Suppose you dug a tunnel through the center of Earth, jumped in, and let gravity pull you through. How long would it take you to reach the other side of the planet? For decades, physics students have been asked to calculate that time and have been taught that the correct answer is 42 minutes. Now, a more realistic analysis has lopped 4 minutes off that estimate.”This is the kind of paper we love,” says David Jackson, a physicist at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and editor of the American Journal of Physics, a publication of the American Association of Physics Teachers. The new calculation, which appears in the March issue of the journal, doesn’t merely add more detail about the structure of Earth, he notes. It also explains why you can replace one overly simple assumption with another equally crude one and still get a much more accurate answer. “That’s what makes this so much fun to think about,” Jackson says.The gravity tunnel problem is a staple of introductory physics courses because it simultaneously demonstrates both striking features of Isaac Newton’s law of gravity and a common but very important type of cyclical motion. To solve it, students must calculate how the force of gravity on an object changes as the thing falls through the tunnel.Sign up for our daily newsletterGet more great content like this delivered right to you!Country *AfghanistanAland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia, Plurinational State ofBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, The Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCote D’IvoireCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Faroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and Mcdonald IslandsHoly See (Vatican City State)HondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIran, Islamic Republic ofIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKorea, Democratic People’s Republic ofKorea, Republic ofKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People’s Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyan Arab JamahiriyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacaoMacedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMoldova, Republic ofMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorwayOmanPakistanPalestinianPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalQatarReunionRomaniaRussian FederationRWANDASaint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Martin (French part)Saint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint Maarten (Dutch part)SlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyrian Arab RepublicTaiwanTajikistanTanzania, United Republic ofThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofVietnamVirgin Islands, BritishWallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweI also wish to receive emails from AAAS/Science and Science advertisers, including information on products, services and special offers which may include but are not limited to news, careers information & upcoming events.Required fields are included by an asterisk(*)Here’s where the usual unrealistic assumption enters. Students assume that, like a billiard ball, Earth has the same density throughout: roughly 5500 kilograms per cubic meter. In that case, the strength of the gravitational force pulling you toward Earth’s center varies in proportion to the distance from the center. That’s because as you descend through the tunnel, the amount of mass at an altitude lower than yours decreases, whereas the mass at an altitude higher than yours no longer has any effect on you—as students calculate using a bit of mathematics called the shell theorem.Because the force pulling you toward the center is proportional to the distance from the center, you zip back and forth through Earth exactly as a weight on a spring bobs up or down or a pendulum swings back and forth. The gravity tunnel problem is used in teaching precisely because it produces such simple harmonic motion.In reality, of course, Earth does not have a uniform density, but has a less dense crust and mantle and a more dense core. So Alexander Klotz, a graduate student in physics at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, started thinking about what a more realistic analysis would yield. Klotz says he isn’t sure why he started mulling over the problem. But he sometimes answers physics questions on the website reddit. “I’ve sort of engaged in a bit of educational outreach,” Klotz says, “and that [question] comes up quite a lot.”To get a more realistic mass distribution for Earth, he relied on the Preliminary Reference Earth Model, which is based on seismic data. It traces Earth’s density from about less than 1000 kilograms per cubic meter at the surface to roughly 13,000 kilograms per cubic meter at the center of the core 6371 kilometers below, including a dramatic jump at the edge of the outer core, 3500 kilometers from the center. Solving the problem numerically, Klotz found that an object should fall through Earth in 38 minutes and 11 seconds, instead of the 42 minutes and 12 seconds predicted assuming a uniform planet.Curiously, Klotz found that he got almost exactly the same answer—38 minutes flat—if he simply assumed that the force of gravity remained constant and equal to the value at the surface as an object plummeted toward the center. Such a constant force would require a different density distribution, one that increases steadily as the distance to Earth’s center falls—so that when the distance to the center is halved, the density doubles—and peaks to infinity at the center. (The real distribution simply plateaus in the core, and the force of gravity diminishes to zero at the center of the core.)So why does the constant-force approximation work so well? Because of the mass distribution in Earth, the force of gravity remains roughly constant—and actually increases slightly—down to the outer core, Klotz explains. From there on in, the force of gravity falls with distance much as in the original problem. But by that point, the object is moving so fast that it actually spends very little time passing through the core, where the constant-force approximation is obviously wrong. So in the end, the approximation is good enough.It’s that surprising explanation that makes the new analysis gratifying, Jackson says. “The classic problem needs to stay,” he says. “But this is a nice addition to the classic problem.” For his part, Klotz says that, in this day of big science, his experience shows that “with the right idea it’s still possible to make, not a monumental discovery, but an incremental one.”
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Aldridge’s 21 leads short-handed Spurs by Bulls
TIP-INSBulls: Chicago had nine steals after averaging 10.3 in its previous three games. … The Bulls trailed by 22 points after the first quarter. It was the Spurs’ largest margin after the opening period since leading by 24 in Chicago in 2014. … Justin Holiday was 1 for 4 on 3-pointers, snapping a 15-game streak in which me made at least two 3s. … The Bulls have lost four straight in San Antonio. Chicago’s last victory at the AT&T Center was Jan. 29, 2014.Spurs: Forbes is the third undrafted player under 6-foot-4 player to start a game in franchise history, joining Avery Johnson and Anthony Carter. … Gay has 10-plus points in 10 of 13 games this season. Ginobili is the only Spurs reserve with more double-digit scoring through 13 games in the past 30 years. Ginobili had 10-plus points in all 13 games in 2008, when he won the Sixth Man of the Year. … The Spurs had two back-to-back games at home in the same month for the first time in franchise history. CPP denies ‘Ka Diego’ arrest caused ‘mass panic’ among S. Tagalog NPA John Lloyd Cruz a dashing guest at Vhong Navarro’s wedding Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH LATEST STORIES San Antonio Spurs’ Patty Mills (8), of Australia, guards Chicago Bulls’ Bobby Portis. APSAN ANTONIO — LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points and 10 rebounds and the short-handed San Antonio Spurs beat the Chicago Bulls 133-94, setting a season-high in points despite missing a third of their roster Saturday (Sunday Manila time).Dejounte Murray added 17 points and Davis Bertans had 16 points in 18 minutes for San Antonio.ADVERTISEMENT Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles01:37Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf01:47Panelo casts doubts on Robredo’s drug war ‘discoveries’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games Porzingis returns to score 34, Knicks beat Kings Japan ex-PM Nakasone who boosted ties with US dies at 101 Bryn Forbes, who was making his first career start, had 13 points on 3-for-5 shooting from 3.San Antonio was also almost without Gay, who was “50/50” with an ailing back, but the veteran forward played 18 minutes.San Antonio raced to a 30-8 lead in the opening quarter, extending the margin to 22 points at the close of the period.The Bulls closed the gap by scoring on 10 straight possessions in the second quarter, but the Spurs regained their dominance in the third.Robin Lopez and Bobby Portis each had 17 points to lead Chicago.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ QC cops nab robbery gang leader, cohort Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Stronger peso trims PH debt value to P7.9 trillion Chicago lost rookie forward Lauri Markkanen to a sprained left ankle late in the first half. The severity of the injury is unknown.The Spurs were without six players, including three starters. In addition to Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, who have yet to play this season due to quadriceps injuries, San Antonio was also without Danny Green. Manu Ginobili rested on the second night of a back-to-back. The Spurs still had the depth to hand the rebuilding Bulls their fourth straight loss.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutSan Antonio had eight players in double figures.Rudy Gay and Brandon Paul each had 15 points as San Antonio closed out a six-game homestand with four victories. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Kammuri turning to super typhoon less likely but possible — Pagasa Read Next View comments
England break the duck finally with a world title
England were outplayed in the first two editions of the Twenty20 World Cup, but this time clinically steamrollered all their opponents in the West Indies, emphatically stating that now they were ready to rule the roost in cricket’s shortest format.Paul Collingwood’s England enjoyed an unbeaten streak in the 16-day cricket carnival, taking home their maiden ICC cricket title in 35 years, since the inception of the 50-over World Cup in 1975.They were by far the best team in this championship, perhaps a notch or two above the rest, though Australia did make their presence felt with powerful performances until they were outplayed by their Ashes rivals in the summit-clash.”We believed we could achieve what we set out for. I realise that we are the first English side to win the World Cup. It is good that the monkey is off our back,” said an elated Collingwood.Michael Hussey’s poetic pyrotechnics (24-ball 60 not out; 6X6, 3X4) against a fighting Pakistan when Australia needed a miracle to win was the single-most decisive innings in the championship, though it was Kevin Pietersen who walked away with the player of the series award for his aggregate of 215 runs.Pietersen was the pivot in four English victories.There were innings of great potent from Cameron White, as well. The unassuming middle order batsman made a ballistic 70 against Sri Lanka when Australia were in dire straits during their Super Eight match at the Kensington Oval.He put his hands up again when the going got tough in the semifinal against Pakistan with a punishing 31-ball 43 which was laced with five huge sixes.advertisementAlso, there were remarkable performances from Craig Kieswetter (25, 41, 39 and 63), Mahela Jayawardene (100 and 98 not out) and Suresh Raina (101 and 63), but Hussey’s calculated assault in the last five overs of the innings, when Australia desperately needed to make 70, was the one that will me remembered for a long time. It was stuff of legend.Though the Pakistan spinners, Saeed Ajmal and Abbdur Rehman, showed nerves of steel (like Harbhajan Singh) and had a binding effect on the batsmen, it was English fast bowlers, who deservedly walked away with the bowling honors. They executed the team strategy and bowling skills to a nicety.Though Dirk Nannes and Shaun Tait rattled opposition batsmen, more so the Indians, with their pace and bounce, it was Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad who impressed. They used the slower and short ball intelligently, without compromising on line and length to underline that T20 cricket will not always be the domain of the batsmen.Apart from the title, England took the honors for fielding. They were outstanding in the outfield, perhaps a notch better than Australia and New Zealand.But if there was a trophy for the worst fielding side, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men would have probably won it hands down.Sri Lanka did much better than any of the other Asian teams, who had dominated the 2007 (India) and 2009 (Pakistan) World Cups. Unlike India and Pakistan, the Lankans won two of their Super Eight games before being humbled by a professional England in the semifinal at the Beausejour ground in St Lucia.While Pakistan showed character, pugnacity and the will to fight, India whimpered to one of their worst performances ever in the T20 cricket, losing to the West Indies and Sri Lanka, after being mauled by Australia by 49 runs in their first Super Eight match.The 2007 title was like a millstone tied around Dhoni’s neck. The expectations were too high on a side which arrived in the Caribbean mentally and physically enervated after an exhausting Indian Premier League, which consumed Virender Sehwag to injury and inflicted niggles to Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir and Praveen Kumar, which showed up during the competition.In hindsight, India should count themselves fortunate to have won the title in South Africa, thanks to an indiscreet stroke by Misbah-ul-Haq, who chipped Joginder Sharma to S Sreesanth at short fine-leg.Starved for a major title, the BCCI went over-board in organising a cavalcade, which rivalled England’s 2005 Ashes triumph against Australia. Perhaps, India are paying the price for winning the cup when they were not really prepared for the T20 format.Dhoni ought to be humble. The Australians were greenhorns when the T20 concept was introduced, but worked on their shortcomings in the game for 12 months to get to where they eventually reached. And unlike India, England were hungry for a title, which they claimed in great style by decimating their arch-rivals.Dhoni’s beleaguered boys would do well to go back to the drawing board and get their endemic fallibility against the short, rising balls sorted out before the next edition of the Cup in Sri Lanka (2012). Else, the English will continue to call the shots in T20 cricket.advertisement
Matt Mooney’s college odyssey ends with Texas Tech in title game
1st-timers Texas Tech and Virginia face off for NCAA title View comments Hontiveros presses for security audit of national power grid Mooney had trouble adjusting to the rigidity of military life, and he loathed the harsh way the upperclassmen set the tone. He ultimately decided to transfer, and later caused a stir when he accused the academy of promoting a culture of “bullying” that left him feeling depressed.The academy disputed his claim, and Mooney has since apologized for the accusation. But it didn’t change the fact that he needed a fresh start, which Mooney found at lower-rung South Dakota.For two seasons, he averaged 20 points a game and led the Coyotes to a pile of wins.But they never reached the NCAA Tournament, always a step behind mid-major star Mike Daum and rival South Dakota State. So when Mooney realized he would graduate last May, he once again began looking at transfer options. He settled on an unlikely fit in Texas Tech, the kid who’d chafed at authority making the decision to play for a program whose pillars are structure and defense.Then again, maybe he chose Chris Beard as much as he chose Texas Tech.The Red Raiders coach has been on an odyssey of his own, cutting his teeth at junior colleges in Kansas and Florida, low-level schools McMurray and Angelo State, even the semi-pro ABA, before and he got his big break at Arkansas-Little Rock and parlayed one year of success into the Texas Tech gig.Turns out Mooney and Beard were a match made from basketball morass.“This guy just loved the game,” said Beard, who fondly recalled visiting Mooney’s bachelor pad apartment with its sagging couch and his inquisitive roommates while trying to lure him away from chilly Vermillion, South Dakota. “This guy just loved basketball like I do.”Now, the kid nobody wanted and the coach nobody gave anything to have embraced the chance of a lifetime. After winning a share of the regular-season Big 12 title, they have marched their way through the NCAA Tournament, dispatching Michigan State in the semifinals with cold, cruel efficiency.It was Mooney that had to lead the way. With star forward Jarrett Culver struggling and Owens hobbling toward the locker room, Mooney began to rain down 3-pointers. On defense, he locked up Spartans point guard Cassius Winston, forcing the Big Ten player of the year into his worst game of the season.“When he gets in that zone,” Culver said, “it’s hard to stop him.”Yes, the Red Raiders triumphed because he was in the zone. Will he still be Monday night? Virginia boasts one of the nation’s top defenses, and shutdown guards Ty Jerome and Kyle Guy will likely share the challenge of stopping him. And any chance Mooney had of getting overlooked is long gone.Regardless of what happens, though, he promises to enjoy one last night under the lights.The final stop on a memorable voyage through college basketball.“I always thought I could play at this level,” Mooney said before one last practice Sunday. “So what I would say to everyone is, ‘Chase your dreams. Pursue your dreams.’ I never thought I’d be in this situation. I’ve had so many people along the way who have helped me out.” Texas Tech guard Matt Mooney reacts to fans after a semifinal round game against Michigan State in the Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)MINNEAPOLIS — Much like his vagabond coach, Texas Tech’s Matt Mooney has undergone a college basketball journey unlike almost any other, from mid-major to out-of-the-way outpost to the rough-and-tumble Big 12.Now, under the searing spotlight of the Final Four, Mooney has been simply money.ADVERTISEMENT Mooney grew up in the small Chicago suburb of Wauconda, Illinois, and fell in love with the game at an early age. By the time he reached high school, he’d make a 90-minute trek to Notre Dame College Prep to play under longtime NBA player Jim Les rather than attending the local high school.Mooney figured it would best prepare him for college, yet few coaches seemed to notice — they were probably too busy watching nearby Simeon Career Academy and the jewel of the 2013 class, Jabari Parker, who would star at Duke before becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.The only Division I scholarship offer Mooney received came from Air Force, and he swallowed the idea of a five-year commitment to the military for the chance to play high-level hoops.Things went fairly well on the court, too. Mooney averaged 6.9 points as a freshman, sharpened his game and proved to a whole lot of doubters he could cut it in Division I basketball.Off the court was another matter.ADVERTISEMENT Private companies step in to help SEA Games hosting DA eyes importing ‘galunggong’ anew MOST READ Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next SEA Games hosting troubles anger Duterte PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games PLAY LIST 02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games02:11Trump awards medals to Jon Voight, Alison Krauss For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. LATEST STORIES Cayetano: Senate, Drilon to be blamed for SEA Games mess Panelo: Duterte ‘angry’ with SEA Games hosting hassles The self-described “short, skinny” kid nobody but the Air Force Academy wanted, who starred for two years at South Dakota before transferring to the wind-swept West Texas plains, etched his name in Red Raiders lore Saturday night with a virtuoso performance in the national semifinals.Mooney poured in 22 points, including a spurt of three 3-pointers in a 2 1/2-minute second-half barrage, sending Texas Tech to a 61-51 victory over Michigan State and into a title tilt with Virginia.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSPalace wants Cayetano’s PHISGOC Foundation probed over corruption chargesSPORTSSingapore latest to raise issue on SEA Games food, logistics“I’m happy for Matt, man. This is what we came here for,” said Tariq Owens, himself a transplant from St. John’s. “He had the biggest game of his career on the biggest stage.”Yet the road was long and winding, filled with crisis and controversy, doubt and despair. Duterte wants probe of SEA Games mess Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Philippine Arena Interchange inaugurated
How to Satiate Your Senses in Sedona, Arizona
11 Best Gins for a Refreshing Gin and Tonic All 21 Six Flags Parks in the U.S., Ranked If You Haven’t Visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, What Are You Waiting For? Editors’ Recommendations The Absolute Best Rye Whiskey Brands for Under $50 The Best Campgrounds Near Major U.S. Cities The unique beauty of Sedona, Arizona, confronts you unexpectedly. With a gentle bend of Highway 89A, the sere lowlands drop away and a craggy turret of red sandstone rises out of the horizon as if by magic. These iconic red rocks, formed by a layer of luminous sandstone that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, have made Sedona a magnet for seekers of every stripe.Originally home to the cliff-dwelling, artistically inclined Sinagua people, whose settlement Montezuma Castle was the first site to be designated as a National Monument, Sedona was populated in the early 20th century by homesteaders, farmers, and winemakers. From the 1930s until the ‘60s, it served as the backdrop for classic Hollywood westerns. In the mid-1980s, thanks to an event called the Harmonic Convergence, a few thousand seekers stood in front of the iconic Bell Roc, waiting for a U.F.O. to pop out of it like a dancer out of a bachelor party cake.All this history is very much a part of Sedona’s present, together with a fresh crop of adventure seekers for whom good food and hard play are sincere spiritual pursuits.SleepKimpton Amara Resort and SpaAccommodations abound in Sedona. The main drag consists mainly of charming dive motels, while the bigger resorts are secluded on the fringes of town. You can find the best of both worlds at Amara Resort. Accessible via a side alley off the main road, the resort lies at the feet of one of the skyline’s most sublime rock formations. Despite being steps away from the clamor of the city, all you can hear in the Amara courtyard is the rush of wind and the cries of a circling hawk. Rise early for small-batch coffee in the airy lobby, snag one of the mountain bikes supplied by the resort, and head out for a morning spin on the trails. By the time midday hits, you’ll be ready for a long, lazy drift in the saltwater pool. If you get a second wind, take your yoga mat out on your patio (nearly every room has one) for a meditative sunset session or head across the entry circle for a Rain Dance massage at the Amara Spa. End your evening with a cocktail at one of the courtyard fire pits.See Resort PricesEl Portal SedonaCool and cozy, this ivy-draped hacienda brings together the aesthetic of an English garden to the high desert. With just 12 guest rooms crafted from recycled wood, river flagstone, and hand-set tile accented by stained glass and open-raftered ceilings, you’ll feel like you have this wonderful hideaway all to yourself. The hardest part will be selecting whether you want a steam shower or a clawfoot tub, a private garden or a sitting terrace. And we would be remiss if we didn’t add that the El Portal room service breakfast is something to behold. (Trust us when we say that coffee and lemon buttermilk pancakes in front of a roaring fireplace are the best way to take the chill off a high desert morning.) Special touches like in-room bottled water, hand-pressed tortillas, and a very pet-friendly policy make El Portal a supremely special place to stay.See Resort PricesL’Auberge de SedonaSedona is silly with spiritual retreat centers, offering enlightenment seekers a single bed, a spartan room, and ample opportunities for silent contemplation. We thought about including one of those in our list. Then, we thought better of it and instead went with a recommendation for L’Auberge Sedona. Choose between a suite in the main lodge or one of several secluded cottages. (We’re partial to the Creekside cottage with its outdoor cedar shower and wood-burning fireplace.) If it’s silence you’re looking for, the muted splendor of this cliffside resort will certain render you speechless. You’ll find ample opportunity for meditation while soaking in the jetted tub that faces sunset over the red rocks. And there’s no better way to cleanse your consciousness than with the soothing sounds of nearby Oak Creek as you sip fresh grapefruit juice on your private deck. Who says enlightenment can’t be luxurious?See Resort PricesShopTlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village should be your first and last stop for authentic Sedona keepsakes. Built to mirror a Mexican pueblo, this 1970s landmark is home to more than 50 galleries, workshops, and boutiques. Find pottery, blown glass, textiles, jewelry, handmade clothing, and toys, as well as paintings, sculptures, and other works of fine art. The cobblestone patio frequently plays host to local and cultural events like the Cinco de Mayo chili cook-off or the Day of the Dead mural project.Clearcreek Trading Company is one of those places that defies mere description — you just have to visit. At the tail end of Highway 89A, you’ll see what looks like a homestead out of the show Bonanza. (Look for the rusted buckboard wagon and the tree full of faded prayer flags.) It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a hand-beaded brain-tanned elk hide shirt for $6,500 next to a $10 ball cap with a dreamcatcher applique. Bolo ties, tomahawks, bundles of horsehair, wearable taxidermy … this place has everything.New Age healers abound in Sedona, each touting their special schtick. For our money, the best energy treatment can be found at Gateway Cottage and Wellness, just steps away from the Kimpton Amara. Run by a beautiful blue-eyed woman named BakeR (the spelling is its own story), the environment here is wonderfully tranquil, friendly, and refreshing. While there’s plenty of crystals, minerals, and shamanic tools available to please the woo-woo types, skeptics will benefit just as much from BakeR’s grounded manner and no-nonsense expertise.Highway 89A serves as Sedona’s main street, and it’s here that you’ll find all the kitschy fodder you need to indulge your sense of irony. Pick up a few red rock carvings, a handful of healing minerals, or a sweet Western shirt. Don’t forget to have your aura photo taken.Eat and DrinkElote CafeElote Cafe is the first name on any Sedona connoisseur’s lips, and for good reason. For the past 20 years, chef Jeff Smedstad has set the standard for fine Southwestern cuisine with dishes that put native ingredients on the culinary map. Standouts include the huitlacoche quesadilla made with Oaxacan cheese and a curious mushroom that only grows on the inside of a corn husk; pepita-crusted goat cheese balls drizzled with arbol honey; and smoked pork cheeks with buttermilk corn cakes and cascabel chile sauce. This is the kind of fine dining that makes you lick your fingers surreptitiously. Finish off with a flight of extra añejo tequila as you watch the sun settle into the valley.MariposaMariposa is making a big name for itself, and not just for the pinch-me-I’m-dreaming cliffside view it offers. The food at this Latin fusion, fine dining establishment is such stuff as desert dreams are made of. We especially love its handcrafted libations — the pisco sour is not to be missed. (The wine list is no slouch, either; look for an Apaltagua pinot noir as dry as the desert air.) The restaurant is broken up into a series of smaller rooms, each with its own vibe, but the real star of the show is the outdoor patio. We recommend posting up here to work your way through Mariposa’s cocktail list and a plate of fried avocado nuggets while watching the dramatic shadow play against the towers of red rock.CressFor a different flavor of natural backdrop, make your reservation for a waterside table at L’Auberge Sedona’s Cress at Oak Creek. A small collection of tables clustered amid a grove of low-growing trees is the setting for a prix fixe menu that shifts with the seasons. You can expect dishes to be finished with locally foraged flavors, such as mesquite, rosemary, and the eponymous watercress. During our visit, we enjoyed bison tartare with pickled cactus buds, a fall salad with local goat cheese and sumac, and filet mignon with native tepary beans. It was as exquisite as it sounds.ChocolaTree Organic OasisChocolaTree Organic Oasis is … well, the name pretty much says it all. More than just a place to get a healthy, mostly raw meal, this cafe/sundry shop is (in the owners’ words) a “sanctuary where each being can nurture their authenticity.” We won’t even try to sum up their ethos — it goes too deep. Point is, when your system is humming with vortex energy, ChocolaTree’s homemade, high-vibration foods are just what you need to sustain your natural high. Nourishing dishes like the avocado herb sandwich in live onion flatbread or the blue corn “Sedon’ut” are ideal for a pre-hike meal, while the fresh juice laced with ayurvedic tonic are just what you need after a soul-cleansing bout of energy healing. Stock up on herbs, tinctures, superfoods, and raw chocolates to keep your chakras aligned long after you depart the desert.The Hudson SedonaThe Hudson Sedona, a new face on the scene, is distinguishing itself as a contender for the best cocktail spot in town. While its dinner menu is equally impressive, we think this restaurant is best for a nightcap. Imagine an Arizona Mule chased with a local microbrew on tap and — hell, why not? — a piece of deconstructed banana cream pie. With forks for everyone, obviously. I’m not going to eat this whole thing by myself.89AgaveYou’re going to need a good hangover cure. This altitude, man. You could get fancy at any of the preceding suggestions, but 89Agave is our vote with breakfast served until noon daily and a menu that keeps it mercifully simple: omelets, huevos rancheros, and not much else. Everything comes with green chile potatoes and a great view. And they serve Bloody Marys.Wild TonicWild Tonic kombucha is a locally brewed health libation currently sweeping the state. Made with raw honey, fruit and herb infusions, and fermented tea, it’s an instant pick-me-up when the dryness, the heat, or the altitude get to you. We love the ginger cilantro flavor. You can find Wild Tonic for sale in finer hotels and cafes, as well as the local Whole Foods Market. Look for the cobalt-blue bottles.PlaySedona has over 100 hiking trails of various difficulty levels, all offering different breathtaking vantage points over the desert landscape. A don’t-miss would be the Boynton Canyon Trail, a path through “box canyon” terrain leading up to the Kachina Woman spire, believed by some to be the original source of the area’s vibrant energy. Soldier’s Pass Trail is another favorite for taking hikers past the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of tiered waterfalls carved out of the ochre sandstone.Pink Jeep Tours are an icon of Sedona, and for good reason. This outfit has been escorting nature worshipers around the Red Rocks Wilderness Area since the 1960s. Led by nationally certified wilderness guides, the company offers experiences that range from rugged (in the classic Jeep Wrangler) to relaxed (in a smooth Mercedes Benz Sprinter). There are lots of other backcountry tour operators, but Pink Jeep is the only one permitted by the U.S. Forest Service to take visitors down the renowned Broken Arrow trail. We also dig the brand’s ethical standards; Pink Jeep works closely with the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and park rangers to maintain, rebuild, and re-vegetate the trails they use, earning them an environmental award from the state. One word of advice: A Pink Jeep Tour should always come before a night of partying, not after. Seriously, don’t risk it.Plan a day trip into the foothills to nearby Cottonwood, Arizona. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village has a distinct Old West vibe that offers a pleasant contrast to the Sedona experience. Cottonwood’s Jail Trail gives you a chance to hike within a rare riparian ecosystem (translation: a waterside environment in the middle of the desert) where you can look for endangered species such as the river otter and the southwestern bald eagle. Visit Tuzigoot, the remains of a Sinagua pueblo village that reveals what life was like in the year 1200. Turn your stroll through town into a wine tour by stopping into the numerous tasting rooms that feature vintages from the Verde Valley. Make sure to make a check out the Old Town Red Rooster Cafe, a local favorite for coffee, sandwiches, and snacks.One of the chief charms of Sedona is its crystal-clear night sky. At 4,500 feet, it would be a shame to miss the pristine views of the cosmos, and you’ll appreciate it in a whole new way if you look at it in the company of Dennis Young. With 40 years of galaxy gazing under his belt, his passion for astronomy is as infectious as his homemade telescopes are powerful. Seriously, you’ll see sights normally reserved for NASA scientists: ripples on the surface of the moon, streaks of colorful nebulae so intense that you’ll wonder if the elevation is getting to you. Young promises to take you on a walk through the cosmos, and we can say he definitely delivers.Seasonal TipsMarch to May is Sedona’s busiest season, and for good reason. Spring is when the desert comes alive with wildflowers and the temperatures are ideal for all-day outdoor activities. Book your reservations way in advance if you plan to visit during this time.Sedona is home to a number of annual festivals throughout the year, including the International Film Festival in February, The Festival of Native American Culture in June, and Jazz on the Rocks in October.We recommend avoiding visits during late July and August; Arizona’s monsoon season brings sweltering temperatures and frequent rainstorms.Late September and October bring cooler temperatures and a number of wine festivals to the area, offering a perfect chance for leisurely drives around the Verde Valley.Expect light snow in December and January.Article originally published by Cator Sparks on January 24, 2013. Last updated by Chelsea Batten on February 20, 2018.
Insufficient Finances Blocking Development of LNG Bunkering
World Maritime News Staff The LNG shipping market has been faced with lower rates amid growing LNG carrier fleet, a drop in liquid fuel prices and a lower demand for LNG in Asian markets. On the other hand, lower shipping rates are good news for sellers and end users of LNG, which is becoming ever more popular as an alternative marine fuel.World Maritime News spoke with Nick Brown, Brand and External Relations Manager at Lloyd’s Register to find out more about the market expectations and the way forward for LNG as both the cargo and marine fuel.Lloyd’s Register is involved in providing services in various LNG-related sectors including FLNG, classification services for shipbuilding and is working with ports on six continents – all but Antarctica on LNG bunkering.WMN: LNG is gaining in popularity among key industry players, including in the cruise shipping industry with Carnival’s recent order for the world’s first LNG-fuelled cruise ships. How would you describe the demand for LNG as marine fuel at the moment and what is needed to remove the infrastructural obstacles at ports?Brown: Demand is certainly growing and, to date, has been focused in niche and specialised ship type sectors such as ferries, tugs, short-sea cargo shipping and, now, cruise shipping. To remove the infrastructural obstacles is a question of ensuring that technical and commercial risks can be reconciled with the potential. By far the biggest blocker is financial – providing investors with the likelihood of returns.Speaking of the infrastructural readiness of global ports for LNG as marine fuel, Brown said that the highest degree of readiness is in Northern Europe in ports such as Stockholm – where the 2,800 passenger Viking Line ferry, Viking Grace, calls every 24 hours.WMN: U.S carrier TOTE Maritime recently took delivery of the first ever LNG-powered container ship, the 3,100 TEU Isla Bella, which will operate between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Is the LNG infrastructure in this region developed sufficiently to provide bunkering services to the Isla Bella and her soon-to-be-delivered sister ship the Perla del Caribe?Brown: Point to point, or short sea -trades, like the TOTE services – with regular calls in the same ports and modest volume demands– are able to develop required infrastructure relatively easily. It is providing large scale, large volume supply for deep sea ships in key locations that is the real challenge.WMN: What are the key rising LNG markets to look out for seeing that there is a pause in commitments to new LNG projects as demand in Asia weakens?Brown: We are highly focused on US export potential and LNG bunkering in ports worldwide – so we see global opportunities.WMN: The Australasian LNG construction boom is coming to an end, according to a Douglas Westwood forecast, which says that global spending on LNG carriers is set to decrease as well. Has the supply side reached its full potential or is there room for more newbuilds?Brown: Demand for seaborne gas trades is expected to grow and we can anticipate that more new ships will be required – it’s probably not an issue of ‘if’ but ‘when’ is the right time to invest.WMN: As the Panama Canal sets sights on opening its doors to LNG carriers, what would you say are the key technical and operational challenges for delivering LNG to Pacific markets via the Panama Canal and the Northern Sea Route?Brown: For Panama Canal transits there are size limitations and that would make some of the very large LNG carriers not able to transit. Panama Canal’s capacity matching the traffic demand may need to be considered. Certain features on equipment need to be considered by the operators for their ships and this is already known to most and presented in relevant SIGTTO guidelines.And for Northern Sea Route the key will be winterisation and ice class structural questions to be addressed effectively.WMN: Spain’s Port of Barcelona announced plans to invest in LNG infrastructure to tackle rising air pollution in its metropolitan area. The port says that the move is also a preparation for the expected increase in vessels powered by LNG. Are predictions that 20% of commercial and cruise ships will be powered by LNG by 2030 realistic?Brown: If you mean 20% of newbuildings, it’s possible for cruise shipping but far less likely for deep sea ships. Our GMFT 2030 report indicated that 11% of deep sea (containership, bulk carrier and tanker) newbuildings could be gas fuelled by 2030 – in the most optimistic scenario. But with the right investment and regulatory drivers now, LNG fuelled deep sea shipping could take off although most activity is likely to remain in the sectors like ferries, tugs, short-sea cargo shipping and cruise shipping.
Movement to get Aboriginal vote out in Winnipeg now looking federal
APTN National NewsA grassroots movement aimed at getting Aboriginal people to the polls feels they made an impact on Winnipeg’s election this week.With a federal election on the horizon organizers of “Rock the Indigenous Vote” say they have no plans of going away.One high profile candidate in Winnipeg is hinting his political career is far from over too.APTN’s Dennis Ward has more.
UK cybersecurity chief oversight of Huawei is working
LONDON — The head of Britain’s cybersecurity agency says government oversight of Huawei has proven it can flag up security problems, suggesting he doesn’t think the Chinese company needs to be banned from supplying mobile networks.Ciaran Martin, the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, also said Wednesday that one of the conditions for maintaining good cybersecurity is having “sustainable diversity” in the telecommunications equipment supplier market.Huawei, the world’s biggest maker of switching gear for phone and internet companies, has faced rising scrutiny in Europe over cybersecurity concerns as countries roll out new high speed fifth generation, or 5G, mobile networks.U.S. officials have been pressuring European allies to shun the company over worries that Huawei equipment could be used by Beijing for electronic espionage.The Associated Press
Football Ohio State avoids upset edges Spartans 1716 in East Lansing
OSU redshirt junior quarterback looks for a lane through the Michigan State defense during the Buckeyes’ game against the Spartans. Credit: Alexa Mavrogianis | Photo EditorEAST LANSING, Michigan — A cold, blustery November day in East Lansing, Michigan, perfectly summarized the scrappy contest between the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes and the unranked Michigan State Spartans. In a game that the Buckeyes came in as 20 point favorites, OSU edged the Spartans 17-16.The Buckeyes are now 3-3 in their last six meetings with the Spartans. “I don’t think they’re far out (of playoff contention),” said OSU coach Urban Meyer. “I just got a lot of respect. I’ve been in the foxhole against those guys and I know their coaching staff very well. I have great respect for them. They played very hard, but I don’t expect anything different.”The Spartans struck quickly on the legs of sophomore running back L.J. Scott. An innocent screen pass to the left side of the field, paired with outstanding down-the-field blocking, gave Scott a 64-yard lane all the way for a score. It was the first touchdown the Buckeyes defense had given up over nine quarters.Both teams combined for just nine pass completions in the first half. The wind gusts on the field, reported at 30 miles per hour at times, made a down-the-field passing game nearly impossible. One of the longest passes of the first half was a 14-yard toss from redshirt junior quarterback J.T. Barrett to redshirt junior tight end Marcus Baugh. Even that throw was altered by the wind slightly.Michigan State redshirt senior quarterback Tyler O’Connor had plenty of time to throw, as the OSU pass rush struggled in the first half to reach the quarterback. On the other side, the Buckeyes’ offensive line seemed perplexed with the Michigan State defensive front, allowing three sacks through the first two quarters.Three chunk plays were the culprit to the Buckeyes’ defensive shortcomings in the first half. All three were by Scott, who racked up 149 yards on just three of his nine touches in the two opening quarters. Most of Scott’s big runs came from off the tackle, swinging the ball wide where he found lots of daylight. Redshirt junior linebacker Chris Worley agreed the team failed to keep him contained at times.“A lot of (mistakes) were just little schemed-up things,” he said. “Not setting an edge on the defense.” OSU’s biggest play of the day came on a picture-perfect pass from Barrett to junior H-back Curtis Samuel across the middle of the field. In single coverage over the top, the OSU offense found a hole and Barrett floated the ball right into the outstretched arms of Samuel for a touchdown.The second half kicked off with the Buckeyes handling the opening kick. It took more than six minutes of game time before either team could find a way to score.After busting a 52-yard scamper off a beautiful lead block by Baugh, Weber pushed across the goalline for a 4-yard touchdown rush. The touchdown was his first rushing score away from Ohio Stadium this season.Weber finished his day with 14 carries for 111 yards and the touchdown, and proved to be a difference maker. He said after the game he was instrumental to the team’s approach to attacking the Michigan State defense.“Just pound the ball,” Weber said. “We knew it was going to be hard to throw the ball in that wind. Coach Meyer had a mindset that we’re going to play defense and we’re going to run the ball. I think we had over 200 yards rushing total and did a good job with that.”Samuel led the Buckeyes with 4 receptions for 40 yards, although his touches were limited by the Spartans’ defense for most of the day. He gained 53 total yards, his lowest total of the year. OSU picked up just 86 yards through the air on Saturday.A fake punt by Michigan State early in the fourth quarter from its own territory gave the Spartans a big first down, but a failed trick play and a sack by redshirt junior defensive end Tyquan Lewis and redshirt sophomore defensive end Sam Hubbard forced the Spartans to punt.Scott single-handedly carried his team back into the game with nine minutes remaining, carrying the ball for all eight plays of a Michigan State drive. After plunging forward for a 1-yard touchdown rush, Dantonio decided to try for a two-point conversion, but O’Connor’s pass was picked off by redshirt sophomore safety Malik Hooker at the goal line. On Michigan State’s final drive, redshirt junior cornerback Gareon Conley intercepted O’Connor’s pass to seal the game for OSU. After the game, he walked into the press conference room, holding the game ball in his hands. Conley said it “meant the world” to have his teammates and coaches congratulating him for his play.Barrett, who was supposed to be carrying the ball less this season according to Meyer, finished the game with 24 carries. Overall, he handled the ball 46 times of OSU’s 67 plays from scrimmage.It is unclear how the team’s performance will affect the College Football Playoff rankings for the Buckeyes. The updated rankings will be released on Tuesday at 7 p.m.“The big playoff picture, it’s all noise,” said redshirt junior guard Billy Price. “If you don’t focus on the task at hand, slip-ups happen. Just make sure you go out and execute. Don’t disrespect your opponent.”OSU is now 10-1 this season, and is 7-1 in Big Ten play. The Buckeyes return home for a noon kickoff against Michigan to round out the regular season.
The people responsible for terrorism are terrorists Northern leaders on Paisley comments
BOTH THE FIRST Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland today rejected comments from Dr Ian Paisley that suggested that the Irish Government’s attitude led to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.Paisley is reported to have said that the bombings, which killed 33 people 40 years ago were down to the Irish government’s “ridiculous attitude to Northern Ireland”.However, speaking at a Google event in Dublin today, the North’s First Minister Peter Robinson rejected that idea.“We’re talking about the murder of 33 innocent people.“I have a settled and clear view about terrorism: the people responsible for terrorism are terrorists.Of course there are things going on at government level, there always will be. And of course unionists will have a different opinion of the actions of the Irish government. But that doesn’t make them responsible, in the same way the British government is not responsible for the actions of the IRA.“The responsibility lies with the people who put their hands to priming the bomb, placed the bomb and killed 33 innocent people.”At the same event, the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said that it was important to note that Paisley is retired.“There are different narratives about the past. That is what the Haass talks are about. While some will be taken aback by what Dr Paisley has said, I think there will be those pleasantly surprised that he has acknowledged that Bloody Sunday should not have happened.”He added that the peace process should not be derailed by “those whose plan it is to drag us back to the past”.McGuinness said that he was “looking forward” to watching the documentary on Paisley, which airs on BBC next Monday.Read: Ian Paisley says he was angered by Bloody SundayRead: Britain ‘does not intend’ to hand over Dublin-Monaghan files
Une éruption massive rompt la période de sommeil du Soleil
Une éruption massive rompt la période de sommeil du Soleil Voilà plusieurs années que le Soleil est plongé dans un calme inquiétant. Pourtant, quelques groupes de taches sont réapparus à sa surface dernièrement. Peut-être le présage d’un retour à une activité plus importante.Le Space weather prediction center (Centre de prédiction météorologique spatiale) a révélé avoir photographié l’une des plus importantes éruptions solaires depuis plusieurs années. Elle aurait duré environ deux heures, le 13 avril dernier.À lire aussi10 choses à ne pas faire si vous voulez bien dormirLes taches et éruptions solaires sont d’excellents indicateurs de l’activité de notre étoile. Certains scientifiques sont aujourd’hui convaincus que les températures terrestres dépendent en partie de l’activité solaire. Les périodes solaires durent en moyenne onze ans, mais cela faisait treize ans que l’activité solaire était faible. Les taches à la surface du Soleil se faisaient rares, et les éruptions étaient quasi-inexistantes. L’éruption du 13 avril pourrait ainsi marquer la fin de la dernière période de repos solaire, laquelle aurait juste été plus longue qu’à l’accoutumée.Le 15 avril 2010 à 18:32 • Emmanuel Perrin
Windows XP laisse la place à Windows 7
Windows XP laisse la place à Windows 7États-Unis – Comme prévu, les fabricants d’ordinateurs ne peuvent plus pré-installer Windows XP sur leurs machines. Après l’arrêt de la vente en boîte, le système d’exploitation qui a connu le plus de succès ces dernières années cède définitivement sa place à Windows 7.Microsoft avait pris sa décision depuis un petit moment déjà. Windows XP disparaît progressivement du paysage informatique pour laisser la place à Windows 7. Les fabricants ont reçu l’ordre de ne plus pré-installer le système d’exploitation qui a connu un grand succès ces dernières années. Encore largement présent dans les entreprises, XP voit le développement de Windows 7 s’accélérer dans la mesure où Microsoft fait tout pour que le grand public adopte son dernier OS. Selon une récente étude, celui-ci est utilisé à hauteur de 17,1% sur l’ensemble des ordinateurs à travers le monde, contre 11,7% il y a six mois.Le 26 octobre 2010 à 10:57 • Emmanuel Perrin
Chula Vista Learning Community Charter makes list of nations Best Public High
Chula Vista Learning Community Charter makes list of nation’s ‘Best Public High Schools’ CHULA VISTA (KUSI) — Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School (CVLCC), a TK-12 system, was ranked among the top three of public schools in San Diego County, and among the top 50 in California in the recently released U.S. News and World Report annual ranking.“It is a great honor to be ranked among the top three in all of San Diego, and among the top tiers of schools in California and the nation,” said Dr. Jorge Ramirez Delgado, the charter’s Executive Director. “I thank and credit our students, teachers, parents and school leaders who together make our school an amazing learning community.”Established in 1998 as a district-dependent charter, CVLCC initially served students in kindergarten through sixth grade, adding grades 7 and 8 over the years. In 2012, in response to parent interest and demand, CVLCC High opened on a site adjacent to Silver Wing Elementary in the Otay Mesa community of San Diego. CVLCC High serves over 380 students in grades 9-12. CVLCC has distinct elementary, middle and high school campuses.“I take an immense amount of pride in knowing we are driven by, and dedicated to, making experiences like world travel, hands-on professional experience, and college a reality for our students. Watching these amazing kids grow and learn beyond the walls of a classroom is something I truly value and respect about this incredible organization,” said April Hernandez, English teacher and founding member of CVLCC High.U.S. News and World Report evaluated more than 28,500 public schools across the country, using data on graduation rates and state test scores. It recognized 5,948 top-performing schools with numeric rankings, and awards of gold, silver or bronze, depending on their level of college readiness. CVLCC High was ranked number 38 in California and number 245 in the nation.Of particular note is that CVLCC High was ranked higher than schools in Coronado, Poway and much of the North County.CVLCC offers a school-wide Dual Language Immersion program. Students spend half of their instructional day in English and the other half in Spanish. Its string of academic success has prompted a stream of visitors, from educators in other countries to ranking elected officials. In 2009, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger toured classrooms and held a press conference at the school, holding it up as a model for academic gains that could be replicated across the state. “What a success story, I have to say,” Schwarzenegger said of CVLCC, during the visit.The California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) honored founding Principal and now Executive Director Dr. Ramirez Delgado with its Vision Award for outstanding leadership in bilingual education. Its success prompted scores of parents to ‘Camp Out for Kinder’ — a chance at CVLCC’s lottery at the time for kindergarten admission.With the support of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, CVLCC has been able to plan and implement educational programs that support students acquiring a second language, as well as deepening academic understanding in all content areas. With its strong parent engagement and teacher commitment, the school has been able to provide a unique educational experience for all students. Posted: May 17, 2018 KUSI Newsroom, KUSI Newsroom May 17, 2018 Categories: Local San Diego News FacebookTwitter
Leader of Davy Crockett cleanup honored
The U.S. Coast Guard officer who helped choreograph last year’s cleanup and dismantling of the derelict barge Davy Crockett will be honored during a regional conference this week.Capt. Daniel LeBlanc was the federal on-scene coordinator of the 10-month response after the vessel buckled and spilled oil and debris into the Columbia River. Officials first traced an oil sheen to the Davy Crockett in January 2011– that’s when federal authorities stepped in — and finished the extensive cleanup near Camas last November.This Wednesday, Le-Blanc will be honored for his efforts. He’ll receive a Legacy award from the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force during this week’s Clean Pacific Conference in Long Beach, Calif. LeBlanc is among six recipients of the award this year, according to the organization.Officials from both Washington and Oregon faced a complex task in cleaning up the Davy Crockett. Unable to move the vessel off the north bank of the Columbia, crews instead built a steel barrier around it to contain oil and debris. They then dismantled the barge where it lay, piece by piece, until it was gone.The effort produced some eye-catching numbers before it was done. Workers pulled 3.5 million pounds of steel and more than a million pounds of debris out of the river. They recovered 38,000 gallons of bunker oil. They removed another 1.6 million gallons of oily water mixture, and 4,850 pounds of asbestos.
Government to invest in developing batteries for electric vehicles
Spring Budget 2017: The government will invest in the development, design and manufacture of batteries to power the next generation of electric vehicles.The investment will form part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), which will receive an initial investment of £270 million in 2017-2018.In his Spring Budget 2017 speech, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced that the £270 million investment will be used to develop disruptive technologies, such as robotic systems and driverless vehicles.The ISCF forms part of the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF), which was announced in the Autumn Statement 2016. This includes an investment of £390 million in ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV), renewable fuels, and connected and autonomous vehicles by 2020-21. This funding also includes an £80 million investment in ULEV charging infrastructure.Claire Evans, head of fleet consultancy at Zenith, said: “We saw £270 million allocated to keep the UK at the forefront of disruptive technologies that will include funding for the development, design and manufacture of batteries to power the next generation of electric vehicles. Increased range on new battery technology will speed their adoption by fleets.“The £16 million made available for a new 5G mobile technology hub will also support the move toward driverless vehicles. A £690 million competition for local authorities to tackle urban congestion and get local transport networks moving again is a welcome addition.”
60 foreigners detained for illegal stay in Greater Noida 17
Noida: Seventeen foreigners, who were detained in Greater Noida for allegedly staying in the country without valid travel documents, have escaped from police custody, officials said Friday. They were among the 60 foreign nationals from nine countries who were detained on Wednesday over invalid visa and passport documents and faced deportation, they said. Also Read – Dehydrated elephant being given treatment Advertise With Us “Around 8.30 pm on Thursday, 17 of the foreigners escaped from the reserve police lines in Surajpur where they were lodged. They escaped after breaking open a bathroom window,” Gautam Buddh Nagar Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Krishna told PTI. He said a police inquiry has been launched into the matter and a search operation is underway to trace the 17 foreigners, all men. Also Read – CBI carrying out surprise checks at 150 government departments Advertise With Us Superintendent of Police (City) Vineet Jaiswal, the in-charge of the probe, said two teams have been formed to search the foreigners who have escaped. “They are working in coordination with the Local Investigation Unit (LIU) since it’s a matter related with foreign nationals,” Jaiswal said. Citing rules under the Foreigners Act, 1947, he said the foreign nationals were “restrained” by the police for want of valid documents. Advertise With Us “The police can restrict the movement of foreigners in such cases and the restrictions are limited to them staying in a temporary accommodation provided by the police. They can carry out their normal business, go out for lunch or do whatever they wish to but just return to the temporary residence till the time police proceedings complete,” he said. “Now with the 17 of them escaping from the police lines, in violation of the restraining order, they can even get arrested,” Jaiswal told PTI. He said probe is underway and a report will be submitted soon in the case. Earlier on Thursday, police had released 12 of the 60 foreigners who could produce valid travel documents, Krishna said. Almost all of those detained are from eight African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Ivory Coast and Angola. Twenty-eight of them are women, the police said. During the police inspection on Wednesday, 222 beer bottles marked for sale in Delhi, 3.5 kilograms of cannabis, six laptops and 114 Airtel SIM cards were seized from their residences, they said.
Vivo V15 Pro review Midrange phone with topnotch camera hightech security features
Popular Chinese smartphone-maker Vivo is slowly and steadily making strides not only in a highly competitive Indian market but also credited for pushing the envelope in terms of innovation in mobile technology on the global stage. What has impressed me about Vivo is that it is fearlessly experimenting in developing unique design language with full view display and yet not compromising in any critical aspects of the phone.For instance, the X20 Plus UD is the world’s first tier-1 branded smartphone to boast in-screen display and the company followed up with Vivo Nex with the pop-up camera. Now, the company is bringing the aforementioned two high-tech features to a mid-range phone Vivo V15 Pro.Does the new Vivo V15 Pro live up to the hype? Well, read my experience.Design, display and build quality:Full points to the Vivo V15 Pro for its eye-catching design both the front and the back. Thanks to the pop-up camera and in-screen fingerprint, there is no physical button or space for obstruction on the display. The v15 Pro offers true full-view screen and you will have a good time watching videos on the big 6.4-inch full HD+ (1080 x 2340p) screen with 403 ppi (pixels per inch) display density and 19.5:9 aspect ratio. With Vivo IPL 2019 going on, you can catch the live action and have immersive experience while commuting home from the office or vice versa. Vivo V15 Pro offers true FullView display without any notch on top.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaOn the back, it flaunts glossy shell and my blue review model looks lovely and even offer a premium feel when held in the hand. Though the back cover is made of polycarbonate, it is very sturdy and adds to that, the company is offering a transparent TPU case with opaque and hard edges around the corner. I have buttery fingers and dropped a few times during the review period, surprisingly, the protection cover case saved the phone every time and happy to say that I sent the review unit without any scratch or damage to the device back to the company.On the left side, Vivo V15 Pro comes with special dedicated custom Voice Assistant button, which you can assign either Google Assistant or Vivo’s own Jovi assistant.However, I am a bit sceptical about the one aspect –the retractable front camera, as it leaves the phone vulnerable to damage if the consumer drops the phone top-end facing the ground while taking a selfie. 1/6 Vivo V15 Pro comes with glossy shell on the back.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro comes with pop-up camera with 3.5 mm audio jack and mic on top of the edge.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro comes with Type 2 microUSB port, dual-SIM slot and a speaker grille at the base.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro comes with special dedicated custom Voice Assistant button, which you can assign either Google Assistant or Vivo’s own Jovi assistant and it also houses microSD card slot on top of the left side of the edge.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro houses volume rockers and a power button on the left side.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro comes with protective TPU case in the retail box.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaPreviousNextPerformance:My Vivo V15 Pro device came with Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 octa-core with sumptuous 6GB RAM and 128GB storage backed by Android Pie OS. It showed no sign of lagging while app loading, video recording, switching between multiple apps, internet browsing and gaming.I have to confess that I am not a big fan of mobile gaming, but the sake of testing, I did play popular Asphalt 9 series and PUBG Mobile, Vivo V15 Pro functioned buttery smooth.Camera: Vivo V15 Pro is one of the best looking phone in the mid-range segment.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro houses feature-rich photography hardware. It comes with a triple camera module (48MP + 8MP +5MP) on the back. During the testing phase, it captured some gorgeous photos in natural sunny conditions, portrait with Bokeh effect and also in the night, as well. Even the wide-angle images too, are impressive. Check out the photo slide show below.On the front, it houses a pop-up 32MP camera and what impressed me is that opens up so fast and most importantly recognised my face most of the time to unlock the screen.As far as the selfie picture quality is concerned, it is really good, better than most rival brands in the under Rs 40,000 price-bracket. 1/12 Vivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the eveningKVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the Portrait mode on.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the morning.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the evening.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro’s primary camera sample taken in the shadeKVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro’s primary camera sample taken in the afternoon.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro’s primary camera sample in Portrait mode with Bokeh effectKVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the indoors with controlled light condition.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken with portrait mode on.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the night with street lights on.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the night with LED flash on.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaVivo V15 Pro primary camera sample taken in the evening.KVN Rohit/IBTimes IndiaPreviousNextBattery:It comes packed with a 3,700mAh battery. Though it is a bit low compared to rival brands, Vivo V15 Pro was able to consistently be able to offer full-day under mixed usage. I usually start off the day’s phone usage during my commute from home to the office via the bus, usually browse Google news and jump to social media channels. Once in the office, I only use it messaging and voice calls for the next 8-9 hours and for testing sake, I do play mobile games after my lunch, but not for more than 20 minutes. Then, while returning to my home, which usually takes 90 minutes, I do try to catch up with the latest movie trailers and funny videos on YouTube. Having said that I personally make it a point not to indulge on binge-watching videos more than 40 minutes and retire to a short nap in the bus.So, by now, you probably get the gist of my routine with the phone. And, for more than a week, as said before the V15 Pro consistently lasted a day with up to 20-25 per cent juice left before I could plug the phone for charging and retire to the bed.But, the V15 Pro or any phone for that matter, will lose battery life faster if you continuously play games for more than an hour or do video recording.Final thoughts:Having used the V15 Pro for close to two weeks and I have to say, Vivo has done a pretty good job. The new phone really lives to the hype. I love the design, the fast pop-up camera, on-screen fingerprint sensor is quick and accurately recognised my finger impression most of the time, decent performance and a full day’s battery. Vivo V15 Pro ticks all the major points, which we look while purchasing an upper mid-range phone.Vivo V15 Pro is available on Amazon India and also on official Vivo store for Rs 28,990 with special offers.Pros:Gorgeous design language and also the protective TPU cover case doesn’t take away the charmReliable in-screen fingerprint sensor and quick tooTop-notch pop-up cameraA full day’s battery lifeCons:Though the pop-up camera is fast and takes fantastic photos, the retractable mechanism makes the phone vulnerable to damage if the consumer drops the phone top-end facing the ground while taking a selfieThe skinned interface of FunTouch OS makes a tad difficult to traverse through settings to enable/disable the feature. But this aspect is subjective, as some people who already owned a Vivo phone, will not find it difficult. On the other hand, users new to Vivo phone will take a few days more to fully understand the complex intricacies of the mobile interface Close Mobile phone manufacturing factories increased from 2 to 120 after coming to power: RS Prasad
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Rapper Nipsey Hussle shot dead Striking similarity with Tupacs tragic end surprises
Nipsey HussleGetty imagesRapper Nipsey Hussle was shot by a man in a dark shirt thrice before leaving his dead body in front of his Marathon Clothing store. Reports said the shooter had a heated discussion with Nipsey before unloading his gun.Fellow rapper, T.I. said Nipsey was killed because the gunman could not see another person leading his community, reported TMZ. T.I. aka Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. was on TMZ Live, discussing “why anyone would kill the beloved the rapper in his neighbourhood.”A glance at the rapper’s other ventures reveals more. Ermias Davidson Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle had an excellent business sense as seen from the success of his retail store and brand, the Marathon Clothing. It was the first smart store of its kind, where the idea of using technology in the retail business was pioneered and has become a hit too. His unshakeable belief in his own rap and business excellence has often reflected in his outlandish expenditure. Apart from his business, he reportedly offered opportunities to local youth and made the upliftment of his community as a top priority. A barbershop, learning centre for kids, fish store and cryptocurrency company are some of the ventures that he had left behind, in addition to the clothing store. TupacGetty imagesNipsey’s activities to fight against mob culture and to uplift the community reminds similar efforts by Tupac Shakur, a famous rapper who was killed by unknown assailants in 1996. Shakur was one of the best-selling music artists of all time with 75 million records sold worldwide. He worked for his community addressing contemporary social issues and was revered as a symbol of resistance and activism against inequality even to this day.So was Nipsey’s rise from the streets the way Tupac’s was and both became victims of gun violence in their own neighbourhood, against which they had raised voice. Though Nipsey saw that wealth-building could be a way of empowering the blacks, his wealth failed to stem jealousy that reportedly led to his death.
Nintendo 3DS Sales Fall Short Of Original DS Sales
Reports have been going around for the past couple weeks stating that the 3DS has fallen just short of the original DS sales. This appears to be confirmed now that the sale numbers have been released; the Nintendo 3DS sold 400,000 consoles in its first week in the U.S. The original Nintendo DS sold a 100,000 more than the 3DS in its first week of sales. Despite the lower sales record, Nintendo still has hopes for the first month of sales. Nintendo originally expected a record breaking amount of sales during its first month. We’ll have to wait and see if the sales improve. Until then, Nintendo still seems pleased with the first week of sales. One fact has been cleared, the quake did not affect Nintendo, so that cannot be blamed for the lower sales. Nintendo made sure to make that clear during the release of the US first week sales numbers. Via Xbit Labs
Research duo suggest early Earth had heatpipe channels similar to Jupiters moon
© 2013 Phys.org (Phys.org) —Two planetary researches, one from Hampton University and the National Institute of Aerospace, the other from Louisiana State University, have published a paper in the journal Nature suggesting that for a period of time, the Earth was very similar to Jupiter’s moon Io—with heat from within being released through what are known as heat-pipes. The new theory by William Moore and Alexander Webb goes against the common consensus that the Earth transitioned directly from a planet with a hot molten liquid layer to one covered by tectonic plates. Credit: Nature Planetary scientists have been stumped in trying to figure out how a planet with a molten hot liquid surface could transition directly to one with tectonic plates—the only way that could happen would be if the planet cooled almost instantly. But all available evidence indicates it didn’t, so how did the tectonic plates come about? Moore and Webb suggest there was an intermediate stage—one where heat was allowed to escape from the interior of the planet through heat-pipes.In practical terms, heat pipes are soft material “holes” in a planet’s surface. Hot magma from below is pushed upwards through channels towards the surface where it flows out as lava allowing heat to escape into space. While very similar to volcanoes, they don’t necessarily erupt, they simply ooze. Jupiter’s moon Io is an excellent example of a body that oozes lava, with so many heat-pipes that its entire surface is covered by material constantly pushed up from below. The result is a constant turnover of surface material, mixing with that from below. Moore and Webb theorize that a very similar situation existed on Earth between the time the surface was hot molten liquid and the development of tectonic plates. They suggest the constant movement of material up though the heat-pipes led to a build-up on the surface. As the planet cooled over time, the material that was pushed up slowly hardened and became the tectonic plates. And because there was still a lot of heat in the core of the planet, fissures developed which caused the plates to break apart and to travel as they continue to do today.Moore and Webb point to ancient zircon and diamonds found on Earth to strengthen their theory—the rocks have been dated to the time period in question (roughly 3 to 4 billion years ago) and show the weathering that would have occurred had they been constantly churned by heat-pipe transport. More information: Heat-pipe Earth, Nature 501, 501–505 (26 September 2013) DOI: 10.1038/nature12473AbstractThe heat transport and lithospheric dynamics of early Earth are currently explained by plate tectonic and vertical tectonic models, but these do not offer a global synthesis consistent with the geologic record. Here we use numerical simulations and comparison with the geologic record to explore a heat-pipe model in which volcanism dominates surface heat transport. These simulations indicate that a cold and thick lithosphere developed as a result of frequent volcanic eruptions that advected surface materials downwards. Declining heat sources over time led to an abrupt transition to plate tectonics. Consistent with model predictions, the geologic record shows rapid volcanic resurfacing, contractional deformation, a low geothermal gradient across the bulk of the lithosphere and a rapid decrease in heat-pipe volcanism after initiation of plate tectonics. The heat-pipe Earth model therefore offers a coherent geodynamic framework in which to explore the evolution of our planet before the onset of plate tectonics. New model of Earth’s interior reveals clues to hotspot volcanoes
Journal information: Nature Explore further Citation: Research duo suggest early Earth had heat-pipe channels similar to Jupiter’s moon Io (2013, September 26) retrieved 18 August 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2013-09-duo-early-earth-heat-pipe-channels.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.