Author: Serkadis

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I was reading this article from Quadrant On Line when I came upon this paragraph:

The weight of evidence is such that modellers are frantically revising their strategies. They are asking for an international climate computing centre and $5 billion (for 2000 times more computing power) to solve this new problem in climate forecasting. The monumental size of the task they have set themselves cannot be exaggerated.

It struck me (not for the first time) just how much the modellers, in fact the entire climate science community, has invested in the AGW theory. We know how much this theory has cost the world but it should not be underestimated how overwhelming the influence of money has had on the science. Prior to the global warming alarm few people even knew there was a branch of science dealing with the climate, actually is there one now? Now tremendous resources are given to the sciences based solely on the fact that global warming has been sold as a threat to humanity.

Source: jer-skepticscorner.blogspot.com

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The range consists of 3 basic platforms: SFL 2, SFL 4 and SFL 6: Platform SFL 6, with a production of up to 1500 b/h/c, is available in 3 configurations: SFL 6/6 (6 blow cavities) for the production of containers up to 3 litres; SFL 6/4L (4 blow cavities) for containers up to 8 litres and SFL 6/3L (3 blow cavities) for containers up to 10 litres.

Platform SFL 4, with a maximum production of 1800 b/h/c, is available in 3 configurations: SFL 4/4 for containers up to 3 litres; SFL 4/3L for containers up to 5 litres; SFL 4/2 for containers up to 12 litres. SFL 2 is a platform conceived for big size containers, from 25 to 30 liters.

High Production
Using unique and patented technology, the SFL achieves high production outputs and excellent container quality. The mechanical operation, which is completely electrical, leaving more time available for the stretch-blow molding process.

The efficiency of the oven heating and ventilation does not impose thermal conditioning limits on the preforms. The system for the blow molding distribution and adjustment benefits from SIPA’s experience in the design and manufacture of high speed rotary blow moulding machines. The electrical stretching gives precision and flexibility to the process and guarantees full repeatability.

Low energy consumption

The adoption of a fully electrical operational system, which is fast and precise, guarantees the maximum energy savings.
In order to reduce the air consumption for blow molding, we have adopted the same air supply and recovery circuits and monoblock valves that are used on our rotary blow molding systems.

The oven for the thermal conditioning of the preforms ensures their perfect conditioning with lower operating temperatures and more efficient ventilation. This results in significant energy savings and a considerable flexibility in the adjustment of the heating-stretching-blowing process.

PASCHAL Innovations
Ingenious panel slab formwork with steel frame

PASCHAL-Werk G. Maier GmbH, service provider and manufacturer in the field of concrete formwork systems, presents a new development: the E-DECK. This is panel slab formwork for use on construction sites where a crane is not available, and where aluminium should not be used.
In Europe, panel slab formwork is successfully used, but is predominantly made from aluminium. This has the advantage that it is lighter than steel and, therefore, larger areas of formwork can be done per unit of weight. However, because of its material characteristics, aluminium has the disadvantage that once it is damaged it is very difficult to repair and the complete panel frame must be replaced.
However, for various reasons aluminium frames are not very practical in emerging markets for do-it-yourself stores. Therefore, the research department of PASCHAL developed panel slab formwork made from steel: E-DECK.
Panel slab formwork has an advantage over flex-formwork that the panels are protected and more durable. Because the panels are attached to one another, as opposed to flex-formwork, they are considerably safer.
The frame consists of profiled steel and, with a height of only 7.5 cm, is low for building sites and easy to transport. The formwork facing consists of a 9 layer, 12 mm thick birch plywood. None of the panels weigh more than 20 kilograms. Thus, they can be installed at building sites which have no crane available. Damage to the frame can be absorbed by the E-DECK much better than comparable aluminium frames and it is also possible to repair the frame.
The prototypes manufactured in Germany have been successfully tested on some building sites. They will be presented at the Bauma 2010.

Uses the recognized optical sampling approach of EXFO’s PSO-100 Series Optical Sampling Oscilloscopes, allowing complete characterization of digital signals at 100 Gbit/s and beyond.

Are You Equipped to Cost-Effectively and Thoroughly Test 100G?
As the demand for 100G accelerates, the drive for greater capacity and bandwidth entails even greater network omplexities. Although 100G testing methods are not yet well-defined, several parameters are now tightly linked. This introduces a new world of test challenges that necessitates extensive expertise in several fields: line-coding modulation, fiber characterization, Ethernet and transport technologies.
Today, network equipment manufacturers (NEMs) need thorough 100G testing solutions to help them confidently market this emerging technology, despite evolving standards and aggressive
product development schedules. They need truly comprehensive testing that goes beyond compliance to assess the limitations and robustness of their products as well as address complex issues

2010 : new volumes for the XXL line of FRANCE ETUVES. These new volumes expand from 1 000 L to 24 000 L.

From one to three metres wide, simple or double door, the plate is non-insulated to make easier the loading of your trucks. As an option, the plate may be insulated and the oven may be equipped with an access ramp.

The exceptional hardiness and the extended service life of the XXL line are provided by its structure made of mechanically welded tube, its inner casing made of electro-galvanised sheet (stainless steel in option) and its outer casing made of sheet steel made finished in a tough stoved epoxy paint.

The ovens of the XXL line are designed to carry out all types of applications, for instance: polymerization or curing of composites materials, resin curing, rubber post-vulcanization, preheating of moulds or mechanical parts, drying, polymers stabilization, degassing, curing, sintering, annealing, homogenization, tempering, sterilization, stabilization, drums reheating…

The ovens of the XXL line satisfy temperature homogeneity requirements. The oven may be equipped with one or several stirring fans to adapt the air flow to the volume and the product and with one or several air change or cooling extractors. The wattage vary according to the model

FRANCE ETUVES manufactures custom-built XXL ovens thanks to its design office to satisfy your requirements.
Contact us for more details or information. Our commercial and technical teams will answer you with pleasure.

Lightweight and compact, this leading Drum rotary vane compressor is designed for the oil-free discharge of bulk liquids from general purpose liquid tankers e.g. liquid foodstuff, solvents, acids, alkalis, hot bitumen, resins and other chemicals.

– Drum brand
– Compact, st.st rotor, anodised aluminium body and sideplates, air cooled, oil free vane design
– Direct, hydraulic, e-motor and engine drive
– Low viscosity liquid discharge from multi-purpose tank-trucks and other tank containters
– Highly corrosion resistant, light weight

Maximum flow:117m³/hr (69 cfm) at 2.5 bar g (36 psig)
maximum pressure: 2.5 bar g (36 psig)

I think I’ll have to pass on this V-Day card. The guys at Renegade Kid had a rather unorthodox idea as to how they should greet you. This year, they sent out the creepiest V-Day card ever,

In a recent Citi report from strategist Robert Buckland we weren’t surprised to see that Europe’s Credit Default Swap spreads have expanded the fastest of any region, since January 1st. An expanding spread shows declining investor confidence in a nation to pay its bonds.

Robert Buckland @ Citi: The most immediate fiscal concerns are within the Euro Zone. This is where we have seen the biggest percentage increase in the cost of insuring against default since the start of the year (Figure 4).

Yet we were surprised to see that the U.S. CDS’s have been expanding as well since the start of the year. More so than for the U.K. even. The U.S. is a close second behind Europe:

Perhaps the U.K. and Japan look so good in the chart above since their horrendous problems were already well priced-in before the start of 2010.

Citi believes the U.S. is still a far less risk than Europe-Ex-U.K. nonetheless, given its historical ability to reduce its debt to GDP ratio and low cost of financing:

“the US has a good historical record of being able to reduce the deficit and debt burden as the cycle turns. Also, the US government still benefits from a low cost of financing as bond yields remain low and demand for US treasuries is robust. Inflation pressures are still subdued and, for the time being, are unlikely to present a significant hurdle for the bond market.”

But clearly the market lost substantial confidence in the U.S. since the beginning of the year, as shown by the CDS spread expansion in the chart above. So something is up, markets haven’t been kind to U.S. developments since January 1st.

Going back to Europe, the CDS spreads below paint a pretty good picture of perceived riskiness by country. Portugal next to re-take the daily headlines?

Add my twitter for a hand-picked stream of posts like this: @vincefernando

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See Also:

• Goldman Isn’t Alone, John Paulson Has Joined The Greece Feeding Frenzy
• If The Euro Keeps Dropping, The G7 Will Have To Step In With Its Big Stick
• Greek Socialists To Probe Conservatives’ Faulty EU Stats

We’ve had numerous posts lately about jurisdiction questions raised online, and PRK alerts us to a case in the UK where two men were convicted for publishing racist information online. The jurisdictional question came in because the content itself was hosted on servers in California. The court said that UK law still applied because the actual action of creating the content was done by the two men in the UK, and it was then just uploaded to the server elsewhere. While there are serious concerns over “libel tourism” type cases in the UK, in this case I can understand the reasoning behind the ruling. The actions themselves took place in the UK, so it does make sense to try the men there.

Of course, there are some other issues related to the case, including the court saying it didn’t matter whether or not anyone in the UK had actually seen the content — which seems a bit odd. While the content ran afoul of some sort of hate speech laws in the UK, it does seem reasonable to ask whether or not the content itself was ever actually seen by anyone, but the court found otherwise:

“The point that there cannot be publication without a publishee is in our judgment fundamentally misconceived,” he said. “It is based on an irrelevant comparison with the law of libel. Libel is a tort or civil wrong where it is necessary for the claimant to prove that the words complained of were published of him and were defamatory of him … the offences of displaying, distributing or publishing racially inflammatory written material do not require proof that anybody actually read or heard the material.”

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Kennedy principal named:

Naperville Unit District 203 has tapped Brian Valek to take over as principal of Kennedy Junior High in Lisle next school year. Valek, currently the assistant principal at Madison Junior High in Naperville, will replace the retiring Don Perry. Valek holds a bachelor’s degree in English education and a master’s degree in educational administration and foundations from Illinois State University.

Dist. 33 scholarship raffle:

The Foundation for Educational Excellence for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 will hold a $10,000 college scholarship raffle. Tickets are $20 each and 1,000 tickets will be sold through April 5. A second prize of a $500 savings bond has been donated by DuPage National Bank. The drawing will take place April 8. Tickets are available in the main office at all District 33 schools, at the district office, 312 E. Forest Ave., and DuPage National Bank, 101 Main St., both in West Chicago. For details, call Becky Koltz at (630) 293-6000, ext. 201 or email [email protected].

Artists invited to contest:

Area artists are invited to enter their original work in the Naperville Art League’s sixth annual public competition. Adults and children may submit pieces interpreting the theme “Commotion” in virtually any media. Entries will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5-13, at the league’s Fine Art Center and Gallery, 508 N. Center St. A $350 award will be given for Best of Show. For details, contact (630) 355-2530 or napervilleartleague.com.

Computer center unveiled:

Heritage YMCA Group celebrates the opening of the new YMCA Youth Technology Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Eastwood Community Center, 1644 Grove, Aurora. The celebration includes pizza and giveaways for all who attend. For details, call (630) 420-6270.

Playground improvements:

Naperville Park District is seeking input on playground renovations this summer to three neighborhood parks. All the meetings will take place in the park district planning offices at 425 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. The meetings are: Koehler Park, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23; Willowgate Square, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24; and White Eagle Park, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25. Parents are encouraged to bring their children and may come at any time during the open houses. There will be no formal presentations. For details, call (630) 848-5000.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

In the middle of a cold winter, Christian Youth Theater is taking audiences on an underwater adventure in its production of “The Little Mermaid.”

“Since it’s underwater, a big challenge has been making it look like the kids are swimming and living underwater,” said Taylor Kras, choreographer.

“We had to create a brand new world, so I guess that’s been our fun challenge this time.”

In addition to the creation of an underwater world on land, the storyline of the play was a challenge for the actors as well.

Sophomore Erin Ulbert, who plays Ariel, had to hone in on different aspects of acting to perfect her character.

“Ariel loses her voice in the second half, so she doesn’t talk at all,” Ulbert said. “It’s been a real challenge to portray emotions without my voice.”

“The Little Mermaid” is the tale of a young mermaid named Ariel, who is the daughter of King Neptune, ruler of the seas. For Ariel’s 16th birthday, she is allowed to go to the surface of the water. While she is there, she spies the handsome Prince Eric aboard his ship. When a storm throws Eric overboard, Ariel rescues him and sings for him while he sleeps. Upon awakening, all Eric can think of is finding the woman with the beautiful voice who saved his life.

Ariel wants to go back to Eric as well, so she enlists the powers of a witch to help her get legs to go onshore and find Eric. There’s one problem: Ariel must trade her voice in order to get legs to go find Eric – and her voice is exactly what Eric is looking for.

The play is similar to the 1989 Disney movie “The Little Mermaid,” but a few changes are made to some of the names, songs, and the ending, explains Director Martine Hunter.

“There are some differences from the movie, so (it helps) if the audience goes in kind of open-minded,” Hunter said. “There are different twists and different tastes from the movie but it’s the same original story of Ariel.”

With some of the new twists, Hunter also worked on a different focus of the story.

“The big thing I hope is that people can feel for the prince and his relationship with Ariel,” Hunter said. “I tried to build up the relationship of Ariel and Eric so the audience wants them together so badly and Eric knows she’s the girl with the beautiful voice.”

For Kras, a big part of the show is making it great not only for the audience, but for his fellow team members and the actors as well.

“One of my favorite parts is meeting with the other team members because they’re some of my best friends,” said Kras, “and it’s fun because I get a chance to make a difference in the kids’ lives.”

Although the play has a few changes from the movie, Ulbert promises a great show for all audiences.

“There’s fun and upbeat dancing and songs,” Ulbert said. “It’s generally a real feel-good show.”

If you go

What: “The Little Mermaid,” a musical by Christian Youth Theater of Kane County

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19 and 26; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 and 27; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 and 28

Where: Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley

Tickets: $9 to $12 in advance; $2 additional at the door

Details: cytchicago.org or (847) 516-2298

‘The Little Mermaid’ cast

Algonquin: Katherine Andrick, Hallie Aylesworth, Isabella Caruso, Lauren Coniglio, Rachel Matthys, Kory Williams

Bartlett: Abigail Momot, Maria Penas, Mark Penas

Carpentersville: Lauren Menzer, Kimber Pritts

Crystal Lake: Claire Doty, Haven Doty, Keegan Kennedy, Morgan Kennedy, Reagan Kennedy, Jackson Singleton, Kyla Singleton, Mary Taylor, Taylor Witte

Dundee Twp.: Kelsea Nolan

East Dundee: Alyssa Gorman, Elliot Simmons

Elgin: Yenashi Castillo, Colin Flanagan, Caitlin Hansen, Marissa Holguin, Lisa Holmberg, Cassie King, Madeline King, Mollie King, Danielle Kyle, Elijah Mancilla, Jon Mancilla, Shannon McCoy, Gretchen Metzger, Analisa Montalvo, Chelsea Oleson, Eli Oleson, Abbey Schneff, Dulcy Walbridge, Alysson Wittmeyer, Stephanie Zapf

Gilberts: Katey Arredondo

Hampshire: Abbie Bennett, Maddie Bennett, Megan Botterman, Alyssa Eder, Megan Eder, Nathan Holmer, Nicholas Holmer, Calvin Krajecki, Anna Krauklis, Magdeline Seagren

Hanover Park: Danielle Jacobson, Gabrielle Jacobson

Hoffman Estates: Sierra Lewand

Huntley: Savannah Fiedler, Ariel Gray, Natalie Reed

Lake in the Hills: Annika Cerda, Alex Kuphal, Morgan Pritchard, Allison Wellnitz

North Aurora: Kaite Teske

Pingree Grove: Kristin Berggren, Owen Tait

Sleepy Hollow: Alyssa Fry, Audrey Martin, Emma Ulbert, Erin Ulbert

South Elgin: Rachel Boeckelmann

St. Charles: Nicoletta Calabrese, Gianna Crescenzo, Griffin Johnson, Savannah Millburn, Colleen Molloy, Maggie Molloy, Evan Okpisz, Paige Petty, Rachel Whiteside

Sycamore: Christina Hahn

West Dundee: Rachel Wolfe

Woodstock: Jamison McGowan, Jensen McGowan, Jeremiah McGowan

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

On a cold winter evening, parents and friends of the Fremd High School Jazz Band students found warmth at the 11th annual Jazz and Java concert.

This year, they were rewarded with another treat as Mark Colby, a well-respected saxophonist and faculty member at DePaul University, joined the Fremd Jazz Ensemble for three numbers.

Before the concert, Mr. Colby met with band students for an evening rehearsal.

“Each year, the concerts seem to get better and better,” said Jazz Ensemble Director Matt Moore. “The support by the community and parents was outstanding, as well as our incredible guest artist, Mark Colby.

“Both of our jazz bands did a great job entertaining and exposing the audience to many different jazz styles and genres.”

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

The economic crisis has taken its toll on U.S. states’ finances, both via falling tax revenue due to a weak economy and horrendous returns for pension funds due to market turmoil.

Latest data from the Pew Center shows that state pension funds are short at least $1 trillion, and given that this latest data is already quite old (it’s as of the first half of 2008), this pension shortfall number is likely to be far higher today:

Reuters:

Because the analysis did not encompass the final six months of calendar year 2008 — most states’ fiscal year’s end during the summer — it does not include the market downturn that devastated many funds’ investment portfolios.

“The funding gap will likely increase when the more than 25 percent loss states took in calendar year 2008 is factored in,” the report said.

…

A pension fund is considered healthy if it has a funding level equal to at least 80 percent of its liability. In fiscal 2008, 21 states were below that mark, compared to only 19 states in fiscal 2006.

The rate of decline has been rapid, the center said. In fiscal 2000 half of the 50 states had fully funded their pension systems but by fiscal 2008 only four — Florida, New York, Washington and Wisconsin — could boast being able to cover their costs.

States have been clearly ignoring this problem given the sudden deterioration. Perhaps its because they know that in the end the federal government can bail them out.

“Over the last 10 years, many states have shortchanged pension plans in good times and bad,” said Susan Urahn, the center’s managing director, who called the beginning of the century a “decade of irresponsibility.” States did not save for the future and manage costs well, said Urahn. 

…

Describing state pension funds as operating similarly to credit card holders who make minimal monthly payments on their debt but continue to charge, Urahn said the funds were making their problems worse by not preparing for impending retirements.

The danger is that should even a single state be bailed out in any way, say such as California, this problem of ignoring funding needs would likely get worse and arguments for federal help would intensify.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Andrew Cuomo Gets Another New York Pension Scandal Confession
• Surprise: PE Bosses Donate Heavily To Politicians Who Shovel Them Pension Money
• State Pension Funds Down 59% On Private Equity Bets

Check out the trailer of Assassin’s Creed II’s latest DLC pack, Bonfire of the Vanities that will be out tomorrow.
 

The Midland School Board was urged Tuesday night to consider raising its daily pay rate for substitute teachers to avoid losing “some good subs” to other districts.

Jackie Smith, the head of the local teachers union, told the board that Midland’s $80 daily pay rate is lower than in several neighboring districts.

Among those that could be separately confirmed Wednesday were $100 daily rates in Dunlap and also Henry-Senachwine, which is just a few miles away.

“I believe we could be losing some good subs because of that,” she said.

Smith spoke during a public comment section of the meeting, and the board did not discuss or take action on the topic. But School Superintendent Rolf Sivertsen said after the meeting that Midland had not recently had problems finding substitutes when needed.

“A couple of years ago, we did,” but that seems to have changed as economic problems have increased the number of people looking for alternative employment, he said. “You’d be surprised how many people come in wanting to be substitute teachers.”

In other business, the board voted to extend Sivertsen’s own contract through 2013 at his current salary of $105,000. The contract does not provide for any automatic pay raises, though board members could raise his pay at their discretion.

Siversten has long been an outspoken critic of state policies that have shorted school funding, and he indicated later that his contract is partly a reflection of that situation. He and building principals have voluntarily forgone raises for the coming year, he said previously.

“With the state in a fiscal mess, it is uncertain if any administrative raises will be awarded for (fiscal 2011),” he said.

Gary L. Smith can be reached at [email protected].

Read the original article from Journal Star.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services