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Texas Jack lands spoils, but Instalment steals limelight

Friday, January 17, 2014

Noel Meades Texas Jack beat Baily Green to land the Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday, but it was the third horse, Last Instalment, that was the real eye-catcher.

By Pat Keane

He jumped beautifully, showing plenty of enthusiasm, and, indeed, went across the final fence upsides the first two home.

Last Instalment had no more to give through the last 100 yards, however, but was only eventually beaten three parts and half a length.

His performance delighted trainer Philip Fenton. Wasnt that a lovely run?, he said.

You couldnt but be pleased, he hadnt been away anywhere, except to have a spin on the flat at Leopardstown.

The only fences he jumped were a couple at home. Tomorrow morning will tell a lot and we will see how he is over the next fortnight. All being well the Hennessy (Leopardstown) is the plan.

Paul Carberry was superb on Texas Jack, producing him with typical timing going to the last and the winner found plenty to beat Baily Green, who made a slight error at the obstacle.

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Texas Jack lands spoils, but Instalment steals limelight

Verdict

These Grade 2 novice chases for mares are rare which is why UNE ARTISTE is entered here. Nicky Henderson's mare, the Fred Winter winner at Cheltenham in 2012, made all for a comfortable victory at Huntingdon on her second start over fences and there looks plenty more to come. Aibrean overcame some sticky jumping to win nicely at Naas, giving the impression that she will improve despite her age. Backinthere has run reasonably well at Grade 3 level since making a winning debut over fences at Clonmel in October though she was behind Kates Benefit and Caoimhe's Delight at Cork and the former is looking a nice prospect. Leish Oscar was only moderate over hurdles but looks much better over fences. She was left clear when nearest challenger Mullaghanoe River came down at Down Royal but was going just as well and the latter has since won a better race. Miss Palm landed a Tramore handicap but then couldn't cope with a 5lb rise and a longer trip on this course.

Leish Oscar (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to lead 3 out, asserted after 2 out, easily, won at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs sft in Dec beating Drawn N Drank (11-5) by 13l, 10 ran.

Byerley Babe (IRE) 9-10fav (11-7) Soon mid-division, closer order 7th, 3rd 5 out, 4th before straight, challenged travelling smoothly and led before 2 out, left clear last, easily,, won at Limerick 2m 3f beg chs hvy in Dec beating Hill Rock (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.

Une Artiste (FR) 8-15fav (11-0) Made all, hard driven when quickened clear from 2 out, ran on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f mares nov ch (4) gs in Dec beating Baby Shine (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.

Caoimhe's Delight (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistake 4 out, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, no impression before last, kept on same pace to 2nd run-in, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Theatre Bird (10-13) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hdl G3 (1) sft in Dec.

Kates Benefit (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Soon led, tended to jump a little left, headed 3rd, close up, on terms before 5 out where slight mistake, soon led, pressed and jumped left 2 out, jumped left again last and headed, rallied, not get to winner, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Dressedtothenines (10-11) at Cork 2m 1f mares nov chs Grade 3 (1) sft in Dec.

Carrigeen Lonicera (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, 6th 5 out, ridden and no impression in 7th after 3 out, kept on without threatening from last, 4th of 13, 9l behind Aibrean (11-7) at Naas 2m 3f mrs beg chs sft.

Backinthere (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, pushed along 7 out, ridden 5 out, 7th approaching straight, 5th from 2 out, soon no impression and kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 19l behind Dressedtothenines (10-11) at Cork 2m 1f mares nov chs Grade 3 (1) sft in Dec.

Pur Style (FR) 12-1 (9-10) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, 3rd approaching straight, ridden and no impression in 6th before last, no extra run-in, 8th of 9, 16l behind She's Got Grit (9-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp chs in Dec.

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Fame And Glory & Sans Frontieres Coolmore National Hunt Sires E.B.F. Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m 4f

On the evening of Jan. 18, 2001, an electrician at an oriented strand-board mill in Elkin, N.C., made a poor decision and sacrificed his life for it. Over a decade later, his story is alive and well and hopefully still opening fresh eyes to the hazards of working with electricity.

The workers name was Eddie Adams, and a training video made in his honor shows how his death shook his co-workers and managers (and no doubt his family) to the quick. Its a powerful, gripping 14-minute video that puts a human face on the threat of arc-flash accidents. And since being uploaded to YouTube in September 2012 (by Jim Steele), the video has received more than 172,000 hits.

When I use the word viral in the headline, I admit that the proclamation might seem like a bit of hyperbole especially when you consider that the crap that truly goes viral in our world (and most of it is crap) gets tens of millions upon millions of hits. But in the world of workplace safety, 172,000 hits seems pretty close to viral to me. And the fact that the video has garnered so many views is an aspect of this tragic story thats truly heartwarming.

If by doing the video we can prevent one person from having a tragic event similar to this one, then its been worthwhile, says one mill employee in the video.

Its hard not to feel the emotion as co-workers and managers describe what went wrong on the fateful night of Jan. 18, 2001. Jeffrey Dale Ficket, the mill general manager at the time of the accident, fights back tears as he laments: Someone lost their life for nothing. And I dont want that to happen again, not to anybody not at my facility or anybody elses facility.

Its been said that for safety leaders to truly make an impact, they have to win over the hearts of their constituents. That makes a lot of sense to me. Its not until you feel the importance of safety that youre going to be truly motivated to take the extra steps and the extra precautions to ensure that youre working safely, day after day. (Easier said than done, right?)

When I watch the people in this video reflect upon the arc-flash explosion that killed Eddie Adams, I know that every one of them is a true believer. They may or may not have been passionate about safety before Eddies horrific death, but I can guarantee you that they are now. I can just imagine the gravity with which they approach each and every job task, no matter how seemingly mundane. I can just imagine how they probably think of Eddie either consciously or subconsciously every time they make the decision to follow safe work procedures.

Every time the phone rings now after 9 oclock in the evening, the fear of God runs right through me, Ficket says in the video. Because it could be the same phone call again. Boy, thats a phone call nobody wants to get.

I stumbled upon this video while conducting some research for an upcoming article. The fact that it grabbed my attention and elicited a visceral, emotional reaction in the middle of a busy workday really gets to the heart of the challenge (or opportunity) for safety leaders in their quest to convert associates into true believers.

Let's face it: No one is more passionate about safety than someone who has lost a colleague in a workplace accident. They feel the importance of safety, in their heart and in their gut, just as the people in this video do in the wake of Eddie's death. For safety leaders, the ultimate goal is to get people to experience that same passion about safety before an accident happens. Its about doing everything possible to ensure that employees have an emotional connection to safety. That's why many safety managers remind associates that following safety policies and procedures equals safetly returning home to their loved ones.

See more here:
When Arc-Flash Videos Go Viral

Government employees performed work on the garage of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas private home, installing drywall, an air conditioner, appliances and a security system, according to sources familiar with the job.

The detached garage at Ridley-Thomas Leimert Park residence appeared to have been converted into an office with a restroom sometime before the county work was done, said a source familiar with the property, who requested anonymity.

The source said the work cost the county about $10,000.

The county provides home security systems for members of the Board of Supervisors, but taxpayer money is not supposed to be spent on unrelated improvements.

The work at Ridley-Thomas' garage was done by employees of the countys Internal Services Department. Tom Tindall, who retired last year as head of the department, said he was informed before he left his post of the need to upgrade or replace an alarm system.

Tindall said he did not know the details of the Ridley-Thomas project, but work on the walls might have been required to repair damage caused by wiring the security devices.

The only thing I was a little concerned about is that it was finished space, he said.

Jim Jones, Tindalls successor as department director, declined to comment.

A search of city databases turned up no permits for a restroom installation in the garage or the more recent county work. Generally, permits must be obtained for the installation of restrooms, air conditioners, electrical wiring and drywall, said a spokesman for the city Building and Safety Department.

Ridley-Thomas did not respond to interview requests. One source said he was informedthat the supervisor paid for the air conditioner, a flat-screen television and refrigerator the workers placed in the garage. It was unclear whether Ridley-Thomas repaid the county for the other costs.

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County crews did work on Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas' home

Los Angeles city building inspectors launched an investigation Thursday into whether county Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has an illegally converted garage at his Leimert Park home, where government employees recently performed thousands of dollars worth of work.

The Los Angeles Building and Safety Department opened the investigation less than a day after The Times reported that county crews installed a security system, drywall, an air conditioner and other appliances in Ridley-Thomas detached garage.

A search of city databases found no permits for that work or any other improvements to the garage. A source familiar with the property said the garage was being used as an office, complete with a restroom, and appeared to have been converted before the most recent work was done.

The city Building and Safety Department placed a notice of the investigation on its website. If anybody calls and complains about a politician or anybody, well go out and investigate, department spokesman Luke Zamperini said.

Generally, permits must be obtained for the installation of restrooms, air conditioners, electrical wiring and drywall, he said. Violators of the citys permit rules could be ordered to pay fines and correct any improper work, the department website says.

Ridley-Thomas and his spokeswoman did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The source with knowledge of the work at the supervisors garage, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to talk, said county crews replaced older wood paneling with the drywall and, in addition to the air conditioner, installed a flat-screen television, a refrigerator and electric wiring.

The work was done as part of a project to add a security system to the garage.

The county released documents Thursday to The Times that say the security enhancements cost $10,038. The source said he was informed that Ridley-Thomas paid for the air conditioner, TV and refrigerator, but it was unclear if he reimbursed the county for any other costs.

The documents, which were heavily redacted, provide no details about the security work and show no reference to the drywall, appliances and electrical wiring.

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City probing county Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas' garage

By NAPSJanuary 10, 2014 12:00 am

(NAPS)Keeping your home comfortable doesnt have to mean costs that go through the roof.

Heres a look at some of the latest technology that can be seen in a model home designed to showcase energy efficiency, The New American Home (TNAH), created by the National Association of Home Builders Leading Suppliers Council.

TNAH 2014 uses green building and construction technology, including a solar water heater, photovoltaic panels and closed spray-foam insulation.

One of the more effective energy-saving components is also one of the least expensive: sealed electrical wall boxes.

A problem for most homeowners is that the electrical boxes on exterior walls let drafts in. In response, electrical components manufacturer Thomas & Betts has come up with a clever way to eliminate this energy drain.

The Carlon Draft-Tight boxes feature a gasketed front flange that provides a seal from the box to the back of the drywall and gaskets over cable-entry points to prevent airflow from getting into the house. This saves heating costs in winter and cooling in the summer. It can also reduce construction costs.

By eliminating the need to caulk or seal the boxes after installation, the builder can save about five hours of installation time for a 2,200-square-foot house.

The design is also available for ceiling boxes and multigang outlets, and can be put in already- built homes as well as new ones. You can find these boxes at home improvement centers or talk to your electrician about having them installed.

For further information on these energy-saving devices, go to http://www.tnb.com/receptacles.

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Home of the future features energy-saving devices

What are the benefits of our driveway sealing services?

Coating and sealing your driveway or parking lot within the crucial period of the first three years is important. Driveway sealing shields it from water penetration and oxidation, blocking out deteriorating agents such as rain, wind, snow, sun, ice, and frost. It also provides resistance to spills such as antifreeze, oil, fuel, and salt. Our sealer is made from a coal tar emulsion which does not dissolve in oil or gas. Our asphalt sealer works to extend pavement life by reducing exposure from water and oxygen.

Asphalt pavements are a conglomerate of sand, glue, and rock which is the liquefied agent that binds everything together.

Such a surface can be protected by applying a seal coating which functions as a shield between elements which can break asphalt pavement down. Typically a coal tar emulsion sealer is applied which protects against water, salt, gas, chemicals, and UV radiation. It effectively combats the asphalt pavement from degradation.

In addition to saving money in the long run, another one of the advantages of seal coating is that it is an investment which adds to the value of your property and improves its aesthetic appeal to your patrons. The first thing a possible tenant or customer notices is the parking lot. Is it well maintained? Does it have a pleasing appearance? Is safety an issue? To themselves they think. "If they take care of their parking lot then they must take care of their condominiums or apartments." It is a well secured fact by marketing studies that a well maintained property results in higher occupancy frequencies, fewer turnovers, and generally more satisfaction.

A fresh coat of seal adds a dark black color to the surface, making it appear and wear new. Such a look creates a clean, rich appearance that suggests a positive image of the company, residential complex, or facility.

A sound base and sub base is needed by good pavement. When crack sealing is done right, water is kept from coming into and weakening these areas. With enough damage there can be a loss of structural support, which can then result in more cracking or weaknesses and can eventually develop into a pothole. Crack sealing can preserve the pavement beside the cracks. Cracks that are cleaned and sealed properly are composed of material that adheres firmly to the sides throughout the year, during which the pavement expands and contracts. Without crack sealing the material beside the pavement will undergo more contact with the elements, which results in hardening and secondary cracking along the main crack, and increased oxidation of the binder.

Driveway sealing removes the deleterious effects of sand, stone and dirt. When such bits of matter find their ways into cracks they can limit crack closure during warmer weather. Moreover, they can result in compressive pressure at the face of the cracks that can result in chipping and loosening of the asphalt concrete. In cases of extremely oxidized pavements such stresses can cause the pavement to lip, which is an upheaval of concrete at slanting fissures. Driveway sealing will extend the life of pavement as well as saving money. Sealing cracks, controlling pavement interferences, crack growth, and base and sub base conditions, pavement life will be extended. Reinforcing adjacent pavement is done by filling in cracks to reduce water damages and strengthens it. Crack sealing is done by placing prepared materials either into or above pavement cracks that prevents the intrusion of harsh elements. For more information visit the following links:

Read the seal coating facts yourself provided by

National Pavement Contractors Association

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NJ Driveways - Driveway Sealing and Paving Specialist - New ...

Mcfarlane Paving Nj Start planning your Driveway Paving project without delay. Does your pavement look old and weather beaten? Does your Driveway pavement take away from the look of the rest of your home? The very large area that it covers can make or break the look of your home. Remember first impressions are everlasting.

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pavingnj - McFarlane Driveway paving asphalt contractor bergen ...

Wayland Middle School has water once again and school will resume on Friday.

While the water main has been repaired, school officials sent out a notice that the Department of Public Workswill need to finish paving the holeon Fridayduring school hours. The work site is in the "bus circle" outsidethe main entrance,sostudents will exit buses just before the crosswalk nearthe front door.A police detailwill assist with traffic.

"The work should not impact the parent drop-off circle but, just as a safety precaution, please use extra care when entering and exiting our driveway on Friday," the notice stated. "The work is expected to be finished by mid-day so we do not anticipate any impact on dismissal traffic."

Wayland Middle School classes, as well as after-school and evening activities,were canceled Thursday due tothe water main break, which resulted in no water in the building.

Many students were already on the bus and headed for school when the break occurred. According to a message sent earlier in the morning, these children were rerouted to Wayland High School's Field House, where they were cared for by Wayland Middle School staff until they could be picked up by families.

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Wayland Middle School to reopen after water main break

Demolition of Liberty Building in downtown Knoxville
Demolition of Liberty Building in downtown Knoxville makes way for new parking garage Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014.

By: Knoxville News Sentinel

Originally posted here:
Demolition of Liberty Building in downtown Knoxville - Video