AIRBORNE Chinese lanterns are posing dangerous hazards for local farmers.
The popular lanterns, which float high in the sky, powered by a flame, have wire parts that can prove lethal to grazing cattle.
The lanterns are sometimes still alight when they land and risk setting fire to hay bales or thatched roofs.
Fairlight farmer Paul Elliott says the lanterns are now becoming a menace and called for stricter controls on how they are manufactured.
Mr Elliot says the lanterns make a frequent appearance on his land, off Peter James Lane, and that he has to check each field to remove the debris before it is eaten by cows or becomes tangled in farm machinery.
He said: “Cows will eat anything and the wire on these lanterns can easily kill a calf.
“They land in grass and silage where they are not easily spotted.
“It is not the ones you find you worry about - it is the ones that you don’t find.
“It happens all the time but is worse during party seasons such as bonfire night.
“We did have some sort of industry agreement with the manufacturers that they should be made of more biodegradable material.
“For a while they used bamboo, but the rings on that were still very sharp, now they seem to have gone back to using wire.
“I agree they are very pretty but that is not the point. One recently landed near a straw stack. I know the fire brigade have concerns about these lanterns.
“There is no mark or indication on the lanterns to say where they are made or distributed so it is very hard to track anyone down.”
Isobel Bretherton, from the National Farmer’s Union, said: “There are concerns, not only because of the fire risk they pose, but because cattle are curious and will eat anything they find.
Monday 29 August 2011
Using LED lighting is a no-brainer
It's all very well spending money on alternative energy, solar, wind, etc. However, if you don't change the mercury halide light sucking the energy, what's the point?
LED lighting in conjunction with computer-regulated models uses as little as 20 percent of what a mercury halide uses and only has to be changed every 12 to 15 years, a huge reduction of man and truck hours which equates to even bigger savings.
Halide every two to three years, one way or another, an average of one utility worker is killed every day in America while out changing a street sky lanterns.
So it's not just about alternative energy, it's also about energy conservation and labor management on a large scale. Changing the way we use energy is where the real savings kick in. Utility companies love halide streetlights. It's money they watch burn out of your pocket and into theirs every night. To top it off, the disposal or recycling of these mercury halide lights creates an environmental issue.
Magnalight by Larson Electronics carries a wide array of LED lights, infrared light bars, infrared and visible light LED spotlights andoffers a comprehensive selection of the latest and best in industrial and commercial lighting technology.
Spotting a 1-watt LED headlight with adjustable elastic head strap—an updated version of the coal miner's lamp—featuring separate spot, flood and red night-vision features, I tossed it in my shopping cart. You can't go wrong with hands-free illumination, though I couldn't imagine what eventuality would require it. Reading in the dark? Cooking up a chocolate soufflé? Searching for my family through the woods after the house became airborne?
LED lighting in conjunction with computer-regulated models uses as little as 20 percent of what a mercury halide uses and only has to be changed every 12 to 15 years, a huge reduction of man and truck hours which equates to even bigger savings.
Halide every two to three years, one way or another, an average of one utility worker is killed every day in America while out changing a street sky lanterns.
So it's not just about alternative energy, it's also about energy conservation and labor management on a large scale. Changing the way we use energy is where the real savings kick in. Utility companies love halide streetlights. It's money they watch burn out of your pocket and into theirs every night. To top it off, the disposal or recycling of these mercury halide lights creates an environmental issue.
Magnalight by Larson Electronics carries a wide array of LED lights, infrared light bars, infrared and visible light LED spotlights andoffers a comprehensive selection of the latest and best in industrial and commercial lighting technology.
Spotting a 1-watt LED headlight with adjustable elastic head strap—an updated version of the coal miner's lamp—featuring separate spot, flood and red night-vision features, I tossed it in my shopping cart. You can't go wrong with hands-free illumination, though I couldn't imagine what eventuality would require it. Reading in the dark? Cooking up a chocolate soufflé? Searching for my family through the woods after the house became airborne?
Friday 26 August 2011
Jackson-area senior spotlight: Ricky Richardson of Homer High School
Teams hoping to slow down the Homer football team in 2011 are likely going to have to first slow down Ricky Richardson.
And that could prove to be a tough assignment.
Richardson, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound running back, safety, return specialist and quarterback in the team’s Wildcat offense, sky lanterns the Trojans in nearly every significant offensive category in 2010.
Richardson rushed for 555 yards, caught 33 passes for 685 yards and scored a team-leading 13 touchdowns and seven two-point conversions for 92 points. He also averaged nearly 23 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown.
In addition to his standing on the football field as one of 15 returning seniors, Richardson is one of the area’s top track athletes. He is the defending state champion in the long jump in Division 4. He also competes in the 100 and 200.
What are your goals for this season? “We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work. My main goal is for the team to make it to the playoffs and go as far as we can go.”
You wear No. 8. Any reason for that? “I put on the jersey in my sophomore year and I’ve liked it ever since.”
Do you have a favorite athlete? “New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He’s made a career out of running the ball. The older he got, the wiser he got. He’s gotten involved in the passing game. He has awesome vision and awesome hands. I can see the heart he has.”
Who’s your favorite football team? “San Diego Chargers. I love their chemistry and how no matter what happens, they always stay together.”
And that could prove to be a tough assignment.
Richardson, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound running back, safety, return specialist and quarterback in the team’s Wildcat offense, sky lanterns the Trojans in nearly every significant offensive category in 2010.
Richardson rushed for 555 yards, caught 33 passes for 685 yards and scored a team-leading 13 touchdowns and seven two-point conversions for 92 points. He also averaged nearly 23 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown.
In addition to his standing on the football field as one of 15 returning seniors, Richardson is one of the area’s top track athletes. He is the defending state champion in the long jump in Division 4. He also competes in the 100 and 200.
What are your goals for this season? “We’ve been putting in a lot of hard work. My main goal is for the team to make it to the playoffs and go as far as we can go.”
You wear No. 8. Any reason for that? “I put on the jersey in my sophomore year and I’ve liked it ever since.”
Do you have a favorite athlete? “New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He’s made a career out of running the ball. The older he got, the wiser he got. He’s gotten involved in the passing game. He has awesome vision and awesome hands. I can see the heart he has.”
Who’s your favorite football team? “San Diego Chargers. I love their chemistry and how no matter what happens, they always stay together.”
Thursday 25 August 2011
Events from south of the border today
There were no deaths reported after tropical storm Harvey passed through Belize yesterday. Hundreds of people in that country died from storms last year.
Despite the poverty in that country and the incidence of violent crimes related to poverty, Belize is launching Nautilus IV next month to try and increase tourism in their country. Nautilus IV is a submarine that will tour the Belize Barrier Reef 6 feet below the surface of the ocean waters. The underwater observatory will take regular sunset cruises to elicit how light changes and filters through life in the ocean.
Other Belize tourists’ favorites include fishing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, rafting, kayaking, bird watching, jungle life flora and fauna, and many Maya ruins. Experts and travel guides warn that most of the crime in Belize occurs around Belize City. Americans are not targeted, and should stay with their own groups near the activities that they have visited Belize to enjoy.
Tropical storm Harvey caused no deaths as it passed through Guatemala yesterday; however, a different kind of storm is taking hold. The “iron fist” party is leading in the polls, and elections are less than one month away.
Most people perceive the “iron fist” leaders as assuming an authoritative posture. Therefore human rights violations and an end to justice may return to Guatemala as has been the case before.
The economy in Argentina is growing at a rate of 9%. Car sales to Brazil are up as are exports of grain and oilseed. Import growth has increased at a higher rate than exports. Inflation is eroding the competitive edge of their currency making imported goods less expensive. In other words, consumers are happy.
Despite the poverty in that country and the incidence of violent crimes related to poverty, Belize is launching Nautilus IV next month to try and increase tourism in their country. Nautilus IV is a submarine that will tour the Belize Barrier Reef 6 feet below the surface of the ocean waters. The underwater observatory will take regular sunset cruises to elicit how light changes and filters through life in the ocean.
Other Belize tourists’ favorites include fishing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, rafting, kayaking, bird watching, jungle life flora and fauna, and many Maya ruins. Experts and travel guides warn that most of the crime in Belize occurs around Belize City. Americans are not targeted, and should stay with their own groups near the activities that they have visited Belize to enjoy.
Tropical storm Harvey caused no deaths as it passed through Guatemala yesterday; however, a different kind of storm is taking hold. The “iron fist” party is leading in the polls, and elections are less than one month away.
Most people perceive the “iron fist” leaders as assuming an authoritative posture. Therefore human rights violations and an end to justice may return to Guatemala as has been the case before.
The economy in Argentina is growing at a rate of 9%. Car sales to Brazil are up as are exports of grain and oilseed. Import growth has increased at a higher rate than exports. Inflation is eroding the competitive edge of their currency making imported goods less expensive. In other words, consumers are happy.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
New Laura store opens in Orchard Park Mall
Triple concept store Laura Petite, Laura and Laura Plus has opened in Orchard Park Shopping Centre, located in the Sky Court area. When travelling, I always search to find a Laura shop, and could not be happier to have one right here in our own city.
Laura is the destination for contemporary women’s fashion options at moderate price points. Specializing in quality career wear, it offers an impressive selection of modern edge suiting as well as updated classics for business, business casual, casual separates, accessories, purses, coordinates and are well-known for their excellent selection of dresses.
The shop is bright, modern and accessorized beautifully with customer experience paramount to Laura associates. It even offers a personal shopping service, after hours, if necessary. The Laura Privilege Program is offered to all customers with great benefits in joining in all their stores.
Laura offers sizes 6 to 16; Laura Petites for women 5’4” and under in sizes 2 to 14 and Laura Plus in sizes 14 to 24, all featuring the exclusive Laura private label collections. Lori Sawyer is the shop manager and Kim Bergstrom the assistant manager.
Well-known local massage therapist, Lyle Bellamy of the Bellamy Clinic of Massage Therapy, located at 1812 Ivans Ave. in the Glenmore area, is celebrating 30 years as a registered massage therapist. As one of Kelowna’s longest practicing RMTs, his education in complementary health care is very extensive, completing over 40 specialized courses.
Laura is the destination for contemporary women’s fashion options at moderate price points. Specializing in quality career wear, it offers an impressive selection of modern edge suiting as well as updated classics for business, business casual, casual separates, accessories, purses, coordinates and are well-known for their excellent selection of dresses.
The shop is bright, modern and accessorized beautifully with customer experience paramount to Laura associates. It even offers a personal shopping service, after hours, if necessary. The Laura Privilege Program is offered to all customers with great benefits in joining in all their stores.
Laura offers sizes 6 to 16; Laura Petites for women 5’4” and under in sizes 2 to 14 and Laura Plus in sizes 14 to 24, all featuring the exclusive Laura private label collections. Lori Sawyer is the shop manager and Kim Bergstrom the assistant manager.
Well-known local massage therapist, Lyle Bellamy of the Bellamy Clinic of Massage Therapy, located at 1812 Ivans Ave. in the Glenmore area, is celebrating 30 years as a registered massage therapist. As one of Kelowna’s longest practicing RMTs, his education in complementary health care is very extensive, completing over 40 specialized courses.
Monday 22 August 2011
Scammers preying on Fort Collins
Scammers posing as Craigslist buyers or as neighborhood residents soliciting door-to-door donations are among the latest apparently trying to prey on Fort Collins residents.
A senior citizen canceled her bank account last week after finding that $84 she'd given a "sweet-faced kid" wasn't purchasing books and magazines for hospitalized children. The young man, who knew details of the neighborhood and claimed to be a neighbor's grandson, was unknown to nearby residents.
Sgt. Don Whitson, with the Fort Collins police department financial crimes unit, is familiar with this type of scam. He almost fell for one a few years ago when a young man appeared at his door claiming to be a disabled neighbor needing money for baseball camp.
"A lot of people feel really silly when the fall for it, but you've got to keep in mind these guys are very well-trained and rehearsed, and they're making a lot of money doing it," he said.
He said at the time, he was "more vulnerable," and "fairly new" in dealing with financial crimes. He and the man had sat at his kitchen table, and as Whitson was preparing to write a check for about $75, he saw a magazine sales brochure on the man.
Whitson said often the scammers will be working for a legitimate sales company, but they quickly learn they can make more money with lies.
The senior citizen, who asked not to be identified because of safety concerns, said she and others are putting up signs banning solicitors. But she decided not to report the incident for fear of reprisal.
A senior citizen canceled her bank account last week after finding that $84 she'd given a "sweet-faced kid" wasn't purchasing books and magazines for hospitalized children. The young man, who knew details of the neighborhood and claimed to be a neighbor's grandson, was unknown to nearby residents.
Sgt. Don Whitson, with the Fort Collins police department financial crimes unit, is familiar with this type of scam. He almost fell for one a few years ago when a young man appeared at his door claiming to be a disabled neighbor needing money for baseball camp.
"A lot of people feel really silly when the fall for it, but you've got to keep in mind these guys are very well-trained and rehearsed, and they're making a lot of money doing it," he said.
He said at the time, he was "more vulnerable," and "fairly new" in dealing with financial crimes. He and the man had sat at his kitchen table, and as Whitson was preparing to write a check for about $75, he saw a magazine sales brochure on the man.
Whitson said often the scammers will be working for a legitimate sales company, but they quickly learn they can make more money with lies.
The senior citizen, who asked not to be identified because of safety concerns, said she and others are putting up signs banning solicitors. But she decided not to report the incident for fear of reprisal.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Reported Strange Lights Turns Out to Be Lanterns
PRUNEDALE, Calif- Did you see those lights Monday night? Lynn in Prunedale says that her daughter was coming home from work when they saw about 30 lights in the sky.
She said that the lights were strobbing and her first thought was that they were "planes coming to attack". She wrote an email to Central Coast News to see if anyone else had reported seeing the lights, "Aliens? Who knows LOL, but really my thought was something exploded."
Lynn said that her and her daughter watched it for quite a while, but the fog rolled in and they could not see it anymore.
Central Coast Viewer Nakiya Parker said that the lights were a memorial for a teenager that was shot and killed last year. She said family and friends of Sal Vargas released blessing sky lanterns Monday night. Vargas was shot and killed at a party in Castroville a year ago Monday.
The Monterey County Sheriff's department agreed with Parker and said that the lights were from the lanterns.
According to the National UFO Reporting Center Website, in February someone in Prunedale reported seeing "Flashing MultiColered Light" and in October of 2010 "an extremely bright white light was observed traveling at an extraordinary speed, with no noise."
She said that the lights were strobbing and her first thought was that they were "planes coming to attack". She wrote an email to Central Coast News to see if anyone else had reported seeing the lights, "Aliens? Who knows LOL, but really my thought was something exploded."
Lynn said that her and her daughter watched it for quite a while, but the fog rolled in and they could not see it anymore.
Central Coast Viewer Nakiya Parker said that the lights were a memorial for a teenager that was shot and killed last year. She said family and friends of Sal Vargas released blessing sky lanterns Monday night. Vargas was shot and killed at a party in Castroville a year ago Monday.
The Monterey County Sheriff's department agreed with Parker and said that the lights were from the lanterns.
According to the National UFO Reporting Center Website, in February someone in Prunedale reported seeing "Flashing MultiColered Light" and in October of 2010 "an extremely bright white light was observed traveling at an extraordinary speed, with no noise."
Monday 15 August 2011
Saving myself with storytelling
I focused on keeping cancer at bay. Between brain-fog and fatigue, I tracked down every possible anti-cancer program on the Internet. I tried alternative therapies: from qigong to meditation, from naturopaths to acupuncturists. I sought nutritional advice: this amount of Vitamin D, not that; no soy, some soy, maybe soy. And I ate kale. Pounds and pounds of kale.
A year later, just as my energy was returning, another tumour was found and required monitoring. More tests. More waiting. I felt the knot in my chest grow tighter.
Call it synchronicity or luck, but that’s when I stumbled upon a writing program at a local cancer-support centre. With trepidation, I took my first step back to writing. We weren’t expected to write about cancer. Some did. I didn’t.
My pieces focused on significant moments from my past: the English teacher responsible for my love of reading; my special bond with my niece, Krista; the story my mother loved to tell of my birth. Each week, in our alternating roles of storyteller and audience, we gave each other a gift: We reminded each other that we each have a bigger story than this disease.
Finally, the interminable wait for test results was over: no evidence of cancer. I should have been dancing for joy. But as I shared the good news with those closest to me, I heard a trace of disbelief in my voice, as if I remained unconvinced.
And then my 16-year-old niece extended an invitation. Actually, it was more like an order. Krista’s blue eyes pierce the dullness of this world like shafts of light. Joy lives in those eyes. So when she looked at me with that wise-beyond-her-years-look and said, “Auntie, you should walk in my high school’s cancer relay for life,” I knew I had to say yes.
The night of the relay, volunteers distributed yellow balloons to those of us at various stages of our cancer journey, to release at the end of our victory lap. But by the time they reached me, they’d run out of balloons. “Take this, Auntie,” Krista said, handing me a bright blue balloon attached to an extremely long ribbon. I later learned she’d asked for one of the balloons decorating the admissions tables. With Krista cheering me on, her mom, my sister Marisa, at my side and a blue balloon flying overhead, I began walking.
A year later, just as my energy was returning, another tumour was found and required monitoring. More tests. More waiting. I felt the knot in my chest grow tighter.
Call it synchronicity or luck, but that’s when I stumbled upon a writing program at a local cancer-support centre. With trepidation, I took my first step back to writing. We weren’t expected to write about cancer. Some did. I didn’t.
My pieces focused on significant moments from my past: the English teacher responsible for my love of reading; my special bond with my niece, Krista; the story my mother loved to tell of my birth. Each week, in our alternating roles of storyteller and audience, we gave each other a gift: We reminded each other that we each have a bigger story than this disease.
Finally, the interminable wait for test results was over: no evidence of cancer. I should have been dancing for joy. But as I shared the good news with those closest to me, I heard a trace of disbelief in my voice, as if I remained unconvinced.
And then my 16-year-old niece extended an invitation. Actually, it was more like an order. Krista’s blue eyes pierce the dullness of this world like shafts of light. Joy lives in those eyes. So when she looked at me with that wise-beyond-her-years-look and said, “Auntie, you should walk in my high school’s cancer relay for life,” I knew I had to say yes.
The night of the relay, volunteers distributed yellow balloons to those of us at various stages of our cancer journey, to release at the end of our victory lap. But by the time they reached me, they’d run out of balloons. “Take this, Auntie,” Krista said, handing me a bright blue balloon attached to an extremely long ribbon. I later learned she’d asked for one of the balloons decorating the admissions tables. With Krista cheering me on, her mom, my sister Marisa, at my side and a blue balloon flying overhead, I began walking.
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Glasto guru warns about sky lanterns
YEOVIL fire chief Michael Toop has warned people about the dangers of setting off Sky Lanterns – better known as Chinese lanterns - and the risk they pose to farmer’s cattle and crops.
Sky lanterns are usually constructed of paper stretched over a wire frame, rather similar to a spherical paper lampshade. They contain a wax candle that enables the lantern to fly for up to 20 minutes. The lanterns when lit will rise for up to 20 minutes and can ascend to over a mile in the sky - where they will still be visible on a clear night until they disintegrate.
Research has shown that in some cases embers from the fuel cell can continue to glow for several minutes after the flames have gone out. There is also the very real possibility that hot, glowing embers can fall from the lantern as it flies and could land on people or animals.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s Yeovil support group crew manager, Michael Toop, said: “There are particular areas of concern among farmers when lanterns are ignited near open fields full of standing dry crops, woodland, moorland, and barns, as well as being a potential hazard for starting a fire in residential areas especially properties with thatched roofs.”
Fire chiefs have joined forces with Glastonbury Festival guru Michael Eavis to highlight the problems caused by the lanterns.
“I would like to see them totally banned, I am surrounded by farmers and when Glastonbury festival takes place it’s Sky Lanterns they get angry about!” he said. “For several years now we have banned them being sold at the festival, but people still bring them on site within all their camping gear.”
Sky lanterns are usually constructed of paper stretched over a wire frame, rather similar to a spherical paper lampshade. They contain a wax candle that enables the lantern to fly for up to 20 minutes. The lanterns when lit will rise for up to 20 minutes and can ascend to over a mile in the sky - where they will still be visible on a clear night until they disintegrate.
Research has shown that in some cases embers from the fuel cell can continue to glow for several minutes after the flames have gone out. There is also the very real possibility that hot, glowing embers can fall from the lantern as it flies and could land on people or animals.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s Yeovil support group crew manager, Michael Toop, said: “There are particular areas of concern among farmers when lanterns are ignited near open fields full of standing dry crops, woodland, moorland, and barns, as well as being a potential hazard for starting a fire in residential areas especially properties with thatched roofs.”
Fire chiefs have joined forces with Glastonbury Festival guru Michael Eavis to highlight the problems caused by the lanterns.
“I would like to see them totally banned, I am surrounded by farmers and when Glastonbury festival takes place it’s Sky Lanterns they get angry about!” he said. “For several years now we have banned them being sold at the festival, but people still bring them on site within all their camping gear.”
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