Wednesday, November 4, 2015
The Volkswagen emissions scandal continued yesterday with the company announcing 800,000 mainly diesel vehicles may also be affected by carbon dioxide emissions problems.
The company stated “the safety of the vehicles is in no way compromised”. They estimated potentially this could cost them €2bn on top of the €6.7bn set aside to pay for the cost of correcting 11 million cars affected when the scandal broke, in addition to fines by regulators.
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the safety of the vehicles is in no way compromised |
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This follows Monday’s revelation that the emissions scandal has affected up to 10,000 vehicles sold in the USA by brands in the Volkswagen group, although the company refutes the allegation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the regulatory body which has been investigating Volkswagen, claims the company fitted a number of recent Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen models with technology that initiates secret components during emission tests to ensure the results are favourable.
The scandal began with damaging revelations that the car manufacturer has been using illegal software to enable diesel cars to cheat on mandatory emissions tests. This lead to a public apology on September 20 by then-chief executive Martin Winterkorn and the promise of an outside inquiry. He then resigned on September 23, and was replaced by Matthias Müller. The new allegation about Porsche is of particular concern for Müller, because he had previously been in charge of Porsche.
The company is expected to foot the bill for the recall of close to 500,000 VW and Audi cars affected at the time. There is also the possibility of Volkswagen having to pay federal fines of up to US$18 billion dollars because the US Clean Air Act sets a maximum fine of US$37,500 for each vehicle that contravenes the requirements of the Act.
An investigation into alleged breaches of environmental law was originally initiated on the advice of the International Council on Clean Transportation, a European non-governmental organisation. The EPA requested tests be carried out by West Virginia University, where the secret software was discovered.
The software, known as a “defeat device”, enabled cars to identify when they were being tested and to switch on the emission control system. The devices may have been adding urea to the car exhaust because that would reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide. The car would release a fraction of the nitrogen oxide compared to when they were being driven normally. Emissions of nitrogen oxide contribute to smog and are thought to have caused a rise in respiratory illnesses like asthma.
By Dr Bob Sandor
Many people think that laboratory freezers are simply a different version of a normal home freezer unit. This is not the case. The applications of laboratory freezers are more detailed and precise than normal freezer units. They are used to keep volatile and unstable materials at specific and stable temperatures. Laboratory freezers are generally used to store specimens and samples for different experiments. These substances usually have very precise temperatures and climates that they can survive in. For these uses, lab freezers are designed specifically to reach and maintain certain temperatures. Laboratory freezers can reach much lower temperatures than regular house hold freezers. Liquid nitrogen freezers are able to get all the way down to -190 degrees Celsius.
Laboratory freezers and laboratory refrigerators can be found in a variety of different designs and styles. There are solid, glass and sliding door panels. There are different sizes and temperatures. Capacity and temperature range are two of the most important points to look at in a lab freezer. As a general rule, the larger lab freezers, such as walk in freezers, are not able to reach such extremely low temperatures as the smaller freezers. Some freezers are specifically designed for certain uses. For example, blood bank refrigerators are designed to hold only blood samples while vaccine refrigerators are created for medical vaccinations storage. One of the main applications for laboratory freezers is to create an atmosphere of low humidity. This limits any moisture that is present in the air and allows the materials to be less affected by climatic variations.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvvPC7TpTrs[/youtube]
The applications of laboratory freezers include storing blood samples and related products as well as medical and pharmaceutical supplies such as vaccines. Serums, tissue samples and genetic material are all examples of substances which need to be stores in highly controlled units. Different uses will require different sizes and design of lab freezer. There are sizes ranging from under counter freezers which will slot into smaller spaces easily up to stand alone and walk in freezers which carry larger samples. According to FDA (U.S Food and Drug Administration) guidelines, each lab freezer is designed to provide a controlled atmosphere and uniform climate for different kinds of substances.
Lab freezers are used to store flammable and volatile substances. They are designed specifically for this purpose and have hermetically sealed compressors and CFC free, foamed in place insulation. As well as being able to control the climate and protect the substances from escaping, laboratory freezers are often equipped with security devices. Alarms, monitoring equipment and backup generators are all essential add-ons which make sure the products are safe and secure. If a freezer holding blood samples should fail, an immediate alarm will make sure that the substances are not compromised. Only certain personnel may be allowed to handle the materials.
Any scientific or medical lab will need some kind of refrigeration device. Laboratory freezers are available in a huge range of designs which can be used for all kinds of materials.
About the Author: Dr. Sandor’s a Director at Tovatech, a leading supplier of
undercounter refrigerator
units in America. When not busy running his company he explores his fascination with the many aspects of various scientific & industrial devices. For more details on the above reach him through his site’s
lab & industrial refrigerator
section.
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Friday, September 14, 2007
The Kennedy Center announced that its 30th presentation of the Kennedy Center Honors would go to pianist Leon Fleisher, comedian Steve Martin, singer Diana Ross, director Martin Scorsese and musician Brian Wilson. The Center was opened to the public in 1971 and was envisioned as part of the National Cultural Center Act, which mandated that the independent, privately-funded institution would present a wide variety of both classical and contemporary performances, commission the creation of new artistic works, and undertake a variety of educational missions to increase awareness of the arts.
In a statement, Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman said that “with their extraordinary talent, creativity and perseverance, the five 2007 honorees have transformed the way we, as Americans, see, hear and feel the performing arts.”
Fleisher, 79, a member of the Peabody Institute‘s music faculty, is a pianist who lost use of his right hand in 1965 due to a neurological condition. He became an accomplished musician and conductor through the use of his left hand. At 67, he regained the use of his right hand. With the advent of Botox therapy, he was once more able to undertake two-hand performances in 2004, his first in four decades. “I’m very gratified by the fact that it’s an apolitical honor,” Fleisher said. “It is given by colleagues and professional people who are aware of what [an artist] has done, so it really is apolitical — and that much more of an honor.”
Martin, 62, a comedian who has written books and essays in addition to his acting and stand-up comedy career, rose to fame during his work on the American television program Saturday Night Live in the 1970’s. Schwarzman praised his work as that of a “renaissance comic whose talents wipe out the boundaries between artistic disciplines.” Martin responded to the honor saying, “I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for finally alleviating in me years of covetousness and trophy envy.”
Ross, 63, was a product of Detroit‘s Brewster-Douglass Projects when as a teeager she and friends Mary Wilson and Florence Ballardis formed The Supremes, a ground-breaking Motown act. She portrayed singer Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues, which earned her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe award. “Diana Ross’ singular, instantly recognizable voice has spread romance and joy throughout the world,” said Schwarzman. Ross said she was “taken aback. It is a huge, huge honor and I am excited to be in this class of people.”
Scorsese, 64, is one of the most accomplished directors the United States ever produced, whose work includes Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, GoodFellas, Cape Fear, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Departed, for which he won a 2006 Academy Award for Best Director after being nominated eight times. Scorsese said, “I’m very honored to be receiving this recognition from the Kennedy Center and proud to be joining the company of the very distinguished individuals who have received this honor in years past.”
Wilson, 65, along with his brothers Dennis and Carl, formed the Beach Boys in 1961. They had a series of hits that included “Surfin’ U.S.A.” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” Their 1966 album Pet Sounds is considered one of the most influential recordings in American music. “This is something so unexpected and I feel extremely fortunate to be in the company of such great artists,” said Wilson, who is currently on tour.
The Kennedy Center’s board of trustees is responsible for selecting honorees for “lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.” Previous honorees, including Elton John and Steven Spielberg, also submitted recommendations. A wide variety of people were under consideration, including Emanuel Ax, Evgeny Kissin, Renee Fleming, Laurence Fishburne, Francis Ford Coppola, Melissa Etheridge and Kenny Chesney.
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush will attend the center’s presentation at its opera house on December 2, 2007, which will broadcast on December 26 on CBS.
Submitted by: Peter Boxall
The metamorphic act of emergence from nymph to Dragonfly strips away our beliefs of containment of our actions, our limitations, our doubts, and our self doubt. ‘The Spirit of the Dragonfly’ reminds us that everything is possible. We can achieve our dreams and our goals, we learn to understand about ourselves, and our self belief. The Dragonfly Spirit is the keeper of our dreams, seeing out true potential and ability, giving us the capability to fulfil our birthright.
The wings of the Dragonfly reflect the colours of our Universe and connect us to their energy. The power of the individual colour or colours help us achieve our aspirations.
The choice of colours of our clothes, the interiors of our surroundings, even the colour of our car can have a positive or negative influence on what we wish to achieve in life. The wearing of dull or drab colours sends out a negative message, saying inside we really don’t want to achieve or fulfil our ambitions, the colours we surround ourselves with reflect back to us the message we send out, just as the reflection of the wings of the Dragonfly.
If we want to change we need to show we are ready and willing to allow the changes to occur through the energy generated by the vibrations given off from the colour connected to particular energy of the experience we are seeking. If we want to stand out work for our contribution in the workplace we should wear shades of red and violet. If we wish to start afresh we should wear shades of green, and for a feeling of greater empowerment we should wear shades of yellow.
To develop a greater intuitive ability, and feel more deeply connected with the Universe we should wear shades of blue and indigo.
We should use colours to express who we are, our aspirations of desire and experience in our lives. We should learn from Mother Nature, with its vast array of colour, and how nature uses colour, whether for the pollination of the flowers, in the cycle of birth and rebirth, or the use of colour to deter or drive away predators. Through the ‘Spirit of the Dragonfly’ we can use colour in the same way as nature to attract or deter through the messages we send out to others, and the reflective reactions of others to the messages we send out, to help the greater understanding of our self.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1TxbBrrFYk[/youtube]
In the beginning of the life cycle of the Dragonfly the Nymph emerges from the egg, spending as long as five years beneath the water surface, using internal gills to breathe, the use their extendable jaws to cut away at other invertebrates, and even vertebrates such as tadpoles and fish, In the same way the Spirit of the Dragonfly can teach us to combine emotion with rational thought, by gutting away at the parts of our lives, that we cannot control. This is especially helpful in dealing with addictions, such as over eating, drinking to excess and drug addiction, other addictions such as procrastination, gambling, over spending, daydreaming, overworking and other addictions, which do not allow us to live a balanced and fulfilled lifestyle.
Most addictions are due to suppressed emotional energies and traumas that are being compensated through the addiction. Over eating often compensates for feeling unloved, and drinking for depression, or a depressive life style. There are often other parts of ones lifestyle that are out of control and need addressing, before they can be resolved.
Often one has to peer beneath the emotional waters, into the murky depths, to understand the causes and what is really happening inside oneself.
When the Nymph is ready to metamorphosis into an adult, it climbs up with the assistance of an emergent plant at night, and as it does its breathing pattern changes inside the larva’s body, then skin splits at a weak point behind the head , and the adult Dragonfly crawls out of its old larval skin, waits for the sun to rise, pumps up is wings and swiftly flies off, the Dragonfly is the worlds fastest flying insect, propelling itself at speeds of 19 to 38 miles per hour, dependant upon the species. In the same way using the energy generated by the Spirit of the Dragonfly one can swiftly come to conclusions and new insights that help you propel yourself from the old larval skin into new ways thought, action and lifestyle. This is the point of metamorphication , the most important time for ‘seeing’ through illusions, and being receptive to the messages being sent to you from the Universe directly through the Spirit of the Dragonfly. We must leave behind our old beliefs of powerlessness, irrational fears, and false limitations, you have the choice of your beliefs and your focus for the future. Although one always the power to change ones circumstances, this is a pivotal point and with the energy from the Spirit of the Dragonfly, one clearly shows one is ready to leave behind all the excuses for not making changes, and taking on the full responsibility for what we make of our life, by making the appropriate changes now while one has the energy, support and power of the emerging Spirit of the Dragonfly.
People who have absorbed and retain the energy from the Spirit of Dragonfly are often good healers, and understand the use of Colour for Healing, they can sense or see the colours that one carries in their aura, and can learn how to assist that person by changing the colour rays so the person can be a part in their own healing process, rather than being dependant on others to carry out the healing process for them, which hardly ever works. This can de shown by the following examples, if a person carries a heavy murky colour of red within their aura, leading to power struggles, constant irritations, and things always going wrong, the healer can assist in replacing the heavy murky reds, with lighter clearer reds to empower the person with confidence, Or if a persons aura is depleted in vital energy and colour the healer can teach the person to learn to draw in the energy rays through the colours of the Universe, both seen and unseen to repair and invigorate the aura.
For the recharging of the aura, which is particularly necessary during periods of stress and trauma, and is needed by healers and by all of us at least several times a week, or even once of twice a day. One of the easiest and most pleasant ways or restoring or building up ones aura is to get comfortable in a placid place where one feels at home, and to focus on all the colours of the rainbow and to visualise them entering into the aura via the Universal flow, if one needs additional energy they can call upon the Spirit of the Dragonfly, by visualising the rainbow colours reflecting of the wings of the dragonfly as it flies over meadow, gardens and streams, if one is a novice to this and there is some apprehension, one can incorporate remembered fond memory places into the flight of the butterfly, one can also do this before going to sleep at night ensuring a good nights rest and awakening in the morning feeling fully rested and invigorated, or one can take some short timeout in the lunch break to be fully restored for the rest of the day. With practise one can learn to be able to this in almost any place and situation.
For the first time one can use a tangible item, which can be focused upon, a glass paperweight is to be recommended as it performs both functions, the glass is made from silica from rock crystals so stores energy, a Dragonfly Paperweight will help to bring harmony in the environment.
People with the Spirit of the Dragonfly are very good at deciphering the colours of ones emotions and homing in on what emotions control our lives. We get so used to how we feel, it becomes the norm, we may not recognise that we are depressed or hold levels of anger or hostility, or we hold within grief or remorse from events that occurred in the long past. We project these emotions onto other, and find ourselves attracting like people who are depressed or hostile.
In our Western Culture we are often brought up not to show and to stifle our emotions, so this energy get forced down, trapped and built up in our lower chakras, Using the energy from the ‘Spirit of the Dragonfly’ calling it into the lower chakras, the energy can stir up this trapped energy, which has been manifesting itself through the body, we can get it moving again. This removal is not really painful, in fact it is less painful than having all this trapped energy attracting more of the same. If you do not know a person who is empowered with the Dragonfly Spirit to help you through the process, call upon the energy of the Dragonfly Spirit through your mind.
Think about the energy moving through the lower chakras, infusing them with clear brilliant colours, which you can use refecting from the wings of the dragonfly for additional potency, and well being. You may feel a little emotional, this is a good sign it shows the process is working it does not take long for the energy to clear, and you need to be feeling these emotions, cry yell, stamp you feet, do whatever it takes to get that energy up and away, always bearing in mind you have a powerful companion in the form of the Spirit of the Dragonfly working within you, and for you, and supporting you during this process.
If you do not feel confident or afraid about carrying out this process on you own you should consult a registered alternative healer, or other qualified therapist before engaging in this sort of healing work. It is a true sign of oneself to know when you require help and go out and seek it. If you do need any assistance in finding a qualified you can find the regulatory authorities on the web, or you can contact us directly and we shall give you the details of you nearest registered qualified healer, all our services are free, we are here to help you whenever you need us.
People working with The Spirit of the Dragonfly often work using Crystals and other Semi Precious Stone, where energy can be drawn from the bright colours and the bright inclusions within the stones, all ‘Dragonfly People’ can boost their energy and lift their spirits by including the stones throughout their homes, and a feeling of well being throughout the household can be achieved. Sunstone is particularly if they are of good quality, with many sparkling inclusions.
Just as the Dragonfly, it can be some considerable time for your transformation to take place, from Nymph grubbing about below the surface to sparkling new Dragonfly, with the freedom to propel yourself into the bright new world, At times it will seem difficult or even impossible, but just think of the metamorphosise of the dragonfly, and remember always you are gradually empowering yourself, and these changes are growing stronger little by little every day, and you are learning to know and understand more about yourself. You will come out into the daylight with Higher Power and Spirit, which will always remain inside you, and continue to grow, as you continue in the Knowledge of Your Inner Self and the Power of the Universe.
This power is within your Soul and Spirit, and the Energy is from Our Universe, how we interpret this is from our inner self, there are many paths to follow, the freedom to follow your paths is what you are looking to achieve, experience and follow. We ask you only to use your new power wisely and help us to help others. The Spirit of the Dragonfly is a very powerful spirit, we are upon this planet for such a short time, and we are never too old to make this transformation.
About the Author: There are other articles on this topic on our website. You can also find some
dragonfly paperweights
on our website, which may help you keep the spirit of the dragonfly in mind. Peter.
Real Alternative Site – for alternative gifts
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Monday, May 14, 2007
Buffalo, New York —A massive warehouse complex of at least 5 buildings caught on fire in Buffalo, New York on 111 Tonawanda Street, sending a plume of thick, jet black colored smoke into the air that could be seen as far away as 40 miles.
As of 6:40 a.m., the fire was under control, and firefighters were attempting to stop it from spreading, but could not get to the center of the fire because of severe amounts of debris. Later in the morning, the fire was extinguished.
“The fire is mostly under debris at this point. It’s under control, but it’s under some debris. We really can’t get to it. We’re just going to have to keep on pouring water on it so it doesn’t spread,” said Thomas Ashe, the fire chief for the North Buffalo based fire division who also added that at one point, at least 125 firefighters were on the scene battling the blaze. One suffered minor injures and was able to take himself to the hospital to seek medical attention.
Shortly after 8:00 p.m. as many as 3 explosions rocked the warehouse sending large mushroom clouds of thick black smoke into the air. After the third explosion, heat could be felt more than 100 feet away. The fire started in the front, one story building then quickly spread to three others, but fire fighters managed to stop the flames from spreading onto the 3 story building all the way at the back.
According to a Buffalo Police officer, who wished not to be named, the fire began at about 7:00 p.m. [Eastern time], starting as a one alarm fire. By 8:00 p.m., three fire companies were on the scene battling the blaze. Police also say that a smaller fire was reported in the same building on Saturday night, which caused little damage.
At the start of the fire, traffic was backed up nearly 4 miles on the 198 expressway going west toward the 190 Interstate and police had to shut down the Tonawanda street exit because the road is too close to the fire.
At one point, traffic on the 198 was moving so slow, at least a dozen people were seen getting out of their cars and walking down the expressway to watch the fire. That prompted as many as 10 police cars to be dispatched to the scene to force individuals back into their cars and close off one of the 2 lanes on the westbound side.
One woman, who wished not to be named as she is close to the owner of the warehouse, said the building is filled with “classic cars, forklifts, and money” and that owner “does not have insurance” coverage on the property. The building is not considered abandoned, but firefighters said that it is vacant.
Officials in Fort Erie, Ontario were also swamped with calls to fire departments when the wind blew the smoke over the Niagra River and into Canada.
It is not known what caused the fire, but a car is suspected to have caught on fire and there are reports from police and hazmat crews, that there were also large barrels of diesel fuel being stored in one building. Firefighters say the cause of the blaze is being treated as “suspicious.” The ATF is investigating the fire and will bring dogs in to search the debris.
By Robert Flournoy
If you’re looking at active adult retirement communities, you aren’t alone. Over seventy-five million aging boomers will be looking to move from the homes they raised their children in to communities that cater to their changing needs in the next few years. Because builders now realize just how popular 55+ communities are, you may find yourself looking at more choices than you thought existed.
To find the right community for you, be sure you do your homework and pay attention to details when ‘window shopping’ active adult communities. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and eliminate some of the confusion:
Location, location, location.
Narrow down your search to the areas you would really like to put down your roots for the next several years – if not the rest of your life. You can start with websites that will give you an excellent overview. Do searches for active adult communities in various regions of the country to get in idea of what’s available.
Know What You Want
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaObu0pt0fY[/youtube]
There is a gap between what you want and what you need when you’re looking at active adult retirement communities. The beauty of it is that when you’re buying a retirement home, you can usually focus on some wants because you no longer have to worry about college funds, etc. Make a list of things you enjoy doing, such as golf, tennis or swimming as well as a list of what you want to have easy access to such as malls, restaurants or family members. Prioritize your list – not many active adult communities will have everything you want within your budget, which brings us to:
What Can You Spend?
Active adult communities range widely in price, so investigate all options from renting to owning. Ownership also has options, including communities with commons fees that cover various amenities.
Visit and Take Notes
Nothing gives you a feel for an active adult retirement community like being there. Check out the view, the amenities and the features. Talk to residents and see what activities they are involved in and what they like about the area. Take notes – after looking at several active adult communities they will start to run together. What is security like? Many of today’s active adult communities are gated communities with security patrols. Be sure to ask.
Convenience is Key
Transportation, groceries and major shopping centers should all be considerations. Having great restaurants and attractions isn’t worth much if you can’t get to them easily. Health care services are also important to residents of 55+ communities. If you have to drive an hour to the nearest decent-sized hospital, you’re giving up an important element in case of emergencies.
Narrow it Down
After you’ve reviewed several active adult communities, start weeding out the ones that don’t meet your requirements. Make a second or third visit to the top three or four for more in-depth information and to look at specific homes. From here, it’s up to you to make that final choice. If you’ve followed these steps, you should be able to find the right active adult retirement community for you.
About the Author: Robert Flournoy writes about
active adult communities
and other real estate topics. For information on
active adult community home
visit MyActiveCommun
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