The 2013 Lexus GS sport sedan debuts the new face of the brand in an efficient but powerful statement. The stronger design and more luxurious interior are hoped to attract a new type of buyer. The five-seat sedan will be sold in three trim levels – Luxury, F Sport and Hybrid – in rear or optional all-wheel drive.
The new face is highlighted by "spindle grille" with wide lower fascia. Also look for (Audi-esque) arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights.
The re-engineered sport sedan is the same length as before, but two inches wider at the rear and an inch wider at the front. It has a rakishly low 0.26 drag coefficient.
Interior "craftsmanship" has been enhanced (as if Lexus was ever short in quality feel and appearance). Simple, useful additions include a three-blink to pass signal feature and guidance lines (finally) in the standard rearview camera. Interior options include red leather and metal-trimmed pedals.
The 306-hp, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 will push the 3,795-pound sport sedan to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The engine has an intake sound generator for that husky growl 'o power. The six-speed transmission, with paddle shifters, is about the only carryover piece. Fuel economy around town is 19 mpg and up to 28 on the highway on 91 octane.
The GS450h hybrid has a 338-hp, Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.5-liter V-6, which has fuel economy of 29/34 mpg city/highway. Trunk space in the hybrid was improved over the previous model by stacking the batteries to give more cubic footage. The lower rear valance conceals the exhaust tips for that look of stealth running.
The GS debuts Lexus' Enform multimedia system with Safety Connect. Enform connects to music, information and entertainment services through the user's smartphone. There also is Pandora and iHeartRadio. A text-to-speech feature allows the driver to be read text messages and send preset responses.
SafetyConnect features automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist, enhanced roadside assistance and destination assist.
Standard equipment includes Smart Access locking and push-button ignition, leather-trimmed seats,10-way adjustable front seats, electric parking brake, rearview camera, 8-inch high center touchscreen, tilt-telescopic (multifunction) steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connection, 12-speaker surround-sound HD-radio audio system with auxiliary-iPod-USB ports, 17-inch alloy wheels standard, bi-HID headlights, heated mirrors with puddle lights and turn signals, ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass for all windows, lightweight asphalt sheets for cabin soundproofing.
Variable Gear Ratio Steering is a highlight of the F Sport package. This is the rear steering assist that at low speeds counter steers to chop the turning circle in half to 17 feet and at high speeds it turns the car in the direction of the front tires to tuck back into the lane. This rear steering gear is an excellent around-town feature that should be available as a stand-alone option. Even if it were an $800 extra, it would be worth it.
Thursday 2 February 2012
Wednesday 1 February 2012
YMCA completes lighting project
The YMCA of Trumbull County is starting the new year a little brighter as a light replacement program which helps save energy and money while brightening the complex is complete.
Interim YMCA Director Richard Denamen said as part of a green energy program by Ohio Edison, lights were changed in the two gyms, two swimming pool rooms, four locker rooms, wellness center and main lobby.
"The lights are a lot brighter and more energy-efficient. Ohio Edison's goal is to reduce energy consumption," he said.
Denamen said there will be expected savings for the YMCA with electrical bills with a discount provided by Ohio Edison for the installation. He said he is not sure of the exact savings, which should be noticed with the billing in a few months.
During the winter months, the YMCA has been busy with various programs and pool rentals.
The YMCA building is more than 80 years old, and in recent years has undergone renovations which have included in 2008 newly-renovated cardiovascular, wellness center and exercise rooms, which are the most utilized rooms of the YMCA. Prior to that, the last renovation took place in the cardiovascular area in November 1997.
The wellness area received pre-existing paneled walls, new vinyl upholstery for the Nautilus machines, solar energy saving window shades, five flat-screen televisions, improved lighting, added artwork and memorabilia to the walls and rubber flooring.
Banner Engineering has announced a range of energy saving LED work lights of protection categories IP67/IP69K. The robust design allows use in a wide field of application where reliable, bright and even illumination is needed under tough environmental conditions.
The colour temperature lies in daylight range between 5000 and 10 000 Kelvin. The work lights can be connected either via a standardised M12x1-plug connection or directly via open wire ends. The power on/off is carried out either over the connection with the supply voltage or – when there is a constant power supply – over the integrated switch on the LED work light, which is incorporated in some versions.
The lights are available in three different construction groups: as compact spot lights, as line light rails and as square LED lights for flat illuminations. The line light rails are offered in 8 different versions with 3 to 24 LEDs. For more extensive illumination or larger work areas, Banner offers 4 flat lights with 12 to 48 LEDs.
Interim YMCA Director Richard Denamen said as part of a green energy program by Ohio Edison, lights were changed in the two gyms, two swimming pool rooms, four locker rooms, wellness center and main lobby.
"The lights are a lot brighter and more energy-efficient. Ohio Edison's goal is to reduce energy consumption," he said.
Denamen said there will be expected savings for the YMCA with electrical bills with a discount provided by Ohio Edison for the installation. He said he is not sure of the exact savings, which should be noticed with the billing in a few months.
During the winter months, the YMCA has been busy with various programs and pool rentals.
The YMCA building is more than 80 years old, and in recent years has undergone renovations which have included in 2008 newly-renovated cardiovascular, wellness center and exercise rooms, which are the most utilized rooms of the YMCA. Prior to that, the last renovation took place in the cardiovascular area in November 1997.
The wellness area received pre-existing paneled walls, new vinyl upholstery for the Nautilus machines, solar energy saving window shades, five flat-screen televisions, improved lighting, added artwork and memorabilia to the walls and rubber flooring.
Banner Engineering has announced a range of energy saving LED work lights of protection categories IP67/IP69K. The robust design allows use in a wide field of application where reliable, bright and even illumination is needed under tough environmental conditions.
The colour temperature lies in daylight range between 5000 and 10 000 Kelvin. The work lights can be connected either via a standardised M12x1-plug connection or directly via open wire ends. The power on/off is carried out either over the connection with the supply voltage or – when there is a constant power supply – over the integrated switch on the LED work light, which is incorporated in some versions.
The lights are available in three different construction groups: as compact spot lights, as line light rails and as square LED lights for flat illuminations. The line light rails are offered in 8 different versions with 3 to 24 LEDs. For more extensive illumination or larger work areas, Banner offers 4 flat lights with 12 to 48 LEDs.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Old Lambeau Field scoreboards removed, will be recycled
The Green Bay Packers have removed the scoreboards from Lambeau Field and are preparing them for recycling.
The scoreboards will be replaced by Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards. The video screens, 108 feet wide and 48 feet high, will be about the size of the scoreboards that were removed. They will be in place for the 2012 season.
The Packers said scoreboard recycling is rare, but they hope to find other uses for steel, aluminum, vinyl, ad panels, wiring, circuit boards, LED display units and lighting fixtures.
The boards will be partially disassembled at the stadium before being shipped to refineries and recyclers. Lights will be processed to remove mercury, gas and other potential pollutants.
Waste Management is the recycling contractor.
Lambeau Field is in the midst of a $143 million expansion, which includes adding 6,700 seats, replacing the scoreboards, and installing new entrances and a rooftop viewing area for club-seat ticket holders. A new sound system was in place for the 2011 season.
Chemists at the University have uncovered the solid state structures of dimethylzinc and diethylzinc, two compounds that played a fundamental role in the development of modern chemistry, according to the University of Liverpool.
Both compounds spontaneously ignite in air and such high reactivity has made it difficult for scientists to study their crystal structures. The team at Liverpool – in collaboration with SAFC Hitech, a developer of advanced new materials – used a combination of experimental and computational methods to determine the compounds' structures.
The synthesis of dimethylzinc and diethylzinc by Edward Frankland in the 1850s was a key moment in the history of chemistry. It marked the birth of organometallic chemistry, a major branch of modern chemistry that deals with compounds containing direct bonds between metal and carbon atoms. Such compounds are of huge significance in areas such as catalysis, pharmaceuticals, polymers, electronics and nanomaterials.
Dimethylzinc and diethylzinc are important members of this class because of their unique properties. Although they contain metal atoms, they are volatile liquids at room temperature and also extremely reactive. This has led to a wide range of applications in chemical and materials synthesis for example for the production of thin film semiconductors, which are fundamental components of LED displays, domestic and automobile lighting, CD lasers, back-lit televisions and traffic lights.
The scoreboards will be replaced by Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards. The video screens, 108 feet wide and 48 feet high, will be about the size of the scoreboards that were removed. They will be in place for the 2012 season.
The Packers said scoreboard recycling is rare, but they hope to find other uses for steel, aluminum, vinyl, ad panels, wiring, circuit boards, LED display units and lighting fixtures.
The boards will be partially disassembled at the stadium before being shipped to refineries and recyclers. Lights will be processed to remove mercury, gas and other potential pollutants.
Waste Management is the recycling contractor.
Lambeau Field is in the midst of a $143 million expansion, which includes adding 6,700 seats, replacing the scoreboards, and installing new entrances and a rooftop viewing area for club-seat ticket holders. A new sound system was in place for the 2011 season.
Chemists at the University have uncovered the solid state structures of dimethylzinc and diethylzinc, two compounds that played a fundamental role in the development of modern chemistry, according to the University of Liverpool.
Both compounds spontaneously ignite in air and such high reactivity has made it difficult for scientists to study their crystal structures. The team at Liverpool – in collaboration with SAFC Hitech, a developer of advanced new materials – used a combination of experimental and computational methods to determine the compounds' structures.
The synthesis of dimethylzinc and diethylzinc by Edward Frankland in the 1850s was a key moment in the history of chemistry. It marked the birth of organometallic chemistry, a major branch of modern chemistry that deals with compounds containing direct bonds between metal and carbon atoms. Such compounds are of huge significance in areas such as catalysis, pharmaceuticals, polymers, electronics and nanomaterials.
Dimethylzinc and diethylzinc are important members of this class because of their unique properties. Although they contain metal atoms, they are volatile liquids at room temperature and also extremely reactive. This has led to a wide range of applications in chemical and materials synthesis for example for the production of thin film semiconductors, which are fundamental components of LED displays, domestic and automobile lighting, CD lasers, back-lit televisions and traffic lights.
Monday 30 January 2012
What should be done about streetlights in North Conway Village?
Thirty-three people answered this week's Tele-Talk question: “What should be done about streetlights in North Conway Village?” Twenty said the lights should be turned back on; five said to keep street lights off.
I've lived in North Conway permanently since 1996. Last night I went through the village — seven lights on, two people almost got hit. They have to walk on the side of the Red Jacket out in the street. Surprised something hasn't happened yet. And it's going to be on the blood of those selectmen.
Having read and discussed today's Tele-Talk during breakfast in the village with my family, our family votes for anything retro in the village. After skiing today, we'll dine here in the village and tomorrow after skiing we'll stop for a snack on the way home. So, we enjoy an older atmosphere that the village presents. No cobras please.
Well first the style of lights is really irrelevant. They should be energy saving; the LED seems to be the best bet. But they should be focused so that light goes where it needs to go so that people driving or the pedestrians can see what's going on instead of light going every which way. But the most important thing is that the lights should be on; every pole that has a light should be on.
Driving down the road, all of a sudden there's a pedestrian in front of you — you can't hardly see anything. The village, especially at the crosswalks — maybe there should be an extra light, some sort of a focused spotlight. To do otherwise is negligent and the blood will be on the people who make the decisions on this. Light the place up; you encourage people to come up here and shop even after dark.
It's our responsibility to make sure that people don't get hurt because they can't be seen. The strip is a problem as well with no lights or hardly any lights. The thing is there is so much light in the parking lots for businesses on each side that it makes the road almost impossible to see properly.
My comment about the streetlights in the village is that this is a perfect example of what happens when well-meaning people who don't know what they're talking about manage to get federal tax dollars for a project that is not needed, not wanted and ultimately now being rejected by the very people who asked for it. It's a good example of how not to run government.
I agree with Janice Crawford, we just want lights. Just last night going into town on the North-South Road from Artist Falls Road in the rainy mist, I counted at least 10 lights out along the road going into town. All we want is lights in the valley.
What should be done about the streetlights in North Conway? Leave them alone. Janice Crawford and the selectmen, people want starlight not streetlights. Be happy with the present fixtures which are partially paid for with federal funds. Many towns do wreaths and flags and personally I think it is very tacky.
We should stick with the classic look. Use LED lights if necessary, but isn't there enough lights from all the stores not to need bright street lights. Come on get together with it. Let's be a little more economical with it and shut the lights off. This is Barbara from Center Conway.
I've lived in North Conway permanently since 1996. Last night I went through the village — seven lights on, two people almost got hit. They have to walk on the side of the Red Jacket out in the street. Surprised something hasn't happened yet. And it's going to be on the blood of those selectmen.
Having read and discussed today's Tele-Talk during breakfast in the village with my family, our family votes for anything retro in the village. After skiing today, we'll dine here in the village and tomorrow after skiing we'll stop for a snack on the way home. So, we enjoy an older atmosphere that the village presents. No cobras please.
Well first the style of lights is really irrelevant. They should be energy saving; the LED seems to be the best bet. But they should be focused so that light goes where it needs to go so that people driving or the pedestrians can see what's going on instead of light going every which way. But the most important thing is that the lights should be on; every pole that has a light should be on.
Driving down the road, all of a sudden there's a pedestrian in front of you — you can't hardly see anything. The village, especially at the crosswalks — maybe there should be an extra light, some sort of a focused spotlight. To do otherwise is negligent and the blood will be on the people who make the decisions on this. Light the place up; you encourage people to come up here and shop even after dark.
It's our responsibility to make sure that people don't get hurt because they can't be seen. The strip is a problem as well with no lights or hardly any lights. The thing is there is so much light in the parking lots for businesses on each side that it makes the road almost impossible to see properly.
My comment about the streetlights in the village is that this is a perfect example of what happens when well-meaning people who don't know what they're talking about manage to get federal tax dollars for a project that is not needed, not wanted and ultimately now being rejected by the very people who asked for it. It's a good example of how not to run government.
I agree with Janice Crawford, we just want lights. Just last night going into town on the North-South Road from Artist Falls Road in the rainy mist, I counted at least 10 lights out along the road going into town. All we want is lights in the valley.
What should be done about the streetlights in North Conway? Leave them alone. Janice Crawford and the selectmen, people want starlight not streetlights. Be happy with the present fixtures which are partially paid for with federal funds. Many towns do wreaths and flags and personally I think it is very tacky.
We should stick with the classic look. Use LED lights if necessary, but isn't there enough lights from all the stores not to need bright street lights. Come on get together with it. Let's be a little more economical with it and shut the lights off. This is Barbara from Center Conway.
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Abu Dhabi to participate in World Future Energy Summit
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is taking part in the World Future Energy Summit to be held in the capital Abu Dhabi from 16 to 19 January in the context of its vision of ensuring a superior quality of life and a sustainable environment to the residents of Abu Dhabi.
Now entering its fifth year, the World Future Energy Summit is considered the world's premier annual forum concerned with fostering the development of renewable energy, energy consumption efficiency, and waste & water management techniques.
The Summit is expected to be attended by more than 26,000 persons hailing from 140 countries, including 3,000 delegates, 650 exhibitors and 20 national pavilions.
The Town Planning Sector at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City will exhibit a model of the Energy Demand Management Project applied in the existing buildings of East 3 Sector in Abu Dhabi city during the round-table session, which will be held on 18 January.
During the Summit, the Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector will showcase 5 vital projects in the field of infrastructure sustainability namely: Recycling asphalt using cold asphalt recycling technique, where roads maintenance works are being carried out using reclaimed materials, compared to the customary maintenance process where road's different layers are removed and rebuilt using new materials.
A pilot project has been implemented in Street 16 at Shahama, where the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City conducted a comprehensive study spanning all phases of the project which concluded that using cold asphalt technology in roads rehabilitation process has proven to be both technically and financially feasible.
The Sector will also showcase the Central Control System of Irrigation Networks & Stations, and Storm-Water Drainage in Abu Dhabi city, known as SCADA; which was introduced by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City with the aim of rationing the distribution of irrigation water in a precise way, facilitating maintenance processes, and ensuring prompt response to emergency incidents. SCADA is one of the world's most widely used systems featuring performance efficiency, and a design tailored to address all changes & developments such as the progress and construction boom witnessed by the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Projects to be showcased in the event also include Using Plastic Networks in Fixing and Strengthening Roads' Asphalt Pavement Layers aimed at applying the principles of sustainability to roads and infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi; which is part & parcel of the Municipality's strategic objectives.
Compliance with sustainability requirements means examining a host of parameters which include the project's functions, performance efficiency, technological advancement, and life-cycle cost. It also encompasses addressing public health & safety issues, rationalizing the use of energy & raw materials, and minimizing the adverse environmental impacts.
The Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector will also exhibit the General Street Lighting Strategy adopted in Abu Dhabi, which aims at developing a sustainable and long-term lighting policy in order to cut down the economic and environmental costs of excess lighting by modifying the standards of luminous intensity of roads, as well as introducing new energy-efficient lighting techniques with minimal maintenance requirements.
Now entering its fifth year, the World Future Energy Summit is considered the world's premier annual forum concerned with fostering the development of renewable energy, energy consumption efficiency, and waste & water management techniques.
The Summit is expected to be attended by more than 26,000 persons hailing from 140 countries, including 3,000 delegates, 650 exhibitors and 20 national pavilions.
The Town Planning Sector at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City will exhibit a model of the Energy Demand Management Project applied in the existing buildings of East 3 Sector in Abu Dhabi city during the round-table session, which will be held on 18 January.
During the Summit, the Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector will showcase 5 vital projects in the field of infrastructure sustainability namely: Recycling asphalt using cold asphalt recycling technique, where roads maintenance works are being carried out using reclaimed materials, compared to the customary maintenance process where road's different layers are removed and rebuilt using new materials.
A pilot project has been implemented in Street 16 at Shahama, where the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City conducted a comprehensive study spanning all phases of the project which concluded that using cold asphalt technology in roads rehabilitation process has proven to be both technically and financially feasible.
The Sector will also showcase the Central Control System of Irrigation Networks & Stations, and Storm-Water Drainage in Abu Dhabi city, known as SCADA; which was introduced by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City with the aim of rationing the distribution of irrigation water in a precise way, facilitating maintenance processes, and ensuring prompt response to emergency incidents. SCADA is one of the world's most widely used systems featuring performance efficiency, and a design tailored to address all changes & developments such as the progress and construction boom witnessed by the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Projects to be showcased in the event also include Using Plastic Networks in Fixing and Strengthening Roads' Asphalt Pavement Layers aimed at applying the principles of sustainability to roads and infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi; which is part & parcel of the Municipality's strategic objectives.
Compliance with sustainability requirements means examining a host of parameters which include the project's functions, performance efficiency, technological advancement, and life-cycle cost. It also encompasses addressing public health & safety issues, rationalizing the use of energy & raw materials, and minimizing the adverse environmental impacts.
The Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector will also exhibit the General Street Lighting Strategy adopted in Abu Dhabi, which aims at developing a sustainable and long-term lighting policy in order to cut down the economic and environmental costs of excess lighting by modifying the standards of luminous intensity of roads, as well as introducing new energy-efficient lighting techniques with minimal maintenance requirements.
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Sassoon makes plastic surgeries affordable
Over the last three years, the plastic surgery unit of Sassoon has evolved as a prominent centre in western Maharashtra with patients coming here not just from the Kolhapur belt but from other states as well. Since 2009, the unit has carried out about 1,300 reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.
Reconstructive surgeries include correcting burn deformities and birth anomalies while breast augmentation, creating dimples and liposuction fall in the cosmetic surgery category.
"We cover the entire spectrum of plastic and cosmetic surgery and try to provide international quality care to our patients at Sassoon Hospital," said plastic and cosmetic surgeon Parag Sahasrabudhe, who is an associate professor at Sassoon.
"People come not just from Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur but also from Vidarbha and Konkan regions. Some come from neighbouring states of Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Most of them need reconstructive surgeries to cover up a defacement or correct a birth defect," Sahasrabudhe said.
Disfigurement of the face or dysfunction of any body part can lead to severe psychological repercussions such as lowered self-esteem and altered social image. Depression, state of anxiety and phobias or panic conditions may creep in. Such conditions may lead an affected individual to withdraw from the society. There are many who need such surgeries but cannot afford the cost in private hospitals. For example, a girl with absent breast development or excess breast development faces difficulties and societal pressure at the time of marriage.
"A lot of young girls want to go for breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. Besides, there are people who have nose deformities. They are treated here for a very reasonable price," said plastic surgeon Nikhil Panse, assistant professor in plastic surgery at Sassoon.
The unit at Sassoon primarily treats congenital anomalies, hand injury reconstruction, maxillofacial reconstruction, post-burn and post-trauma reconstruction, post- malignancy reconstruction, post-leprosy reconstruction and cosmetic surgeries. "Most accident victims needing plastic surgeries are usually poor and are from the unorganized sector. We perform all types of complex reconstructive procedures. In addition, have started doing cosmetic procedures like breast implant, body contouring, dimple creation etc," Sahasrabuddhe said.
"Though the surgery cost is bare minimum, we do not provide the implant. Like private hospitals, we ask the patients to buy the implant from outside on the doctor's advise," he said.
The plastic surgery unit has state-of-the-art operation theaters and equipment that could be compared to any private set-up in the country. "We have two operation theaters with central air conditioner and laminar flow needed for infection control and LED lights for operation table. The camera is integrated inside the OT lights in such a way that the details of surgeries can be watched by grooming doctors on a wall mounted LCD television set," Sahasrabudhe said.
"The department has all the clinical paraphernalia needed which includes expensive surgical instruments," Sahasrabudhe said. Besides the central library of BJMC, there is a separate library of the plastic surgery department wherein textbooks, national and international medical journals are available for trainees.
Reconstructive surgeries include correcting burn deformities and birth anomalies while breast augmentation, creating dimples and liposuction fall in the cosmetic surgery category.
"We cover the entire spectrum of plastic and cosmetic surgery and try to provide international quality care to our patients at Sassoon Hospital," said plastic and cosmetic surgeon Parag Sahasrabudhe, who is an associate professor at Sassoon.
"People come not just from Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur but also from Vidarbha and Konkan regions. Some come from neighbouring states of Karnataka, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Most of them need reconstructive surgeries to cover up a defacement or correct a birth defect," Sahasrabudhe said.
Disfigurement of the face or dysfunction of any body part can lead to severe psychological repercussions such as lowered self-esteem and altered social image. Depression, state of anxiety and phobias or panic conditions may creep in. Such conditions may lead an affected individual to withdraw from the society. There are many who need such surgeries but cannot afford the cost in private hospitals. For example, a girl with absent breast development or excess breast development faces difficulties and societal pressure at the time of marriage.
"A lot of young girls want to go for breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery. Besides, there are people who have nose deformities. They are treated here for a very reasonable price," said plastic surgeon Nikhil Panse, assistant professor in plastic surgery at Sassoon.
The unit at Sassoon primarily treats congenital anomalies, hand injury reconstruction, maxillofacial reconstruction, post-burn and post-trauma reconstruction, post- malignancy reconstruction, post-leprosy reconstruction and cosmetic surgeries. "Most accident victims needing plastic surgeries are usually poor and are from the unorganized sector. We perform all types of complex reconstructive procedures. In addition, have started doing cosmetic procedures like breast implant, body contouring, dimple creation etc," Sahasrabuddhe said.
"Though the surgery cost is bare minimum, we do not provide the implant. Like private hospitals, we ask the patients to buy the implant from outside on the doctor's advise," he said.
The plastic surgery unit has state-of-the-art operation theaters and equipment that could be compared to any private set-up in the country. "We have two operation theaters with central air conditioner and laminar flow needed for infection control and LED lights for operation table. The camera is integrated inside the OT lights in such a way that the details of surgeries can be watched by grooming doctors on a wall mounted LCD television set," Sahasrabudhe said.
"The department has all the clinical paraphernalia needed which includes expensive surgical instruments," Sahasrabudhe said. Besides the central library of BJMC, there is a separate library of the plastic surgery department wherein textbooks, national and international medical journals are available for trainees.
Monday 9 January 2012
Red-Light Camera Proposal Is Revived; Civil Liberties Group Again Opposes It
Public office-holders and citizen activists from New Haven again are pushing to get the Connecticut General Assembly to legalize use of automated cameras to issue traffic tickets to red light violators at intersections.
The effort has failed in past years, most recently in 2011, but supporters re-launched it Monday at a press conference led by New Haven Mayor John DeStefano and state Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven.
As in the past, the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut responded that it "remains steadfast in opposition to traffic light cameras."
Looney said in a press release: "Our friends and family don't need to become another statistic," said Senator Looney. "The use of red light cameras at intersections is critical for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Knowing that if you run a red light you will receive a ticket in the mail will be a huge incentive for drivers to slow down and think twice about breaking the law. It will free up police resources and save lives." Supporters said over the last 20 years, on average, more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed across the United States in motor vehicle-related accidents.
With the state legislative session set to begin next month, Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney gathered with Mayor John DeStefano, members of the New Haven delegation, members of the Board of Aldermen and safe streets advocates at the corner of South Frontage Road and York Street to launch a new push to pass legislation authorizing the use of red light cameras to catch dangerous drivers.
Nationally, according to the Federal Highway Commission, red-light running kills 1,000 people and injures 165,000 a year at a cost of $230 billion. Over the last 20 years, on average, more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed across the United States in motor vehicle-related accidents.
"Our friends and family don't need to become another statistic," said Senator Looney. "The use of red light cameras at intersections is critical for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Knowing that if you run a red light you will receive a ticket in the mail will be a huge incentive for drivers to slow down and think twice about breaking the law. It will free up police resources and save lives."
New Haven has the highest percentage of residents who walk or bike to work. Tragedies involving pedestrians and cyclists often occur at intersections where traditional traffic enforcement is challenging.
Added Mayor DeStefano, "The fact is that red light cameras save lives, promote civil behavior, grow pedestrian and biker use and most importantly do all this while reserving our police officers time for more urgent citizen needs."
Legislators plan to raise a bill with language similar to a bill raised last session. Under that proposal, municipalities with 60,000 or more residents would have been granted the right, through local ordinance, to install red light cameras at designated intersection.
The proposed billed required municipalities to install advance warning signs along all approaches of the roadways preceding the intersection at which an automated traffic enforcement safety device was located. The advance warning signs would notify motorists of the existence of the automated traffic enforcement safety device.
The effort has failed in past years, most recently in 2011, but supporters re-launched it Monday at a press conference led by New Haven Mayor John DeStefano and state Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven.
As in the past, the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut responded that it "remains steadfast in opposition to traffic light cameras."
Looney said in a press release: "Our friends and family don't need to become another statistic," said Senator Looney. "The use of red light cameras at intersections is critical for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Knowing that if you run a red light you will receive a ticket in the mail will be a huge incentive for drivers to slow down and think twice about breaking the law. It will free up police resources and save lives." Supporters said over the last 20 years, on average, more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed across the United States in motor vehicle-related accidents.
With the state legislative session set to begin next month, Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney gathered with Mayor John DeStefano, members of the New Haven delegation, members of the Board of Aldermen and safe streets advocates at the corner of South Frontage Road and York Street to launch a new push to pass legislation authorizing the use of red light cameras to catch dangerous drivers.
Nationally, according to the Federal Highway Commission, red-light running kills 1,000 people and injures 165,000 a year at a cost of $230 billion. Over the last 20 years, on average, more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed across the United States in motor vehicle-related accidents.
"Our friends and family don't need to become another statistic," said Senator Looney. "The use of red light cameras at intersections is critical for ensuring the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Knowing that if you run a red light you will receive a ticket in the mail will be a huge incentive for drivers to slow down and think twice about breaking the law. It will free up police resources and save lives."
New Haven has the highest percentage of residents who walk or bike to work. Tragedies involving pedestrians and cyclists often occur at intersections where traditional traffic enforcement is challenging.
Added Mayor DeStefano, "The fact is that red light cameras save lives, promote civil behavior, grow pedestrian and biker use and most importantly do all this while reserving our police officers time for more urgent citizen needs."
Legislators plan to raise a bill with language similar to a bill raised last session. Under that proposal, municipalities with 60,000 or more residents would have been granted the right, through local ordinance, to install red light cameras at designated intersection.
The proposed billed required municipalities to install advance warning signs along all approaches of the roadways preceding the intersection at which an automated traffic enforcement safety device was located. The advance warning signs would notify motorists of the existence of the automated traffic enforcement safety device.
Sunday 8 January 2012
New light bulbs save energy, but I don't have to like them
The curtain is going up on 2012, but it may be difficult to see what's happening on the stage in the new year. A new year always brings along with it a sheaf of new laws and regulations. This year, one of those new regulations may dim our vision of the future.
On Jan. 1, the United States began to officially phase out incandescent light bulbs. In California, the phase out started last year, but now the rest of the country will be squinting along with us. The federal law mandating the phase out was signed in 2007, but didn't take effect until now.
With the start of the new year, 100-watt incandescent bulbs can no longer be manufactured or imported. The phase out will continue in 2013 with the 75-watt bulbs and in 2014 with the 60- and 40-watt bulbs. Stores can continue to sell existing inventory, but the great fade out has begun.
Those of us who love the warm, soft light that emanates from incandescent bulbs may soon have to find ways to bootleg our bulbs into the country. I can imagine a time when the TSA will have bulb-sniffing dogs patrolling the terminals at international airports.
Proponents of the ban point to fluorescent and LED technology as a long-lasting, energy-saving alternative. And clearly, Americans are used to fluorescent lights. The long, thin tubes have illuminated offices, stores and schools for decades, but a fluorescent light source at home just feels different.
Not only does it feel different, it looks different. I often jog in the very early morning. Running past the houses in my neighborhood it's instantly apparent who uses incandescent bulbs and who uses fluorescent. The incandescent bulbs give off a warm, yellow-red glow. The fluorescent bulbs a harsher blue color.
Still, due solely to a dwindling lack of options, we've begun to switch some of the bulbs at our house to the curly little fluorescent bulbs. I don't like them. First, they're expensive. Second — and I don't care what anybody says — I can't read as well under their light. They just seem dim.
Proponents admit the compact fluorescent and LED lights are more expensive, but they say their cost over time is less due to the bulb's longevity compared to incandescent bulbs. Well, I know of one incandescent light bulb they'll never outlast.
There is a light bulb in Fire Station 6 in the city of Livermore, Calif. that has been burning for more than 110 years. It is a handblown bulb with a carbon filament. Originally a 60-watt bulb, it now burns at about four watts. But it's still burning.
At four watts it reminds me of the fluorescent bulbs I usually encounter in hotel room bedside lamps. Hotels started making the switch a long time ago, I'm sure in the thought there would be a cost-savings. Well, it doesn't work with me. Hotel rooms are so dimly lit now I turn on absolutely every light in the room trying to brighten the place up a little. And I know one guy who actually travels with his own 100-watt bulb so he's always assured of at least one decent lamp in a hotel room.
On Jan. 1, the United States began to officially phase out incandescent light bulbs. In California, the phase out started last year, but now the rest of the country will be squinting along with us. The federal law mandating the phase out was signed in 2007, but didn't take effect until now.
With the start of the new year, 100-watt incandescent bulbs can no longer be manufactured or imported. The phase out will continue in 2013 with the 75-watt bulbs and in 2014 with the 60- and 40-watt bulbs. Stores can continue to sell existing inventory, but the great fade out has begun.
Those of us who love the warm, soft light that emanates from incandescent bulbs may soon have to find ways to bootleg our bulbs into the country. I can imagine a time when the TSA will have bulb-sniffing dogs patrolling the terminals at international airports.
Proponents of the ban point to fluorescent and LED technology as a long-lasting, energy-saving alternative. And clearly, Americans are used to fluorescent lights. The long, thin tubes have illuminated offices, stores and schools for decades, but a fluorescent light source at home just feels different.
Not only does it feel different, it looks different. I often jog in the very early morning. Running past the houses in my neighborhood it's instantly apparent who uses incandescent bulbs and who uses fluorescent. The incandescent bulbs give off a warm, yellow-red glow. The fluorescent bulbs a harsher blue color.
Still, due solely to a dwindling lack of options, we've begun to switch some of the bulbs at our house to the curly little fluorescent bulbs. I don't like them. First, they're expensive. Second — and I don't care what anybody says — I can't read as well under their light. They just seem dim.
Proponents admit the compact fluorescent and LED lights are more expensive, but they say their cost over time is less due to the bulb's longevity compared to incandescent bulbs. Well, I know of one incandescent light bulb they'll never outlast.
There is a light bulb in Fire Station 6 in the city of Livermore, Calif. that has been burning for more than 110 years. It is a handblown bulb with a carbon filament. Originally a 60-watt bulb, it now burns at about four watts. But it's still burning.
At four watts it reminds me of the fluorescent bulbs I usually encounter in hotel room bedside lamps. Hotels started making the switch a long time ago, I'm sure in the thought there would be a cost-savings. Well, it doesn't work with me. Hotel rooms are so dimly lit now I turn on absolutely every light in the room trying to brighten the place up a little. And I know one guy who actually travels with his own 100-watt bulb so he's always assured of at least one decent lamp in a hotel room.
Thursday 5 January 2012
Shops ready for light bulb switch
Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs are headed the way of rotary phones and record players.
As of Jan. 1, manufacturers are required to produce bulbs 25 percent more efficient than traditional ones.
The old-fashioned incandescents still are available on local store shelves, although that might change soon.
"I'm sure we have, literally, hundreds of them," said Bill Pyle of F.M. Pyle Hardware Company on Charleston's West Side.
Goldfarb Lighting in downtown Charleston and Zegeer Hardware on the East End also are fully stocked.
"No one's getting into a mad rush. We're fully loaded right now," Julie Zegeer said.
There are signs that homeowners in other parts of the country may be hoarding the incandescent bulbs.
Zegeer Hardware, a Do It Best Hardware franchise, receives its stock from a Do It Best distribution center in Medina, Ohio. Julie said that distribution center had no 100-watt incandescent bulbs in stock last week.
Other nearby distribution centers were running low: a center in North Carolina had 600 units of 100-watt incandescent bulbs, but a Waco, Texas, center had only 72 packages and a distribution center in Mesquite, Nev., had only 36.
Pyle said he doesn't expect demand to increase until supplies of old-fashioned incandescent start dwindling.
"They ban making them, so eventually the supply dries up. Once the supply starts drying up, then they'll panic. And by that point it'll be too late," he said.
Congress passed new light bulb efficiency standards in 2007. The standards will roll out over the next few years, with stricter standards on 100-watt bulbs starting this year. The requirements will expand to 75-watt bulbs in 2013 and 60-watt bulbs in 2014.
Lawmakers axed funding for enforcement of the new standards last month as part of a federal spending bill. That likely will have little effect on the standards, however. Manufacturers say they still plan to abide by the new rules.
Still, incandescent bulbs aren't actually going away. They'll still be on store shelves but will be more energy efficient. And more expensive.
Although Thomas Edison's traditional incandescents do not meet the government's requirements, halogen-based incandescent bulbs do.
As of Jan. 1, manufacturers are required to produce bulbs 25 percent more efficient than traditional ones.
The old-fashioned incandescents still are available on local store shelves, although that might change soon.
"I'm sure we have, literally, hundreds of them," said Bill Pyle of F.M. Pyle Hardware Company on Charleston's West Side.
Goldfarb Lighting in downtown Charleston and Zegeer Hardware on the East End also are fully stocked.
"No one's getting into a mad rush. We're fully loaded right now," Julie Zegeer said.
There are signs that homeowners in other parts of the country may be hoarding the incandescent bulbs.
Zegeer Hardware, a Do It Best Hardware franchise, receives its stock from a Do It Best distribution center in Medina, Ohio. Julie said that distribution center had no 100-watt incandescent bulbs in stock last week.
Other nearby distribution centers were running low: a center in North Carolina had 600 units of 100-watt incandescent bulbs, but a Waco, Texas, center had only 72 packages and a distribution center in Mesquite, Nev., had only 36.
Pyle said he doesn't expect demand to increase until supplies of old-fashioned incandescent start dwindling.
"They ban making them, so eventually the supply dries up. Once the supply starts drying up, then they'll panic. And by that point it'll be too late," he said.
Congress passed new light bulb efficiency standards in 2007. The standards will roll out over the next few years, with stricter standards on 100-watt bulbs starting this year. The requirements will expand to 75-watt bulbs in 2013 and 60-watt bulbs in 2014.
Lawmakers axed funding for enforcement of the new standards last month as part of a federal spending bill. That likely will have little effect on the standards, however. Manufacturers say they still plan to abide by the new rules.
Still, incandescent bulbs aren't actually going away. They'll still be on store shelves but will be more energy efficient. And more expensive.
Although Thomas Edison's traditional incandescents do not meet the government's requirements, halogen-based incandescent bulbs do.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Possessing God's light -- and sharing it with others
Growing up as a Jewish kid in Palo Alto, Calif., in the 1970s wasn't always easy. For most of my elementary school years, I was the only Jewish boy in my grade, along with two other Jewish girls.
My parents, as committed, traditional Conservative Jews, taught us that it was important to keep a kosher home, observe Shabbat, build our yearly sukkah (booth), etc. Fortunately, my non-Jewish friends were very supportive of and enthusiastic about my family's religious practices; although I think the plentiful offerings of meals on a daily basis especially won them over.
Passover was, to say the least, a test of will; especially in the solitude of bringing my matzah sandwich to school amidst the plethora of chametz (leavened items) that my friends ate. But, ironically, Christmas vs. Chanukah posed less of a challenge.
Once a year, my father had the fascinating custom of driving myself, and my three younger brothers, down "Christmas Row" -- a street in Palo Alto where the homes were specially decorated with Christmas lights galore. But even in the face of all those stunning, sparkling lights, I didn't have an experience of feeling jealous, but instead, a recognition that a custom belonging to another faith tradition was beautiful, just as what we have in our faith tradition can be beautiful to someone else.
Later in life, I learned more about the American tradition of decorating Christmas trees, and the significance of Christmas lights. For Christians, the tradition of light has its origin in the medieval custom of Yule. This was an ancient celebration of the winter solstice.
During the short, dark days of winter, one would burn the Yule Log, which was believed to summon the return of the sun, and ward off evil spirits. The custom of the Yule Log, as a symbol of hope and anticipation or renewal, was adopted by the churches of Europe and eventually incorporated into their annual Christmas celebrations.
During the four-week season of Advent, candles, like those we light at Chanukah, take on a symbolic significance. Evergreen wreaths traditionally serve as the base for four candles -- three pink and one purple -- which symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. A new candle is lit every Sunday in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, as spiritual preparation and as a reminder to bring more of each quality -- hope, love, joy and peace -- into the season and into one's life.
While Christians perceive their own traditions of light through their uniquely Christological lens, we share similar motifs with our use of light in Jewish tradition. We light candles every week for Shabbat, reminding ourselves of the need to bring God's light into our lives, and the blessing of turning our hearts and minds to God's creative power.
During the Sabbath, we refrain from kindling light, so as not to distract ourselves from the singular focus on embracing God's light. Finally, we end Shabbat with the lighting of the Havdalah candle; three braided wicks entwined into one; a reminder that God's light is stronger when intertwined with our own light, and the light of others.
My parents, as committed, traditional Conservative Jews, taught us that it was important to keep a kosher home, observe Shabbat, build our yearly sukkah (booth), etc. Fortunately, my non-Jewish friends were very supportive of and enthusiastic about my family's religious practices; although I think the plentiful offerings of meals on a daily basis especially won them over.
Passover was, to say the least, a test of will; especially in the solitude of bringing my matzah sandwich to school amidst the plethora of chametz (leavened items) that my friends ate. But, ironically, Christmas vs. Chanukah posed less of a challenge.
Once a year, my father had the fascinating custom of driving myself, and my three younger brothers, down "Christmas Row" -- a street in Palo Alto where the homes were specially decorated with Christmas lights galore. But even in the face of all those stunning, sparkling lights, I didn't have an experience of feeling jealous, but instead, a recognition that a custom belonging to another faith tradition was beautiful, just as what we have in our faith tradition can be beautiful to someone else.
Later in life, I learned more about the American tradition of decorating Christmas trees, and the significance of Christmas lights. For Christians, the tradition of light has its origin in the medieval custom of Yule. This was an ancient celebration of the winter solstice.
During the short, dark days of winter, one would burn the Yule Log, which was believed to summon the return of the sun, and ward off evil spirits. The custom of the Yule Log, as a symbol of hope and anticipation or renewal, was adopted by the churches of Europe and eventually incorporated into their annual Christmas celebrations.
During the four-week season of Advent, candles, like those we light at Chanukah, take on a symbolic significance. Evergreen wreaths traditionally serve as the base for four candles -- three pink and one purple -- which symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. A new candle is lit every Sunday in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, as spiritual preparation and as a reminder to bring more of each quality -- hope, love, joy and peace -- into the season and into one's life.
While Christians perceive their own traditions of light through their uniquely Christological lens, we share similar motifs with our use of light in Jewish tradition. We light candles every week for Shabbat, reminding ourselves of the need to bring God's light into our lives, and the blessing of turning our hearts and minds to God's creative power.
During the Sabbath, we refrain from kindling light, so as not to distract ourselves from the singular focus on embracing God's light. Finally, we end Shabbat with the lighting of the Havdalah candle; three braided wicks entwined into one; a reminder that God's light is stronger when intertwined with our own light, and the light of others.
Monday 2 January 2012
Solid-State Lighting Investor Forum
For the third year running, Strategies in Light 2012 will offer a Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Investor Forum. Sponsored by Canaccord Genuity, the Forum aims to meet the needs of venture capitalists, investment bankers, and other investors for information about emerging companies in the SSL industry.
This year, 12 start-up companies will be featured during the day-long Forum. Technologies represented by these companies range from devices, drivers and controls to light engines, luminaires and complete systems.
Market presentations
To complement the presentations by individual companies, several market and industry overview presentations will be provided. Ella Shum, Director of LED Research at Strategies Unlimited will begin the Forum with an overview of the worldwide HB-LED market. Later in the morning, Tom Hausken, Director of Optical Components at Strategies Unlimited, will give a talk on the dynamics of LED driver technology and markets.
To provide a perspective from the financial industry, Dan Coyne, Director of the Investment Banking Group at Canaccord Genuity, will discuss liquidity and valuation trends in LEDs and LED lighting. Presenting a view of the market at the LED lamp and luminaire level, Vrinda Bhandarkar, Director of Research, LED Lighting at Strategies Unlimited, will provide a global market review of the LED lighting market.
Devices
Giorgio Anania, co-founder and CEO of HelioDel, will provide an overview of the company's GaN nanowire LED technology, which is scalable and compatible with high-volume CMOS foundries.
OnChip Devices will be represented by its president and CEO, Ashok Chalaka. He will outline the company's activities in the production of ESD protection devices, transient voltage suppressor diodes, and submounts for LEDs.
Drivers and power supplies
iWatt is power-control IC company that designs and develops markets semiconductor products for various markets including the LED solid-state lighting segment. For SSL it is developing high-density, high-value AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies. Ron Edgerton, CEO, will give the company presentation.
Brent Marsh, CEO of Eutricity, will discuss the company's principal focus on power architecture that enables multiple LED applications without the need for driver ICs and with the lowest power-supply cost per lamp.
Manufacturing and test equipment
Advanced Renewable Energy Company (ARC Energy) has developed an innovative sapphire crystal "c-axis" growth technology specifically for LED applications, called CHES (Controlled Heat Extraction System). CHES furnaces enable substrate manufacturers to produce large-diameter, LED-quality sapphire for mass production. The company's senior VP, Sales, Customer Support and Operations, Hap Hewes, will provide an overview of the company's activities.
Nanotronics Imaging develops and sells a fully-automatic optical-inspection system for high-resolution detection and analysis of defects in transparent and semi-transparent semiconductor wafers. The company's technology and business model will be presented by Michael Zigman, COO and CFO.
This year, 12 start-up companies will be featured during the day-long Forum. Technologies represented by these companies range from devices, drivers and controls to light engines, luminaires and complete systems.
Market presentations
To complement the presentations by individual companies, several market and industry overview presentations will be provided. Ella Shum, Director of LED Research at Strategies Unlimited will begin the Forum with an overview of the worldwide HB-LED market. Later in the morning, Tom Hausken, Director of Optical Components at Strategies Unlimited, will give a talk on the dynamics of LED driver technology and markets.
To provide a perspective from the financial industry, Dan Coyne, Director of the Investment Banking Group at Canaccord Genuity, will discuss liquidity and valuation trends in LEDs and LED lighting. Presenting a view of the market at the LED lamp and luminaire level, Vrinda Bhandarkar, Director of Research, LED Lighting at Strategies Unlimited, will provide a global market review of the LED lighting market.
Devices
Giorgio Anania, co-founder and CEO of HelioDel, will provide an overview of the company's GaN nanowire LED technology, which is scalable and compatible with high-volume CMOS foundries.
OnChip Devices will be represented by its president and CEO, Ashok Chalaka. He will outline the company's activities in the production of ESD protection devices, transient voltage suppressor diodes, and submounts for LEDs.
Drivers and power supplies
iWatt is power-control IC company that designs and develops markets semiconductor products for various markets including the LED solid-state lighting segment. For SSL it is developing high-density, high-value AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies. Ron Edgerton, CEO, will give the company presentation.
Brent Marsh, CEO of Eutricity, will discuss the company's principal focus on power architecture that enables multiple LED applications without the need for driver ICs and with the lowest power-supply cost per lamp.
Manufacturing and test equipment
Advanced Renewable Energy Company (ARC Energy) has developed an innovative sapphire crystal "c-axis" growth technology specifically for LED applications, called CHES (Controlled Heat Extraction System). CHES furnaces enable substrate manufacturers to produce large-diameter, LED-quality sapphire for mass production. The company's senior VP, Sales, Customer Support and Operations, Hap Hewes, will provide an overview of the company's activities.
Nanotronics Imaging develops and sells a fully-automatic optical-inspection system for high-resolution detection and analysis of defects in transparent and semi-transparent semiconductor wafers. The company's technology and business model will be presented by Michael Zigman, COO and CFO.
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