Back Page

For nearly a century, the Trans Pacific Yacht Race has attracted contenders from around the Pacific. The 2,225-nautical-mile race starts in Los Angeles and ends in Honolulu and can involve nearly 60 yachts.

Thomas Garnier, president of SSI Shredding Systems Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., his brother, nephews and son Joji entered in the Class III division with the Reinrag2, Garnier’s J/125 boat.

The J boat was not designed to make such a long, blue water race and had rudder problems on the first day. The crew improvised solutions to the leaky rudder bearings and continued sailing.

After sailing southwest to avoid a high-pressure swell, Reinrag2 crossed the finish line off Honolulu ahead of everyone else in its class, setting a new record. Garnier says it was a testament to the J Boat as well as the seamanship, tenacity and planning of the Reinrag2 crew and the "ground" support from the employees at SSI.

Changing the way people think about trash is the goal of a new exhibit by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), which has opened at Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink and Rot is the message delivered by "Trashformation."

The exhibit’s video screens ask visitors what they will do with their trash. If viewers select the "Dispose" option, a panoramic view of the Franklin County landfill fills the video screens. If the "5-Rs" option is selected, viewers are instructed in how landfill space can be saved through reuse and recycling.

Four 11-foot-high kiosks then teach viewers about recycling. Each kiosk features three panels that show the recycling process for glass, metal, plastic and paper from beginning to end. Visitors see the product in its "throw-away state," the processing state and as a final product ready for reuse.

"We believe if visitors to COSI see the results of their daily choices they will better realize the impact those choices can have on the world," SWACO Executive Director Mike Long says.

Construction of the AK Steel Concept Home, the nation’s first antimicrobial home, has been completed.

Located northwest of Los Angeles, the home features products made from carbon and stainless steels using coatings that contain the AgION™ antimicrobial compound. Antimicrobial-coated steels reduce bacteria, mold and fungus growth.

In total, the AK Steel Concept Home incorporates about 100 tons of steel, including 17.5 tons of steel coated with the antimicrobial compound. Steel with the antimicrobial coating can be found in the kitchen’s appliances and ceiling panels, door handles throughout the home and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

The home’s structural framing and portions of the exterior are also made of steel, enhancing the home’s appearance and making it easier to maintain and more resistant to fire, earthquakes and insect damage.

"The home’s unique use of antimicrobial-coated steel is in response to the demand for products that help keep homes cleaner," Alan H. McCoy, vice president of public affairs for AK Steel, says. "The AK Steel Concept Home also demonstrates how steel can enhance structural and architectural elements of residential construction," he adds.

The dramatic 11,000-square-foot home is the residence of Ed and Madeleine Landry. Designed by nationally renowned architect David Martin of A.C. Martin Partners, the home’s property borders Rocky Peak State Park and Pioneer Park in Simi Valley, Calif.

More information about the AK Concept Home is available at www.akconcepthome.com.