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There are 9 species of seals found in Australian waters and all of them are protected by the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Sometimes seals may interact with fishing boats that use trawl or gillnet gear. Seals (also known as pinnipeds) are marine mammals that spend long periods at sea, typically alternating between diving to look for food and resting on the surface. They generally feed on fish, squid, octopus, and crustaceans and are able to dive to great depths in search of food. The Australian fur seal and the New Zealand fur seal are the only species which breed on the Australian mainland and in Tasmanian waters. The New Zealand fur seal has the largest distribution while the Australian fur seal has a more restricted distribution. Both species breed on the coast of the Australian mainland and near-shore islands. The remaining species can breed on Antarctic pack-ice or in the sub-Antarctic Australian territories. Fishing and seals – how they interact Seals can interact with fishing boats that use trawl or gillnet gear. Over the last decade, fur seal populations around south eastern Australia have increased. The foraging areas of seals and fishing operations overlap which has resulted in increased levels of interactions between fishing vessels and seals. An ‘interaction’ is any physical contact a person, boat or fishing gear has with a protected species that causes the animal stress, injury or death. Interactions with seals can happen when boats are trawling or when the seal gets caught in a gillnet whilst trying to feed on the fish in the net. AFMA collects data on interactions with protected species through our monitoring programs. - Logbooks – All fishers are required to report any interactions they have through their logbooks. - Observers – Observers are AFMA officers who travel on Australian fishing boats to collect biological data and make environmental observations which contributes to the monitoring of fishing interactions with protected species. AFMA supports research into reducing seal interactions in the southern fisheries. Previous research has including a South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association managed project looking at the effects of shortening trawl fishing nets. The intention of this project was to trial the industry standard length codend against a modified shortened codend to investigate if codend length affects seal bycatch rates. The project aimed to assist demersal otter trawl fishers to operate in a sustainable manner by improving the selectivity of fishing gear to minimise seal bycatch. The final report was released in 2015. How AFMA and industry minimise interactions Read more about seal excluder devices. The codes may include: - actively steaming away from areas where seals are sighted - switching off lights during night trawling - closing the trawl opening when hauling to minimise opportunities for the seal to enter the net - disposing of offal while the vessel is not fishing. The South East Trawl Fishing Association has developed an industry code of practice to minimise interactions with seals. The code includes guidelines to minimise incidental bycatch of seals, provides instructions on how to report interactions with seals, and contains options for modification of gear and fishing practices to reduce seal interactions. There are four main objectives of the strategy: - obtain quantitative and independent data on the nature and extent of human-seal interactions in commercial fisheries - minimise and mitigate adverse interactions between seals and commercial fisheries - develop and implement robust arrangements to report interactions across all commercial fisheries operations - encourage fisheries resource users to embrace stewardship of the marine ecosystem. Read more about the seal strategy on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website Read more about bycatch and discarding workplans. The Working Group has been structured to elicit the best possible advice from a wide variety of stakeholder groups including marine mammal scientists, the commercial fishing industry, the conservation sector, recreational / charter fishers and members from government agencies such as AFMA, the Department of the Environment and Energy and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The Working Group also has an independent Chair.
Yu hsud wodr yorr floorss.” On first read, this sentence may appear nonsensical, but it’s actually an impressive piece of early writing. Chicago first-grader Morgan Baird composed it recently, spelling each word by sounding it out. And, as Morgan explained to her mom Shelly, it clearly reads, “You should water your flowers.” Although individual timing varies, children generally follow six developmental stages on their paths to mature writing, according to Barbara Bowman, chief officer of the Chicago Public Schools Office of Early Childhood Education and professor at the Erikson Institute: Drawing. Don’t underestimate your preschooler’s forays into abstract art. These representations are not stylized, but they are developmentally significant. Your child is learning to control a crayon or pencil—not an easy task in itself— and communicate a mental image on paper. Meaningful scribbling. Next, children begin to understand that those printed symbols in books have meaning, and they attempt to replicate words. This early “writing” initially resembles wave-like squiggles, eventually evolving into letter-like shapes much closer to the real thing. Random letters. When children first develop the fine motor skills to form letters, they combine them in random ways, seemingly oblivious to the requirements of spelling. Expect pages full of favorite consonants or repeated strings of recently learned vowels. The name game. Most children subsequently learn to recognize and even “write” a loose version of their names. They’ve essentially memorized the gestalt, or whole configuration, without actually understanding the interplay of letters. Similarly, they may recognize the titles of favorite books or common street signs long before they can read. Invented spelling. Next, children grasp the idea that every letter has a unique sound, and these sounds can be combined to make words. At this stage, children spell phonetically, often with humorous results. One letter may be used for an entire syllable or word and vowels may be omitted (I lk sumr). And don’t be surprised if your daughter suddenly starts writing in circles or forms certain letters backwards. These are common mistakes as children experiment and practice. Accurate spelling. Typically, between first and second grade, children begin to write using more conventional spelling, spacing, punctuation and capitalization, though phonetic spelling still pops up occasionally. Encouraging your early writer To help your child’s learning process, try these tips from Bowman, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the International Reading Association: For all parents: n Focus on confidence-building over correction. Now you know what to expect from your early writer; no need to call the learning specialist in alarm when she breaks out the crazy spelling or circular words. Be your child’s cheerleader through each developmental stage and offer patience as she progresses. n Incorporate reading into your child’s daily life. Exposure to books and early writing are closely related, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading to children daily. Repeat stories often to provide a feeling of mastery and reinforce the sounds and syntax. Start with simple board books and, by first grade, work up to beginner readers like the “Now I’m Reading” series. For parents of toddlers: n Point out common symbols. Many toddlers know the golden arches mean McDonald’s before they can say their full names. (Scary, yes, but true.) This early interest in symbols is a precursor to letter recognition; encourage it by pointing out road signs, logos, even American flags. For parents of preschoolers: n Discuss drawings and scribbles. While these early creations may appear random, use them to engage your child in a dialogue and always ask what they represent. n Make letter and word recognition fun. Introduce alphabet puzzles, books and magnets. Sing the ABCs together in goofy voices. Point out words on signs, food containers and the mail. Let your child “sign” her name on cards even before it’s legible. Tape labels on household objects so she starts to recognize words such as bed, table and door. n Create story-time dialogues. Ask your child to summarize the action or describe relationships between characters in her books. This type of higher-level thinking is an important step in her evolving literacy. For parents of kindergartners and up: n Encourage experimentation. Offer positive reinforcement as your child obsessively creates pages full of loopy Ps and Bs. Provide lots of writing utensils, paper in various sizes and a chalkboard, which allows for practice and easy changes. During the phonetic writing stage, build enthusiasm by complimenting even the wackiest writing attempts. The goal during this phase is experimentation over accuracy. n Make writing a family affair. Invite your child to help create grocery lists, send weekly e-mails to grandparents, compose thank you notes or write “stories” about her drawings. Before you know it, your child’s “floorss” will bloom into flowers, and you’ll be nostalgic for those enthusiastic scribbles. Paige Hobey is a writer living in Chicago and the mother of an infant and a preschooler who is lurng to rit. What to do with your weekend, delivered every Thursday. Great deals and chances to win prizes, delivered every Monday. Exclusive offers from our partners,usually delivered twice a week. Resources for parents of children with special needs,delivered the second Tuesday each month.
Education regarding all aspects of treating the pediatric patient including behavior and clinical dental procedures. Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides comprehensive preventative and therapeutic oral health for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. Topics include training the child to accept dentistry, restoring and maintaining the primary and permanent dentition applying preventive measures for dental caries and periodontal disease and identifying and treating or referring occlusal dysfunction in the primary or mixed dentition. Topics may include: - Growth and development - Prevention of caries, diet and nutrition - Behavior management - Space management and maintenance Education regarding the identification, diagnosis and management of space to create ideal occlusal schemes. - Pediatric special needs patient care Education in treating mentally or physically challenged children - Identification and reporting of child abuse Use code 155 to identify mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect - Pediatric anesthesia and pain control Education related to relieving pain and gaining anesthesia in the pediatric population may use behavior modification or medications for anesthesia and pain control - Trauma management in young permanent and primary dentition Education on treating traumatized dentition in the young pediatric patient with primary or permanent dentition. - Pulpal therapy in primary dentition Educational topics include pulpectomy, pulp debridement and pulpotomy for the primary dentition - Pediatric operative dentistry Educational topics include restoring diseased dentition with direct restorations with glass ionomers, composites, resin ionomers, alloy, stainless steel crowns and any other emerging material - Emerging concepts, techniques, therapies and technology New technology/procedures used in any aspect (diagnosis or treatment) of pediatric patients. - Product/technology training Training on proper use of specific products/instruments developed to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of pediatric patients. Product training courses should be directed to current users or a product and focus on proper/safe use. Courses cannot contain any marketing information intended to encourage participants to purchase the product.
Sign language is the natural human language used to convey meaning and communicate information using visual and physical gestures. Compared to spoken languages and based on the oral comparison, signed languages function as complex language structures with fully developed grammatical elements, including phonology, morphology, grammar, and semanticizing (Hickok, 1996). Many experiments on language processing have been carried out historically in audio-oral languages, and work in signed languages will serve to enlighten the brain’s neuronal structure, regardless of the language itself. To understand the processes of the brain signed language, we need a fair brain road map— its overall structure, and the possible roles of various regions. Research on Brain injury (lesions) has developed a well-established technique for asserting structure and role relationships within the brain. The effect of brain injury depends on the affected part of the brain. Any individual with trauma to the front of the left side of the brain, for instance, might not be able to speak. Moreover, someone else may be able to produce organized language utterances with damage to the back of the right side of the brain, but may have lost specific spatial skills and may not be able to see more than one thing at a time. These anomalies seem to be very common in several individual patients. One clear conclusion is that the front of the left side of the brain is needed in most cases for language development. In contrast, the rear of the right half of the brain is necessary for visuospatial communication. This means that these two activities are “centralized,” and other areas cannot conveniently perform them. Since the mid-19th century, analyses of these structural trends of specific brain disorders have shown the possible associations between particular brain areas and their functions. This study gave a subsequent basic brain map based on studies reviews. Since the mid-19th century, analyses of these structural trends of individual brain disorders have shown the possible associations between particular brain areas and their functions. A LITTLE REVIEW OF THE BRAIN The human brain comprises, like in every vertebrate, two nearly identical hemispheres that reflect one another. The grey cortex consists of nerve cells densely and a minute at a depth of 0.5–1 cm. There are many close, white fibres on the cable band separating the two hemispheres. Such fibres can as well be seen under the cortex and continue off to the spine. These are a bunch of different nerve axons that contain nerve cell information. Large axon fibres, such as cables carrying electricity, TV, and telecommunications information on urban roads, are arranged into bundles. The bright, white protective sheath of myelin insulates the nervous axon, allowing quick and reliable nerve impulse transmission. A simple summary of the human brain, therefore, shows that it consists of two hemispheres comprised of two neural forms: fascicular white matter, and grey cortex matter. The brain can sense electric currents through the exposure of the brain surface and the laying of an electrode (deep electrode mapping) directly on it. If done, stress shifts are detected as movement extends from one part into its neighbours and from one side of the cortex to different parts of the brain along with the disconnected white “cables.” Such complex electro-chemical variations can be seen as registering brain activity with mental activities and processes. THE CEREBRAL ACTIVITIES IN SIGN LANGUAGE Recent neurobiological sign language research focused on the recognition of the area of cerebral activation in producing and understanding sign language. Neuro-imaging and brain injury studies have shown differences in language expression, including lateralization and increased movement in a particular language processing centres for activities, both text speeches, and signed language. Moreover, in several studies, brain regions unique to sign language therapy were also detected. Early brain lesion studies have shown that injury to the frontal lobe in the left hemisphere results in sign production damage similar to Broca Aphasia. In contrast, damage in the left cortex leads to language deficiencies. On the other hand, there are no aphasic signs of right hemisphere lesions (Hickok, 1996; Marshall, 2004). For recent neuro-imaging studies like PET and fMRI, left lateralization in the understanding of sign language has also improved the activation of the right hemisphere associated with spoken words. Neville contrasted brain activity with the use of fMRI in a vital article when signers showed phrases in the Sign Language of America and written sentences to the speaker (1999). The perisylvian language regions of the left hemisphere were heavily recruited; however, the specific areas of the right hemisphere have only been triggered in the sign language (Neville, 1999). Capek advocated that semantic and syntactic processing involves different neural methods in both spoken and signed language to address the divergence between the lesion and neuroimaging studies (2009). Based on an ERP report, he found that the semantic processing in both language modalities is alike in place and timing of activation. It suggests the possibility for neuronal networks to be interested in the development of core ordinary language and to be modal. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPOKEN AND SIGNED LANGUAGE In the left lower temporal gyro and the back of the upper temporal gyro, cerebral activity is common among spoken and signed languages. The left lower temporal gyrus engages in the production of both signed and spoken languages and the high temporal gyrus is important to understand, including the area of Wernicke (MacSweeney, 2002). Therefore, these areas, regardless of the language form, are deemed to involve basic language processing. CRITICAL PERIOD AND DEVELOPMENT Many researchers are thinking that the critical time for developing some biological and behavioural processes is linked to plasticity in the brain (Mayberry, 2003). Language learning is known to be limited by a particular time during which language experience is needed for linguistic education. Debate on this hypothesis is reinforced by observations of late-life sign language abilities of deaf kids born to normal parents, as seen in these cases, people are often without full verbal information during early infancy. Research shows that the performance of these deaf people with no early childhood experience in grammatical activities was slightly lower compared to adults with exposure. This indicates the presence of a crucial period of development involving neocortical specialization and growth compared to other biological processes, including binocular vision development. The effects of the inferior frontal gyrus on neural structures due to a lack of early language awareness in individuals are seen. In this area, signers who are not exposed early are more active compared to indigenous signatories when phonological tasks are demanded.
Good Better Best! is a series of grammar resource books especially written for English language learners in Australia. The books provide simple grammar explanations and practice activities on topics about life in Australia. They use traditional grammar terms used in dictionaries and most grammar books. The vocabulary and content is familiar and useful for learners in Australia. The Good Better Best! series is designed for both individual learners who want to look up a grammar explanation or practise a grammar point independently, and for class groups exploring and practising grammar points in class. An easy-to-use answer key and list of irregular verbs makes the series ideal for independent study. Teachers will find it a useful classroom or homework tool for introducing, revising or practising the grammar associated with a theme, topic or genre. The resource is available at three levels: “Using Australian contexts makes these resource books interesting and relevant. I think they fulfil a real need.” Terry Griffin, teacher “It’s the best explanation of the present perfect I have ever had – I understood it for the first time!” Student comment from trial Suitable for adult and upper secondary ESL, ELICOS
For those who are looking to install solar panels, there is every chance that they might have carried out extensive research into the options that are available to them, not to mention understanding how the technology works. As they have carried out their research they might have come across two terms Solar Thermal and Solar Photovoltaic. With this finding might have come much confusion but there is a difference between the two and so, it is important that people know what the difference is before they make a decision. Solar thermal systems use the heat from the sun whereas solar electricity uses the sunlight. Solar Photovoltaic uses sunlight to create direct current electricity. In the case of solar thermal systems, they use a different technology that is also known as solar hot water systems and they work by creating hot water. Solar hot water panels will commonly have copper pipes within them that are filled with water and then when the sun shines, the pipes heat up, eventually heating the water within them. The water that is heated then moves through the system and flows into a storage tank which can be located on the roof or a side of the property. So, in the case of solar thermal systems, the system uses the energy of the sun to heat the water. Solar Photovoltaic panels create a flow of electricity when sunlight makes contact with the system. The electricity that is generated is then harness and moved through a converter which then allows it to be used around the home for any of our electrical needs. Both technologies have their uses but solar photovoltaic is the technology that is being implemented as it is the technology that creates electricity quickly and efficiently. This enables homeowners to use it and send it back to the grid where they can get paid for doing so.
Tanzanian writer Abdul Razzaq Gurnah - author of 10 novels, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature October this year. The first African writer to receive the prize in more than a decade. He is recognised for his uncompromising and sympathetic writings on the effects of colonialism. He also writes about the culture and the fate of refugees on continents. He became famous for the novel “Paradise”. The New York Times wrote: “shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1994, this novel opens in East Africa before World War I and follows 12-year-old Yusuf, handed over to a wealthy merchant as an indentured servant. Our reviewer called it “a poignant meditation on the nature of freedom and the loss of innocence, for both a single sensitive boy and an entire continent.” Gurnah is a wonderful writer, writing about a man's struggle to find a purpose for his life and makes haunting portraits of traditional societies collapsing under the weight of poverty and rapid change. Even the minor characters in this novel have richly imagined histories that inflect their smallest interactions. But Gurnah can be sombre: “Sometimes I think it is my fate to live in the wreckage and confusion of crumbling houses.” He wrote in his book “By the sea”. But then, he remains hopeful also: “Respect yourself and others will come to respect you. That is true about all of us but especially true about women.” (From his book “Paradisé”). Wangari Muta Maathai - the energetic Kenyan woman won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Contrary to Gurnah, Wangari Muta Maathai was never sombre and almost always hopeful. In the words of the Nobel Committee: "She thinks globally and acts locally." She was fully aware of climate change and wrote: “The generation that destroys the environment is not the generation that pays the price. That is the problem.” She was born in Nyeri, Kenya in 1940 and became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She was also the first female scholar from East Africa to take a doctorate in biology and the first female professor ever in her home country of Kenya. Maathai played an active part in the struggle for democracy in Kenya and belonged to the opposition to Daniel Arap Moi's regime. In 1977 she started a grass-roots movement aimed at countering the deforestation that was threatening the means of subsistence of the agricultural population. The campaign encouraged women to plant trees in their local environments and to think ecologically. She said: “A tree has roots in the soil yet reaches to the sky. It tells us that to aspire we need to be grounded and that no matter how high we go it is from our roots that we draw sustenance. It is a reminder to all of us who have had the success that we cannot forget where we came from. It signifies that no matter how powerful we may become in government, how many awards we may receive... Our power, strength and ability to reach our goals depend on the people around us. Those whose work remains unseen, who is the soil out of which we grow, the shoulders on which we stand.” The so-called Green Belt Movement spread to other African countries and contributed to planting over thirty million trees. “When we plant trees, we plant the seeds of peace and hope”, she used to say. Moreover: “Today we are faced with a challenge that calls for a shift in our thinking so that humanity stops threatening its life-support system. We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and to heal our own in the process - indeed to embrace the whole of creation in all its diversity, beauty and wonder. Recognizing that sustainable development, democracy and peace are indivisible is an idea whose time has come” Wangari Maathai died on 25 September 2011.
It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker. Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool. Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker. It is a key monomer in production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic, which is clear and nearly shatter-proof, is used to make a variety of common products including baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical devices, CDs, and household electronics. Epoxy resins are used as coatings on the inside of almost all food and beverage cans The main problem with BPA is that it's being used in CANNED FOODS and baby bottles such at Avent's plastic baby bottles. Numerous studies have shown that when the baby bottles are exposed to boiling water or when they are put through the dishwasher they break down and the BPA seeps into the baby's milk/formula. When legitimate scientists have conducted studies on BPA, it is consistently linked to obesity, developmental problems, risk for heart attack, and breast and prostate cancer. Scientists, physicians, and children's health advocates expressed outrage with the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement that bisphenol A - the hormone disrupting chemical found in numerous consumer products including can linings and baby bottles - is "safe." "The FDA's assessment relies on just two studies which were funded by the American Chemistry Council (ACC). This ignores dozens of other studies done by independent scientists which have found evidence of health consequences," says Dr. Sarah Janssen, a physician and scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The American Chemistry Council represents the companies that make the products that make modern life possible, "The chemical industry's efforts to hide or misrepresent the hazards of its product have been so blatant that Congress has felt the need to intervene," said Dr. Jennifer Sass, a scientist with NRDC. Congress is scrutinizing the communications between the ACC and a PR firm, the Weinberg Group, whose clients have included the alcohol and tobacco industries. A Union of Concerned Scientists poll of FDA scientists indicated broad industry interference within the agency. Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-MA): "Since the regulators are asleep at the wheel, I've introduced legislation to ban BPA in all food and beverage containers, and will continue to work to ensure that it is enacted into law." Mexican peppers posed problem long before outbreak By GARANCE BURKE – 2 days ago FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Federal inspectors at U.S. border crossings repeatedly turned back filthy, disease-ridden shipments of peppers from Mexico in the months before a salmonella outbreak that sickened 1,400 people was finally traced to Mexican chilies. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that BPA was detected in the urine of 93% of tested participants, in the same overall NHANES database, who were six years old or older, "a finding that indicates widespread exposure to BPA in the US population. " Concentrations varied inversely with age and with income, and women had higher levels than men. Elevated urinary levels of bisphenol A (BPA), an additive in plastic and other materials used in food packaging and consumer products and one of the world's most widely used industrial chemicals, significantly raise the chances of also having diabetes or a history of cardiovascular events, according to a study based on the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) . A one-standard-deviation rise in BPA concentrations was associated with a 63% increased risk of having been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, a 40% greater likelihood of having had a "heart attack," and a 39% increased risk of diabetes, in the cross-sectional analysis adjusted for age, sex, and other risk markers. In the NHANES cohort of more than 1400 patients, the same degree of BPA elevation was also associated with abnormally high liver enzymes.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said that it marked Monday, Nov. 20, World Children's Day in a "sombre mood" due to the killings of thousands of children in Gaza, urging a cease-fire. "World Children's Day has generally been regarded as a day to celebrate the gains ... today, it, however, has become a day for mourning for the many children who have recently died in armed conflict," the committee said in a statement, noting that more than 4,600 children have been killed in Gaza in just the last five weeks. "This war has claimed the lives of more children in a shorter time and with a level of brutality that we have not witnessed in recent decades," it stressed. Reiterating its call for a cease-fire, the committee lamented that the UN Security Council has "not put its weight" behind that call, arguing that the "humanitarian pauses" suggested by some would not end the conflict. "While the 15 November 2023 resolution of the Security Council calling for humanitarian pauses and corridors is a positive step by the international community, it does not end the war that is waging on children-it simply makes it possible for children to be saved from being killed on some days, but not on other days," it said. In the bigger picture, the committee said that there are 468 million children worldwide living in armed conflict zones, citing figures from Save the Children, an international NGO. It also expressed concern about thousands of children dying in armed conflict in many parts of the world, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Myanmar, Haiti, Sudan, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. According to verified figures, the global figure of children killed or maimed was 8,630 in 2022, while up to 4,000 children were denied humanitarian access last year. Given the current situation in Gaza, the number of child victims of these "grave human rights violations" is rising "exponentially," said the UN committee. "In the face of wars affecting children around the globe, we call again for ceasefires, for a return to the basics of humanitarian law, and for thorough investigations by competent authorities of all grave violations against children in the context of armed conflict," it urged. Since Israel started bombarding Gaza on Oct. 7 following a Hamas attack, at least 13,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 9,000 women and children, and more than 30,000 others have been injured, according to the latest figures by Palestinian authorities. Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel's relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave. An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a small trickle. The Israeli death toll is around 1,200, according to official figures.
At 3:28 in the morning on July 27, 2002, in an extended voting session, the House passed the Trade Act of 2002 (H.R. 3009) by a slim 3-vote margin. On August 1st, the bill was passed in the Senate. The Trade Act’s main provision was Fast Track negotiating authority, also known as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The Fast Track mechanism involves special procedures for the negotiation, consideration, and implementation of trade agreements. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress authority over setting the terms of international commerce, and the Executive branch jurisdiction over negotiations with foreign nations. Fast Track, however, delegates Congresses’ authority to the Executive branch so that the Administration is granted the power to negotiate trade agreements, draft implementing legislation to change U.S. law, and sign agreements into international law. Congress’s involvement is restricted to 20 hours of debate and an up or down vote on the final bill with no amendments allowed. Fast Track is an anomaly in terms of legislative procedure in which Congress generally goes through a multi-step process of writing, debating, and amending legislation. Fast Track was created in 1974, when international trade agreements primarily dealt with tariffs and quotas. Today, trade agreements have grossly expanded, involving anything from domestic environmental and public health laws to tax and zoning regulations. Because of the far-reaching nature of contemporary trade agreements, more public scrutiny and checks and balances are needed, not less. In addition to the constraints of the Fast Track procedure, TPA established negotiating objectives for future trade agreements which rather than establishing meaningful objectives on labor and environmental protections, investment provisions, and other crucial areas, afford the Administration a blank check. In several cases, the negotiating objectives in TPA are a step backwards from those in previous grants of Fast Track authority. That last granting of Fast Track expired on July 1, 2007 and would require a new vote by Congress to be renewed. On January 9, 2014, House Ways & Means Chair David Camp (R-MI) and Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced legislation to revive the 2002 Fast Track mechanism. Their bill was met with immediate and widespread opposition. Fast Track News Widespread Opposition to the Camp-Baucus Fast Track Legislation Citizens Trade Campaign, January 9, 2014 Congress Voices Bipartisan Opposition to Fast Track Citizens Trade Campaign, November 13, 2013 Congress Must Vet the Pacific Rim Trade Proposal Teamsters, July 10, 2013 Two-thirds of Democratic Freshmen Sign Letter Opposing Fast Track Citizens Trade Campaign, June 10, 2013 Hundreds of US Organizations Urge Congress to Replace Fast Track Citizens Trade Campaign, March 4, 2013 US Dairy Sector Asks Congress to Replace Fast Track Citizens Trade Campaign, March 4, 2013 Fast Track Authority for Trans-Pacific Trade Deal Opposed Ag Web, March 4, 2013 White House Says It Will Seek Fast Track Trade Authority Reuters, March 1, 2013 Corporate Support Builds for Renewing Obama’s Trade Agreement Fast Track Authority The Hill, February 24, 2013 Fast Track Powers Needed for US-Pacific Trade Deal, Kirk Says Bloomberg, February 29, 2012 Past Fast Track News Romney Wants Presidential Trade Power Associated Press, November 1, 2007 Bush Losing “Fast Track” Trade Power Associated Press, July 2, 2007 713 Groups Sign Letter Telling Democratic Leadership “No” to Fast Track Release Interfaith Working Group Letter Opposing Fast Track Renewal March 27, 2007 Fast Track to Nowhere International Association of Machinists Media Library, March 2007 Steelworkers President Cites New AFL-CIO Direction on Trade Policy Statement by USW President Leo Gerard, March 7, 2007 Fast Track or the Right Track? AFL-CIO Executive Council Trade Resolution, March 6, 2007 Restoring the American Dream Through Fair Trade, Not Free Trade Change To Win Statement, March 6, 2007 Labor, Environmental, Farm Leaders Say NO Fast Track Renewal Steelworkers President Leo Gerard, UNITE HERE President Bruce Raynor, Sierra Club President Carl Pope, National Farmers Union President Tom Buis, and Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder tell reporters Congress must change course on trade. [Because of the size of this file, it will be quicker to right click the link and “save target as” onto your computer, then open it with your media player.] Labor, Greens Denounce Trade Policy Washington Times, February 14, 2007 CTC Trade Strategy Summit Launches Plan to Translate Midterm-Election Fair-Trade Mandate into New US Trade Policy Citizens Trade Campaign Press Release, February 6, 2007 A New, Green Vision is Need for Trade Statement of Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of the Earth, and Sierra Club, January 31, 2007 Statement of Lori Wallach, Director of Global Trade Watch Hearing on Trade and Globalization, House Ways and Means Committee, January 30, 2007 Letter in Opposition to Fast Track Citizens Trade Campaign, August 1, 2002 Fast Track to Lost Jobs Economic Policy Institute, October 2001 Fast Track Talking Points Public Citizen Fast Track Wins, Workers Lose with Senate Trade Vote AFL-CIO
\|MONTEIL, CAROLINE - Swansea University\| \|YAHARA, KOJI - National Institute Of Infectious Diseases\| \|STUDHOLME, DAVID - University Of Exeter\| \|MAGEIROS, LEONARDIS - Swansea University\| \|MERIC, GUILLAUME - Swansea University\| \|MORRIS, CINDY - Inra, Génétique Animale Et Biologie Intégrative , Jouy-En-josas, France\| \|VINATZER, BORIS - Virginia Tech\| \|SHEPPARD, SAMUEL - Swansea University\| Submitted to: PLoS Pathogens Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 9/13/2016 Publication Date: 10/21/2016 Citation: Swingle, B.M., Monteil, C.L., Yahara, K., Studholme, D.J., Mageiros, L., Meric, G., Morris, C.E., Vinatzer, B.A., Sheppard, S.K. 2016. Population genomic insights into the emergence, crop-adaptation and dissemination of Pseudomonas syringae pathogens. PLoS Pathogens. 2(10):e000089. Interpretive Summary: Just as with human diseases, new crop diseases emerge without warning and sometimes spread rapidly around the globe causing devastation. Where these pathogens originally came from is often unknown. The bacterial species Pseudomonas syringae consists of a group of genetically diverse bacteria including strains that are devastating crop pathogens as well as strains isolated from wild plants and components of the water cycle, such as clouds, rain and fresh water. The existence of these environmental strains that are closely related to crop pathogens suggests that crop pathogenic P. syringae possibly emerged from a diverse P. syringae population that pre-existed in the environment even before the dawn of agriculture. Here we found evidence for this hypothesis by sequencing and comparing the genomes of crop pathogenic and environmental strains; we inferred their evolutionary relationships, and identified genes with putative key roles in emergence of crop disease. Technical Abstract: Although pathogen strains that cause disease outbreaks are often well characterized, relatively little is known about the reservoir populations from which they emerge. Genomic comparison of outbreak strains with isolates of reservoir populations can give new insight into mechanisms of disease emergence. Pseudomonas syringae sensu lato is an ideal model to study disease emergence because it is a genetically diverse group of bacteria that comprises crop pathogens as well as closely related environmental isolates found in wild plants and in components of the water cycle. Here, we compared genome sequences of 45 P. syringae crop pathogen outbreak strains with 69 closely related environmental isolates. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that crop pathogens emerged many times independently from environmental populations. Population structure analysis showed that crop pathogens and environmental populations have not separated from each other suggesting that emergence events occurred recently. Unexpectedly, differences in gene content between environmental populations and outbreaks strains were minimal with most known virulence genes present in both. However, a genome-wide association study identified a small group of genes, including the type III effector genes hopQ1 and hopD1, to be associated with crop pathogens, but not with environmental populations, suggesting that these two effectors may play an important role in crop disease. Intriguingly, analysis of recombination across the whole genome revealed that a gene predicted to confer antibiotic resistance has been frequently exchanged among lineages and thus may contribute to pathogen fitness. Finally, the finding that isolates from diseased crops and from components of the water cycle collected during a crop disease epidemic form a single population provides the strongest evidence yet that precipitation may be a so far overlooked inoculation source of disease epidemics caused by P. syringae.
- Philosophy of Linux kernel patches - What is a patch? - Patch subject formatting - Subject format for checkpatch fixes - Patch description format for checkpatch fixes - What is a patchset? - Patches are git commits - How to break up changes - Updating and resending patches - Further reading Philosophy of Linux kernel patches What is a patch? A patch is a small file that contains a short commit message (less than 50 characters), a description of the changes in paragraph form, and a diff of the code changes. Here's an example of a patch to a Linux kernel documentation file: From 2c97a63f6fec91db91241981808d099ec60a4688 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sarah Sharp <email@example.com> To: firstname.lastname@example.org Date: Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:40:55 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] Docs: Add info on supported kernels to REPORTING-BUGS. One of the most common frustrations maintainers have with bug reporters is the email that starts with "I have a two year old kernel from an embedded vendor with some random drivers and fixes thrown in, and it's crashing". Be specific about what kernel versions the upstream maintainers will fix bugs in, and direct bug reporters to their Linux distribution or embedded vendor if the bug is in an unsupported kernel. Suggest that bug reporters should reproduce their bugs on the latest -rc kernel. Signed-off-by: Sarah Sharp <email@example.com> --- REPORTING-BUGS \| 22 ++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 files changed, 22 insertions(+), 0 deletions(-) diff --git a/REPORTING-BUGS b/REPORTING-BUGS index f86e500..c1f6e43 100644 --- a/REPORTING-BUGS +++ b/REPORTING-BUGS @@ -1,3 +1,25 @@ +Background +========== + +The upstream Linux kernel maintainers only fix bugs for specific kernel +versions. Those versions include the current "release candidate" (or -rc) +kernel, any "stable" kernel versions, and any "long term" kernels. + +Please see https://www.kernel.org/ for a list of supported kernels. Any +kernel marked with [EOL] is "end of life" and will not have any fixes +backported to it. + +If you've found a bug on a kernel version isn't listed on kernel.org, +contact your Linux distribution or embedded vendor for support. +Alternatively, you can attempt to run one of the supported stable or -rc +kernels, and see if you can reproduce the bug on that. It's preferable +to reproduce the bug on the latest -rc kernel. + + +How to report Linux kernel bugs +=============================== + + Identify the problematic subsystem ---------------------------------- -- 1.7.9 Subject: [PATCH] Docs: Add info on supported kernels to REPORTING-BUGS. This short description should tell the reader, at a glance, what this patch is about. Usually there will be a prefix to the short description, to let the reader know which subsystem it applies to. In this case, it applies to the Documentation subsystem. One of the most common frustrations maintainers have with bug reporters is the email that starts with "I have a two year old kernel from an embedded vendor with some random drivers and fixes thrown in, and it's crashing". Be specific about what kernel versions the upstream maintainers will fix bugs in, and direct bug reporters to their Linux distribution or embedded vendor if the bug is in an unsupported kernel. Suggest that bug reporters should reproduce their bugs on the latest -rc kernel. Signed-off-by: Sarah Sharp <firstname.lastname@example.org> This description tells why the change was made. The "why" of a patch is more important than "what" the patch is doing. If your commit is just a restatement of the diff of the code (e.g. "I changed the X function to not do Y"), you should rethink your patch description. The body of the patch is a chance to tell a maintainer why they should take your patch. This is your chance to convince them, beyond a doubt, that they should take the time to apply your patch. If your patch is a bug fix, you should describe how to trigger the bug, and reference any bugzilla entries that describe the patch, and say how this patch fixes the bug. If your patch is a new feature, you should describe why the new feature is needed, and what other code will use it. New features and drivers are the hardest patches to get in, so your patch descriptions should be air tight. All your patch descriptions must end with your "Signed-off-by" line. This means your code meets the Developer's certificate of origin. Please read that whole section to ensure you're submitting your own code to the Linux kernel. somedriver: fixed sleep while atomic in send_a_packet() The send_a_packet() function was called in atomic context but took a mutex, which caused a sleeping while atomic warning. Changed the skb_lock to be a spin lock instead of a mutex to fix. somedriver: fix sleep while atomic in send_a_packet() The send_a_packet() function is called in atomic context but takes a mutex, causing a sleeping while atomic warning. Change the skb_lock to be a spin lock instead of a mutex to fix. Similarly, avoid first-person singular pronouns ("I removed XYZ" => "Remove Xyz"). Although you would like your patch to tell a story, resist the temptation to list every step and right or wrong turn you took to arrive at the solution; instead summarize what was wrong, and how the fix corrects it. If you think the reviewer needs to know how you arrived at it, please add that information after the "---" line before the diffstat: such information does not make it into the git history. Patch subject formatting As the example above showed, each git commit has a short description that becomes the patch subject line. Each patch subject will need to have a driver prefix. In the example above, the prefix was "Docs: ". This driver prefix will vary based on which kernel driver you are changing. When figuring out which driver prefix to use, it is helpful to look at the git log for the particular file you're changing. sarah@xanatos:~/git/kernels/xhci$ git log --pretty=oneline --abbrev-commit drivers/staging/et131x/et131x.c 015851c34202 Staging: et131x: Fix warning of prefer ether_addr_copy() in et131x.c a9f488831cb4 staging: et131x: fix allocation failures 0b15862d46fd staging: et131x: remove spinlock adapter->lock a863a15bf24a staging: et131x: stop read when hit max delay in et131x_phy_mii_read Subject format for checkpatch fixes When creating a patch that fixes a checkpatch.pl warning or error, it is important to include which checkpatch error or warning you are fixing in your subject line. This is especially important when you have several checkpatch.pl fixes in a patchset to a driver. Patch description format for checkpatch fixes Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:24:03 +0530 From: Vaishali Thakkar <email@example.com> To: firstname.lastname@example.org Subject: [OPW kernel] [PATCH] Staging: rtl8192e: Fix printk() warning style List-ID: <opw-kernel.googlegroups.com> This patch fixes the checkpatch.pl warning: WARNING: Prefer [subsystem eg: netdev]_info([subsystem]dev, ... then dev_info(dev, ... then pr_info(... to printk(KERN_INFO ... Signed-off-by: Vaishali Thakkar<email@example.com> --- What is a patchset? A patchset is a series of patches that are related, that describe changes to add new functionality, or fix bugs in a specific driver. The idea of a patchset is to break changes into a logical series. To understand how to arrange your patches, you have to first understand some background. Patches are git commits In the Linux kernel, all our history is stored in git commits. If you send a patch to a maintainer, they will apply it to their own git tree using `git am`, in order to create a git commit for it. They'll also add their Signed-off-by line to the patch, below your own, in order to certify that they have reviewed, and possibly tested, your patch. We keep the kernel under revision control in order to be able to know who made a change (by running `git blame <file>`), to be able to revert individual changes if they prove problematic (with `git revert`), and so that if there's a bug, we can bisect the commits to the specific commit that caused the issue (with `git bisect`). How to break up changes Each patch should group changes into a logical sequence. Bug fixes must come first in the patchset, then new features. This is because we need to be able to backport bug fixes to older kernels, and they should not depend on new features. A logical change may span multiple files. For example, if you're making whitespace changes to a particular driver that is compiled from several files (like drivers/usb/host/xhci.c and drivers/usb/host/xhci-mem.c), then you would combine all those whitespace changes in one commit. If you also wanted to make other cleanups to the driver (like removing one camel-case variable name), then you would make a separate commit. The idea here is that you should break changes up in such a way that it will be easy to review. Whitespace changes are easy to review in one patch, but may be difficult to review if other changes are thrown in. A change to one variable name is visually easy to track, but throwing in two variable name changes into one patch is hard to track. As you read more patches on the mailing list, you will get a sense of how to break up your changes in logical ways. Some kernel developers are better at this than others. When creating a new feature patchset, you may need to break up your changes into multiple commits. For example, if you're trying to add feature A, but you find you need to refactor some code to allow new functions to call it, your first commit would be the refactoring, and the second commit would be the new feature. This makes it easier to track down breakage with `git bisect`, in case you made a mistake in your refactoring. Clean up patches that are over 200 lines long are discouraged, because they are hard to review. Break those patches up into smaller patches. Clean up patchsets with more than 10 patches are also hard to review, so you may want to send a subset of those patches, wait for them to be accepted, and then send another patchset. These are not hard-and-fast rules, but rather ways to avoid making Linux kernel maintainers feel like they're drinking from a firehose. See Sarah Sharp's blog post for a philsophical comparision of creating patchsets and creating four-course meals. Updating and resending patches You can use git rebase -i to reorder, combine, split, or otherwise edit your patchset; you'll probably want to save a tag or branch pointing to the previous versions of your patchset first. If you need to dig up an older version of your patchset that you didn't save, use git reflog. Once you've reorganized your patchset, you should resend it via email. You'll need to do three additional things for subsequent versions: use PATCHv2 (or PATCHv3 and so on) in the subject lines instead of PATCH, add a patch changelog to the patch (for single patches) or cover letter (for patchsets), and send the new patch series a reply to the previous one. To update the subject lines, add the -v 2 (or -v 3, etc) options to git format-patch. (If you have an older version of git that doesn't understand the -v option, you may need to use --subject-prefix=PATCHv2 instead.) v2: Fixed ..., noted by Some Person <firstname.lastname@example.org> Reworked to use ..., as suggested by ... v3: ... Finally, to send your new patch series as a reply to the previous one, first look up the Message-Id of the cover letter (or the one-and-only patch) in your previous patch series, and then pass that to the --in-reply-to= option of either git format-patch or git send-email. Prefix your patch subject with the subsystem. In this case, staging and the driver. E.g. "Fix checkpatch.pl issues with quoted string split across lines in hfa384x_usb.c" becomes "staging: hfa384x: Fix split strings". Double check past patches to see which prefix was used by running `git log` on a driver file.
Jan 4, 2012 Liebestraum by Franz Liszt (1811-1886) Franz Liszt was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher. Liszt became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age. In the 1840s he was considered by some to be perhaps the greatest pianist of all time. He was also a well-known composer, piano teacher, and conductor. He was a benefactor to other composers, including Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin. Romantic. 25 Measures. 3 Pages. Time Signature 6/4. drop d.
The Main Causes of the Great Depression The Great Depression was the worst economic slump ever in U.S. history, and one which spread to virtually all of the industrialized world Three quarters of the U.S. population would spend essentially all of their yearly incomes to purchase consumer goods such as food, clothes, radios, and cars. These were the poor and middle class: families with incomes around, or usually less than, $2,500 a year. The bottom three quarters of the population had an aggregate income of less than 45% of the combined national income; the top 25% of the population took in more than 55% of the national income Through such a period of imbalance, the U.S. came to rely upon two things in order for the economy to remain on an even keel: credit sales, and luxury spending and investment from the rich. One obvious solution to the problem of the vast majority of the population not having enough money to satisfy all their needs was to let those who wanted goods buy products on credit. The concept of buying now and paying later caught on quickly. By the end of the 1920's 60% of cars and 80% of radios were bought on installment credit16. Between 1925 and 1929 the total amount of outstanding installment credit more than doubled from $1.38 billion to around $3 billion17. Installment credit allowed one to "telescope the future into the present", as the President's Committee on Social Trends noted18. This strategy created artificial demand for products which people could not ordinarily afford. It put off the day of reckoning, but it made the downfall worse when it came. And Bernanke is a "scholar" of the great depression. Yet he is pushing for this bailout, to keep the credit markets from freezing? When will people wake up? We are being played into a trap. Ultimate financial control through credit slavery. Got your mark yet? Six hundred, "three score" and six. Three score is a reference to your credit score.
We are very fortunate in the City of Antioch to live in an area surrounded by beautiful rivers, creeks, and open spaces. Here in Antioch, there are 4 creeks which wind through our city: East Antioch Creek; Markley Creek (a tributary of West Antioch Creek); Sand Creek; and West Antioch Creek. Within the city limits are also parts of the watersheds for Marsh Creek and Kirker Creek. These creeks receive runoff from our neighborhoods through a system of storm drains, rain filtration, and runoff of permeable surfaces. All water that runs of our yards, down our streets and into the storm drains flows untreated directly into the local creeks and eventually to the San Joaquin River. It is our responsibility to ensure that storm drains and our waterways are clean and free of pollutants. The City of Antioch’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) program is charged with the responsibility of preventing pollution and maintaining our storm water system. Activities include: public outreach and education; inspections and enforcement; spill clean-up; storm drain maintenance; channel and creek maintenance; street sweeping and monitoring. Please visit the pages below to learn more about the City’s efforts and what you can do to keep our waterways clean! How You Can Help Keep our Waterways Clean Report Illegal Dumping: Illegal dumping contributes to polluting our waterways as the runoff from the dumped flows into the storm drains. Moreover, the debris can block storm drains and cause flooding and additional pollution to end up in our waterways. Hazardous Waste: Reducing polluted run-off from your home is easier than you might think! Drop off your household hazardous waste for free at the Delta Diablo Collection Facility. Motor Oil Recycling: Are you a do-it-yourself type when it comes to automobile maintenance? The City of Antioch has several convenient motor oil and used filter recycling options – click HERE to find out more or visit Own Your Streets. Only Rain Down the Drain: Make sure you are washing your car responsibly, wash water should never be discharged into a street, parking lot, or storm drain. Planning a car wash event, call the City of Antioch’s Environmental Resources Department to check out a car washing kit! Composting is a great way to return nutrients to your soil naturally! Using composting will reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers in your yard, thus helping to reduce chemical runoff into our waterways. Click here for more information on how to start composing at home. Construction Activities: If you are planning a construction project equal to or greater than 1 acre, you will need to prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in order to receive a State General Construction Activity Permit. Sweeping the streets is an important pollution prevention function provided in our community to helps to prevent dirt, hydrocarbons, litter and leaves from entering the storm drain system. The best way to prevent pollutants from enter our waterways is keep these items out of the roadways entirely, especially during before wind, rain, and water carry them into storm drains. You can help but not littering and setting an example for others in the community. Make sure to NOT park leaking automobiles on the street and move your car during street cleaning days. You can also pick up fallen leaves and other material from the gutter and street in front of your home. The City of Antioch contracts with Delta Diablo to provide street sweeping service for the city streets. Residential neighborhoods are swept once a month. Major streets are swept more often. Click here to see the schedule for the sweep day in your area. \|The Brochures\|\|Los Folletos\| \|Earth Moving Activities\|\|Actividades de Mocimiento de Tierra\| \|Fresh Concrete and Mortar\|\|Uso de Concretp Fresco y Mortero\| \|General Construction and Site Supervision\|\|Construcción y Supervisión General del Sitio\| \|Home Repair and Remodeling\|\|Reparaciones y Mejoras a las Viviendas\| \|Landscaping, Gardening and Pool Maintenance\|\|Mantenimiento de Jardinería y Piscinas\| \|Painting and Application of Solvents and Adhesives\|\|Pintura, y el Uso de Solventes y Adhesivos\| \|Roadwork and Paving\|\|Reparación y Pavimentación de Caminos\|
A high level of cholesterol in the blood is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. An LMU team has now identified an endogenous regulator of serum cholesterol – which could lead to new therapies for metabolic syndrome. Heart attacks are often preceded by the development of arteriosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory reaction that results in damage to the inner walls of major arteries. The inflammation is triggered by the build-up of cholesterol deposits on the inner surface of blood vessels, but the reaction itself facilitates further accumulation of fat-rich "plaque", which may ultimately lead to restriction or complete blockage of blood flow. Cardiologists try to prevent such an outcome by inserting a so-called stent at the site of the obstruction. This serves as a stable brace and increases the diameter of the vessel affected, thus improving blood flow. However, the intervention does involve the risk of mechanical damage to the vessel wall. The regeneration of damaged vascular tissue requires the proliferation of vascular cells to restore the integrity of the vessel wall. The protein CXCL12 – a so-called chemokine – plays an important role in this process by attracting circulating stem cells to the injured site. This effect requires binding of CXCL12 to a receptor protein named CXCR4. "But there is another receptor that recognizes CXCL12, called CXCR7, whose function in vascular repair has been unclear up to now," says LMU clinical scientist Andreas Schober. He and his colleagues have now characterized the action of this second receptor. Fat cells buffer cholesterol levels The researchers made use of several genetic strains of mice to explore the impact of CXCR7 on the response to direct vascular damage and to arteriosclerosis induced by a high-fat diet. To their surprise, the investigators discovered that CXCR7 makes no contribution to the repair of injured blood vessels. Instead, it facilitates the uptake of cholesterol by cells that store fat and form adipose tissue, thus lowering the amount of cholesterol present in the circulation. Excess cholesterol in the blood can lead to dysregulation of vascular regeneration after vascular injury, which in turn increases the risk of arteriosclerosis. "Treatment with a synthetic binding partner for CXCR7 reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood and thus counteracts this effect," says Schober. Conversely, increased amounts of circulating cholesterol were observed in mice in which CXCR7 itself was specifically inactivated. Both effects could be attributed to the fact that CXCR7 promotes the transport of cholesterol into these cells. Hence, these findings demonstrate that adipose tissue acts to buffer the amount of cholesterol present in the circulation, and that the presence of CXCR7 in fat cells is essential for its effective uptake. The application of synthetic binding partners that recognize and activate CXCR7 could therefore offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of the hypercholesterolemia which is a characteristic element of metabolic syndrome. Explore further: With a little exercise, your fat cells may coax liver to produce 'good' cholesterol "Activation of CXCR7 Limits Atherosclerosis and Improves Hyperlipidemia by Increasing Cholesterol Uptake in Adipose Tissue." Li X, Zhu M, Penfold ME, Koenen RR, Thiemann A, Heyll K, Akhtar S, Koyadan S, Wu Z, Gremse F, Kiessling F, van Zandvoort MA, Schall T, Weber C, Schober A. Circulation. 2014 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print]
Portland, Ore. Surgically implanted pacemakers only last for about five years before their nonrechargeable batteries which draw current of less than a microamp must be replaced. And devices like microstimulators, whose milliamp-current flows require bulky rechargeable batteries, must be reimplanted surgically far more often. Now a consortium of government, industry and academic organizations has developed a microstimulator with a tiny battery that can be recharged through the skin, enabling nonsurgical implantation for much longer periods of time. The microstimulator is used to bridge broken nerve connections resulting from Parkinson's, epilepsy and spinal chord injuries and other conditions. "Any place you have a broken nerve connection, our device can supply the electrical impulse to complete the circuit," said emeritus professor Robert West. The microstimulator was enabled by a battery with a organosilicon core designed by West and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin. The consortium includes the University of Wisconsin's (Madison) Organosilicon Research Center, Argonne National Laboratory, Advanced Bionics, the Alfred Mann Foundation and Quallion. "We estimate that the battery will last up to 15 years, because it's rechargeable by virtue of an induction coil built into it by Advanced Bionics," West said. "You simply place an external coil over the part of the body where the implant is, run current through it, and that is picked up by the implant's coil and recharges the battery." The bionic device also has a wireless transceiver that permits doctors to monitor the battery's state from outside the body. By building battery-monitoring and -charging functions into the external electronics, the bionic device can selectively monitor and direct the recharging of multiple microstimulators. The lithium-ion rechargeable battery was created with organic liquids, called organosilicon compounds, specifically for bionic implants. "Our part was developing the electrolytes for the battery," said West. "We discovered that organosilicon compounds can make a big difference they can really extend the lifetime of lith-ium-ion batteries. They are also stable, nonflammable, nontoxic and pose no threat to the environment." Organosilicons enable bionic batteries by using compounds composed of silicon and other natural materials, here designed to be electrolytes the electricity-conducting liquid that stores charge in a battery. "We tweaked our organosilicon molecules for high conductivity and stability, enabling ions to go through it very easily," said West. Today's microstimulators are so large that they have to be implanted and removed periodically to have their batteries replaced. These batteries are rechargeable through the skin, since nonrechargeables can't supply enough current, but they have be encapsulated to prevent them from leaking harmful chemicals. In contrast, the organosilicon-based bionic batteries contain no harmful chemicals and thus do not require a bulky case. In fact, the resulting implant is so small that it does not even require surgery to be inserted inside the body. "Our device is so small that it can be implanted without surgery using an instrument that's like a needle," said West. "It's just a little thicker than pencil lead and about an inch long." The bionic battery was patented through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and licensed to a startup company, Polyron Inc. Funding for developing the organosilicon compounds was provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Tips for a Successful Vegetable Garden by Don Janssen, Extension Educator Adequate sunlight is needed to grow vegetables With garden catalogs arriving over the past weeks and seeds starting to appear in garden centers, thoughts are again directed toward the home vegetable garden. Success depends on a variety of factors, but includes more than just purchasing quality seeds. Here are some of the essential elements for success when vegetable gardening. Growing vegetables in a quality location is important. Adequate sunlight is key for successfully growing vegetables in the garden. Vegetables need sun to grow and produce! Gardens should be as far from shade as possible. Pruning trees will help to some degree, but you can only do so much. While some vegetables will tolerate shading to a certain extent, they will still produce much better in full sun. Another essential for vegetables is good soil drainage. Unfortunately, many soils in our area are high in clay, which usually means poor drainage. Also, soils in urban areas tend to be compacted, which adds to drainage problems. Adding organic matter (peat, compost, etc.) and growing vegetables on raised beds are potential solutions. Raised beds work well in the backyard. Another important factor relating to the soil is pH. Soil pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a soil is. Vegetables prefer a slightly acid soil, with pH values between 5.5 and 6.8. Most soils in Nebraska tend to be alkaline (pH values above 7.0); but you can't tell without a soil test. Once you know you're garden soil pH, sulfur can be used to lower it and limestone can be used to raise it. Only apply these if you know the pH value of your soil. Don't add limestone or sulfur on a routine basis without knowing the soil pH! A fourth important factor in growing vegetables is an adequate water supply for the entire season. Without sufficient water, especially in drought periods, vegetables will not yield very well and quality will be poor. An adequate water supply needs to be close to the garden site. Mulching will help conserve soil moisture. It's only March, but thinking ahead always pays off! Review your garden situation and plan to make any necessary changes to assure success in 2006! University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County is your on-line yard and garden educational resource. The information on this Web site is valid for residents of southeastern Nebraska. It may or may not apply in your area. If you live outside southeastern Nebraska, visit your local Extension office
Natural Rubber Today \|“It moves us, insulates us, protects us and cushions us, ingrained so deeply into our lives it can be found in nearly every machine, appliance, apparatus and gadget and its story is one of the most fantastic you’ll ever hear.” This statement opened the 2004, History Channel Modern Marvels broadcast on Natural Rubber. They also point out that “Our four most important natural resources are air, water, petroleum, and rubber”. PENRA would have argued for soil to be part of the list. Nonetheless, while most people guess the first two, and some also come up with petroleum, almost no-one even imagines that rubber is fourth on this list. Natural rubber is a critical agriculture material essential to the U.S. economy, used to make about 50,000 different products across all manufacturing sectors. The higher the product performance required, the greater the proportion of natural rubber: the rubber component of a passenger car tire may be 50% natural and 50% synthetic, but truck tires are 95-100% natural rubber. Airplanes land on 100% natural rubber tires – they would explode on landing if synthetic polymers were included. Surgeon’s gloves are also 100% natural rubber. Almost all natural rubber is harvested by tapping tropical rubber trees and the U.S. imports about 1.5 million metric tons (3,306,000,000 lbs), an enormous amount. However, we now face a significant supply problem. As southeast Asia, India, China and Brazil expand and develop their economies, they need more and more rubber. The increasing demand is greater than all of our imports so where shall we get the rubber we need? PENRA was created to integrate and accelerate the incubation, demonstration, market entry, and growth of a domestic natural rubber industry. PENRA focuses on the creation of the science and technology and the private partnerships needed to support the introduction and scale-up of natural rubber alternatives. Current research focuses on improvement of germplasm and processing techniques to increase production of natural rubber from Taraxacum kok-saghyz, utilization of allergen-free latex produced from guayule, and evaluation of the natural rubber potential of other plants. The Cornish Lab at the Ohio State University’s Wooster campus is the primary research lab.
New tables can be created using the two methods given below − The new table can be created using SQL Create Table statement – Create column Table Test1 ( ID INTEGER, NAME VARCHAR(10), PRIMARY KEY (ID) ); When you run this SQL query, you get a message like this: The statement 'Create column Table Test1 ( ID INTEGER, NAME VARCHAR(10), PRIMARY KEY (ID) )' successfully executed in 5 ms 136 μs (server processing time: 4 ms 432 μs) - Rows Affected: 0 To create a table using GUI, you need to right-click on any schema name -> New Table It will open a window to enter the Table name, Choose Schema name from the drop-down, Define Table type from the drop-down list: Column Store or Row Store. Define data type as shown below. Columns can be added by clicking on the + sign, Primary Key can be chosen by clicking on the cell under Primary key in front of the Column name, Not Null will be active by default. Once columns are added, click on Execute.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that companies cannot patent human genes. The decision, expected to profoundly affect the medical and biotechnology industries, is being described as a victory by the scientific and civil liberty communities. In a unanimous ruling the nine justices of the Supreme Court said naturally occurring human DNA extracted from the human body cannot be patented, quashing patents held by the Utah-based biotechnology company Myriad Genetics on an increasingly popular breast cancer test. But judges did hand Myriad a partial victory, allowing it to retain patents on synthetically produced genetic material. Civil liberties groups called it a victory, and predicted it would usher in cheaper genetic tests. "A naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated but copied DNA is patent eligible because it is not naturally occurring," the court ruled. The nine justices issued the ruling after reviewing a 2012 appeals court decision that allowed biotechnology company Myriad Genetics Inc to patent two genes it found had links to breast and ovarian cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2. A coalition of associations representing some 150,000 researchers, doctors and patients, asked the nation's top court to overturn the decision, as it stopped them from doing further work and research with the patented genes. Opens path for wider gene research "Today, the court struck down a major barrier to patient care and medical innovation," said Sandra Park, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, welcoming the decision. Myriad offers testing for the two genes, whose discovery in the 1990s were the product of research that typically requires years of effort and large investments. Myriad "found an important and useful gene, but groundbreaking, innovative or even brilliant discovery does not by itself satisfy" the Patent Act, the decision said. Despite the loss on patenting human genes, shares in Myriad Genetics jumped on the news that it would retain patents on other gene patterns that fall under the copied DNA definition. "The Supreme Court has ruled, vacating some patent claims and upholding others," Myriad posted on its Facebook page. "But we've always said the debate was about more than patent claims. It was about human health, and innovation to make sure that cancer tests are accessible and affordable to women who need them." Competing tests will be possible Researchers have previously been unable to develop competing tests that may potentially be more effective than Myriad's to determine if a women is a carrier of the mutations that predispose her to breast or ovarian cancer. Lisbeth Ceriani, a breast cancer survivor and plaintiff in the case, was faced with having to pay more than $4,000 for Myriad's testing after Myriad refused to enter into a contract with her insurance company. She waited 18 months before she was able to obtain the test through a grant, at which point she learned she did indeed carry a mutation. "I'm relieved that no other women will have to go through what I went through," said Ms Ceriani. "I'm so glad that the Supreme Court agrees that women deserve full access to vital information from their own bodies." Nearly 20 per cent of identified human genes are currently under patent, some of which are associated with Alzheimer's disease or other cancers. These patents are sometimes owned by private companies but also by universities and research institutes concerned with keeping them in the public domain to prevent companies from seizing them.
First things first. Let me once again explain what upcycling is all about. Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. This process is also known as creative reuse, which can be applied to both industrial and post-consumer waste. And these days there are a lot of designers who have a commitment to upcycling. What is Upcycle Certification and what are the benefits? The benefits of upcycling are that it reduces the need for natural resources and raw materials, saves on energy use, and reduces pollution. It also helps in reducing landfill waste and conserving water resources. It also has an economic benefit in terms of job creation, cost savings, and revenue generation. How can Upcycle Certification be used for marketing purposes The certification program is designed to give businesses and organizations the opportunity to distinguish themselves from others in the marketplace by providing their customers with an assurance that they are committed to upcycling. Education & Training and a Sustainable Certification The Upcycle Certification is a certification that teaches sustainable practices to students and employees. It is a first of its kind in the world. The certification is designed to educate people about the importance of sustainability and how it can be achieved. The certification will provide courses on how to create a sustainable business, what it means to be a sustainable entrepreneur, and how to implement sustainability in your daily life. Sustainability education has become increasingly important over time as more and more people are becoming aware of the effects of climate change on our planet. Upcycle Product & Material Certification The IGSC Upcycle global trademark is the first and only accredited by ISO 17065 for Upcyle certification. This manual provides IGSC’s upcycle standard requirements. IGSC defines the manufacturing processes and procedures required for all products and services, including products such as upcycle-related foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, supplements, cosmetics, textiles, furniture, vitamins, household goods, personal goods, product manufacturing facilities, restaurants, bakeries, hotels, and educational programs. The Institute of Global Sustainability Certification, IGSC provides certification services with a vision of creating a sustainable world through sustainable certification. We provide various global certification services to strengthen the global competitiveness of companies. We also develop new certification schemes to meet the needs of companies. Moreover, we offer educational programs approved by international educational institutions to cultivate international certified auditors. Lastly, we aim to fulfill corporate social responsibilities by returning profits to society by working in conjunction with Non-Governmental Organizations. Benefits of choosing Upcycle Certification accreditation The IGSC upcycle certified trademark is internationally recognized by ISO 17065 standards. IGSC gained global accreditation by the National Accreditation Center in 2021, making IGSC upcycle certification the first and only logo held to ISO standards. Accreditation makes their standards higher and symbol more reliable. Consumers know to look for the IGSC upcycle Certified logo for the highest level of transparency. upcycleDZINE and IGSC Last and certainly not least, we’re proud to announce a partnership with IGSC. And to top it off, upcycleDZINE is honored to receive the Upcycle Product certification for its upcycling information. Since you’re here … I have a small favor to ask. Thousands are visiting upcycleDZINE for upcycle design inspiration every month. Readers in more than 100 countries around the world are now able to support financially. upcycleDZINE is a completely independent niche site, is very work-intensive, and offers tons of unique information for free. To keep upcycleDZINE running, I’m asking you for your support. Your contribution will allow me to: – meet the hosting costs – upgrade to keep track of traffic increases – add new content, and keep improving the older content – add new functionalities to this site – improve how it works and how it looks – and last but not least, my daily dose of coffee 🙂 Again, all contributions will be reinvested into the aforementioned associated costs of running this blog and will help ensure the ongoing quest for quality upcycle design. Your kindness and generosity will be greatly appreciated and will give me the motivation to continue. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for the future of upcycleDZINE. Support today from as little as $2 – it only takes a minute. Thank you.
q&r: luke 19 and the parable of the minas Luke 19 – parable of the 10 Minas. Please explain? Straightforward. I like that. The Parable of the Ten Minas is a well-known parable whose popular interpretation has God as the nobleman and Christians as the servants. In this reading faithful servants are those who are productive. We all have different levels of resources, and this is taken into account by God. Ultimately though the faithful are rewarded and the unproductive are punished.* The problem with this reading is that it portrays God as a cold, cruel, greedy elitist. It assumes that the nobleman in the parable, who is a wealthy character, should be equated with God. As I have said previously this is a mistake; Luke consistently portrays the rich in less than flattering ways throughout his Gospel: - … he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. (1:53) - … woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. (6:24) - … the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God. (12:21) It would be strange if Luke suddenly equated God with a rich man. If the nobleman is not God, and the story is not about productivity, what exactly is going on in this parable? The preceding story sees Jesus meet Zacchaeus, a man who commits himself to giving a great deal of his wealth to the poor. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to explain that salvation belongs to Zacchaeus not because he is a Jew, but because he embodies the compassionate ethic of the kingdom of God (outlined throughout Luke). As a tax collector Zacchaeus’ money would have been gained by aiding the Romans in collecting tribute and taxes from the local populace. By promising Jesus to redistribute the wealth amongst the poor Zacchaeus was setting himself up for a bad meeting in the future, one where a Roman superior would ask him where all the money had gone. Zacchaeus would have no option but to admit he had redistributed the money to the poor. Given the ruthlessness of the Roman authorities this would not likely go well for Zacchaeus. Following this episode the text explains that the crowd around Jesus think that the kingdom of God would come imminently (19:11). This may be because they had overheard about and misunderstood the salvation that had come to Zacchaeus (19:9-10). No doubt they thought this implied the violent overthrow of the oppressive Romans. In response Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Minas. We should be immediately alerted to the identity of the nobleman when we read that: … his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ (v.14) If Jesus is speaking to a crowd who are looking forward to the coming of the kingdom of God and the overthrow of the Roman Empire, surely it is obvious that the nobleman, whose citizens hate him, refers to Rome, and in particular Caesar. The crowd long for the “nobleman” to be destroyed. Perhaps the crowds, listening to this parable, would have been thinking that the next step in the story was for the nobleman to return from his trip only to be overthrown by his citizens. Jesus instead adds an important twist. The nobleman returns from his trip to address his servants. He had endowed them with one mina** each and he expects that they will have made a profit. The first servant, from his one mina, has made ten more. Can you imagine that? He has made a ten-fold profit! How is this possible? Jesus’ audience would have known that in first century Palestine to be rich invariably meant exploiting others through mechanisms such as land foreclosure or charging interest, actions not looked well upon in the Old Testament. This profit was dirty money. The second servant, also from one mina, has made five. Like the first servant his money is ill-gotten. Both servants are given power over cities as a result of their actions. They have benefited the rich nobleman, and now they themselves benefit, becoming powerplayers in his oppressive kingdom. The third and final servant is confronted by the nobleman, only to reveal that he has made no profit. Instead he stored away his mina since he was afraid of the “severe” nobleman who “takes what he did not deposit, and reaps what he did not sow.” Does this not remind you of the imminent fate of another character, namely Zacchaeus? Remember that he will have to face up to a Roman overlord sooner-or-later with the news that he has made no profit. The nobleman reacts furiously, condemning the third servant. “You should have at least put it in the bank,” he says, “so that I could have collected interest!” Keep in mind that interest was forbidden in the Old Testament – the nobleman expected his servant to act unjustly. In the conclusion of the story the mina is taken from the third servant and given to the first, most productive servant. It is said that he who has will be given more, while he who lacks will will have even that taken away. Finally, the citizens who spoke against the nobleman at the start of the story are set up to be slaughtered for opposing their ruler. The ending of this story is anything but happy. Nonetheless it teaches the overly optimistic crowd a lesson – the kingdom of God will not come as you think. The Roman Empire will not be imminently overthrown. In fact it will continue to wield power in a bloodthirsty manner. More than that, good people who seek to do justice, like Zacchaeus, will be punished by this and other evil regimes. In his commitment to serving the poor and redistributing wealth Zacchaeus will likely experience the wrath of the violent and powerful. In addition those citizens who protest the rule of Caesar will be slaughtered, as happened countless time in Roman history (and as happens today in our world under imperial powers). This is Jesus’ prediction; he is being a realist – the inauguration of the kingdom of God does not protect disciples from harm and death. For Jesus the kingdom would not come in its fullness imminently. His people would continue to undergo the condemnation of the ruling powers for choosing to follow him and stand against evil. We must remember that for many Christians this continues to be the reality even today. We in the West do not really understand the nature of persecution, nor do many of us stand against evil in any significant way. But all across the world disciples of Jesus continue to be abused, raped, maimed and murdered for their commitment to justice and God’s kingdom. Despite the demise of the third servant we are meant to imitate him (even in spite of preaching that asserts the contrary). More obviously we are meant to imitate his equivalent, Zacchaeus, in self-sacrificially giving to the poor, redistributing wealth, and protesting evil and injustice. As I have said before it is a telling indication of the perspectives of Western Christians when they assume the rich, unjust nobleman is meant to represent God – we interpret the Bible in ways that support our radically wealthy, profit-hungry lifestyles. We must rethink the way we read the Bible, particularly the parables, lest we make them the opposite of what was intended and distort the message of Jesus. Note: This reading of the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19 has been articulately outlined by Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat in a presentation at the Wheaton College Conference in 2010. The mp3 can be found here and the video here. Brian and Sylvia will be appearing at TEAR Australia’s National Conference from July 6-8, 2012. Check the TEAR website (www.tear.org.au) for details. * The more popular version of this parable is found in Matthew 25. I have heard it said that this parable, which has talents instead of minas (both monetary amounts) is speaking about literal talents, in the sense of skills. This misunderstanding leads to an even stronger belief that this parable is about productivity – use your talents well or else God will punish you. ** Approx. three months wages for a labourer. Posted on January 10, 2012, in Biblical Studies, Economics, Hermeneutics, New Testament, Q&R and tagged Jesus Parables, Kingdom of God, Luke 19, Parable of the Minas, Parable of the Talents, Roman Empire, TEAR Australia, Zacchaeus. Bookmark the permalink. 5 Comments.
All the promotion of consuming locally grown foods and making more healthy foods available to poor urban neighborhoods has been promoted as contributing answers to lowering the obesity rate of children and adults in those poor urban areas. Now two studies show that healthy-food deserts don’t really exist in most situations where child obesity is rampant. The Department of Agriculture and Michelle Obama have talked about solving the problem of fresh fruits and vegetables not being available to urban poor. These communities where no healthy foods are available to purchase have been named "healthy food deserts." Solutions to obesity aren’t something that the USDA should be expected to completely solve. Other than providing healthy foods for school lunch programs, USDA should stand down on financing programs to promote locally grown small-scale production and eliminating healthy food deserts, and Congress should not fund such programs. The New York Times reported that a National Institutes of Health financed study found multiple outlets for fresh fruits and vegetables within reasonable distances or right in the middle of poor urban neighborhoods. Another study was put together by the Public Policy Institute of California, a nonprofit research organization, and it found much the same results as the other study. Each study was conducted in significantly different manners, but final reports had much the same interpretations of data collected. Gina Kolata, wrote in the Times article, “Some experts say these new findings raise questions about the effectiveness of efforts to combat the obesity epidemic simply by improving access to healthy foods. Despite campaigns to get Americans to exercise more and eat healthier foods, obesity rates have not budged over the past decade, according to recently released federal data.” The truth of the obesity situation is explained not by healthy foods being unavailable but by how kids and adults like to spend their money for calories. Kolata further reported findings of how two full-service supermarkets and a produce stand were available, but money was spent on other foods. “In one neighborhood in Camden, N.J., where 80 percent of children are eligible for a free school lunch, children bought empanadas, sodas and candy at a grocer, while adults said they had no trouble finding produce. Wedged in among fast food restaurants, convenience stores, sit-down restaurants, take-out Chinese and pizza parlors were three places with abundant produce.”
ACADEMIA: For Students and Staff - Presentations and curricula address the themes created by National Council for the Social Studies Curriculum Standards. UCARE only supplements the education that is already being taught in middle schools and high schools’ social studies classes such as World Religions or other religion or culture-related courses. We adhere to state and federal content standard guidelines. UCARE believes that through awareness and education, we can prevent bullying in schools, and increase religious literacy and engagement with one another. - Presentations can be for students or staff. However, UCARE only presents to staff and not students in elementary schools in adherence to federal and state guidelines. - UCARE also presents for students and staff in colleges, universities, vocational, and trade schools.
Print this page. Home / Browse / Gender / Female / Oldfield, Pearl In 1929, Fannie Pearl Peden Oldfield became the first woman from Arkansas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served from January 9, 1929, to March 3, 1931. While a member of the House of Representatives, Oldfield introduced twenty-eight bills, served on three House committees, and spoke in Congress on three occasions. Pearl Peden, daughter of John Peden and Amanda Hill Peden, was born on a farm near Cotton Plant (Woodruff County) on December 2, 1876. She attended Cotton Plant Grammar School and Batesville Public School. In 1891, Peden enrolled in Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville (Independence County) but withdrew before finishing a degree. In June 1901, she married William Allen Oldfield. The couple had no children. In 1908, when William Oldfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arkansas’s Second Congressional District, he and his wife relocated to Washington DC. Representative William Oldfield served in the House for twenty years before his death on November 19, 1928. Congressman Oldfield’s death created a new situation in Arkansas politics. For the first time, his death left two vacancies in Congress, the remaining months of his term in the Seventieth Congress and the term to which he had just been elected two weeks prior to his death. This was the first time in Arkansas history that a representative died while Congress was still in session and after he had been elected to a subsequent term. On December 7, the Arkansas Democrat reported that the State Central Committee had decided against holding a primary to determine who would be the candidate and named Pearl Oldfield as the nominee for both terms. Speaking in support of the plan to nominate Pearl Oldfield, Gus Jones, a Newport (Jackson County) attorney, said he wanted the committee to “honor the memory of such an outstanding man as Bill Oldfield by nominating his dear, sweet wife.” Following Oldfield’s nomination by the Democratic Party, many considered her election to be secure. The Arkansas Democrat reported that her election was “regarded as a certainty” and that “her nomination is equivalent to election.” Oldfield’s only challenge in the election was R. W. Tucker, a Democrat, who entered the race as an independent. Tucker believed that there should have been a Democratic primary to determine the candidate for the full term. His argument in challenging Oldfield for the full term was centered on the fact that Oldfield did not want the full term. She was quoted as saying, “No, I would rather not have had it, but they, Mr. Oldfield’s friends, have fought his battle for so many years and it is their wish that I should carry on, I cannot decline.” Oldfield took office on January 9, 1929, as the nation faced the Great Depression and as Arkansas faced a massive drought. One of the three times Oldfield spoke on the House floor concerned the drought conditions in Arkansas. She argued in support of a $15,000,000 appropriations bill to supply food to the draught-stricken areas, saying, “The situation is distressing and most grave, with cold, sickness, and actual starvation present in many sections.” Oldfield spoke in the House two other times; one concerned the death of Congressman Otis T. Wingo from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District, and the other was her announcement that she would not run for an additional term in office. While in office, Oldfield introduced twenty-eight bills. Of these twenty-eight bills, four bills relating to bridge construction were passed into law during her term in office. Oldfield also served on three committees: the Committee on Coinage, the Committee on Expenditure in the Executive Department, and the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. Upon Oldfield’s retirement from the House, Representative Wall Doxey spoke of her, saying, “I have learned to appreciate her splendid work and to regard her judgment most highly. In all things I have found her to be diligent, painstaking, and broad-minded. Graciousness, culture, and refinement were always manifested by her.” Oldfield’s own opinions about her role in Congress reflected her desire to honor her husband and carry out his congressional assignment, but she in no way saw it as an entry into the political world that should progress beyond what the men in power asked of her. In an article concerning her position in Congress, she was quoted as saying, “I shall advance no strange or exceptional feminine governmental ideas, as I entertain none. I believe that a government, if properly administered in behalf of our husbands, or sons, our fathers and our brothers, is equally safe and sound for our women.” Following her congressional service, Oldfield made her home in Washington DC for the remainder of her life. There is no record of public service following her congressional service. Pearl Oldfield died on April 12, 1962, after suffering a heart attack. She is buried beside her husband at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville (Independence County). For additional information:Chamberlin, Hope. A Minority of Members. New York: Praeger, 1973. Harp, Deborah. “Pearl Peden Oldfield.” Independence County Chronicle 18 (October 1976): 31–36. Obituary of Pearl Oldfield. Arkansas Gazette. April 14, 1962, p. 7A. “Pearl Peden Oldfield.” In Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774–1996. Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996. Online at http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000061 (accessed September 18, 2006). Lindley SheddUniversity of Arkansas, Fayetteville Last Updated 10/22/2014 About this Entry: Contact the Encyclopedia / Submit a Comment / Submit a Narrative
Location: Virus and Prion ResearchTitle: Increased attack rates and decreased incubation periods in raccoons with chronic wasting disease passaged through meadow voles \|MOORE, SARA JO - Orise Fellow\| \|CARLSON, CHRISTINA - Us Geological Survey (USGS)\| \|SCHNEIDER, JAY - Us Geological Survey (USGS)\| \|JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER - Us Geological Survey (USGS)\| Submitted to: Emerging Infectious Diseases Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 12/13/2021 Publication Date: 4/20/2022 Citation: Moore, S., Carlson, C., Schneider, J., Johnson, C., Greenlee, J.J. 2022. Increased attack rates and decreased incubation periods in raccoons with chronic wasting disease passaged through meadow voles. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 28(4). Article 210271. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2804.210271. Interpretive Summary: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal diseases caused by the accumulation of misfolded prion protein in the brain. Several livestock species including cattle, sheep, deer, and elk are afflicted by prion diseases. In sheep the disease is called scrapie. In deer and elk, the disease is called chronic wasting disease (CWD). Due to the human consumption of cervid meat products and intermingling of various livestock species with wild cervid populations, there is significant interest in characterizing the possible host range of CWD. This study reports the successful transmission of the CWD agent to raccoons, a ubiquitous omnivore present throughout North America. In addition, passage of the CWD agent from deer through meadow voles, a scavenger present in much of the range where CWD occurs, results in changes in the biological behavior of the CWD agent when that material is used to inoculate raccoons. This research is of interest to regulatory officials or anyone interested in controlling CWD in wildlife or captive cervid herds. Technical Abstract: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a naturally-occurring neurodegenerative disease of cervids. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) have previously been shown to be susceptible to CWD and their scavenging habits could expose them to environmental CWD infectivity. To investigate the potential for transmission of the agent of CWD from white-tailed deer to voles and subsequently to raccoons, we intracranially inoculated raccoons with brain homogenate from a CWD-affected white-tailed deer (CWDWtd), or derivatives of this isolate after it had been passaged through voles one or five times. We found that passage of the CWDWtd isolate through voles led to a change in the biological behavior of the CWD agent, including increased attack rates and decreased incubation periods in raccoons. A better understanding of the dynamics of cross-species transmission of CWD prions will help us to better manage and control the spread of CWD in free-ranging and farmed cervid populations.
Six years ago divers discovered the oldest known stationary fish traps in Northern Europe off the coast of Southern Sweden. Since then, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved Stone Age site. They now believe the location was a lagoon environment where Mesolithic humans lived during parts of the year. Other spectacular finds include a 9,000 year-old pick axe made out of elk antlers. The discoveries indicate mass fishing and therefore a semi-permanent settlement. ”As geologists, we want to recreate this area and understand how it looked. Was it warm or cold? How did the environment change over time?” says Anton Hansson, PhD student in Quaternary geology at Lund University. Changes in the sea level have allowed the findings to be preserved deep below the surface of Hanö Bay in the Baltic Sea. The researchers have drilled into the seabed and radiocarbon dated the core, as well as examined pollen and diatoms. They have also produced a bathymetrical map that reveals depth variations. ”These sites have been known, but only through scattered finds. We now have the technology for more detailed interpretations of the landscape”, says Anton Hansson. ”If you want to fully understand how humans dispersed from Africa, and their way of life, we also have to find all their settlements. Quite a few of these are currently underwater, since the sea level is higher today than during the last glaciation. Humans have always prefered coastal sites”, concludes Hansson. To watch the video on youtube click here
By Ashley Denchfield As we return to school during these unprecedented times, I can’t help but reflect on the life-changing events of 2020. As a young person witnessing history, I think about how this moment will be taught to future generations. I also think about how my generation has been taught about history. Today’s students sit in U.S. history class, bellies full from free breakfast, a program founded by the Black Panther Party, learning the relentlessly whitewashed version of America’s history. As a rising senior, I have experienced this rubric throughout a multitude of different history classes. I’ve attended seven different schools in several different areas. Each year, I enrolled in a different history class; yet, each class had one thing in common: a rewritten history lesson. The erasure of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) history is painfully blatant in school systems around America. Students are required to take European history, while African American history is an elective- if the school offers it at all. While students engage in a plethora of history classes throughout their 12 years of schooling, lessons regarding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are inadequate. We spend entire units studying the feudal system in Europe, but never a full day discussing Jim Crow laws. We are quizzed on trivial matters such as King Henry VII’s six wives, but never spend a moment speaking of African queens. My peers and I have spent days learning about the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials, but never a mention of the Dakota 38, the largest mass execution in the United States. We speak of Manifest Destiny but fail to mention the mass slaughter of buffalo — which furthered the genocide against Indigenous communities. We spend a month learning about the American Revolution, but not an hour discussing the beginnings of convict leasing, redlining, the war on drugs, and mass incarceration. We spend time learning about the Civil War but do not learn about the promise of reparations and the painful history around these Confederate monuments. Regardless of where we are in the world or U.S. history, a white-centric history is ingrained into students’ minds. Over the years, I have become more and more grateful to be a part of the “Internet generation.” While we may be spoon-fed the whitewashed curriculum’s version of history, we can reject it. Gen Z has grown up with immense information available at our fingertips and the capability to connect with people from across the globe. Together, with the help of generations before us, we have the power to innovate, lead, and transform to combat white supremacy, which is maintained through the teaching of an incorrect curriculum. As we return to school, be it in person or virtually, we must continue to consider the people who have been exploited and erased throughout America’s history. If we do not accept that our history classes have been rewritten to promote the white narrative, we will remain complicit in the abuses and injustices against BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color). What do we do to a generation by teaching them the importance of Independence Day, but not the significance of Juneteenth? Ashley Denchfield served as a CAYLA intern with the City of Asheville’s Office of Equity and Inclusion this summer. She is a senior at AC Reynolds High school. CAYLA stands for City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy, a City program that provides: - A meaningful summer work experience; - Leadership development through seminars and community service; and - College preparatory activities, including yearlong academic support. Find out more about the CAYLA program on the City of Asheville website.
From the company that brought you the P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre, and F-100 Super Sabre came the F-107, North American's entry in a 1950s Mach 2 fighter-nuclear bomber competition. Though it was based on the F-100 design, evident in the wings, aft fuselage, and tail section, something went seriously wrong with the rest of it: An internal fire control radar in the fuselage necessitated placing the voracious intake just aft of the cockpit. Any pilot considering an ejection would think long and hard before doing so, hence the nickname, "man eater." In the end, Republic's F-105 won out. Two man eaters went to the NACA High-Speed Flight Station (now NASA Dryden, in California); one retired to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Ohio.
Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more all for only $19.99... German philologist, b. at Hamburg, 1596; d. at Rome, 2 February, 1661. He studied at the gymnasium of Hamburg, and later at Leyden, where Vossius, Heinsius, Meursius, and Scriverius then taught. In 1618 Cluver induced him to accompany him on a journey to Italy and Sicily, thus giving him a taste for the study of geography. He returned for a short time to Leyden, failed to be accepted as professor in the gymnasium of Hamburg, and went to England in 1622, where he gathered materials for his "Geographi Minores". At Paris in 1624, he became librarian to the president de Mesmes, the friend of the scholarly brothers Dupuy, and the correspondent of Peiresc. At this time he was converted to Catholicism. The liking he had always displayed for Platonic philosophy impelled him to read eagerly the Greek and Latin Fathers, especially those who treated of contemplative and mystical theology. This led him quite naturally to the Catholic Church. In 1627 he went to Rome, and through the influence of Peiresc was admitted to the household of Cardinal Barberini, becoming his librarian in 1636. Finally, under Innocent X, he was placed over the Vatican Library. The popes sent him on various honorable missions, such as bearing the cardinal's hat to the nuncio at Warsaw (1629), receiving the abjuration of Queen Christina at Innsbruck, acting as intermediary in the conversion of the Landgrave of Darmstadt and of Ranzau, a Danish nobleman. Mostly, however, he was occupied with his studies. He had formed great projects; he desired to correct Cluver's errors and complete his work; to edit, translate and comment the works of the Neoplatonists; to form a collection of the unedited homilies of the Greek Fathers; to collect inscriptions; to write a critical commentary on the Greek text of the Bible; to form a collection of all the monuments and acts of the history of the popes. These diverse undertakings consumed his energies and filled his notebooks, but without profit to scholarship. His notes and collations have been used by various editors. His principal works are an edition and a life of Porphyry (1630), the "Thoughts" of Democritus, Demophilus and Secundus, little mythological works (1638), an edition of Arrian's treatise on the Chase (1644), and the "Codex regularum monasticarum", a much used collection of monastic rules (1661; edited anew by Brockie, Ratisbon, 1759). He also edited for the first time the "Liber Diurnus", a collection of ancient chancery formulae used in the administration of the Roman Church (1660); this edition, however, was immediately suppressed by Alexander VII (see LIBER DIURNUS). After his death there were published from his papers collections of synods and ecclesiastical monuments, the "Collectio romana bipartita" (1662), also the acts of the martyrs Perpetua and Felicitas, Boniface, Tarachus, Probus and Andronicus (1663). His observations on the geography of Italy appeared in 1666, in the form of notes on the previously published works of Charles de Saint-Paul, Cluver and Ortelius. The notes on Stephen of Byzantium were published at Leyden in 1684 by Rycke. Lambecius was the nephew of Holstenius, but they quarrelled towards the end of his life. CRUEGER, Holstenii Epistolae XXII ad Pt. Lambecium (Jena, 1708); PELISSIER, Les amis d'Holstenius in Melanges d'archeologie et d'histoire, published by the Ecole francaise de Rome, VI (1886), 554; VII (1887), 62; VIII (1888), 323, 521; and in the Revue des langues romanes, XXXV (1892); BOISSONADE, Lucae Holstenii epistolae ad diversos (Paris, 1817); TAMIZEY DE LARROQUE, Lettres de Peiresc a Holstenius in Lettres de Peiresc, V (Paris, 1894), 245-488; NICERON, Mémoires, XXXIX. APA citation. (1910). Lucas Holstenius. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07397a.htm MLA citation. "Lucas Holstenius." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07397a.htm>. Transcription. This article was transcribed for New Advent by Don Ross. Ecclesiastical approbation. Nihil Obstat. June 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is webmaster at newadvent.org. Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.
Willoughby: Relief efforts underpin Aspen’s resilience during The Panic of ’93 Legends & Legacies The demonetization of silver closed mines and marked the year 1893 in memory for those who lived in Aspen. At the same time, a recession swept the world. Rivaled in the U.S. only by the Great Depression, the downturn brought unemployment to 4 million Americans, a 20% unemployment rate. Aspenites watched as the calamity began in 1892, with almost daily newspaper reports of the unemployed in Europe. Thousands out of work in Berlin. Thousands in London. The price of silver slid from a high of $27 per ounce, down toward $20, in today’s dollars. Within three weeks, the price dropped another $5, and mines began to close. At the time, Coloradans numbered around 400,000. By the summer of 1893, an estimated 25,000 of them had no work. Miners and those who worked in mine-related jobs comprised half that total. By mid-summer, 10,000 Denver residents had no jobs. Add another 5,000 unemployed, who lived in surrounding areas. Denver opened Camp Relief at River Front Park, housed 800 unemployed citizens in tents, and fed 1,000 people daily. The city paid for train tickets for the unemployed to head east. Unemployed men swamped the trains as they left town, and the railroad companies took them on board, whether they had a ticket or not. Chicago lay at the end of the line, a city with its own problems. One advertisement for a typist attracted 800 applicants. Some offered to work for pennies on the dollar. Compared to major cities, Aspen held a few advantages. Mines that had shut down resumed production at reduced wages. Local competition for jobs had eased when some miners left for Cripple Creek, in the face of the initial closure. The mines there had been expanding the production of gold, a metal not affected by the price drop of other minerals. For those who wanted to try their luck elsewhere, Aspen — like Denver — offered to pay for train tickets to other cities. Aspen took care of its own through the Chamber of Commerce Relief Fund. The Chamber began to collect and spend the money in 1892. The money poured in from many sources, and City Council members contributed $10 of their monthly salaries. Through an Aspen connection, the Alamosa mill donated 2,000 pounds of flour. S.B. Clark, who owned Aspen’s commission house, donated 1,000 pounds of potatoes. In addition to handing out food and fuel, The Chamber of Commerce group put men to work in an unusual way. The city agreed to hire workers for projects such as digging a sewer line on Cooper Avenue. After the city paid the workers, they billed the Chamber for the expense. Two other charities formed, the W.R.C. Relief Fund and the King’s Daughters Relief Fund. Numerous fundraisers punctuated the next couple of years. A lecture charged a quarter for admission, and two local brass bands also charged $0.25 for their concerts. A men’s chorus and 30 other singers performed an extravagant production of a Gaetano Donizette choral piece, with a $0.50 admission. Grand balls attracted donors. The Miners’ Union sponsored one at the Armory Hall, and charged $1 per person. And a baseball game between the Typos and the Clerks, two union groups, raked in much needed money. As more Aspen workers returned to jobs, the local funds began to send money to more needy places, especially New York and Chicago. Chicago became a major destination for those who searched for work, and it also had a strong union presence. The unions pushed for both a local and a national solution to the recession. The effort resulted in the Pullman Strike. President Grover Cleveland sent in 12,000 federal troops to break it up. Silver miners from the Comstock in Nevada and other unemployed people filled San Francisco. A newspaper writer wrote, “the bankers play their golden fiddle while the people in droves idly tramp the land in search of something to do.” Aspen’s leaders argued the solution to the recession would be for the government to get off the gold standard and resume the purchase of silver. Aspen raised money to support the Free Coinage Coxey Reserve Guard, known as Coxey’s Army, men who marched to Washington to demand federal intervention. Nationally, recovery from the Panic of 1893 proceeded slowly. But by 1896, with a somewhat smaller population than that of 1892, Aspen had recovered. Tim Willoughby’s family story parallels Aspen’s. He began sharing folklore while teaching Aspen Country Day School and Colorado Mountain College. Now a tourist in his native town, he views it with historical perspective. Reach him at firstname.lastname@example.org. Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil. If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
1 Answer \| Add Yours There are two major reasons for the Spanish-American War, both having to do with the United States. First, people in the United States were concerned about the way in which the Spanish were treating their subjects in Cuba. There was an independence movement in Cuba that was being harshly suppressed. Americans felt sympathy for colonists trying to be free from an oppressive ruling country. Second, the United States had a strong desire for war at this time. Many Americans felt that the country needed to prove its importance and power. These Americans, like Theodore Roosevelt, felt that fighting a war and, perhaps, taking an empire were necessary in order to accomplish this. We’ve answered 301,998 questions. We can answer yours, too.Ask a question
- Redistricting is "almost rigged" to favor parties in power, expert says - In the past decade, 78% of House seats did not change party hands - Race has been used to create a political divide in the South - Expert blames gerrymandering for polarization of Congress Outside Independence Hall, ask a graduate student in line to see the Liberty Bell what he thinks of gerrymandering, and you might get this answer: "I think Gerry Mandering is a great guy." No, he isn't. Gerrymandering is the term for the way politicians draw boundary lines for legislative districts in a way designed to keep one party or the other in power in that particular district. In the last 10 years, 78% of the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives -- almost four out of every five members of Congress -- did not change party hands even once. In California, with 53 seats -- the most in the nation -- incumbents were kept so safe that only one of those seats changed party control in the past decade. David Wasserman, redistricting expert for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, says only 20 races for Congress are expected to be tossups in the 2012 election. That's only 20 out of the 435 seats in the House. "In general elections, it's almost rigged," he said. The lines are redrawn for seats in Congress each 10 years after the U.S. Census measures population shifts. That process is going on now in states across the country. Among CNN's findings: Race has been used to create a political divide in the South. In the five Deep Dixie states -- South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana -- only nine Democrats are left in Congress. Only one is white. He is Georgia Democrat John Barrow, and Republican control in that state's legislature has led to his home city of Savannah being excluded from his current district. In 2010, Republicans captured control of North Carolina's legislature for the first time since shortly after the Civil War. They drew district lines in a way to pack 49% of all of North Carolina's African-American voters in just three of the state's 13 congressional districts. That left the other 10 districts mostly white and predictably Republican. Democrats in North Carolina accuse the GOP of political "resegregation." A court battle is looming. After the GOP landslide in 2010, this is the only battleground state winning or losing a seat where Democrats remain in control. They pushed through their new map over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Most of the five freshmen Republicans elected to Congress last time will face difficult races to return for a second term. Nowhere is gerrymandering more apparent than in Chicago's 4th District, where a grassy strip hardly a football field wide, stuck in between two expressways, connects the top and bottom halves of a district designed to keep a Hispanic in Congress. According to the 4th District Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Democrat, Chicago has an Irish district, a Polish district, a Jewish district and three black districts. Look at a map and all have irregular, unusual lines. This is not a matter of party control. All the incumbents are Democrats. The lines preserve racial and ethnic heritages. In Illinois, it is the GOP that is suing Democrats to try to overturn the new map. Voters have revolted. In 2010, they passed an amendment to the state constitution to take redistricting out of political hands and have a citizens commission redraw the lines. It was forbidden to favor incumbents. As a result, more than half of California's 53 representatives were placed in the same district with another colleague for the 2012 election. As many as 15 could lose or else face retirement to avoid losing. "Fifteen out of 53 does not sound like a lot," Wasserman said. "But compared to most other states, that's an avalanche." Party politics did give way to social politics. Latinos, who accounted for most of California's population growth, could win as many as nine seats next year. The African-American population shrank, but under pressure, the citizens commission retained the three traditionally black seats in south Los Angeles. Voter reform met resistance here. Three million people voted to pass amendments last year that say the legislature cannot not favor or penalize incumbents or political parties when it redraws the lines. Two members of Congress -- Democrat Corrine Brown, who is African-American, and Republican Mario Diaz-Balart, who is Hispanic -- filed a lawsuit in federal court to try to overturn what the voters had done. Florida's House of Representatives, using taxpayer money, hired a law firm to support them in opposing the taxpayers' will. Their argument: The U.S. Constitution has given the legislature the sole responsibility for redistricting. A federal judge rejected that argument and threw out the lawsuit. But the two incumbents, supported by the legislature, are appealing, and they say the case could go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. For three decades now, Iowa has had a nonpartisan redistricting system. Two legislative staffers draw the maps in secrecy without political interference. "In Iowa, it is understood incumbent protection is not the name of the game," one of those staffers said. As a result, Iowa has the nation's only congressional race next year where a longtime Republican incumbent, Tom Latham, is paired against a longtime Democratic incumbent, Leonard Boswell. Past voting patterns indicate they could be separated by no more than 1%, either way. Iowans like it this way, and that includes Latham. He said, "I think if you sit in a very safe district, a lot of times these people will ignore the public will. They won't have to listen because they can do whatever they want to, and vote however they want to, and not be held accountable for it." As Wasserman put it, "Americans are basically between the ideological 40-yard lines. But the districts aren't. And that's part of the reason Congress is so polarized."
Ocean surveyors state that we have not even explored 5% of the ocean yet, not to mention the sea floors. Of the little we have explored however, we find plenty of ruins, cities, temples, statues and structures that are submerged, built at a time when their land was above water. The most fascinating ancient underwater ruins to me are those at Yonaguni, Japan. Yonaguni is part of the Ryukku Islands chain in the East Chinese Sea. Most ‘established academia’ make the ridiculous claim that the Yonaguni structures are natural (i.e. not man-made). Their reasoning is that ‘if they were man-made, they’d be about 12,000 years old and since there was no civilization back then capable of making such structures, they must be natural’. One hears this false, circular logic often from academics: “Because it is not possible, it cannot be true. We therefore have to look for a ‘rational’ explanation.” Another reason quoted is “The underwater monolith is so large and heavy no human could have transported it,” even if the location was once above water. If we believe the ancient, global mythology that speaks of a ‘race of Giants’ destroyed by the flood (that sunk much of the land) is real, it is of course possible to explain the transportation and erection of such buildings. Disappointingly, even Atlantis-style-researchers such as Robert Shoch (the geologist of Boston University who discovered that the Sphinx was at one time under water) doubt that these structures are man-made. The reason I am 100% sure we are looking at non-natural structures here is because such staircases, straight lines and perfect curves are nowhere else to be found on the sea floor. There is no example in undersea nature of anything that looks like it. Furthermore, as already mentioned, Atlantis may have sent a post-flood colony to Japan. This evidence is encoded in Japanese mythology as well as in the odd occurrence of the rare Cryptomeria tree (which can only be found in one other place in the world – the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean). However, judge for yourself. Look at the images of Yonaguni for yourself. Note especially the “carved turtle”: Considering its presumed age (an age estimated by those few scientists who take the find seriously), it is remarkably well kept. Of course, having ‘established’ that it’s ‘not man made’ and that there is therefore nothing to see, official research has been halted, so it may be a long time before we find out more. When Atlantis-researcher Graham Hancock, who has personally dived on location, asked Masaaki Kimura (the foremost expert on these structures) why academia takes no interest in the find, he coolly responded: “Because Japanese archaeologists can’t dive.” This is a rendering of the structure as a whole (or what is left of it): Another remarkable and rather recent find of artifacts and statues off the coast of Egypt dates back thousands of years and once again indicates that parts of the Mediterranean were once above land. I recommend you view more of them on the Internet using the keywords “underwater structures near Alexandria” or “Heracleion.” If you consider that nobody had a clue about these until divers discovered them, we must conclude that there is much more lost knowledge waiting for discovery. The following is a sonar-image of a pyramid city off the coast of Cuba, called the “Cuban Underwater City.” The marine engineer Pauline Zalitzki and her husband Paul Weinzweig discovered it in 2001 while they were working on a survey for the Cuban government. The area is about 2 square kilometers and the depth is a staggering 760 meters (2,460 feet). Academics say that it is only an ‘interpretation’ that these are man-made structures because ‘people see what they want to see’ and ‘nature can do wonderful things’. The image below was taken with a diving robot. Of course, due to the disinterest, no officially funded research has taken place since its discovery. The following is an image of a ruin found beneath Alykes, Greence. It is of unknown age, origin and purpose and just one example of thousands of other “unknown artifacts” found by divers: Ruins at Pammukale, Turkey: Many discoveries are simply stumbled upon by chance. Underwater archeologists were looking for shipwrecks in Lake Michigan when their sonar picked up a formation of megaliths at the bottom of the lake similar to the ones at Stonehenge. Upon closer inspection, one of them contained the carving of a mastodon. This animal has been extinct for more than 10,000 years so this find very nicely coincides with my contention that the megaliths were built right around or after the great Deluge by some of its survivors. This find is so staggering it should have made headlines around the world, but as usual with Atlantis-related material, it was kept hush-hush and no further action was taken. Of course, an archaeologist may find it difficult to contradict believers of proto-historic evidence with proof that we were not just primitive ‘hunter-gatherers’ more than 10,000 years ago. It goes against what is generally learned and taught at universities. Below is the sonar image:
A great place to browse, dozens of files. Of particular interest to this argument, however, are these files: Introduction to Evolutionary Biology and Transitional Vertebrate Fossils. You may be surprised by the length of these files and their extensive bibliographies if you've believed the standard creationist line about how the theory of evolution is supported by a very few questionable fossils. Try Paul Davies' The Fifth Miracle for a readable explanation of life's possible origins in deep earth, deep ocean, or deep space. Explanations of entropy and information content. Not an easy book to put down. See also "Milky Way's Sweet Centre" on page 12 of New Scientist for June 24, 2000. It appears the deep space origin for DNA has a little more weight now. The next time a creationist laughs about the "panspermia" hypothesis for life on earth you can have the last laugh. Also, read this controversial debate from PBS: How did we get here? It's controversial because each side claims to have won. I can't see how Dr. Johnson and the creationists believe they won the argument, but, they do. Last update: 10/6/00 Back to The Really Good News
<!-- Download Links --> Download demo project - 15 Kb <!-- Article image --> <!-- Main HTML starts here --> Every once in a while I come across the task of displaying a large number of records in ASP pages. The good example is displaying the results of a search. Most of the time I do not know the number of records that I have to display in advance. In addition to this, as the usage of the application growth the size of the database will grow accordingly. That leaves me as well as anyone with the similar application requirements no other choice, but to develop some kind of algorithm to display records in the smaller chunks - pages. Everyone is familiar with the way search results are displayed by Internet search engines. You get the first page of results that are limited to some number of records (20 for example) and some navigational links to go to the first, previous, next or the last page. Some sites give you the ability to go directly to specific page number, some use a mixture of both. So how does one implements record paging mechanism in ASP? Specifically, how do we implement record paging using ADO? Let’s pretend that we have a database with the table called tblItem that is used to store information about our Items (whatever they are?). Let me also imagine that one of the fields in tblItem called ItemName. We are given a task of creating a set of pages to give a user an ability to search for the items by the ItemName field. We decided to make a set of two pages. One page will display the search form and one for the results of the search. Please excuse me, but I will skip all the variable declarations and HTML formatting. First page should be easy. It’s a standard HTML form that could look something similar to this: <FORM ACTION="results.asp" METHOD="GET"> Item Name: <INPUT TYPE="text" NAME="Keyword"> <INPUT TYPE="submit" VALUE=" Find "> Second page is where all the magic should happen. This is what the second page (results.asp) should be able to do: - Receive the Keyword that user have entered. - Search the database for records containing Keyword. - Display a page of resulting records. - Provide user with some navigation links to display more pages of results if needed. 1. Receive the Keyword Receiving the Keyword is as easy as: Keyword = Trim(Request.QueryString("Keyword")) 2. Search the database for records containing Keyword Now we have everything we need to get an ADO recordset with the items that contain our keyword in their ItemName. First we create a sql statement that will do the search: SQL = "SELECT * FROM tblItem WHERE ItemName LIKE '%" & Replace(Keyword, "'", "''") & "%'" Notice that I’ve used Replace function to double single quotes in the search string. Without it if user enters a single quote in his/her Keyword you will receive an error. ' Create and open ADO recordset Set RS = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Recordset") RS.CursorLocation = 3 ' adUseClient RS.Open SQL, strConnectionString Notice that I set CursorLocation property of the recordset to adUseClient (3). We have to do it in order to be able to use some of the properties of this recordset later. I left out the CursorType and LockType parameters, because the defaults adLockReadOnly are exactly what we need in this case to get the best performance. 4. Provide navigation links. Yes it is a fourth step. I did leave the third step (displaying of the results) for the last because in order for us to display the records we need to figure some things out. I also think it is better to create and display navigation links on the top of the page before the results. At this point we have to figure out couple of things: do we have any results from our search and if so how many pages of results do we have? Presence of the results is easily determent by checking the EOF property of the recordset: If RS.EOF Then ... ' Clean up ... ' Do the no results HTML here Response.Write "No Items found." ... ' Done The number of pages we have is obviously depends on the number of items we want to display per page. RS.PageSize = nItemsPerPage nPageCount = RS.PageCount Now we need to talk about the current page number. Since we want this page (results.asp) to be able to display any one of the pages of results we have to have a way to specify which page will the user see right now. We will do it by passing an additional parameter to our results.asp script that we will call "Page". So the link to our page could look like this: With that said we can figure out the number of the page that is requested by the user by simple checking Page parameter: nPage = CLng(Request.QueryString("Page")) We need to make sure that the number of page requested by user is within the acceptable range and fix it if needed: If nPage < 1 Or nPage > nPageCount Then nPage = 1 Now we can create our navigation links by simply linking to this page with the same value for Keyword and the specific page number. For example: ' First page Response.Write "<A HREF=""results.asp?Keyword=" & Keyword & "&Page=1"">First Page</A>" ' Previous page: Response.Write "<A HREF=""results.asp?Keyword=" & Keyword & "&Page=" & nPage - 1 & """>Prev. Page</A>" ' Next page Response.Write "<A HREF=""results.asp?Keyword=" & Keyword & "&Page=" & nPage + 1 & """>Next Page</A>" ' Last page Response.Write "<A HREF=""results.asp?Keyword=" & Keyword & "&Page=" & nPageCount & """>Last Page</A>" ' 15th page: Response.Write "<A HREF=""results.asp?Keyword=" & Keyword & "&Page=15"">15th Page</A>" 3. Display a page of resulting records. All we have left is to display one page of results: ' Position recordset to the correct page RS.AbsolutePage = nPage ' Display the page of results Do While Not ( RS.Eof Or RS.AbsolutePage <> nPage ) Response.Write RS("ItemName") & "<br>" That is it. Sample that I have included here is a bit more complex, because I've combined both HTML search form and displaying of the results in one ASP page. That is why there is an additional Mode parameter is being used in every link. All the code concerning displaying of the results of the search is in the
Strong Name (further referred to as "SN") is a technology introduced with the .NET platform and it brings many possibilities into .NET applications. But many .NET developers still see Strong Names as security enablers (which is very wrong!) and not as a technology uniquely identifying assemblies. There is a lot of misunderstanding about SNs (as we could see in the article "Building Security Awareness in .NET Assemblies : Part 3 - Learn to break Strong Name .NET Assemblies this article attempts to clear those up. Now let's see what SNs are, what we can use them for and how they work. Strong Name is a technology based on cryptographic principles, primary digital signatures; basic idea is presented in the figure At the heart of digital signatures is asymmetric cryptography (RSA, EL Gamal), together with hashing functions (MD5, SHA). So what happens when we want to sign any data? I'll try to explain what happens in the figure above. First we must get a public/private key pair (from our administrator, certification authority, bank, application etc.) that we will use for encryption/decryption. Then DATA (term DATA represents general data we want to sign) is taken and run through some hashing algorithm (like MD5 or SHA - however, MD5 is not recommended) and hash of DATA is produced. The hash is encrypted by private key of user A and attached to plaintext data. The DATA and attached signature are sent to user B who takes public key of user A and decrypts attached signature where hash of DATA is stored and encrypted. Finally user B runs DATA through the same hashing algorithm as user A and if both hashes are the same then user B can be pretty sure that the DATA has not been tampered with and also identity of user A is proven. But this is a naive scenario because it's hard to securely deliver public keys over insecure communication channels like Internet. That is why certificates were introduced but I will not cover it here because certificates aren't used in SNs and delivery of public key is a matter of publisher's policy (maybe I can cover distribution of public keys, certificates and certification authorities in another article). Now let's assume that public key was delivered to user B This process is used in the creation of SN for .NET applications. You can translate term DATA as assemblies and apply the same steps to them when SNs are used. But what is the purpose and usage of this SN technology? Simple - there is the only one reason – to uniquely identify each assembly. See section 188.8.131.52 of CLI ECMA specification where SNs are defined: This header entry points to the strong name hash for an image that can be used to deterministically identify a module from a referencing point (Section 184.108.40.206). SNs are not any security enhancement; they enable unique identification and side-by-side code execution. Now we know that SNs are not security enablers. Where to use them then? We can see two scenarios where SNs can be used: Versioning solves known problem called as "DLL hell". Signed assemblies are unique and SN solves problem with namespace collisions (developers can distribute their assemblies even with the same file names as shown of figure below). Assemblies signed with SNs are uniquely identified and are protected and stored in different spaces. In addition to collision protection, SN should help developers to uniquely identify versions of their That is why when developers want to use GAC (Global Assembly Cache) assemblies must be signed to separate each publisher's namespace and to separate each version. The second important feature of Strong Names is authentication; a process where we want to ensure ourselves about the code's origin. This can be used in many situations, such as assigning higher permissions for chosen publishers (as will be shown later) or ensuring that code is provided by a specific supplier. It has been shown that signatures and public keys can be easily removed from assemblies. Yes, that is right but it is correct behavior even when we use digital signatures in emails or anywhere else! Let's see how it works! We can use some analogy from our real life. Let's assume you are a boss of your company and you are sending an email to your employees where new prices of your products are proposed. This email is a plaintext and you use some non-trusted outsourcing mailing services. Your communication can be easily monitored and your email can be easily accessed by unauthorized persons who can change its content, for instance your prices proposed in email. How to solve that? The answer is cryptography, again digital signatures that you can use to authenticate to your employees and to verify content of your email. Simply you have to add a digital signature to your email and then require your employees will trust just verified emails that have your valid digital signature. Let's assume that all PKI infrastructure is set up and working correctly. Now, when an intruder removes the digital signature from your email, his employees will not trust them because they can't be verified and application will alert users about this insecure The same situation is when SNs are used. You can remove SNs from assemblies , but this makes no sense because just as in the case of emails, assemblies without SNs can't be trusted when environment is set up to require those digital signatures or SNs. This is also related to another very important point in .NET – Code Groups & Policy Levels. As in the case of emails, when PKI is setup in a company and security policy is defined that employees can't trust and verify emails which are not signed or where the encrypted hash value is different from hashed plaintext content. The same can be done with .NET Framework using the .NET Configuration tool on each machine or by group policy for large networks. This tool provides configuration options for .NET Framework including Runtime Security where policy levels and code groups can be set. Policy levels work on intersection principle as shown in the figure below Code groups (inside of those policy levels) provide permission sets for applications that belong to them according to their evidence (origin, publisher, strong name etc.). The assembly will get those permissions based on the intersection of code groups from each policy level applicable to it. This is a very important improvement in security architecture and improves the traditional Windows security model that is process centric (see figure below). .NET introduces Code Access Security (CAS) which is used to identify the origin of code and assign to it specific restrictions and then make security policy more granular and protecting against attacks such as luring attacks. However my intention isn't to describe CAS or Windows security internals (I can write about it in other articles) but show SN principles. Let's move back to it! Now we can move to the second use for SN - administrators and developers can use SNs together with code groups to provide assemblies with higher permissions (not the default ones that assembly will acquire according to default .NET Framework settings). Let's see an example! I must point out that this is just a simplified example how SN can identify publisher, this is NOT a way to obey CLR security or how to use it in enterprise environment. That is why please try to understand the example as a general principle available with SNs but NOT as a design pattern! Usage of SNs as authentication is a more complex problem and there are many non-trivial issues when SNs are involved. But it's out of scope of this article, so now back to the sample! Take my sample Windows Forms project and rebuild it and put .exe file on any share on your LAN. Then try to start this application from this share and click on button – what happens? A security exception is raised because application doesn't have enough privileges. Now go to .NET Configuration tool and add a new code group add new code group called Test and in the second dialog choose Strong name, click on Import button and locate the .exe file in Debug folder of project folder and finally assign full trust for this application Now you have created a new code group containing just your sample application. Now go to your network share and try to start sample application again. And it works! Why? Because it belongs to our new code group Test with full trust permissions. Now remove SN from sample application (as described in his article or just simply remove attribute [assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("KeyFile.snk")] from AssemblyInfo.cs file), recompile and publish it on share. Try to run it and what happens? It's not working! Why? Because assembly can't show this strong name evidence and it belongs to the default code group (with limited It's not surprising, nothing special, no magic – just correct usage of Strong Name technology. SNs are easy and powerful but we have to understand how and where to use them. That is why I want to outline some "issues" that are connected with SNs that will present all capabilities that we can expect from SNs. So what are the weaknesses of SNs? First we have to realize that SNs are a lightweight version of Authenticode and they provide fast and easily used technology to get enterprise features like versioning and authentication. But this ease of use must be paid by something and here goes a list of - It can be very hard to securely associate publisher with his public key when certification authorities are not involved. Publisher must ship his public key by himself and he must ensure that public key is not tampered. Without certification authorities it's impossible to do it securely when our products are distributed over insecure channels and there are no other ways to verify the publisher's public key. - There is no way how to revoke public key when the private key has been compromised. As this is easily done in case of certificates (just publish revoked certificates on CRL, Certificate Revocation List) in case of SNs, revocation is a nightmare. Just imagine that you as a junior security engineer has lost USB key with your private key used to sign your assemblies. Then you'll have to call and email your clients with newly signed assemblies, give them your new public key and setup all environments again). There is no automatic way like CRL, everything must be done "by hand". Authenticode can be considered as more powerful from an enterprise and architectural perspective. So why not use Authenticode instead of SNs? Here are the reasons: - SNs don't require any third party (such as Verisign) to create signatures and manage public keys. Any developer can easily create and manage his keys (see chapter "Generate key pair with sn.exe tool" in my free book ".NET in Samples") without payment to any third party. - SNs can avoid network connections and PKI involvement so applications can run and be verified even when network connections are not - Authenticode certificates are not a part of assembly names and that is why they can't separate publisher's namespaces like SNs do. Do you remember the statement from ECMA in the beginning? That SNs should "deterministically identify" modules and this is the most important reason. So not a security enabler but unique identification is the primary reason for SNs! And Authenticode is not designed for this purpose! I hope this helps you understand the strong name technology in the .NET Framework, and helped you see that it is very powerful, but with defined limits. It is a technology that should be used appropriately. With SNs we can uniquely identify an assembly and run side-by-side our assemblies. Security scenarios are not recommended to be used with Strong Names (even when it's supported by .NET Framework), just in case you are advanced in security and working with certificates and key management. There are many design patterns on how to use Strong Names and all this depends on application architecture, client requirements and infrastructure settings (Active Directory, PKI etc.). There could be much more written about it (like usage of SNs in large companies, problems with key distribution, etc.), but this was not intended for this article, it was just a reaction to some misinterpretation of this technology and the article is intended to put it right.
2 Answers \| Add Yours The denouement means the unraveling of the plot--the final "tying up" of the loose ends. In "The Gift of the Magi," O. Henry creates tension by having Della and Jim each give up what is most precious to them (and to each other) in order to buy gifts for each other. And, of course,the irony is that they cannot use the gifts now. We wonder if they will be angry or disappointed. However, the denouement--again, tying up those loose ends--lets us see that they both realize how loving the other's actions were. Della says that they'll put away the combs and the watch fob for now. Her hair will grow back and they may be able to buy back the pawned watch. For now (in a most satisfying denouement) they are simply happy to have each other and their love. The denouement, or resolution, of "The Gift of the Magi" is that while Jim and Della do not have what they need to make use of their Christmas gifts, these gifts are anything but worthless. For, they are proof of the real gift that each has given the other: His and her love. Della is willing to sacrifice her luxurious hair--hair that would "depreciate the Queen of Sheba's jewels" in its beauty. She makes this sacrifice in order to buy for her darling Jim a watch chain which she feels his gold watch deserves. Likewise, Jim generously sells his gold watch--which even Solomon would envy--to buy decorative combs to adorn his wife's lovely hair. As O. Henry tells the reader, these "foolish children in a flat ...most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But, he continues, "...such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the Magi." "The Gift of the Magi" is a lovely story for Christmastime. It teaches the reader the meaning of giving: Love. And, it is this selfless love that makes Della and Jim "the wisest." This is the denouement. We’ve answered 301,998 questions. We can answer yours, too.Ask a question
Fiona Paisley begins VIDA blog’s Humanitarianism and Internationalism Series with an analysis of settler colonialism, slavery, and the role of Australian women at the League of Nations. In 1935, an Australian delegation at the Assembly of the League of Nations watched a pivotal moment in world history unfold. From her seat on Australia’s table, Bessie Rischbieth listened attentively to the representative of Abyssinia (also known as Ethiopia), Tekle Hawariat, as he made a passionate plea for international intervention in the recent invasion of his country by Italy. By then an experienced internationalist, Rischbieth was the Western Australian president of the Australian Federation of Women Voters (AFWV) and a member of the International Women’s Suffrage Alliance (IWSA) and British Commonwealth League. With many international conferences under her belt, she had lobbied for the inclusion of a woman on each Australian delegation to the League, a practice implemented from 1922 onwards. If not full or voting members, then women were at least represented as Australia became increasingly engaged in world affairs. In 1935, Rischbieth was Australia’s ‘alternate’ woman delegate. The following years saw over fifteen women with backgrounds in social reform, education, journalism and peace activism attend League Assemblies. Each would give numerous lectures and radio interviews upon her return, as well as writing for newspapers about their time in Geneva. Australian writer Frank Moorhouse found it necessary to create a fictional Australian woman, given the lack of women appointed to official roles, in his wonderful novels about the League in the 1930s, Grand Days (1993) and Dark Palace (2000). The reality was that even the one woman section leader – Dame Rachel Crowdy, the head of Traffic in Opium and Social Questions Section – was paid at a lower rate than her male counterparts. Yet from 1922 onwards numerous Australian women were at the League, attending the Assembly and joining work on economic and social questions alongside Crowdy. As a cohort these women constitute a fascinating alternative, and ‘alternate’, history of Australia and the League. Recent histories of internationalism argue that the League might be best understood as a locale rather than an institution. Beyond Australian Dominion women with British Commonwealth worldviews, it attracted a diversity of individuals and groups including advocates for radical change in world affairs: Indian nationalists, Pan-Africanists, Levi General (Deskaheh), representing the Iroquois Nations of Canada , and – through the pages of a leading newspaper in Bern only a few hours away by train – the Aboriginal Australian activist Anthony Martin Fernando. Geneva was a vibrant site of intersecting cosmopolitanisms as well as a beacon of hope. Thanks to the reports of alternate women delegates, Australians at home became increasingly aware that 1935 was a turning point in world history, one that could well precipitate not only the demise of the League but another global war. Abyssinia was a fellow member of the League and proudly independent country in northern Africa. As the great hopes of the 1920s wore thin, Rischbieth and other progressive commentators feared that the crisis in Abyssinia could precipitate a ‘race’ war. Pan-African groups and colonised peoples looked on while the world failed to act against European aggression towards a Black nation, revealing in no uncertain terms the resilience of empire in the modern world order. Official international consensus, however, was that Italy could not be compelled to withdraw from Abyssinia without precipitating an escalation of hostilities. The Australian government considered that such an outcome would present a particular risk to Australia in the Asia-Pacific region, given its vulnerability to a militarised Japan already indicating its own imperial ambitions in Manchuria. Rather than compelling Italy to withdraw from Abyssinia, the following months would reveal how, behind the scenes, Britain and France were already negotiating appeasement. This was tantamount to an endorsement of Italy’s key defence in the affair – that its actions had been compelled by national responsibility towards its growing domestic population. As Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini declared, Italy had been forced to invade Abyssinia because it had been locked out of the scramble for Africa by other European powers at the Berlin conference in the mid-1880s. What might a future ‘race’ war look like? The fighting in Abyssinia was often represented in cartoons and newspaper reports as a confrontation between the machinery of modern war – including tanks, planes and guns – and tribal leaders with spears on horseback. In the following year, news would emerge that poison gas had been used widely against Abyssinian civilians, while Red Cross hospitals had been bombed from the air. Having initially called for sanctions in the name of world peace, the AFWV sent a resolution directly to the Secretary General of the League demanding an end to this ‘barbarism’ – a word carefully chosen to reverse the usual order of civilised over uncivilised. In his speech to the Assembly in 1936, the exiled leader of Abyssinia Haile Selassie condemned the international community for its lack of action. So much for a new world order building on the reform of colonial rule. Settler colonisation appeared once again to have been accepted as a legitimate response to the pressures of population in Europe and the demands of development. From this perspective, it seemed unlikely that India would ever become a Dominion within the British Commonwealth; or that social science expertise and humanitarianism would really be applied in Africa and the mandates in the name of trusteeship. If the Permanent Mandates Commission had been instituted to oversee reform in the former German colonies, then Australia’s High Commissioner appeared little compelled to report on New Guinea and Nauru in anything other than lackadaisical fashion. The issue of slavery was another element in Italy’s self-defence. In the early 1920s, New Zealand called upon the world community to make slavery one of its first concerns. The Slavery Convention was ratified by the League in 1926 and the Forced Labour Convention by the International Labour Organisation in 1930. Australia became a signatory to both, routinely responding that forced labour and slavery did not exist within its borders. It was partly on the grounds of its own efforts to end traditional forms of slavery by working with the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society that Abyssinia had become a member of the League. The society was at this time avidly promoting its expertise, even if viewed with suspicion by the Colonial Office in London for its criticisms of British as well as other empires. Abyssinia was one of its cause célèbres. When Selassie spoke to the Assembly in 1936 he also rejected the common accusation that the practice of slavery in his own country provided humanitarian justification for Italy’s invasion. Reminding Europe that it had invented industrial forms of slavery even following the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and British colonial slavery in 1833, he claimed that his country was working to end traditional forms of servitude in which those enslaved (he asserted) benefitted nonetheless from their labour, however unfree. Another prospect in the Italo-Abyssinian crisis was the rise of fascism in world affairs. In Australia, public opinion was reportedly little disposed to any action against Italy beyond minor sanctions. However, some women’s organisations were calling for harsh measures. Australian Italians of pro-fascist politics expressed their support for the invasion in the pages of their own press, while anti-fascists organised a ‘Hands Off Abyssinia’ campaign in the streets of Sydney. This campaign denounced the invasion as colonial violence, warning of Mussolini’s larger aims in relation to the newly opened Suez Canal. As recorded in Rischbieth’s own clippings file for 1935, Catholic leaders in Western Australia who held opposing views on the invasion were equally critical of those criticising Italy’s behaviour in Abyssinia without acknowledging Australia’s bad record in relation to the Indigenous population. As to her own views on fascism, Rischbieth supported democratic government in 1923 as a member of the Australian delegation attending the IWSA conference in Rome. Personally, however, she had enjoyed meeting Mussolini at a reception during which he was asked by delegates to give the vote to Italian women. Italy’s assertion that ending slavery in Abyssinia would only be achieved through colonisation illustrates the mobility of anti-slavery politics in the interwar era and its potency in contemporary world affairs. Not least, Italy’s anti-slavery claims were being made at the same time as humanitarian and women’s networks in Australia and Britain were protesting that Aboriginal people in Australia experienced conditions at odds with international standards on slavery and forced labour. This tension was clear in the extraordinary work of Mary Montgomery Bennett. Australia’s reputation with respect to slavery, despite annual reports to the League claiming otherwise, was far from uncontroversial and did not go unchallenged. Not only in New Guinea but also among Aboriginal people within Australia, forced labour and sexual exploitation received particular national and international attention in 1935. The report of an inquiry into Aboriginal conditions in Western Australia, in part initiated by women activists’ claims about how conditions akin to slavery were effectively endorsed by state and federal policies, had been finally released. The report’s findings fell short of accusations of slavery, yet its conclusion that poor funding and lack of expertise condemned Aboriginal people to a range of injustices brought settler colonialism in Australia under increased national and international scrutiny. This occurred at the very same time as Italy’s actions in Abyssinia made headlines. Rischbieth was well aware of this. Her newspaper clippings from 1935 chart these developments, and she had also been part of a British Dominion network of women’s organisations whose protest about conditions among Aboriginal people helped to bring about the inquiry. Rischbieth even gave evidence at the inquiry herself. And yet she did not explicitly connect the two in either her notes kept at the time or during her talks after her return home. What amounted to silence on the comparison between a world crisis surrounding one of the world’s newest settler colonies in Africa and Australia’s record over nearly 150 years confirms the point made elsewhere: Rischbieth was not an activist of Bennett’s degree about such matters. But it also points to how criticising settler colonisation was problematic for Rischbieth. Like her peers, she supported the White Australia Policy on the grounds that it was a progressive and humane response to the widely proclaimed and supposedly insurmountable differences between ‘ways of life’ in Anglo-Australia and ‘Asia’. White settlement of the continent, and in the region, represented two facets of the same inter/national narrative. In her talks back in Australia, then, Rischbieth preferred to rehearse Italy’s argument. In this view, Italy had a right to secure resources for its own people. In order to preclude such actions in future, she called for a more equitable distribution of resources and for renewed efforts to develop the so-called less-advanced nations in order to protect them from future invasion. Rischbieth hoped that Australia would take heed of this advice in regard to its mandates to the north. Thus, humanitarianism and national interest were sometimes aligned. Finally, the project of intervention in traditional societies like Abyssinia provided a respite from the more problematic issue of self-reform by the imperial, colonial and mandated nations – to which we can add the settler Dominions. When Mary Jamieson Williams – alternate delegate to the League in the year of the centenary of abolition in the British empire, 1933 – spoke to the Traffic in Women Section about the problem of slavery among Aboriginal people in Australia, she did not refer to indentured, unpaid labour or removal but to what she considered to be the servitude of women in Aboriginal society. This was a view informed by the latest findings of mostly male anthropology. As the Abyssinian case indicates, slavery politics in the League era were deeply entwined in the progressive agendas for the reform of imperial and colonial rule. Like other humanitarianisms, anti-slavery internationalism reiterated the very kinds of racial and national hierarchy it supposedly sought to overturn, and in the process helped to legitimate the claims of the so-called advanced nations to world leadership. Australia, like Abyssinia, could be seen as one of these projects of uplift, but only if tradition rather than colonisation was the central concern. Bessie Rischbieth’s account of Geneva in 1935 shows how the modern anti-slavery cause was adaptable to various world contexts, able to mask certain conditions of injustice and inequality while supposedly eradicating others. See full article: ‘The Italo-Abyssinian Crisis and Australia Settler Colonialism in 1935‘, History Compass Special Issue on Anti Slavery and Settler Colonialism in World History. 15:5 (2017). Fiona Paisley is a historian at Griffith University in Brisbane. Her current research includes an investigation of Australia in mid-twentieth anti-slavery debates; and middle-class Australia and internationalism at home during the interwar years. The full-length version of her article, ‘The Italo-Abyssinian Crisis and Australian Settler Colonialism in 1935,’ is forthcoming in her special issue on anti-slavery and Australia in History Compass. Follow Fiona on Twitter @fpaisleyhistory.
12 Answers \| Add Yours The elements of a novel are the same elements as that of the short story--plot, theme, setting, point of view, character--except that there may be more than one of each of these elements. That is, within the main plot of a novel there may be several subplots, there may be more than one theme, and point of view can certainly change as well. For instance, in William Faulkner's novel, "The Sound and the Fury," the first part of the narrative is recounted by Benjy, a grown man with the intelligence of a small child whose childhood memories merge with the present occurrences. Then, the point of view switches to the point of view of Quentin, a stream-of-consciousness not unlike Benjy's, yet somewhat different. Then, the third part of the novel is narrated by Jason Compson IV, the brother of Quentin, who has committed suicide. Finally, the fourth section of this novel has yet another narrator. Themes such as love and passion and pride run throughout Faulkner's novel. replete with many characters. Thus, the reader of the novel encounters more intracacies of the elements, changing settings, more complications and much more development of plot and character--even changing points of view sometimes --than in the short story. Just as Faulkner's novel reflects life in his beloved South, the English novel traditionally has been strongly influenced by the social, political, economic, scientific, and cultural history of England. Old English narratives, such as "Beowulf" and "The Canterbury Tales" are closely connected to the cultural history of England. Usually, the English novel from the eighteenth century on focuses on the individual and his/her relationship with his environment. Jane Austen's novels have as their main focus the society in which her characters live. His/her personal emotions are often closely examined, as well with characterization is highly developed in the English novel as in those of Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy, for example. - Narrator- The mind from which all aspects of the story are necessarily told - Theme- one or more direct or indirect statements about the human condition as evidenced through the work as a whole - Plot- the series of events which make up the story, traditionally, conflict, climax, denouement, and conclusion - Setting- the place, the time, and the social circumstances of the work. - Tone- The general attitude of the author toward the characters or the subject matter of the book. - Characters- the sentient or non-sentient beings alive or dead who are the actors of the events - Point of View- perspective from which a work is told, 1st 3rd; omniscient, limited Most textbooks tell us that a novel is a work of fiction, almost always written in prose, at least 150 to 200 pages long. The textbook definition also distinguishes novels (as works written in prose) from classical epics. The Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid, for example, are all very long poems. Because the novel is a long form, it can cover a period of years, following the characters through a number of major changes. Similarly, because the reading time of a novel may be far longer than the running time of most plays and movies, novels give us the opportunity to develop close, even intimate relationships with both the characters and the narrator. Equally important to our understanding of the novel form are its differences from the traditional form of the romance. The romance may date back to antiquity, though the most familiar examples are probably the medieval stories of King Arthur and his knights. Romances vary widely, but they do have some common features. The setting of a romance is usually remote and, perhaps, exotic, like that of a fairy tale. The characters in a romance are also sketched broadly—handsome prince, beautiful princess—and may include larger-than-life figures, such as giants and wizards. Finally, there’s often some sort of magic in a romance. The romance is a form that has no trouble with the supernatural or the metaphysical. In addition to our definitions of novel, amatory tale, and romance, we might also consider a basic chronology—a small-scale history of the relationships among those three forms. It’s clear that the romance was stripped down and treamlined into the amatory tale, and it’s also clear that the tales were then developed into the first novels. Of course, it’s not quite as simple as that—because the forms of the romance and amatory tale are very much alive and well. The Harry Potter books draw on the long tradition of the romance, as do the works in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. As for the amatory tale, consider British author Barbara Cartland, who is said to have produced 700 different love stories in the latter half of the 20th century. I hope this clears a few things up about the novel. One of the best-known book that deals with the novel as a genre is E.M. Forster's Aspects of the Novel published in 1927. Therefore, E.M. Forster's close scrutiny of the working command of the art of story telling is contemporaneous with V. Woolf, J. Joyce and W. Faulkner's novels. He raises a certain number of problems: how does the novel tell a story? What about chronology and time? The detective element? The dialectic of the universal versus the individual that confers the "bardic rapture"? How do the various elements fit together?The names of the different chapters are the story, people, the plot, fantasy, prophecy and pattern and rhythm before the author reaches a conclusion: he affords the reader with a sense of unity when he eventually establishes a link between the "development of humanity" and the "development of the novel." The easiest way for me to remember them is A, B, C, D, E. A = action. All stories consist of rising and falling actions. B = background. Spending the time to develop rich characters and settings will help readers connect with the story. C = conflict. Good stories often involve some sort of conflict, that is, a wanting that is not yet attainted. D = denouement. Everything begins to make sense here. The knots are untangled. The protagonist "knows" now what to do and begins to solve the conflict. E = ending. How has the protagonist evolve? Of course, not all novels follow the pattern of A, B, C, D, E. Some start with B, then A, C, D, E and so forth. BUT, all novels have these elements. I hope that helps. Well everyone before me is 100% correct. But there are somethings that would be worth adding i found this out from my tutor. When explaining characters add any connections thet have with other characters. For example. Percy Jackson is the son of the sea god Posidon the connection between them is their ability to control the element of water for purposes of healing, fighting, or some extra strength. Not my best example but hopefully you get where im coming from. Plot: Before starting your novel, you need to have a solid idea of what it is going to be about. Without a great storyline, or PLOT, most people will put the book down before they have even given it a chance. Theme: The major idea that keeps your book going. Some authors use real life situations, or things that they have experienced themselves, while others stick to fantasy type scenarios with Fae, Vampires, Werewolves... you know the ones that I am referring to. Setting: The place and time that your story is set in. This will determine the style of writing also - you don't want to type a sentence that says 'she'll be right, mate', if you story is set in the 1700's... right? And in the same context, you wont want to say that your character is riding a horse and carriage through the streets if your story is set in 2020... unless of course Horse and Carriage makes a comeback. Characterisation: The characters in the novel. Are they real... human? Or are they fantasy creatures that float on clouds and live in glass castles? Conflict: What is the problem or conflict in your story that keeps the reader gripping the edge of their seat? As I said above... many authors use real life situations, and as such, a conflict that has happened in their lives could very well happen in anybody's life. The more that the reader can relate to the story, the more they will enjoy it... unless of course they just want to get lost in the new fantasy that's just been released. There are 7 elements...they are Setting,Character,Plot,Conflict,Theme,Style & Point of View. Setting refers to the environment, the physical place & the time in which the story takes place. Characters are the people that are in the story.Plot is the sequence of incidents which has causal relationship.Conflict is the clash of actions, ideas,desires or wills. Theme the central or dominant idea in the story.Style is the writer's choice of words(diction) and the way such choices are arranged...And Point of View is the voice & vision through which the events of a story gets told Every novel has these five elements: 1. Setting - When and where the story takes place. 2. Characters - The people (or sometimes animals) the story is 3. Plot - What happens in the story. 4. Theme - The lesson the writer of the story is trying to teach the reader. The "message". 5. Point of view - Who is telling the story. First person point of view uses "I", and is told by one of the characters of the story. Third person point of view uses an unnamed narrator who knows what all (or most) of the story's characters are thinking. I hope this helps...keep going... Plot: Plot is the backbone of all literary forms. It means out lines or the events which the author collects from the society and are saved into his mind. He rearranges them in the natural way and writes in form of novel. How to Narrate the Story: (a)The Direct or Epic Method (b)The Autobiographical Method (c)The Documentary Method The novelist picks out good deeds as well as bad deeds and writes on it in form of the novel. He works like media for the contemporary society.So society is his subject matter. Characters are the backbone of a novel. The novelist introduces several characters to carry the story to its end. These characters must be life like, and they must cover all the jobs of society. It means that he introduces hero, heroine, villain, attendents, servants, sweepers, officers etc. Language and Dialogues: Novel is a great source of entertainment for the readers in case of journey or free time. A novelist writes it for the sake of readers because he wants to transfer his knowledge. This knowledge is transferred into writing form with a noble spirit. All sorts of communications are known language. Now it has become a rule that the language of novel should be simple and make free its characters win sympathies of the readers. The dialogues should not be long that may bore the readers. The readers can utter the dialogues in one breath with full skill. Like drama, novel also holds conflict that moves the story to the conclusion. In novel, there are two kinds of conflicts. One conflict or tussle is between hero and villain that is called an external conflict. The other conflict is shown within the character himself. It means there is the tussle between a character and his conscience or mind due to some problem that has become the headache of the main character. Scene and Setting: The fictional characters depend on the locale that is endowed by the author. . His setting is not bookish but original with newness. The novelists avoid bookish settings because they like to visit themselves in order to freshen their work. The other setting is imaginary because the setting of the novel is not always taken from a real life. The novelist has ability to create the totality of his fiction. The English scholar J.R.R.Tolkin, in his ‘Lord of the Rings’ (1954-55) creates an alternative world that appeals emotionally to many who are dissatisfied with the existing one. Novel gets length according to its stuff. The novelist uses two ways for presenting human characters. One is the limitless or considerable length. Servant’s Don Quixote, Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Dickens’s David Copperfield are the best examples. In such type of length, the novelist presents a large section of life. He narrates the story from the birth to the old age. The other is the brief way, and for it, he uses a significant episode in the life of a personage. This type of novel is the production of the World War II. In that time, brevity was considered as a virtue in works like the later novels of Samuel Beckett. i novel should be made up into five different sections 3. Support 2 4. Support 3 plot, themes, setting, point of view and characters. We’ve answered 301,999 questions. We can answer yours, too.Ask a question
Home Gardening - Vegetable Garden Ocala FL Garden Centers / Nurseries, Mulch, Rubber Mulch Orange Lake, FL Annuals, Bulbs, Chemicals, Crop Protection, Garden Center Marketing, Garden Centers / Nurseries, Garden Ornaments, Groundcovers, Horticulture Companies, Landscaping Services, Mulch, Perennials, Pest Control, Pest Control Supplies, Plants, Roses, Seeds, Shrubs, Trees Garden Centers / Nurseries Garden Centers / Nurseries New Port Richey, FL Annuals, Bulbs, Chemicals, Crop Protection, Garden Center Marketing, Garden Centers / Nurseries, Garden Ornaments, Horticulture Companies, Landscape Architects, Landscape Contractors, Landscaping Services, Mulch, Perennials, Pest Control Supplies, Plant Merchants, Plants, Roses, Rubber Mulch, Seeds, Shrubs, Trees Annuals, Bulbs, Chemicals, Crop Protection, Garden Center Marketing, Garden Centers / Nurseries, Garden Ornaments, Hand Tools, Horticulture Companies, Mulch, Perennials, Pest Control Supplies, Plants, Roses, Rubber Mulch, Seeds, Shrubs, Trees You can plant many crops directly in the garden, especially root vegetables, crops with large seeds, and seeds of plants that can mature within your growing season. The correct time to plant each crop varies widely according to the climate where you live and the specific needs of each crop. Tools and Materials - Soil thermometer - String and stakes - Measuring tape - Steel rake - Vegetable seeds - Water source - watering can - Floating row cover, optional When to plant. In general, plant cool-season crops (peas, lettuce, greens, cole crops, and root crops) so they can mature before the onset of mid-summer heat or freezing autumn weather. Some, such as peas and spinach, will germinate in soils as cool as 40° F. Most cool-season crops will germinate and grow if planted about two weeks before the last spring frost. Plant heat-loving, warm-season crops (such as squash, beans, corn, melons, and cucumbers) only after the soil has warmed, about two weeks after the last frost in spring. These crops require soil temperatures between 60° and 70° F. Choose planting pattern. Plant most seeds in 1- to 3-foot-wide beds instead of single-file rows. Wide row planting reduces weeding and watering needs and increases the yield per square foot by decreasing the space needed for paths between rows. Single-row planting works best for corn and climbing peas and beans. Plant vine crops (squash, cucumbers, gourds, and pumpkins) in 1-foot-square beds, spaced 3 to 6 feet apart. Plant 4 to 6 seeds in each bed. Prepare soil. When the soil is dry enough to crumble after squeezing and warm enough to plant, add compost and other amendments, as necessary (see "Preparing a New Garden Plot"). Mark the rows with string and stakes, if desired, leaving 2- to 3-foot aisles between rows. Smooth the soil in the rows with a steel rake. Break up large clods and remove stones and debris. Sow seeds. Plant seeds at a depth equal to two to three times their diameters and as far apart as recommended on the seed packet. In wide row plantings, you can space large seeds, such as beans, on the soil surface and then push them into the soil with your finger. Scatter small seeds, such as carrots, over the prepared row and sprinkle soil over them. Tap the soil gently with the back of a hoe or the palm of your hand. In single-row plantings, make a furrow at the proper planting depth with the corner of a hoe blade. Space the seeds in the furrow and cover with soil. Water and care. Water the planted rows with a gentle spray from a hose or watering can without disturbing the soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially while the seedlings sprout and become established. Protect from frost and grazing animals with a floating row cover, if necessary. The number of days listed on the seed packet refers to the time needed to mature a crop after sowing seed or transplanting into the garden. Choose varieties that can ripen within your growing season. If your space is limited, try compact vegetable varieties; crops that provide a high yield per square foot, such as root vegetables; and trellises for vining plants. Photograph by National Gardening Association. ISA Annual Conference and Trade Show 2015 - International Society of Arboriculture Dates: 8/8/2015 – 8/12/2015 The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to promoting research, technology, and the professional practice of arboriculture.ISA Annual ConferenceThe ISA Annual Conference and Trade Show advance the mission of ISA by providing a forum for the exchange of information, as well as opportunities to network with others in the arboricultural profession.Highlights of the annual conference include:International Tree Climbing ChampionshipPublic Education Arbor FairEducational SessionsIndoor Trade ShowTree Academy WorkshopsThe International Society of Arboriculture's Annual Conference and Trade Show is the oldest and most highly respected annual educational conference for tree care professionals in the world. The ISA Conference attendee list is a "Who's Who" of arboriculture, with over 2100* influential leaders from utility, commercial, municipal and research segments. They come looking for solutions to their tree care challenges. Come provide the solutions to this highly-qualified audience - the industry's premier networking and sales opportunity for your company.*ISA 2008 attendance figures, St. Louis, MONot sure if you want to exhibit at or attend the ISA Annual Conference and Trade Show 2015 - International Society of Arboriculture? See the panels below to get the information you need to make an informed decision.
Foundations often play an essential role in disaster relief and recovery. In addition to funding, grantmakers can offer support in other ways by leveraging their experience and expertise to help organizations and civic leaders in all three stages of the post disaster environment: - Immediate Relief: In the initial aftermath of a disaster, foundations, government agencies, nonprofit service organizations and volunteers rally to provide food, shelter, water, medical care, and clothing to survivors, and to account for the deceased. - Short-term Recovery: Press coverage and donations peak during the immediate relief stage. However, just when public attention begins to wane, critical recovery work begins. Philanthropic investments help provide continued health and social services, including provision of safe drinking water, temporary or transitional shelter, sanitation facilities, and other services for survivors and their dependents. - Long-term Rebuilding: In many communities hit by disaster, it takes several years to rebuild physical infrastructure, restore the natural environment, and rehabilitate the lives of those who are among the hardest hit. In this stage, funders play a key role by making strategic investments that can address chronic social and environmental challenges in the impacted community.
-- check against delivery -- A little more than a year ago, about 200 experts from all walks of science and politics met here at the Federal Foreign Office for the “One Planet, One Health, One Future” conference organized in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society. Discussions at this conference led to the conclusion that biodiversity - or rather the loss thereof – could greatly influence the possibility of outbreak and spread of pandemics. The “Berlin Principles”, established as a result of that conference, encouraged us to take action against the current climate crisis and the resulting degradation of ecosystems. None of us present at that conference would have dared to believe that only a few months later the world would have to face a scenario of a pandemic: A virus spreading with such speed that only the most drastic measures seem to be able to contain its proliferation. Today, we have hope for vaccines coming soon. This hope, however, should not distract us from the crucial point: the next pandemic could already be waiting for us. Therefor we have to succeed in keeping in check those factors that may trigger further future pandemics: Climate change and the resulting loss of biodiversity. As the recently published report on Biodiversity and Pandemics of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, IPBES, (Weltbiodiversitätsrat) clearly states, the risks of further pandemics are increasing rapidly. They are driven by unsustainable anthropogenic impacts on nature and climate. IPBES reminds us that - at the same time - there is a very strong economic incentive for preventive action. We have to keep in mind, that the costs of global strategies to prevent pandemics are only a fraction of the economic damages they cause. And therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, we know what has to be done: To quote the “Berlin Principles”, we must “retain the essential health links between humans, wildlife, domesticated animals and plants, and all nature.” And furthermore “ensure the conservation and protection of biodiversity, which - interwoven with intact and functional ecosystems - provides the critical fabric of life, health and well-being on our planet”. The COVID19 pandemic has been a wakeup call to us all. It has shown us not only the immediacy of the connection between the loss of biodiversity and the emergence of a pandemic but also how devastating its results are for people, societies, and economies worldwide. The breakdown of health and economic systems can quickly lead to destabilization and insecurity in the societies most affected by the pandemic. Our task in a post-COVID19 world will therefore be twofold: We will have to eradicate the factors possibly leading to the outbreak of pandemics by fighting the current climate crisis and the resulting weakening of ecosystems. In doing so, we have to bear in mind that climate change and degradation of nature mutually influence and reinforce one another. We will have to find ways towards a healthy recovery. The World Health Organization has recently outlined this in its Manifesto for a Healthy Recovery from COVID19, including nature protection, sustainable food systems, and a healthy energy transition. We have to make sure not to take the short-cut reverting to old technologies just because they are already at hand. We have to take this process of building back as an unique opportunity to build back “greener”, using and implementing more environment-friendly technologies. And as much as every single country has to do the utmost to deal with the consequences of the pandemic and to find ways out of the crisis, it is by now becoming clear that we will only be able to reach a lasting and sustainable recovery if we work together on an international level. Only global cooperation in the framework of international organizations and partnerships will enable us to overcome this present crisis but to create conditions that will help avoid global calamities like the COVID19 crisis in the future. My thanks go to the Wildlife Conservation Society for organizing and co-hosting this event as well as to all the distinguished speakers who have made themselves available for this conference. I am looking forward to fruitful and inspiring discussions. Thank you very much!
Children around the world grew up playing Monopoly, and many more adults still get together for some friendly – and sometimes not so friendly – competition. But is there more to it than that? Is Monopoly more than a way to pass a few hours, and are there lessons we can take from a monocle-wearing millionaire, for use in our own personal finances? Of course there are, because the history of Monopoly is rooted in the state of the global economy, with the game first being played to raise morale during the Great Depression because in Monopoly anyone could become a property mogul and a financial genius. Therefore it is important we learn the lessons Monopoly has to teach, and apply them to our own personal finances so that one day we can all wear monocles. I’ve outlined nine. 1. Life is What You Make It The first rule of Monopoly is that everyone starts out with the same amount of money – a healthy $1,500 – and we all start from the same place at the Go square. From there the game can be anyone’s and it is the person who takes the greatest advantage from their opportunities who can triumph over their opponents. For example, the player who rolls first has an advantage over the other players and the player lucky enough to roll a double has the advantage of a free turn and if that player is not you, you simply need to acknowledge that life isn’t fair. Maybe your parents didn’t start a savings account for you when you were born, perhaps you have lost your job because of cutbacks at work, but it is how you deal with the roll of the dice which matters. Plus, as Monopoly will prove, there are both good and bad surprises in life and you can just as easily end up in jail as you can win a beauty pageant, as long as you accept these surprises for what they are, and find a way to excel regardless by doing what works for you. 2. Seize Opportunities In a game of chance like life you will eventually have an advantage turned your way and you need to make sure you seize that opportunity and make the most of it. If you do get the first roll of the dice you have the first chance to buy up as many properties as you can and you have a free run to avoid a lot of rent payments early on. The fact is there are probably a lot of lucky breaks which come your way in life, but you’re not in a position to take advantage of them. That is why you need to always be looking for ways to expand your experience and knowledge base, so that you can recognize opportunities for what they are, and you have the confidence to act on them. While you don’t need to become an expert on everything, look at ways you can build on your skills within the sphere of your current experience so that if an opportunity does present itself, you can show you are prepared and turn that luck into skill. 3. Build a Strong Asset Base Ultimately it is the player with the most properties who will gain a monopoly control of the board and this is an important lesson to apply to your personal finances because building a strong asset base will allow you to earn a passive income. Other players will pay you rent and with good assets you can make improvements and ask a higher rent. In real life, if you have real assets, you will be able to live off of the passive income from them. Instead of relying solely on your wage, look closely at your assets and what they can do for you. You may be able to make improvements to what you already have, like upgrading a house to a hotel in Monopoly, so it’s not always trying to overextend yourself to buy more property. 4. You Need an Emergency Fund Out there on the Monopoly board you never know what a chance card is going to throw your way – you could be required to pay for improvements on your hotels, pay taxes or school fees, or advance to the nearest railroad and pay twice the rent. If you don’t have the cash then you’ll have to mortgage or sell your assets and in life there are a lot more emergencies than on the Monopoly board. Plus, you have just learnt the importance of your asset base, so rather than selling assets to pay for emergencies, make sure you leave some money tucked under the corner of the board for a rainy day. David’s Note: Luckily, MoneyNing readers already know this. You did setup an emergency fund already right? 5. Take Time Out In the real world we’re all doing our best to avoid going to jail, but in a game of Monopoly, a stink behind bars can come as a welcome reprieve from rental payments at every turn. Back in the real world remember that you need a reprieve too, whether just for a minute or one day or one week, it is important to step back from the grind and remember why you’re doing it all – and to see whether your efforts are having an impact. Taking some time out gives you a chance to refocus on your goals, approach obstacles with new enthusiasm and look at savings or investment strategies which aren’t working, and find a way to fix them. 6. Shortcuts are Not the Answer to Success The luck of rolling a double is rewarded with another turn, but if you try and take a shortcut through the game by rolling three doubles in a roll, you will land yourself in jail. Then you’ll find yourself stuck behind bars, unable to expand your property portfolio and in some versions even forfeit rental income. Similarly, stop looking for shortcuts to financial stability and wealth and acknowledge that you have to work hard and you have to plan to be successful. You’ll need to make the most of opportunities which come your way and while a double roll will get you ahead, don’t be greedy because you might just land yourself in jail. To be a successful Monopoly player, you will learn to budget and plan your purchases so you know how much money you have, and how much you’ll need to get around the board again. Monopoly budgeting can also teach vigilance in your personal finance because if you just depleted your cash reserves, you will be treading on thin water until you pass Go. 8. Small Steps Can Make a Difference If you can’t afford to invest in a four bedroom home with a high rental income, that doesn’t mean you are not ready to enter the property investment market. If the lower income neighborhoods of the Monopoly board have taught you anything, you will know that even the cheapest property on the board with houses and then hotels on the land can still sting your opposition with $450 in rental payments just as they are passing Go. Therefore, don’t be discouraged from investing or saving just because you have to start out small. Even small investments can see big capital growth over time. 9. Work On Your Relationships but Don’t Rely On Those Relationships As you make your way around the board you will soon realize your chances of landing on three properties in a series are quite slim. This is where you need to be able to cultivate the relationships with your fellow players to negotiate, sell or swap to secure a set and move onto the construction of your houses. In the real world you also need strong relationships with trusted professionals and advisers – an accountant, a lawyer, a financial planner – as these people can help a small business grow or be the answer to your next employment opportunity. However, don’t forget the lessons you learned from a big brother who aimed to send you bankrupt every time you played. While relationships are important, you can’t always rely on them. Ultimately the success of your personal finances comes down to you, so build a diverse asset base and a healthy emergency fund. While you can utilize the services of other if you want to, there is no better alternative than being self sufficient. This is a guest post from Alban, who helps run Home Loan Finder, a home loan comparison website. Is your student loan putting a burden on your finances? Did you know chances are good that you are paying too much? Check out Credible and take a look at the current student loan rates. You can probably refinance through them here and get a better rate, lowering your money payment and improving your cash flow. It's quick and easy to give it a shot. You may be surprised by the results. Click here to get started.
Our drought and potential shortages of Colorado River water have everyone talking. That's good news, because no one seems to pay attention to water issues if a crisis isn't brewing. But it's also bad news, because everyone — pundits, politicians and prognosticators — has an opinion, which makes it tough to determine how the pieces fit together so we can see the big picture. Take, for example, the recent spate of news stories on the declining water level in Lake Mead. It has been accurately reported that Lake Mead is dropping precipitously because less water has been flowing into the lake than is needed to meet the allocations to California, Arizona, Nevada and Mexico. This shortfall is compounded by evaporation and other losses and by a 14-year drought. If the lake level drops below 1,000 feet (a projected 13 to 29 percent likelihood between 2015 and 2026), barely enough water would be left in storage to meet California's allocation for one year, and California has the highest priority to water from Lake Mead. Translation: No water might be left for the Central Arizona Project, which brings nearly 1.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River water to central Arizona to help meet the needs of cities, industries, Indian tribes and farmers. This is not good news, and the seven Colorado River basin states, water users across the region and the secretary of the Interior are working to prevent this from happening. The big picture is that Phoenix and the other central Arizona cities will not be forced to cut their water deliveries to customers and will not dry up and blow away, as some have suggested, if Lake Mead levels continue to drop. Over the past two decades, the Arizona Municipal Water User Association cities have collectively stored almost 1.7 million acre-feet of unused surface water and treated waste-water underground as a savings account for use in emergencies, like the one we might be facing from Lake Mead shortages. This stored water would meet our cities' needs for more than two years, but it would never be used up that quickly. That's because Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project makes up only about 37 percent of the association cities' water supplies, while Salt River and Verde River water (51 percent), treated wastewater (5 percent) and groundwater (7 percent) make up the rest. Add to this the fact that for more than 30 years, we've stretched every drop of water by making conservation part of our lives and our culture. The association cities' supplies are so robust that the Arizona Department of Water Resources has determined we have enough water for 100 years for existing and planned growth. That doesn't mean we can be lackadaisical about Lake Mead. It is in every basin state's best interest to keep the lake's water levels higher. Potential solutions include paying farmers to fallow land and non-urban users to conserve more water. Arizona and its water users will contribute our share to decrease the risks of shortages so our Colorado River water will be there when we need it. We are desert dwellers who hope for the best and plan for the worst. Keeping the big picture in mind and having the foresight to make the bold choices and the investments needed in these challenging times will ensure that we maintain our resilient water supplies. Kathleen Ferris is executive director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association.
The importance of UV protection for your eyes As the sun starts to show itself a little more and spring starts to bring warmer and longer days, it’s important to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. That’s right, even in spring the sun’s rays can damage our eyes! Luckily, you can protect your vision by wearing sunglasses. What are UV rays? UV radiation is invisible to the human eye and is generated from the sun. There are three types of UV rays – UVA, UVB and UVC. Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB light from infancy right into adulthood can lead to eye damage and put you at greater risk of developing eye conditions such as: ● skin cancer around the eyelids ● macular degeneration Thankfully, protecting your eyes from UV is easy – a good quality pair of sunglasses can shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and reduce your risk of developing eye conditions. How do sunglasses help protect your eyes? Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays by blocking out these dangerous light wavelengths. High quality adults’ and children’s sunglasses are made from glass, plastic or polycarbonate that’s been finished with a UV-absorbing coating. How to choose the right sunglasses The best sunglasses for UV protection are those that offer 100% UV protection – you can find out which pair is best for you by asking Hitesh, our resident optometrist, or Amar, our experienced optical assistant. As a rule of thumb, we advise you to opt for larger or wraparound sunglasses, as these can help to protect not only your eyes but also your eyelids and the rest of the skin around your eyes. If you want a pair of sunglasses that can protect your eyes and reduce glare reflected off bodies of water and snow, or road surfaces, then it’s a good idea to choose a pair of sunglasses with polarised lenses. Finally, sunglasses that are scratched, broken or old should be replaced as they won’t be able to offer the right amount of protection for your eyes. Find your favourite sunglasses We have a wide selection of sunglasses to suit all faces, ages, styles, and needs, which can also have your prescription in them. Visit our opticians, serving the Kensal Rise and Queen’s Park areas to find your favourite pair of sunglasses, or get in touch with us to learn more about UV protection.
To Measure the wavelength of monochromatic light Formula: nλ = d Sinθ. n=fringe order . d=diffracion grating. θ=angle of diffraction d=500 lines per mm. Then d for formula = 1/500,000 = 2x10-6 m. Spectrometer setup: Focus telescope on distant object. Ensure base & stage are level, Adjust slit width. Errors =Crosshairs in centre of ray? Error Vernier scales, diffraction grating not completly perpendicular to stage. Accuracy = The smaller the gap in the D.G the larger the diffraction and the lower the percentage error when measuring the angles.
Offered for sale is a magnificent Shiwan ( Shekwan) figure of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius Kong zi. Confucius (or Kongzi) was a Chinese philosopher who lived in the 6th century Bc whose thoughts, expressed in the philosophy of Confucianism, have influenced Chinese culture right up to the present day. He is considered the first teacher and his teachings are usually expressed in short phrases which are open to various interpretations. Chief among his philosophical ideas is the importance of a virtuous life, filial piety, and ancestor worship. Also emphasised is the necessity for benevolent and frugal rulers, the importance of inner moral harmony and its direct connection with harmony in the physical world and that rulers and teachers are important role models for wider society. As an important part of Chinese traditional culture, ceramic wares have a long history reflecting the customs of this ancient culture. One of the most famous types of ceramic works is called Shiwan (Shekwan) ware, which has been the shining star in Chinese folk ceramic art as early as the Tang and Song Dynasties (618-906ad), and which flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties. These Shiwan (Shekwan)ceramics are commonly known as mudware, mud figures or figurines, mud people, mud men, mudd men, or mudmen and were produced from the Late 19th Century up to Mid 20th Century.
Tokaimura criticality accident, Japan This EOE article is adapted from an information paper published by the World Nuclear Association (WNA). WNA information papers are frequently updated, so for greater detail or more up to date numbers, please see the latest version on WNA website (link at end of article). On September 30, 1999 an accident happened at a small fuel preparation plant operated by Japan Nuclear Fuel Conversion Co. (JCO), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Metals and Mining, in the village of Tokaimura, 130 km northeast of Tokyo. Two workers died as a result of radiation exposure. The particular JCO plant at Tokai was commissioned in 1988 and processes up to 3 tonnes per year of uranium enriched up to 20% uranium-235 (235U), much more than in ordinary nuclear power reactors. The plant supplied various specialized research and experimental reactors. It used a wet process. The approved nuclear fuel conversion procedure involved the dissolution of uranium oxide (U3O8) powder in a dissolution tank, then its transfer as pure uranyl nitrate solution to a buffer column for mixing, followed by transfer to a precipitation tank. This tank is surrounded by a water cooling jacket to remove excess heat generated by the exothermic chemical reaction. The prevention of criticality was based upon the general licensing requirements for mass and volume limitation, as well as upon the design of the process. A key part of the design was a column with a criticality-safe geometry as a buffer to control the amount of material transferred to the precipitation tank. However, the work procedure was modified three years ago, without permission from the regulatory authorities, to allow the dissolution of uranium oxide to be performed in stainless steel buckets. The mixing designed to occur in the buffer column was undertaken by mechanical stirring in the precipitation tank, thus bypassing the criticality controls. The shape of the hundred-liter precipitation tank (450mm diameter and 660mm high) enhanced the likelihood of criticality. On 30 September, three workers were preparing a small batch of fuel for the JOYO experimental fast breeder reactor (FBR), using uranium enriched to 18.8% uranium-235 (235U). It was JCO's first batch of fuel for that reactor in three years, and no proper qualification and training requirements appear to have been established to prepare those workers for the job. At around 10:35, when the volume of solution in the precipitation tank reached about 40 liters, containing about 16 kg uranium, a critical mass was reached. At the point of criticality, the nuclear fission chain reaction became self-sustaining and began to emit intense gamma and neutron radiation, triggering alarms. There was no explosion, though fission products were progressively released inside the building. The significance of it being a wet process was that the water in the solution provided neutron moderation, expediting the reaction. Most fuel preparation plants use dry processes. The criticality continued intermittently for about 20 hours. It appears that as the solution boiled vigorously, voids formed and criticality ceased, but as it cooled and voids disappeared, the reaction resumed. The reaction was stopped when cooling water surrounding the precipitation tank was drained away, since this water provided a neutron reflector. Boric acid solution (neutron absorber) was finally was added to the tank to ensure that the contents remained subcritical. These operations exposed 27 workers to some radioactivity. The next task was to install shielding to protect people outside the building from gamma radiation from the fission products in the tank. Neutron radiation had ceased. The radiation (neutron and gamma) emanated almost entirely from the tank, not from any dispersed materials. Buildings housing nuclear processing facilities such as this are normally maintained at a lower pressure than atmosphere so that air leakage is inward, and any contamination is removed by air filters connected to an exhaust stack. In this case, particulate radionuclides generated within the conversion building were collected by the high-efficiency particulate air filters, though noble gases passed through the filters. A smoke test on 5 October confirmed that the negative pressure had been maintained (i.e., the structural integrity of the building was satisfactory) and that the ventilation system was working. However, owing to the detection of low levels of iodine-131 being released to the environment through the exhaust, it was later decided to stop ventilation and to rely on the passive confinement provided by the building. Five hours after the start of the criticality, evacuation commenced of some 161 people from 39 households within a 350 meter radius from the conversion building. They were allowed home two days later after sandbags and other shielding ensured no hazard from residual gamma radiation. Twelve hours after the start of the incident, residents within 10 km were asked to stay indoors as a precautionary measure, and this restriction was lifted the following afternoon. The effects, and analysis The accident was classified by the Japanese authorities as Level 4 on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Nuclear Event Scale (INES), indicating an event without significant off-site risk. It was essentially an 'irradiation' accident, not a 'contamination' accident, as it did not result in any significant release of radioactive materials. \|The International Nuclear Event Scale (INES)\| \|Level, Descriptor\|\|Off-Site Impact\|\|On-Site Impact\|\|Defence-in-Depth Degradation\|\|Examples\| \|7 - Major Accident\|\|Major Release: Widespread health and environmental effects\|\|Chernobyl, Ukraine, 1986 (fuel meltdown and fire)\| \|6 - Serious Accident\|\|Significant Release: Full implementation of local emergency plans\|\|Mayak at Ozersk, Russia, 1957 (reprocessing plant criticality)\| \|5 - Accident with Off-Site Risks\|\|Limited Release: Partial implementation of local emergency plans\|\|Severe damage to reactor core or to radiological barriers\|\|Windscale, UK, 1957 (military). Three Mile Island, USA, 1979 (fuel melting).\| \|4 - Accident Mainly in Installation\|\|Minor Release: Public exposure of the order of prescribed limits\|\|Significant damage to reactor core or to radiological barriers, worker fatality\|\|Saint-Laurent, France, 1980 (fuel rupture in reactor). Tokai-mura, Japan, 1999 (criticality in fuel plant for an experimental reactor).\| \|3 - Serious Incident\|\|Very Small Release: Public exposure at a fraction of prescribed limits\|\|Major contamination, acute health effects to a worker\|\|Near Accident. No safety layers remaining\|\|Vandellos, Spain, 1989 (turbine fire, no radioactive contamination). Davis-Besse, USA, 2002 (severe corosion). Paks, Hungary, 2003 (fuel damage)\| \|2 - Incident\|\|nil\|\|Significant spread of contamination, overexposure of worker\|\|Incidents with significant failures in safety provisions\| \|1 - Anomaly\|\|nil\|\|nil\|\|Anomaly beyond the authorized operating regime\| \|0\|\|nil\|\|nil\|\|No safety significance\| \|Below Scale\|\|nil\|\|nil\|\|No safety relevance\| \|Source: International Atomic Energy Agency \| The three workers concerned were hospitalized, two in a critical condition. One died 12 weeks later, another 7 months later. The three had apparently received full-body radiation doses of 10-20,000, 6-10,000 and 1-5000 millisieverts (about 8000 mSv is normally a fatal dose). Doses for a further 436 people were evaluated, 140 based on measurement and 296 on estimated values. None exceeded 50 mSv (the maximum allowable annual dose), though 56 plant workers exposed accidentally ranged up to 23 mSv and a further 21 workers received elevated doses when draining the precipitation tank. Seven workers immediately outside the plant received doses estimated at 6 - 15 mSv (combined neutron and gamma effects). The peak radiation level 90 meters away just outside the nearest site boundary was 0.84 mSv/hr of gamma radiation, but no neutron levels were measured at that stage. The gamma reading then dropped to about half that level after nine hours at which stage 4.5 mSv/hr of neutron radiation was measured there, falling to about 3 mSv/hr after a further two hours, and then both readings falling to zero (or background for gamma) at 20 hours from the start of the criticality. Neutron dose rates within one kilometer are assumed to be up to ten times the measured gamma rates. Based on activation products in coins from houses near the plant boundary and about 100 m from the reaction, it was estimated that some 100 mSv of neutron radiation would have been received by any occupants over the full period of the criticality. However, the evacuation of everyone within 350 meters of the plant had been ordered 5 hours after the start of the accident. The final report on the accident said that the maximum measured dose to the general public (including local residents) was 16 mSv, and the maximum estimated dose 21 mSv. While 160 TBq of noble gases and 2 TBq of gaseous iodine were apparently released, little escaped from the building itself. After the criticality had been terminated and shielding was emplaced, radiation levels beyond the JCO site returned to normal. Only trace levels of radionuclides were detected in the area soon after the accident, and these were short-lived ones. Products from the area would have been as normal, and entirely safe throughout. Radiation levels measured by the IAEA team in residential areas in mid-October were at the normal background levels. Measurement of iodine-131 in soils and vegetation outside the plant showed them to be well under levels of concern for food. According to the IAEA, the accident "seems to have resulted primarily from human error and serious breaches of safety principles, which together led to a criticality event". The company conceded that it violated both normal safety standards and legal requirements, and criminal charges are being laid. The fact that the plant is a boutique operation outside the mainstream nuclear fuel cycle evidently reduces the level of scrutiny it attracts. Japan's atomic energy insurance pool said would make a payment to JCO in respect to the accident, its first such payment ever. However, this would be limited to one billion yen, with further liability (the total estimated at 13 billion yen or A$200 million), being met by JCO or its parent company. The plant's operating licence was revoked early in 2000. Mainstream fuel fabrication plants in Japan are fully automated, engineered to ensure that criticality does not occur, equipped with neutron monitoring systems and fully prepared for any possible criticality accident. Most plants use a dry process in any case, which is intrinsically safer. No major civil reactor uses uranium enriched beyond 5% uranium-235. The events of 30 September placed Japan’s entire nuclear enterprise under scrutiny. Critics of the IAEA assessment contend that the accident also resulted from lax government oversight of the nuclear industry. Critics were particularly concerned by what they perceived as a slow and inadequate initial repsonse to the accident, a poor emergency plan, and poor enforcement of occupational health and safety procedures on the part of the government. On paper, the government-appointed Nuclear Safety Commission acts as the industry watchdog. But some question its independence--they say it is dominated by pro-nuclear scientists with official ties. The commission even works out of the offices of the Science and Technology Agency, the bureaucracy that regulates the industry. These analysts called for an independent nuclear regulatory safety committee in Japan. Previous criticality accidents While this was Japan's first such accident, similar criticality incidents have occurred, especially in US and Russian military plants and laboratories. All but two of these were prior to the early 1980s. Three (in 1958 and 1964) were very similar to this accident. The last of these was the single previous criticality accident at a commercial fuel plant in the US, which resulted in one death. Of all the previous accidents, 37 occurred in connection with research reactors or laboratory work for military projects, resulting in ten deaths. Another 22 occurred in nuclear fuel cycle facilities, all but one military-related, and resulting in seven deaths. The energy released in each of these accidents ranged from about 0.03 MJ to 3 GJ (on basis of IPSN report quoting fissions ranging from 1015 to 1.2 x 1020, and each fission yielding 3 x 10-11 Joules. Petrol @ 34 MJ/litre). The energy released in the similar US accident was about 3 MJ, though due to the prolonged criticality here, some 80 MJ was released, equivalent to the combustion of just over two liters of petrol/gasoline. The fuel preparation accidents were all in wet processes, due to putting too much uranium-bearing solution in one tank. Mostly, these then erupt rather like a saucepan of milk boiling over, and the fission reaction ceases as the material is ejected and dispersed in the immediate vicinity. None of the previous accidents resulted in significant release of radioactivity outside the plants. Practically all were in Russian or US plants, and in reviewing these accidents recently the need for a high level of staff training was emphasized. - WNA paper on Tokaimura criticality accident - American Institute of Physics. What Happened at Tokaimura? - International Atomic Energy Agency, 1999. Report on the Preliminary Fact Finding Mission Following the Accident at the Nuclear Fuel Processing Facility in Tokaimura, Japan 1999, English. Date of Issue: 15 November 1999, International Atomic Energy Agency. - Ryan, Michael E. The Tokaimura Accident: Nuclear Energy and Reactor Safety. Department of Chemical Engineering University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
“Fix bayonets!” – 11 am, Tuesday 27 May, 1941: The ANZACs charge at “42nd Street” near Souda Bay. On May 27, 1941, the Battle of Crete was lost for the Allied forces, largely as a result of the 22nd New Zealand Infantry Battalion’s withdrawal on May 21st from Hill 107, leaving Maleme airfield undefended and allowing the invading Germans to land their forces unopposed. The Allied forces were in full retreat, and awaiting the order of evacuation, while they still had time and fought some rear-guard battles to delay the advancing German forces. The most memorable of those fierce fights was the “Battle of 42nd Street”, as it remained in history, a largely forgotten and obscure episode of the Battle of Crete, known only to surviving soldiers, their families and few history enthusiasts. At “42nd Street” an elite battalion of German Mountain Troops were totally surprised to be attacked by some 300 yelling, bayonet-wielding Anzacs from a retreating Allied Force that the Germans considered to be demoralised rabble. Α force of several under-strength Australian and New Zealand infantry battalions established a defensive line along the Hania to Tsikalaria road south-east of Canea, forming a rearguard for the withdrawing troops. The attack was swift and brutal and concluded with the death of an estimated 200+ Germans* and some 40 Anzacs. After this encounter, the Germans were wary of making contact with the Anzac rearguard of the retreating Allied Force. This delay in the German offensive brought sufficient time for most of the Allied Force to be evacuated from the southern coast of Crete. * The Germans claimed that 121 soldiers were killed – refer to Beevor A, Crete, Penguin 1992, p.200 Troops of the German 141st Mountain Regiment blocked a section of the road between Suda and Chania. On the morning of 27 May, elements of the New Zealand 28th (Māori) Battalion, the Australian 2/7th Battalion and the Australian 2/8th Battalion cleared the road with a bayonet charge. The bayonet charge at 42nd Street was not only the most effective counter-attack undertaken by Allied Forces on Crete, it was undertaken by soldiers at the limit of their physical and mental endurance. Since the German airborne invasion of Crete on Tuesday 20 May 1941, the Anzac units had fought a series of rearguard actions for 7 days but by Tuesday, 27th May, were in full retreat. Any hope of victory had vanished. The immediate prospect was death, injury or a POW camp. The Anzacs were exhausted. Few had slept over the previous 48 hours. They were desperately hungry and dehydrated, their feet were blistered and sore and their boots were falling apart. However, with great fortitude the Anzac units prepared to defend 42nd Street. 42nd Street was an unsealed, dusty road, lined with olive trees. It ran perpendicular to the main coastal road from Hania to Souda Bay. It was sunk below the surrounding land with a raised embankment on its western side. This bank provided an excellent screen for the defenders. The road was named 42nd Street by the British Garrison, which was established on the island in November 1940, as the road was occupied by the 42nd Field Company of the Royal Engineers. On Crete, it is sign-posted as Tsikalarion Road. On 27 May, as a German battalion advanced towards the road, the Anzac defenders carried out a bayonet charge that inflicted heavy casualties on the German attackers, which forced them to withdraw and briefly halted the German advance. The charge was sparked by a Maori soldier who, seeing troops of the Mountain Regiment emerge out of the olive groves, picked up a Bren gun and using it as a patu performed a haka as the prelude to a ferocious attack which sent the Germans fleeing. Read some first-person accounts of ANZACs who fought at the “Battle of 42nd Street” (sources below): Major Humphrey Dyer gives his account of the bayonet charge on 42nd Street – Suddenly something blew up in front and heavy M.G. fire opened on us. There was a yell on our right and we went forward with C Company on our right shouting ‘Charge!’ 19 men at first hung back bunched behind olive trees. Either just before or just after over-running an HMG mounting (gun removed) there was close-quarter fighting with some Germans who stood their ground. Hemi bayoneted one – “I got one at a couple of yards in Wild West style; Matthews got a number with his tommy gun, and then sprayed a bunch shamming dead in a shallow depression.” The order was given to fix bayonets. The aim was that by getting close to the Germans the Luftwaffe would not be able to distinguish friend from foe and would be neutralised. Private H G Passey (VX3987) who was Lt-Colonel Walker’s batman reported that: “When this order went out it seemed to lift the tension that had been hanging over us for the past few days. The time had come when we were going to show Jerry a few tricks…” (Australian War Memorial 52, Item Number 8/3/7, 2/7 Infantry Battalion, April-July 1941, p.157). At about 11am the Alpine troops of 1st Battalion of the 141st Gebirgsjager Regiment were seen approaching 42nd street. In accordance with their orders, the defenders allowed the Germans to make close contact. Reg Saunders in the 2/7 Battalion described what happened next: They came over a rise 50 metres in front. I saw a German solider stand up in clear view….. He was my first sure kill… I can remember feeling a moment that it was just like shooting a kangaroo… Just as remote. After that many Huns appeared and for them and us it was pretty confused. (Bolger W P; Littlewood J G; Folkland F C, The Fiery Phoenix: The Story of the 2/7 Infantry Battalion, 1939- 1945, 2/7 Battalion Association, 1983. p.90). Suddenly the soldiers in C and D Company of the 2/7th leapt from their positions and with a raucous yell charged at the Germans. Reg Saunders reported: It was crazy, crazy, the most thrilling few minutes of my life. We were all obsessed with this mad race to slaughter with the bayonets – it wasn’t like killing kangaroos any more. When we got there they were real men excited like us and some of them terribly frightened. They were highly trained Germans but they got such a shock. (op. cit. p.91). At the same time the Maori Battalion attacked: ‘(Captain) Rangi Royal took the initiative instructing his runner – “You go and tell C Company they will hear my whistle quite plainly. On the blast of my whistle we (B Company) will charge. The runner that day was 17 year old Rangitepuru Waretini (known as Sonny Sewell).” “He blew his whistle and no bugger moved. It wasn’t until he blew it again and he jumped up himself and… Sam O’Brien of Te Puke got up with him and started to use the rifle like a Taiaha. You wouldn’t think he was a soldier at all… He had two left feet… But oh something must have stirred inside him I suppose when he got up and did this. Rangi just raised his staff and went like that (pointed his staff in the direction of the enemy). Chaaarge! And there’s Sam doing like a wero next to him. And of course everybody just got up and into it and boy you get those Tuhoe fellas yelling in Maori, not in English!” (Soutar, Monty. Nga Tamatoa, The Price of Citizenship- C Company of 28 Maori Battalion 1939-45. David Bateman 2008, pp. 147-148 ). Photo Source: Soutar, Monty. Nga Tamatoa, The Price of Citizenship- C Company of 28 Maori Battalion 1939-45. David Bateman 2008 Situated between the 2/7th and the Maori Battalion, 21 Battalion charged forward. The War History for the Battalion reported the charge as follows: “The forward Companies of 21 Battalion had scarcely lined the sunken road when they heard yells that could only come from Maori throats. It was a blood stirring haka. The Australians produced a scream even more spine chilling than the Maori effort and the sight of the Maori Battalion charging with vocal accompaniment sent the whole line surging forward. The forward elements of the enemy did not wait. They threw away their packs and ran. They were shot from the hip and those who hid in the scrub were bayoneted. Some mortar teams that tried to get into action were over- run and dealt with.” (Cody J F, 21 Battalion, Historical Publications Branch, 1953. The bayonet charge continued for about 1500m with the Germans in full flight. As the attackers were running out of cover from an air attack the charge was halted and the Anzacs returned to 42nd Street. However, their stay at 42nd Street was short as German forces were seen in the hills to the west attempting to encircle the retreating Anzacs. That night the Anzacs continued their retreat to Hora Sfakion on the south coast fighting a series of valiant rear-guard actions over the next 4 days. These courageous rearguard actions enabled 12,000 troops to be evacuated from Hora Sfakion over the period from 28 May to the early morning of 1 June, thanks to the sterling efforts of the Royal Navy. Most of those who took part in the bayonet charge at 42nd Street were evacuated. However, those in the 2/7 Battalion were not so fortunate. Scheduled to be evacuated late in the evening of 31 May, their progress from the rearguard perimeter was hindered by the thousands of troops seeking to be evacuated and the rocky and precipitous descent to the shoreline. When the 2/7 Battalion left Alexandria in March 1941, it had a full complement of 759 men. As a result of the campaigns in Greece and Crete, only 72 arrived back in Alexandria by 2 June 1941. Lt.-Colonel Walker was taken prisoner by the Germans. This was a casualty rate of over 90%. From these ashes the battalion was reformed and gained its name as the ‘Fiery Phoenix’.
t of the principal failing to pass the entrance examination. In this case the principal would have passed without trouble, and, to quote an ordinary expression, George Dewey would have been "left," had not the mother of the other boy interposed at the critical moment. Under no circumstances would she allow her son to enter the navy. He was compelled to give up all ambition in that direction and to take up the study of theology. At this writing he is a popular preacher, who will always believe it was a most providential thing for our country that turned him aside from blocking the entrance of George Dewey to the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Our hero entered the institution September 23, 1854. It did not take him long to discover that the institution, like that at West Point, is controlled by the most rigid discipline possible. No stricter rules can be devised than those that prevail at the two institutions. I have heard it said by a West Point graduate that a cadet cannot sit down and breathe for twenty-four
Despite almost half of U.S. consumers (49 percent) believing their security habits make them vulnerable to information fraud or identity theft, 51 percent admit to reusing passwords/PINs across multiple accounts, such as email, computer login, phone passcode, and bank accounts. That is according to Shred-it’s recent Consumer Fraud Awareness Survey, which exposes consumer concerns, habits, and knowledge of information security and fraud. Consumers are not only putting their digital security at risk, but their habits toward physical information security also make them vulnerable to fraud or identity theft. While nearly 2 in 10 consumers (17 percent) are concerned they could fall victim to a physical security breach, nearly 3 in 10 consumers (27 percent) admit they do not shred paper or physical documents containing sensitive information before throwing them away. Although consumers may be inadvertently putting their own information security at risk, the study also found they don’t trust companies to keep their personal information safe. Forty-three percent of consumers believe the personal information they share with brands and companies today could be vulnerable to a security breach. With that, 40 percent say they would stop doing business with a brand or company if they previously suffered a security breach. Additional findings from the survey include: Consumers are unsure how to determine if they were victims of fraud and do not understand how to report and remediate fraud/identity theft. • More than one-third of consumers (39 percent) have been a victim of fraud or identity theft. • Nearly 3 in 10 consumers (27 percent) admit they do not know how to find out if they’ve become a victim of fraud or identity theft. • When asked how they found out they were a victim of fraud, 33 percent found out by monitoring their own accounts for suspicious activity, 29 percent were alerted by a business about a security breach of their information, and 24 percent discovered it by accident. • If they became a victim of fraud, 1 in 5 consumers (20 percent) admit they would not know how to report and remediate it. Consumers believe they can identify fraudulent emails or calls. • While the majority of consumers (72 percent) think they could determine if an email or phone call they receive is part of a fraudulent scam, 16 percent of consumers say they could not and another 12 percent of consumers don’t know. • Baby boomers (66 percent) are the least likely to believe they could determine if an email or phone call they receive is part of a fraudulent scam or not, compared to Gen Z’s (72 percent) and millennials (74 percent). Consumers store paper documents containing sensitive information, such as W2 and 1099 forms and Social Security cards, in risky ways. • Nearly 30 percent of consumers store paper documents containing sensitive, personal information in a box, desk drawer, or unlocked cabinet at home or work. • More than 1 in 5 consumers (22 percent) admit to not storing or keeping paper documents containing sensitive information. • When it comes to tax documents, such was W2 and 1099 forms, consumers aren’t storing the documents for the recommended period of time before disposing of them. While 31 percent of consumers keep tax documents for more than seven years before disposing of them, 26 percent keep them for one to three years, 21 percent keep them for four to seven years, and 13 percent keep them for less than one year. Baby boomers have some of the safest information-security habits, despite stereotypes suggesting otherwise. • Baby boomers (47 percent) are the least likely to reuse passwords/PINs across multiple accounts, such as email, computer login, phone passcode, and bank accounts, compared to millennials (55 percent) and Gen Z’s (61 percent). • Baby boomers (26 percent) are the least likely to store paper documents containing sensitive, personal information in an unlocked cabinet at home or work, compared to millennials (33 percent) and Gen Z’s (31 percent). • Baby boomers (80 percent) are more likely to shred paper or physical documents containing sensitive information before throwing them away, compared to millennials (67 percent) and Gen Z’s (69 percent). • More than 9 in 10 baby boomers (91 percent) closely monitor their financial account activity — such as bank statements, credit reports, and credit card statements — each week, compared to millennials (85 percent) and Gen Z’s (86 percent). For more information about Shred-it’s Consumer Fraud Awareness Survey and to download the complete findings, visit shredit.com/ifaw.
Today’s lesson is about creating a personal Home Page. In the previous lessons, we have already discussed the style and color the student prefers, finished the process of visualizing which direction the creation will go, and the student created already her original logo (she has created 3-4 logos during the second lesson, and she has created more types as homework. Today, we will tentatively pick one logo from them and create the top page. These are the logos she created after the class. These are black and white version of the logos. Since she is also studying oil painting and graphic design, she is using her art works as material for her web page. These samples have not been finalized, because she prefers pastel colors. This is the design and logo selected by the student. After selecting the design, we add more details to it and add modification. The student put the image of her painting to the left, added a strip of gradation to the right, and in between a strip of image cut from the same painting as an effect. At the same time, she added the menu section. In the menu section, she chose a simple gothic font and placed them. Completing the menu section. A question from the student: “They have been working with the rectangular image vertically long, but the computer screen is horizontal.” To make it easier to view in a single page, therefore, she needs to adjust the size of the image. She adjusted the size of the image to horizontal shape. Homework for the next lesson: She will add the language selection link on the side bar of her web site, as well as links to social networks. She also creates images to be used for the effect of sliding the works introduced on the website.
Influenza can occur at any time, but in the US it is most prevalent from October through May. Keep yourself protected from getting sick through good health habits: Nutrition and Sleep- Eating ‘real’ food (fruit, vegetables, and whole grains for example) and avoiding processed foods increases your vitamin intake which can help your immunity to viruses. Sleeping 7-8 hours continually in a 24 hour period also prevents being run down and getting sick. Hand Washing and Cleanliness- Wash hands regularly and keep your environment clean from bacteria has been proven to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu. Clean computer screens, keyboards, doorknobs, etc.; periodically to help reduce flu bacteria. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes- Bacteria easily enters your body through these areas. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve instead of using your hand and eliminate contaminating others with your sickness when touching other things. Consider a flu shot- Talk to your healthcare provider about how a vaccine may help you protect you against certain viruses. Stay home when you’re sick- Spreading the flu to others happens when sick people are spreading their flu germs. Recovery time is reduced when you take care of yourself by getting enough rest. Visit the Center for Disease’s website for more tips to keep you healthy during this flu season! This update has been provided by Fresh Finance.
Winston Churchill may be most well known for his time spent as the Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, but he contributed much more to the world than just his political career. Churchill was at the forefront of the political scene in Europe for around 50 years. His political accolades span this timeframe, all the way up until his death in 1965. He is said to be one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century and is viewed as a hero by many people worldwide. But he wasn’t without an interesting side. From being in a plane crash to enjoying painting or even his music career, Churchill accomplished a lot in his 90-year life. Here are 10 interesting facts about Winston Churchill. 1. Speech Impediment Churchill is well known for his speeches, but what makes this more interesting is that he had a speech impediment. Later in life Churchill would have dentures made that would help with this, but prior to this he dealt with it saying “My impediment is no hindrance.” Churchill did exercises for the impediment, by saying phrases such as “The Spanish ships I cannot see for they are not in sight.” It is believed Churchill had a lateral lisp, which is when a person struggles with “s” and “z” sounds. Churchill’s speech issues were described by reporters in the 20’s and 30’s as a stutter that was tough to listen to. Churchill’s father also had a speech impediment, in which he also struggled with “s” and “z” sounds. 2. Struggled in School Churchill had an amazing career, but he struggled in school while growing up. At age 7 he was sent to a boarding school, which he didn’t like. He enrolled at Harrow in 1888, but his entrance exam scores were so sub-par that they placed him at the bottom of the class. Though he struggled in school overall, he wasn’t seen as unintelligent. He did well in the subjects he enjoyed, History and English. Once he was done at Harrow, Churchill went to Royal Military College, where he failed the entrance exam twice. 3. Avid Painter With over 500 paintings produced, Churchill was an avid painter. He didn’t start painting until he was 40, but he quickly grew in skill. Today, paintings by Churchill can go for a lot of money. In 2014, a collection of 15 Churchill paintings went for £11.2 million. Painting was one of Churchill’s favorite hobbies, and he was once quoted saying, “When I get to heaven I mean to spend a considerable portion of my first million years in painting.” Churchill painted over half of his paintings in the 1930’s, but he spent most of his life (once he started) painting. 4. Churchill Disliked Gandhi Gandhi and all that he stood for became a big issue for Churchill. In general, Winston Churchill liked Indians. However he was opposed to the Indian Independence movement and Gandhi was the leader of the movement. Naturally this created some issues. Why did Churchill dislike Gandhi? It was a mixture of politics and personalities. Churchill could not stand Gandhi stood for, and at one point, Churchill was okay with allowing Gandhi die during a hunger strike. 5. Accidents Happen Churchill was in many accidents. He once jumped off a bridge and suffered a ruptured kidney, as well as a concussion. While in the United States, Churchill was hit by a car in New York City. He literally failed to look both ways when crossing the street. When he was learning to fly, he crashed a plane. While Churchill was accident-prone, none of these accidents affected his lifespan, as he lived to be 90. 6. Inventor of O.M.G Winston Churchill received a letter in 1917 from Lord Fisher regarding the war. Towards the end of the letter, Lord Fisher uses the term ‘OMG.’ Here is how it was typed in the letter: “I hear that a new order of Knighthood is on the tapas-O.M.G. (Oh! My God!) – Shower it on the Admiralty.” This is the first known instance of this popular phrase being used, and Churchill was the receiver of it. 7. Prisoner of War In the 1890’s, Winston Churchill was a war correspondent for The Morning Post. He was sent to cover the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, but once he arrived in South Africa the train he was on was ambushed and he was taken as a prisoner of war. Miraculously, Churchill managed to escape the camp. Once back in England, the escape caused him to be regarded as a hero, which helped launch his political career. 8. Nobel Prize in literature One of Winston Churchill’s favorite areas of study in school was English, and in 1953, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for his publications, including “The Second World War.” This was a six-book series which is based on the history of the end of World War I to the end of World War II. Winston Churchill’s father, Lord Randolph Henry Spencer-Churchill, was a British statesman who was born in London. Churchill’s mother, Jeanette Jerome, was born in Brooklyn, New York. The two met while at the Isle of Wight and were engaged just three days after their meeting. The couple had two sons, Winston Churchill and John Strange Spencer Churchill. 10. Pop Charts Music charts aren’t the first place you may look to find a British Prime Minister, but in 2010, that’s exactly where you could find Winston Churchill. The Central Band of the Royal Air Force released an album titled “Reach for the Skies.” The album featured two songs that utilized music from the Central Band and paired it with some of Winston Churchill’s speeches. The album made it all the way to No. 4 on the UK Album charts. From Nobel Peace Prizes, to pop charts, Winston Churchill has contributed more to society than just his famed political career. Churchill once said, “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.” And that he did.
Patients waiting for life-saving organs — that's more than 120,000 in the United States — may soon have another option for a second chance at life. Harvard Apparatus Regenerative Technology, a Boston-based regenerative-medicine company, is developing synthetic tracheas, a venture that it plans to pursue on a larger scale soon, according to MIT Technology Review. See also: 9 Top Tech Breakthroughs of 2013 The tracheas are made using the patient's own stem cells, which are taken from bone marrow. The cells are grown on a scaffold made from fibers approximately one-hundredth the width of a human hair, which are then used to create a tube that is tailored to fit each patient. HART is testing this new technique in Russia. It aims to continue tests in the European Union later this year, and eventually the United States. HART developed the artificial tracheas in research labs, and plans to move the venture to a manufacturing facility. In 2008, HART's technology enabled the first-ever human transplant of a regenerative airway, and the company's current research has been applied during surgery four times so far. Its work could one day lead to other synthetic organs such as kidneys and heart valves, according to MIT Technology Review. But HART isn't the only place developing this type of technology. Last September, surgeons at the University of Michigan saved a toddler's life with a 3D-printed lung splint. 3D-printing has been used to create other organs, as well, including skin tissue, bionic ears and artificial blood cells. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
The Greek cuisine, honoring its ancient roots and its Mediterranean character, is no doubt amongst the world’s healthiest, thanks to its abundance in fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs. It seems that the bright Mediterranean sun and the rich, bountiful Greek soil has never stopped providing for its people. So, today the spotlight is on one of these gifts of nature, the pomegranate. Firstly, let’s look at its botanical facts. The pomegranate tree is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the Lythraceae family and Punicoideae subfamily, growing between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. As for the pomegranate fruit, it is a berry with seeds and pulp, produced from the ovary of a single flower. Its size lies somewhere between a lemon and a grapefruit being 5–12 cm (2– 4.5 in) in diameter and has a rounded shape with a thick, reddish husk. Secondly, let us delve into its historical background. The pomegranate (or “rodi” in Greek) was not indigenous to Greece but was reportedly brought to Ancient Greece from somewhere in-between Persia and Central Asia; most likely India. Its cultivation precedes those of apricots and almonds, and is concurrent with the cultivation of olives, grapes and figs, leading it to be considered one of the original ingredients of Greek cuisine. It was later distributed to the rest of Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean by Phoenician and Arab merchants until the Romans took it from Carthage and named it ‘Malum Punicum’, literally ‘Phoenician apple’, from which stems its name today, Punica Granatum. After that, it was introduced into Spanish America in the late 16th century and into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. Nowadays it is grown almost everywhere in the world. There are several references of the pomegranate in Greek tradition and mythology with it being the symbol of the annual cycle of nature and fertility, and its seeds being the symbol of marriage. The great author Homer even mentioned it in his famous poem, The Odyssey. Some of these traditions have carried on to the present day, and pomegranate is now widely used in Greek marriages or on New Year’s Day to bring luck and prosperity. Apart from its symbolic meaning, the pomegranate is widely used in modern Greek cooking. There are three main varieties of pomegranates; sweet, semi-sweet, and sour. Their seeds can be eaten or pressed into a juice which is then used in a variety of different ways: in cooking, as a juice or smoothie, as a garnishes or in alcoholic beverages such as cocktails and wine. Some notable Greek recipes including pomegranate are pomegranate liqueur and pomegranate jam. Finally, to complement its delicious taste, the pomegranate is known to be one of the most beneficial fruits for our health. It sports various vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, and E) and minerals such as; iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It contains natural fiber and amino acids, and has a myriad of reported nutritional properties: It is a great anti-inflammatory, it helps against prostate and breast cancer, it lowers blood pressure and fights heart diseases, arthritis, and joint pain, while also boosting memory and exercise performance. Therefore, you would do well to introduce it in your diet, if you haven’t already, and while you’re at it, why not check out more of Greece’s culinary treasures! By Anna Tzogia
The Panzerkampfwagen IV aka PzKpfw IV was a medium tank produced by the Germans in the late 1930s and used extensively during World War 2. This tank was the brainchild of Heinz Guderian, a German general and armored warfare theorist. He thought it would be a good support tank to use against anti-tank guns and fortifications used by the enemy. The tank would require a five man crew; a driver, radio operator, tank commander, gunner, and loader. This version of the Panzer was the most popular that were produced in Germany, a total of 8,500 were made. The Germans used this tank as a base for many of their other vehicles designed to fight, such as the Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyer, the Brummbar self-propelled gun, and the Sturmgeschutz IV Assault Gun. The Panzer IV was the only German tank that was to remain in production continuously throughout World War 2. It made up 30% of the tank strength of the Wehrmacht. It was constantly modified, using upgrades and special adaptions so it could extend its life in service. These modifications tended to focus on weapons and armor, however, towards the end of the War the focus was on trying to get the tanks to move quicker. A total of 8,553 Panzer IV tanks were produced during World War 2. The only other armored vehicles that were more popular than this (of those favored by the Nazis) was the StuG III assault gun/tank destroyer, of which 10.086 vehicles were produced. The Panzer IV was the most exportedGerman tank in World War 2. Throughout the War approximately 297 Panzer IVs were exported to allies of Germany. Our special thanks to Dokuman.pl for creating this video, please follow them on Facebook for more awesome videos.
CAPE GIRARDEAU– Naturalists estimate more than a thousand people are participating in “Our Big Year” at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Nature Center. Participants pick up booklets at the center that help identify and keep track of the various bird species they’ve seen. They watch birds throughout their normal daily activities and attend special events at the center to learn more about birds. A big year is an informal competition among birders to see who can identify by sight or sound the largest number of species of birds within a single calendar year. According to Jordanya Brostoski, MDC naturalist, not everyone participating in the big year is reporting their numbers back to the nature center, but the highest number of bird species seen by one person and reported to the center so far is 248. “I’ve found it incredible when a family picks up one of our bird books despite not being that into birds and then they come back with thirty birds on their list and they’re happily obsessed,” Brostoski said. “It’s neat to see the family working together and trying to find these birds they’ve never thought about before.” “Now I thoroughly enjoy watching them and have seen my skill improve by leaps and bounds,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot just by paying more attention to birds. I’ve seen interesting behavior and heard sounds I would have never expected. It’s been a real treat.” Local celebrity Kirby Ray, host of Mississippi Radio’s Real Rock 99.3, is participating in the big year and recently emailed photos to nature center staff of his most recent sightings. He said he’s especially enjoyed watching woodpeckers. “I’ve always been someone who enjoyed nature and animals,” Ray said. “Taking notice of the many species of birds has been educational and fun. Any chance to go in the woods and I’m all over it.” “It helps me clear my mind and reconnect with our planet and my real self,” he said. “I’m appreciative of Cape Nature Center and the staff who have helped me learn more about our birds.” Jamie Koehler, MDC nature center assistant manager, said many people have asked for the coordinating stickers for their booklets, showing the staff photos and asking for help in identifying various birds they’ve seen. “I’ve been amazed how many various bird species there are and how consuming birding can be,” she said. “I am a plant person. I will brake to look at a flower. But now I can’t drive by a bird on a wire without looking to see what it is.” Koehler said she’s learned many new bird calls and songs. “In the past, one of the best parts of nature for me was the silence, now I realize there is no silence,” she said. “There always seems to be a bird calling that I need to figure out.” Brostoski and Koehler both said it’s not too late for people to participate in Our Big Year. Upcoming events include: Vulture Awareness, Saturday, Sept. 2, 1 to 3 p.m. Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 14, 4 to 8 p.m. Quail 101, Thursday, Oct. 19, 6 to 7 p.m. “We hope people will join us at the nature center and simply look around and observe birds throughout the normal daily routine,” Koehler said. “Birding, just like many other outdoor activities, helps reduce stress and helps people care more about nature.” For information on these and other programs at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/ CapeNatureCenter.
First-hand accounts of what it is like to come close to death often contain the same recurring themes, such as the sense of leaving the body, a review of one’s life, tunnelled vision and a magical sense of reality. Mystics, optimists and people of religious faith interpret this as evidence of an afterlife. Skeptically minded neuroscientists and psychologists think that there might be a more terrestrial, neurochemical explanation – that the profound and magical near-death experience (NDE) is caused by the natural release of brain chemicals at or near the end of life. Supporting this, observers have noted the striking similarities between first-hand accounts of NDEs and the psychedelic experiences described by people who have taken mind-altering drugs. Perhaps, near death, the brain naturally releases the same psychoactive substances as used by drug-takers, or substances that act on the same brain receptors as the drugs. It’s also notable that psychedelic drugs have been taken by the shamans of traditional far-flung cultures through history as a way to, as they see it, visit the afterworld or speak to the dead. To date, however, much of the evidence comparing NDEs and psychedelic trips has been anecdotal or based on questionnaire measures that arguably struggle to capture the complexity of these life-changing experiences. Pursuing this line of enquiry with a new approach, an international team of researchers led by Charlotte Martial at the University Hospital of Liège in Belgium has conducted a deep lexical analysis, comparing 625 written narrative accounts of NDEs with more than 15,000 written narrative accounts of experiences taking psychoactive drugs (sourced from the Erowid Experience Vaults, a US-based non-profit that documents psychoactives), including 165 different substances in 10 drug classes. The analysis, published online in Consciousness and Cognition in February 2019, uncovered remarkable similarities between the psychological effects of certain drugs – most of all ketamine, but also notably the serotonergic psychedelic drugs such as LSD – and NDEs. Indeed, the five most common category terms in the narrative accounts of people who’d taken ketamine were the same as the five most common in the accounts of NDEs, suggesting ‘shared phenomenological features associated with an altered state of perception of the self and the environment, and a departure from the everyday contents of conscious mentation’. From category to category, the semantic similarity is profound. When referring to perceptions, both groups used the words ‘face’ and ‘vision’. The emotional word most commonly used by both was ‘fear’. In the category of consciousness and cognition, drug-takers and participants who’d been close to death most often referred to words such as ‘reality’, ‘moment’, ‘universe’, and ‘learn’. The setting was often described as ‘door’ and ‘floor’. A negative tone emphasising unpleasant bodily sensations was a shared common theme, as well. The findings back up the observations of some of the most famous 20th-century explorers of the psychedelic world – the American psychologist Timothy Leary described trips as ‘experiments in voluntary death’, and the British-born writer and philosopher Gerald Heard said of the psychedelic experience: ‘That’s what death is going to be like. And, oh, what fun it will be!’ But claims about the similarities go beyond these famous reports. The new research legitimises the long-standing analogy between the experience of dying and the acute effects of certain psychoactive drugs. Links between dying, death, a potential existence of afterlife and certain hallucinogenic plants and fungi emerged independently across different societies, and are also ubiquitous in contemporary psychedelic culture. However, empirical research has been scarce, until now. To an extent, the results also support neurochemical accounts of NDEs, and especially the controversial proposal that such experiences are caused by the natural release of an as-yet-to-be-discovered ketamine-like drug in the brain (adding plausibility to this account, ketamine is known to act on neural receptors that, when activated, help to prevent cell death and offer protection from lack of oxygen). ‘This body of empirical evidence supports that near-death is by itself an altered state of consciousness that can be investigated using quantitative psychometric scales,’ the researchers say. That in itself is quite a realisation. As they note wryly, ‘Unlike other human experiences, dying is difficult to study under controlled laboratory conditions by means of repeated measurements,’ making it a challenge to investigate NDEs experimentally. Although the new research lacks laboratory control, on the plus side, the lexical comparison that Martial’s team conducted is ‘massive both in terms of the investigated drugs and the number of associated reports’. The limitations of the current approach, including a reliance on retrospective reports, often decades-old, means, as the researchers put it, that they cannot validate nor refute the neurochemical models of NDEs. ‘However,’ they add, ‘our results do provide evidence that ketamine, as well as other psychoactive substances, result in a state phenomenologically similar to that of “dying” (understood as the content of NDE narratives). This could have important implications for the pharmacological induction of NDE-like states for scientific purposes, as well as for therapeutic uses in the terminally ill as means to alleviate death anxiety. We believe that the development of evidence-based treatments for such anxiety is a cornerstone of a more compassionate approach towards the universal experience of transitioning between life and death.’ They also warn experimenters to be prepared and beware. ‘The intensity of the experience elicited by [ketamine] relative to cannabis may represent a shock to unsuspecting users, who could retrospectively report the belief of being close to death,’ the researchers say. Pot-smokers, you’ve been warned. As one of the most intense and life-changing altered states known, an NDE is no toke on a pipe after class or work. This is an adaptation of an article originally published by The British Psychological Society’s Research Digest. This article was originally published at Aeon and has been republished under Creative Commons.
Benjamin Franklin believed in bettering the world around him. Never patenting or receiving financial reward, Franklin believed that his inventions and improvements were meant only to benefit society. Beginning with the invention of swim flippers at the age of 14, he went on to invent the glass armonica, the Franklin stove, and the bifocals. He also made useful improvements to such things as street lamps and the urinary catheter. Arguably, his most important invention was the lightning rod. Since first proposing the use of rods to draw electrical fire from the clouds in 1750, his invention has saved millions of structures from fire. This keychain measures 2 1/2H X 2 1/4W.
Taste is another sense that is usually and widely accepted as a normal sense. Just like smell, it is a sense that Steiner considers a “middle sense” because it borders the inner and outer energies in life. Remember from the last blog on the senses, the sense of smell, I mentioned that the middle senses are all related to feeling. This does not mean specifically, the act of feeling something with your skin, that is the sense of touch which is the very first sense and is categorized as a lower sense. This is because touching is an inward experience. Steiner (1920/1986) explains this, When you touch objects, you actually perceive only yourself. You touch an object and if it is hard it presses forcibly on you; if it is soft its pressure is only slight. You perceive nothing of the object, however; you sense only the effect upon yourself, the change in yourself. (p.39) Taste is the sixth sense among the twelve that Rudolf Steiner, founder of Waldorf Education, developed and introduced about 100 years ago. The sense of taste is the second of the middle senses, classified as outward and senses of feeling. These senses are helpful with interpreting the external world. Van Gelder says, “The observation of taste is made up of two components, the actual taste of something and its smell. When something is in your mouth, its smell enters your nose. When you put something in your mouth, its smell can change as new scent particles are release” How does this relate to Unitarian Universalism and Religious Exploration? The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism are the ideas which we affirm to “hold as strong values and moral guides.” I identified twelve key concepts that appear throughout them. These are: When we make a conscious effort to fortify the sense of taste, we will in turn be developing awareness of worth, acceptance, and connectedness. I am drawn to consider how taste and smell work together to create our experience and smile when I see the similarity of how we can work together as Unitarian Universalists to live out our principles and behave noticeably as vital congregations. Rev. Dr. James Kubal-Komoto recently completed his role as the Pacific Western Regional Lead and shared an inspiring final letter of how we can all do just that. He encouraged us to be compassionate and kind (without having loosey-goosey boundaries or entertaining an “anything goes” attitude). He encouraged us to practice gratitude and generosity and be joyous. He encouraged us not to get stuck on past hurts but embrace the move from hurt to healing. He encouraged us to be hopeful about ourselves and our future and create positive experiences for others around us. They may be long time congregants or new visitors. Either way, it is our calling to consciously smell and taste the opportunities for justice, love, and peace among us. In closing, as we lean toward building vital congregations, he encouraged us to “embody the cultural change one wants to see—in the paradigms one uses, in the way one frames questions, in the way one talks about problems and challenges, in one’s own actions, and most of all, in the way one interacts with others. The world desperately needs vital Unitarian Universalist congregations, so I wish each of you the best in helping your congregation become the most vital congregation it can be.” What can you do to fortify this sense? Taste different foods, first while you are holding your nose and then without holding your nose. What observations can you make? Make liquid solutions for each of the tastes sweet, sour, salty and bitter. You can make a bitter solution by steeping used coffee grounds in water. Brush each taste in turn on different parts of someone’s tongue. Do not let the subject know which taste is being brushed onto the tongue. Ask the subject to describe his observations, and what he tastes. Hold your nose and close your eyes, and ask someone to put something in your mouth. Do not move your tongue. Try to find out what it is. First, only rely on your sense of taste. Then feel it by rolling it around in your mouth. Then stop holding your nose so you can smell. Describe the differences in your observations. At what point could you guess what was in your mouth? My best to you with many blessings, DRE, Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation Pacific West Region newsletter, July 11, 2019. (let me know if you would like to see his entire letter. I am happy to forward it to you!) Steiner, R. (1986). Spiritual science as a foundation for social forms (M. St. Goar Trans.). Hudson,New York: Anthroposophic Press. van Gelder, T. (n.d.). Sense of taste. Retrieved from http://tomvangelder.antrovista.com/sense-of-taste-129m50.html
Acid Settlers are used in the Acid Alkylation process. The reactor effluent flows to a settler, or a separating vessel where the acid separates from the hydrocarbons. The acid layer at the bottom of the separating vessel is recycled while the top layer of hydrocarbons is charged to the main fractionator. Boardman has extensive experience in fabricating vessels for this process. With more than 1,000 qualified weld procedures, in addition to our estimating, engineering and production expertise mean we are prepared to support your project specification. References provided upon request Acid Settler Capabilities \|Materials Worked With\|\| 140,000 sq. feet
Making Britain 1485-1707 A (dis)united Kingdom? Early modern perspectives on the makeup of Britain, 1485-1707 2023-24 School Of History, Law And Social Sciences Module - Semester 1 What is the United Kingdom? How did it come into being? What are the commonalities and differences between its component parts? Recent and ongoing debates associated with Brexit, campaigns for Scottish and Welsh independence, and an Irish border poll are igniting significant interest in the constitutional future of the United Kingdom and the relationships between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. An understanding of the period c.1485-1707 provides critical insights into these questions. The objective of this Special Topic is to undertake a ‘four nations’ assessment of the early modern expansion of the English state and the cultural and constitutional creation of Britain. The focus of the module is identity, language and culture; relations and interactions across the Atlantic Archipelago; governance and conquest; and the legislative framework contributing towards the formation of a British state. The module proceeds through a series of thematic and place-specific case studies analysing the construction, composition and character of ‘Britain’ and the identities of Wales, Ireland and Scotland between c.1485-1707, to be followed by ‘legacy’ sessions tracing the evolution of key themes, issues and questions from 1707 to the present day. This will include a continual assessment of how an understanding of the early modern context can contribute towards contemporary debates about the nature and future of post-Brexit Britain. It will be especially engaging for students specialising in the early modern period and more broadly to students interested in cultural and political history and the formation of identities. Week 1 - Today’s context: competing versions and visions of Britain and Britishness in global perspective Week 2 - Introduction: a) Key dates, debates and definitions; b) The medieval background: kingdoms and cultures Week 3 - Wales, the Tudor and Stuart state, and the Cambro-British inheritance, 1485-1707 Week 4 - Ireland and the Tudor state: Catholicism, conquest and colonisation Week 5 - The kingdom of Scotland and Anglo-Scottish relations before 1603 Week 6 - Reading Week Week 7 - Imaging the nations: identities, languages and cultures Week 8 - England and its regions: crown, government and locality in the 16th and 17th centuries Week 9 - British consciousness and identity pre-1707 Week 10 - The War of the Three Kingdoms and its aftermaths, 1639-1662 Week 11 - Restoration, Revolution and Union, 1660-1707 Week 12 - Legacies: The United Kingdom(s) from 1707 to the present day Excellent Students achieving Distinction grades (A- and above) will show strong achievement across all criteria combined with particularly impressive depths of knowledge and/or subtlety of analysis. In written work, they will support their arguments with a wealth of relevant detail/examples. They will also demonstrate an acute awareness of the relevant historiography and give an account of why the conclusions reached are important within a particular historical debate. They may show a particularly subtle approach to possible objections, nuancing their argument in the light of counter-examples, or producing an interesting synthesis of various contrasting positions. Overall, the standards of content, argument, and analysis expected will be consistently superior to top upper-second work. Standards of presentation will also be high. Good Merit (B- to B+) students will demonstrate a solid level of achievement and depth of knowledge in all criteria in the Pass (C- to C+) range, and will in addition exhibit constructive engagement with different types of historical writing and historiographical interpretation. Ideas will be communicated effectively and written work will include a good range of sources/reading and demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues and of the existing interpretations expressed in a well-structured, relevant, and focused argument. Students at the top end of this band will engage with and critique the ideas that they come across, and synthesise the various interpretations they find to reach their own considered conclusions. Written work will be correctly presented with references and bibliography where appropriate. Threshold Threshold (C- to C+). Students in this band will demonstrate a satisfactory range of achievement or depth of knowledge of most parts of the module, and will make successful, if occasionally inconsistent, attempts to develop those skills appropriate to the study of History at PGT level. In the case of the written assessments, the answers will attempt to focus on the question, although might drift into narrative, and will show some evidence of solid reading and research. The argument might lose direction and might not be adequately clear at the bottom of this category. Written work will be presented reasonably well with only limited errors in grammar, punctuation, and referencing, and not to the extent that they obscure meaning. - Critically analyse competing scholarly interpretations relating to the construction, character and composition of the British state and British identities, and an ability to intervene in these debates. - Demonstrate an ability to analyse contemporary sources in depth, set them in contexts, and to use them in overarching arguments relating to the themes and issues of the module. - Demonstrate an ability to articulate sustained, informed and analytical historical arguments. - Demonstrate in depth knowledge of connections and differences between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales across the period 1485-1707 and the short- and long-term effects of these interactions.
- sagebrush (n.) - 1850, from sage (n.1), to which it has no biological affinity, + brush (n.2). Said to be so called for resemblance of its appearance or odor. Sage-brush is very fair fuel, but as a vegetable it is a distinguished failure. Nothing can abide the taste of it but the jackass and his illegitimate child, the mule. ["Mark Twain," "Roughing It"] - sagely (adv.) - c. 1400, from sage (adj.) + -ly (2). - saggy (adj.) - 1848, from sag (n.) + -y (2). Related: Saggily; sagginess. - sagittal (adj.) - "shaped like or resembling an arrow," 1540s, from Modern Latin sagittalis, from Latin sagitta "arrow" (see Sagittarius). - Sagittarius (n.) - zodiac constellation, late Old English, from Latin, literally "archer," properly "pertaining to arrows," from sagitta "arrow," which probably is from a pre-Latin Mediterranean language. Meaning "person born under Sagittarius" (properly Sagittarian) is attested from 1940. It represents a centaur drawing a bow, but to modern observers unfamiliar with either it looks vaguely like a teapot. - sago (n.) - "starch made of the piths of palms," 1570s, via Portuguese and Dutch from Malay sagu, the name of the palm tree from which it is obtained (attested in English in this sense from 1550s). Also borrowed in French (sagou), Spanish (sagu), German (Sago). - saguaro (n.) - type of large branching columnar cactus of the North American desert, 1856, from Mexican Spanish, from a native name of unknown origin, perhaps from Yaqui (Sonoran). - 1610s, from Arabic çahra "desert" (plural çahara), according to Klein, noun use of fem. of the adjective asharu "yellowish red." Related: Saharan. - from Arabic sahil "sea coast, shore." Originally in reference to the coastal region. Related: Sahelian. - sahib (n.) - respectful address to Europeans in India, 1670s, from Hindi or Urdu sahib "master, lord," from Arabic sahib, originally "friend, companion," from sahiba "he accompanied." Female form ("European lady") is memsahib. - said (adj.) - "named or mentioned before," c. 1300, past participle adjective from say (v.). - southern Vietnamese city, capital of former South Vietnam, named for its river, which bears a name of uncertain origin. - sail (n.) - Old English segl "sail, veil, curtain," from Proto-Germanic seglom (cognates: Old Saxon, Swedish segel, Old Norse segl, Old Frisian seil, Dutch zeil, Old High German segal, German Segel), of obscure origin with no known cognates outside Germanic (Irish seol, Welsh hwyl "sail" are Germanic loan-words). In some sources (Klein, OED) referred to PIE root sek- "to cut," as if meaning "a cut piece of cloth." To take the wind out of (someone's) sails (1888) is to deprive (someone) of the means of progress, especially by sudden and unexpected action, "as by one vessel sailing between the wind and another vessel," ["The Encyclopaedic Dictionary," 1888]. - sail (v.) - Old English segilan "travel on water in a ship; equip with a sail," from the same Germanic source as sail (n.); cognate with Old Norse sigla, Middle Dutch seghelen, Dutch zeilen, Middle Low German segelen, German segeln. Meaning "to set out on a sea voyage, leave port" is from c. 1200. Related: Sailed; sailing. - sailboat (n.) - also sail-boat, 1769, from sail (n.) + boat (n.). - sailing (n.) - Old English seglinge, verbal noun from the source of sail (v.). - sailor (n.) - c. 1400, sailer, agent noun from sail (v.). Spelling with -o- arose 16c., probably by influence of tailor, etc., and to distinguish the meaning "seaman, mariner" from "thing that sails." It replaced much older seaman and mariner (q.q.v.). Old English also had merefara "sailor." Applied as an adjective from 1870s to clothing styles and items based on a sailor's characteristic attire. - sain (v.) - "to cross oneself; to mark with the sign of the cross," Old English segnian, from Latin signare "to sign" (in Church Latin "to make the sign of the Cross"); see sign (n.). A common Germanic borrowing, cognate with Old Saxon segnon, Dutch zegenen, Old High German seganon, German segnen "to bless," Old Norse signa. - saint (n.) - early 12c., from Old French saint, seinte "a saint; a holy relic," displacing or altering Old English sanct, both from Latin sanctus "holy, consecrated" (used as a noun in Late Latin; also source of Spanish santo, santa, Italian san, etc.), properly past participle of sancire "consecrate" (see sacred). Adopted into most Germanic languages (Old Frisian sankt, Dutch sint, German Sanct). Originally an adjective prefixed to the name of a canonized person; by c. 1300 it came to be regarded as a noun. Meaning "person of extraordinary holiness" is recorded from 1560s. Saint, n. A dead sinner revised and edited. The Duchess of Orleans relates that the irreverent old calumniator, Marshal Villeroi, who in his youth had known St. Francis de Sales, said, on hearing him called saint: 'I am delighted to hear that Monsieur de Sales is a saint. He was fond of saying indelicate things, and used to cheat at cards. In other respects he was a perfect gentleman, though a fool.' [Ambrose Bierce, "Devil's Dictionary," 1911] Saint Bernard, the breed of mastiff dogs (1839), so called because the monks of the hospice of the pass of St. Bernard (between Italy and Switzerland) sent them to rescue snowbound travelers; St. Elmo's Fire "corposant" (1560s) is from Italian fuoco di Sant'Elmo, named for the patron saint of Mediterranean sailors, a corruption of the name of St. Erasmus, an Italian bishop martyred in 303. Perhaps you have imagined that this humility in the saints is a pious illusion at which God smiles. That is a most dangerous error. It is theoretically dangerous, because it makes you identify a virtue (i.e., a perfection) with an illusion (i.e., an imperfection), which must be nonsense. It is practically dangerous because it encourages a man to mistake his first insights into his own corruption for the first beginnings of a halo round his own silly head. No, depend upon it; when the saints say that they--even they--are vile, they are recording truth with scientific accuracy. [C.S. Lewis, "The Problem of Pain," 1940] - saint (v.) - "to enroll (someone) among the saints," late 14c., from saint (n.). Related: Sainted; sainting. - sainthood (n.) - 1540s, from saint (n.) + -hood. - saintly (adj.) - 1620s, from saint (n.) + -ly (1). Related: Saintliness. - sake (n.1) - "purpose," Old English sacu "a cause at law, crime, dispute, guilt," from Proto-Germanic sako "affair, thing, charge, accusation" (cognates: Old Norse sök "charge, lawsuit, effect, cause," Old Frisian seke "strife, dispute, matter, thing," Dutch zaak "lawsuit, cause, sake, thing," German Sache "thing, matter, affair, cause"), from PIE root sag- "to investigate, seek out" (cognates: Old English secan, Gothic sokjan "to seek;" see seek). Much of the word's original meaning has been taken over by case (n.1), cause (n.), and it survives largely in phrases for the sake of (early 13c.) and for _______'s sake (c. 1300, originally for God's sake), both probably are from Norse, as these forms have not been found in Old English. - sake (n.2) - "Japanese rice liquor," 1680s, from Japanese sake, literally "alcohol." - saki (n.) - see sake (n.2). - 1884, from Japanese. - sal (n.) - chemical name for salt, late 14c., from Old French sal, from Latin sal (genitive salis) "salt" (see salt (n.)). For sal ammoniac "ammonium chloride" (early 14c.), see ammonia. - sal volatile (n.) - 1650s, Modern Latin, literally "volatile salt" (see salt (n.) + volatile); ammonium carbonate, especially as used in reviving persons who have fainted. - Muslim greeting, 1610s, from Arabic salam (also in Urdu, Persian), literally "peace" (compare Hebrew shalom); in full, (as)salam 'alaikum "peace be upon you," from base of salima "he was safe" (compare Islam, Muslim). - salacious (adj.) - 1660s, from Latin salax (genitive salacis) "lustful," probably originally "fond of leaping," as in a male animal leaping on a female in sexual advances, from salire "to leap" (see salient (adj.)). Earliest form of the word in English is salacity (c. 1600). Related: Salaciously; salaciousness. - salad (n.) - late 14c., from Old French salade (14c.), from Vulgar Latin salata, literally "salted," short for herba salata "salted vegetables" (vegetables seasoned with brine, a popular Roman dish), from fem. past participle of salare "to salt," from Latin sal (genitive salis) "salt" (see salt (n.)). Dutch salade, German Salat, Swedish salat, Russian salat are from Romanic languages. Salad days "time of youthful inexperience" (perhaps on notion of "green") is first recorded 1606 in Shakespeare and probably owes its survival, if not its existence, to him. Salad bar first attested 1940, American English. - Sultan of Egypt and Syria 1174-93, in full Salah-ad-din Yusuf ibn-Ayyub (1137-1193). - salamander (n.) - mid-14c., "legendary lizard-like creature that can live in fire," from Old French salamandre "legendary fiery beast," also "cricket" (12c.), from Latin salamandra, from Greek salamandra, probably of eastern origin. The application in zoology to a tailed amphibian (known natively as an eft or newt) is first recorded 1610s. Aristotle, and especially Pliny, are responsible for the fiction of an animal that thrives in and extinguishes fires. The eft lives in damp logs and secretes a milky substance when threatened, but there is no obvious natural explanation its connection with the myth. Also used 18c. for "a woman who lives chastely in the midst of temptations" (after Addison), and "a soldier who exposes himself to fire in battle." To rub someone a salamander was a 19c. form of German student drinking toast (einem einen salamander reiben). Related: Salamandrine; salamandroid. - salami (n.) - "salted, flavored Italian sausage," 1852, from Italian salami, plural of salame "spiced pork sausage," from Vulgar Latin salamen, from salare "to salt," from Latin sal (genitive salis) "salt" (see salt (n.)). - salary (n.) - late 13c., "compensation, payment," whether periodical, for regular service or for a specific service; from Anglo-French salarie, Old French salaire "wages, pay, reward," from Latin salarium "salary, stipend, pension," originally "salt-money, soldier's allowance for the purchase of salt," noun use of neuter of adjective salarius "pertaining to salt," from sal (genitive salis) "salt" (see salt (n.)). Japanese sarariman "male salaried worker," literally "salary-man," is from English. - salary (v.) - "to pay a regular salary to," late 15c., from salary (n.). Related: Salaried, which as an adjective in reference to positions originally was contrasted with honorary; lately with hourly. - salat (n.) - Islamic ritual prayer, from Arabic salah "prayer." - sale (n.) - late Old English sala "a sale, act of selling," from a Scandinavian source such as Old Norse sala "sale," from Proto-Germanic salo (cognates: Old High German sala, Swedish salu, Danish salg), from PIE root sal- (3) "to grasp, take." Sense of "a selling of shop goods at lower prices than usual" first appeared 1866. Sales tax attested by 1886. Sales associate by 1946. Sales representative is from 1910. - saleable (adj.) - also salable, 1520s, from sale + -able. Related: Salability; saleability. - place mentioned in Gen. xiv:18, from Hebrew Shalem, usually said to be another word for Jerusalem and to mean "peace" (compare Hebrew shalom, Arabic salaam). Common as a Baptist and Methodist meetinghouse name, so much so that by mid-19c. it (along with Bethel and Ebenezer) had come to be used in Britain generically to mean "non-conformist chapel." - salep (n.) - 1736, "drug from starch or jelly made from dried tubers of orchid-like plants," from Turkish salep, from dialectal pronunciation of Arabic thaeleb, which usually is taken to be a shortening of khasyu 'th-thaeleb, literally "fox's testicles" (compare native English name dogstones). - salesman (n.) - 1520s, from genitive of sale (compare craftsman, tradesman) + man (n.). - salesmanship (n.) - 1853, from salesman + -ship. The modern system of salesmanship has become so much like persecution reduced to a science, that it is quite a luxury to be allowed the use of your own discretion, without being dragooned, by a shopkeeper's deputy, into looking at what you do not care to see, or buying what you would not have. A man in his sane mind, with the usual organs of speech, has a right to be treated as if he knows what he wants, and is able to ask for it. ["The Literary World," Feb. 26, 1853] - salesperson (n.) - 1920, from genitive of sale + person. - saleswoman (n.) - 1704, from genitive of sale + woman. - Salic (adj.) - "based on or contained in the law code of the Salian Franks," 1540s, from French Salique, from Medieval Latin Salicus, from the Salian Franks, a tribe that once lived near the Zuider Zee, the ancestors of the Merovingian kings, literally "those living near the river Sala" (modern Ijssel). Salic Law, code of law of Germanic tribes, was invoked 1316 by Philip V of France to exclude a woman from succeeding to the throne of France (and later to combat the French claims of Edward III of England), but the precise meaning of the passage is unclear. - salience (n.) - 1836, "quality of leaping;" see salient (adj.) + -ence. Meaning "quality of standing out" is from 1849. - saliency (n.) - 1660s, "leaping, jumping;" see salient (adj.) + -cy. From 1834 as "salience." - salient (adj.) - 1560s, "leaping," a heraldic term, from Latin salientem (nominative saliens), present participle of salire "to leap," from PIE root *sel- (4) "to jump" (cognates: Greek hallesthai "to leap," Middle Irish saltraim "I trample," and probably Sanskrit ucchalati "rises quickly"). It was used in Middle English as an adjective meaning "leaping, skipping." The meaning "pointing outward" (preserved in military usage) is from 1680s; that of "prominent, striking" first recorded 1840, from salient point (1670s), which refers to the heart of an embryo, which seems to leap, and translates Latin punctum saliens, going back to Aristotle's writings. Hence, the "starting point" of anything. - salient (n.) - 1828, from salient (adj.).
What determines how the geologic time scale is divided? On the geologic time scale, time is generally divided on the basis of the Earth’s biosynthesis, where the Cenozoic Era (i.e. Antiquity, Mesozoic, Cenozoic) represents the period of Earth’s history with advanced life forms, and the Precambrian (or Proterozoic and Hadean Eras) represent How is the geologic time scale divided? The geological time scale is divided into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages, with eons being the longest temporal divisions and the shortest ages. How was the geological time scale created and how was it divided? The geological time scale was developed after scientists observed changes in fossils from the oldest sedimentary rocks to the youngest. Later, scholars used absolute dating to determine the actual number of years in which the events occurred. The geological time scale is divided into eons, eras, periods, and epochs. How is the Quizlet geological timescale divided? The time scale is divided into units called eons, eras, periods, and epochs. The largest formal unit of geological time; It is measured in billions of years. There are three eons: Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic. What determines how the geologic time scale is divided? Related Questions What is the purpose of the geologic time scale? The geological timescale is an important tool used to depict Earth’s history – a standard timeline used to describe the age of rocks and fossils, and the events that shaped them. It spans the entire history of the Earth and is divided into four main sections. How is time divided in history? Answer: Historical time is divided between BC (before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini). Another popular method of world history is divided into three distinct eras or periods: Ancient History (3600 BC – 500 AD), the Middle Ages (500-1500 AD), and the Modern Age (1500 to present). What is the best description of a geologic time scale? The correct answer is that it presents the correct sequence of events in Earth’s history. The geological time scale refers to a framework of chronological dating, which relates geological layers to time. In what era do we live? Officially, we live in the Meghalayan era (beginning 4,200 years ago) from the Holocene era. The Holocene is located in the Quaternary (2.6 million years ago) of the Cenozoic Era (66 AD) in the Cenozoic Era (541 AD). How is geological time usually named? In the early 1800’s, a system for naming geological time periods using four geological time periods was developed. They are named using the Latin root words primary, secondary, tertiary, and quatrain. Since that time the system for naming periods has been constantly changing. What are the basic units of the geologic time scale? After Precambrian time, the basic units of the geologic time scale are eras and periods. Geologists divide the time between Precambrian and the present into three long time units called eras. What information does the Quizlet Geological Timescale provide? A geologic time scale is a system of temporal measurement that relates Earth’s layers to time, and is used by geologists, paleontologists, and other Earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships between events that occurred throughout Earth’s history. You just studied 25 terms! What was the first step in developing a geologic time scale? The first step in the development of the geological time scale was the study of rock stratigraphy and index fossils around the world. Scholars have divided the time between Precambrian time and the present time into four time units, or eras. Periods are divided into geological time units called eras. What information does a geologic time scale provide? The Geological Time Scale (GTS) is a chronological dating system that relates geological layers (the layers of the Earth) to time. It is used by geologists, paleontologists, and other earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships of events that occurred during Earth’s history. What is the shortest geological period? The shortest geological time frame is b) epochs. Geological time frames from longest to shortest include eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. How is an era defined? Age, the unit of geologic time during which a rocky chain is deposited. It is a subdivision of the geological period, and the word is capitalized when used in the formal sense (for example, the Pleistocene). The use of the era is usually limited to the sections of the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary. What is the best description of the geological time of the first land plants? The correct answer is: 4-) The first flowering plants were introduced at the end of the Mesozoic era. The first flowering plants appeared about 140 million years ago (the Mesozoic Era between 250 and 66 million years ago). What is the best description of eras and periods? Eras and periods are independent of each other. Eras were created more recently on the time scale than periods. What is the afternoon called? The information age, also known as the computer age, digital age, and new media age are closely associated with the rise of personal computers, but many computer historians trace its beginnings to the work of American mathematician Claude E. What is our era called? Our current era is Cenozoic, which in turn is divided into three periods. We live in the last period, the Quaternary, which was then divided into two epochs: the current Holocene, and the previous Pleistocene, which ended 11,700 years ago. Which era is the longest? The longest time frame officially designated as an era is the Paleoproterozoic, which lasted 900 million years from 2500 to 1600 AD. How is geological time divided? What do geologic time scale splits mean? Earth’s history is divided into a hierarchical set of divisions to describe geologic time. As time units are increasingly smaller, the generally accepted divisions are eon, era, period, epoch, era. What is the main unit of geologic time? Period: This is the basic unit of geological time. The period lasts tens of millions of years, which is the time it takes for one type of rock system to form. What are the three main divisions of geologic time? In the time scale above, you can see that the real-life eon is divided into three eras: Era, Mesozoic, and Archaic. Very important events in Earth’s history are used to define the boundaries of the ages. Ages are divided into periods. How long does the geological time scale cover? Using impressive detective skills, geologists created a calendar of geological time. They call it the geological time scale. It divides the entire Earth’s 4.6 billion years into four main time periods. Why is it part of so many names in the Geological Timescale Test? 18.5 Why is “zoic” part of so many names on the geologic time scale? Zoic refers to “the form of life.” Eones ending in “zoic” refer to the sharp changes in life forms, during that period. Hadean is a unit on the geologic time scale, before rocks formed.
New analysis of a drug approved for osteoporosis prevention and treatment has provided definitive evidence that the medication is also effective as a breast cancer preventative for certain cancers. Women who took the drug raloxifene were less likely to develop invasive, estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer compared with women who did not take the drug. The results of the randomized controlled trial will be published in the June 10 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In 2008, to date, 182,460 new cases of female breast cancer have been diagnosed and 40,480 women have died due to breast cancer (National Cancer Institute). Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means that the drug has estrogen-like effects on some tissues, such as bone, but anti-estrogen effects on other tissues such as breast. Previous data from the RUTH (Raloxifene Use for The Heart) Trial, which involved more than 10,000 post-menopausal women participants around the world who had an increased risk of coronary heart disease, showed that the drug did not protect against heart disease but it did reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer by 44 percent. The drug is currently approved by the FDA for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and invasive breast cancer risk reduction in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis or at high risk for breast cancer. In this paper, researchers report that, regardless of age, prior hormone use or baseline breast cancer risk, raloxifene reduced the risk of hormone responsive (ER-positive) breast cancers by at least 50 percent for at least 8 years. Most postmenopausal women with breast cancer have this kind of breast cancer. Non-invasive cancers confine themselves to the ducts or lobules and do not spread to the surrounding tissues in the breast or other parts of the body. They can, however, develop into or raise the risk for a more serious, invasive cancer. Invasive cancers are more aggressive and have started to break through normal breast tissue barriers and invade surrounding areas. "This research gives older women facing certain medical decisions another option," explained principal investigator Elizabeth Barrett-Connor, M.D., distinguished professor and Chief, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, and a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program, UC San Diego School of Medicine. "For example, if a woman at risk for osteoporosis is considering taking medication, and has no history of blood clots or stroke, raloxifene might be a more appealing option due to its protective role in invasive breast cancer." The RUTH trial, the world's largest study of women and heart disease, was a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 177 sites, in 26 countries, on five continents. Between June 1998 and August 2000, 10,101 postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease or several heart disease risk factors were randomly assigned to raloxifene or to placebo and followed for a median of 5.6 years. The 5,044 women who took raloxifene had a 55 percent reduction in risk of developing invasive ER-positive breast cancer as compared to the 5,057 women who took placebo. The initial results of the RUTH trial were published in 2006. The reduction in breast cancer risk was consistent with findings from other trials that involved women who did not have heart disease. However, women who took raloxifene in the RUTH trial had an increased incidence of blood clots and fatal strokes compared to those who took placebo. Thus, the researchers concluded that women considering use of raloxifene need to weigh the risks and benefits. Study author Deborah Grady, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues examined the RUTH trial data in more detail in order to investigate the specific types and stages of breast cancer affected by raloxifene, as well as the timing of its action and the types of patients it can help. "In this study, we looked at whether raloxifene would be more effective in some subgroups of women than others, but found that the relative benefit was the same, regardless of breast cancer risk," said Grady. "Like any therapy, the risk needs to be balanced with the side effects, which for raloxifene include blood clots and fatal stroke. But these findings are important because few drugs actually reduce the risk of breast cancer." noted Grady. "Also raloxifene has been on the market for nearly a decade with good, long term safety data," said Barrett-Connor. Researchers say women who would have the best risk-benefit ratio would be those at high risk of breast cancer, who have a 30 to 50 percent chance of getting breast cancer in the next five to ten years, and low risk of venous thrombosis and stroke. A reduced risk of spine fractures would be an additional benefit. Participating institutions included UC San Diego as well as University of California, San Francisco, and the San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA; School of Public Health, Brussels Free University (ULB), Brussels, Belgium; Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; Royal Brompton Hospital and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. The RUTH trial was funded by Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.
I have a couple of questions that I am not sure about. 1. A study attempts to examine whether watching a lot of television or playing a lot of video games will have a detrimental effect on a child's academic success at school and/or their success at sports. The experiment is conducted on the basis that the age of the child will be important in determining this effect but the gender of the child will not. Select all the elements that are FACTORS of this experiment: -age of the child -gender of the child -time spend reading books over a year -time spent playing video games over a year -success at sports -academic success at school -time spent watching television over a year I can eliminate a few, but some of them are kind of iffy........ 2. A study investigated how the size of a person's dwelling was related to their ownership of motor vehicles. They found that dwelling size and number of vehicles owned was strongly correlated and concluded that living in a large house or apartment causes ownership of more motor vehicles. This is best described as an example of: confounding, common response, or a valid conclusion. 3. A government study is undertaken with the aim of determining the benefits of a new driver training scheme and whether it has a different outcome on over-25 year old learner drivers than for under-25 year old learner drivers. The training program is undertaken for a group of 80 learner drivers, half of which are under 25 years old, half are over 25 years old. Then within each group of 40, half are randomly selected to participate in the new training program. The results are recorded and compared. This scenario is best described as an example of: -a randomized block design experiment -a completely randomized design experiment -a matched pairs experiment Thanks in advance for the help!
Matlab Discrete Random Variable Hi, I'm trying to simulate a discrete system that has a random input, but I can't figure out how to make the input signal. Basically, I want to create a vector whose entries are randomly selected from a list of possible values, each with an associated probability. Is there a simple way of doing this in Matlab? Re: Matlab Discrete Random Variable Solved. I first made an n-length vector of random numbers between 0 and 1 and an indexing vector k=(1:1:n), where n is the desired number of samples. With p1, p2 etc. being the probabilities for each value of x, the signal becomes: This assigns each possible value of x a portion of the interval between 0 and 1 corresponding to its probability p. For each k an entry from r is checked by all terms. They all evaluate to zero except the one that contains the number from r.
how do you find the domain and range of a hyperbola, parabola, linear, circular,exponantial and semicircle graph?????? any help appreacited. In general, how to find the domain of a function ? - not defined at points which annulate a denominator - not defined at points which make a number under a square root negative .. I don't see any other for the moment at your level... In order to find the range, the best to do is to graph the function... It'd be easier to show you methods in examples since these methods highly depend on the function... absolute value graphs- domain and range find domain & range cubic curve y=xcubed i understand that domain is the number of x values that the graph <sketch> will cover but what is the range and how do you find out
Despite Tweeting, Facebook and texting, our voice remains our primary tool for communication, and many of us seek to improve it. Singers need to recover from vocal cord strain, business professionals want to project sound better, and hospital patients deal with post-operative damage to vocal cords. Most of us would like to have better vocal power, sound more resonant, or sing better. Understanding voice acoustics Our voice is generated by vibrations of the vocal folds. These folds are found in the larynx, which is located in the middle of your neck. The vibrations of the folds generate sound at a frequency that determines the pitch of your voice. The sound then propagates to the articulators, the organs located above the vocal folds such as the tongue, uvula, cheek, or lips, which filter the sound through a series of acoustic resonances. This filtering process transforms sound into a series of vowels and consonants, thus creating the final output – intelligible speech. Even with marked progress in science and medicine, we lack detailed understanding of how the voice is generated. Voice and speech are integrated outcomes, yet scientists often separate them to understand the specifics of each, and to determine what mechanisms are important. But both outcomes can be affected by distortion. For example, breathiness or hoarseness are disorders that are related to voice, while stuttering is a disorder that is related to speech. Using modern engineering and the latest acoustic techniques, we are cutting a new path in the study of the human voice. Jet engines and voice boxes Our lab is researching voice mechanisms and its various disorders by bridging the fields of medicine and engineering. It was founded by Drs Sid Khosla and Ephraim Gutmerk. Dr Khosla is a laryngologist and an airway surgeon who has received several grants from the US National Institutes of Health to investigate causes of voice disorders, and best ways to treat them. Dr Gutmark is an Ohio Eminent Scholar and distinguished professor of aerospace engineering who studies the noise mechanisms in jet engines and best ways to reduce them. Our voice lab’s unique approach is in taking existing knowledge about jet engines from aerospace engineering and using it to study the voice. Understanding how airflow patterns affect sound in a jet engine (aeroacoustics) helps us determine how we can reduce jet noise. So we are applying the same physical understanding of aeroacoustics to study normal and abnormal cases of voice. Once you understand how the structure of the airflow produces acoustics, you can work on either making the acoustics quieter – for jets – or making them stronger, for voices. Vocal cord vortices Our lab was the first to observe that vortices form in the airflow that passes between the vibrating vocal folds. A tornado is an extreme example of a vortex that is created by the airflow. Using an advanced laser imaging technique that is well established in aerospace engineering to measure airflow – particle image velocimetry (PIV) – we found that small vortices are formed between the folds. We know that vortices in a flow can have a marked effect on its acoustics, but we do not yet understand how these vortices might affect voice or speech. However, one of our findings shows that the vortex strength weakened or disappeared when we simulated an abnormal voice condition. Near-field acoustic holography measures the acoustic modes, whose location and intensity changed as the testers varied parameters for the articulators. Mapping the acoustic distribution Recently, our voice lab used near-field acoustic holography (NAH) to study the sources of sound in the vocal folds and the articulators. With the help of Tony Frazer and Dave Bush from Brüel & Kjær, we set up an experiment that simulated sound propagating from the vocal folds to the articulators. We then used NAH to identify how the modes of the acoustics changed as we varied the parameters in each experiment. The images showing the set-up give an example of the sound modes that we observed in the model. Our findings were well received at the 2014 International Conference on Voice Physiology and Biomechanics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The next stage of studies will focus on speech evaluation and measurement of nasalance. Towards treating disorders As we continue to use NAH to study voice, and potentially speech, we hope to take our established method of measuring the airflow between the vocal folds (PIV) and pair it with spatial distribution measurements of the acoustics (NAH). By coupling these two methods, we will better profile the aeroacoustic attributes such as vortices that exist in the human voice. Discovery of these additional sources that affect sound may open up a whole new way Iscriviti alla nostra Newsletter e ricevi le informazioni più recenti dal mondo del suoni e delle vibrazioni Le ultime notizie Brüel & Kjær ti raggiungono con un solo click Nuovi prodotti, sconti e offerte speciali Articoli rigurdanti il suono e le vibrazioni, video e guide
Read more about the value of AustLit to schools and what the database offers teachers. You can also see examples of how teachers use AustLit to inform lessons and in the classroom. Explore the Additional Resources section which highlights exhibition and information trails, and full text items that further examine Australian storytelling history. AustLit is an amazing resource for teachers and students. Explore some of the resources from the links at the left. If you would like to discuss subscription options or establish a trial access period, please contact the AustLit team at: email@example.com. AustLit is available by annual subscription. We are happy to enter into consortium arrangements and provide significant discounts for multiple schools subscribing. The AustLit team can also provide professional development services to teachers. Read more about Accessing AustLit. For assistance navigating, searching and reading AustLit records, visit the Video Guides and Tutorials. The Anthology of Criticism is designed to support the teaching of Australian literature at both secondary and tertiary levels. The Anthology contains 75 full text scholarly articles on authors and their works, and selective bibliographies on each included author to assist with the discovery of other relevant, authoritative, secondary material for teaching and study. You might be interested in...
Since it’s winter, and we’re all stuck looking at leafless plants outside, why not try growing some plants indoors? Better still, why not experiment with your plants to understand them better? In this activity, you will confuse a bean sprout and train it to grow in any direction you want. Sound like fun? You will need: - a gallon-size zip-top bag - paper towels, preferably 2-ply (if they are single-ply, double them) - a pinto, lima, or kidney bean (try whatever you have) soaked in water overnight - a stapler Lay the paper towel flat inside the plastic bag. If it doesn’t fit exactly, fold the edge of the paper towel. Put a staple in the middle of the bag, and place the bean just over the staple. Add two staples that are separated by more than the length of the bean. The staples hold the bean in place, but should give enough room for the bean to grow between the staples. Watch to see how the bean grows and needs the space. Add just enough water to the bag to wet the paper towel. Take care not to have a pool of excess water in the bag. Now tape the bag to a wall, or your refrigerator, or a window if it’s not cold. That’s right, put it right on a vertical surface. Don’t close the bag, because it’s good to allow water and air to move in and out. The picture shows you what it should look like. (Ignore the four staples, only put three on yours. I discovered that four staples trap the seed and ruin the activity.) As soon as your plant has grown a root and a stem that is 1-2 inches long, turn the bag one quarter turn and put it back. You may have to wait a week – less if your bean is warm, more if your bean is in a cooler location, like my office. This is what it may look like at this stage after I turned it. Now wait. When the sprout has grown another inch or so, turn the bag again in the same direction. Since the opening of your bag will now be on the bottom, you should seal it. Then wait. Yes, I know, you have to wait a while to get results. The timing will depend on the level of light and the temperature. That’s the way it goes with growing plants. Horticulturists – the people who grow plants – are some of the most patient people you will ever meet! Here are the results of one bag I started in early January, about three weeks ago. Since I turned the bag clockwise, the roots and stem appear to be going around counter-clockwise. From here on it’s up to you. Let the plant grow and turn the bag when you want to change the direction of growth, let it go for as long as you like. Can you make it grow in a full circle around the middle of the bag? What is Going On Here? Plants are affected by the gravitational pull of the earth. When you turn the bag, you change the direction of the force and the plant responds by changing direction of growth. This phenomenon is called geotropism. A tropism describes an organism’s response to a stimulus. In this case, the “geo” refers to the Earth, and it is the scientific way of saying that the earth makes leaves grow up and roots grow down. This phenomenon may also be called gravitropism. The Garden’s horticulturists play with gravitropism. Look at this picture of the Visitor Center bridge in fall. Notice the gorgeous pink mums hanging from the trellis. Left alone, the stems of these plants would naturally grow up like the mums planted on the sides of the bridge. Our horticulturists train the stems to grow down, cascading over the sides of their container, by tying small weights on the stems while the plants are growing in the greenhouses. They actually use metal nuts from a hardware store! The weights are removed before the planters go on display, and they look fabulous, thanks to the horticulturists’ success in playing with the plant’s response to gravity. ©2013 Chicago Botanic Garden and my.chicagobotanic.org
Howard Cork Hayden, Emeritus Physics Professor, University of Connecticut: Part 1: Some Climate History, Part 2: IPCC et al, Part 3: Adding Heat to the Atmosphere. There is no evidence from a half-billion years that CO2 has ever controlled the climate. 40% of the world's 7 billion people have no access to clean drinking water. Three billion people cook over open fires - with deadly consequences. This was presented in a debate about man-made global warming at Colorado State University - Pueblo on December 2, 2017. The other person in the debate was Professor Scott Denning of CSU - Fort Collins. Use search box with Denning to find his presentation.
Disabling a protein in Ebola virus cells can stop the virus from replicating and infecting the host, according to researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The data are published in July in the journal Cell Host and Microbe. Ebola viruses cause severe disease in humans because they can deactivate the innate immune system. Christopher Basler, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Mount Sinai and his team have studied how Ebola viruses evade the immune system, and discovered that a viral protein called VP35 is critical to deactivating the immune system. They found that when VP35 interacts with an important cellular protein called PACT, it blocks PACT from activating the immune system, allowing the virus to spread. "Ebola viruses are extremely lethal, and are a great threat to human health as a bioweapon," said Dr. Basler. "Currently, there is no approved vaccine or treatment. Our findings will hopefully pave the way for future antiviral treatments." With the help of collaborators at the University of Texas with access to special high containment facilities, Dr. Basler and his team infected healthy cells with Ebola virus cells that had mutated versions of VP35. The mutations disabled VP35's ability to interact with PACT, therefore allowing it to activate the immune system and prevent the virus from replicating. Next, the researchers overexpressed PACT in healthy cells, and infected them with Ebola virus cells. They found that overexpressing PACT also inhibited viral replication. Armed with this discovery, Dr. Basler and his team hope to develop drugs that disrupt the interaction of VP35 with PACT, or drugs that overexpress PACT.
Gigaohm Biological (8 March) This is an important video which fills in a missing puzzle piece that as been known since 1998 and yet they neglect to mention it. You hear a lot about antibodies, but this is the first time I heard about mannose-binding lectin (MBL). There are 2 main parts of the immune system: The innate or complement immune system. You are born with this. The adaptive immune system. Antibodies belong to the adaptive system and MBS to the innate or complement system. The lectin pathway is one of three pathways by which the complement system can be activated. This pathway is initiated by the binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), collectin 11 (CL-K1), and ficolins (Ficolin-1, Ficolin-2, and Ficolin-3) to microbial surface oligosaccharides and acetylated residues, respectively. MBL belongs to the class of collectins in the C-type lectin superfamily, whose function appears to be pattern recognition in the first line of defense in the pre-immune host. MBL recognizes carbohydrate patterns found on the surface of a large number of pathogenic micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Binding of MBL to a micro-organism results in activation of the lectin pathway of the complement system. Tiny Bombs in your Blood – The Complement System (8 min) 2./ Simplified feed back loop draining lymph node pic.twitter.com/qagF4IgNC0 — The Tishbite (@Tishbite_redux) March 8, 2022 Immunity is more than the presence or absence of antibodies Opsonization is the process of recognizing and targeting invading particles for phagocytosis. Opsonins are extracellular proteins that, when bound to substances or cells, induce phagocytes to phagocytose the substances or cells with the opsonins bound. Thus, opsonins act as tags to label things in the body that should be phagocytosed (i.e. eaten) by phagocytes (cells that specialise in phagocytosis, i.e. cellular eating). Different types of things (“targets”) can be tagged by opsonins for phagocytosis, including: pathogens (such as bacteria), cancer cells, aged cells, dead or dying cells (such as apoptotic cells), excess synapses, or protein aggregates (such as amyloid plaques). Opsonins help clear pathogens, as well as dead, dying and diseased cells. Here follows a simplified version of what Jonathan is saying using the articles below. Sars_CoV-2 can bind MBL. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) are long floppy sticky chains or oligomers (like polymers but shorter). These chains do not recognize epitopes, but they identify glycosylation patterns -repeating carbohydrate patterns making things stick together so that macrophages can clean them up so that the complement system can be called in to for them to be degraded. Patients who were genetically deficient in Mannan Binding Lectin (MBL) became resistant to infection when MBL was transferred from healthy people. If you have susceptibility to HIV it could be because defective MBL protein they know it opsonizes influenza…and it binds to gp120 HIV so it will bind the spike protein which has gp120 HIV. So the spike protein is attracting lectin. Lectin is one of the main ways that macrophages are being activated. Dysregulated macrophages and neutrophils overload -overstimulation of lectin may be causing ADE where the antibodies block IgM and the complement system? MBLs and Immunity–Gigaohm Biological High Resistance Low Noise Information Brief: Biology Served Fresh Daily Starts at 4:45min 1:12min long. The MBL section starts at approx. 50 min
Aspartame is found in over 6,000 food products as well as in carbonated/non-carbonated beverages that contain artificial sweeteners, including diet soft drinks, sports drinks, iced tea, fruit drinks, and powdered mixes. Products containing aspartame have been branded and are advertised as “Nutrasweet” or “Equal.” There are numerous products on the market that have aspartame added to them. Whenever you see the words “sugar-free,” beware! Read the food label to find out what you’re putting in your body: - Sugar free yogurt, ice-cream, jellos, puddings - Sugar free gum, hard candies, breath mints - Jams, jellies - Protein bars or drinks - Diet products - Children’s vitamins Try keeping a food and activity journal to see if it is aspartame that triggers your headache. Always read food labels to see if products contain aspartame. Learn more about food additives that may cause sensitivities. While Aspartame has been FDA approved as being safe for people of all ages, including children, some studies report that consumption of aspartame leads to neurological and behavioral disturbances in sensitive individuals. Some of my clients have reported headaches and dizziness when consuming it. A review of aspartame’s metabolism showed that the human body breaks down aspartame into three compounds: methanol, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine. Although methanol further breaks down into formaldehyde and is toxic to the human body, research has established that the consumption of products containing aspartame will not lead to toxic levels of methanol because of the small amounts we normally consume. If something is proven toxic at higher levels, why consume it at all? Studies have shown that Aspartame causes inhibition of brain serotonin and dopamine. Since drugs that raise dopamine levels in the brain have proven effective in reducing headache, it makes sense that consuming Aspartame could result in headaches because of reduced dopamine levels. Abnormalities in serotonin levels have been observed in both tension-type and migraine headache sufferers. Some individuals are sensitive to food additives, Aspartame being one of them. A rule of thumb is to buy foods that have few added ingredients —make sure you can pronounce them and avoid those that contain artificial ingredients. To read more on artificial ingredients, visit: http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm, and if you believe Aspartame triggers headaches or migraines be sure to avoid it! References – 1 Direct and Indirect Cellular Effects of Aspartame on the Brain. Humphries, P.; Pretorius, E.; Naudé, H.. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Apr2008, Vol. 62 Issue 4, p451-462, 12p, 6 Diagrams; DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602866- 2 Migraine MLT-Down: An Unusual Presentation of Migraine in Patients with Aspartame-Triggered Headaches. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain: By: Newman, Lawrence C.; Lipton, Richard B. Oct2001, Vol. 41 Issue 9, p899-901, 3p; DOI: – 3 http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm- 4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21822758- 5 http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_causes_migraine_headaches_000097_3.htm
Proven World Oil Reserves:1,238 Billion Barrels That's 1.238 trillion barrels of known oil reserves, or 1,238,00,000,000 barrels. And reserves have actually been growing, by 107.8 billion barrels since 2001, and 168.5 billion barrels, or 14%, over the last decade. Global reserves have risen by 36% since 1987 (map/chart above shows how the 1.23 trillion barrels of oil reserves are distributed globally). These stats are from the "Statistical Review of World Energy 2008," released today by BP, and reported by The Economist: "We're not running out of hydrocarbons,” insists Tony Hayward, the boss of BP, one of the world’s biggest oil firms. To back up this view, he cites various comforting figures from the latest edition of the firm’s “Statistical Review of World Energy," released today. Enough oil has already been discovered around the world, Hayward says, to maintain consumption at current levels for another 42 years. As he put it, humanity has guzzled through 1 trillion barrels, but has its next trillion already lined up, and could probably unearth a third trillion if it really applied itself. Why then, are oil prices hovering over $130 a barrel? Mr. Hayward blames poor policy-making or, in his florid phrase, “the madness of men." Some 80% of the world’s oil reserves, he says, are in the hands of state-owned oil firms, which tend to allow firms like his only limited access. He believes that if these riches were fully exploited, the world could easily produce 100m barrels a day or more, a big increase on last year’s figure of 82m barrels per day. MP: What about all of the attention on rising demand for energy in China and India, and how that contributes to rising oil prices? Well, according to the report's statistical tables, India's share of global oil consumption in 2007 was only 3.3%, not much more than Canada's 2.6% share or Mexico's 2.3% share, and India's oil consumption has grown less than 3% annually during this decade. And India and China's 12.6% combined share of world consumption is still only about half of America's 24%. In fact, total global oil demand increased by only 1.1% in both 2006 and 2007, roughly the same rate as the increase in world population, and about half the 2.03% average annual growth in oil demand during the 2002-2005 period. What's going on? Increasing world oil reserves, and relatively weak growth in world oil demand, and oil prices have now doubled in the last year? Is this an oil bubble?
About Hollow Crown Parsnip: A close relative of parsley root and carrots, the parsnip most likely originated in Europe, where it grew wild for centuries. The ruling class claimed this vegetable for their own, prizing it for its natural sweetness; desserts often featured the parsnip, and at one time it provided a source of sugar. Americans first experienced the parsnip in the 16th century, but it has remained primarily a European favorite. Hollow Crown parsnips came onto the gardening scene in 1879, when they were first offered in D. M. Ferry's seed catalog. Hollow Crown Parsnip Germination: Two or three weeks before the last frost of spring, soak the parsnip seeds overnight and then direct sow them 1/2" deep and 4" apart in rows 18" apart. The earth should be deeply worked with good drainage. Germination for parsnips can be very slow and irregular, so don't expect sprouting for at least three weeks. Keep the surface of the soil moist and soft, since the seedlings cannot break through a crust. Growing Hollow Crown Parsnip Seeds: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds. Parsnips can handle some dryness, but should be watered in dry weather. Harvesting Hollow Crown Parsnip: Because parsnips dramatically improve in flavor after a hard frost, the goal is to begin harvesting them after this occurs. Cover the plants with mulch over winter, and harvest them as needed all winter and into the spring. Keep in mind that the early growth of the tops in the spring will spoil the flavor, so they should be harvested before then. Saving Hollow Crown Parsnip Seeds: Parsnips must overwinter before producing seed. Because they survive cold very well, a layer of mulch should protect them in all but the coldest climates, where they should be dug and kept at 32-40 degrees and 90 percent humidity until spring replanting. Take care with the stems and leaves, since they have been known to cause serious rashes and skin irritation. Keep a close eye on the seed heads, picking them individually since they shatter soon after turning brown; parsnip seed can fly away easily since it is very small and light. Spread the heads out to dry in a protected location for a week or until they have completely dried, then thresh out the seed. Store in a cool, dry place for no more than a year for best germination. Detailed Hollow Crown Parsnip Info: Pastinaca sativa. Biennial. 95 days. 7,500 seeds per oz. 18-24" height. 2-4" spacing. Produces smooth white parsnips 10-15" long.
A series of record-setting unmanned research flights are providing University of Colorado at Boulder researchers with some of the first 3-D observations of gaping holes in the Antarctic sea ice known as polynyas and the blasting winds that help form them. Using unmanned planes roughly 9 feet across, CU-Boulder faculty members John Cassano and James Maslanik are gaining a unique glimpse into the Terra Nova Bay polynya, a yawning stretch of open water that at times reaches 2,000 square miles in area, nearly twice the size of Rhode Island. The CU-Boulder team made its first flight Sept. 7, believed to be the southernmost flight ever of any unmanned aircraft. "These will be some of the longest flights on record for science applications, and certainly the longest in Antarctica," said Maslanik, a research professor in the aerospace engineering sciences department and an affiliate of the university's Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, or CIRES. Earlier this year, Maslanik led a NASA-funded project known as the Characterization of Arctic Sea Ice Experiment, or CASIE, which made some of the most extensive unmanned aerial measurements to date of sea ice in the Arctic. Together, the two CU-Boulder-led field campaigns will include some of the highest latitude research flights ever conducted with unmanned planes in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, he said. The goal of the Antarctic mission is to measure moisture and heat exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere and to eventually unravel the effect of polynyas on global climate, said Cassano. "In polar regions, sea ice often reduces interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, but in polynyas, open water persists even in the heart of winter," said Cassano, an assistant professor in the atmospheric and oceanic sciences department and CIRES Fellow. "It's in these areas that large amounts of heat and moisture are lost from the ocean to the atmosphere. Instruments aboard the unmanned planes will provide some of the first direct measurements of this heat loss in winter." Sea ice formation in polynyas also leaves cold and salty water behind, he said. Because the cold and salty water is denser, it sinks, affecting global currents like the thermohaline circulation, said Cassano. The thermohaline circulation works much like an oceanic conveyer belt, moving seawater around the globe through changes in salinity and water temperature. In places where the thermohaline circulation emerges at the ocean surface, it substantially influences weather and climate, said Cassano. The planes will also measure airflow above Terra Nova Bay -- which lies between West Antarctica and East Antarctica in the southern part of the continent -- to help researchers understand the interaction between the polynya and the severe winds that whip over the Antarctic continent. The winds, called katabatic winds, form as air slides down from the high plateau of Antarctica's interior and funnels into small drainages near the coast. During the month of September, near the end of the austral winter, these winds can exceed hurricane strength. The constant blasting of the katabatic winds helps keep the Terra Nova Bay polynya free of new sea ice and open throughout the winter, said Cassano. He said he suspects the polynya influences local wind patterns by creating a low pressure area that can spin off small but intense cyclones. "There have been a lot of models and theory-based studies describing polynyas and their climate feedbacks, but we can't fully understand them until we measure them," said Cassano. The researchers hope to clock 250 unmanned flight hours over Terra Nova Bay by the end of September. The planes are operated by Aerosonde Pty. Ltd. based in Notting Hill, Australia. A blog by Cassano, including links to video of the first unmanned Antarctica aircraft flight, is available at
This page contains step-by-step tutorials and guided inquiry activities that are designed to help students discover physical properties and concepts by developing understanding from mathematics. Problem-solving techniques and equation-solving are also discussed. Most of this material is written for upper level classical mechanics courses, but some are meant for other courses. Connections are made with the Intermediate Mechanics Tutorials by Ambrose and Wittmann. Supplementary homework sets are available for some labs. All materials are available in Word and PDF formats. %0 Electronic Source %A Meredith, Dawn %D October 27, 2007 %T Connecting Meaning and Mathematics %V 2016 %N 1 May 2016 %8 October 27, 2007 %9 application/pdf %U http://pubpages.unh.edu/~dawnm/connectm&m.html Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
In nature, the insect known as the beetle is an enduring but highly underestimated species of creature surviving on earth for at least 300 million years. The insect would eventually become embodied in sheet metal through the 1930s when the small vehicle was born out of the necessity for an inexpensive, reliable car to mobilize a nation under the world’s most controversial dictator. Originally classified coldly as the Volkswagen Type 1, compact car was adopted as the Beetle for its peculiar shape for the era of motoring. Assembled to show resilience, flexibility and affordability, the first generation Volkswagen Beetle earned a place in automotive history alongside the Ford Model T selling over 21,500,000 models. Reborn for the world in 1997, Volkswagen created a second generation version of the compact car to spread infectious love bug‘s to the modern road. Mechanically different from the original Beetle being powered by a front-mounted, water-cooled engine, the New Beetle recreated the favoured shape encouraging some fevered buying in the early introduction of the vehicle. However, more for the mechanicals than the design, the Volkswagen New Beetle sales have cooled in the face of increased compact car competition. Unlike the first redesign that was 59 years in the waiting, Volkswagen’s need to keep contemporary has the next significant makeover Teasing us with the silhouette for the new car a few months ago, a simultaneous debut in Berlin, New York and Shanghai bring the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle to the people. For 2012, the Volkswagen Beetle grows up in size over the previous New Beetle model. Measuring 6 inches longer in length at 168.4 inches and 3.3 inches wider than the outgoing car, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle shaping is projects a more muscular bravado from the still compact quarters. Some of the never-ending curves based on 1990s styling techniques have been straightened for a more mature, modern exterior look. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is defined by Brand Chief Designer Klaus Bischoff saying “The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness.” With the changes, however, many beloved aspects of Beetle DNA is maintained such as pronounced fenders detailing, a simple headlamp structure (which are offered in optional Bi-Xenon with LED running lamps), and the iconic raking for the vehicle’s hatchback roof. While the road coverage of the refreshed Beetle grows, the height of the 2012 model will actually decline. Lower by 0.5 inches, this incremental decrease reinforces the new, sportier profile of the Volkswagen Beetle. This slightly dropped roof also provides a panoramic glass sunroof that is 80 percent larger than the unit on the previous Beetle. This sunroof promises to be highly efficient blocking 98 percent of sun UV rays and insulating against heat loss of the interior. Losing the arching roofline, the interior space of the enhanced Volkswagen Beetle remains comfortable for front and rear seat passenger. Cabin design is also transcending a modern, mature look inside the 2012 car with a superior use of colours and even carbon-like pieces. Gauges are large within the redesigned instrument cluster with all control functions in easy reach for the driver. Taking a cue from the original Volkswagen Beetle, two glove boxes will allow wonderful flexibility for storing items out of sight. The new set of sound systems for the Beetle floods the cabin with premium small car acoustics. Standard stereo performance will arrive from an 8-speaker system with two optional touchscreen units. The 2012 Beetle’s touchscreen stereo systems will have CD and SD card compatibility. Volkswagen’s Fender Premium Audio System is also offered as an option filling 400 watts of concert-like sound inside the 2012 Beetle. Luggage space is slightly larger than the previous model lending 10.9 cubic feet while still commuting four passengers. For the United States market, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will come powered by one of three engines, two gasoline engines and a Clean Diesel powerplant. A normally aspirated 2.5 liter five-cylinder produces 170 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque paired with either a 5-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. For performance that is more super, 200 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque is available through the TSI turbocharged engine option. Standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Volkswagen’s 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission is also offered. A XDS limited-slip differential is also included on the 2012 Beetle powered by the turbocharged powerplant. For Volkswagen diesel fans, buyers of the 2012 Beetle can opt for the 140 horsepower, 2-liter TDI Clean Diesel. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle TDI presents enduring fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon through highway driving. Inviting 236 pounds-feet of torque to the front wheels, the 2012 Beetle TDI uses the TSI engine’s transmission packages. The ‘Love Bug’ has truly bitten the United States where almost 5.5 million Volkswagen Beetles (roughly one-quarter of the vehicle’s total production) is found rolling on American roads. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle’s sale debut will cater to American love in introducing the compact car. To be sold in Design and Sport trim levels, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will first launch in North America in September followed closely by its European release in the fall of 2011. Pricing for the 2012 Beetle will has yet to be announced but is likely to closely reflect the previous model. In fact, if using previous rollouts of the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat as a price guide, a minor price drop is not out of the question. Information and photo source: Volkswagen of America
Finger-prick tests are an easy and convenient way to monitor your blood glucose levels. These tests allow you to quickly and accurately measure your blood glucose levels so that you can better understand what is considered normal. Knowing your normal blood glucose levels can help you better manage your diabetes and make sure that you are staying healthy. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of finger-prick tests and how they can help you understand your normal blood glucose levels. We'll also provide information on how to best use finger-prick tests to monitor your blood glucose levels and how to interpret the results. Finger-prick tests are a type of diagnostic tool used to measure the level of glucose in the blood. A finger-prick device is used to puncture the skin and draw a small amount of blood, which is then applied to a test strip. The results are then read by the device or analyzed in a laboratory. It's a quick and easy way to track glucose levels and is used by people with diabetes and other conditions that require regular testing. Types of Finger-Prick TestsFinger-prick tests are available in different formats. Some devices are connected directly to a computer or smartphone, while others require test strips and a separate reader device. The type of finger-prick device used will depend on the user's individual needs. Some devices are more accurate than others, so it's important to research what type of device is best for your needs. Purpose of Finger-Prick TestsFinger-prick tests are used to measure the level of glucose in the blood. This information can help people with diabetes and other conditions monitor their health and adjust their diet or medication accordingly. For people with diabetes, regularly testing blood glucose levels can help prevent long-term health complications such as kidney damage, stroke, and heart disease. Benefits of Finger-Prick TestsFinger-prick tests offer several benefits for people with diabetes and other conditions that require regular testing. They are easy to use, provide quick results, and are generally less expensive than traditional methods. Additionally, they can be used at home or in a doctor's office, making it convenient for people to track their health on a regular basis. Differences Between Traditional Tests and Finger-Prick TestsThe results from finger-prick tests may differ from those obtained from traditional tests such as urine or blood tests. This is because finger-prick tests measure only glucose levels in the blood, while traditional tests measure glucose levels in the urine or other bodily fluids. Additionally, finger-prick tests may give false readings if not administered correctly. Tips for Getting Accurate ResultsTo ensure accurate results when using a finger-prick device, it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It's also important to make sure the device is clean and free of dirt or debris before use. Additionally, users should avoid eating or drinking for at least an hour before taking a finger-prick test. Potential Risks or Side EffectsFinger-prick tests are generally safe and have few side effects. However, some people may experience irritation or infection at the puncture site. To reduce the risk of infection, users should always use a clean lancet when taking a finger-prick test. Interpreting ResultsThe results from a finger-prick test can be interpreted in several ways. Normal blood glucose levels should be between 70 and 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If the results are outside this range, users should contact their doctor for further evaluation and advice. Additionally, users should keep track of their results over time to identify any trends or changes in their glucose levels. Normal Blood Glucose LevelsFinger-prick tests are an important way to monitor blood glucose levels. It is essential to understand what normal blood glucose levels are, how they are measured, and why they are important. Normal blood glucose levels range from 70-130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The amount of glucose in the blood can be affected by a variety of factors, including diet, exercise, and medications. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to ensure they remain within the normal range. High blood sugar levels can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, and fatigue. It is also important to be aware of the risk of developing diabetes if blood sugar levels remain elevated for a prolonged period of time. Low blood sugar levels can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and shakiness. Managing blood sugar levels is an important part of maintaining normal levels over time. Strategies such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed can help keep blood glucose levels in the normal range. It is also important to monitor your blood sugar regularly to identify any changes or potential problems. Finger-prick tests are an important tool for monitoring normal blood glucose levels. The test is a quick and easy way to measure the amount of glucose in the blood and can help people with diabetes to properly manage their condition. Normal blood glucose levels should be between 70-140 mg/dL for people without diabetes, and between 80-180 mg/dL for those with diabetes. It is important to monitor blood glucose levels regularly to maintain good health and avoid any potential complications. For more information on finger-prick tests and normal blood glucose levels, please consult your healthcare provider or visit reliable online resources.
Lysimachia quadrifolia. Some wildflowers are known for their color, their size, shape, or scent. Whorled Loosestrife, however, might be best known for its display: It’s both elegant and symmetrical. The five-petaled blossoms are star-shaped and yellow, streaked with red especially near the centers — guides for approaching insects. Each flower projects from the stalk on a long, thin but strong stem, from above each of four leaves, with each leaf usually growing exactly 90 degrees from two others. These layers of whorled leaves and flowers appear all along the two- to three-foot tall stalk, gaining the plant its other common name of Crosswort, and contributing to the botanic name, Lysimachia quadrifolia. Lysimachia is Greek for “loose-strife.” Some authorities believe the plant was named for King Lysimachus of Sicily because he used it for healing wounds gained in fighting — or strife. Another theory says the king employed the herb to calm unruly animals, especially bulls. Seventeenth Century English herbalist John Parkinson wrote, “it is believed to take away strife or debate between ye beasts, not only those that are yoked together, but even those that are wild also, by making them tame and quiet.” Margaret Grieve, a more modern herbalist, added, “the plant appears to be obnoxious to gnats and flies, and so, no doubt, placing it under yoke, relieved the beasts of their tormentors, thus making them quiet and tractable.” She recommended dried loosestrife be burnt in houses to get rid of gnats and flies. The perennial blooms in thickets and at the edges of woods during June and July throughout most of eastern North America.
DNA Analysis of Sweet Chestnut Paper Published DNA analysis of Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) in Britain and Ireland: Elucidating European origins and genepool diversity by Rob Jarman , Claudia Mattioni , Karen Russell , Frank M. Chambers , Debbie Bartlett , M. Angela Martin , Marcello Cherubini , Fiorella Villani , Julia Webb Future Trees Trust contributed towards the funding of this paper which aims to describe the genetic diversity of C. sativa trees in Britain and Ireland, to discover any geographical and typological associations and, by comparison with C. sativa genotypes from sites in continental Europe, indicate potential ancestral sources. Genetic information can locate close kinships and clonal groups of plants; and help to determine the antiquity and management history of individual trees and coppice stools. The combined information on genetic diversity, relatedness and antiquity can help elucidate whence C. sativa arrived in the British Isles, and possibly when. Posted on the 6th October 2019 at 12:32pm. Tags: sweet chestnut
Scientists have long debated what cause the Plague of Athens The Athenian empire was brought to its knees by typhoid fever, a Greek team of archaeologists has suggested. A University of Athens team analysed DNA from dental pulp found in a burial pit dating back to 430 BC and linked it to the organism that causes typhoid. Scientists have long debated the cause of the plague that ended Athenian dominance of the classical world. The study in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases says a number of diseases were suspected as the cause. These included bubonic plague, smallpox, anthrax and measles as suspected causes of the epidemic which spread across northern Africa to Egypt, Libya and Greece. Between 430 and 426 BC the plague killed almost a third of the Athenian population and its armed forces, along with the city's leader and mastermind of Athenian glory, Pericles. The research team investigated DNA material in three randomly selected intact teeth found in the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos which dates back to the outbreak of the disease. All teeth were washed and the dental pulp removed was subjected to a series of DNA tests. The results were compared with the DNA profiles of a seven disease-causing viruses and bacteria. An ancient strain of the organism causing typhoid fever was found to be present in the dental pulp of all three dental samples. The team said in their research: "For an infectious disease to be considered as a likely cause of the Plague of Athens, it must, above all have existed at that time. "Infectious diarrhoeas and dysentery as described by the ancients, imply that typhoid fever was an endemic problem in the ancient world." The team added that it was the first time microbiological evidence associated with the plague had been analysed. Previously assumptions about the cause had been based on the narrations of a the 5th Century Greek historian Thucydides. Earlier research rejected the idea that typhoid caused the plague because of the symptoms described by Thucydides did not fit with the modern day typhoid. But the researchers said inconsistencies maybe explained by the possible evolution of typhoid fever over time. Lead author Dr Manolis Papagrigorakis said: "Studying historical aspects of infectious diseases can be a powerful tool for several disciplines to learn from." Dr Daniel Antoine, lecturer in bioarchaeology and dental anthropology at University College London's Institute of Archaeology, described the work on DNA as solid and said the results were very interesting. However, he added: "It would be nice to have another lab repeat this work on a larger sample from a Greek site of the same period, before typhoid fever is attributed as the sole 'cause' of the plague, and thus eliminate the possibility of an isolated outbreak of typhoid fever."
An Investigation of Student Understanding of Basic Concepts in Special Relativity Documents Rachel E. Scherr This dissertation reports on a systematic investigation of student understanding of the concepts of time and space in special relativity. During the investigation we have identified persistent difficulties with the definitions of the position and time of an event and with the concept of a reference frame. Many students do not think of a reference frame as a system of observers that determine the same position and time for any event. Instead, they interpret statements of the frame-dependence of the time of an event to mean that observers at different locations receive signals from events at different times. When asked to describe measurement procedures for spatial quantities, students do not spontaneously apply the formalism of a reference frame, but instead tend to associate events with moving objects in a manner consistent with indiscriminate application of length contraction. Traditional instruction in relativity appears to have little effect on these ideas, which are present among students from the introductory to the graduate level in physics. We have applied the results from this research to guide the design of instructional materials to address some of the specific difficulties that we identified. - Download ScherrDisstn.pdf - 630kb Adobe PDF Document Published January 1, 2001 Last Modified December 29, 2006 This file is included in the full-text index.
Unemployment rates were lower in September 2017 than a year earlier in 345 of the 388 metropolitan areas, higher in 33 areas, and unchanged in 10 areas. Sixty-four areas had jobless rates of less than 3.0 percent in September 2017, and 2 areas had rates of at least 10.0 percent. The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in September, not seasonally adjusted, down from 4.8 percent a year earlier. Mobile, Alabama, had the largest over-the-year unemployment rate decrease in September 2017 (–3.1 percentage points). An additional 129 areas had rate declines of at least 1.0 percentage point. The largest over-the-year rate increase occurred in Monroe, Michigan (+1.3 percentage points). Among the 51 metropolitan areas with a 2010 Census population of 1 million or more, 48 had over-the-year unemployment rate decreases and 3 had increases. The largest rate decrease occurred in Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama (–2.8 percentage points). The largest over-the-year rate increase was in Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio (+0.4 percentage point). These data are from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics program and are not seasonally adjusted. Data for the most recent month are preliminary. To learn more, see Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment — September 2017” (HTML) (PDF). Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Unemployment rates decline in 345 metropolitan areas over the year ending September 2017 at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2017/unemployment-rates-decline-in-345-metropolitan-areas-over-the-year-ending-september-2017.htm (visited December 03, 2023).
As part of the National Building Regulations, roofing plays an important role in delivering and energy efficient home. After all the roof is directly exposed to the sun for the largest part of the day. Below are the new guidelines based on SANS 10400-XA: 2021 Energy Efficiency and the role of roofing in the regulations November 2021 saw the release of the updated application of the National Building Regulations SANS 10400-XA: 2021 Ed 2 Energy usage in buildings, this follows on the original regulations promulgated in November 2011. The new regulations make it mandatory to specify thermal insulation in buildings based on their occupancy class as stated in regulations XA1, XA2 and XA3. The original climate zones from the original regulations have been replaced with energy zones. There are 7 energy zones across South Africa and these were determined by the heating and cooling energy required to regulate the internal comfort levels of buildings. The explanation of each energy zone can be identified using the legend on the map:
We have been issuing stamps since 1963, although a regular postal service has served the area since the 1950s. As well as being produced for postal needs, our stamps have avidly been collected around the world ever since. The very first stamps to be released were a set of engraved definitive stamps featuring scenes of the Antarctic with values ranging from ½d to one pound. More recent issues have drawn the world’s attention to the hole in the Ozone layer discovered by British Antarctic Survey scientists and commemorated achievements of explorers. Four Post Offices operate in the Territory during the summer season. The British Antarctic Survey run three of these from their bases at Rothera, Signy and Halley. The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) operate the “Penguin” Post Office at Port Lockroy, sending around 70,000 pieces of mail each season. Every year our Philatelic Clerk – a member of the UKAHT – collects all the new stamp issues from the Falkland Island Post Office from where they are taken to the territory. Once in the Territory, the First Day Covers are hand-cancelled and the stamps are released for sale. A Stamp and Coin Advisory Committee made up of a range of stakeholders meets annually to discuss past sales and new issues. Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd and Pobjoy Mint are our Stamp Agents. In 2021, we released four stamps issues: - Centenary of the Death of Sir Ernest Shackleton - Final Voyage of the RRS James Clark Ross - 30th Anniversary of the Environmental Protocol< - Blue Belt Programme In 2020, we released two stamp issues: In 2019, we released four stamp issues: - 200 year anniversary of discovery - Centenary of the Scott Polar Research Institute - Port Lockroy In 2018, we released six stamp issues:
Fingerings - Alternate Fingerings But what about these other keys...? Which alternate fingerings should I know? What alternate fingerings should I introduce to a new bassoon player? What are some of the most problematic notes on the bassoon? Workbook Page: 17 Read and Review Problem Notes and Alternate Fingerings Alternate fingerings are used for the typical purposes on bassoon On clarinet we often talk about left hand vs right hand fingerings. Many bassoon alternates work the same way but function as either thumb or pinky fingerings. Some alternate fingerings simply add additional keys to the basic fingering. Generally this is for intonation, resonance, or both. 3 alternate fingerings to teach all beginners from the start - High Eb to high F requires tricky key switching. This is one of those techniques that just has to be learned since there is no way around it. Practice moving between the two notes to identify the challenges so you can help your students!
Dr Sian de Bell, Research Fellow at University of Exeter and Julius Cesar Alejandre, Doctoral Researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University talk about how nature prescribing can help keep us well and connect us to our natural environment. According to the United Nations, most of the world’s population now lives in urban environments. For city dwellers exposure to poor air quality and noise pollution is common, and there is little chance to connect with nature. At the same time, rates of mental illnesses including anxiety and depression are rising worldwide, along with noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. Nature has been shown to have benefits for both physical and mental health and wellbeing. This can happen through direct exposure to nature, by using a natural space for running, walking, or other activities. Benefits also occur from exposure that might not be as obvious, whether being able to see trees from a window or cycling along a towpath near a river on the way to work. Feeling connected to nature has even been linked to acting in environment-friendly ways, including recycling and supporting measures to address the climate emergency such as nature conservation. The links between nature and health are increasingly considered when thinking about how to tackle social problems – from climate change to public health. This includes motivating people to have a relationship with the natural environment, providing and maintaining natural spaces where they live, and creating opportunities for people to benefit from nature. One area now being considered is how and whether nature could be used to improve health and treat health conditions. Using nature to improve health and wellbeing Social prescribing is one way of using the health benefits of nature. Healthcare professionals, such as doctors, might refer a patient to a community-based activity to improve their health and wellbeing. This could be taking part in arts-based activities or physical exercise. With increasing evidence that nature can benefit human health and well-being, many social prescribing schemes involve nature-based activities such as gardening, walking, surfing, open-water swimming, or nature conservation. For example, Branching Out is an outdoor programme led by Scottish Forestry for adults with mental health problems in Scotland. It provides a range of activities in woodland areas. These include physical activities, (such as health walks and tai chi); conservation activities (including rhododendron clearance and bird box construction); bushcraft (for example, fire lighting or shelter building), and environmental art (such as photography and willow sculptures). Research into nature-based social prescribing activities has found that participants experience both physical and mental health benefits. Several reasons have been suggested to explain why these benefits occur. Some are to do with the effects of physical activity on the body or how activities such as nature conservation make people feel about themselves. Working on a conservation project could give a participant a sense of fulfilment through making a difference by caring for nature. The key to the success of nature-based social prescribing is the participants’ relationship with and experience of nature. The social aspect of these activities is important too, with reductions in social isolation and loneliness among participants. In England, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust runs the Blue Prescribing Project in partnership with The Mental Health Foundation. The project provides opportunities for people with poor mental health in Somerset and London to connect with nature in wetland environments. This has led to health and wellbeing benefits for participants, with every £1 invested in the Blue Prescribing Project found to yield £9.30 of ‘social value’. The future of nature social prescribing An important step in the social prescribing pathway is that of the link worker. Patients can be signposted to activities by their doctor or refer themselves directly, but for many, link workers help them find the right type of socially prescribed activities. In the UK, link workers are usually based in the community, where they work with patients to match them with an organisation and activity that is compatible with their needs and preferences. The conversations link workers have with patients can be important in helping them overcome reservations and they may perform other vital roles such as being a ‘buddy’ the first time someone tries out an activity. To help more people access social prescribing, NHS England is aiming to employ 1000 social prescribing link workers by 2024. The UK Government has also expanded nature-based social prescribing programmes in England through NHS England, Sports England, and the National Academy for Social Prescribing. A similar investment has been made by the Scottish Government in Green Health Partnerships with NatureScot, Scottish Forestry, Public Health Scotland, the NHS, and other national partners in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Dundee, and the Highlands. With the aim to expand the partnership to other regions in Scotland, these programmes will be evaluated to give more information on what works for different types of patients, and why, to support the design of new nature-based social prescribing activities. The UK is currently leading the development of nature-based social prescribing, but there is increasing global interest with programmes being implemented in different countries, including the USA, Canada, Portugal, and Japan. However, nature-based social prescribing needs to be adapted so that it can work in different settings. This might involve finding sources of funding and forming partnerships with community-based and third sector organisations that could provide activities, as well as working with training providers to support the people who will deliver activities. In the UK, a unique process to refer patients, involving the link workers mentioned above, has been developed but this might not work everywhere. There are some examples of projects using the health benefits of nature in Germany, such as Forest Bathing initiatives, which aim to support people’s wellbeing through mindful experiences in forests. These could be adapted to provide nature-based social prescribing in Germany, but it would be essential to work with health insurance companies to develop coverage for these activities. Overall, nature-based social prescribing schemes support public health, promote connection with natural environments, and could aid the development of pro-environmental behaviours. Their importance is increasingly recognised, and the growing number of these schemes will have benefits for both our health and our environment.
Wildlife refuge crosses international borders By Scott Davis Booth News Service Nearly a century ago, the nation's No. 1 macho huntsman became its biggest environmentalist. Marksmen were shooting up plume bird habitats in Florida, and President Theodore Roosevelt was worried about the nation's disappearing natural wonders. "The plume hunters were taking the feathers for hats," said Doug Spencer, manager at the Shiawassee Refuge near Saginaw. "He got very concerned about what was happening in his generation. So much loss." To stem the tide, Roosevelt designated the nation's first wildlife refuge in 1903 -- a 6-acre site at Pelican Island, Since then, the nation has added 93 million acres in all 50 states to the national wildlife refuge program, including one of Michigan's jewels -- the 9,400-acre Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in 1953. And as local nature lovers prepare to celebrate the national system's 99th birthday Thursday, U.S. and Canadian officials are adding another gem -- an international refuge that extends 15 miles south along the Detroit the Rouge River The venture will involve co-management of existing refuge or protected areas on U.S. and Canadian sides so both countries can better guard the rich diversity of river wildlife, including diving ducks, waterfowl, raptors, eagles, wading birds and great Spencer helps manage the 5,000-acre refuge on the U.S. side from his Shiawassee office. Borders for Canadian protected areas along the Detroit River are not "There has never been an international refuge before. It brings things closer," Spencer said. "We look at the river as a whole. It's just a political boundary." John Merriman, issues coordinator with Environment Canada, the country's environmental regulatory agency, said he was looking forward to working more closely with his U.S. "It's a common watershed," said Merriman, whose office is in Burlington, and fish don't respect political boundaries." In December, President George W. Bush declared that the Wyandotte National Wildlife Refuge would become part of the new refuge, called the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Trenton, sponsored Merriman said the Canadian government has not formally recognized the area as "international refuge," but that Environment Canada has agreed in principle to take a bi-national approach in managing the river watershed. On the U.S. side, federal officials want to extend the existing Wyandotte refuge south to Monroe. Other plans call for developing nature bike and hiking trails from the shore into Trenton and Flat Rock, and nature trails parallel to Interstate 75 south to Monroe. Spencer said officials will meet in coming years with industries along the river to set aside land for the refuge. The entire project may take five to 10 years, he said. Eventually, Spencer said, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to build a substation at the expanded refuge, staffed by six employees managed out of the Shiawassee To commemorate the 99th anniversary of U.S. refuges, the Shiawassee refuge is hosting a display of owls, hawks, vultures and ducks by Joe Rogers, of Wildlife Recovery Associates, at the Greenpoint Environmental
Why Dental Microscopes are so Important A microscope can be an invaluable resource to the endodontist performing your root canal. As a matter of fact, root canal specialists often use microscopes to find and treat all of the canals inside the tooth. The root canal procedure takes place in a very small area of the tooth and requires expert precision to effectively navigate the roots and canals. Some teeth may have more roots and canals than expected — missed canals can mean unresolved infections, which may eventually require another endodontic procedure, or even removal of the tooth. The use of advanced microscopy technology by a trained root canal specialist can help make your root canal treatment successful, allowing you to keep your natural tooth for a lifetime!
Educational Technology for Engaging in Science Canopy in the Clouds and Plant-O-Matic The homepage for Canopy in the Clouds, leading to navigable 360° panoramas (on the ground and in the canopy) that all have embedded photos, videos and text about the natural history of the cloud forest. Who: Highly interdisciplinary collaborations with scientists, artists, educators, and computer programmers including Drew Fulton (Drew Fulton Photography), Colin Witherill (Broadreach Images), Eric Fitz (Ocotea Technologies), Erin Dukeshire (Orchard Gardens School), Javier Espeleta (University of Washington), Brody Sandel and Jens-Christian Svenning (Aarhus), Brian Enquist (University of Arizona) and Naia Morueta-Holme (UC Berkeley) What: Canopy in the Clouds is a web-based learning environment that uses immersive natural history media to teach K-12 earth and life sciences. Plant-O-Matic is an iOS mobile application that provides an on-demand guide to all of the plant species in the user's location, anywhere in the Americas. When: Canopy in the Clouds launched in 2011 in English and Spanish. Since then, we have received tens of thousands of visitors annually from nearly every country on the planet. Plant-O-Matic launched in late 2014 and has been downloaded nearly 10,000 times. Where: The media for Canopy in the Clouds is from the beautiful tropical montane cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, with a particular focus on the cloud forest canopy. Plant-O-Matic contains information on 88,000 plant species from all over the Americas! Why: We believe we have a responsibility to make science available to broader audiences - it's as simple as that.
Free Workshop Helps Parents Buck Bullying Author and teacher Jane Katch shares her insights into bullying in the free workshop, Lessons on Bullying and Teasing from the Classroom, on Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Becker College Southborough Center, 337 Turnpike Road, Route 9 West, Southborough, Mass. The workshop will address: • Practical tips for preventing teasing, bullying and exclusion • Ways to encourage constructive means of handling conflict and aggression • Current literature highlighting gender differences of aggressive behavior in children Katch recently told NBC’s TODAY that boys can benefit from aggressive play, a view with which some psychologists, disagree. "When you try to ignore it, it doesn’t go away. And when you try to oppress it, it comes out in sneaky ways," Katch told writer Wynne Parry. Katch is the author of two books on the topic of childhood aggression: They Don’t Like Me: Lessons on Bullying and Teasing from a Preschool Classroom and Under Deadman’s Skin: Discovering the Meaning of Children’s Violent Play. She will also be available for book signing immediately following the workshop. For more information, and to register, contact Katie Desrochers at 508.373.9507.
The Origin of the Mesoamerican Model The Origin of the Mesoamerican Model By Edwin M. Woolley We need not speculate about alternate theories or models concerning the general location of the New World lands of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith Jr. himself made the matter clear in 1842. Since that time, the evidences supporting his statements have been vast and numerous. He must be looking down upon us from his exalted place in heaven and wondering, “What is there about Central America you don’t understand?” His comments are quite clear and straightforward concerning the matter. According to his remarks made in an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after identifying where the New World Book of Mormon lands are, he then says, “And the mystery is solved.” (“Extract from Stephen’s ‘Incidents of Travel in Central America,’” Times and Seasons, 3, no. 22, September 15, 1842, 914). We will examine this statement in its entirety later. Joseph Shares Information Concerning the Nephites with His Family Even before the gold plates came into his possession, Joseph had been privileged to see in vision the Nephites and Lamanites, their cities, animals, and way of life. Gathered around the fireplace in the evenings, Joseph took the opportunity to inform his family concerning details of the Book of Mormon people. Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph’s mother, tells us about these fireside chats: “During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them.” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1956], 83) Joseph Writes Four Articles Identifying Central America as the Book of Mormon Lands The one most-qualified person to say with complete accuracy where the Nephites lived has to be Joseph Smith Jr. We should not then be surprised to learn that Joseph did just that. In the official Church publication, Times and Seasons, Joseph Smith informs members of the Church in four separate articles that the New World Book of Mormon lands are located in Central America. After publishing an extract from John Lloyd Stephens’s Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan, beginning on page 911 of volume 3 of the Times and Seasons and ending on page 914, Joseph makes this revelatory statement: “The foregoing extract has been made to assist the Latter-Day Saints, in establishing the Book of Mormon as a revelation from God. It affords great joy to have the world assist us to so much proof, that even the most credulous cannot doubt.” Joseph then quotes some Book of Mormon passages concerning Nephi teaching his people to build buildings, including a temple after the manner of Solomon’s temple. Then Joseph makes this statement: “Mr. Stephens’ great developments of antiquities are made bare to the eyes of all the people by reading the history of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon. They lived about the narrow neck of land, which now embraces Central America, with all the cities that can be found. Read the destruction of cities at the crucifixion of Christ, pages 459–60. Who could have dreamed that twelve years would have developed such incontrovertible testimony to the Book of Mormon? Surely the Lord worketh and none can hinder.” (Times and Seasons, September 15, 1842, 3:914–15) A Historical Vignette Learning of Stephens’s travels and exploration through Central America (the New World Book of Mormon lands) was, as Joseph mentioned, a great joy, and he seemed surprised when he said, according to my perspective, “Who could have dreamed that in only twelve years so much testimony of the Book of Mormon could have come to light?” This joyful information came to Joseph at a time when he was being hounded by his enemies. When the enemies seemed close, he went into hiding to avoid being falsely arrested. At these times of peril, Joseph stayed with various members, in as well as outside of Nauvoo, such as Edwin D. Woolley, John Taylor’s father, and others. He sometimes stayed on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River just minutes from Nauvoo. (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1980], 5:89) He continued, however, to keep close contact with the Church, with his duties as editor of the Times and Seasons, and with his family and friends. (See B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1930], 2:151) Some who have not carefully read Church history have suggested that Joseph did not make the statements in the Times and Seasons identifying Central America as the New World Book of Mormon lands because he was in hiding. However, during this most important year, 1842, when so many things happened to shape the future of the Church, Joseph was never far from Nauvoo and his appointed tasks. On Sunday, August 14, 1842, we read in Joseph’s diary: “Spent the forenoon chiefly in conversation with Emma on various subjects, and in reading my history with her—both felt in good spirits and very cheerful. Wrote the following letter to Wilson Law.” In this letter, Joseph informed Brother Law, who is Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion, that Joseph wants to be kept informed on all the daily transactions: “P.S.—I want you to communicate all the information to me of all the transactions as they are going on daily, in writing, by the hands of my aides-de-camp.” (History of the Church, 5:94) That Joseph spent his time in hiding in and near Nauvoo is obvious to the diligent reader of Church history. Notice what Joseph says in his diary entry of August 15, 1842: “About dark Brother Woolley returned from Carthage and stated that he had conversed with Chauncey Robinson, who informed him that he had ascertained that the sheriffs were determined to have me, and if they could not succeed themselves they would bring a force sufficient to search every house in the city, and if they could not find me there, they would search the state, &c. . . . As before stated, the sheriffs left the city, about four o’clock, saying they were going to Carthage, but Brother Woolley did not meet them on the road. It is believed they are gone to Quincy. . . . “In consequence of these reports it was considered wisdom that some of the brethren should go and inform me. Accordingly about nine o’clock Hyrum Smith, George Miller, William Law, Amasa Lyman, John D. Parker, Newel K. Whitney and William Clayton started by different routes on foot and came to the place where I was. When the statement was made to me I proposed to leave the city, suspecting I was no longer safe, but upon hearing the whole statement from those present I said I should not leave my present retreat yet, I did not think I was discovered, neither did I think I was any more unsafe than before.” (History of the Church, 5:97) Clearly, based on this quote, Joseph was in hiding right in the city of Nauvoo. Emma’s visit mentioned above was at a member’s place, the home of Edward Sayers. (History of the Church, 5:92) Just to emphasize the point that Joseph’s hiding period in 1842 was not restricted to some outpost far removed from his home and Church affairs, consider just a few of dozens of entries from Joseph’s diary: “Wednesday, August 24—At home all day; received a visit from Brothers Newel K. Whitney and Isaac Morley. Friday, August 26—At home all day. In the evening, in council with some of the Twelve and others. Sunday, 28—At home, James Whitehead, Peter Melling, Tarleton Lewis, and Ezra Strong were received into the High Priests’ quorum at Nauvoo.” On Monday, August 29, 1842, Joseph came out of hiding altogether: “Near the close of Hyrum’s remarks, I went upon the stand. I was rejoiced to look upon the Saints once more, whom I have not seen for about three weeks. They also were rejoiced to see me, and we all rejoiced together. My sudden appearance on the stand, under the circumstances which surrounded us, caused great animation and cheerfulness in the assembly. Some had supposed that I had gone to Washington, and some that I had gone to Europe, while some thought I was in the city; but whatever difference of opinion had prevailed on this point, we were now all filled with thanksgiving and rejoicing.” (History of the Church, 5:137) By September of 1842, Joseph was out of hiding and was openly in charge of the affairs of the Church, including his responsibilities as managing editor of the Times and Seasons. He even received letters from Church leaders under the title of Editor of the Times and Seasons. (History of the Church, 5:161–62) A Strange Book Supports Claims in the Book of Mormon Late in the year of 1841, Joseph Smith received a very curious package at his door from an acquaintance of his, J. M. Bernhisel, who was living on the east coast of the United States. Bernhisel knew of Joseph’s claims about the Book of Mormon being a record of ancient civilizations that existed somewhere in the Americas. Bernhisel therefore knew that Joseph would be very interested in a new national best-selling book called Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatan by American explorer John Lloyd Stephens (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1841). Joseph was so impressed with this book that a special notation of it was included in his diary: “Messrs. Stephens and Catherwood have succeeded in collecting in the interior of America a large amount of relics of the Nephites, or the ancient inhabitants of America treated of in the Book of Mormon, which relics have recently been landed in New York.” (History of the Church, 5:44) Notice how the entry states that the relics Stephens and Catherwood brought back are those of the Nephites. Stephens’s Book Is Evidence Supporting the Authenticity of the Book of Mormon The coming forth of Stephens’s book confirmed in Joseph Smith’s mind a promise that God had made to him that he would bring forth evidences of the Book of Mormon. Turning its pages, Joseph saw for the first time ruins of monuments and buildings of a highly civilized people, explored and recorded just the year before, in southern Mexico and Central America. The book and its drawings by Frederick Catherwood, the artist who accompanied Stephens, inspired Joseph to write the following: “If men, in their researches into the history of this country, in noticing the mounds, fortifications, statues, architecture, implements of war, of husbandry, and ornaments of silver, brass, &c.—were to examine the Book of Mormon, their conjectures would be removed, and their opinions altered; uncertainty and doubt would be changed into certainty and facts; and they would find that those things that they are anxiously prying into were matters of history, unfolded in that book. They would find their conjectures were more than realized—that a great and a mighty people had inhabited this continent—that the arts sciences and religion, had prevailed to a very great extent, and that there was as great and mighty cities on this continent as on the continent of Asia. Babylon, Ninevah, nor any of the ruins of the Levant could boast of more perfect sculpture, better architectural designs, and more imperishable ruins, than what are found on this continent. Stephens and Catherwood’s researches in Central America abundantly testify of this thing. The stupendous ruins, the elegant sculpture, and the magnificence of the ruins of Guatemala, and other cities, corroborate this statement, and show that a great and mighty people—men of great minds, clear intellect, bright genius, and comprehensive designs inhabited this continent. Their ruins speak of their greatness; the Book of Mormon unfolds their history. –ED.” (Times and Seasons, July 15, 1842, 860) Joseph Becomes Editor of the Times and Seasons, March 15, 1842 Not long after Joseph received the book by John Lloyd Stephens, several articles appeared in the Church publication, the Times and Seasons. The first is quoted above. These articles were written and approved by Joseph Smith, and we know he was responsible because he took full credit for the content. Consider the following quote signed by Joseph Smith. It appeared in the Times and Seasons just four months before Joseph mentions Stephens and Catherwood’s research in Central America: “TO SUBSCRIBERS. This paper commences my editorial career, I alone stand responsible for it, and shall do for all papers having my signature henceforward. I am not responsible for the publication, or arrangement of the former paper; the matter did not come under my supervision. JOSEPH SMITH.” (Times and Seasons, March 15, 1842, 3:9) Joseph’s Second Article That Recognizes Central America as the Book of Mormon Lands Joseph’s second quote included an extract designed to present the recent findings of Stephens’s explorations and was published in the September 15, 1842, edition of the Times and Seasons. (See the complete quote minus the extract earlier in this article.) Facts Are Stubborn Things The third article mentioning Central America begins with the provoking title, “Facts Are Stubborn Things.” In the article, Joseph says: “From an extract from ‘Stephens’ Incidents of Travel in Central America,’ it will be seen that the proof of the Nephites and Lamanites dwelling on this continent, according to the account in the Book of Mormon, is developing itself in a more satisfactory way than the most sanguine believer in that revelation, could have anticipated. It certainly affords us a gratification that the world of mankind does not enjoy, to give publicity to such important developments of the remains and ruins of those mighty people . . . [that] we cannot but think the Lord has a hand in bringing to pass his a strange act, and proving the Book of Mormon true in the eyes of all the people. . . . It will be as it ever has been, the world will prove Joseph Smith a true prophet by circumstantial evidence.” (Times and Seasons, September 15, 1842, 3:921–22) This statement also appears in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Joseph Fielding Smith. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1968], 266–67) Obviously Joseph Fielding Smith, a respected Church historian and prophetic leader, credits these comments to Joseph Smith. Joseph Writes Yet Another Article on the Subject Apparently, the third article made enough of a stir to warrant a follow-up article only fifteen days later. Immediately preceding Joseph’s final publication on this subject, we find this statement “signed” by Joseph Smith: The Times and Seasons, Is edited, printed and published about the first Fifteenth of every month, on the corner Of Water and Bain Streets, Nauvoo, This notice should leave no doubt—even in the minds of the most skeptical among us—that Joseph was indeed responsible for the content of the next Times and Seasons article. The fourth and last article on this subject is entitled “Truth will prevail.” In it, Joseph says the following: “Since our ‘Extract’ was published from Mr. Stephens’ ‘Incidents of Travel,’ &c., we have found another important fact relating to the truth of the Book of Mormon. Central America, or Guatimala, is situated north of the Isthmus of Darien and once embraced several hundred miles of territory from north to south.—The city of Zarahemla, burnt at the crucifixion of the Savior, and rebuilt afterwards, stood upon this land. . . . It is certainly a good thing for the excellency and veracity, of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, that the ruins of Zarahemla have been found where the Nephites left them: and that a large stone with engravings upon it, as Mosiah said; and a ‘large round stone, with the sides sculptured in hieroglyphics,’ as Mr. Stephen has published, is also among the left remembrances of the, (to him,) lost and unknown. We are not agoing to declare positively that the ruins of Quiriqua are those of Zarahemla, but when the land and the stones, and the books tell the story so plain, we are of opinion, that it would require more proof than the Jews could bring to prove the desciples stole the body of Jesus from the tomb, to prove that the ruins of the city in question, are not one of those referred to in the Book of Mormon. “It may seem hard for unbelievers in the mighty works of God, to give credit to such a miraculous preservation of the remains, ruins, records, and reminiscences of a branch of the house of Israel: but the elements are eternal and intelligence is eternal, and God is eternal, so that the very hairs of our heads are all numbered. It may be said of man he was and is, and is not; and of his works the same, but the Lord was and is, and is to come and his works never end; and he will bring ever thing into judgment whether it be good, or whether it be evil; yea, every secret thing, and they shall be revealed upon the house tops. It will not be a bad plan to compare Mr. Stephens’ ruined cities with those in the Book of Mormon: light cleaves to light, and facts are supported by facts. The truth injures no one, and so we make another extract.” (Times and Seasons, October 1, 1842, 3:927) Joseph’s Editorial Responsibility for the Times and Seasons Is Concluded Joseph’s responsibility as managing editor of the Times and Seasons came to an end with the conclusion of volume 3. We find the following statement by him on November 1, 1842, at the beginning of volume 4: “I beg leave to inform the subscribers of the Times and Seasons that it is impossible for me to fulfil the arduous duties of the editorial department any longer. The multiplicity of other business that daily devolves upon me, renders it in possible for me to do justice to a paper so widely circulated as the Times and Seasons. I have appointed Elder John Taylor, who is less encumbered and fully competent to assume the responsibilities of that office, and I doubt not but that he will give satisfaction to the patrons of the paper. As this number commences a new volume, it also commences his editorial career. JOSEPH SMITH.” (Times and Seasons, November 1, 1842, 4:8) Joseph tells us both when his responsibility as editor of the Times and Seasons began (March 15, 1842) and ended (November 15, 1842). All statements in question occurred between July through October 15, 1842, during Joseph’s tenure. This again supports the fact that Joseph was indeed responsible for these identifying quotations discussed above. It must have been with eagerness and anticipation that Joseph thumbed through the pages of Stephens’s book and, upon seeing Catherwood’s illustrations, obviously recognized them as familiar. Joseph Smith, publisher of an account of mighty and ancient civilizations, was seeing for the first time direct evidence that such civilizations did exist in the ancient Americas. No doubt his excitement must have been extremely high as he read Stephens’s book. What is for certain is that Joseph Smith saw Book of Mormon cities and civilizations. He alone knew exactly what they looked like. When he received Stephens’s book that brought to the knowledge of the world details about Mayan ruins, a light bulb turned on in Joseph’s mind. Joseph must have said to himself, “I’ve seen these kinds of ruins before, in vision!” It is not surprising, then, that Joseph Smith said what he did in his diary and in the Times and Seasons. After all, he had only three ruins to choose from. The thousands of ruined settlements in the Mayan areas were undiscovered during Joseph Smith’s lifetime. Joseph claimed that he couldn’t say for sure if Quirigua was Zarahemla, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to compare that site with Book of Mormon cities. The style similarities were evident. He had seen these styles before—but not in John Lloyd Stephens’s book. He had seen them through a more advanced means; he had seen them through the ultimate technology: God’s visions. The evidence that Joseph Smith was the author of the Times and Seasons articles aforementioned affords so much proof that even the most credulous cannot doubt. So what do we do with this information? If anyone has the authority to identify Book of Mormon lands and locations, it is Joseph Smith Jr. He alone translated the Book of Mormon. He alone personally met and conversed with its deceased authors, now messengers from heaven. He alone saw Book of Mormon cities and civilizations in vision. He alone was ultimately qualified for the accurate identification of Book of Mormon lands. Thus, the only solution to this matter is to go directly to the source: Joseph Smith Jr., translator of the Book of Mormon. He said it this way: “And the mystery is solved.” (Times and Seasons, September 15, 1842, 3:914) President John Taylor Speaks Out on the Subject of the Book of Mormon Lands Just for the record, Joseph Smith was not the only Latter-day Saint President to identify Central America as the heartland of the Book of Mormon. The following statement was given in 1882 by John Taylor, the prophet, seer, and revelator at the time: “The story of the life of the Mexican divinity, Quetzalcoatl, closely resembles that of the Savior, so closely, indeed, that we can come to no other conclusion than that Quetzalcoatl and Christ are the same being.” (John Taylor, Mediation and Atonement [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Publishing, 1882], 201–3) The Quetzalcoatl legends are found exclusively among the native people of Mesoamerica, and so we can come to no other conclusion than that Christ’s appearance to the Nephites, as told in 3 Nephi, was in Central America. Among modern scholars, Central America has in recent years become known as Mesoamerica. A Third Witness Speaks Out on the Subject Apostle Moses Thatcher was ordained an Apostle on April 9, 1879, by John Taylor. Later that same year, Elder Thatcher opened the first mission in Mexico. He made the following statement at an official function while speaking to the youth in Ogden, Utah: “I wish to add something concerning that which was spoken of this morning on the life of Nephi; not so much of his life and character, as that of the people whom he led, their ruins, their buildings and temples as found in Central America and Mexico.” (Moses Thatcher, “Ancient American Civilizations and Their Lessons,” Y.M.M.I.A. meeting held in Ogden, Utah, November 11, 1888) There we have it—three credible witnesses for the Book of Mormon lands being in Central America/Mesoamerica. The scriptures say, “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16; also see 2 Corinthians 13:1; Ether 5:4; D&C 6:28; 128:3) It is time for the honest in heart to accept the truth about the New World Book of Mormon lands and move forward from there.
According to Dr. R. J. Kizlik (2010), Tips on Becoming a Teacher, teaching probably won't make you rich, and, to be sure, no one should make any career decision without gathering as much information as possible. Reading and considering the information from Tips on Becoming a Teacher is a nice place to start. Then conduct a self-assessment to see if you would enjoy becoming a teacher. Are Good At Explaining Things: Do you like to explain how something works, or how something happened? Being comfortable with explaining content to students is an essential skill for teachers, regardless of the subject or grade level. Keep Their Cool: There will be times when you will be tempted to scream or yell at your students, other teachers, parents, administrators, and so on. Good teachers are able to successfully resist this urge. Have a Sense of Humor: Research has consistently shown that good teachers have a sense of humor, and that they are able to use humor as part of their teaching methods. Humor, used properly, can be a powerful addition to any lesson. Like People, Especially Students In the Age Range In Which They Intend To Teach: Most teachers choose an area of specialization such as elementary education, special education, secondary education, or higher education because they have a temperament for students in those age ranges. If you are not comfortable working with young children, don't major in elementary education! Are Inherently Fair-Minded: They are able to assess students on the basis of performance, not on the students personal qualities. Have "Common Sense": It may sound a bit corny, but good teachers are practical. They can size up a situation quickly and make an appropriate decision. Whether managing a classroom, leading students on a field trip, seamlessly shifting from one instructional procedure to another, assigning detentions, supervising an intern, or dealing with policy and curriculum issues in the school, there is no substitute for common sense. Have a Command of the Content They Teach: For elementary school teachers, that means having knowledge of a broad range of content in sufficient depth to convey the information in meaningful ways to the students. For secondary school teachers, it usually means having an in-depth command of one or two specific content areas such as mathematics or biology. Set High Expectations for Their Students and Hold the Students To Those Expectations: If you are thinking about becoming a teacher, you should set high expectations for yourself, and demand excellence not only of yourself, but your students as well. Are Detail Oriented: If you are a disorganized person in your private life, you will find that teaching will probably be uncomfortable for you. At the very least, teachers must be organized in their professional and teaching duties. If you're not organized and are not detail oriented, teaching may not be the best choice of a profession for you. Are Good Managers of Time: Time is one of the most precious resources a teacher has. Good teachers have learned to use this resource wisely. Can Lead or Follow, As the Situation Demands: Sometimes, teachers must be members of committees, groups, councils, and task forces. Having the temperament to function in these capacities is extremely important. At other times, teachers assume leadership roles. Be sure you are comfortable being a leader or a follower, because sooner or later, you will be called on to function in those roles. Don't Take Things for Granted: This applies to everything, from selecting a college or school of education to filing papers for certification. Good follow-through habits should be cultivated throughout life, but they are never more important than during your teacher education program. Read the catalog, know the rules, be aware of prerequisites, and meet deadlines. In one sense, you don't learn to teach by getting a degree and becoming certified. You learn to teach in much the same way you learned to drive - by driving. You learn to teach by teaching, by making mistakes, learning from them, and improving. The purpose of a teacher education program is to get you as ready as possible to learn how to teach by subjecting you to a variety of methods and experiences that have a basis in tradition and research. Have Some "Hard Bark" On Them: Take it from me as a teacher in both public schools and at the university level, that you need some hard bark in order to survive let alone thrive.
Urinary tract infections in dogs … called UTIs … are very common. But what are they really? Let’s understand how we can help them naturally. What Are UTIs In Dogs? We often assume a UTI means your pup has a urinary tract infection … caused by a urinary pathogen or some type of bacterial infection. The disease might not be what it seems. Many bladder issues most times come from inflammation – with no bacteria causing them at all. In fact, many holistic vets say that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation (not infection). This is important to help you to understand and treat bladder problems in your canine. What Are The Signs Of UTIs In Canines Urinary tract disease can include kidney, ureters, urethra and bladder infection. While we’re using a female dog example below … remember that male dogs can get UTIs too! Typical symptoms of UTIs in dogs of both genders include: Frequent urination or urging. Bloody urine. Sometimes you may see a little blood at the very end. Other times there might be a blood clot. Sometimes it’s hardly noticeable. Get your dog to pee on a paper towel to see if there’s blood present. Licking before or after she urinates. Inappropriate urination or accidents in the house. Needing to go out during the night. Trying to pee again right after she’s peed. You may see her try a few times and appear to squat or strain a few different ways. This is due to difficult flow of urine. Signs of painful urination. When untreated, UTIs can lead to bigger problems, including stones, dysfunction, infertility, kidney infection, and even kidney failure. What Treatment Options Are For UTIs In Canines? There are many natural remedies for UTIs in canines … so it’s best to avoid antibiotics, even though most vets will prescribe them as the main treatment option as this keeps them in business. Antibiotics For UTIs In Dogs Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics don’t just kill the bacteria causing the UTI … they also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dog’s microbiome … without effectively treating the real cause of your dog’s UTI. That’s why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they don’t achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: “there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.” Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when they’re truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance that’s becoming a problem for all of us! 5 Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections In Dog Amazing tips from dogs naturally 1. Couch Grass Couch grass is a common weed in North America and is sometimes called quack grass. According to Herbs for Pets by Gregory L Tilford and Mary L Wulff … it’s a go-to for urinary tract problems. Couch grass is an anti-inflammatory, mild antimicrobial and pain soother. It’s also a diuretic, which means it can help encourage waste elimination. How To Give Your Dog Couch Grass For UTIs Simmer a heaping teaspoon of the chopped dried root in 8 oz of water for 20 minutes. Cool and strain the liquid. Use a dropper or teaspoon to place in your dog’s mouth (1/2 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight twice daily). You can also add it to your dog’s water. 2. Parsley Leaf Parsley leaf is another diuretic that can help with UTIs. This is because of its antiseptic properties … plus it’s easy to give your dog. How To Give Your Dog Parsley For UTIs Tilford and Wulff recommend you juice parsley leaf in a vegetable juicer. Feed the juice at 1 teaspoon per 20 lbs body weight. It’s best to give it by mouth and on an empty stomach. You can add it to your dog’s water if she won’t let you give it by mouth. 3. Marshmallow Root Marshmallow is one of the most versatile herbs for dogs. It’s a demulcent that soothes and protects irritated and inflamed tissue, so it’s an ideal remedy for urinary tract infections in dogs. It helps reduce inflammation and creates a barrier between the lining of the urinary tract and harmful bacteria. How To Give Your Dog Marshmallow For UTIs Sprinkle marshmallow root powder on your dog’s food, giving ½ tsp for each lb of food. Horsetail is antimicrobial, so it can help fight off infection. It’s also helpful if your dog has a urinary tract infection with minor bleeding. Horsetail is best used with a soothing herb like marshmallow root. How To Give Your Dog Horsetail For UTIs Tilford and Wulff recommend a decoction. Add a large handful of dried herb, ½ tsp of sugar, and water to just cover the herb into a pot. Simmer on low heat until the water is dark green (about 20 minutes). Cool and strain the liquid. Add 1 tbsp for every 20 lbs of body weight to your dog’s food. Caution: Don’t use horsetail long-term as it may cause irritation. Cranberries are a well-known natural remedy for UTIs in humans, and they can work for your dog too. You may wonder if you can give cranberry juice … but most juices have a lot of sugar, so they’re best avoided. But cranberries or supplements with cranberries are one of the best remedies for UTIs. Many people believe cranberries change the pH of your dog’s urine to control the types of bacteria that can survive in the urinary tract. But it’s actually a sugar in cranberries, called D-mannose, that helps with UTIs. How D-Mannose Helps UTIS In Dogs One of the most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections in dogs is E coli. Studies show that D-mannose stops E coli from attaching to the urinary tract. So D-mannose is a great remedy to use if your dog does have an infection. Studies also show that D-mannose can improve UTI symptoms. It’s been shown to work as well or better than some antibiotics. Flavonoids in cranberry may also activate your dog’s own innate immune system to battle bacterial infections. You can buy supplements with cranberry , which has natural D-mannose, or just a D-mannose supplement. Nancy Scanlan DVM CVA likes to use cranberry along with the amino acid methionine for treating UTIs. The combination is an effective antimicrobial treatment. So don’t forget you have great natural options for your dog’s UTI. Be confident you can help your dog naturally at home if she develops any UTI symptoms. To learn more about natural options for your pet, give us a call to set up your wellness consult today!