Appraisal Clause: Water Damage & Mold in Florissant, Colorado

Peak Claims received a request and made an agreement to appear as the independent appraiser for a private property owner (the “insured”) in an appraisal clause dispute for damages that originated as the result of an ice dam.  The property in question was a remote mountain custom built log home near Florissant, CO.  Phillip Crimaldi appeared as an appraiser for the insured on behalf of Peak Claims.

The insurer initially assigned the adjustment to an independent adjusting company (before appraisal) and offered final indemnity of $10,001.75 for repairs, and $2,337.38 for mitigation, totaling $12,339.13 before the policy deductible.

This file is unique because the property is constructed on a hill-side, which rendered part of the property walls (in the kitchen) to exist below the grade, as shown in the photograph below.  The property entrance is located several feet below the northern wall and upper grade of the property.  This regional location receives more than 200 inches of precipitation per year, and the majority of the roof faces north which is exposed to lower levels of sun-light, therefore creating a large potential for ice dams.  Colorado is a notorious state for ice dams because of our large temperature fluctuations, not only between sunrise and sunset, but also in the middle of the day between light and shaded areas.

Photo of roof and property

The insured property owner realized a large ice dam several feet thick had grown onto his roof, and took to his own defense by using a propane torch (normally used for sealing asphalt) to melt the ice from the roof.  Hail damages were found on the roof and could plainly be seen at the time of our inspection.  Therefore, the residual heat from the winter heating months (evaporating through the roof) was likely the source of water intruding into the structure.

Hail damages were not pertinent questions to the appraisal because the cause and origin was already decided by the insurer to be a covered peril.   Generally, when dealing with the appraisal clause, it is outside the interest of appraisers to decide on any “coverage” related issues, including any questions of peril, or cause and origin.  The roof was affected by the ice dam and damages were significant enough to consider replacement of the affected section, which was included in our appraisal.

Mold and mildew conditions were also present in the areas which water crept through the concrete cast wall and roofing material, but the insurer alleged the mold and mildew were caused by smoke damage from the property owner’s use of a torch to melt the ice dam.  Of course, this makes little sense since the insurer shouldn’t be voicing their opinion during appraiser, whether at their own discretion, or through their appointed appraiser.  Additionally, smoke damage normally doesn’t cause mold and mildew; rather it is the use of water to mitigate the smoke (fire) damage that results in such concerns.   This portion of the appraisal was referred to our selected umpire, who is Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) experienced with mold damage.

Due to a unique configuration of a utility room and kitchen which sustained water damages the cost of the repairs were significantly higher than comparable losses.   Although not shown here, the utility room contained pump and sewage systems in close proximity to each other (due to the property’s remote location) which had to be removed and reset for access to mitigate and repair certain areas along the north wall of the home.  Colorado property owners are also subject to higher costs for repair when located in excess distance from major city hubs.

Water entry from ice dam

Appraisal Clause & Due Diligence.

This appraisal clause read similar to others and required a “competent” and “impartial” appraiser, noting the difference between the requirement of some policies for a “disinterested” appraiser.

Two conferences in person were held between Mr. Crimaldi and the opposing appraiser (for the insurer), along with several other telephone conferences, but no conclusion on the total amount of the loss could be made and the matter was referred to the umpire for a ruling on concerns that could not be agreed upon.

Mr. Crimaldi argued the mold, mildew, and all other visible damages not otherwise disputed by the insurer were caused by water damage flowing from the ice dam.  The insurer wrongfully argued that mold and mildew were limited by the policy, but our experience is correct in stating that such matters are questions of policy language, and therefore reserved for the resolution outside of appraisal.  As appraisers (and umpire) it was our duty to determine the “amount of the loss”, including damages resulting from mold and mildew if they appear to flow from the declared peril.

Umpire Findings & Award.

Contrary to clear and evident findings of mold growth in the crawlspace at the time of our appraiser survey, these conditions had apparently “dried up” by the time this umpire’s survey was conducted several weeks after our original survey, leaving only water stains on the interior sheathing of the roof.  Peak Claims expected that appraisal clause discussions will be an “open forum” (to the immediately concerned parties) but we did not receive a copy of documentation presented by the insurer’s appraiser.

In consideration of the umpire’s cost for services we opted not to engage further and the total award presented by the umpire was $27,379.51.  This figure represented an increase from the original indemnity of $15,040.38, (+121.9%) before service costs from the umpire and insureds costs for our appraisal service; ultimately an award in favor of (our client) the insured property owner.

An independent appraiser often has a unique window into the findings of other independent (or staff) adjuster predecessors.  Although it may not be relevant, a property owner is almost always willing to share claim documentation that existed before the appraisal, which can help paint a picture about the evolution of a claim.  An appraiser must make an independent determination of loss value, but it’s helpful to review correspondence between the insured and insurer to help gather opinion and fact regarding the loss itself.

In this case, several items were awarded by the umpire which were not considered in the adjustment (pre-appraisal) process.  Those damages are normally covered losses when they flow from the covered peril, and were good cause for discussion at appraisal.  We also knew the heat (from the insureds use of the torch) didn’t create mold and mildew because such damages stem from moisture rather than dry heat applied briefly in an effort to melt ice, and the insured had an obligation to mitigate his damages.  We do not, however, recommend any homeowner utilize an open flame source to mitigate an ice dam.  Warm water is an appropriate method for resolving ice dam concerns, and other equipment such as heat wires are widely used for the prevention of such conditions.

Despite extensive communication between appraisers and a significant amount of time spent determining whether all parties met the independent requirements of the appraisal clause, we were able to limit the cost of appraisal services to this insured (prior to appraisal) for an amount of less than $900.00.  This was easily accomplished because Mr. Crimaldi was able to quickly identify factors important to this appraisal and because of previous similar experience.

This appraisal resulted in a final increase of 102.8% after costs which included 50% of the umpire’s fee.  Minor costs for additional living expense were also considered in this loss due to the modest size of the insureds property and lack of usable facilities within the property at the time of the loss and during construction.

Phillip A. Crimaldi has over ten years of experience as an appraiser representing “both sides of the fence” (property owners / insurance carriers) in residential and commercial property damage appraisal clause valuations.   Peak Claims is happy to assist you with any appraisal clause service needs, and you’ll enjoy the savings compared to our competitors.


Quickness TrialEdit

Laine: Welcome to the Proving Grounds! efore you may challenge the Elders of Titania, you must first show your skill against four groups of enemies...

The first group excels at speed. As you know, speed determines how often your champions are able to attack. Having a faster speed means taking more turns. Speed can also be altered in battle. This includes spells that decrease or slow speed, as well as stun attacks which decrease the Speed Bar. This group of enemies specialize in modifying the speed of battle. Prove to us that you can defeat this tactic to move on...

Elemental TrialEdit

Laine: The next group focuses on the various types of magic found in Titania. There are 5 types which magi wield:

The first is "Arcane" magic. This is the most basic form of magic. It offers no special effects but is the foundation of a mage's basic attack.

The second is "Nether" magic. Nether magic is more powerful than Arcane and causes bleeding. It is an advanced form of magic only available to elite magi.

The third is "Fire" magic. Fire magic has the unique ability to burn enemies. Burned enemies take additional damage from future fire spells.

The fourth is "Lightning" magic. Lightning magic stuns those who are struck by it. Stunned enemis are delayed in taking their next turn.

The fifth and final type is "Ice" magic. Ice magic slows down those effected by it. Slowed enemies have their speed delaying future turns.

This group of magi specialize in fire, lightning and ice magic. Prove to us that you can defeat these elements to move on...

Toxic TrialEdit

Laine: The next group focuses on the various combat effects you will experience in battle. There are 4 types of effects which they will use...

The first is "Bleeding". Bleeding does damage over time and heals at 50% each second. Using multiple bleed attacks can cause damage very quickly.

The second is "Poisoning". Poisoning works like bleeding but affects an enem's stamina/mana instead of health. It can quickly force an enemy to basic attacs only.

The third is "Stunning". Stunning causes an enemy's speed bar to immediately decrease, delaying their next turn. Multiple stuns can prevent an enemy from attacking.

The fourth is "Burning". Burning does additional damage when more burn spells are used. Burning heals much slower than bleeding and can cause massive damage fast.

This group of enemies specializes in all of these combat effects. Prove us you can defeat these tactics to move on...

Resist TrialEdit

Laine: The final group focuses on resistances. Resistances provide defense against a specific type of damage or effect. Like other magical abilities, resistances can be gained via spells as well as equipped items. Resistances can drastically increase a champion's ability to survive. This group of enemies specialite in various types of resistances. Prove to us you can defeat them to move on...

Final battleEdit

Laine: You have proven yourself apt in battle against enemies specializing in the very fundamentals of combat... Now you must take part in the tradition of proving yourself against us, the Elders of Titania!

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January 2012

Headless Chicken Robot

What we are working on.

Whithervane – where are we going and why are we carrying this hand-basket?

A 21st Century weathervane – a (headless) chicken that is driven by the climate of fear (apocanoia) on the Internet.

“A weather vane is an instrument for showing the direction of the wind. They are typically used as an architectural ornament to the highest point of a building. Although partly functional, weather vanes are generally decorative, often featuring the traditional cockerel design with letters indicating the points of the compass. The word ‘vane’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘fane’ meaning ‘flag’.” (Wikipedia).

“An Apocalypse (Greek: Ἀποκάλυψις Apokálypsis; “lifting of the veil” or “revelation”) is a disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind in an era dominated by falsehood and misconception, i.e. the veil to be lifted. The term also can refer to the eschatological final battle, the Armageddon, and the idea of an end of the world.” (Wikipedia).

Apocanoia – portmanteau word a blend of apocalyptic and paranoia – a disclosure of the thought process heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and/or delusion. Especially as experienced through contemporary media. Apocanoia explores self-fulfilling prophecies – predictions that directly or indirectly cause them to become true, by the very terms of the prophecy itself, due to positive feedback between belief and behavior.

CAD model of Whithervane

CAD model of Whithervane


Although the Omwati are not a branch of humanity, the differences are extremely small. The Omwati skin is a bluish color and their eyes are generally blue or black. The size of an adult Omwati borders that of a human, although their morphology is typically slightly frailer with regard to females. There are very few Omwati with a stout physiology. Their most striking characteristic is their "hair" which appears to be made of small, diaphanous feathers of an iridescent color. Omwati do not have any other hair.

The Omwati rarely left their homeworld and rarely took part in galactic events, until Wilhuff Tarkin enslaved the youngest of their species to serve as Imperial scientists. Qui Xux is perhaps the best-known member of the Omwati species. She was a researcher at the Imperial Maw Installation and a principal designer of the Death Star. The Rogue Jedi Kyp Durron ripped her memories of both this technology and her past from her mind.


Design and Advising Services

Design A Wall

Are you overwhelmed with the idea of collecting the right art for the space you have? Or you just want some input from the artist? I will help you design your wall for free!

All I need from you is:

1. A photograph of the space.

2. Dimensions of the wall.

3. Your expectations, thoughts, and ideas.

4. Your budget.

And then I will offer you several choices of what we could do. Email today!

Installation Services

I also offer installation services in the West Michigan area. This runs from $100 and up, depending on the space and number of pieces we need to install. Installs usually happen on Saturdays.

I am now accepting applications for murals in the West Michigan area. Inquire below.

Commission Works

Have a specific subject, size, or idea that you would like me to paint? I do not accept all commission inquiries, but if I can feel it, I will paint it for you. Commissions typically run 60% higher due to the research, preparation, and communication involved in creating the piece. Inquire below if you have ideas!

Name *


Plants help to reduce air temperature, control flooding and trap pollution, say researchers at The University of Reading.

They are showcasing the green credentials of urban gardening at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show this week.

Even the busiest, most populated cities have a surprisingly high proportion of the ground surface covered in vegetation, almost 50 per cent in some cases.

In the UK, almost half of those urban green areas are private gardens. So the things gardeners grow in their backyards and the plants and trees in public open spaces can impact on our environment, both positively and negatively.

Dr Tijana Blanusa, an RHS scientist at the university’s School of Biological Sciences, is working on understanding the service plants can provide in an urban environment.

She said: “Plants can do surprising and amazing things. There is sound scientific evidence that urban vegetation, because of the way it naturally functions, moderates air temperatures, helps insulate buildings against the extremes of weather and supports and enriches urban biodiversity and human health.

“Our exhibit will show how they can cool the air temperature, hold excess water in their canopies during and after rainfall and temporarily trap pollutants on their large surface areas.”

She said the amount of water and energy consumed in managing urban green spaces and private gardens greatly influences the level of their potential environmental benefits.

Higher input of water and energy often mean the benefits decrease while thoughtful use of plants in the home and public spaces can have a significant impact on our lives.

She said: “Using a variety of plant forms is the key to getting most out of your garden as not all plants are the same.

“Consider choosing plants with hairy, rough, thin and succulent traits with a variety of colours.

“Lighter-coloured plants and those with thinner leaves are more efficient at cooling while some hairy leaved plants can be cooler than those with less hairy leaves.

“Hairy and rough leaves can also trap more pollutant particles and hold more rainwater.”

‘Keeping their cool: how the plants in urban environment help reduce temperatures, control flooding and capture pollution’ will be featured in the RHS Environment section at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Other local exhibitors include the multiple-gold medal winning HW Hyde and Son – the lily-growing family from Ruscombe who will be creating a walk-through display of several hundred plants.

Gill Passman from Caversham, who runs Just Air Plants from her home in Hemdean Road, will have a stand with a tropical rainforest theme with a collection of bromeliads, particularly Tillandsia and Neoregelia. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday to Saturday.


The Jack Christie/Ken H. Loftus Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions toward Understanding Healthy Great Lakes Ecosystems

The Jack Christie/Ken Loftus Award is presented by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to recognize an individual or group making significant scientific contributions toward understanding Great Lakes ecosystems and the fisheries they support. Healthy ecosystems are the foundation for strong fish communities, vibrant fisheries, and successful fishery resource management. Jack and Ken, two former employees of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, remain widely known for advancing the science used in resource management. Their scientific contributions and legacies continue to set high standards for Great Lakes research. Jack and Ken emphasized science as the basis for management, and promoted an "ecosystem approach" to management of the Great Lakes. The Jack Christie/Ken Loftus award recognizes those who have adhered to the highest principles of science for the benefit of Great Lakes ecosystems.

Nominations for the Christie/ Loftus award should consider the criteria that follow:

  1. Any person or group who has made distinguished scientific contributions to the health of Great Lakes ecosystems, including: research that has advanced understanding Great Lakes ecosystems, fish communities, and fisheries. The research contributions should relate to the rehabilitation of fish communities, the conservation of biological diversity, the protection of the physical environment, enhancement of science-based fishery management, or understanding the effects of sea lampreys on fish populations.
  2. The award may go to any person or group who has made a specific outstanding scientific contribution.
  3. The award may go to any person or group who has made long-term distinguished scientific contributions toward understanding Great Lakes ecosystems.

Those eligible to receive the Christie/Loftus award include any person or group whose performance matches the purpose and criteria of the award (as expressed above). Recipients may include (but are not limited to) employees of the academic sector; federal, provincial, or state natural resource agencies; and commissioners and secretariat staff of the commission.

Nomination Process

Any person may nominate an individual or a group to receive the Christie/Loftus award. The Board of Technical Experts and the Council of Lake Committees are especially encouraged to consider and submit nominations to the commission. Nominations for the award will be accepted at any time. A form asking for the name of the nominee, a description of the nominee’s accomplishments in relation to the criteria, and the name of the nominator will be required. Please make sure to clearly state the nominee’s research or scientific contributions that meet the criteria. The form is available from the commission secretariat or via the commission's website. Completed forms must be received by the commission secretariat by November 15th of each year to be eligible for the award given at the annual meeting in the coming year. Nominations must be signed; facsimiles of nomination forms are acceptable. The form is available from our website in the following formats:

Commission Consideration and Public Presentation

The Award

The name of each recipient the Christie/Loftus award shall be engraved on a plaque displayed prominently at the secretariat office. In addition, award recipients shall receive a framed certificate stating the accomplishment(s) meriting its receipt. The certificate shall be signed by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the commission. If appropriate, a formal letter shall be sent to the recipient’s employer, acknowledging the award.

Previous Recipients


Age 4-7 Months From 4-7 months old.

These movements are essential for rolling over and crawling. By the ultimate end of the period, babies should be able to roll over from stomach to back and back again to stomach and probably can easily sit without the support. By age 4 a few months, babies may bring toys to their mouth easily. They use their fingertips and thumb in a claw-like grip to get objects. Because at this age babies will explore items by putting them in their mouths instinctively, it is necessary to keep small objects out of reach to prevent accidental swallowing.One-12 months estimates of survival were 74.1 percent for sufferers receiving pembrolizumab every 2 weeks , 68.4 percent for all those receiving pembrolizumab every 3 weeks , and 58.2 percent for all those receiving ipilimumab . As the overall survival outcomes for the two pembrolizumab groups were more advanced than those for the ipilimumab group at the prespecified one-sided alpha degree of 0.005 using the Hochberg step-up treatment, the independent data and safety monitoring committee recommended stopping the analysis early to allow individuals in the ipilimumab group the option of receiving pembrolizumab. Median overall survival had not been reached in any study group. The pembrolizumab advantage was observed across all subgroups and for the two regimens .91 for those receiving pembrolizumab 2 weeks and 1 every.


Easy synchronization of fMRI paradigms with MR image acquisition

During image acquisition the MRI scanner produces trigger information. With a flexible and user-friendly menu system, the SyncBox allows the user to select how the trigger pulse from the MRI scanner is transferred to the software presenting the stimuli. Compatible with the leading software packages, the SyncBox provides an easy-to-use solution for accurate control over stimulus presentation and easy access to timing information for data analysis.

Both research projects and clinical testing will benefit from the added accuracy provided by this synchronization device. The SyncBox interfaces with a variety of external devices, allowing synchronization of signals from different hardware sources and providing accurate logging of time stamps.

The SyncBox can simulate the trigger signals produced by the scanner during an MRI sequence. This enables the user to develop and test the entire experimental paradigm in the office, minimizing the need for testing in a costly scanning environment.


Brand-new advancements of sociological practices in esteem to notions from Marx, Weber and Durkheim

Inside your immediately after, the friendly and market notions ofWeber and Marx, and Durkheim, and the differences and similarities in views are generally more advanced in modern theories on culture. Their concepts deal with Communist Manifesto by Marx, The Principles of Sociological Solution by Durkheim, and also the Protestant Ethic and Mindset of Capitalism by Weber.

However, changes in how these aspects of society work are determined by theoretical debate, which draws its basis from sociologistsMarx and Weber, and Durkheim. , and Marx were the most important theorists to explore the connection anywhere between economy and society using their theoretic viewpoints.Weber and Durkheim As years passed, their theories have been advanced by critiques to provide sociological phenomena that are still debated today. The whole set of a trio of theorists come to an agreement that overall economy is essential for the modern-day society, which is worthwhile to learn through a theoretic mindset. So, the essay will have a look at how a three or more theorists cause the current concepts on our society. Additionally, the essay will show which most present day theorists count on the discussion that economic situation is a pedestal cushion to the interpersonal superstructure that exists right now.

society, agree and economy are an area of the modernized society, since many sociologists agree. Besides being social institutions on their own, they contribute to the present educational, administrative, legal and religious and ethical issues of society; in other word, social superstructure

Marx locations his sociological idea on economic conditions, in which he represents that an our society boasts a superstructure that is construct from an fiscal bottom level. Financial system decides other public buildings in particularreligion and ideology, and national politics. For Marx, modern society is subject to man presence, which includes to figure out ways of just living to raise their lives by using department of forms and labor of asset. A brief history of school have difficulty as described by Marx continues to be found in Managerial Emerging trend where shareholders no longer restrain giant businesses. As a replacement, older administrators have earned management of the capitalist session, and also have become affluent.

Durkheim thinks about one of many contributive elements to superstructure modern society is financial system. In Protocols of Sociological Technique, Durkheim clearly shows that there exists public criteria that turn into additional issues, and also have coercive power which will take control over citizens. Example of these sorts of control is economy by which practices and beliefs of sectors regarded collectively are influenced by global financial essentials. Durkheim’s recommendations standout in today’s mental panoramas, that include inside your on-going arguments on liberalism and communitarians. Proponents of liberalism and communitarians debate that the basic points relating topublic and private, and ability are created after market property and wealth, which turn into methods for sociable legislation.

Weber overturns Marx’s monetary determinism by arguing that religious ideology really is a power that factors communal plan. Therefore, according to Weber’s theory, religion forms the economy and base the superstructure in society; as explained in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Ferrari reconstructs Weber’s way of thinking by showing its magnitude within his hypothesis about today’s globalization. The thinking behind secularization is unavoidable whereby modernization and global financial improvement appear to be developed in guide to Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism and Christianity. Forexample and today, liberation of men and women is generated by impact of faith, which actually affects their social and economic day-to-day lives.

Durkheim, Marx, and Weber promote much the same considered that market is a vital piece of a social framework.Durkheim and Marx The three differ by how economy influences people’s lives in the society, however. For Marx, market lays the foundation on the our society is created, and other people will need to realise methods of creation perhaps by exploiting other types or furnishing labour. Marx’s ideology is mirrored in Durkheim’s and Weber’s misunderstandings, and this also historic past class combat remains seen in the business modern culture. Presently, financial system is really a essential communal occurrence that seems to appearance community through the use of divine ideology, capitalism, and through national politics of communitarians and liberalism.


Research and logistics in the perpetual ice

The german Research Station Neumayer 3 Click to enlarge
German researchers have been present in Antarctica since 1981.

Source: M. Müller/UBA

Antarctica is a nature reserve dedicated to peace and scientific research. 29 signatory states to the Antarctic Treaty, including Germany, work in close and continuous cooperation in science in the perpetual ice. Their research covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from climate research to marine biology.

Table of Contents

Research in Antarctica

Research is the main human activity in Antarctica. It focuses on current issues in climatology and meteorology (climate change), glaciology, oceanography, geosciences, marine biology, sedimentology/seismology and other disciplines. Exploration of the sensitive and still little known Antarctic ecosystem is an important international endeavour. 29 Consultative Parties currently maintain 80 research stations on the continent, about half of which are manned year-round, and the rest are operated only in the summer season. Argentina was the first country to operate a year-round station back in 1904 on the South Orkney Islands at the northernmost tip of Antarctica. It took nearly 50 more years before other countries had their own stations. Many of the early research stations were located on the South Shetland Islands, a group of islands off the Antarctic Peninsula only some 900 kilometres from the tip of South America which is relatively easy and quick to reach by ship (or aeroplane nowadays). The region still has the highest number of stations in Antarctica today. For a detailed list of the research stations go the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs - COMNAP).

German research in Antarctica

The Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) was founded in 1980 in Bremerhaven. The AWI conducts research in the Arctic, Antarctica and in the high and temperate latitude oceans. It is the central excellence centre for German polar research. Other German institutes are involved in research within the scope of their activities (see below under "Other Organizations and Institutions "). The AWI provides the basic infrastructure for German researchers and in the framework of international cooperation. It deploys the national ice breaker vessel Polarstern for scientific expeditions and logistical supply trips. The AWI is responsible for the operation of the polar research stations in the Arctic and Antarctica.

The Neumayer stations over the years

Germany has conducted year-round research in Antarctica since 1981. Its first station, "Georg von Neumayer″, named after the major 19th century proponent of German research at the South Pole (1826-1909), was located northeast of the Weddell Sea on the Ekström Ice Shelf. Due to ice movements and the ever increasing snow load on its cylindrical structure the station was shut down according to plan and deconstructed, only to be replaced in March 1992 by a similar new station, the Neumayer II, located ten kilometres away. The Neumayer station serves as the logistics base for summer expeditions and year-round as a scientific observatory for geophysics, meteorology and air chemistry. The Neumayer Station II was vacated as scheduled in 2008 and replaced by a new structure.

The new Neumayer III station, located only a few kilometres south of its predecessor, started operations on 20 February 2009 and is a multi-purpose building for research, operation and living on a platform above the snow surface and connected with a garage built in the snow. One of the new station's distinctive features is its ability to compensate for snowfall and ice buildup with hydraulic lifting gear, without burying parts of the structure in the snow below. Its total weight of 2.300 t is distributed among 16 foundation plates. Before the entire station is moved, hydraulic supports raise each of the plates and new snow is filled underneath. Although the new station is much larger than the previous one and the heated area has nearly doubled, it consumes less than half the energy.

The German Environment Agency authorised the Neumayer Station III in October 2005, following a comprehensive environmental impact assessment by an international team.

Other German stations

The AWI set up the Kohnen station 2001 as part of the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA). The station is named after Heinz Kohnen (1938-1997), longstanding head of the logistics department at AWI. The station serves as a logistical base for ice-core drilling during the Antarctic summer. The collected ice cores from the Kohnen station supply comprehensive data on the changes in the Earth’s climate and atmosphere over the past 215,000 years, which are attributable to greenhouse gases, aerosols and cosmogenic radionuclides.

In cooperation with the Argentine Instituto Antártico Argentino (IAA), the AWI has also operated the Dallmann Laboratory on King George Island (South Shetland Islands) since 1993. The laboratory is named after the German discoverer and polar researcher Eduard Dallmann (1830-1896). The laboratory is a part of the Argentine Carlini station in Antarctica. The Netherlands played a significant role in the station’s history by providing the sewage treatment plant, a significant feature of the entire station. Cooperation reduces costs and puts less of a burden on the environment than two separate self-sustaining stations. This first research location in Antarctica to be jointly operated by two countries provides accommodation and a workplace during the austral summer for up to twelve scientists in the fields of biology, geology and geography in one of the few ice-free regions in Antarctica. Here it is possible to do research on land and coastal organisms, including algae, or marine animals in aquariums and to carry out diving expeditions.

Research is also a strain on the environment

Research activity in Antarctica also does put a strain on the environment. As the number of research stations increases so do flight, ship and vehicle activity for the purpose of passenger transport and logistics as well as the danger of potential (oil spill) accidents. Emissions to the air (waste gases), soil (waste), ice and ocean (sewage) are also on the rise. Furthermore shipping traffic and seismic testing add to the sound emissions in the Antarctic Ocean.

Other administrations and institutions


9h Capsule Hotel Experience

Video 73.MP4.Still001

Nabe is the best!

Some days are actual roller coasters. It all starts at the top of a sky scraper, then you plummet down to reality where time flows as it wishes and the clouds look so much further away. Your feet meet the ground and your bank account suddenly has limits and your ability to forget about the common problems comes rushing back like the Japanese humidity. It’s an inevitable reality for someone who was just out of school and traveling on a budget. However even today as someone who has been working for 6 years, I look back on the Park Hyatt experience as unique and burnt into my memory. The elevator rides, the sound of fine dinning, the smell of the pool, and most definitely the view. All these memories are complied into a single entity. A single feeling. A gift to myself.

Final look out of Park Hyatt Building

Not everything in a “commoners” life is bland or insignificant though, it really just depends on how you manage your perspective and the company you keep.  The family that welcomed us to Tokyo the first time round had yet again offered to shelter us for 2 additional nights. I was beyond myself when they welcomed us back and how much they were willing to go out of their way to take care of us. I’d imagine it would be a hard sell to take in 3 relative strangers into ones home and offer them such hospitality. At the core of their structure I could tell kindness as a key element. It was evident by the way I could hear them speak to one another through the walls and how they interacted from afar. Yes people tend to put the best versions of themselves forward in the presence of visitors but sometimes you just know.

Park Hyatt Tokyo – Upper Floor Lobby

I am so thankful to them.

Park Hyatt Hotel

We’ve now arrived to the day of luxury where Joe, Kaz and I finally make our way to the Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel. I think it’s important to point out that there’s a specific reason as to why we all decided to spend a night at one of the more prestigious and expensive hotels in Tokyo. It had a lot to do with the film Lost in Translation and a little to do with experiencing something extravagant. IMG_2914

Lost in Translation has been a film that’s been held close to my heart for quite a few years and honestly back in 2011  it was something I was obsessed with. The only person who appreciates that film more than I would be Joe, so it was certain we’d stay one night in the hotel they shot the majority of the film. IMG_2931

The hotel itself is grandiose in all aspects. It’s atop a large skyscraper in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo and has all the amenities that you can think of as a luxury hotel. Everything from the main lobby, to the open concept corridors, the array of restaurants, and the roof top pool that Bill Murray swam in.

Our room was a corner unit on the 51st floor and was relatively big compared to most Japanese hotels. We had two double beds and they offered us a third pull in bed (we thought it was gonna be a cot but were very surprised.)

Once we settled in we found ourselves just obsessed with the view from our room. Our plan was to spend as much time as possible in the hotel so we ventured out (briefly) to a local ‘konbini’ to grab some snacks then scurried back to our room.

We took a ridiculous amount of photos and videos, ate our snacks, and just relaxed. It was such unique experience to take in. I was hanging out with two of my closest friends in a rather eloquent room that stands static a couple hundred meters above Tokyo. The atmosphere was perfect.

As the day passed we found some ways to spend time in the room. Lots of reading, some anime watching, and mostly losing yourself in the fantastic view. The more I think about it we basically paid to have our own personal observation deck for 24 hours that had comfy chairs and a high-tech washroom.

Once the sun started to set we made our way down to the “casual” dinning option at the hotel were we indulged in a rather pricy (by our standards) but delicious dinner. Again atmosphere was great, conversation enticing, and taking note of the other patrons around us. We were by far the most random 3 people in the restaurant as more and more business types rolled in with their co-workers and such. IMG_2980

After dinner we quickly changed into our Yukata and found our way to the pool. This was perhaps the most exciting part for me. I was a competitive swimmer for over 13 years and to be able to swim in a pool high above ground was really fun. After a decent swim we made our way to the Peak bar which was yet another location where Lost in Translation had some significant scenes. We ordered a few drinks, took some time to watch all the skyscrapers pulse with their rooftop lights, and listened to some live music.

Eventually we all made it back to the room, took some more photos and finally went to bed. It was a day that still sticks with me and reminds me that if you have the opportunity and are privileged enough to spend a few bucks on yourself, do it.

  • Bonus photo for fans of Lost in Translation