Category Archives: Life Extension

Airmen install a new cable run on an aging Minuteman III missile.

ARLINGTON: A brand-new ICBM may cost the nation more than $85 billion, but keeping the geriatric Minuteman will cost even more. Thats according to Boeing, the aerospace giant that began building the original Minuteman I in 1958 and has maintained the much-modified Minuteman III since 1970.

Minuteman III in silo

Sure, the company can reset the odometer on the Minuteman with yet another service life extension program (SLEP), Boeing strategic deterrence chief Frank McCall told reporters this morning. But its still a 1950s design upgraded over six decades with a mix of technologies it was never intended to accommodate. While parts of the guidance and propulsion systems date to 1993, for example, some parts are so old the original manufacturers have long since gone out of business. That forces the Air Force to expensively reinvent the wheel or, say, a 1961-vintage mechanical coding device.

So for about the same price as a rebuilt Minuteman, McCall told us, Boeing would rather build you an all-new missile. Thats what the Air Force calls the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent. (Lockheed and Northrop are also competing). GBSD would get you better performance, he said, including against modern, precision-guided missile defenses, which didnt exist when the Minuteman was designed. (Back then, cutting-edge missile defense destroyed incoming warheads by detonating a nuclear weapon over your own territory). It would be flexible for a wide range of scenarios, whereas the Minuteman was optimized for a massive exchange with Russia across the North Pole. And even sticking with low-risk, proven technology, it would be decades more advanced than Minuteman.

The new missile would also feature a modular, plug-and-plug design known as open architecture that would make replacing components both for maintenance and upgrades much easier than on the Minuteman III. Most important, perhaps, the new missile would be designed from the start to last for decades until at least the 2070s while Minuteman was originally meant to last just 10 years. Between the open architecture and the build-to-last philosophy, McCall said, GBSD would be cheaper to maintain over the long haul than Minuteman.

Back in June, Gen. John Hyten, head of Strategic Command, lamented the time and money it would take to develop GBSD: $85 billion over 20 years for 400 missiles, compared to $17 billion in todays dollars over five years for the initial 800 Minutemans. The military-industrial complex needs to relearn how to go fast, take risks, fail, and try again, he said, instead of grinding along in todays bureaucratic, cripplingly slow acquisition system.

But as expensive as GBSD was, Hyten emphasized, it was still cheaper than re-re-rebuilding the Minuteman: You will have ended up replacing just about everything on the missile, which will cost you more (than GBSD), but nobody believes me. Now that weve heard more of the details from Boeing, maybe we will.

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New ICBM Cheaper Than Upgraded Minuteman: Boeing On GBSD - Breaking Defense

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) announced today that its subsidiary BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (BWXT NEC) has been awarded a CA$34 million, five year contract to supply seven primary heat transport motors for Bruce Power. The motors are part of Bruce Powers life-extension program that will extend the life of six of its reactors to continue providing Ontario with clean, low-cost and reliable electricity for decades to come.

The primary heat transport motors are required to drive the main circulating pumps used to push heavy water through the reactor core into the steam generators. The scope of the contract includes the project management, engineering and manufacturing of seven 11,000 horsepower motors. Work under this contract will commence immediately with the first motor scheduled to be delivered to Bruce Power in mid-2018.

We appreciate the opportunity to execute this important project for Bruce Power and take great pride in our contributions to its life extension program, said John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT Canada Ltd. and BWXT NEC. BWXT is pleased to be in a position to supply its customers with a multitude of product and service solutions to assist them in extending the lives of their nuclear plants.

Partnering with BWXT for this important motor work is critical to ensuring the life extension and operation through 2064, said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Powers president and CEO. Planning and preparation is key to our continued on-time and on-budget performance since January 2016 when our life extension program was started. Suppliers like BWXT and their performance are critical to our success; its a team effort.

Nuclear energy plays a significant role to Ontarios economy and it is great to see the positive effects of Bruce Powers life extension project being felt right here in Peterborough, said Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament. Throughout its program to extend the life of six of its reactors, Bruce Power will inject billions into Ontarios economy and generate thousands of jobs.

Bruce Power supplies 30% of Ontarios electricity at 30% less than the average cost to generate residential power. Extending the operational life of the Bruce Power units to 2064 will create and sustain 22,000 direct and indirect jobs every year, create $4 billion in annual Ontario economic benefit, and will ensure low-cost, clean and reliable energy for Ontario families and businesses.

Forward Looking Statements

BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the performance, timing and value, to the extent contract value can be viewed as an indicator of future revenues, of the Bruce Power contract. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, modification or termination of the contract and delays. If one or more of these or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see BWXTs annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BWXT cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law.

About BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.

BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (BWXT NEC), a subsidiary of BWXT Canada Ltd., has more than 60 years of extensive experience and innovation in the supply of nuclear fuel and fuel channel components, services, equipment and parts for the CANDU nuclear power industry. This includes designing and supplying highly reliable nuclear equipment to fuel, inspect and refurbish reactors. BWXT NEC employs approximately 350 skilled employees at three locations in Ontario: Peterborough, Toronto and Arnprior. Learn more at http://www.nec.bwxt.com.

About Bruce Power

Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at http://www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Awarded CA$34 Million Contract for Primary Heat Transport Motors - Business Wire (press release)

The defence giant saw sales increase by four per cent to 9.6 billion in the first six months of the year, while underlying profits were 11 per cent to 945 million compared to the same period a year ago.

In its UK Platforms And Services division, which includes the armoured vehicles maintenance division at Hadley Park in Telford where it employs about 200 people, saw sales rise by seven per cent to 3.9 billion as orders continued to flood in.

"The business has continued to provide support to previously supplied armoured vehicles and bridging systems, with orders of 14 million received in the period," the company said.

"The business is one of two contenders delivering the first stage of the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project."

Telford is home to the Challenger 2 project team, which is currently assessing what needs to be done to allow the British Army's main battle tank to remain in service until 2035.

BAE added that while the General Election had led to the formation of a minority government, "defence and security is expected to remain a priority".

The company added that it was still looking for ways to cut costs.

Chief executive Charles Woodburn said: "Strong programme execution, technology and enhanced competitive positions will be key in driving the business forward, and we will continue to focus on efficiency and meeting our customers' affordability challenges.

"With the expected improvement in the defence budget outlook in a number of our markets, the group is well placed to continue to generate good returns for shareholders."

The group also said it would take a charge in the second half for overhauling its cyber and intelligence arm, where revenues are "softening".

The weak pound against a strong dollar has helped BAE as it makes sales in the United States more valuable when translated into sterling earnings.

Shares in the group rose three per cent after the results.

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BAE Systems sales fire up as tank orders roll in - shropshirestar.com

Books and lectures are not the only ways students pick up important lessons and skills during the school year. Extracurricular activities provide a range of benefits to participants almost as limitless as the slate of options available to them.

Whether it is playing video games, hanging out with friends or reading a book, children always find ways to fill their time.

However, extracurricular activities can channel that time in constructive directions, said Ron Cox, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension marriage and family specialist.

Extracurricular activities help kids spend their time in positive ways and allow them to develop life skills they wouldnt easily obtain in other ways, Cox said.

Music, theatre, sports, debate and similar activities do an excellent job of keeping children occupied throughout the late afternoon and early evening hours until working parents can make it home.

These activities also serve as real-time labs where students can develop critical life skills such as leadership, teamwork and dealing with adversity.

As an example, 4-H includes lots of service projects that give kids hands-on experience with helping others, generosity and self-sacrifice, Cox said. There arent a lot of places where kids can learn these types of lessons.

Turns out, extracurricular outlets also can have a positive effect on students performance in the classroom as children active in outside activities post higher grades compared to those who are less involved.

Involvement in activities beyond academics also gives students a chance to connect with positive adult role models, something research shows comes with a slew of benefits.

Students who have at least one other caring adult in their lives, in addition to a parent, tend to do better in several ways, such as academically, socially and in terms of avoiding drug use and teen pregnancy, Cox said.

With plenty of extracurricular programs available through schools, community groups, churches and other organizations, families should be able to find activities that fit within their schedules and budgets as well as meet kids interests.

Start by allowing kids to experience a variety of activities and eventually allowing them to gravitate to the ones they most enjoy, Cox said. Extracurricular activities can be incredibly important to kids growing into positive role models and contributing citizens of our state.

Link:

Extracurricular activities help kids make the grade, learn life lessons - Stillwater News Press

247Sports

What does Seahawks' extension for Kam Chancellor tell Earl Thomas, rest of team? The News Tribune (blog) As realistic as they make it, he said. Tuesday, the Seahawks made it very realistic. Up to $25 million in guarantees should set Chancellor and his new bride for life. How long will his football life last? He said he wants to play as long as the ... Report: Seattle Seahawks agree to extension with Kam Chancellor247Sports all 73 news articles »

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What does Seahawks' extension for Kam Chancellor tell Earl Thomas, rest of team? - The News Tribune (blog)

BBC News

Soutra Hill quarry operation extension approval advised BBC News Councillors are being advised to allow the extension of the operational life of a quarry in the Scottish Borders by nine years. The Soutra Hill site - operated by the Skene Group - currently has consent for 18 years but that would rise to 27. The ... and more »

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Soutra Hill quarry operation extension approval advised - BBC News

In the spring of 2007, city of Dalton and Whitfield County officials met to discuss the possibility of a TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) program dedicated to improving the transportation infrastructure of the city and county. Working together, city and county transportation and administrative officials put together a project list which had more than 50 specific road and bridge improvement projects. Later that year, voters approved the TSPLOST.

One of the city's top three TSPLOST projects was the widening and extension of Fields Avenue from Underwood Street south to East Morris Street. This project had three main objectives.

Traffic congestion relief: This project gives an alternate north-south route to Glenwood Avenue, which is heavily congested during certain times of the workday. This project provides the last leg of a three-lane roadway beginning at East Morris Street and extending north to Cleveland Highway. A new traffic signal at MLK Jr. Boulevard and Fields Avenue provides a much safer intersection.

Quality of life: This project improves the quality of life for this area by providing sidewalks on both sides of the street. Since schoolchildren who attend either Blue Ridge Elementary or Roan Street Elementary who live within 1/2 mile of either school are not provided bus service, sidewalks will make their walk to and from school each day much safer. Biking and walking is also safer for everyone.

Economic development: The East Morris Street corridor is one of the fasting growing areas for startups of small businesses in the city. This new street provides greater connectivity for those businesses and customers.

Project facts

Project length was 3,650 feet (one-third of that was new location construction from Nelson Street to East Morris Street).

Construction contract: Just under $5.1 million and was completed by Northwest Georgia Paving Inc. of Calhoun.

Project involved widening Fields Avenue from two to three lanes from Underwood Street to Nelson Street and constructing three new lanes from Nelson Street to East Morris Street.

Two new traffic signals were constructed:

1. At East Morris Street and Fields Avenue/5th Avenue.

2. At Fields Avenue/MLK Jr. Boulevard (corrected an offset problem that traditionally had a high number of crashes).

MLK Jr. Boulevard was also widened to five lanes to accommodate left-turn lanes at Fields Avenue.

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Ribbon cutting held for Fields Avenue extension - The Daily Citizen

Despite a harsh winter that took a toll on buildings and facilities, the Malheur County Fair is ready to open for another week of fun and excitement. That is all thanks to the hard work of Lynelle Christiani and members of the fair who have gotten things back on track and ready for the big show.

Attending the fair is an opportunity to take a break from the rest of a busy summer, and enjoy an iconic piece of Americana that celebrates rural life and family traditions. Beyond the opportunity to catch up with friends you might not have seen since last years fair, there are any number of events and activities to take part in. Whether it is kids karaoke or Mickey and the Motorcars, there will be opportunities to sing and dance every day. In addition to jamming with the kids or the Motorcars, you can enjoy some gear jamming action in the tractor driving contest and bone jarring action in the rodeo.

One of the centerpieces of the fair has to be the animals. Spend some time viewing all of the different animals in the livestock barns and see how hard the 4-H and FFA kids have worked in raising their animals and getting them ready to show. In addition to the rabbits, chickens, goats, pigs, steers and other assorted livestock, keep your eye out for another special animal. Oregon State Universitys very own Benny the Beaver will be roaming the grounds on Saturday.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons to attend the fair is to enjoy the food. It may not be low calorie, but hey, the fair does only come around once a year. So grab a snow cone or turkey leg to snack on while wandering the grounds. One unofficial game that you can play is guessing which fair foods you are munching on may have a local connection.

There are a few obvious hints come that to mind. If youre enjoying a hamburger, there is a chance the beef came from Malheur County. It seems there are about ten times as many cattle in the county as there are people, which might be expected for Oregons leading cattle producing county. On the other hand, I will guess that the lemons that went into your lemonade probably didnt come from Malheur County. However, it is quite possible that the sugar that went in to sweeten the lemons came from one of our local sugar beet fields. If you are enjoying a scone or a funnel cake (some of my personal favorites), its not just the sugar that might be local. The dough and batter for those just might be made with flour harvested from a local wheat field and with milk from one of our local dairies. If you happen to go for a bag of kettle corn, it likely has a local connection. The Crookhams Company in Caldwell is one of the nations leading purveyors of popcorn seed. If instead of kettle corn, you opt for corn on the cob that too probably originated in the Treasure Valley. Our valley produces the majority of the countrys sweet corn seed. And of course, if you are participating in the onion decorating contest, those bulbs were lifted from a nearby field.

If you need to prioritize your time at the Fair and when to grab a snack, you can find the schedule of events at the Fairs website http://www.malheurcountyfair.com/ or you can pick up a Fair Book at the Extension Office. Benny and I will see you there.

Stuart Reitz is a Malheur County Extension Office agent. The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily represent those of The Argus Observer.

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Take a break fair days ahead - Ontario Argus Observer

Learning life skills for life Youth ages 915 need skills to learn, play, get along and be creative. Life skills are important at this age.

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Beverly Przystas, Michigan State University Extension

Children ages 915 need to learn life skills to become successful adults. Some life skills are practical skills needed to grow and learn. Other life skills help develop social and emotional skills. All are needed as youth grow into young adults. The following tips and hints will help you teach life skills to youth at this age.

In the book 101 More Life Skills Games, author Bernie Badegruber describes activities designed to bring awareness to not only life skills, but also life values. The focus is developing foundation skills on getting along with others, as well as to be more aware of ones own self.

Below are a few ideas to use in developing life skills for children ages 915.

Mood Meter. Players sit in large circle and the leader shares what moods are and how we can handle them. At the beep, all players either stand up tall, stay sitting in their chairs, stand on their chairs or sit on the floor, depending on how high their mood is. Kids can guess each others moods. The leader can ask reflection questions regarding their mood choices. This game touches on getting acquainted, expressing moods, feelings and talking.

Cooperation games such as Birthday Present gets kids to learn to cooperate, become integrated into the group and strengthen relational ships. Colored pencils, markers and paper are needed. First ask if it is anyones birthday. In groups of four, the players have half an hour to think about a gift for the person whose special day it is. The birthday child gets to go spend some quiet time while the groups of children work on a present such as a poem, group drawing, speech, birthday song, or read a story. When everyone has shared their gift, reflect on how the child felt.

Other activities in 101 More Life Skills Games cover simulation games, social role play games and we, you and I games.

For more articles on child development, academic success, parenting and life skill development, please visit the Michigan State University Extension website.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Learning life skills for life - Michigan State University Extension

Bob Wojnowski, John Niyo and Justin Rogers look at the Lions as they head into NFL training camp this weekend in Allen Park. Detroit News

Lions head coach Jim Caldwell enters the fourth and final year of a contract he signed in 2014 this season.(Photo: Daniel Mears, Detroit News)

Allen Park Jim Caldwell has led the Detroit Lions to the playoffs twice in three years, a significant accomplishment for the franchise, but that has yet to earn him a contract extension.

The coach enters training camp working on the fourth and final year of the contract he signed in 2014, and he continues to express no concern about his future with the team.

Im not worried about that, Caldwell said. As a matter of fact, those years dont matter, this year coming up is what matters.

Caldwell has been fielding questions about his contract since last season, but its not a topic that ever comes up at home.

Yeah, Im focused in on football, but I will tell you this, not any point in my life do I remember my wife asking me about my contract, Caldwell said. If you have a 15-year contract, it doesnt mean youre not going to be fired tomorrow. Youve always got to perform. Ive never worried about those things. I couldnt care less, to be honest with you. Im more focused on getting the team ready. Thats my job, thats my charge and thats what were going to do.

The Lions hired Caldwell in 2014 to replace Jim Schwartz. Caldwell led the team to an 11-5 mark that first season, only to see the team struggle the following year, dropping the first five games and seven of the first eight. That led to a coaching staff shakeup, with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn being fired midseason.

The team also fired general manager Martin Mayhew that year, hiring New England Patriots director of pro scouting Bob Quinn as his replacement.

After a series of meetings, Quinn opted to retain Caldwell as coach, and by all accounts, the two have forged a strong working relationship.

The Lions went 9-7 last season, earning another postseason berth. In three years, Caldwell has compiled a 27-21 regular-season mark, but has failed to advance the team beyond the opening round of the playoffs.

jdrogers@detnews.com

Twitter: @justin_rogers

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Caldwell: 'Not worried' about lack of contract extension - The Detroit News