volkswagen officially started production of the new Beetle in July at its Puebla plant during ceremonies attended by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Hubert Waltl, board member for Production and Logistics at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Hella began development of its lighting programs for the new 2012 Beetle in 2009. To develop the tail lamps, members of Hella's engineering and product development staff in North America led a core design team located in Lippstadt, Germany. The headlamps were designed by an engineering team in the Czech Republic.
Hella will be providing halogen and HID versions of the headlamp for use in the Americas and Europe. Hella's halogen headlamp uses a standard reflector system using an HB2/H4 bulb for high and low beams. Daytime running-lamp and position-lamp functions are achieved by using one double filament bulb. Production of the halogen version of the headlamps for the new Beetle started earlier this year at a Hella plant in Mexico City.
Hella's HID headlamp consists of a bi-xenon projector using an innovative 25-watt burner - an energy-efficient solution that offers savings of 30W when compared to halogen-bulb solutions. Hella also uses LED technology to generate daytime running-lamp and position-light functions. The LED arrangement gives the headlamp a distinctive appearance.
One of many Hella lamps on the new Beetle is a front side-marker single-function lamp. Located in the front fender of the vehicle near the wheels, the side-marker is a single lamp that uses standard bulb technology.
The rear-reflectors are a safety features that reflect light, enabling other motorists to see a parked vehicle or a vehicle driving without the tail lamps on. It is integrated into the rear bumper. Hella also provides VW with a six-function tail lamp. Stop and tail-lamp functions feature a dual filament 21/5-watt incandescent bulb. The turn signal and backup lights use standard bulbs. The side reflex reflector is incorporated in the lens of the tail lamp. The side marker function (only required for the US market), is achieved by using a single LED. This function assures basic visibility of the vehicle at night.
Shown for the first time at this year's New York International Auto Show, the new Beetle is equipped with Hella headlamps, fog lamps, front side markers, tail lamps, rear reflex reflectors and a center high-mounted LED stop lamp.
In addition, Hella Electronics' products supplied for the new vehicle from the company's San Jose Iturbide manufacturing plant include daylight-running-lamp printed circuit boards, which are part of an energy-saving module.
"Hella's relationship with Volkswagen and the VW Beetle dates back to the first Beetle prototype in 1935 and the start of mass production in 1945," said Ignacio Moreno, CEO of Hella Lighting for the Americas and president of Hella's Corporate Center Mexico. "Our lighting partnership with Volkswagen has continued on a variety of Beetle models over the years."
Volkswagen officially started production of the new Beetle in July at its Puebla plant during ceremonies attended by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Hubert Waltl, board member for Production and Logistics at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Hella began development of its lighting programs for the new 2012 Beetle in 2009. To develop the tail lamps, members of Hella's engineering and product development staff in North America led a core design team located in Lippstadt, Germany. The headlamps were designed by an engineering team in the Czech Republic.
Hella will be providing halogen and HID versions of the headlamp for use in the Americas and Europe. Hella's halogen headlamp uses a standard reflector system using an HB2/H4 bulb for high and low beams. Daytime running-lamp and position-lamp functions are achieved by using one double filament bulb. Production of the halogen version of the headlamps for the new Beetle started earlier this year at a Hella plant in Mexico City.
Hella's HID headlamp consists of a bi-xenon projector using an innovative 25-watt burner - an energy-efficient solution that offers savings of 30W when compared to halogen-bulb solutions. Hella also uses LED technology to generate daytime running-lamp and position-light functions. The LED arrangement gives the headlamp a distinctive appearance.
One of many Hella lamps on the new Beetle is a front side-marker single-function lamp. Located in the front fender of the vehicle near the wheels, the side-marker is a single lamp that uses standard bulb technology.
The rear-reflectors are a safety features that reflect light, enabling other motorists to see a parked vehicle or a vehicle driving without the tail lamps on. It is integrated into the rear bumper. Hella also provides VW with a six-function tail lamp. Stop and tail-lamp functions feature a dual filament 21/5-watt incandescent bulb. The turn signal and backup lights use standard bulbs. The side reflex reflector is incorporated in the lens of the tail lamp. The side marker function (only required for the US market), is achieved by using a single LED. This function assures basic visibility of the vehicle at night.
Monday 28 November 2011
Set decorators use decor to flesh out characters
Our rooms speak volumes about us — and set decorators for television shows specialize in knowing what they can say.
Using colors, accessories and telling details, set decorators help flesh out a character, whether it's a working-class stiff in a worn-in apartment or a wealthy doyenne in a slick salon.
For Los Angeles-based set decorator Lynda Burbank, "homey" means vegetable soup. "I love the soup palette of sage green, burnt orange and warm beige — these colors are very soothing and make people feel comfortable in the set," she says.
For the sitcom "Mike and Molly" on CBS, she packs her sets with details: "Mike's mom's house was a delight to do. I found a fabulous blue recliner with a drink holder where she spends a lot of time. She's surrounded by nail polish and various medications. Her house reflects that she reads a lot, mostly romance novels. She's Irish Catholic, so there are statues that reflect that. When the set first appeared, people came up to me and said it reminded them of their Aunt Sally in Wisconsin, and I was so pleased."
In one scene, Mike's mother's boyfriend Dennis was supposed to represent a cautionary warning to Mike about leading too solitary a life. Burbank put Dennis' personal kit from the Vietnam war on the dining room table, as if he'd been sitting and reliving his past. "Also a couple of shirts on the back of the door in plastic bags from the dry cleaners — so impersonal, so lonely," she recalls.
The room was only seen once, but it drove home a plot point: Mike realizes what might be in store for him if he doesn't take a chance on love, with Molly.
For the pilot of the CBS show "Two Broke Girls" (the show is currently decorated by Amy Feldman), Burbank worked with Glenda Rovello on the loft of a young, wealthy woman who has twin babies and not a clue about motherhood. "The set reflected that, with a lamp shaped like a gun, sharp-edged sculpture and other things that weren't child-friendly," Burbank said.
Clutter and collections of things give a room a "lived-in" look, says Archie D'Amico, set decorator for ABC's "Cougar Town." He also has worked on "Ugly Betty" and "NYPD Blue."
Set decorators have hundreds of prop houses and stores in Los Angeles or New York from which to shop. "Very often I'll need something tomorrow, if not sooner," says Laura Richarz, who has decorated sets on "Married with Children," ''Everybody Loves Chris" and "True Blood."
Richarz says she starts by trying to see the room "through the eyes of the characters that live there. What would happen on a daily basis in this set if it were a real home? Who uses it, how old are they, what's their means of support? Do they watch TV, do handcrafts?"
Beth Kushnik, set decorator on CBS' "The Good Wife," notes that while the main character's world was downsized after a divorce, "she still had a comfortable degree of wealth. Her apartment was created as if she'd hired a decorator to give her and her two teenagers a relaxed haven. I used lush fabrics, silk lamp shades and beautiful linens."
Using colors, accessories and telling details, set decorators help flesh out a character, whether it's a working-class stiff in a worn-in apartment or a wealthy doyenne in a slick salon.
For Los Angeles-based set decorator Lynda Burbank, "homey" means vegetable soup. "I love the soup palette of sage green, burnt orange and warm beige — these colors are very soothing and make people feel comfortable in the set," she says.
For the sitcom "Mike and Molly" on CBS, she packs her sets with details: "Mike's mom's house was a delight to do. I found a fabulous blue recliner with a drink holder where she spends a lot of time. She's surrounded by nail polish and various medications. Her house reflects that she reads a lot, mostly romance novels. She's Irish Catholic, so there are statues that reflect that. When the set first appeared, people came up to me and said it reminded them of their Aunt Sally in Wisconsin, and I was so pleased."
In one scene, Mike's mother's boyfriend Dennis was supposed to represent a cautionary warning to Mike about leading too solitary a life. Burbank put Dennis' personal kit from the Vietnam war on the dining room table, as if he'd been sitting and reliving his past. "Also a couple of shirts on the back of the door in plastic bags from the dry cleaners — so impersonal, so lonely," she recalls.
The room was only seen once, but it drove home a plot point: Mike realizes what might be in store for him if he doesn't take a chance on love, with Molly.
For the pilot of the CBS show "Two Broke Girls" (the show is currently decorated by Amy Feldman), Burbank worked with Glenda Rovello on the loft of a young, wealthy woman who has twin babies and not a clue about motherhood. "The set reflected that, with a lamp shaped like a gun, sharp-edged sculpture and other things that weren't child-friendly," Burbank said.
Clutter and collections of things give a room a "lived-in" look, says Archie D'Amico, set decorator for ABC's "Cougar Town." He also has worked on "Ugly Betty" and "NYPD Blue."
Set decorators have hundreds of prop houses and stores in Los Angeles or New York from which to shop. "Very often I'll need something tomorrow, if not sooner," says Laura Richarz, who has decorated sets on "Married with Children," ''Everybody Loves Chris" and "True Blood."
Richarz says she starts by trying to see the room "through the eyes of the characters that live there. What would happen on a daily basis in this set if it were a real home? Who uses it, how old are they, what's their means of support? Do they watch TV, do handcrafts?"
Beth Kushnik, set decorator on CBS' "The Good Wife," notes that while the main character's world was downsized after a divorce, "she still had a comfortable degree of wealth. Her apartment was created as if she'd hired a decorator to give her and her two teenagers a relaxed haven. I used lush fabrics, silk lamp shades and beautiful linens."
Sunday 27 November 2011
My Place: Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home has the classic hallmarks
The house incorporates most of the familiar Wright features: a carport rather than a garage, an open living plan with the dining area flowing into the living room, indirect lighting, built-in cabinets and bookshelves, small bedrooms and baths. The house has modular cast-concrete tile walls, inside and out, above-ground 4-by-4-foot-square concrete slab floors, embedded with hot water pipes that produce radiant heat. Much of the furniture is built in to fit the house, and wide windows offer views of the landscape.
The roof is suspended over interior walls by clerestory windows. Corner windows are mitered glass, and the ceiling continues in an unbroken line from the inside of the house to the exterior.
Wright made some design concessions for the Browns. He designed the living room to accommodate Ann Brown's two small grand pianos; Ann taught piano, and used one piano for herself and one for her students.
The 19-foot-long galley-type kitchen is larger than most in Wright homes. Wright gave Ann a choice of having kitchen windows or more cabinets, and Ann chose cabinets. She also wanted space for a washer and dryer in the kitchen area.
Lengthening his usual compact Usonian design to 130 feet, the architect also added a bedroom and bath for Ann's father on the end opposite the carport. The room's elaborately designed ceiling has a chapel-like quality, perhaps intentional because Ann's father was a minister.
When Wright added the father's room and bath, he also added a maid's room and tiny half-bath. The Browns used the maid's room as quarters for a college student, who provided baby-sitting and household help in exchange for room and supper. Curtis and Kathy use it now as a small guest room.
The maid's room is the only one in the house with a flat roof. It also is the only room that does not look out over the lake.
Wright designed one spacious room for the Browns' three sons to use for sleeping, playing and studying instead of the three small bedrooms he originally planned. Two sets of bunk beds were installed in one corner of the room, which the Browns called the playroom. The Curtis-Smiths stored the beds, and Curtis uses this space as his office.
Curtis and Kathy brought a china cabinet, antique marbletop table, Javanese table and a grand piano into the house. Most of the other furniture — including the dining room table, coffee table, modular couches and hassocks — was designed by Wright and came with the house.
The couple was delighted with the house and its spaciousness, but there was work to be done. The house was 50 years old and little had changed.
Major renovations included a new roof, furnace and boiler. Lighting was upgraded throughout. They installed a skylight in the kitchen and LED lights above the kitchen counter and brought in a new refrigerator, double-drawer dishwasher, four-burner gas stove, microwave oven and washer and dryer.
"Yes, the remodeling and appliances were expensive, and there were unique challenges, but that's par for the course for Wright houses. And we think it is worth it," Kathy said.
An 86-foot-long hallway with 48 feet of closets along the walls is one unique feature of the house. Curtis pointed out piano hinges on doors and other cupboards throughout the house.
The roof is suspended over interior walls by clerestory windows. Corner windows are mitered glass, and the ceiling continues in an unbroken line from the inside of the house to the exterior.
Wright made some design concessions for the Browns. He designed the living room to accommodate Ann Brown's two small grand pianos; Ann taught piano, and used one piano for herself and one for her students.
The 19-foot-long galley-type kitchen is larger than most in Wright homes. Wright gave Ann a choice of having kitchen windows or more cabinets, and Ann chose cabinets. She also wanted space for a washer and dryer in the kitchen area.
Lengthening his usual compact Usonian design to 130 feet, the architect also added a bedroom and bath for Ann's father on the end opposite the carport. The room's elaborately designed ceiling has a chapel-like quality, perhaps intentional because Ann's father was a minister.
When Wright added the father's room and bath, he also added a maid's room and tiny half-bath. The Browns used the maid's room as quarters for a college student, who provided baby-sitting and household help in exchange for room and supper. Curtis and Kathy use it now as a small guest room.
The maid's room is the only one in the house with a flat roof. It also is the only room that does not look out over the lake.
Wright designed one spacious room for the Browns' three sons to use for sleeping, playing and studying instead of the three small bedrooms he originally planned. Two sets of bunk beds were installed in one corner of the room, which the Browns called the playroom. The Curtis-Smiths stored the beds, and Curtis uses this space as his office.
Curtis and Kathy brought a china cabinet, antique marbletop table, Javanese table and a grand piano into the house. Most of the other furniture — including the dining room table, coffee table, modular couches and hassocks — was designed by Wright and came with the house.
The couple was delighted with the house and its spaciousness, but there was work to be done. The house was 50 years old and little had changed.
Major renovations included a new roof, furnace and boiler. Lighting was upgraded throughout. They installed a skylight in the kitchen and LED lights above the kitchen counter and brought in a new refrigerator, double-drawer dishwasher, four-burner gas stove, microwave oven and washer and dryer.
"Yes, the remodeling and appliances were expensive, and there were unique challenges, but that's par for the course for Wright houses. And we think it is worth it," Kathy said.
An 86-foot-long hallway with 48 feet of closets along the walls is one unique feature of the house. Curtis pointed out piano hinges on doors and other cupboards throughout the house.
Thursday 24 November 2011
Wyckoff crossing guards earn the spotlight
They were recently equipped with LED blinking signs to better direct motorists at crossings of children heading to and home from the district's five schools.
The township has 16 crossing posts staffed by 23 guards, each of whom received a sign. The signs cost $300 each and their purchase was funded by the township, K-8 district and Wyckoff PTOs.
Police Chief Benjamin Fox unveiled the signs at a Township Committee meeting Monday, Nov. 14, at which time the crossing guards also were honored for their dedication to public safety.
Fox told the governing body that the guards have the "single most dangerous job in municipal government."
He said that in the township, 85 percent of children are driven to school, "resulting in congestion in school zones far beyond what the streets were designed to handle."
China's export on LED lighting products is getting stronger and stronger and has held an extremely large share in the world market. As a leading enterprise in LED lighting, undertaking the mission of "Lighting makes life better", Sunfor always focuses on innovation and has obtained a number of patents, and Sunfor consistently takes quality, low-carbon and pro-environment as their core competitiveness.
He said the signs will improve visibility among drivers in foggy weather and also when there is sun glare., which Fox said is a problem for any motorist traveling east, such as at the intersections of Sicomac Avenue and Terhune Terrace and Hillcrest and Wyckoff avenues.
"It doesn't occur every day, but if you have what you know is a sun glare situation, you have to be extra careful because the approaching vehicles might not be able to see you," Fox said. "LED lights make you stand out more."
Mayor Kevin Rooney thanked the crossing guards and read a proclamation., noting that the police had recently received the 2011 Award of Excellence from the American Automobile Association of North Jersey for its efforts to promote pedestrian safety.
In a separate interview on Nov. 16, Fox described crossing guards, many of whom have been with Wyckoff for years, as the "unknown" township employees.
"They just simply report to their post and leave, but they're town employees and they're out there in lousy weather," Fox said. "I thought it would be really nice to recognize them for their efforts, thank them for their concern and just generally make an evening that was for them for some personal recognition."
The township has 16 crossing posts staffed by 23 guards, each of whom received a sign. The signs cost $300 each and their purchase was funded by the township, K-8 district and Wyckoff PTOs.
Police Chief Benjamin Fox unveiled the signs at a Township Committee meeting Monday, Nov. 14, at which time the crossing guards also were honored for their dedication to public safety.
Fox told the governing body that the guards have the "single most dangerous job in municipal government."
He said that in the township, 85 percent of children are driven to school, "resulting in congestion in school zones far beyond what the streets were designed to handle."
China's export on LED lighting products is getting stronger and stronger and has held an extremely large share in the world market. As a leading enterprise in LED lighting, undertaking the mission of "Lighting makes life better", Sunfor always focuses on innovation and has obtained a number of patents, and Sunfor consistently takes quality, low-carbon and pro-environment as their core competitiveness.
He said the signs will improve visibility among drivers in foggy weather and also when there is sun glare., which Fox said is a problem for any motorist traveling east, such as at the intersections of Sicomac Avenue and Terhune Terrace and Hillcrest and Wyckoff avenues.
"It doesn't occur every day, but if you have what you know is a sun glare situation, you have to be extra careful because the approaching vehicles might not be able to see you," Fox said. "LED lights make you stand out more."
Mayor Kevin Rooney thanked the crossing guards and read a proclamation., noting that the police had recently received the 2011 Award of Excellence from the American Automobile Association of North Jersey for its efforts to promote pedestrian safety.
In a separate interview on Nov. 16, Fox described crossing guards, many of whom have been with Wyckoff for years, as the "unknown" township employees.
"They just simply report to their post and leave, but they're town employees and they're out there in lousy weather," Fox said. "I thought it would be really nice to recognize them for their efforts, thank them for their concern and just generally make an evening that was for them for some personal recognition."
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Night before Thanksgiving has become a big night for clubs ... and State Police
Bob Pereira expects more than 1,000 people to spend the early hours of Thanksgiving at his nightclub, Providence, preceding their feast on turkey and cranberry sauce with vodka-tonics and beers.
"Without even blinking, we know that will happen," said Pereira, owner of three New York City clubs as well as the 11,000-square-foot venue at The Quarter in Tropicana Casino and Resort. "It's a marquee night in the history of nightlife."
The combination of college students coming home for the holiday and locals going out to celebrate their day off has made Thanksgiving Eve an alcohol-driven night of revelry nationwide. The night has earned the name "Black Wednesday" in some circles, in this case referring to the "blacked-out" state of many who drink beyond their limit.
"Historically, we were thinking of Thanksgiving as a time of families gathering," said Lt. Steve Jones, spokesman for the State Police, "but over the last several years it's become more of a drinking holiday."
From 2000 to 2009, 5,521 people died in car accidents nationwide over the Thanksgiving holiday period — more than any other holiday. About 36 percent of those deaths were attributed to drunken driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show.
Jones said that five people were killed in accidents last year in New Jersey over the Thanksgiving weekend, from the Wednesday night before to the Monday morning after.
In the past, groups such as The HERO Campaign have handed out T-shirts to sober drivers at checkpoints to promote designated drivers. Mothers Against Drunk Driving makes an annual push for awareness of the dangers of excessive drinking over the holidays, pointing at Thanksgiving as the beginning.
The number of alcohol-related fatalities has decreased over the decades. In 1982, there were 601 fatalities of which 51 percent were due to a DWI. In 2009, there were 411 fatalities of which 34 percent were attributed to drunken driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show.
But on nights like Thanksgiving Eve where there is the potential that other drivers could be drunk, staying off the roads is the best way to avoid an accident.
At Atlantic City's casinos, room rates are relatively low on the night before Thanksgiving, even at those hotels that expect to attract crowds of partygoers.
On Tuesday night, the lowest rate for a room at Tropicana on Wednesday night was $69.99, despite the several clubs that planned to be packed in its entertainment corridor The Quarter.
Providence is typically only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but Pereira said he has opened it every year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
"We expect it to be as strong as a big Saturday and our biggest holiday nights," he said. "We staff our venue as we would for our busiest night."
On Tuesday afternoon, he drove from New York City to watch his staff install new LED lighting and perform and check the sound systems. The spacious club was aglow in shades of pink and blue, with spinning lights shining off the empty dance floor.
By 1 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, the inside is expected to be packed shoulder to shoulder, with a line of people waiting to get in. The club's capacity is almost 800, but he said they would admit more people than that over the course of the night as people come and go.
"Without even blinking, we know that will happen," said Pereira, owner of three New York City clubs as well as the 11,000-square-foot venue at The Quarter in Tropicana Casino and Resort. "It's a marquee night in the history of nightlife."
The combination of college students coming home for the holiday and locals going out to celebrate their day off has made Thanksgiving Eve an alcohol-driven night of revelry nationwide. The night has earned the name "Black Wednesday" in some circles, in this case referring to the "blacked-out" state of many who drink beyond their limit.
"Historically, we were thinking of Thanksgiving as a time of families gathering," said Lt. Steve Jones, spokesman for the State Police, "but over the last several years it's become more of a drinking holiday."
From 2000 to 2009, 5,521 people died in car accidents nationwide over the Thanksgiving holiday period — more than any other holiday. About 36 percent of those deaths were attributed to drunken driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show.
Jones said that five people were killed in accidents last year in New Jersey over the Thanksgiving weekend, from the Wednesday night before to the Monday morning after.
In the past, groups such as The HERO Campaign have handed out T-shirts to sober drivers at checkpoints to promote designated drivers. Mothers Against Drunk Driving makes an annual push for awareness of the dangers of excessive drinking over the holidays, pointing at Thanksgiving as the beginning.
The number of alcohol-related fatalities has decreased over the decades. In 1982, there were 601 fatalities of which 51 percent were due to a DWI. In 2009, there were 411 fatalities of which 34 percent were attributed to drunken driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show.
But on nights like Thanksgiving Eve where there is the potential that other drivers could be drunk, staying off the roads is the best way to avoid an accident.
At Atlantic City's casinos, room rates are relatively low on the night before Thanksgiving, even at those hotels that expect to attract crowds of partygoers.
On Tuesday night, the lowest rate for a room at Tropicana on Wednesday night was $69.99, despite the several clubs that planned to be packed in its entertainment corridor The Quarter.
Providence is typically only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but Pereira said he has opened it every year on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
"We expect it to be as strong as a big Saturday and our biggest holiday nights," he said. "We staff our venue as we would for our busiest night."
On Tuesday afternoon, he drove from New York City to watch his staff install new LED lighting and perform and check the sound systems. The spacious club was aglow in shades of pink and blue, with spinning lights shining off the empty dance floor.
By 1 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, the inside is expected to be packed shoulder to shoulder, with a line of people waiting to get in. The club's capacity is almost 800, but he said they would admit more people than that over the course of the night as people come and go.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
LED light bulb price dipped 10% in October
According to the price survey conducted by LEDinside, the LED light bulb prices for 60W incandescent light bulb replacement underwent a drastic drop of 9% in October; the price dropped by 10% in America and hit a low of USD 24.97, with the average selling price (ASP) declining to USD 38.6. The LED light bulb prices for 40W incandescent light bulb replacement were relatively stable.
LED light bulb for 60W replacement saw considerable price drop
LEDinside indicates that in October, LED light bulb prices the United States took the most drastic dip: the prices of LED light bulbs for 40W and 60W replacements dropped 3% and 10%, respectively. At present, the ASP of 60W replacement products dropped to USD 31.3 with the lowest price hitting USD 24.97, a much more consumer-friendly price compared to those of other regions. The prominent price downtrend attributed to the price cutting strategy of Philips, which triggered other brand vendors to lower their prices and in turn caused the prices to drop vastly.
Prices of brand-name LED light bulbs for 40W replacement plunged to USD 11.6
As for 40W incandescent replacement products, the ASP in October remained stable compared with September. Even though the prices in most areas experienced a drop of roughly 3%, the ASP rise in Europe canceled out the overall decline, resulting in the October ASP remained the same as September.
Interestingly, the prices of 40W incandescent replacement products in South Korea remained relatively low. Due to the continuous price cutting of brand vendors, the lowest price hit USD 11.6, approaching the sweet spot of USD 10 which LEDinside previously predicted.
Perspectives
According to LEDinside, due to the persisting price downturn, the ASP of LED light bulbs fell below USD 48 /Klm, getting closer to the expectations of the consumers. As for the market trend, the market acceptance of LED lights has been increasing.
Therefore, several countries are planning to enact subsidy policies to increase the penetration rate of LED light bulbs. Chinese government has imposed the ban against incandescent lights, and is expected to announce the subsidy policies for LED light bulbs at the end of 2011. As for Taiwan, the subsidy policy is still in discussion, which should be finalized as soon as possible in order to catch up with the global trend.
In the Canadian province of New Brunswick, NB power maintains 13,500 street lights including 13,500 in the city of Moncton and the city and utility are testing LED street lights according to the Times & Transcript. Moreover, the experience is illustrative of the dilemma that street-light owners face when considering a transition to LEDs.
The city has documented savings as high as 45%. That may are may not justify the cost of LED lights which the city has projected at 5 times more than legacy lights. But the city and utility have other concerns that center around the fact that there are so many different companies building LED street lights and each is a proprietary design. In contrast, their legacy high-pressure-sodium lights all use the same lamps regardless of the fixture manufacturer. And the city has considered moving to LEDs on a fixture-by-fixture basis as existing lamps burn out, but is reluctant to do so because of the vast difference in color temperature.
LED light bulb for 60W replacement saw considerable price drop
LEDinside indicates that in October, LED light bulb prices the United States took the most drastic dip: the prices of LED light bulbs for 40W and 60W replacements dropped 3% and 10%, respectively. At present, the ASP of 60W replacement products dropped to USD 31.3 with the lowest price hitting USD 24.97, a much more consumer-friendly price compared to those of other regions. The prominent price downtrend attributed to the price cutting strategy of Philips, which triggered other brand vendors to lower their prices and in turn caused the prices to drop vastly.
Prices of brand-name LED light bulbs for 40W replacement plunged to USD 11.6
As for 40W incandescent replacement products, the ASP in October remained stable compared with September. Even though the prices in most areas experienced a drop of roughly 3%, the ASP rise in Europe canceled out the overall decline, resulting in the October ASP remained the same as September.
Interestingly, the prices of 40W incandescent replacement products in South Korea remained relatively low. Due to the continuous price cutting of brand vendors, the lowest price hit USD 11.6, approaching the sweet spot of USD 10 which LEDinside previously predicted.
Perspectives
According to LEDinside, due to the persisting price downturn, the ASP of LED light bulbs fell below USD 48 /Klm, getting closer to the expectations of the consumers. As for the market trend, the market acceptance of LED lights has been increasing.
Therefore, several countries are planning to enact subsidy policies to increase the penetration rate of LED light bulbs. Chinese government has imposed the ban against incandescent lights, and is expected to announce the subsidy policies for LED light bulbs at the end of 2011. As for Taiwan, the subsidy policy is still in discussion, which should be finalized as soon as possible in order to catch up with the global trend.
In the Canadian province of New Brunswick, NB power maintains 13,500 street lights including 13,500 in the city of Moncton and the city and utility are testing LED street lights according to the Times & Transcript. Moreover, the experience is illustrative of the dilemma that street-light owners face when considering a transition to LEDs.
The city has documented savings as high as 45%. That may are may not justify the cost of LED lights which the city has projected at 5 times more than legacy lights. But the city and utility have other concerns that center around the fact that there are so many different companies building LED street lights and each is a proprietary design. In contrast, their legacy high-pressure-sodium lights all use the same lamps regardless of the fixture manufacturer. And the city has considered moving to LEDs on a fixture-by-fixture basis as existing lamps burn out, but is reluctant to do so because of the vast difference in color temperature.
Monday 21 November 2011
Looming concerns
A recent research report from the Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. said China's LED industry is getting into full swing, and LEDs are widely used in cell phones and liquid crystal television. But they are yet to be widely accepted as a general lighting source, it said.
"The biggest problem is high costs—its manufacturing cost is 50-60 times that of incandescent lamps," said the report.
"Without government subsidies, it would be difficult to promote LEDs as general lighting, but elimination of incandescent lamps has provided a powerful catalyst for the promotion of LEDs," it added.
In 2008, the NDRC and MOF launched a lighting program and distributed more than 400 million energy-efficient lamps to consumers. But the program encountered many problems, hindering further promotion of those lamps.
Energy-efficient lamps contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can pose a serious threat to environmental health. The amount is tiny—China, as well as the European Union, allows each fluorescent lamp to contain no more than 5 milligrams of mercury—but that is enough to cause acute environmental damage and has sparked worries over the disposal of those lamps.
Hua Shuming, Director of the National Lighting Test Center, said the service life of a qualified energy-efficient lamp is more than 6,000 hours, six times that of an incandescent bulb. A 13-watt energy-efficient lamp can produce illumination comparable to that of a 60-watt incandescent lamp, and it is able to reduce electricity consumption by 60-80 percent.
Energy-efficient lighting products are being recognized by global consumers. Data from the NDRC showed that Chinese energy-efficient lamps controlled 85 percent of global markets, up from only 20 percent in 1996.
Fluorescent lamps use electricity to stimulate mercury vapor. The mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light.
Some people suggested manufacturers recycle the lamps, but that was less feasible given the high costs.
"Indeed, it is difficult to establish a nationwide recycling system in such a big country," said Xie. "What we are doing is further improving technologies to decrease the mercury content of such lamps."
Moreover, the high prices of energy-efficient lamps are also impeding the consumer acceptance.
In China, an LED lamp costs nearly 100 yuan ($15.75), compared with less than 10 yuan ($1.57) for an incandescent bulb. That is also why most Chinese LED manufacturers have focused on exports, instead of the home market.
Chinese LED firms still have a long way to go to sharpen their competitive edge. Chinese companies are good at assembly production, but one cause for concern is a lack of core chip technologies. U.S. and Japanese companies have dominated chip technologies, leaving Chinese firms in a weak position to compete.
Worse still, domestically made LED lamps suffer from the problem of a short battery life. As a result, it would be critical for domestic enterprises to strengthen efficiency and extend the service life of batteries so as to make their LED products more market competitive.
"The biggest problem is high costs—its manufacturing cost is 50-60 times that of incandescent lamps," said the report.
"Without government subsidies, it would be difficult to promote LEDs as general lighting, but elimination of incandescent lamps has provided a powerful catalyst for the promotion of LEDs," it added.
In 2008, the NDRC and MOF launched a lighting program and distributed more than 400 million energy-efficient lamps to consumers. But the program encountered many problems, hindering further promotion of those lamps.
Energy-efficient lamps contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can pose a serious threat to environmental health. The amount is tiny—China, as well as the European Union, allows each fluorescent lamp to contain no more than 5 milligrams of mercury—but that is enough to cause acute environmental damage and has sparked worries over the disposal of those lamps.
Hua Shuming, Director of the National Lighting Test Center, said the service life of a qualified energy-efficient lamp is more than 6,000 hours, six times that of an incandescent bulb. A 13-watt energy-efficient lamp can produce illumination comparable to that of a 60-watt incandescent lamp, and it is able to reduce electricity consumption by 60-80 percent.
Energy-efficient lighting products are being recognized by global consumers. Data from the NDRC showed that Chinese energy-efficient lamps controlled 85 percent of global markets, up from only 20 percent in 1996.
Fluorescent lamps use electricity to stimulate mercury vapor. The mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light.
Some people suggested manufacturers recycle the lamps, but that was less feasible given the high costs.
"Indeed, it is difficult to establish a nationwide recycling system in such a big country," said Xie. "What we are doing is further improving technologies to decrease the mercury content of such lamps."
Moreover, the high prices of energy-efficient lamps are also impeding the consumer acceptance.
In China, an LED lamp costs nearly 100 yuan ($15.75), compared with less than 10 yuan ($1.57) for an incandescent bulb. That is also why most Chinese LED manufacturers have focused on exports, instead of the home market.
Chinese LED firms still have a long way to go to sharpen their competitive edge. Chinese companies are good at assembly production, but one cause for concern is a lack of core chip technologies. U.S. and Japanese companies have dominated chip technologies, leaving Chinese firms in a weak position to compete.
Worse still, domestically made LED lamps suffer from the problem of a short battery life. As a result, it would be critical for domestic enterprises to strengthen efficiency and extend the service life of batteries so as to make their LED products more market competitive.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Videos teach faculty, students how to react in campus shooting
In an effort to further protect University staff and students from potential harm, ASU Police have posted safety-training videos through Blackboard, providing instructions on what to do during various emergency situations, including encountering a shooter on campus.
The Center for Protection and Personal Safety produced and marketed the video presentations to college campuses, corporations and government agencies across the U.S.
Senior account executive Steve Warren said Randy Spivey, the company's CEO and former hostage survival program director for the U.S. Department of Defense, started the company to educate people on safety issues.
"He started his own company really as an effort to educate and power individuals to be safe," Warren said.
There are six videos viewers may choose, each ranging between 18 and 22 minutes. Topics of the videos include what to do when shots are fired on campus, preventing violence in the workplace and how to stay vigilant when escaping a shooter on campus.
"Essentially it talks about warning signs for potential violence, things to look for, actions to take in the event of an emergency, things to consider in terms of evacuating or sheltering in place (and) getting out of that type of situation," Wilson said.
Library specialist Christina Peck, who works at the Tempe campus Noble Science Library, said the most important thing she learned from watching the videos was to stay calm and not panic.
"If something like that were to happen, most people would start to panic and that's the worst thing you could do," she said. "So you need somebody that's calm to be like, ‘OK, we need to get out or go to a secure place.'"
According to various media reports, panic among students and faculty was prevalent in the case of the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. Some students were unaware of a shooter even on campus.
Virginia Tech student Seung Hui Cho killed 32 people on the Blacksburg, Va., campus before taking his own life.
Finance junior Daniel Becker said he wouldn't know what to do in a similar situation other than go on with his day unless the action is directly in front of him.
Becker said his first instinct would be to, "probably contact my friends, see where they are, see if they're (near the shooting)," he said. "If I'm supposed to stay in a building, I'll stay in a building, if I'm supposed to leave campus, I'll leave campus."
According to the safety video "Shots Fired On Campus," the odds of being involved in a campus shooting are the same as being struck by lighting.
On Nov. 3 David Huynh, 36, fired a single shot from his handgun at students hanging out at the volleyball courts on the West campus. No one was harmed.
The ASU community was notified a short time after the shooting via the University's alert and advisory system, which sends out text messages to students. The alert system is used in emergency situations, and students and faculty must be registered to receive the alerts.
The "Shots Fired On Campus" video advises students in a shooter situation to silence their cellphones and other noises around them after receiving the news or alerts of the emergency.
The Center for Protection and Personal Safety produced and marketed the video presentations to college campuses, corporations and government agencies across the U.S.
Senior account executive Steve Warren said Randy Spivey, the company's CEO and former hostage survival program director for the U.S. Department of Defense, started the company to educate people on safety issues.
"He started his own company really as an effort to educate and power individuals to be safe," Warren said.
There are six videos viewers may choose, each ranging between 18 and 22 minutes. Topics of the videos include what to do when shots are fired on campus, preventing violence in the workplace and how to stay vigilant when escaping a shooter on campus.
"Essentially it talks about warning signs for potential violence, things to look for, actions to take in the event of an emergency, things to consider in terms of evacuating or sheltering in place (and) getting out of that type of situation," Wilson said.
Library specialist Christina Peck, who works at the Tempe campus Noble Science Library, said the most important thing she learned from watching the videos was to stay calm and not panic.
"If something like that were to happen, most people would start to panic and that's the worst thing you could do," she said. "So you need somebody that's calm to be like, ‘OK, we need to get out or go to a secure place.'"
According to various media reports, panic among students and faculty was prevalent in the case of the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007. Some students were unaware of a shooter even on campus.
Virginia Tech student Seung Hui Cho killed 32 people on the Blacksburg, Va., campus before taking his own life.
Finance junior Daniel Becker said he wouldn't know what to do in a similar situation other than go on with his day unless the action is directly in front of him.
Becker said his first instinct would be to, "probably contact my friends, see where they are, see if they're (near the shooting)," he said. "If I'm supposed to stay in a building, I'll stay in a building, if I'm supposed to leave campus, I'll leave campus."
According to the safety video "Shots Fired On Campus," the odds of being involved in a campus shooting are the same as being struck by lighting.
On Nov. 3 David Huynh, 36, fired a single shot from his handgun at students hanging out at the volleyball courts on the West campus. No one was harmed.
The ASU community was notified a short time after the shooting via the University's alert and advisory system, which sends out text messages to students. The alert system is used in emergency situations, and students and faculty must be registered to receive the alerts.
The "Shots Fired On Campus" video advises students in a shooter situation to silence their cellphones and other noises around them after receiving the news or alerts of the emergency.
Thursday 17 November 2011
Light bulb bursting causes foul odor
Cleburne firefighters responded to a report of a high-efficiency light bulb bursting and causing an odor in the home at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Cleveland Street. The homeowners, who were on the porch when firefighters arrived, led the way to the kitchen where the light in question is located.
The homeowner told firefighters that the electric stove went off and tripped a breaker earlier after his wife turned it on. A few minutes later she heard a pop and saw a blue flash from the light fixture in the ceiling.
The woman told firefighters she exited the house because she thought the bulbs were high efficiency and might put off toxic gas. Firefighters checked the fixture with a good bulb, which seemed to work fine and turned the breaker to the stove back on.
The homeowner said he installed the stove recently and wired the power cord himself. Firefighters advised him to turn the breaker to the stove back off until an electrician could check it out. Firefighters checked the attic for signs of smoke, odor or fire. Finding none, they cleared the scene.
Firefighters responded to a report of smoke at 6:02 p.m. the same day in the 1400 block of Smoothe Stone Drive. They arrived to find the home filled with smoke. Occupants informed them there was no fire but that a pot of beans boiled dry on the stove and filled the residence with smoke.
Firefighters set fans to clear the smoke. They also monitored the residence for carbon monoxide. The initial reading registered 12 ppm and increased to 20 ppm on subsequent reading. Firefighters set additional fans and remained on scene until the CO reading registered zero.
The driver of a Dodge Ram drove to the Cleburne Police Department to report a hit-and-run. The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the intersection of Colorado and East Willingham streets.
The Dodge driver was traveling southbound on Colorado Street toward East Willingham Street at the same time the driver of a Jeep Commander was parked facing east at the East Willingham Street stop sign.
The Dodge driver told police that the Jeep driver failed to yield right of way while turning onto Colorado Street, which caused the Dodge to hit the Jeep.
The Dodge driver said the Jeep then fled the scene but that he followed him long enough to copy the licence plate number and then drove to the police department.
Police responded to a storage unit burglary at 2:01 p.m. Sunday in the 300 block of West Westhill Drive. Someone broke into the unit and stole several items. Items stolen include a Craftsman table saw, Craftsman electric miter saw, Craftsman corded power drill, Craftsman wrench set, Craftsman socket set and a red tool box containing assorted tools.
At 5:09 p.m. Tuesday at CPD a man reported that someone stole a company check, which they cashed into their personal account. Investigation into the matter continues.
The homeowner told firefighters that the electric stove went off and tripped a breaker earlier after his wife turned it on. A few minutes later she heard a pop and saw a blue flash from the light fixture in the ceiling.
The woman told firefighters she exited the house because she thought the bulbs were high efficiency and might put off toxic gas. Firefighters checked the fixture with a good bulb, which seemed to work fine and turned the breaker to the stove back on.
The homeowner said he installed the stove recently and wired the power cord himself. Firefighters advised him to turn the breaker to the stove back off until an electrician could check it out. Firefighters checked the attic for signs of smoke, odor or fire. Finding none, they cleared the scene.
Firefighters responded to a report of smoke at 6:02 p.m. the same day in the 1400 block of Smoothe Stone Drive. They arrived to find the home filled with smoke. Occupants informed them there was no fire but that a pot of beans boiled dry on the stove and filled the residence with smoke.
Firefighters set fans to clear the smoke. They also monitored the residence for carbon monoxide. The initial reading registered 12 ppm and increased to 20 ppm on subsequent reading. Firefighters set additional fans and remained on scene until the CO reading registered zero.
The driver of a Dodge Ram drove to the Cleburne Police Department to report a hit-and-run. The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at the intersection of Colorado and East Willingham streets.
The Dodge driver was traveling southbound on Colorado Street toward East Willingham Street at the same time the driver of a Jeep Commander was parked facing east at the East Willingham Street stop sign.
The Dodge driver told police that the Jeep driver failed to yield right of way while turning onto Colorado Street, which caused the Dodge to hit the Jeep.
The Dodge driver said the Jeep then fled the scene but that he followed him long enough to copy the licence plate number and then drove to the police department.
Police responded to a storage unit burglary at 2:01 p.m. Sunday in the 300 block of West Westhill Drive. Someone broke into the unit and stole several items. Items stolen include a Craftsman table saw, Craftsman electric miter saw, Craftsman corded power drill, Craftsman wrench set, Craftsman socket set and a red tool box containing assorted tools.
At 5:09 p.m. Tuesday at CPD a man reported that someone stole a company check, which they cashed into their personal account. Investigation into the matter continues.
Tuesday 15 November 2011
Govt could save $45m from florescent lamps – UNDP
The United Nations Development Programmes-Global Environment Facility, UNDP-GEF, has said Nigeria could save $45 million from every one million compact florescence lamps, CFLs, it replaced with incandescent light bulbs.
UNDP-GEF said the country could well save more on electricity to get better and efficient service if it replaced all the incandescent light bulbs in government residents and public institutions.
Mr. Etiosa Uyigue, UNDPGEF Energy Efficiency Programme's National Project Coordinator in an interview with Vanguard at a training organised for members of Hotel Owners Forum Abuja, HOFA, in Abuja, yesterday, that the government should not only pay attention to generating more in the country but should address the issue of efficient usage of energy than wasting it.
He said: "The Nigerian government needs to put in a policy to address the issue of cost; it will cost Nigerian government $1 million to generate one megawatts electricity but if we go into efficient use of the power, we can save a lot.
"For instance, if Nigerian government can remove one million of incandescent light bulbs from the system and replace them with the CFLs, we can save 38 – 40 megawatts and that will save Nigeria government about $45million on every one million CFLs replaced."
It was for this reason that Uyigue stated that the UNDP-GEF was directing its enlightenment campaign to policymakers on the need to conserved energy and save more.
He said further: "That is why we are directing our target to policymakers. We want to let them know that it is not enough to generate energy but to also address the issue of end users in saving the energy."
He said governments around the world had taken steps to phase out incandescent light bulbs in their countries.
The aim, he said, was to encourage the use and technological development of more energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs).
"Ghana, for instance, spent $6miilon to replace incandescent light bulbs. Other countries that have toed that line include Brazil, Venezuela, European Union, Switzerland and Australia," he added.
As a pilot project of the UNDPGEF project, the Coordinator said the agency would distribute one million compact florescent lamps to residents and public buildings in the country.
He said one million Compact Florescence Lamps, CFL, was small compare to the population of Nigeria which is estimated at about 150 million.
"We are using our scheme as a data gathering instrument to select some areas by working through the relevant agencies before we install them. We are actually gathering data to check the energy efficiency.
"This project will assist the government of Nigeria to put in place comprehensive energy policy and legislation. It will help to minimize the building of power stations, helping to save money which will ne invested in other sectors.
"This will consequently help in mitigating the emission of greenhouse gases resulting from generating energy. It will also help to increase Nigeria's access to electricity," he said.
Though he regretted that the Nigerian market was flooded with fake energy saving lamps, he admitted that the genuine CFLs were quite expensive which is one of the major barriers the project wished to address.
UNDP-GEF said the country could well save more on electricity to get better and efficient service if it replaced all the incandescent light bulbs in government residents and public institutions.
Mr. Etiosa Uyigue, UNDPGEF Energy Efficiency Programme's National Project Coordinator in an interview with Vanguard at a training organised for members of Hotel Owners Forum Abuja, HOFA, in Abuja, yesterday, that the government should not only pay attention to generating more in the country but should address the issue of efficient usage of energy than wasting it.
He said: "The Nigerian government needs to put in a policy to address the issue of cost; it will cost Nigerian government $1 million to generate one megawatts electricity but if we go into efficient use of the power, we can save a lot.
"For instance, if Nigerian government can remove one million of incandescent light bulbs from the system and replace them with the CFLs, we can save 38 – 40 megawatts and that will save Nigeria government about $45million on every one million CFLs replaced."
It was for this reason that Uyigue stated that the UNDP-GEF was directing its enlightenment campaign to policymakers on the need to conserved energy and save more.
He said further: "That is why we are directing our target to policymakers. We want to let them know that it is not enough to generate energy but to also address the issue of end users in saving the energy."
He said governments around the world had taken steps to phase out incandescent light bulbs in their countries.
The aim, he said, was to encourage the use and technological development of more energy-efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs).
"Ghana, for instance, spent $6miilon to replace incandescent light bulbs. Other countries that have toed that line include Brazil, Venezuela, European Union, Switzerland and Australia," he added.
As a pilot project of the UNDPGEF project, the Coordinator said the agency would distribute one million compact florescent lamps to residents and public buildings in the country.
He said one million Compact Florescence Lamps, CFL, was small compare to the population of Nigeria which is estimated at about 150 million.
"We are using our scheme as a data gathering instrument to select some areas by working through the relevant agencies before we install them. We are actually gathering data to check the energy efficiency.
"This project will assist the government of Nigeria to put in place comprehensive energy policy and legislation. It will help to minimize the building of power stations, helping to save money which will ne invested in other sectors.
"This will consequently help in mitigating the emission of greenhouse gases resulting from generating energy. It will also help to increase Nigeria's access to electricity," he said.
Though he regretted that the Nigerian market was flooded with fake energy saving lamps, he admitted that the genuine CFLs were quite expensive which is one of the major barriers the project wished to address.
Monday 14 November 2011
My sister is not Death's Grim Reaper
She's a hospice nurse. When I tell people her occupation, I typically receive a response like this: "She must be a very special person. I could never work in a place where people go to die." Hospice is a "place," and equating hospice to death, are just two of the misperceptions that hospice care providers and proponents are constantly working to dispel. Providing correct information that hospice is a philosophy of care (not a place) takes on special importance in November because it is National Hospice and Palliative Care month.
Data from 2010 indicates that more than 68% of hospice patients reside (and eventually die) in the place they call home. This includes 40% of patients living in private residences, 9% in assisted-living facilities and 19% in long-term nursing homes.
These figures are consistent with hospice's delivery of care model that aims to create an environment for an end-of-life experience that is most natural and comfortable for patients and their families. A hospital's linoleum floors, fluorescent lights, intercom noise and equipment alarms are anything but natural or comforting. It makes sense that most people who are approaching the end of their lives would like to be in their own bed or recliner chair.In fact, some studies suggest that more than 80% of Americans want to pass away peacefully at home.
In the hospice model of care, the patient needs a primary caregiver who is willing to oversee the patient's needs. Over time, the caregiver's responsibilities may increase as the patient becomes less able to care for herself/himself. The primary caregiver is typically a spouse, child, sibling or close friend, but she or he could also be someone paid by the patient or family to serve that role. Because hospice's healthcare providers do not provide round-the-clock in-home care, the primary caregiver plays an essential role in hospice care.
The hospice model of care places the patient and primary caregiver in the center ---at the core of the care team--- as they are the key decision-makers. This makes hospice's model of care quite different from traditional medical care. An interdisciplinary team including the nurse, social worker, hospice aide, spiritual care practitioners, a physician or nurse practitioner and volunteers provide special services and guidance to the patient and primary caregiver.
In essence, they surround the patient and caregiver with support and expertise. They make scheduled in-home visits to provide symptom management, personal hygiene services, and counseling, but are also on-call 24 hours per day to provide guidance and support. I can actually imagine some patients and caregivers feeling a bit overwhelmed by the degree of in-home contact they can receive from hospice care providers.
At its best, hospice is a holistic model of care. A case manager---typically a registered nurse----will usually visit the patient at least weekly to discuss symptoms, medications, and nutrition, as well as special equipment needs like a mechanical bed. A hospice aide will visit to assist with bathing; a social worker will visit to discuss issues of family dynamics, finances, respite care for the primary caregiver, and feelings of loss; a volunteer coordinator will offer visits by others, such as spiritual care volunteer, a musician, a beautician, a chess player. You get the picture.
Importantly, the patient and caregiver are encouraged to make decisions about whether they want these services; to think about how a particular service might enhance their comfort, make them smile and feel hope, help them find inner strength, or ease burdens on their mind, body and spirit.
At my request, my sister thought about and asked her hospice colleagues about other misperceptions about hospice care. A few key themes emerged. First, that hospice care accelerates a person's death. Some people erroneously believe that once an individual signs onto hospice, the care they receive is designed to assist in hastening death and the patient will succumb to their illness sooner than if they were receiving standard care. The evidence shows the opposite.
Data from 2010 indicates that more than 68% of hospice patients reside (and eventually die) in the place they call home. This includes 40% of patients living in private residences, 9% in assisted-living facilities and 19% in long-term nursing homes.
These figures are consistent with hospice's delivery of care model that aims to create an environment for an end-of-life experience that is most natural and comfortable for patients and their families. A hospital's linoleum floors, fluorescent lights, intercom noise and equipment alarms are anything but natural or comforting. It makes sense that most people who are approaching the end of their lives would like to be in their own bed or recliner chair.In fact, some studies suggest that more than 80% of Americans want to pass away peacefully at home.
In the hospice model of care, the patient needs a primary caregiver who is willing to oversee the patient's needs. Over time, the caregiver's responsibilities may increase as the patient becomes less able to care for herself/himself. The primary caregiver is typically a spouse, child, sibling or close friend, but she or he could also be someone paid by the patient or family to serve that role. Because hospice's healthcare providers do not provide round-the-clock in-home care, the primary caregiver plays an essential role in hospice care.
The hospice model of care places the patient and primary caregiver in the center ---at the core of the care team--- as they are the key decision-makers. This makes hospice's model of care quite different from traditional medical care. An interdisciplinary team including the nurse, social worker, hospice aide, spiritual care practitioners, a physician or nurse practitioner and volunteers provide special services and guidance to the patient and primary caregiver.
In essence, they surround the patient and caregiver with support and expertise. They make scheduled in-home visits to provide symptom management, personal hygiene services, and counseling, but are also on-call 24 hours per day to provide guidance and support. I can actually imagine some patients and caregivers feeling a bit overwhelmed by the degree of in-home contact they can receive from hospice care providers.
At its best, hospice is a holistic model of care. A case manager---typically a registered nurse----will usually visit the patient at least weekly to discuss symptoms, medications, and nutrition, as well as special equipment needs like a mechanical bed. A hospice aide will visit to assist with bathing; a social worker will visit to discuss issues of family dynamics, finances, respite care for the primary caregiver, and feelings of loss; a volunteer coordinator will offer visits by others, such as spiritual care volunteer, a musician, a beautician, a chess player. You get the picture.
Importantly, the patient and caregiver are encouraged to make decisions about whether they want these services; to think about how a particular service might enhance their comfort, make them smile and feel hope, help them find inner strength, or ease burdens on their mind, body and spirit.
At my request, my sister thought about and asked her hospice colleagues about other misperceptions about hospice care. A few key themes emerged. First, that hospice care accelerates a person's death. Some people erroneously believe that once an individual signs onto hospice, the care they receive is designed to assist in hastening death and the patient will succumb to their illness sooner than if they were receiving standard care. The evidence shows the opposite.
Sunday 13 November 2011
2012 Chrysler 300
The base Chrysler 300 sports a 292-horsepower version of the company's new mainstay Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6. A five-speed automatic swaps out for a new eight-speed transmission on some versions. The new transmission combines excellent shift response, a sport mode and shift paddles to turn in 0-60 mph runs of about eight seconds--and highway fuel economy at an EPA-rated 31 miles per gallon.
The higher-end luxury 300S and 300C can be fitted with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with 363 horsepower and a five-speed automatic; they're more aggressively aural and insistent in their acceleration, capable of sub-six-second times. At the top of the range, the 300 SRT8 has the latest big HEMI, the 6.4-liter with 470 horsepower, teamed with a five-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels. Acceleration drops to less than five seconds to 60 mph, and the SRT8 belts out a meaty, NASCAR-ish throb that few cars--even musclecars--can match.
The 300's handling rises from controlled to truly sporty as you step up the performance ladder. All models have an absorbent ride and responsive electrohydraulic steering, but all-wheel-drive versions get a specific tuning and 19-inch wheels, while the 300S and SRT8 have up to 20-inch wheels and even tauter suspensions, and on the SRT8, adaptive shocks with normal and sport modes of ride control. The 300 doesn't drive or feel small at all, but it has a big-car charm without the usual body roll and mushy, pitchy body motions.
While it doesn't have the extreme spread-out space of a Toyota Avalon or VW Passat, the 300 is one of the more spacious sedans in its class. The front seats have good bolstering and great head room, even when a sunroof is fitted. Overall dimensions haven't changed much from the first generation, but the back seat feels more spacious--mostly because thinner roof pillars and larger glass areas brighten up the interior. The trunk's large, though it's a few cubic feet shy of the Taurus' massive cargo hold.
The 300 has the usual airbags and electronic traction controls. A package of safety technology on higher trim levels adds on lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitors, a forward-collision warning system, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
All editions come with standard power windows, locks and mirrors; LED daytime running lights; pushbutton start and keyless entry; a power driver seat; cloth upholstery; dual-zone climate control; satellite radio; a USB port; and an 8.4-inch LCD touchscreen display. The 300S adds sport leather front seats; shift paddles; piano black trim; and performance tires.
The 300C gets a premium grade of leather upholstery; natural wood trim; navigation; power-adjustable pedals; and a heated steering wheel. SRT8s have carbon-fiber trim; heated and ventilated front seats; and a layer of instrumentation in its navigation system that displays performance stats like acceleration times and lateral grip. A 900-watt Harmon Kardon sound system is now an option on most models.
The higher-end luxury 300S and 300C can be fitted with a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with 363 horsepower and a five-speed automatic; they're more aggressively aural and insistent in their acceleration, capable of sub-six-second times. At the top of the range, the 300 SRT8 has the latest big HEMI, the 6.4-liter with 470 horsepower, teamed with a five-speed automatic sending power to the rear wheels. Acceleration drops to less than five seconds to 60 mph, and the SRT8 belts out a meaty, NASCAR-ish throb that few cars--even musclecars--can match.
The 300's handling rises from controlled to truly sporty as you step up the performance ladder. All models have an absorbent ride and responsive electrohydraulic steering, but all-wheel-drive versions get a specific tuning and 19-inch wheels, while the 300S and SRT8 have up to 20-inch wheels and even tauter suspensions, and on the SRT8, adaptive shocks with normal and sport modes of ride control. The 300 doesn't drive or feel small at all, but it has a big-car charm without the usual body roll and mushy, pitchy body motions.
While it doesn't have the extreme spread-out space of a Toyota Avalon or VW Passat, the 300 is one of the more spacious sedans in its class. The front seats have good bolstering and great head room, even when a sunroof is fitted. Overall dimensions haven't changed much from the first generation, but the back seat feels more spacious--mostly because thinner roof pillars and larger glass areas brighten up the interior. The trunk's large, though it's a few cubic feet shy of the Taurus' massive cargo hold.
The 300 has the usual airbags and electronic traction controls. A package of safety technology on higher trim levels adds on lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitors, a forward-collision warning system, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.
All editions come with standard power windows, locks and mirrors; LED daytime running lights; pushbutton start and keyless entry; a power driver seat; cloth upholstery; dual-zone climate control; satellite radio; a USB port; and an 8.4-inch LCD touchscreen display. The 300S adds sport leather front seats; shift paddles; piano black trim; and performance tires.
The 300C gets a premium grade of leather upholstery; natural wood trim; navigation; power-adjustable pedals; and a heated steering wheel. SRT8s have carbon-fiber trim; heated and ventilated front seats; and a layer of instrumentation in its navigation system that displays performance stats like acceleration times and lateral grip. A 900-watt Harmon Kardon sound system is now an option on most models.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Dorcy 180 lumen LED Cyber Light flashlight
The Dorcy Cyber Light, list price $29, or $18.50 on Amazon is an ideal flashlight for boating, deserving of a best flashlight award from the crew of my Wednesday night racing team who assisted with this article by comparing six flashlights under a variety of nighttime conditions above and below deck on my 39 foot sailboat.
This flashlight stood out for its effective light distribution, 180 lumen brightness, boat friendly rubber housing, ease of use for long periods of time, and the five hours of life from standard batteries. If you're looking for a waterproof light, this isn't, but it can take a splash and is otherwise ideal, taking first place in a field of 15 flashlights.
For this article I engaged my Wednesday night racing crew, familiar with my frequent flashlight purchases, as a panel of judges to choose among the six better flashlights of the 15 accumulated over the last two years. Each flashlight was evaluated over two Wednesday nights, both on the water and at the dock after our evening's race activities. The second Wednesday included a bonus evaluation in moderate fog that rolled into the harbor while we were at the dock determining the winner. (Thank you Roy, Marcey, Janet, Brian, Katherine and George).
Lights that were not among my six better lights included spotlights with proprietary rechargeable batteries. Virtually all rechargeable flashlights had warnings to unplug them after they are charged, which to me is ridiculous. Without a plug and forget charger, the batteries will be damaged if owned by me. Unfortunately, you don't learn about this limitation on most lights until after you open the packaging. An example of a light with a plug and forget charger is the Q-Beam Blue Max 2 million candle power spot light that also is an all round quality build and has excellent focus, but was eliminated due to it's hefty weight.
Also not making it to the competition were wired spotlights that plug into my purpose- mounted bow and stern 12v sockets. Three versions of this type light fell into disuse for various reasons, not the least of which, they were heavy (including the cord) and tiring to use continuously on our 20 minute voyage from the bay to the dock. Also eliminated were numerous 1st and 2nd generation LED flashlights ranging up to 10 lumens that look bright close up or in the cabin, but are ineffective outdoors.
The narrow beam had me wondering if the 500 lumen Dorcy rechargeable with its wide beam and higher output would be favored by the judges. The LED bulb makes it possible for the product to have a light weight rechargeable battery, and overall would seem ideal to find things quickly in the vastness of the sea at night.
It lights up an area almost 200 feet across at a distance of 500 feet, and shares many good features with the Cyber light, also covered in a bright yellow casing that makes it hard to loose, is shaped and textured to make it stay where you put it (won't roll), and if dropped it won't break or damage the deck or itself.
This flashlight stood out for its effective light distribution, 180 lumen brightness, boat friendly rubber housing, ease of use for long periods of time, and the five hours of life from standard batteries. If you're looking for a waterproof light, this isn't, but it can take a splash and is otherwise ideal, taking first place in a field of 15 flashlights.
For this article I engaged my Wednesday night racing crew, familiar with my frequent flashlight purchases, as a panel of judges to choose among the six better flashlights of the 15 accumulated over the last two years. Each flashlight was evaluated over two Wednesday nights, both on the water and at the dock after our evening's race activities. The second Wednesday included a bonus evaluation in moderate fog that rolled into the harbor while we were at the dock determining the winner. (Thank you Roy, Marcey, Janet, Brian, Katherine and George).
Lights that were not among my six better lights included spotlights with proprietary rechargeable batteries. Virtually all rechargeable flashlights had warnings to unplug them after they are charged, which to me is ridiculous. Without a plug and forget charger, the batteries will be damaged if owned by me. Unfortunately, you don't learn about this limitation on most lights until after you open the packaging. An example of a light with a plug and forget charger is the Q-Beam Blue Max 2 million candle power spot light that also is an all round quality build and has excellent focus, but was eliminated due to it's hefty weight.
Also not making it to the competition were wired spotlights that plug into my purpose- mounted bow and stern 12v sockets. Three versions of this type light fell into disuse for various reasons, not the least of which, they were heavy (including the cord) and tiring to use continuously on our 20 minute voyage from the bay to the dock. Also eliminated were numerous 1st and 2nd generation LED flashlights ranging up to 10 lumens that look bright close up or in the cabin, but are ineffective outdoors.
The narrow beam had me wondering if the 500 lumen Dorcy rechargeable with its wide beam and higher output would be favored by the judges. The LED bulb makes it possible for the product to have a light weight rechargeable battery, and overall would seem ideal to find things quickly in the vastness of the sea at night.
It lights up an area almost 200 feet across at a distance of 500 feet, and shares many good features with the Cyber light, also covered in a bright yellow casing that makes it hard to loose, is shaped and textured to make it stay where you put it (won't roll), and if dropped it won't break or damage the deck or itself.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Auto sales a neighborly business
Sales Manager Dana Blankinship said Nissan mandates a new building regulated for safety in order to sell the electric car. For example, the chargeable car has to be serviced in its own enclosed service bay away from gas vehicles.
Nissan also is encouraging dealers to upgrade and renovate to be uniform. "The manufacturer is on a big kick for its dealers to have the same look and feel," Barta said.
With construction costs at their lowest and an existing facility built in the 1980s, Barta said, it was the "right time" for a new facility.
He declined to say how much is being invested, but according to the Douglas County assessor, the property was bought for $1.4 million. The dealership expects to add 10 to 15 full-time employees.
The new facility will double Nissan of Omaha's shop capacity and add an express service lane for oil changes. It will have a full automatic car wash, a media room with flat-screen TVs, a playroom for children and a gym for employees and even customers who want to use it while waiting for their car to be serviced.
The LEED features include an irrigation system for landscaping from a retention pond, motion-sensored lighting in offices and bathrooms and a car wash system that can recycle water, cutting water usage in half.
Old Mill Toyota will open near 180th and West Dodge during the first quarter of 2013.
The dealership, which has been at 601 N. 108th Circle for about 30 years, has "outgrown the building and the land," Burns said.
Construction of the new, 100,000-square-foot dealership is expected to begin by the end of this year. The current dealership is about half that size, Burns said.
Another push behind a new facility is the manufacturer. "Toyota wants us to have a new facility," Burns said. He said the manufacturer's image program will be beneficial down road because the new facility will bring increased sales and, in turn, Toyota will give Burns' dealership more cars to sell.
The move also will mean a name change. Old Mill Toyota could become Village Pointe Toyota, though the new name is not official yet, Burns said.
He said everything will be new, from the TVs in the waiting room to the furniture in the offices.
Though the details of the new facility are still in the works, Burns said the service center will double in size and staff, "adding another 50 jobs to the economy."
"It was long overdue," he said.
The Van Tuyl Group is a consulting firm that provides management consulting services to the largest group of privately held automotive dealerships in the United States, including Husker Auto Group in Lincoln.
According to a statement from Smith's family in February: "It was important that the buyer of our family dealership have good Midwestern values to carry on traditions of Roy Smith. Larry Van Tuyl, born and bred in neighboring Kansas, was a perfect choice."
Nissan also is encouraging dealers to upgrade and renovate to be uniform. "The manufacturer is on a big kick for its dealers to have the same look and feel," Barta said.
With construction costs at their lowest and an existing facility built in the 1980s, Barta said, it was the "right time" for a new facility.
He declined to say how much is being invested, but according to the Douglas County assessor, the property was bought for $1.4 million. The dealership expects to add 10 to 15 full-time employees.
The new facility will double Nissan of Omaha's shop capacity and add an express service lane for oil changes. It will have a full automatic car wash, a media room with flat-screen TVs, a playroom for children and a gym for employees and even customers who want to use it while waiting for their car to be serviced.
The LEED features include an irrigation system for landscaping from a retention pond, motion-sensored lighting in offices and bathrooms and a car wash system that can recycle water, cutting water usage in half.
Old Mill Toyota will open near 180th and West Dodge during the first quarter of 2013.
The dealership, which has been at 601 N. 108th Circle for about 30 years, has "outgrown the building and the land," Burns said.
Construction of the new, 100,000-square-foot dealership is expected to begin by the end of this year. The current dealership is about half that size, Burns said.
Another push behind a new facility is the manufacturer. "Toyota wants us to have a new facility," Burns said. He said the manufacturer's image program will be beneficial down road because the new facility will bring increased sales and, in turn, Toyota will give Burns' dealership more cars to sell.
The move also will mean a name change. Old Mill Toyota could become Village Pointe Toyota, though the new name is not official yet, Burns said.
He said everything will be new, from the TVs in the waiting room to the furniture in the offices.
Though the details of the new facility are still in the works, Burns said the service center will double in size and staff, "adding another 50 jobs to the economy."
"It was long overdue," he said.
The Van Tuyl Group is a consulting firm that provides management consulting services to the largest group of privately held automotive dealerships in the United States, including Husker Auto Group in Lincoln.
According to a statement from Smith's family in February: "It was important that the buyer of our family dealership have good Midwestern values to carry on traditions of Roy Smith. Larry Van Tuyl, born and bred in neighboring Kansas, was a perfect choice."
Monday 7 November 2011
Inovonics Partners With Radius Security to Provide Integrated Video Security Systems
Inovonics, the industry leader in high-performance wireless sensor networks for commercial and life safety applications, today announced a partnership with Radius Security, a manufacturer and integrator of high performance industrial grade IP video and audio systems. Recently, Radius Security leveraged the technology of Inovonics sensors for a solar-powered video security system that monitors a cement manufacturing facility at a remote location.
"We do a lot of specialty video projects that require solar power and cellular communications, which differentiates us from other integrators," said Jeff Sandine, sales manager at Radius Security. "Many of our customers have remote locations that lack power or internet access. Inovonics technology is unique because it is easily integrated with other solutions, like LED lighting systems and motion detectors, and can reliably operate in secluded, industrial locations. Best of all, its wireless sensor networks are proven to be reliable during instances when there is a legitimate security breech where timely notification is essential to saving a lot of money in stolen or damaged equipment."
For this project, Radius Security used a solar power plant to power megapixel IP cameras, LED white lighting, strobe lights, amplifier, loudspeakers and cellular communications. In order to enable after-hours security it enlisted Optex's outdoor motion detectors which are powered by Inovonics 900 MHz wireless EchoStream technology. If an unauthorized party enters the site, Inovonics sensors will send a signal that activates LED white lighting system and initiates a loud recorded message to ward off potential intruders. A snapshot also is taken by the cameras and emailed directly to a designated list, designed by the customer.
Should an intrusion occur, appropriate parties will receive immediate notification that they can access right from their home computer or smart phone. Additionally, a security monitoring company immediately is notified and can determine if the threat requires police action. The video security system is installed on a central tower at the cement facility that allows cameras to achieve a 360 degree view of the site.
"By partnering with Radius Security we can apply our wireless technology to some unique and intricate security applications," explained Mark Jarman, president of Inovonics. "Radius Security is known for offering high performance video security services to customers who want a system that will monitor their remote location facility at all times. Our wireless technology that is integrated within the Radius Security solution ensures real-time monitoring and notification that is unmatched in the security industry."
Inovonics' EchoStream technology features a full range of security end-points for burglary, intrusion monitoring and duress situations. It also features a hand-held survey kit to measure radio signal strength for easy, quick and accurate installations. EchoStream is the third generation radio platform from Inovonics and is the result of decades of experience developing wireless security applications for commercial customers. It delivers outstanding reliability, range and battery life that meets the security industry's needs today and well into the future because of its flexibility and network capabilities.
"We do a lot of specialty video projects that require solar power and cellular communications, which differentiates us from other integrators," said Jeff Sandine, sales manager at Radius Security. "Many of our customers have remote locations that lack power or internet access. Inovonics technology is unique because it is easily integrated with other solutions, like LED lighting systems and motion detectors, and can reliably operate in secluded, industrial locations. Best of all, its wireless sensor networks are proven to be reliable during instances when there is a legitimate security breech where timely notification is essential to saving a lot of money in stolen or damaged equipment."
For this project, Radius Security used a solar power plant to power megapixel IP cameras, LED white lighting, strobe lights, amplifier, loudspeakers and cellular communications. In order to enable after-hours security it enlisted Optex's outdoor motion detectors which are powered by Inovonics 900 MHz wireless EchoStream technology. If an unauthorized party enters the site, Inovonics sensors will send a signal that activates LED white lighting system and initiates a loud recorded message to ward off potential intruders. A snapshot also is taken by the cameras and emailed directly to a designated list, designed by the customer.
Should an intrusion occur, appropriate parties will receive immediate notification that they can access right from their home computer or smart phone. Additionally, a security monitoring company immediately is notified and can determine if the threat requires police action. The video security system is installed on a central tower at the cement facility that allows cameras to achieve a 360 degree view of the site.
"By partnering with Radius Security we can apply our wireless technology to some unique and intricate security applications," explained Mark Jarman, president of Inovonics. "Radius Security is known for offering high performance video security services to customers who want a system that will monitor their remote location facility at all times. Our wireless technology that is integrated within the Radius Security solution ensures real-time monitoring and notification that is unmatched in the security industry."
Inovonics' EchoStream technology features a full range of security end-points for burglary, intrusion monitoring and duress situations. It also features a hand-held survey kit to measure radio signal strength for easy, quick and accurate installations. EchoStream is the third generation radio platform from Inovonics and is the result of decades of experience developing wireless security applications for commercial customers. It delivers outstanding reliability, range and battery life that meets the security industry's needs today and well into the future because of its flexibility and network capabilities.
Sunday 6 November 2011
Is CFL a threat or a boon to the environment?
After reeling under acute power shortage, the State Government is actively looking at making usage of Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs mandatory across all households in Karnataka,as a measure to reduce power consumption.
Unfortunately, lack of proper CFL disposal measures make CFL a potential health hazard. “Bangalore City alone generates about 1,000 tons of E-waste every month, of which about five per cent comprise CFL bulbs and tubelights,” says a senior environmental officer from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). All CFLs contain mercury, which is a highly toxic metal that can cause kidney and brain damage. Elaborating the adverse effects of Mercury noted environmentalist Yellapa Reddy says, “In case a bulb breaks, then even a small leak of Mercury is enough to damage the brain of a person. It can also penetrate the womb of a pregnant woman
affecting the foetus.” He adds,“While the CFL bulbs are extremely energy-efficient and consume 80 per cent power less than incandescent bulbs, they are a potential threat to nature when they are disposed and tossed in the trash. Most likely, they will find their way to a land-fill, and over a period of time, contaminate ground water supply. The lamps could also be incinerated, which would lead to mercury rain.
The rain water will eventually accumulate in lakes and rivers, ultimately contaminating the aquatic ecosystems and by chain reaction, the food we consume.” “Instances of mercury poisoning discharges in water bodies in Japan and in Kodaikanal (by a mercury-based thermometer company) are well known to everyone. In this case, CFL bulbs are no less a contaminant” says Dr Thuppil Venkatesh, Principal Investigator, National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India.
Shockingly, neither the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) nor the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have issued any specific guidelines to collect and dispose CFL bulbs.
Confirming this, managing director of E-Parisaraa, the Electronic Waste Recycling Company approved by both CPCB and KSPCB, P Parthasarathy says, “There is no recycling unit for CFL bulbs in the state. In 2008, the CPCB framed the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2008, and it included guidelines for mercury management in the CFL sector as well. But the portion was apparently waived off in 2009. Even in the new proposed E-waste (Management and Handling), Rules 2011, which has already been notified and is likely to be implemented in May 2012, there is no mention of the CFL bulbs and tube lights.
Speaking to City Express, a senior environment officer, KSPCB said, “The CPCB is now seriously re-thinking this issue. In Karnataka, we have already alerted the E-waste recycle collectors to separate CFL bulbs.”
However, the cost of constructing a scientific disposal unit is about Rs 2 crore. Also, a lot of CFL bulbs are disposed by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike as they are used in street lamps. So, it is BBMP’s responsibility to plan it disposal, say KSPCB officials.
Unfortunately, lack of proper CFL disposal measures make CFL a potential health hazard. “Bangalore City alone generates about 1,000 tons of E-waste every month, of which about five per cent comprise CFL bulbs and tubelights,” says a senior environmental officer from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). All CFLs contain mercury, which is a highly toxic metal that can cause kidney and brain damage. Elaborating the adverse effects of Mercury noted environmentalist Yellapa Reddy says, “In case a bulb breaks, then even a small leak of Mercury is enough to damage the brain of a person. It can also penetrate the womb of a pregnant woman
affecting the foetus.” He adds,“While the CFL bulbs are extremely energy-efficient and consume 80 per cent power less than incandescent bulbs, they are a potential threat to nature when they are disposed and tossed in the trash. Most likely, they will find their way to a land-fill, and over a period of time, contaminate ground water supply. The lamps could also be incinerated, which would lead to mercury rain.
The rain water will eventually accumulate in lakes and rivers, ultimately contaminating the aquatic ecosystems and by chain reaction, the food we consume.” “Instances of mercury poisoning discharges in water bodies in Japan and in Kodaikanal (by a mercury-based thermometer company) are well known to everyone. In this case, CFL bulbs are no less a contaminant” says Dr Thuppil Venkatesh, Principal Investigator, National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India.
Shockingly, neither the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) nor the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have issued any specific guidelines to collect and dispose CFL bulbs.
Confirming this, managing director of E-Parisaraa, the Electronic Waste Recycling Company approved by both CPCB and KSPCB, P Parthasarathy says, “There is no recycling unit for CFL bulbs in the state. In 2008, the CPCB framed the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2008, and it included guidelines for mercury management in the CFL sector as well. But the portion was apparently waived off in 2009. Even in the new proposed E-waste (Management and Handling), Rules 2011, which has already been notified and is likely to be implemented in May 2012, there is no mention of the CFL bulbs and tube lights.
Speaking to City Express, a senior environment officer, KSPCB said, “The CPCB is now seriously re-thinking this issue. In Karnataka, we have already alerted the E-waste recycle collectors to separate CFL bulbs.”
However, the cost of constructing a scientific disposal unit is about Rs 2 crore. Also, a lot of CFL bulbs are disposed by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike as they are used in street lamps. So, it is BBMP’s responsibility to plan it disposal, say KSPCB officials.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
Energy-Saving LED Lighting
Cooper Lighting, a leader in energy-efficient solutions offering the broadest selection of recessed downlights including the first ENERGY STAR-qualified HALO LED downlight and IRIS high-performance architectural products, has partnered with LIPA to offer its universal All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight to promote both energy efficiency and cost savings.
Through its Residential Energy Efficient Lighting Program, one of the many programs under LIPA's Efficiency Long Island, customers can purchase Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight at a deeply discounted price. With an LED module and recessed trim, this energy-efficient product is designed to retrofit inefficient incandescent lighting with LED technology. On display at nine Long Island electrical distributors, the All-Pro LED downlight is available for purchase at a special promotional price through November 30, 2011.
"Lighting can account for up to 15 percent of the average electric bill, mostly due to the use of inefficient fixtures and light bulbs," said LIPA's Chief Operating Officer Michael Hervey. "ENERGY STAR-qualified LED lighting can use up to 75 percent less energy and lasts at least 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. We continue to assist and encourage customers to replace inefficient lighting with new LED technology at a reduced cost, which in turn will result in lower electric use and lower bills for our customers."
Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight fixture is designed to fit into both 5-inch and 6-inch standard and shallow recessed housings by Halo, All-Pro or compatible recessed housings. Meeting today's stringent ENERGY STAR requirements, the product consumes less than 15 watts and delivers over 600 lumens (comparable in light output and light distribution to a 65-watt BR30 incandescent lamp) and is designed to last 50,000 hours, or more than 20 years, when used six hours per day. To save additional energy, the product can also be dimmed. Based on those figures, replacing one incandescent light bulb can easily save hundreds of dollars over the life of the fixture.
The Cooper All-Pro LED downlight also provides a preferred warm white color of 3000K correlated color temperature (CCT). Installation is accomplished in almost no time by simply screwing the adapter into the existing recessed downlight socket. View the All-Pro instructional video for additional information.
"As homeowners become more receptive to new lighting technologies, they not only want energy-efficient solutions, but high quality, reliable ones," said Cooper Lighting President Mark Eubanks. "Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight meets these needs by using tested LED technology to achieve the savings and quality of light that homeowners desire."
Through its Residential Energy Efficient Lighting Program, one of the many programs under LIPA's Efficiency Long Island, customers can purchase Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight at a deeply discounted price. With an LED module and recessed trim, this energy-efficient product is designed to retrofit inefficient incandescent lighting with LED technology. On display at nine Long Island electrical distributors, the All-Pro LED downlight is available for purchase at a special promotional price through November 30, 2011.
"Lighting can account for up to 15 percent of the average electric bill, mostly due to the use of inefficient fixtures and light bulbs," said LIPA's Chief Operating Officer Michael Hervey. "ENERGY STAR-qualified LED lighting can use up to 75 percent less energy and lasts at least 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. We continue to assist and encourage customers to replace inefficient lighting with new LED technology at a reduced cost, which in turn will result in lower electric use and lower bills for our customers."
Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight fixture is designed to fit into both 5-inch and 6-inch standard and shallow recessed housings by Halo, All-Pro or compatible recessed housings. Meeting today's stringent ENERGY STAR requirements, the product consumes less than 15 watts and delivers over 600 lumens (comparable in light output and light distribution to a 65-watt BR30 incandescent lamp) and is designed to last 50,000 hours, or more than 20 years, when used six hours per day. To save additional energy, the product can also be dimmed. Based on those figures, replacing one incandescent light bulb can easily save hundreds of dollars over the life of the fixture.
The Cooper All-Pro LED downlight also provides a preferred warm white color of 3000K correlated color temperature (CCT). Installation is accomplished in almost no time by simply screwing the adapter into the existing recessed downlight socket. View the All-Pro instructional video for additional information.
"As homeowners become more receptive to new lighting technologies, they not only want energy-efficient solutions, but high quality, reliable ones," said Cooper Lighting President Mark Eubanks. "Cooper Lighting's All-Pro LED Retrofit Recessed Downlight meets these needs by using tested LED technology to achieve the savings and quality of light that homeowners desire."
Tuesday 1 November 2011
After Gadhafi, Hope for Modernity
While there are no classical pieces of earth-shattering importance—a fair amount of Libya's classical heritage made its way to Italian and other European museums during the Italian occupation—there are vibrant, dynamic mosaics of daily life from the ancient cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, many centered around fishing and sea creatures, and important panels from the arch of Septimius Severus at Leptis Magna.
The mosaics compare with the best in Tunisia, with tiny fragments that capture light and allow for great naturalism. But the Roman glass on show is mediocre, and even if the empty cases that once held jewelry and other small artifacts were full, they would not compare in extent with the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, not to mention the Italian museums. The Islamic artifacts are substandard, which probably reflects the fact that Libya was a backwater for most of the postclassical period.
The well-traveled foreign visitor will be most thrilled by the pieces from Libya's indigenous civilizations, mainly unfamiliar to Westerners. There is a fascinating bijou third-century mausoleum and panels of bas reliefs from Ghirza, south of Misrata, whose endearingly naive depictions of animals and foliage show a fusion of local and Greek art.
There are also artifacts from the mysterious Garamantian desert empire, thought to be a Berber civilization. Work is still being done on the remote desert sites where these objects were found. The exhibits on Libya's rich prehistoric heritage only hint at its splendor and importance. The vast desert covering most of the country below the Mediterranean coast contains some of the world's finest prehistoric rock art—represented here mainly by photographs and reproductions—along with shards of the indigenous pottery and the 5,400-year-old mummy of a 7-year-old girl found in the Acacus Mountains in 1958.
Libyan cultural and educational institutions usually have a Rip Van Winkle quality, with decades-old signage, little Web presence, and an insular orientation—and the museum is typical. Libyans are not big on maintenance, and many of the light bulbs were out when I visited.
But Ms. Howasi is quick to note that most of the improvements she hopes for are cosmetic. In her opinion, the museum does not need a major cash infusion. She did not ask for foreign help. (That is much more necessary to conserve Libya's neglected archaeological treasures, as Saleh Alagab, head of the Department of Antiquities, has noted.) Ms. Howasi's attitude, which is common here, reflects the pride and self-confidence of a people who won their freedom with their own blood. And the fact that the museum's treasures were respected by the revolutionaries is an encouraging sign for Libya's future.
The mosaics compare with the best in Tunisia, with tiny fragments that capture light and allow for great naturalism. But the Roman glass on show is mediocre, and even if the empty cases that once held jewelry and other small artifacts were full, they would not compare in extent with the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, not to mention the Italian museums. The Islamic artifacts are substandard, which probably reflects the fact that Libya was a backwater for most of the postclassical period.
The well-traveled foreign visitor will be most thrilled by the pieces from Libya's indigenous civilizations, mainly unfamiliar to Westerners. There is a fascinating bijou third-century mausoleum and panels of bas reliefs from Ghirza, south of Misrata, whose endearingly naive depictions of animals and foliage show a fusion of local and Greek art.
There are also artifacts from the mysterious Garamantian desert empire, thought to be a Berber civilization. Work is still being done on the remote desert sites where these objects were found. The exhibits on Libya's rich prehistoric heritage only hint at its splendor and importance. The vast desert covering most of the country below the Mediterranean coast contains some of the world's finest prehistoric rock art—represented here mainly by photographs and reproductions—along with shards of the indigenous pottery and the 5,400-year-old mummy of a 7-year-old girl found in the Acacus Mountains in 1958.
Libyan cultural and educational institutions usually have a Rip Van Winkle quality, with decades-old signage, little Web presence, and an insular orientation—and the museum is typical. Libyans are not big on maintenance, and many of the light bulbs were out when I visited.
But Ms. Howasi is quick to note that most of the improvements she hopes for are cosmetic. In her opinion, the museum does not need a major cash infusion. She did not ask for foreign help. (That is much more necessary to conserve Libya's neglected archaeological treasures, as Saleh Alagab, head of the Department of Antiquities, has noted.) Ms. Howasi's attitude, which is common here, reflects the pride and self-confidence of a people who won their freedom with their own blood. And the fact that the museum's treasures were respected by the revolutionaries is an encouraging sign for Libya's future.
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