Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful eco-friendly campfire apparatus. This apparatus comprises reclaimed and repurposed eco-friendly components and is believed to be useful by offering a complete set of materials needed to create a campfire which emits no toxic chemicals. The apparatus comprises a container which is a reclaimed and repurposed animal feed sack having a front wall and a back wall defining an interior therein. The container is sealed by using a sealing means which can be untreated natural twine or thread. Inside the container is a plurality of combustible materials that are generally uniformly dispersed and include reclaimed kiln-dried, natural, toxin-free, wood logs, reclaimed kindling including hickory nuts and twigs, and pine shavings. An igniting means is also provided and affixed to the exterior front wall of the apparatus. The self-contained nature of the apparatus makes it easy to transport and store when not in use.

Abstract: A new and useful portable pelvic exam device is provided, which is lightweight for convenient transport or storage, and is readily used atop existing surfaces in the environment such as a bed and maintains a patient in a dorsal or modified lithotic position for a pelvic examination or procedure. The device comprises a substantially wedge shaped prismatic base with a concave semispherical well along the front surface, over which a patient orients her vulva to create a theatre in which the examiner may observe the anatomy, operate ancillary tools and perform an indicated procedure or exam. Stirrup assemblies may be utilized in concert with the device to support the patient's feet and keep her knees spaced apart from each other and legs in an abducted position. Additionally, the device has a drawer moveably attached into an aperature in the device, which can be opened or closed and houses therein ancillary tools.

Abstract: A forecasting tool and methodology are described for generating a quantitative index indicating the current state of a system. The system may be affected by a plurality of events. A numerical value, based on the current situation, is assigned to each of a plurality of factors identified as influencing the event. The numerical values are used to calculate a likelihood metric for the event occurring. An impact factor value, which indicates the impact that the event occurring would have on the system, is combined with the likelihood, to calculate the quantitative index. Indexes for different forecasting periods can be calculated using numerical values for different periods of time. A forecasting tool and computer program implementing that tool are also described. The forecasting methodology can be used to provide an index which is published or used internally by an organisation. The forecasting methodology can also be used as the basis of a consulting service provided to an organisation.