Restored Cleethorpes Pier 'will be envy of other resorts'

In what could prove to be the resort's replacement for the much-missed Winter Gardens, the floor from the Kingsway venue, which was knocked down in 2007, has been fitted in the Pier's restaurant.

And the new managers say they have been approached by people hoping to bring back the Bag's Ball.

New leaseholder Alistair Clugston – who runs the Old Barn Inn in Tealby – has taken on the venue and plans to make it "much more than just a nightclub".

He said: "I want to make this landmark a magnet for the area – somewhere that all local people can enjoy and be proud of."

The Pier will serve food between 11am and 9pm as the front building is renamed Tides Bar and Restaurant, making the building a place for families once again.

In time, Mr Clugston also hopes to open the main hall for conferences, community events and even kids parties to make the building a "24/7 venue", he said.

Cleethorpes Pier is one of just 58 left in the UK but it has been closed since previous leaseholders surrendered their licence in September following a catalogue of serious crime and disorder.

As reported, the venue was closed for 28 days after two men leapt from the end of the Pier – one breaking both of his legs – to escape pursuers after an altercation at the venue in the early hours of August 29.

Within weeks, co-directors Steve Calladine and Stephen Grevitt decided to pull out of the venue altogether.

But, despite its chequered past, the future looks bright for the venue once more – a total of 29,000 LED lights have been installed and the view onto the Humber will be widened.

Mr Clugston said: "I am looking at restoring the iconic status that this venue once had.

"I have used local contractors for the refurbishment, I will use local suppliers for the food and it will create jobs for local people – I want it to give the area a lift.

"People are staying in Britain for holidays during this recession but not every town has a pier.

"The town has won the In Bloom competition, the seaside is beautifully kept and it deserves to have a building like this one which will make it the envy of other seaside towns."

Ward councillor Leanor Pidgen (Lib, Croft Baker) said: "I really hope that the ideas the new management have work and the Pier can offer family entertainment again.

"I am pleased it will open in the day and use local suppliers and, fingers crossed, it will become a real draw for Cleethorpes."

Mr Clugston also said that he was keen to address the problems that had previously marred its reputation.

He added: "We are working closely with the police, council and fire brigade to make sure that we stay within the law.

"People will not be able to walk in blind drunk and cause trouble – we don't want their custom."

Mr Clugston's plans for the nightclub include having up to double the amount of door staff as before, introducing a dress code and operating an over-21 policy for the majority of events.

Green technology IC

But there is a solution: Semiconductor leaders have incorporated green-IC technology into CFL designs, resulting in high performance and durable lighting solutions. Integrating a dozen discrete components into a single integrated circuit (IC) reduces the wires, all while achieving a breakthrough in reliability. The CFL also becomes approximately 10% more efficient compared to average electronics based on discrete components. Improved quality also translates into longer lifetime – as much as 15,000 hours – and extended on/off switching cycles.

Another important advantage is that adding an IC opens the possibility for controlling the CFL so that it can be dimmed using standard wall plug dimmers. This feature enables CFL lamps to behave like incandescent lamps in terms of fast startup and deep dimming. Green innovations, such as NXP Semiconductors' GreenChip, are touted to enable dimming performance below the 5% threshold: CFL lamps that behave almost like incandescent lamps. Since CFL lifetime is limited by the number of switching cycles, better control also makes it possible to extend the CFL's useful life.

Semiconductor industries have a wide range of high-performance CFL lighting solutions that will lead to substantially higher performing CFLs. Utilizing green innovations, new levels of efficient power management can be accomplished and simplification of lamp design and assembly process can be achieved . In addition, established semiconductor manufacturers possess the capacity to produce tens of millions of chips every day, answering the CFL lighting market's needs and facilitating the steady growth of CFL usage in Asia and around the world.

Although CFL technology leads the lighting front of the green energy environment, its overall efficacy potential makes it almost certain that it cannot dominate the market indefinitely.

From an energy efficiency perspective, comparisons favor LED. With literally billions of lamps being lit all over the world on a daily basis, small differences can quickly add up to gigawatts.

The bright story of LED technology is told only in part by its outstanding and rapid evolution toward higher and higher efficacy ratings. For years it struggled to break past the 10% efficacy mark and, as a result, never made much of a dent in CFL dominance.

Over the past few years, however, LED lamps have been increasing their efficacy steadily year after year. In 1995 LED efficacy was 20 Lm/W; in 2000, 55 Lm/W; in 2005 120 Lm/W; and in 2010 160 Lm/W. Some LEDs in production today are achieving 40 Lm/W and others still in the research phase reach the high end of the assigned range. Their useful life is rated at 40,000 hours and the best-in-class LEDs of today can be integrated into a lamp that generates 400 lumens.

FoxFury Upgrades Its Greener, Better, Brighter and Smarter Nomad LED Area Light & Spotlight

 The best rapid deployment light just got better. FoxFury Lighting Solutions announces its upgraded 4000 torch lumen Nomad 4000 LED Area-Spot Light, which is 400 lumen brighter than the Nomad 3600 released last year. The cordless and rechargeable Nomad is a portable area light and spotlight that can travel to and function in places where other scene lights cannot.

The Nomad was designed to give first responders and photographers a compact, portable and self-sufficient quick deployment lighting tool. The Nomad’s smart design offers both flood and focused light options. With built-in legs and a head that can telescope up to 8 feet tall, the Nomad functions as a powerful 8 degree spotlight with the diffuser lens detached or a 120 degree scene light with the lens attached.

The Nomad deploys in 20 seconds, has no warm-up or cool-down time and uses the latest CREE LED technology.

The Nomad provides three light intensities and 2.5 to 9 hours of light per charge. It has been used by firefighters, rescue, EMS, police, military, security, industrial safety and photographers around the world.

“We’re thrilled to offer an even brighter Nomad. The Nomad has been used in blackouts, disasters, incident command posts, rescue operations, arson investigations, crime scenes, vehicle and heavy equipment inspections, land surveying, SWAT perimeter lighting, photography, film and more. It's a versatile and incredibly handy light," said Mario Cugini, CEO of FoxFury.

FoxFury Lighting Solutions creates unique and cutting edge lighting products that reflect the needs of our customers, who demand quality and dependability. FoxFury is best known for its niche LED headlamps designed for specific markets including Fire, Industrial, Hazardous Area, Law Enforcement, Forensics and Recreational. FoxFury was formed in August 2003 and operates out of Vista, CA USA.

 Due to diminishing donations and increased belt tightening at Haringey Council, residents feared that Christmas cheer would give
Highgate a miss this year.

But after a meeting on Tuesday, the council announced that the lights would go up and would be better than ever.

The authority is even buying new state-of-the-art LED lights as a special Christmas gift.

Chris Underhill, of Highgate estate agents Prickett & Ellis who raises funds all year round for the village’s much-loved lights, said: “I’m flabbergasted and so chuffed.

I’ve not slept for a few days because I’ve been so stressed about the lights not happening this year.

I very much appreciate the effort of the council and I know the community will be absolutely delighted.” Councillor Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for environment at Haringey Council, said: “The Highgate Christmas lights will be going up this year as normal.”

Lights out for catalogue listing

Changes to the criteria for listing products in B.C. Hydro's Power Smart e.Catalog could cost a Victoria company its livelihood.

Fero LED Lighting has listed its light-emitting diode products in the catalogue for the last year, allowing buyers to apply for rebates from Hydro.

But the company faces the prospect of having 80 per cent of its product line de-listed from the catalogue by Nov. 18 and therefore deemed uncompetitive as Hydro requires distributors such as Fero to meet new standards.

"It means our main focus, which has been down lights and pot lights - the kinds of lights most retail stores would use - will be out of the catalogue," said Janine Boom, partner at Fero LED.

Boom said the lights tend to be expensive at $40 each, but retailers who want to switch to the more energy-efficient lights from their existing fixtures were eligible for significant rebates, providing incentive for them to make the change.

But that was only as long as they were listed in B.C.

Hydro's catalogue - an online resource to help customers find energy-efficient products that may be eligible for the Power Smart Product Incentive Program.

"In some cases, we could say we can get you these lights for free or very inexpensively," said Boom.

Under the program, customers pay the retail price of products and apply to Hydro for a rebate.

But if Fero LED can't list the product line it distributes, then it is essentially out of the market.

"With no rebates, [retailers] have no reason to buy from us at regular cost when they can go and buy another brand and get the rebate," Boom said. "Now we're having to look at other types of products, like industrial-type LED tube lighting or the residential market."

Neither of those markets are eligible for rebates.

Officials from B.C. Hydro would not be interviewed for this story, but sent a statement by email.

"There are a number of criteria that a product distributor must meet in order to be listed on the Power Smart e.Catalog, including that the product meet energy-efficiency standards; the principal owner or contact must have a minimum of five years experience, specifically with lighting products; have been in business for at least two years; have a local B.C. address; and be a Power Smart Alliance member," wrote Lisa Coltart, executive director of Power Smart.

"In order to continually improve industry standards and to ensure the best products for our customers, we update eligibility requirements from time to time.

The only technical requirement that has recently been updated is that any LED products must meet Energy Star standards," Power Smart's Coltart said in her email.

Boom said a small startup company such as Fero LED could not possibly afford to have its LED products rated Energy Star, given that would cost between $5,000 and $7,000 for the testing of each product.

Husqvarna: Concept MOAB Scrambler

Since the 1960s, the scrambler quickly gained traction as the idol motorcycle for those seeking both on- and off-road adventure, attracting the likes of many, including the legendary Steve McQueen.

As the scrambler gained more and more notoriety throughout the years, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers began releasing classic remakes of the scrambler. These started arriving, but with tasteful modern technology.

Husqvarna is now in the game; the company owned by BMW unvelied its Concept MOAB at the EICMA 2011 in Milan Monday, which is Husky's "re-interpretation" of the scrambler.

Speaking of the machine's name and origin, Husqvarna says the MOAB can "trace its origins to our models from that period, legendary bikes that are milestones in the history of off-road biking, especially in the U.S. This is one reason for the name MOAB, after the evocative desert in Utah, which every year draws huge numbers of off-road bikers and provides the eerie background for the sets of many cult movies."

Of course, there's all the Husky styling, from the red tank to spacious seat and "simple, stripped-down" frame. The MOAB features a 650c engine on a perimeter frame, and progressive linkage on the swingarm.

The Husqvarna Concept MOAB rolls on 17-inch wheels and semi-knobby tires, making it ready for the off-road, offers high and wide handlebars for nice ergos, and a bulky tank for the legs to hug.

Speaking of the design, Husky says "The overall design effect divides the bike into distinct sections: the tank, seat, the side panel number holders and the exhaust. The lines are fluid but combine to create a decisive form.

"The shape of the tank blends with the seat and rear section, creating a fluidity and immediately distinctive style. This design feature follows the lead of the latest generation of Husqvarna models, such as the concave shape of the front and rear mudguards, and the front number holder. Tradition and high-tech innovation are successfully blended in the details of the new Concept MOAB: the digital instrument panel that is situated in the upper crossbar or the LEDs on the front number holder and the tail-light.

"The color scheme, down to every last detail, both in bodywork and mechanics, is taken from Steve McQueen's immortal H400. The unique form and colors give the MOAB an exhilaration vintage look."

With the Concept MOAB, Husqvarna begins yet another trek in the motorcycle industry, this time chasing the scrambler tradition that has many roots in the US. This comes after Husky unveiled its first-ever street bike earlier this year, the Nuda 900. Ideas are evolving at Husqvarna...wonder what's next?

Dinosaurs strike a pose for Eagle Rock’s painter of light

Eagle Rock graphic artist and photographer Darren Pearson has combined his fascination with prehistoric creatures  and a relatively new art form called light painting to create images of  dinosaurs posed across modern-day Los Angeles.  The 28-year-old Pearson uses the LED light emitted by a key chain to “paint” or “draw” lines in the air as a digital single-lens reflex camera set at a very slow shutter speed captures images of the neon-like drawings that emerge.  The results are  light paintings of dinosaurs poised on the hills overlooking  the 2 and 5 freeways in Elysian Valley, blocking the entrance to an Atwater Village bridge and roaming across a parking lot in Glassell Park.

Click on the link below for images and a Q&A with Pearson.

Q: How did you get involved in light painting? What attracted you to it as an artist and business?
A: I got involved with light painting three years ago after seeing an image called ‘Picasso Draws a Centaur‘ by Jon Mili and Picasso taken in 1949.  A photographer friend told me it was created by using ‘long exposure’ and that we could do it fairly easily with a DSLR camera, I got him to show me how to set up the camera and we did a few light drawing experiments in my living room. I’ve bought a few cameras since then, some lenses, a few tripods, and lots of lights.

As an artist, I love the blend of realism/surrealism and the challenge of imagining what you are creating as you go along in the dark.. It’s a lot like sketching a mural into the air; an organic drawing process.  As a business, I just think it’s an interesting medium to work with. It gets people’s attention and has a bit of a magic factor.

Q: In the case of the dinosaurs, do you draw and photograph them in a “dark room” and then overlay them on a landscape photo? How long is the shutter exposure? What do you use for lights?
A:  The images are not over-layed, they are all drawn within their respective environments. I’ve began to shoot videos to illustrate the process because I’ve had people accuse me of photoshopping them together.. which is understandable if you don’t know how the process works. The shutter is exposing for 5 minutes or more during most shots. I use press-on keychain LED lights.

Q: What lead you to the dinosaur images?
A: I’ve always loved dinosaurs and bringing the past to the present is always an interesting concept to think about for me. Sometimes I’ll sketch ideas out while I’m getting coffee, it helps to imagine how to arrange the shot. I post the photos on instagram and reference them from my phone as well. The images can take many tries to get right, sometimes I’m lucky and get it on the first or second try. Other times I get so tired from trying to get it right that I just give up and try again another day!

Mostly, the landscape inspires the drawing. I’m always looking out for interesting areas; if I see something that strikes me, I like to shoot a picture with my cell and mill it over for a few days until I have an idea. Sometimes I just go out wandering until I find some place cool.

Q: Have you sold any of your lighting paintings? Where is this project going for you?
A: I sell prints of my photo/illustrations through my etsy shop for $35-60 depending on the size. I’d like to see this evolve into a fine art thing eventually and do some international shows. Until then, I will be developing photo sets based on themes like fossils, mythology, and zodiacs.

Bulb Crusher coming to B’dian shores

THE country will soon obtain an environmentally-friendly technology to solve the problem of dis-regarded and harmful light bulbs.

This is the word from BREA (Barbados Renewable Energy Association) member and CEO of Caribbean LED Lighting, Jim Reid, speaking at a recent members’ meeting held at the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

He disclosed to the media that it was important to import the equipment into the country as it was a way to properly dispose of light bulbs which disperse harmful toxics into local landfills, resulting in the contamination of the ground water on the island.

He disclosed that one florescent tube contained enough mercury to contaminate 7 000 gallons of drinking water and that many of this toxin was, on a daily basis, dumped into Barbadian landfills.

Spokesperson for the energy association, Clyde Griffith, informed the media that BREA, from its inception in June of this year, was in talks with members of the organisation, such as Reid, about the acquisition of a bulb crusher to assist in decreasing the harmful exposure of mercury into the local water supply.

Reid stated, “We manufacture LED tubes which give you 70 per cent savings in electricity, but of course, when we replace a florescent tube the issue is what to do with the old incandescent tubes? There are no facilities on the island to deal with it properly. What we are doing, therefore, is that every tube that we replace, we take the old tube and we process it and we put it into a bulb crusher in a hermetically sealed 55-gallon drum that is then shipped to Florida to an environmental protection agency who then recycles it properly; we believe this will make a difference very quickly.”

He further noted, “In such a beautiful country as Barbados, we have an opportunity to leapfrog technology that other organisations have developed over the years and make a difference. We are polluting our environment unconsciously on a daily basis; we have dirty fuel that causes asthma, we are putting florescent tubes in our landfill that is polluting the water and I am here with BREA to play my part as a resident of Barbados, and I feel fortunate to be in this country and I want to play my part to help our economy and environment.”