Platts introduces world’s first Daily Metallurgical Coal Price assessments
New Price Data Help Steel Mills, Miners Value Asia-Bound Coking Coal
Platts announced it will launch the world’s first daily metallurgical coal assessments on March 15, 2010. The new daily assessments address miners’ and steel mills’ needs for an independent daily spot assessment in the burgeoning Asian market to better determine pricing for short- and long-term contracts.
The two assessments, reflecting hard coking coal loading in Australia for any destination and delivered into China from any potential source, complement both Platts’ existing monthly coking coal assessments published in International Coal Report and Platts’ IODEX iron ore assessments published in Steel Markets Daily, providing greater transparency into pricing in the steelmaking supply chain in the Asia-Pacific region. Coke, made in ovens from coking coal, provides the heat and combustion that is required in steel mill blast furnaces.
“These new assessments, along with a dry bulk freight price from Australia to China, allow us to deepen our analysis of blast furnace economics, particularly those in China,” said Platts Global Director of Steel Francis Browne. “It’s our hope the price transparency provided by Platts for this vital steel making ingredient will meet the global industry’s need for comparative valuations of coking and other metallurgical coals,” explained Browne.
Platts’ Hard Coking Coal FOB Australia and Hard Coking Coal CFR China assessments will capture the value in U.S. dollars per dry metric ton ($/dmt) of hard coking coal loading free on board (FOB) in key Queensland, Australia ports and cargoes delivered on a cost and freight (CFR) basis to main Chinese ports. Platts will also launch a daily dry bulk freight assessment representing the cost of freight for cargoes carried on Panamax class vessels from Australia to China as a normalization guide in the coking coal price assessment process. All three assessments will be published in Steel Markets Daily, Coal Trader International, International Coal Report, and on the real-time service Platts’ Metals Alert.
Both of the new hard coking coal assessments reflect quality of 64% minimum coke strength after reduction, 9% maximum air dried ash, and 25.5% maximum air dried volatile matter, with recognized “premium” hard and hard coking coals of differing quality normalized to the Platts quality and specification guidelines as outlined in its methodology. Updated methodology documents will be available March 15th at this Platts web page.
“The addition of daily metallurgical coking coal assessments for Australia and China adds further clarity and transparency to this growing market,” said James O’Connell, Platts International Coal Managing Editor. “These assessments also introduce a rigorous evaluation of differing but commonly-used qualities of metallurgical coal in order to be inclusive of more market activity and reflect a common transactional basis,” added O’Connell.
Platts’ metallurgical coal price assessment methodologies have been developed in consultation with a cross section of key industry players and draw upon Platts’ century of experience in benchmark price reporting in the energy markets. For more than 35 years, Platts has also reported on the broader supply/demand fundamentals of metals, continuing the tradition of its parent company, The McGraw-Hill Companies, which has covered the metals markets for more than 75 years.
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2010 UNICEF Tap Project launches to help provide safe water to children worldwide
Nationwide Initiative Calls on Supporters to Donate $1 for Tap Water at Participating Restaurants or Via Tapproject.org During World Water Week (March 21-27, 2010)
Musician Pete Wentz to Serve as Campaign Spokesperson
Now in its fourth year, the UNICEF Tap Project, a grassroots initiative from the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, returns to cities nationwide during World Water Week 2010 (March 21-27). The UNICEF Tap Project invites individuals to donate $1 or more for tap water at participating restaurants or online at tapproject.org to provide clean water to children around the world.
Musician/entrepreneur and social philanthropist Pete Wentz will serve as this year’s campaign spokesperson. Wentz will be the face and voice of the campaign, offering his support to raise awareness of the global water crisis and its impact on children.
Since its inception in 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project has raised nearly $1.5 million in the U.S. to help provide clean water to millions of children around the world. This year’s funds will primarily support Haiti, Central African Republic, Guatemala, Togo and Vietnam.
“Lack of access to clean drinking water continues to be a leading killer for children under the age of five worldwide. In Haiti alone, less than 60 percent of people had access to safe water even before the earthquake,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO, U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “UNICEF Tap Project continues to be a simple, affordable and effective way to make a difference in a child’s life and with the generous support of volunteers, restaurants, corporations, ad agencies, celebrities and community leaders we will be able to continue in our mission to reduce the number of preventable deaths from 24,000 daily to zero.”
Giorgio Armani’s men’s fragrance, ACQUA DI GIO FOR MEN, is the 2010 National Supporter of the UNICEF Tap Project. During the month of March, Armani will donate $1 for each purchase of Acqua di Gio for men fragrance sold in the U.S. Armani will also donate $1 for each person who signs up as a friend on the Acqua di Gio Facebook page (www.facebook.com/acquadigio) during the month of March, up to $50,000.
Corporate supporter, Turner Broadcasting has been integral to this year’s UNICEF Tap Project volunteer program. International advertising agency, Droga5, national media partner, Mediavest, and advertising agencies across the nation, including: 1013 Integrated (Hawaii), BYU AdLab (Provo, UT), Casanova Pendrill (Hispanic – Los Angeles and New York), Publicis in the West (Seattle), Sukle Advertising & Design (Denver), TBWA\Chiat\Day (Los Angeles), VCU Brand Center (Richmond, VA), have generously donated their time and creativity.
Supporting the effort in the restaurant community are the UNICEF Tap Project’s promotional partners, ZAGAT.com, OpenTable.com, SeamlessWeb.com, and Yelp.com, spreading the word to restaurateurs and patrons alike.
There are nearly 3,600 UNICEF Tap Project volunteers registered to date. Critical to the success of the campaign, these volunteers are engaged nationally in activities such as restaurant recruitment and for the first year ever, they have expanded their efforts to include grassroots activities and events, such as “Tap at Night”, benefit concerts, community-based water walks, and creating their own events. All proceeds raised by this corps of volunteers will benefit the UNICEF Tap Project.
Approximately 900 million people worldwide lack access to clean water and nearly half of those people are children. Young children are the first to get sick and die from waterborne and sanitation-related illnesses including diarrheal diseases and malaria.
UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices. Over the past 15 years, more than a billion people gained access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities thanks to UNICEF’s efforts. Every day, 24,000 children die of preventable causes, and UNICEF is committed to doing whatever it takes to make that number zero. With $1, UNICEF can provide one child access to safe, clean water for 40 days.
For more information or to register as a volunteer, visit www.tapproject.org.
Disney’s D23 celebrates Disneyland’s 55th Anniversary with all-new, two-day DESTINATION D event
2011 Dates for D23 EXPO Also Announced as the Official Community for Disney Fans Marks First Year
It’s a milestone year for the Disneyland® Resort, and D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans is celebrating with the premiere of DESTINATION D, a brand-new, two-day event exclusively for D23 Members that illuminates Disney’s fascinating history.
D23 announced its latest members-only event on its first anniversary – capping a year in which Disney’s first-ever fan community grew to encompass tens of thousands of members from all 50 U.S. states and more than 30 countries worldwide.
The inaugural DESTINATION D, whose theme is “Disneyland ‘55,” will be held this Sept. 24-25. DESTINATION D: Disneyland ‘55 will take D23 Members on a journey through the design, creation, debut and magical history of the world’s first Disney theme park. The first DESTINATION D will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Disneyland Hotel.
DESTINATION D: Disneyland ‘55 will offer two full days of special presentations, panels, screenings and guest speakers that let fans meet and talk with key figures in Disneyland’s history. Future DESTINATION D events will explore other important aspects of Disney’s creative legacy. Following its premiere in September, DESTINATION D will alternate annually with the enormously popular D23 EXPO.
The next D23 EXPO is set for Aug. 19-21, 2011, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets for the 2011 D23 EXPO will go on sale Aug. 19 (one year in advance), with specially priced tickets available exclusively to D23 Members. In addition, D23 Charter Members will have access to a special Charter Member Lounge at the 2011 D23 EXPO, at no additional cost.
The first-ever D23 EXPO attracted nearly 40,000 Disney fans when it debuted last September, bringing the entire world of Disney under one massive roof. During the D23 EXPO, fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus and John Travolta; explored exciting, new concepts and attractions from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; peered into Disney’s history at special panels, presentations and displays; and discovered the newest entertainment, products and events from throughout The Walt Disney Company.
“The first D23 EXPO surpassed all of our expectations, and our 2011 Expo is already shaping up to be a jaw-dropping, not-to-be missed showcase of the best and brightest Disney has to offer,” said Steven Clark, head of D23.
“We’re very excited to also be creating an entirely new event with DESTINATION D, which will bring Disney’s fascinating history to D23 Members in ways no other Disney fan can experience,” Clark said. “There’s nowhere on earth quite as special as Disneyland, and we want fans to see it as they never have before.”
The D23 team is in the midst of developing exclusive programming for DESTINATION D – but an early peek at plans reveals a host of special speakers, presentations and panels throughout the two-day event, including:
– “Disneyland: The Way We Were” – Disney’s Chief Archivist Dave Smith will look back at highlights from Disneyland history;
– “Disney Undiscovered” – An exploration of never-built projects and attractions developed for Disneyland;
– “23 on 55″ – The Walt Disney Archives celebrates Disneyland’s 55th anniversary;
– “Weird Disney” – A showcase for some of the quirky, little-known facts, places, people and ideas that even the most avid fan might not know.
More details on the programming and events planned for DESTINATION D: Disneyland ‘55 – as well as details about the 2011 D23 EXPO – will be available soon at www.disney.com/D23. Tickets will go on sale early this summer.
DESTINATION D joins a lineup of special events throughout 2010 designed exclusively for D23 Members. Among them are free screenings of classic Disney movies during the “50 & Fabulous” film festival at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank; members-only tours of the famed Walt Disney Archives; an exclusive Sip & Stroll event during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and holiday-themed Magic and Merriment weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The name “D23″ pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 85-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year. Fans can join D23 at www.Disney.com/D23, select shops at Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.
2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty power stroke Diesel is cleanest ever; fuel economy greatly improved
The all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers best-in-class torque, horsepower, towing and payload capability – and does it all more efficiently, resulting in less fuel usage and extended maintenance intervals that can translate directly into bottom-line savings for customers.
“The 2011 Super Duty is not only the most powerful, most capable and fuel-efficient heavy-duty pickup truck on the road, it performs the tough jobs with even more efficiency than ever before,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “Customers can be confident that Super Duty’s class-leading capability comes with Ford’s ‘and solution’ of best-in-class fuel economy.”
All-new diesel and gas engine powertrains are the backbone of the 2011 Super Duty’s best-in-class towing (26,400 pounds for F-550 chassis cab with fifth-wheel hitch) and payload capability (6,520 pounds for F-350 dual rear-wheel pickup). The Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine produces best-in-class 735 ft.-lb. of torque at 1,600 rpm and best-in-class 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpm. The new engine is compatible up to B20 biodiesel fuel as well.
The new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also boasts best-in-class numbers of 405 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm and 385 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The new engine is E85 compatible.
Mated to each engine is the all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission. The added feature content and overall efficiency of the transmission are the main reasons for the improved fuel economy. The all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty equipped with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel averages an 18 percent improvement for pickup models and up to 25 percent improvement for chassis cabs versus 2010 models. Trucks equipped with new base 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine average a 15 percent improvement versus 2010 models.
“The new transmission is a ‘clean-sheet’ design, developed specifically to handle the significantly increased torque produced by the new diesel engine and the higher rotational speeds produced by the new gas engine, and to deliver the power to the wheels seamlessly and efficiently for heavy-duty truck customers,” said Al Bruck, transmission engineering manager. “Each system and component was scrutinized to deliver optimum performance.”
Here’s a closer look at what was achieved and the benefits to the customer:
– New torque converter that locks at a far lower rpm than the competition: The new, stronger torque converter is core to the improved transmission performance. One key component is the long-travel turbine damper that allows the transmission to lock earlier, at a lower rpm, which translates to less slip and more fuel efficiency. The new transmission locks down to 900 rpm, which is about 200 rpm less than the outgoing product and more than 100 rpm less than competitors. The second key component of the torque converter is the closed-piston design. This design allows for better control of the lock-up clutch, which enables controlled converter clutch slip during lock-to-lock upshifts that are seamless to the customer.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Locked converter operation at lower speeds means less wasted heat energy and better fuel economy.
– Optimized shift and converter lock-up schedule: After analyzing the entire shift schedule, Ford calibration engineers fine-tuned it by measuring and optimizing the fuel flow. The system recognizes light or heavy throttle use, and puts the transmission in the right gear for best performance and efficiency. The entire operating range has been optimized to get the best fuel economy by locking up the converter as soon as possible and as much as possible.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Optimizing the shift schedule and lock schedule ensures customers automatically operate in the most efficient gears and save fuel.
– Gearing and double-overdrive: The 6R140 transmission has a ratio span of about 5.9, which is quite a bit wider than competitors. This wider span means the transmission has a deeper first gear that allows customers to get the load moving quicker, and a tall overdrive ratio for good highway efficiency. While the gearing itself is important, the key to overall efficiency is matching that gearing to the correct axle. With the diesel engine, up to four axle ratios are available on the pickups – 3.31, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.30. Matching up the gearing with the right axles means better overall efficiency.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: The double-overdrive gear means even if a customer gets a downshift on the highway, the transmission remains in overdrive. Also, the F-450 pickup went from a 4.88 axle to a 4.30 axle at launch for the 2011 model mated to the wide ratio span of the transmission. This and other optimizations mean the F-450 now has about a 30 percent improvement in fuel economy.
– Optimized pumping pressure: A certain amount of pressure is required to hold the clutches together so they don’t slip. The trick is to have the right amount of pressure to do the job. Too much pressure wastes fuel. The solution is to optimize the size of the pump and precisely control the pressure for all operating conditions.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: At highway speeds, for example, the line pressure is reduced, which helps save fuel. The system maintains the right amount of pressure for any given speed range. The less energy needed for internal pump pressure means less fuel used.
– Optimized drainback to reduce spin losses: A main objective is to get the fluid through the main barrel to lubricate and cool components, and get it back to the sump as quickly as possible. This reduces windage and parasitic loss. The clutch friction plates were designed to allow fluid to flow through them efficiently for cooling and reduced drag. Clutch housings, connecting shells and the main case housing were optimized to quickly drain the fluid out of rotating components and back into the sump.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Fewer parasitic losses due to reduced churning of fluid increases fuel economy.
– Warmer operating temperature: Tied in with spin losses, the 6R140 cooling system has been optimized to allow for the proper amount of cooling when towing heavy loads in high ambient temperatures, while running at an overall higher stabilized temperature. This higher stabilized temperature lowers the viscosity and helps the fluid flow more easily, which reduces parasitic losses and saves fuel. The fluid also warms up faster because it does not flow to the cooling circuit until properly warmed up. Faster warm-up also reduces overall parasitic losses.
- Customer fuel economy benefit: Fewer parasitic losses due to reduced fluid viscosity translates to less internal drag on the system and increases fuel economy.
Lighter, more efficient than competition
The 6R140 transmission is about 25 pounds lighter than those of competitors. The new engines are lighter than the outgoing products as well, which altogether means much more efficient power flow on a pound-for-pound basis. The 6R140 also has a 150,000-mile fluid change interval, which is 2-1/2 times greater than the outgoing product. A patent-pending high-efficiency dual-media filter is the main reason for the extended maintenance interval, which is another savings for customers.
Cleanest Power Stroke ever
The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel employs an aftertreatment system to help comply with 2010 federal regulations to reduce NOx levels in diesel emissions by more than 80 percent compared with the previous standard. The Ford aftertreatment system is a three-stage process; a key component is the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
Injection of DEF to reduce NOx is a proven technology that’s been used throughout the automotive industry. Unlike other strategies used to control NOx, the DEF system allows the diesel engine to run at its optimum range in terms of fuel mixture. Some systems require the engine to run richer – which can be harmful to diesel engines – in order to control the NOx.
The aftertreatment system works like this:
Step One: Cleaning and Heating – The first step in cleaning the diesel exhaust occurs when the exhaust stream enters the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). The role of the DOC is twofold. First, it converts and oxidizes hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide. This conversion happens at about 250 degrees Celsius.
Second, the DOC is used to provide and promote heat, using specific engine management strategies, into the exhaust system. Through appropriate thermal management, this heat increases the conversion efficiency of the downstream subsystems in reducing emissions.
Step Two: Knocking Out the NOx – The next step in the process is what’s known as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). In this process, the NOx in the exhaust stream is converted into water and inert nitrogen, which is present in the atmosphere and harmless. Before the exhaust gas enters the SCR chamber, it is dosed with DEF, an aqueous solution that is approximately 67.5 percent water and 32.5 percent pure urea.
When heated, the DEF splits into ammonia and carbon dioxide. These molecules are atomized and vaporized, then enter a mixer that resembles a corkscrew. This twist mixer evenly distributes the ammonia within the exhaust flow. The ammonia enters the SCR module, which contains a catalyzed substrate, and through chemical reactions combines and converts the NOx and ammonia into the harmless inert nitrogen and water. Dosing occurs between 200 and 500 degrees Celsius.
Step Three: Scrubbing Away the Soot – The final part of the cleansing system for the diesel exhaust gas involves the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The DPF traps any remaining soot, which is then periodically burned away, known as regenerating, when sensors detect the trap is full. The regeneration process sees temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Celsius to burn away soot.
This industry-proven technology ensures that the new 6.7-liter diesel is the cleanest Power Stroke ever, as well as the most fuel-efficient.
“Having this diesel designed in-house at Ford meant we were able to work on optimizations and refinements right from the start,” said Tim Ogilvie, vehicle energy supervisor. “We’re able to deliver to customers a more refined, more fuel-efficient Super Duty, with class-leading torque and horsepower and the class-leading capability they demand.”
KPMG Study: U.S. companies dominate field as acquirers of emerging market companies in second half of 2009
Acquisitions by Emerging Market Companies Increase, with U.S. and Australia Leading Targets
China Remains Top Acquirer among Emerging Market Countries
U.S.-based companies led the world in completing merger-and-acquisition (M&A) deals with emerging or high-growth market companies in the second half of 2009, nearly tripling the number of acquisitions made by the second-ranked country, according to KPMG International’s latest Emerging Markets International Acquisition Tracker (EMIAT) study.
The KPMG study revealed that in the second half of 2009, U.S.-based companies completed 71 emerging and high-growth market acquisitions, while UK-based companies acquired 25 companies during the same period. U.S. and Australian companies were the most popular targets for emerging and high-growth market companies, with 16 acquisitions made in each country.
“The study results underscore that U.S. companies continue their drive for expanding into new markets, products and services, and that emerging and high-growth market acquisitions are clearly a part of their strategy,” said Mark Barnes, principal-in-charge of KPMG LLP’s U.S.-High Growth Markets practice. “They are seizing opportunities to improve their supply chains and expand their customer base as the global economy moves from recession to recovery.”
Emerging and high-growth market companies made 102 acquisitions in the second half of 2009, up from 78 during the first half of the year, according to the KPMG study, which tracks completed deals in which an acquirer took at least a 10 percent shareholding interest. China maintained its position as the top acquirer among emerging market countries with 30 acquisitions during the period.
“Overall, emerging market companies seem to be rebounding from the downturn more quickly than their developed counterparts,” KPMG’s Barnes said. “Their strength is evidenced by their renewed energy and confidence around pursuing acquisitions in developed economies.”
Emerging Markets Bounce Back
While the KPMG study found that developed-to-emerging (D2E) deals declined overall in the second half of 2009 — down to 216 versus 259 registered in the previous six-month period — emerging-to-developed (E2D) deals increased.
China (30) was the leading emerging market acquirer of companies in developed economies in the second half of 2009, followed by the Middle East (17), India (13), Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (13), and Korea (12).
“In the emerging and high-growth markets, the study suggests that Chinese companies have weathered the recent economic crisis well and have the cash on hand to hit the acquisition trail the hardest,” said KPMG’s Barnes. “We saw a particular focus on commodity and natural resource acquisitions in the second half of 2009, reflecting China’s need to satisfy its growing domestic energy demand.”
After the United States and Australia (16 each), the most popular targets for E2D deals in the second half of 2009 included the United Kingdom (15), Canada (12), and Germany (10), according to the KPMG study.
In the first half of 2009, the top high-growth market acquirers of companies in developed economies were China (20), Central and Eastern Europe (13), India (12), Russia and CIS (11), and South Africa (10), according to the KPMG study.
U.S. Companies Hone in on India
As reported by the KPMG study, Indian companies were the leading emerging and high-growth market targets for U.S. companies. In addition to India (19), U.S.-based companies made the majority of their high-growth market acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe (12), China (10), Korea (8), and Brazil (7) in the second half of 2009.
Dan Tiemann, U.S. lead partner for the Transaction and Restructuring Services group at KPMG LLP, said the survey findings are consistent with what he is seeing in the United States. “Companies with strong balance sheets are beginning to dip their toes back into the M&A pool now that the free-fall has stopped and there’s more stability in the market. Savvy investors are finding there are some very attractive deals, which should drive increased deal volume throughout the year.”
In the first half of 2009, the top emerging and high-growth market targets for U.S. companies were located in China (19), Brazil (13), India (13), and Central and Eastern Europe (11), according to the KPMG study.
For D2E deals globally in the second half of 2009, Central and Eastern European companies were the most targeted, with 47 total acquisitions. Other popular targets overall for D2E deals included China (40), India (38), Korea (26), and Brazil (20), the KPMG study indicates.
“Brazil has faired well during the economic downturn and is still an important market for investment,” added Barnes. “Going forward, the country’s natural resources will continue to be an attractive asset.”
According to EMIAT study findings for the previous six-month period, the most popular emerging and high-growth market targets overall for D2E deals included Central and Eastern Europe (49), China (46), India (35), Russia and CIS (32), and Brazil (31), the KPMG study indicates.
Source: KPMG LLP
Revolutionary invention allows planting without irrigation
The Groasis waterboxx invented by science award winning Dutch innovator Pieter Hoff is about to change the course of history.
On March 16 at the Green California Summit in Sacramento, Mr. Hoff. will announce global planting experiments without irrigation. Four projects to be conducted in California’s high and low deserts of Palm Springs, in the Napa Valley with the Robert Mondavi Winery and USA’s first sustainable city, Sonoma will join twenty other global experiments in seven countries spanning four continents.
Mr. Hoff completed a four-year treeplanting test in Morocco’s Sahara desert with 88.2% survival rate. Monitored results of the worldwide tests will prove that mankind can plant trees on bushes, rocks, mountains, in deserts or any other difficult place, without irrigation. California along with the rest of the world eagerly looks forward to the results of these tests as a way to solve deforestation, food shortage and water conservation.
The Groasis waterboxx is the size of a motorcycle tyre with an opening in the center, that surrounds a sapling or seed that is planted in the soil. This ‘intelligent water incubator’ produces and captures water from the air through condensation and rain, without using energy. Additionally it prevents water evaporation from the soil and protects the roots against sun, wind, weeds and rodents. After a year, the tree is strong enough to grow by itself and the box can be easily removed and reused.
Hoff, one of the largest flowerbulb exporters of Holland, sold his business five years ago with one thought in mind, to find a way to reforest the planet and feed the world. He expects the waterboxx to reforest 2 billion hectares (5 billion acres) of desert, eroded by mankind, in the next 40 years. CO2 molecules can be unbound through trees, which produce fruit, medicines, oils, etcetera while transplanting the C atoms from fossil fuels into wood. Let’s make money with trees while unbinding the CO2 molecules instead of continuously talking about climate change, he explains in his book ‘CO2, a gift from heaven’.
What’s Hoff’s motivation? He states: “I want to leave a better world for our children.” Launching the Groasis waterboxx at the largest environmental US Summit makes that a reality.
http://www.groasis.com/page/uk/animation.php
Source: AquaPro Holland BV
U.S. Government to unveil new $100 note on April 21
The new design for the $100 note will make its debut on Wednesday, April 21 during a ceremony at the Department of the Treasury’s Cash Room.
The U.S. government redesigns currency in order to stay ahead of counterfeiters and protect the public. Decisions about the redesign of each denomination are guided by the government’s close evaluation of the range of ongoing counterfeit threats, whether from digital technology or traditional printing presses.
The unveiling of the $100 note is the first step in a global multi-government agency public education program implemented by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Secret Service, to educate those who use the $100 note about its changes before it begins circulating. The $100 note is the highest value denomination of U.S. currency in general circulation, and it circulates broadly around the world. Public education is an important component of the government’s redesigned currency program because a well informed public is our first and best line of defense against counterfeiting. Free training materials for cash-handlers as well as other public education resources will be available in 25 languages at www.newmoney.gov beginning at 10:30 a.m. EDT on April 21.
WHO:
Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner
Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Ben Bernanke
Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios
Director of the United States Secret Service Mark Sullivan
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Program begins at 10:00 a.m. EDT
*Please allow ample time for security screening. All attendees must present government issued photo identification to gain admittance.
WHERE:
The Department of the Treasury’s Cash Room
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
Source: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Study reveals Californians need to increase earthquake preparedness efforts
Less Than 20 Percent Have Prepared Their Homes; Only 40 Percent Have Sufficient Water State and Local Agencies are Better Prepared Today, but Weakest Link is Citizen Preparedness
A majority of Californians have taken initial steps toward earthquake preparedness but more than 60 percent of Californians have not done enough to make their homes safer and guard their personal finances in preparation for an inevitable, large-scale earthquake, according to a recent California Earthquake Preparedness Survey.
Although state and local public safety and emergency management agencies are better prepared than ever before, California residents have focused on easy preparedness activities such as collecting supplies and making back-up copies of important documents but they have not done more difficult and expensive activities such as securing the contents of their home or purchasing earthquake insurance, according to the survey.
Key findings of the survey were:
- Fewer than 20 percent of households have structurally reinforced their homes or had their homes inspected for earthquake resistance.
- Only 40 percent keep the recommended minimum of three gallons of water stored per person.
- Fewer than 20 percent of California households have purchased earthquake insurance.
- More than 80 percent of households have first aid kits, flashlights and batteries in their house but only 40 percent of Californians have made family disaster plans.
The California Earthquake Preparedness Survey was conducted by the UCLA School of Public Health for the State of California on behalf of California Emergency Management Agency, California Seismic Safety Commission and CaliforniaVolunteers to learn how prepared California households are for earthquakes and where they get their information about preparedness and mitigation.
“The recent earthquakes in Chile and Haiti are unwelcome reminders of the devastating impact earthquakes can have on people and communities,” said Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen of the California Emergency Management Agency. “It calls attention to the need for Californians to do even more to prepare for the big one. This study confirms that Californians need constant reminders and a steady stream of earthquake preparedness information to motivate people to act. We continue to urge Californians to prepare now.”
Additional Survey Highlights
- Residents of high-risk areas were more likely to have learned about how to be safe during an earthquake; however, they are not getting ready in proportion to the differential risk they face.
- Hispanic respondents were the least likely among all racial/ethnic groups to prepare.
- Less than 20 percent have participated in neighborhood disaster planning. Northern California residents were more likely than others to have participated in neighborhood disaster planning.
- More than 65 percent of Californians reported being trained in first aid, less than 50 percent had participated in disaster trainings at work, and less than 20 percent have received specific disaster trainings. Hispanic respondents were the least likely to have received these types of training.
- Fewer than 50 percent have dust masks, tools to rescue trapped people, or an extra set of emergency supplies in the car.
- Some Californians believe earthquake myths that could lead to loss of life and injuries in an earthquake.
“It is important for Californians to prepare for all types of disasters by having a plan and being ready to take care of ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Karen Baker, Secretary of Service and Volunteering. “Personal preparedness allows disaster workers to focus on critical areas to protect our state. Everyone can take steps to prepare.”
Observations from the earthquakes in Chile and Haiti reinforce the importance of being self-sufficient immediately following a disaster such as stockpiling food, water and supplies; training and practicing skills that are critical during disasters; and protecting the structures of buildings.
In absence of an actual disaster, “information received” and “information observed” are most likely to increase investment in earthquake preparedness and mitigation. The amount of information people hear, read and see determines whether they prepare. Other factors, including the increased probability of a future event, risk of future event and demographics like income, education and age, which may constrain what people can afford, have little effect on motivating people to prepare.
A variety of free online disaster preparedness resources such as a customized family plan, personalized children’s book and disaster preparedness tips are available on www.CaliforniaVolunteers.org.
Student teams ready to battle Lunar Terrain at NASA’s 17th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race
More than 100 student teams from around the globe will drive their specially crafted lunar rovers through a challenging course of rugged, moon-like terrain at NASA’s 17th annual Great Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville, Ala., April 9-10.
Some 1,088 high school, college and university students from 20 states and Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany, Bangladesh, Serbia, India and Romania are expected to participate in the race at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Students begin to prepare for the event each year during the fall semester. They must design, build and test a sturdy, collapsible, lightweight vehicle that addresses engineering problems similar to those overcome by the original Apollo-era lunar rover development team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville in the late 1960s.
The buggies are based on the design of those classic rovers, which American astronauts drove across the moon’s surface during the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions in the early 1970s. Teams of students build their vehicles using trail bike tires, aluminum or composite-metal struts and parts. The best teams drive trains, gears, suspension, steering and braking systems they find or construct.
Top prizes are awarded to the three teams in both the high school and college/university divisions that post the fastest race times, which include assembly and penalty times. A variety of other prizes are given by race corporate sponsors. These include “rookie of the year” and the “featherweight” award, presented to the team with the lightest, fastest buggy.
NASA’s Great Moonbuggy Race is one of many educational projects and initiatives the agency conducts each year to attract and engage America’s next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. They will carry on the nation’s mission of exploration to unchartered destinations in our solar system.
“NASA is committed to inspiring young people in science, technology, engineering and math, and the Great Moonbuggy Race is an excellent way for us to reach out to young people and get them excited and involved in technical opportunities available to them,” said Mike Selby, an avionics technical assistant in the Marshall Center’s Engineering Directorate. While completing his engineering degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Selby was a member of the school’s moonbuggy teams, helping them to a second-place finish in 1995 and to first place in 1996. Since 2001, he has served each year as a volunteer scorekeeper.
The race is hosted by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Jacobs Engineering ESTS Group, all of Huntsville.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov
Mercedes-Benz Financial expands mobile platform to include smartphones
“Coolest way to pay” now includes users of BlackBerry, Droid and more
Mercedes-Benz Financial is now the first automotive financial services company to expand personalized and convenient account management features to all of its customers using smartphones like BlackBerry®, Droid ®, and other mobile devices with internet capability.
Mercedes-Benz Financial last Fall became the first auto finance company to offer account management features with the launch of its iPhone® App free download.
Account holders must first register online at www.Mercedes-BenzFinancial.com to access secure account management features. Detailed instructions for smartphone users are available at www.Mercedes-BenzFinancial.com/mobile.
All smartphone users, even those who are not customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial, will be able to locate the nearest Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer, contact a customer service representative and see what’s new from Mercedes-Benz Financial.
Account holders of Mercedes-Benz Financial will be able to make a payment, view their account summary and request a payoff quote.
“We are closing in on 10,000 downloads of our iPhone App which validates our decision to expand our mobile capabilities to all customers who are smartphone users,” said Andreas Hinrichs, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Financial. “By expanding our mobile services to smartphone users, more of our customers will enjoy the conveniences of connecting with us from the palm of their hand.”