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JR01 Syracuse (396 BC)
In 397 BC, Carthaginian general Himilco sailed to Sicily with an army of 50,000 men. There he fought several battles with Syracusan tyrant Dionysius. Himilco succesfully reclaimed Motya, captured Messina and eventually laid siege to Syracuse itself. The city of Syracuse was heavily fortified with walls and castles, and Himilco was forced to make his camp on the marshy grounds to the south. Before the winter set in, he built a large walled encampment with access to the sea, and a secondary fort near the temple of Zeus, a little to the west of the main camp.
For many months the siege continued, without a major battle. Then, in the summer of 396, a plague broke out among the Carthaginian forces. Himilco's troops were decimated, and morale and combat effectiveness dropped. Dionysius decided it was time to strike. During a moonless night, he marched his troops around the Carhaginian camp to attack it from the south. Mercenaries and cavalry were sent to attack the main camp directly, but this was just a diversion and a way to get rid of some unreliable allies. Dionysius's cavalry left the mercenaries to their fate and joined the main army, led by Dionusius himself. This army attacked Himilco's fort and all Carthaginian soldiers that were unprepared and undefended in the open field. Meanwhile Dionysius's brother Leptines attacked the Punic fleet.
Many Carthaginians were slaughtered before they could put up a coordinated defense. At the end of the day, the Syracusans had won a decisive victory, although they hadn't managed to take the camp or the fort. Himilco secretly made a deal with Dionysius, who allowed him to escape with only the Carthaginian citizens, in exchange for a payment of 300 talents. Back in Carthage, Himilco took full responsibility for the military debacle, and starved himself to death.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. Can you change history?
5 Command Cards
Syracusan Army (Roman blocks)
6 Command Cards
Anapus River is not fordable
To represent the lowered morale of the Carthaginian troops, all Carthaginian light infantry and auxilia infantry start with 3 blocks instead of 4. The Rally card can restore these units.
Tags: Jack Van Riel | <urn:uuid:355e5ef5-682b-48ba-8c96-7b5857680c95> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.commandsandcolors.net/ancients/maps/42-sicilian-wars-600-265-bc/873-jr01-syracuse-396-bc.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572043.2/warc/CC-MAIN-20220814143522-20220814173522-00469.warc.gz | en | 0.967117 | 553 | 2.90625 | 3 |
|Iosif Samuilovich Shklovsky|
|Born||1 July 1916
Hlukhiv, Russian Empire (Present-day Ukraine)
|Died||3 March 1985
Moscow, Soviet Union (Present-Day Russia)
Search for extraterrestrial intelligence
|Institutions||Russian Space Research Institute
Moscow State University
Sternberg Astronomical Institute
|Alma mater||Moscow State University|
|Notable students||Solomon Borisovich Pikelner
|Notable awards||Lenin Prize
Iosif Samuilovich Shklovsky (Russian: Ио́сиф Самуи́лович Шкло́вский; sometimes transliterated Josif, Josif, Shklovskii, Shklovskij) (July 1, 1916 – March 3, 1985) was a Soviet astronomer and astrophysicist. He is remembered for work in theoretical astrophysics and other topics, as well as for his 1962 book on extraterrestrial life, the revised and expanded version of which was co-authored by American astronomer Carl Sagan in 1966 as Intelligent Life in the Universe.
He won the Lenin Prize in 1960 and the Bruce Medal in 1972. Asteroid 2849 Shklovskij and the crater Shklovsky (on the Martian moon Phobos) are named in his honor. He was a Corresponding Member of Soviet Academy of Sciences beginning in 1966.
Shklovsky was born in Hlukhiv, a city in the Ukrainian part of the Russian Empire, into a poor Ukrainian Jewish family. After graduating from the seven-year secondary school, he worked as a foreman on building Baikal Amur Mainline. In 1933 Shklovsky entered the Physico-Mathematical Faculty of the Moscow State University.
There he studied until 1938, when he took a Postgraduate Course at the Astrophysics Department of the Sternberg State Astronomical Institute and remained working in the Institute until the end of his life. He died in Moscow, aged 68.
He specialized in theoretical astrophysics and radio astronomy, as well as the Sun's corona, supernovae, and cosmic rays and their origins. He showed, in 1946, that the radio-wave radiation from the Sun emanates from the ionized layers of its corona, and he developed a mathematical method for discriminating between thermal and nonthermal radio waves in the Milky Way. He is noted especially for his suggestion that the radiation from the Crab Nebula is due to synchrotron radiation, in which unusually energetic electrons twist through magnetic fields at speeds close to that of light. Shklovsky proposed that cosmic rays from supernova explosions within 300 light years of the sun could have been responsible for some of the mass extinctions of life on earth.
In 1959 Shklovsky examined the orbital motion of Mars's inner satellite Phobos. He concluded that its orbit was decaying, and noted that if this decay was attributed to friction with the Martian atmosphere, then the satellite must have an exceptionally low density. In this context he voiced a suggestion that Phobos might be hollow, and possibly of artificial origin. This interpretation has since been refuted by more detailed study, but the apparent suggestion of extraterrestrial involvement caught the public imagination, though there is some disagreement as to how seriously Shklovsky intended the idea to be taken. However, Shklovsky and Carl Sagan argued for serious consideration of "paleocontact" with extraterrestrials in the early historical era, and for examination of myths and religious lore for evidence of such contact.
His 1962 book, Вселенная, жизнь, разум (Universe, Life, Intelligence), was expanded upon and reissued in 1966 with American astronomer Carl Sagan as co-author under the title Intelligent Life in the Universe (1966). This was the first comprehensive discussion of this field. Discussing the biological as well as astronomical issues of the subject, its unique format, alternating paragraphs written by Shklovsky and Sagan, demonstrated the deep mutual regard between the two and allowed them to express their views without compromise.
In the September 1965 issue of Soviet Life, he made the following statement regarding prospects for the future of humanity:
- Profound crises lie in wait for a developing civilization and one of them may well prove fatal. We are already familiar with several such critical (situations):
- (a) Self-destruction as a result of a thermonuclear catastrophe or some other discovery which may have unpredictable and uncontrollable consequences.
- (b) Genetic danger.
- (c) Overproduction of information.
- (d) Restricted capacity of the individual's brain which can lead to excessive specialization, with consequent dangers of degeneration.
- (e) A crisis precipitated by the creation of artificial intelligent beings.
His memoir, Five Billion Vodka Bottles to the Moon: Tales of a Soviet Scientist, was published posthumously in 1991 by W.W. Norton & Co.
In “Five Billion Vodka Bottles to the Moon,” Shklovsky recalled his visit to Philip Morrison, who in 1959 had co-authored with Cornell University colleague Giuseppe Cocconi the paper in Nature magazine which marks the beginning of the modern search for extraterrestrial life, and their discussion of such issues. Bitter over Soviet anti-semitism, of the five pioneer investigators of the field, Cocconi, Morrison, Cornell University's Frank Drake (of the 1961 Project Ozma and the Drake equation), Sagan, and Shklovsky, Shklovsky was quite aware of sharing his Jewish identity with Sagan. Indeed, Sagan's Jewish heritage was also Ukrainian Jewish.
He was known for his sharp wit and extreme likability. Colleagues in the astronomy department at the University of California, Berkeley, remember fondly his visit there in the 1970s. Well known for his Intelligent Life in the Universe, he was asked by a graduate student if UFO sightings are as common in the Soviet Union as in the United States. "No," he replied. "In this area the Americans are far more advanced than us."
- I.S. Shklovsky: Cosmic Radio Waves, Cambridge, Harvard University Press, 1960
- I.S. Shklovsky: Вселенная, жизнь, разум (English: Universe, Life, Intelligence), Moscow, USSR Academy of Sciences Publisher, 1962
- I.S. Shklovsky: Physics of the Solar Corona, Pergamon Press, Oxford, UK, 1965
- I.S. Shklovskii, Supernovae, New York: Wiley, 1968
- I.S. Shklovsky: Stars: Their Birth, Life, Death,San Francisco, 1978, ISBN 0-7167-0024-7
- I.S. Shklovsky: Five Billion Vodka Bottles to the Moon: Tales of a Soviet Scientist, W.W. Norton & Company, 1991.
- Shklovski, I.S and Carl Sagan. Intelligent Life in the Universe. San Francisco: Holden-Day, 1966.
- Shklovsky, I.S. (April 1967), "On the Nature of the Source of X-Ray Emission of SCO XR-1", Astrophys. J., 148 (1): L1–L4, Bibcode:1967ApJ...148L...1S, doi:10.1086/180001
- NSA Technical Journal, Winter 1966 - Vol. XI, No. 1: Communications with Extraterrestrial Intelligence | <urn:uuid:a1f581a7-9794-406d-98cc-375ed9300f5a> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iosif_Samuilovich_Shklovsky | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281419.3/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00488-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937157 | 1,624 | 2.109375 | 2 |
Did you know that 60 million Americans are exposed to unclean drinking water each year? This is a frighteningly high number considering the many health complications contaminated water causes. Are you thinking about installing a water treatment system? We offer water filtration system installation and repair services for homes in areas of Pennsylvania such as Havertown, Ardmore, Broomall, Drexel Hill, and West Chester.
Most contaminated drinking water doesn’t have a different appearance in comparison to clean water. Lead, arsenic, and mercury are all odorless and tasteless. Your water could be polluted without you knowing it. Performing a reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration system installation is a great way to keep your water safe. Reverse osmosis systems eliminate a large number of water contaminants.
TYPES OF FILTERS
- The sediment filter removes dirt and rust particles
- Carbon filter(s) remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorine, and other odor-causing contaminants
- The semi-permeable membrane removes total dissolved solids (TDS) like water treatment chemicals and farming run-off
Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are designed to pump water through these filters. Water that passes through the semi-permeable membrane is drinkable. The remaining contaminated water in the system flushes away. We offer dependable installation and repair services for reverse osmosis water filtration systems. Give our team of licensed technicians a call to become familiar with ways to improve the quality of your water.
CONTAMINANTS REMOVED BY REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS
Reverse osmosis water systems that are equipped with a carbon filter eliminate a large number of contaminants in comparison to other types of filters. They’re so effective they can remove up to 98% of total dissolved solids from your drinking water. Our staff of licensed plumbers offer reliable replacement and installation services for reverse osmosis water filtration systems. Give our team a call at (484) 922-8126 to become familiar with different types of water treatment systems.
TYPES OF CONTAMINANTS REMOVED FROM WATER BY REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS
A reverse osmosis filtration system can be installed directly beneath your sink to treat the water you drink. Staying safe from contaminated water doesn’t mean simply drinking filtered water. What about the water you use to bathe and wash clothes? A whole-home filtration system is designed to extract impurities from the water that flows from each of the fixtures in your home. Our team of licensed plumbers offers replacement and repair services for whole-house water filtration systems in areas such as Ardmore, Havertown, Broomall, and Drexel Hill. We are committed to improving the quality of your water.
BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN A WHOLE-HOUSE WATER FILTER SYSTEM
A whole-house system improves your quality of life far beyond providing clean drinking water. To help you determine if it’s time to improve the quality of your water, we have created a list of benefits of purchasing a water filter system.
- Prevents bacteria growth
- Improves flavor of food, drinks, and ice
- Increases health of hair and skin
- Reduces frequency of filter changes and need for water filtration repair
HOW DOES A WHOLE-HOUSE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM WORK?
A whole-house filtration system, also known as a point of entry system (POE), prevents contaminated water from entering your home. These systems are installed on the main water line to extract contaminants from water before it enters your house. All water passes through the system before its distribution to your fixtures and appliances.
STAGE 1: SEDIMENT FILTRATION
The first stage of sediment filtration removes visible particulate matter from your water. Untreated water from your main-line first passes through a 5-micron filter. A micron is a unit measuring particle size, and these filters come in two forms, nominal and absolute.
- Nominal filters capture 90% of particles 5 microns or larger
- Absolute filters capture 95% of everything 5 microns or larger
Once the sediment is removed from your water, the incoming water from your sink and fixtures will be less cloudy and safer to drink. No chemicals are removed during the first stage of the water treatment process. We offer water filtration system repair and installation services to homes in Ardmore and other areas in Pennsylvania. Removing sediment from your water keeps your system running efficiently.
STAGE 2: MINERAL FILTRATION
After the water passes through sediment filters, it is circulated to a copper-zinc mineral filter. This filter removes chlorine, heavy metals, microbes, and bacteria using Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) media placed within the filter.
- Kinetic Degradation Fluxion media is a combination of high-purity zinc and copper granules
- Removes harmful compounds through redox chemical reaction
- Eliminates heavy metals like nickel and mercury through a chemical bond
- Kills bacteria and fungi
- May prevent limescale in pipes
Kinetic Degradation Fluxion media comes in various forms with a specific filtration designation. The type of media in your water filtration system will vary depending on what you need to remove from your water.
- KDF 55 media removes chlorine and heavy metals
- KDF 85 media extracts or reduces hydrogen and iron
- KDF-F (fine) media removes chlorine and bacteria
- KDF-C (coarse) media mitigates soluble heavy metals and chlorine
STAGE 3: ACTIVATED CARBON FILTRATION
The activated carbon filtration process involves distributing sediment-free water over a porous carbon surface. This activated carbon, made from a catalytic coconut shell, acts as a sponge for hydrophobic contaminants.
THIS STAGE OF HOME WATER FILTRATION REMOVES:
- Hydrogen Sulfide
- Suspended solids
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Dissolved solid contaminants
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
When the water contacts activated carbon, contaminants become trapped in the carbon’s pores. These contaminants are dissolved into the carbon or locked into the pores.
STAGE 4: ULTRAVIOLET PURIFICATION
The final stage of home water filtration is ultraviolet purification. Ultraviolet purification uses UV light to eliminate 99% of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
- E Coli
Ultraviolet purification as an added safeguard costs very little to maintain. The bulbs need changing once a year or less. The light won’t affect the odor or taste of the water. The water treatment process will vary depending on the type of water purification system you purchase. Our staff of local plumbers will help you choose a filtration system that is designed to remove the specific types of contaminants in your water. We offer replacement and repair services for water treatment systems. Give our team of technicians a call at (484) 922-8126 to become familiar with types of treatment systems.
WATER SOFTENER SYSTEMS
One of the most common water filtration issues is hard water. Hard water is water that contains a high level of minerals. The large concentration of minerals in water can ruin water filtration systems by leaving large calcium or limestone deposits. If you’re worried about the negative effects of hard water on your filtration system, our team of plumbers can help you choose and install a water softener in your home. Give our staff a call at (484) 922-8126 to talk with an expert about the cost and benefits of installing a water softener system.
ORDINARY SIGNS OF HARD WATER
Hard water’s high mineral content does provide moderate health benefits. On the other hand, the effects of hard water outweigh the benefits. To help you decide whether or not to purchase a water softener, we have compiled a list of the symptoms of hard water in a home.
- Soap scum on dishes or drains
- Lack of suds when using soap
- Flat and filmy hair
- Dry and rough skin
BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER
Why should you install a water softener? Other than protecting your pipes, there are a wide variety of benefits of purchasing a water softener system. A water softener will:
- Aid soaps and detergents to get your body and clothes clean
- Add volume to your hair by aiding your shampoos and removing layers film of film in your hair
- Reduce the chances of clogged pipes
- Protect the life of your water heater and other appliances
- Removes radium 228 and 226 from your water
WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT & REPAIR SERVICES
Too many Americans are exposed to contaminated water each year. Do you want to keep yourself and your family safe? Talk with a licensed plumber on our team about the best type of water filtration system for your household. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in installing water softener systems, reverse osmosis filters, and custom whole-home systems. We offer water treatment systems to homes in areas of Pennsylvania such as Wayne, Newton Square, Drexel Hill, Havertown, and Ardmore.
Call us at 508-881-1500 for fast, reliable emergency Plumbing services! Find your local Maitz today for fast, reliable emergency Plumbing services in your area! | <urn:uuid:85b84c06-7f80-493c-9290-7e3d8965fa7c> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.maitzhomeservices.com/plumbing/water-filtration-systems/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571190.0/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810131127-20220810161127-00068.warc.gz | en | 0.906992 | 2,102 | 1.953125 | 2 |
Having a discoverable API makes it easier for your users to understand and build mental models of your application. New data and relationships can be found without the user knowing of their existence. It also makes it easy to inline documentation with links to external documentation.
When designing Web APIs, many constraints and factors affect the decisions we make as software architects and developers. Some of these constraints are internal (like what tools and libraries are available within our tech stacks), and others external (like choosing a representational format easy for clients to consume, such as JSON). Regardless of the specific constraints facing each API designer, we almost universally want our Web APIs to be easy to use, flexible, and consistent. This article by Jordan Ambra does a great job of explaining these "golden rules" we all hope to follow as API designers.
The best Web APIs allow API users to use a service with minimum effort and knowledge of the system. Presenting the API user with only the information required to perform a task at hand, with links to related information that they may be interested in, allows for the user to focus on using your API to do what they need to do at the moment while having enough context to learn more about your API should the need arise. This scheme leads to APIs that are discoverable: API users can interact with your API from a single entry point in a way that requires little to no prior knowledge, and "discover" the rest of your API as needed.
Having a discoverable API makes it easier for your API users to understand, build mental models of your application and its data. New data and relationships can be found, even without the user knowing of their existence. It also makes it easy to inline documentation with links to external documentation. Client applications built on discoverable APIs have simplified logic since the responsibility of creating link URLs remains with your API, meaning as your API changes and evolves, it's easier to change your URL-structure without breaking client applications.
An architectural style for discoverable APIs
Okay, we can't discuss discoverable APIs without talking about REST. The Representational State Transfer architectural style introduced by Roy Fielding, specifically its Uniform interface constraint, describes a powerful scheme to design discoverable APIs that has influenced virtually every discoverable API. The Uniform interface constraint introduced key concepts of a resource, resource identifier, resource representation and hypermedia controls to describe discoverable distributed systems. I'll be using these concepts, especially through the Richardson Maturity Model to describe an architectural style for asynchronous event-driven APIs. Let's go through these concepts in the context of a synchronous RESTful HTTP system first to familiarize ourselves with the concepts before we go asynchronous.
The Richardson Maturity Model breaks down the core elements of a REST architecture into three steps.
The most basic concept of a REST style API is the concept of a resource. We think about our system as a collection of resources, each resource being a logical entity within the system with a unique resource identifier. Each resource has a resource representation exposing its data in an agreed representation format. A resource can be manipulated using verbs acting on its identifier.
In an HTTP context, our resource identifiers are URLs referencing our resources. We return resource representations as HTTP responses with a chosen content-type like JSON or XML.
Resources within our system can be manipulated using verbs. Verbs define the actions we allow API users to perform on our resources. The REST styles a finite set of verbs to manipulate resources uniformly.
In an HTTP context, we can use the four main HTTP methods,
DELETE as verbs
to fetch, create, update and delete resources respectively.
Hypermedia controls are the final and most consequential concept for RESTful APIs. Hypermedia controls are what make REST APIs discoverable; by including references to a resource and other related resources in its representation and specifying what verbs can act on the resource, we control what actions an API user can take on within our system and can selectively expose information related to the user's context.
In an HTTP context, our resource representation can include the URL identifiers of related resources, the HTTP methods the user can use to send HTTP requests to those URLs, as well as additional information like external links to documentation.
What about asynchronous APIs?
The REST architectural style isn't specific to HTTP or any concrete application-level protocol. At ChatKitty, we applied RESTful principles to develop StompX - a convention for asynchronous event-driven APIs that extends the Simple Text Oriented Messaging Protocol (STOMP) with RESTful concepts and discoverability. REST has been applied extensively to synchronous HTTP APIs with formats and media types like HAL providing concrete conventions and structure for RESTful APIs. As real-time applications become more popular, we believe it's important to have an open standard and conventions to represent resources, their relationships and actions with a REST style to build flexible, open and discoverable APIs.
StompX is a simple set of conventions that gives a consistent and convenient way to hyperlink between resources in asynchronous event-driven APIs and discover actions that can be taken on those resources. StompX provides an opinionated set of conventions, rules, and structures for creating event-driven APIs that are compatible with the Richardson Maturity Model using the STOMP protocol as its underlying messaging protocol.
StompX is based on the concept of resources; the logical entities within your application and their representations. A StompX messaging API returns resource representations inside the text body of a STOMP message frame, inside of an event or relay event. A StompX resource representation is a normal JSON object with your resource state as you would have it any JSON response, as well as metadata providing information about how to fetch more data, take actions, and listen to events related to the resource and other relevant resources.
API users manipulate StompX resources using actions. Unlike in an HTTP RESTful where there are a few verbs, a StompX API consists of multiple actions, each corresponding to a real-world action a user can take to interact with resources within the system. Actions performed changes the state of your application and can trigger API events. API clients perform actions by sending STOMP send frames to an action destination with a JSON text body containing parameters required to perform the action.
Since you can't be event-driven without events, events are first class citizens in StompX APIs. API events
inform your users what happens in your system and allows them to react in real-time.
A StompX event has a type tied to a specific type of action, is always triggered by an action previously
performed and embeds an API resource that was a consequence of causing the action. API users can subscribe
to API topics, listen to events of a specific type and asynchronously perform their own actions as a result.
When an action occurs and triggers an API event, the event is sent via a
MESSAGE frame to API users subscribed
to a topic related to the event.
A StompX resource that can be acted on may expose one or more topics. A StompX topic is a STOMP destination that API users can subscribe to receive events related to the resources. Events sent to a topic may have multiples types but can only embed resources of the same type. API clients can subscribe to a topic while they're interested in events related to the topic and unsubscribe once they are no longer in receiving new events.
Relays let you fetch resources and retrieve data asynchronously using a request-reply pattern. Relay acts like a special action/topic/event, where you subscribe to a relay destination, it triggers a relay event with the data you requested, and automatically unsubscribes you from the relay destination.
Like RESTful APIs, StompX resource representations include hypermedia controls to be discoverable. Resources representations embed the actions, topics, relays relevant to themselves, allowing the API user to traverse through the API.
The StompX specification at this point is still very informal and incomplete. We've been using StompX both internally and externally with our Open Chat API, and we plan on formalizing the specification. As web APIs move towards asynchronous and event-driven architectures, we hope StompX can provide an open and easy way for messaging services to communicate. | <urn:uuid:890ac5d0-80c5-448c-8ca8-8058bb026bd3> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://chatkitty.com/blog/designing-discoverable-event-driven-apis-for-reactive-apps | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571869.23/warc/CC-MAIN-20220813021048-20220813051048-00071.warc.gz | en | 0.912213 | 1,732 | 1.96875 | 2 |
Being a manly man means many things.
Having a man cave, building things with your hands, drinking beer, and eating red meat all qualify as manly man-tivities. Red-blooded dudes of the past have demonstrated the ultimate exercise in machismo: dying with panache.
We’ve gathered our favorite last words of resolute manly men who have passed out of this life.
“I should have never switched from scotch to martinis.” – Humphrey Bogart, the patron saint of manliness.
“This is a hell of a way to die.” – General George S. Patton. He died in a car accident en route to a hunting excursion. Far from the glorious departing that the lifetime soldier imagined for himself. Still… going on a hunting excursion is pretty darn butch.
“Gentlemen, I bid you farewell.” – Wallace Hartley, bandmaster of the RMS Titanic. His band continued to play as the ship sank in order to keep passengers calm. A Gentleman if there ever was one.
“I wish I’d drunk more champagne” – John Maynard Keynes, a British economist with a long and impressive resume only wanted more of the finer things in life. We think this is the sign of a truly refined gentleman.
“More weight!” – Giles Corey. First of all, “Giles” is the manliest name we’ve heard in a while. He was tried and sentenced to death during the Salem witch trials. Executed by being crushed under a pile of rocks, his last words reflected his stubbornness.
“It’s stopped.” - Joseph Henry Green, upon checking his own pulse.
”My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.” - Oscar Wilde. Contrary to popular belief, taking an interest in interior decorating is extremely manly. Just look at Bob Vila.
“I’ve had eighteen whiskeys. I think that’s the record.” – Dylan Thomas. After contracting a chest infection, Thomas decided to spend all day in bed drinking whiskey. He then went to a local bar and continued to drink. He contracted pneumonia and died. Thomas’ wife’s first words after hearing of his illness were “Is the bloody man dead yet?”
“Hurry it up you Hoosier bastard! I could hang a dozen men while you’re screwing around.”- Carl Panzram. Executed by hanging, this serial killer had a real bone to pick with Indianans. Yikes.
“I’d hate to die twice. It’s so boring.” - Richard Feynman. This brilliant physicist and quantum mechanic just wanted to die like all manly men desire to: quickly. | <urn:uuid:db0e7e9d-7ca8-4233-b046-213ec5f83c68> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://931jackfm.cbslocal.com/2012/05/16/the-manliest-last-words-ever-spoken/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283008.19/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00082-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.956995 | 616 | 1.523438 | 2 |
CRANSTON – Rhode Island’s unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent for February, as the number of employed Rhode Island residents rose by 1,300 from January, representing a fairly good-news month for the state as it still struggles to recover from the economic downturn, the R.I. Department of Labor and Training announced Thursday.
February’s unemployment rate fell four-tenths of a percentage point from January and represented a 1.3 percentage point decline from the 10.7 percent rate in February 2012.
The number of employed residents stood at 508,200 for February, the highest employment level since February 2009.
The number of unemployed Rhode Island residents – those who are available for and actively seeking employment - fell 1,900 from January 2013 and represented the eighth consecutive monthly decrease and the lowest unemployment level since November 2008.
Job gains were seen in the health care and social assistance sector , professional and business services , other services , and transportation and utilities .
Losses were seen in accommodation and food services [1,600], retail trade , educational services , manufacturing , construction , and wholesale trade .
A smaller loss of 100 jobs was seen in the financial activities, government, arts, entertainment and recreation, and mining sectors.
Manufacturing production workers in February earned $18.72 per hour, an 11 cent per hour gain from January and a 63 cent increase from February 2012.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 7.7 percent for February, down two-tenths of a percentage point from January and below the 8.3 percent rate in February 2012. | <urn:uuid:b4d8a676-cc99-405b-ad5b-962e72f67af0> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.pbn.com/RI-jobless-rate-falls-to-94,87261?category_id=31&list_type=featured&sub_type=stories,packages | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988720238.63/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183840-00189-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972441 | 329 | 1.765625 | 2 |
Image: Rainer Zenz
If you live in the South, the Midwest, or on the East Coast, watch out for Romaine lettuce: It’s been recalled. Freshway, which provided the lettuce, issued the recall. The lettuce has made 19 people in New York, Ohio, and Michigan sick; 12 of those people were hospitalized. The Christian Science Monitor has the story:
A lettuce recall is causing wholesalers, restaurants, delis, and grocery stores in 23 states to pull romaine products off their shelves.
While these companies are expected to pull most of the suspect lettuce before it reaches consumers, consumers should watch out for so-called “grab and go” salads containing romaine lettuce sold at in-store salad bars and delis at Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns.
The romaine lettuce comes from Freshway Foods and is sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands in Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
They have a “use by” date of May 12 or earlier. Consumers who have such salads from Freshway should throw them away, the company says. Consumers with questions can call the company at 888-361-7106 on weekdays (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT) or visit its website for updates (www.freshwayfoods.com).
This isn’t the first time bagged lettuce has made people sick. In separate instances in 2006, Dole bagged salads and spinach were both found to contain E.Coli. Although that was four years ago, nobody has figured out how E.Coli gets into lettuce. Experts theorize that it could have to do with the way lettuce is cut, animal waste in crop water, and bird droppings on crops. But nobody knows for sure.
Here’s hoping they find out this time around. | <urn:uuid:eaff0c26-4f52-4217-b638-4268670d2611> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.businesspundit.com/romaine-lettuce-recalled-for-e-coli/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280364.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00036-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.925029 | 455 | 2.03125 | 2 |
Select an organization with which you are familiar. Prepare a response in which you address the following as it relates to that organization:
- Examine the roles and responsibilities of leaders in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture
- Differentiate between management and leadership.
- Describe the roles that organizational managers and leaders play in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture.
- Explain how the four functions of management support the creation and maintenance of a healthy organizational culture.
- Recommend at least two strategies that organizational managers and leaders can use to create and maintain a healthy organizational culture. Support your recommendations with the concepts discussed in class and in the text, as well as your personal experiences.
Be sure to cite at least two sources.
A Research Paper on
Wal-Mart Management, Leadership
and Organizational Culture
I. Differentiate Between Management and Leadership
At Wal-Mart, management is a mixture of controls and standards with a certain degree of freedom for everyone to be able to test on new things and continue to innovate for improvement. The company has excellent controls and they make the company good. Management strategy is built on teams and the leaders go through the process of working with their team members. Leaders go with the group and after every major operation, they all sit down together to analyze the strengths and improve on the weaknesses of the endeavor. Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart, introduced some of the basic concepts of management which were popular with employees until the present. He offered stock options and store discounts to his employees. Walton believed that teams will always do better than individuals hence; he has always tried his best to make his employees happy since happy employees make happy customers and more sales. Another reason is that he believes that the employees would care about the company more when they are a part of it and their success is dependent on the company's success. At Wal-Mart, management encourages their employees to be open to talk and air out their concerns and problems. This is what they call the "open door policy" management style.
"Leadership is an organizational role involving establishing a clear vision, communicating the vision with others so that others will follow willingly, providing information, knowledge, and methods to realize that vision, and coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members or stakeholders" (Business dictionary, 2009). Leadership at Wal-Mart is shown with the way their leaders keep people focused on the goals and mission of the company and motivating them and being with them to overcome the obstacles. Members are called associates and leaders are very active in implementing the organization's plans. Walton used the charismatic style of leadership which creates wonderful morale to the staff by giving all the kinds of support for the whole team in accomplishing its goal. Walton also uses a leadership that involves any person at any level in the organization to become a leader and this leader tries his best to meet the needs of the team. This is called the servant leadership style. And it is manifested in the way the teams in the organization get together and help each other with the goals of improving team performance. Leaders also encourage their team members to be open with any concern that they have. To differentiate the two terms, Management is the planning and organizing of the company's vision and mission which shapes their organizational culture while Leadership is the way their leaders implement their management plans. The management and leadership styles at Wal-Mart contribute so much to the success of the organization.
II. The Roles and Responsibilities of Organizational Leaders in Organizational Culture.
Sam Walton developed the principles for which Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. are going to carry out every day in order to create a unique corporate culture which is the key to Wal-Mart's competitive advantage. Management believes that ...
The solution is at least 1,750 words, examines the roles and responsibilities of leaders in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture, differentiates management and leadership, roles that managers play in a healthy culture and the four functions of management support maintenance of a healthy organizational culture. References included. | <urn:uuid:84332852-ef86-4a81-ae76-58dce39b8fc4> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://brainmass.com/business/entrepreneurial-issues/wal-mart-management-and-leadership-paper-242077 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280065.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00547-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.965107 | 809 | 3.234375 | 3 |
Marijuana, Reproduction, and Pregnancy
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug among women of reproductive age or by women who are pregnant.
It is difficult to be certain about the specific effects of marijuana on pregnancy and the developing fetus, in part because those who use it often use other drugs as well, including tobacco, alcohol, as well as the influence of social and genetic factors13, and ethical and practical problems in conducting prospective longitudinal studies. We don't know enough yet to be certain about all of the possible risks. We do know that THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, crosses the placental barrier and is secreted into breastmilk of nursing mothers8. This raises important concerns about the potential impact of maternal marijuana use on the developing child, so to be safe, it is strongly recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers do not use marijuana.
Can Marijuana Use Affect Fertility?
Heavy use of marijuana has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women. In women, there is evidence that marijuana use may disrupt the menstrual cycle. In men, a number of studies have found a connection between marijuana use and reduced fertility in men7. Men who smoke marijuana frequently have significantly less seminal fluid, a lower total sperm count, and their sperm behave abnormally, all of which may affect fertility adversely. Marijuana use can also disrupt in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, resulting in fewer eggs retrieved and lower chance of fertilization. In one study, women smoking marijuana 1 year before attempting IVF had 25% fewer eggs retrieved and fewer fertilized16. These factors can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.
Can Marijuana Use Affect Pregnancy?
THC is known to pass from the mother to the developing fetus through the placenta24. This means that the fetus is affected by any amount of marijuana taken by the pregnant woman, placing it at a greater risk of complications occurring. Secondhand marijuana smoke may result in illness or altered consciousness in infants and young children25. The effect of the passive inhalation of marijuana as a result of breathing in the smoke of others is not quantified, but has been associated with altered consciousness in the infant25 and should be avoided. Any form of smoking can disrupt the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, which can result in restrictions in the growth of the fetus including overall length, foot length, head size and body weight13.
Mothers using marijuana to treat medical conditions, like chronic pain, should discontinue use while they are pregnant until more information about the potential harms is available. While the use of marijuana appears to relieve reported symptoms of nausea during pregnancy (though it didn't impact the rate of vomiting)4, women should be aware of the fact it has unproven fetal safety and other treatments for morning sickness may be safer. Although marijuana has not been implicated as an agent that causes birth defects17, there is evidence for adverse neuro-developmental effects after prenatal exposure5,9.
Can Marijuana Use Affect the Baby?
Adverse fetal outcomes related to marijuana use during pregnancy remain unclear. There is some evidence, however, that women who use marijuana during pregnancy are more likely to experience placental complications21 and give birth to babies with lower birth weight14,12; temporary poor autonomic control, particularly in terms of regulating their alertness19; and a "hole in the heart"(ventricular septal defect)23.
Research suggests that, at ages three to four years, children of mothers who used marijuana while pregnant have poorer verbal, memory and reasoning ability; poorer motor skills and shorter length of play; and are more likely to be fearful, impulsive, inattentive, hyperactive and delinquent6. These difficulties appear to persist into adolescence, when they may be accompanied by increased depression and anxiety, along with reading and spelling problems and general underachievement at school6. Such deficits may also continue into early adulthood, along with an increased risk for initiation of tobacco and marijuana use19,20.
In addition, there exists some evidence that mothers' marijuana use during pregnancy increases the risk of their children developing childhood cancers, including non-lymphoblastic leukemia, rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare, highly malignant tumor that can occur anywhere in the body), and astrocytoma (a type of brain tumor)11.
Preliminary research suggests that fathers' marijuana use in the year prior to their children's birth is associated with an increased risk of rhabdomyosarcoma in their children10, and that fathers' marijuana use during conception, pregnancy, or post-natally may be associated with an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in their infants15.
Can Marijuana Use Affect Breast Milk?
When a breastfeeding mother uses marijuana, THC passes into the breast milk and thus into the baby, where it can be stored in the baby's fatty tissue for several weeks. Infants exposed to THC through breast milk experience increased tremors, poor sucking, slow weight gain, and poor feeding in the first month of life18,22. Studies have also suggested marijuana exposure through breast milk could decrease motor development of the child at one year of age8, but little is known for sure about the adverse effects of postnatal marijuana exposure through breastfeeding because of a lack of studies in lactating women.
More research is needed to be certain of the risks to infants from breast milk containing THC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that women avoid breastfeeding it they consistently or heavily use marijuana1,2.
Concerned About Your or Your Partner's Use?
A woman planning to become, or already pregnant, and her partner are both advised to stop using marijuana and to talk to a health care provider openly about past use and the potential risks of continued use. Your health care provider needs a complete history in order to best provide you with the care you, your partner, and your baby need. They will also be able to help, or refer you to someone else who can help, you or your partner cut down or quit marijuana use.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Policy statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics 2012;129(3):e827-e841. View abstract
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Committee on Obstetric Practice: Committee Opinion on Marijuana use During Pregnancy and Lactation. Number 637, July 2015. Free online >
- Campolongo P, Trezza V, Ratano P, et al. Developmental consequences of perinatal cannabis exposure: behavioral and neuroendocrine effects in adult rodents. Psychopharmacology 2010;214(1), 5–15. Free online
- Chandra K, Ho E, Sarkar M, et al. Characteristics of women using marijuana in pregnancy and their reported effects on symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: A prospective, controlled cohort study. J FAST Int 2003;1:e13. Free online
- Dahl RE, Scher MS, et al. A longitudinal study of prenatal marijuana use. Effects on sleep and arousal at age 3 years. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 1995;149:145-50. View abstract
- Faden VB, Graubard BI. Maternal substance use during pregnancy and developmental outcome at age three. J Subst Abse 2000;12(4):329-40. View abstract
- Fronczak CM, Kim ED, Barqawi AB. The insults of illicit drug use on male fertility [Review]. Journal of Andrology 2012;33(4):515-528. Free online
- Garry A, et al. Cannabis and breastfeeding. J Toxicol 2009;2009:596149. View abstract
- Goldschmidt L, Day NL, et al. Effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on child behavior problems at age 10. Neurotox Teratol 2000;22:325036. View abstract
- Grufferman S, et al Parents’ use of cocaine and marijuana and increased risk of rhabdomyosarcoma in their children. Cancer Causes Control 1993;4(3):217-24. View abstract
- Huang YH, et al. An epidemiologic review of marijuana and cancer: an update. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev.2015;24(1):15-31. View abstract
- Huizink AC. Prenatal cannabis exposure and infant outcomes: overview of studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014;52:45-52. View abstract
- Jaques SC, et al. Cannabis, the pregnant woman and her child: Weeding out the myths. Journal of Perinatology 2014;34:417-424. View abstract
- Janisse JJ, Bailey BA, Ager J, Sokol RJ. Alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, and marijuana use: relative contributions to preterm delivery and fetal growth restriction. Subst Abuse 2014;35(1):60-7. View abstract
- Klonoff-Cohen H, Lam-Kruglick P. Maternal and paternal recreational drug use and sudden infant death syndrome. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2001;155(7):765-770. View abstract
- Klonoff-Cohen HS, Natarajan L, Chen RV. A prospective study of the effects of female and male marijuana use on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) outcomes. Am J Obst Gynecol 2006;194(2):369-76. View abstract
- Lee MJ. Marihuana & tobacco use in pregnancy. Obst Gyn Clin N Amer 1998;25(1):65-81
- Miller CW. Marijuana use and breastfeeding. Clinical Lactation 2012;3-3:102-107. Free online
- Minnes S, Lang A, Singer L. Prenatal tobacco, marijuana, stimulant, and opiate exposure: outcomes and practice implications. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2011;6(1):57–70. Free online
- Sonon KE, Richardson GA, Cornelius JR, Kim KH, Day NL. Prenatal marijuana exposure predicts marijuana use in young adulthood. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015;47:10-5. View abstract
- Warner TD, Roussos-Ross D, Behnke M. It’s not your mother’s marijuana: effects on maternal-fetal health and the developing child. Clin Perinatol 2014;41(4):877-94. View abstract
- Washington State Dept. of Health. Substance Abuse During Pregnancy: Guidelines for Screening and Management, rev. 2015.
- Williams LJ, Correa A, Rasmussen S. Maternal lifestyle factors and risk for ventricular septal defects. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol 2004;70(2):59-64. View abstract
- Wu CS, Jew CP,Lu, HC. Lasting impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure and the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the developing brain. Future Neurology 2011;6(4): 459–480. Free online
- Zarfin Y, Yefet E, Abozaid S et al. Infant with altered consciousness after cannabis passive inhalation. Child Abuse Negl 2012; 36(2), 81–83. View abstract
This information adapted with permission from the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre in Australia. | <urn:uuid:76768bcc-21f4-4156-a7c3-02167e93a7be> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://adai.washington.edu/marijuana/factsheets/reproduction.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988719468.5/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183839-00530-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.900142 | 2,375 | 2.5 | 2 |
The need to develop nurses as managers and leaders is crucial to the retention of registered nurses at a time of work force shortages and an increasingly aging work force in most Western industrialized countries. This article describes a creative and collaborative educational initiative developed at a large regional teaching hospital in New South Wales, Australia, designed to address this need. Based on a competency assessment process designed around face-to-face education, resource materials, and individualized mentoring from nurse unit managers, the aim of this multifaceted educational program is to develop effective team leaders in the clinical setting as well as a new generation of nursing leaders.
Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing Vol. 40, Issue 12, p. 571-576 | <urn:uuid:132437a1-55fd-49c6-9dd4-d2733898c337> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:7965?exact=type%3A%22journal+article%22&f0=subject%3A%22New+South+Wales%22 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280310.48/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00181-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.956802 | 143 | 2 | 2 |
AccuSnap – Cycle through all elements within range
In MicroStation V8i an enhancement has been made to AccuSnap to make it easier to snap to the desired element when there are multiple elements within range of your snap tolerance. Simply use the <Tab> key on your keyboard to cycle through the elements with range.
Snap to first element
- Turn on AccuSnap
- Select the Place SmartLine command (or other command that supports AccuSnap).
- Move the mouse to the target location and let AccuSnap automatically snap to the first element it finds.
Snap to subsequent elements in range
- Set MicroStation’s input focus is set to the Home position by pressing the <Esc> key on your keyboard
- Press the <Tab> key on your keyboard.
- AccuSnap will snap to the next element within range.
- Continue pressing the <Tab> key until the desired element is identified, accept the location with <D> button and continue drafting.
- If there are no more elements within range pressing the <Tab> key again will result in no elements being identified.
- Press the <Tab> key again to restart the snap cycle. | <urn:uuid:3de3abf9-669e-425f-b0f4-6cabe70c19b9> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://envisioncad.com/tips/accusnap-%E2%80%93-cycle-through-all-elements-within-range/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280891.90/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00156-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.841486 | 246 | 2.03125 | 2 |
“Action Every Minute! Tension Every Hour!” a slogan on Shaw Brothers Studios’ The Invincible Fist trailer promises. Shaw Brothers’ kung fu movies were lavish action-packed spectacles, but the story of their making is also epic, and one of twists and turns.
“An Adventure in A Million!” (The Golden Swallow)
In the 1960s, Hong Kong based Shaw Brothers Studios revolutionised martial arts filmmaking. Movie mogul Sir Run Run Shaw developed a production model to churn out handsome blockbusters quickly and cheaply. An assembly line approach kept his filmmakers busy – they made over 1000 films in two decades – but access to an extraordinary pool of resources meant they could “ask for the moon”. This book is a case study exploring how a brilliant, driven entrepreneur and his audaciously creative filmmakers conducted a bold experiment in business and movie-making innovation.
“A Result of Intensive Research” (Five Element Ninjas), Ask for the Moon will provide “An Unusual and Dramatic Tale” (Golden Swallow) for chop socky tragics, pop culture aficionados, and students of business model innovation alike.
“Female Knight’s Exciting Exploits!” (Come Drink with Me)
Author Meredith Lewis has more than 30 years’ experience as a performer, choreographer, trainer, events manager, and project manager in the arts, tertiary, and community sectors. In writing this book she has drawn on her experiences of working with creative teams to produce innovative content, and a long-standing passion for martial arts movies, which she has been writing about for the last 10 years.
“Don’t Miss It!” (Executioners from Shaolin) | <urn:uuid:0d7af4c8-e29e-4c23-b6e5-51d8e36744a5> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://askforthemoon.com.au/category/news/page/2/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571758.42/warc/CC-MAIN-20220812200804-20220812230804-00672.warc.gz | en | 0.932184 | 369 | 1.5 | 2 |
A bachelor's degree is awarded at the successful completion of an undergraduate academic program. It is often the first degree a student received in his or her academic career. It typically takes four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Education in the United States is mainly provided by the public sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: state, local, and federal, in that order. The common requirements to study at a higher education level in United States will include your admissions essay (also known as the statement of purpose or personal statement), transcript of records, recommendation/reference letters, language tests
Request Information Bachelor Degrees in Visual Arts in Fayette in USA 2017
Do you like computers? Do your friends and family ask you to help them with their technology? Have you been called a geek? [+] | <urn:uuid:cfce0d84-8479-4684-86d0-3b86de8452f4> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor/Visual-Arts/USA/Kentucky/Fayette/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560284352.26/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095124-00193-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975027 | 169 | 1.992188 | 2 |
LADIA is a 24.54 m Sail Yacht, built in Germany by Abeking & Rasmussen and delivered in 1983. She is the only Jongert 24R model.
Her top speed is 9.0 kn and she boasts a maximum range of 1000.0 nm when navigating at cruising speed, with power coming from two Mercedes diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 staterooms, with 4 crew members waiting on their every need. She has a gross tonnage of 59.0 GT and a 5.88 m beam.
She was designed by Doug Peterson, who also completed the naval architecture. Doug Peterson has designed 19 yachts and created the naval architecture for 29 yachts.
Her interior was designed by Peter Sijm, who has 54 other superyacht interiors designed in the BOAT Pro database - she is built with a Teak deck, a Aluminium hull, and Aluminium superstructure.
LADIA is one of 966 sailing yachts in the 24-30m size range.
LADIA is registered under the United Kingdom flag, the 4th most popular flag state for superyachts with a total of 829 yachts registered | <urn:uuid:d48b1105-13ec-4f37-86cb-436ebeb906fb> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/the-superyacht-directory/ladia--43781 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572870.85/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817062258-20220817092258-00675.warc.gz | en | 0.960236 | 253 | 1.53125 | 2 |
* Prices may differ from that shownMore Offers
Cucumbers are a commonly grown plant in the UK and in sunnier climates. Most of the varieties that are grown are the F1 hybrids, which are the easiest to grown and require the least care.
It is really easy to grow cucumber plants from seed, if you have the right place to grow them and the patience you need to find what works! Cucumber seeds are cheap and one packet will often have more than enough seeds for a couple of years (unless you eat tons of them!). You can pick up seeds or baby plants in the garden centre for a very reasonable price, and one plant will produce numerous fruits.
I would recommend staging your sewing of seeds, otherwise you will end up with a real glut, and the fruits don’t keep for long. Anyone who has ever discovered a mouldy cucumber in the bottom of the salad drawer will know that’s something to be avoided.
Cucumbers, I have found, can be really tricky to get right – but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll find you get lots of fruits. Be sure to keep plants well staked, and all fruits off the floor or you’ll get lots of little critters attacking them. Fruiting cucumber plants should be very well watered – they are thirsty little blighters. You’ll be amazed at how much water they take on, and just how quickly the fruits will grow.
I have never been able to grow Cucumbers outside in the UK. I have only every managed to grow them successfully in a cold frame or a greenhouse. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend for the hobby gardener.
For most of us a cucumber is a long green thing that we can slice, or chop and eat pickled, or with salad. However, there is a lot more to this much underrated vegetable.
Cucumbers are very versatile and widely cultivated. They are in fact gourds of the family cucurbitaceae. This is a creeping vine that grows up trellis and fences clinging on with its on tendrils for support and its big leaves protect the fruit. There are several different varieties which are normally in their 'green' unripe state because ripe cucumbers turn yellow and become too bitter to eat.
The Armenian cucumber is snakelike in shape and crisp, mild. It has a very thin skin and so it doesn't need to be peeled. This particular variety is probably more closely related to the melon in flavour. It isn't easy to get hold of.
English cucumbers grow up to about 0.60cms long and have very few seeds. The skins are very delicate and can be eaten. These can be grown in all but the coldest of climates, under glass where required.
Japanese cucumbers are mild in taste with a rough, bumpy skin and are used for salad and pickling. They are not seasonal and can be harvested at any time of the year.
Mediterranean cucumbers are mild tasting and thin skinned, these cucumbers are almost seedless and used for a variety of culinary purposes.
The Persian cucumber has long been available in Canada and the Dominican Republic and has recently been grown in Britain, although it needs extra warmth. It is a very small seedless cucumber and grows to about 15cms long. The flavour is mild and it is easy to slice.
Dosaki is a yellow, Indian cucumber used in cooking and to make chutney, while the lemoin cucumber is usually eaten raw.
Cucumbers are grown and eaten in almost every country of the world and their variety is amazing. If you want to grow cucumbers you don't have to stick with the plain green English variety. These plants are not easy to grow but a little extra attention really pays off.
Or, if you don't fancy growing your own you could always keep your eyes open on market stalls and in speciality shops, for different kinds of cucumber.
Cucumbers are a half hardy annual trailing plant, which are best grown in the greenhouse for a good crop of deliciously tasting salad vegetables. The cucumbers can be grown from six to 12 inches long depending on soil condition and the climate they are grown under.
They love temperatures of around 21 centigrade which can be kept constant in a greenhouse with the right equipment however they can also be grown with good results under a cold frame in the garden.
The smaller types of cucumbers are called gherkins and are not as large as the popular salad veg, these can also be grown outside and can be pickled when ready to store over winter and used as a compliment to cold meals and snacks.
I find that you can buy the packs of seeds in all garden centres and D I Y stores, the price will vary from different types of cucumbers to others, but the best places to buy is boot sales and garden centres which have already started them off for you in pots. I find it much easier and quicker to get a plant which is already a good size from the pot and re-plant in the green house instead of messing around with the seeds, as cultivation can take a while before they get to the right size for re-planting.
If you prefer to use seeds then now is the right time to sow them, in pots of seed compost, which can also be bought at the garden centres. They usually germinate after four or five days, then once they are at a suitable height you can re-plant them in the position in your greenhouse and feed them and watch them grow. This is usually done when they have about three or four leaves on the small plant. They like soil which has been treated well with manure, this also gives a good crop.
You have to remember that they love water and removing the male flowers will help you get a good sized cucumber when harvesting your crop. Be careful if your growing outside under a cold frame as the spider mite and the woodlice loves cucumbers too. These can be kept at bay with sprays from the garden centres.
On the whole they are quite easy to grow and every year you will get a better crop as you get used to the conditions they need to grow.
Hello, I bet all of you are wondering how I know so much about crops. To tell you the truth, like all the other "cool" farm kids in my hometown, those of us with purple "FFA" (Future Farmers of America) jackets, who got to drive our dads combines to school on one day each year, I studied Agriculture. But more important than that education was what I learned when my father was killed in a horrible accident when I was 7 and I became the head of our farm. Dad took us to the fair and I was going to show my prize fryer that day but he got drunk and fell out of the ferris wheel when his hat that held two cans of beer on it slipped off his head and he reached for it. He fell out of the Ferris Wheel onto a dumpster that had all sorts of wasps flying around it. It didn't kill him, but after he sued the carnival company he bought a brand new convertible instead of paying off our land and equipment. He was driving and he got hit in the face with a golf ball and His car spun out of control and dashed into a bowling alley and his face smashed right into a video game. But it did not kill him. He got taken to the hospital and the put him in traction with all those pullies and during the night he basically got drawn and quartered by his traction equipment. It is horrible to even think about. And no one could hear him since his shouts were muffled by all of his bandages. Anyways we sued the hospital. At first I was hestitant to learn farming. I was making good money catching dew worms at night to sell to the visiting fishermen but my mother explained that this was not going to feed 6 people I had better grow up and face some responsibility. My uncle put wooden blocks on the pedals of our tractors and my mom signed me up for home school so I could work all day. I farmed a total of 360 acres by my self. Most of it was beans and corn but I had some acerage next to a creek that I planted pickles. Just so you know, and ev
erytime I got to the store and see these things called, "English cucumbers" long and skinny and wrapped in plastic I can't help but think you people don't know anything about pickles. See cucumbers are just pickles that you didn't get to harvest and they got big on you. Lots of times if I could not contract my pickles then I would let them grow into Cukes and then I would have to figure out how to sell them. Once they got to big for jar pickles or relish I was basically screwed since there wasn't enough women around who wanted them great big Cukes (for their salads). I don't know what I ought to say on here. I mean you are probaly just a bunch of city slickers with gardens thinking you know about agriculture. You buy little fertilizer sticks while I am taking about pouring out 35 pounds of nirogen per acre with my spreader over 10 acres of pickles. Then I don't put on dainty little gloves to pick them either I got 6 mexicans that can pick 80 bushels a day. If you people want to talk about farming i can teach you anything but if you want a tale about how to waste time fooling around with two plants I am not your man. I am talking acerage OK?. I do not understand people and their do it themselves attitudes, do they think they can out do a pro? Sure I pour lots of herbicide and pesticide all over the ground but growing that stuff yourself won't do you any better. So take notes and learn how to grow pickles at home. For my climate I need to disk my land about 3 days after a good rain towards the beginning of may. Then within the next week I plant the seeds. It took me a while to learn how to do this right and for the first two years I farmed I ended up having to go to the salvation army shelter to get coats for my siblings, and my mom made me walk in there and tell them that my younger siblings needed coats since I was a stupid boy, meanwhile she stayed out in the car and smoked cigarettes. Basically you
need to hang out at a diner with all the old farmers who are no longer useful around the family farms and whose grown sons make them go up town and drink coffee all day instead of interfering with the operations. Well you go there and eat lemon pie and listen to them predict how much rain you are going to get that year. If the rain will be heavey you do an 18-6 or so but if the season with be dry you go 24-8 or so. Now you don't get many chances to screw this up before the bank pulls the shingles spelling out your family name off the roof of your barn and has the sheriff kick you off your land. Once you plant your pickles you might spray for bugs. Usually the duPont man is pretty well informed on what you should do and then you try to low ball him and buy about a third of the crap he is trying to sell you. So you spray after the pickle plants are about 5 inches acrost and then you might dust them again if the beetles are out. Then you sit around all summer writing editorials to the paper and letters to your MP telling them about the plight of the small family farmer. Basically what farming is about any more is just looking busy all summer, having tractors out on the highway blocking the tourist traffic and going to the dentist office reading "Successful Farming" with your work boots smearing manure all over the upholstery. The fact is you just have to give the impression to the neighbors and the cops flying around that you really are a farmer. Meanwhile you grow Grass in between your corn plants. I know it sounds bad but we have to eat too, well that ain't right cause we raise our own groceries, but I mean we need cash flow and with beans at 2.37 a bushel and corn at the lowest in has been in 10 years it is much easier to let the hippies come out and plant dope in the corn field. The funny thing is the crows, geese and deer leave the mari-jar-wannah alone. So anyways now you know how to grow cucumbers. If you can ge
t some acerage on a hillside facing the sun. What you want is a readily accessible field with good air and water flow to protect against frost damage. You want a sandy loam to clay loam soil high in organic matter. For most cukes try to have a PH between 6 and 6.5. And another thing don't go planting your pickles on land that you grew curcubits on last year, that means your cukes, pumpkins and squash. I know you stupid people have no idea what I am talking about and it pisses me off. You would just as well dick around with a couple little plants in your back yard and it irritates me that you people are all content going about something the wrong way and then you will be all proud to feed your guest this rubbish and boast that you grew it yourself. I hate you city folks. Now you gotta figure out what kind to grow.You got to choose betwen slicer cukes or pickling cukes I mean if you are contracting your pickles to a canner and are more worried about belly rot control or Root knot nematode resistance you may want to go with a Fanfare or victory. But if you are just into plain cosmetics for the shop trade you should get an Eureka or Wellington. You also got to think about what your growing season will be like and how long your season will be. If you are going to have a short season after a spring planting go for something like a centurion with a 59 day turn or maybe a Dasher two with only 58 days, I went with a general Lee with a 66 day cycle this year. If I was in England I would grow Fancipak or Calypso if I knew I could have a good 75 days. It all depends on if you have to worry about angular leaf spot or mildew. I had trouble with anthracnose last year...... I just realized you people are not listening to a single thing that I am trying to say and you do not take pickle farming seriously so go to the hardware store and buy a cute little packet of seeds and grow your own cukes per the instructions on the seed
pack. I just hope all your cukes get Cucumber Mosaic virus you are just laughing at my overalls and the fact that I am chewing tobacco.
Dear people of UK and Ireland (where between seven days I'll be happy guest), I am an Italian member of dooyoo.it. I hope that you excuse me for my orrible english and many mistakes you'll find in my opinion... In Italy this is named "Inglese maccheronico". (I speek how I eat... You also, but Italian food is better, sorry!) I (and my friends and nephews), arrive in dooyoo.co.uk, from dooyoo.it for spend a little happy time... how great Roberto Benigni teach us! Now I approfitt of this occasion for send a supplication to all cooks, waiters and waitresses. I'll go to display to you. I went in GB in 1978, 1984, 1986, 1999... every time in Scotland. I love Scotland... probably in another life I was a seagull or a seal... or a Duncan McLeod's wife... Well: I love everythink, everybody, everytime in your beautifool and green country! Only three thing i don't understand. 1)Why I cannot drink a cup of tea with lemon? Tea with milk is a very ciofeca... for me. Why, when I ask a lemmon piece for my tea cup, all the waitresses look at me like a martian? Why? Pecchè? Do you like a cup of tea? Yes madam, with lemmon please! She don't understand! Why? 2)The water: I drink only water. What I have to do, or to say, (or to pray?) for a caraff of water on the table near my glass? Give to eat to the hungry people! Give to drink to thirsty people! I pay! If this is the problem! No! It is impossible! Do you need a special license for give to me a caraff of water? 3) Cucumber: I don't understand your maniacal love for cucumber!!! In every food you put cucumber. I DON'T LIKE CUCUMBER! What I have to do, or to say, or to pray? The cucumber's smell make overturn my stomach! Please don't put it in my salad dish! I have a project: I print for me a t-shirt with: "I don't like your cucumber!" <
br>Perhaps the waiters will be enraged with me? THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMPREHENSION! THE AUNT OF DOOYOO ITALY | <urn:uuid:ddd3c4f4-dd5e-4cf5-95e7-1835e3898353> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/plants/cucumbers/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988719843.44/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183839-00291-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.976293 | 3,626 | 2.6875 | 3 |
Why do it? Kapalabhati is an incredibly energizing breath – better than coffee during a break. It strengthens the abdominal muscles, the diaphragm, and the heart. It massages the viscera (internal organs), stimulating digestion and elimination. Removes stale air and toxins from the lungs, cleansing the body. Energizes and massages the central nervous system, increasing energy, clarity, and alertness. The CSF (Cranio-Sacral Fluid) is being pumped more energetically around your brain, thus aka “polishing your skull” and promoting clarity of thought.
What is happening? The rapid and forceful exhalation and pumping of the abdomen and diaphragm are stimulating circulation, increasing the circulation in your body. The heart muscles are being stimulated with the squeezing, contracting movement and then the relaxation of the abdomen. This creates a “pumping” motion around the heart, stimulating circulation all the way up to your brain and skull (hence the name “skull polishing breath”). The pumping motion of the belly deeply massages and stimulates your internal organs, increasing health and energy levels. CSF (Cranio-Sacral Fluid, also known as cerebral-spinal fluid, found in the spinal column and surrounding the brain) changes pressure according to the natural respiratory rhythm. The sharp expulsions and rapid pace of Kapalabhati cause a tremendous shift in the pressure, causing the CSF to flow more rapidly, and be circulated around the brain – massaging the brain and enlivening every cell.
How to Practice:
1. Sit firmly in a cross-legged posture with the spine, neck and head held erect.
2. First, exhale completely and then take a few deep breaths.
3. Relax the abdominal muscles.
4. Inhale without taking a deep breath; make a short and forceful expulsion of the breath through both nostrils producing a hissing sound and, simultaneously, contract the lower abdomen by a rapid and vigorous thrust of the abdominal muscles.
5. Release the contraction of the abdominal muscles quickly and the lungs will automatically take in air. Follow at once by another forcible expulsion of your breath, contracting the abdomen in the same manner and letting it relax outward as the air is drawn in again.
6. Repeat the exercise a number of times in quick succession, concentrating your mind on the region of the abdomen below the navel.
7. After you complete a round and make the last exhalation, take in a deep and slow breath and then resume normal breathing to afford rest to the lungs.
8. As you are learning, practice a round of 15 to 25 repetitions. Gradually, overtime, progress to 50 reps then 75, perhaps to 120 reps per round should be the maximum. If you feel winded, slow down to allow yourself more time to inhale.
9. Perform three rounds in each sitting, with sufficient pause between the rounds, when normal breathing should be done.
– If you feel dizzy or light-headed stop for a few minutes then resume. Perhaps spend shorter amounts of time practicing this breath.
– If you have high blood pressure, check with a doctor | <urn:uuid:fd3aab18-a311-44dd-8d61-7862b6117c52> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://www.yogabodynutrition.com/programs/14-day-total-body-re-boot-cleanse-virtual-program/kapalabati-breath-for-cleansing/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570765.6/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808031623-20220808061623-00276.warc.gz | en | 0.900497 | 686 | 2.5 | 2 |
A few weeks ago, in The New York Times Magazine, the Ethicist column gave some terribly unethical advice. A doctor wrote in with this dilemma:
Years ago, I saw a young patient with headaches, who disclosed — reluctantly — that he had committed a serious crime and that somebody else took the fall for it. I believe he was telling me the truth (his headaches soon resolved after the confession). Before his admission, I assured him that whatever he told me would not leave the room. Later, without giving specifics, I consulted our hospital lawyer, who told me that we were under no obligation to report the incident, because the patient wasn’t in danger of hurting himself or others. But the future of an innocent man hinges on two people’s consciences, my patient’s and my own. I feel like a coward, hiding behind the Hippocratic oath, doing nothing.
The Ethicist’s excerpted solution:
Here is the root of the problem: You promised a man that you would keep his secret in confidence, only to have him tell you something you now view as too important to remain unspoken. The stakes are pretty high; the possibility of someone’s being convicted of a crime that he did not commit is awful. But you’ve painted yourself into a corner. You should not tell someone “Whatever you tell me will never leave this room” if that promise only applies to anecdotes you deem as tolerable. It doesn’t matter if you’re a physician or anyone else. The deeper question, of course, is whether breaking this commitment is ethically worse than allowing someone to go to jail for no valid reason. On balance, I have to say it is not.
I would advise the following: Call the patient back into your office. Urge him to confess what happened to the authorities and tell him you will assist him in any way possible (helping him find a lawyer before going to the police, etc.). If he balks, you will have to go a step further; you will have to tell him that you were wrong to promise him confidentiality and that your desire for social justice is greater than your personal integrity as a professional confidant.
He mentioned that he would be reluctant to follow his own advice, but the Ethicist saw that as a moral failing in himself, not in his advice. I disagree.
The Ethicist is crippling his own ability (and that of anyone suspected to subscribe to his philosophy) to make a promise. A promise is not an indication of present beliefs (“I don’t plan to repeat anything you say in this room”) it is a bind on future action (“I won’t repeat what you say, even if I wish I hadn’t made this promise later”). If he isn’t comfortable making that kind of promise, he has the option to tell patients and others up front, but treating promises as breakable upon reflection dilutes them for him and everyone else.
The covenant marriage movement is meant to counteract this kind of thinking in one sphere. In an age of no-fault divorce, they’re trying to carve out a special niche, clearly differentiated from mainstream marriage, where a change of heart isn’t sufficient justification to break a promise. But there isn’t an equivalent in most other spheres of life. One can say only “I really mean this promise,” and a reader of the Ethicist’s column might reasonably hear a silent “right now” at the end of that phrase.
Promises are costly, as the Ethicist recognizes, so we shouldn’t use them casually. A doctor promises confidentiality to her patient so that he won’t hold back anything she needs to know in order to treat him. A priest keeps the secrets of a penitent so no one lets fear of temporal punishment keep them trapped in a state of sin. Partners contracting a marriage promise that “This is the life I choose / This is the thing I can’t bear to lose” — that their new bond makes them family, and that if passion or even love fades, they plan to stick by each other.
But the way the Ethicist plays fast and loose with promises, and his willingness to set aside his own pangs of conscience leaves him vulnerable to a pride in his own dirty hands; he was strong enough to make the “hard” choice. It’s important to keep promises inviolate for the doctor’s sake, as much as for the sake of the patient. It frees us from the temptation to rationalize or to let our own cleverness serve as justification for the actions we take. Thinking your way around the rules doesn’t expand your scope of action, it robs you of the ability to bind yourself (whether or not others still are taken in). | <urn:uuid:5b7f4ebb-977f-4492-9337-45df725f1308> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.patheos.com/blogs/unequallyyoked/2013/06/a-terrible-consequence-of-consequentialism.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280504.74/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00146-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973765 | 1,017 | 1.515625 | 2 |
Let’s face it. Many of us have felt the miserable feeling that stress and tension related to our jobs can cause on a daily basis. Aside from feeling bad from a mental perspective there are serious health issues that can develop if you don’t do something and make some changes to reduce your stress levels.
Stress and work are like two peas in a pod. They go together well, and because of this, many people dread waking up every morning. Stress is not something to take lightly. You could say that it’s a fact of life, but having too much stress could lead to some major health problems down the line.
Rather than waking up every morning and feeling the wave of stress and tension flow over you here are 10 easy ways to reduce your stress level that you can start using today.
Just think of how stress affects you in the short term. You may get headaches, or even worse, migraines. You may start to feel anxious, as if you are going to have a panic attack. Maybe you have difficulty breathing, or you could simply feel exhausted.
That’s just the short term. Think of the long term effects that are much more serious. You could get abnormally high blood pressure. Depression may start to become part of your life. You could start to lose or gain large amounts of weight. Or, worst of all, you could have a heart attack. Just seeing all these effects should be enough to tell you that controlling stress is a MUST.
If stress hits you hard in the workplace, you are definitely not alone. In fact, according to the American Institute of Stress, four out of five workers in the United States experience stress on the job. That’s a whopping 80 percent!
So what causes this workplace stress? Many cite unfair or unrealistic workload demands as one of the major causes. This workload often causes a lack of balance between one’s personal life and professional life. Another huge cause of workplace stress is a lack of job security. If you are constantly wondering if you will have a job next week, stress will definitely start to creep in and take over your life. This becomes even truer if you have a family and children that depend on you.
Lastly, many workers cite personality conflicts as a cause of workplace stress. You can’t choose your coworkers, so you are bound to meet others with personalities that clash with your own. This can create animosity in the workplace, and can become even worse if your personality conflicts with that of your superiors.
So, now that you know the effects of stress and some of the causes behind it, what can you do? It may be impossible to eliminate it completely, but how can you at least reduce stress in the workplace? Here are ten tips that you can and should start applying immediately. | <urn:uuid:adbb2bad-2c9b-475a-ba87-8afd7ee870a4> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://getonsmart.com/10-ways-to-reduce-stress-at-work-that-could-save-your-life/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571097.39/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810010059-20220810040059-00266.warc.gz | en | 0.967726 | 577 | 2.34375 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What workloads can I run on the different hardware devices?
Depending on the device you have is recommended to run a specific number of services together. In the hardware page in the workloads section you can find some recommendations based on our tests installing Cloudy in different hardware.
I’d like to install Cloudy and/or to know more about it.
If you want to install and to test Cloudy, we suggest you to take a look at the Get started. There you will find a lot of information from a basic installation to a installation the system in a virtual machine.
However if your computer’s architecture is based on 64 bit or you have the UEFI system, you must follow some different steps. These steps are explained in this FAQ below, answering the question “I’d like to use a 64 bit architecture version of Cloudy. How can I get it?”.
I’d like to use a 64 bit architecture version of Cloudy. How can I get it?
For the moment we just have a 32 bit ISO image, however you can get the 64 bit version by one of these ways:
I’ve just configured GeTINConf but it doesn’t start. What’s going on?
In the first versions of Cloudy, in order to publish and to look for services, we used Avahi over a layer 2 virtual network managed by GeTINConf sources. However, after some tests were carried on, we noticed that this system requiered a huge amount of resources. Therefore we made some research in similar software that allowed us to, not only the same, but also without such a ressources consumption.
For the time being, it is important for the GeTINConf page to have the Guifi address device set; the rest remains unused.
In a short time though, we expect to definitely remove GeTINConf from the Cloudy distro.
I’m in an isolated island and therefore I can’t start Serf’s bootstrap among other things. What can I do?
The easiest way to solve this is leaving the field tagged as “bootstrap node” blank. By doing this, you will be waiting for other nodes to connect to you.
This happens because Serf uses a gossip protocol; when it starts, it can be provided with another active node within the microcloud and then connect to it; once this is done they exchange a list of known-nodes and randomly connect to them. When no node is provided, Serf won’t try to connect to any node, it will simply wait for others to connect to it. This is why if you leave the field blank it waits for connections.
I’ve just received a MINIX device to test Cloudy but it is not installed. How do I install Cloudy?
In any other system the installation would be very simple: just download the Cloudy ISO and install it. However, the MINIX devices have one particular issue, they make use of UEFI in order to boot the system. For the time being, the Cloudy ISOs do not suppot UEFI, so we need another way to proceed.
This alternative way is explained in this FAQ above, in the question “I’d like to use a 64 bit architecture version of Cloudy. How can I get it?”, concretely in the point “Cloudynize”.
How can I configure Cloudy in a client node (Guifi.net)?
In order to allow a Cloudy installed in a client node to interact to other Cloudys, is needed to do the following:
1. Know the node’s public IP address (10.x.x.x); not the one assigned to Cloudy but the IP assigned to the client node.
2. Edit a couple of files and declare the public IP of the node.
3. To do port forwarding for the port 5000 (serf). And if you want more services you will have to redirect (forward) the port of each service.
I have a Raspberry Pi. Can I install Cloudy on it?
Yes, you can install Cloudy because it is based in Debian which has support for ARM architecture.
However, currently we only have pre-built images for x86 architecture, but you can install Cloudy over a Debian based system with the alternative method commented above; “clouydinize”.
You can read how to do it in the Cloudy Raspberry Pi article in the Guifi.net wiki.
I have a question and I could not find it in this FAQ. What can I do?
If you have a question which is not answered in this FAQ, please subscribe to the cloudy-users mailing list and send an e-mail there, we will be glad to help you and to add your question in this FAQ. | <urn:uuid:e6670678-19c9-4040-bdda-bf8d9a93fc73> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://cloudy.community/faq/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281746.82/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00292-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938456 | 1,033 | 1.507813 | 2 |
A Portrait with Family and Friends
Chapter 3: Professor F.Y. Edgeworth
3. Professor F.Y. Edgeworth When from their game of dice men separate, He who hath lost remains in sadness fix’d, Revolving in his mind what luckless throws He cast: but meanwhile, all the company Go with the other; one before him runs, And one behind his mantle twitches, one Fast by his side bids him remember him. He stops not; and each one, to whom his hand Is stretch’d, well knows he bids him stand aside; And thus he from the press defends himself. (Purgatory, Canto VI, vv. 1–9). Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy. 3.1 PRESIDENT OF SECTION F OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION Edgeworth’s efforts on the committees of the British Association for the Advancement of Science were finally rewarded by his being elected president of Section F of this Association in 1889 – a presidency that he held again in 1922. As his first presidential address, he chose one of his favourite topics: ‘On the Application of Mathematics to Political Economy’.1 The address was an explicit homage to Jevons, who had ‘submitted to this section a general mathematical theory of Political Economy’, which, as he himself stated, was ‘received without a word of interest or belief’. Along with this tribute to Jevons, Edgeworth also confirmed his own conception of ‘our mathematical method rightly understood’: It is concerned with quantity, indeed, but not necessarily with number. It is not so much a political arithmetic as a sort of economic algebra, in which the problem is not to find x and...
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No, in fact everyone is destined to know God one day.
Last revised: 5 April 2008.
Who Will Know God?
Last revised: 5 April 2008.
Who will be saved?
Who among us shall see God? When we ask ourselves that question, different answers might arise. We might soon find ourselves in bitter disagreement with our fellows as to who shall be saved and who not.
In fact, over the centuries, a deep and bitter quarrel has developed on the subject, resulting in endless, deadly conflicts with ironic names like “holy wars” and “crusades.” We have committed the most disgraceful behaviour in the name of God.
But all this division and conflict is spiritually unwarranted, or so we shall find out here. The differences and divisions that have sprung up between us have no independent reality to them.
Let us take the example of quarreling over whose God is God. Sri Ramakrishna thought it ridiculous to dispute such a thing. He had followed several religious paths to their end and found their destination was always the same nameless, formless God.
“I have practiced all religions – Hinduism, Islam, Christianity – and I have also followed the paths of the different Hindu sects. I have found that it is the same God toward whom all are directing their steps, though along different paths. … Wherever I look, I see men quarrelling in the name of religion – Hindus, Mohammedans, Brahmos [a small sect of westernized Hindu intellectuals], Vaishnavas [worshippers of Vishnu], and the rest.
“But they never reflect that He who is called Krishna is also called Siva, and bears the name of the Primal Energy [also called the Divine Mother or Holy Spirit], Jesus, and Allah as well – the same Rama with a thousand names. A lake has several ghats. At one, the Hindus take water in pitchers and call it ‘jal’; at another the Mussalmans take water in leather bags and call it ‘pani.’ At a third the Christians call it ‘water’, Can we imagine that it is not ‘jal’, but only ‘pani’ or ‘water’? How ridiculous! The substance is One under different names, and everyone is seeking the same substance; only climate, temperament, and name create differences.” (1)
What lies at the root of our religious and social conflict?
Ego lies at the root of our conflict
At the root of the world’s conflict is the ego. The ego is our sense of ourselves as separate selves. The ego is comprised of our thoughts. In fact, it as if we wander through life immersed in a cloud of thoughts. This cloud of thoughts keeps us from seeing God. It is the only real barrier to enlightenment, but it is no easy barrier to remove. Usually, when the mind is stilled, the ego quieted, we are able to know God.
We discover on the spiritual path that the ego is persuasive but unreal. We find that we are not, after all, separate selves, but the Universal Spirit. But, until we are enlightened, the ego seems very real and persuasive. It is the source of our wanting. It thrives on action and excitement, friction and quarrels. It craves to feel right, justified, and validated, and, worst-case scenario, will lash out at those it thinks threaten it or any of its interests.
It attaches itself at an early age to what it considers “me and mine.” In later years that attachment expands to include the “us and ours” of family. It can expand to include a block, a neighbourhood, a school district, a city, a province, a nation.
Finally, after acquiring things, it feels the need to hold onto them and creates a self-interest, an agenda, which eventually it comes to share with others. Up rises the notion of “our side” and “their side.”
“Our side” can be anything — a club, nation, or religion. We bend all our efforts to see that “our side and what belongs to our side” thrive.
One of the ways in which ego shows itself in the religious world is to maintain that only our side will reach paradise or heaven. Is it accurate to say that only one group will be saved and the rest will be lost? Can any enlightened master be found who teaches such a thing?
Redemption is promised for all
In fact none can. The masters are unanimous that all of us will be saved, that redemption is not exclusive to one faith, but the birthright of all. They are united and unequivocal in saying that exclusivity is not true. Universality is true. Everyone will see God. Everyone is destined to enter Heaven. Some sooner; some later; but all will eventually.
Let us listen to Sri Ramakrishna teaching his devotees the truth of universal redemption, another Design Element of God’s Divine Plan for life.
“All will surely realize God. All will be liberated. It may be that some get their meal in the morning, some at noon, and some in the evening; but none will go without food. All, without any exception, will certainly know the real Self. (2)The Mother will not allow any of her children to go hungry. He who is hungry in the morning will be fed in the morning. He whose appetite is aroused late in the evening will be fed in the evening. (3)
“Everybody will surely be liberated.” (4)
Jesus taught this as well in his mystical teaching that “Wisdom is justified of her children.” (5) In the Biblical code, who is “Wisdom”?
As we shall see, “Wisdom” is another name (popular in the Old Testament and the Apocrypha), for the Holy Spirit or Divine Mother (For examples of sages calling the Holy Spirit “Wisdom,” see footnote 6). We are Her children.
God has charged the Mother-Spirit with creating and administering the natural law. The purpose of the natural law is to educate us and keep us moving towards our goal: knowledge of God the Father. The Child or Son of God works hand-in-hand with the Divine Mother or Holy Spirit to bring all lost sheep back to God. This whole book is a description of how that happens.
God has commanded that all should return to Him after wandering in the world, without one being lost. When each individual does, Wisdom is justified of Her Child. When all of us do, Wisdom is justified of Her Children. God’s Plan is to see that all of us, all points of consciousness, go out into the world, realize Him, and return, at which time Wisdom, the Holy Spirit or Divine Mother, is justified of all Her Children.
“Universal” vs. “exclusive” redemption
Everyone will eat; some in the morning, some in the afternoon, and some in the evening. This is universal redemption. There is no trace of exclusivity here; God, it would seem, has no partiality.
Sri Krishna, an Incarnation of the Divine, taught this truth to Arjuna:
Is born for perfection
And each shall attain it
Will he but follow
His nature’s duty. (7)
He does not equivocate: All are destined for perfection and each shall attain it. There is room for great rejoicing here.
I wish to turn again to Jesus in a minute. But before I do, I’d like to communicate how I see him. In my view, Jesus is an “avatar” or a “descent of the Divine” into the world and is similar in this respect to Rama, Krishna, Ramakrishna, Anandamoyi Ma, and Mata Amritanandamayi (“Ammachi”). Jesus declared that he was avatar in the following passage:
“Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.” (8)
Sri Ramakrishna was given a vision of Jesus during which Jesus merged in his physical form. In the spiritual sense, Sri Ramakrishna “knew” Jesus in a way that you and I could only wish to. His considered opinion of Jesus was that he was a Divine Incarnation of God, as the following story makes clear.
One day at Dakshineswar a Christian minister was brought to meet Sri Ramakrishna.
Shivanath Shastri told Sri Ramakrishna: “Sir, one of my Christian friends has come to see you. Having heard of you from me, he was very eager to meet you.”On hearing this Sri Ramakrishna bowed his head to the ground and said: “I bow again and again at the feet of Jesus Christ.”
Surprised at such [an] utterance, Rev. Sannyal said: “How is it, sir, that you bow at the feet of Christ? What do you think of Him?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Why, I look upon him as an Avatara [Incarnation of God].”
Rev. Sannyal: “Incarnation of God! Will you kindly explain what you mean by it? Is he one like Krishna and the others?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Yes, exactly like that. An incarnation like our Rama and Krishna. Don’t you know there is a passage in the Bhagavata where it is said that the incarnations of … the Supreme Being are innumerable?” (9)
I would like now to turn to Jesus’ teachings because Jesus’ use of the first-person pronoun “I” for the Christ rather than for the man Jesus, I think, has escaped many people, leading to the conclusion that only followers of Jesus will be saved. I don’t think this is what Jesus meant.
What Jesus Meant by “I” and the “Christ”
To interpret all the passages in Jesus’s teachings where he used “I” to refer to the Christ rather than to his person is a large task, beyond the scope of this book. Of necessity, I must restrict myself to a few passages. Speaking as the Christ, the Light of the world, Jesus said:
“And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (10)
What has the Father sent into the world? The Father has sent fragments of himself, a shower of divine, eternal sparks, into the world. The Transcendental Himself has entered the Womb of the Mother and is born into the world as the Son, Christ, or Self in each of us.
To this Christ was given the task of losing no person but saving all on the last day of mortality and the first day of immortality. All people, all Children of God, all beings in whose heart the Christ, Atman, or Buddha-nature dwells, will be raised up in enlightenment on the day that separates their unliberated from their liberated existence.
Every one who sees the Son, the Christ, the Light of the world, and who focuses on that Light (and we shall hear examples, below, of aspirants who do) shall have that liberation – that “everlasting life.” The Christ, the Light of the world, will raise him up on the last day.
The First Sight of the Christ
Later chapters will examine what the event of liberation looks like, but in this chapter I would like to examine what the first sight of the Christ looks like. Let us listen to masters who have “seen the light” in the experience of illumination that occurs when the spiritual energy, or kundalini, reaches the fourth or heart chakra (not to be confused with the spiritual heart). Hindus call this event “spiritual awakening” and Buddhists call it “stream entering.”
The fourth center of consciousness (anahata) is in the region of the heart. Spiritual awakening comes when the mind rises to this center. At this stage man has a spiritual vision of the Divine Light and is struck with wonder at its beauty and glory. His mind then no longer runs after worldly pleasures. (13)
God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts. (14)
A wonderful light arose within my soul. In it I recognized the nature of God and man. (15)
In the abyss of this darkness in which the loving spirit has died to itself, God’s revelation and eternal life have their origin, for in this darkness an incomprehensible light is born and shines forth; this is the Son of God, in whom a person becomes able to see and to contemplate eternal life. (16)
It is Christ, the light of truth, who says, “See,” and it is through him that we are able to see, for he is the light of the Father, without which there is no light in heaven or on earth. (17)
Ralph Waldo Emerson
No man ever forgot the visitations of that power to his heart and brain, which created all things new; which was the dawn in him of music, poetry, and art. (18)
I sat crosslegged in the meditation posture. When I had sat thus for some time, I felt myself going out of my body. I saw myself sitting down with the delicate tender leaves of the tree over me. I was facing the east. In front of me was my body and over my head I saw the Star, bright and clear. … There was such profound calmness both in the air and within myself, the calmness of the bottom of a deep and unfathomable lake. Like the lake, I felt my physical body, with its mind and emotions, could be ruffled on the surface but nothing, nay nothing, could disturb the calmness of my soul. … I was supremely happy, for I had seen. Nothing could ever be the same. I have drunk at the clear and pure waters at the source of the fountain of life and my thirst was appeased. Never more could I be thirsty, never more could I be in utter darkness; I have seen the Light. I have touched compassion which heals all sorrow and suffering…. Love in all its glory has intoxicated my heart; my heart can never be closed. I have drunk at the fountain of Joy and eternal Beauty. I am God-intoxicated. (19)
John Ruusbroec testifies that the brilliant light he saw was “the Son of God, in whom a person becomes able to see and contemplate eternal life.” In my opinion, this universal Light is the Son of God that Jesus was referring to when he used the first person “I.”
If we read Ruusbroec’s passages carefully, we will recognize in them the parables that Jesus used. I will restrict myself to the parable of the treasure buried in a field, but other parables could be used. (20) Ruusbroec seeing in the darkness an incomprehensible Light is like the man who comes upon a treasure buried in a field. The Light is buried in the field of the human body; specifically, in the spiritual heart.
Ruusbroec contemplating eternal life is the same as the man selling all that he had. Remember that Sri Ramakrishna said a man no longer runs after worldly pleasures after spiritual awakening. The significance of the man selling all he has is that he divests himself of all other desires save that of owning the treasure, which he now knows but does not possess.
Having focused himself upon that Light – that is, selling all that he has — Ruusbroec now reaches the point of seeing the Light of the Father. Owning the treasure is the same as seeing the redemptive Light of the Father. The day of seeing that Light is “the last day.” The man has been raised up. Thus, as Ruusbroec helps us to see, Jesus’ parables are mystical teachings on how to gain the Light of the Father through the Light of the Son.
Jacob Boehme recognized the nature of God and man in that mysterious light. When speaking of this Light, neither Boehme nor Ruusbroec is referring to the man Jesus, but to the Light that the Christ is.
All living beings have in their hearts this same Light, this Child of God, or Christ. It is our original, unborn, and undying nature. It has been called the divine spark, (21) the fire always burning on the altar, (22) and a fireband plucked from the burning. (23)
In another place, Jesus says: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (24) and “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” (25) These two passages have been used by some to indicate that only Christians will be saved.
But we can see now, from Ruusbroec’s description, that contemplating the Christ-Light is in fact the Way to the Father, who is the Truth and the Life (that is, the end of the need to be reborn in matter). That same Christ-Light is to Hindus the Atman and Buddhists, the Buddha-nature. It would be an error on our part, therefore, to suggest that Hindus contemplating the Atman and Buddhists contemplating the Buddha nature would not reach salvation; they are contemplating the Christ-Light as well as Christians are – with just a change of terminology.
The Christ is the Self
Given that the Christ is our own true Self, another way of saying that the Christ is the way to God is to say “know thyself if you wish to know God.” Knowing our Self is the way to know God. The Self is the Christ and penetrating into It leads us to the All-Self or the Father.
The twentieth-century American mystic Franklin Merrell-Wolff demurred from confusing the man Jesus with the Christ. Merrell-Wolff knows the Christ as the Self through his own experience.
“No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” Thus spake Jesus. But many heard, though few understood, and so they sought the Father through belief in a man who dwelt for a short time upon this earth. But no man is ‘I,’ since ‘man’ is an object while I AM [is] always the subject. Hence, to translate the above quotation as meaning, ‘no man cometh unto the Father but by Jesus,’ is completely to change its meaning. (26)
According to Merell-Wolff, Jesus was saying that no man approacheth the Father except by the Self, the universal subject. In knowing the transcendental Self, we shall know God.
Only through the ‘I’ is Identity realized. Approached in any other way, God is ever something other than the seeker and, therefore at a distance. To come to the Father is to be one with the Father, and this can be achieved only through the pure Subject or the SELF. (27)
There is wide agreement among other masters that knowing the Self is the way to know the Father.
Whoever sees his nature is a buddha. (28)
To attain enlightenment without seeing your nature is impossible. (29)
To know God is not an easy matter, until one becomes a knower of one’s self. (30)
Knowledge of self is the key to knowledge of God, according to the saying: “He who knows himself knows God.” (31)
Anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing
Strain every nerve in every possible way to know and experience yourself as you really are [i.e., as the Christ-Light]. It will not be long, I suspect, before you have a real knowledge and experience of God as he is. (32)
St. Catherine of Genoa
My Me is God, nor do I recognize any other Me except my God Himself. (33)
Sri Yukteswar Giri
The highest aim of religion is Atma-jnanam, Self-knowledge. (34)
Thus, God has laid down that we must approach Him by knowing ourselves first.
As divine sparks or Children of God, we are joint-heirs with the Christ that Jesus was. (33B) When we realize our true and full identity as that Son of God, one with the Father, we will have fulfilled the purpose for which we were born. We will be fully enlightened. The lost lamb, the Prodigal Child, will have left behind the things of the world and come Home.
In my view, then, Jesus does not promise salvation only to those who follow Jesus the man. The Christ in all creation promises it freely to all, by virtue of our being the Children of God. There are no strings attached to our birthright. There may be strings attached to when we shall inherit it.
The crooked shall be made straight
Let us examine two other examples of sages predicting universal redemption. In this case, we are not listening to an avatar, a Descent of the Divine, like Jesus, Krishna, or Ramakrishna. We are listening to two enlightened masters — Isaiah and Lao-Tzu — who say strangely parallel things.
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it. (35)
All of us shall be perfected or made straight. Once we are perfected, all of us shall see and know God.
Lao Tzu makes the same prediction.
The crooked shall be made straight
And the rough places plain;
The pools shall be filled
And the worn renewed….The saying of the men of old
Is not in vain:
“The crooked shall be made straight” –
To be perfect, return to it. (36)
All human beings shall be made straight, their hills and valleys levelled, their pools filled, resulting one day in universal redemption. All can and will return to their original perfection and be redeemed.
So … we are not the ego. We are aware of how much death and destruction has arisen by thinking that our side will be saved and the other side won’t. God is not on our side exclusively; God is on all sides universally. By thinking in confused ways, we have divided ourselves into tribes and camps, circles and stripes. Unfortunate and mistaken ways of being have arisen and endlessly multiplied. They did so because of our misidentification with the ego and all of its states, moods, and desires.
We have come upon two more Design Elements of God’s Plan for Life: (1) our nature as we have just described it; and (2) the known outcome (universal redemption) of the cosmic drama that we are all involved in.
In regards to the first, our nature is that of the Self, Christ, or Child of God – a Firebrand plucked from the Burning. In regards to the second, all of us have God’s Promise that we will be reunited with the Fire one day.
Both these Design Elements are in fact our inheritance, our legacy, our birthright. They are intrinsic to us, inalienable. The situation cannot be changed by act of legislature. It does not bend before religious edict. A dictator could not make the situation different even if he killed us in the process (and we begged for mercy). We are all Children of God and we are all bound for salvation.
What difference does knowing this make?
When it is known that we all are Children of God, that all are loved by Him and destined to be redeemed, each one of us faces a choice. Do we continue to conduct ourselves as if only our fellows in faith will sit on the Right Hand of God? Or do we drop that false notion and see things as the masters say they are?
We were not designed to push the service of our own projected self-interest into areas where it works to the detriment of others. Why not? Because life will push back. And why is that? Apparently, because God has designed it that way.
Viewed from a pragmatic social angle, gone is any valid basis for such views as master races and subject races, “ethnic cleansing” and genocide, crusades or jihads, slavery, dictatorship, class domination. Gone is any valid basis for male enslavement and mistreatment of women or the exploitation of children.
Viewed from a personal angle, gone is any valid basis for my asserting myself over others to their detriment. It has to be win/win. We are all of us Brothers and Sisters, Children of God, part of the same family, and universally bound for redemption.
Our entire worldview could shift if we allowed it. The “hundredth-monkey” effect might tip us into global religious tolerance as we realize that we are all Spiritual Brothers and Sisters, on the road to mutually-assured perfection.
One event will occur regardless of whatever else happens. The basis of all subordinating (superior vs. inferior) worldviews is, by these revelations, removed. The secret is out: there is no superior or inferior to be found anywhere. Spiritually, we are all equal and alike, in nature and in destiny.
Having settled that question, what path will lead us to God? Is it only the one we follow?
For full details on these sources, see Bibliography
(1) GSR, 35.
(2) GSR, 818.
(3) RAWSH, 172.
(4) Ibid., 98.
(5) Luke 7:35.
(6) See, for instance, Isaiah’s appositives: “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom. “ (Isaiah 11:2.) Or Solomon’s, in the Apocrypha:
”And who has learned your counsel
Unless you gave him wisdom,
And sent your holy spirit from on high.”
(“Wisdom of Solomon” in APO, 195.)
Compare with St. John of the Cross:
”The Spouse … is the Wisdom of God.” St. John of the Cross in CWSJC, 75. “This flame of love is the Spirit of the Bridegroom, which is the Holy Spirit.” (St. John of the Cross in CWSJC, 580.)
(7) BG, 126.
(8) John 8: 23.
(9) FMSR, 106-7.
(10) John 6:39-40.
(11) John 16:28.
(12) I Corinthians 15:24 and 28.
(13) Sri Ramakrishna cited in Usha, RVW, 25.
(14) II Corinthians 4:6.
(15) CC, 183.
(16) JR, 147
(17) Ibid., 74.
(18) ESS, 166.
(19) KYA, 171-2.
(20) Jesus in Matthew 13:44.
(21) Omraam Michael Aivanhov, LAS, Part 1, 22; also Meister Eckhart in Huxley, PP, 15-6.
(22) Leviticus 6:13.
(23) Amos 4:1.
(24) John 14:6.
(25) John 10:9.
(26) PTS, 19.
(27) Loc. Cit.
(28) ZTB, 5.7
(29) Ibid., 9.
(30) KK, 3.
(31) AH, 19.
(32) CU, 71.
(33) PP, 11.
(34) HS, 6.
(35) Isaiah 40:3-5.
(36) WOL, 22, 74. | <urn:uuid:391e338c-a3a2-4f90-8efa-d063c8fe96ba> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://goldenageofgaia.com/2010/08/19/who-among-us-shall-know-god/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721027.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00550-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952569 | 6,086 | 2.109375 | 2 |
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Right Main Bronchus Sleeve Resection
Carcinoid is a rare lung cancer that originates from the neuroendocrine cells of the airways. Pulmonary parenchyma sparing procedures should be attempted whenever feasible. Bronchoplasty and sleeve resection are technically challenging, and a minimally invasive approach has been attempted in only a few dedicated centers.
Professor Cerfolio demonstrates the adoption of a four-arm robotic technique to resect a carcinoid tumor, which originated from the right main bronchus. The ports' positions are shown. The bronchus is isolated, and it is incised proximal to the lesion. The mass, which was occluding the right main bronchus, is excised and sent for frozen sectioning to ensure the margins’ clearance. The bronchus is dissected free from the artery. The bronchus is then completely divided and the edges are trimmed to suit the anastomosis of the proximal and distal stumps. This is achieved with two continuous 3-0 barbed sutures. Finally, the results are checked by flexible bronchoscopy, and one apical chest drain is placed.
The authors suggest that the robot, in view of the instrument articulation, is the ideal minimally invasive platform to perform reconstruction of the airways. Such a procedure would otherwise be performed through open surgery.
Dr Cerfolio lectures for Intuitive Surgical. | <urn:uuid:e208f22a-538d-40ed-8463-7cc192329c15> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.ctsnet.org/article/right-main-bronchus-sleeve-resection | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572198.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20220815175725-20220815205725-00277.warc.gz | en | 0.918679 | 343 | 2.59375 | 3 |
Then came the sixties. In Niebuhr's last failing years, when he had withdrawn from editing, and after his death in 1971, C&C veered, along with the herd of progressive minds, sharply to the left. In latter years it became, and boasted of becoming, the religious counterpart to The Nation. Apparently many people decided they could take The Nation straight, without the chaser of C&C's occasional biblical footnotes. Circulation plummeted and influence became imperceptible. Now comes notice that C&C is shutting down. We say, without a scintilla of Schadenfreude, that we are very sorry. The magazine inherited, even if it finally betrayed, a noble tradition.
The question is asked how First Things views its "competition." The question is not easy to answer. Ours is a journal of "religion and public life," and we take both with great seriousness, indeed contending that the first is the heart of the second. Among publications identified as "religious," the pickings today are, quite frankly, pretty slim. The Protestant front is spanned by The Christian Century and Christianity Today. The first, more than a century old, is still the reliable flagship of oldline Protestantism, reflecting that sector's strengths and weaknesses, and offering from time to time articles that dissent from the liberalism against which Niebuhr initially posed C&C. The Century's liberalism is certainly less sentimental and less strident than it was fifty years ago. While its readership is almost entirely liberal Protestant and its subscription base is in libraries that have long taken it to fill the "Protestant" category among periodicals, the Century is still a standard, albeit declining, referent in journalistic stories about religion in America. (Largely, no doubt, because of the association of the infinitely quotable senior editor, Martin E. Marty.)
Christianity Today is of much larger circulation, pitched to a more popular audience, and serves as a kind of marketing catalogue for evangelical Protestants, who constitute almost all of its readership. It is some way from what Carl Henry had in mind when he began it as a journal to provide a serious intellectual and theological forum for Evangelicals, but it serves an important purpose and offers a superior news service on happenings evangelical.
Among Catholic publications, America, Commonweal, National Catholic Reporter, National Catholic Register, and Crisis must be mentioned. Jesuit-edited America has a secure circulation base in Catholic institutional networks and is edited in a laid-back, eclectic manner around the general theme question, "Wouldn't it have been nice if Vatican Council II had been implemented?" While cranky about this pontificate and Rome in general, America is by no means to be confused with the National Catholic Reporter's rantings. The latter might well be described as The Nation of American Catholicism. The other NCR, the Register, is sober, reliable, prone to the pietistic, and too often dull. But it does supply a very useful overview of what is going on within the worlds of Catholicism.
"Commonweal Catholic" was a term of great panache twenty-five and more years ago. Very consciously lay-edited, it represented the avant garde of responsible reform. Perhaps Commonweal is handicapped by its success. The Council did happen. More than its liberal Protestant counterpart, The Christian Century, Commonweal has tried to stay in conversation with the ironic twists and turns in American culture and religion. More than America, it has an evident editorial directing hand that frequently results in interesting reading. Knowing that it cannot bask in the afterglow of its glory years, Commonweal is marked by an intellectual curiosity that reflects an expectation that, despite its aging readership, it will have an important role to play in the future. We hope that expectation is vindicated.
The newcomer on the Catholic scene, now twenty-one years old, is Crisis. Originally it was called Catholicism in Crisis, in direct imitation of C&C, founding editor Michael Novak being a great fan of Niebuhr. Crisis is still finding its editorial legs, but has already found a secure niche among conservative and neoconservative Catholics. It is feisty, aimed at stirring controversy, and is in no doubt about its important role in the future. There is something in every issue that you feel you must read. And we would say these positive things even if it were not edited by our friends. New Oxford Review, originally Anglican and now Roman Catholic, is known to run articles sometimes as interesting as the advertisements it places, seemingly everywhere, in other magazines of more general interest. On Catholic publishing, it is good to keep in mind that most of the Catholic press, unlike the Protestant, is not national. What is most read by most Catholics are the diocesan newspapers, which are as various in quality as is the Church and the culture that they reflect. (Catholic New York, we are glad to say, represents a very high quality.)
Of course there are numerous official denominational publications, The Lutheran (ELCA) being the largest. As with the Catholics, the Southern Baptist publishing enterprise is regionally dispersed in state conventions. And there are numerous "renewal" publications within the denominations, such as Good News among the United Methodists, and Lutheran Forum, with which this editor was connected for many years. There seems to be a growing number of Episcopalian newsletters and small magazines, mostly aimed at trying to sort out from an orthodox perspective the apparent theological dissolution of that communion. Then, apart from the specialized journals of the various academic guilds, there are the more general theological journals: Theology Today from Princeton Seminary, Interpretation out of Union Seminary, Virginia (strong on biblical studies), Theological Studies edited by the Jesuits, and the very promising new journal, Pro Ecclesia, which is Lutheran- based but thoroughly ecumenical.
In the Jewish community, surprisingly enough, there is very little that commands attention beyond small circles of Jewish interest. The American Jewish Congress puts out its Congress Monthly, which seems mostly a kind of bonus for membership. The Forward is still published, and, one gathers, mainly read, in New York. The big exception, of course, is Commentary, which has an enormous and deserved influence far beyond the Jewish community. It is published by, but only loosely connected with, the American Jewish Committee, and, while running many items of particular Jewish interest, is probably not viewed by many of its readers as being a Jewish journal.
In this brief sketch of "the competition," we have probably overlooked an obvious publication or two. But that's the general picture. In truth, we do not view any of these as competition. We like to think of them as partners in conversation, and wish there were more of them. Among the publications mentioned that have any claims to intellectual seriousness, First Things probably has the largest actual readership. The Christian Century and America have larger institutional subscription bases, but First Things subscribers are almost all individuals who actually pay to get the journal. More distinctively, First Things is alone in cutting across the religious sectors (54 percent Protestant, 40 percent Catholic, with the rest Jewish and unaffiliated). So, in the hope of sounding grateful but at the risk of sounding smug, we are very pleased with our placement in the world of publishing that addresses "religion and public life."
And yet, this entire world of discourse is distressingly small. Louis Lapham of Harper's recently estimated that publications making any kind of intellectual demand-e.g., Harper's, Atlantic, The New Republic, the New York Review of Books, Commentary, First Things-are all fishing in a potential subscription pool of perhaps no more than a million people. And that in a nation of 255 million. His estimate may be too high. The potential readership for a serious and sustained discussion of religion is no doubt much less. Put together the subscription base of America, The Christian Century, Commonweal, Crisis, Commentary, and First Things and you arrive at a total of a little over one hundred thousand, and many of those readers of course subscribe to more than one.
So we are going to miss Christianity & Crisis. Not a lot, but we will miss it. It was one more voice attempting to inject religiously informed wisdom into a public discourse that is increasingly debased by major media that are as morally ignorant as they are religiously indifferent. We did not have much occasion to refer to C&C in recent years, but it was always there as a partner and adversary in conversation, and one always entertained the hope that it might one day recapture something of the purpose for which Reinhold Niebuhr, rightly, thought it so important. Whatever it became in the last two decades, it is necessary to remember that, back then, C&C was there when it was needed.
Poor Times, Poor Country
Well, now we know, thanks to New York Times columnist Anthony
Lewis. "The murder of a doctor in Pensacola, Fla., tells us the
essential truth about most anti-abortion activists. They are religious
fanatics, who want to impose their version of God's word on the rest of
us. For them the end justifies any means, including violence." Lewis
notes that Michael Griffin, the man charged with the killing, "had been
in church last Sunday." So there you have it.
Coming through, as usual, with bigotry beyond the call of liberalism, Lewis writes anti-abortionists out of the constitutional compact. "In this country we have a constitutional bargain about religion. Individuals are guaranteed the right to choose their faith, but they may not compel others to accept their views. . . . The bargain is essential to our form of democracy, which requires compromise and does not work when there are ideological certainties. The anti-abortion activists are outside the bargain. They have all the certainty-the cold-blooded certainty-of an Ayatollah Khomeini." Lewis, seconded by a Times editorial on the same day, holds Ronald Reagan and George Bush responsible for "nourishing extremism" because of their support for the pro-life cause.
It is a remarkable reaction on the part of what many still consider the nation's most prestigious newspaper. As we have written elsewhere, the killing of Dr. David Gunn is to be condemned as murder, unqualifiedly. As is the killing of unborn children to be condemned. A civilization cannot tolerate private executions, as a civilization cannot long survive the license to kill unwanted human beings. Apart from condemning the killing of Dr. Gunn, Mr. Lewis and his paper have everything else exactly backwards, factually and logically.
Democracy requires compromise, we are told, and that is right. The two "no compromise" factions in the abortion debate are, on the one hand, the 20 percent who favor the present unlimited abortion license and, on the other, those who would effect a national prohibition of all abortions, which is also about 20 percent of the population. The 60 percent of Americans in between, to the extent that they can bring themselves to think about the painful subject of abortion, say they want some kind of accommodation. The first faction, those favoring the unlimited abortion license, is, at least for the moment, politically and legally triumphant. Like Mr. Lewis and his paper, they would, in their imperious success, simply exclude from the constitutional "bargain" the 80 percent of Americans who want to prohibit or contain abortion. At least they would exclude the "activists"-those who are so impertinent as to act upon their convictions.
This is elitist arrogance of breathtaking proportions. It is comparable to the arrogance of the Supreme Court in the 1992 Casey decision, when it declared that not the Court but the character of the nation is being "tested" by whether or not it follows the Court's five-to-four edict in support of the abortion license. The Times is a primary instrument in forcing premature closure on the democratic deliberation of what millions of Americans-both pro-choice and pro-life-consider the greatest moral question of our time: Who belongs to the community for which we accept common responsibility?
In their ideological certainty, the Times and its allies assume a don't-give-an-inch intransigence about "women's reproductive rights" that brooks absolutely no dissent. Anything outside the Times' circle of extremist opinion is dismissed as extremism. Reagan and Bush both received a much larger electoral vote than the Times' man in the White House, yet we are told that they are guilty of extremism for agreeing with the great majority of Americans that abortion should be contained, with or without a view toward eventual elimination. Who is out of touch with whom? What is the meaning of extremism in this context?
It may be a small thing, but we think not. On the day of the column and editorial in question, two-thirds of the op-ed page was devoted to the advocacy of hermaphrodite rights. Yes, hermaphrodite rights. Some children are born with sexually ambiguous genitalia, a condition usually corrected early on by surgery. The author contends that this reflects the prejudice that there are only two sexes. Such children, she contends, should be permitted to live out their ambiguity until they reach maturity and then be permitted to decide whether they want to be male or female, or continue as hermaphrodites. We are not making this up.
A paper that thinks hermaphrodite rights one of the important questions of our time, a paper that editorially endorses the worship of the great nature goddess Gaia, a paper that advocates the demonstration of condoms to fourth graders in public school, a paper that condemns as religious fanatics those who favor the protection of the unborn, a paper that derides as extremist the views of a majority of Americans and of two Presidents they elected, this is simply not a serious paper. The New York Times, editorially and in its reporting-especially on feminism, the gay-lesbian campaign, and pop culture-has in recent years become crassly partisan in an essentially frivolous way. By frivolous we mean that there is an absence of gravitas, of weighing of words, of love of words, of respect for words. It has become a generally vulgar and strident paper that is hostile to nuance and, it seems, editorially incapable of self-doubt or a modicum of intellectual curiosity.
Reading the Times today is like reading the Village Voice of, say, ten years ago. We are told that the business people at the Times like to hear that, since they are trying to reach the buppies, or whatever kids are being called these days. We are also told by insiders that the vulgarization strategy is not working, which is a modest consolation. Yet read the Times one must in this business. One comes away from it with intelligence insulted and more than hands dirtied, but it is the most extensive national bulletin board on what people are up to and on what the crazies in the neighborhood are thinking. What one does not expect in the Times, and has not been able to expect for a long time, is fair and informed editorial judgment or accurate and balanced reporting (though there are honorable exceptions among the reporters). The format is that of a traditional newspaper, the substance is increasingly that of a cheap tabloid. The consequences of this change are considerable, for, in the absence of a serious alternative, the New York Times is still taken to be the lodestar for the news business in this country. Poor country.
A Chapter Closing, Maybe
It seems that a small but not unimportant chapter may be closing in the
culture wars. For years, gay activists have contended that AIDS puts
everybody, homosexual and heterosexual alike, at risk. Medical
authorities, on the other hand, have emphasized the behavior-specific
nature of HIV infection and AIDS. The media strongly favored the first
position. It had two chief advantages. First, it obscured, indeed
attempted to deny, the fact that anybody might be responsible for
getting AIDS. The disease was something that could happen to anybody,
just sheer bad luck for the victims. Second, turning it into a pan-
sexual epidemic justified "safe sex" programs in schools and elsewhere,
providing an argument for the distribution of condoms and other measures
implicitly normalizing sexual promiscuity.
Now, however, the scientific evidence has become so overwhelming that public authorities are emboldened to emphasize the need to "target" the fight against AIDS. This is happening even in New York, where a map of the city was recently published indicating the incidence of AIDS. Sections of the city where there are few or no cases are left white, sections with 400 to 1,000 cases per 100,000 adults are shaded gray, and those where there are 1,500 or more are rendered in black. It is a most revealing map. Better than half the city is white. Heavily black and Hispanic sections of the city are shaded gray, reflecting heavier drug use. Printed in black are Chelsea, SoHo, and Greenwich Village, the gay centers of the city. Most revealing, and most politically incorrect. One watches with interest to see whether the weight of facticity will change the media's coverage of AIDS as a plague that puts everybody at risk.
Lest readers be excessively cheered by evidence of a return to sanity, we note that New York City has again changed its policy with respect to sex clubs. There are dozens of these in the city, mainly male homosexual, and people go there to engage in, or to watch, group fellatio, sodomy, and sundry other perversities. There are S clubs and M clubs, and just about anything the imagination might conjure. These clubs are great places for spreading AIDS and other venereal diseases, as one might expect, and some years ago the city tried to close them. That, authorities decided, was futile. So now the city has adopted the policy of assigning "monitors" to the various clubs in order to encourage safe sex. Monitors-who presumably have an astonishing degree of erotic disinterest-are to watch the action very carefully. They have no enforcement powers, but they can, for example, point out to participants in the throes of erotic ecstasy that their condoms are slipping. (We are not making this up, either.)
One club advertises "HIV Positive Night." That's for men who are infected or, as hard as this may be to believe, want to become infected so that they will no longer have to worry about safe sex and all that. The assumption is, We're all dying anyway, so we might as well have a grand time while it lasts. It seems that that assumption is not so rare as one might think. An article in a gay publication, reprinted in the Times, quotes a man who explains that the least stressful condition for a gay man is to be newly infected with HIV. "I'm not going to have to live through fifty years of burying dead people. I've got another ten or fifteen years to go. Nothing's going to hit me for the next six years, and I don't have to worry about getting infected anymore."
Years ago, when AIDS was first being discussed, we were taken aback by the remark of an ordinarily gentle friend. "It will not become a societal crisis," she calmly observed, "because they're going to kill each other off." It seemed then an unfeeling thing to say, and still does. And yet, by the time the disease runs its course or a cure is found, it is likely that hundreds of thousands of homosexuals will have died from it. Obviously, that constitutes unspeakable human suffering, as well as a devastating blow to a "gay community" that aspires to be the motor force of social-sexual revolution.
Many have remarked on the curious way in which a sector of the population bearing a deadly disease has been able to capitalize on tragedy in order to achieve acceptance and even approval. But now the dynamics may be turning. Less than a year ago, a Times reporter informed us that the little red ribbon indicating sympathy for gays had become more ubiquitous than the cross as a symbol of commitment. When- aside from the Academy Award presentations-was the last time you saw someone wearing the little red ribbon? There are other ribbons in the wind, so to speak.
We know that New York City is not America (and most readers may think it is too much of America), but the failure of gays and lesbians to be included in the St. Patrick's Day parade was a crushing defeat for them. As was the firing of Joseph Fernandez and the effective abandonment of "The Rainbow Curriculum" in the public schools. As was the informal national referendum, inadvertently actuated by President Clinton, on gays in the military. As is the above-mentioned decision to "target" AIDS prevention. As is the accumulating evidence that gays constitute a far smaller percentage of the population than Kinsey had suggested. We are prepared to entertain the possibility that those gay spokesmen are right who have said, sotto voce, that their movement is losing its momentum.
A key mistake was their confusion of tolerance and indifference. Americans want to be almost infinitely tolerant, but they are not indifferent to factors that bear upon their children, and homosexuality is inescapably about children, and grandchildren. That was the big jolt to gay activists in New York. They seemed utterly surprised that parents couldn't care less about what gays did on their own time, but they were not going to let them mess with their children. An additional, and grossly mistaken, assumption of the activists was that the more people learned about gays and homosexuality the more approving they would become. That has turned out to be, at best, a highly dubious assumption.
We are not about to suggest that the gay assault on the culture has come to an end. Far from it. The institutional, personal, and financial investment in this campaign is enormous, and the media support it has recruited seems almost unanimous. But there are ribbons in the wind. The self-confidence of the movement's leaders, the arrogant supposition that they represent the inevitable course of progress, has been deeply shaken. It is not impossible that in the not too distant future gay activism as we have known it will have taken its place in the history of popular culture along with wife-swapping and "open marriages." People will still commit adultery, and Greenwich Village and San Francisco will still have their sex clubs, but few people will mistake such things for the wave of the future. In the shadows of society, subcultures will flourish in their way, but nobody will mistake them for the culture. Except, of course, in academe, where the rages of yesteryear are deeply institutionalized in ever-proliferating special studies departments.
We are not saying that the general cultural shift is going to happen. We certainly are not saying that it has happened. We are saying that it is not impossible. And that we thought you might want to know, especially if this is the day of the week on which you are tempted to think that the jig is up in the culture wars. (Our days of temptation are Tuesday and Thursday. The above item was written on Saturday.)
The Schaeffer Legacy
The magazine of the Rutherford Institute devotes an issue to Francis
Schaeffer of L'Abri fame and complains that his legacy is being
neglected. The importance of Schaeffer on the world Christian scene is
exaggerated by some. In the issue of The Rutherford Journal,
this writer is accused, if that is the right word, of "only now
discovering the truths that Francis Schaeffer championed twenty, even
thirty, years ago." The author of the article continues, "Yet,
strangely, Francis Schaeffer seems to be given little credit for his
ground-breaking work." We have on other occasions been asked about the
influence of Schaeffer on our thinking, and perhaps a word is owed
especially our evangelical Protestant friends, for whom the impact of
Schaeffer is indeed great.
If we are accused of cribbing from people-and we make no claims to being terribly original-we would like to plead guilty to going back somewhat farther than twenty or thirty years. To Paul, Origen, Irenaeus, Augustine, Bonaventure, Thomas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, and von Balthazar, for examples. But we can say, truly, that some of our best friends were formed in crucial ways by Francis Schaeffer and his L'Abri community in Switzerland. For many Evangelicals, Schaeffer, an astonishing autodidact, made accessible a large part of the history of Western thought construed according to his distinctive Christian vision. In the evangelical community, his influence was possibly only second, albeit a very distant second, to that of C. S. Lewis.
And so, although we are not aware of being significantly influenced by Schaeffer, it is easy to agree with the Rutherford folk that his contribution was, and is, enormous. At the risk of offending, however, Evangelicals would do well to expand their canon of intellectual saints. The Christian intellectual tradition does not begin with the publication of Lewis' Mere Christianity or with the founding of L'Abri in 1954. This is not to detract in any way from the stature of Francis Schaeffer. It is to put him in the larger Christian context where Schaeffer at his best wanted to be.
In the same issue of The Rutherford Journal, Mark Noll of Wheaton acknowledges the great good done by Schaeffer, but does not blink the fact that the man had very considerable weaknesses. As is common with autodidacts, he frequently popped off on questions about which he had no conspicuous knowledge. So, notes Noll, he condemned Aquinas, "judging the medieval theologian by standards that came into play, at best, six or seven hundred years after Aquinas lived." A nice touch, perhaps saying a great deal about Evangelicaldom, is that after Noll's reference to Thomas Aquinas the editors make the explanatory insertion, "[an Italian theologian and philosopher]."
Finally, John Whitehead of Rutherford offers a point that bears remembering. "With the publication of Schaeffer's book Whatever Happened to the Human Race? in 1978, the entire complexion of Protestant Christianity began to change. Until this point, virtually no one within the evangelical community was even discussing the sanctity of human life, let alone defending it. Abortion was still characterized as a 'Catholic issue.'" For that alone, and that is far from all that he did, Francis Schaeffer deserves to be celebrated with gratitude.
While We're At It | <urn:uuid:074e2404-8392-4c84-9b6e-89c9c114b231> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.leaderu.com/ftissues/ft9306/public.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721174.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00283-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969254 | 5,527 | 1.851563 | 2 |
1. Explain what a topographic map is, what you can expect to find on it, and three uses for it.
2. Identify at least 20 signs and symbols used on topographic maps.
3. Give the nomenclature of an orienteering compass. 4. Know and explain the following:
c. Back azimuth
d. Contour interval
e. Magnetic North
i. True North
k. Ground forms
4. Demonstrate how to shoot a magnetic azimuth.
5. Demonstrate how to march on a magnetic azimuth.
6. Know two methods to correct for declination and when correction is necessary
7. Be able to orient yourself and a map by inspection and by compass.
8. Explain resection and its use. 10. Prove your ability in the use of map and compass by following a two-mile (3 kilometers) cross-country orienteering course with at least five given compass readings or control points.
Skill Level: 2 | <urn:uuid:760744d9-6d4e-47e9-a1a7-6d73462b01c4> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.pathfindersonline.org/honors/recreation/79-orienteering | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988718426.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183838-00138-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.854072 | 210 | 3.96875 | 4 |
In this episode, we discuss the possible challenges of cooking at home. We unpack our upbringings and how that reflected on our cooking styles and passion for making delicious food.
We discuss how important learning to cook at a young age is and that it should be a mandatory subject to do in school. Such a fundamental skill, yet not many people have acquired the basic acquirement of cooking at home.
We both love food and find eating out one of our favourite things to do. This helps us reflect on our recent experiences and how we are starting to enjoy cooking at home more than eating out. Making food at home and sharing it with others is such an important practice.
For those that are new to cooking or want some help, we also discuss how creating meals that you enjoy, and having a tight rotation can be a great way to start. This will give you the enthusiasm and interest to get in the kitchen and cook more often.
Lastly, we share the fundamentals of cooking and our must-haves in the kitchen. If you or someone you know struggles in the kitchen, or you just want some inspiration, this podcast episode is definitely worth a listen!
“Our goal is to help you get to that first meal where you knock it out of the park and everybody loves it, because I guarantee you will be more interested in getting back in the kitchen if you’re able to get that experience.”
Listen to the episode
Subscribe to The Minimalist Vegan Podcast on:
Things mentioned in this episode
- How To Go Vegan: The Ultimate Guide
- What I Learned From Eating One Meal a Day For 28 Days
- Simple Vegan Grocery List For Beginners
- 20 Essential Vegan Kitchen Tools
- Creamy Vegan White Sauce
- Leek and Mushroom Vegan White Sauce Fettuccine
- Minimalist Exercise: Bringing Meaning To Movement with Gemma Davis – Episode 027
- Vegan Miso Soup With Veggies & Noodles (Gluten-Free)
- What Is Minimalist Money? – Episode 015
- Vegan Smokey Baked Mac & Cheese
- Solidteknics cookware
- A Chef’s Table on Netflix
- Our Pinterest | <urn:uuid:f666bb87-6bf2-444e-bd2d-faef46a2fb4d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://theminimalistvegan.com/028/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570767.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808061828-20220808091828-00474.warc.gz | en | 0.917242 | 474 | 1.90625 | 2 |
Medicine tells the fascinating history of medicine through the ages to the present day.
Follow the greatest stories of medicine and its breakthroughs, with incredible coverage of disease, drugs, treatment, and cures. Medicine covers the gory pitfalls and miraculous breakthroughs of medical history from trepanning, bloodletting, and body snatching to brand new developments in IVF and gene therapy with compelling stories and stunning illustrations.
Clear diagrams explain major diseases such as cancer, and trace the progression of medical treatment through the centuries, from ancient healers and herbalists to scurvy and smallpox, and the World Wars to modern psychiatry.
Perfect for adults and students alike, and anyone interested in the fascinating medical history of the world, Medicine is the definitive visual history of our health.
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 288 pages
- Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
- Publication Date: 01/09/2016
- Category: History of medicine
- ISBN: 9780241225967 | <urn:uuid:b14699ff-2b42-41fa-b7db-4dba33a17383> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.speedyhen.com/Product/DK/Medicine--The-Definitive-Illustrated-History/19718833 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281226.52/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00378-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.878002 | 207 | 2.828125 | 3 |
Bitdefender 2012 is security software for protecting computers against common threats. The application has an active virus control system that is capable of detecting new viruses. It also has a vulnerability scanner that ensures that security applications are updated. Internet connections and traffic is monitored with the two-way firewall. The program runs quietly in the background and the autopilot feature makes security decisions without disrupting the user.
One of the features of the program is Social Network Protection. This tool goes through the links that are received through networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. It makes sure that links do not lead to malicious websites that contain threats. In addition, the Search Advisor alerts the user of websites that are not safe to visit (Google and Bing searches). Other security features of the application are personal data filter, file and chat encryption, and anti-phishing tools.
Bitdefender 2012 comes with a Safebox that automatically back up computer files on a remote server. The backup system has free 2 Gb of space. In addition, the program also has a tune-up utility that gets rid of unnecessary files and folders in the system. This can speed up the computer and free up disk space. | <urn:uuid:35e04730-3b15-433a-8571-ba70dc9c1153> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.filefacts.com/bitdefender-2012-info | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560285315.77/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095125-00568-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95577 | 239 | 1.59375 | 2 |
I read this post on another dog forum written by a member, and I thought its pretty good and I got very educated by it Ingredients which automatically rule out a food. If these are anywhere in the ingredients list, put it down and look for something else. A non-meat first ingredient is an automatic no go. Meat by-products: By-products can vary ... they can consist of the internal parts of animals such as necks, heads, undeveloped eggs, feet, intestines, lungs, spleen and liver. Although by-products are used by many manufacturers, are these ingredients you would knowingly feed your pet? Corn: Corn products are difficult for dogs to digest. Food Fragments: Lower cost by-products of another food manufacturing process. Examples include wheat bran and brewer's rice (a waste product of the alcohol industry). Meat and bone meal: "Meat and bone meal" and "beef and bone meal" are inexpensive sources of animal protein. The protein in a meal containing a large amount of bone may be poorly digestible and fail to provide adequate nutrition. Animal Fat: Animal fat is a "generic" fat source that is most often made up of rendered animal fat, restaurant grease, or other oils too rancid or deemed inedible for humans. Look for a named fat source, such as poultry or chicken fat, that is naturally preserved. Chemical Preservatives: Chemical preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze), and ethoxyquin. BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are potentially cancer-causing agents. The long term build-up of these chemicals (that may be eaten every day for the life of your pet!) have not been thouroughly studied and may ultimately be harmful. Sweeteners: Sweeteners such as corn syrup, sugar, and cane mallases are usually added to lower quality foods to increase their appeal. Dietary sugars can aggrevate health problems, including diabetes. Beef Tallow A low quality fat product. SugarThis is not an ingredient most people would expect to find in dog food, but many foods do, in fact, contain sugar, especially the semi-moist brands. In fact, some semi-moist foods contain as much as 15% sugar. The sugar adds palatability and moisture, and aids in bacterial contamination prevention. Dogs do not need this amount of sugar, which can stress the pancreas and adrenal glands, causing diabetes. Completely devoid of protein, vitamins and minerals, sugar is, literally, empty calories. Food colorings These still commonly used in pet foods today despite the fact that they are not necessary and some have been linked to medical problems Stuff to look for Rice A combination of brown and white rice. The white rice for digestibility and the brown for its added nutritional value. A diet product that is 100% brown rice can be somewhat hard for some animals to digest. Rice is good, corn is not. Meat vs Meal Pet food labels found in grocery and mass marketers like to use Chicken or Lamb to represent real meat. – (Contains 70% moisture). This leads you the consumer to believe that their product is meat based. Chicken or lamb meats are heavier than grains prior to cooking. The moisture contained in the meats (70%) is reduced by 2/3rds after the cooking process, leaving the total formula as a grain base food after processing. Therefore, pound for pound, meal is better than meat as its basically a concentrated form of meat, less water, more protein! Wheat Wheat is ok, as long as its not in the top 3 ingredients Other Ingredients and what they are for Chicken Fat (Omega 6) Essential fatty acids, maintains moisture in skin cells and is easily digested. Fish Meal (Omega 3) Essential fatty acids, controls skin inflammation, helps relieve itching & hot spots. Flax Seed (Omega 3) Essential fatty acids, helps reduce allergy problems caused from flea bites and gives the coat a shiny luster. Sunflower Oil (Omega 6) Essential fatty acids, prevents scruffy, dry coat and maintains moisture in skin cells. Lecithin Helps emulsify cholesterol and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats that feed the coat. Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) Essential fatty acids, helps to prevent moisture loss from cells that cause flaky, dry skin and coat. Sage Strengthens the mind and concentrating abilities; it aids in healing skin sores and skin eruptions and removing dandruff. It has been mostly employed in disordered states of the digestion and for its savory usage. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Nourishes and heals the skin. Biotin Aids in the growth and health of hair. Cranberry Meal Prevents the spread of bacterial infections in kidneys and the urinary tract. Helps prevent Cystitis. Rosemary Is a stimulant of the circulatory system; to treat bad breath; stimulates the hair bulbs to new growth. Employed for its savory usage. Apple Meal Rich in soluble fiber, lowers blood cholesterol levels and normalizes blood sugar. Amaranth Vitamin packed herb, calms the stomach, reduces tissue swelling, removes worms and parasites from the digestive tract. Brewers Yeast (Nutritional Yeast) A rich source of the B vitamins, contains 16 amino acids, 14 minerals and 17 vitamins. Protects, binds and rids from mycotoxins, which cause liver and organ damage.. Yucca Used for its reduction of both breath and stool odor ! A cleansing agent. Used by the Indians of the southwest for skin disorders, skin eruptions and helps avoid inflammation.. Eggs An excellent source of protein and contains all the essential Amino Acids.. Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Streptococcus Faecium fermentation extracts Probiotics. Better digestion and absorption of nutrients, they act to exclude and prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and creating digestive upsets, helps prevent sickness and stress.. Yeast Culture All natural live yeast culture, it acts to stimulate microbial and enzyme populations in the animals digestive system. Live yeast cultures plus dried fermentation solubles.. COPPER AND IRON A deficiency of iron causes nutritional anemia. A small amount of copper will improve utilization of iron.. Beet Pulp (Sugar) CONTROVERSIAL • AAFCO - Beet Pulp is the dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. • Natura uses it because - "it as a good source of fiber and a stool hardener". However, it is not found in their Innova or California Natural products. • Solid Gold doesn't use it because they believe it is: "Added to pet food to slow down the transition of rancid animal fats (think toxic waste). This holds the waste in. Kidneys and liver work overtime. Dogs may chew their lower backs. Feet may swell, so the dogs lick their feet. Sugar is a contributing factor to ear infections and cataracts". Beet pulp is rather controversial, many think that it is an excellent additive and source of fiber and that all sugar has been completely extracted before being added as a pet food ingredients. If this is the only "problem" ingredient in a kibble, other factors will have to help you decide. Brewers Rice • AAFCO - Brewer's Rice is the small milled fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from the larger kernels of milled rice. • Natura will not use it because they state it is a "lower quality rice product that is missing many of the nutrients found in Ground Rice and Ground Brown Rice." Solid Gold says that is the sweepings from the floor of the mill. Rice Bran • AAFCO - Rice Bran is the outer coating of the rice kernel, with little or none of the starchy part of the germ. • Natura and Solid Gold reject it because it is "an inexpensive source of fiber that is considered a filler ingredient", i.e. devoid of nutrient value. Sorghum • AAFCO - Sorghum is the ground grain of the sorghum plant. • Natura alleges that although sorghum is good source of carbohydrates, it is low in digestibility. Side Note Condemned parts and animals rejected for human consumption can be rerouted into commercial pet foods. These condemned parts are referred to as the 4 D's: dead, dying, diseased or decayed. We believe this is one of the most despicable practices in the pet food manufacturing industry. Some manufacturers have a lower standard regarding the quality of ingredients they use to make pet food. A recent example of this practice is the discovery of Pentobarbital in major pet foods, including supermarket brands. Pentobarbital is a chemical used to euthanize animals. Many holistic veterinarians feel that daily ingestion of pentobarbital can be harmful. Many manufacturers cut costs by using the cheapest ingredients available at the time a food is made. Since costs rise and fall, some manufacturers will vary ingredients from batch to batch .. resulting in changed nutrient values for each batch and possible digestive illness. Some manufacturers have lower standards regarding the freshness of ingredients they use to make pet food. You can not determine the freshness of ingredients by reading a label; you must trust the pet food manufacturer. | <urn:uuid:2971653c-82f4-4891-a244-25eed85598d6> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://chazhound.com/index.php?threads/all-you-wanted-to-know-about-food-for-fido.73666/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721405.66/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00312-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.934623 | 1,973 | 2.28125 | 2 |
Football (or soccer, as it’s more commonly known in Australia) is one of most played sports nationally. When last recorded in 2009, football was the most played of the four main football codes – the others being Rugby League, Rugby Union and Australian Rules – with more than 419,000 Australians over the age of 15 years participating in football.
Football is often considered to be less physically challenging and injury prevalent as other football codes in Australia; leading to the term ‘fragile footballer’. However, statistics would suggest otherwise, revealing that between 2002-2003 more than 3,000 people were admitted to hospital for football-related injuries across Australia. In addition, footballers rank 3rd for adults and 5th for children in terms of sporting-related injuries admitted to emergency departments. These figures highlight the physicality of the sport and the risk of injury for the players involved.
Common injuries can include sprains, strains, bruises, fractures and dislocations, predominantly to the lower limbs. It is also common for players to sustain injuries to the shoulders, ribs and neck, as well as trauma to the head resulting in concussion.
There are many factors that will influence your safety and performance as a footballer and being aware of these factors and how you can address them can have a positive affect on injury prevention. For example, screening of players by a physiotherapist before, during and/or after the season can be crucial to identify restricted movement patterns that may lead to injury or affect your performance.
Despite best efforts, injuries can still occur which can have a direct impact on performance, loss of game time and cost of managing the injury if it is not appropriately treated. Early diagnosis and treatment by a physiotherapist can speed up recovery time and minimise recurrence of injuries.
Whether you are a semi/professional footballer, junior developmental player or a recreational player, you can be assured that we will maximise a fast recovery, increase your performance and minimise recurrence of injury. If you have any questions or would like a consultation, feel free to contact us so we can assist you to have a successful and long career in football. | <urn:uuid:8d14e71a-8d9a-4ac4-8c97-2637265d88b3> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.paddophysio.com.au/fragile-footballers/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571056.58/warc/CC-MAIN-20220809155137-20220809185137-00674.warc.gz | en | 0.975391 | 443 | 2.640625 | 3 |
By Justus Locus
Reptiles have a backbone and are vertebrates. Reptiles are covered in scales. Reptiles breathe with lungs. Most reptiles lay eggs. Some reptiles, like the boa constrictor, give birth to live young. Almost all reptiles are cold blooded. Diverged from ancestral amphibians about 340 million years ago. Turtles are among the most ancient of the reptiles alive today and have changed little since they first appeared some 200 million years ago.
Reptiles are cold-blooded which means they do not generate their own internal heat. Reptiles must rely on their environment for warmth. They bask in the warmth of the sun during the day and seek shelter at night to avoid cold. Reptiles also must avoid overheating, so if daytime temperatures climb too high, they must seek shelter to avoid absorbing too much heat.
Crocodile which are crocodiles, gharials, caimans and alligators: 23 species. Sphenodontia which are tuataras from New Zealand: 2 species. Squamata which are lizards, snakes and amphisbaenids ("worm-lizards"): about 7,900 species. Testudines which are turtles and tortoises: 300 species
The Squamata Family
The Squamata or the scaled family are the largest order of reptiles. The most diverse of all the reptile groups and include lizards, snakes and worm-lizards. It has over 8000 species. The second largest order of vertebrates. In this order they are distinguished by their skin. The male members of the group Squamata have hemipenes, which are usually held inverted within their bodies, and are everted for reproduction.
The eastern collared lizard, also called common collared lizard, or Oklahoma collared lizard. A North American lizard that can reach 8–14 inches (20–36 cm) in length. They are well known to run on their hind legs. Mostly find in dry open regions of Mexico and south central United States.The collared lizard is the state retile of Oklahoma, where it is known as the mountain boomer. | <urn:uuid:000422de-57a3-4954-9ed7-6bf18ae1fa1e> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://tackk.com/e0nreq | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280872.69/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00319-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.956122 | 439 | 3.640625 | 4 |
Tulips, crocus, hyacinth, daffodils...Place bulbs shoulder to shoulder across the surface of the soil, leaving no space between them. top off with more potting soil so the bulbs are just slightly below the surface. Water each container thoroughly. finish with a layer of mulch. Leave pots outdoors for winter chilling. The more exposure to cold the better they’ll bloom.
What has to be considered in planning these displays? Timing: bloom time (early, mid and late). Color: Bright colors with dark, hot colors with cool, echo colors. Size: Arrange heights for best advantage at bloom time. | <urn:uuid:dc66f222-6763-4f87-94be-3ca066a09f30> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.pinterest.com/pin/218635756882934569/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281162.88/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00533-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.915711 | 134 | 2.28125 | 2 |
Britain supplied Ukraine with short-range anti-tank missiles as Ben Wallace warned fears of “loss of life on all sides” are on the rise. The decision to stand up for Kiev was described as “wise”.
Mr Wallace confirmed a small team of British troops would also be sent to Ukraine to provide training.
The Kyiv Independent journalist Illia Ponomarenko tweeted: “The British are just unstoppable these days.
“Once again, the UK finds itself on the right side of history – because it is wise enough not to be lured into going the easiest way, which is always the fastest lane straight to hell.”
Telling MPs about the support provided to Kiev, Mr Wallace explained there was “legitimate and real cause for concern” the troops on the Ukrainian border could be used for an invasion.
The Kremlin, meanwhile, denies any plans of aggression.
READ MORE: Russia warning: Canada preparing for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine – Citizens told stay away
Throughout security talks in Geneva, Vienna and Brussels last week, Moscow insisted the threats were instead coming from Ukraine and NATO, criticising their strengthening of ties.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said: “For us, it’s absolutely mandatory to make sure that Ukraine never, never, ever becomes a member of NATO.”
Such demands have become increasingly typical of Vladimir Putin’s government as it is aware being part of the security alliance would replace Kiev’s vulnerability with an important layer of strength.
As far back as 2008, NATO promised to admit Ukraine one day.
Although the group has no immediate plans to make that happen, it says Moscow cannot dictate its relations with other sovereign states.
Mr Wallace said: “We wish to be friends with the Russian people as we have been for hundreds of years. And there is a world in which we can establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Russia.
“I still remain hopeful that diplomacy will prevail. It is President Putin’s choice whether to choose diplomacy and dialogue or conflict and the consequences.”
Dozens of British troops have been in Ukraine since 2015 to help train their armed forces.
Further, the UK has also committed to helping rebuild Ukraine’s navy after Moscow seized and annexed Crimea in 2014 – an episode that has fueled the Russia-Ukraine dispute, once the two biggest republics of the Soviet Union, ever since.
Now, Moscow’s “increasingly threatening behaviour” calls for extra help for Kiev, Mr Wallace highlighted.
En route to Ukraine last night, British aircraft could be seen avoiding German airspace on flightpath tracking data after Olaf Scholz’s new government denied them access.
The move is thought to be reflective of the country’s firm stance in avoiding the conflict going any further, with the Chancellor saying during a visit to Madrid on Monday: “The situation is very serious.
“The movement of [Russian] troops along the Ukrainian border cannot be overlooked.
“It is massive, and it is a threat to the sovereignty of Ukraine. And therefore everything must be done to prevent a military escalation.”
Mr Wallace stressed: “Let me be clear: this support is for short-range and clearly defensive weapon capabilities; they are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia; they are to use in self-defence.”
Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, welcomed Britain’s support but reiterated: “We wanted to be in Nato… we are facing the biggest army in Europe by ourselves.” | <urn:uuid:abc12203-065b-4b18-8cfb-733c3355dd45> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.newsamed.com/british-are-unstoppable-army-and-raf-dispatched-to-see-off-russia-threat-putin-braced/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570868.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808152744-20220808182744-00074.warc.gz | en | 0.951718 | 756 | 1.601563 | 2 |
Science education is the field concerned with sharing science content and
process with .... As this source states chemistry is a very important subject in
school as it teaches students to understand...
Importance of science in schools. Knowledge. The teaching of science offers
students the ability to access a wealth of knowledge and information which will ...
Apr 22, 2013 ... Others just fail to understand the importance of including it in the school years.
Science offers the answers to various questions we ask out of ...
Jun 4, 2013 ... Many students, often who have taken AP courses in science in high school, say
to me,. “Science is not for me.” “I'm not a sciency-type.” “I'm not ...
For most Americans, science is something to be tolerated in high school, details
of which are promptly forgotten after tests are over. This may be understandable,
Nov 13, 2015 ... As STEM enthusiasm percolates, the teaching of science — its importance, its
challenges — isn't always part of the conversation. Usable ...
Science helps answer all those tough questions kids ask, like 'Why is the sky blue
?' and 'Where do stars come from?'
The National Science Teachers ... Each report has highlighted the importance of
Oct 8, 2014 ... Why is early childhood science education important? ... will have a lasting impact
on our students throughout their entire school experience.
Jan 27, 2013 ... Importance of science as a school subject is necessary for each member of a
society. In order to make effective decisions in personal, civic and ... | <urn:uuid:cd6adda2-7550-41cf-b506-f4a18afda7fc> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.ask.com/web?qsrc=6&o=102140&oo=102140&l=dir&gc=1&q=Importance+of+Science+in+Schools | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280483.83/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00296-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.906035 | 332 | 2.859375 | 3 |
Now that South Carolina has taken down the Confederate flag flying on statehouse grounds, MSNBC is drumming the five whose state flags incorporate “Confederate themes.”
They continue to prove liberals are never satisfied. We fought the Civil War. We ratified the Fourteenth Amendment. We have the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The civil-rights movement was a success. Now, we have South Carolina pulling down the Confederate flag. But it’s still not enough. And Hillary Clinton agrees.
“Removing this symbol of our nation’s racist past is an important step towards equality and civil rights in America,” Clinton said in a written statement after the South Carolina legislature voted to remove the flag. “The flag may soon no longer fly at the State Capitol, but there is still unfinished business in confronting and acting on the inequalities that still exist in our country. We can’t hide from the hard truths about race and justice. We must do everything in our power to have the courage to name them and change them” (emphasis mine).
In saying this is a “step toward equality and civil rights,” Clinton is acting as if the civil-rights movement never happened. She is painting our nation with the brush of racism as if it were still 1950—or even 1860.
Whites Must Stop Being Racists, But They Can’t
Shelby Steele, author of “White Guilt,” calls this “manipulating stigma.” With the victory of the civil-rights movement, whites lost their moral authority—something that inevitably happens when you admit you’ve done something wrong. As a nation, we confessed our racist past, and we righted that wrong. That should have been the end of it, but with the loss of that moral authority came an increase in the moral authority of minorities—power they and the Democratic Party have twisted and used to advance one social-justice agenda after another. Steele says this happens because of white guilt, and the stigma of racism reinforces white guilt.
Clinton says we can’t hide “from the hard truths about race and justice.” Which hard truths is she talking about except that we must overcome our inherent racism? President Obama said it is “in our DNA” to be racist. With this statement, he stigmatizes our nation. Clinton’s call to do everything in our power to have the courage to name those truths and change them is another way of saying that whites are racists, so we must “stigmatize them” and force them to change—to comply. A lot of effort won’t even be needed, as we’ve seen with the Confederate flag. Just point the accusatory finger, and those who don’t want to be delegitimized by stigma will dissociate from any hint of racism. They will obey.
Since the civil-rights movement, which community organizers and Democratic elites capitalized on to increase their power, “whites, and particularly, institutions, have lived under threat of stigmatization,” says Steele. He explains that through this manipulation of white guilt, whites are continually put into the position of forever having to prove the negative, that they’re not racist. This is an impossible task, which is why we’ll never really be free of it. “If they don’t prove the negative, then the stigma sticks,” he writes.
The Left Incites Racial Controversy to Secure More Power
The Confederate flag controversy has never been about being sensitive to minorities in the aftermath of the dreadful mass murder in South Carolina. It has been about stigma and the Democratic Party using it to delegitimize anyone who doesn’t bend to its will. Steele explains that if an individual or institution in America is stigmatized as racist, then they are delegitimized. They lose all power and authority and influence. They are marginalized and ostracized. When that happens, they can be easily defeated or manipulated.
When this occurs at an institutional level, that institution can no longer really function effectively. The institution wants to function, to be legitimate, so it disassociates from any appearance of racism by showing how inclusive and tolerant it is, bowing to the will of the totalitarians who want to exert their power and have complete allegiance. This is what the Great Society was built on. It’s not about compassion or equality; it’s about wanting to be able to function, to be valued, and to be legitimate.
When Clinton says inequalities still exist in our country, this is a play at white guilt. Blacks and whites are both equal before the law, so her statement is a glaring falsehood. But Clinton, in true totalitarian form, isn’t concerned about inequality. She’s concerned about power.
The Only Thing We Have to Fear
As Tom Nichols writes at The Federalist about totalitarians like Clinton, “They are not really trying to capture something as pedestrian as political equality, nor are they satisfied if they get it. They are not really seeking a win in the courts, or a legal solution, or a negotiated settlement. Those are all just merit badges to be collected along the way to a more important goal: what they really want, and what they in fact demand, is that you agree with them. They want you to believe.”
While Nichols calls these people the “new totalitarians,” they’re not all that new. They’ve been with us for decades. The difference is they have now accumulated a significant amount of power, and the Silent Majority has now become the Silenced Majority. They don’t want to be stigmatized. They don’t want to lose their legitimacy in society. So they remain silent and they conform.
“White guilt is a powerful, powerful force,” Steele says. “Not because people feel guilty, but because people are stigmatized, and again have to prove the negative all the time, and living forever under threat of being stigmatized.”
Stigma is a club in the hand of the totalitarian to increase power. Clinton, Obama, Loretta Lynch, and others will use it over and over again, as long as people allow the stigma to stick. As long as individuals and institutions fear delegitimization because of stigma and refuse to pay the high price of dissent, the power of the totalitarians will grow. | <urn:uuid:f735d053-dc8d-4148-907a-cf1e5a1c3b00> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://thefederalist.com/2015/07/10/why-white-people-will-always-be-racists/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281151.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00118-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.957933 | 1,356 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Raw footage for The 90's Election Specials. Videomaker Eve Saxon at a Mario Cuomo (1932-) event in Chicago, taping speakers who promote the New York Governor for president, though he is not on the ballot.
00:00Copy video clip URL Black/static.
00:12Copy video clip URL Videomaker Eve Saxon is “just burning some tape” outside on the street.
01:39Copy video clip URL Saxon enters the Cuomo event in a tent, where an accordionist and a guitarist perform. The event does not have very many attendees. The tape cuts before a man introduces speakers for Cuomo.
04:40Copy video clip URL Cal Sutker speaks, calling Cuomo the “most exceptional Democrat,” though Cuomo is not actually running because he cannot violate the New York State Constitution. “We cannot allow Mario Cuomo to sit on the sidelines of this campaign!”
15:30Copy video clip URL Dominic DiFrisco, an Italian American from Chicago, begins to speak, praising Cal Sutker.
18:00Copy video clip URL The tape cuts, and DiFrisco is talking about Ireland and Israel. He says the government is “turning its back on friends like Israel,” and Cuomo “believes in the Jewish people.”
21:29Copy video clip URL DiFrisco reads a quote of Cuomo’s from his ’83 inaugural address, describing Cuomo’s opinions on the role of government. He then addresses the issue of labor unions, and explains Cuomo’s opinions on the subject. He concludes by encouraging everyone present to be “troubadours of truth for Mario Cuomo.”
29:02Copy video clip URL End of tape. | <urn:uuid:b71af15c-959d-4e40-af55-a66bac691e8a> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://mediaburn.org/video/the-90s-election-specials-raw-cuomo-tent-1/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988725470.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183845-00075-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.889776 | 372 | 1.53125 | 2 |
Ministerial responsibility :
a sermon preached at the opening of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, in May Street Church, Belfast, on the 4th of June, 1883 : together with addresses delivered during his year of office /
by T.Y. Killen.
|Main Creator:||Killen, Thomas Young, 1826-1886.|
|Published / Created:||
Belfast : W. Mullan & Son, [1883?]
Physical description: 43 p. ; 21 cm.
|Call Number||View in||Collection|
|P 837||Main Reading Room||Pamphlets| | <urn:uuid:0ea5d660-bc4c-4d24-a4c2-3be752e37f54> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000179563 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560279189.36/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095119-00054-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.809782 | 136 | 1.578125 | 2 |
Environmental challenges can seem overwhelming. We’re constantly bombarded with news and information about air and water pollution, climate change, habitat and species loss, food shortages and other problems that threaten humanity. In the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (SERS), we understand the seriousness of these challenges – but we are focused on solutions that will allow us to navigate towards a sustainable future.
In a World Water Day Op Ed article for The Globe and Mail, Sarah Wolfe wrote about the connection between emotions and water.
On June 8, another World's Oceans Day (WOD) came and went without a lot of fanfare. Even so, WOD’s a good reminder that Canada is an ocean nation. That might seem pretty abstract at times for those of us living in southern Ontario. With three oceans (*can you name them?) and the world’s longest coast - all 244,000 beautiful kilometres of coast - we owe it to ourselves to pay more attention to 'life below water'.
I should begin with a disclaimer, I did not have a one on one evening with Jane Goodall. It was more like me and a few hundred of my closest friends. But the entire evening had this intimate feeling and Dr. Goodall herself had a way of connecting with each and every person in the audience.
Interested in a course work and major research paper MES? Want to fast-track a Masters degree and develop valuable job-preparation skills?
Apply to our new MRP+ and combine your SERS course work/major research paper with Graduate EDGE, a new pilot project to help you develop your professional skills, explore your career options and improve your ability to market yourself to prospective employers.
For many of us, tackling climate change on an individual level feels daunting: Where do I start? What could I even do to make a difference?
Wednesday, November 27, 11:30am to 1:30pm in the halls of the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (EV2) | <urn:uuid:46c62610-b41c-4168-ade5-594522207453> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://uwaterloo.ca/environment-resources-and-sustainability/?title=&date_type=%3D&date%5Bvalue%5D=&date%5Bmin%5D=&date%5Bmax%5D=&page=8 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572033.91/warc/CC-MAIN-20220814113403-20220814143403-00273.warc.gz | en | 0.949977 | 421 | 1.976563 | 2 |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This Application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 10/484,014, filed Jul. 7, 2004, which is a 371 of PCT/US02/22193, filed Jul. 12, 2002, which claims the benefit of 60/305,633, filed Jul. 16, 2001, all of which are incorporated by reference.
- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of electronic test head docking, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for test head docking using cams powered, at least partially, by one or more actuators for docking actuation.
In the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs) and other electronic devices, testing with automatic test equipment (ATE) is performed at one or more stages of the overall process. Special handling apparatus is used which places the device to be tested into position for testing. In some cases, the special handling apparatus may also bring the device to be tested to the proper temperature and/or maintain it at the proper temperature as it is being tested. The special handling apparatus is of various types including “probers” for testing unpackaged devices on a wafer and “device handlers” for testing packaged parts; herein, “handling apparatus” will be used to refer to all types of such apparatus. The electronic testing itself is provided by a large and expensive ATE system which includes a test head which is required to connect to and dock with the handling apparatus. The Device Under Test (DUT) requires precision, high-speed signals for effective testing; accordingly, the “test electronics” within the ATE which are used to test the DUT are typically located in the test head which must be positioned as close as possible to the DUT. The test head is extremely heavy, and as DUTs become increasingly complex with increasing numbers of electrical connections, the size and weight of test heads have grown from a few hundred pounds to presently as much as two or three thousand pounds. The test head is typically connected to the ATE's stationary mainframe by means of a cable, which provides conductive paths for signals, grounds, and electrical power. In addition, the test head may require coolant to be supplied to it by way of flexible tubing, which is often bundled within the cable.
In testing complex devices, hundreds or thousands of electrical connections have to be established between the test head and the DUT. These connections are accomplished with delicate, densely spaced contacts. In testing unpackaged devices on a wafer, the actual connection to the DUT is typically achieved with needle-like probes mounted on a probe card. In testing packaged devices, it is typical to use a test socket mounted on a “DUT board.” In either case, the probe card or DUT board is usually fixed appropriately to the handling apparatus, which brings each of a number of DUTs in turn into position for testing. In either case the probe card or DUT board also provides connection points with which the test head can make corresponding electrical connections. The test head is typically equipped with an interface unit that includes contact elements to achieve the connections with the probe card or DUT board. Typically, the contact elements are spring loaded “pogo pins.” Overall, the contacts are very fragile and delicate, and they must be protected from damage.
Test head manipulators may be used to maneuver the test head with respect to the handling apparatus. Such maneuvering may be over relatively substantial distances on the order of one meter or more. The goal is to be able to quickly change from one handling apparatus to another or to move the test head away from the present handling apparatus for service and/or for changing interface components. When the test head is held in a position with respect to the handling apparatus such that all of the connections between the test head and probe card or DUT board have been achieved, the test head is said to be “docked” to the handling apparatus. In order for successful docking to occur, the test head must be precisely positioned in six degrees of freedom with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system. Most often, a test head manipulator is used to maneuver the test head into a first position of coarse alignment within approximately a few centimeters of the docked position, and a “docking apparatus” is then used to achieve the final precise positioning. Typically, a portion of the docking apparatus is disposed on the test head and the rest of it is disposed on the handling apparatus. Because one test head may serve a number of handling apparatuses, it is usually preferred to put the more expensive portions of the docking apparatus on the test head. The docking apparatus may include an actuator mechanism which draws the two segments of the dock together, thus docking the test head; this is referred to as “actuator driven” docking. The docking apparatus, or “dock” has numerous important functions, including: (1) alignment of the test head with the handling apparatus, (2) pulling together, and later separating, the test head and the handling apparatus, (3) providing pre-alignment protection for electrical contacts, and (4) latching or holding the test head and the handling apparatus together.
According to the in TEST Handbook (5th Edition © 1996, in TEST Corporation), “Test head positioning” refers to the easy movement of a test head to a handling apparatus combined with the precise alignment to the handling apparatus required for successful docking and undocking. A test head manipulator may also be referred to as a test head positioner. A test head manipulator combined with an appropriate docking means performs test head positioning. This technology is described, for example, in the aforementioned in TEST Handbook. This technology is also described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,608,334, 5,450,766, 5,030,869, 4,893,074, 4,715,574, and 4,589,815, which are all incorporated by reference for their teachings in the field of test head positioning systems. The foregoing patents relate primarily to actuator driven docking. Test head positioning systems are also known where a single apparatus provides both relatively large distance maneuvering of the test head and final precise docking. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,695, Holt et al., and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,900,737 and 5,600,258, Graham et al., which are all incorporated by reference, describe a positioning system where docking is “manipulator driven” rather than actuator driven. However, actuator driven systems are the most widely used, and the present invention is directed towards them.
In the typical actuator driven positioning system, an operator controls the movement of the manipulator to maneuver the test head from one location to another. This may be accomplished manually by the operator exerting force directly on the test head in systems where the test head is fully balanced in its motion axes, or it may be accomplished through the use of actuators directly controlled by the operator. In several contemporary systems, the test head is maneuvered by a combination of direct manual force in some axes and by actuators in other axes.
In order to dock the test head with the handling apparatus, the operator must first maneuver the test head to a “ready to dock” position, which is close to and in approximate alignment with its final docked position. The test head is further maneuvered until it is in a “ready to actuate” position where the docking actuator can take over control of the test head's motion. The actuator can then draw the test head into its final, fully docked position. In doing so, various alignment features provide final alignment of the test head. A dock may use two or more sets of alignment features of different types to provide different stages of alignment, from initial to final. It is generally preferred that the test head be aligned in five degrees of freedom before the fragile electrical contacts make mechanical contact. The test head may then be urged along a straight line, which corresponds to the sixth degree of freedom, that is normal to the plane of the interface (typically the plane of the probe card or DUT board); and the contacts will make connection without any sideways scrubbing or forces which can be damaging to them.
As the docking actuator is operating, the test head is typically free to move compliantly in several if not all of its axes to allow final alignment and positioning. For manipulator axes which are appropriately balanced and not actuator driven, this is not a problem. However, actuator driven axes generally require that compliance mechanisms be built into them. Some typical examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,048 to Slocum et al and U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,002 to Alden. Often compliance mechanisms, particularly for non-horizontal unbalanced axes, involve spring-like mechanisms, which in addition to compliance add a certain amount of resilience or “bounce back.” Further, the cable connecting the test head with the ATE mainframe is also resilient. As the operator is attempting to maneuver the test head into approximate alignment and into a position where it can be captured by the docking mechanism, he or she must overcome the resilience of the system, which can often be difficult in the case of very large and heavy test heads. Also, if the operator releases the force applied to the test head before the docking mechanism is appropriately engaged, the resilience of the compliance mechanisms may cause the test head to move away from the dock. This is sometimes referred to as a bounce back effect.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,815, to Smith, discloses a prior art docking mechanism. The docking mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C of the '815 patent uses two guide pin and hole combinations to provide final alignment and two circular cams. When the cams are rotated by handles attached to them, the two halves of the dock are pulled together with the guide pins becoming fully inserted into their mating holes. A wire cable links the two cams so that they rotate in synchronism. The cable arrangement enables the dock to be operated by applying force to just one or the other of the two handles. The handles are accordingly the docking actuator in this case.
The basic idea of the '815 dock has evolved as test heads have become larger into docks having three or four sets of guide pins and circular cams interconnected by cables. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D of the present application illustrate a prior art dock having four guide-pin and hole combinations and four circular cams, which is described in more detail later. Although such four point docks have been constructed having an actuator handle attached to each of the four cams, the dock shown incorporates a single actuator handle that operates a cable driver. When the cable driver is rotated by the handle, the cable is moved so that the four cams rotate in a synchronized fashion. This arrangement places a single actuator handle in a convenient location for the operator. Also, greater mechanical advantage can be achieved by appropriately adjusting the ratio of the diameters of the cams to the diameter of the cable driver.
The docks described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,631 and 5,744,974 utilize guide pins and holes to align the two halves. However, the docks are actuated by vacuum devices, which urge the two halves together when vacuum is applied. The two halves remain locked together so long as the vacuum is maintained. However, the amount of force that can be generated by a vacuum device is limited to the atmospheric air pressure multiplied by the effective area. Thus, such docks are limited in their application.
The docks disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,821,764, 5,982,182, and 6,104,202 use other techniques, such as kinematic couplings, to provide the final alignment between the two halves. Coarse alignment pins may also be utilized to provide an initial alignment. The coarse alignment pins may be provided with a catch mechanism, which captures the guide pin in its hole and prevents it from escaping. The catch mechanism appears to activate automatically in the '764 and '202 patents; whereas, a motor driven device is utilized for each of the three coarse alignment pins in the '182 patent. Also in the '182 patent the three motors may be operated separately to effect planarization between the docked components. In all three patents, a linear actuator is used to finally pull the two halves together. The linear actuator is disclosed as being of the pneumatic type. In docks of this type, it is necessary that another mechanism be used to provide enough pre-alignment to prevent damage to the fragile electrical contacts. For this reason the aforementioned coarse alignment pins are used, which adds to the overall cost and complexity. Thus, two sets of alignment features are provided, namely: (1) coarse alignment pin-hole combinations, and (2) a kinematic coupling. The cam-actuated docks, mentioned previously and to be described next, combine pre-alignment with gussets and cams, precision alignment with guide pins and receptacles, and mechanical advantage and locking with cams and cam followers, in three simple mechanisms. It would be desirable to retain this simplicity and proven techniques in a powered dock for large test heads.
More specifically, the '182 patent discloses that a pair of a ball and groove is termed a “kinematic contact” because the pair provides some of the contacts needed to form the kinematic coupling. Each side of a groove is termed a “kinematic surface” because it provides for contact at a single point. The ball is called a “kinematic mating surface” because it contacts a kinematic surface at only one point. For satisfactory operation of a kinematic coupling, the '182 patent indicates that it is not necessary that grooves be used to form the kinematic surfaces. Other shapes, such as a gothic arch, can be used as well. It is also not necessary that a ball be used as the kinematic mating surface. Other shapes, such as the tip of a cone, can be made to contact a surface at a single point. Likewise, it is not necessary that each kinematic contact include two kinematic surfaces. Examples of other suitable kinematic contacts are: a ball pressing against a flat surface (one kinematic surface per contact); a ball pressing against a tetrahedron (three kinematic surfaces per contact) or a ball pressing against three balls (three kinematic surfaces per contact). Different types of contacts may be used in one coupling as long as there are six kinematic surfaces in total.
Selected details of the construction and operation of the prior art dock illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1D are herein described. This description includes aspects from an earlier docking apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,815, which is incorporated by reference.
FIG. 1A shows in perspective a test head 100 held in a cradle 190, which is in turn supported by a test head manipulator (not shown). Also shown is a cut away segment of a handler apparatus 108 to which the test head 100 may be docked. FIG. 1B shows device handler 108 in somewhat larger scale and greater detail. (In this particular example the handler apparatus is a packaged device handler, and the test head is docked to it from below.) Briefly looking ahead to the sectional view in FIG. 1C, it is seen that the test head 100 has electrical interface 126, and the handler apparatus 108 has a corresponding electrical interface 128. Electrical interfaces 126 and 128 typically have hundreds or thousands of tiny, fragile electrical contacts (not shown) that must be precisely engaged in a manner to provide reliable corresponding individual electrical connections when the test head is finally docked. As is shown in this exemplary case, the lower surface of handler apparatus 108 contains the handler electrical interface 128, and the test head 100 is docked with a generally upward motion from below. Other orientations are possible and known including, but not limited to: docking to a top surface with a downward motion, to a vertical plane surface with horizontal motion, and to a plane that is at an angle to both the horizontal and vertical.
Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the complete four point docking apparatus is shown; portions of it are attached either to the handler apparatus 108 or to the test head 100. Attached to test head 100 is faceplate 106. Four guide pins 112 are attached to and located near the four corners of faceplate 106. Face plate 106 has a central opening and is attached to test head 100 so that the test head electrical interface 126 (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) projects through the opening and guide pins 112 define an approximate rectangle that has an approximate common center with electrical interface 126.
Gusset plate 114 is attached to the lower surface of the handler apparatus 108. Gusset plate 114 has a central opening and is attached to handler apparatus 108 so that the handler electrical interface 128 projects through the opening. Four gussets 116 are attached to gusset plate 114, one located near each of its four corners. Each gusset 116 has a guide pin hole or receptacle 112 a bored in it. Each guide pin hole 112 a corresponds to a respective guide pin 112. These are arranged so that when the test head is fully docked, each guide pin 112 will be fully inserted into its respective guide pin hole 112 a. The fit of each guide pin 112 in its corresponding hole 112 a is a close fit. Thus, the guide pins 112 and guide pin holes 112 a provide alignment between the test head 100 and the handler apparatus 108.
Four docking cams 110 are rotatably attached to the face plate 106. Cams 110 are circular and are similar to those described in the '815 patent. In particular each has a side helical groove 129 around its circumference with an upper cutout 125 on the upper face. Each docking cam 110 is located in proximity to a respective guide pin 112 such that it is generally centered on a line extending approximately from the center of the test head electrical interface 126 through the respective guide pin 112 such that guide pin 112 lies between cam 110 and the test head electrical interface 126. The gussets 116 and the corners of the gusset plate 114 have circular cutouts such that when the guide pins 112 are fully inserted into guide pin holes 112 a in the gussets, the circumference of each cam 110 is adjacent to and concentric with the circular cutout in its respective gusset 116. This arrangement provides an initial course alignment between the docking components as the test head 100 is first maneuvered into position for docking with handler apparatus 108. Initial coarse alignment may also be provided by the tapered ends of guide pins 112 entering their respective receptacles 112 a. The gussets 116, cams 110, and guide pins 112 are arranged so that handler electrical interface 128 is kept separated from test head electrical interface 126 (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) until the guide pins 112 are actually received in their respective guide pin holes 112 a. Thus, pre-alignment protection is provided to the electrical contacts.
Thus, two sets of alignment features are provided, namely: (1) the fit of gussets 116 with respect to cams 110, and (2) the guide pin 112 and receptacle 112 a combinations.
A circular cable driver 132 with an attached docking handle 135 is also rotatably attached to face plate 106. Docking cable 115 is attached to each of the cams 110, and to cable driver 132. Pulleys 137 appropriately direct the path of the cable to and from cable driver 132. Cable driver 132 can be rotated by means of applying force to handle 135. As cable driver 132 rotates it transfers force to cable 115 which in turn causes cams 110 to rotate in synchronism.
Extending from the circular cutout of each gusset 116 is a cam follower 110 a. Cam follower 110 a fits into the upper cutout on the upper face of its respective cam 110. FIG. 1C shows in cross section one stage in the process of docking test head 100 with handler apparatus 108. Here guide pins 112 are partially inserted into guide pin holes 112 a in gussets 116. It is noted that in this exemplary case, guide pins 112 are tapered near their distal ends and are of constant diameter nearer to their point of attachment to face plate 106. In FIG. 1C guide pins 112 have been inserted into guide pin holes 112 a to a point where the region of constant diameter is just entering the guide pin holes 112 a. Also in FIG. 1C, each cam follower 110 a has been inserted into the upper cutout 125 on the upper face of its respective cam 110 to a depth where it is at the uppermost end of the helical cam groove 129. In this configuration, the dock is ready to be actuated by applying force to the handle 135 (not shown in FIG. 1C) and rotating the cams 110. Accordingly, this configuration may be referred to as the “ready to actuate” position. It is important to note that in this position, alignment in five degrees of freedom has been achieved. In particular, if the plane of the handler apparatus electrical interface 126 is the X-Y plane of three dimensional interface, guide pins 112 having their full diameter inserted into receptacles has established X, Y, and theta Z alignment. Furthermore, the insertion of cam followers 110 a fully into all cut outs 125 has established planarization between the handler apparatus electrical interface 126 and the test head electrical interface 128.
FIG. 1D shows in cross section the result of fully rotating cams 110. The test head 100 is now “fully docked” with handler apparatus 108. It is seen that cams 110 have been rotated and have caused cam followers 110 a to follow the helical grooves 129 to a point in closer proximity to faceplate 106. In addition, guide pins 112 are fully inserted into their respective guide pin holes 112 a. It is observed that the closeness of the fit between the constant diameter region of guide pins 112 and the sides of the respective guide pin holes 112 a determines the final alignment between the handler electrical interface 128 and the test head electrical interface 126. Accordingly, a close fit is generally required to provide repeatability of docked position within three to seven thousandths of an inch. Furthermore, the guide pins 112 must be precisely placed on face plate 106 with respect to the gussets once gusset plate 114 has been attached to handler apparatus 108. To facilitate this, the guide pins 112 may be attached in a manner that allows their position to be adjusted. A manner of doing this which is widely practiced is described in the '815 patent.
It is useful to review some information about the movement of the cam followers. FIG. 4 illustrates the vertical position of the cam follower 110 a at various points of cam 110 motion. FIG. 4 applies to circular (or cylindrical) cams as well as to linear cams as used in certain docking apparatus manufactured by, for example, Reid Ashman Manufacturing Co. The shapes of the cam groove 129 and cut out 125 are schematically shown; FIG. 4 is not drawn to scale as its purpose is illustrative. The cut out area where the cam follower 110 a can enter or exit the cam groove is indicated at point O. The cam follower 110 a(illustrated as a dotted circle at various points in cam groove 129) enters the cut out 125 at position 400, and subsequently reaches position 410 corresponding to a “ready to actuate” position. The cut out area is connected to a generally horizontal region of groove 129 between points O and A. This horizontal region is generally one to two cam follower diameters in length (but may sometimes be less) and represents only a small portion (a few degrees) of the total cam motion. Once the cam follower 110 a has been inserted to the bottom of the cut out 125, the cam may be rotated to “capture” the cam follower in this horizontal region. The cam follower 110 a is “captured” at position 420. At point A the horizontal groove transitions to a sloping groove as the cam is moved further. As the cam is moved the cam follower is accordingly raised or lowered vertically. At point B at the lower end of the slope the groove transitions to a generally horizontal region that is typically at least one or two cam follower diameters long. In this latter region, the cam follower is at the extent of its travel, and the apparatus is fully docked. The apparatus is considered to be latched (or alternatively fully docked and locked) when the cam follower is at point C (illustrated with cam follower 110 a at position 440), the furthest extent of the groove. The region from A to B may be referred to as the “midway” region (illustrated with cam follower 110 a at position 430), and the region from B to C may be referred to as the docked region.
In light of the foregoing discussion, it is now appropriate to more fully discuss the docking process and define certain terms. The purpose of docking is to precisely mate the test head electrical interface 126 with the handler apparatus electrical interface 128. Each electrical interface 126 and 128 defines a plane, which is typically, but not necessarily, nominally parallel with the distal ends of the electrical contacts. When docked these two planes must be parallel with one another. In order to prevent damage to the electrical contacts, it is preferred to first align the two interfaces 126 and 128 in five degrees of freedom prior to allowing the electrical contacts to come into mechanical contact with one another. If in the docked position the defined planes of the interfaces are parallel with the X-Y plane of a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, alignment must occur in the X and Y axes and rotation about the Z axis (Theta Z), which is perpendicular to the X-Y plane, in order for the respective contacts to line up with one another. Additionally, the two planes are made parallel by rotational motions about the X and Y axes. The process of making the two electrical interface planes parallel with one another is called “planarization” of the interfaces; and when it has been accomplished, the interfaces are said to be “planarized” or “co-planar.” Once planarized and aligned in X, Y and Theta Z, docking proceeds by causing motion in the Z direction perpendicular to the plane of the handler electrical interface 128. In the process of docking, test head 100 is first maneuvered into proximity of the handler 108. Further maneuvering brings the circular cutouts of the gussets 116 into a first alignment with the cams 110. This position, or one just prior to it, may be considered to be a “ready to dock” position. More generally, “ready to dock” refers to a position where some first coarse alignment means is approximately in position to be engaged. At this stage and depending upon design details, the distal end of the guide pins are ready to enter their respective guide receptacles. Still further maneuvering will bring the test head to a “ready to actuate position,” which was defined previously in terms of FIGS. 1A through D. More generally, “ready to actuate” refers to a position where a test head has achieved a position where a docking apparatus may be actuated. At the ready to actuate position, approximate planarization and alignment in X, Y and Theta Z have been achieved. As the dock is actuated and the guide pins 112 become more fully inserted into their respective guide-pin holes 112 a, alignment and planarization become more precise. It is noted that in manipulator driven docking, as described in the '258 and '737 patents, sensors detect the equivalent of a ready to actuate position in order to change from a coarse positioning mode to a fine positioning mode. Thus, to one of ordinary skill in the art, sensing a ready to actuate position in an actuator driven dock would be a natural extension (intuitive and obvious) of what is taught and disclosed by the '258 and '737 patents.
Docks of the type described above have been used successfully with test heads weighing up to and over one thousand pounds. However, as test heads have become even larger and as the number of contacts has increased, a number of problems have become apparent. First, the force required to engage the contacts increases as the number of contacts increases. Typically a few ounces per contact is required; thus docking a test head having 1000 or more contacts requires in excess of 100 or 200 pounds for this purpose. With test heads occupying a volume of a cubic yard or more it becomes increasingly difficult for the operators to observe all of the gussets and cams to determine when the test head is in a ready to dock and the ready to actuate positions. Also due to the resiliency of the compliance mechanisms and cable in the test head manipulator, the bounce back effect has made it difficult to maintain the test head in the ready to actuate position while simultaneously initiating the actuation. A further difficulty that arises from the increased amount of force to be overcome by the actuation mechanism is that the cam motion can become unsynchronized due to the stretching of the cable. A similar problem of mechanism distortion is known in docks using solid links and bell cranks.
- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Docking apparatus such as described above may be characterized by the number of guide pins and receptacles used. The apparatus described in the '815 patent is characterized as a two-point dock, and the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A through 1D is known as a four point dock. Three point docks following the same general principles are also known and in common use, and the present invention will be described in terms of a three-point configuration. However, this does not limit its application to other configurations.
In an exemplary embodiment the present invention provides a system and method for docking an electronic test head with a handling apparatus. An assembly is provided for at least partially aligning and subsequently bringing together the electronic test head and the handling apparatus. A power driven actuator provides only partially powered assistance in bringing together the electronic test head and the handling apparatus.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention again provides a system and method for docking an electronic test head with a handling apparatus. An assembly is provided for bringing together the electronic test head and the handling apparatus. A mechanism for operating the assembly, and at least one actuator for operating the mechanism, are also provided. At least one sensor is also included for detecting a position of the mechanism.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention again provides a system and method for docking an electronic test head with a handling apparatus. An assembly is provided for bringing together the electronic test head and the handling apparatus. A plurality of cams are situated on either the test head or the handling apparatus. The cams are for operating the assembly. A plurality of gussets are situated on the other of the test head and the handling apparatus. Each of the gussets is for aligning adjacent to at least one of the plurality of cams. At least one power driven actuator provides powered operation of the cams. A sensor detects that the test head and the handling apparatus are positioned relative to one another in a coarser one of at least two positions of alignment.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention again provides a system and method for docking an electronic test head with a handling apparatus. A plurality of cams are situated on either the test head or the handling apparatus. At least one actuator powers the cams. Gussets are provided on the other of the test head and the handling apparatus for mating with the cams in order to dock the test head with the handling apparatus. Cam followers are attached to the gussets for engaging the cams. At least one sensor determines a relative position between the test head and the handling apparatus when at least one of the cam followers is engaged with a respective cam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention again provides a system and method for docking an electronic test head with a handling apparatus. An assembly is provided for bringing together the electronic test head and the handling apparatus. At least two cams, situated on one of the test head and the handling apparatus, operate the assembly. A plurality of gussets are situated on the other of the test head and the handling apparatus. Each of the gussets are for aligning adjacent to at least one of the plurality of cams. At least one power driven actuator provides at least partially powered operation of the cams. At least one handle is included for optional manual operation of at least one of the cams, the manual operation being in addition to, or independent of, the at least partially powered operation of the cams. A plurality of alignment features are situated on one of the test head and the handling apparatus. A plurality of alignment feature receptacles are situated on the other of the test head and the handling apparatus for receiving the alignment features.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a prior art docking apparatus.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the portion of a prior art docking apparatus that is attached to a handling apparatus.
FIG. 1C is a sectional view of the prior art docking apparatus in the ready to actuate position.
FIG. 1D is a sectional view of the prior art docking apparatus in the fully docked position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a docking apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the test head side of a docking apparatus.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the handling apparatus side of a docking apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a not-to-scale diagram illustrating the vertical position of a cam follower vs. the angle of rotation of its cam of a prior art docking apparatus.
FIG. 5A is a cross section of a cam and gusset in the ready to dock position.
FIG. 5B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing in the ready to dock position.
FIG. 5C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets in the ready to dock position.
FIG. 6A is a cross section of a cam and gusset in a first coarse alignment position.
FIG. 6B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing in a first coarse alignment position.
FIG. 6C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets in a first coarse alignment position.
FIG. 7A is a cross section of a cam and gusset in a second coarse alignment position.
FIG. 7B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing in a second coarse alignment position.
FIG. 7C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets in a second coarse alignment position.
FIG. 8A is a cross section of a cam and gusset in a ready to actuate position.
FIG. 8B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing in a ready to actuate position.
FIG. 8C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets in a ready to actuate position.
FIG. 9A is a cross section of a cam and gusset midway between a ready to actuate position and a fully docked position.
FIG. 9B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing midway between a ready to actuate position and a fully docked position.
FIG. 9C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets midway between a ready to actuate position and a fully docked position.
FIG. 10A is a cross section of a cam and gusset in a fully docked position.
FIG. 10B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing in a fully docked position.
FIG. 10C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets in a fully docked position.
FIG. 11A is a cross section of a cam and gusset in a fully docked and locked position FIG. 11B is a cross section of a coarse alignment pin and guide bushing in a fully docked and locked position.
FIG. 11C is an elevation view of the cam rotation sensors and targets in a fully docked and locked position.
FIG. 12 is a perspective drawing of the essentials of the cam rotation position sensor apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 13 is a side view of an alignment pair which includes kinematic surfaces.
The present invention is directed to improving the basic manual dock as described above. In particular, it is directed towards simplifying the docking of large, heavy test heads having hundreds or thousands of electrical contacts requiring actuation forces of hundreds or thousands of pounds. The present invention also provides the means to either partially or fully automate the process of docking between the ready to actuate and fully docked positions. The present invention also reduces the amount of cable or linkage stretch that arises in a docking apparatus where the docking forces are very high.
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of an improved dock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A provides an enlarged view of the test head side of the docking apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B provides an enlarged view of the handling apparatus side of the docking apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. As in FIG. 1A, the docking apparatus in FIG. 2 includes gusset plate 114, which attaches to the handler apparatus, and face plate 106, which attaches to the test head. Three gussets 116 each having a guide pin receptacle 112 a and a cam follower 110 a are attached to gusset plate 114. For example, each gusset may be attached to gusset plate 114 using mounting screws 199. Correspondingly, three cams 110 and three guide pins 112 are arranged on faceplate 106. Accordingly, the docking apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is a three-point dock; however, the concepts to be described apply just as well to two-point, four-point or other configurations. Furthermore, the concepts to be described will also apply to docks having other arrangements of cams, including linear cams.
Both the face plate 106 and gusset plate 114 have central openings to accommodate the electrical interfaces (not shown) of the test head and handler apparatus respectively, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1A through 1D. The guide pins 112 are disposed at the three corners of an approximate equilateral triangle whose center is located at the approximate center of the test head electrical interface. The locations of the cams 110, gussets 116, and guide pin holes 112 a, are determined by the locations of the guide pins 112. In particular, each cam 110 is approximately centered on a line extending from the center of the aforementioned triangle through the guide pin and positioned further from the triangle's center than is the guide pin. As was described with respect to FIG. 1A, the gussets are shaped with a circular cut out 241 that is approximately concentric with the cam when the test head is fully docked, and a cam follower 110 a is attached to the surface of each circular cut out 241 of each gusset 116. As is shown in FIG. 2, the gusset plate 114 has circular cutouts conforming to the gusset cutouts 241. Also, as described with respect to FIG. 1A, each cam 110 in FIG. 2 has a side helical groove 129 around its circumference with an upper cutout 125 on the upper face. Each gusset 116 has a guide pin hole or receptacle 112 a bored in it.
Also in FIG. 2, each guide pin hole 112 a corresponds to a respective guide pin 112. These are arranged so that when the test head is fully docked, each guide pin 112 will be fully inserted into its respective guide pin hole 112 a. The fit of each guide pin 112 in its corresponding hole 112 a is a close fit. Thus, the guide pins 112 and guide pin holes 112 a provide alignment between the test head 100 and the handler apparatus 108.
Continuing with FIG. 2, each cam 110 has one or more threaded holes 212 in its side. One or more docking handles 135 are made from suitable rod and threaded on one end so that each may be attached to a cam 110 by screwing it into an appropriate hole 212. In this way the docking handles 135 may be readily removed or relocated as best fits a particular application. The arrangement in FIG. 2 does not have a cam driver; however, alternative arrangements incorporating a cam driver are readily possible.
Four coarse alignment pins 210 are attached near the four corners of gusset plate 114. Four coarse alignment guide holes lined with bushings 210 a are disposed at corresponding locations on face plate 106. The coarse alignment pins 210 fit very loosely into the corresponding coarse alignment bushings 210 a. The coarse alignment pins 210 are longer than the height of the cams 110. Consequently, the insertion of the coarse alignment pins 210 into their corresponding bushings 210 a provides a first coarse pre-alignment of the test head with the handler apparatus. It is to be noted that a docking apparatus need not have this feature in order to benefit from other aspects of the present invention. It is also to be noted that both guide pins 112 and the coarse alignment pins 210 perform alignment functions and, in general, both may be termed “alignment pins.” The term “alignment pin” is used herein to refer to alignment features such as guide pins and course alignment pins.
Another problem overcome by the present invention is the increasing docking force required for larger test heads. As the test head is docked, electrical connectors are engaged and resilient contacts such as pogo pins are compressed. For situations requiring the connection of several hundreds or thousands of electrical contacts, the direct force required can be up to one-thousand (1000) or two-thousand (2000) pounds. The dock actuator, whether manual or powered, must overcome this force as well as the force necessary to move the test head and overcome any compliance mechanisms. The actual force that must be applied by the actuator is the foregoing direct force divided by the mechanical advantage of the actuation mechanism. In docks having circular cams for example, the mechanical advantage is determined in part by the slope of the cam groove 129. It is possible to provide a cam groove 129 with a non-constant slope so that mechanical advantage changes as a function of cam position. This may allow for a dock which requires an approximately constant actuator force over the range of motion in situations where the direct force to be overcome varies with the separation between electrical interfaces. If the dock is manually powered, then the length of the handle is also considered in determining the mechanical advantage. If a cable driver 132 is used, then the ratio of the diameter of the cable driver 132 to the diameter of the cams 110 is a further factor in determining the mechanical advantage. As test heads grow larger and heavier with an increasing number of contacts, it becomes more and more of a problem to provide a manually operated actuator.
One or more, and preferably two or more, linear double acting pneumatic actuators 225 and 226 are attached to face plate 106 by means of support brackets 223. Air used by actuators 225 and 226 may be delivered by an air hose held in place by air hose clips 227 and 229. The actuators 225 and 226 may be of the type having a piston which moves along a cylinder which has closed ends. Air can be injected or vented from either side of the piston to produce a force to move it in either direction. The piston is mounted in a central location on a rod that is coaxial with the cylinder and that extends through each end of the cylinder. Attached to each end of the rod is docking cable 115. The docking cables are led around pulleys 137 as necessary and attached to docking cams 110 by means of cable fasteners 221. Turnbuckles (not shown) may be incorporated in known ways to apply appropriate tension in docking cables 115. Thus, each cam 110 is attached to at least one pneumatic actuator 225 or 226. When the actuators are activated by applying air pressure they apply tension in docking cables 115 which in turn applies rotational torque to cams 110. Notice that since the overall length of either of the two cables 115 is approximately ⅓ to ⅔ of the total cable length that would be necessary without actuators 225, overall cable stretching is thereby reduced.
By controlling, with a regulator for example, how much air pressure is applied to actuators 225 and 226, the amount of force applied to docking cables 115 and consequently the amount of torque that is applied to cams 110 is controlled. If a relatively low amount of pressure is used, the applied torque will not be sufficient to operate the dock against the docking force; however, the applied torque will reduce the amount of force that the operator is required to apply to docking handle 135 to operate the dock. In this case, the dock is manually operated with assistance. Thus, the dock may be partially powered to assist manual operation. Manual docking has the advantage of providing the operator with a degree of tactile feedback so that he or she can feel when docking or undocking is completed or, more importantly, whether any obstructions or malfunctions occur. This has a further advantage of simplicity and lower cost. However, as discussed earlier, as test heads become larger and heavier with more and more electrical contacts, providing reasonable manual operation is difficult to achieve. It would be desirable to retain the simplicity and proven alignment techniques of these manually operated docks in a powered dock.
The amount of assistance is controlled by controlling the applied air pressure. In a given application, it is desirable to adjust the air pressure to an amount that makes it relatively easy for the operator to actuate the dock, and low enough so that some tactile feedback is provided. On the other hand, by using an air pressure that is high enough, the docking can be performed fully automatically without operator force. In this case, it is desirable to use an air pressure that is sufficient to operate the dock, but low enough to prevent damage in case of any obstructions or malfunctions. A further advantage of this arrangement is that the dock may always be operated by hand in case of the loss of air pressure or certain emergencies. However, the operator may have to exert considerable force to do so.
As such, by controlling the applied air pressure, the docking system may be either a fully powered or partially powered system.
In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, only partially powered assistance, as opposed to complete powered assistance, is provided in bringing together the test head and the handling apparatus. For example, the “only partially” powered assistance may be provided by one or more power driven actuators. As indicated above, in certain situations, it may be desirable to have an operator provide assistance in bringing together the test head and the handling apparatus. For example, for safety and other reasons (e.g., at the discretion of the operator), it may be desirable to have an operator start the motion of a handle that commences bringing together the test head and the handling apparatus. In another example, it may be desirable to have an operator supervise the powered actuator(s) bringing together the test head and the handling apparatus (e.g., to ensure that contacts mate properly without obstruction). As such, the term “only partially’ powered assistance indicates that an operator is involved in the bringing together of the test head and the handling apparatus; however, the involvement of the operator can range from minimal (e.g., supervision) to a more integral involvement (e.g., turning an actuation handle).
In another example, if the air pressure provided is below a certain threshold pressure, an operator is required to provide some manual assistance to actuate the dock (an “only partially” powered system). Alternatively, if the air pressure is above a certain threshold pressure, the dock may be fully powered, requiring no operator assistance. As such, a system may be either “only partially” powered or fully powered, depending upon the air pressure provided; such a system may be termed “at least partially” powered because the system may be operated as either fully or only partially powered, depending upon the air pressure supplied.
In some testing systems, it is desirable to ensure that once the test head is docked that it is mechanically locked in place so that it will not move or become undocked unexpectedly. FIG. 2 includes latch assembly 240, which operates on the cam 110 that is located in the left hand corner. Latch assembly 240 includes cam lock lug 242, latch 245 latch support 244, latch slot 247 (shown in FIG. 5A), and pneumatic cylinder 246. When the cams 110 have been fully rotated into the fully docked and latched position, the air cylinder 246 may be pressurized by the operator or the controller to urge latch 245 into mating latch slot 247 in the cam, which serves to lock it in position until it is released. The pneumatic cylinder 246 may be double acting, requiring air actuation to both engage and release the latch. Alternatively, the latch 245 may be spring-loaded and a single action cylinder may be used. This may be achieved in either of one or two ways. In the first method, the spring exerts a force in a direction to unlatch the latch 245, and a single-acting pneumatic cylinder remains pressurized to keep the latch 245 latched. Releasing the air pressure allows the latch 245 to unlatch under the force of the spring. In the second method, the spring exerts a force to urge the latch 245 into the latched position, and air pressure is provided to unlatch latch 245. The second method is generally preferred because the latch will remain latched if power or air pressure is lost.
Sensors are incorporated in the docking apparatus of FIG. 2. The outputs of the sensors may be connected to appropriate inputs of a system controller (not shown), which may also control other functions of the positioning system, including, for example, the control of selected manipulator motion axes. In overview, coarse alignment sensors are provided that detect the presence of each coarse alignment pin 210 in its corresponding coarse alignment guide bushing 210 a; ready to actuate sensors detect when each cam follower 110 a is fully inserted in its corresponding cut out 125 in its corresponding cam 110; and actuator position sensors detect the rotational position of the cams 110. In another embodiment of the invention, coarse alignment pins 210 may be eliminated, and other means of coarse alignment sensing, such as sensing of the entry of the tip of guide pins 112 into their respective receptacles 112 a, can be substituted.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, the sensors are all of the same type, which is a reflective optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a reflected beam of light. Such sensors are available from Keyence Corporation of America, Woodcliff Lake, N.J. In particular, Keyence model FS-V11 and FS-V11P “Amplifiers” and Keyence type FU-35FZ “Reflective Fiber Units,” equipped with F-2HA focusing lenses are used in the exemplary embodiment. Keyence publications FSG-KA-C3-3-0201 and FSV10-KA-C-3-0201 (both printed in Japan) provide information on these devices. One sensor consists of one Amplifier coupled to one Reflective Fiber Unit; and Keyence, Corp. refers to this combination as a “Fiber Optic Sensor.” In brief summary, a Reflective Fiber Unit includes a small sensing head attached to one end of a fiber optic cable with parallel paths for incident and reflected light. The other end of the fiber optic cable is coupled to the Amplifier. A light emitting diode inside the Amplifier generates light, which is transmitted through the fiber optic cable to the sensing head where it is emitted in a narrow beam. The emitted beam of light is transmitted through space and reflected off a suitable target. The beam may preferably be focused with a focusing lens; and hereinafter, each sensing head that is described includes a focusing lens, which is not shown in the figures. The reflected light is gathered by the sensing head and passed through the fiber optic cable back to the Amplifier where it is converted to an electrical signal and analyzed. The amplifier provides a binary output signal indicating the presence or absence of reflected light of sufficient intensity to exceed a preset threshold. Thus, the Amplifier may be conveniently located at a location that is remote to the small sensing head. The Amplifier unit may contain complex electronics and operator controls to tune an individual sensor to a specific application. The reflected spot size may be as small as a few thousandths of an inch providing precise detection capabilities.
Nine sensors of the type described above are used in the exemplary embodiment. Four amplifiers 251, 252, 253, and 254 are disposed in left amplifier recess 233 along the left side of faceplate 106 and covered protectively with left cover 231. The remaining five amplifiers 255, 256, 257, 258, and 259 are disposed in right amplifier recess 234 along the right side of faceplate 106 and covered protectively with right cover 232. Grooves (not all are shown) such as 235 into which the optical fibers fit are provided in faceplate 106 to protectively route the optical fibers to the sensing head locations.
Four coarse alignment sensors are used to sense the presence or absence of each of the four coarse alignment pins 210
in it respective bushing 210 a
. These four sensors utilize amplifiers 251
, and 259
. Three ready to actuate sensors are used to sense when each of the three cam followers 110 a
is fully inserted in its respective cam cut out 125
and its respective cam 110
is ready to be rotated. These three sensors utilize amplifiers 252
, and 258
. The remaining two sensors are used to sense four regions of rotational position of cams 110
; and these utilize amplifiers 256
. Thus sensing is provided to indicate the following:
- 1. Coarse alignment of the test head with respect to the handler apparatus is detected when all coarse alignment pin sensors indicate that all four coarse alignment pins 210 have penetrated their respective bushings 210 a, but none of the cam follower sensors indicate that any of cam followers 110 a are fully inserted in their respective cam cut outs 125.
- 2. Ready to actuate condition of the dock when all cam follower sensors indicate that all cam followers 110 a are fully inserted into their respective cam cut outs 125 in their respective cams 110.
- 3. Regions of cam rotation, for example: entry/exit and captured (combined), midway, docked, and docked and locked (combined).
Each of these is now explained in more detail below.
Coarse alignment sensing is first discussed. FIGS. 5B, 6B, and 7B are cross sectional views of a coarse alignment pin 210 and its corresponding guide bushing 210 a in three sequential positions. For purposes of explanation, the coarse alignment pin 210 and guide bushing 210 a on the left hand side of FIG. 2 is considered. Beginning with FIG. 5B, coarse alignment pin 210 is outside of guide bushing 210 a. Fiber optic cable 501 b in groove 235 in faceplate 106 is coupled to sense amplifier 251 (not shown here). Fiber optic cable 501 b is also coupled to sensing head 505 b, which is mounted in a hole bored through the lip of guide bushing 210 a. Sensing head 505 b and the corresponding amplifier are adjusted so that light beam 510 is emitted from sensing head 505 b and crosses guide bushing 210 a such that there is substantially no reflection returned. Beam 510 b is approximately 5 mm below and essentially parallel to the plane defined by the opening at the upper end of guide bushing 210 a. In FIG. 5B, amplifier 251 senses the absence of a reflected beam of light. In FIG. 6B the tip of coarse alignment pin 210 has been inserted into guide bushing 210 a a small distance sufficient for it to reflect light beam 510 b, causing the output of amplifier 251 to switch to a state indicating the presence of a reflected beam. Thus, the sensor detects that the coarse alignment pin 210 has entered the opening of its corresponding guide bushing 210 a. In FIG. 7B, the coarse alignment pin 210 is more fully inserted into guide bushing 210 a. The beam of light 510 b remains reflected, and amplifier 251 continues to indicate the presence of the reflection. The remaining coarse alignment sensors are constructed and operate in essentially the same manner. When all coarse alignment amplifiers indicate the presence of reflection, all of the coarse alignment pins 210 have penetrated their respective guide bushings 210 a, which indicates that coarse alignment has been achieved.
Although coarse alignment sensing is described in terms of coarse alignment pin 210 and bushing 210 a, any type of alignment feature (optionally for being received by an alignment feature receptacle) can be sensed to determine one of several positions of alignment, such as a coarser one of two or more positions of alignment. In this way, coarse alignment sensors can be used to determine if the test head and the handling apparatus are positioned relative to one another in a coarser one of two or more positions of alignment.
Ready to actuate sensing is now discussed. It is accomplished by detecting when the bottom edge of gusset 116 reaches a predetermined distance from faceplate 106. FIGS. 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A are cross sectional views of a cam 110, cam follower 110 a, guide pin 112, gusset 116, and associated items located on the left side of face plate 106. Also shown in cross section are components of lock assembly 240, which was discussed earlier. In FIG. 6A, gusset 116 and cam follower 110 a are a distance away from cam 110. Sensing head 505 a is mounted in a mounting bracket 260 (illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A), which is attached to faceplate 106. Fiber optic cable 501 a couples sensing head 505 a to amplifier 252 (not shown here, see FIG. 2). Sensing head 505 a emits light beam 510 a which passes in front of guide pin 112 such that no reflected light is returned to sensing head 505 a. In FIG. 7 a, cam follower 110 a is partially inserted into cam cut out 125, gusset 116 is partially beside cam 110, and the tapered end of guide pin 112 is partially inserted into guide pin receptacle 112 a. In FIG. 8A, the cam follower 110 a is fully inserted into cut out 125 of cam 110. At this position the bottom edge of gusset 116 reflects the light beam 510 a so that there is a presence of light reflected back to the sensing head 505 a. Sensing head 505 a and amplifier 252 are adjusted and calibrated so that the reflected beam is sensed by sensing head 505 a and the amplifier provides an output indicating the presence of the reflected beam. Consequently, the output of amplifier 252 has switched to the state indicating the presence of reflected light. Here, the ready to actuate position has been achieved. Observe that at this point, the straight, constant-diameter, portion of guide pin 112 has just entered into guide receptacle 112 a, providing close alignment. It is also observed that the height of sensing head 505 a must be located appropriately with respect to face plate 106 and it is preferred that light beam 510 a must be approximately parallel with faceplate 106. FIG. 9A illustrates the situation when the cam 110 has been partially rotated to a midway position. In particular, light beam 510 a remains reflected, and amplifier 252 continues to provide a signal indicating the presence of the reflected beam of light.
Based on the above exemplary description, ready to actuate sensing can be described as detecting whether the test head and the handling apparatus are positioned relative to each other such that the actuation system (e.g., fully powered, at least partially powered, or only partially powered) is operable to bring the test head and the handling apparatus towards each other.
In another embodiment of the invention without coarse alignment pins 210, coarse alignment may, for example, be detected by mounting sensing heads at a height above the face plate 106 corresponding to the point where the bottom edge of the gusset 116 is at a height where the tapered tip of the guide pin is just inserted into its receptacle 112 a. The corresponding sensing amplifiers could either be set up to recognize the reflection of light from the edge of the gusset 116, or to detect the absence of reflection of a beam from a convenient target due to its being interrupted by the gusset 116. The overall length and ratio of tip diameter to full diameter of guide pins 112 may be adjusted to provide a convenient detection distance from face plate 106 and a conveniently loose fit at the point of coarse alignment. It is noted that in some systems adequate performance can be achieved without incorporating coarse alignment sensors. In such cases the expense of the coarse alignment apparatus can thus be saved.
Cam rotation sensing is now described with the aid of FIGS. 2, 4
C, and 12
. FIG. 4
, discussed earlier shows the cam follower 110 a
in various positions with respect to the cam grove 129
and cut out 125
. several regions were defined including:
- Entry/exit point where the cam follower 110 a(illustrated as a dotted circle at various positions in cam groove 129) may enter and exit and move vertically in the cut out (positions 400 and 410),
- Captured region where the groove 129 is essentially parallel to face plate 106 (not shown in FIG. 4) between the entry/exit point and where the groove begins its slope (position 420),
- Midway region, where the groove 129 follows a slope along the periphery of the cam 110 (position 430). (Note that the midway region may be of constant slope; or, more generally, it may be of varying slope to best suit particular applications)
- Docked region (position 435) at the bottom end of the slope, where the groove 129 is essentially parallel to face plate 106,
- Docked and latched point at the end of the groove 129, where the apparatus is in its final docked position (position 440). There may or may not be a detent in the groove at this point to give a feel of the dock clicking into final position.
Position 432 represents a predetermined “control position” whose location is selected by the designer according to particular needs of the application. Generally, the control position 432 is selected at a point between the captured region and docked and latched position 440. The region from the selected control position 432 to—but not including—position 440 is referred to as the “selected control region.” Further aspects of control position 432 and the control region will be discussed later.
FIG. 2 shows cam rotation sensor target 265 attached to docking cable 115. Target 265 straddles the right pneumatic cylinder 226 for convenience of location; in other configurations, this might not be necessary. Target guide 267 is attached to cylinder 226 to protect and to provide support for target 265. As the cams 110 rotate, the target 265 moves linearly with the accompanying cable motion. Sensing heads (not clearly visible in this view) of two reflective fiber units are mounted on cam rotation sensor bracket 261, and they detect reflective/non-reflective patterns (not visible in this view) on target 265 which indicate the position of the cams 110. FIG. 12 is a perspective view (not to scale) of the essential portions of the cam rotation sensing apparatus. In FIG. 12 there is cam rotation sensor bracket 261 supporting sensing heads 505 c and 505 d, which are spaced both horizontally and vertically apart from one another. Sensing heads 505 c and 505 d include focusing lenses (not shown). Sensing heads 505 c and 505 d are coupled to amplifiers 256 and 257 respectively (not shown in FIG. 12, see FIG. 2) by means of fiber optic cables 501 c and 501 d respectively. For example, the open end of fiber optic cable 501 c at the bottom right portion of FIG. 12 leads to amplifier 256 (not shown in FIG. 12), and the open end of fiber optic cable 501 d at the bottom right portion of FIG. 12 leads to amplifier 257 (not shown in FIG. 12).
Target 265 is made of a reflective material, preferably stainless steel, and it is fixedly attached to docking cable 115. Two non-reflective or light scattering strips 269 c and 269 d are attached to target 265 such that they are both parallel to cable 115. Strips 269 c and 269 d may be for example silk screened onto target 265; adhesive methods are also possible as are other techniques. The sensing heads 505 c and 505 d are positioned so that respective emitted light beams 510 c and 510 d are perpendicular to the target and at a vertical height corresponding to the vertical location of non-reflective strips 269 c and 269 d respectively. Thus, as the cable 115 moves the target back and forth, light beam 510 c will in some regions strike and be reflected from the reflective surface and in other regions be absorbed or scattered by non reflecting surface 269 c. Similarly, light beam 510 d will in some regions strike and be reflected from the reflective surface and in other regions be absorbed or scattered by non reflecting surface 269 d. For example, in the position shown in FIG. 12, beam 510 c is striking non-reflective surface 269 c while beam 510 d is striking the reflective surface of target 265.
This arrangement, having two binary-valued sensing units, allows up to four regions or points of cam position to be sensed, which is sufficient for many applications. If more than four regions or positions are required to be sensed, then this arrangement may be expanded. For example, additional non reflective strips could be added to the target and additional sense heads and amplifiers added, each additional sense head and amplifier potentially doubling the number of regions and points that are detectable. Further alternative sensing means are mentioned later.
As an exemplary embodiment, FIGS. 8C, 9C, 10C, and 11C show a view of a representative target 265 (shown in FIG. 5C and FIG. 12) and sensing heads 505 c and 505 d at four different points of cam rotation that are of interest. In FIGS. 5C, 6C, 7C, and 8C the cams are at the enter/exit point of rotation. In FIG. 8C the dock is additionally in the ready to actuate position. Here, in these cases, both beams 510 c and 510 d(not visible in FIG. 8C because the beams are light rays that are normal to the page, and behind heads 505 c and 505 d respectively; see FIG. 12 for beams 510 c and 510 d) are hitting the reflective surface of target 265, and their respective amplifiers 256 and 257 (see FIG. 3A) will both indicate that reflected light is present. In FIG. 9C the cam 110 (see FIG. 9A) is moved to a mid way position (for example 430 in FIG. 4). Here beam 510 c (see FIG. 12) is hitting the non-reflective surface 269 c, and beam 510 d (see FIG. 12) is hitting the reflective surface of target 265. Accordingly amplifier 256 (see FIG. 3A), which is coupled to sensing head 505 c, will indicate an absence of reflected light; and amplifier 257 (see FIG. 3A), which is coupled to sensing head 505 d, will indicate a presence of reflected light. In FIG. 10C, the cams 110 (see FIG. 10A) are in the docked region, but not at the ends of grooves 129 (see FIG. 10A), thus corresponding to position 435 in FIG. 4. Both beams 510 c and 510 d(see FIG. 12) are hitting non-reflective surfaces 269 c and 269 d. Accordingly, both amplifiers 256 and 257 (see FIG. 3A) are indicating the absence of reflected light. It is noted in FIG. 10C that the non-reflective surface 269 d extends to the left of sense head 505 d. The left hand end of surface 269 d corresponds to the predetermined control position 432. Thus amplifier 257 senses the change between reflected light and non-reflected light at the control position 432, and senses the absence of reflected light throughout the selected control region. Note that in this exemplary case, that both positions 432 and 435 are included in the selected control region. In FIG. 11C the cams 110 (see FIG. 11A) are at the end of their travel in grooves 129 (see FIG. 11A) and in the latched position. At this point beam 510 c (see FIG. 12) is now hitting the reflective surface of target 265. Also it is seen that non-reflective strip 269 d extends to the end of target 265. In the present position beam 510 d (see FIG. 12) is beyond the end of target 265 and hitting neither target 265 nor strip 269 d. Consequently, there is no reflected light from beam 510 d. Thus, in this position, the output of amplifier 256 (see FIG. 3A) indicates the presence of reflected light, while the output of amplifier 257 (see FIG. 3A) indicates the absence of reflected light.
The following table summarizes the positions detected by the sensing arrangement that has been described.
|POSITION/REGION ||AMPLIFIER 256 DETECTS ||AMPLIFIER 257 DETECTS |
|Cam Entry/Exit Position (e.g., ||PRESENCE of reflected light ||PRESENCE of reflected light |
|positions 400, 410) |
|Captured Region plus Mid ||ABSENCE of reflected light ||PRESENCE of reflected light |
|Way Region exclusive of |
|Selected Control Region (e.g., |
|positions 420 & 430) |
|Selected Control Region (e.g., ||ABSENCE of reflected light ||ABSENCE of reflected light |
|positions 432, 435) |
|Docked and Latched Position ||PRESENCE of reflected light ||ABSENCE of reflected light |
|(cam at end of travel, |
|position 440) |
Cam position sensing may be more generally referred to as position sensing for a mechanism that operates the assembly, where the assembly brings together the test head and the handling apparatus. As described above, in embodiments where cams are used as the mechanisms that operate the assembly, cam position sensing can be used to determine if the test head and handling apparatus are in one of several positions relative to one another. For example, the cam position sensors may sense the system is in a first position where at least one of the cams, being located on one of the test head and the handling apparatus, is ready to receive a respective cam follower (located on the other of the test head and the handling apparatus). Another example is if the cam position sensors sense that the system is in a docked position where the test head and the handling apparatus are docked together. Further, the cam position sensors may sense that the system is in a position between the first position and the docked position.
It is to be noted that the above scheme may be changed to provide detection of other position and region conditions if it is so desired. Also, there are numerous other position sensor possibilities that may be used. For example, the use of a string potentiometer (or cable extension transducer) could provide a cost competitive solution. Also available are range finders, encoders, and electro mechanical possibilities incorporating electro-magnetic devices, limit switches, and the like. With respect to the coarse alignment and ready to actuate sensing, alternative approaches include, but are not limited to, the use of range finders, proximity detectors, magnetic detection means, and imaging means.
With reference to FIGS. 5A through 1C, we can now consider the process of docking a test head 100 to a handler apparatus 108 using the present invention. Many of these figures have been previously described, and these details will not all be repeated. It is assumed that a system controller is used to read and act upon the outputs of the sensors as well as to control the several actuators in order to assist an operator. The system controller may also control additional functions of the manipulator.
In FIGS. 5A through 5C the test head 100 has been brought into close proximity to the handler apparatus 108. The coarse alignment pins 210 have not yet been inserted into their respective guide bushings 210 a. The cams 110 are all in the enter/exit position and ready to receive their respective cam followers 110 a. The cam rotation sensors are indicating that the cams are in the enter/exit to capture region. In FIGS. 6A through 6C at least one coarse alignment pin 210 has penetrated its guide bushing 210 a as indicated by its respective coarse alignment sensor. With the assistance of the controller, the operator will strive to have all four coarse alignment pins 210 inserted into their respective bushings 210 a. The controller, monitoring sensor amplifiers 251, 254, 255, and 259 may provide feedback to the operator by means of visual indicators or displays, audio signals, or other means. In FIGS. 7A through 7C, all coarse alignment pins 210 have been approximately halfway inserted into their respective bushings 210 a. The gussets 116 are aligned with and adjacent to their respective cams 110. The cam followers 110 a have entered their respective cam cut outs 125, and the tapered ends of guide pins 112 have entered their respective guide pin receptacles 112 a. The length and diameter of the coarse alignment pins 210 and the diameter of coarse alignment bushings 210 a must be designed to insure that the tapered ends of guide pins 112 are inserted into their receptacles 112 a at this point.
In FIGS. 8A through 8C the cam followers 110 a are fully inserted into their respective cutouts 125, and the light beams 510 a have been reflected, as previously described. Accordingly, sensing amplifiers 252, 253, 258 all indicate a presence of reflected light; this in turn indicates to the controller that the test head is in the ready to actuate condition. At this position, alignment in five degrees of freedom has been achieved. In particular, if the plane of the handier apparatus electrical interface 126 is the X-Y plane of three dimensional interface, guide pins 112 having their full diameter inserted into receptacles 112 a has established X, Y, and theta Z alignment. Furthermore, the insertion of cam followers 110 a fully into all cut outs 125 has established planarization between the handler apparatus electrical interface 126 and the test head electrical interface 128. The cams may now be actuated with relatively low force to move the cam followers into the capture region. Here the cam groove 129 is parallel to the faceplate 106 and electrical interfaces 126 and 128, so no insertion or compression of contacts occurs. The controller may invoke this small motion automatically by injecting air into pneumatic cylinders 223 and 224. In an alternative embodiment, the controller may display a signal to the operator to manually rotate the cams 110 by means of handles 135. In still other embodiments the foregoing may be combined; that is, the controller might signal the operator for manual interaction while simultaneously injecting a small amount of air into the cylinders 123 and 124 that is insufficient to cause rotation alone, but sufficient to reduce the force that the operator needs to supply. As such, this is another example of operator intervention in a partially powered docking system (or alternatively, “only partially” powered). During this motion into the capture region, the controller may monitor the cam rotation sensor amplifiers 256 and 257. When the output of amplifier 256 switches from detecting the absence of reflected light to detecting the presence of reflected light, the cam followers 110 a have reached the end of the capture region. Further cam motion will bring them into the sloping groove 129 in the mid way region.
FIGS. 9A through 9C illustrate the situation when the cams 110 have been rotated into a midway position such as position 430 in FIG. 4, which has been previously described, and which may include a portion of the selected control region. In this region, it is typical that the actuation force required to dock the test head 100 must overcome the insertion and compression of hundreds or thousands of electrical contacts. Accordingly, the controller may supply air pressure to pneumatic cylinders 223 and 224 to generate a tension in cables 115 in a direction to move the cams towards docked position 440. In certain applications, it is preferred to supply sufficient air pressure to enable the desired motion to be fully automated. In other applications, it is preferred to supply a reduced air pressure that is insufficient to cause motion but sufficient to reduce the amount of force that an operator must apply to docking handle 135 to an acceptable level. Again, this is yet another example of operator intervention in a partially powered docking system (or alternatively, “only partially” powered). The controller may monitor the outputs of sensing amplifiers 256 and 257 to determine when the motion has reached the end-points of this mid way region. Further, if the motion is to undock the test head 100, the required force will generally be less because the compressed contact pins exert force in the direction of undocking. However, during undocking it is likely that still other electrical contacts and connectors will be drawn apart, requiring some amount of force to do so. Thus, if pneumatic cylinders 225 226 are double action, air pressure may be utilized to provide powered, or only partially powered undocking (requiring manual intervention) or at least partially powered undocking (herein defined as either fully or only partially powered).
FIGS. 10A through 10C illustrate the situation when the cam followers 110 are in the docked region, but the cams are not at their final, fully-rotated positions. It is noted again that in this region both the outputs of both cam rotation sensing amplifiers 256 and 257 are in the absence of reflected light state.
Finally, FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate the situation when the cams 110 are fully rotated and cam followers 110 a have reached the ends of grooves 129. Attainment of this position is indicated by the transition of the output of sensing amplifier 256 to the presence of reflected light state. In this position latch slot 247 is aligned with latch 245, and the controller can energize pneumatic cylinder 246 to cause latch 245 to be inserted into slot 247, which latches the cams in place, as shown in FIG. 11A. To undock, the latch 245 must first be retracted clear of slot 247 before the cams 110 can be rotated by any means.
It is observed that when in the docked position, a loss of power or air supply will not cause the cams to rotate and the dock to become undocked. This is independent of whether the latch is latched or not. Also in the case of power or air pressure loss, the dock may be operated by hand as might be required provided sufficient force can be applied by a maintenance person or operator.
It is worthwhile to examine in further detail the design of non-reflective strips 269 c and 269 d. The first end of strip 269 c (the left end in FIG. 12) is desirably located such that, when docking, light beam 510 c moves from a reflective target 265 surface to the non-reflective strip 269 c as the cam 110 is moved away from the cam entry/exit position 410 to a captured position such as 420. The goal is to sense when cam 110 is in a position to allow cam follower 115 to enter or exit opening 125. This initial cam motion is typically small and in the captured region and is essentially horizontal requiring relatively little force. Thus, an operator may manually accomplish this initial motion without powered assistance. When light beam 510 c transitions from the reflective surface to strip 269 c, the output of amplifier 256 changes state, thereby providing a signal to apply air pressure. The second end of strip 269 c (the right end in FIG. 12) is located such light beam 510 c transitions from non-reflective strip 269 c to the reflective surface of target 265 when cam 110 arives at the docked and latched position 440. The first end (the left end in FIG. 12) of non-reflective strip 269 d is located such that light beam 510 d transitions from the reflective surface of target 265 to the non-reflective surface of strip 269 d when the selected control point 432 is reached during docking. The second end (the right hand end in FIG. 12) of strip 269 d extends fully to the end of target 265 so that light beam 510 d does not transition to reflected light when docked and latched position 440 is reached during docking.
Control position 432
may be selected for varying purposes for different specific applications. Some examples include the following:
- The required docking force may change abruptly from one value to another as the cam traverses the mid way region. Control position 432 could then be selected to cause the controller to make an appropriate corresponding change in air pressure at the point where the force changes.
- In certain applications cam groove 129 may have two distinct slopes. For example the mid way region adjacent to the captured region may provide an initial steep slope. At a certain point the slope may change to a gradual slope which continues to the transition to no slope in the docked region. The point where the slope transitions from one value to the other may be desirably selected to be control position 432.
- During docking or undocking it may be necessary to supply a signal to an external apparatus when, for example, a certain point in the midway region is reached. The control position 432 may be selected for this purpose.
- The control position 432 may be selected to be near or within the docked region, for example position 435, in applications where it is desired to shut off or substantially change the supplied air pressure prior to reaching the docked and latched position 440. This possibility may also be used to signal a point to supply air pressure when undocking, if desired.
- The control position 432 may be selected to be closely adjacent to the captured region to provide a signal assuring that cam follower 110 a has been securely captured by cam 110.
Other purposes and locations for control position 432 will occur to those skilled in the art. It is also obvious that as equipment becomes more and more automated that it may be desirable to have a plurality of control positions 432. This can be accommodated within the scope of the present invention by aforementioned means of implementing the cam position sensor.
In the above, the invention has been described in terms of a dock having circular cams. It will be apparent to those who are familiar with the art, that the same principles can be applied with equal advantage to docks having linear cams.
In the above description, guide pins have been primarily described as an alignment feature. Additionally, guide pin receptacles have been described as the corresponding alignment feature receptacles; however, it is clear that the alignment features and alignment feature receptacles may include any type of alignment pair. An exemplary alignment pair is illustrated in FIG. 13 where a kinematic interface is shown. For example, the alignment features may be kinematic mating surfaces 510 such as balls. Further, the alignment feature receptacles 520 may include kinematic surfaces. For example, the alignment feature receptacles may be grooves including two kinematic surfaces.
In the embodiment described above, pneumatic cylinders 225 and 226 have been used as linear actuators to operate the dock. Other types of linear actuators may also be adapted to the application, for example electrical motor powered actuators or electrical solenoids. Alternatively, a rotating motor and appropriate gearing may be added to impart powered rotation to one of the circular cams or cable driver (if so equipped) in a dock having circular cams or to a bell crank in a dock which incorporates linear cams and linkage. The rotating motor could be electrical or pneumatic.
Although illustrated and described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalence of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention. | <urn:uuid:d25ecf89-4065-4e8e-a021-d56ec2062ba6> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.google.ca/patents/US20070013405 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280310.48/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00184-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.916737 | 17,632 | 2.25 | 2 |
The time was ripe for broad bipartisan support for the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act (FERA), which passed in both houses of Congress with wide margins. When President Obama signed FERA into law May 20, he framed it, as had key lawmakers, as a bill aimed at fraud by Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) and stimulus fund recipients, as well as fraud in the financial and mortgage industries "and related offenses."
At a time like this, who could argue with that? With trillions of government dollars allocated with the aim of fixing an embattled economy, both public officials and the general public are wary of fraud.
The special inspector general for TARP, Neil Barofsky, announced in his April 21 quarterly report to Congress that his unit had opened 20 investigations into suspected fraud among TARP institutions, noting aspects of TARP "make it inherently vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse." The same day, a Deloitte poll of more than 1,540 "business professionals" revealed that 58.2 percent felt the level of transparency that the Obama administration had promised for the bailout funds was not possible.
Perhaps it's no coincidence that in the same poll, 79.8 percent said they were unfamiliar with the False Claims Act (FCA). Because when it comes to fighting fraud on taxpayer dollars, the FCA with its whistleblower rule is the most important tool in the box.
As bailout and stimulus funds continue flooding the economy with government money, new amendments broaden the FCA and promise to bring about the greatest modifications since the modern act was born in 1986. The FCA defense bar fears the current round will bring about a flood of litigation--as did the Reagan-era amendments.
"I'm 100 percent confident there's going to be a dramatic increase in False Claims actions," says Robert Rhoad, a Crowell & Moring partner who was lead defense counsel in an FCA case against USA Environmental that was dismissed earlier this year. "Anything that touches government money is at risk."
As legend has it, sick mules and faulty weaponry led to the 1863 enactment of the FCA, aimed at defense contractors who sold defective goods to the Union Army during the Civil War.
The act made it illegal for government contractors, grantees or other recipients of government funds to improperly receive or fail to repay federal funds. It also included a qui tam, or whistleblower, provision that allowed private citizens to file claims for recovery on the government's behalf and secure a portion of the recovery for their efforts. President Lincoln called the whistleblowers "citizen soldiers"; they are known as "relators" today. The provision was and remains a powerful tool for citizens and a boon to a government that can't be everywhere.
That much remains true--but the FCA has undergone major changes since the Civil War era. Following years of little use, a 1986 overhaul provided for larger penalties and increased the portion of recoveries that goes to whistleblowers. The incentive worked, exponentially increasing FCA litigation--as well as potential recoveries.
After the changes, the statute has recovered for the government more than $21 billion of taxpayer funds. Since the 19th century it had been aimed at defense contractors, but with the Medicaid and Medicare programs, focus shifted toward the health care industry. The Justice Department (DOJ) reported $1.3 billion in FCA recoveries from January through September 2008. Of that, $1.1 billion came from the health care industry, for which seven-, eight- and nine-figure FCA settlements are common. The 2009 numbers are on track to exceed last year's, bolstered by a record-breaking settlement with Eli Lilly in January that yielded $1.4 billion.
The increase in large settlements means whistleblowers walk away with a bigger cut. So the defense bar believes some relators and their trial attorneys take advantage of the system.
Rhoad says the Supreme Court's June 2008 ruling in Allison Engine began to address this. "That case set limits on the scope of the False Claims Act," he says. "They recognized that it is a very, very dangerous weapon and, if left unchecked, relators can use it for unintended consequences. It's a punitive statute that has the power to destroy any individual, institution or company that's subject to it."
Several important court rulings of the past few years, culminating in Allison Engine, put limitations on the FCA. The FERA amendments, however, reverse any significant reining-in of the statute. Rhoad believes this was the amendments' ultimate purpose, despite all the talk of battling mortgage fraud.
Backpedaling on Precedent
The Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled in Allison Engine that the FCA requires the plaintiff to prove the defendant directly presented a fraudulent bill or statement to the government with the "specific intent" of defrauding the government.
The case resolved a circuit split and rejected a more liberal 6th Circuit ruling. The amendments reverse the ruling, which imposed a heavy burden on plaintiffs. Now, no clear link of intent between a false claim and approval by the government is required--a provision retroactive to the date of the Allison Engine opinion. And now, merely showing that a government contractor used government funds--somewhere down the line, not necessarily directly--to pay a subcontractor's false claims suffices.
"A huge number of companies provide work on contracts that are reimbursed by federal government dollars," says Andrew Tulumello, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. "Particularly when you think about the stimulus bill and all of the public works projects underway. ... The act reaches even more broadly than just subcontractors on federally funded projects."
That provision also effectively overturns another important recent FCA case, Totten v. Bombardier. Totten rejected false claims allegations against manufacturers that sold purportedly defective train cars to Amtrak, a corporation that receives money from the government but is not the government or an agency of it. (Chief Justice Roberts wrote the 2004 opinion when he was still a D.C. Circuit judge.)
The amendments may thus open the door to liability for claims that subcontractors (or sub-subcontractors) present to the prime contractors or to government-funded corporations, even if the subcontractor isn't directly presenting the claims to the government.
Now the question is whether any person or company borrowing money from an institution that received TARP or stimulus funds could be considered a subgrantee of the government and liable under the FCA.
"On that question, it probably will depend on the particulars of the program ... and I'm sure we will be litigating this issue as we go forward," says Associate U.S. Attorney General Tom Perrelli. He does foresee certain situations where there may be a basis to go after such entities. In any event, the reach of the amended FCA is broad.
The third significant ruling the amendments reverse is Custer Battles. (Rhoad was lead defense and appellate counsel in that case.) A judge for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2006 overturned a jury verdict finding that a defense contractor in Iraq had defrauded the government because the money at issue was not U.S. money but Iraqi money under control of the U.S.
The FERA amendments extend the FCA to encompass instances where the false claim is made for money the U.S. administers but to which it does not hold title. Further provisions allow actions for "reverse false claims," or failure to repay overpayments. It also broadens the scope of anti-retaliation rights for relators.
"The new amendments contained in the FERA are going to adversely affect anyone: all government contractors and subcontractors; all health care providers; every public and private grantee and subgrantee," Rhoad says. "It's going to make it far easier for relators to bring cases forward, including meritless cases, and many logical defenses have
Echoing some of the court decisions that imposed limitations on the FCA, Rhoad continues, "The False Claims Act was never meant to be an all-purpose fraud statute."
On that point, Perrelli disagrees. "It's not an all-purpose fraud statute but it is a statute that gives a broad range of recovery when someone engages in fraud that causes them to receive money from the U.S., either directly or indirectly," he says.
For companies that fall under its widening scope, compliance should become more of a priority than ever. "It's compliance failures and misses that lead to False Claims Act claims," Tulumello says.
Perrelli, who expects a rise in FCA investigations and litigation as a result of the recent federal lending and spending programs--such increases routinely follow periods of heavy federal spending--makes clear that this administration "has really put a particular emphasis on ensuring we spend taxpayers' money well."
One backer of that goal is Michael Behn, a former federal prosecutor in fraud cases who now concentrates on civil FCA cases on the plaintiffs' side. He believes FCA enforcement is only going to get stronger under the new administration, noting that both the president and Attorney General Eric Holder have personal experience with such claims and know the statute's effectiveness.
"More resources are going to be devoted," Behn says. "There [will] be better partnerships with states and whistleblowers, more effective DOJ policies concerning False Claims Act cases and a variety of improvements that have been proposed and will be implemented." | <urn:uuid:9044e488-7d27-4804-bc00-01bab5113b0b> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.insidecounsel.com/2009/07/01/perfect-storm?page=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280310.48/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00191-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.960591 | 1,930 | 1.898438 | 2 |
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Chatbots, digital assistants — whatever you want to call them — seem to be reaching into every nook and cranny of the internet. Ordering pizza? Yup. Sorting out your home insurance? You bet. Automating enterprise processes? Certainly. There are even companies that specialize in helping other companies develop their own customer service chatbots.
Educational institutions present a burgeoning landscape for automated conversations to flourish in, judging by recent developments. Indeed, a U.K. university is thought to be the first in the country to deploy a digital assistant to support students with their studies and on-campus life.
Staffordshire University, located primarily in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, this month launched a chatbot app called Beacon for Android and iOS. The 15,000 students who attend the university can type or use their voice to find their professor for a specific subject, check what (and where) their next lecture is, and get answers to some 400 commonly asked questions, covering topics like facilities and support services.
Students can request information on the location of specific lecture halls or find out what time the library opens and how much it costs to use the printer.
MetaBeat will bring together thought leaders to give guidance on how metaverse technology will transform the way all industries communicate and do business on October 4 in San Francisco, CA.
The app was developed and deployed in conjunction with cloud services provider ANS Group, and it is hosted on Microsoft’s Azure platform.
“The new app will help us to build positive relationships with our students and even flag up those who may need additional support, so that we can better cater for their needs,” said pro vice-chancellor for student experience Sue Reece. “Ultimately, we want Beacon to help us to provide students with the best possible experience.”
Chatbots in education
A number of chatbots have already been used on university campuses. Back in 2017, the University of Canberra in Australia added a couple of digital assistants to benefit both students and staff. Bruce, as one of the chatbots is affectionately known, scans content from the university’s intranet to answer staff questions, including queries about vacation, pay, travel, faculties, and filing IT support tickets.
Lucy, as the student-focused chatbot is known, also crawls internal websites to answer questions covering topics like enrollment, schedules, car parking, and support services.
The University of Canberra is currently in the process of developing additional chatbots to answer general questions from prospective students, while a new “results bot” could help students figure out whether their ATAR score is good enough to get them into a specific program. Other universities, such as the University of Adelaide, are also using chatbots to help deal with surges in questions from prospective students when they receive their ATAR scores.
Elsewhere, Boston-based AdmitHub has been working to install its conversational AI technology on numerous campuses across the U.S., including at Arizona State University and the University of Memphis.
To combat “summer melt,” or high school graduates failing to matriculate in the fall after successfully gaining admission, Georgia State University deployed a virtual assistant called Pounce to engage prospective students and ensure they turn up as planned. Pounce basically enables the university to “converse” with students at a basic level without having to hire more staff, as well as allowing students to ask questions at all hours.
According to AdmitHub, of the more than 50,000 messages sent to students, less than 1 percent required follow-up responses from human university staff.
Staffordshire University is hoping Beacon will improve and become the go-to source for students seeking information on just about anything. For example, it can help recently relocated students figure out the best places to go in their new locale — though most people are probably likely to use Google for that kind of information.
It’s worth noting that Beacon hasn’t been warmly received by everyone in its short life, judging by some of the comments in the app review section. One user wrote:
Just not even remotely useful, end up using the staff’s uni site to get information I want half the time. A very well built FAQ Web page could replace this.
Don’t see how this is at all more useful than a FAQ with a mascot.
And that is one of the problems many people have with today’s digital assistants — they’re just not good enough yet, and they may lead companies or universities to forgo investment in other, more useful, information services. Sure, the likes of Google Assistant and Alexa are fantastic in their broader context, telling you what the weather will be like tomorrow or serving up soccer scores. But in smaller, internal environments, such as university campuses, getting precise responses tailored to an individual may not be quite so easy.
Staffordshire University is adamant that chatbots are a big part of its future and that Beacon will get smarter as more students use it. The university plans to introduce additional features, such as lecture reminders and advice on books and study aids.
“Over time, we expect that students will have more daily interactions with Beacon than anyone else at the university, so it will be one of our most important tools,” added Andrew Proctor, director of digital services at the university.
“Going to university can be stressful and is often the first time a teenager will move out of their home to live somewhere new. Beacon is there to help them; it’s not just a Q&A bot. In Welcome Week, it can recommend societies [that] will help them make friends, and [it] will eventually guide new students toward services, if they need more support during the first few months. It will ask them how their lectures are going to ensure that if they are struggling, we can help them more quickly and in the best way.”
VentureBeat's mission is to be a digital town square for technical decision-makers to gain knowledge about transformative enterprise technology and transact. Learn more about membership. | <urn:uuid:0dae52c7-2a89-4588-847c-8d560ac0b6d3> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://venturebeat.com/ai/universities-deploy-digital-assistants-to-enroll-and-support-students/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572304.13/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816120802-20220816150802-00468.warc.gz | en | 0.956337 | 1,304 | 1.914063 | 2 |
The two components are well mixed that we can not see the individual components separating out. Some examples of solutions are salt water, rubbing alcohol, and sugar dissolved in water. When you look closely, upon mixing salt with water, you can’t see the salt particles anymore, making this a homogeneous mixture.
What makes rubbing alcohol a homogeneous mixture?
When you mix the rubbing alcohol with water, the latter’s molecules make hydrogen bonds with the water molecules. The alcohol dissolves in the water to form a homogenous solution, so you cannot distinguish the alcohol and the water anymore.
Is a rubbing alcohol homogeneous or heterogeneous?
Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol is definitely a homogeneous material; it is a pure substance……
Why rubbing alcohol is a mixture?
Do you know the chemical composition of rubbing alcohol? It is a mixture of denatured alcohol, water, and agents added to make the alcohol unpalatable to drink.
Is rubbing alcohol a pure substance or mixture?
Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol is definitely a homogeneous material. It is a pure substance.
Is alcohol a homogeneous mixture?
A solution is a type of homogeneous mixture that is made up of two or more substances. A homogeneous mixture is a type of mixture with a uniform composition. … Some examples of solutions are salt water, rubbing alcohol, and sugar dissolved in water.
Is salt water a homogeneous mixture?
A homogeneous mixture is a mixture in which the composition is uniform throughout the mixture. The salt water described above is homogeneous because the dissolved salt is evenly distributed throughout the entire salt water sample.
Is 70 isopropyl alcohol homogeneous or heterogeneous?
Answer: A 70% alcohol is a homogeneous mixture.
Is oil and water homogeneous or heterogeneous?
A heterogeneous mixture consists of two or more phases. When oil and water are combined, they do not mix evenly, but instead form two separate layers. Each of the layers is called a phase. Oil and water do not mix, instead forming two distinct layers called phases.
Is cotton a homogeneous mixture?
You may be wearing clothing made of permanent-press fabric. This fabric is a mixture of fibers of two materials—polyester and cotton. The fabric may contain varying amounts of both materials. A mixture in which different materials can be easily distinguished is called heterogeneous mixtures.
Is Vinegar a mixture?
Vinegar is an example of a homogeneous mixture, and not a pure substance since water, its solute, is dissolved in the solvent, being acetic acid.
Can I mix liquor and water?
Scientists have used the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to study the electronic states of methanol, the simplest of the alcohols, both in and out of solution with water; they have shown that, at the molecular level, alcohol and water don’t completely mix.
How do I make rubbing alcohol?
It is primarily produced by combining water and propene in a hydration reaction or by hydrogenating acetone. There are two routes for the hydration process and both processes require that the isopropyl alcohol be separated from water and other by-products by distillation.
Is honey a mixture?
Now, since honey is a mixture of various types of sugar compounds and it has identical properties throughout and cannot be separated into its components. So, you can say that honey is a homogeneous mixture.
Is spaghetti sauce a homogeneous mixture?
Classify each of the following substances and mixtures as either homogeneous or heterogeneous; place a in the appropriate column.
Is brown sugar a substance or mixture?
Sugar is a compound, which is not a mixture. Sugar is essentially composed of sucrose. | <urn:uuid:0580caad-6bfb-4f4e-a3d2-ee795f0a6c2a> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://theinsaneasylumblog.com/drunkards/question-why-is-rubbing-alcohol-a-homogeneous-mixture.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570879.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808213349-20220809003349-00468.warc.gz | en | 0.933468 | 811 | 3.109375 | 3 |
Since women’s sitting volleyball debuted at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, the United States and China have met in the gold medal final three of four times (2008, 2012, 2016). China defeated the United States in both 2008 and 2012 (and the Netherlands in 2004) to claim gold, while the U.S. claimed the most recent Paralympic title in 2016.
Heading into the Tokyo Paralympics, here are some of the key storylines to watch in the women’s sitting volleyball tournament.
Sitting Volleyball – Paralympic Tournament Format
Sitting volleyball matches are best of five sets. The first four sets are first to 25 points (win by two). If a fifth set is played, it is first to 15 (win by two).
The Tokyo Paralympics will feature eight women’s teams, divided into two groups:
- Pool A: Japan (JPN), Italy (ITA), Brazil (BRA), Canada (CAN)
- Pool B: United States (USA), Rwanda (RWA), China (CHN), Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC)
At the conclusion of the round robin portion of the tournament, the top two teams in each pool will qualify for the semifinal round.
How Classification Works in Sitting Volleyball
Athletes are classified as either VS1 (impaired) and VS2 (less impaired). Teams can have two VS2 athletes on each roster, but only one VS2 player can be on the court at a time.
Americans enter Tokyo as defending Paralympic gold medalists
The U.S. has claimed a medal at every Paralympics since women’s sitting volleyball debuted: bronze in 2004, silver in 2008 and 2012, and gold in 2016. Eight members of that 2016 gold-medal winning team will compete in Tokyo.
The U.S. roster saw some last minute changes heading into the Tokyo Paralympics. On Thursday, USA Volleyball confirmed that Nicky Nieves and Tia Edwards – both members of the initial 12-person roster – had been replaced by Annie Flood and Nichole Millage.
The team is led by head coach Bill Hamiter and assistant coach Michelle Goodall.
2021 U.S. Paralympic Roster – Women’s Sitting Volleyball
|1||Lora Webster||Middle Blocker||VS1||Fifth Paralympic appearance|
|2||Bethany Zummo||Libero||VS1||Second Paralympic appearance|
|3||Lexi Shifflett||Setter/Libero||VS1||Second Paralympic appearance|
|5||Katie Holloway (C)||Outside Hitter||VS1||Fourth Paralympic appearance|
|6||Heather Erickson||Opposite Hitter||VS1||Fourth Paralympic appearance|
|7||Monique Matthews (née Burkland)||Middle Blocker/ Outside Hitter||VS1||Third Paralympic appearance|
|8||Whitney Dosty||Outside Hitter/ Opposite Hitter||VS2||Paralympic debut|
|11||Jillian Williams||Middle Blocker/ Opposite Hitter||VS1||Paralympic debut|
|12||Emma Schieck||Outside Hitter||VS1||Paralympic debut|
|13||Nichole Millage||Outside Hitter||VS1||Fourth Paralympic appearance|
|14||Kaleo Kanahele Maclay||Setter||VS2||Third Paralympic appearance|
|15||Annie Flood||Setter/ Opposite Hitter||VS1||Paralympic debut|
Lora Webster, the only five-time Paralympian on the U.S. team, is competing in Tokyo while 20 weeks pregnant. And it won’t even be a new experience for Webster; the Arizona native was also pregnant when she won silver at the 2012 London Games.
The U.S. team also includes three four-time Paralympians: Heather Erickson, Katie Holloway, and Nichole Millage.
Since competing in Rio, Holloway advocated for equal pay for Paralympic athletes. As vice chair of the Athlete Advisory Council for the United States Olympic Committee (later renamed United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee), Holloway was part of a committee that looked at the financial bonuses awarded to Olympians and Paralympians.
Prior to 2018, Olympians received $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for silver and $15,000 for bronze, while Paralympians received $7,500, $5,250 and $3,750, respectively. In 2018, the USOC announced that Paralympians would begin receiving the same prize money as Olympians. The following year, the organization voted to change its name to include the word “Paralympic.”
Holloway recounted her experience to Amplitude in May 2020:
I just remember standing up and proclaiming my sense of feeling slapped in the face and not understanding how we were expected to accept this as fair. And that’s where the conversation turned to, ‘You generate less revenue. Paralympians generate less than 1 percent of the revenue.’ And I spoke up again and I said, ‘How dare you define our value by the revenue we generate. If that were really the case, then by that logic you would give all the money to Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, and Katie Ledecky. You would give it all to the athletes who generated the highest revenues for you, and not to the Olympic athletes from minor sports.’
US Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team – Tokyo Schedule:
- Saturday, August 28 – USA vs. Rwanda: 1 am ET (2 pm in Tokyo)
- Monday, August 30 – USA vs. China: 5:30 am ET (6:30 pm in Tokyo)
- Wednesday, September 1 – USA vs. RPC: 5:30 am ET (6:30 pm in Tokyo)
Here’s a look at the other teams in pool B:
China aims to return to top of the podium
China is the most dominant team in women’s sitting volleyball history, having claimed three gold medals and one silver.
The Chinese roster includes two athletes who have been a part of every podium to-date: setter Lyu Hongqin and middle blocker Zhang Xufei.
Russian athletes aim for first Paralympic medal
Russia has never competed in women’s sitting volleyball at the Paralympics, let alone won a medal. But after a breakthrough world title in 2018, the Russian athletes (competing as the Russian Paralympic Committee) have a chance to finish on the podium in Tokyo.
The team is led by captain Elizaveta Kunstman.
Rwanda continues to make history
In 2016, Rwanda’s women’s sitting volleyball team became the first women’s team from Sub-Saharan Africa to compete at the Paralympic Games in any sport.
Led by captain and outside hitter Liliane Mukobwankawe, nine members of Rwanda’s team for Tokyo are returning Paralympians.
Follow Alex Azzi on Twitter @AlexAzziNBC
How to watch the Tokyo Paralympics
NBC will provide over 1,200 hours of Paralympic coverage. Here are some highlights: | <urn:uuid:23e21c6e-18c8-45f5-9923-4f70786b8b8d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://onherturf.nbcsports.com/2021/08/27/2021-paralympics-womens-sitting-volleyball-preview/?shared=email&msg=fail | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573533.87/warc/CC-MAIN-20220818215509-20220819005509-00268.warc.gz | en | 0.918113 | 1,573 | 1.585938 | 2 |
Introduction: Few studies have been designed to assess the performance of laparoscopic surgical staplers. This study analyzes the effect of staples and staple height on tissue perfusion.
Methods: Staple lines created on live porcine small bowel segments using laparoscopic surgical staplers were tested for perfusion using visible light spectroscopy to assess tissue oxygenation. Perfusion measurements were taken on both the serosal surface (SS) and mucosal surface (MS) of the staple lines and are reported as percentage of oxygen saturation. Three separate experiments were performed comparing: (1) measurements at the staple line (n=24) and 4cm away (n=24) ; (2) staple height: white (2.5mm, n=9), blue (3.5mm, n=9), green (4.1mm, n=6) staple loads; and (3) position along the staple line in reference to the hinge of the stapler: proximal (n=8), mid (n=8), and distal (n=8). Data are reported as means; parametric tests were used for analysis.
Results: Tissue perfusion was significantly reduced at the staple line (SS – 63%, MS – 25% ) when compared to measurements away from it (SS – 77%, MS – 41%) (p
Session: Podium Presentation
Program Number: P149 | <urn:uuid:e307e2bc-a658-41e1-ab5a-70ac376bbc40> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/the-effect-of-laparoscopic-staplers-on-porcine-small-bowel-perfusion/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571246.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20220811073058-20220811103058-00276.warc.gz | en | 0.939544 | 295 | 1.671875 | 2 |
Alternative medicine may be linked to lower vaccination rates
Children that visit alternative medical practitioners like acupuncturists and chiropractors may be less likely to receive flu shots than their peers, a U.S. study suggests.
Roughly 33 percent of kids who saw providers of so-called non-Western medicine for services like acupuncture or homeopathic care got vaccinations for influenza, the analysis of national survey data on about 9,000 kids found. About 35 percent of kids who went to practitioners of what’s known as manipulative and body-based therapies such as chiropractic care or massage got flu vaccinations.
In comparison, 43 percent of children who didn’t see these types of alternative medicine providers got vaccinated, researchers report in the journal Pediatrics.
“Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners have anti-vaccine or vaccine-hesitant viewpoints,” said lead study author William Bleser of Pennsylvania State University in State College.
While the findings don’t prove alternative medicine providers discourage vaccination, these results suggest that it makes sense for pediatricians to ask parents whether their kids use these services to help shape discussions about vaccinations, Bleser added by email.
“More and more patients are using complementary and alternative medicine and may be expecting their health professionals to guide them in making decisions about whether complementary and/or conventional approaches work better for disease treatment or prevention,” Bleser said, “yet most complementary and alternative medicine users do not disclose to their physicians that they use (these services).”
To assess how use of different types of complementary and alternative medicine may influence the odds of vaccination, Bleser and colleagues examined data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey.
Overall, about two-thirds of children in the study used at least one form of complementary or alternative medicine, including everything from yoga practice to taking daily multivitamins or following various popular diets, the study found.
Excluding multivitamins or mineral supplements, however, only 17 percent of kids used complementary medicine.
When kids did take multivitamins, they were more likely to get the flu vaccine than their peers that didn’t, the study found. About 45 percent of children using multivitamins got vaccinated, compared with 39 percent of other kids.
One limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data on how recently or how often children visited alternative medicine providers, the authors note. They also lacked data on kids under age 4, a group that is at high risk for complications from influenza.
Still, the results highlight the need for pediatricians to understand how parents view alternative medicine, said Linda Greene, a researcher at the University of Rochester Highland Hospital in New York and president-elect of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
“Most likely parents may have been influenced by the beliefs often consistent with alternate medicine,” Greene, who wasn’t involved with the study, said by email. “These beliefs may center on personal control of one’s health through healthy lifestyles rather than traditional medicine.”
It’s also possible that parents who are more worried about the risks of vaccination may be more likely to seek out alternative medicine providers for their kids, noted Dr. Matthew Davis, a pediatrics researcher at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
“Respectful discussions with parents can sometimes lead to a change in their decision-making about vaccinations,” Davis, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email.
SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2cO1Iip Pediatrics, online October 3, 2016. | <urn:uuid:748bd4f6-745c-4d3f-b357-a18a0eed587d> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.rawstory.com/2016/10/alternative-medicine-may-be-linked-to-lower-vaccination-rates/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280835.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00046-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937269 | 757 | 3.328125 | 3 |
By: Duncan Jenkins
Usury laws, or laws that restrict predatory lending to consumers, are administered by the attorney general of each state in the United States. Each state has different laws governing the disbursement of loans and fees. California has some of the most consumer friendly usury laws. However, it is important to understand what is actually considered a “signature loan” when it comes to usury. According to Bankrate.com, signature loans are generally considered unsecured personal loans and their use is declining.
California Usury Laws
The State of California stipulates that any loan agreement that does not guarantee real estate cannot exceed 10% interest. For example, if you went to your credit union or bank branch in California for a five-year $ 1,000 loan, the monthly payment could not exceed $ 21.25 per month. Home improvement loan contracts cannot exceed five percent of the San Francisco Reserve Bank discount rate or the 10 percent fixed threshold.
Real estate purchase loans
If the funds from a loan agreement are used to purchase a new home, California usury laws do not apply. Therefore, a local bank or lender can determine a rate and payment based on the creditworthiness of the borrower. While there are other state laws that limit the percentages and fees charged on these accounts, the General Usury Act imposing a 10% threshold will not affect these accounts. These usury laws also do not apply to pawn shops.
Credit Cards and Retail Accounts
Credit card loans and retail accounts through department stores or other merchants are also not limited by the state of California usury laws. Additionally, many credit card accounts are headquartered in other business-friendly states where loan restrictions are relaxed. Again, some state restrictions on consumer financing may apply to credit cards, but the central usury law does not apply to general Visa and Mastercard credit card accounts.
The banking sector has successfully remained relatively independent from government intervention. Therefore, it is the consumer’s responsibility to carefully consider all loan offers before accepting any debt. Banks and lending institutions are not often used to granting traditional signature loans – which are governed by state usury laws – so it is important to review the fine print of all loan offers, especially revolving credit accounts.
Biography of the writer
Based in Eugene, Oregon, Duncan Jenkins has been writing articles on finance since 2008. His specialties include personal finance advice, mortgage / equity, and credit management. Jenkins received her BA in English from Clark University. | <urn:uuid:eed1d9cb-bc35-457f-9c51-67873c8c80cb> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.ctxdrf.com/what-is-the-maximum-interest-rate-on-signature-loans-in-california-finance/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572833.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817032054-20220817062054-00478.warc.gz | en | 0.959637 | 511 | 2.46875 | 2 |
The women are protected by a weak inflammatory response in their vaginas
For immediate release
Newswise — MONTREAL, February 13, 2012 – A research team lead by Dr. Michel Roger of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre and the university’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology has found that HIV-resistant sex workers in Africa have a weak inflammatory response in their vaginas – a surprise for the researchers, who were expecting the contrary considering the women’s high exposure to the virus. “In this part of the world, women represent over 60% of HIV cases, and this proportion continues to increase,” Roger said.
“Studying women who are naturally resistant to the virus enables researchers to identify interesting information in terms of developing vaccinations or microbid gels that could prevent transmission of HIV.” The word microbid refers to something that is able to destroy microbes.
Roger has been working with women from Benin and Zimbabwe over the course of the past fifteen years in order to get a better idea of the immune and molecular mechanisms involved in the transmission of HIV. These countries were targeted because of the high number of infected women and the existence of natural resistance in some of them. The researchers found that when these women come into contact with the virus, the immune system cells in their vaginas produced fewer inflammatory molecules (cytokines and chemokines) than the same cells in HIV-infected women.
These molecules play a role in activating and recruiting “lymphocyte T-cells” that normally attack and destroy viruses. However, HIV is cunning and actually uses the T-cell to invade the body. “Fewer T-cells means fewer target cells available for the virus to use,” Roger explained.
Intriguingly, the researchers discovered that the immune response was very different in the women’s blood than in their vaginal mucous membrane. The findings show that it would undoubtedly be more effective to develop vaccinations that would block the virus at the entry point to the body rather than try to fight it once it is already established within the body’s system. “AIDS vaccination research has entirely focused on the blood stream and this approach has been a failure,” Roger said. “Our research shows that the immune response is different at the site of the infection, and that we should turn to the entry points in order to find a means for blocking the virus.” A vaccination of this kind could be administered via the nose and would immunize all mucus membranes in the body.
Research will continue in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the vaginal immune response. Scientists suspect that genetic factors may be at play, as it has been discovered that sisters living in similar circumstances have the same HIV-resistant profile.
Dr. Michel Roger’s latest published research in this area appeared in the September 2011 edition of PLoS One. The study “High Level of Soluble HLA-G in the Female Genital Tract of Beninese Commercial Sex Workers Is Associated with HIV-1 Infection” received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Réseau SIDA of the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec. The University of Montreal and the University of Montreal Hospital Centre are officially known as Université de Montréal and Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), respectively. | <urn:uuid:871c5c38-1fce-4907-b257-e85e6025732f> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.newswise.com/articles/some-african-sex-workers-are-naturally-hiv-resistant | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283008.19/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00081-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95028 | 708 | 2.484375 | 2 |
How a 20p coin could save your life (video)
Make sure your tyres have good tread
The legal limit for tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central 75 percent of the tread width and around the whole tyre. Driving with tyres under the legal limit risk a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.
Watch Quentin Wilson show you how to check your tyres with a 20p coin and just how dangerous driving on worn tyres can be. | <urn:uuid:d50eb460-0ef1-4a5f-872d-fd65567f9ab4> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://firsttimedriver.info/first-car/quentin-wilson-20p-test/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988725475.41/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183845-00510-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.92774 | 107 | 1.65625 | 2 |
Khosrow I (Khosrow Anüshirvan)khŏsrō´; ăno͞oshĭrvän´ [key], d. 579, king of Persia (531–79), greatest of the Sassanid, or Sassanian, monarchs. He is also known as Chosroes I or Khosru I. He succeeded his father, Kavadh I, but before becoming king, Khosrow was responsible for a great massacre (c.528) of the communistic Mazdakites. He extended Persian rule E to the Indus River with the capture (560) of Bactria, W across Arabia by establishing (570) at least nominal rule over Yemen, and north and northwest by taking part of Armenia and Caucasia from the Byzantine Empire. He fought against Belisarius and the other generals of Justinian I and against Justin II. Khosrow is revered by the Persians as a just though despotic ruler who encouraged learning, stimulated commerce, rebuilt cities, and set up a reformed system of taxation.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Iranian History: Biographies | <urn:uuid:dace0669-291e-49e4-8b01-7fef416d65e4> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/people/history/iranian/khosrow-i | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573760.75/warc/CC-MAIN-20220819191655-20220819221655-00669.warc.gz | en | 0.931324 | 266 | 3.03125 | 3 |
In Nashville, a Street Gang Emerges in a Kurdish Enclave
NASHVILLE — Miles from downtown, Nashville’s southern neighborhoods are home to a thriving enclave of Kurdish immigrants. Just off a wide commercial strip called Nolensville Pike, women in head scarves shop at the Judy International Market. Lunch traffic is brisk at al-Rasoul Restaurant, and on the door of a local mosque, a flier announces Kurdish soccer league signups.
Bound by a common language and ethnicity, Kurds here tend to shun attention. But a growing problem has turned an unwanted spotlight on them: a group called the Kurdish Pride Gang, thought to be the nation’s only Kurdish street gang.
After a series of high-profile crimes, a teenage suspect’s suicide and four arrests connected to the attempted murder of a policeman, Kurdish Pride has become a source of deep shame and frustration, as Kurds find that their youth are as vulnerable to gang culture as are those of other populations.
Kirmanj Gundi, an associate professor of educational administration at Tennessee State University who came to Nashville in 1977, said the gang’s activities had upended decades of hard work.
“We did everything to build a good reputation here in Nashville and elsewhere, and tried to be good Americans,” said Mr. Gundi, 46, who is Kurdish, “and all of a sudden a few irresponsible hoodlums have tried to tarnish the reputations we’ve been working so hard over the years to create. That’s sad.”
Kurds are an ethnic group spread across parts of Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Iran, in a region collectively called Kurdistan. Nashville’s community grew up around those who fled Iraq in the 1970s after the collapse of an autonomy movement; Kurds from elsewhere followed.
Now numbering about 8,000, the Kurdish community is well established here. Public access television carries a show called “Who Are the Kurds?” Community members boast of their college students and business owners. A popular bar in the city’s Rock Block of nightclubs is Kurdish owned.
But some see the success of their diligence losing ground because of the gang, which is estimated to number just 20 to 30 members ranging in age from their teens to mid-20s.
Police officials say that Kurdish Pride members have grown increasingly vicious and brazen. Investigators believe that the gang has committed about 10 home burglaries since January, including two involving rapes, said Mark Anderson, a Nashville police detective who works in a gang unit.
In a case involving the rape of a pregnant victim, a 17-year-old suspect, Zana Noroly, hanged himself in his jail cell in April. Messages in his memory are ubiquitous on the Web pages of Kurdish youth.
There was an assault in which a student was dragged from a high school classroom and beaten, and another during the school graduation that left the victim hospitalized. Kurdish Pride members have been accused of shooting at a rival gang, injuring three, and also beating a man to death in January at a motel, Mr. Anderson said.
Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted four members of the gang for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in a case in which a gang leader, Ako Nejad, is accused of shooting at a park policeman who interrupted a drug deal last year. The members have adopted older gangs’ symbols, adorning their MySpace pages with photos of the rapper Tupac Shakur and slogans like “Live and Die 4 Kurdish Pride.” They sport tattoos and gang colors, and flash hand signals.
The gang’s origins are murky, but many people believe it probably formed to present Kurdish bravado to this city’s mix of Latino, Asian and black gangs.
“I think they’re really confused,” said Rebaz Qaradaghi, a 22-year-old regional director of the national Kurdish American Youth Organization who lives here. “They really think that they’re helping, but they’re actually messing it up bad.”
Police view Kurdish Pride as being as serious a problem as older, more established gangs, Mr. Anderson said. But there is a difference: “Kurdish Pride are not the kind of kids that normally join gangs.”
“For the most part, they come from two-parent homes, they come from middle-class families with a strong work ethic, where education is important,” he said.
There are Kurdish gangs in Europe, but the one here may be the first in the United States. Police in other cities with large populations of Kurds have not seen such gangs. Nyma Ardalan, a board member of the Kurdish National Congress of North America, a nonprofit group promoting unity among Kurds, said he knew of no other.
At the Salahadeen Center, a mosque and community center here for Kurds, the director, Nawzad Hawrami, says he addresses the problem during Friday services and will speak at schools in the fall.
Even the mosque is not immune from the gang’s shadow. A few years ago, it was vandalized after a frank discussion there about Kurdish Pride. Education, Mr. Hawrami said, is crucial to combating the gang.
“None of the people in the Kurdish community like this happening,” Mr. Hawrami said, “and they advise their kids, they advise their sons and daughters, to not violate the laws.”
Ronald Huff, a criminology professor at the University of California, Irvine, said that immigrant children, torn between cultures, could drift into gangs, but that community pressure could stop it.
“When the community rallies around and pulls together and lets the kids know that they expect them to stay out of trouble, it’s very, very helpful,” Mr. Huff said.
Along a neighborhood street here, KP is spray-painted on road signs. Aram Torabian, 22, another regional director of the youth organization who lives nearby, acknowledges the seriousness of the gang’s crimes, but is adamant that the Kurds are getting unfair attention and that more dangerous gangs are being ignored in the news media. The gang, he said, “will be a scar on our Kurdish culture and history in Nashville.”
His father, Mohammed Torabian, said he spoke with his son about staying out of trouble when they arrived in Nashville. Today, Mr. Torabian hopes gang members’ families will do the same with their children.
“The best thing we could wish for is that word gets to them, family to family,” Mr. Torabian said in Kurdish, “to get them to think.” | <urn:uuid:ed465a3a-c3e7-47d5-b224-4028bff3daad> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2007/07/15/in-nashville-street-gang-emerges/31211103007/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573744.90/warc/CC-MAIN-20220819161440-20220819191440-00470.warc.gz | en | 0.965849 | 1,408 | 1.53125 | 2 |
In this course you will apply (through hands-on simulation) everything you have learned about production, marketing, finance, planning and other management functions to actually managing a company. Your new job will be like moving from playing an instrument in an orchestra to being the conductor.
You will be managing a company that makes the electronic Sensors used in many products like smart phones, pace makers, watches and do on. However, I do not want you to get too focused on the product all the decisions you will make are also fully applicable to any other product or service. For example, sensor customers are looking for Price, Performance, and Reliability and so on… In addition, if you were managing a service company your customers would be looking for Price, Quality and Reliability of your service and so on. Most management decisions are common across industries, products, services, and even countries.
In this course, your company serves two markets: (1) the high-tech segment that includes the health care market where the quality and performance is critical and (2) the low tech (cheap watches for example) where price is the most important consideration.
You will act as President and CEO of the company for a period of 8 years. During that time, you will be responsible to your Board of Directors, shareholders and stakeholders for:
1. Recommending and implementing the companys strategy:
2. The product specifications (Size, MTBF (reliability), performance (speed), price) that you will offer in your high tech and low-tech markets.
3. The marketing and sales of your products — that is, how much will you spend on promotion (letting people know about your products); on sales (making it easy for people to find and buy your products) and, of course, what prices you will charge.
4. Production: How much of each product you will produce — How much plant capacity will you need and to what extent should you invest in automation. How much inventory should you have and so on?
5. And finally, you must make financial decisions on how you will equity and debt you will have this includes decisions on how much of your profits you will reinvest or pay out in dividends.
Fortunately, the Capsim.com simulation program provides you with excellent information sources to help you make your decisions:
The Foundation Team Member Guide tells you about every decision you need to makeyou should consider this guide as your “text book” for the course.
The Conditions Report tells you what your customers are looking for in size, performance, reliability and price.
Fast Track report that provides you with financial and operating reports on how your company and your competitors are doing.
Additionally, there are many other reports and tutorials to help you through every step of the process.
Your performance will be measured using the Balanced Scorecard method (more later) to evaluate how well you did in each of the functional areas (product design, production, customer service, marketing , finance). It is expected that your decision-making skills will improve over time, as you become a more experienced manager. In summary, you are expected to increase shareholder value and to leave a healthy organization for your successor at the end of your management term — all while running an highly ethical company.
Do not be dismayed by the amount of decisions you have to make. It may seem overwhelming at first– this is normal for anyone new on any job. To help you through this process, the course is divided into three sections:
1. LEARNING (aka) Rehearsal: In this part of the course (two weeks) you will learn about the decision making process; what makes for sound decisions; where to find information about your company and your competitors; how to evaluate your companys strengths and weaknesses (Situation analysis); determine and prepare an implementation plan for your strategy. THIS SECTION IS NOT GRADED
2. PRACTICE: In this section (two weeks) you will practice running your company. I will be your co-pilot guiding you in your evaluations and decision-making. You will manage your company for a period of 6 years (rounds). THIS SECTION IS NOT GRADED
3. APPLY (PART A). (COMPETITION ROUNDS): In this section, you will make your own decisions and run your company for a period of 8 years. I will be acting as the Chairman of the Board watching carefully how well you are looking out for the Shareholders best interests but not interfering with your management decisions (except for emergency situations). On the other hand, I will always be available to support and guide you but only in response to your requests. THIS PART IS WORTH 70% OF YOUR FINAL GRADE Note that the grade for this section is based on your balanced scorecard performance and is outside my control.
4. APPLY (PART B) SHAREHOLDERS REPORT/FINAL EXAM: Here you are asked to write a professional shareholders report showing how your company did in relation to: 1) the implementation of the companys strategy; 2) the financial and operational condition of the company and 3) as compared to your competitors. You are expected to identify and discuss your mistakes as well as your successes; what you have learned from the management experience and how you would manage the company in the future should your contract be renewed.
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
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By sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.Read more | <urn:uuid:c1b78840-7491-4987-9aa6-7d6d18b06df6> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://teddywriters.com/2020/10/07/capstone-course/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571911.5/warc/CC-MAIN-20220813081639-20220813111639-00465.warc.gz | en | 0.955011 | 1,323 | 2.0625 | 2 |
Some Questions about Evidence-based Practice in Education
Faculty of Education and Language Studies, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK6 7AA
Paper presented at the symposium on "Evidence-based practice in education" at the Annual Conference of the British Educational Research Association, University of Leeds, England, September 13-15, 2001
The movement for evidence-based practice, for enhanced use of research evidence in the work of the professions, started in medicine in the early 1990s. It has grown in influence there, and spread across a number of other fields, including education (see Trinder 2000a and Davies et al 2000). Not surprisingly, it has taken a somewhat different form in each area; and has generated diverse reactions. So, while much can be learned from what has happened in medicine, we must also attend to the particular way evidence-based practice has recently been promoted and responded to in education, if we are to make a reasonable appraisal of it.
There is an initial, and generic, problem with the notion of evidence-based practice which needs to be dealt with. This is that its name is a slogan whose rhetorical effect is to discredit opposition. After all, who would argue that practice should not be based on evidence (Shahar 1997:110)? So there is an implication built into the phrase 'evidence-based practice' that opposition to it can only be irrational. Interestingly, critics managed to counter this by denying that practice can be based on evidence; in the sense that research evidence can provide its exclusive foundation. The response to this on the part of advocates has been to change "evidence-based" to "evidence-informed" practice(1). At face value, this suggests a more reasonable view of the relationship between research and practice. However, it is at odds with the radical role that is ascribed to research by the evidence-based practice movement. As a result, even more than before, we have a label that systematically obscures the grounds on which there might be reasonable disagreement with what is proposed.
In political terms, as a way of mobilising support, the use of such opposition-excluding labels is no doubt a highly effective rhetorical strategy. However, it is a poor basis for rational discussion about the issues that the notion of evidence-based practice raises. Against this background, it is very important to emphasise that one can believe that research evidence is of value for practice without accepting much of what travels under the heading of 'evidence-based' or 'evidence-informed' practice; indeed, while rejecting substantial parts of it. So, let me say to start with that I do think that, on the whole and in the long run, practice would be improved if practitioners were more familiar with the results of research. I also accept that there is scope for more directly policy- and practice-relevant educational research. Furthermore, I applaud the emphasis within some accounts of evidence-based practice on the need for professional reflection and judgement about the validity and value of various kinds of evidence in making decisions(2). At the same time, there are problems and dangers with the evidence-based practice movement. These result from tendencies built into it, tendencies that have an affinity with other pressures in the current political environment. One of these dangers is the privileging of research evidence over evidence from other sources, especially professional experience.
The privileging of research evidence
The central claim of the evidence-based policy movement is that research can make a very important contribution to improving the current state of policymaking and practice. Thus, 'evidence' is interpreted in a rather narrow way. In their introduction to What Works? Evidence-based policy and practice in the public services, Davies et al comment: 'the presumption in this book is that evidence takes the form of "research", broadly defined. That is, evidence comprises the results of "systematic investigation towards increasing the sum of knowledge"' (Davies et al 2000:3). In some fields, notably medicine, the movement has been primarily (though even here not exclusively) concerned with encouraging practitioners to make more use of the research evidence that is already available. Initiatives like the Cochrane Collaboration, concerned with producing and disseminating systematic research reviews, are seen as facilitating this; and the training of medical practitioners has, in many institutions, come to place more emphasis than previously on the skills involved in accessing and making use of research findings. By contrast, in other fields, but most notably education, greater emphasis has been placed on the absence of good quality research which could feed evidence-based practice (see, for example, Hargreaves 1996).
The idea that research can make a major contribution to improving practice stems from the assumption that it is systematic and rigorous, and provides explicit evidence which can be assessed objectively. This is held to contrast with evidence from professional experience, which is portrayed as unsystematic - reflecting the particular cases with which a practitioner has happened to come into contact - and as lacking in rigour - in that it is not built up in an explicit, methodical way but rather through an at least partially unreflective process of sedimentation. Indeed, sometimes the contrast is presented in a form that can only be described as caricature, as with Cox's reference to teachers often relying on 'tradition, prejudice, dogma, and ideology' (quoted in Hargreaves 1996:7-8)(3). Such caricature complements the already mentioned rhetorical sleight of hand built into the very name of the evidence-based practice movement.
Moreover, this view of the role of research fits with a progressivist philosophy in which evidence-based practice is seen as opposing the "forces of conservatism" in the public sector, forces which are taken to represent entrenched interests. For example, Oakley claims that the medical profession, along with the pharmaceutical industry, have 'a vested interest in women's ill-health - in defining women as sick when they may not be, and in prescribing medical remedies when they may not be needed' (Oakley 2000:51). These interests are seen as protected by the claim of professionals to a kind of expertise which cannot be communicated or shared with lay people but which instead demands professional autonomy and public trust(4). In this paper I will argue that we need to look much more soberly both at the features of research-based knowledge compared to those of knowledge deriving from practical experience; and at how research findings relate to professional practice.
The nature of research-based knowledge
Let me begin with what can be currently said about the character of research-based knowledge and its relationship to practice(5). It is important to remember that research knowledge is always fallible, even if it is more likely to be valid than knowledge from other sources. Thus, we are not faced with a contrast between Knowledge with a capital K, whose epistemic status is certain, and mere opinion, whose validity is zero(6). Furthermore, research knowledge usually takes the form of generalisations, of one sort or another, and interpreting the implications of these for dealing with particular situations is rarely straightforward. A final point is that knowledge is not a sufficient determinant of good practice, in education or in any other field. One reason for this is that it cannot determine what the ends of good practice should be; or even, on its own, what are and are not appropriate means. Furthermore, the effectiveness of any practical action usually depends not just on what is done but also on how it is done and when. Skill and timing can be important. In other words, there are substantial limitations on what research can offer to policymaking and practice. This is not to suggest that it can offer nothing, but rather to caution against excessive claims about its contribution(7).
The nature of professional practice
It seems to me that built into some advocacy of evidence-based practice is not just an exaggerated estimate of the practical contribution that research can provide but also a misleading conception of the nature of professional practice. Very often, it is assumed that the latter should take the form of specifying goals explicitly, selecting strategies for achieving them on the basis of objective evidence about their effectiveness, and then measuring outcomes in order to assess their degree of success (thereby providing the knowledge required for improving future performance).
This model is not wholly inaccurate, but it is defective in important respects. Forms of practice will vary in the degree to which they can usefully be made to approximate this linear, rational model(8). And it probably does not fit any sort of professional activity closely. Reasons for this include: that such activity usually involves multiple goals; that these goals cannot be operationalised properly in a way that avoids calling on professional judgement; that the same action has multiple consequences, some desirable and others less so, these being differentially distributed across clients; and that there is frequently uncertainty surrounding the likely consequences of many strategies, even in a field like medicine where a great deal of clinical research is carried out. As result of these features, there can often be reasonable disagreement about what would be an improvement and about what sorts of improvement are to be preferred, as well as about how these can best be achieved. Moreover, sometimes it will simply not be sensible to engage in elaborate explication of goals, to consider all possible alternatives, to engage in a search for information about the relative effectiveness of various strategies as against relying on judgements about this, or to try to measure outcomes. The linear rational model tends to underplay the extent to which in many circumstances the only option is trial and error, or even 'muddling through' (Lindblom 1979).
In this context, we should note that the very phrase 'what works', which the evidence-based practice movement sees as the proper focus for research, implies a view of practice as technical: as open to "objective" assessment in terms of what is and is not effective, or what is more and what is less effective. I would not want to deny that effectiveness, and even efficiency, are relevant considerations in professional practice. But the information necessary to judge them in the "objective" way proposed will often not be available. And any such judgement cannot be separated from value judgements about desirable ends and appropriate means; not without missing a great deal that is important.
Furthermore, there is a significant difference between medicine and education in terms of the nature of professional practice, it seems to me. For whatever reason, much medicine is closer to the technical end of the spectrum, in the sense that there is less diversity in the goals and other considerations treated as relevant; and thereby in evaluative criteria. Furthermore, there seems to be more scope for identifying relatively simple causal relationships between treatment and outcome. Of course, it is possible to exaggerate these differences. In response to my presentation of this argument on a previous occasion, Davies has claimed that 'medicine and health care [...] face very similar, if not identical, problems of complexity, context-specificity, measurement, and causation' to education (Davies 1999:112). I do not deny that there are such problems in medicine; and that in some areas, for example mental health, they are very similar in scale and character to those faced in much education. What we are dealing with here is only a difference of degree; but it is still a substantial and significant difference.
In short, in my view research usually cannot supply what the notion of evidence-based practice demands of it - specific and highly reliable answers to questions about what 'works' and what does not - and professional practice often cannot be governed by research findings - because it necessarily relies on multiple values, tacit judgement, local knowledge, and skill. Moreover, this is especially true in the field of education. When pressed, advocates of evidence-based practice often concede one or other, or both, of these points. Yet those points undermine the claim that improved research, or a reformed version of professional practice which gives more attention to research findings, will lead to a sharp improvement in educational performance and outcomes.
The usability of research findings
It is also important to address the question of how research findings are to be used by policymakers and practitioners. Let me mention two problems here. First, there is the issue of the transmission of research findings to these audiences. Some accounts of evidence-based practice imply that policymakers and practitioners are expected to read all relevant research studies, and to engage in methodological assessment of them, before deciding what to do in each case they face. Thus, we have various books produced to aid medical practitioners in assessing research (see, for example, Crombie 1996 and Greenhalgh 1997). However, as a general model for accessing research information, this is simply unrealistic: medical practitioners are unlikely to have the necessary time and, often, the appropriate skills; and the same is true of teachers.
The alternative suggested by many advocates of evidence-based practice is the production of systematic reviews of research relevant to decisions faced by policymakers and practitioners (see Davies 2000a). And this proposal certainly has the advantage that reliance is not placed on single studies, which often produce erroneous conclusions. However, reviewing multiple studies and condensing these into a set of practical conclusions is by no means a straightforward matter; nor is using such summaries.
The concept of systematic review shares some common elements with the notion of evidence-based practice. It portrays the task of reviewing the literature as reducible to explicit procedures that can be replicated; just as advocates of evidence-based practice see professional work as properly governed by explicit rules based on research evidence. Moreover, here too questionable assumptions are made about the nature of research, and about the task involved; ones which have long been subjected to criticism as 'positivist'. It is not necessary to doubt the value of quantitative research, or even to believe that positivism was wholly mistaken, to recognise that these criticisms have some force and cannot be simply ignored. Yet the concept of systematic review does not take account of them. For example, it approaches the task of assessing the validity of research findings as if this could be done properly simply by applying explicit and standard criteria relating to research design. Yet, validity assessment cannot rely entirely on information about research design. Much depends on the nature of the knowledge claims made, and assessment of them always relies on substantive knowledge as well as on specifically methodological considerations (see Hammersley 1998). The result of this mistaken approach to validity assessment is that systematic reviews are likely to exclude or downplay some kinds of study that may be illuminating, notably qualitative work, while giving weight to other studies whose findings are open to serious question (see Hammersley 2001).
An illustration of the attitude underlying the notion of systematic review, and the evidence-based practice movement generally, is Oakley's recent adoption of what can only be described as a form of naive positivism(9). This is surprising because she has been identified in the past as advocating qualitative methods, largely on feminist grounds. However, she is now a strong advocate of randomised controlled trials. She insists that she has never advocated qualitative method exclusively, and that she does not advocate quantitative method exclusively now. Nevertheless, in some parts of her recent book, Experiments in Knowing, she evidences a dismissal of qualitative work that is the obverse of her over-enthusiastic support for quasi-experimental research design. For example, she claims that the debate over Derek Freeman's critique of Margaret Mead's anthropological study of Samoa is best read as an example of the 'untrustworthiness' of 'uncontrolled findings' (Oakley 2000:57). The implication of this seems to be that all "uncontrolled" findings are untrustworthy. Later she comments: 'Recent attitudes to evaluation in some quarters have been marked by a retreat into more "naturalistic" and theory-driven approaches to public policy evaluation, but these serve the interests of academic careers more than they promote the goals of either an emancipatory social science or an informed evidence base for social and policy interventions' (Oakley 2000:323). Here we have dismissal of the views of those who disagree with her via the attribution of ulterior motives, and in the form of assertion rather than appeal to evidence. At one point she claims that anything else but randomised, controlled trials 'is a "disservice to vulnerable people" [...]' (Oakley 2000:318; quoting Macdonald 1996:21)(10). A more general problem about how research can be used by practitioners concerns the funnelling process through which research findings need to be refined into summary statements that policymakers and practitioners will have time to read and digest. This almost always involves the paring away of most qualifications and methodological information. While such summaries may be a very useful representational device for those who have already read the whole review, or the whole study, they may be obscure or misleading for those who have not done this. In some cases, the summary may be difficult to understand without background information. This is true of all kinds of research review. For example one of the key points of Gillborn and Gipps' review of the educational achievements of ethnic minority children was that '"colour-blind" policies have failed', but it seems clear that some audiences found this conclusion difficult to interpret (Gillborn and Gipps 1996:80)(11). Alternatively, summaries of research findings in reviews may seem easily interpretable, but the interpretation given may be some distance from that intended; and/or the validity of the findings may be dismissed at face value. For example, a study which suggests that there is no positive, linear correlation between amount of homework done and level of pupil achievement may be interpreted as saying that homework should be abolished or is not important(12). This stems from the fact that the interpretative framework within which policymakers and practitioners approach research findings is often rather different from that of researchers; in particular these audiences are likely to be much more directly concerned with practical implications. It is also possible that summary findings will be seen by policymakers or practitioners as trivial, in the sense of repeating what is already known, the actual contribution to current knowledge only being clear against the background of the study or review as a whole.
Another problem concerns how research findings are to be related to what policymakers and practitioners think they already know. This problem can again be illustrated by David Blunkett's response to research findings about homework. He dismissed these on the grounds that they ran counter to his beliefs. He was wrong to dismiss them, and to believe that research which produces such findings must be unsound. However, he would not have been wrong to have approached those findings (like any others, especially from a single study) with caution. And there is a genuine problem for practitioners about how to weigh contradictory evidence, especially when it has been produced in different ways. In his argument for evidence-based practice, Davies comments: 'There is no question of evidence replacing clinical judgement or experience, but of uniting these two dimensions of knowledge to provide a sound basis for action' (Davies 1999:111). Yet conflicting evidence from different sources cannot be 'united' in any simple sense(13). And evidence from professional experience cannot be assessed in the same way as research evidence; since the process by which it was produced is not documented. It is difficult to see what one can do, when faced with contradictory evidence from research and practical experience, other than either trust one's instincts, which is the Blunkett strategy, or assume that research evidence is always sounder than that from experience, which is what advocates of evidence-based practice sometimes seem to imply. Neither approach is satisfactory. What is perhaps required is that each source of evidence be subjected to internal scrutiny in its own terms: reflection on the sources, relations, and functions of particular beliefs, in the case of professional experience; and methodological assessment, in the case of research. However, this is a time-consuming process; and it by no means guarantees that the result will be a satisfactory resolution of any contradiction between the two. Moreover, any resolution will necessarily rely on judgement that cannot be fully explicated(14). Up to now, I have looked at the role of research in relation to policymaking and practice in rather abstract terms. However, it is important to locate the evidence-based practice movement, and reactions to it, in the current political context.
Evidence-based practice and 'transparency'
The evidence-based practice movement is closely related to influential demands for 'transparent' accountability that are characteristic of what has come to be called managerialism, or the 'new public management' (Ferlie, E., et al. 1996; Pollitt, 1990; Mayne and Zapico-Goni. 1997; Power, 1997). As Davies et al note: 'In contrast to the preceding culture of largely judgement-based professional practice, there has arisen the important notion of evidence-based practice as a means of ensuring that what is being done is worthwhile and that it is being done in the best possible way' (Davies et al 2000:2). Thus, it is assumed that research can "ensure" that the best is being done; both by providing information about "what works", and by documenting whether practitioners are actually following "best practice"(15). Moreover, research is believed to be capable of doing this because it is objective and explicit; what it provides is open to public scrutiny, in a way that professional experience and judgement are not.
The demand for 'transparent' accountability seems to have arisen from two sources, though my account here is rather speculative. The first source lies in the field of commerce and industry, and concerns the emergence of 'generic management'(16). Where, in the first half of the twentieth century, managers had often worked all of their careers in a single sector, frequently moving up to managerial positions within an individual firm, in the second half of the century there was increasing mobility of managers across sectors, and a growing tendency to define management in terms of generic rather than sector-specific knowledge and skills(17). Along with growth in the average size of firms (see Devine et al 1985:85-90), often as a result of mergers and take-overs, this led to the problem of how senior managers were to assess the performance of different parts of their organisations. The solution proposed was to find objective indicators of performance, in other words indicators that did not rely on direct observation of the work being done and whose interpretation did not demand detailed knowledge of what that work entailed. Over the course of the 1960s, 70s and 80s this reliance on performance indicators spread to the public sector (initially to the publicly owned utilities, for example in the energy field, later to health and education), on the back of arguments that this sector was inefficient by comparison with private enterprise(18). An equally important stimulus to the 'new public management', however, was recognition by the political Left of the force, and electoral appeal, of the argument that taxpayers had a right to know that their money was being well-spent. Public accountability of this kind now came to be seen as central to democracy, on the Left as well as on the Right. But, of course, most citizens were in exactly the same position as the generic manager, in that they did not have direct knowledge of what was involved in the work of public sector agencies. What they did have was some, differentiated, experience as clients of those organisations; and access to others' anecdotes about failures in service, which were elaborated by media campaigns against the 'inefficiency' of the public sector. Here, too, the solution proposed was objective performance indicators; indicators that would allow politicians and the general public to judge what was happening and how it could be improved. Indeed, the new public management portrayed government ministers as managers of the public sector, and therefore as responsible for monitoring performance and intervening to improve it. Furthermore, in the context of the New Labour government, politicians began to suggest that their own performance should be judged by whether promised improvements in the work of public sector organisations took place, as measured by performance indicators; an extension of transparent accountability encouraged by the media, for whom the results of such indicators constituted a useful source of news(19). More generally, criticism of the public sector for failing to 'deliver' a satisfactory level of service, and portrayal of it as inferior to the private sector, arose out of widespread attacks, in the second half of the twentieth century, on professionalism and on the role of the state. Once again, these came from both sides of the political spectrum, and from social scientists(20). The claim of professional occupations to be governed by a service ethic, which justified their having autonomy in performing their work, was challenged on the grounds that they had misused this autonomy to serve their own interests. There was some evidence of this; but the charge also reflected a change in the prevalent vocabulary of motives, whereby any claim to motives other than self-interest was subjected not just to suspicion but to disbelief. From the Right, in particular, it was insisted that people would only do what was in the general interest if circumstances were arranged in such a way that it was in their self-interest to do it. The market was seen as the model in this respect; a fact which fuelled not just privatisation but also the application of 'market discipline' within the public sector.
The assumption was that markets provide consumers with all the knowledge they need in order to assess the relative value of the goods on offer. As a result, their purchasing decisions reward efficiency and punish inefficiency. However, to a large extent, this is simply a myth. It does not even hold true where conditions of perfect competition are approximated, a situation which is very rare. This is because consumers do not usually have easy access to all of the information they would need to judge effectively the relative value of what is on offer. Reliable and comparable information about the relative quality of different products, even different products from the same supplier, is often not available(21). Moreover, most consumers would probably not have the background knowledge or the time necessary to make use of that information were it available. In fact, the tendency is for consumers to rely heavily on one kind of information: that which is most easily available and open to assessment - price. And this tendency distorts the production process, since lowering costs is given priority over ensuring quality(22).
Of course, the attempt to introduce transparent accountability in the public sector is not in any simple sense a process of marketisation. Instead, efforts are made directly to measure the quality of services; and not so much as a basis for consumer decision making (though this is sometimes the case, as with school league tables) but so as to allow the public to judge whether the public services are meeting satisfactory standards of performance and providing 'value for money'. However, for the reasons explained in the previous section, these performance indicators do not usually measure what is important effectively; and, indeed, advocates of transparent accountability will often acknowledge this, while insisting that they provide the best evidence available. Yet, ironically, the severe problems associated with such performance indicators were demonstrated long ago in the attempts of Eastern European governments to control centrally the production of goods and the provision of services. Here, even attempts to specify industrial production targets and measure performance for relatively simple goods failed (Nove 1980:ch4)(23).
Moreover, this parallel shows that efforts to render people accountable in terms of performance indicators distort the production process at least as much as does the emphasis on lowering cost and price which is characteristic of the private sector. This is because it encourages, indeed to a large extent forces, individual practitioners to adopt an instrumental orientation in which scoring highly on the indicators becomes more important than doing a good job in terms of their own judgement. Indeed, they may even lose the confidence to exercise such judgement.
Where the focus is professional services the problems are especially severe because of the level of specialised expertise and knowledge on which these services rely. Furthermore, what they involve is not a determinate process. For example, even the best surgeons do not succeed in all cases; and, to the degree that they deal with more difficult cases than their colleagues, their failure rates may be relatively high. In this context, it is not just a matter of judging a product or service in terms of whether it meets requirements, or meets requirements better than others - which is hard enough - but judging whether the best that could have been done has been done. In the field of education this task is further complicated by the fact that teachers deal with children in batches, not on a one-by-one basis. So, here, judgement has to be according to whether what was done was the best for all concerned, which may involve trading benefits for some against costs for others.
The application of transparent accountability to medicine, education, and other areas has been premissed on the assumption that explicit information can be provided about all the factors relevant to judging the quality of professional performance in these fields. And research is seen as playing a key role in this: the belief is that it can show what works and what does not work, thereby providing a standard against which the practice of professionals can be judged. Moreover, it is assumed that research is itself transparent, that it simply documents how things are in an objective fashion. However, for reasons already explained, research is unable to play this role. Furthermore, efforts to make it play this role seem likely to have undesirable consequences. In relation to practice, the appeal to research findings on all significant issues may undermine the value of practical experience and commonsense, and thus erode practitioners' confidence in their own judgements. While it is sometimes claimed that evidence-based practice represents an enhanced professionalism, its devaluing of professional experience and judgement relative to accountability in terms of externally produced research findings seems likely to lead to a weakening of professionalism, in most senses of that term. Equally important, the attempt to make research serve this function has the effects of privileging practical against academic or scientific research, and of eroding the distinction between research and the work of management consultancy, audit, and inspection agencies(24). There is no doubt that evaluations of professional practice can be valuable; or that some professional practice, in all fields, is poorer than it could be, for all manner of reasons. However, not only is the notion of transparent accountability a myth, but it relies on a version of perfectionism which implies that failures and risks can be avoided, or at least can be progressively reduced in number and seriousness. So, it is assumed that performance can and should always be further improved; and that measures can be taken to ensure that any failures that have occurred in the past do not recur in the future. In promising this, transparent accountability encourages a climate in which clients demand that their needs and wants be fully met, while practitioners are increasingly concerned simply with protecting themselves from possible criticism (not to mention possible legal action). And, given that the indicators do not measure performance effectively, especially not across the whole range of each profession"s activities, this is likely to worsen not to improve the quality of performance.
Advocates of evidence-based practice often deny that there is any link between it and attempts to introduce 'transparent accountability' in the public sector. However, this is naive at best. The Government sees each as serving the other, and is acting on that basis in seeking to bring about "reform". It views research as playing a major role in this. Hence the current attempt to bring educational research under increased central control, coordinating and concentrating funding on issues directly relevant to policy and practice (see NERF 2000; Hodkinson 2001).
In this paper I have argued that while few would disagree that professional practice could be improved if practitioners had better access to the products of a large body of relevant research, the evidence-based practice movement is not likely to lead to a dramatic improvement in educational performance. In fact, my argument suggests that it could even lead to a worsening in the quality of service. The reasons for this lie in misconceptions about the nature of both research and practice which are built into the assumptions on which it operates. Its advocates have too much confidence in the validity of research findings, both in abstract terms and in comparison with knowledge coming from professional experience. And they assume that research can play a much more direct role in relation to practice than it usually can. They tend to treat practice as the application of research-based knowledge; neglecting the extent to which it necessarily involves uncertain judgement. Moreover, there are some serious difficulties involved in the use of research evidence by practitioners. One relates to problems in interpreting this evidence without background knowledge about the studies from which it arose. Another concerns the question of how contradictions between research evidence and professional experience are to be resolved.
Finally, I pointed to the close contemporary association between the evidence-based practice movement and the new public management, with its efforts to make the public sector transparently accountable and thereby to improve its performance substantially. I argued that this notion of accountability is built on a mythology of the market that does not accurately capture how markets work, and that is peculiarly inappropriate to the case of providing services that necessarily rely on a good deal of specialised expertise. I suggested that the search for transparent accountability is a futile enterprise, and one which is likely to have negative consequences for both professional practice and research. It offers a false hope of dramatic improvement in quality, while at the same time undermining the conditions necessary for professionalism to flourish. The entanglement of the movement for evidence-based practice with these developments means that it should be treated with the greatest caution.
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1. Davies et al have added two even weaker formulations: 'evidence-influenced' and 'evidence-aware' practice (Davies et al 2000:11).
2. An example of such an account is Sackett et al 1997.
3. Other examples include Oakley's claim that the generalisations of 'well-intentioned and skilful doctors [...] may be fanciful rather than factual [...]'. Indeed, she goes so far as to refer to 'the largely unscientific character of modern medicine', appealing to Illich's notion of 'medical nemesis' (Oakley 2000: 17). Another caricature is Greehalgh's contrast between evidence-based decision-making and 'decision-making by anecdote' (Greenhalgh 1997:4). And Evans, advocating systematic reviews in the field of education, suggests that previously even when health practitioners used research evidence they relied on 'idiosyncratic interpretations of idiosyncratic selections of the available evidence (rather than objective interpretation of all the evidence) [...]' (Evans 2001).
4. Interestingly, Oakley extends this argument to researchers, claiming that 'most research proceeds from the interests of researchers because researchers generally have more to gain from the research process: publications, external research grant income, points in academic research exercises'. She excepts experimental research from this charge, on the grounds that it is 'in a somewhat special category, in that its purpose is to arbitrate between competing interventions, and thus to work towards a solution which is as much (if not more) in the interests of the researched as of the researchers' (Oakley 2000:285). Here, aside from special pleading, there are signs of the anti-academic attitude that underlies much recent promotion of the role of research in relation to policymaking and practice. An even more influential exponent of this was the previous Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett: see Blunkett 2000; and, for a discussion, Hammersley 2000a.
5. For more extended discussion, see Hammersley 2002.
6. Cochrane often seemed to come close to this view in his advocacy of evidence-based practice in medicine: see Cochrane 1972:30. For a useful discussion of problems that have arisen even where randomised controlled trial methodology has been extensively applied, from a viewpoint that is sympathetic to the movement, see Hampton 1997.
7. It is also important to caution against too narrow an interpretation of that contribution, see Hammersley 1997.
8. In many respects, this model amounts to taking a positivist conception of research as the pattern for all forms of rational action. This perhaps explains why evidence-based practice is sometimes closely related to the idea that professionals should themselves engage in research (see, for example, Hargreaves 1996). This amounts to another version of what I have referred to elsewhere as researcher imperialism, see Hammersley 1993.
9. Oakley is director of the of the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre), which has been given responsibility for developing systematic reviews in education. See its web-site : http://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/
10. Some recent accounts of the role of research in relation to evidence-based education are more sympathetic to qualitative research: see Davies 1999 and Fitzgibbon 2000. However, it is striking that Fitzgibbon devotes only two paragraphs of her article to discussing it, giving by far the greatest attention to quantitative research. And while Davies 2000b seeks "to redress any such demeaning of qualitative research and evidence" (p292), he fails to recognise the sharp conflict between the orientation of some kinds of qualitative work and quantitative method; and the difficult questions that even more moderate versions of a qualitative approach raise for some of the fundamental assumptions of evidence-based practice; on which see Hammersley 2002:ch4. For an account which takes more account of the distinctiveness of a qualitative approach, see Popay et al 1998.
11. For a discussion of how this review was represented in the mass media in diverse ways, see Hammersley 2000b.
12. I am referring here to the response of the previous Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett, to the findings of one study of the relationship between homework and achievement; in which he accused the researchers of double standards, of being unwilling to extend to other children the benefits their own children have had. . See S. Farrow "Insulted by Blunkett", The Guardian Wednesday July 21, 1999. In his speech to the CBI Blunkettt also included the following comment: "Some researchers are so obsessed with "critique", so out of touch with reality that they churn out findings which no one with the slightest common sense could take seriously" (Blunkett 1999, quoted in Pring 2000). Mr Blunkett"s response was similar to research which suggested that eviction laws were being applied over-zealously by some local authorities. His comment was: "If this is what our money is going on, it is time for a review of the funding of social research", BBC News web page for 20.11.2000. His criticism of these two studies was repeated in his speech to the ESRC: Blunkett 2000.
13. In the context of evidence-based medicine, Sackett et al talk of "integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external evidence from systematic research" (Sackett et al 1996). But "integrating" is no better than "uniting": it is a fudge which covers up a serious problem.
14. For the argument that even natural scientific research cannot be reduced to explicit procedures, see Polanyi 1959 and 1966.
15. This is an example of what Oakeshott referred to as "the politics of perfection" Oakeshott 1962:5-6.
16. For the background to this development, see Burnham 1941, Chandler 1977 and 1990.
17. This was closely associated with the rise of management education, and of the accounting profession. The whole process was, of course, simply a further stage in the development of what Marris calls 'managerial' capitalism initiated by the invention of the public, joint-stock, limited liability company in the late nineteenth century (see Marris 1971).
18. As far as I can tell, the arguments for the superiority of the private sector rested on economic theory and anecdotes about 'over-manning', 'bureaucracy' etc. in the public sector; rather than on objective empirical evidence.
19. Performance indicator results have many of the key characteristics of newsworthiness: they are about the Government, they offer apparently clear-cut and authoritative findings, and they often suggest serious failings. For a rather different, but not incompatible, account of the develpments I have sketched here, see Aucoin 1990. Aucoin stresses the role of public choice theory and managerialism, portraying them both as anti-bureaucratic, and argues that there are tensions between the two, especially in relation to centralisation/decentralisation and control/delegation.
20. One aspect of this was criticism of state regulation of industry. For an account of this in the United States, and of the pendulum swings towards and then away from regulation over the course of the twentieth century, see Vietor 1994:312 and passim.
21. This was why the Consumers' Association began to publish Which? magazine: see Sargant 1995:190-2. However, even that publication cannot provide everything one would need to know in order to make the best choice of many kinds of product. The sheer number and diversity of products is simply too large, and subject to too frequent change.
22. It is not clear that quality is given emphasis even where fashion, technical hype, or snobbery will support relatively high prices.
23. Nove writes that in the Soviet Union 'many of the functions of government ministers and senior party officials can be regarded as a form of senior management, in some respects analogous to those of the senior directors of a big Western corporation' (Nove 1980:88). He continues: 'how can the centre issue instructions in a form which does not give rise to ambiguities and contradictions? How can it encourage initiative, new techniques, the flow of desired and undistorted information? By what standards and in what way can we evaluate performance? Around these issues one finds grouped many of the most serious weaknesses of Soviet micro-economics. This is where many things go wrong' (Nove 1980:89). Indeed it is, and not just in the old Soviet Union!
24. In What Works? Davies et al comment that: '[...] the majority of research evidence considered in this text is the output from more formal and systematic enquiries, generated by government departments, research institutes, universities, charitable foundations, consultancy organisations, and a variety of agencies and intermediaries such as the Audit Commission, or Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)' (Davies et al 2000:3). For a useful discussion of the relationship between research and OFSTED inspection, see Smith 2000. | <urn:uuid:dc145eb7-f867-4b1d-9246-eaa5b7d7fc11> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/00001819.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280835.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00054-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953568 | 10,292 | 2.4375 | 2 |
Today, Earthjustice filed a petition with the State Commission on Water Resource Management on behalf of two community groups, Hui o Na Wai `Eha and Maui Tomorrow, seeking to restore water to Waihe`e, North & South Waiehu, `Iao, and Waikapu streams and their tributaries (collectively known as "Na Wai `Eha"). The four streams, located in the Central Wailuku region of Maui, hold historic and ongoing significance as natural and cultural resources, but continue to be drained - often completely dry - by diversion works operated by former plantation interests. The petition invokes the process set forth in the State Water Code for establishing instream flow standards ("IFS") -- which are the minimum amount of water that must flow through a stream to sustain beneficial instream uses such as ecological protection, traditional and customary Native Hawaiian practices, recreation, and scenic values –- and demands that the water currently being hoarded and wasted by former plantation interests be immediately returned to the streams of origin.
"The Water Commission has a public trust duty under the State Constitution and Water Code to protect the health of our streams," explained Burt Sakata, president of Hui o Na Wai `Eha, who has a small family farm in Waihe`e. "We who live here in Central Maui have watched our stream life diminish. We insist that the Water Commission follow the laws put in place to protect our public trust resources."
A petition similar to the one filed today began the landmark Waiahole Ditch case on O`ahu –- a battle over the future of water and land use in Hawai'i that was rekindled this week by a Hawai'i Supreme Court decision overturning the Commission for the second time in that case. Maui faces a similar, but even more critical, controversy over water, with demand for unchecked current and future development far outstripping existing water supplies.
"We cannot write blank checks to developers without ensuring that there's enough water in the bank. Our petition urges the State to reconsider its water and land use management policies in a post-plantation economy. The large-scale closing of plantations presents a historic opportunity for decisionmakers to protect degraded water resources before making new allocations of water. This is necessary to support long neglected public trust uses," said Earthjustice attorney Kapua Sproat.
For more than a century, much to all of the water from each of the streams of Na Wai `Eha has been taken to support plantation operations. The diversions continue to dry up the streams, even as plantation agriculture and its water uses have declined on Maui. To this day, millions of gallons of stream water from Na Wai `Eha are needlessly diverted and dumped, instead of being restored for public instream uses.
"Hawai'i's Water Code prohibits waste. If diverted water is no longer being used, then that water should stay in the stream, period. Healthy streams support native ecosystems, near-shore fisheries, groundwater resources, and traditional Hawaiian practices. Our streams are the lifeblood of this 'aina and the law requires that they be treated as such," explained Sproat.
Maui Tomorrow spokesperson Ed Lindsey noted that the 1990 Hawai'i Stream Assessment prepared by the Commission determined that all four Maui streams named in the petition were "blue ribbon resources," meaning that they stood out as the very best in their respective resource areas. Only nine Maui streams received this high rating, and all four streams of Na Wai `Eha were among those nine. "Fourteen years have passed since the Hawai'i Stream Assessment was completed, and plantation lands that used this water are being sold off," he said. "Now's the time to restore stream flows and help the `Ïao aquifer regain its health."
Restoration of streamflows is expected to benefit everyone in the Na Wai `Eha community, which is the center of the population on Maui. Hui o Na Wai `Eha, Maui Tomorrow, and Earthjustice will convene a public meeting within the next month to provide additional information and get input from affected communities. Representatives of Earthjustice and the petitioners will be available at this meeting to answer questions and address any concerns that may arise. Call (808) 579-9802 for more information on the meeting, or to find out how to get a copy of the petition.
Kapua Sproat, Earthjustice (808) 599-2436, x16
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. | <urn:uuid:64a5db96-eb8f-4560-a865-38fc5c651b4c> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2004/community-groups-demand-protection-and-restoration-for-central-maui-streams | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281331.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00226-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951967 | 994 | 2.125 | 2 |
THE ISSUE: PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ON RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD
On June 9, 2014, Shoba Pala-Krishnan representing the Committee for Pedestrian Safety on Riverside Boulevard and Batya Lewton representing The Coalition for a Livable West Side sent a detailed letter to NYC Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, requesting that:
• the NYCDOT designate Riverside Boulevard a 20-mph zone. New York State law says New York City can lower speed limits on streets within 1/4-mile of school without State approval. There is pedestrian traffic to Riverside South Park, from four schools: The River School (62nd and 63rd on West End Avenue); Dwight Early Learning Center (66th and Riverside Blvd.); Bilingual Buds (68th and Riverside Blvd.); and Small Wonder (69th between Riverside Blvd. and Freedom Place);
• the NYCDOT install flexible, reflective pedestrian crossing YIELD SIGNS and STOP SIGNS at all intersections/crossings on Riverside Boulevard. Riverside Boulevard is the primary access road to the Riverside South waterfront park; and
• the NYCDOT create an extra-large ( 3 inches high and twenty feet wide) raised crossing, compliant with ADA rules, at West 68th Street. This is an important crossing to the park.
THESE CHANGES ARE NEEDED TO INSURE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ON RIVERSIDE BOULEVARD
Crossing Riverside Boulevard to go to the park is very dangerous. Drivers routinely ignore pedestrian safety signs.
In 2011, NYCDOT instituted aTraffic Calming Plan for Riverside Boulevard. The implemented plan does not work because it relies too heavily on enforcement and motorist behavior -- two things that are difficult to monitor or control. NYCDOT short-changed the residents and visitors of Riverside Boulevard by opting for inexpensive roadway treatments that rely heavily on good behavior from motorists. | <urn:uuid:11885b69-bc0d-4e57-a1cf-49b1405ec377> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://livablenewyork.org/home.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988719286.6/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183839-00498-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.886793 | 402 | 2.125 | 2 |
- One of very few survivors, fewer still in North America
- Beautifully restored and extensively documented
- An adorable little bubble on wheels
The Peel Trident was a further development of the famous Peel P50, which still holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest production automobile ever made. With a slightly larger body than the P50, the Trident was optimistically advertised as featuring “saloon car comfort with scooter cost.”
First unveiled at the 1964 Earls Court Motorcycle Show, the Trident featured a new body design but used the P50’s Zweirad Union single-cylinder engine and three-speed gearbox without reverse. It is said, however, that the last six Tridents produced utilized the 98-cc engine and automatic transmission from the Triumph Tina scooter. When featuring the 49-cc package, it achieved an advertised top speed of 38 miles per hour and a reported 100 mpg. Consequently, driving the Trident was “almost cheaper than walking,” as advertised.
The all-new body was designed around a clear plastic dome which tilts forward to allow the driver to enter. Though only a single seater in practical use, the car was designed to theoretically accommodate two occupants. The futuristic dome and the overall spaceship-like appearance of the Trident gave Peel another natural slogan: “Your transport of tomorrow – today.”
The example offered here, chassis number E185, was sold new in the United Kingdom. Its current owner purchased the restored car in March 2014. Included in the sale is a file containing the original UK registration, a selection of rare factory literature, and other documentation. As Tridents are seldom ever available for sale, especially in North America, this marks a rare and wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the rarest of all microcars. | <urn:uuid:8c3540c3-6670-405d-a90e-2c96cc28afbb> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo17/monterey/lots/r111-1965-peel-trident/422893 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570871.10/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808183040-20220808213040-00265.warc.gz | en | 0.951373 | 371 | 1.890625 | 2 |
The program report consists of a Cover Sheet and five sections. The Cover Sheet provides basic information about the program being submitted. Section I presents background and contextual information about the program; Section II includes a chart that lists each of the 6-8 assessments; Section III includes a chart that links the 6-8 assessments with the SPA standards; Section IV provides a two page narrative plus the assessment tool or description, the rubric and/or scoring guide and the data tables for each of the 6-8 assessments; and Section V provides information on how the program faculty have used the data to improve their program and strengthen candidate performance. The following information supplies more detail about each section of the Program Report including information on how to use each section as you complete your evaluation.
Section I - Context
Section I, the Context Section of the program report, should provide background information for the reviewer. It includes descriptions of faculty expertise and experience in the specialty field and the program of study together with the field and clinical experiences required for the program. Concerns, strengths, or deficiencies found in this part of the program report may be seen in the evidence provided for the subsequent sections of the report and may serve to explain that evidence. If, as you read Section I, you have strong concerns about the faculty, curriculum or other components of the program, you may note them on your Reviewer Worksheet and/or include them in Part F, item F.1, of the Program Recognition Report.
Section II - Assessments and Related Data
Section II is a chart that program compilers will use to list the key assessments. You will be using this information as you work through Section III and IV of the report so you may find yourselves clicking back and forth between these sections.
Section III - Standards Assessment Chart
The chart in Section III links the assessments to the standards. Each standard is listed in the first column. In the final column compilers have checked the numbers of the assessments (from the chart in Section II) that they feel address each standard.
Section IV - Evidence for Meeting Standards.
In Section IV compilers provide a narrative for each of their key assessments. In this narrative they are asked to provide a brief description of the assessment, describe how the assessment addresses the standards (as checked in the chart in Section III), a brief analysis of the data findings and an interpretation of how that data provides evidence for meeting standards, indicating the specific SPA standards by number, title, and/or standard. They will also upload three documents for each assessment: the assessment instrument (or complete descriptions of the assessments), the rubric and/or scoring guide for each assessment, and a chart that includes the data for each assessment. When examining the different attachments within the program report, the program should have uploaded no more than 20 attachments. You will also notice that for the 6-8 key assessments, the program has uploaded the narrative, assessment description or tool, scoring guide and data as one document that should be labeled “Assessment 3”, for example.
As a reviewer, you will use this information as you answer two primary questions: are the assessments appropriate for the cited standards and do the candidate data demonstrate that most candidates meet the standard? The information in Section IV should give you insight into how the faculty perceive the assessments align with the standards and provide information about any data that appear questionable or, perhaps, absent.
Section V - Use of Assessment Results to Improve Candidate and Program Performance
The purpose of the final portion of the program report, Section V, is to demonstrate that faculty have used results from the key assessments to improve candidate achievement and program performance. The program report template includes these directions to report compilers:
Evidence must be presented in this section that assessment results have been analyzed and have been or will be used to improve candidate performance and strengthen the program. This description should not link improvements to individual assessments but, rather, it should summarize principal findings from the evidence, the faculty's interpretation of those findings, and changes made in (or planned for) the program as a result. Describe the steps program faculty has taken to use information from assessments for improvement of both candidate performance and the program. This information should be organized around (1) content knowledge, (2) professional and pedagogical knowledge, skill, and dispositions, and (3) student learning.
Reviewer evaluation comments on this portion of the program report are placed in Part D of the Program Recognition Report. This information also provides critical information for the Board of Examiners. | <urn:uuid:9bffd30a-2e7f-4b14-8d78-af3cc38e34b8> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.ncate.org/ProgramReviewers/GuidelinesforReviewingProgramReports/OverviewoftheProgramReport/tabid/480/Default.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281424.85/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00330-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.93242 | 923 | 1.890625 | 2 |
On May 15, the government of Venezuela commemorated 68th anniversary of Nakba Day, or the establishment of European Jewish State of Israel in the Holy Land resulting in the destruction 400 Palestinian towns/villages and demolishing of 600 mosques, and displacing at least 750,000 Palestinian Muslims and Christians.
Speaking at the rally in Caracas, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez said the Palestinian people were “an example of resistance for those of us who struggle against imperialism.”
Rodríguez on her part said an international agreement must be reached to ensure that Palestinians receive justice.
Palestinian Authority (Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah government in the occupied West Bank) foreign minister Riyad Maliki who attended event in Caracas said in a statement: “Since the arrival of the Bolivarian Revolution in 1999, Venezuela has become a voice for historically marginalized peoples, reclaimed social struggles and raised the banners of justice, including for those in Palestine.”
Under President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Chavez, Venezuela has strongly supported Palestinian statehood, and has been critical of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and siege of the Gaza Strip.
Venezuela was one of the first countries to donate humanitarian aid to Gaza in the wake of Israel’s 2014 assault on the enclave, and has committed to settling Palestinian child refugees.
Late Hugo Chavez suspended Venezuela- Israel diplomatic relations in response to Israeli attack on Gaza. He cultivated brotherly relations with Ahmadinejad, and friendly relations with Cuba, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and Argentina. He opposed US-French-UK war on Libyan leader Qaddafi.
Freelance journalist and blogger Ramona Wadi says: Hugo Chavez is gone, but his support for Palestine continues. | <urn:uuid:2629e0cf-94e5-4ab4-880f-78d790ee39e3> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://rehmat1.com/2016/05/18/palestine-venezuela-united-against-western-imperialism/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280310.48/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00186-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938778 | 360 | 2.34375 | 2 |
Easy Cartoon PersonAnyone who has ever seen an artist sketch a person or an object from scratch might think that it's simply an issue of talent. Courtesy of the New York Academy of Art. Download high quality Cartoon People clip art graphics. com and learn to draw the easy way. This is why it is so important that you take it. Learn how to draw cartoon emotions & facial expressions with the following drawing lesson and examples. Free Cartoons for Presentations. Cartoon Free Online Photo Editor. Easy Drawings For Te 948x1360 0 1. Start by drawing three rough circles on your page. It looks much like Tayasui Sketches in places and has a similar vibe. Great Artists Google Slides Presentation – Easy to Customize. Illustrate three cartoon figures for the very first step of the online tutorial entitled how to draw cartoon …. 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A boy drawing for beginners (easy way) -- Boy's Face Pencil Sketch 2. See more ideas about easy drawings, drawing sketches, drawings. Let's fight boredom together! Continue with Facebook Continue with Google. Start from below the ears, bulge out in the real shape of the neck, but then bring your lines together under the chin. This exercise is designed at helping you learn how to appropriately use positive and negative space (negative …. But he’s just lovable enough to pick up a pencil and start drawing. Copy the drawing on the left first. Categories: Money and Banking Business. The Free Dictionary's Idioms dictionary is the largest collection of English idioms and slang in the world. Welcome to Activity Village! Parents, grandparents, teachers and carers - thank you for visiting! We have thousands of colouring pages, kids crafts, educational resources, puzzles, printables of all sorts, worksheets, sudoku for kids and lots more fun activities for kids!. 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On the bottom of the illustration pictures for this lesson you will find a number of these little skeletons in different actions and poses. October 6, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline of newspapers threatened to make editorial cartoons extinct. video, a powerful video marketing platform. Performing simple operations is not enough to make really interesting photos and pictures. Drawing Cartoon Faces With Simple Shapes. Easy human cartoon drawing Images, Stock Photos & Vectors. If you're passionate about drawing, learning how to draw cartoon people is essential. The process involves organizing shapes and lines together until a recognizable outcome (in this course, usually a cute cartoon animal) is achieved. Send Funny Ecards – All Year Long! There’s always an occasion to cheer someone up - using our funny, personalized videos with JibJab style and humor. How to Draw Cute Cartoon People. 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Fold Thickness and Fold Origin Points: Fabric Types, Support Points and Pinch Points. They are demonstrated in an artistic manner to showcase the manga look of each of the characters. Draw Two Lines Beneath the Hip Squares for Legs. In no time your 3D Drawing art is going to be absolutely ready. Usually drawing a cartoon person begins with either "ovals' or "sticks". Drawing relaxes and feels good. Political Cartoons on Women’s Issues. English male posing full frontal nude with full erection. He is one of the quirky characters of the animated television series. Back to the Drawing Board takes full advantage of the unique features of Windows 8 to provide an easy to learn and use drawing experience. Here are 15 simple traits of a truly good person. It exists only in vector, as the shortest way between two points. Drawing is a great activity for integrated learning as you you can easy include a wide range of interests and learning topics into a drawing activity. 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Then, they are asked to draw a picture of a person. Here are some tips for this exercise: Use between 1-5 objects and experiment with the composition. Drawing is open to everyone—artistic skill and expensive tools are optional. For a long time, Sketchbook was part of the Autodesk line of products, but it’s now flying on its own. With the Ellipse Tool (L), draw an eye and a pupil, setting the color to #787fad. Start By Drawing A Square to Indicate the Torso. Home News Download Tutorials YouTube Wiki Edu Contact. (11) 283 users have favourite this asset. Upload Image — Free Image Hosting. A person who is lying, for example, will find it difficult to look at. Cartoon People Characters Faces. Learn how to draw hands with these 25 easy hands drawing ideas include step by step sketch guide, printables and coloring pages. Copy both the simple drawing on the left and the finished, fully shaded drawing on the right. Drawing made hard for the left brain. The first step in quickly sketching the human figure is to simply draw a square. Dyed Pasta Necklaces are one of those classic kids crafts that never goes out of style! Quick, easy, and inexpensive – now that’s my kind of crafting! These Recycled TP Roll Rockets are a fun kids craft for 4th of July or any time of year! Pinecone Bird Feeders are a favorite nature craft for kids (and the birds love it, too!)!. Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. The very first step will begin with the simplest geometric shape – a usual oval, which is the base of the face. If you've ever called out white privilege before, chances are you've heard responses like "But I'm didn't ask to be born white!" or "You're being reverse racist. “Draw” here means painting a portrait and. Your measurement from your thumb to the end of your pencil may only be ½ inch, but on your drawing it could be an inch or more. Mar 23, 2022 - Explore Kerry Watson's board "Basic drawing for people like me who can't draw" on Pinterest. The websites all offer helpful instruction for beginning artists, and many of them offer classes at intermediate or advanced levels. After all the steps are complete, use a felt-tip pen to go over the pencil lines. Drawing a portrait is very much like drawing any other subject matter. Just like real people, cartoon characters come in all shapes and sizes. See more ideas about draw, drawings, easy drawings. Smiling person (combined head and body) drawn by a child aged 4½. In cell B1 type in the formula =RAND () This will generate a random number in B1 between 0 and 1. Simple line drawing people Images, Stock Photos & Vectors. Explore the extensive selection of professionally-designed templates and pick the one that matches your needs. His cartoon strips were popular but the work that gave him unforgettable lifelong fame was the character he created, Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts. Let’s jump into the article to get the awesome ideas. Animation is a method in which figures are manipulated to appear as moving images. Draw a pair of ears on the man. Some of the first art projects I did as a child were tracing crafts. For beginners, a simple shirt design is the easiest starting point. doodle happy kids cartoon character abstract people match stick style vector illustration art and graphic decoration. There are 12 available styles of cartoons: sketch, drawing, black and white cartoon, etc. They are figured and dress-up in a manga way to attract the interest of audiences. Now draw another line the same length from the knee to the feet. cute character illustration set - simple cartoon people stock illustrations. People have long valued the ability to be able to reproduce through drawing …. Charlie Hebdo Shooting: 12 Killed at Muhammad Cartoons. As you do this, strategize the best ways to connect with each individual. The white color will prominent other colors and let your painting smoothly. Cartoons - funny characters, animals, and more. Basic features are free, but you have to pay a fee to use the. His stories on Wattpad, such as “When the Black-Eyed Children Knock,” have drawn more than 1. Artists usually avoid drawing hands like the plague because they are so …. Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream. 1,241,701 simple line drawing stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. Today I'll show you how to draw a pointing hand from the side view, or in other words a hand with a pointing finger. and Live-Action videos for every moment of our life. ESL Video offers free online English listening and grammar activities, free teaching material, the ESL Video quiz maker tool to create video-based listening and gap-fill quizzes, tracking and reporting of student scores, and coordinates the International Teens Conversation Exchange (ITCE), 2021-2022. Illustration of Business man cartoon character young male professional vector illustration vector art, clipart and stock vectors. There are many different approaches. People coloring pages and worksheets are composed by real educators and use easy-to-follow concepts for all ages. This can be done either by sketching a triangle and then erasing one side or by . HOWEVER, if you are looking for more detailed art lesson plans, drawing lessons, printables, sketchbook starters (and more) provided monthly, you will LOVE The KinderArt Club - a membership portal designed for parents, homeschoolers, classroom art. The cylinder, which is a combination of cube and sphere, is the perfect shape. posted in: 28 Easy Winter Drawing Ideas and Winter Coloring Pages, 36 Easy Christmas Drawing Ideas and Christmas Coloring Pages, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Cartoon Drawing, Crayons, Drawing, Easy How to Draw Tutorials, Holiday Drawing Ideas |. Outercourse or frottage is sometimes part of foreplay, or to avoid intercourse. The story changes depending on which branches you choose! This PDF booklet was created by Ukrainian maze constructor Gleb Ganin, and you can find more on his website. Coloring Pages for Kids Simple Shapes Coloring Pages. Browse 158 how to draw simple cartoon people stock illustrations and vector graphics available royalty-free, or start a new search to explore more great stock images and vector art. No winter art project is complete without a few snowflakes, or at least the ones I like to make. Part 1: Cylinder Drawing by Jon deMartin. Charlie Hebdo Shooting: 12 Killed at Muhammad Cartoons Magazine in Paris. If you would like to learn more about perspective drawing, I highly recommend you check out my course, “ Perspective Made Simple ” “ Perspective Made Simple ” is a video home study course that consist of over 26 step-by-step lessons. Jake Parker is the creator of Inktober, a children’s book illustrator, comic book author, and all round nice guy. 6528 flower line drawing clip art free. People Are Trying To Follow A Viral Hand. To see what I mean, take a look at one of those wooden mannequins - something many artists use, to practice drawing humans. So the author created this step by step drawing guide for children easy to learn to draw different poses. Browse on the art video tutorial on How to draw easy cartoons. Using sharpened pencil (or mechanical pencil) trace over your paper design. Sketching is one of the most popular art forms. Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations. Another popular cartoon character in our list that is quite easy to draw is Barney Rubble. Make a composite with layers on your iPad. com từ nhiều nguồn không giống nhau tác giả trên internet CNV Art Có lượt xem cao trên các nền tảng mạng xã hội. Customize, download and easily. Importantly, draw them in different sizes and positions on the sheet. It lets you spotlight what you want to on your …. Recently, Twitter page @SatisfyingDaily uploaded a drawing tutorial clip (originally created by chay suado), showing an artist drawing a hand using soft, gentle strokes that look pretty easy to mimic. Mindfulness refers to your ability to stay present, engaged, and in tune with your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in …. Our step by step lessons include this drawing tutorials: Draw tutorials help you to choose draw equipment, improve your drawing skills. 900+ Cartoon People clip art images. Drawing Ideas For Te 725x1024 0 1. Or you can write to us at [email protected] Line – path that joins any two points in space. See more ideas about thanksgiving drawings, drawing tutorials for kids, drawings. The parting between the legs is one quarter head below the middle of the body. In the last, fill the peach or pink colour in its body & light green in Patrick’s pants. Your brain can automatically tell what is wrong with a drawing of a person. We'll learn about coloring drawings in …. Cartoon car drawing step by step. Whether you want to learn a new skill, spark your creativity, or boost your memory, Drawspace lessons are designed to benefit people of all ages and skill levels. LEARN from the man who taught and inspired Walt Disney (E. See more ideas about drawings, aesthetic drawing, character art. Join millions of people creating and sharing videos with our easy drag and drop video maker. Replace your photo on social media sites, forums or chat programs with your own created cartoon avatar. Your circles don’t have to be perfectly round. Enjoy the step by step and easy Speed Drawing Adobe Illustrator tutorial, and use these skills to express your personality ;) Peace. SmartDraw for Windows Desktop also works on your. Sketch out the contours of the head, torso, and pelvis using simple lines. Follow along with us, and if we . Doing art as creative self-care for this many years has taught me so much about myself, my feelings, and life. The first circle will be your dog’s head. The anime follows a young ninja named Naruto whose goal is to train and become a great Hokage. Start the drawing of the car with the. 100 Easy Drawing Ideas to Spark Your Inspiration. A drawing of a person wont look like the person unless the proportions are very close. Use white oil pastel to paint the whole paper. Today I thought I would by Dawn. Step 3: Customize your cartoon logo design by changing its fonts, colors, icons, and more. Big Foot Studio - Very cute paper toy characters, most with big feet. September 21, 2014 / Melissa A. You can find it easy and simple with our step by step guide. Learn how to draw a Cartoon Professor with this a step by step tutorial. Pencil Drawings of Famous People. To begin learning how to draw, you'll need a few basic drawing supplies. Always remember that people's eyes are positioned halfway down …. Fellatio is a kind of oral sex that involves a person letting their penis be licked, or "eaten" by their partner. Begin to Draw People: Simple Techniques for Drawing the Head and Body. # CodeSkulptor runs Python programs in your browser. Simply match any or all of your five ezmatch numbers to the Easy 5. A lot can be conveyed with a seemingly simple line drawing. These free cartoon characters (vectors) can be used for animations using Microsoft Powerpoint as templates & slides. The most basic one is by holding your tool (pencil, drawing tablet or whichever you prefer) and start by putting very little pressure on it while drawing from side to side. Uncle Bubba or Aunt LouAnn are always good choices because they like seeing themselves in anything. Free eMediaVA teacher and administrator training sessions are available. Find the midpoint of your circle and mark this with a small pencil mark. Easily Draw a Manga Face With These Steps. You will want to be mindful of the square's size since this not only represents the torso, the largest …. Related Images: people cartoon person girl female woman happy man child boy. Line is a language, therefore it can be interesting to play with the weight of each line. Captain Jack Sparrow - An adorable and detailed model. They are very easy to follow and I am sure you will have a lot of fun drawing them. Enter any data, customize the chart's colors, fonts and other details, then download it or easily share it with a shortened url | Meta-Chart. Super easy to use and install, get started drawing your favorite cartoon character, or edit your existing drawings. Convert a photo to cartoon and make a caricature of yourself – it's easy! The further we go, the more we want from photo editors. 5 Step 5: Giving Your Rooster a Comb. 10 Jobs for Artists and People Who Love Drawing Picture your future in these art careers. With a team of dedicated and highly skilled artists, architects and craftsmen, we provide free online drawing lessons step by step and offer art lessons tailor-made to suit the needs for all art beginners. Begin by drawing a stick figure, indicating the location of each joint with some light circles. How to draw cartoon people real easy. We offer you to download our files absolutely free and without. Tap to copy a permalink! Permalink for sharing! Tags: parenting. Try drawing with as smooth and continuous of a line as you can. We can draw anything under the sun but for now let us take a look on how to draw cartoon people. The most comprehensive image search on the web. Young learners can watch and 'do' their first lesson, then have fun colouring and finally creating t. Overview Package Content Releases Reviews Publisher info. This category has all you need in order to draw an easy, for kids, person face. For large organisations needing design and communication tools at scale. With Ten-Step Drawing: People, learn to draw the figure from head to toe, step by easy step. Easy Pose is a human body pose app for people who draw or is learning to draw. mage beside is how we can start to draw/sketch the hand. Feb 7, 2020 - Explore Destynnie Hall's board "Easy Drawing", followed by 1,117 people on Pinterest. Drawing is one of the most basic and brilliant ways to express your creativity. Feature one idea per paragraph, and keep them short — three or four sentences at most. Suggested grade level: 3rd - 4th. You will learn how to create flower drawing easy and draw 12 different types of cool flowers including Hawaiian and tropical as well as classic flowers such as rose, tulip and more. Why were medieval people so bad at drawing? For example, figures are all bizarrely elongated and out of proportion, and there is no sense of depth. Group of people of different ages, nationalities, ethnicities, isolated on a white background. People Drawings Cartoon at PaintingValley. Professionally designed templates and an extensive library of symbols put incredible drawing power at your fingertips. Give one person from each partnership an image (shape or collection of shapes depending on difficulty level wanted) to describe to their partner who is …. From famous historical figures like George Washington to family activities like camping trips, your child will learn as they color. Method 1 Drawing a Cute Cartoon Girl 1 Sample cartoon girl. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. REGULAR Animals Art Supplies Biblical Images Body Parts Christian Clothes (women) Fashion/ Makeup Food Furniture Garden Kitchen Items Medical Money/ Currency …. It's 100% ecological and relatively cheap to buy! So let's see how you could draw a simple bicycle in seven easy steps!. People father mother kids travellers in automobile vector front view. Web sites come and go quickly on the internet. Use masking tape to post a border. It's so easy, it almost draws your diagrams for you. CONTENTS Page Bird,snail,tortoise,andfish 52 Squirrel,flicker,chipmunk,thrush 53 Prairie-dogs 54 Buffalo o, 55 Instructionsfordrawinghorses. So I figured, drawing poses using photos of interesting models and characters will be much more stimulating With that in mind I put together a library of images of cool models and poses for people to practice gesture drawing. Mar 27, 2022 - THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING MY BOARD. Packed with practical advice, helpful tips, and fundamental drawing techniques, The Art of Drawing People explores how to capture detailed poses and likenesses in graphite pencil. His style is very funky like - his squab face, big belly & fat small leg. You can buy them for your presentations, newsletters websites, books and other projects. I watch - he watches • With verbs ending in consonant + y, we change the -y to -ies. The mouth of your caricature should start with the person’s lips. It is a fast, fun and flexible way to create and share your. Whatever your child is interested in, or whatever area your class is studying there is a drawing idea or activity that will enhance that topic. com is the place for children to learn to draw and color with Uncle Fred! Come visit UncleFred. Draw People: Part 1 - Proportion. Instantly create, edit and turn your photos into personalized artwork with Colorcinch – the #1 photo editor & cartoonizer designed to be simple, beautiful, and free. This is the thigh that goes from the hip area to the knee. Play with your favorite Cartoon Network characters in Teen Titans GO! games, Adventure Time games, Regular Show games, Gumball games and more. If you're looking for a cute drawing of an animal, check out this adorable baby turtle drawing. Here everything is developed from scratch, so we can create and release innovative and exclusive graphic design software that you will not find anywhere else. This article contains a mixture of traditional drawing tutorials, drawing techniques and some …. Simple Guide to Genograms A genogram or family tree is a useful tool to gather information about a young person's family. Draw a big round shape that floats below the chin. 3 Sketch the shape of the cheek by adding a point at the bottom. (Load) will load image into the drawing area. How to Draw an Ear in 5 Easy Steps. Everything is More Difficult Than it Looks (CARTOON). Learn how to draw a cartoon person and practice different facial expressions. From the earliest Disney classics to the animated shows aired on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, the adventures of comic characters grab our attention. Start with simple drawing ideas like shapes – a circle, square or triangle. This online cartoon creator satisfies the following functions-. One of the methods involves using a proportional. Use tape or glue to hold the edges together. Leave a gap wide enough for whatever tiny neck you’re going to put there. It's totally free: you can use these high quality image effects in any work you want, free or commercial. The use of colourful vector art is a great way to create an accessible and friendly webpage. Today, most animations are made with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Draw an eye-catching bird's eye view with an easy to use street map drawing software. If the person you’re drawing has light hair you might need a dark background behind it. Will Cotton Drawing Party, 2017. Total number of 1st choice applicants that …. Once you’ve located those three main masses of the head, rib cage, and pelvis, you have the basic structure of the upper body. See more ideas about easy drawings, drawing tutorial, drawing for kids. The Four Most Common Cartoon Folds: Pipe Fold, Half Lock Fold, Spiral folds, Zig Zag Fold. A girl with beautiful hair Pencil Sketch drawing _ How to draw a girl. Unlike many of the puzzle-based coding applications Alice. Auckland-based illustrator Toby Morris perfectly summarizes what it means to be privileged with this thought-provoking comic strip. Use your WEBCAM to create animated GIFs. Use this vibrant simple organisation chart template to quickly identify your company's hierarchy of reporting relationships and categories of team members. org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Simple cartoon character a little princess Vector Image. Cartoon red car sad in need of repair. Dog Running and Jumping - Make this easy drawing of a dog jumping, running, and playing. Russia's butchers of Bucha aren't true soldiers. Craft cartoons online right in your browser, and present your project in the …. posted in: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Drawing, Easter, Easy How to Draw Tutorials, Elements of Art, Holiday Drawing Ideas, How to Draw Animals, Markers, Sharpies |. Published: 06:26 EDT, 25 April 2012 | …. “You can get a positive effect with just 15 minutes of drawing,” Drake says. All the best Easy Drawing Ideas For Teens 40+ collected on this page. Present simple forms: -s / -es. Watch episodes and video clips of your favorite TV shows like Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball. Illustrate three cartoon figures for the very first step of the online tutorial entitled how to draw cartoon people. Make sure you buy your tickets for each Easy 5 drawing by 9:30 p. Cartoon people are the characters we see on the animated television series and manga sitcoms. A vector drawing represents love care people design. Synty Studios (11) 283 users have favourite this asset (283) $11. Since drawing comes easy for the talented, they often rely on it …. Download Drawing People For The Absolute Beginner A Clear Easy Guide To Successful Figure Drawing PDF/ePub, Mobi eBooks by Click Download or Read Online button. Drawing realistic portraits or cartoon characters doesn't have to be difficult. Show Your Personality with an Avatar. com, or by phone at 1-800-482-4567, weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm EST. Start free trial (opens in a new tab or window) Canva Enterprise. Advantages:-Easy to administer (only about 20-30 minutes plus 10 minutes of inquiry)-Helps people who have anxieties taking tests (no strict. There are no limitations to what you “could” draw. BEN SOBIECK (@BENSOBIECK) Benjamin Sobieck is a Wattpad Star and editor of “The Writer’s Guide to Wattpad,” published in August 2018 by Writer’s Digest Books and featuring contributions by 23 Wattpad Stars, ambassadors, and staff. Learning how to draw good flowers should not be difficult. It's simple, easy, efficient, and a lot of fun. PeekYou is a people search engine site that places people at the center of the Internet. We provide 100s of Ecards and year-round fun for the whole family, your friends & co-workers. Objective: This should illustrate how hard it is to give clear instructions as well as how hard it is to listen, and can also show how things are easily misunderstood and misinterpreted. A cartoon was used as a model or study for a painting but is now associated with caricatures for humor and satire. The drawing of running animals is a favorite choice of subject for many people, and if you are looking for an animal drawing, a running horse is an excellent choice. Find Cartoon people stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Not only that, but you'll start imagining your cartoon character or environment in a 3D space much easier. In this tutorial you will learn how to draw a male for kids. Caution: children should use child-safe art supplies. During this phase, keep in mind the proportions of a face. If you enjoy Toothpaste For Dinner, please consider chipping in $0. This is the top line of your horse's neck. Craft cartoons online right in your browser, and present your project in the best possible light. Start this guide and get useful drawing skills! In this lesson, I will show in detail how to draw Zuko. 900+ Free Cartoon People & People Images 969 Free images of Cartoon People Related Images: people cartoon man children person avatar kids business woman character Hundreds of cartoon people images to choose from. When you're unfamiliar with drawing, sketching a simple doodle can seem impossible. The second part of the lesson shows you how to create knitted textures typically found in jerseys and cardigans easily, yet still 100% realistic. In fact, his limbs in general are pretty weird but they make sense once you can draw the whole design. Easy Things to Draw: so you are a beginner and you don’t know how to draw something unique and different then you land in the right place. Of course portrait drawing is especially delicate because the goal is to make the portrait resemble the subject closely. I've been an artist for a long time (my whole life!), but I was trained as a cartoonist and animator. com is a resource web site that focuses on elevating artists of all levels in figure drawing and drawing faces. Control how your avatars look, talk, move, and interact. This will create a natural expression for the mouth. The tutorial also covers shading and finishing your piece. Even complex content can be made much more reader-friendly with the simple introduction of lots of white space. To switch through drawing modes, click the Drawing Modes panel in the Tools panel and select the drawing mode. Analyze a Cartoon Meet the cartoon. „ 71 Boys'faces 72 Expressions 73 …. With our world famous Photo Editor, you can turn photos you like into photos you love!From essential editing tools such as crop, resize, and exposure to our more unique effects like Cartoonizer, Digital Art, and Enhance DLX, it's beyond easy to create great looking photos. # CodeSkulptor is tested to run in recent versions of. His simple and exaggerated shapes make him a fun character to draw. Learn How to Draw a Horse's Head. Search by keyword or full phrase to get clear, in-depth definitions of American idioms, British idioms, and idioms and slang. How To Draw A Cartoon Body, Easy Tutorial, 4 Steps. We provide easy publishing tools to enable passionate, creative. He highlights the most prominent features of a person's face and that makes them really easy to recognize. emergency drawing of a person in hospital bed stock illustrations. Human Figure Drawing Proportions Life Drawing, new window. When you are taking the photo, make sure. And if you’re willing to drop some serious dollars, the creative in your life will love this gorgeous glass-top drawing table. Now, the pandemic is sinking newspapers and cartoonists are dragged down with them. May 8, 2019 - Explore Anesthema's board "Aesthetic drawing", followed by 158 people on Pinterest. Find Simple line drawing stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection. Conservative satire, humor, and …. No prior art knowledge or drawing experience is necessary. Third person singular We add -s to the verb to form the third person singular (he, she, it). The world's largest comic strip site for online classic strips like Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert, Non Sequitur, Get Fuzzy, Luann, Pearl Before Swine, 9 Chickweed Lane and more!. 20 Halloween Drawing Ideas. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. Getting the proportions of the human body right can be tricky, and sometimes it's just hard to know where to start. From simple line drawings to modern art and easy animations, we've got you covered. Every one of our 1,400 present simple tense worksheets is completely free to download, print, and use in your classroom. Upload photos and clips into an easy-to-use template or start from scratch. Learn how to draw Thanksgiving things: Turkeys, pumpkins, autumn trees and colors, and pies with easy step by step instructions. 6 Add some more detail to his arms. Follow my online drawing lessons and get started learning to draw and paint. Oct 27, 2021 - Explore 🔅Tabitha🔅's board "Cartoon Drawings Of People", followed by 190 people on Pinterest. Say goodbye to stick figures and start learning about portraiture and figure drawing. Animaker's helped over 10M people create awesome videos by themselves! And is trusted by some of the world's leading brands. * Required Field Your Name: * Your E-Mail: * Your Remark: Friend's Name: * Separate multiple entries with a comma. There are so many things to do on Meetup. Swap with Clipboard Show Clipboard Layers Mask Crop Image Simple Crop Tool Magic Wand Skew Image AutoCrop Image Resize Image Scale Image 2x Super Resolution Resize. See simple line drawing stock video clips. In this article, we'll show you the basics of creating a cartoon avatar for yourself, both. Cartoons Countries Fairy Tales Fantasy Flowers Fruit Holidays Homes Music Nature People Rainbows School Space Sports Transportation Video Game Characters Weather Color by Numbers Connect the Dots Dot Puzzles Simple Shapes. Here are a number of highest rated Einstein Pencil Drawing pictures upon internet. posted in: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Crayons, Drawing, Easy Cartoon Drawing Ideas, Easy How to Draw Tutorials, People, Superheroes |. We wish you all the best on your future culinary endeavors. Pet Drawing a favorite pet, past or present, is also chosen if you want to learn to draw from a secondary source. You can change the expressions on your face without changing your emotions (by acting) but don't you wish that drawing facial expressions was just as easy? Well, with practice, you will see that it is just this easy and a LOT of fun to try. Keep flipping the drawing horizontally until both ways look right. People; Signs&Symbols; Transportation; Public domain; SVG generator; SVG Editor; 6528 flower line drawing clip art free. Tip #1: Pay Attention to Body Language. What makes this course unique from all the others out there, is how it breaks down the complex topic of portrait drawing into manageable concepts and step-by-step exercises. We believe life drawing should be fun, accessible and expressive. Use it for a Line Art bunny project or color it. To see what I mean, take a look at the cartoon wooden figure drawing below. Before drawing the eyes, draw the mask with the face expression . In ovals, the cartoon's main body are made up of different oval sizes. Drawing cartoon characters is easy and fun with this amazingly helpful course! 24. Due to bangs or sideburns the distance might appear smaller. Characters simple 3D models for download, files in 3ds, max, c4d, maya, blend, obj, fbx with low poly, animated, rigged, game, and VR options. It lets you discover the people most important and relevant to your life. We walk you through the basics to get you going on. Improved working display modes and new presentation tools like Gradient Hatches, Denoisers, PBR Materials, LayerBook, and more. For all photos that contain TWO PERSONS, choose COUPLE CARTOON. Ready? Let's start this tutorial now! :) . Biteable is the perfect cartoon animation maker for busy and/or creatively challenged people. Use only a HB pencil for the drawing on the left, but for the drawing on the right you can use a 2B for shading. Several times I tried it in vain and ignored the tablet for months, even years. Simple to follow lessons on a CD (which can be viewed as a pdf ebook on your computer, or printed out for a physical copy), yet for budding artists of all ages leads to enviable drawing skills. We’re also a community pushing for positive change for small businesses, people, and the planet. Welcome to 'How to Sketch Simple Cartoon / Comic Characters. See more ideas about easy drawings, learn to draw, drawing tutorial. Covers keyboarding, online safety, intro to coding and business skills (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, multimedia) Aligned with all current major national and state standards. Try game asset Simple People Cartoon Assets last Unreal Engine for free. The change in engines is mostly invisible to the end user, except for the increase in. ” If they draw a profile, head only, or stick figure, say: “Wait, I want you to draw a whole person, not just the [head, profile, or stick figure]. This can be done in several ways. There’s a lot in the scene you can choose to draw! You can use lots of references for this, and eventually, you might draw one. Art Projects for Kids is a collection of fun and easy art projects that include hundreds of how to draw tutorials. Not for the fact that, he failed to clearly represent God's creation and fall into the catagory of people who wanted to alter God's creation. love creating random artwork and Procreate makes things a LOT easier for me. The idea behind this drawing prompt generator is simple: hit the button, look at a fresh drawing prompt. Miscommunication and hilarity ensues! 4️⃣ Steps 2 and 3 repeat until 12 people have participated; 5️⃣ See the unexpected and hilarious results! Draw. In this guide, we will be exploring how easy drawing a cartoon person can be, be it a male or female, young boy or an old man. But with the helpful tutorials of Doodle Me This, you'll be putting pen to paper in no time. English: Pat Sullivan (1929-1930), Walter Tetley (1936), Jack Mercer (1958-1961), David Kolin (1988 film) and many more. This video tutorial will teach you how to make a unicorn cat step-by-step. It offers many exclusive top photo. This is a very simple drawing and only includes the bare minimum parts cars tend to have. For artists who are just beginning, drawing people can seem like a big step. After deciding the type of legs you will go with, you can then add dimension by making them cones or tubes. You get a dashboard to manage students and their work. People are instantly and subconsciously drawn to animated characters because they remind us of our carefree, happy youth. Drawing caricatures can be a fun and entertaining way to tap into a different form of art and cartoon drawing. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your. You don't need to be a CAD expert to produce precise technical drawings. Have each pair sit with their backs to one another. That’s not to say they don’t take the negatives; rather, they find ways to improve …. I'm in the Powerpuff Girls' super squad! Click on the link to see my character and make one yourself. These are very easy to follow along with…there are many expressions / emotions on these people’s faces that you can learn how to …. A few problem areas can be his hat, his cape, and his strange oversized arms. They see and acknowledge their faults. Add the man's facial features, including his eyes, nose, mouth and eyebrows. You can take a class in real life or even online. The Draw-A-Person test (DAP) was developed by Machover in 1948 and used figure drawings in a more projective way, focusing on how the drawings reflected the anxieties, impulses, self-esteem, and personality of the test taker. Yes, Dad and mom, but most the time children will draw parents looks like a monster because drawing people for a kid is a little different from regular drawing. Make sure you always name body parts when washing or dressing your child to reinforce them. Curly wigs are made by professionals who boil hair to give it that curly look. Cartoon faces are gaining immense importance in the world of design art due to their universality. Create, host, and share marketing videos with Wave. Thanks to Library Lady Jane for all her help in writing these grammar guides. RoomSketcher is made for creating 2D and 3D floor plans. Click OK to apply the effect to the layer. Step by step tutorials on drawing Nature, Anime Manga, People, Cars. Help; Privacy; Terms; Privacy Dashboard; Advertise. HOW TO DRAW POSES- Half Body & Sitting Poses | Drawing Tutorial. Once you find a design you love, download it and use it on your profile, social. SmartDraw is both easy and powerful. Make a drawing depicting your current emotion. Use these simple Diwali drawings which will be loved by your kids. James Rouse - A Developer of Shopping Malls and a Planned City. Our two weekly shows contain interviews with people from different cities and present daily. People Face Expression Doodle Cartoon Icons, Happy Characters Art. My role here is to help you understand the proper way to assemble this puzzle. How to Draw a Cartoon Person (with Pictures). Going From Photo to Cartoon is Easy A single click of our Cartoonizer and you'll go from photo to cartoon in seconds. Online Photo to Cartoon Converter. It turns us into a director, writer, narrator. The double dancer yoga pose has one partner providing support to the other for proper balance. Taxes/VAT calculated at checkout. The oldest meaning is a drawing that is a full-sized design for a finished artwork. Simply choose a template below, print it out, and get to work! Make a paper toy! Our free papercraft models come in mostly PDF printable form and are available for download. Clipart library offers about 42 high-quality Cartoons For Kids for free! Download Cartoons For Kids and use any clip art,coloring,png graphics in your website, document or presentation. Specifically how to draw wrinkles and folds. The meaning of INSPIRATION is an inspiring agent or influence. Learn to draw! We offer "how to draw", a step by step drawing tutorials for kids and beginners. Then sketch the outline of the clothing, along with preliminary guide lines for the folds; the gUidelines will later provide a map for your shading. The ultimate guide to get up to speed with Blender 2. Once you learn the simple techniques, you can literally draw anything. Create your next cartoon face now!. Mark Speight demonstrates how to quickly, easily and effectively turn basic stick figures into solid and well drawn figures. Cartoons were typically used in the production of frescoes, to accurately link the component parts of the composition when painted on damp plaster over a series of …. We identify with these simplified figures that hint to real people. We designed Pixton in a secret underground bunker, based on feedback from thousands of educators just like you! Student login is dead simple. It's easy to create a drawing logo with BrandCrowd's logo maker - but making sure you get these design elements right will ensure your logo is perfect. How to Draw a Face from the Side. (132) 1288 users have favourite this asset. Cute Cartoon Character Generator: Over 600 Items. For pencil drawing, you do not have to purchase many items. So the average four year old's drawing is beginning to look like a person, but the head often serves as the body. Click Download or Read Online button to get Drawing People For The Absolute Beginner A Clear Easy Guide To Successful Figure Drawing book now. You will learn to draw all kind of cute, cartoon like and even realistic characters …. How to Make a Pattern: Learn How to Draw. And when you're back at your desk, Creative Cloud connectivity makes it easy to apply finishing touches in Illustrator or Photoshop. See a recent post on Tumblr from @wilderbeest about drawing. Dry humping – similar to sex, but with clothes on. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. We also used a black, fine line, permanent marker for some of the finer features. It's easiest if you use some kind of reference photo. Cartoonify yourself hassle free. Try to keep your slides short, this way you can put a lot of interesting visuals in your Powtoon project.
Easy Cartoon Person | <urn:uuid:14fcf30d-0854-40c3-871a-374e400f22fb> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://doctorpedroviejoonline.es/easy-cartoon-person.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571147.84/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810040253-20220810070253-00474.warc.gz | en | 0.926382 | 11,463 | 1.71875 | 2 |
Today on CauseTalk Radio, Megan I talk to Mark Epstein, Co-founder & CEO of The People's Operator (TPO).
The People's Operator is a socially conscious mobile provider based in the U.K. has launched its service stateside with the help of Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. The company donates 10% of its subscribers' monthly bills to a cause of their choice. In addition, the company donates 25% of its profits to charity as well.
Megan, Mark and I discuss:
- How The TPO began and how Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales got involved.
- The beginnings of TPO in the U. K. and its launch in the U. S.
- TPO's ambitious plans to launch a social network alongside its offering.
- TPO's goal to democratize giving by allowing users to support causes of any kind or size.
- The challenge of getting people to switch to TPO in the U. K. and the U. S.
- Mark's personal guarantee that my 15-year-old's cellphone service won't be disrupted if I have switch plans!
- How TPO plans to deal with competitors - like the big mobile carriers (e.g. AT&T, Verizon, etc.).
- Can other types of businesses benefit and learn from what TPO is doing?
- How TPO is working with bigger charities to spread the word on TPO and get new subscribers. | <urn:uuid:8743c67e-79d7-4b0b-ad9c-9116a424c5fe> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.selfishgiving.com/blog/cellphone-charity | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283301.73/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00501-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948959 | 299 | 1.71875 | 2 |
Re: Hand Work
Footwork is the base from which balance and centering is achieved. Bad footwork leads to bad balance and therefore an out of control center.
Now for handwork it kind of depends on what you mean by "handwork." I'd say that most techniques require your hands to move properly within your "center" in order to achieve the desired technique. Certainly hand work is vital for proper pins. If your "handwork" is not controlled and your hands wind up out of your center, then you'll end of using more "muscling" in a technique than is really needed.
Proper hand positioning and movement is very important in Tenchinage for instance. | <urn:uuid:f7f9e987-1954-431e-b5c0-71459041622f> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showpost.php?p=99544&postcount=4 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280825.87/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00201-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95095 | 141 | 2 | 2 |
Kind Aces wisdom uttered for posterity-minded people! Our descendants, sources Ingle (Divine Wisdom Zhiznerodyaschego Sacred Fire) is transmitted by word and creates connection with ancestors like the equator of the Earth Reveal (in this case the so-called Earth), uniting the North and South Poles.
The relationship between the world and the world of the ancestors of the Earth stated Conscience aces (children) like the Earth's equator separates the positive and negative pole of Midgard. (The ancient and the present name of our Earth means "Heartland")
Downward Heavenly Wisdom is like a river of life and has the keys
Continue reading Kind Aces wisdom uttered for posterity-minded people! | <urn:uuid:8201fc19-5a75-435d-98e3-63ac17be22bd> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://survincity.com/tag/reveal/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560285315.77/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095125-00570-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.874769 | 152 | 1.5 | 2 |
The Dino #2 well is the first of at least three wells to be drilled in succession within the Taribani field. The well is designed to evaluate multiple horizons within the field, with a primary objective of a final horizontal completion into horizon 15 at a total depth of approximately 2,700 meters.
Frontera anticipates that each of the three planned wells will take approximately 40 days to reach total depth. Once total depth is reached in each case, the company anticipates testing each well for a period of 90 to 100 days.
The planned three well program is designed to reenter existing wells in the Taribani Field and focus on establishing commercial production from undeveloped oil bearing horizons that have been identified by historical drilling in the field. Frontera believes that targeted horizons can be effectively developed and produced with the use of conventional horizontal drilling and completion techniques that it has tailored for use in the field.
Once drilling operations at the Dino #2 well are complete, the TPIC F-200 rig will move to commence drilling operations at well #23 in the Taribani Field. This well will have a primary objective of a horizontal completion into horizon 9 at a total depth of approximately 2,200 meters.
The Niko #1 well is planned to be the third reentry in Frontera's initial three well drilling program. This well is also designed to evaluate multiple horizons within the field, with a primary objective of a final horizontal completion into horizon 19 at a total depth of approximately 2,900 meters.
Located in eastern Georgia within Frontera's license area known as Block 12, the Taribani Field is a large, undeveloped oil field covering an area of approximately 80 km. sq. with productive horizons situated in Miocene and Pliocene age reservoirs. These reservoirs are situated at depths of between 2,200 meters and 3,500 meters. The independent consulting firm of Netherland, Sewell & Associates has assigned 118 million barrels of P3 reserves from four of twelve identified horizons within the field.
Steve C. Nicandros, Frontera's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Now that the next phase of our planned drilling operations at Taribani Field has commenced, we look forward to seeing the collective results of our initial three well drilling program. Based on the results of the Dino#2, T-#23 and Niko #1 wells, we will be able to make a determination on the viability of commercial development of four of the twelve identified horizons in the field. Integrating the results of each of these wells into our current understanding of this large field will provide us with the basis for designing what we hope will be a successful commercial development plan."
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Jobs that may interest you | <urn:uuid:f151c53c-5009-41c3-b42b-ddd2eca17095> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_gas/a/29338/Frontera_Resources_Spuds_Dino_2_Well | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280791.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00359-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.947694 | 573 | 1.804688 | 2 |
My name is Ilima. I need help to get to Washington DC to represent the state of Hawaii in the National History Day Competition. I have worked hard since November 2013 on my research and have successfully competed at the District and State level. I am one of the top two students from Hawaii in the Junior Documentary division that will compete from June 15-19th.
My documentary focused on telling the story of the rights and responsibilities of people in the Philippines during martial law. More than 67,000 people were arrested and detained at the time, including my grandfather. Please help me get to DC so I can tell this story at the National level.
Please see this site on how you can help : http://www.gofundme.com/represent67000
You can learn more about National History Day here: http://nhd.org/
Interested in seeing my documentary I used to compete at the State competition?
Courtesy of : Keilani Navalta Briones
About National History Day
A Program of the Hawai’i Council for the Humanities Hawai’i History Day, an affiliate of National History Day (NHD), is a year-long history education program that invigorates the teaching and learning of history in grades 4-12. It promotes a theme-based, research-centered model for history and civics education. Students present their projects in a display, performance, documentary, essay or web site project. History Day culminates in the presentation and evaluation of these projects at school, district, state and national history days. http://hi.nhd.org/ | <urn:uuid:c82d3ae1-e478-4303-bae2-68ad18f5d6c9> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.balita.com/help-illima-represent-67000-heroes-in-dc/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280292.50/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00346-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946454 | 331 | 2.015625 | 2 |
Tutorial: Create a Pop art photo effect (like Andy Warhol)
Download GIMP workspace (.xcfbz2) (1.29 MB)
This is the base photo. The first step is to create a nice black/white/gray image out of this. But before that we need to get rid of the fine details in the photo.
There are two steps I did for this. Install the G’MIC plug-in for GIMP, then go to Enhancements / Anisotropic smooth. This will smear the fine dots and details in the photo to become more equal.
Another good way is to combine equal-looking parts of the image is the bilateral filter. I have applied it too. Please find the values on the image beside.
Next I got rid of the colors using the channel mixer (Color / Components / Channel mixer). Check the monochrome option for this. I lowered the red and blue channel but dragged the green one to the right. (Hint: moving the green channel will bring up more contrast in the image, you generally get more “detail” than when you move the red/blue channel to the right.
Next I thought that the areas in the face are still too realistic, so I first applied a “DeBlur” sharpening filter (found in Filters / GMIC / Enhancements, use default values). Click apply and leave the GMIC dialog open.
Now, to further reduce the photo-like look I used the bilateral filter (also in GMIC → Enhancements). Reset the values and use the default values (10/7/2).
To higher the contrast a bit, apply a slight S-curve via Colors / Curves.
I then made a rough (not too detailed) selection around my head to fill the background with a plain color later. Best use the free select tool for this.
This step is optional if you don’t have to adjust your selection. Before filling the selection with a color I needed to adjust the selection a little bit since the cables of my ear-plugs should not be overpainted later.
I switched to the quick mask for this (in image: 1) – this is an alternative way to select stuff in GIMP. You can paint white or black (or gray of course) to make something be selected or not. Black paint means that you want to have something not selected. The button to get the quickmask is found to the very bottom left in the corner (1). After pressing it everything
- Press the quickmask button (1)
- Choose the paintbrush tool (2)
- Select black as FG color (3)
- Choose a hard brush (4) and set the size to a value that you can paint the correct selection you want – I needed a very small size since the cables are pretty thin.
- Paint the stuff on the image you dont want to be selected anymore. (5+6 in my case)
Then press the quick mask icon again and you should have a nice selection.
Add a new transparent layer (1) and fill it with the color #ffa11b (2). De-select all after it. You may use every color if you want, however I find soft (creamy) colors without too much saturation look better in this case.
After that duplicate the background layer (the photo), so in case you mess up the colorizing, you can switch back. Work on the duplicate now.
I started with the colorization of the hair. Use the free select tool to make a very rough selection around the hair. Then I simply used Colors / Colorize with the values on the image to make the hair blue. Be sure to use a lowered saturation of the color.
The next step was to create a selection for coloring the face. I again used a rouch selection with the free select too and refined it with the quick mask. You can see the active mask on the image.
Colorize the selection as you like it.
For my T-shirt I’ve used an orange color, this time with increased saturation.
If you like, you can paint your lips with a soft red. This will get some more detail to the face. I selected red as new FG color (1), used the paintbrush tool and painted (on a new layer (2)) on the canvas over my lips. Then I lowered the opacity of this layer to about 25%.
To get some kind of structure (i wanted some kind of “dot effect” á la Roy Lichtenstein) into the background I duplicated the orange layer and used Filter / Distort / Newsprint with the values from the picture.
Lower the opacity of the dots layer to about 20%. Then right click in the layers dialog and choose “New from visible”. Do this 3 times.
Then go to Image / Canvas size and set 200% width and height.
Move the “New from visible”-copies to the right, bottom, and bottom right. Then select one of these new layers and choose Color / Hue-Saturation and move the Hue ruler to get a different coloring for each copy.
After that you should have something like that and you’re done ;) You can additionally sharpen the image if you want.
This is a variation I made before, here I applied more contrast before doing the bilateral filtering in GMIC. Almost all of the other steps are the same.
I hope you like the tutorial and I’d be happy to see your results ;) Have fun! | <urn:uuid:87929a83-8a0f-4c95-9e24-25c6feea33e4> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.gimpusers.com/tutorials/andy-warhol-style-effect | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280835.60/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00467-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.891114 | 1,166 | 1.632813 | 2 |
From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-07-10 09:12:17
Edward Diener <eddielee_at_[hidden]> writes:
> It would be much easier, and less confusing, when looking at compiler
> workarounds in Boost code if their were defines for various
> compilers/versions in a configuratiion header file such as:
> #define BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_LOWER (PREPROCESSOR_TAG >= nnnn)
> #define BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_UPPER (PREPROCESSOR_TAG <= nnnn)
> #define BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER (BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_LOWER
> && BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER_UPPER)
Not sure why you'd want to do that. Then you only get a binary value
for BOOST_COMPILER_SOME_COMPILER. I'd rather havea composite version
> where SOME_COMPILER might be VC71,GCC40 etc.
> Then in code one could see:
> #if defined(BOOST_COMPILER_VC71) etc.
> rather than the less understandable
> #if defined(MSC_VER == nnnn) etc.
Actually we have BOOST_MSVC. The only reason we'd test _MSC_VER is
for those cases where we want to catch *all* compilers that emulate
VC++ (e.g. for #pragma once).
> I would just like to see more readability in the Boost code regarding
> compiler workarounds. I am also aware their is a workaround macro, but
> even that deals in compiler preprocessor tags rather than a more
> readable compiler version. I am aware that many workarounds have to deal
> with versions before or after a certain version number but even that can
> be made more readable by macros which tell one the actual compiler which
> is involved.
We've had a plan for a long while to introduce a #define for each
compiler vendor. One reason to do that is that many preprocessors
have a (often very useful) warning that barks whenever you do a
comparison test on a symbol that isn't #defined. The standard says
it's legal to test un-defined symbols (they are treated as zero), but
that often masks programmer errors. Right now, to avoid the warnings
for most symbols, you have to write:
#if defined(COMPILER_SYMBOL) && BOOST_WORKAROUND(COMPILER_SYMBOL, whatever)
Whereas we'd like to simply write
#if BOOST_WORKAROUND(COMPILER_SYMBOL, whatever)
(and many of us already do, which leaves some users with lots of
So we'd like to have a suite of symbols like BOOST_GCC_VERSION, etc.,
that are always #defined, and are zero if the compiler in question
isn't being used.
> I realize I am just a reader of Boost code and not a Boost developer but
> I think this suggestion would make for a little more readable code in
> its own small way.
I agree! I suggest you prepare a patch for the config library that we
can use in Boost after 1.33.0
-- Dave Abrahams Boost Consulting www.boost-consulting.com
Boost list run by bdawes at acm.org, gregod at cs.rpi.edu, cpdaniel at pacbell.net, john at johnmaddock.co.uk | <urn:uuid:29b7d6ff-134b-40de-b18f-c71f3b2db38b> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://lists.boost.org/Archives/boost/2005/07/90035.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571538.36/warc/CC-MAIN-20220812014923-20220812044923-00478.warc.gz | en | 0.879227 | 894 | 1.992188 | 2 |
This book was originally published prior to 1923, and represents a reproduction of an important historical work, maintaining the same format as the original work. While some publishers have opted to apply OCR (optical character recognition) technology to the process, we believe this leads to sub-optimal results (frequent typographical errors, strange characters and confusing formatting) and does n...
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Ulan Press (October 28, 2012)
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 1.2 x 10 inches
Format: PDF ePub djvu ebook
Download Link Mirror
Jon Butler launches his narrative with a description of the state of religious affairs in both the Old and New Worlds. However, like the last volume (and most of the volumes, come to think of it) the best and most well known story here is the title tale. Y por si fuera poco, Vikram Seth, una de las voces de la literatura britanica mas importantes del momento, aseguro que, esta novela hermosa y perturbadora me embrujo por muchos dias, incluso despues de haberla leido. Download book Annual Report, Volume 44, Part 1913 Pdf Epub. I look forward to additional writings from Mr. These skits are "kid-friendly" so you can involve children in sharing important Bible truths as they learn. The 800 page plus Cooper edition was fantastic.
Hooper is also forced to shoot his friend one whom he had gone to great lengths to establish in the opening chapters but is quickly back to talking about film making and hating Hollywood. Journeys: How travelling fruit, ideas and buildings rearrange our environment explores the subject of migrations and their impact on the built environment. you don't have to die to experience heaven. A person need not be of any particular faith to gain substantial understanding of how God has set things up both this world and in heaven. They were launched in 1977, flew by Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus; and continued on to leave the Solar System (only recently), becoming interstellar spacecraft. Read this before any other book, and read it again before you actually start planning.
- Annual Report, Volume 44, Part 1913 epub
- Download Annual Report, Volume 44, Part 1913 pdf
- Annual Report, Volume 44, Part 1913 txt
- 7.5 x 1.2 x 10 inches pdf
- Download Pennsylvania. Board of Public Charities epub
- Download Pennsylvania. Board of Public Charities ebooks
- Download epub books
Ligamentous articular strain Read National wildlife federation field guide to birds of north america ebook baitekeichae.wordpress.com
Even if you aren't a sports fan, or historian, or photographer, the power of these photos is incredi...
As a child and young adult I "grew up" in this treasure of a theater in the 30's 40s and early 50's....
If I had known that "bondmarks" and destiny would be such an important and ever-present part of this...
This book was for me, the most inspirational and freeing book that I have every read. Not only did i... | <urn:uuid:deabd7ce-e4dd-42a6-bb11-16a01529303c> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://pseudomonotropy.duckdns.org/post/annual-report-volume-44-part-1913 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572063.65/warc/CC-MAIN-20220814173832-20220814203832-00671.warc.gz | en | 0.910819 | 692 | 1.929688 | 2 |
The H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) is expected to commence agricultural training courses next month.
The proposed courses will be done on the college’s campus in Paraquita Bay and will encompass both practical and theoretical training.
The training is expected to equip participants with knowledge in modern agricultural practices along with farm environment training that focuses on environmental preservation.
The participants will be required to complete at least three courses with two of them involving crop and animal production while the other is in ‘farming business’.
All participants must enrol in one course at a given time and once all requirements are met, they receive official certification.
Chairman for the Agricultural Advisory Committee, William Georges said the programme is designed with the intention of assisting the farming community and the entire territory at large by providing initial agriculture training.
“The programme being developed will not only widen the scope of the college’s offerings to students but will increase training available to agricultural producers,” he added.
After their initial certification, participants will be designated as “certified farmers” by the Department of Agriculture and they will receive benefits and privileges depending on the occasion. If desired, the certified farmers can enrol in additional courses to obtain further training.
According to the Vice-President of Academic Affairs at HLSCC, Dr Arlene Smith-Thompson, the programme will change in the future. Its evolution will be dependent on the particular response and interest of the general population. Additionally, courses at a higher level with greater academic rigour may be included in the future.
The course offerings by the Department of Agriculture and HLSCC comes at a time when food security has become a major problem for the territory.
In August of last year, legislators, spearheaded by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Natalio Wheatley, proposed a Virgin Island Food Security and Sustainability bill to combat the issue.
The BVI relies heavily on food importation from other territories and the coronavirus
pandemic has severely stunted this avenue. Countries where the BVI usually imports food from are experiencing a downturn in production due to COVID
Food insecurity is a global issue. According to the United Nations, more than 2.3 billion people worldwide do not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. | <urn:uuid:f8fe1f01-2157-4a9d-9752-5b19e8d496aa> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://bvi.org/hlscc-to-commence-agricultural-training-courses-in-november | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573699.52/warc/CC-MAIN-20220819131019-20220819161019-00266.warc.gz | en | 0.946096 | 479 | 2 | 2 |
03 August 2007
“Lagartos” is the portuguese word for “Lizards”
“Sardão”, is a kind of lizard
“Sardoal”, is the place where the “Sardão” (lizard) lives
The ancient town of Sardoal, in Portugal, 150 kilometres northeast of Lisbon, is a place trying to keep its traditions alive by promoting them in the main cultural cities of Portugal. Its inhabitants are proud of their rich history and traditions and keep their way of life somewhere between “modernity”
and “ancient” rituals and traditions.
Throughout one year of photographic work, I visited Sardoal to capture its people and their traditions. As Sardoal is devotedly Catholic, most of the festivals there are religious but, I also captured some other important local activities that people relate to.
you may find more works (also more works from this series) of Alberto at his site. I belive we show not the last time his works at the F blog.
Alberto always appeared to me as photographer with the philosophy of photographing most suiting to mine, perhaps this is why (and of course - because he shows Portugal) his works are appeal to me strongly.
Alberto is very active photographer but also animator of photo-life in the net and in real life.
He's creator of cult portal fotoalternativa.net
invited by Marcin Górski | <urn:uuid:0492abdb-5c6d-47b0-8f67-4c45e9ff2465> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://gruppof.blogspot.com/2007_08_03_archive.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280899.42/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00574-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.974963 | 317 | 1.734375 | 2 |
Lilly Gonzalez, above, tells the story of a victim of domestic violence during a lecture Wednesday evening at Tusculum College. The domestic violence awareness lecture was coordinated by the Bonner Leader student service organization on campus to help increase the awareness of domestic violence issues. Gonzalez and Daniel Velez, owners of ASafeHarborHome and the Charity Treasures thrift store, were the speakers at the lecture as well as Kellie Ross, Tusculum’s director of health and wellness services and campus counselor. Velez provided information about the services provided at the non-profit ASafeHarborHome to help victims of domestic violence in northeast Tennessee start a new life once they leave an abusive situation. Ross spoke about the types of domestic violence, how it can be identified and noted that domestic violence occurs at all socio-economic levels, among all racial and ethnic groups and in relationships of both sexual orientations. She discussed how abusive relationships can be found portrayed as acceptable in popular culture and told the students what they can do if they suspect a friend or family member is in an abusive relationship. | <urn:uuid:a83ab336-17ed-47f9-a510-162432ac1390> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www3.tusculum.edu/for/news/2012/lecture-provides-information-about-domestic-violence/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721174.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00282-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962303 | 220 | 2.015625 | 2 |
Renal Diet Cookbook: The Beginners Guide To Managing Kidney Disease | A Complete 30-Day Guide To Meal Plan Direction | Easy To Follow And Healthy Recipes To Avoid Dialysis
(as of Aug 11,2022 20:50:12 UTC – Details)
Have You Been Diagnosed With Renal Disease?
If yes, and your doctor has advised you some general diet guidelines on what to eat and what to avoid, maybe you still wondering about a proper food planning and specific recipes to try out while being on a renal diet.
This Could Be The Book For You.
This Cookbook, based on a renal diet, will help you to understand all the most important functions of the kidneys, the right diet to curb discomfort and will help you recognize the symptoms to start treatment in time.
In this cookbook, you can find:
- A Short Overview Covering Everything You Need To Know About Kidney Disease.
- Detailed Information About The Diet And Its Benefits.
- Brief Explanation About Nutritional Facts.
- Targeted 30-Day Meal Plan With Weekly Menus And Shopping Lists.
- Helpful FAQ ‘S.
- 150 Healthy And Delicious Renal Diet Recipes With Nutrition Facts For Each One.
- Conclusive Part With Tools For Success Guiding You Past The First Days And Keeping You Healthy Long After.
I wrote books on different diets and I strongly believe that healthy eating plays a key role in our life.
My studies on the renal diet started when Britney, a close friend of mine, found out that she was suffering from kidney disease.
I never heard my dear friend complaining about her illness, neither was she afraid of it. Yet, I was committed to helping my friend lead an ordinary life and I accompanied her every time she would go to the hospital.
I had many conversations with other patients when my friend was seeing her doctor and many of them were on the verge of kidney failure. From the long time I spent with those patients, I learned that some of them used to work, but others gave up on living their normal lives. Their only hope was dialysis once, twice, or thrice a week.
At that time, I decided to summarize in a small text all the information and recipes that I had categorized and filtered for over 8 years.
It is never too late to cope with your kidney disease and slow the progression, especially if you detect it on time. I am offering you the best renal diet knowledge to guide you to a healthy body and kidneys.
It is More than a recipe book, The Renal Diet Cookbook is your 30-day action plan to kick-start a kidney-healthy diet.
Following a renal diet can help to limit the toxins and the waste in your body and can support your kidney function more effectively. So, if you suffer from any kidney disease, do not feel discouraged, and do not lose hope because a simple diet can change your life for the better forever.
And remember that any tiny change in your meal plan can help prevent dialysis.
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Publisher:Independently published (June 17, 2020)
Item Weight:14.9 ounces
Dimensions:8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches | <urn:uuid:96c1bff2-b05f-40f4-b8b0-721177dfca14> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.livefreelivenatural.com/product/renal-diet-cookbook-the-beginners-guide-to-managing-kidney-disease-a-complete-30-day-guide-to-meal-plan-direction-easy-to-follow-and-healthy-recipes-to-avoid-dialysis/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571502.25/warc/CC-MAIN-20220811194507-20220811224507-00076.warc.gz | en | 0.932489 | 734 | 1.953125 | 2 |
According to an advisory posted to the Slovak National Security Office (NBU), ten packages for Python 2.x were removed from the site after their setup.py files were found to contain malicious code. The bad code was hiding in plain site in the repository, using filenames either nearly identical to, or which could be mistaken for, legitimate ones.
For example, the genuine HTTP library
urllib3 was being shadowed by an imposter – the difference between them is a single character:
The other fake packages were (correct names in parenthesis):
- acqusition (acquisition)
- apidev-coop (apidev-coop_cms)
- bzip (bz2file)
- crypt (crypto)
- django-server (django-server-guardian-api)
- pwd (pwdhash)
- setup-tools (setuptools)
- telnet (telnetsrvlib)
- urllib (urllib3, a second attack on the library mentioned above).
Says the NBU:
These packages contain the exact same code as their upstream package thus their functionality is the same, but the installation script, setup.py, is modified to include a malicious (but relatively benign) code.
There’s a lot to discuss here, but clearly the attack relies on two subterfuges, the first being devs-in-a-hurry mis-typing the package name when using Python command-line installers such as
That’s easy to do and there’s no way of knowing that something untoward has happened because, as the advisory says, everything looks normal when the packages install on Python 2.x using admin privileges. The
pip installer, it has been pointed out, lacks any way of verifying a package using a cryptographic signature.
But some of the names seem designed to impersonate popular packages in a more general way – file names that look plausible rather than identical – which suggests that the people who put the bogus files on PyPI are also trying to catch out developers who download the source code direct.
As to the issue of motivation, could this be a proof-of-concept attack?
The NBU describes the fake packages as the “code execution of benign malware”, which sounds about right given that they collect data on the users installing them, hostnames, and which package was installed.
Except that anything installed without consent with the intention of collecting identifiable information is, arguably, harmful even if the precise motive is not clear.
Separately, researchers Benjamin Bach and Hanno Böck used the same “Pytosquatting” MO to upload 20 modified Python libraries (now removed) designed to track the IP addresses of those accessing them. The results showed that since June the packages were accessed 45,000 times on 17,000 domains.
This research, they pair said, was designed to probe insecurities in the way repositories are being used. Typosquatting is more often associated with rogue websites but this research, and the attack spotted by the NBU, is a warning that the technique can be deployed in any context.
Unravelling the PyPI attack will still be a slog:
There is evidence that fake packages have been downloaded and incorporated into software multiple times between June 2017 and September 2017.
If the tail has a sting it’s that not only is the code sitting on an unknown number of servers, it is now part of real software.
Admins who see outbound connections to 220.127.116.11 on port 8080 may be harbouring a rogue. If you have one, re-installing the correct packages should fix the issue.
Sophos blocks access to the IP address and detects the malware as Troj/Pytoy-A.
Developers – be careful including other people’s code in your projects. | <urn:uuid:6dbaffb8-9b25-476d-8efc-dc6dfa26f095> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2017/09/19/pypi-python-repository-hit-by-typosquatting-sneak-attack/?utm_source=Naked+Security+-+Sophos+List&utm_campaign=e0c0095e72-naked%252Bsecurity&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_31623bb782-e0c0095e72-455160889 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572043.2/warc/CC-MAIN-20220814143522-20220814173522-00473.warc.gz | en | 0.939164 | 864 | 2.140625 | 2 |
Champhai is a border town in Mizoram state, in far eastern India. It is the headquarters of Champhai district, one of the eight districts in the state. It is located on the Indo-Myanmar border and is situated in a strategically important location. Because of this, it is the main business corridor for India and Myanmar in the area. In 1991 Champai district became home to Murlen National Park, which has an area of 200 km2 (77.2 sq mi). It is also home to the Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established in 1999 and has an area of 120 km2 (46.3 sq mi).
Facts and Figures
|Area||3186 sq. km ((1,230 sq mi))|
|Population||125,745 (2011 Census)|
|No. of Sub Division||04 ( East Lungdar, Khawzawl, Khawbung, and Ngopa)|
|No. of Villages||94|
|No. of RD Block||04 (Champhai, Khawbung, Khawzawl, and Ngopa)|
|Literacy Rate||93.51% (2011 Census)| | <urn:uuid:26ac8cd6-9286-41ac-ba65-4c32db976042> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://mizoram.gov.in/page/champhai | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560285001.96/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095125-00308-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.922415 | 250 | 2.28125 | 2 |
The terrapin and his house are one.
Though he may go, he’s never gone.
He’s housed within, from nose to toe:
A door, a floor, and no window.
There’s little room; the light is dim;
His furniture is only him.
He doesn’t speak what he thinks about;
Where no guest comes, a thought’s a shout.
He pokes along; he’s in no haste:
He has no map and no suitcase;
He has no worries and no woes,
For where he is is where he goes.
Ponder this wonder under his dome
Who, wandering, is always home. | <urn:uuid:d453bd8f-2aef-4460-9a1e-11991532147d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://ozofe.com/wendell-berry/the-terrapin/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573197.34/warc/CC-MAIN-20220818124424-20220818154424-00672.warc.gz | en | 0.963909 | 152 | 1.75 | 2 |
Term 3 Week 3 18.01.2021 Daria's Home Learning! Fantastic reading, matths and spellings!
WEEK 2: 12.01.2021 : Ishaam, Daria and Leah's Home Learning. Great work girls!
Friday Week 1 08.01.2021 : Home Learning from Ishaam and Maddie. Well done Girls!
HOME LEARNING: 07/01/2021 Ishaam, Daria and Yoana. Excellent writing and maths everyone!
HOME LEARNING WEEK 1 06/01/2021 Ishaam, Daria and Yoana's work-Fantastic effort!
HOME LEARNING FOR 05/01/2021: Daria and Ishaam again! Well done girls!
Term 3 Week 1: 04/01/2021 :Daria's and Ishaam's Home Learning
Well done Ishaam and Daria for such great work! | <urn:uuid:60c32d83-248d-4702-93cb-ddf912db0c1c> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.archbishopcourtenay.org.uk/home-learning-12/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572161.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20220815054743-20220815084743-00474.warc.gz | en | 0.794323 | 198 | 1.6875 | 2 |
The Most Rev Richard Holloway, head of the Scottish Episcopal Church, equated the drugs debate to that which led to votes for women and said that banning cannabis use was akin to banning cream sherry.
"I don't think it can be seen as a crime," the bishop told Radio Scotland. "Something that people want to do in enough numbers and which does not harm others is not a crime. Some people for some reason like to drink cream sherry. We may not like it but we would not forbid it.
"As long as it is handled in a responsible way and we teach young people to live moderately and to use recreational substances moderately, then that is the wise policy."
The bishop's remarks were heavily criticised by John Orr, Chief Constable of Strathclyde, where there have been nearly 100 drug-related deaths so far this year. Mr Orr said: "Cannabis is the first step down the rocky road to disaster. There is clear evidence that some of these people started on cannabis. They find that they just don't get the buzz out of it and move on to harder drugs."
Asked specifically about the bishop's statements, Mr Orr replied: "He should try telling that to some of the relatives who are left or someone who has been assaulted or slashed when blurred behaviour has led to attacks." Lyndsay McIntosh, law and order spokeswoman for the Scottish Conservatives, said she believed the bishop should step down. "The idea that cannabis is a recreational drug that won't hurt you is nonsense. Whether you take it in a cake or through a pipe, it does damage you."
The bishop's comments came as he launched his new book, Godless Morality, at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. In it, he argues that politicians have difficult choices to make and raises the question of heroin being made available to addicts to stop the illegal trade in the drug.
At the weekend, he said he "took a puff from someone's joint for an experimental reason a few years ago and got nothing from it". Asked yesterday whether his admission would encourage young people to think drugs were "OK", he replied: "Drugs clearly are OK. The drugs that I prefer are alcohol and the odd cigar - these are drugs, these are natural drugs. They're not illegal and that gets us to the point of the debate: why do we in an arbitrary way say that this vegetable can be used but that vegetable can't?" Britain was in a state of "constructural hypocrisy" because "millions" of people, as he had done, broke the law and took cannabis, he said. "The police... tend to turn a bit of a blind eye - certainly in Scotland - to users and won't turn a blind eye to dealers. I think the use of cannabis has become fairly normative in certain sections of culture in our country and that's the way moral evolution takes place."
Our primitive fear of drugs,
Review, page 5Reuse content | <urn:uuid:1e988d87-548b-41c1-991a-36c03d394101> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.independent.co.uk/news/bishop-teach-young-people-how-to-use-cannabis-1113172.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281419.3/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00482-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.984673 | 608 | 1.601563 | 2 |
Collectors Weekly looks at the birth of mountain biking and the legendary 1976 Repack race in Marin, California:
In France, from 1951 to 1956, a group of 20 or so French cyclists founded Velo Cross Club Parisian, whose members performed jumps and other tricks on off-road bicycles outfitted with modified moped suspension forks to absorb front-end vibrations. In the United States, University of California at Davis professor John Finley Scott created a forerunner of the modern mountain bike in 1953 when he built his first "woodsie," as he called it. In England, beginning in 1955, members of the Rough-Stuff Fellowship rode bicycles outfitted with fat balloon tires through places like the Chiltern Hills. And throughout the 1970s, people in the United States rode bicycles off road for fun in Santa Barbara and Cupertino, as well as in Crested Butte. | <urn:uuid:73803abb-7eab-47f8-8e55-41d9fb4ff83d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://boingboing.net/2014/09/10/history-of-mountain-biking.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571246.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20220811073058-20220811103058-00272.warc.gz | en | 0.962935 | 180 | 2.578125 | 3 |
What Is a Capital Gains Tax, and How Does It Work?
Capital gains taxes are taxes paid to the Internal Revenue Service for profits from the sales of various assets. But how capital gains taxes work can be complicated. Continue reading this article to learn more about them.
What Is a Capital Gains Tax?
When you sell capital assets like stocks, bonds, real estate, and cars, the profits are considered taxable income. It’s important to note that capital gains taxes are only applicable upon selling assets, not as you hold them. So if a stock you’ve invested in sees a dramatic price increase, you won’t owe any income taxes on those gains so long as you don’t sell any of your shares.
To calculate your capital gains, you take the total sale price of the asset and subtract the original amount you paid for it. Let’s say, you bought an investment property for $500,000 and five years later sold it for $750,000. Your capital gains amount to $250,000.
There are two different types of capital gains, both of which are taxed by the federal government. Let’s take a look at the differences between them:
Short-Term Capital Gains
The profits made on an investment that you’ve held for less than a year are called short-term capital gains. Short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income, which is a higher rate than long-term capital gains. Because of this, you typically want to hold on to your investments for longer than one year.
Long-Term Capital Gains
Long-term capital gains taxes are applied to investments that you held for at least one year. You may pay little or no capital gains taxes, depending on your income. However, tax rates on capital gains of this type can be up to 20%. We’ll go more in-depth on this in the next section.
Why Are Capital Gains Taxed Lower for Long-Term Investors?
Short-term stock trading creates market volatility and increases the number of risks investors and businesses face. To help avoid the fluctuations brought on by short-term investing, tax rates favor long-term investments.
As noted above, short-term gains are treated as regular income regarding tax rates. Long-term capital gains tax rates are:
- 0%: Single and married people filing separately with less than $40,000 of taxable income pay no capital gains taxes. This also applies to heads of household with $54,100 or less of taxable income and a married couple filing jointly with taxable income of $80,800 or less.
- 15%: Single people and married couples that file separately with taxable income of $40,401 to $445,850 pay capital gains tax rate of 15%. Heads of households with a taxable income of $54,101 to $473,750 or jointly filed married couples with taxable income of $80,801 to $501,600 also pay this tax rate on capital gains for investments held at least 12 months.
- 20%: Any individual or married couple making above the maximum taxable income at the 15% capital gains tax rate is subject to 20% rates for the tax year.
We should note that long-term capital gains on certain collectibles, like precious metals, jewelry, antiques, and coins, are taxed at 28% regardless of income.
Using Capital Gains Tax Planning to Your Benefit
As an investor, it’s only natural that you want to draw the most value out of your assets without exposing yourself to capital gains taxes, if not necessary. Working with financial experts specializing in capital gains tax planning can help you pay fewer taxes and protect your investments.
Some strategies for capital gains tax planning are:
- Think long-term: There are many reasons you may need or want to sell an asset before it qualifies for long-term capital gains tax rates, but you should typically invest for the long-term if you want to avoid paying taxes at regular income rates. And be sure to check that you’ve held a stock for over a year before selling it if you’re unsure.
- Use retirement plans: You can invest your gains into retirement plans without being subject to immediate taxes. Retirement plans like 401(k) and IRAs also enable you to sell investments within your account without facing capital gains taxes.
- Offset Gains with Losses: Not all investments bring gains. You can offset gains with any losses you incur to lower the capital gains taxes you have to pay. In many instances, losses offset gains dollar for dollar. You can also apply losses to future gains.
Summit Wealth Knows How Capital Gains Taxes Work
For nearly 40 years, we’ve helped individuals and families plan their finances, grow their wealth, and navigate capital gains tax complexities. You shouldn’t have to take on capital gains tax planning alone. We’re here to help you make sure your capital gains are taxed at the lowest possible rate and are used to help meet your financial goals. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about capital gains tax planning strategies. | <urn:uuid:3cc6abaf-f7db-4edc-b2fb-945c3f431bab> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.mysummitwealth.com/what-is-a-capital-gains-tax-and-how-does-it-work/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570913.16/warc/CC-MAIN-20220809064307-20220809094307-00072.warc.gz | en | 0.952824 | 1,060 | 2.765625 | 3 |
On 27 March 2009 an eastbound District Line train 103 passed a signal controlling the approach to Hanger Lane junction at danger at low speed. The train stopped with its leading end approximately five metres past the signal, and the train operator (driver of the train) reported the incident to the signaller by telephone. The signaller gave the train operator authority to proceed across the junction. Shortly afterwards, and before train 103 had started to move, a westbound Piccadilly Line train crossed the junction in front of it creating the potential for a collision. The signaller had initially overlooked the presence of this train, and had then been unable to contact the train operator of train 103 once he became aware of the situation.
The immediate cause of the incident was the signaller giving train 103 the authority to proceed towards Hanger Lane junction before it was safe to do so.
The causal factors were that the operator of train 103 passed signal WM1 at danger and the signaller did not bring all trains to a halt to protect the junction before giving train 103 authority to proceed.
RAIB has made six recommendations concerning the guidance provided to assist signallers in dealing with incidents; use of simulation techniques during training; training of safety critical communication skills; issuing of medical advice to managers; and preparation of post-incident reports.
Response to recommendations:
- RAIB will periodically update the status of recommendations as reported to us by the relevant safety authority or public body
- RAIB may add comment, particularly if we have concerns regarding these responses. | <urn:uuid:eb2aa6de-b248-4752-8c2e-3c521e48db34> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/incident-involving-a-near-miss-between-two-london-underground-trains-at-hanger-lane-junction | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560285289.45/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095125-00143-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.965082 | 317 | 2.5 | 2 |
The Bush administration has argued that if Saddam Hussein refuses to disarm, it will go in and disarm him with or without a second UN Security Council resolution. The war is portrayed as a just and necessary war that would improve America’s national security by preventing future 9/11 type attacks, liberate the Iraqi people from the yoke of an evil dictator, and bring democracy to the Arab world. However infeasible these might be, these are all noble ends. But do the means justify the ends?
It has been estimated that the war would cost the American taxpayer about $100-200 billion at a time when budget and trade deficits are running at all time highs. Given the risks in any military operation, the war would also result in several hundred American casualties, even if Saddam does not resort to using biological or chemical weapons. About 200 Americans were killed during the Gulf War of 1991, but according to retired Colonel David Hackworth, the Gulf War syndrome has caused more than 200,000 casualties, including 10,000 dead.
However, even bigger costs would be imposed on the people of Iraq. The Bush administration is mute about these costs. The Gulf War, which had a comparatively simple objective of ejecting Saddam’s forces from Kuwait, resulted in more than 200,000 Iraqi deaths. Three-quarters of those killed were civilians. This time the US military will need to go in all the way into Baghdad, in order to effect regime change. Urban combat is likely to take place. Thus, the number of civilian Iraqi casualties will probably exceed those caused by the Gulf War.
The UN secretary general, Kofi Anan, expects the war will displace about two million Iraqis, create almost a million refugees and endanger the lives of 30% of Iraqi children under the age of five. It may leave as many as 10 million Iraqis dependent on food assistance from the outside. This would represent a serious problem for any country, but is likely to be catastrophic for a country like Iraq that has been subject to economic sanctions for the past 12 years.
These sanctions have not had any adverse impact on Saddam Hussein and his coterie, but they have taken a toll on the civilian population of Iraq. According to UNICEF, the United Nations Children Fund, the sanctions have created such a harsh resource-constrained and unhygienic environment in Iraq that kills 5,000 children under the age of five every month. The Economist magazine comments, “Even if the truth is half that number, it would still mean that about 360,000 children had died as a result of 12 years of sanctions.”
Beyond triggering a massive humanitarian crisis, the war would destabilize the entire Middle East. There is rising anti-Americanism in the region, flowing from America’s continued support to General Sharon’s harsh occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. With the exception of Kuwait and Qatar, none of Iraq’s neighbors support an invasion of Iraq. Even in Turkey, public opinion is strongly opposed to the war.
This war would provide an outstanding recruitment opportunity for Osama bin Laden, and defeat the very purposes for which it is about to be fought. Douglas Hurd, who was the British foreign secretary during the Gulf War, noted recently in the RUSI Journal, “we may win the war in six days and lose it in six months.”
Given the significant humanitarian and political costs of this war, should it be waged in the first place? This is a case where the ends do not justify the means. Other ways have to be found to disarm Saddam Hussein. As most of the countries in the world have argued, the inspectors should be given sufficient time and resources to accomplish their task. If they find that Iraq is in non-compliance with UN resolutions, the blame should be placed on Saddam Hussein. American has the world’s best-equipped and trained special operations forces. They should be entrusted with the job of capturing Saddam and bringing him to justice, whether in an American court or in the International Court of Justice. The Iraqi people have suffered enough during the past quarter century for the sins of their leader. There is no reason to add to their woes by raining cruise missiles and bombs on them. | <urn:uuid:5c09603e-7b10-4714-9bbe-d36ad180e79c> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.counterpunch.org/2003/02/25/civilian-casualites-in-the-war-on-iraq/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281353.56/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00060-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.967261 | 862 | 2.34375 | 2 |
Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects: Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. And excess weight at young ages has been linked to higher and earlier death rates in adulthood.
Use these resources to help you understand childhood obesity and what you can do to fight it.
- Understanding Childhood Obesity is an American Heart Association sourcebook on child nutrition and physical activity. Both the full and condensed downloadable PDF versions are an update of the 2005 version.
- AHA Recommendation - Overweight in Children - Obese children are more likely to be obese adults. Successfully preventing or treating overweight in childhood may help reduce the risk of heart disease, adult obesity and other complications.
- AHA Scientific Position - Physical Activity and Children - Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
- AHA Scientific Position - Dietary Recommendations for Healthy Children - The American Heart Association has specific healthy dietary guideline recommendations for all adults and children over the age of 2 years. more.
This content was last reviewed on 08/2014. | <urn:uuid:25a6f3b5-3aad-4c9f-82fe-c024fea5757e> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/WeightManagement/Obesity/Childhood-Obesity_UCM_304347_Article.jsp | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283301.73/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00505-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.908241 | 314 | 3.71875 | 4 |
Prezi For Dummies : People who have been seeking a flashier version of PowerPoint have found it - and it's Prezi. A Web-based, slide-free presentation tool, Prezi allows users to create and give rich, Web-based presentations complete with dynamic content, contextual layouts, and eye-catching visuals. Prezi For Dummies gets you rapidly up to speed, including how to think outside the traditional slide, create your project, insert Flash and other graphic files, and publish your presentation to a public domain. Youâll also learn valuable tips on what makes a good Prezi. NOTE: This is a Scratch and Dent book and may have noticeable dents, scratches and various other cosmetic issues as well as torn or missing dust jacket. These items are only guaranteed to be structurally complete and readable and therefore are sold as is.
|Computación e Internet||Presentation Software| | <urn:uuid:c86a77de-aed6-4efd-8814-fe83ea4557c3> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.ofertondelibros.com/Libreria/Libro/Prezi-For-Dummies/_/R-9780470625866S | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560285289.45/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095125-00151-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.879094 | 186 | 2.1875 | 2 |
Being vegan isn’t just about the food we eat. It’s so much more. It’s a lifestyle that promotes healthy, happy living for all creatures, whether they’re human, mammal, avialae, fish, reptile, or insect. In essence, vegans support a cruelty-free life for all living beings. We need to pay attention to what we eat, what we wear, and what beauty products we use.
As a new vegan, I learn something new every day, and each day, I’m changing for the better. It’s a process, to be sure, and one that I’m so grateful to be experiencing. It’s not that my eyes have been opened, because I knew that things like animal testing and factory farms existed. It’s that my open eyes are actually seeing. I compare it to hearing vs. listening. One can hear what someone is saying, but if they’re not listening, they miss the meaning of the interaction.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve had thus far is trying to find a beauty product that is truly cruelty-free. I’m a freak about my moisturizers, and it’s this little part of going vegan that has cost me the most money. In the process of trying to find a product that I like, and is actually 100% cruelty-free, I’ve learned that most of the sales associates who sell beauty products, don’t give accurate information. It’s up to me to do my homework before I purchase, or I risk wasting money.
For example, I needed to replace my Olay eye cream (which worked wonders) for a cruelty-free brand. Olay is owned by Procter & Gamble, and they sell to China, which means that their products are tested on animals. Anyway, I went into my local Sephora and asked the woman to show me products that didn’t test on animals. She assured me that Origins was the best. I had heard of this company, and she seemed to know what she was talking about, so I purchased the $41 jar (tiny jar) of eye cream. It was after my purchase that I found out that Origins is owned by Estee Lauder. They are not cruelty-free, because they also sell to China. Needless to say, it was back to the drawing board.
There are many products that are given the cruelty-free thumbs up by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA], but I don’t like to order beauty products, I really need to feel them before I buy them. Which means, I want a product that is sold locally. After doing a lot of searching, I found that Trish McEvoy’s products earned PETA’s rabbit ears symbol for being cruelty-free. Granted, not all of her products are vegan, but the ingredients in her eye cream, gentle cleansing wash, and beauty booster moisturizer do not contain animal products.
I used to use McEvoy’s products and I liked them. But I was always one to try the newest products and brands, so I stopped buying them. Because I know that she puts out a great product I’m feeling confident that my skin will continue to look and feel as good (hopefully better) as it does now. I’ll let you know if I need to switch. In the meantime, if you’re looking for cruelty-free products, go to PETA’s website and search for cruelty-free, vegan products. They have a comprehensive list to help you find what you’re looking for. | <urn:uuid:8ef1c5cd-9eca-4c16-b91e-6a6ded79fc75> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.veganosity.com/trish-mcevoy-quality-cruelty-free-cosmetics/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280410.21/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00447-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972559 | 771 | 1.539063 | 2 |
Divorce, Marriage Decline; Living Together More Common
A report based on US census figures by the National Marriage Project has found that divorces have fallen from 22 in 1,000 married women in 1980 to 10 per 1,000 in 2004 -- a drop of more than half in 25 years. However, marriage rates have also fallen, from 77 out of 1,000 single women in 1976 to 40 per 1,000 in 2004. Meanwhile, 5 million opposite-sex couples are now estimated to be living together out of wedlock.
Family experts worry about the fate of children of unmarried couples who separate, as they are less likely to have legal protections than children of married couples who divorce. One upside of the lower marriage rates may be that those who choose to marry are happier in their relationships; the number of married couples who say they are "very happy" is up for the first time in 25 years.
Source: AP (Newsday) | <urn:uuid:7958ebfc-20e0-4c1e-85c4-843b8c2378c8> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://futurewire.blogspot.com/2005/07/divorce-marriage-decline-living.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560285001.96/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095125-00310-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975394 | 192 | 2.5 | 2 |
Nano-based masks for a more comfortable radiation treatment
BOSTON, Sept. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- September 25-28, 2016 – Like every year, Orfit Industries will be present at the ASTRO Annual Meeting in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center known to be the world's most important meeting for the radiation oncology community, with more than 11,000 people attending each year. Orfit Industries invites customers, medical specialists and professionals to come to the Orfit booth (no. 2033) and try on the new generation of nano-based masks.
Compared to Efficast® masks used for head and neck immobilization, immobilization masks made from nano-enhanced thermoplastic sheets provide the patient with more comfort through a lower degree of shrinkage and therefore reduced pressure on the face during radiation therapy. The issue of mask tightness is a very common one as medication received during the radiation treatment phase may result in an increase in the volume of the patient.
In its efforts to provide a higher degree of patient comfort, Orfit Industries developed a nano-based thermoplastic material that results in thinner masks with less shrinkage. Orfit engineers have interwoven a natural material (nano clay) in the inner layers of the thermoplastic material, which resulted in a substantial improvement of its mechanical properties. Thermoplastics will shrink when they cool on the patient during the mask making process and therefore have an impact on comfort, in particular when the volume of the patient tends to increase in the course of treatment. In this context, the reduction of shrinkage by means of NANOR® is an important step forward as it provides the degree of comfort required to minimize patient movement during the delivery of the dose.
In a number of laboratory tests the Orfit research team compared two low melting temperature thermoplastic materials, known under their commercial names "NANOR®" and "Efficast®", both developed and manufactured by Orfit Industries. The results show a very important reduction of fixation force for NANOR® making patient immobilization easier and contributing – again - to patient comfort and ultimately effectiveness of radiation therapy.
The Orfit tests revealed yet another important benefit: nano-reinforced thermoplastics have a higher so called bending modulus, i.e. the force for bending or deforming the material. The bending modulus of NANOR® sheets is about two times higher than the bending modulus of Efficast sheets. Using NANOR allows for a reduction of the thickness of the immobilization masks to 1.2 and 1.6 mm instead of 2.0 and 3.2mm of Efficast, for identical mechanical properties of the immobilization mask. This in turn increases the patient's comfort as the material conforms better to the anatomy.
The stability and reproducibility of patient setup in radiation oncology is extremely important for precise cancer treatment. Targeting the tumor and preventing damage of surrounding healthy tissue requires patient positioning and immobilization that provides accuracy up to one millimeter or even less.
The company has received FDA clearance for its use of NANOR® thermoplastic technology as of 2014.
Note to the editor
About Orfit Industries Orfit Industries, a family-owned business headquartered in Antwerp (Belgium, Europe), is a market leader in the development and manufacturing of low temperature thermoplastics, hardware and accessories for patient immobilization and positioning in radiation oncology. With exports to 104 countries, the company also manufactures thermoplastic materials for the physical rehabilitation and technical orthopedics markets, such as splints and prosthetics. It has subsidiaries in the USA, Germany, France, The Netherlands and Hong Kong.
Follow Orfit online www.orfit.com blog.orfit.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/orfit.industries Twitter - https://twitter.com/orfit LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/orfit-industries YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/OrfitIndustries/
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nano-based-masks-for-a-more-comfortable-radiation-treatment-300323995.html
SOURCE Orfit Industries | <urn:uuid:56f6441f-69b6-41c1-bbe2-351e395bbecd> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.medindia.net/health-press-release/Nano-based-masks-for-a-more-comfortable-radiation-treatment-299052-1.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280929.91/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00429-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.912068 | 905 | 1.859375 | 2 |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — President Biden is taking a new approach in the fight against the virus. The president wants to make COVID-19 tests more available, and it could mean taking your test at home.
The plan would take away yet another excuse for not getting tested, no more trying to find a test site and waiting in line. You can take your test in the comfort and privacy of home, and insurance would cover it.
But that is where it gets complicated.
“You will be able to test for free, in the comfort of your home, and have some peace of mind,” President Biden said.
The president makes it sound so easy, taking your COVID test at home, but to make that happen will likely be a lot easier said than done.
“And having them covered by your private insurance plans, available in thousands of locations, and available community health centers and other sites,” Biden said.
And that is where the president’s plan gets complicated — having those at-home COVID tests covered by insurance. He wants to make the COVID tests generally accessible to everyone, whether they are covered by insurance or not.
Tests administered at public sites, run by the state or county and are covered by taxpayers, said Donald Ingalls of Highmark Western New York.
“At those public sites, the state or the county were paying for those tests, and at doctors’ offices or other medical facilities the health insurance is covering that during the pandemic,” Ingalls told News 4.
But home tests, available at some stores and online, can cost anywhere from about $20 to more than $100. And Ingalls told us, health insurance companies generally won’t cover the cost without a prescription.
“Most insurers and employers don’t cover over-the-counter drugs or tests and this would be a change. So one of the things that agencies will have to deal with is how that will work,” Ingalls added.
But here’s the problem for insurance subscribers.
“Typically also, tests are ordered with a prescription and in this case, there would not be a prescription,” Ingalls said.
Ingalls told us Highmark Western New York, and other blue affiliates, are working with federal officials to craft the new regulations for implementing the president’s plan. They are looking to come up with a solution sometime in mid-January.
Call 4 Action
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- Senior tenants fight big rent increase, with more to go | <urn:uuid:f6519e0f-318f-4e2e-89e7-29a435b8e533> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.wivb.com/health/coronavirus/biden-bets-on-covid-tests-at-home-covered-by-insurance/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572043.2/warc/CC-MAIN-20220814143522-20220814173522-00472.warc.gz | en | 0.959132 | 603 | 1.625 | 2 |
Still prohibited on Forest Service lands
By Kristy Acuff
Biking on local and regional BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land got a bit easier on August 29 as the Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt, signed an order allowing electric bikes on BLM land and in national parks.
You may start seeing electric bikes (e-bikes) on trails in Hartman’s Rocks and on trails around nearby Fruita or Phil’s World on BLM lands. Prior to the August 29 decision, the BLM regulated electric bikes as OHVs (Off Highway Vehicles) and consequently restricted their use. The new policy lifts those restrictions.
Much of the biking in and around Crested Butte is on Forest Service lands that currently do not allow e-bikes. USFS District ranger Matt McCombs of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Gunnison Ranger District says the USFS has no foreseeable plans to change those restrictions.
“The BLM has been considering how e-bikes fit into current recreation opportunities on public lands for some time,” says BLM public affairs specialist Brant Porter. “Prior to this, e-bikes were managed as OHVs. This new policy modernizes rules that did not specifically address e-bikes.”
The impacts of the new policy will be minimal and mostly beneficial, according to the BLM. E-bikes are quiet and emissions-free during use, so the difference between them and traditional bikes will be minimal, according to Porter.
He concedes that the new policy could lead to an increase in trail use, parking issues at trailheads and e-bike riders “outstretching their abilities and getting onto more difficult or more distant terrain than they may have been able to reach on a traditional bike.”
But Porter points out that this new policy will also “increase opportunities on public lands to riders who have limitations with regard to physical fitness, age, disability or convenience and would benefit from the help offered by e-bikes. These benefits would be especially beneficial to these users in steep terrain and at high altitudes.” | <urn:uuid:08aedb6e-fe38-4f44-b8fb-34c6ec845369> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://crestedbuttenews.com/2019/09/blm-opens-up-trails-to-electric-bikes/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572833.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20220817001643-20220817031643-00273.warc.gz | en | 0.961788 | 443 | 2.1875 | 2 |
With large tech organisations embracing the power of machine learning, smaller companies are becoming more interested in the capabilities. Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses statistical models and big data to predict future trends, and it can be applied across just about every industry.
Machine learning, as the name implies, is the concept that machines can increase their intelligence. The idea is at the core of nearly all AI theory, as it is generally more feasible to teach a machine how to learn and process information gradually than it is to program the relevant data into the machine from the outset.
Machine learning enables AI to detect patterns in structured data. One well-known example of machine learning is predictive recommendations, including those found on many e-commerce sites and streaming services.
Machine learning can be used to analyse information from emails, calendars, and CRM data to proactively recommend actions, such as the best email response to move a deal forward.
Machine learning technology helps provide actionable insights to improve marketing campaigns and decisions. Many marketing departments already use machine learning and AI to enhance predictive models and reach revenue goals.
One of the greatest advantages of machine learning is the automation of repetitive tasks for better productivity. Many businesses use automation for email and administrative tasks, Internet of Things, as well as chatbots for customer service needs.
Machine learning recognises patterns in data, so these algorithms are excellent for identifying suspicious activity and detecting fraud. While these uses are most notable in finance and network security, the capabilities are beneficial for many industries.
The algorithms used by Google and other search engines are informed by machine learning, so many businesses use search engine optimisation (SEO) to keep their websites at the top of the rankings. Tools like Google Analytics use machine learning technology to enhance pattern tracking and provide feedback to their customers.
Customer lifetime value prediction and customer segmentation are among the significant challenges that marketers face. Companies amass huge amounts of data, which can be used to gain insights about business decisions. Machine learning can help businesses predict customer behaviours and purchasing patterns to send personalised offers to individual customers.
Many manufacturing companies need preventative and corrective maintenance practices, which are too often inefficient and costly. Machine learning is changing that, however, by discovering patterns in factory data to reduce the risk of unexpected failures and added expenses.
Data cleaning is time-consuming, but if it isn’t done, businesses are left with inaccurate or duplicate data that distorts insights. Machine learning can reduce the errors from manual data entry, providing clean, valuable data that allows employees to spend their time with analysis.
Machine learning is often used with e-commerce websites to find product recommendations. The process uses a customer’s purchase history and product inventory to identify patterns and separate similar products into groups. These products can be suggested to customers to motivate a purchase.
Image recognition is a unique capability of machine learning that can be used to produce information from images and other data. It’s currently in use across many industries, including automotive, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
One of the earliest and most prominent uses of machine learning in our daily lives is spam detection. Email providers use rule-based techniques to filter out spam, but new filters are in development that use neural networks to effectively reduce spam and phishing messages with fewer inbox errors.
Machine learning can be used to improve the security of an organisation by detecting threats. Using this information, security providers can develop technology to combat common risks and enhance security efforts.
In addition to retail, machine learning has its own uses in many industries, such as healthcare and medical diagnoses, government, financial services, and more.
Machine learning has numerous benefits for virtually every industry, which is only expected to improve as more capabilities are realised. Though many people are concerned that machine learning will replace human jobs but the goal of machine learning in business is to replace the redundant tasks that waste human employees' time. Ultimately, machine learning can never replace human intuitive, insight, and connections. | <urn:uuid:2eae0a2a-7eed-4f79-b445-e8021ed5eb0d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.salesforce.com/eu/blog/2020/03/what-is-machine-learning-and-how-can-businesses-use-it.html?bc=WA | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882570767.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20220808061828-20220808091828-00466.warc.gz | en | 0.945166 | 811 | 3.125 | 3 |
In July 2020, we partnered with Deswik to help mining companies incorporate the high-quality data captured with Hovermap into their mine plans and surveys.
Some are already seeing the benefits of this, including Evolution Mining, who are finding their stope reconciliation is now a much smoother process.
Evolution Mining’s survey team at Mungari Gold replaced CMS with Hovermap so they can easily scan stopes to improve stope design and reconciliation. They also use Deswik.AdvSurvey to process the data and inform their geological and mine models.
In this webinar:
Matt Jones, AIMS 2020 Young Mine Surveyor of the Year, discusses how the Mungari survey team find Hovermap easy to use and how the resultant LiDAR data improves stope economics.
Stephen Rowles, survey product manager at Deswik, discusses the workflow to import and georeference LiDAR data, create solids, characterise geological features and perform reconciliations. | <urn:uuid:d89d2c76-e9e8-4c8a-91ee-4049ef939f9a> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://www.emesent.com/2020/11/27/6th-august-using-hovermap-3d-point-cloud-data-for-georeferencing-in-deswik-advsurvey/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882571190.0/warc/CC-MAIN-20220810131127-20220810161127-00067.warc.gz | en | 0.916549 | 202 | 1.625 | 2 |
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, whose authoritarian misrule has provoked massive protests, is desperately clinging to power.
Egypt has been roiled by nationwide demonstrations since Sunday, the first anniversary of Morsi’s inauguration. Protesters demanded that Morsi step down by today and called for early elections. Middle East expert Daniel Pipes has noted that the protests are “probably the largest political demonstration in human history” and dwarfed those that overthrew Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
While few expected the bull-headed Morsi to heed popular protests, a public warning from Egypt’s armed forces Monday afternoon certainly must have gotten his attention. The military released a televised statement that gave Egypt’s leaders 48 hours to “fulfill the people’s demands” or the military would present a political “roadmap” for the country. Defense Minister General Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi had previously warned that the military would step in to prevent Egypt from entering a “dark tunnel” of civil disorder.
Although widely perceived to be a threat to stage a military coup if Morsi balks at resigning, the military may settle for whittling away Morsi’s power by forcing him to restructure his government, remove some of his Muslim Brotherhood cronies from key positions, and accept early elections. Morsi has publicly rejected the ultimatum and gave a defiant speech on Tuesday that may force the military to take action when its deadline expires on Wednesday afternoon.
President Obama called Morsi on Monday to encourage him to respond to the concerns of the protesters. Meanwhile, an anonymous senior Administration official leaked to CNN that the Administration was urging Morsi to accept early elections while warning Egypt’s military against a coup.
This belated public attempt to conduct an evenhanded policy is lost on Egypt’s opposition, which has long criticized the Obama Administration for strongly backing Morsi’s Islamist government. Egyptian protesters have been carrying signs denouncing President Obama for supporting terrorism, because they are disappointed by Obama’s uncritical support for Morsi, whom they consider to be a terrorist.
During her last visit to Egypt, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was also met by protesters who denounced her for supporting the Muslim Brotherhood. More recently, Egypt’s opposition forces have been highly critical of U.S. Ambassador Anne Patterson, whom they charge is colluding with the Muslim Brotherhood.
Secular, democratic, and liberal Egyptians opposed to an Islamist takeover should be natural allies of the U.S., not leading a backlash against American policy. The fact that Egyptians resent the Obama Administration’s courting of the Muslim Brotherhood should be a wake-up call for the White House.
That is a sad sign that U.S. policy toward Egypt has gone off the rails. The protesters should know that Americans support their efforts to gain more freedom and do not side with an Islamist authoritarian leader who is hostile to American values and to American policies.
The Obama Administration has enthusiastically embraced Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. It has turned a blind eye to Morsi’s power grabs, the rising persecution of Egypt’s ancient Coptic Christian minority, the crackdown on pro-democracy nongovernmental organizations that the Mubarak regime formerly tolerated, and the restrictions Morsi’s government has placed on freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. The Administration needs to get tough with Morsi, or it will find that Egyptians are as disappointed with Obama as Iranians were after he downplayed the Iranian regime’s crackdown against the opposition Green Movement in 2009.
The U.S. should support freedom for the people of Egypt, which is in their best interests and in America’s best interests in the long run. One of the reasons President Morsi is so unpopular is that he has tried to impose an Islamist agenda on Egypt that restricts political, social, religious, and economic freedoms. He has also failed to effectively address Egypt’s festering economic problems, which require urgent reforms.
Washington should warn Morsi against cracking down on his own people and press him to compromise with the opposition. To underscore this message, the U.S. should freeze its aid to Egypt and refuse to release it until Morsi has either stepped down or reached an acceptable deal with the opposition that will safeguard freedom. Aid also needs to be conditioned on Egypt respecting its peace treaty with Israel, cooperating in fighting terrorism, and fully protecting U.S. citizens and property, including the U.S. embassy.
If President Morsi chooses to continue down the path to dictatorship, then it is likely that his regime will be overthrown by a tidal wave of protest or by the Egyptian army, which is likely to emerge as the ultimate arbiter of Egyptian politics. | <urn:uuid:df27d7c4-7534-4980-bb60-9a73634717f0> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://dailysignal.com/2013/07/03/egypt-morsi-regime-shaken-by-massive-protests-and-army-ultimatum/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283008.19/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00086-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963666 | 972 | 1.820313 | 2 |
Query: journal: "Zoologische Mededelingen"
|Title||Notes on some birds from the island of Formosa (Taiwan)|
|Abstract||Knowledge of the avifauna of Formosa or Taiwan has been summarised excellently by Hachisuka & Udagawa (1950, 1951), who included references to many publications by Japanese authors, not readily available in Europe.|
As far as published evidence goes, not much ornithological work has been done in Formosa since 1951 : I have found only a few more recent papers, each dealing with a single species (Deignan, 1958, 1964; Ripley, 1962; Wayre, 1968). Barnes & McLure (1966) recorded that bird-ringing has begun on the island.
Over the past few years (1967-1969) the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie has acquired from Mr. K. H. Chen of Taipei a large collection of Formosan birds. Whereas, obviously, the majority belong to species well known from Formosa, two species, both migrants, are new to the island, and several others have rarely been recorded or are little known. In this paper only the rare, or for some other reason interesting, species are discussed.
As a by-product of the work on Formosan birds, a first record of Gallinago stenura from the Moluccas came to light, and some revisional notes on Halcyon coromanda are given, with a description of a new race from the Soela Islands.
For the loan of material of Accipiter virgatus and Porzana fusca I am under obligation to authorities of the British Museum (Natural History), United States National Museum, American Museum of Natural History, and Field Museum, Chicago. In discussions and lists of material, these names have been abbreviated to BM, USNM, AMNH, and FM.
Accipiter soloënsis (Horsfield)
|Download paper|| http://www.repository.naturalis.nl/document/149929 | | <urn:uuid:03632a31-8bf2-402a-9d79-c5595f2b3b45> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.repository.naturalis.nl/cgi/b/bib/bib-idx?c=naturalis;type=simple;rgn1=journal;q1=Zoologische%20Mededelingen;lang=en;sort=title;cc=naturalis;view=reslist;fmt=long;page=reslist;size=1;start=975 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988721008.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183841-00116-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.869471 | 441 | 1.6875 | 2 |
NB Financial Innovation
Most Influential Post Nominee: Microfinance Looks Toward the Future – But Will Fintech Revive the Controversies of Its Past?
Editor’s note: As part of our Most Influential Post of 2016 contest, we are re-publishing the most popular articles from each month over the past year. This article, which originally appeared Nov. 30, 2016, was the most-viewed post on NextBillion that month. To see all 12 posts, click here. To vote, scroll to the bottom. (You can vote once a day until the contest balloting ends Jan. 2. The winner will be named Jan. 4.)
Microfinance conferences have offered a unique experience in recent years. In the world outside the events, the industry has been wracked by extraordinary upheaval. It has lurched from development sector darling to punching bag, as client over-indebtedness grabbed headlines, research cast doubt upon its anti-poverty impact, and skeptics gleefully used these events to call the entire industry into question.
But in the midst of all this turmoil – and in reaction to it – practitioners at industry events were diligently reimagining their sector. Conversations shifted from the value of loans to boost microenterprises, to the diverse ways that credit and other financial services can benefit the poor. At their best, these events have provided a front-row seat to this transition, as an entire industry rebranded itself on the fly. Listening in on these conversations, it has become clear that many of microfinance’s most innovative practitioners have shifted their gaze far beyond the enterprise-focused microcredit model originally imagined by Muhammad Yunus, as well as the (overly) optimistic anti-poverty narrative he helped inspire.
Case in point: the recently concluded European Microfinance Week. The conference, which took place this month in Luxembourg, featured a broad array of sessions that highlighted the diverse uses to which microfinance is being applied in countries around the world. Take a quick scan of these topics (which are listed, along with downloadable presentation slides, at this link), and you’ll see discussions ranging from insuring smallholders’ harvests and boosting financial capability, to financing housing, education and off-grid energy options. You can get a sense of the conversation at these panels on the conference’s Twitter feed, the extensive coverage provided by media partners (especially MicroCapital’s excellent daily blogs), and the comprehensive roundup from the European Microfinance Platform, which organized the event.
But ironically, the one topic among all this discussion that generated the most excitement also provoked the strongest concerns: fintech (aka: financial technology). The tension first emerged at the session on “Financial inclusion 2.0: How MFIs can adapt to the fintech age.” Panelists from tech providers like Oradian, a cloud-based core-banking platform, and Stellar, an algorithm-powered payments platform, gave a tantalizing glimpse of how technology can reshape the sector, enabling everything from streamlined internal banking processes to instantaneous, free money transfers. Then fellow panelist Graham Wright, managing director of MicroSave, added a healthy dose of skepticism, making a compelling case that the emperor, so far, has very little clothing. To a large extent, he said, fintech is currently being leveraged to provide “rapacious consumer lending … and I’m tired of it, I’m fed up.” For instance, he cited Safaricom’s M-Shwari loan product, which charges an eye-popping 7.5 percent per month for small loans delivered via mobile phone. Yet in spite of these rates, he said, the financial inclusion world “celebrates M-Shwari like it was manna from heaven” simply because it has managed to serve poor clients at scale. Is inclusion the real goal here, or simply profit?
Wright expanded on these views in the conference’s final session, a plenary debate entitled “Digital finance: Full inclusion or empty promise?” He launched his argument with a provocative question: Is digital finance “just jumped up payments and automated loan sharking?” – then promptly answered it: “The answer is yes. Let’s look at the evidence … from the GSMA’s State of the Industry Report: Person to person (P2P) transfers represent 71.5 percent of all digital financial transaction right now, and the vast majority of the remaining 29 percent are bill payments or airtime top-ups. There’s nothing else. We’re not doing anything else with this infrastructure.”
Even the one exception to this trend is problematic, he said: “In Kenya there are now 24 digital credit providers. … Their effective annual interest rates, most conservatively calculated, are 49 to 641 percent per year. … The vast majority of those loans are one month in duration, and the shining star (M-Shwari) costs 7.5 percent per month. Had I stood before this audience five years ago and said ‘Microfinance guys, I’ve got this really great idea! We’re going to offer little loans at the rate of 7.5 percent per month!’ you would’ve been asking me to leave, and rightly so. But somehow, because it’s digital, it’s magic!” He added the caveat that many poor people do have legitimate needs for short-term finance, and these loans can provide a safety net for them. “But let’s not pretend that’s financial inclusion.”
What’s more, he said, in theory, digital tools should reduce the cost of these loans significantly. “So why on earth do they cost so much more?” The answer is that they’re dependent on “wafer thin data … because poor people don’t leave deep digital footprints. … If I try to make a loan decision on the basis of a poor person buying two scratch (airtime) cards for 10 shillings each, every month, I’m taking a very big risk. And that’s why these are so highly priced.” And what’s worse, he said, is what happens when poor clients pay off these monthly loans reliably and on time. “What do I get in return? Do I get a reduction in price? No. I just get the opportunity to borrow more – at the same interest rate.” Meanwhile, “On the blacklist of the Kenyan credit bureau there are 400,000 people blacklisted, unable to get credit again, for loans of less than $2 outstanding. This digital credit is creating financial exclusion, not financial inclusion.”
MyBucks CEO Dave Van Niekerk and Opportunity International CEO Vicki Escarra (whose organizations entered into their own controversial fintech/microfinance partnership last year) provided an able rebuttal to Wright’s critique, and their debate (in the video below) is definitely worth a watch. But however you come down on the question of fintech’s promise and risks, it’s striking how much the debate over microfinance’s future mirrors the one that has defined its past. The overly dominant role of credit, the impact of predatory lenders and high interest rates, the risk that these players and practices will influence socially focused MFIs, harming clients and compromising the broader sector – the parameters of discussion haven’t changed, and neither have the challenges of responsibly delivering financial services to the poor. Will digital tools make the benefits of financial access universal? Or will they simply turbocharge the industry’s worst tendencies? For all the excitement over the former possibility, it’s worth pausing to consider the latter. As Wright put it, “We have to be very careful. … The chances of this going seriously wrong, I think, are quite high.”
James Militzer is the senior editor of NextBillion. | <urn:uuid:a700a07e-a3f4-449a-92b0-dd5116e8174b> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://nextbillion.net/microfinance-looks-toward-the-future-but-will-fintech-revive-the-controversies-of-its-past/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560283689.98/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095123-00353-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.93822 | 1,691 | 1.53125 | 2 |
Step-parent adoption is a process by which a spouse of a biological parent may obtain rights to parent a child as if the child was his or her own biological parent. If a step-parent is legally able to adopt a child they will have the same parenting rights to a minor child as the biological parent including a duty to financially support the minor child. A step parent adoption can only be granted if one biological parent has either consented to the adoption or has had their parenting rights terminated. A step-parent must be married to the biological parent for at least one year for an adoption to be approved by the Court.
Return from Step-Parent Adoption to fwllaw.com | <urn:uuid:74057378-d0df-4259-a9d3-b6eee776efb9> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | http://www.fwllaw.com/step-parent-adoption.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572161.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20220815054743-20220815084743-00466.warc.gz | en | 0.961815 | 149 | 1.8125 | 2 |
Barent I. Staats
Barent I. Staats was born in June 1739. He was the son of Isaac and Maria Van Deusen Staats. He grew up in the first ward home of a prominent cooper. He was known as "Barent Isaac Staats." His three brothers also became Albany residents.
In 1767, he was identified as a private in an Albany militia company .
In January 1760, he married the much older Albany "spinster" Elizabeth Wendell at St. Peter's Anglican church. No children were christened at Albany churches although both he and his wife were pewholders at the Dutch church in Albany. A surviving daughter was noted in 1782.
In 1762 and again in 1767, he was appointed firemaster for the first ward. During the war years, he also was named inspector of bread and chimney viewer.
In his mid-thirties at the outbreak of hostilities in 1775, he served the American cause as an officer in the Albany County militia. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel of the third and also eighth regiment. On a number of occasions, he commanded soldiers who performed services for the Albany commissioners. He also served as a bailsman and was referred to as "Esq." Afterwards, he may have been the Barent Staats who was accorded a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment. As late as 1794, Barent I. Staats was still seeking compensation for wartime expenses. He also held bounty lands in central New York
He was a resident of Rensselaerswyck when he filed a will in February 1782. It named his wife and daughter Molly as heirs. Elizabeth and her prominent brothers were named executors. Barent I. Staats was fifty-five when died in September 1794. He was buried from the Dutch church. The will passed probate in March 1795.
Sources: The life of Barent I. Staats is CAP biography number 4564. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.
first posted: 4/5/10 | <urn:uuid:41dec737-2c02-4ee1-ada2-ac8615a003d2> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://exhibitions.nysm.nysed.gov/albany/bios/s/bastaats4564.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280900.71/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00001-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.99146 | 438 | 2.203125 | 2 |
Invaluable cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate and disclaims any responsibility for inaccurate translations.
Lot 1024: 3V Thomas Hood THE COMIC ANNUAL 1833 1834 1837 Antique Humor Series Political Cartoons Caricatures
22 October 2016
Freeville, NY, USALive Auction
Book Details: This lot includes three uniformly bound volumes of "The Comic Annual" by Thomas Hood from the years 1833 (London: Charles Tilt), 1834 (London: Charles Tilt), and 1837 (London: A. H. Baily and Co.). Each volume is 175 pages.
Thomas Hood (23 May 1799 – 3 May 1845) was an English poet, author and humourist, best known for poems such as "The Bridge of Sighs" and "The Song of the Shirt". Hood wrote regularly for "The London Magazine," the "Athenaeum," and "Punch." He later published a magazine largely consisting of his own works. William Michael Rossetti in 1903 called him "the finest English poet" between the generations of Shelley and Tennyson. Hood was the father of playwright and humourist Tom Hood (1835–1874).
The series of the "Comic Annual," dating from 1830, was a kind of publication popular at that time, which Hood undertook and continued almost unassisted for several years. Under that title he treated all the leading events of the day in caricature, without personal malice, and with an undercurrent of sympathy. Readers were also treated to an incessant use of puns, of which Hood had written in his own vindication, "However critics may take offence,/A double meaning has double sense", but as he gained experience as a writer, his diction became simpler (both paragraphs courtesy of Wikipedia).
Condition / Notes: These antique volumes, measuring 4.5" by 6.5", are bound in half leather, with marbled paper-covered boards and four raised bands. These volumes display moderate external wear, with rubbing to the covers and extremities, and faint vertical cracking along spine edges. All three volumes' bindings are cracked at the front hinge. The text blocks are adorned with marbled page edges, and the volumes contain marbled endpapers. Armorial bookplates are present to the front paste-downs. The interiors of these volumes are generally clean and bright, with only a few spots of soiling. These works are profusely illustrated with humorous cartoons in black and white.
For lots which include only books, our shipping charge applies to any address within the fifty United States. For lots which are not books, the stated shipping cost in this listing will apply only to addresses within the continental 48 states. Within those parameters, the shipping cost for this lot will be: $4.50 | <urn:uuid:ceac5954-628b-4024-b38c-d1e37cd91f33> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.invaluable.co.uk/auction-lot/3v-thomas-hood-the-comic-annual-1833-1834-1837-an-1024-c-04640578ff | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281649.59/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00447-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969132 | 576 | 1.734375 | 2 |
First rapid test cleared for the detection of bacterial contamination in
WORCESTER, Mass., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Verax Biomedical Inc., a leading developer of rapid tests for detecting bacterial contaminants in blood cells and tissue, has received 510 (k) clearance for its Platelet PGD Test System from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This provides Verax authorization to market the device, which cuts the detection time for bacterial contamination in leukocyte reduced apheresis platelets to approximately 30 minutes.
The clearance comes on the heels of the execution of key agreements with Abbott Diagnostics to serve as distributor and British Biocell International to serve as manufacturer of the product. The data from US clinical studies that served as the basis of the Company's 510 (k) filing will be featured in 7 poster presentations at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) in Anaheim, California October 20th - 23rd.
To combat the risk of bacterial contamination, the AABB requires all of its members to detect and limit contamination in platelets. Recent articles published in Transfusion, the journal of the AABB, indicate that current culture testing methods fail to detect half of the contaminated units in the U.S. inventory and false negative results associated with this testing have resulted in 26 documented septic transfusion reactions including 5 fatalities since testing began in 2004. The Platelet PGD test is designed to allow testing after platelets have entered the inventory and offers clinicians the opportunity to detect contaminated units that slip past current testing methodologies.
"We are thrilled to achieve this critical milestone," said Jim Lousararian, chief executive officer of Verax Biomedical. "The increasing recognition of culture false negative results associated with current platelet testing clearly illustrates the need for a rapid test like Platelet PGD. With our ability to enable testing later in platelet unit life, after bacteria have had a chance to grow, blood bankers will have access to a critical new tool in the battle against bacterial contamination."
The Platelet PGD Test is an easy-to-use, disposable device designed to detect the presence of a broad range of bacterial contaminants in platelets at a later phase in platelet unit life than current culture methods. Bacterial contamination in platelets and red blood cells represents the single greatest risk for lethal infections in transfusion medicine today. An estimated 10 million platelet units are transfused each year into patients in North America, Europe and Asia, and experts estimate that as many as 1 in every 2,000 units are contaminated with bacteria.
The Verax PGD Test is based on Verax Biomedical's proprietary Pan Genera(R) Detection technology, which targets common antigens found on the surface of all species of bacteria known to be pathogenic to humans.
For additional information, visit http://www.veraxbiomedical.com. Verax is located at 377 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01608. Tel.: 508-755-7029.
About Verax Biomedical, Inc.
Based in Worcester, Mass., Verax Biomedical is a leader in the development of rapid tests designed to detect a broad range of bacterial contaminants based upon its proprietary Pan Genera Detection (PGD) technology. The first target application for its technology is to test for the presence of bacterial contaminants in the blood supply. Bacterial contaminants in platelets and red blood cells represent the greatest lethal infectious risks in transfusion medicine today, and no rapid, simple methods are presently available to effectively address this threat. Each year an estimated 17 million patients receive more than 60 million units of these individual blood components in North America, Europe and Asia.
Contact: Dave Monti
|SOURCE Verax Biomedical Inc.|
Copyright©2007 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved | <urn:uuid:c3f34bcd-4555-4ef6-890e-d85922b7ca0a> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-technology-1/Verax-Biomedical-Receives-510--28k-29-Clearance-from-FDA-for-Platelet-PGD-Test-688-1/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560280364.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095120-00035-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.920957 | 789 | 1.671875 | 2 |
I agree that a balance does need to be struck between the voter and the state in terms of who can be eligable to vote. But at the same time, I think what everyone here has really been getting at discussing a system of checks and balances that would be capable of holding stead-fast in the face of corruption, but would still be flexible enough to allow for maturity variations on an individual basis.
In my own opinion, I think the question shouldn't be: "At what age should the people be eligable to vote". but instead "How can we ensure that the people are being informed on:
A) Their [voting] rights as a citizen.
B) Their eligibility to not only vote in an election, but to also run for office (among other things).
C) How to protect both the voter and the office from abuses of both corruption and power.
Imho, I'm not convinced that there's any one correct answer, but if I were to make a decision, then I would make it multi-tiered. For anyone blow the age of, say, 15, I would require both a written questionarre on general civics, as well as an oral exam by a psychologist. After that, I would also limit them to voting in local elections.
For someone up to the age of 20 or so, I'd require the oral exam, but also recommend the they take the questionnaire as well, just so that they have a better understanding of the process.
For those above the age of 20 whom have never voted before, I would make the requirements the same as though they were under 20, but also make it a requirement that they do so before a specific cut-off date, such as 60-days prior to the election date.
Thats just my two cents, and as I said, I don't think that there's really any one correct meathod that should be used. Most certainly, there's a bunch of more effective ways that work, but are also completely dependent on the local culture. | <urn:uuid:af3b0a0c-ecd8-45ea-9639-ee3fd0b79c92> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://asgardia.space/en/forum/forum/civil-justice-26/topic/age-of-majority-2026/?post=25326 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882573399.40/warc/CC-MAIN-20220818185216-20220818215216-00075.warc.gz | en | 0.985474 | 418 | 1.679688 | 2 |
123 Baila Baila en Santa Fe (feat. Chuscales) (clip)
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Kids/Family/World music in Spanish, English, Japanese and French. Mina made this song for Children all over the world enjoy happily understanding the 4 beats, and the number’s 1 through 12 (same as the clock). All ages can dance and sing around the world. | <urn:uuid:8997b01d-4ab1-49f3-927f-363fd226818d> | CC-MAIN-2022-33 | https://minafajardo.hearnow.com/123-baila-baila-en-santa-fe | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-33/segments/1659882572304.13/warc/CC-MAIN-20220816120802-20220816150802-00470.warc.gz | en | 0.836732 | 107 | 1.65625 | 2 |
Hodder & Stoughton
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
The firm has its origins in the 1840s, with Matthew Hodder's employment, aged fourteen, with Messrs Jackson and Walford, the official publisher for the Congregational Union. In 1861 the firm became Jackson, Walford and Hodder; but in 1868 Jackson and Walford retired, and Thomas Wilberforce Stoughton joined the firm, creating Hodder & Stoughton.
Hodder & Stoughton published both religious and secular works, and its religious list contained some progressive titles. These included George Adam Smith's Isaiah for its Expositor’s Bible series, which was one of the earliest texts to identify multiple authorship in the Book of Isaiah. There was also a sympathetic Life of St Francis by Paul Sabatier, a French Protestant pastor. Matthew Hodder made frequent visits to North America, meeting with the Moody Press and making links with Scribners and Fleming H. Revell.
The secular list only gradually accepted fiction, and it was still subject to "moral censorship" in the early part of the twentieth century. Matthew Hodder was doubtful about the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and the company refused Michael Arlen's The Green Hat. In 1922 Hodder and Stoughton published an edition of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland which was likely very controversial at the time given the fantastical nature of the work.
Hodder & Stoughton were also the originators of the Teach Yourself line of self-instruction books, which are still published through Hodder Headline's educational division.
In the 1980s they acquired the rights to publish the English translations of the Asterix comics from the company Brockhampton Press Ltd. as "Hodder Dargaud". Hodder & Stoughton continued to publish them through the 1990s. They have since relinquished the rights to Orion Books. Beginning in 1988, the company took over first UK publishing rights for the James Bond book series from Jonathan Cape.
In the 1970s Hodder & Stoughton was still known primarily as a Christian company. However, it is now merely a secular imprint of the larger Hodder Headline, alongside a number of imprints such as Delta, which produces erotic novels. They also publish the popular series CHERUB by Robert Muchamore. On 07 July 2010 will release Stephen King's Under the Dome with four cover versions.<ref>Four Covers for Under the Dome's UK Paperback Release</ref> | <urn:uuid:59e7a4b6-075e-4c9c-b68d-e576f72dc66b> | CC-MAIN-2016-44 | http://www.artandpopularculture.com/Hodder_%26_Stoughton | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-44/segments/1476988720962.53/warc/CC-MAIN-20161020183840-00385-ip-10-171-6-4.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.966071 | 523 | 1.96875 | 2 |
GENEVA: Postponing the Rio Olympics due to fears that the event could speed the spread of the Zika virus would give a “false” sense of security because travellers are constantly going in and out of Brazil, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) official said.
More than 100 medical experts and scientists called last Friday for the Rio Games to be postponed or moved due to fears over the spread of the virus, which is linked to serious birth defects.. The WHO rejected their call.
Extensive travel in a globalised world is the issue, not the Games that start on August 5, said David Heymann, chair of the Health Protection Agency in Britain who also leads the WHO panel of independent experts on Zika.
“The problem is not the Olympics, the problem is other travel besides the Olympics, if there is a problem,” Heymann told Reuters in a telephone interview from London on Monday.
“People go in and out of Brazil all the time for holiday, for business, for whatever. And the Olympics is much less travel, it would be one-time travel. It’s actually in the winter months when hopefully transmission (of the virus) is less.”
“So it’s just a false security to say that you’ll postpone the Olympics and postpone the globalisation of this disease.”
Heymann called for careful surveillance by countries of their athletes who return from Brazil, though he added that diagnostic tests for Zika were “very difficult to obtain right now”.
National health authorities should advise their athletes and citizens of child-bearing age to protect themselves against mosquito bites with repellents while in Brazil and to practise safe sex on return for at least three weeks, Heymann said.
This is a precaution to prevent women from contracting the mosquito-borne virus, which can cause microcephaly and other serious abnormalities in babies. The connection first came to light last year in Brazil, which has confirmed more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly.
“This infection is a predicament for all people of child-bearing age who live in Brazil or who travel to Brazil. And that includes both men and women,” Heymann said.
“Women could get infected and come back and become pregnant within three weeks or four weeks, or they could be pregnant when they get there. And men could go there and come back with the infection and infect their sexual partner back home.”
Heymann is a U.S. epidemiologist and former senior official at WHO who headed its response to the deadly SARS virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003, when the agency imposed travel restrictions to try to curb that deadly outbreak.
Referring to Zika, he said: “Women of child-bearing age who are not pregnant should understand the risks before they go.”
“It’s not a recommendation not to go (to Brazil), it’s a recommendation to balance between the risks of getting pregnant and the risks of getting Zika,” he said. “But for those women who are already pregnant, there’s a clear risk.” | <urn:uuid:4d87f439-db27-4318-a0cd-1b916b5b101b> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://arysports.tv/delaying-rio-games-would-give-false-security-on-zika-who-panel-head/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560281331.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095121-00226-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963153 | 658 | 2.09375 | 2 |
What some call cheating can help learning
Thursday, December 23, 2010; 10:18 PM
My daughter is with us for the holidays, having survived her first barrage of law school exams in California. The exams were longer and more difficult than anything I ever had as a graduate student in Chinese studies. But her professors allowed students to have notes with them. This got my attention because her boyfriend at a neighboring law school was forbidden to have notes in two of his exams.
At these two institutions dedicated to equality under the law, what my daughter did during exams at one could have been considered cheating if she attended the other. What are we to make of the uneven nature of such rules, just as unpredictable as those found in our public K-12 schools? Open-book exams are okay some places, not in others. Cooperating with friends on homework is encouraged by some teachers, denounced elsewhere as a sign of declining American moral fiber.
Alfie Kohn, a provocative writer and speaker on educational subjects, has a book coming out next year: "Feel-Bad Education: And Other Contrarian Essays on Children and Schooling." It addresses this issue in a way that may cause apoplexy in some of those raised on the old rules but makes sense to me.
For instance, insisting that students do homework on their own does not necessarily encourage independent learning. In high school, most students show up to see their friends. If homework becomes a social occasion, even by telephone or Internet, there is some chance it might get done. Otherwise, except for motivated, college-bound students, it often will not be completed. That is particularly true in schools that limit severely how much homework counts on report cards.
I don't often agree with Kohn. But he has a gift for seeing past school practices that owe more to habit than results. There are many studies, he notes, that show cooperative learning - doing an assignment with others - raises achievement as well as enhancing relationships and motivation.
"The problem, however, is that aside from the occasional sanctioned group project," Kohn writes, "the default condition in most American classrooms - particularly where homework and testing are concerned - is reflected in that familiar injunction heard from elementary school teachers: 'I want to see what you can do, not what your neighbor can do.' (Or, if the implications were spelled out more precisely, 'I want to see what you can do all by yourself, deprived of the resources and social support that characterize most well-functioning real-world environments, rather than seeing how much more you and your neighbors could accomplish together.') . . . Alas, most collaboration is simply classified as cheating. End of discussion."
Kohn blames much of cheating on the competitive nature of American schools. The majority of high schools in the Washington area are prime examples. Most of the parents are college graduates. They want their children to follow the same path. They seek out competitive high schools to make that happen.
Around here, smart educators and school boards have seen how the urge to beat your classmates can sour the learning process. Most no longer rank graduates by their grade point averages, except in broad categories like the top 10 percent, the next 10 percent, and so on. At least half of Washington area schools no longer pick just one student with the best grades to be valedictorian. The honor often goes to dozens of hardworking students who have gotten grade-point averages above 4.0 because they took Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.
More difficult-to-copy essay questions on exams and more attention to what is going on in the exam room may also restrain cheating. But why not start with eliminating rules and practices that frustrate learning? We might make our schools better and make it less likely that students think they have to cheat to get where they want to go.
For education news and analysis, go to the Education page at washingtonpost.com/education. You can sign up for a weekly e-mail of our best headlines and blogs, The Post's "Education Report." Our blogs include Class Struggle by Jay Mathews, The Answer Sheet by Valerie Strauss, D.C. Schools Insider by Bill Turque, College Inc. by Daniel de Vise and Campus Overload by Jenna Johnson. For college news, go to washingtonpost.com/higher-ed. And on Twitter, follow us @PostSchools. Editor's note: Jay's column appears today because its usual home in Metro, the Education page, will be on holiday break for the next two Mondays. | <urn:uuid:c7637ae5-1f15-4c89-807b-034603013d38> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/23/AR2010122304394.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560279189.36/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095119-00054-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975052 | 935 | 2.34375 | 2 |
"More than 9 million Americans have signed up for private health insurance or Medicaid coverage -- 9 million."
-- President Obama, in his State of the Union speech last night
That's technically true. About 3 million Americans have signed up for private insurance on the federal or state exchanges, and around 6 million are now eligible for Medicaid.
The problem is the number doesn't tell us what we need to know to figure out whether Obamacare is viable.
How many of those 9 million are newly covered Americans?
We don't know, so we can't exactly blame the president for the number he used. However, it's likely that many of those 9 million had health insurance previously.
A survey by McKinsey & Co. earlier this month said that just 11% of people that signed up on the exchanges were previously uninsured. It's not an official number, but even if it's in the ballpark, most people were just switching insurance.
That's not a particularly surprising breakdown for early enrollees. Money is a pretty good driver. People who were paying a large chunk of their income on health insurance can get subsidies by signing up on the exchanges. There were also all those people with catastrophic insurance that had their plans cancelled because they didn't meet the new minimum requirements.
We yet know how many people who signed up on the exchanges actually paid for their insurance. You'd think it was pretty high, considering how difficult it has been to sign up on the federal website, but there are certainly going to be some people who change their minds between signing up and getting the bill.
Medicaid is for low-income individuals, so presumably the number of people who were previously uninsured is higher, but we don't have any figures to know for sure. The 6 million who signed up for Medicaid includes all people who signed up, many of whom would have been eligible under the old Medicaid rules. It isn't clear how much the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare is helping to get the uninsured covered.
The uninsured make Obamacare work
More people in the system is key for the numbers to work out.
Drug companies, for instance, are required to give discounts on drugs bought through Medicaid and Medicare as part of Obamacare. The industry didn't fight the law because it's counting on sales to newly insured patients to cover the discounts.
Likewise health insurers, such as UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) and Humana (NYSE:HUM), are counting on new enrollees not only for the added revenue but also to make the insurance prices work. Many uninsured people were uninsured because the risk of getting sick doesn't justify the cost. Adding those to the risk pool makes up for those with pre-existing conditions.
Earlier this month, Humana said its projected enrollment was "more adverse than previously expected." If the enrollees, on average, have higher medical expenses than planned for, UnitedHealth, Humana, and the rest of the insurers are going to have to charge higher prices to make up for the higher costs.
Finally, part of what helps pay for Obamacare subsidies comes from the government not having to make payments to hospitals to cover medical expenses incurred by hospitals that treat uninsured patients. If the uninsured aren't signing up for insurance, hospitals such as HCA Holdings (NYSE:HCA) and Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC) are going to be in trouble.
Hospitals in states that have chosen not to expand Medicaid are lobbying their legislatures to change their minds. Ten of HCA's hospitals in Virginia, for instance, stand to lose $53.3 million from the cuts over the next two years.
Not doomed yet
There's still plenty of time to get the uninsured signed up during the open enrollment, which runs through March. And it's not like it's the end of the world if the procrastinating uninsured don't sign up this year. The next open enrollment period starts Oct. 15.
Of course, the president would just as soon you sign up this year:
That's why tonight I ask every American who knows someone without health insurance to help them get covered by March 31.
The state of the union might not count on it, but it'll sure make the new program a lot more successful.
Brian Orelli has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. | <urn:uuid:de9e4c5a-200a-4904-b2fc-2cf7a8c8b954> | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/01/29/the-problem-with-obamacares-9-million-enrollment-n.aspx?source=eogyholnk0000001 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560279489.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095119-00011-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.983595 | 933 | 1.960938 | 2 |
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