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Welcome to the very first post from Otherness! Wellness is our world and so we have built a place that inspires you to seek out and engage in activities that nurtures your mind, body, soul and otherness.
Here on the journal you will find a whole world of different topics, all geared around encouraging you to discover just who you really are and guide you to be the best version of yourself.
There will be regular<|fim_middle|> to write for us!
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. | features such as 'Faces and Places', which will see those in the network share the stories of their journeys into wellness, offering tips and recommendations. Our 'What's the deal with…' and 'Five Tools For…' posts will take you through different practices and what you can expect from trying them – from meditation, tarot readings through to sensory deprivation. We will also be inviting our wellness newbies to document their 'First time Friday's' where they document their experiences of activities first hand.
We will also have a beautiful and insightful range of guest writers who will take you into their worlds and how to incorporate elements of them – from everyday spell casting right through to mindfulness practices during your commute.
Otherness is a place for all and so we welcome comments, feedback and suggestions to help us grow and become a tool for you. We want to feature engaging relevant content and would love to hear suggestions from you, or if you would like | 188 |
Our team is more than happy to assist you with making your stay in Amsterdam a memorable experience. We can help you with tickets, taxi pick-ups, information about the city and restaurant recommendations. Make the best out of your days here in Amsterdam along with great insider tips from our knowledgeable local staff. Please don't hesitate to contact us directly via info@thehendrickshotel.com.
Enjoy your own cycling experience in Amsterdam and blend in with the locals. The Hendrick's Hotel offers bike rental, for the price of €15 per day you can experience Amsterdam by bike. Cycling is a great way to discover the city and it can be quite an adventure!
The Hendrick's Hotel offers a complimentary drink every day from 18:00 PM till 21:00 PM. You are free to enjoy a chilled Heineken beer, refreshing wine, sparkling cava or softdrink! In the meantime we can tell you more about the city or help you with restaurant recommendations. We would be more than happy to help in making the best out of your days here in Amsterdam.
There is complimentary coffee and tea throughout your stay, as well in the rooms as in the lobby area. All rooms has a Nespresso Machine and an electric kettle.
We offer 24h and 48h GVB public transport tickets. The GVB ticket is valid for all public transport in Amsterdam (tram, bus and subway) and makes it much easier to discover and explore Amsterdam!
The Hendrick's hotel provides a recommendation list with thorougly selected restaurants fullfilling the needs of every individual. Please do not hesitate to contact us for the list, we would be more than happy to find the best restaurant matching your preferences.
Amsterdam is filled with intriguing, exciting and beautiful venues, attractions, museums and tours. Tickets are available at our reception. Please feel free to contact us, if you need more information regarding the activities in and around Amsterdam. We are more than happy to assist you with arranging tickets for museums, canal cruises, attractions and day tours.
We can arrange a taxi limousine<|fim_middle|> use our valet parking service. Please note this service is only available from 07:00 AM till 22:00 PM.
For all our of our guests who do not have the internet outside, we are happy to provide you with our "WIFI to go'' boxes so that you stay connected in the city wherever you go. Please ask our reception for the free-to-use 'WIFI to go'' boxes. | pickup service for you for €60 (1-4 person) or €70 (4-7 person). The taxi driver will stand at the gate for you with a tablet with your name. If you want the pickup service, please let us know and we will arrange this for you. We offer a fixed rate of €45 for the fare from The Hendrick's Hotel to Schiphol airport.
Our valet parking service will drive your car to a special Q-Park parking garage and will pick it up on the day of departure. You will not need to worry about parking anymore. The valet parking is €35 for the first 24 hours and €20 for every 24 hours thereafter. Reservation for valet parking is required. Please contact us if you want to | 164 |
MANRS Participants | News and Announcements
Introducing a New MANRS IXP Programme for Routing Security
By Megan Kruse
Today, we are pleased to announce that MANRS is getting a new category of members – IXPs. The MANRS IXP Programme introduces a separate membership category for IXPs with a set of security actions to address the unique needs and concerns of IXPs<|fim_middle|> Initial Participants
"Asteroid has a strong focus on security, so we are proud to be a founding participant in MANRS. IXPs are often at the heart of the local operators' community, and we believe it's our responsibility to lead by example and to promote routing security. MANRS is an opportunity for us all to lift the standard of our shared security responsibility," said Andy Davidson, CTO, Asteroid.
"Our community has matured to formalize "good-order rules." Usually, the participants of the IX have already observed all the stipulated norms, but now we will have a formal document that the interested persons will be able to sign. It was important for our participants (over 95% use the Route Server service) that MSK-IX take on the role of arbiter," says Alexander Ilin, Chief Technical Officer, MSK-IX.
"We at DE-CIX are proud to support the MANRS IXP Programme as a founding participant with our knowledge and experience. It is time for IXPs to take responsibility to make the Internet a more secure and resilient place," said Christoph Dietzel, Head of Research & Development at DE-CIX.
"We are very proud to be involved with the MANRS IXP Programme. Securing Internet routing has clear benefits not just for IXP members and their customers but for end users and the global internet community as a whole", says Mattias Karlsson, Head of Engineering, Netnod.
Join our Community Meeting online
By Kevin Meynell
From ITProPortal: Contributed Post on MANRS and Routing Security
Major ANZ operators at risk of traffic hijack as they lag on RPKI
By Aftab Siddiqui
You must log in to comment Log In | .
The ten founding participants are Asteroid (International), CABASE (Argentina), CRIX (Costa Rica), DE-CIX (Germany), INEX (Ireland), MSK-IX (Russia), Netnod (Sweden), RINEX (Rwanda), TorIX (Canada), and YYCIX (Canada).
Programme participation provides an opportunity for an IXP to demonstrate its attention to the security and sustainability of the Internet ecosystem and, therefore, its dedication to providing high-quality services.
The IXP Action set was developed by a group of IXPs from all around the world and was presented at multiple IXP fora for discussion and feedback. We hope that with IXPs as partners, their ISP members will join the Network Operator category of MANRS.
Participation in the MANRS IXP Programme requires an IXP to implement and document a majority of the IXP Programme Actions (at least three out of five). Actions 1 and 2 are mandatory, and the IXP must implement at least one additional Action. Here are the five Actions:
Facilitate prevention of propagation of incorrect routing information
Promote MANRS in the IXP's membership
Protect the peering platform
Facilitate global operational communication and coordination between network operators
Provide monitoring and debugging tools to members
The full set of Actions for IXPs can be found here: https://www.manrs.org/participants/ixp/
The IXP Programme founding participants have taken these actions, which establish a security baseline that many IXPs may already surpass and from which others can build.
All IXPs are invited to join this new Programme! Read more about the Actions here, sign up to join here, or see the list of participants here. You can also read the full press release about the new Programme.
Supporting Quotes from | 367 |
You have to read this book. This book about Bill. Bill Shankly, the manager of Liverpool Football Club. The manager of Liverpool Football Club from 1959 to 1974. All of the book is Bill. Bill is every line of the book. 'Red or Dead' it's called and it all happens in Bill's head. Through Bill's eyes. Bill Shankly, the manager of Liverpool Football Club.
David Peace wrote it and he calls it a novel but it's pure Bill. Bill laughing, Bill running, Bill playing football. Bill playing football with the players. The players of Liverpool Football Club.
The same author wrote 'The Damned United' about Brian Clough. About when Brian Clough was trying to be the manager of Leeds United Football Club. Bill tried to sign Brian Clough when he was a player. Tried to sign him for Liverpool Football Club. But the Directors of Liverpool Football Club wouldn't give Bill the money. Not for Brian Clough. Not for Jack Charlton. Not for Gordon Banks. The Directors of Liverpool Football club gave Bill the money to buy Trevor Storton from Tranmere Rovers but not Gordon Banks from Leicester City. The Directors of Liverpool Football Club wouldn't let Bill buy the best goalkeeper in the world for £60,000.
Bill meets Brian Clough in this book, often. At the side of the pitch at Anfield. The home of Liverpool Football Club. And at the side of the pitch at the Baseball Ground. Bill meets Brian Clough when he is managing Derby County Football Club. Bill likes Brian and Brian likes Bill. They are both socialists.
But Bill particularly likes Matt Busby, Bill's friend and the manager of Manchester United Football Club. Bill and Matt have been friends for many years and after what nearly happened to Matt at Munich. After what happened to all the people and players who died at Munich, Bill hates flying. Flying to all the European matches Liverpool Football Club play.
But Bill grips the arm rests on the plane and Bill closes his eyes and prays and Bill's never happy 'til he's back, home, back on the ground in Liverpool. Back with Bill's wife Nessie where they live in Liverpool. In West Derby. Bill and Nessie live just over the road from Bellefield. Bellefield where the players from Everton Football Club come to do their training.
And all through the 1960s Liverpool Football Club and Everton Football Club play against each other many times. In the League and in the Cup. Bill knows they will always be hard, hard matches. And though the crowd in the Kop, the Spion Kop, shout 'Easy! Easy! Easy!' Bill knows it never is.
At every game Bill is there, on the bench, but in his head Bill is on the ball. Every move, every cross, every header, every tackle that every player makes for Liverpool Football Club, Bill makes too. And we are there with Bill for every match. With Bill for the games against Leeds United<|fim_middle|>74. All of the book is Bill. Bill is every line of the book. 'Red or Dead' it's called and it all happens in Bill's head, in Bill's heart, in Bill's spirit, through Bill's eyes. Bill Shankly, the manager of Liverpool Football Club and still its guiding spirit, the Spirit of Shankly.
And none of that is a quote from the book, but that is what the book is like. A relentless red tide, attacking, defending, attacking , attacking. All through the years of Bill Shankly being the manager of Liverpool. Over 700 pages of intense energy and detail. Incredibly powerful if you're interested in Liverpool or football and mandatory reading if you're a Liverpool FC fan. Time and again I'd be swept up in the excitement of a forty years ago match and realise I was in the book. I was there. Thirteen years old, in the Paddock, watching the relentless red tide. I knew some of them a bit. Had their autographs. Knew they were mostly affable ordinary people really. Not when they pulled their red shirts on they weren't ordinary. Not when they ran out onto that pitch. This is wonderful.
'Red or Dead' by David Peace. My copy will be back in the Library before too long.
Ahh, brilliant! Randomly, I'd just picked out 'The Damned United' from a book swap, so that's next on my list. Hadn't heard of this one though!
Well, as you can tell, I think it's brilliant.
It is a glorious book. I'd read 'The Damned United' a couple of years ago and worried this might be a sort of follow up. But it's nothing like it, except it's brilliant.
You feel like you're spending 700 intense pages inside Bill's head. Bill, the manager of Liverpool Football Club…And you end up thinking like Bill. Like today, this day, in Liverpool, we've all been thinking like Bill, thinking about Bill, thinking about winning the League. Liverpool Football Club, at last. | Football Club. With Bill for the games with Arsenal Football Club. With Bill for the five-a-sides and the seven-a-sides at Melwood with the players of Liverpool Football Club.
The players of Liverpool Football Club. Peter, Tommy, Cally, Gerry, Gordon, Ronnie, Geoff, Roger, Ian and Tommy. Willie or Chris must've taken the photograph. Or maybe Bill?
We see and feel every injury and every goal with Bill. When Gerry breaks his collar bone but keeps on playing. When Ian and Roger score and we win the Cup. We stand with Bill, in front of Bill and around Bill, as he tells us Bill and the players of Liverpool Football Club did all this for us. All the Leagues and all the Cups were for and because of us, the people of Liverpool.
And in Bill's office, in Bill's office under the stands at Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club, we are with Bill when some of the footballers of Liverpool Football Club work up the nerves to argue with Bill. With Bill arguing with Ian St John, with John Toshack, with Tommy Smith, with Brian Hall. With Bill arguing about not being picked for the team or the broken-hearted arguments when Bill tells them their time at Liverpool Football Club is nearly over. Their time at the greatest football club in the greatest city on earth.
Bill Loves Liverpool. Bill and Nessie both love Liverpool. And we love them back. The people of Liverpool love Bill and Nessie. And the day Bill retires, retires from being the manager of Liverpool Football Club, because of all the pressure, from all the matches, from all the years. And to be with Nessie more and his granddaughters with scouse accents more. The City stops. Bill stops the City.
Bill with us. The people of Liverpool.
And Bill goes home. Bill takes off his red tie, his red Liverpool Football Club tie. And Bill goes down to the kitchen. Bill bends down and opens the cupboard under the sink. Gets out the cloths and the buckets. And Bill washes the car. Bill washes every piece of the car. Bill carefully scrubs away all of the dust and all of the dirt from the car.
Then when Bill has finished washing the car Bill does the garden. And when Bill's finished doing the garden and there's no more work to do it's only half past four. And Bill doesn't know what to do.
So you have to read this book. This book about Bill. Bill Shankly, the manager of Liverpool Football Club. The manager of Liverpool Football Club from 1959 to 19 | 539 |
A seminar was organized at the seminar hall by students of BBA-6 under the supervision of Ms. As<|fim_middle|> stage so that students could practically experience job interviews and learn how to navigate them. The guests were provided with shields and were invited for tea and lunch at the faculty café. | mara Nisar. The students invited the 'National Youth Leadership Conference' (NYLC) to conduct an interactive session with the students of COMSATS. NYLC was represented by Mr. Muhammad Faizan (a motivational speaker) and Mr. Shoaib Mustafa (Manager Corporate Communications, Mobilink) at the seminar. The seminar's focus was enhancing leadership qualities and personal branding.
Mr. Muhammad Faizan delivered a motivational speech, the emphasis of which was 'leadership'. The guest also interacted with the attendees through several activities and explained what qualities are exhibited by leaders.
The guest speaker asked students to volunteer for dummy interviews and then conducted these interviews on | 137 |
Wilmington firefighters rescued a 14-year-old boy officials say jumped from the Market Street Bridge Monday morning.
Wilmington<|fim_middle|> I. duPont Hospital for Children.
The bridge was closed for nearly an hour while rescuers worked to get the boy, Jobes said. | firefighters rescued a 14-year-old boy officials say jumped from the Market Street Bridge Monday morning and took refuge inside a nearby drainage tube.
The city fire department responded about 7:45 a.m. to the section of the Brandywine River near the Market Street Bridge for the report of a juvenile sitting on the rocks below it, said Deputy Chief James Jobes, a spokesman with the department.
When firefighters arrived, they found a teen sitting inside a drainage tube of the retaining wall near the Wilmington pumping station, Jobes said. A 911 caller told dispatchers the teen jumped from the bridge and then swam to the nearby drainage tube, he said.
Crews trained in high angle rescue and water rescue went after him, lowering a single rescuer to the boy to check him for injuries, Jobes said. The boy did not report any injuries and showed no signs of hypothermia, despite the cold weather, he said.
He was wrapped in blankets until crews could pull him to safety and transport him to Nemours/Alfred | 215 |
Clinical Trial Services
Technology and health: Novel clinical trial reveals new way to diagnose people at risk of stroke, heart attack
March 12, 2018 | Clinical Trial Services
Use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring skin patch can improve the diagnosis of irregular heartbeat by nearly three-fold over<|fim_middle|> — was not only efficient, but also led to increased engagement with participants.
Findings from the "mHealth Screening To Prevent Strokes" (mSToPS) study were announced and discussed at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting on March 10.
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications, according to the American Heart Association. The condition can be "silent," which means a person may have the condition, but is unaware because they can't feel it.
"Finding a silent atrial fibrillation can literally be a lifesaving measure," said Van Crocker, President of Aetna's Healthagen Outcomes.
Using Aetna claims data, the researchers identified people who qualified as a potential participant for the mSToPS trial. Over 52,000 people were invited to participate in the study via e-mail, and 50,000 were invited by direct mail. Digital outreach enabled researchers to approach a large, geographically diverse population of at-risk individuals and include people who otherwise may have no access to participation in clinical trials because they don't live close to a research center.
The participants were asked to wear an iRhythm Zio XT®, an FDA-approved, single-use, water-resistant, 14-day ambulatory ECG monitoring skin patch. The patch monitors and retains information about a person's continuous heartbeat for up to two weeks. After wearing the patch for two weeks, participants mailed the patches back, with the reports analyzed by the The Scripps Research Institute team.
A total of 1,738 people participated and wore a patch to be actively monitored; 3,476 others served as matched controls.
Over a year of follow-up, researchers discovered 109 new cases of atrial fibrillation. The findings suggest that spot checking for atrial fibrillation – through random pulse checks for irregularity or obtaining a brief electrocardiogram – would miss the vast majority of individuals with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.
"Because strokes occur so frequently and are often fatal, it is reasonable to believe that you are changing the course of the disease for those diagnosed, or even saving lives," Crocker said of the trial's findings.
The digital technology used in the clinical trial allowed the research to be more inclusive and focused on participants. By utilizing a combination of Aetna's claims data to identify individuals at risk of irregular heartbeat, a website and proactive emails to potential participants and the ECG skin patch, the researchers were able to approach at-risk individuals at a much larger scale.
"Pre-qualifying participants who might be at risk for a condition like atrial fibrillation — vs. casting a wide net across the general population and hoping for the best — is absolutely the best way to enable research in a real-world setting," Crocker said.
Steven Steinhubl, M.D., director of digital medicine at the Scripps Translational Science Institute, agreed that the study pushes the boundaries of clinical research.
"We hope that this study will move the modern clinical research field forward, as an early indicator of what is possible via real-world, participant-centric clinical trials enabled through digital medicine technologies," Steinhubl said. | a year compared to standard care – findings that suggest it may be possible to dramatically reduce the incidence of strokes, according to a recent study. The researchers also found that the unique clinical trial format — a collaboration among Aetna's Healthagen Outcomes, Janssen Scientific Affairs and The Scripps Research Institute | 62 |
Know the Coast event this weekend at UNH Marine Labs
D<|fim_middle|> three marine laboratories — Jackson Estuarine Laboratory and Jere Chase Ocean Engineering Laboratory in Durham and the Coastal Marine Research Facility in New Castle — offer visitors of all ages an opportunity to talk to scientists, tour laboratories and research vessels, and get their hands wet learning about the Seacoast's marine scene.
"Over the past 40 years, UNH has been home to a large number of faculty and students who have worked to expand our knowledge about these fascinating ecosystems," said Jon Pennock, director of the UNH Marine Program and N.H. Sea Grant College Program.
At Jackson Estuarine Laboratory on Great Bay, visitors will get to know the organisms — oysters, eels, horseshoe crabs, seaweed and eelgrass — that thrive in New Hampshire's largest estuary. Treks around Adams Point and tours of the historic gundalow are also on tap.
The Chase Ocean Engineering Lab on the UNH campus is home to a wave tank as well as some of the university's cutting-edge work in ocean renewable energy, aquaculture, ocean mapping and underwater exploration. Hands-on activities include squid dissection and fish printing, while the UNH Marine Docent Sea Chantey Singers entertain attendees.
At the Coastal Marine Research Facility in New Castle, visitors can get up close to lobsters, flounder and mussels; tour a commercial fishing vessel and numerous UNH research vessels; learn about underwater research; and test the quality of the water. Guides will offer tours of historic Fort Constitution and visitors can climb the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
Know the Coast Day activities are set to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, including directions and schedules of activities, visit www.unh.edu/knowthecoast or Facebook at facebook.com/knowthecoast. | URHAM — How do scientists track whales as they dive deep beneath the sea to feed? How do they grow fish from microscopic larvae up to a size that they can be put in Hampton Harbor to help replenish stocks? How are they restoring critical wetland and seagrass habitats in Great Bay?
Answers to these and other marine mysteries abound at the second annual Know the Coast Day, hosted by the University of New Hampshire Marine Program and New Hampshire Sea Grant, Saturday, Oct. 15. At this free event, UNH's | 108 |
Q: How to store PyStan object as a binary? I want to store the intermediate files in Probabilistic Programming steps with Stan such as fit object, see the SWE below, into a file so I can load it later for later usage. Stan compiles the models in C++ and after each run, I would not want to rerun the models again, I would like to store them to the filesystem for later analysis.
What is the best way store Stan objects with PyStan? In other words, how can I store the stan objects as binary and what is the most feasible way to store the results so no need to run them again later?
Small working example (source here)
schools_code = """
data {
int<lower=0> J; // number of schools
real y[J]; // estimated treatment effects
real<lower=0> sigma[J]; // s.e. of effect estimates
}
parameters {
real mu;
real<lower=0> tau;
real eta[J];
}
transformed parameters {
real theta[J];
for (j in 1:J)
theta[j] = mu + tau * eta[j];
}
model {
eta ~ normal(0, 1);
y ~ normal(theta, sigma);
}
"""
schools_dat = {'J': 8,
'y': [28, 8, -3, 7, -1, 1, 18, 12],
'sigma': [15, 10, 16, 11, 9, 11, 10, 18]}
sm = pystan.StanModel(model_code=schools_code)
fit = sm.sampling(data=schools_dat, iter=1000, chains=4)
<|fim_middle|> open('fit.pkl', 'wb') as pickle_out:
pickle.dump(fit, pickle_out)
Another option is pandas ... but while this keeps the samples it is no longer a StanFit4Model object.
import pandas as pd
fit.to_dataframe().to_csv('fit.csv', encoding='utf-8')
| A: You have a few options ... best of which is pickle
import pickle
with | 18 |
Mama's Meatballs Vietnamese Sandwich for these meatballs comes from my aunt, who we all call Mama. In the Vietnamese Cuisine, meatballs are all about texture: fish balls must be as springy as rubber balls, and pork meatballs, like these, must fall apart in a sandwich, approximating an American Sloppy Joe. I like to hand-chop the pork for meatballs , starting with fatty pork<|fim_middle|> chop the cubes, running the knife through the meat until it's evenly chopped but still more coarsely textured than store bought preground pork. | shoulder. If you choose to have your butcher grind the meat, ask for a coarse grind. These meatballs make a wonderful, messy sandwich, but they're also good spooned over steamed rice. Meatballs Vietnamese Sandwich yields a lot of meatballs. But I figure if you're going to go to the trouble of making them, you may as well make a big batch. If you aren't feeding a crowd, they freeze well.
To make the sauce, in a large, wide, high-sided pot, combine the pork and 2 cups of the stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Decrease the heat so the liquid is at a steady simmer and simmer for 15 minutes, skimming any scum that forms on the surface. Remove from the heat, let cool slightly, and transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Set aside.
Return the empty pot to the stove top, add the oil, and heat over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, until lightly toasted. Add the red pepper flakes and annatto and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more. Add the shallots and onions and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the stir-fry sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce and stir to combine. Pour in the pureed pork mixture and the remaining 2 cups stock and mix well.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, then decrease the heat until the liquid is at a steady simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix the ingredients together. Take care not to overwork the mixture or the meatballs will be tough. Form the mixture into loosely packed balls about 2 inches in diameter. Add the meatballs to the simmering sauce. The meatballs can be crowded in the pan but they should all be below the surface of the sauce. Cook, without stirring, for 45 minutes, until they are cooked through. Do not let the liquid boil, or the meatballs will break apart. To test if the meatballs are ready, retrieve a meatball and cut it open; it should no longer be pink in the center.
Remove from the heat and serve right away. Or, if you're making the meatballs in advance, let cool and then reheat them fully in the sauce before serving. Cooling them in the sauce will prevent them from drying out.
To Freeze The meatballs can be frozen: Put them in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer to the freezer. When completely frozen, transfer the meatballs to a resealable plastic bag and freeze until ready to use. They can be added to the sauce while still frozen; increase the cooking time by 10 minutes. The cooked meatballs can also be frozen with the sauce. Let the cooked meatballs and sauce cool, then transfer meatballs and sauce to a resealable plastic container, filling the container three-quarters full. Cover and freeze. Meatballs (and meatballs and sauce) will keep, frozen, for up to 3 months.
1. Trim the pork shoulder of some but not all of the fat.
2. Cut the pork into ¼-inch slices, then cut each slice into ¼-inch ribbons, then cut the ribbons crosswise into small cubes.
3. With a cleaver or heavy chef's knife, finely | 732 |
A local 'superhero' soars with opening of Lexington comic book store
By Zipporah Osei Globe Correspondent,March 2, 2018, 11:16 a.m.
Omar Masood, owner of Omar's World of Comics & Hobbies, with store manager Sally Hoops.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe
In Lexington Center hangs the image of a superhero soaring forward, his blue suit marked with a large letter "O" colored in the same bright yellow as his cape. The superhero is in the likeness of Omar Masood, a 22-year-old man with Down syndrome who just opened Omar's World of Comics & Hobbies.
The blue and yellow of the custom-made sign reflect the Lincoln resident's colorful personality and represent the colors of the Down syndrome community.
The image stands out among the mostly black and white signs of the businesses surrounding it, but for Masood and his parents, who are helping to fund the store, it was important that every bit of the shop reflect its purpose: to be a safe space for members of the disabled community.
"In our mind this isn't a business. It'll probably cost us money," said Omar's father, Sohail Masood. "But we want to create something Omar can be proud of that gives back to the community as well."
The Masoods are actively involved in helping the disabled community in Massachusetts. They are honorary members of the board of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, and they helped fund its first office in Burlington seven years ago.
Since their son was a child, the Masoods have thought about what employment options he would have as an adult. The idea of opening a comic book store was birthed out of his love for and impressive knowledge of superheroes.
Sohail and Mona Masood with their son, Omar, and store manager Sally Hoops.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe
"Omar isn't just at the store for the sake of being there. People who come in can see that he knows what he's talking about, that he's passionate, and can help customers to find what they need," said Sally Hoops, the store's manager.
The shelves are filled with comic books, games, and T-shirts. Soon, video games will be added as well.
At 22, students with disabilities age out of mandated school-based special education programs and services. As newly independent adults, they often face job and housing insecurity without the support system the services once provided them. The Masoods have been able to avoid that for their son, but not everyone is as fortunate.
"The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services has a caseload of tens of thousands of people, and funds are limited," said Joshua Komyerov, communications and operations director at the Down syndrome congress. "Individuals with disabilities really require support, or they have to hope to get lucky. It can be hit or miss when they haven't been given opportunities or tools to succeed."
Omar's World of Comics & Hobbies employs students with disabilities from Lexington High School's LABBB Educational Collaborative, where he is also a student. The collaborative works in about a dozen schools in Lexington, Arlington, Burlington, Bedford, and Belmont to help students with special needs integrate their academic, social, and vocational lives.
<|fim_middle|> including CVS, Whole Foods, and Marshalls.
To help them on the job, interns receive visual and auditory directions and are paired with employees for support whenever possible. In this way, Dailey said, there's something any person can do in every placement.
"It's not only a huge victory for Omar, but for the entire community in Lexington," Komyerov said. "It's beneficial to have people go into the store and see people with disabilities working, and working hard."
The Masoods are in the process of getting nonprofit status for the store. Doing so will help them offset some of the operating costs by accepting donations, and will create a stronger relationship between the store and LABBB.
"From a training standpoint, the store being a nonprofit allows our students to volunteer, which provides more meaningful opportunities," Dailey said. "In terms of community-building, it's a great way to build and continue the personal relationships that individuals with disabilities sometimes lose in post-22 life."
Omar's father said the family hopes to open several other stores across Massachusetts in the future. Sohail Masood is chief executive officer of KabaFusion, which provides infusion therapy services throughout the country.
For the store's namesake, the best thing about the shop is having the chance to share it with other LABBB students.
"This store is important, because comic books are my life. The store is my life," Omar said. "Now my friends get to work here too."
Tim Webb of Lextington (left) and George Groussis, event coordinator for White Wizzard Games, play a card game as Sohail and Mona Masood stand nearby.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe
Zipporah Osei can be reached at zipporah.osei@globe.com | Store owner Omar Masood and manager Sally Hoops wait on a customer at Omar's World of Comics & Hobbies.Josh Reynolds for The Boston Globe
Three days each week, four LABBB students work as interns at the store. The interns stack shelves, take inventory, greet customers, and keep the area clean.
Kristin Dailey, supervisor of the LABBB Transition Department, has worked with the Masoods to find each intern a perfect fit at the store.
"The students working at Omar's have an interest in comics, but they have potential to work in retail stores in their future," Dailey said.
Through their internships, LABBB students get experience in traditional roles such as pricing, inventory, and customer service, but can also practice skills like using iPads to process credit card purchases. LABBB internships are also in place at other local stores, | 174 |
Home / Home Frames Categories / Back to School / What on Earth? The Big History Timeline Wallbook Pocket Magnifier (Timeline Wallbooks)
What on Earth? The Big History Timeline Wallbook Pocket Magnifier (Timeline Wallbooks)
Product Code: WO002
This unique 'big history' wallbook includes a 2 metre-long fold-out timeline containing more than 1,000 pictures and captions that tell the story of the history<|fim_middle|> – The Daily Telegraph
"Astonishing – perfect for all the family" – The Sunday Times
Arabic Alphabet Camel Puzzle (Bilingual Arabic/English Letters Wooden Jigsaw)
Barefoot Books – World Atlas (Hardcover)
Orchard Toys World Map (Puzzle) | of the world. The timeline is divided into 12 sections covering both natural history as well as the history of human civilisations in each of the world's continents. Readers can easily compare what was happening across the world at any given moment in time. The Wallbook also includes more than 30 newspaper articles, a 50-question quiz and a pocket magnifier. Perfect for 6-14 year olds but equally fascinating for all curious adults.
Dimensions: 27 x 0.8 x 36 cm
Written by: Christopher Lloyd
Illustrated by: Andy Forshaw
About the author: Christopher graduated with a double first in history from Cambridge in 1990 and went on to become the Technology Editor for The Sunday Times. He left in 2000 to become CEO of Immersive Education in Oxford before becoming an author in 2006. His best selling history of the world, called What on Earth Happened? (Bloomsbury 2008) is now in 15 languages and has sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide. He established his own publishing house What on Earth Publishing in Spring 2010 and has published a series of timelines in collaboration with illustrator Andy Forshaw covering history, nature, science, sport, Shakespeare and Magna Carta. Christopher is now in great demand as a lecturer and storyteller in schools, museums and at literary festivals throughout the UK and abroad. He divides his time between lecturing and writing.
"A gripping re-telling of the most extraordinary story ever told" – The Independent
"Epic – this is history let out of the box" | 344 |
Home Publications and statements FIND joins efforts led by Crown Agents to improve testing for elimination of visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya
FIND joins efforts led by Crown Agents to improve testing for elimination of visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya
FIND is partnering with Crown Agents as part of ASCEND (Accelerating Sustainable Control and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases), a UK government initiative to drive progress towards global targets for the control and elimination of NTDs
FIND will collaborate with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to strengthen testing for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and address current VL outbreaks in the country by increasing access to rapid tests
Geneva, Switzerland & London, UK – 4 August 2020 – The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) and Crown Agents announced today a new partnership to strengthen visceral leishmaniasis (VL) testing and address current VL outbreaks in Kenya, as part of ASCEND, a UK government initiative to defeat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
ASCEND (Accelerating the Sustainable Control and Elimination of NTDs) is designed to advance the impact and sustainability of national programmes tackling NTDs. Crown Agents leads a consortium of technical partners to implement ASCEND across South Asia, and East and Southern Africa. FIND is working on essential training of health workers for the diagnosis and management of VL, supply of rapid diagnostic tests, and community sensitization in Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana and Wajir counties. Activities are set to expand into Baringo, Garissa, Kitui and West Pokot counties.
VL, also known as kala azar, is an NTD caused by protozoan parasites and transmitted through the bites of sand flies. It is almost<|fim_middle|>29 July 2020
2BMJ Open. Exploring global and country-level barriers to an effective supply of leishmaniasis medicines and diagnostics in eastern Africa: a qualitative study. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/5/e029141.info accessed 29 July 2020
About FIND
FIND is a global non-profit organization that drives innovation in the development and delivery of diagnostics to combat major diseases affecting the world's poorest populations. Our work bridges R&D to access, overcoming scientific barriers to technology development; generating evidence for regulators and policymakers; addressing market failures; and enabling accelerated uptake and access to diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Since 2003, we have been instrumental in the development of 24 new diagnostic tools used in 150 LMICs. Over 50 million FIND-supported products have been provided to our target markets since the start of 2015. A WHO Collaborating Centre, we work with more than 200 academic, industry, governmental, and civil society partners worldwide, on over 70 active projects that cross six priority disease areas. FIND is committed to a future in which diagnostics underpin treatment decisions and provide the foundation for disease surveillance, control and prevention.
About Crown Agents
Crown Agents is a not-for-profit international development company which specialises in empowering leaders to accelerate self-sufficiency and prosperity for their communities, businesses, institutions and countries. We supply health services for the most vulnerable, support government systems reform, deliver humanitarian projects in conflict affected countries and provide last mile logistics that ensure supplies and services get to citizens in hard-to-reach locations
FIND: Sarah-Jane Loveday, Head of Communications
M: +41 79 431 62 44
media@finddx.org
Crown Agents: Anna Schuesterl, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager
M: +44 787 2484512
anna.schuesterl@crownagents.co.uk | always fatal if not diagnosed and treated. Poor rural communities in eastern Africa and the Indian sub-continent carry the highest burden of the disease. In Kenya, which is among the top 10 high-burden countries for VL across the world, more than 5 million people live at constant risk of infection1, with approximately 1,200 cases reported each year – figures that are certainly underestimated due to the lack of access to diagnosis2.
ASCEND is advancing the Kenyan national goal of prevention and control of VL in all endemic areas of the country. FIND recently registered an office in Kenya and has been working closely with the Kenyan government on VL control and elimination since 2016. Work on the ASCEND VL project will build on the organization's previous work to strengthen diagnostics and testing services across the country and address the current VL outbreaks in Garissa and Kitui counties.
"We are honoured to bring our experience in VL to ASCEND, and to continue to help support Kenya's Ministry of Health to build the testing capacity needed to underpin elimination efforts in all the counties where the disease is being reported today," said Prof. Joseph Ndung'u, Head of the FIND NTD programme and Executive Director of FIND Kenya.
"The new partnership with FIND will support the Kenya government to have a sustainable control of VL in all endemic counties, improve diagnosis and treatment, strengthen supply chain, increase awareness of the disease and most importantly integrate VL control and into the health system," said Dr Duncan Ochol, ASCEND Country Lead, Kenya.
This project is funded by UK Aid from the British people, as part of ASCEND (Accelerating the Sustainable Control and Elimination of NTDs).
1BMC Public Health. Characterization of visceral leishmaniasis outbreak, Marsabit County, Kenya, 2014. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-08532-9 accessed | 412 |
The faculty and students of the College of Music at Michigan State University have made music an integral part of daily life on our campus and throughout the world. We are proud to share a few profiles that illustrate the power of music in action.
The reason for such enthusiasm is the same as it has always been – a shared belief that music makes a difference in people's lives and that MSU musicians, educators and scholars in particular enhance our world. That belief is sustained by a variety of high-level work that can be seen in things like a one-of-a-kind conference that combined scholarly work and performance, the impact that the Community Music<|fim_middle|> also be seen in the inspiring work of young alumni like Joshua Gronlund who is making a difference in the lives of high school students in Los Angeles, and in our programs that give creative freedom to ambitious students like Jordyn Davis and encourage the work of doctoral candidates such as Alex Smith who is in Ghana as a Fulbright Hays scholar.
Without a doubt, 2018 has been the year of the Billman Music Pavilion which will serve student learning in a new world-class facility. As the year draws to a close, I leave you with a creative holiday performance on the construction site of the Billman Music Pavilion that you can view and listen to above. I am grateful to be part of a community of artists, scholars and educators whose tireless efforts bring such joy to people around the world, and I am grateful to all of our alumni, donors, friends, patrons and partners who enable us to continue this important work. Your support is incredible and much appreciated. | School – Detroit is having on children through the partnerships it has formed, and the advancement of piano pedagogy through new books like the one written by Derek Polischuk. It can | 37 |
Takes you through a step by step process on how to create classic steelhead flies that you can admire and fish with confidence. The carefully chosen patterns and techniques that Dec and Marty demonstrate will provide you with the knowledge and skill necessary to tie an infinite number of patterns and styles. Speys, Dees, wets, dries, marabous, muddlers and prawns, it's all in here and more! Spectacular river footage & fishing along the way helps fuel<|fim_middle|>, dries, marabous, muddlers and prawns, it's all in here and more! Spectacular river footage along the way helps fuel the passion. The boys even hook a steelhead or two. Running time is just under four hours on two DVDs. | the passion. 2 DVDs, 4 hrs.
Steelhead flies are perhaps the most beautiful and alluring in all of angling. Mastering the skills to tie them to perfection is a rewarding challenge that is easily attainable. In this program veteran steelheaders and fly tying instructors Dec Hogan and Marty Howard take you through a step by step process on how to create classic steelhead flies that you can admire and fish with confidence. The carefully chosen patterns and techniques that Dec and Marty demonstrate will provide you with the knowledge and skill necessary to tie an infinite number of patterns and styles. Speys, Dees, wets | 125 |
Professionalism Standards and Competencies
Becoming a physician requires more than the academic mastery of information and technical skills. As physicians, we have to develop our selves. We need to become the kind of person who is a real doctor and healer, capable of acting compassionately, of placing the welfare of our patients above all other considerations, and of caring for those who are medically and socially vulnerable. We need to be the kind of person who can wrestle honestly with all the psychological, social and financial pressures of medical education and practice and continue to stay close to core values.
Download a summary of our program.
Dr. Wagner David K. Wagner,<|fim_middle|>us.
"I knew a doctor once who was honest, but gentle with his honesty, and was loving, but careful with his love; who was disciplined without being rigid, and right without the stain of arrogance; who was self-questioning without self-doubt, introspective and reflective, and in the same moment, decisive; who was strong, hard, adamant; but all these things laced with tenderness and understanding, a doctor who worshipped his calling without worshipping himself, who was busy beyond belief, but who had time – time to smile, to chat, to touch the shoulder and take the hand, and who had time enough for Death as well as Life.
Now, there was a professional."
From: On professionalism.
In Bedside Medical Stories
by Michael A Lacombe
Steven Rosenzweig, M.D.
Director of Professionalism Curriculum
steven.rosenzweig@drexelmed.edu | MD, FACEP, FAAEM told this story at his
2015 induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is Professor of
Emergency Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine and Senior
Director of the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He trained as a
general and pediatric surgeon, and became a founding director and past
president of the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
This "becoming" is called professional formation, the process of forming as an individual who can serve the calling of medicine. "The processes of formation include experience and reflection, service, growth in knowledge of self and of the field, and constant attention to the inner life as well as the life of action. 'Who am I becoming as I move towards this life of service?' is a critical question in formation, as disciplinary acculturation and expertise increases." (Inui T. A Flag in the Wind: Educating for Professionalism in Medicine. 2003. p27.)
The Professional Formation Curriculum is delivered throughout all four years of medical school. It includes a series of special sessions and core components of many required courses. The purpose of the curriculum is not only to educate students about the principles and obligations of professionalism, but also to support them as individuals who are developing themselves into compassionate healers and humanistic scientists.
"Doctor and Child" by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. Located on the Queen Lane Medical
Camp | 292 |
Located in the heart of downtown pensacola and the seville historic district, this renovated townhome provides<|fim_middle|> find a stone entry foyer leading to the beautiful family room highlighted by wood flooring and a fireplace with stone hearth. The kitchen is located just off the family room. Extensive built-in cabinetry and bookshelves have been added. Stop in the hallway, on your way to relax in your peaceful courtyard, to grab a glass of wine at the built in wine bar. The master bedroom and renovated master bathroom are located on the 2nd floor. The master bathroom has been updated with marble flooring, marble countertops and a marble tub surround. The home is located only 1 block from main street and the waterfront and just a short walk to seville square and palafox street.
For more information or make an appointment to see property ID 551193. | the convenience of downtown living. Enjoy sunrises from your second floor balcony or ground floor patio, which both feature an electric roll out shade. Upon entering the townhome you will | 36 |
Chile Travel and News
Puerto Williams is internationally recognized as "Best Tourism Village"
Source: Dialogo Sur
Image: Estacion Sur Comunicaciones
During the twenty-fourth meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly held in Madrid on December 2, 2021, the southern town of Puerto Williams, (Cape Horn Commune in Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region), was recognized as an example of a rural tourism destination with cultural and natural values. It is worth mentioning that we are talking about the most southerly city in the world.
Puerto Williams, along with the town of Pica in the Tarapaca Region, received the "Best Tourism Villages" certification from UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, which also highlights rural and community products, values and lifestyles, thus recognizing that they promote tourism as one of the main drivers of development, committed to sustainability and the wellbeing of their communities. A total of 44 villages from 32 countries around the world received the 2021 award.
The nomination was led by Sernatur (National Tourism Service) Magallanes, and after being announced to the members of the ZOIT Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn Tourist Area), required the commitment of the Cabo de Hornos City Council and several local and regional organizations, which provided the necessary information to apply and present the candidacy according to the required guidelines.
Cape Horn's mayor, Patricio Fernandez, expressed his gratitude for this recognition commenting that "it is very important because it reflects our cultural diversity and the actions that various public and private organizations, individuals and local communities have taken to promote sustainable tourism with local identity in harmony with other traditional activities in the commune. This will allow us to re-promote our destination in a more committed way and will be one of the main pillars to start a strategic work to consolidate Puerto Williams as a great area of tourist interest, strengthening rural enterprises and repositioning the city and its attractions in the minds of travelers, after the global health crisis."
For her part, the Regional Director of Sernatur, Ximena Castro, said "we are tremendously proud of this achievement for Puerto Williams, which was possible thanks to the commitment of the Cabo de Hornos Municipality and the work of the Sernatur Magallanes team. With this distinction, Puerto Williams is recognized as an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with its cultural and natural attractions in one of the most impressive settings on the planet."
"This important recognition for Puerto Williams is a real pride for our tourist destination and I would like to especially appreciate the commitment and permanent work of the local community, the municipality and Sernatur, who have made possible to show the value of Puerto Williams worldwide as one of the best tourist places in the world, in a context where the reactivation of tourism in Cabo de Hornos is an important priority. We will continue working to make visible and promote this unique and<|fim_middle|>agan people, the southernmost indigenous community on the planet, who currently resides here. In addition, the zone is part of an area declared a Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005, representing a milestone for the conservation of biodiversity worldwide and covering the entire southern tip of Chile. Also noteworthy are the Heritage Routes with the southernmost trekking routes on the planet, such as the Dientes de Navarino Trekking and the Omora Ethnobotanical Park, a 1,000-hectare private protected area that preserves the Robalo River basin, the community's main water source, among other heritage values.
The "Best Tourism Villages" program seeks to promote the role of tourism in valuing and safeguarding rural villages and their associated landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity, local values and activities. The towns recognized as "Best Tourism Villages" will gain international visibility and recognition as "outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations that preserve and promote their associated landscapes, knowledge systems, biological and cultural diversity."
More about Puerto Williams...
COVID-19 CHILE - UPDATE
Fully vaccinated population (with booster dose):
(71.1 % of 16,739,723 with 2 doses)
Patagonia Chile, Best Places to Visit
Futaleufu, one of the Chilean capitals of Adventure Tourism
Chile Wins Top Prize at the World Travel Awards
Chile's Lakes Region, a charming place to tour
The beauty of Southern Chile
Punta Arenas' Andean Club (Club Andino)
Corralco Mountain Resort and Ski Center
Cruz del Sur Tourist Observatory | wonderful destination of our Chilean Patagonia and we invite the whole community to be part of this challenge."
Among the reasons highlighted by the UNWTO for the recognition was the historical importance of Puerto Williams for Chile and the world, due to the presence of the Y | 54 |
Rock Springs Police Investigate Bareback Saloon Stabbing
Doug Randall Published: May 2, 2021
Rock Springs Police Department
Rock Springs Police are investigating a stabbing that took place early Saturday morning at the Bareback Saloon, a strip club in downtown Rock Springs.
That's according to a post on the agency's Facebook page:
On the morning of May 1, 2021, at approximately 1:50 a.m., the Rock Springs Police Department responded to a stabbing incident that occurred at the Bareback Saloon, 729 Pilot Butte Avenue. The victim is a 39-year-old male that suffered a puncture wound to his left side. The suspect has been identified.
The investigation is ongoing at this time. If you have any information or witnessed the incident, please contact the Rock Springs Police Department Detective Division at (307)352-1588.
Police at last report had not released the name of either the suspect of the victim.
CLASSIC CHEYENNE: The Cole Shopping Center
In December of 2020, Blue Federal Credit Union completed its new headquarters at the corner of Converse and Pershing in Cheyenne. Well, it's not so much a 'corner' as it is the smooth edge of a roundabout, but anyway. Before Blue FCU built its new campus, the site was at one time a premier shopping destination for Cheyenne. From the 1950s through 2016 it was Cheyenne's Cole Shopping Center.
Local businessman Frank Cole bought the land that would become a Cheyenne gathering place in the 1950s when<|fim_middle|>
Police Looking For Suspects In Wyoming Laundry Theft
Arson Suspected in Cheyenne Fire That Caused Over $300K in Damage
Wyoming Police Officer's Father Charged in October Hit-&-Run | the corner of Converse and Pershing was the edge of town. Starting in 1952, three different Safeway grocery stores called the Cole home over its half-century of existence. A plethora of other stores served the neighborhood too. From the movie theater to Blockbuster; there was the Cole Department Store, the fabric store, the East Branch of the Carnegie Library, and so much more.
As Cheyenne grew and changed, the Shopping Center fell into decline. Stores closed and new ones didn't take their places. The anchor of the area, Safeway, closed for good in 2016 with much of the rest following. In 2018 the buildings were demolished and the new construction began.
The Cole was so integral to the neighborhood that when we asked on social media for folks' memories we were flooded with hundreds of responses.
Check out many of those memories below, along with several pictures of the Cole Shopping Center, mostly from near the end in the twenty-teens.
Filed Under: crime, Rock Springs Police Department, stabbing
$14K in Oil Stolen From Well Site in Laramie County
Family of Cheyenne Teen Killed in Shooting Speaks Out
Suspect Sought After Teen Stabbed at Cheyenne South High School
BREAKING: Suspect in Custody Following Shooting in Cheyenne
Cheyenne Police Investigating Report Of Shots Fired
Wyoming Police Department Concerned About Dangers Of Fentanyl | 302 |
After receiving training on one or more of the MMD professional development modules, educators should begin to apply skills and knowledge learned from the training with coaching support. Through coaching, educators are supported as the transfer of new skills to classroom practice occurs (Bush, 1984; Joyce and Showers 1982, 1981). Through coaching, educators receive job-embedded guidance, observation, and feedback. A district's coaching plan provides the opportunity for districts to support buildings through the creation of intentional knowledge-promoting structures and processes. Coaching plans vary according to district and building needs, but should be focused on practices in the MMD content framework. Practice profiles from the district's chosen focus components from the MMD Content Framework should be used to guide educators through the coaching process.
There are different ways to approach coaching and approaches may vary by building. Coaching is a non-evaluative process in which two or more professional colleagues work together for the purpose of improving instructional practice<|fim_middle|> support for any of the structures.
Peer to Peer – A reciprocal coaching structure, one educator to another.
Individual Peer to a Team – One educator coaching a team of educators (grade level or content area team).
One grade level or content area team coaching another grade level or content area team within a building.
One building team coaching another building team within a district.
One team from District A coaching a team from District B.
This Observation Checklist for High Quality Professional Development Coaching checklist is designed to be completed by an observer to determine the quality of regional implementation coaching. This checklist can also be used for self-assessment of fidelity. Fidelity should be monitored "early and often" (Harn, Parisi, & Stoolmiller, 2013). This checklist is a companion to the Observation Checklist for High Quality Professional Development Training. The criteria or threshold for fidelity as measured on this checklist is 11 out of 12 items reported to be observed.
1. ↑ Jenson, R., Noonan, P. & Gaumer Erickson, A. (2013). Observation checklist for high-quality professional development regional implementation coaching. UMKC Institute for Human Development, Kansas City, MO. | . The process involves a collaborative relationship, trusting culture, a clear purpose, and an agreed upon format which is solution-oriented and learner-centered.
Within Missouri Model Districts (MMD), coaching may have a variety of structures depending on the district's need. Missouri Model Districts may use one of the following structures, but are not limited to these three examples. The CST consultant provides | 76 |
110 Million Years old Spider's Shining Eyes
110 million years old fossil spiders found in Korea, feature reflective eyes that enabled their nighttime hunting.
Usually, soft-bodied species like spiders aren't fossilized in rock like animals with bones and teeth. More often, ancient spiders and insects are more likely to be discovered preserved in amber.
Yet a new paper in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, co-written by a University of Kansas researcher, describes fossil spiders found in an area of Korean shale called the Lower Cretaceous Jinju Formation.
What's most remarkable: Two of the fossils from the extinct spider family Lagonomegopidae feature reflective eyes that enabled their nighttime hunting.
Paul<|fim_middle|>|Categories: Animals|
The largest Jellyfish ever found in British waters
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The stunning world of Hammerhead Sharks' Mating Rituals
Get our free daily news in your inbox | Selden, Gulf-Hedberg Distinguished Professor of Geology and director of the Paleontological Institute at KU's Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, said:
"Because these spiders were preserved in strange slivery flecks on dark rock, what was immediately obvious was their rather large eyes brightly marked with crescentic features. I realized this must have been the tapetum — that's a reflective structure in an inverted eye where light comes in and is reverted back into retina cells. This is unlike a straightforward eye where light goes through and doesn't have a reflective characteristic."
The description of the fossils boosts the number of known spiders from the Jinju Formation from one to 11. The KU researcher said the spiders, who lived between 110 and 113 million years ago, must somehow have been protected from deterioration to have become so well-preserved in the shale formation.
source University of Kansas
By Agis F|2019-02-19T11:32:01+03:00Feb 19, 2019 | 230 |
All of the excitement your kids hearts could ever desire in play fun can be found in the Swing-N-Slide Winchester Wood Complete Ready-to-Assemble Swing Set Kit. They'll get 32 sq. feet total of deck room they can romp around on and it comes with an easy to assemble system called the Rapid-Loc bracket system, which makes setting this playhouse combo up as easy as 1-2-3.
Everything you need to complete the set up is already contained in the kit so you won't have the frustration of stopping to run to the store for a part. In a matter of hours, you can have this combo ready for<|fim_middle|> hassle of having to make sure you saw boards the right length.
All of the measuring and preparing has been done for you. It comes with a nice wave slide, which kids seem to like better than a straight traditional slide. You also get monkey bars with this one. Kids can have so much fun while playing with this set and they'll still manage to get the daily exercise that keeps them happy and healthy as they grow.
For those who want a monster of a playset, there's the Blue Ridge Frontier set. It costs a little more but you get a lot more for that extra cost. Since it's a durable piece, it'll last for many years.
So if you divide the cost by the number of years it'll last, you can see it's a worthy investment. The specially treated wood is intolerant of the things that can damage a playset – namely insects, rot from the weather and age related decay. | the kids to enjoy.
There are activities galore in this playhouse. Not only does it come with swings, a glider and climbing rocks, but a picnic table is also included. Talk about all day fun! The playhouse has a window and cute decorative shutters on the outside. Combined with kids imaginations, the playhouse can become almost anything.
The shaded canopy in the offers some cool shade when the summer sun gets too relentless. Two things in the Swing-N-Slide Winchester Wood Complete Ready-to-Assemble Swing Set kit that parents really like are the fact that the swings are equipped with belts and an instructional DVD to walk through the complete setup is included.
Another playset that's a hit with parents and kids alike is the Swing-N-Slide Chesapeake Wood Complete Ready-to-Assemble Swing Set Kit. The bracket system lets you get it ready to use fast and with the pre-cut lumber, you don't have the | 190 |
Bougainville1
Burkina Faso1
Cameroon1
Cote d'Ivoire1
Mali1
Multiple Countries9
Namibia29
Solomon Islands1
National13
Citations1
Legal Materials12
News & Commentary1
Conflict/Post-Conflict1
Constitution1
Country Profile1
Customary Practices7
Family & Personal Law6
Governance1
Inheritance5
Marriage & Divorce7
Research Resources1
Widows5
Land Reform in Southern and Eastern Africa: Key Issues for strengthening Women's Access to and Rights in Land
Full citation: Walker, C., "Land Reform in Southern and Eastern Africa: Key Issues for strengthening Women's Access to and Rights in Land," FAO DESKTOP STUDY REPORT (March 2002).
Multiple Countries, Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda
Walker, C.
Law Reforms Which Promote Women's Rights to Land and Property: Developments and Proposals in Namibia
Full citation: Hubbard, D., "Law Reforms Which Promote Women's Rights to Land and Property: Developments and Proposals in Namibia," UN WOMEN EXPERT PAPER (Geneva, June 2012).
Hubbard, D.
Protection for Women in Namibia's Land Reform Act: Is it Working?
Full citation: Werner, W., "Protection for Women in Namibia's Land Reform Act: Is it Working?" GENDER RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY REPORT (Legal Assistance Centre, March 2008).
Werner, W.
Report on the proceedings of the National Conference on Women's Land and Property Rights and Livelihood in Namibia, with a Special Focus on HIV/AIDS
Full citation: Namibia Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare & FAO, "Report on the proceedings of the National Conference on Women's Land and Property Rights and Livelihood in Namibia, with a Special Focus on HIV/AIDS," (July 2005).
Namibia Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare & FAO
Property Rights and Resource Governance Country Profile: Namibia
Customary Laws on Inheritance in Namibia: Issues and Questions for Consideration in Developing New Legislation
Ovis, M. and Gordon, R.
Guide to the Communal Land Reform Act
Legal Assistance Center
Local Case Studies in African Land Law
Multiple Countries, Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda
Home, R.
Why We Need to Make Customary Laws Work for Women
Multiple Countries, Afghanistan, Namibia, Kenya, Rwanda
Tran, M.
Namibia Constitution
Republic of Namibia
Namibia Sectional Titles Act
This act governs the division of certain property rights.
Government of Namibia
Namibia Maintenance Act
Namibia Children's Status Act
Namibia Dissolution of Marriages on Presumption of Death Act
Namibia Recognition of Certain Marriages Act
Namibia Social Security Act, 1994
Namibia Co-operatives Act, 1996
Namibia Communal Land Reform Act
Namibia Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 1998
Namibia Married Persons Equality Act
Towards Customary Legal Empowerment in Namibia: Enhancing gender equality in customary justice systems
Full citation: Ubink, J.M. (2011). "Towards Customary Legal Empowerment in Namibia: Enhancing gender equality in customary justice systems." International Development Law Organisation. - In Namibia, national authorities have made various interventions aimed at enhancing the functioning of customary law and traditional leadership. These efforts include both the creation of institutional linkages as well as community-based activities. One issue has been the position of women under customary law, and especially the fact that widows often have no rights to their deceased husbands' lands. At a workshop, the traditional leaders present unanimously decided that widows should not be chased from their lands or out of their homes and that they should not be asked to pay again for the land. The president of the country was also a proponent of the change. This research found that this statement led to positive change. [Threats to Women's Land Tenure Security and Effectiveness<|fim_middle|> overarching objectives of the project; that communication, education, and training activities are vital; and that donors play a key role in ensuring gender is considered in land documentation projects. [Threats to Women's Land Tenure Security and Effectiveness of Interventions - Annotated Bibliography]
Multiple Countries, Mali, Benin, Lesotho, Namibia
Giovarelli, R., Hannay, L., Scalise, E., Richardson, A., Seitz, V. and Gaynor, R.
Accessing Justice: Models, Strategies and Best Practices on Women's Empowerment
Full citation: IDLO, "Accessing Justice: Models, Strategies and Best Practices on Women's Empowerment," IDLO REPORT (2013). - This paper highlights some of the challenges and solutions for women's access to justice in diverse legal systems. It shows that women face structural and cultural barriers to accessing justice – insufficient knowledge of rights and remedies, illiteracy or poor literacy, and lack of resources or time to participate in justice processes. This is all the more so as women usually have intensive family responsibilities. Even where women can access the formal justice sector, the outcomes of the process often fall far short of those envisaged by international standards, particularly with regard to property rights, inheritance, divorce and child custody, and spousal abuse. Focusing on legal empowerment as a way to improve both access to justice and the quality of justice women receive, the study presents strategies and best practices in both formal and informal justice systems. Legal empowerment approaches share one core concept: using the law to enable disadvantaged groups to access justice and realize basic rights. They include legal education; legal aid services; support for non-discriminatory dispute resolution fora to complement or supplement informal systems; training of paralegals; and rights awareness. In considering whether such approaches can improve the quality of justice women receive, Accessing Justice brings together a number of IDLO-sponsored case studies in Afghanistan, India, Namibia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Morocco, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. These highlight a variety of lessons for development practitioners, both in terms of engagement with the informal legal sector and, more generally, for the use of legal empowerment and top-down / bottom-up strategies. In an appropriate context, carefully designed legal empowerment strategies may constitute a valuable contribution to improving women's access to justice.
Multiple Countries, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Afghanistan, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, India
IDLO | of Interventions - Annotated Bibliography]
Ubink, J.M.
Gender and Land: Good Practices and Lessons Learned from Four Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Funded Land Projects
Full citation: Giovarelli, R., Hannay, L., Scalise, E., Richardson, A., Seitz, V. and Gaynor, R. (2015). "Gender and Land: Good Practices and Lessons Learned from Four Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Funded Land Projects." Landesa Center for Women's Land Rights. - This paper looks at four MCC projects that involved titling land in Benin, Lesotho, Mali, and Namibia and how they ensured women's rights to land were recognized. It finds that it is important to consider both formal and customary laws and provides examples of both; that it is important to identify all property rights holders, regardless of the | 177 |
"Koan" is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word "kung-an," which means public record. This was a Chinese legal term that referred to records of cases that set precedent, like "case law." In the Zen tradition, koans are records of particular events such as an exchange between master and disciple that have particular dharma significance. Often they include a story that set the stage for the exchange. We can learn a great deal through careful study of these stories. However, there is a method by which koans are investigated at a deeper level. A student is assigned a koan in order to open to a particular view, or understanding. Part of the method is that the master does not to tell the student what the point is. You have to find that out yourself. You bring what you think it's all about into the dokusan room, the teacher listens then says, "No. No. That's not it." You keep working, basically feeling your way in, until you uncover it.
Sometimes a student memorizes the koan story, and is instructed to boil it down to the pivotal matter. Eventually you may be assigned a hua-tou (wado), which means "word end." The pivotal matter in the story is held in a word, even just one syllable, which is taken as the focus for zazen. An example would be the classic koan, "Joshu's Mu." In Japanese "mu" means no. A monk asks Joshu, "Does a dog have buddha-nature?" The set-up for this is someone grappling with the teaching about buddha nature, because the Buddhist texts say that all beings have buddha-nature. The monk comes with this question and Joshu says, "No!" This is surprising when you consider the Buddhist teachings on this. So the koan is not about whether a dog has buddha-nature, but about why did Joshu say no? This is a breakthrough koan, and the student ends up focusing on that one word "no." You may hear Zen monks "mu-ing," chanting, "Muuuuuu…," sometimes at the top of their lungs. They are working on this koan.
Another breakthrough question is "What is your original face before your parents were born?" That one doesn't have a story that goes with it. It is a constructed ko<|fim_middle|> realized early on but in an unconscious way that I could never meet the expectations of perfection held up for me – it just wasn't going to happen. By the time I was in High School I thought, hey, all the Christian Scientists that ever lived died eventually, so they all failed. Which is OK, everybody fails, but as a young child, this really had me trapped. I could never measure up to what my parents held up as most important.
This whole issue churned around in my young mind and bubbled up as a very odd kind of a question, which could be phrased this way: "In God's perfect world, with everything having a place and a function that is in harmony, what's with flies and mosquitoes? How do they fit in this perfect picture?" It seems odd and funny now, but this just bugged the heck out of me – they were the fly in the ointment, so to speak. I really puzzled about it because it was a question that came out of the tight bind I was in. This is the early formation of the koan that took me to the monastery. I had had a view of something perfect, yet I was an imperfect person, so how does this harmonize? What do I do with this? In other words, "What should this world look like? What should this life, my life, look like? What am I really supposed to be?" Practice in the monastery didn't resolve these questions. Instead, it intensified them. Eventually they clarified into the fundamental point question, which for me could be phrased as, "What is the measure of perfection?" Sitting still with that brought me to the wordless one question. This is a place where everything stops, and it's getting really close. Breakthrough happens right on the other side of that wordless block.
So I sat with this personal koan for a long time. Eventually I heard a story that addresses this question in an interesting way. A monk asked an old master what he had learned in his years of practice, and the master answered, "One stick is as long as it is, one stick is as short as it is." When I heard that I thought, there's something here, something about this that's important. Later I heard a teaching from Koho Zenji (my teacher's teacher), who was very small even for a Japanese. He would say, "A daikon is still a daikon, even when it is very small." In Japanese, daikon means "big root," and it's a kind of radish which grows like a big fat carrot. But a daikon is still a daikon, a "big root," even when it is small, and one stick is as long as it is, one stick is as short as it is. Stickness and daikoness are not measured that way – and this was getting to my question about measuring and perfection. Eventually the insight came that it's true. We have to make an effort, but there really is nothing to gain. We don't have to be a bigger stick or a bigger daikon – we're already there, we just need to accept it completely. And yet, there is always something to do. It's a very simple formula, but finally I really, really knew it.
There's a phrase from our old translation of the "Kyojukaimon" that said, "The wheel of the dharma is always turning and lacks for nothing, yet needs something." Everything is perfect as it is, and yet every moment needs something. This is about our effort, the way we turn the mind, the way we take this next step, the way we address this moment. Each moment "needs something." After I had an opening about this, I heard a story from another monk practicing at the monastery. She explained that when she first got to the monastery and discovered practice, she was full of enthusiasm for deep acceptance. She was amazed by how we can get past so many issues when we accept things as they are. You could say she was an evangelical convert to all-acceptance practice. One summer she left the monastery to work in a convalescent hospital for people with spinal chord injuries. Many of the patients were paralyzed. She was eager to bring the practice all-acceptance to that environment. But of course they were having none of it, and she got the message loud and clear to bug off. Then one day a quadriplegic came to visit. His work was going to hospitals like that to talk to newly injured people who were grappling with their situation. The monk said that when this man entered the room it was almost as if the light in the room increased. He demonstrated profound and real acceptance, and as he met each person they couldn't help but responded to him. He was on the other side of the very thing they were grappling with, so he was able to say everything she had wanted to say, but with real effect. What struck me about this was that in this situation, she was the one who was handicapped, not the quadriplegic. One stick is as long as it is, one stick is as short as it is, depending on the circumstance. I had the idea from my childhood that I had to be perfect in some way – but what way? What is the measure of perfection? I had to drop my rulers, because it can't be measured that way. Perfection is about being ourselves without opposition, meeting conditions as best we can, long in some situations, short in others.
My question about the measure of perfection is a variation on that traditional koan, "What is your original face before your parents were born?" I could have been assigned that koan, and I probably would have related to it, but finding my own internal koan made it urgent to me. It arose in my life from the questions and the formations that I had. It was mine and it was vitally important to me. I want to impress on everyone that all of our confusions, all our issues, our stumbling blocks, arise because of a fundamental paradox in existence itself, the root of dukkha – that life and things and situations are both complete and incomplete, both perfect and imperfect, and they require effort and yet no effort at the same time. This is also the essence of Dogen's koan, "Why is practice necessary if we are already innately enlightened?" He had his reasons for asking it that way, and I had my reasons for asking it my way, but it all boils down to that one thing – we're already there, and yet practice is necessary. He solved it when he realized that practice is how we express it.
There is a second type of koan, in addition to fundamental point koans. They are upaya koans, or function koans. They apply within the relative view, they're the smaller questions about particulars, about how or what. I find that they all relate back to the fundamental koans, but they deal with how to take action moment by moment, appropriately, in the circumstance as it arises. For me, any kind of a double bind brings up an upaya koan. For example, authority versus self-determination – when they clash, it puts me right on the edge of this. What is right action in that situation? It used to happen with my teacher a lot – she had a very different mode, a different way of being in the world, than I did. I was a jisha, one of her primary attendants, and she would assign me to do something in a way that would make me think, "No, I can't do that." She would want me to do something that I might not think was right, or at least not right for me. My idealism would struggle with the actuality of my situation. Where's perfection then? What should I do? Is the stick long or short? Should I assert my view, or surrender to this other view? Sitting still within that, dropping the judgement and getting past either-or, I could usually find a way. Each answer was not some "final answer," it didn't tell me I should always do it this way in this circumstance, always do it that way in that circumstance. But I learned that when I was caught in a conundrum, if I sat very still the way would appear. I could meet the situation in a way my teacher could recognize and was still true to myself. I could answer the koan. Can you see how these questions relate back to my fundamental question?
These are daily life koans, which you have to meet over and over and over, and for which you never find a final answer. After all these years I can find myself wondering, "Why do I have to deal with this question again?" Well, we're all human brings, and this is life, so we may as well get use to it. When we do that we learn to keep dropping our opposition to things as they are and to meet events in a useful way, in a way that functions and expresses the fundamental point, or "genjokoan." With a balance of acceptance, courage and assertion we find a way. This is the essence of the middle way between yes and no, between my way and another way, between assertion and surrender.
Examine your own life and look deeply at the questions and conflicts that bug you – the ones that really get you. Look at them very carefully. Then clear away irritation and opinion – "I don't like this," "That shouldn't be" – let all that drop away. This doesn't mean you surrender to what you think is wrong, but you sit still with it and drop all the extra baggage. Be very still and let the underlying question arise. Then you sit still with that until you come to the one wordless question. The answer to that cannot be put into words, you simply open to it. Just like you can't tell a paraplegic how to accept his situation – but someone can demonstrate it. That's what it's like.
It helps to do this work in a community of people who understand this, who realize what this is about and support it. It may not always be in the way we want to be supported, but that's probably for the best. Practicing with community or with a teacher helps because it is essential to have the process seen, to have your struggle with it witnessed, which makes it visible to you. It's hard to do this by yourself – it's kind of like shaving without a mirror, you need something that reflects back. You can do it on your own, but it just takes a whole heck of a lot longer. Living in an intense practice environment in a monastery it only took me ten years. I am joking about that somewhat, because actually it's a lifelong process. So, it's good to get going – decide to pick this up and really investigate it. Our lives are full of our own deep questions.
This means you already have everything you need to study the buddha way. It appears in your life just as it is. It can be a lay life, it can be monastic, it can be temple life. You can be married, single, engaged in a career, it doesn't matter. Koans are everywhere and our method is simply to point to what is already there and to help bring it out and clarify it. Look at your life and your experiences just exactly as they are, and then use precept study, zazen and mindfulness practice to clarify what these questions are about. They definitely appear. Sit very still with them and let them clarify. This is everyday life koan practice – genjokoan. Your koans are already there – they're already well installed. They are really just aspects of the fundamental koan, the paradox of particular and universal. I encourage you to get going.
Q: Sometimes I don't know whether I am stepping back, or whether I am tuning out to the problems that face me.
A: When you are sitting and tuned into yourself, there's an inner knowing – I think of it sort of like a light – and when I'm moving away from where I'm supposed to be it goes out. Or you can think of it as a hum, a sound. It's like there's something that's alive and when I move away from it, I lose contact with it. Sometimes stepping back is actually going towards this – you stop, sit still, and the light brightens. But sometimes you step away from something that you need to be addressing and the light dims. So that guides us back toward engagement. If you cultivate your awareness of that feeling, it's not that you won't make mistakes, but if you get way off, you'll know. When you are really on point, it will be really alive, really there. Sekito's "Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage" is about this. He called it "the old man in the hut," a quiet knowing. It doesn't guide by telling you what to do, it simply sends signals like, yes and no, red light, green light.
Q: It seems like the way we are talking about this, you have to get into it, move forward, dig in. But in a way it's hard to know what to do – should we count malas, what should we do?
A: When it ain't broke, don't fix it. When things feel right, just relax. Then notice when your sense of balance is off, pay attention and consciously look at your inner workings. When things get really messy, you've got lots of good material to work with. Roshi Kennett used to say that assigning a koan to somebody is like a phrenologist knocking someone over the head in order to raise a bump to read. Assigning a difficulty in order for someone to have something to overcome is, in some respects, kind of stupid. Examining your life closely, looking at what's going on, is all you need. But… understand that looking deeply is really important because our koans are essential. There is no such thing as a perfect way to be in this world, and because of that, koans are everywhere. If someone thinks they've got it figured out, they're deluded. Investigating koans is everything. Just look – it's all you have to do.
Q: Can you say something about how elusive koans can be sometimes? I had this vision of all of us concretizing what you were saying and going around and asking each other, "Hey what's your koan? My koan is…" My experience is that I'll be able to put a personal koan into words one day, and then the next day the words don't apply anymore.
A: In telling my story, I chose particular examples that I have had time to digest. Those are the things that I can name pretty clearly after 35-40 years, but the stuff I'm working with at any point in time is not so easy to say. Some of the double bind koans are very difficult to explain because the reason things affect me that way are specific to my karma. I think what's important about this is knowing what the feeling is – suddenly not knowing what to do, or feeling anxious, agitated, frustrated, then identifying whatever it is that puts you in that position. Once you know what that is, you begin to know how to practice with it. Investigation is everything, getting the feeling of it, knowing it in your body and knowing how to be still in it, that's what all this practice is all about. That's far more important than being able to talk about it twenty-five years later. | an that came later in the history of the practice. As with all koans, there is no right answer per se. The answer is expressed through the student's struggle with it. The answer is experienced, and it is that experience that you have to demonstrate to the teacher. Breakthrough koans are about the fundamental point, about an absolute view, about big questions. We might say they are about the why of it all. The thing is, there is no ultimate answer to any "why," question, and yet there is a way to demonstrate an answer.
When I was college student, I sort of stumbled into the "big view." I had an accidental glimpse of perfection – everything exactly as it should be, a tranquil sense of everything just right. It seemed to be "the big answer," but at that point I hadn't fully formed the question. I hadn't done the work, so I couldn't hold this answer, and I could feel it slipping away. I desperately wanted to understand it, to connect the dots, to make my own life in the everyday, relative world harmonize or mesh with the absolute view I had stumbled into. Of course, I found out later that this is what practice is – simply harmonizing this life, this breath, with this large view. But I knew nothing about that, so this view, this perception faded away into a memory, no matter how I clutched at it. And yet this experience did raise in me a deep way-seeking mind.
Then I read about zazen practice. There was something about it that rang true. I thought "yes, there's a bridge here, there's a way over this chasm, a way that this everyday life can come into harmony with the perfection I saw." So after graduation I was off to the monastery like a shot. I decided I was going to stay for a year to immerse myself in zazen practice. Ten years later I realized I was never going to quit, so here I am. That's because my search wasn't just about learning to sit zazen.
I remember hearing my teacher Roshi Kennett say something about the questions people bring into dokusan or sanzen where students meet their teacher formally. She said there is a question on the surface, then a question underneath that, and then finally there is the fundamental question. And really, all questions resolve into this one, almost wordless question. In my case, I had come to the monastery looking for zazen, but the question under that was, "How do I harmonize myself with what I had glimpsed?" And under that was the fundamental question.
Some of my koans were formed when I was very young. (I've heard it said that the reason that parents can push our buttons so well is because they're the ones that installed them in the first place.) There were a lot of positives in the way I was raised, in a household with a strong religious practice. It was a Christian Science household. Christian Science is a very idealistic religion. One of its teachings is that we are a part of God's perfect idea. In a way this is similar to the Buddhist mind-only school, which teaches that everything is just "mind." In Christian Science, God's perfect idea is what we really are, and everything real is part of this. So all problems can be overcome – that includes sin, disease, old age and death – when we see that they are just illusions that arise within and obscure this truth. There's an elaborate theology about how those illusions arise that I won't get into here, but basically everything earthly, all compounded things, are not real. They are illusions in a way that's similar to Buddhist teaching. But the Christian Science view is that if you really demonstrate this, if you stay in touch with this perfect view, then you can rise above it all. This is a kind of "ascension," based on the new testament account of Jesus' story. This ascension is something that can be accomplish in your own being; you become Christ-like. It becomes rather literal in that you should be able to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper and cast out demons. Metaphorically there's something rather nice about this, but trying to make it concrete and practical creates a real problem. It runs headlong into a confrontation with the truth of dukkha. I've come to think of Christian Science as conscious, deliberate, and very highly refined practice of denial.
As a child I was being taught that I should demonstrate this practice by rising above earthly illusions by not ever being sick. In fact what happened was I went to school sick a lot. When I couldn't demonstrate as expected, I knew I was a disappointment. I disappointed my parents, particularly my mother, because she had a lot of hope for me, and she really wanted me to be able to do this. It's hard on a child to be deeply aware of disappointing a parent. When I look back on it I can see there was a great deal of hope and aspiration for me, but that doesn't help much when what you want is a little sympathy, a bit of comfort and understanding, and you know you're just aren't going to get that. On the positive side I saw my parents work through a number of issues such as conflicts and life questions using their religious practice, and it's a good method for that, it actually served well. That was good for me. I saw that there is benefit to seeking, to practice, to working in spiritual way. I did learn from that.
A lot of my fundamental koans came out of this situation. I | 1,151 |
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Brilliant customer service! Beautiful photograph. I bought this as a present for my partner for Christmas and he loved it.
Well.... Having spent months looking for just the right artwork, something special.... by chance we stumbled upon the work of James Bell. This work is beyond special. The website is just full of so many beautiful photographs that no home has enough walls! Struggled to choose between our three absolute favourites, so we went for all three and in the stunning super large sizes. The quality and skill and artful landscape photography is simply stunning. And the quality of the framed product does it justice. Solid oak frames and well packaged. Arrived quickly and went straight on the wall at the first opportunity. The print quality is excellent - even on a 1200mm print everything is perfectly crisp and sharp. But what makes all of this so special is James Bell, his passion for capturing that perfect moment in a perfect place. That is what you invest in here - a moment captured by a gifted genius, and you get to gaze into that moment every time you enter a room. Cannot express enough, the delight of having these works of art in our home... Thank you very much James.
I have spent two years looking for the right image for this wall. Saw this and ordered it online. Delivered today! The "right image" has to have a personal resonance and having cycled the Fred Whitton Challenge last year this ticked all the boxes! Stunning photo and I will now browse the rest of your collection.
Thank you for<|fim_middle|> ordered online last Sunday and received the print on Tuesday (which was greatly appreciated as we needed it quickly.) You were also very helpful and gracious when I had to call you Monday morning to change the order, even though you had already packed it.
Thank you very much for your prompt and excellent service.
Best wishes for your future photo shoots.
Loving my two recent purchases.
Loving my two recent purchases. Buttermere, framed as a Christmas present and the latest Windermere print already at the framers to find a frame more suited to my decor.
I have bought several prints from James Bell and they have pride of place on my walls. They make me feel that I am in the image. Always prompt delivery.
Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks at the Southern tip of Buttermere, the famous Buttermere pines perfectly reflected in the still water. The warming late winter rays pick out the detail and texture on the perfectly formed Fleetwith Pike. The small stones and ice in the foreground add interest and a reminder of how cold it will be when the sun disappears.
This view is one of my popular and can be seen on display in many outlets around the Lake District. See the Examples section for photos of this scene framed and on display. | the framed print it was a present and she absolutely loved it! Beautiful quality!
I was delighted with the service. I couldn't believe how quickly the prints arrived. I have looked at them once, but I am worried about damaging them before I get them framed, but they look great. I can't wait to get them on my wall. Great communication and incredibly prompt service.
Just to let you know that the Buttermere canvas arrived safely yesterday and looks absolutely stunning on the wall of our newly refurbished bathroom - the colours are perfect! And we did this exact walk for the first time only a few weeks ago having been visiting and walking in the Lakes for 50 years!
We're thrilled - thank you so much. It's a really beautiful photograph and piece of art.
I'm very happy with the picture.
We've opened it today and everything is ok – it's looking great on our kitchen wall. We'll definitely buy some more.
It's looking great on our kitchen wall. We'll definitely buy some more.
The picture is brilliant and memorising. Thank you.
Just to let you know that the canvas arrived before I went out today!
It's really lovely and I'm very pleased.
We are delighted with the print - it is up on the wall just above the computer where I am typing this, and it brings a smile to my face each time I look at it. The light is amazing, and the view is just wonderful.
We saw this print in the Watermill Inn in Ings and loved it straight away. We looked at lots of the images on your website, but still liked this one best. We love Buttermere, and Fleetwith Pile was the last of the Wainwrights that we climbed (last year) on our "fell bagging" project - so this print was perfect!
I couldn't be happier with the print, which is a present for my wife and I know she'll be pleased. A quality print using quality materials.
You deliver a top quality service with excellent communication throughout and a really swift delivery - I would definitely buy from you again and recommend you to friends.
Thank you for your service which was prompt and attentive resulting in a birthday deadline being achieved.
The product itself was well received, the quality of the photograph and frame has delighted the recipient bringing great memories of a visits to Buttermere.
Thanks for the prints which arrived this morning. You seem to have a very professional operation. Very impressed with the quality of the prints that you are producing! Good luck with Scottish Landscape Photographer of the year.
I will get the prints framed ASAP. The new prints that you have just sent are really excellent - very impressed!
We brought a beautiful print of Borrowdale for my Uncle's birthday. He loved it. Your service was excellent.
We | 566 |
TGurlz Night In
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A: There will be other people in exactly the same position as you. It is very laid back and you will soon find that you can talk to people over a drink. Also I will be there and as<|fim_middle|> the parties on a first come first served basis.
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Tickets may be available on the door if you contact me on the day at 25% extra however, we cannot guarantee that the party will not be full as we always give priority to those who pay online and regular party goers
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\section{Introduction}
Naked Singularities (NS) in gravitation theory are irksome: the curvature tensor and the energy density can `blow up'; the space-time fabric may fail to resemble a smooth manifold and it may not be possible to continue geodesics past them; the laws of physics and standard features like causality may be violated \cite{Earman}. If singularities are hidden behind an event horizon, however, one can safely ignore the problem because no causal signal can reach an outside observer from the troublesome region. It is the spirit of Penrose's Cosmic Censorship hypothesis that NSs do not occur in nature \cite{Penrose}. In its weak version, this hypothesis essentially states that, generically, no `naked' (i.e., without an event horizon) space-time singularities can form in Nature. NSs have been seen to form in some settings in $(3+1)$-dimensions, e.g.,~\cite{ESC,Gundlach}, although how `natural' and `generic' these settings are may be a matter of debate; in higher dimensions, NSs have been seen to form in~\cite{lehner2010black}. However, in none of these works, quantum effects were taken into account. That naturally leads to the question of whether NSs are stable under quantum effects or else, for example, these effects lead to the formation of an event horizon.
Quantum effects on a curved background space-time, however, are notoriously difficult to calculate.
One way to incorporate quantum effects is to include them in the energy momentum tensor and to solve the `semiclassical' Einstein equations (Eq.(\ref{semi}) below) for the backreaction on the metric. The quantized stress-energy tensor for matter fields suffers from well-known ultraviolet divergences and so it must be appropriately renormalized (see, e.g.,~\cite{Birrell:Davies}). Such renormalization and obtention of the corresponding backreacted gravitational field, however, is very hard to perform in practice in $(3+1)$-dimensions unless the background space-time is highly-symmetric --such as pure de Sitter or pure anti de Sitter, (A)dS, space-times--, which is not the case for a black hole or NS space-times in $(3+1)$-dimensions. On the other hand, in a space-time with one dimension less it is possible to make significant analytical progress while the results still yield an important insight into the physical processes that take place and into what one might expect there to happen in similar settings in $(3+1)$-dimensions.
In this paper we will investigate conical defects/excesses in ($2+1$)-AdS space-time. These are a particular class of NSs that do not seem to give rise to catastrophic phenomena. Like in an ordinary cone, the curvature singularity is a Dirac delta distribution at the tip. The source that produces this curvature can be identified with a point particle, which can also be understood as a removed point from the manifold \cite{DJT}. The geometry with the conical singularity is obtained by identification under a Killing vector in the universal covering of anti de Sitter space-time, CAdS$_3$, in complete analogy with the 2+1 (BTZ) black hole \cite{BTZ,BHTZ}. Since the identification does not change the local geometry, the conical singularity is a locally AdS space-time.
The static circularly symmetric metric in Schwarzschild-like coordinates, $-\infty <t <\infty, 0 \leq r <\infty, 0\leq \theta \leq 2\pi \approx 0$, is given by
\begin{align} \label{staticBTZ}
ds^2=-\left(\frac{r^2}{\ell^2}-M\right)dt^2+\left(\frac{r^2}{\ell^2}-M\right)^{-1}dr^2+r^2d\theta^2,
\end{align}
where the mass $M$ is an integration constant and the cosmological constant is given by $\Lambda = -\ell^{-2}$~\cite{BTZ}. This metric corresponds to a family of extrema of the vacuum Einstein-Hilbert action in $(2+1)$-dimensions. In three dimensions, black holes and conical singularities are just different parts of the spectrum of pure gravity, with black holes occupying the mass range $M>0$ and naked conical singularities corresponding to $0> M \neq -1$. The case $M=-1$ corresponds to $\text{AdS}_3$.
The naked singularity is of a conical type at $r=0$, with deficit/excess angle $\Delta\equiv 2\pi (1-\sqrt{-M})$: for $0 > M > -1$ there is an angular defect, while for $-1> M$ there is an angular excess. For $M\rightarrow 0^-$ the conical deficit approaches $2\pi$ and the NS undergoes a topological transition: the cone becomes a cylinder. On the other side of the transition there is a black hole of vanishing mass $M=0^+$. As shown in \cite{mivskovic2009negative}, conical singularities can also carry angular momentum $J$, with $M\leq -|J|$. In the extreme case $M=-|J|$, these spinning particles, like the extreme black holes counterparts ($M=|J|$), are BPS states, admitting a supersymmetric extension and enjoying perturbative stability \cite{C-H}.
The identification vector $\xi$ in CAdS$_3$ that produces the black hole has norm $\xi\cdot \xi = r^2$. Thus, the region where $\xi$ is spacelike ($r^2>0$) is defined as the BTZ space-time. The region where the vector is timelike is excised in order to avoid the closed timelike curves produced by the identification, generating a causal boundary at $r=0$. On the other hand, the conical singularity is produced by identifying with a rotation Killing vector $\eta \equiv \Delta \partial_\theta$, in AdS$_3$, where $\theta$ is the azimuthal angle and $\Delta$ is the conical deficit around $r=0$. This Killing vector is spacelike everywhere and therefore does not produce closed timelike curves. However, the identification gives rise to a conical singularity at $r=0$, the fixed point of $\eta$. The opposite of a conical defect, an angular excess, is also a NS with a ``negative angular deficit", which is not produced by an identification, but by an insertion of an angular wedge.
These features make conical singularities in AdS$_3$ as acceptable as black holes. The question we wish to address, then, is, what happens in the geometry of a conical singularity when one includes vacuum fluctuations of some matter field: does the conical defect of the NS grow? what is the fate of the singularity? In this paper we investigate precisely this issue on a non-rotating, naked conical singularity space-time in $(2+1)$-dimensions with a negative cosmological constant and find that quantum effects create an event horizon surrounding a curvature singularity.
This paper is organized as follows.
In Sec.\ref{sec:RSET}, we calculate the renormalized expectation value of the stress-energy tensor for a scalar field in a NS space-time after
reviewing the corresponding literature result in a black hole space-time.
In Sec.\ref{sec:NS} we analytically calculate the quantum-backreacted metric.
We finish in Sec.\ref{sec:discussion} with a discussion of our results.
We use units $c=1$, $G=1/8$ throughout.
\section{Renormalized Stress-energy Tensor} \label{sec:RSET
In \cite{martinez1997back} it was shown that quantum fluctuations of a scalar field with periodic boundary conditions around a black hole make its horizon radius grow\footnote{This result was extended to non-conformal coupling for the massless black hole in~\cite{binosi1999quantum} and
to the four-dimensional planar massless black hole metric, in the conformal case, in~\cite{caldarelli1998quantum}.}.
Hence, a black hole will remain a black hole if the quantum fluctuations are included. Here we explore the effect of quantum fluctuations on a conical singularity: does the conical singularity remain naked, or do the quantum corrections dress this singularity with an event horizon? Our analysis shows that the latter is the case. A similar question in flat (zero cosmological constant) $(2+1)$-dimensional space-time was raised by Souradeep and Sahni~\cite{Souradeep-Sahni} and by Soleng~\cite{soleng1993inverse}, who showed that quantum effects on a conical singularity in flat space turn it into a $(2+1)$-dimensional `Schwarzschild-like' space-time with gravitational attraction.
In flat 2+1 space-time, an analogous question was also addressed in the context of an accelerated C-metric in~\cite{anber2008ads4}.
In order to address the above question, we consider the semiclassical Einstein equations
\begin{equation} \label{semi}
G_{\mu \nu} - \ell^{-2} g_{\mu \nu}= \kappa \left\langle \hat T_{\mu \nu} \right\rangle_{\text{ren}} \,,
\end{equation}
where $G_{\mu \nu}$ is the Einstein tensor for the metric $g_{\mu \nu}$ and $\kappa=8\pi G$. These equations determine the perturbed metric via the renormalized expectation value of the stress-energy tensor (RSET), $ \left\langle \hat T_{\mu \nu} \right\rangle_{\text{ren}}$, of the matter field in some quantum state.
We consider as quantum source a conformally coupled scalar field without a mass parameter, whose (unrenormalized) expectation value of the stress-energy tensor is given by (\cite{Birrell:Davies,steif1994quantum}):
\begin{align}\label{T-munu}
\langle \hat T_{\mu\nu}(x)\rangle =
&
\lim_{x' \rightarrow x}\frac{\hbar}{4}\left[ 3\nabla^x_\mu \nabla^{x'}_\nu - g_{\mu \nu} g^{\alpha \beta} \nabla^x_\alpha \nabla^{x'}_\beta
\right.\nonumber \\ &\left.
- \nabla^x_\mu \nabla^x_\nu - \frac{1}{4\ell^2}g_{\mu \nu} \right] G(x,x'),
\end{align}
where $x$ and $x'$ are space-time points. Here, $G(x,x')$ is Hadamard's elementary two-point function, i.e., the anticommutator
$\langle \{\hat \Phi (x),\hat \Phi (x')\}\rangle$,
where $\hat\Phi(x)$ is the quantum scalar field. The quantum state of the field where the expectation values of the stress-energy tensor and of the two-point function are evaluated is determined by imposing boundary conditions on the solutions of the field equations.
In the present analysis, we choose for the two-point function $G(x,x')$ for the scalar field to satisfy `transparent' boundary conditions \cite{martinez1997back}.
Imposing transparent boundary conditions corresponds to quantizing the scalar field using modes which are
smooth on the entire Einstein static universe~\cite{avis1978quantum,Lifschytz:1993eb}.
We first review the calculation of the RSET existing in the literature in the case of the black hole and afterwards
we derive our new results in the case of the NS.
\subsection{Black hole case ($M>0$)}
In the BTZ black hole case, the RSET in Eq.(\ref{T-munu}) when the scalar field satisfies `transparent' boundary conditions takes the form (\cite{martinez1997back}, \cite{steif1994quantum}):
\begin{equation}\label{eq:RSET BH}
\kappa \langle \hat T^{\mu}{}_{\nu}\rangle_{\text{ren}} =\frac{l_P}{r^3}F_{BH}(M)\text{diag}(1,1,-2),
\end{equation}
in $\{t,r,\theta\}$ coordinates, where $l_P= \hbar G$ is the Planck length and $F_{BH}(M)$ is a function that we give in Eq.(\ref{F-btz}) below. The two-point function in the BTZ black hole case can be calculated via the method of images from the two-point function in $\text{AdS}_3$, taking advantage of the fact that the black-hole manifold $\mathcal{M}_{BTZ}$ is obtained by an identification of the universal covering space $\text{CAdS}_3$ of $\text{AdS}_3$ under one of its isometries. Explicitly, $\mathcal{M}_{BTZ} \approx \text{AdS}_3/H_\xi$, where<|fim_middle|>}) gives $K(r_{+}) \sim 18/\ell^4$, which is 50\% greater than the classical value.
In \cite{efk}, brane-localised black holes in $AdS_4$ were interpreted, via AdS/CFT, as quantum-corrected BTZ black holes. In the classical NS regime, it was noted that no calculation of the stress energy tensor of a conformal field in conical ($M<0$) $AdS_3$ space-time was found in the literature to compare with, nor of its backreaction. Our paper fills this gap in the literature and confirms, in agreement with the analysis of \cite{efk}, that quantum effects can censor singularities.
The analysis presented here can be extended to include angular momentum $M<-|J|$. Among the spinning cases, the extremal ones, $M=-|J|$, are particularly interesting because they are BPS configurations and not expected to receive quantum corrections \cite{mivskovic2009negative}. We leave these questions for future work. Another interesting case to study is the conformally coupled scalar field system in 2+1 gravity, where a soliton with negative mass exists, which represents a non-trivial vacuum for hairy black hole sector \cite{CMT}.
\section*{Acknowledgments}
We would like to thank F. Canfora, A. C. Ottewill, P. Taylor, D. Tempo, R. Troncoso and T. Zojer for valuable comments and observations. This work has been partially funded throught grants 1130658, 1140155 and 1161311 from Fondecyt. The Centro de Estudios Cient\'{\i}ficos (CECs) is funded by the Chilean Government through the Centers of Excellence Base Financing Program of Conicyt.
M.C. acknowledges partial financial support by CNPq (Brazil), process number 308556/2014-3. A.F. acknowledges partial financial support from the Spanish MINECO through the grant
FIS2014-57387-C3-1-P and the Severo Ochoa Excellence Center Project SEV-2014-0398.
\bibliographystyle{apsrev}
| $H_\xi$ is the discrete group obtained by applying a Lorentz boost $\xi$ \cite{BHTZ}.
The method of images then leads to an expression for the two-point function in $\mathcal{M}_{BTZ}$ in terms of the two-point function in $\text{CAdS}_3$ for a scalar field $\Phi$ with periodic boundary conditions $\Phi(\theta)=\Phi(\theta+2\pi)$ (where the coordinates other than $\theta$ are suppressed):
\begin{equation} \label{Gbh}
G_{BH}(x,x')=\sum_{n\in\mathbb{Z}}G_{CAdS_3}(x, H^n_\xi x'),
\end{equation}
The two-point function in $\text{CAdS}_3$ is (e.g., \cite{steif1994quantum}, \cite{shiraishi1994quantum},\cite{carlip19952+},\cite{Decanini:Folacci:2005a}),
\begin{equation} \label{GcAdS}
G_{CAdS_3}(x, x')=\frac{1}{4\pi}\frac{1}{|x-x'|},
\end{equation}
where $|x-x'|=\sqrt{(x-x')^a(x-x')_a}$ is the geodesic distance between $x$ and $x'$ in the embedding space $\mathbb{R}^{2,2}$. Representing the points in $\text{CAdS}_3$ as embedded in flat $\mathbb{R}^{2,2}$ as $\left(x^a\right)=\left(T_1,X_1,T_2,X_2\right)^T$, where $T_{1,2}$ are time coordinates and $X_{1,2}$ spatial ones, the identification takes the form
\begin{equation}\label{H}
H_\xi=
\left( \begin{array}{cccc}
\cosh(2\pi\sqrt{M}) & \sinh(2\pi\sqrt{M}) & 0 & 0 \\
\sinh(2\pi\sqrt{M}) & \cosh(2\pi\sqrt{M}) & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 0 & 1
\end{array} \right).
\end{equation}
By noting that the space-time is locally AdS, it follows that the two-point function in Eq.(\ref{Gbh}) is renormalized by subtracting the two-point function in $\text{CAdS}_3$, Eq.(\ref{GcAdS}); this amounts to merely subtracting the $n=0$ term in Eq.(\ref{Gbh}) \cite{PhysRevD.40.948,Souradeep-Sahni,shiraishi1994quantum}. Finally, combining Eqs.(\ref{Gbh}), (\ref{GcAdS}) and (\ref{H}), the RSET for a black hole is obtained as in Eq.(\ref{eq:RSET BH}), where \cite{steif1994quantum}
\begin{equation} \label{F-btz}
F_{BH}(M)= \frac{M^{3/2}}{2\sqrt{2}} \sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{\cosh\left(2n\pi\sqrt{M}\right)+3}{\left(\cosh\left(2n\pi\sqrt{M}\right)-1\right)^{3/2}}.
\end{equation}
\subsection{Naked singularity case ($M<0$)}\label{sec:NS}
It is possible to find the expressions corresponding to Eqs.(\ref{eq:RSET BH}), (\ref{Gbh}), (\ref{H}) and (\ref{F-btz}) for the NS space-time
with $-1<M<0$, because the conical defect space-time is also obtained by an identification in the AdS$_3$ geometry given by (\ref{staticBTZ}) with $M=-1$. The only difference is that the identification Killing vector $\eta$ is not along a boost, but a spatial rotation that generates the angular deficit. The coordinate transformation between the coordinates in $\mathbb{R}^{2,2}$ and
$\bar t\equiv \sqrt{-M} t$, $\bar r\equiv r/\sqrt{-M}$ and $\bar \theta\equiv \sqrt{-M} \theta$
in the NS space-time is \cite{mivskovic2009negative}:
\begin{align}\label{eq:coord transf NS}
&
T_1=\sqrt{\bar r^2+\ell^2}\cos \left(\bar t/\ell\right),\quad
X_1=\bar r\cos \bar \theta,
\nonumber \\ &
T_2=\sqrt{\bar r^2+\ell^2}\sin \left(\bar t/\ell\right),\quad
X_2=\bar r\sin \bar \theta.
\end{align}
Note that the angle $\theta$ is now on the $X_1-X_2$ plane (as opposed to on the $X_1-T_1$ plane in the BTZ black hole case). In these barred coordinates, Eq. (\ref{staticBTZ}) becomes
\begin{align} \label{eq:metric NS}
ds^2=-\left(\frac{\bar r^2}{\ell^2}+1\right)d\bar t^2+\left(\frac{\bar r^2}{\ell^2}+1\right)^{-1}d\bar r^2+\bar r^2d\bar\theta^2.
\end{align}
As $\theta$ has a period of $2\pi$, then $\bar{\theta}$ has a period of $2\pi \sqrt{-M}$, which clearly represents a conical singularity. This NS is obtained from $\text{CAdS}_3$ under the identification of $\bar\theta$ and $\bar\theta+2\pi \sqrt{-M}$, which is obtained by the matrix
\begin{equation}\label{eq:bar H}
H_{\eta} =
\left( \begin{array}{cccc}
\cos(2\pi\sqrt{-M}) & \sin(2\pi\sqrt{-M}) & 0 & 0 \\
-\sin(2\pi\sqrt{-M}) & \cos(2\pi\sqrt{-M}) & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 1 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 0 & 1
\end{array} \right),
\end{equation}
in coordinates $\left(x^a\right)=\left(X_1,X_2,T_1,T_2\right)^T$, where the angular deficit is $\Delta\equiv 2\pi (1-\sqrt{-M}) \in(0,2\pi)$. The resulting NS metric is given by Eq.(\ref{staticBTZ}), where $-1<M<0$.
The two-point function for a conformally-coupled and massless scalar field satisfying `transparent' boundary conditions in NS can be given by the method of images (cf. \cite{Souradeep-Sahni,martinez1997back,steif1994quantum}) in the case of an angular deficit $\Delta=2\pi (1-1/N)$ (i.e., $M=-1/N^2$), with $N=1, 2, 3, ...$ In this case, the two-point function is given by
\begin{equation}\label{Green-NS}
G_{NS}(x,x')=\sum_{n=0}^{N-1}G_{CAdS_3}(x, H^n_{\eta} x')= \frac{1}{4\pi} \sum_{n=0}^{N-1} \frac{1}{|x- H^n_{\eta} x'|}.
\end{equation}
In the conical geometry this sum contains a finite number of terms because for two points on the surface of a cone there is a finite number $N$ of geodesics connecting them.\footnote{This can be easily understood considering a cone in $\mathbb{R}^2$: For $0<\Delta<\pi$ there is a unique geodesic connecting two points ($N=1$). For $\Delta=\pi$, $N=2$; for $\Delta = 4\pi/3$, $N=3$; in general, for $\Delta = 2\pi (k-1)/k$, $N=k$. Finally, for $\Delta \rightarrow 2\pi$ the cone approaches a cylinder and the number of geodesics becomes infinite \cite{Matschull}.}
For $\Delta \neq 2\pi (1-1/N)$, the method of images does not apply and the two-point function must be computed as a sum over the field modes on the cone. The construction in this case follows the procedure of \cite{Souradeep-Sahni}, where instead of the Bessel function that appears in the expression for the two-point function in flat conical space, one finds associated Legendre functions with continuous degree and order \cite{Hobson}. In this way, the two-point function is found to be continuous in $M$ and coincides with the expression in Eq.(\ref{Green-NS}) when $M=-1/N^2$ (i.e., $\Delta = 2\pi (1-1/N)$).
In the case of angular excesses ($M < -1$, $\Delta<0$), Eqs.(\ref{eq:coord transf NS}), (\ref{eq:metric NS}) and (\ref{eq:bar H}) also apply,
there is a unique geodesic joining two space-time points and the method of images fails to be adequate as well.
The rationale is the same as in electrostatics: the method of images for a point charge between two conducting plates forming an angle $\theta=2\pi/p$ produces a finite number of images for rational $p$, otherwise the required images are infinitely many and densely distributed. This does not happen in the black hole case, for the same reason that the method of images for two parallel plates does not depend on the separation between the conductors, and also requires an infinite countable number of images, as in Eq.(\ref{Gbh}).
In analogy with the black hole case, the two-point function (\ref{Green-NS}) is to be renormalized by dropping the $n=0$ term. The RSET in this case is then given by
\begin{equation}\label{eq:RSET BH'}
\kappa \langle \hat T^{ \mu}{}_{ \nu}\rangle_{\text{ren}} =\frac{l_P}{ r^3} F_{NS}(M)\text{diag}(1,1,-2),
\end{equation}
in $\{t,r,\theta\}$ coordinates, with
\begin{equation}\label{eq:FNS}
F_{NS}(M)= \frac{(-M)^{3/2}}{2\sqrt{2}} \sum_{n=1}^{N-1} \frac{\cos (2n\pi\sqrt{-M} )+3}{\left(1-\cos (2n\pi\sqrt{-M})\right)^{3/2}}.
\end{equation}
We note that $F_{NS}(M)$ can be obtained from $F_{BH}(M)$ by analytic continuation, except for the important difference that Eq.(\ref{eq:FNS}) possesses a finite sum (as opposed to Eq.(\ref{F-btz})) and consequently $F_{NS}$ is manifestly finite. We also note that both $F_{NS}(M)$ and $F_{BH}(M)$ are positive definite within their respective mass ranges.
The value of $F_{NS}(0)$ may be easily obtained by taking the limit $M=-1/N^2 \to 0^-$ (i.e., $N\to \infty$ and $\Delta \to 2\pi$) in Eq.(\ref{eq:FNS}) and applying L'H\^opital rule. One readily finds
\begin{equation} \label{FNS(0-)}
F_{NS}(0^-)=\frac{\zeta(3)}{2\pi^3},
\end{equation}
where $\zeta$ is the Riemann zeta function. This value is the same as the limit $M\to 0^+$ in Eq.(\ref{F-btz}).
\section{Backreacted Metric} \label{sec:bacreaction}
In \cite{martinez1997back}, the backreaction on the geometry produced by a correction of the form
\begin{equation}
\kappa \langle \hat T^{\mu}{}_{\nu}\rangle_{\text{ren}} =\frac{A(M)}{r^3}\text{diag}(1,1,-2),
\end{equation}
as in Eq.(\ref{eq:RSET BH'}), was computed, showing that the metric takes the form of the exact solution in the presence of a conformally coupled scalar field. Following the same steps, in our case we find
\begin{align} \label{eq:metric NS unbar}
ds^2=
&-\left(\frac{r^2}{\ell^{2}}-M-\frac{2l_P F_{NS}(M)}{r}\right) dt^2
\nonumber \\ &
+ \left(\frac{r^2}{\ell^{2}}-M-\frac{2l_P F_{NS}(M)}{r}\right)^{-1} dr^2 + r^2 d \theta^2.
\end{align}
This metric now has an event horizon since the equation
\begin{equation}\label{eqh}
\frac{r^2}{\ell^{2}}-M=\frac{2l_P F_{NS}(M)}{r}
\end{equation}
has one positive root for any value of $M$ since $F_{NS}>0$ (see Fig.1).\footnote{The other two roots are complex.}
\begin{figure}[h]
\centering
\includegraphics[angle=0,width=0.40\textwidth]{figurev3.pdf}
\caption{Schematic description of the roots of Eq.(\ref{eqh}). The black (straight) curve is the right hand side of Eq.(\ref{eqh}) and the blue (dotted) and red (dashed) curves are the left hand side of Eq.(\ref{eqh}) for, respectively, $M<0$ and $M>0$. The radius $r_{+}$ where the black and blue curves meet corresponds to the horizon of the backreacted NS geometry;
the radius $r_{+ \text{BH}}$ where the black and red curves meet corresponds to the horizon of the backreacted black hole geometry;
the radius $r_{\text{BH}}$ where the red curve crosses the horizontal axis corresponds to the horizon of the classical BTZ black hole.}
\label{fig:fig1}
\end{figure}
For $M<0$ the horizon radius is given by
\begin{align} \label{exact}
&r_{+}=\frac{b}{3}+\frac{M \ell^2}{b}, \quad \mbox{with}
\end{align}
\begin{equation*}
b = \left (27 F_{NS}(M) \ell^2 l_P+ 3\ell^2\sqrt{81 F_{NS}(M)^2 l_P^2-3M ^3 \ell^2}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}} >0.
\end{equation*}
The above metric has a curvature singularity at $r=0$, as shown by the Kretschmann scalar
\begin{equation}\label{eq:Kretschmann}
K= R_{\alpha\beta\gamma\delta}R^{\alpha\beta\gamma\delta} =12 \left(\frac{1}{\ell^4} + \frac{2 (l_P F_{NS}(M))^2}{r^6}\right).
\end{equation}
Thus, similarly to the backreacted black hole \cite{martinez1997back}, a curvature singularity at $r=0$ is generated. However, this singularity would lie inside a horizon with a radius that vanishes for $l_P \to 0$. For $r \gg r_{+}$, the geometry approaches AdS space-time.
It is interesting to consider two different limits. The first one consists of taking $l_P\to 0$ with finite $M$. From Eq.(\ref{exact}) one obtains
\begin{equation} \label{h1}
r_{+} = \frac{2l_P F_{NS}(M)}{-M}+O(l_P^3/\ell^3).
\end{equation}
Note that in the classical limit, $l_P \rightarrow 0$, $r_{+}$ goes to zero, while the two complex roots of Eq.(\ref{eqh}) approach $\pm i \ell\sqrt{-M}$. This means that the positive real root is a purely quantum effect that enforces cosmic censorship. No matter how large the conical defect is, quantum corrections of the vacuum would dress up the naked singularity.
For the expansion on the right hand side of Eq.(\ref{h1}) to make sense one cannot take $M\rightarrow 0^-$. This limit, with small but finite $l_P$, can be explored from Eq.(\ref{eqh}), which gives
\begin{equation} \label{h2}
r_{+} = \frac{(l_P \ell^2\zeta(3))^{\frac{1}{3}}}{\pi} +O(M).
\end{equation}
\section{Discussion}\label{sec:discussion}
The backreacted metric Eq.(\ref{eq:metric NS unbar}) shows a horizon forming at a finite radius $r_{+}$. However, for finite $M$ the horizon radius is of order $l_P$. This indicates that, in order to resolve a region of size $r \sim r_{+}$, it would be required to go into the strong quantum gravity regime, casting doubt on the meaning of the classical description of space-time. Classical notions like metric, distance and curvature are meaningful for coarser resolutions, which can be applied for large distances and far away from the horizon. Thus, for finite $M$ the classical theory breaks down for $r \to 0$ and there is no ground to claim that a space-time singularity --naked or otherwise-- exists, because we have no theoretical framework to describe the space-time for $r \lesssim r_{+}$.
For small $M$, on the other hand, Eq.(\ref{h2}) implies $r_{+}/\ell \sim (l_P/\ell)^{1/3}$, which means $r_{+}^3 \sim \ell^2 l_P$ and, therefore, in the semiclassical approximation, $r_{+} \gg l_P$. This gives support to the interpretation of $r_{+}$ as a classical notion so that the claim that a horizon forms may be trusted. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, in the limit $M\to 0^+$ Eq.(\ref{F-btz}) coincides with Eq.(\ref{FNS(0-)}),
\begin{equation} \label{FNS-BH(0)}
F_{BH}(0^+)=\frac{\zeta(3)}{2\pi^3}=F_{NS}(0^-)\, .
\end{equation}
Hence, one can expect that quantum corrections on a conical singularity with a deficit angle approaching $2\pi$, turn it into a state indistinguishable from a small mass black hole.
The Kretschmann invariant Eq.(\ref{eq:Kretschmann}) shows a strong curvature singularity forming at $r=0$, which seems to make matters worse than in the original conical singularity. However, as we saw in the previous discussion, for finite $M$ the semiclassical approximation is inadequate for describing the central region of the space-time. In the small $M$ approximation, however, the semiclassical approximation can be trusted and the central singularity --if any-- would be hidden by a horizon. In this latter case, substituting Eq.(\ref{h2}) in Eq.(\ref{eq:Kretschmann | 4,614 |
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\section{Introduction}
\label{I}
\par When an electromagnetic quantum field coexists in thermal equilibrium with bodies or
boundaries, the entropy of the system will be altered by
their presence, which may lead to nontrivial phenomena implying novel
physics and applications. This additional entropy, known as Casimir entropy, was
recognized as a physical quantity in the debate on how
to model a metal within a finite-temperature environment, when evaluating the Casimir
force between metal plates. Initially,
there were claims that the Drude model resulted in
Casimir entropies inconsistent with the third law of
thermodynamics~\cite{bezerra2004violation,%
klimchitskaya2015casimir,korikov2016casimir,klimchitskaya2017low}, but it has been shown
that this does not occur for real materials~\cite{brevik2006thermal,milton2012thermal}.
Experimentally, results favoring both the plasma
model~\cite{Decca2005Precise,Banishev2013Casimir,Bimonte2016Isoelectronic,Liu2019Examining,klimchitskaya2021}, which does not include dissipation, and the Drude
model~\cite{Sushkov2011Observation,Garcia2012Casimir}, which does,
have been reported. This inconsistency
with the physically motivated Drude model
has not yet been resolved, but the subject of Casimir entropy by itself has drawn much
attention.
\par Casimir interaction entropy, caused by the interactions between two or more bodies
via the fluctuating quantum electromagnetic field, has been intensively investigated for many years due to its
fascinating properties, such as its negativity~\cite{bezerra2002thermodynamical,%
bezerra2002correlation, canaguier2010thermal,rodriguez2011casimir,ingold2015geometric,%
milton2015negative,Disentangling2015Umrath,milton2017negative}. Less investigated,
however, is the Casimir self-entropy, resulting from the self-interaction of a single
body, which provides us with further intriguing possibilities and puzzles to be
understood.
We will concentrate on a new approach to this problem in this paper.
\par In Ref.~\cite{Li2016Casimir}, we evaluated the Casimir self-entropy of a plasma
$\delta$-function plate (PDP), with the aim of justifying the widely accepted hypothesis
that the
negative Casimir interaction entropy would always be compensated by corresponding
positive self-entropies. We obtained analytic formulas for the transverse electric (TE)
and transvese magnetic (TM) contributions to the PDP self-entropy.
They both satisfy the third law of
thermodynamics, in that the entropy vanishes as the temperature goes to zero, and indeed
the total
self-entropy is positive, although the TE contribution is always negative. But, in the
strong-coupling limit, which is the perfectly conducting (PC) case, the total
self-entropy approaches zero, which eliminates the possibility that it can cancel the
negative interaction entropy between a PC sphere and a PC plate. In
Refs.~\cite{Li2016Casimir,milton2017negative}, we showed, however, that the Casimir
self-entropy of a PC sphere precisely cancels the most negative part of the interaction
entropy between a sphere and a plate. Then we generalized our study of Casimir
self-entropy to the model of a plasma $\delta$-function spherical shell (PDS). Various
regularization schemes were employed to evaluate the TE and TM self-entropies of a PDS
in limiting cases in Ref.~\cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf}. It was especially surprising
to find that, when the coupling was weak enough, both the TE and TM self-entropies are
negative---See Eq.~(\ref{weaklambda}). Bordag and Kirsten examined the same plasma-shell
model~\cite{bordag2018free,bordag2018entropy}, but obtained
somewhat different results; their results were technically equivalent
to those in Ref.~\cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf}, differing only in certain subtractions.
For more detailed comparisons, please refer to
Ref.~\cite{milton2019remarks}. Most recently, we utilized a numerical method, based on
the Abel-Plana formula, to elucidate general behaviors of PDS
self-entropies~\cite{Li2021Negativity}, which confirms the results in
Ref.~\cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf} and clearly demonstrates the existence of negative
self-entropy. So, in contrast to the naive hypothesis, Casimir self-entropy can be
quite nontrivial, and its negativity needs to be better understood.
\par According to Ref.~\cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf}, the leading terms of TE and TM PDS
self-entropies are negative and of the first order in the coupling $\lambda_0$,
specifically,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqI.1}
S^{\text{TE}}_{(1)}=-\lambda_0\bigg(\frac{t}{6}+\frac{1}{2 t}-\frac{1}{2}\coth t\bigg),\quad
S^{\text{TM}}_{(1)}=-\lambda_0\bigg(\frac{t}{18}-\frac{1}{2 t}+\frac{1}{2}\coth t\bigg),
\label{weaklambda}
\end{eqnarray}
in which $t=2\pi aT$, $a$ is the radius of the spherical shell, and $T$ is the temperature.
The terms linear in $\lambda_0$ might be supposed to originate from the self-interaction
of each point in the material, in analogy with $\lambda\phi^4$ theory, although here the
coupling refers to the entire surface of the sphere. It is conventional wisdom that this
kind of self-interaction should be subtracted off, as a ``tadpole'' term; doing so here,
however, would destroy the passage to the perfectly-conducting limit.
The appearance of negative Casimir self-entropy and its linear dependence on the coupling
in PDS imply the necessity of investigating the influence of the self-interaction more
delicately, so that the meaning of negative Casimir self-entropy and the remaining
divergences encountered in spherical systems, or even of their consequences in reality,
could be clarified.
For a homogeneous dielectric ball (DB), it is known that the bulk contributions must
be subtracted \cite{milton2020self}, but even with this so-called bulk subtraction, the
zero-temperature calculations are plagued with ambiguous
divergences~\cite{milton2018casimir}, except for special cases where the speed of light
is the same inside and outside the spherical
boundary~\cite{milton1978casimir,brevik1982casimir}. Recently, Avni and
Leonhardt~\cite{avni2018casimir}
claimed that their subtracted physical Casimir stresses on a dielectric ball yields an
energy, depending linearly on the susceptibility in the weak-coupling limit,
and thus violating the interpretation in terms of van der Waals forces. Some of us
have argued that their conclusions are erroneous~\cite{milton2020self}. This
matter is still being disputed \cite{leonhardt2021}. Here, we will extend
the calculations of Ref.~\cite{milton2020self} to finite temperature.
\par We focus on a system composed of a
nanoparticle that interacts with a thermal electromagnetic background (blackbody
radiation) and that is characterized by macroscopic polarizability parameters,
inferred from the
large-distance behavior of the Green's functions describing
electromagnetic scattering. As it is viewed from
far away, the particle appears as a point.
The entropy can be calculated directly in terms of these polarizabilities in a standard
way. In this manner, we hope to shed light on the self-interaction influences alone. In
Sec.~\ref{TC}, we extract the
polarizabilites, expressed in terms of the reflection coefficients in the scattering
Green's function. We consider two models for the nanoparticle,
the PDS model mentioned above, and the homogeneous nondispersive dielectric/diamagnetic
ball. We compute the corresponding entropies in Sec.~\ref{PE}. The
contributions depending linearly on the polarizability are clearly identified. In
Sec.~\ref{BFE}, we show the necessity, in the DB case, for subtracting the bulk
contributions to achieve consistency with known results, and with the interpretation in
terms of the van
der Waals interactions between the constituents of the nanoparticle.
This bulk subtraction corresponds to removal of the entropy
change due to the replacement of a volume of vacuum by
a corresponding volume of dielectric material. In Appendix \ref{Appb}
we show that negative self-entropies correspond to what we
call interaction entropies, which can be of any
sign, and are overwhelmed by the positive blackbody entropy.
Because the interaction with the blackbody radiation field plays an
important role, in Sec.~\ref{vac},
we examine the entropy of the background, with and without permittivity/permeability,
including dispersion described by the
plasma model. The blackbody entropy is well-known in vacuum, but less so
in a homogeneous medium. Especially interesting is the behavior of the entropy in
the presence of a dispersive background. Conclusions are presented in Sec.~\ref{C}.
Appendix \ref{appa} provides evidence that the bulk subtraction for the
dielectric sphere is required for all temperatures. Appendix \ref{appa} also supplies a
derivation of the low-temperature free energy of a dilute dielectric sphere, based
on summation of van der Waals interactions, applying a variation of a method used two
decades ago by Barton \cite{bartoniv}. The results for the entropy agree with those
found in the main text. The results are also confirmed by the analysis
presented in Appendix \ref{Appb}. Appendix \ref{appc} shows that our results for the
low-temperature
self-entropy for a dielectric/diamagnetic sphere follow immediately by extending
the zero-temperature self-energy derived long ago
\cite{milton1980,milton1997casimir,miltonbook} to finite temperature.
Natural units $\hbar=\varepsilon_0=\mu_0=c=k_B=1$ are used throughout.
That is, we use rationalized Heaviside-Lorentz units, where the relation
between Gaussian and Heaviside-Lorentz polarizabilities is given by $\alpha^{\rm HL}
=4\pi \alpha^{\rm G}$.
\section{Extraction of Classical Polarizabilities}
\label{TC}
\par In this paper, we work with macroscopic electromagnetic theory, written in terms of
Euclidean frequencies. Firstly, to see that bulk materials and point-like particles could
be dealt with on the same footing, here we show how a small spherical particle of
material behaves as a microscopically large but macroscopically small object, which we
will refer to as a ``nanoparticle'' for short.
\subsection{Classical Polarizabilities}
\label{TC.CP}
The Green's dyadic, $\bm{\Gamma}$, for
a given Euclidean frequency, $\zeta$, satisfies
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.1}
\left[
-\bm{\varepsilon}(\zeta,\mathbf{r})
-\frac{\bm{\nabla}\times\bm{\mu}^{-1}(\zeta,\mathbf{r})\cdot\bm{\nabla}\times\bm{1}}
{\zeta^2}\right]\cdot\bm{\Gamma}(\zeta;\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}')
=\bm{1}\delta(\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{r}').
\end{eqnarray}
Without losing much generality, suppose the permittivity and permeability of the system
are both isotropic and inhomogeneous only in the radial direction. For points outside
the object,
the Green's dyadic, $\bm{\Gamma}(\zeta;\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}')$, is written simply as
\cite{milton1997casimir}
\begin{subequations}
\label{eqTC.CP.2}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.2a}
\bm{\Gamma}(\zeta;\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}')=\sum_{l=1}^{\infty}\sum_{m=-l}^{l}
\left[-\bm{\nabla}\times
g_{\zeta,l}^H(r,r')\mathbf{X}^m_l(\Omega)\mathbf{X}^{m*}_l(\Omega')\times\overleftarrow{
\bm{\nabla}}'-\zeta^2g_{\zeta,l}^E(r,r')\mathbf{X}^m_l(\Omega)\mathbf{X}^{m*}_l(\Omega')
\right],
\end{eqnarray}
in which the vector spherical harmonics are defined as
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.2b}
\mathbf{X}^m_l(\Omega)=\frac{\mathbf{L} Y^m_l(\Omega)}{\sqrt{l(l+1)}},\quad
\mathbf{L}=\mathbf{r}\times\frac1i \bm{\nabla}.
\end{eqnarray}
The reduced Green's functions $g^E_{\zeta,l},\ g^H_{\zeta,l}$ satisfy the equations
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.2c}
\left[-r\frac{d}{dr}\frac{1}{(\mu,\varepsilon)}\frac{d}{dr}r+\frac{l(l+1)}
{(\mu,\varepsilon)}
+(\varepsilon,\mu)\zeta^2r^2\right]g^{(E,H)}_{\zeta,l}(r,r')=\delta(r-r').
\end{eqnarray}
\end{subequations}
The solutions for the TE and TM Green's functions in vacuum outside a spherical particle
of radius $a$ are
($\kappa=|\zeta|$)
\label{eqTC.CP.3}
\begin{equation}
g_{\zeta,l}^{E,H}(r,r')=\frac{1}{\kappa rr'}\left[s_l(\kappa r_<)e_l(\kappa r_>)
+R_l^{E,H}(\kappa a)e_l(\kappa r)e_l(\kappa r')\right], \quad r,r'>a,
\end{equation}
in terms of the appropriate reflection coefficients (Mie coefficients) for the particle,
where $s_l$ and $e_l$ are modified Riccati-Bessel functions.
Explicit examples will be given in the following. We refer to the terms in the
Green's function
proportional to the reflection coefficients as the scattering parts.
Imagine that source and field points are far from the particle, $r,r'\gg a$.
Then, the
reflection coefficients are to be evaluated for small values of $\kappa a$. In general,
this means that only the $l=1$ term in the scattering Green's dyadic needs to be
retained, since $R_1\gg R_{l\ne1}$ in this limit. This follows from the behavior for
small arguments of the modified Riccati-Bessel functions,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DS.3}
e_l(x)\sim \frac1{x^l}\frac{2^l \Gamma(l+1/2)}{\sqrt{\pi}},\quad
s_l(x)\sim x^{l+1}\frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2^{l+1} \Gamma(l+3/2)},\quad x\ll 1.
\end{eqnarray}
\par On the other hand, suppose the permittivity and permeability of the particle are
written in terms of electric and magnetic polarizabilities,
$\bm{\alpha}$ and $\bm{\beta}$, as $\bm{\varepsilon}(\zeta,\mathbf{r})=
\bm{1}+\bm{\alpha}(\zeta)\delta(\mathbf{r})$ and $
\bm{\mu}^{-1}(\zeta,\mathbf{r})=\bm{1}-\bm{\beta}(\zeta)\delta(\mathbf{r})$.
Then, based on a generalization of the method given in Ref.~\cite{schwinger2000classical},
pp.~277--8, we can identify the polarizabilities of the particle, by analyzing the above
Green's dyadic, (\ref{eqTC.CP.2}).
As shown in Fig.~\ref{scattfig}, the free Green's dyadic,
$\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta;\mathbf{r,r'})$, is represented
by the line going directly from $\mathbf{r'}$ to $\mathbf{r}$.
The scattering part has a propagator going from $\mathbf{r'}$ to the nanoparticle,
$\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta;\mathbf{r'',r'})$, and a second one
going from the nanoparticle to the observer at $\mathbf{r}$,
$\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta;\mathbf{r,r''})$. The interaction is effected via the
polarizability of the nanoparticle, located at $\mathbf{r''=0}$. The sum of these
two contributions gives the total Green's dyadic. Because the particle
is small, the single scattering approximation is
sufficient.
\begin{figure}
\centering
\includegraphics[width=5 cm]{scatt-diag.pdf}
\caption{\label{scattfig} Sketch of the scattering process used to extract the
polarizability of the nanoparticle.}
\end{figure}
The scattering part of the TE part of the Green's dyadic can be written in terms of
$\bm{\Gamma}_0$ and the polarizabilities of the particle as
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.4}
\bm{\Gamma}_{\rm Sc}^E(\zeta;\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}')
-\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta;\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}'')\times\overleftarrow{
\bm{\nabla}}''\cdot\frac{\bm{\beta}(\zeta)}{\zeta^2}\cdot\bm{\nabla}''
\times\bm{\Gamma}(\zeta;\mathbf{r}'',\mathbf{r}')
+
\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta;\mathbf{r},\mathbf{r}'')
\cdot\bm{\alpha}(\zeta)\cdot\bm{\Gamma}(\zeta;\mathbf{r}'',\mathbf{r}'),\quad \mathbf{r}''
\rightarrow\bm{0},
\end{eqnarray}
where the magnetic polarizability, $\bm{\beta}$, couples to the magnetic field, given by
Faraday's law, $\bm{\nabla}\times\mathbf{E}=-\zeta \mathbf{B}$, while the electric
polarizability, $\bm{\alpha}$, couples to the electric field. ($\bm{\Gamma}$ represents
a vacuum expectation value of the product of electric fields.)
In Eq.~(\ref{eqTC.CP.4})
we have assumed that the particle has no extent. Schematically, the
effective polarizabilities $\bm{\alpha}$ and $\bm{\beta}$ satisfy the following relation
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.5}
\bm{\Gamma}_{\rm Sc}^E
-\bm{\Gamma}_0\left[
\times\overleftarrow{\bm{\nabla}}\frac{\bm{\beta}}{\zeta^2}\bm{\nabla}\times
-\bm{\alpha}\right]\bm{\Gamma}_0,
\end{eqnarray}
where we have noted that, because the polarizabilities are small, we may replace
$\bm{\Gamma}$
by $\bm{\Gamma}_0$ on the right.
Now we use the orthonormality properties of the vector spherical harmonics,
\begin{subequations}
\label{eqTC.CP.6}
\begin{eqnarray}
\int d\Omega \,\mathbf{X}^*_{lm}(\Omega)\cdot\mathbf{X}_{l'm'}(\Omega)&=&\delta_{ll'}
\delta_{mm'},
\label{eqTC.CP.6a}
\end{eqnarray}
\begin{eqnarray}
\int d\Omega[f(r')\mathbf{X}_{lm}(\Omega)]^*\cdot [\bm{\nabla}\times
g(r)\mathbf{X}_{lm}(\Omega)]&=&0
\label{eqTC.CP.6b}
\end{eqnarray}
\begin{eqnarray}
\int d\Omega \, [\bm{\nabla}'\times f(r')\mathbf{X}_{lm}(\Omega)]^*\cdot [\bm{\nabla}
\times g(r)\mathbf{X}_{lm}(\Omega)]&=&\frac1{rr'}\left[\frac{d}{dr'}(r'f(r')^*)
\frac{d}{dr}(r g(r))
+l(l+1)f(r')^*g(r)\right]\delta_{ll'}\delta_{mm'}.\quad
\label{eqTC.CP.6c}
\end{eqnarray}
\end{subequations}
Then, because $l=1$ dominates for a small particle, we see that only the magnetic
polarizability term contributes to the TE scattering Green's dyadic,
which we take to be isotropic:\footnote{We might anticipate that
the polarizabilities are not isotropic, but that
$\bm{\beta}=\beta(\bm{1}-\mathbf{\hat r \hat r})$. But it
is easily checked that any radial component of
$\bm{\beta}$ does not contribute to
Eq.~(\ref{eqTC.CP.4}).}
\begin{equation}
\label{eqTC.CP.7}
\beta^E=\frac32\frac{4\pi}{\kappa^3}R_1^E,\quad \alpha^E=0.
\end{equation}
Similar arguments apply to the TM contribution. The TM part of $\bm{\Gamma}_{\rm Sc}$ is
\begin{equation}
\label{eqTC.CP.8}
\bm{\Gamma}^H_{\rm Sc}(\zeta;\mathbf{r,r'})\bigg|_{l=1}=
-R^H_1\bm{\nabla}\times \frac{e_1(\kappa r)e_1(\kappa r')}{\kappa rr'}
\sum_m \mathbf{X}_{1m}(\Omega)
\mathbf{X}^*_{1m}(\Omega')\times\overleftarrow{\bm\nabla'}.
\end{equation}
The decomposition in terms of scattering with the electric and magnetic polarizabilites of
the particle is
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.CP.9}
&&
\bm{\Gamma}^H_{\rm Sc}(\zeta;\mathbf{r,r'})
\sim
\sum_{m,m'}\bigg\{
\bm{\nabla}\times\frac{e_1(\kappa r)s_1(\kappa r'')}
{\kappa rr''}\mathbf{X}_{1m}(\Omega)\mathbf{X}^*_{1m}(\Omega'')\times
\overleftarrow{\bm{\nabla}}''\cdot
\alpha^H\cdot\bm{\nabla}''
\times\frac{s_1(\kappa r'')e_1(\kappa r')}{\kappa r''r'}
\mathbf{X}_{1m'}(\Omega'')\mathbf{X}^*_{1m'}(\Omega')\times
\overleftarrow{\bm{\nabla}}'
\nonumber\\
&&
\mbox{}-\frac1{\kappa^2}\bm{\nabla}\times\frac{e_1(\kappa r)s_1(\kappa r'')}
{\kappa rr''}\mathbf{X}_{1m}(\Omega)\mathbf{X}^*_{1m}(\Omega'')
\times\overleftarrow{\bm{\nabla}}''\times\overleftarrow{\bm{\nabla}}''\cdot
\beta^H\cdot\bm{\nabla}''\times\bm{\nabla}''\times
\frac{s_1(\kappa r'')e_1(\kappa r')}{\kappa r''r'}
\mathbf{X}_{1m'}(\Omega'')\mathbf{X}^*_{1m'}(\Omega')\times\overleftarrow{\bm
{\nabla}}'\bigg\}.\nonumber\\
\end{eqnarray}
Each double curl can be replaced by $-\kappa^2$, and then it is evident
that the second term above vanishes in the $r''\to 0$ limit. Employing
the averaging over solid angles as above for the first term,
and using the identity
(\ref{eqTC.CP.6c}), we see immediately that the electric polarizability arises
from the TM scattering Green's dyadic:
\begin{equation}
\label{eqTC.CP.10}
\alpha^H=\frac32\frac{4\pi}{\kappa^3}R_1^H,\quad \beta^H=0.
\end{equation}
\subsection{Examples}
\label{TC.E}
\par To be more specific, we now turn to particular models.
\subsubsection{$\delta$-Function Spherical Shell}
\label{TC.E.DS}
\par To get a first indication of how the microscopic structure of a nanoparticle
influences its macroscopic behavior, let us consider an example previously investigated
in Ref.~\cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf}, namely the $\delta$-function spherical shell of
radius $a$. Suppose the permittivity and permeability of the system are
$\bm{\varepsilon}=\bm{1}+\lambda_ea(\bm{1}-\hat{\mathbf{r}}\hat{\mathbf{r}})\delta(r-a)$
and
$\bm{\mu}=\bm{1}+\lambda_ma(\bm{1}-\hat{\mathbf{r}}\hat{\mathbf{r}})\delta(r-a)$,
respectively. According to the arguments in Ref.~\cite{parashar2017electromagnetic}, we
have required that the polarizabilities normal to the shell surface are zero. The TE
reflection coefficient is given by \cite{parashar2017electromagnetic,milton2011local}
\begin{subequations}
\label{eqTC.E.DS.1}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DS.1a}
R_l^E=
\frac{
\lambda_ma\kappa s_l^{\prime2}(\kappa a)
-
\lambda_ea\kappa s_l^2(\kappa a)
}{
1-\lambda_ma\kappa e'_l(\kappa a)s'_l(\kappa a)
+\lambda_ea\kappa e_l(\kappa a)s_l(\kappa a)
+
\frac{\lambda_e\lambda_ma^2\kappa^2}{4}
},
\end{eqnarray}
and the corresponding TM coefficient, $R_l^H$, can be obtained with the substitution
$\lambda_e\leftrightarrow\lambda_m$ as
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DS.1b}
R_l^H
=
\frac{
\lambda_ea\kappa s_l^{\prime2}(\kappa a)
-
\lambda_ma\kappa s_l^2(\kappa a)
}{
1-\lambda_ea\kappa e'_l(\kappa a)s'_l(\kappa a)
+\lambda_ma\kappa e_l(\kappa a)s_l(\kappa a)
+
\frac{\lambda_e\lambda_ma^2\kappa^2}{4}
}.
\end{eqnarray}
\end{subequations}
\par For simplicity, consider the case in which $\lambda_e\neq0,\lambda_m=0$,
so that $R^E$ and $R^H$ reduce to
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DS.2}
R_l^E
=
-\frac{\lambda_ea\kappa s_l^2(\kappa a)
}{
1+\lambda_ea\kappa e_l(\kappa a)s_l(\kappa a)
},\
R_l^H
=
\frac{
\lambda_ea\kappa s_l^{\prime2}(\kappa a)
}{
1-\lambda_ea\kappa e'_l(\kappa a)s'_l(\kappa a)
}.
\end{eqnarray}
This means that in the point approximation, $a\rightarrow0$, where the small
argument approximations (\ref{eqTC.E.DS.3}) are applicable, the effective
polarizabilities of the nanoparticle, dominated by $l=1$, are expressed as
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DS.4}
\beta=\beta^E=
-\frac{\lambda_e(\kappa a)^2/6
}{
1+\lambda_e(\kappa a)^2/3
}4\pi a^3
,\quad
\alpha=\alpha^H=\frac{
2\lambda_e/3
}{
1+2\lambda_e/3
}4\pi a^3.
\end{eqnarray}
Particularly, as in the model used in Refs.~\cite{Li2016Casimir,bordag2018entropy},
consider dispersion as given by a plasma model, i.e., $\lambda_e=\lambda_0/(\kappa a)^2$.
Then,
from Eqs.~(\ref{eqTC.E.DS.4}), the nonzero polarizabilities for the $\delta$-function
sphere are
\begin{eqnarray}
\beta^E=-\frac{\lambda_0/6}{1+\lambda_0/3}4\pi a^3,\quad \alpha^H=\frac{\frac23
\frac{\lambda_0}{(\kappa a)^2}}
{1+\frac23\frac{\lambda_0}{(\kappa a)^2}}4\pi a^3.
\label{polsfordelta}
\end{eqnarray}
As expected, $\alpha^H \to 4\pi a^3$ in the strong-coupling limit, while in that limit
$\beta^E\to -\frac12 4\pi a^3$. The electric polarizability possesses dispersion in
general.
\par If we keep both $\lambda_e,\lambda_m$ nonzero, then, in the point approximation,
$\kappa a\to0$, $R_1^E$ and $R_1^H$ are approximated as
\begin{eqnarray}
R_1^E
\approx
\frac{
\frac{4}{9}\lambda_m(\kappa a)^{3}
-
\frac{1}{9}\lambda_e(\kappa a)^{5}
}{
1+\frac{2}{3}\lambda_m
+(\frac{1}{3}\lambda_e
+
\frac{\lambda_e\lambda_m}{4})(\kappa a)^2
},\quad
R_1^H
\approx
\frac{
\frac{4}{9}\lambda_e(\kappa a)^{3}
-
\frac{1}{9}\lambda_m(\kappa a)^{5}
}{
1
+
\frac{2}{3}\lambda_e
+
(\frac{1}{3}\lambda_m
+
\frac{\lambda_e\lambda_m}{4})(\kappa a)^2
}
,
\end{eqnarray}
which lead us to the magnetic and electric polarizabilities
\begin{eqnarray}
\beta^E
=
\frac{
\frac{2}{3}\lambda_m
-
\frac{1}{6}\lambda_e(\kappa a)^{2}
}{
1+\frac{2}{3}\lambda_m
+(\frac{1}{3}\lambda_e
+
\frac{\lambda_e\lambda_m}{4})(\kappa a)^2
}4\pi a^3,\quad
\alpha^H
=
\frac{
\frac{2}{3}\lambda_e
-
\frac{1}{6}\lambda_m(\kappa a)^{2}
}{
1
+
\frac{2}{3}\lambda_e
+
(\frac{1}{3}\lambda_m
+
\frac{\lambda_e\lambda_m}{4})(\kappa a)^2
}4\pi a^3
.
\end{eqnarray}
We will not pursue the effects of $\lambda_m$ further here.
\subsubsection{Dielectric Ball}
\label{TC.E.DB}
\par As a second and more realistic example, we study a homogeneous dielectric ball of
radius $a$ with nondispersive permittivity $\varepsilon$ and permeability $\mu$, immersed
in vacuum. The reflection coefficients are \cite{milton1997casimir}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DB.1}
R_l^E
=
-\frac{
s_l(\widetilde{\kappa}a)s_l'(\kappa a)
-\sqrt{\frac{\varepsilon}{\mu}}s_l(\kappa a)s_l'(\widetilde{\kappa}a)
}{
s_l(\widetilde{\kappa}a)e_l'(\kappa a)
-\sqrt{\frac\varepsilon\mu}e_l(\kappa a)s_l'(\widetilde{\kappa}a)
},\quad
R^H_l
=
-\frac{
\sqrt{\frac{\varepsilon}{\mu}}s_l(\widetilde{\kappa}a)s_l'(\kappa a)
-s_l(\kappa a)s_l'(\widetilde{\kappa}a)
}{
\sqrt{\frac{\varepsilon}{\mu}}s_l(\widetilde{\kappa}a)e_l'(\kappa a)
-e_l(\kappa a)s_l'(\widetilde{\kappa}a)
}.
\end{eqnarray}
Here $\kappa=|\zeta|$, while $\widetilde{\kappa}=\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}\kappa$. We proceed as above, and require the small $a$ limit, where
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DB.2}
R_1^E=\frac23\frac{\mu-1}{\mu+2}(\kappa a)^3+O\big[(\kappa a)^5\big],
\quad
R_1^H\sim \frac23\frac{\varepsilon-1}{\varepsilon+2} (\kappa a)^3
+O\big[(\kappa a)^5\big],\quad \kappa a\ll1,
\end{eqnarray}
Only the terms of order $(\kappa a)^3$ will survive, so it follows that the TE
contribution to the magnetic polarizabilities is nonzero, if the ball is permeable,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DB.3}
\alpha^E=0,\quad\beta^E=\frac{\mu-1}{\mu+2}4\pi a^3,
\end{eqnarray}
while the TM part yields an electric polarizability depending on the
permittivity,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DB.4}
\alpha^H=\frac{\varepsilon-1}{\varepsilon+2}4\pi a^3,\quad \beta^H=0.
\end{eqnarray}
This electric polarizability is just that found in electrostatics
\cite{schwinger2000classical}.
Again, in the perfectly conducting limit, the polarizabilities tend to their expected
values,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqTC.E.DB.5}
\alpha^H\to 4\pi a^3,\quad \beta^E\to -\frac12 4\pi a^3,\quad \varepsilon\to
\infty,\,\mu\to 0.
\end{eqnarray}
\par For both the $\delta$-function spherical shell and dielectric ball examples, the
point-approximated polarizabilities are proportional to the volume of the nanoparticle,
which is consistent with the small-polarizability assumption adopted in
Eq.~\eqref{eqTC.CP.4}.
Furthermore, although the constituents of the dielectric ball
interact, as explicitly demonstrated in Appendix \ref{appa},
the Clausius-Mossotti equation, which in our approximation
incorporates those interactions, means that the polarizabilities are linearly
related to their corresponding microscopic counterparts; that is, the polarizability
of the nanoparticle is simply the sum of the polarizabilities of its microscopic
constituents. This is discussed in detail in Appendix \ref{Appb}.
\section{Particle Description of Casimir Self-Entropy}
\label{PE}
\par Now we arrive at the main topic of this paper,
namely the Casimir self-entropy,
which is just the additional entropy of the thermal field
induced by a single object
in it, when the effects of the thermal blackbody field have been
properly removed.
As has been stated in Sec.~\ref{I}, we saw interesting contributions from
self-interaction, which we would like to investigate with the illustrative particle
models here.
\par Because of the different frequency dependencies, the contributions to the free energy
can have quite different behavior for small polarizabilites. We compute the free energy
from the sum over Matsubara frequencies ($\zeta_m=2\pi T m$)
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.1}
F=\frac{T}2\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{i\zeta_m\tau}\Tr\ln(\bm{1}-\bm{\Gamma}_0\mathbf{V})
\approx-\frac{T}2\int (d\mathbf{r'})\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{i\zeta_m\tau}
\tr \bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta_m;\mathbf{r,r'})\mathbf{V}(\zeta_m,\mathbf{r'})
\bigg|_{\mathbf{r=r'}+\bm{\rho}},
\end{eqnarray}
which has been regulated by point-splitting in time, $\tau$, and in space, $\bm{\rho}$.
Here, we treat the potential of the isotropic polarizable point particle as
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.2}
\mathbf{V}_e(\zeta_m,\mathbf{r'})=\bm{1}\alpha(\zeta_m) \delta(\mathbf{r'}),\quad
\mathbf{V}_m(\zeta_m,\mathbf{r'})=\bm{1}\beta(\zeta_m)\delta(\mathbf{r'}).
\end{eqnarray}
The reason for retaining only the first order in the potential
is that the particle is small, not that the coupling, $\lambda$, $\varepsilon-1$, or
$\mu-1$, is weak.
The trace of the Green's dyadic is
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.3}
\tr\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta;\bm{\rho},\bm{0})\big|_{\bm{\rho}\to\bm{0}}=\tr(\bm{\nabla
\nabla}-\bm{1}\nabla^2)\frac{e^{-|\zeta| r}}{4\pi r}
\bigg|_{r=\rho\to 0}=-2\zeta^2
\frac{e^{-|\zeta|\rho}}{4\pi \rho}, \quad\rho=|\bm{\rho}|\to 0,\label{trGamma}
\end{eqnarray}
which uses the scalar Green's function equation
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.4}
\left(-\nabla^2+\zeta^2\right)\frac{e^{-|\zeta|r}}{4\pi r}=\delta(\mathbf{r}).
\end{eqnarray}
It is important that the spherical symmetry
be respected by the regulator, in this case the distance between the two points, $\rho$.
\par In addition to dispersion, anisotropy of the particle could also play a significant
role. Here, however, we cannot contradict the spherical symmetry requirement, but it might
be expected that the particle could have a polarizability of the form
$\bm{\alpha}=\alpha(\bm{1}-\mathbf{\hat r''\hat r''})$. However, it is easily seen that
the radial-radial component of the Green's dyadic is zero, so this is without effect.
\subsection{$\delta$-Function Spherical Shell}
\label{PE.DS}
\par We first consider the $\delta$-function spherical shell model above. Using the
polarizability $\beta^E$ in Eq.~\eqref{polsfordelta}, if we only employ spatial
point-splitting, that is, set $\tau=0$, we find, as $\rho\to0$
\begin{eqnarray}
F^E= -\frac16\frac{\lambda_0}{1+\lambda_0/3}a^3
\left(\frac2{\pi\rho^4}-\frac{2\pi^3 T^4}{15}\right),\quad aT\ll 1,
\label{lowte}
\end{eqnarray}
where the restriction on $T$ emerges from the point-particle limit.
In contrast, $\alpha^H$ has nontrivial frequency dependence. For the weak-coupling TM
contribution, there is an additional $1/\zeta^2$ factor, so the behavior is given by
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.DE.2}
F^H=\frac23\frac{\lambda_0}{a^2}a^3\left(\frac1{\pi
\rho^2}+\frac\pi3 T^2\right), \quad \lambda_0\ll1,\,\, aT\ll 1.
\end{eqnarray}
For strong coupling, the TM contribution is the same form as the TE, except for the
replacement of $\beta^E=-\frac12 4\pi a^3$ by $\alpha^H=-2\beta^E=4\pi a^3$. The
divergent terms for both the TE and TM contributions are independent of temperature, so the
weak-coupling, low-temperature entropies are with $t=2\pi a T$
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.DE.3}
S^E=-\lambda_0\frac{t^3}{90}, \quad S^H=-\frac29\lambda_0 t,
\end{eqnarray}
which are exactly the results found in Ref.~\cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf}. The strong
coupling limits are given by
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.DE.4}
S_\infty^H=-2S_\infty^E=\frac{t^3}{15},\label{pcs}
\end{eqnarray}
which are consistent with the well-known perfectly-conducting sphere results for low
temperature~\cite{balian1978electromagnetic}. Note that in weak coupling, the total
self-entropy is negative, while it is positive in strong coupling.
\subsection{Dielectric/Diamagnetic Ball}
\label{PE.DB}
\par We now turn to the homogeneous dielectric/diamagnetic ball. Following the same
procedure, we find for the free energies, assuming the absence of dispersion
[see Eq.~\eqref{eqTC.E.DB.4} and Eq.~\eqref{eqTC.E.DB.3}],
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.DB.1}
F^{H,E}=\frac1{4\pi}\left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha^H\\ \beta^E\end{array}\right)
\left(\frac2{\pi\rho^4}-\frac{2\pi^3 T^4}{15}\right).
\end{eqnarray}
If we use the point-splitting in time rather than in space,that is,
keep $\tau\ne0$, but set $\rho=0$,
we encounter
\begin{equation} \sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{i\zeta_m \tau}\tr\bm{\Gamma}_0(\zeta_m)=
-\frac1{2\pi}\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{i\zeta_m\tau}
\zeta_m^2\left(\frac1\rho-|\zeta_m|\right),
\end{equation}
where we have expanded Eq.~(\ref{trGamma}) for small $\rho$.
The first term here is proportional to a second derivative of a $\delta$-function in
$\tau$ [see Eq.~(\ref{2ndderdelta})], so is to be omitted, while the second is
\begin{equation} \frac{i}{2\pi}\left(\frac\partial{\partial\tau}\right)^3\left[\frac1{1-
e^{i2\pi T\tau}}-\frac1{1-e^{-i2\pi T\tau}}\right].
\end{equation}
Carrying out the differentiation and expanding now in $\tau$, we obtain
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.DB.2}
F^{H,E}=\frac1{4\pi}\left(\begin{array}{c}\alpha^H\\ \beta^E\end{array}\right)
\left(-\frac6{\pi\tau^4}-\frac{2\pi^3T^4}{15}\right),
\end{eqnarray}
where the $-3$ ratio in the coefficients of the divergence is expected on general
grounds \cite{torque1}. [See, for example, Eq.~(\ref{vacu}).]
Both Eqs.~(\ref{eqPE.DB.1}) and
(\ref{eqPE.DB.2}) have the same finite part,
which yields the total self-entropy ($t=2\pi a T$)
\begin{eqnarray}
S=S^H+S^E=\left(\frac{\varepsilon-1}{\varepsilon+2}+\frac{\mu-1}{\mu+2}\right)
\frac{t^3}{15}.\label{sheps}
\end{eqnarray}
This has the correct strong-coupling (perfectly-conducting) $\varepsilon\to\infty$,
$\mu\to0$ limit in Eq.~\eqref{pcs}. Comparing Eq.~\eqref{eqPE.DE.3} and Eq.~\eqref{sheps},
we see how different models of the nanoparticle can lead to entirely
disparate behaviors of the self-entropy.
In particular, this entropy is positive for $\varepsilon>1$,
$\mu>1$, although it could be of either sign if one of
these inequalities is violated.
\par For dilute constituents of the dielectric/diamagnetic ball,
we evidently see terms depending linearly on the susceptibilities $\varepsilon-1$ and
$\mu-1$ in Eq.~(\ref{sheps}).
This is extraordinary and seems, at first sight, inexplicable, considering well-established
understandings. We showed~\cite{milton2020self}, at zero temperature,
that the free energy should begin, in the dilute limit for a pure dielectric ball, as
$(\varepsilon-1)^2$, which is understood as originating from the pairwise summation of van
der Waals interactions. The free energy was also calculated many years ago by Nesterenko,
Lambiase, and Scarpetta~ \cite{nesterenko2001casimir}, and by
Barton~\cite{bartoniv,barton2001perturbative}\footnote{Barton gets an extra term,
besides the two displayed in Eq.~(\ref{eqPE.DB.2}), proportional to the area of
the sphere: $\Delta F_B=-\frac14(\varepsilon-1)^2 \zeta(3) a^2T^3$. This discrepancy
seems not to have been resolved. We rederive this result, without
this discrepant term, by a variation of Barton's method in Appendix \ref{appa}.}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqPE.DB.3}
F=\frac{23}{1536}\frac{(\varepsilon-1)^2}{\pi a}+\frac7{270}(\varepsilon-1)^2
\pi^3a^3 T^4.\label{dbfe}
\end{eqnarray}
The first term, corresponding to zero temperature, was first calculated by Milton and Ng
(by summing van der Waals interactions)~\cite{milton1998vdw} and by Brevik, Marashevsky,
and Milton (by expanding the Casimir energy)~\cite{brevik1999identity}. The authors of
Ref.~\cite{nesterenko2001casimir} seem not to remark that the corresponding entropy is
negative,
\begin{eqnarray}
S=-\frac7{540}(\varepsilon-1)^2 t^3,\quad |\varepsilon-1|\ll1.\label{nlsentropy}
\end{eqnarray}
So, the initial linear behavior in $\varepsilon-1$ seen in Eq.~(\ref{sheps}) is not
present. Although there might be some differences between Casimir entropies of a
nanoparticle and a bulk dielectric ball, it is still puzzling to see this discrepancy,
which will be dealt with in the following section.
\section{Bulk free energy}
\label{BFE}
Hitherto, we have been considering a point particle. The conundrum mentioned at the
end of the preceding section arises when
we recognize that an extended object appears as a point far away from the object.
The formula obtained for the additional free energy resulting from the insertion of the
particle into the thermal bath therefore includes everything. However, when one looks at
the ball in the near field and considers it as an extended object, one must recognize
that an additional part of the free energy comes from the replacement
of a point particle
(of zero volume) by a medium of finite volume---in effect, this finite volume of the
medium "displaces" what was previously considered the same volume of vacuum in
the far field, point particle, perspective. This part of the additional free energy must
therefore be subtracted in order to be left with the true additional free energy due to
the interaction, and this subtraction is the finite temperature bulk subtraction.
The need for this subtraction here is simply because the initial setup regarded the
particle as a point, and the finite extension of the particle itself contributes a change
to the free energy of that volume, which is in a sense extraneous to what is being
sought here, and so must be subtracted.
This way of extracting a meaningful self-free energy for the dielectric ball is what is
conventionally done, in order to obtain consistency with van der Waals interactions.
That is, we subtract the contribution that would be obtained if either the interior or the
exterior medium filled all of space. This was discussed recently in detail in
Ref.~\cite{milton2020self}, but only at zero temperature. We can follow the method
articulated in Appendix~A of that reference. The most unambiguous way to proceed is to
start with the pressure on the sphere, which is the discontinuity, across the surface, of
the radial-radial stress tensor component,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.1}
p^{(0)}(\varepsilon,\mu;\varepsilon',\mu';a)=T^{(0)}_{rr}(\varepsilon,\mu;a_-)
-T^{(0)}_{rr}(\varepsilon',\mu';a_+),
\end{eqnarray}
where the two stress tensors refer to a homogeneous medium, either $\varepsilon$, $\mu$,
or $\varepsilon'$, $\mu'$ filling all space, and $a_\pm$ means the corresponding stress
tensor is evaluated just outside or just inside the spherical boundary of the
dielectric/diamagnetic sphere. (In our case, $\varepsilon'$ and $\mu'$ are both set equal
to unity.) Here, in each region, using the Matsubara frequency decomposition at finite
temperature $T$, the use of which is equivalent to that of the fluctuation-dissipation
theorem)\footnote{Note that the formula for the stress tensor in Ref.~\cite{milton2020self}
is inccorect by a minus sign.}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.2}
T_{rr}^{(0)}(\varepsilon,\mu,a_-)=\frac1{2a^4}aT\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty
e^{i\zeta_m\tau}\sum_{l=1}^\infty \frac{2l+1}{4\pi}f_l(x_m),
\end{eqnarray}
with $x_m=2\pi|m|a T \sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}$, with the summand being
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.3}
f_l(x)=2x[s_l'(x)e_l'(x)-s_l''(x)e_l(x)]=2\frac\partial{\partial r}
\left(\frac\partial{\partial s}-\frac\partial{\partial r}\right)
\frac{s_l(rx)e_l(sx)}{x}\bigg|_{s>r>1, s\to 1}.
\end{eqnarray}
Now using the addition theorem, with $s>r$,
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.4}
\sum_{l=0}^\infty (2l+1)s_l(rx)e_l(sx)=\frac{xrs}{s-r}e^{-x(s-r)},
\end{eqnarray}
we see that the bulk stress tensor is
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.5}
T_{rr}^{(0)}(\varepsilon,\mu;a_-)
&=&
\frac{T}{4\pi a^3}\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty
e^{i\zeta_m\tau}\frac\partial{\partial r}\left(\frac\partial{\partial s}-
\frac\partial{\partial r}\right)
\left(\frac{rs}{s-r}-\frac1{2x_m}\right)
e^{-x_m(s-r)}\bigg|_{s>r>1,s\to 1}
\nonumber\\
&=&
\frac{T}{4\pi a^3}\frac\partial{\partial r}\left(\frac\partial{\partial s}-
\frac\partial{\partial r}\right)
\bigg\{\frac{rs}{s-r}\left[\frac1{1-e^{-x
(s-r)+i\hat\tau}}+\frac{1}{1-e^{-x(s-r)-i\hat\tau}}-1\right]
\nonumber\\
&&
\qquad\qquad\qquad\mbox{}+\frac{1}{2x}
\ln\bigg[\left(1-e^{-x(s-r)+i\hat\tau}\right)\left(1-e^{-x(s-r)-i\hat\tau}\right)\bigg]
\bigg\}\bigg|_{s>r>1,s\to 1}.
\end{eqnarray}
Here, we have abbreviated $x=x_1=2\pi a T\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}$ and $\hat\tau=2\pi T\tau$.
When the differentiations, and the $s\to 1$ limit is carried out, and the result is
expanded for small temporal cutoff $\tau$, we find
\begin{eqnarray}
T_{rr}^{(0)}(\varepsilon,\mu;a_-)
=\frac1{\pi^2}(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}\frac1{\tau^4}
+\frac{\pi^2}{45}(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}T^4.\label{trr}
\end{eqnarray}
The corresponding free energy is determined from the principle of virtual work:
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.7}
p^{(0)}(\varepsilon,\mu;1,1;a)=
-\frac1{4\pi a^2}\frac\partial{\partial a}F^{(0)}(T,a),
\end{eqnarray}
where the bulk free energy is
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.8}
F^{(0)}(T,a)=-\frac{4 a^3}3\left(\frac{1}{\pi\tau^4}+\frac{\pi^3T^4}{45}
\right)\left[(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}-1\right].
\end{eqnarray}
The first term here is the expected quartic divergence seen in Ref.~\cite{milton2020self}
(apart from the erroneous sign there),
while the second gives an entropy\footnote{\label{vacfn}It might be noted
that the entropy of the thermal vacuum (blackbody radiation) confined to the volume of
the nanosphere is $S^a_{\rm vac}=2 t^3/135$. See Eq.~(\ref{fands}); the
corresponding entropy for the dielectric medium is given in Eq.~(\ref{semvac}).}
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.9}
S^{(0)}=\frac2{135}t^3 \left[(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}-1\right].
\end{eqnarray}
As stated at the beginning of this section, this is just the
entropy change due to the replacement of the vacuum by the dielectric/diamagnetic
medium in the volume enclosed by the spherical boundary of the nanoparticle.
When this (for $\mu=1$) is subtracted from the entropy computed in Eq.~(\ref{sheps}), and
the result expanded in powers of $\varepsilon-1$, it is seen that the linear terms cancel
(this occurs for the divergent contributions to the free energy as well in
\eqref{eqPE.DB.2}), and the quadratic terms combine to
\begin{eqnarray}
\label{eqBFE.10}
S^H-S^{(0)}=-\frac7{540}(\varepsilon-1)^2 t^3,\quad |\varepsilon-1|\ll1,
\end{eqnarray}
exactly the result (\ref{nlsentropy}) found in
Refs.~\cite{nesterenko2001casimir,bartoniv,barton2001perturbative}.
We thus recognize that the deviations from the scattering contribution \eqref{sheps}
stem from the subtraction of
the bulk contribution. Intuitively, it makes sense that the linear $\varepsilon-1$ terms
in Eq.~\eqref{sheps} and Eq.~\eqref{eqBFE.9} are the same, as they arise from the
self-interaction of the medium, which has always to be subtracted to obtain a physically
measurable quantity, such as Casimir-Lifshitz force, as was recognized by Lifshitz and
co-workers in mid-1950s \cite{dlp} at arbitrary temperatures.
\par There is no doubt that at zero temperature, the bulk Casimir energy of the medium is
divergent and should be properly ``renormalized,'' or at least subtracted, to extract
physics. But perhaps a system with a particular geometry at finite temperature provides
us with a chance to unveil the physics hiding in the nontriviality of the
divergent bulk Casimir energy. It is a necessary condition for a quantity to be
considered physical that this quantity should be unchanged no matter which regularization
scheme is employed. As shown above, Eq.~\eqref{trr} is obtained by carrying out the
$s\rightarrow1$ limit first and then keeping the leading orders of the temporal cutoff.
Alternatively, we could change the order of limits, i.e., take $\tau\to0$ first,
then set $r=1$, and finally seek the asymptotic behavior as $s$ goes to 1,
With this approach, the stress $T_{rr}^{(0)}$ takes the form
\begin{equation}
\label{eqBFE.11}
T_{rr}^{(0)}(\varepsilon,\mu;a_-)
=-\frac{1}{\pi^2a^4\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}}
\bigg[
\frac{3}{(s-1)^4}+\frac{4}{(s-1)^3}+\frac{1}{(s-1)^2}
\bigg]
+
\frac{\pi^2}{45}(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}T^4.
\end{equation}
This spatial point-splitting yields a different divergence structure, but the
temperature-dependent term is just the same as in Eq.~\eqref{trr}, which gives us some
confidence in that result.
(A still different divergence structure emerges if, for example, we take the limit
$r\to s(1-\epsilon)$, $\epsilon\to0$, and then set $s=1$, but the temperature
dependence remains unchanged.)
For further discussion of the meaning of the bulk subtraction, the interaction entropy,
and the sign of the latter, see Appendix \ref{Appb}.
\section{Blackbody entropy}
\label{vac}
We now turn to the entropy of the background with which the nanoparticle
interacts.
\subsection{Vacuum entropy}
This initial discussion follows that in Ref.~\cite{Li2016Casimir}. For a
more complete discussion, see Sec.~\ref{plasma}.
We start with the free scalar Green's function in empty space, at temperature
$T$:
\begin{equation}
G(\tau,\rho)=\frac{T}{4\pi \rho}\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{i\zeta_m\tau}
e^{-|\zeta_m|\rho},\label{GT0}
\end{equation}
in terms of the Euclidean time difference $\tau$ and the spatial separation
$\rho$, which we will regard as temporal and spatial regulators, tending to
zero. The Matsubara sum is immediately carried out:
\begin{equation}
G(\tau,\rho)=\frac{T}{4\pi R}\left(-1+\frac1{1-e^{-2\pi T(\rho-i\tau)}}+
\frac1{1-e^{-2\pi T(\rho+i\tau)}}\right).\label{GT}
\end{equation}
To find the energy density, we apply a differential operator:
\begin{equation}
u=T^{00}=\frac12(\partial^0\partial^{0\prime}+\bm{\nabla\cdot\nabla}')G(\tau,
\rho)
=\frac12\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\tau^2}-\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\rho^2}
-\frac2\rho \frac{\partial}{\partial\rho}\right)G(\tau,\rho),
\end{equation}
where we have used translational invariance and noted that $t-t'=i\tau$.
We can further replace the radial Laplacian by a second $\tau$ derivative,
because of the differential equation satisfied by the Green's function. Thus
we simply obtain
\begin{equation}
u=\frac1{2\pi^2}\frac{3\tau^2-\rho^2}{(\tau^2+\rho^2)^3}+\frac{\pi^2 T^4}{30}.
\label{vacu}
\end{equation}
This is to be multiplied by two for electromagnetism, since the
divergenceless Green's dyadic for electromagnetism is
\begin{equation}
\bm{\Gamma}'(\tau,\rho)=(\bm{\nabla\nabla-1}\nabla^2)G(\tau,\rho).
\end{equation}
Thus the electromagnetic free energy density and entropy density are
($f=u-Ts$).
\begin{equation}
f_{\rm em}=\frac1{\pi^2}\frac{3\tau^2-\rho^2}{(\tau^2+\rho^2)^3}
-\frac{\pi^2 T^4}{45},\quad s_{\rm em}=\frac{4\pi^2 T^3}{45}. \label{fands}
\end{equation}
The divergence structure is that found by Christensen \cite{christensen}.
\subsection{Homogeneous nondispersive background}
What happens if the vacuum is replaced by a uniform medium made of
a homogeneous dispersionless fluid characterized by permittivity $\varepsilon$
and permeability $\mu$? Then, since the
Euclidean-frequency Green's dyadic satisfies
\begin{equation}
\left(-\varepsilon-\frac1{\mu\zeta^2}\bm{\nabla\times\nabla}\times\right)\bm{
\Gamma}(\rho;\zeta)=\bm{1}\delta(\bm{\rho}),
\end{equation}
we see that $\varepsilon\bm{\Gamma}(\rho;\zeta\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu})$ satisfies
the free Green's dyadic equation. And since the energy density is
\begin{equation}
u=\frac12(\varepsilon E^2+\mu H^2),
\end{equation}
and the contributions from the two terms are identical, we see that
the effective scalar Green's function in space and Euclidean time is
\begin{equation}
\varepsilon G(\tau,\rho)=T\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{i\zeta_m\tau}\frac{
e^{-|\zeta_m|\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}\rho}}{4\pi\rho}.
\end{equation}
Apart from the leading factor of T, this looks like the vacuum formula
(\ref{GT0}) with $T\to T\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}$ and
$\tau\to \tau/\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}$.
Thus, multiplying by 2, we obtain the vacuum energy density
\begin{equation}
u_{\rm em}=-\frac1{\pi^2}\frac1{\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}}
\frac{\rho^2-3\tau^2/\varepsilon
\mu}{(\rho^2+\tau^2/\varepsilon\mu)^3}+\frac{\pi^2}{30}(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}T^4.
\end{equation}
For a purely spatial cutoff, $\tau=0$, this yields for the divergent part:
\begin{subequations}
\begin{equation}
u_{\rm div}=-\frac1{\pi^2\sqrt{\varepsilon\mu}\rho^4},
\end{equation}
while for a temporal cutoff ($\rho=0$):
\begin{equation}
u_{\rm div}=\frac{3(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}}{\pi^2 \tau^4}.\label{div1}
\end{equation}
\end{subequations}
In any case, the entropy density is
\begin{equation}
s_{\rm em}=(\varepsilon\mu)^{3/2}\frac{4\pi^2 T^3}{45},\label{semvac}
\end{equation}
as we already saw in Eq.~(\ref{eqBFE.9}).
[The apparent discrepancy between the divergent terms in
Eqs.~(\ref{div1}) and (\ref{eqBFE.8}) is explained at the end of this section.]
\subsection{Dispersion}
\label{plasma}
Now, suppose the background is described by a permittivity given by the plasma
model, without dissipation,
$\varepsilon=1+\omega_p^2/\zeta^2$, where $\omega_p^2=n e^2/m$ is the square of the
plasma frequency, in terms of charge carriers of charge $e$, mass $m$, and
number density $n$. Realistically, in the universe, $n$ is very small, say
$1$--$10^{-4}$\,cm$^{-3}$ \cite{density}, so for electrons,
$\omega_p\sim 10^{-10}$--$10^{-13}$\,eV, and the number would be
much smaller if we considered hadronic matter. The 3\,K CMB
radiation corresponds to an energy of order $10^{-4}$ eV, so $\omega_p$ is
much smaller than the lowest Matsubara frequency.
The above treatment must be improved in order to describe dispersion.
We can follow Ref.~\cite{parashar2017electromagnetic}, which says that the internal energy
of an object characterized by dispersive isotropic permittivity and permeability is
\begin{equation}
U=T\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty \Tr\left[\varepsilon+\frac12\zeta_m
\frac{d\varepsilon}{d\zeta_m}-\frac1{2\zeta_m}\bm{\nabla}\times\frac1{\mu^2}
\frac{d\mu}{d\zeta_m}\bm{\nabla}\times\right]\bm{\Gamma}.\label{generalu}
\end{equation}
Here we consider a nonmagnetic material so the last term is not present.
Now consider a plasma model for the dispersion, $\varepsilon=
1+\omega_p^2/\zeta_m^2$; remarkably, then, the first two terms collapse to
\begin{equation}
U=T\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty \Tr\bm{\Gamma}.
\end{equation}
So the only appearance of the plasma frequency is in the Green's dyadic.
The differential equation satisfied by Green's dyadic is
\begin{equation}
\left(-\frac1{\zeta_m^2}\bm{\nabla\times\nabla}\times -1
-\frac{\omega_p^2}{\zeta_m^2}\right)\bm{\Gamma}(\rho;\zeta_m)=\bm{1}\delta(\bm{
\rho}).\label{gammainv}
\end{equation}
This is solved by the following construction:
\begin{equation}
\bm{\Gamma}=(1+\omega_p^2/\zeta_m^2)^{-1}\tilde{\bm \Gamma},
\end{equation}
where, apart from a $\delta$-function term (contact term),
\begin{equation}
\tilde{\bm{\Gamma}}=\tilde{\bm{\Gamma}}'-\bm{1},
\end{equation}
the divergenceless Green's dyadic $\tilde{\bm{\Gamma}}'$ is built from a scalar Green's
function,
\begin{equation}
\tilde{\bm{\Gamma}}'=(\bm{\nabla\nabla}-\nabla^2\bm{1})G,
\end{equation}
which satisfies
\begin{equation}
(-\nabla^2+\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2)G(\rho;\zeta_m)=\delta(\bm{\rho}).
\end{equation}
All of this leads immediately to the following expression for the
internal energy density
\begin{equation}
u=-\frac{T}{2\pi\rho} \sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty \zeta_m^2e^{i\zeta_m\tau}
e^{-\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}\rho},\label{u}
\end{equation}
as one might have anticipated. (Here, we are inserting a
time-splitting regulator in the same naive manner as before; however,
see Eq.~(\ref{encutoff}) below---cutoffs in the energy and free<|fim_middle|>ifies the calculation. But we have already achieved our goal:
It is clear that the perturbative expansion for $m\ne0$ contributions involves only even
powers of $\omega_p$, so the only term of order $\omega_p^3$ is that remaining in
Eq.~(\ref{mequals0}). This term, linear in the temperature, corresponds to the constant
term in the entropy, undetermined by the previous analysis:
\begin{equation}
s_0=\frac{\omega_p^3}{6\pi}.
\end{equation}
Naively inserting the temporal regulator into Eq.~(\ref{fespreg}), we write
\begin{equation}
f=\frac{T}{2\pi\rho^2}\left(\frac\partial{\partial\rho}-\frac1\rho\right)
\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{-\rho\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}} e^{i\zeta_m\tau}.
\end{equation}
Now with $\tau\ne0$, we can expand in $\rho$, and after omitting terms involving
$\delta$ functions in $\tau$, find
\begin{equation}
f=-\frac{T}{6\pi}\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty (\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2)^{3/2} e^{i\zeta_m\tau}.
\end{equation}
Now, this is readily expanded in powers of $x=\omega_p/\zeta_1$. Following the by-now
familiar procedure, we find the first three divergent terms:
\begin{subequations}
\begin{eqnarray}
f^{(0)}&=&-\frac1{\pi^2\tau^4}-\frac{\pi^2T^4}{45},\label{f0}\\
f^{(1)}&=&\frac{\omega_p^2}{4\pi^2\tau^2}+\frac{\omega_p^2}{12}T^2,\label{f1}\\
f^{(2)}&=&\frac{\omega_p^4}{16\pi^2}\ln 2\pi T\tau.\label{f2}
\end{eqnarray}
\end{subequations}
The remaining terms are finite. The only odd term in $\omega_p$ comes from the $m=0$ term:
\begin{equation}
f_{m=0}=-\frac{\omega_p^3 T}{6\pi},
\end{equation}
which corresponds precisely to the constant term in the entropy.
Then, the higher terms in $\omega_p$ are
\begin{subequations}
\begin{equation}
f^{(k\ge3)}=\frac{8\pi^2T^4}{3}\frac{\Gamma(5/2)\zeta(2k-3)}{\Gamma(k+1)\Gamma(5/2-k)}
x^{2k},
\end{equation}
corresponding to the entropy term
\begin{equation}
s^{(k\ge3)}=4\pi^{5/2}T^3\frac{(2-k)\zeta(2k-3)}{\Gamma(k+1)\Gamma(5/2-k)}x^{2k}.
\end{equation}
\end{subequations}
The temperature-dependence of $f$, and the entropy are precisely those found previously in
Sec.~\ref{sec:pt}. The cutoff terms, however, are off by $-\frac13$ and $-1$ for the
quartically divergent and quadratically terms, respectively.
This is due, as explained in
Ref.~\cite{parashar2017electromagnetic}, to the fact that an exponential temporal
cutoff in the
free energy corresponds to a more elaborate form for the internal energy:
\begin{equation}
e^{i\zeta\tau}\to\frac{e^{i\zeta\tau}-1}{i\zeta\tau}\label{encutoff}
\end{equation}
This precisely accounts for the discrepant factors in the zero-temperature divergences.
\section{Conclusions}
\label{C}
Previously \cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf,milton2019remarks,Li2021Negativity},
we analyzed the self-entropy of a macroscopic sphere. But viewed
from far away, a compact object appears to be a particle. So,
in this paper, we examine the question of self-entropy from the
nanoparticle perspective.
By nanoparticle, we mean that the size of the particle
is small compared to any other length scale, such as the inverse temperature.
This self-entropy exhibits surprising features, especially its negativity
for weak coupling to the electromagnetic field. We approach this question
by first extracting the polarizabilities of a nanoparticle through consideration of
its effect on the
scattering of the electromagnetic field. From these polarizabilities, expressed in terms
of the reflection coefficients, we can compute the free energy and entropy by summing
over Matsubara frequencies. The results apply to low temperatures, compared to the inverse
size of the nanoparticle. (For a 100 nm particle, the temperature for which $aT=1$ is
24,000 K.)
\par Specifically, we illustrate these ideas by investigating two models. First, for a
$\delta$-function spherical shell in which the permittivity on the surface is transverse
and
represented by the plasma model, we obtain results for the self-entropy which give the
leading low-temperature response, linear in the coupling, for the TE and TM modes; these
self-entropies are precisely those found
earlier \cite{Milton2017CasimirSelf}. The second model, a dielectric/diamagnetic ball
without dispersion, involves more subtleties. The scattering-derived polarizabilities give
a contribution to the free energy which is linear in the susceptibility, in the dilute
limit, which therefore violates the expected connection between Casimir and van der Waals
forces \cite{milton2020self}.
This discrepancy is resolved by the subtraction of the ``bulk contribution,'' which is
the contribution to the Casimir free energy corresponding to
the nonscattering Green's functions due to the medium either inside or
outside the spherical boundary filling the whole space. (Such a contribution only removes
the vacuum contribution for a hollow spherical shell.) Performing this subtraction, we
remove the linear term, and recover the negative self-entropy found two decades ago
\cite{barton2001perturbative,bartoniv,nesterenko2001casimir}.
That self-entropy is reproduced again in Appendices \ref{appa}--\ref{appc}.
However, the reader might well object to the fact that the known
energies at zero temperature are not reproduced by the procedure proposed here.
After all, in second order in the susceptibility, the finite part
of the energy of the dielectric ball
is as given by the first term in Eq.~(\ref{eqPE.DB.3}).
But here the
only finite terms in the free energy are those going like a power of the temperature,
yielding a finite self-entropy. Furthermore, the divergent term found
here for the dielectric ball is the difference between the $\tau$-dependent
terms in Eqs.~(\ref{eqPE.DB.2})
and (\ref{eqBFE.8}),
\begin{equation}
F_{\rm div}=\frac{7a^3}{6\pi \tau^4}(\varepsilon-1)^2,
\end{equation}
while the energy found some forty years ago \cite{milton1980} is less singular,
\begin{equation}
E_{\rm div}=\frac{a^2}{8\tau^3}(\varepsilon-1)^2.
\end{equation}
One might think that the reason for not seeing the
temperature-independent finite terms is that extraction of these requires
more sophisticated analytic continuation techniques, such as zeta-function
regularization, which sweep divergences under the rug.\footnote{Both the zero-temperature
free energy of the dilute dielectric ball, and its first temperature correction, are
rederived in Appendix
\ref{appa}. But again, the magic of analytic
continuation plays an essential role.}
Apparently, the point-particle viewpoint
is only effective in extracting the temperature-dependent part of the free energy, and
therefore the entropy, but not the finite or divergent parts.
As argued
in Appendix \ref{Appb}, it would be anticipated that the point-particle viewpoint
being explored here is only effective in extracting extensive quantities, proportional
to the volume of the particle, and not contributions to the free energy going like lower
powers of the radius of the particle.
On the other hand, we now understand the appearance
of negative self-entropies found for objects, be they macroscropic
dielectric balls or small nanoparticles.
The approach presented here reveals the negative entropy as arising from an interaction
between the nanoparticle and the blackbody radiation.
As discussed in Appendix~\ref{Appb}, the free energy of the blackbody
radiation in vacuum, and in the material of the dielectric ball, both without
interaction (that is, the ``nonscattering'' part), must be subtracted from the
total free energy to obtain the self-free energy, or the interaction
free energy. This precisely corresponds to our bulk subtraction.
The resulting interaction entropy can be, in fact, negative.
(It bears a resemblance to, but in general,
is not the same as, the negative of the relative entropy discussed in
Ref.~\cite{breuer}.)
The total entropy, of course, has the bulk, blackbody entropies included, so is always
positive.
\begin{acknowledgments}
The work of KAM was supported by a grant from the US National Science Foundation, grant
number 2008417. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the collaborative assistance of
Stephen Fulling and Iver Brevik. This paper reflects solely the authors' personal
opinions and does not represent the opinions of the authors' employers, present and
past, in any way.
\end{acknowledgments}
| energy have
different structures.)
We now expand this to first order in $\omega_p^2$, in view of the remarks at
the beginning of this subsection, and then carry out the Matsubara sum:
\begin{eqnarray}
u&=&-\frac{T}{2\pi}\left(\frac1\rho\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\rho^2}+\frac{
\omega_p^2}2\frac\partial{\partial\rho}\right)\left(-2
+\frac1{1-e^{-2\pi T(\rho-i\tau)}}+\frac1{1-e^{-2\pi T(\rho+i\tau)}}\right)
\nonumber\\
&=&\frac1{\pi^2}\frac{3\tau^2-\rho^2}{(\tau^2+\rho^2)^3}+\frac{\pi^2}{15}T^4
-\frac{\omega_p^2}4
\left(\frac1{\pi^2}\frac{\tau^2-\rho^2}{(\tau^2+\rho^2)^2}
+\frac1{3}T^2\right).\label{u0and1}
\end{eqnarray}
For $\omega_p=0$, we recover twice the previous scalar
vacuum result (\ref{vacu}).
The resulting entropy density, including the plasma correction, is
($\frac{\partial u}{\partial T}=T\frac{\partial s}{\partial T}$)
\begin{equation}
s=\frac{4\pi^2}{45}T^3-\frac{\omega_p^2}6 T.\label{s1}
\end{equation}
The correction is indeed very small if $T\gg \omega_p$.
\subsubsection{Weak-coupling, high-temperature, expansion}
\label{sec:pt}
It is easy to carry out this calculation to all orders in
$x=\omega_p/\zeta_1$. For simplicity, let us suppose $\tau\gg\rho$, so we
can expand the exponential in Eq.~(\ref{u}):
\begin{equation}
u=-\frac{T}{2\pi\rho}\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty \zeta_m^2 e^{i\zeta_m\tau}\left(
1-\rho\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}\right).
\end{equation}
The first term is just the derivative of a $\delta$ function,
\begin{equation}
\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty \zeta_m^2 e^{i\zeta_m\tau}=-(2\pi)(2\pi T)^2
\delta''(2\pi T\tau),\label{2ndderdelta}
\end{equation}
so may be omitted since we take the {\it limit\/} as $\tau\to 0$.
So with only temporal regulation,
\begin{equation}
u=\frac{T}{\pi}\sum_{m=1}^\infty \zeta_m^2\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}
\cos\zeta_m\tau.
\end{equation}
For $\omega_p\ll \zeta_1$, we expand the square root in a binomial series,
\begin{equation}
u=\frac{T}\pi\sum_{m=1}^\infty \zeta_m^3\sum_{k=0}^\infty \left(
\begin{array}{c} \frac12\\k \end{array}\right)\left(\frac{\omega_p}{\zeta_m}
\right)^{2k}\cos\zeta_m\tau.
\end{equation}
The first two terms in this series are displayed above in Eq.~(\ref{u0and1}).
The third term is just the expansion of a logarithm,
\begin{equation}
u^{(2)}=\frac{\omega_p^4}{32\pi^2}\left[\ln\left(1-e^{-i2\pi T\tau}\right)
+\ln\left(1-e^{i2\pi T\tau}\right)\right]=\frac{\omega_p^4}{16\pi^2}
\ln2\pi T\tau. \label{log}
\end{equation}
The remaining terms in the series are finite, so in terms of
$x=\omega_p/(2\pi T)$,
\begin{equation}
\sum_{k=3}^\infty u^{(k)}=4\pi^{5/2}T^4\sum_{k=3}^\infty \frac{\zeta(2k-3)}{
\Gamma(k+1)\Gamma(3/2-k)}x^{2k}.\label{you}
\end{equation}
In fact, the finite (temperature-dependent) parts of $u$ are given by this
expression for $k=0$ and 1, while for $k=2$ with the replacement $\zeta(1)\to
-\ln2\pi T\tau$ gives the appropriate $\ln T$ dependence,
seen in Eq.~(\ref{log}). Then using
\begin{equation}
\frac{\partial u}{\partial T}=T\frac{\partial s}{\partial T},\label{utos}
\end{equation}
we deduce the following expression for the entropy density:
\begin{equation}
s=4\pi^{5/2}T^3\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac{(2-k)\zeta(2k-3)}{\Gamma(k+1)\Gamma(
5/2-k)}x^{2k}+s_0,\label{s}
\end{equation}
where $s_0$ is a constant independent of $T$.
Evidently, the radius of convergence of this series is 1.
We can combine Eqs.~(\ref{you}) and (\ref{s}) to give the free energy density,
\begin{equation}
f=u-Ts=-2\pi^{5/2}T^4\sum_{k=0}^\infty \frac{\zeta(2k-3)}{\Gamma(k+1)\Gamma(
5/2-k)}x^{2k}-Ts_0,
\end{equation}
where again the divergent $\zeta(1)$ term is to be interpreted as a logarithmic
divergence.
\subsubsection{Nonperturbative resummation}
\par Although the above series only converges for $x<1$, it can be analytically continued
to all positive $x$ by use
of the representation for the Riemann zeta function,
\begin{equation}
\zeta(s)=\frac1{\Gamma(s)}\int_0^\infty dt\frac{t^{s-1}}{e^t-1},
\end{equation}
which then yields
\begin{equation}
s=\frac{\omega_p^3}{90\pi x^3}\left\{1-\frac{15}2 x^2-\frac{45}4 x^4
+90 x^3\int_0^\infty \frac{dt}{t}\frac1{e^t-1} J_3(xt)\right\}+s_0,\label{ac}
\end{equation}
where $J_3$ is a Bessel function.
The limit of $s-s_0$ for large $x$ (temperature low compared to the
plasma frequency) is
\begin{equation}
s-s_0\sim -\frac{\omega_p^3}{6 \pi},\quad x\to\infty,\label{limit}
\end{equation}
so the requirement of the third law of thermodynamics (Nernst's heat theorem)
is that $s_0=\omega_p^3/(6\pi)$.
In fact, if we now make appropriate additions and subtractions to the integrand
in Eq.~(\ref{ac}), we can write the entropy density as
\begin{equation}
s=\frac{\omega_p^3}\pi\int_0^\infty \frac{dy}y\left(
\frac1{e^{y/x}-1}-\frac{x}{y}+\frac12-\frac{y}{12x}+\frac{y^3}{720 x^3}
\right)J_3(y),\label{fulls}
\end{equation}
where the last term in the integral is defined by analytic continuation.
(For numerical purposes, only the first three subtractions should be
employed, leaving the first term in Eq.~(\ref{ac}).) Numerically, it appears
that the entropy is exponentially small in the
$x\to \infty$ limit, that is, there are no power corrections.
Consistent with this,
this limit is actually achieved very early, in the perturbative region,
as Fig.~\ref{compas} shows. This exponential damping is precisely
what is expected in a massive theory---note, here, that the plasma frequency plays the
role of a mass.
\begin{figure}
\includegraphics{highmedx.pdf}
\caption{\label{compas} Comparison of the vacuum entropy density (\ref{fands})
(red curve)with the entropy density including plasma-model dispersion, (\ref{fulls}),
(blue curve). These are plotted as functions of $x^{-1}=2\pi T/\omega_p$. Both
entropy densities tend to zero at zero temperature, and are everywhere positive. The
inset shows the behavior for low temperature, and reveals that the plasma-model entropy
drops exponentially to zero for relatively large values of the temperature.}
\end{figure}
Formal verification of this can be obtained by constructing a strong-coupling
(low-temperature) expansion for
the quantity in parentheses in Eq.~(\ref{fulls})
by the rest of the Bernoulli expansion,
\begin{equation}
s=\frac{\omega_p^3}\pi\int_0^\infty\frac{dy}y\sum_{k=3}^\infty \frac{B_{2k}}{2k!}
\left(\frac{y}x\right)^{2k-1} J_3(y).
\end{equation}
We use analytic continuation to define the $y$ integrals:
\begin{equation}
\int_0^\infty y^{2k-2}J_3(y)=2^{2k-2}\frac{\Gamma(1+k)}{\Gamma(3-k)},
\end{equation}
which vanishes for $k\ge3$. Thus, the low-temperature expansion of
Eq.~(\ref{fulls}) is zero.
\subsubsection{Strong-coupling, low-temperature, expansion}
To verify this limiting behavior, let us try to extract directly the low-temperature
(large $x$) limit.
The Euler-Maclaurin formula should be effective in this regard:
\begin{equation}
\sum_{m=0}^\infty{}' f(m)=\int_0^\infty dm\,f(m)-\sum_{k=1}^\infty
\frac{B_{2k}}{(2k)!}f^{(2k-1)}(0),\label{emsf}
\end{equation}
where the prime means that the $m=0$ term is counted with half weight.
For variety's sake, let's now set $\tau=0$, and keep only the spatial cutoff.
Then the energy density (\ref{u}) is
\begin{equation}
u=-\frac{T}{\pi\rho}\sum_{m=0}^\infty \zeta_m^2
e^{-\rho\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}}
=-\frac{T}{\pi\rho}\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\rho^2}-\omega_p^2\right)
\sum_{m=0}^\infty{}' e^{-\rho\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}}.\label{urho}
\end{equation}
The integral term in the Euler-Maclaurin formula gives
\begin{equation}
\int_0^\infty dm\,e^{-\rho\sqrt{(2\pi m T)^2+\omega_p^2}}=\frac1{2\pi T\rho}
\int_{\omega_p\rho}^\infty du\frac{u}{\sqrt{u^2-\omega_p^2\rho^2}}e^{-u}=
\frac{\omega_p}{2\pi T}K_1(\omega_p\rho).
\end{equation}
Applying the differential operator in Eq.~(\ref{urho}),
\begin{equation}
\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\rho^2}-\omega_p^2\right)\frac{\omega_p}{
2\pi T}K_1(\omega_p\rho)=\frac{\omega_p^2}{2\pi T\rho}K_2(\omega_p\rho),
\end{equation}
and then using the small argument expansion of the modified Bessel
function, we obtain for the integral contribution to the internal energy
density
\begin{equation}
u_{\rm int}=-\frac1{\pi^2}\frac1{\rho^4}+\frac1{4\pi^2}
\frac{\omega_p^2}{\rho^2}+\frac{\omega_p^4}{64\pi^2}\left(-3+4\gamma
+4\ln(\omega_p\rho/2)\right).\label{rhodiv}
\end{equation}
This agrees with the $\tau=0$ divergences displayed in Eq.~(\ref{u0and1}),
while the logarithmic divergence in $\rho$ is the same as that in $\tau$
seen in Eq.~(\ref{log}).
But now it is apparently that $f(m)$ is an even function of $m$, which means
that all the odd derivatives vanish. Thus, there is no temperature dependence
of the internal energy in the low temperature limit. (That is, the dependence
is exponentially small, and nonperturbative in the temperature.)
This is consistent with the zero value of the entropy, without power
corrections, found in this
limit above.\footnote{In fact, the Euler-Maclaurin formula is exact if only $n$ terms
are kept in the Bernoulli sum, and the remainder term is added:
\begin{equation}
\frac1{(2n)!}\sum_{k=0}^\infty \int_0^1 dt f^{(2n)}(t+k)B_{2n}(t),
\end{equation}
where $B_{2n}$ is the Bernoulli polynomial. Even for $n=1$ it is easily seen
numerically that the contribution to the energy (\ref{urho}) is extremely small if $T$
is moderately large and $\rho$ is small.}
\subsubsection{Low-temperature asymptotics}
In fact, we can readily obtain the asymptotic behavior for low temperature. We rewrite
Eq.~(\ref{urho}) as
\begin{equation}
u=\frac{T}{2\pi^{3/2}\rho}\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\rho^2}-\omega_p^2\right)
\frac{\partial}{\partial\rho}\rho\int_0^\infty dt\,t^{-3/2}e^{-t}e^{-\rho^2\omega_p^2/(4t)}
\sum_{m=0}^\infty{}'e^{-\rho^2\zeta^2_m/(4t)}.\label{intrep1}
\end{equation}
Now, using the Poisson summation formula, we can recast the $m$ sum into \cite{borwein2}
\begin{equation}
\frac12\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty e^{-\rho^2\pi^2 T^2m^2/t}=\frac1{\rho T}\sqrt{\frac{t}
{\pi}}\sum_{m=0}^\infty{}' e^{-m^2 t/(\rho^2 T^2)}.
\end{equation}
Then the $t$ integration gives a Macdonald function:
\begin{equation}
u=\frac{\omega_p^4}{2\pi^2}\frac1\delta\left(\frac{\partial^2}{\partial\delta^2}-1\right)
\frac\partial{\partial\delta}\sum_{m=-\infty}^\infty K_0(\sqrt{\delta^2+(2\pi m x)^2}),
\end{equation}
where $\delta=\omega_p\rho$.
For $m=0$ this yields exactly the divergent structure (\ref{rhodiv}) as $\delta\to0$.
However, for $m\ne0$, the small $\delta$ limit is finite:
\begin{equation}
u_{m\ne0}=\frac{\omega_p^4}{\pi^2}\sum_{m=1}^\infty\left[\frac{K_1(z)}{z}
+\frac{3K_2(z)}{z^2}\right],\label{une0}
\quad z=2\pi m x.
\end{equation}
For large $z$, low temperature, this is dominated by the $m=1$ term,
\begin{equation}
u^{(1)}\sim \frac{\omega_p^4}{4\pi^3}x^{-3/2}e^{-2\pi x},\quad x\to\infty.
\end{equation} The entropy is obtained by integrating
\begin{equation}
\frac{\partial s}{\partial x}=\frac{2\pi x}{\omega_p}\frac{\partial u}{\partial x},
\end{equation}
which yields the leading asymptotic approximation
\begin{equation}
s^{(1)}\sim\frac{\omega_p^3}{2\pi^2}\frac{e^{-2\pi x}}{\sqrt{x}},\quad T\ll\omega_p.
\label{leadlow}
\end{equation}
Comparisons with the exact results obtained from Eq.~(\ref{ac}) are shown in
Fig.~\ref{lowfig}. The exponential suppression of the entropy
for temperatures low compared to the ``mass,'' the plasma frequency, is thus unambiguously
established.
\begin{figure}
\centering
\includegraphics{implowT.pdf}
\caption{The exact entropy of the blackbody radiation in the plasma model (upper blue
curve) compared with the leading low-temperature asymptotic expression (\ref{leadlow})
(lower red curve) and the numerical integration of the $m=1$ term in Eq.~(\ref{une0}),
dotted magenta curve. Even for $x=0.2$, a rather large value of $T$, the latter is
less than 5\% low. The cruder approximation (\ref{leadlow}) is only good for rather
small values of $x^{-1}=2\pi T/\omega_p$.}
\label{lowfig}
\end{figure}
\subsubsection{Free energy}
\label{sec:free}
The above argument is defective in one sense: Because it was based on the internal
energy, it did not determine the constant $s_0$ in the entropy, which had to be
fixed by hand, by requiring that the entropy vanishes at zero temperature, the third
law of thermodynamics. Therefore, it would appear more satisfactory to start with
the free energy. However, this is more complex, as we now see.
The free energy is defined by
\begin{equation}
F=-\frac{T}2\Tr \ln \bm{\Gamma},
\end{equation}
where the trace now includes the sum over Matsubara frequencies. Now from
Eq.~(\ref{gammainv}), we see that
\begin{equation} 0=\frac{\partial}{\partial\omega_p^2}\left(\bm{\Gamma}^{-1}\bm{\Gamma}\right)
=-\frac1{\zeta_m^2}
\bm{\Gamma}+\frac{\partial}{\partial \omega_p^2}\ln\bm{\Gamma},
\end{equation}
which says that
\begin{equation}
\ln\bm{\Gamma}(\omega_p^2)=-\frac1{\zeta_m^2}\int_{\omega_p^2}^\infty
d\omega_p^{\prime2}\,\bm{\Gamma}(\omega_p^{\prime2}).
\end{equation}
Now the internal energy is proportional to the trace of $\bm{\Gamma}$, so the free
energy can be immediately given after integration on $\omega_p^{\prime2}$ as
\begin{equation}
f=-\frac{T}{\pi\rho^2}\sum_{m=0}^\infty{}'\left(\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}
+\frac1\rho\right)e^{-\rho\sqrt{\zeta_m^2+\omega_p^2}}.\label{fespreg}
\end{equation}
When $\omega_p^2=0$, this directly implies Eq.~(\ref{fands}).
In general, we have to consider $m=0$ separately from the higher Matsubara terms.
(Recall, $m=0$ does not contribute to the internal energy.) That is
\begin{equation}
f_{m=0}=\frac{T}{2\pi\rho^2}\left(\frac\partial{\partial\rho}-\frac1\rho\right)e^{-\rho
\omega_p}\sim -\frac{T}{2\pi\rho^3}+\frac{T\omega_p^2}{4\pi\rho}
-\frac{T\omega_p^3}{6\pi},\quad \rho\to0.\label{mequals0}
\end{equation}
The $T$-dependent divergent terms must be cancelled by the remainder of the Matsubara
series. As before, we can proceed perturbatively in powers of $\omega_p$. The zeroth
order term is
\begin{equation}
f^{(0)}_{m\ne0} = \frac{T}{\pi\rho^2}\left(\frac{\partial}{\partial\rho}-\frac1\rho\right)
\sum_{m=1}^\infty e^{-2\pi m T\rho}\sim -\frac1{\pi^2\rho^2}+\frac{T}{2\pi\rho^3}-
\frac{\pi^2 T^4}{45},\quad\rho\to0
\end{equation}
where the first and last terms reproduce Eq.~(\ref{fands}) and the middle term cancels
the $\omega_p$-independent term in Eq.~(\ref{mequals0}).
The term of order $\omega_p^2$ is
\begin{equation}
f^{(1)}_{m\ne0}=\frac{\omega_p^2 T}{2\pi\rho}\sum_{m=1}^\infty e^{-\rho\zeta_m}\sim
\frac{\omega_p^2}{4\pi \rho^2}-\frac{\omega_p^2 T}{4\pi \rho}+\frac{\omega_p^2 T^2}{12},
\quad\rho\to 0.
\end{equation}
The second term here cancels the second term in Eq.~(\ref{mequals0}), and we are left with
the structure seen in Eqs.~(\ref{u0and1}) and (\ref{s1}). As for the term of
order $\omega_p^4$, we have
\begin{equation}
f_{m\ne0}^{(2)}=-\frac{\omega_p^4}{16\pi^2}\sum_{m=1}^\infty \frac1m e^{-\delta m/x}\sim
\frac{\omega_p^4}{16\pi^2}\ln 2\pi T\rho,
\end{equation}
again as anticipated.
Since this approach seems a bit complicated, we will reinsert a temporal
regulator, which simpl | 5,424 |
Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country (Hardcover)
By Pam Houston
(Bio/Memoir)
"How do we become who we are in the world? We ask the world to teach us. But we have to ask with an open heart, with no idea what the answer will be."
I first heard Pam<|fim_middle|> always exquisite beauty. Pam Houston has 120 acres of it, and readers get a glimpse of life and death on the ranch in this marvelous combination of memoir and nature writing. Both deeply personal and wide-reaching, Deep Creek is about the human capacity to feel grief and joy all at once for the ground beneath one's feet and the planet as a whole."
— Stan Hynds, Northshire Saratoga, Saratoga Springs, NY
On her 120-acre homestead high in the Colorado Rockies, beloved writer Pam Houston learns what it means to care for a piece of land and the creatures on it. Elk calves and bluebirds mark the changing seasons, winter temperatures drop to 35 below, and lightning sparks a 110,000-acre wildfire, threatening her century-old barn and all its inhabitants. Through her travels from the Gulf of Mexico to Alaska, she explores what ties her to the earth, the ranch most of all. Alongside her devoted Irish wolfhounds and a spirited troupe of horses, donkeys, and Icelandic sheep, the ranch becomes Houston's sanctuary, a place where she discovers how the natural world has mothered and healed her after a childhood of horrific parental abuse and neglect.
In essays as lucid and invigorating as mountain air, Deep Creek delivers Houston's most profound meditations yet on how "to live simultaneously inside the wonder and the grief...to love the damaged world and do what I can to help it thrive."
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Library Binding, Large Print (April 10th, 2019): $34.99
MP3 CD (April 2nd, 2019): $14.99
Paperback (January 7th, 2020): $15.95 | Houston speak about her ranch on an episode of the podcast Dear Sugars, and I've been waiting for this book ever since. In her early thirties, Pam Houston bought a ranch in Colorado. Deep Creek offers a beautiful meditation on what the ranch has come to mean since: healing from a traumatic family life, grieving her mother and their complicated relationship, a complex symbol of independence and vulnerability, a coming into her own. Also a larger exploration of the meaning of human-animal relationships, the power of finding one's place in the world, and the larger question of how to appreciate and care for this world in our time of environmental destruction.
Part memoir, part environmental call to action, part love letter to one small part of the world, Deep Creek is a deep reflection on place, how it can heal us, and what we owe the natural world in return.
— From Kelsey's Picks
February 2019 Indie Next List
"I can't decide if Mineral County, Colorado, is a piece of heaven or if it's actually heaven. Either way, it is a wondrous Rocky Mountain paradise — a paradise beset by bitter cold, fires, and various degrees of hardship, but | 243 |
Renting in Long Island City:<|fim_middle|>, cats and dogs are not welcome. | What will $2,700 get you?
Curious just how far your dollar goes in Long Island City?
According to Walk Score, this New York City neighborhood is extremely walkable, is very bikeable and boasts excellent transit options. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one bedroom in Long Island City is currently hovering around $2,790.
Listed at $2,700/month, this studio apartment is located at 43-25 Hunter St.
The building has garage parking, shared outdoor space, a fitness center, a roof deck, concierge service, a dog washing station, an elevator, extra storage space and on-site management. In the unit, you can anticipate hardwood floors, high ceilings, a dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wooden cabinetry, a breakfast island, in-unit laundry and a balcony. Pet owners, take heed: both cats and dogs are permitted.
Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment located at 29-11 Queens Plaza North. It's also listed for $2,700/month.
Building amenities include on-site laundry, shared outdoor space, a fitness center, a roof deck, an elevator, extra storage space, secured entry and on-site management. In the apartment, there are hardwood floors, high ceilings, a dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, designer cabinetry, a breakfast bar and floor-to-ceiling windows. For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are allowed on this property.
Check out this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo that's located at 41-26 27th St. It's listed for $2,700/month.
The building has on-site laundry, garage parking, a residents lounge, a business center, shared outdoor space, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a yoga studio, a roof deck, an elevator, secured entry and on-site management. In the furnished unit, you'll have hardwood floors, high ceilings, large windows, a dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry, a walk-in closet, garden access and a balcony. Animals are not permitted.
Located at 41-18 Crescent St., here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that's listed for $2,700/month.
The building boasts on-site laundry, garage parking, outdoor space, a fitness center, a roof deck, an elevator and extra storage space. Apartment amenities include hardwood floors, high ceilings, a dishwasher, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wooden cabinetry and a balcony. Sorry animal lovers | 536 |
DescriptionSilverado Dementia Support Group 6pm Address: 1022<|fim_middle|>: -0- Lunch is not included Targeted Guests: Anyone in the Assisted Living/Personal Care Home industry or associated industries. Notes: The meeting begins at 11:30am with lunch and networking followed by the speaker and meeting at Noon.
DescriptionHumble Health Care Center Senior Networking Breakfast 9:30 am Address: 93 Isaacks Road, Humble, Tx 77338 Contact: Pat Starling, humble.marketing@nexion-health.com Phone: 832-527-9242 RSVP: YES Meal: Breakfast Fee: -0- Notes: Bring business cards, brochures, announcements, and other marketing materials. There will be door prizes!
DescriptionNetworking Meeting 4:00pm Address: 9507 Jones Rd., Houston Contact: Carol Klacking, CAKlacking@aol.com Phone: 281-961-0744 Food: Refreshments Fee: -0- Notes: You are invited to join us for an evening of fun and refreshments, networking with our health care community. Monthly meetings on the 3rd Thursday.
DescriptionGuardianship Information Session 6:30pm Address: 1001 Golfview, Richmond TX Contact: Kirk Monroe Phone: 281-207-2320 RSVP: Yes Fee: -0- Notes: Please contact Kirk for more information regarding this event. | 5 Cypresswood Dr Contact: Gigi McCorkle, gmccorkle@silveradosenior.com Phone: 281-955-0880 Fee:-0- Notes: Open to Caregivers ONLY.
DescriptionNorth Houston Healthcare Providers Networking Breakfast 8:30am Address: 509 West Tidwell, 3rd Floor Topic: TBD Speaker: TBD Contact: Dr. Vetter, docresults@comcast.net Phone: 713-459-6263 Meal: Breakfast Fee: -0- Notes: Door prizes provided! Please feel free to bring your brochures, cards, handouts, co-workers & friends! Until further notice, this meeting will continue to take place monthly at the above address due to temporary closure of Dr's Hospital Parkway.
DescriptionHouston Area Continuity of Care 11:30-1pm Address: 1151 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056 Sponsored by: Topic: TBA Speaker: TBA Contact: Donna Moran, dmoran@hmshealthcare.com Phone: 713-840-7900 RSVP: Yes Meal: Lunch Fee: $35 for non-members and $25 for members Notes: You can register online at Houstonareacontinuityofcare.org. Cash or checks only.
DescriptionTORCH 11:30am Address: 1413 N. Loop 36 West, Conroe TX 77304 Contact: Paul Radsdale, paulragsdale@yahoo.com Phone: 713-385-0105 RSVP: No Food: Have some lunch at Ryan's Fee | 363 |
The Bird commitment to provide the RF industry with the most reliable instruments and infrastructure products extends into our full line of rf accessories. We understand that our products are subjected to some of the h<|fim_middle|> "wide-range THRULINE® RF coupling probes for spectrum analysis, RF signal observation on a scope, or frequency counting and control. | arshest and most demanding RF environments in the field. Bird designs and manufactures rf accessories that customize and enhance our products to the same high level of quality and reliability as the products they support.
Bird offers a wide range of RF accessories for all of our product lines. These accessories allow our customers to modify and enhance our products to meet their specific application requirements.
Bird provides a wide selection of cable assemblies to suit any RF application.
Protect and easily transport your equpiment with this sturdy carrying cases from Bird. Most carrying cases include shock-absorbing laminated die-cut foam inserts, durable polyurethane shell, folding handle and quick release latches to keep everything secure.
The leading edge in modern antenna technology. The fully molded design produces an ultra-tough antenna ready for severe handling and weather conditions.
Heavy-Duty Rack Mount Kits and Mounting Brackets.
Power Adapters and Batteries for your Bird Products.
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Select the "right" RF Connector for your application needs.
Bird's Coaxwitch® Coaxial Selector Switches employ a unique, rugged and reliable design which permits positive contact, low insertion VSWR and negligible cross talk between channels.
This category includes PC Tool Applications.
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The 4273 and 4275 Signal Samplers are "Stand-alone, | 275 |
So you're saving up to buy your first house? Well, conventional wisdom says that you definitely can't have any fun. Oh no! Lots people will tell you that you have to lock yourself up in your house and scrimp and save every penny until you finally have enough for a deposit. You definitely can't do anything as extravagant as go on holiday, right?
Wrong! In our last blog post we discussed how the affordability of the Perth property market has created ideal conditions for first home buyers. This also means that if you're smart about things, you can save up for a deposit AND manage to go on a fab overseas holiday at the same time.
We know that sounds crazy, but it's true. Check out the following tips if you like the sound of sipping a cocktail by the pool and simultaneously being on track to achieve your home ownership dreams.
Just because house prices are low at the moment, it doesn't mean you can book a holiday and expect everything to fall into place all by itself. You need to know exactly how much of a deposit you'll need and how you're going to go about saving it.
Even with the range of low deposit loans now available, you're still going to have to be disciplined if you want to also afford that overseas trip.
Figure out exactly where you want to build, what sort of home you can afford and what sort of deposit you'll need.
Work out your exact income levels and formulate a savings plan and timeframe for achieving it.
Spend some time researching holiday locations & costs, choose something achievable (5 star hotels probably aren't going to be on the cards!) and factor this into your savings plan.
Go through your bank statement with a fine tooth comb and work out exactly where your money is going. While smaller expenses might not seem a lot individually, they can really add up over the course of an entire month.
The only way to do this is to be brutally honest. Add up exactly how much you're spending and ask yourself where you can cut back. Do you really need to be spending hundreds of dollars a months on UberEats, Netflix and online shopping, or would that money be better put towards your home deposit/holiday fund?
Once you've worked out exactly where all of your money is going, it's time to reassess and renegotiate. Are you able to renegotiate your phone, internet, gas or electricity costs with your provider to save money? If not, are you able to downgrade or even cancel any plans or subscriptions to make some vital savings? Anything you can do will add up over time.
With your expenses reviewed and reorganised and a new and improved budget in place, the<|fim_middle|> smart first home buyers around town will be doing everything they can to make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Most people in Melbourne and Sydney definitely aren't in a position to think about going on holiday while they save for a house, so if you're able to you should enjoy it as much as you possibly can.
At FHBD we specialise in providing affordable, high quality first homes to Perth buyers. If you're looking for the ideal home to move into once you're back from sunning yourself in some exotic overseas location, just get in touch with us today to find out more. | next important step is to set up a savings system to divert those newfound dollars into the right place. Open different savings accounts for your deposit and holiday funds and make sure that you set up some direct debit deposits that go into these accounts on payday. That way you won't even have to think about it.
Having these accounts set up will also allow you to quickly and easily transfer any extra funds that come in.
This might sound a bit obvious, but anything you can do to increase your income is going to go a long way helping you achieve your aims. We're not saying that you should immediately rush out and get a second job (work/life balance is important for everyone after all), but if there's any way you can pick up extra hours, earn overtime or work extra hard to achieve a sales bonus etc, then you should always take the opportunity to do so.
Any extra money that comes in should immediately be tucked away into your holiday and house deposit savings accounts.
The affordability represented by the Perth housing market at the moment is pretty remarkable, so | 211 |
Everyday Health » Antipsychotics » What Are Antipsychotics?
This class of drugs is used to treat a range of mental illnesses.
Antipsychotics are a group of drugs that are used to treat schizophrenia.
The medicines are also sometimes used to treat other mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, or<|fim_middle|>Long-term use of typical (older) antipsychotic drugs may cause a serious and sometimes incurable movement condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD).
About 5 percent of people who take antipsychotics get TD each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Antipsychotics aren't recommended for older adults with dementia, as these drugs may put them at increased risk for stroke and death.
The antipsychotic clozapine is highly effective, but it can cause a serious decrease in the number of white blood cells, which help your body fight off infections. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Antipsychotics may also raise your risk of developing high cholesterol and diabetes.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have before taking an antipsychotic.
Also, let your doctor know about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking.
Don't drive or perform activities that require alertness until you know how the antipsychotic you're taking affects you.
Follow the instructions on your prescription or package label carefully. Don't take more or less of the drug than is recommended.
Don't stop taking an antipsychotic without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to take you off the drug gradually.
Keep all appointments with your doctor's office and laboratory while taking an antipsychotic.
Your doctor will probably want to perform tests frequently to monitor your body's response to the medicine.
Let your healthcare provider know that you're taking an antipsychotic before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Alcohol can increase certain side effects of antipsychotics.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, or might become pregnant, before taking an antipsychotic.
Some antipsychotics may be safe to take during pregnancy, but you should discuss the benefits and risks of this with your doctor.
Also, talk to your healthcare provider before taking an antipsychotic if you're breastfeeding.
Mental Health Medications, National Institute of Mental Health. | depression.
Older antipsychotics (known as "typical" antipsychotics) have been around since the mid-1950s.
Newer antipsychotics (known as "atypical" antipsychotics) were developed in the 1990s.
Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine, a substance in the brain known as a neurotransmitter.
The medicines come as tablets, capsules, liquids, and depot (long-acting) injections. They're marketed under various brand names.
| 109 |
A Coach's Creed: Team Over Self
The Liberty's new head coach brings passion and an open, straightforward approach to every game and practice, and to each interaction with her team. Her goal, she says, is to lift up and empower her players.
In the huddle with her team. Katie Smith says she takes notes on nearly every game she sees — from college to the WNBA to the NBA. "I am always open to ideas," she says. (Photo: Dave Saffran/MSG Photos)
Katie Smith, in her prime as a WNBA star, shone in all parts of the game. A scoring guard by trade, she could flip to any role — playmaker, rebounder — whatever was called for. In game-speak, she had court vision.
As one of the sport's all-time greats, she was aggressive and tenacious, and sometimes a bit impatient. By her own account, she was something of a perfectionist, winning respect by holding herself and her teammates to a high standard. Then came a subtle turning point, when a friend suggested to Smith that she could inspire more if she were more encouraging.
"I began thinking, how can I bring people along with me," she says. "How do I empower? How do I use each person's strengths so we can make the team stronger as a whole?"
For Smith, facing new challenges as head coach of the New York Liberty, these are words to live by. After four years as an assistant coach with the team, she is now guiding an intriguing blend of seasoned players with fledgling talent. For three seasons, the Liberty, with Tina Charles as their centerpiece, have been near the top of the league. Now, with an evolving supporting group, Smith envisions a more athletic team that is stalwart on defense.
"Smart and disciplined, but I also want them to express their talents on the court," she said, spelling out her blueprint.
Laughing, Pointing And Cajoling
These are heady days for Smith. She was recently inducted into the Women's<|fim_middle|> won a WNBA championship and has helped the U.S capture three Olympic Gold medals.
Conceit is not part of Smith's makeup, and everyone around her tends to settle on one word to describe her — authentic.
"She's totally regular, totally invested in us, totally authentic, " says the veteran, Brittany Boyd. And Shavonte Zellous says her coach "is able to give each one of us attention. It's pretty amazing."
On a recent morning, Smith presided over a brisk planning session at the team's training center. She sketched out strategies on a whiteboard, tossing out ideas and pausing for input. "Yeah, I like that, that's good," she said. "How about this? What do you think?"
Minutes later she was flying around the court during a rapid-pace practice. She laughed, pointed and cajoled. At times, she took the ball to make her point, shouting over the screeching of basketball sneakers. When she saw something she liked, she treated it like a small victory, pumping her fist.
In her training center office, her 14-year-old labradoodle, Logan — named for Smith's hometown in central Ohio — rested serenely at her feet. In breaking down her team, no detail is overlooked, but her analysis comes down to a core idea: team before self.
"In the Olympics, no one remembered who started or who scored the most points," she said. "They only remember we won the gold. When you lose that idea, it's like being on Google Maps when you get ahead of yourself and get off the route. You have to press the re-center button to get back on course."
The Liberty have a crammed schedule this week, including two upcoming home games at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y. They host the Chicago Sky Friday night, June 29, and the Seattle Storm Tuesday night, July 3.
About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences. The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York's Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; and The Chicago Theatre. Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, MSG's NBA 2K League franchise. In addition, the Company features the popular original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces New England's preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival. Also under the MSG umbrella is TAO Group, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment dining and nightlife brands: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, Beauty & Essex and Vandal. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com | Basketball Hall of Fame and is headed into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Her portfolio glitters. Upon retiring, she was the leading scorer in the history of professional women's basketball, has | 44 |
Jack Johnson helped me hypnobirth my baby. Not literally, mind you, though his being there in person would have made recording the event that much more fun. No, he was there via my MP3 player with his soothing voice and environmentally conscious lyrics. And it was hypnotic.
Well, my first two births were done using<|fim_middle|> that blessed moment when my body was ready to push.
Though all my labors and deliveries (and pregnancies) were easy for me, the last was the sweetest, and not just because Jack Johnson was crooning in my ear the whole time. I had found what worked best for me—finally—and it made the experience that much sweeter. Trust me, I have a crazy story or two I could share, but what good would it do to share those? I'd rather share what little wisdom I've learned over the course of four visits to the labor and delivery room: do what feels right for you and your family, be it doula, home birth, epidural, hypnobirthing or Lady Gaga on your iPod. Whatever it is, it will make it your birth story.
Original TodaysMama post by Emily Hill, wife and mother of four, who is in no way affiliated with Jack Johnson though she often wishes she were. You can read her other musings on motherhood over at IsThisReallyMyLife.
Anyone else tried hypnobirthing? Please share! | Lamaze, which was THE natural birthing method hundreds of years ago when I had my first two children. When it came time for children three and four, Lamaze was out and hypnobirthing was in, so I decided to give it a shot.
I'm a fan of natural childbirth though not one to force it down anyone's throat (or out anyone's birth canal). But before you think I'm all nifty for having four children without drugs, let me explain a little something: my labors from start to finish are about six hours, and I'm talkin' first noticeable contraction to crowning. If I were someone who had serious contractions that lasted a good 10 hours or more I'd probably be a big fan of the epidural…or heavy narcotics.
But back to hypnobirthing and my secret crush Jack Johnson. I took the recommended hypnobirthing class complete with book, CDs and self-hypnosis exercises. I then took all the knowledge gleaned from said and used it as I drove myself to the hospital after my water broke at work. (That's an entirely different story…) I had the sounds of the ocean on my MP3 player and did my best to remember that it's not "pain" I was feeling during contractions, only "pressure"…yeah, right.
Though not as peaceful and "painless" a birth as it could've been had I truly believed in self-hypnosis, the ocean waves got me through the transition phase of labor and I successfully birthed our third child without an epidural. But here's where I come clean. I've wanted an epidural. Pretty much every time I've given birth I've wanted pain medication…but always too late. I've about passed out doing Lamaze breathing and could've chucked that ocean-filled MP3 player across the room, but no drugs for the all-natural mom when she's about to start pushing. My timing is impeccable.
By the time it came around to our last child I had it down. I knew hypnobirthing with its exercises and relaxation CDs wasn't for me, but the concept of distraction would work. So what to put on my MP3 player that would take me to my happy place and help me zone out when those non-painful (LMAO) contractions are hitting every two minutes? The be-still-my-beating-heart sounds of Jack Johnson. I can still remember lying in the hospital bed listening to "Better Together" while deep breathing and hypnobirthing my way through contraction after contraction until | 525 |
HomeStories3 Things William Shakespeare Owes to Classical Literature
3 Things William Shakespeare Owes to Classical Literature
William Shakespeare was a big fan of classical writers like Ovid and Plutarch. Find out how the classics helped inspire 3 aspects of his most popular plays.
Jan 3, 2022 • By Kathryn Stranex, BA (Honours) in English & Music
"Small Latin and lesse Greeke." So wrote Ben Jonson in a eulogy for William Shakespeare. This appraisal of Shakespeare's (lack of) learning has largely stuck. History has often written William Shakespeare as a genius who — in spite of a paltry grammar school education — managed to write brilliant works of art.
This does not do Shakespeare justice. No, he wasn't an erudite classicist like Jonson. But his plays give clear evidence that the bard knew his classics — intimately. Take any work, and you'll find it full of allusions to the likes of Plutarch and Ovid. Let's take a look at 3 things William Shakespeare owes to classical literature.
William Shakespeare's Knowledge of Classical Literature
Portrait of Shakespeare by John Taylor, c. 1600, via National Portrait Gallery, London
Just how much Latin had William Shakespeare read? Enough. At grammar school, Shakespeare would have a good foundation — enough to get by. And even if he hadn't read the original classical texts, English translations were in circulation at the time.
However the texts got to him, William Shakespeare was an avid reader of Vigil, Livy, Plautus, and Sappho. Ovid in particular tickled Shakespeare's fancy (his first published poem, Venus and Adonis, was based on Ovid's version). And Plutarch's Lives became the bedrock of his Roman histories, like Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra.
Portrait of Ovid, c. 18th century, via British Museum, London
His knowledge of the ancient world was not without its blunders. (Puzzlingly, a clock strikes in Julius Caesar; and Cleop<|fim_middle|>Sounds familiar? Shakespeare would rework the story for a little-known play, Romeo and Juliet.)
But in Midsummer, the tragedy becomes a comedy. Under the "direction" of Peter Quince, the bumbling Mechanicals tackle the play for Theseus's wedding. Headlined by the limelight-seeking Bottom (who wants to play every part), the tradesmen take a ludicrous shot at acting.
A Midsummer Night's Dream by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, 1857, via Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
The end product is buffoonery on stage. They make nonsensical allusions ("Limander" not "Leander") and mix up their lines. Casting is also absurd, featuring Tom Snout's fingers as the "crack on the wall," and Robin Starveling holding up a lantern as "the moonlight." It's a trainwreck of a performance–and it's hilarious.
Repeatedly, the Mechanicals break the illusion of the play. Thisbe (Bottom) talks back to the audience: "No, in truth sir, he should not." Afraid of frightening the ladies, Quince reassures the audience that the lion is only Snug the joiner.
By doing this, Shakespeare probes the question of appearance versus reality. Throughout, this is a central concern of Midsummer, but here the theme is developed further. The play-within-a-play jolts us out of complacency and draws attention to the fact that we ourselves have been immersed in an illusion. Momentarily, the "spell" of the play we've been under is suspended.
In William Shakespeare's play, Ovid's Pyramus and Thisbe is flipped into a comedy. But more than that: it's used as an opportunity to delve into the nature of reality itself, and ends up becoming one of the most interesting moments of the entire work.
2. The Pastoral and the Forest of Arden
The Forest of Arden by Albert Pinkham Ryder, c. 1888-97, via Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Taking place largely in the Forest of Arden, As You Like It is William Shakespeare's ultimate pastoral play. In it, Shakespeare harkened back to an Ancient Greek mode of pastoral poetry.
Ancient Greek writers like Hesiod and Theocritus wrote bucolic poems. In these texts, the countryside represented a lost Golden Age. Writers yearned nostalgically for a peaceful time in Arcadia when man was connected to nature. Texts emphasized the simplicity, honesty, and wholesome goodness of everyday life in the countryside. By the Renaissance, many were reviving this pastoral mode. In works by Marlowe, and Thomas Lodge, Arcadia was now a pre-Fall Eden.
In As You Like It, the Forest of Arden seems to be just this paradise. Throughout, it acts as a foil to the corrupt court of the conniving Duke Frederick. The "golden world" affords freedom for all characters. Here, Duke Senior can escape the clutches of his evil brother (as can Orlando). Here, unshackled by the patriarchal court, Rosalind can cross-dress as Ganymede.
Plus, characters have a spiritual reckoning in the forest. Both villains, upon stepping foot in Arden, have revelations and repent their ways. Miraculously, they abdicate their lives of evil and adopt a simple life in the forest instead.
Jaques and the Wounded Stag by David Lucas, 1830, via Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Utopian green world, shepherds, and love stories — aren't these just the same tropes of the pastoral, recycled? Not quite. Shakespeare also satirizes the genre. At points, Arden warns us not to take it as a utopia at face value.
There's the man-eating lion. And the python. Both nearly kill Oliver, pointing out the dangers of being in the wilderness, away from the comforts of "civilization." Malcontent Jaques points this out too. Early in the play, the cynical lord mourns the slow death of a stag. He reminds us that cruelty exists in nature too.
Plus, the forest is where an unlikely love match begins. Audrey, a country bumpkin, weds Touchstone, the witty fool. Built on shaky foundations, this incompatible pair rushes into a hasty marriage based wholly on lust. This bawdy love story talks back to the "purity" the Greeks found in nature.
As You Like It adopts the pastoral tradition from classical literature but deals it a heavy dose of realism. Again, Shakespeare is critical of the classical genre he inherits.
3. Allusions In William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing
Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing by James Fittler after Francis Wheatley, 1802, via British Museum, London
In Much Ado About Nothing, Benedick and Beatrice are locked in a "merry war" of wits. What makes them a perfect match is the clever, skillful ways they use language. Both boast a sharp wit, and their "verbal gymnastics" exceed any character but the other. Part of what makes their banter so legendary is that it's stocked with allusions to classical mythology. Both whip out references to antiquity with ease.
To take one example, Benedick rants about Beatrice at the masked ball:
"She would have made Hercules have turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make the fire, too. Come, talk not of her. You shall find her the infernal Ate in good apparel."
Here Benedick is alluding to the Greek legend of Omphale. According to this myth, the Queen of Lydia forced Hercules to dress as a woman and spin wool during a year of his servitude. Possibly, Benedick feels equally emasculated by Beatrice's assertive wit.
Just a beat later, Benedick likens Beatrice to "the infernal Ate," the Greek goddess of discord and vengeance. Fitting: Beatrice indeed uses her words to brew trouble, and competes vengefully with Benedick to wound his ego. Allusions like these pop up throughout their bickering. Both characters have the ability to add layers of meaning to what they say, and make sophisticated references. Because of this, they are true equals in intelligence and perfect sparring buddies.
In this article, we've glimpsed just 3 classical influences in William Shakespeare's plays. But across his oeuvre, it's clear that the bard had a deep knowledge of classical literature. In fact, some of these allusions make for the most interesting moments of his plays. By constantly reinventing texts, Shakespeare made the classics relevant for a contemporary audience, keeping classical literature alive for generations.
The Myth Of Venus And Adonis: From Incest To Beauty
By Kathryn StranexBA (Honours) in English & MusicKathryn is a teacher-turned-writer living in the historic hub of Cape Town. She has a passion for teaching through storytelling, and gets a thrill when her three loves, Music, Literature and History all intersect. Currently she is a web writer of educational content.
Read more by Kathryn Stranex
How Richard Wagner Became a Soundtrack to Nazi Fascism
By Kathryn Stranex, in Stories
Franz Liszt: 4 Reasons That He Was the Original Heartthrob
5 Facts about the Inner Life of Julius Caesar
Cleopatra: The Last Queen of Ancient Egypt (Facts Explained)
Truths & Plots: 5 Crucial Fables of Greek Mythology | atra plays a game of billiards in Antony and Cleopatra.) Anachronisms aside, Shakespeare's plays draw extensively from classical stories. His contemporaries unfairly underestimated his learning. Maybe they did so because Shakespeare made his sources his own. Never does Shakespeare quote a classical text verbatim; instead, he reinvents it, to the point that it can be unrecognizable.
Classical texts were dealt with in complex ways, which made his allusions less obvious. For example, Shakespeare made the texts more accessible. He would tweak a story to be more relevant for a mainstream audience. Sometimes he'd heighten the suspense, so it would better suit the stage.
Ultimately, William Shakespeare did more than his contemporaries to keep classical literature in the popular consciousness. His plays breathed new life into old stories, helping to immortalize classical antiquity right up until today.
1. The Mechanicals Perform Pyramus and Thisbe
Scene From Pyramus and Thisbe by Alexander Runciman, c. 1736-85, via British Museum, London
Hands down, the show-stealer in A Midsummer Night's Dream is the ass-headed Nick Bottom. At its hysterical climax, beloved Bottom and his rude Mechanicals put on a play that gradually comes undone. That play references an ancient myth, Pyramus and Thisbe. Though an Elizabethan audience might recognize it via Chaucer, the oldest surviving copy of the myth came from Ovid.
In Ovid's Metamorphoses, Pyramus and Thisbe is a tragedy. Two young lovers fall in love through a crack in the wall that separates their houses. Though they are forbidden to marry, they plan to elope and meet under a mulberry tree. A major misunderstanding ensues, and (thanks to a bloody lion) Thisbe stabs himself, believing Pyramus to be dead. Pyramus follows suit, using Pyramus's sword. ( | 399 |
Igor Vujacic after Cukaricki: Tough and demanding game
Partizan beat Cukaricki 2-0 with first half goals from defenders Vujacic and Zivkovic. Igor Vujacic opened his league goal tally with a 33rd minute header and we spoke to 27-year-old centre-back after the game.
"This was one very tough and demanding game. Cukaricki plays<|fim_middle|> game now, another tough match in a row. But, we showed we can match them and I hope we`ll celebrate in Belgium and gain back group`s top spot", said Vujacic. | really good football. We played well too, I think fans were in for a treat. Most importantly, we won and added three more points to our tally.
As for the goal I scored, I was over the moon with it and you were all able to see how thrilled I was the way I celebrated it. We work on set-pieces a lot and I`m always so close to score. I believed in myself and I got rewarded. I scored an opener in a tough game, helped my team and I can only be happy about it. I hope I`ll score more in the future", said Vujacic.
Partizan centre-back was also thrilled to meet Partizan legend, now Cukaricki coach, Sasa Ilic.
"It`s was a great honour and privilege to meet such club legend and to play against his team. My heart is full with pride".
Partizan will play K.A.A Gent away on Thursday as part of UEFA Conference League round 4 fixtures.
"We turn to Gent | 209 |
Some common questions we answer. Click on a question to open or close the answer.
Who can refer individuals and family groups to Axiom?
Very few clients pay the full amount of our fees as they are generally sponsored in some way. For<|fim_middle|> However, many of our clients face no fees when they see us as they are covered under schemes such as Workers Compensation, company-sponsored employee programs (EAPs), or under some government-sponsored scheme.
We invite you to contact us so that we can assist in working out the best way to access our services at minimal cost to you.
Does Axiom have group as well as individual and family counselling?
If I wish, can I change the psychologist or human resource specialist I see at Axiom?
Most definitely! This is one of the main reasons we have developed a large group practice. If the chemistry isn't right between you and your psychologist or human resource specialist, let us know and you'll be transferred to one of our other professionals.
As a client, can I be assured of confidentiality and privacy?
All Axiom psychologists are bound by a number of different Codes of Ethics, including those of the Australian Psychological Society and various Government regulators. As well, Axiom is a member of the Employee Assistance Program Association. However, there are some limitations and exceptions regarding confidentiality and privacy, including those involving child protection legislation and in areas such as Workers Compensation and Motor Vehicle Traffic Authority cases. If you are uncertain about confidentiality or privacy issues, please contact us and discuss your concerns. | example, Medicare and Better Outcomes in Mental Health (BOMH) are two types of referral from General Practitioners (besides Worker's Compensation and CTP). If referred by a GP under Medicare, Medicare currently covers most of the cost of Axiom consultations. Within a calendar year a patient may be entitled to twelve consultations (and, in certain cases, more).
Please note that Axiom's fees vary according to the service. For example, a court report which involves a detailed assessment takes a significant amount of time to prepare. Consequently, charges for this service will be higher and on a different fee structure to a standard one hour counselling consultation. | 134 |
Urban Research as Pedagogy
Edited by Kenny Cupers, Sophie Oldfield, Manuel Herz, Laura Nkula-Wenz, Emilio Distretti, Myriam Perret
Text in English
204 pages, 116 color and 9 b/w illustrations
Understanding and managing urban change in our global era demands a high degree of specialized and interdisciplinary knowledge. At the same time, city planners, architects, researchers, policymakers<|fim_middle|> Territorial Planning at the University of Basel 2016–20.
Laura Nkula-Wenz is a lecturer in the Critical Urbanisms MA Program at the University of Basel and a researcher at the African Centre for Cities, University of Cape Town.
Emilio Distretti works as a postdoctoral fellow in the History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Basel.
Myriam Perret is an architect who worked in the Critical Urbanisms MA Program at the University of Basel until 2020. | , and activists are deeply immersed in the chaotic and often contradictory urban realities that they are asked to address. What is Critical Urbanism? offers an innovative toolkit for engaging these present realities across disciplinary specializations and geographic purviews.
Central to the book is the research and pedagogy of the Critical Urbanisms MA program at the University of Basel, established in collaboration with the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town. The program's renowned and emerging urbanists demonstrate the power of working with care and reciprocity across different contexts and institutions, driven by engagement with varied communities of practice. They show how alternative urban futures can be imagined by addressing the historical injustices and global entanglements that shape the urban present. The book is tailored to students, graduates and teachers of urban studies and related disciplines including architecture, urban design, human geography, architectural history, and urban anthropology.
With contributions by Saad Amira, Olivia Andereggen, Isabella Baranyk, Hanna Baumann, Thomas Betschart, James Clacherty, Alexander Crawford, Carla Cruz, Kenny Cupers, Emilio Distretti, Janine Eberle, Evan Natasha Escamilla, Jacob Geuder, Manuel Herz, Maren Larsen, Shourideh C. Molavi, Lea Nienhoff, Laura Nkula-Wenz, Sophie Oldfield, Myriam Perret, Racial Justice Student Collective, Naomi Samake, Giulia Scotto, Anna Selmeczi, Ernest Sewordor, Florence Siegenthaler, Basil Studer, Aline Suter, Aylin Tschoepe, Rosca van Rooyen, Diana Vazquez-Martinez, Linda Wermuth, and Lee Wolf.
Kenny Cupers is Professor of Architectural History and Urban Studies at the University of Basel.
Sophie Oldfield is a Professor at and Chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University, and a lecturer at the University of Cape Town's African Center for Cities. She has been University of Cape Town – University of Basel Professor of Urban Studies 2016–21.
Manuel Herz is an architect and served as Assistant Professor of Architectural, Urban, and | 460 |
At your last duty station, the house was too small. There wasn't enough room for the kids and dogs to play, let alone store all of the military gear. It's time to take advantage of the little bit of freedom the military gives you during a PCS. Pick a home with square footage to spare!
There is ample room to spread out near Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, particularly in Las Vegas. No, not on the rowdy 24-hour strip that never sleeps, but further away (but still convenient to Nellis) where the homes are lovely and four or five bedrooms are easy to find.
Want the best of move-in-ready and<|fim_middle|> part of life here, but the stores and restaurants that make life easy are just a mile away for your convenience.
This rental is virtually maintenance free. Your rent pays for HOA fees, pest control, landscaping, pool maintenance, sewer fees, and trash collection. Plus, a property manager handles any issues that may occur during your lease term.
Take advantage of MilitaryByOwner's search features to find exactly the number of bedrooms and/or the square footage of the property you choose to call home next. Or, use other limiters such as sale price or pet policy. These will help you narrow down the plentiful options near Nellis AFB! | the opportunity to customize you next home at the same time?
This pristine, clean home shows with neutral paint, carpet, and desirable finishings. Moving into more than 3,500 square feet is a breeze because all of your personal items will easily configure. The added bonus to the move-in ready feature is the option to slowly tailor the home to your preferences. No need for renovations before moving day, just simply add your personal touches as your budget and time allow.
Plenty of sunlight travels throughout the spacious rooms inside. The bright and airy feeling is supplied by the entry's soaring ceilings and the abundance of windows in the house. In addition to granite counter tops and hardwood floors, the house is outfitted with the specific comforts needed for living in the Nevada desert: a house humidifier and water softener and filtration systems.
If four bedrooms suits your family's needs, then read on, because this highly desirable rental home is available now.
Plenty of extra entertaining space is waiting to be used for intimate and large gatherings, thanks to the enviable outdoor area in the back. A sparkling pool and relaxing hot tub are safely gated for your family and friends to enjoy. The customized patio and its cover provide enjoyment throughout the four seasons.
It's not often that a rental home offers its tenants a master bath with a whirlpool tub, walk-in in shower, and dual vanities. No need to 'make do' with the lack of upgrades here or in the kitchen, because both have custom tile work to appreciate.
More amenities include stainless steel appliances, plantation shutters throughout the house, ceiling fans, and multiple options for built-in storage. Speaking of storage, an attached three-car garage is available to house more than just cars.
Worry less while living in this gated community. Short walks to local parks and schools are | 368 |
United States : Kansas
8.2 miles (13.3 km) N of Gorham, Russell, KS, USA
Approx. altitude: 550 m (1804 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreeMap topo aerial ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 39°S 81°E
#4: [12-May-20]
#3: [05-Jun-12]
(visited by Joseph Kerski)
28-Jun-2007 -- How many confluences could a person visit in a single day? I was on<|fim_middle|> the Saline River to the northeast, about 1.5 miles away. It is a field that has been grazed in the past but now did not seem so. It was covered in a mixture of native and planted high plains grasses, here quite high--over 1 meter. The temperature, after a high of 95 F (35 C), was now down to about 88 F, still hot, but nearing my favorite time of day and season--summer evenings. The skies were hazy, although some sun showed, with a fairly strong breeze. I saw no people during my confluence trek, no animals, but quite a few birds. In fact, during my Kansas trek today, I had seen many birds, large and small, over the entire route. The longest vista is to the northeast to the Saline River, but the land rose to the west and restricted the view to the roadway only, a few hundred meters away.
I stood for some moments and reflected on the day. This was my 6th and probably last confluence, it being nearly 6:30pm. In fact, looking at my self portrait, my eyes are looking pretty tired and wrinkly. Still, I comforted myself with the fact that I had on the confluence shirt that my sister had custom-made for me, with a photograph of a bull and me from 46 North 109 West in Montana. I had been to the 39th parallel many times before, from California on the west to Maryland on the east. I had probably visited the 39th Parallel more than any other. I had also stood on the 99th Meridian West several times as well, in Kansas, Texas, and North Dakota. I had not been to this part of Kansas since returning from the National Council for Geographic Education conference in 2004, when I picked up a few confluences in this region as well.
After a total confluence trek of less than a half hour, I arrived back at the vehicle. Despite the lateness of the day, it was only a week after the summer solstice, and I had about 2 more hours of sunlight. Hence, I set my sights on one more, sticking to my original plan: 40 North, 99 West. Would the sun set before I made it?
#1: View to the northeast--the Saline River Valley--from 39 North 99 West.
#2: View to the east from the confluence.
#3: View to the south from the confluence.
#4: View to the west from the confluence.
#5: Groundcover at 39 North 99 West.
#6: Joseph Kerski with confluence shirt on from a confluence visit in Montana, here in Kansas.
#7: GPS reading at the confluence site: No problem zeroing out the unit in these wide open spaces.
#8: Nearest road to the confluence, a few hundred meters west, looking north.
#9: 360-degree panoramic movie with sound filmed at the confluence site (MPG format). | an intensive journey to find out. I had begun the day at 2:22am in Colorado, and had achieved 5 confluences by midafternoon. However, all of these were on the same line of latitude and fairly easy to reach. Now, with the sun sinking, I was traveling north to a different line of latitude, and the distance to the next confluence was a fair amount more. While it was roughly 47 miles (76 km) between the longitude lines, it was over 69 miles (111 km) between the latitude lines, and that was as the crow flies. US Highway 281 jogged a fair amount, but was as direct a route as possible. Could I reach 39 North 99 West before sundown?
I was becoming a bit sleepy but was determined to press on. From St John, Kansas, I drove north along US Highway 281. I had never been on this highway on its Kansas stretch before, and I enjoyed driving through the cities of Great Bend and Hoisington, the latter with a real brick main street. However, the slow speed limits through the towns meant that it was after 5pm by the time I passed over Interstate Highway 70 and through Russell, Kansas.
Out here, one has to admire the homesteaders of the 19th and early 20th Century, and those who remain behind today to feed all of us with the grain they grow and livestock they raise. After coming out of the Arkansas River plains, the terrain is fairly hilly here in north central Kansas. Russell city and county were named in memory of Avrah P. Russell, Captain, Company K, Second Kansas Cavalry, who died 12 December 1862 in field hospital near Prairie Grove, Arkansas, of wounds that he received in a Civil War battle of 7 December 1862 there at Prairie Grove.
I decided to drive north a bit more along US 281 and then strike west along some country roads to reach 39 North 99 West. In retrospect, it would have saved about 25 minutes to drive west on I-70 and then north on a paved road that runs just west of the 99th Meridian. Still, I couldn't complain, because my route took me over some magnificent chalk hills with views of the Saline River. River bottomlands are some of my favorite terrains of all time. I wound around for quite some time on some dirt roads until I was on the 99th Meridian paved road. I stopped on the road just north of 39 North Latitude. There was no shoulder to speak of and I hoped a large truck wouldn't need to get around me. It was nearly 6:00pm.
After gathering supplies and slithering under one fence, I hiked east, and then south, and in less than 10 minutes from the vehicle, I stood at the confluence. The confluence lies on ground sloping 10 degrees to | 637 |
Charissa Terranova
From Brain to Environment: The Second-Order Cybernetics of Katherine Bennett's Art
Katherine Bennett, Then Ether, responsive light and sound environment, speakers, lights, microphones, custom electronics, custom programming
by Charissa N. Terranova
The "all-over" may answer the feeling that all hierarchical distinctions have been, literally, exhausted and invalidated; that no area or order of experience is intrinsically superior, on any final scale of values, to any other area or order of experience. It may express a monist naturalism for which there are neither first nor last things, and which recognizes as the only ultimate distinction that between the immediate and the un-immediate.
Clement Greenberg[i]
Variety and possibility are inherent in the human sensorium – and are indeed the key to man's most noble flights – because variety and possibility belong to the very structure of the human organism.
Norbert Wiener[ii]
The "all-over" quality of art has taken on new dimensions in contemporary media art. Temporal, lived, social, gadget-driven, and a matter of software coding, they are qualities that are omnipresent in the oeuvre of media artist Katherine Bennett. Similar to the ways in which Clement Greenberg used the term, Bennett's all-over media art work is a hammer to any vestiges of age-old hierarchies connected to medium-specificity, material, scale, and composition within art.
Doyen of twentieth-century abstract art and art critic extraordinaire, Greenberg coined the term "all-over" in 1948 to describe a new kind of non-figural objectless painting in which composition had disappeared in favor of the expressive luxury of paint dabbed, dripped, scribbled, slapped, and thrown across an open field. Painters like Jackson Pollock, Mark Tobey, and Janet Sobel worked, sometimes even danced, through space, brushstrokes in hand making marks choreographed by chance. While the parameters of this field were radically open in process, they were ultimately closed by the canvas usually located at its center collecting those marks. An instance of the "all-over" mid last century, painting had suddenly become quintessentially time-based: a record of the artist's existential and un-plotted engagement in real time with paint in an environment where a canvas happened to exist. With the advent of all-over-ness, art's tight binding to hierarchies of scale and composition within painting had been irreparably untwined.
Katherine Bennett, Aural Outpost, Interactive light installation, felt, custom electronics and programming (Asterisk, Unix, Max/MSP)
Words like "time-based," "real time," and "environment" similarly describe the all-over-ness of Katherine Bennett's media art, however, they function slightly differently. Take for example Bennett's "The Depository: Aural Outpost" (2012), a work consisting of eight felt cocoons containing speakers using custom electronics and software programming mounted asymmetrically on the wall. "Aural Outpost" builds on a related project by Bennett called "The Depository," in which individuals in emotional need are invited to call a phone number and "deposit thoughts." Triggered by human movement in the gallery, the audio files from "The Depository" are regularly updated and played randomly through the speakers imbedded in the small fuzzy nests that make up "Aural Outpost." This piece is at once time-based and a matter of real-time engagement. Humans roving through the space of a gallery activate in real time the recorded sounds of human voices. The voices unfurl across space and time, so many electronic tendrils weaving an immaterial web that wraps around the percipient. "The Depository: Aural Outpost" is a dynamic and changing sound-based immersive environment.
Katherine Bennett, Transmissions from the System (2016) Light, LCD, Micro-controllers, MP3 player, Electronics, Custom Programming, WiFi
Bearing elements of craft, code, and installation, the work embodies well Bennett's polymathic sensibilities. Bennett holds university diplomas in psychology, sculpture, and art-and-technology, or media art, providing her with a rich bailiwick of skills to interrogate and study the ways in which communication technologies impact social interactions. Bennett has been developing her acumen in the realm of cybernetics, a term to which I return in<|fim_middle|> cybernetic ecologies. Works such as "Sonic Webs" (2013), "Antenna Clouds" (2007), and "Turn Me On" (2005) are device driven but not device centric. Meaning exudes from these works because of environmental, ecological, and spatial ambiences created by devices rather than the devices themselves. Bennett is no fetishist of the gadget; she is a cartographer of events across spaces and an impresario of fields of action.
Katherine Bennett, Antenna Clouds (2007) Responsive light and sound installation; Lights, speakers, sensors, custom electronics
In final conclusion, the power and persuasion of Bennett's art comes precisely from this realm, that is to say, inside systems and not from outside of them. Her message is that there is no outside-the-system, only inside-the-system. Her works navigate fields within cybernetic systems. They are built, crafted, and constructed from the perspective of second-order cybernetics. Bennett explains:
I create systems to reflect these systems we exist within - social structures, technological networks + applications, political systems. There is always an input and output and flow within these systems. They are constantly flexing and changing. Computers and code enable what Roy Ascott refers to as "an instrument for the magnification of thought, an intelligence amplifier" in expressing the concepts I explore within my research practice. The ideas I explore aren't static. They are moving, changing and evolving.[xiii]
"Sonic Webs," with its felt clouds capturing sounds from the surrounding airwaves, "Antenna Clouds," a responsive light and sound installation emerging from a strip of lights, speakers and sensors on the floor, and "Turn Me On," a tongue-in-cheek interactive light piece that rapidly cycles through would-be romantic relationships, place the percipient within the cybernetic system rather than without it. This placement inside of the system denies the viewer of a pure, rational perspective from an Archimedean Point, instead placing her in the more realistic maelstrom of complex systems that is cybernetics within cybernetics, or second-order cybernetics. In this realm, the percipient, art-devotee does not have agency ex nihilo but among others. She is always already navigating the flows of other agencies alongside her own. As Hugh Dubberly and Paul Pangaro write, if "first-order cybernetics is the 'science of observed systems'," then "second-order cybernetics is the 'science of observing systems'."[xiv] Conventional cybernetics is a science of biological or mechanical systems based on the human nervous system, functioning according to the flows of feedback loops. Parts are interrelated, but contained in a closed system. According to this model, the system is to be observed from the outside. By contrast, with second-order cybernetics there is no outside from which to observe: the system is a part within another system, ad infinitum, creating what author and systems-thinker Arthur Koestler described in the mid-twentieth century as series of "holons" and a "holarchy."[xv]
[i] Greenberg, Clement, "The Crisis of the Easel Picture" [1948], The Collected Essays and Criticism, Volume 2: Arrogant Purpose, 1945-1949, John O'Brian, ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1988) 224.
[ii] Wiener, Norbert, The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society (New York: Da Capo Press, 1988 [1950]) 52.
[iii] Interview with Katherine Bennett 10/28/16.
[iv] Information from http://www.katherinebennett.net/art/then_ether.html; Accessed 12/10/16.
[v] Maturana, Humberto R. and Francisco J. Varela, Autopoesis and Cognition: The Realization of the Living (Boston, MA: D. Reidel Publishing Company, 1972) 135.
[vi] Wiener, Norbert, Cybernetics or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press,1948) 11.
[vii] Dreher, Thomas, "Cybernetics and the Pioneers of Computer Art," unpublished paper. Accessed through Academia.edu 12/10/16.
[viii] Wiener, Cybernetics or Control and Communication…, 11-12.
[ix] Information from http://cyberneticzoo.com/cyberneticanimals/1949-wieners-moth-wiener-wiesner-singleton/; Accessed 12/10/16.
[x] Ashby, Ross, Design for a Brain: The Origin of Adaptive Behaviour (London: Chapman & Hall Ltd., 1952) 100-101. See also Dreher, 7.
[xi] Ashby, Ross, An Introduction to Cybernetics (London: Methuen, 1956) 206.
[xii] Dreher, 16-17.
[xiii] Interview with Katherine Bennett 10/28/16.
[xiv] Dubberly, Hugh and Paul Pangaro, "How Cybernetics Connects Computing, Counterculture, and Design, in Hippie Modernism: The Struggle for Utopia, curated/edited by Andrew Blauvelt (Minneapolis, MN: Walker Art Center, 2015) 132.
[xv] Koestler, Arthur, "Beyond Atomism and Holism – the Concept of the Holon," in Beyond Reductionism: New Perspectives in the Life Sciences, eds. Arthur Koestler and J.R. Smythies (New York: The MacMillan Company, 1968) 192-232.
Tagged: Charissa Terranova, Issue 2, Installation, Katherine Bennett, Essay
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Older PostTra Bouscaren: Escaping the Technological Panopticon
Peripheral Vision No. 8
PERIPHERAL VISION
ISSUE 7 ISSUE 6 ISSUE 5
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© Copyright Peripheral Vision Press 2016-2018 | detail below, for over fifteen years. Highlights of her career as an artist include an MFA from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago (2007), BFA from Wolverhampton School of Art & Design in England (2001), her current position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Integrated Digital Media Technology, Culture and Society at the prestigious Tandon School of Engineering at New York University, and several provocative exhibitions. In 2000, Bennett's "Sleeping Thoughts" was installed in the Eagle Works Gallery located in Wolverhampton, a small town in the West Midlands of England just north of the old industrial hub of Birmingham. The piece was Bennett's first large-scale immersive light installation. Bennett's goal was at once intimate and astronomical. She wanted viewers to feel as if they were "walking through (or being amongst) a field of stars."[iii] In 2007, Bennett oversaw the installation at G2 Gallery in Chicago of "Then Ether," another large-scale responsive light and sound environment in which she used custom code and custom circuits in order to materialize a space bearing its own memory. With speakers, lights, microphones, custom electronics, and custom programming, she created a space that was self-learning, or autopoetic, through feedback loops. Through strategically placed devices, the piece records and plays back sounds in response to the presence of people. As Bennett explains, "at times, the installation space is relatively calm and quiet. At other times, the space swells with sound, triggering many 'memories' (sound files) at one time, creating a mild cacophony that will exist within its walls."[iv]
Bennett's careful crafting of experience through conventional and avant-garde materials – woven and built, soft- and hardware – knows little bounds, be they geographical, intellectual, or in sheer reverie. In 2016, Bennett showed "Transmissions from the System" in an exhibition, If This Then What, at the ODETTA Gallery directed by Ellen Hackl Fagan in Brooklyn and participated in the Spatial Sound Hacklab at the Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, Germany (ZKM). "Transmissions from the System" focuses on the failures of voicemail transcription in Google Voice, while the piece Bennett collaboratively developed with members of Team AAK'D ('acked) in Germany explored experimental music and narrative story-telling performed in pitch darkness.
In their expansive integration of space and time and autopoetic abilities, Bennett's works are cybernetic. The two italicized words – autopoetic and cybernetic – are key here and thus beg careful definition. The first term is an adjective which comes from the word autopoiesis, a word that bears roots in the cognitive and biological sciences. The term autopoesis became popular over the last decades in the development of computers, computation, artificial intelligence, and artificial life. Both adjective and noun formations come from term Greek auto-, meaning "self," and -poiesis, meaning "creation, production," and literally mean "self-creation." Chilean biologists Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela introduced the term autopoesis in 1972 to describe the basic qualities of life and the living organism. Aptly communicating the work of Bennett, Maturana and Varela combined "autopoesis" and "machines," defining an autopoetic machine as "a network of processes, production, transformation, and destruction of components that produces the components which…regenerate and realize the network of processes…that produced them…"[v] Bennett makes autopoetic machines. In plain terms, an autopoetic machine is self-generating and self-stabilizing in the way that a scab grows over a wound, heat generates sweat, or cold creates shivers. The conceptualization of autopoetic machines was rooted in careful observance of the cognitive and behavioral systems of humans, forging not simply a relationship but an elision between humans and machines. Humans built autopoetic machines that functioned like humans from which humans would learn about themselves in a cybernetic feedback loop.
Many media artists and theorists use the second word – "cybernetic" – synonymously with the digital. While this is a correct use of the word, it is somewhat limited. Its origins, effects, and affects bear a much more capacious meaning, and thus give material ballast to the word "cybernetic" as a footing, framework, and comprehensive philosophical point-of-view. Just as Greenberg was lamenting the 'crisis in easel painting,' MIT mathematician Norbert Wiener coined the word "cybernetic" to refer to self-equilibrating dynamic systems. He arrived at this word in 1948, after years of experimentation during World War II in radio wave technology and the development of anti-aircraft machines and ballistics. Wiener derived the word from the Greek kybernetes, which means "steersman," and refers to the feedback loop coursing through and between the steersman or pilot, ship, and environment.[vi] Art historian Thomas Dreher explains, "in controlling movements the ship, the steersman communicates simultaneously with the ship and with its environment."[vii] While digitally based cybernetic systems in the form of smart devices abound in the twenty-first century, simpler analogue forms include household thermostats, toilet flushes, and, Wiener's preferred lodestar, Scottish scientists James Clerk Maxwell's feedback mechanism known as a centrifugal governor, or simply "governor" (a Latin perversion of the Greek kybernetes), invented in 1868 to regulate steam engines.[viii]
Katherine Bennett, Turn Me On, (2005) Interactive light installation; Lights, metal, fabric, custom electronics and custom programming
Autopoetic cybernetic systems, as both defined by Norbert Wiener and made in the form of art by Katherine Bennett, are significant not simply because they bear the seeds of an automation revolution in manufacturing that is upon us now, but also because of the blow they deal to Cartesian dualism. Cartesian dualism refers to the idea that the mind is everlasting and embedded solely in the brain and wholly separate from the body, which is but a material, temporal, and evanescent husk of the brain and mind, both timeless, soul-like essences. A full and correct understanding of cybernetics further rectifies another misunderstanding of the digital similarly connected to Cartesian dualism. Cartesian perspectives within computer science prioritize the digital over the physical; the digital emphasis on information encourages the domination and subjugation of the physical by the mental. By contrast, the digital understood properly in terms of autopoetic cybernetic systems denies this duality in favor of understanding living organisms according to embodiment, situated-ness, and multi-vectored relationships. A shift from Cartesian dualism to complex biological systems occurs by way of cybernetics. Cybernetics is not simply digital technology but, in the greater scheme, a monist perspective, not unlike that mentioned in Greenberg's opening quote, in which the organic and inorganic are fundamentally fused in a nature that arises from the unnatural. Autopoetic cybernetic systems inscribe a physiology of brain-body holism in which the mind is not contained simply within the brain but is extended across the sensorium and body through site-specific fields. Mind changes according to various environments and interactions. In each of Bennett's arrangements, in every one of her interactive and immersive environments, this extension of mind is attuned and felt through sound, touch, and time-based envelopment. In Bennett's art, brain, mind, and the digital are never above the body or transcendent but embedded within it, immanent, and flowing across fields of matter.
Bennett's practice is part of the rich and tantalizing history of cybernetic machines, many of which were created by founding cybernetician-scientists. In the early days of cybernetic experimentation directly after World War II, figures such as Wiener, Ross Ashby, and Gordon Pask designed interactive robotic brains, which are fascinating in their carefully crafted mechanical autopoesis and aesthetic sensibility. In many ways, these experimental machines bear the qualities of art and are part of the deeper history of media art. They are the forebears of Bennett's contemporary practice. Wiener designed "Palomilla," a robot functioning as a moth-cum-bedbug that had tricycle wheels and several photocells giving it sensitivity to light and dark. Through feedback with its environment, Palomilla moved either pro-phototropically or anti-phototropically. "The feedback involved, from light source to cell to tiller, and back," could be construed as willed, or "voluntary, for," according to Wiener, "voluntary action is essentially a choice among tropisms."[ix] In 1946-47, just prior to Wiener's construction of Palomilla, the British cybernetician and psychiatrist Ross Ashby introduced the Homeostat, a mechanical model that functioned as an example of ongoing homeostasis.[x] With several knobs enabling the balancing of voltage fluctuations, Ashby's Homeostat played out the first rule of cybernetics, or Ashby's "law of requisite variety." Bearing the basic ideas of Wiener's thesis in the introduction above on life defined according to variety, Ashby's law states that "variety absorbs variety, defines the minimum number of states necessary for a controller to control a system of a given number of states."[xi] In simple parlance, this means that in order to deal properly with the diversity of problems the world bears, one needs to have a repertoire of responses which is as nuanced as these problems. The most striking incarnation of both the law of requisite variety and art was British cybernetician and artist Gordon Pask's "Colloquy of Mobiles" (1968), which was shown in the pivotal exhibition Cybernetic Serendipity at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London curated by Jasia Reichardt in 1968.[xii] Pask's interactive sculpture was a large mobile made up of a series of dangling orthogonal and bulbous shapes which responded to each other's rotations and passersby in the gallery. A computer-controlled set of electric motors turned the orthogonal shapes, which were gendered male, and the plastic bulbous shapes, which were gendered female and designed by artist Yolanda Sonnabend. Pask embedded light-sensitive devices and mirrors at the core of these forms, which, as light reflected and refracted from the mirrors at the heart of each dangling shape, generated movement in the opposing form.
Katherine Bennett, Sonic Webs (2013) Light and Sound Installation; Felt, conductive thread, LED's, radios, custom electronics
Bennett's practice and work is at once part of this history and on its edge, bringing the rubric of cybernetic art full-throttle into the twenty-first century. Bennett's expansion of this field takes place around the shift from brain to environment: she seeks not to make smart objects or brains but smart environments and fields of experience. Moving beyond the groundbreaking robotic designs of Wiener, Ashby, and Pask, all of which were intended to approximate artificial brains, Bennett designs wholesale | 2,352 |
Last night I worked late in my office. When I came down the outside stairs I was struck by the silence. Even the moon was hiding behind clouds. I didn't hear dogs barking, roosters crowing or goats bleating. I didn't hear music drifting across the neighborhood. Most of all I didn't hear any sounds that are normal for having 80 plus kids on one compound. It was a Silent night. I decided to go into the homes to see just how far this silence could<|fim_middle|> fed or changed. But, in each of our three nurseries it was silent, all the babies and toddlers were asleep! The Aunties were busy preparing bottles that would soon be demanded and arranging clothes that would soon be needed. It struck me that it was not only a silent night, but it was a Holy night. Seeing these precious babies that have come to CSC for life and for a future, seeing them sleeping in a safe place and being confident that their needs will be met; it struck me that I was in a Holy place. A place where God was working, Silent and Holy. | be pushed. I expected to see and hear at least a few babies awake to be | 17 |
LAST GAME 9/23/07: 49ers 16 at Steelers 37. Pittsburgh KR-PR Allen Rossum records 98-yard KR-TD in 1st quarter & CB Bryant McFadden<|fim_middle|> DE JUSTIN SMITH has started 168 games in row. LB ALDON SMITH leads NFC rookies with 10.5 sacks.
Be the first to comment on "Steelers at 49ers Week 15 Capsule" | adds 50-yard INT-TD for Steelers.
LAST GAME AT SITE 11/17/03: 49ers 30, Steelers 14. San Francisco WR Terrell Owens records 8 catches for 155 yards, including 61-yard TD reception from QB Tim Rattay.
BROADCAST ESPN (5:30 PM PT): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden, John Sutcliffe (Field reporter). Westwood One Radio: Kevin Harlan, Dan Fouts, Steve Tasker. SIRIUS: 88 (WW1), 92 (Pit.), 93 (SF). XM: 88 (WW1), 225 (Pit.), 226 (SF).
STEELERS: Seek 7th straight win on MNF…Club has 4-2 record at SF since 12/15/73…Steelers are 2-0 vs. NFC West in '11…QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER has 8-2 record on MNF. Has completed 48 of 69 passes (69.6 pct.) for 659 yards with 4 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 119.2 passer rating vs. NFC in '11. Has 23-8 (.742) record in Dec…RB RASHARD MENDENHALL (8) needs 2 rush TDs to reach 10+ rush TDs in consecutive seasons (13 in '10)…WR MIKE WALLACE has career-best 62 receptions in '11. WR HINES WARD (991) needs 9 catches to become 8th player in NFL history with 1,000 rec…Defense allows 276.1 yards per game, 2nd-fewest in NFL. WR ANTONIO BROWN (925) needs 75 receiving yards to reach 1,000-yard mark for 1st time in career. Had career-best 151 receiving yards last week…S TROY POLAMALU posted 1st INT of season last week…LB JASON WORILDS had career-high 2 sacks last week…49ERS: QB ALEX SMITH has won 11 of past 14 starts. 49ers are 10-0 when Smith starts & has 100+ rating…RB FRANK GORE has 1,054 rush yards, his 5th 1,000-yard season. Since start of 2006, ranks 2nd in NFL with 9,113 scrimmage yards (6,860 rush, 2,253 rec.). In past 2 home MNF games, has 345 scrimmage yards (279 rush, 66 rec.) & 3 TDs (2 rush, 1 rec.)…Since start of 2009, TE VERNON DAVIS has 25 rec. TDs, tied for most among NFL TEs. WR MICHAEL CRABTREE has 35+ yard TD in 2 of past 3 MNF games. WR KYLE WILLIAMS aims for 3rd in row at home with TD. WR BRAYLON EDWARDS had 8 catches for 100 yards in last meeting (12/19/10 with NYJ)…Defense has not allowed 100-yard rusher in 35 consecutive games, longest active streak. Are 1st team since Decatur in 1920 to not allow rush TD in 1st 13 games. | 801 |
A draw was used to create five groups of four students. Each group could use colored pencils, felt tip pens or oil pastels.
Every student was seated in front of a side of the drawing sheet. The first music started and every minute, the drawing sheet was turned clockwise. The students had to complete, carry on or change, the classmate's previous drawing.
When the music was finished the group took another drawing sheet and the next music started. The activity needs silence and quiet, in order to focus on the music and feelings.
At the end of the activity, all the drawings were put on a big table (or on the floor) with a white paper beside every drawing. Each student commented the drawings with a single word.
From the list of words we had<|fim_middle|> when each students commented the drawings with a single word, in order to write the feeling and find a title for each work. | written to comment each drawing, we created a suitable title for the work.
Eventually, we talked together about our feelings, about difficulties or fun, about mutual influences on the drawing, and about what we liked or not.
Here below some drawings and the music we used. I downloaded for free all the music we used from the website Audio Library You Tube where you can find a lot of free tracks, already matched to different kind of moods.
Here below you can see the moment | 96 |
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing software. In one embodiment, a method for facilitating the distributed development of software components includes providing a skill rating for software developers, communicating specifications for a software component to a subset of the developers, receiving submissions from the developers, scoring the submissions, and selecting one submission to be included in a software repository. In another embodiment, a method for compensating a software developer includes soliciting software developers for the submission of computer software components, receiving software components in response to the solicitation from the developers, evaluating the received software components, selecting one or more of the submissions for potential distribution to the public, and allotting the proceeds from the distribution to the developers.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/370,937, filed Apr. 8, 2002.
One approach is to hire large numbers of programmers and develop software "in house." While this affords significant control over the programming staff, finding, hiring, and maintaining such a staff can be cost prohibitive. Furthermore, as individual programmers leave the company, much of the technical and industrial knowledge is also lost. Alternatively, many companies "outsource" their programming through consulting firms, or contract employees. This approach relieves the company of the burdens of managing individual employees, however the quality of the work is often suspect, and the challenges of integrating work from numerous outside vendors can be significant.
There is a need for ways for organizations to obtain high-quality software without maintaining a large, permanent software development organization. Techniques that have been suggested to improve software development are code re-use and component-based design. But even if organizations adopt such techniques, they still need to obtain high-quality components in an affordable manner.
In general, the invention relates to motivating a group of distributed software developers, otherwise unrelated to each other, to participate in the distributed development of high-quality software. Generally, the motivation for the developers results from financial and competitive incentives. The independence of the developers allows for enforcement of rigorous design and quality analysis, which in turn results in very high quality (e.g., enterprise quality) software.
In one aspect, a product manager communicates a specification for a software program to the group of developers, who may be software architects, designers, coders, or the like. The product manager receives one or more submissions in response to the communicated specification. Each submission is scored, at least in part based on the degree to which the submission satisfies the communicated specification. One of the submissions is selected, responsive to the score, for inclusion in a software repository for distribution to the public. Royalties can be allocated to the developers who submitted the designs or code that is included in the repository. It should be understood that the software program can be any sort of program, including for example without limitation, a component, a class, a library, an application, or some combination or collection of one or more of these.
Various embodiments can include one or more of the following features. The ratings assigned to a developer can be derived from the developer's performances in one or more coding competitions, which in turn can be held online. The ratings assigned to a developer can be derived from the developer's prior submissions of designs for software programs. The ratings assigned to a developer can be derived from the developer's prior submissions of software programs. The specifications sent to the developers can be for the design of a software program. The specifications sent to the developers can be for the development of a software program. The software program can be a software component. The software program can be one of a software application, a combination of one or more software components, or a software module. The ratings derived for a developer can be used to determine the subset of programmers that should receive the specifications. The existence of a rating for a developer can determine if the developer is included in the subset of programmers that should receive the specifications. The developers can submit a design for a software program. The developers can submit computer code for a software program. The developer can be a software designer. The developer can be software programmer. The score for a submission can be derived based on the submission being reviewed by a developer other than the developer who submitted the submission. The submission can be selected for inclusion into the software repository based on receiving a minimum score. The submissions included in the software repository can be certified to operate in computing environments different from the computing environment used for the original submission.
In general, another aspect of the invention relates to compensating developers for the design or development of software programs. A method includes soliciting multiple developers for submissions of software programs, receiving at least one software program in response to the solicitation, scoring the received responses, selecting a software program for distribution to the public based on the score, distributing the program to the public, and allocating a portion of the revenue received from the distribution of the program to the developer who submitted the selected design or the code for the program.
Embodiments can include one or more of the following features. Prior to soliciting the developers, rating the developers. The developers can be rated based on their performance in an online coding competition. The developers can be rated based on their prior submissions of a design for a software program. The developers can be rated based on their prior submissions of a software program. The software program can be a software component. The software program can be a software application, a combination of software components, or a software module. Instead, or in addition, the programmers can be solicited at least in part based on their rating, or having a rating. The allocation of proceeds from the distribution of the program can be based at least in part on the rating of the developers. The allocation of proceeds from the distribution of the program can be based at least in part on the number of hours a developer spent developing the software program and/or based on the proportion of work contributed by the developer. The allocation of proceeds from the distribution of the program can be based at least in part on the number of times and/or to whom the software program is distributed.
In yet another aspect, the invention relates to systems for implementing the methods just described. For example, a system for facilitating the distributed development of software programs includes a rating engine for rating the skills of software developers, and a server for communicating software specifications to developers who have been previously rated by the rating engine. The system further includes a server for receiving software programs as they are submitted from the developers, and a module for scoring the submitted software programs.
In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the system can also include a reviewing module to allow developers to review submissions submitted by other developers and/or scorecards produced by the review board. The system can also include a repository for storing the software programs along with all associated design documents. The repository can include an online showroom to display the programs, and can also include sample applications built using the submitted software programs. The repository can also include a module for demonstrating the functionality of the software programs to the public.
In another embodiment of the invention, the system can also include a calculation module for allocating revenue among programmers who have previously submitted software programs. The allocation of revenue can be based, at least in part, on the ratings of the programmers. The allocation of revenue can be based, at least in part, on the number of hours the programmers spent designing or developing the software program. The allocation of revenue can be based, for example, at least in part on the number of times and/or to whom the software program is distributed.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a distributed software development team according to the invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a distributed software development team according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the steps performed by the virtual software development team when developing a software program according to the invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the steps performed by the members of the virtual software development team according to the invention.
FIG. 6 is a more detailed flow chart of an embodiment of the steps of FIG. 5 performed by the virtual members of the software design team.
FIG. 7 is a more detailed flow chart of an embodiment of the steps of FIG. 5 performed by the virtual members of the software programming team.
FIG. 8 is a more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of the server of FIG. 1 to facilitate the development and/or distinction of software programs according to the invention.
FIG. 9 is a more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of the server if FIG. 1 to facilitate the posting of specifications and the receipt and scoring of submissions according to the invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a software catalog according to the invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a software catalog system communicating with a first company and a second company according to the invention.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a software catalog system illustrating modification of a software component according to the invention.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a compensation data structure according to the invention.
FIG. 14 is a table illustrating an embodiment of a royalty-based compensation structure for the distributed software development team according to the invention.
FIG. 15 is a table illustrating another embodiment of a royalty-based compensation structure for the distributed software development team according to the invention.
FIG. 16 is a linear diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sliding scale royalty compensation structure supported by the server according to the invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a distributed software development system 101 includes at least one server 104, and at least one client 108, 108′, 108″, generally 108. As shown, the distributed software development system 101 includes three clients 108, 108′, 108″, but this is only for exemplary purposes, and it is intended that there can be any number of clients 108. The client 108 is preferably implemented as software running on a personal computer (e.g., a PC with an INTEL processor or an APPLE MACINTOSH) capable of running such operating systems as the MICROSOFT WINDOWS family of operating systems from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., the MACINTOSH operating system from Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif., and various varieties of Unix, such as SUN SOLARIS from SUN MICROSYSTEMS, and GNU/Linux from RED HAT, INC. of Durham, N.C. (and others). The client 108 could also be implemented on such hardware as a smart or dumb terminal, network computer, wireless device, information appliance, workstation, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or other computing device, that is operated as a general purpose computer or a special purpose hardware device solely used for serving as a client 108 in the distributed software development system 101.
Generally, in some embodiments clients 108 can be operated by software developers and are used by software developers to participate in software development. Clients 108 can also be operated by customers of the software developed by the software developers. In various embodiments, the client computer 108 includes a web browser 116, client software 120, or both. The web browser 116 allows the client 108 to request a web page (e.g. from the server 104) with a web page request. An example of a web page is a data file that includes computer executable or interpretable information, graphics, sound, text, and/or video, that can be displayed, executed, played, processed, streamed, and/or stored and that can contain links, or pointers, to other web pages. In one embodiment, a user of the client 108 manually requests a web page from the server 104. Alternatively, the client 108 automatically makes requests with the web browser 116. Examples of commercially available web browser software 116 are INTERNET EXPLORER, offered by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR, offered by Netscape Communications Corporation of Mountain View, Calif.
In some embodiments, the client 108 also includes client software 120. The client software 120 provides functionality to the client 108 that allows a software developer to participate in a coding competition. The client software 120 may be implemented in various forms, for example, it may be in the form of a Java applet that is downloaded to the client 108 and runs in conjunction with the web browser 116, or the client software 120 may be in the form of a standalone application, implemented in a multi-platform language such as Java or in native processor executable code. In one embodiment, if executing on the client 108, the client software 120 opens a network connection to the server 104 over the communications network 112 and communicates via that connection to the server 104. The client software 120 and the web browser 116 may be part of a single client-server interface 124; for example, the client software can be implemented as a "plug-in" to the web browser 116.
The servers 104 interact with clients 108. The server 104 is preferably implemented on one or more server class computers that have sufficient memory, data storage, and processing power and that run a server class operating system (e.g. SUN Solaris, GNU/Linux, MICROSOFT WINDOWS NT). Other types of system hardware and software than that described here could also be used, depending on the capacity of the device and the number of users and the size of the user base. For example, the server 104 may be part of a server farm or server network, which is a logical group of one or more servers. As another example, there could be multiple servers 104 that may be associated or connected with each other, or multiple servers could operate independently, but with shared data. In a further embodiment and as is typical in large-scale systems, application software could be implemented in components, with different components running on different server computers, on the same server, or some combination.
The server 104 can include a contest server, as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/041,393, entitled "Systems and Methods for Coding Competitions," by Lydon et al.
In one embodiment, the server 104 enables the distributed software development of a software program by a virtual development team. The software program can be any sort of instructions for a machine, including, for example, without limitation, a component, a class, a library, an application, an applet, a logic table, a data block, or any combination or collection of one or more of any one or more of these. In one embodiment, the software program is a software component. Generally, a software component is a functional software module that may be a reusable building block of an application. Just as a few examples, software components include, but are not limited to, such components as a graphical user interface, a small interest calculator, an interface to a database manager, calculations for actuarial tables, a DNA search function, an interface to a manufacturing numerical control machine for the purpose of machining manufactured parts, a public/private key encryption algorithm, and functions for login and communication with a host application (e.g., insurance adjustment and point of sale (POS) product tracking). In some embodiments, components communicate with each other for needed services (e.g., over the communications network 112). A specific example of a component is a JavaBean, which is a component written in the Java programming language. A component can also be written in any other language, including without limitation Visual Basic, C++, Java, and C#.
In one embodiment, the software program is an application. In some embodiments, he application can is comprised of one or more software components. In one embodiment, the software application is comprised of software components previously developed using the methods described below. In some embodiments, the application comprises entirely new software programs. In some embodiments, the application comprises a combination of new software programs and previously developed software components.
Referring to FIG. 2, a software development team can be used to develop software components. In one embodiment, the software development team 200 includes a product manager 202. The product manager 202 is the manager for the development and deployment of a component. The product manager 202 can perform market research to identify a component that is potentially useful to a market. For example, the product manager 202 can perform research in an industry to determine if companies would find useful a component that has certain characteristics, and specify the requirements for such a component. The product manager 202 can also specify (without limitation) items such as the cost of the project, the project schedule, and the project risks. In one embodiment, the product manager 202 creates a project plan for the project, which may include an estimated project cost and schedule and a requirements document describing the scope and risks of the project.
An architect (also referred to as a "designer") 208 designs the software component. The architect 208 preferably is a senior developer who acts as a mentor to and collaborates with one or more of the other team members 204, 212, 216 to design the architecture of the component. The architect 208 can also create test cases that meet the requirements for the component as described by the product manager 202, for example in a requirements document, or by other communication with the product manager 202. The architect 208 preferably designs the component in a manner that maximizes the potential re-use of the software component. The architect 208 may therefore base the design of the software component on, for instance but not limited to, the number of interfaces available, the compatibility of the component to other components, and the speed of execution of each design of the component.
One or more QA developer(s) 216, 216′ (generally, 216) then develops a test plan for the component. The test plan can include normal and extreme input to simulate production and stress. In one embodiment, a QA developer 216 develops the test plan using the requirements specification written by the product manager 202, and the design specification written by the architect 208. The QA developer 216 attempts to identify potential problem areas in the specification and tailor the QA testing towards one or more of those areas. Moreover, the QA developer 216 may communicate with the other team members to improve or discuss the test plan. Once it is complete, the test plan can be reviewed by the architect 208 and/or the product manager 202, to verify that the test plan will adequately test the component requirements.
One or more developer(s) 222, 222′ (generally, 222) then develops a component to meet the requirements described by the specification. In one embodiment, the developer 222 submits an object model to the architect 208, such as a model in the Unified Modeling Language (UML). Once the architect 208 approves the object model, the developer 222 develops the code to implement the component. The developer uses the test plan to confirm that the code as implemented meets the requirements. When the developer 222 completes the code, the architect 208 and/or product manager 202 review the code. In one embodiment, the architect 208 reviews the code, for example but not limited to, to confirm functionality, style, adherence to coding standards, performance, and stability.
Once the component is developed, the QA developer 216 tests the completed component, and verifies that it is acceptable, according to the test plan.
Although the software development team 200 shown in the figure includes one product manager 202, one architect 208, two QA developers 216, 216′, and two developers 222, 222′ it will be understood that this is only for exemplary purposes and the number of developers 222 and QA developers 216 will depend on the particular project. It should also be understood that one or more of the members of the software development team 200 can operate one or more clients 108 and communicate with the server 104 via the communications network 112 as shown in FIG. 1.
In some embodiments, the software development team 200 is comprised of developers with no relationship to each other. For example, the developers 222 may not know (or if they do know each other, be very familiar with), the QA developers 216, or the product manager 202. One advantage to this particular embodiment is the developers are more willing to participate in unbiased peer review of the software design or component developed by another. Further, in some embodiments, the review process can be kept anonymous, so that the developers do not know whose work they are reviewing. Reviewing work of the development team 200 in this manner, with adherence to a strict development procedure, greatly enhances the quality of the final product. In one embodiment, the peer review process is implemented with a development environment residing on the server, 104. In another embodiment, other sorts of development environments are used, for example, the peer review can done using the individual developer's computer.
Referring now to FIG. 3, in a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the product manager 302 moderates a development team 300, which is formed from an distributed group of developers (used here to include designers, design reviewers, developers, development reviewers, etc.). For example, the designers and developers can be members of an organization or a community dedicated to collaborative computer programming and distributed software development. In one embodiment, the product manager 302 facilitates an initial discussion among such a group of developers, which can include potential or actual development team members 300. The discussion can be a collaboration to identify requirements for a new or improved software component to be developed. In some embodiments, the discussion takes place in an online forum, which is can be accessed by developers in a development community. In one embodiment, participation in such forums is encouraged by selecting participants for architecture/design 304 and development 310 boards from those who meet other criteria and participate in such discussions.
Developers 312 can request inclusion on the development team 300, the product manager 302 can invite developers 312 to join the development team 300, or some combination. In some embodiments, the product manager 302 creates an incentive for developers 312 to participate in the development team by providing monetary compensation or awards for developers 312 who provide quality submissions. In some embodiments, the product manager 302 creates incentive to developers 312 to participate by fostering competition among the developers 312. For example, in some embodiments, the developers 312 receive increased ratings by participating in certain development teams.
The development team 300 includes an architecture review board 304. The architecture review board 304 includes one or more developers 312 who review design submissions from software designers 328. The architecture review board preferably has a small number of (e.g., less than ten) members, for example, three members, but can be any number. Generally, the review board is formed for only one or a small number of related projects. Review boards, in some embodiments, could be formed for an extended time, but it is also possible that changes in staffing could help maintain quality.
Preferably, one of the architecture review board members is selected, by the product manager 302, the architecture review board 304, or otherwise, to be a primary review board member 308. If the board 304 is instituted for an extended time, typically, the primary review board member 308 is assigned for each component or related group of components, but the primary review board member 308 also can be the same for all components reviewed by that board 304, depending on the availability and skills of the members. The primary review board member 308 is responsible for coordination and management of the activities of the board 304.
In one embodiment, submissions for component designs meeting a particular specification are requested by the product manager 302, and the design submissions made by designers 328 are judged by the architecture review board 304. The primary review board member 308 screens the design submissions before they are reviewed by the other members of the architecture review board 304, to allow the rest of the review board to judge only the best of the submissions. In some embodiments, the screening process includes scoring the submissions based on the degree to which they meet the requirements outlined in the specification. In some embodiments, scores are documented using a scorecard, which can be a document, spreadsheet, online form, database, or other electronic document.
In one embodiment, the primary review board member 308 informs the architecture review board 304 that one or more submissions have passed the screening process, and the architecture review board 304 review the design submissions. In some embodiments, the architecture review board 304 reviews the submissions based on requirements documented in the specification. In some embodiments, the architecture review board 304 scores the submissions. In some embodiments, the scores are documented using a scorecard, which can be a document, spreadsheet, online form, database, or other electronic document.
In some embodiments, the scores and reviews from the primary review board member 308 and the other members of the architecture review board 304 are aggregated into a final review and score. In some embodiments, the aggregation can comprise compiling information contained in one or more documents. Such aggregation can be performed by the, the primary review board member 308, the other members of the architecture review board 304 or in one exemplary embodiment, the aggregation is performed using a computer-based system which resides on the server 104 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the product manager 302 resolves discrepancies or disagreements among the architecture review board 304.
In one embodiment, the design with the highest combined score is selected as the winning design that will be used for implementation. A prize and/or recognition is given to the designer. In one embodiment, a portion of the payment to the designer is withheld until the end of the development review. For example, the designer may receive 75% of the payment and the end of the design review, and 25% is paid after the development review. There can also be prizes and/or recognition for the other submitted designs.
In some embodiments, in addition to reviewing the submissions, the architecture review board 304 can identify useful modifications to the specification or the design that should be included into the design. The primary review board member 308 documents the additional requirements, and communicates this information to the designer 328 who submitted the design. In one embodiment, the primary review board member 308 aggregates the comments from the review board 304. The designer 328 can update the design and resubmit it for review by the architecture review board 304. This process can repeat until the primary review board member 308 believes the design has met all the necessary requirements.
Once the architecture review board 304 validates that a design has sufficiently addressed the requirements of the specification, the primary review board member 308 notifies the product manager 302 that such a design has passed the design review process. The product manager 302 can then use the design to solicit submissions for software components that meet the specifications of the design. For example, the product manager 302 can make the design available on a web site or mailing list for implementation. The product manager 302 requests implemented components according to the design.
The development team 300 also includes a development review board 310 that is analogous to the architecture review board 304. The development review board can be formed once the design is complete and selected, or can be selected at a different time, for example, at the time that the architecture review board 304 is formed. The membership of the development review board 310 can be the same as, or overlap with, the membership of the design review board 304, although this may not be as desirable from a quality maintenance point of view. In some embodiments, the development review board 310 is not selected until the submissions for the development project are received.
The development review board 310 includes one or more developers 312 who review development submissions from software programmers 322. The development review board 310 preferably has a small number of (e.g., less than ten) members, for example, three members, but can be any number. Generally, the development review board 310 is formed for only one or a small number of related projects. Review boards, in some embodiments, could be formed for an extended time, but a change in staffing (and continued competition for review board slots) could help maintain quality.
Preferably, one of the development review board 310 members is selected, by the product manager 302, the development review board 310, or otherwise, to be a primary development review board member 316. If the board 310 is instituted for an extended time, typically, one of the development board members 310 is assigned to be the primary development review board member 316, and is assigned for each component or related group of components, but the primary development review board member 316 also can be the same for all components reviewed by that board 310, depending on the availability and skills of the members. The primary development review board member 316 is responsible for coordination and management of the activities of the board 310.
In one embodiment, the primary development review board member 316 screens submitted components before the submissions are reviewed by the other members of the development review board 310. In some embodiments, the screening process includes scoring the submissions based on the degree to which they meet the requirements outlined in the design specifications. In some embodiments, the scores are documented using a scorecard. The scorecard can be a document, spreadsheet, online form, database, or other electronic document.
In one embodiment, the primary development review board member 316 informs the other development review board members 310 that one or more submissions have passed the screening process. In one embodiment, the members of the development review board 310 review the submitted components. In some embodiments, the primary development review board member 316 reviews the submissions based on the detailed requirements documented in the design document described above. In some embodiments, the development review board 310 scores the submissions. In some embodiments, the scores are documented using a scorecard. The scorecard can be a document, spreadsheet, online form, database, or other electronic document.
In some embodiments, the score can be based on how the component performs in one or more test cases. In some embodiments, the test cases can include tests to determine the accuracy of the results received when the component is provided with valid input data. In some embodiments, the test cases can include tests to determine if the component behaves correctly when provided with invalid input data. In some embodiments, the test cases can include tests that determine how the component responds to a large quantity of input data.
In some embodiments, the scores and reviews from the primary development review board member 316 and the development review board 310 are aggregated into a final review. In some embodiments, the aggregation can comprise compiling information contained in one or more documents. In one embodiment, the product manager 302 aggregates the information. In some embodiments, the primary development review board member 316 aggregates the information. In one exemplary embodiment, the aggregation is done using a computer program, which in turn can reside on the server 104. In some embodiments, the product manager 302 resolves discrepancies or disagreements among the development review board members 310.
Once the development review board 310 validates that a implemented component meets the requirements of the specification, and is of sufficient quality, the primary development review board member 316 notifies the product manager 302 that the component has completed the development review process. In one embodiment, the implementation with the highest aggregate score is selected as the winning component that will be used. A prize and/or other recognition is given to the programmer. There can also be prizes and/or recognition for runners-up. The winning component can then be included in a software repository, for access and use by other programmers. As discussed further below, the participants in the design and implementation of the components can be paid commensurate with their contribution as a percentage of revenue for the use of the developed component.
In some embodiments, members of the development review board 310 can identify modifications to the implementation that should be included in the component. The primary development review board member 316 documents the additional requirements, so that the programmer 322 can update and resubmit. This process can repeat until the primary development review board member 316 believes the component is complete.
Referring also to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the product manager 302 determines the scope of a development project (STEP 408), as described above. The project manager 302 (possibly in coordination with the architect 308) generates a specification of the component, components, or application to be developed, as well as a development timeline and budget (STEP 412).
In one embodiment, the product manager 302 moderates a collaborative forum to determine the scope of potential development projects. In some embodiments, the information can be ideas for new software components, and in some embodiments, the information can be additional requirements for existing software components. In some embodiments, the information can be ides for software applications that are comprised of a combination of previously developed software components. The collaborative forum can consist of developers, customers, prospective customers, or others interested in the development of software components. In one embodiment, the collaboration forum is an online forum where participants can post ideas, questions, suggestions, or other information. In some embodiments, only a subset of the forum members can post suggestions to the forum. Once the product manager 302 determines the necessary requirements for the software component are collected, the product manager 302 can create the requirements specification for the component. The product manager 302 optionally can terminate the collaboration forum at that time.
In one embodiment, the specification defines the business plan and a stable hardware and/or software platform, or other architectural constraints. For example, the specification can define the network devices, servers, and general infrastructure to support the development and production of the project and product. The specification can also identify the language that the component must be programmed in, a functional overview of the software component, boundary conditions, efficiency requirements, computer platform requirements, interface requirements, performance criteria, test-case requirements, and/or documentation requirements of the component. In some embodiments, the specification can include an amount of money that will be paid to the designer who submits the best design.
Once the specification is completed, the product manager 302 communicates the specification to the other team members (STEP 416). This communication can occur over the communications network 112 (FIG. 1), such as via an email message, a posting on a web page accessible by the web browser 116, through a news group, facsimile, or other communication. The product manager 302 can communicate with the architect 208 and/or any other team members 212, 216 to obtain comments and/or suggestions to the specification. In one embodiment, the product manager 302 communicates the specification to one or more members of the development review board 310. In one embodiment, the development review board 310 selects the primary development review board member 316 according to the methods described above. The development review board can also review (and in some embodiments, select) the work of the primary development review board member 316. The primary development review board member 316 then develops a test plan for the component (STEP 420), as described above. The programmer 322 then develops a component that meets all requirements described by the specification (STEP 424). Once the component is developed, the primary development review board member 316 tests the completed component (STEP 428). If the software component passes the testing by the primary development review board member 316 (and in some embodiments the primary architect review board member 308 and/or the product manager 302), the component is added to a component catalog (STEP 432).
In one embodiment, the product manager 302 can have a component certified to operate in multiple computing environments (STEP 436), where the computing environment might include variations or combinations of hardware platforms, operating systems, application servers, networking protocols, database management systems, and so on. For example, it might be beneficial to have a software component developed to operate on a Intel-based PC running WINDOWS 2000 Server and a SQLServer database certified to operate on a SUN Solaris server with an Oracle database. The certification can be done by a rated development member that is part of a certification pool. The certification pool has access to the server 104 in order to test components on multiple platform combinations. In some embodiments, the certification pool comprises developers that are selected to certify components, and they are compensated a nominal amount for each certification completed. The developers selected can be the developers used for development or other developers.
In one embodiment the primary architecture review board member 308 tests the functionality of the component and reviews the deliverables produced by the development team 200, such as the source code and documentation. Furthermore, the primary architecture review board member 308 can communicate a final approval to the product manager 302 if the component sufficiently passes the architect's tests. The product manager 302 can also verify the deliverables for herself before approving them for the component catalog. In some embodiments, the component can be reviewed by a developer other than the developer who submitted the component.
Moreover, in some embodiments, the component is scored based on how well the component performed in the various tests that the development team 300 applied to the component. For instance, the product manager 302 can use the server 104 (FIG. 1) to subject the component to one or more tests that target the contribution of each member of the development team 300. Using the results of these targeted tests, the product manager 302 (e.g., using the server 104) can obtain a component development score for each team member, which can then be used to determine whether such team member will be used for a subsequent component development project. The rating of a team member is an ongoing process that includes, but is not limited to, performance of components, on time delivery, task fulfillment, and validity of deliverables.
The development team 300 may then determine that if the component has not scored above a predetermined amount, the component is not added to the component catalog. In one embodiment, if the component is not added, members of the development team 300 (e.g., developers 322) are not compensated as highly for their work on the component as if the component obtained a higher score. Compensation may be in the form of, for instance, monetary compensation, vacations, tangible objects, intangible objects, or any combination thereof.
Referring to FIG. 5, developers optionally are rated (STEP 508) according to their performance in coding competitions, their performance in designing, testing, or coding components, and possibly also other factors. The product manager 302 communicates the specification to developers (STEP 512). In some embodiments, the product manager 302 only communicates the specification to developers who have a rating, or who have a rating value above a predetermined minimum.
Developers create designs or components in response to the specification, and submit those designs or components for review to the product manager 302, primary architecture review board member 308, or primary development review board member 316 (STEP 516).
Each submission can then be scored, based on quality criteria, for example but not limited to, functionality, style, adherence to coding standards, performance, and stability (STEP 520). Once each submission is evaluated, and one submission is selected as the winning submission (STEP 524). The product manager 302 then allocates a portion of the proceeds to the developer who authored the winning submission using any of the methods described below (STEP 528).
Referring to FIG. 6, in one specific embodiment, a product manager 302 conducts market research (STEP 602) to determine the need for a particular software component. Based on the results of the research, the product manager 302 specifies the design requirements of the software component (STEP 604).
The product manager 302 identifies (which can include selecting) the members of the architecture review board 304 (STEP 606) and provides the specification to the architecture review board 304 (STEP 608). In one embodiment, the product manager 302 places the specification on a web server for access by the architecture review board 304.
The architecture review board 304 can be already determined, as a standing architecture review board 304, or the architecture review board 304 members can be identified as members of the architecture review board 304 for this particular component. In one embodiment, the architecture review board 304 members are selected by the product manager 302 as a result of one or more of the their expertise, their ratings, and their expressed willingness to participate in this capacity. In one embodiment, the architecture review board 304 members are compensated for their participation in the review board 304.
In one embodiment, the architecture review board 304 is open to members of the general public. In another embodiment, the architecture review board 304 is limited to software designers who have participated in at least one design or coding competition and are optionally pre-qualified based on their competition performance (STEP 610). In another embodiment, only the excellent designers of one or more competitions are eligible for participation in the architecture review board 304.
For instance, a series of competitions can be used to identify excellent developers from a large number of contestants. Alternatively, an architecture review board 304 member can be required to periodically have a component selected in this process. Once the product manager 302 provides the architecture review board members access to the specification, the board members 304 review the specification to understand the design requirements (STEP 612). The board members 304 can ask for clarification or revision of the specifications, and the product manager 302 can respond. In this way, the review board members 304 make sure that they understand the requirements for the components that they will evaluate.
When the architecture review board 304 has reviewed the design requirements specification, the requirements are provided to designers. In some embodiments, prior to being granted access to the design specification, software designers 308, 308′ and 308″, generally 308, are pre-qualified (STEPS 614, 614′ and 614″) as described above based on ratings, skills, or other criteria. The product manager 302, or a member of the architecture review board 304 gives designers that meet pre-qualification requirements access to the specification. In some embodiments, access can be granted by a web page (which can require authentication for access), by email, or other technique. The designers 308 can review the specification (STEPS 616, 616′ and 616″) and develop designs (STEPS 618, 618′ and 618″). When a designer 308 has completed his or her design, the designer 308 submits the design to the architecture review board 304 (STEPS 620, 620′ and 620″).
The designs can take a number of forms, depending on the component specified. Typically, the specifications for the component will include the requirements for the design. In one embodiment, the design includes class diagrams, which can be developed in the Unified Modeling Language (UML), for example using the Poseideon Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tool, available from Gentleware AG of Hamburg, Germany. The design also includes use-case diagrams and sequence diagrams. The design also includes a written component design specification describing the design, a list of required algorithms, and class stubs for the classes in the design. The design also includes functional tests that can be used to test the program. In one such embodiment, the functional tests are tests compatible with the JUnit testing infrastructure. JUnit is open source software for testing Java software, which is available from www.sourceforge.net.
The architecture review board 304 reviews received designs (STEP 622). In one embodiment, this review includes a first screening review by a primary reviewer, and then further review by other members of the review board. The first screening review determines that the required elements of the design are included (e.g., class, use-case, and sequence diagrams, component specification, required algorithms, class stubs, and functional tests).
The screening review can also determine that these elements appear complete. With regard to the class diagram, for example, and in particular the class definition, the screening review can determine any or all of that: (1) the class definition provides a descriptive overview of the class usage, (2) sub-packages have been created to separate functionality, (3) class scope matches class usage, (4) there is proper and effective use of programming techniques such as inheritance and abstraction, (5) interfaces are used properly, (6) suitable constructors are defined for the component, and that (7) class modifiers such as final, static, are appropriately used. The screening review can also determine, for example, with regard to the variable definition, that: (1) variable scope is correctly defined, (2) type assignments are defined appropriately for balance between efficiency and flexibility, and (3) that all variables are defined with an initial value. Further, with regard to method definition, for example, the screening review can determine that: (1) scope is correctly defined, exceptions are handled and used appropriately, modifiers are properly used, return types are used, method arguments are properly defined, and that the application programming interface (API) as stated in the requirements specification is available.
The screening review can also, for example, verify that use-case diagrams exist for all public methods in the design, and that sequence diagrams exist for each use case. The screening review can also, for example, with regard to test cases, verify that functional test cases are provided for each sequence diagram, and that they appear to be appropriate for those diagrams.
In one embodiment the initial screen reduces the number of entries to a manageable number for the review board to review, such as 5 entries.
The architecture review board evaluates the designs to determine whether they comply with the specifications (STEP 624). In embodiments in which there is an initial screening, the members of the review board each perform a review to evaluate the submission.
In some embodiments, the architecture review board 304 calculates a score for the submission, based for example on the quality of the design and how well it complies with requirements stated in the specification. For example, a review board member will determine whether and to what degree: (1) the design addresses the requirements detailed in the functional specification, (2) the design effectively uses all required technologies (e.g., language, required components, etc.), (3) the design incorporates standard design patterns and methodologies where applicable, (4) the design balances the use of design patterns and principles with the expected component usage, (5) the design accounts for incorporating additional functionality and features beyond the initial intended usage.
In some embodiments, each architecture review board member also closely evaluates the degree to which the design elements. For example, with regard to the class diagram, and in particular, for example, the class definition, the architecture review board member evaluates whether the class diagram accurately and thoroughly depicts the required elements of the component. The board member also evaluates whether the design is suitable given the expected component usage and throughput requirements. With regard to variable definition, the board member evaluates whether variable types are suitable for the expected component usage, and confirms that the variables used meet the minimum and maximum value parameters. With regard to method definition, the board member evaluates the degree to which (1) the defined methods properly expose the API requirements defined in the requirements specification, (2) the methods provide access to and properly encapsulate the defined variables, and (3) the exceptions defined is an inclusive list of the anticipated exceptions. The board member can also evaluate whether (1) class relationships are well defined, (2) the use-case diagram thoroughly depicts class usage, (3) the sequence diagram thoroughly depicts the ordered interaction between classes, (4) the component specification provides sufficient information for this design to be implemented, details how invalid arguments should be handled for the defined methods, and details the exceptions thrown by the defined methods, and (5) that the test cases thoroughly and accurately address component functionality. The board member can then assign an overall score to each entry.
For example, the architecture review board 304 members can use the server 104 of FIG. 1 to record and communicate their evaluations of the component designs to the other board members. In one embodiment, the board member uses an on-line evaluation form to evaluate each component. The evaluations of the board members can then be identified, and the components ranked by board member scores received.
In one embodiment, the architecture review board 304 members can also use the server 104 of FIG. 1 to subject the design to one or more tests that target individual requirements as defined in the specification. Using the results of these targeted tests, members of the architecture review board 304 (e.g., using the server 104) can obtain a design score for each submission. Based on the evaluation of the submission(s) the architecture review board 304 selects a design as the winning submission (STEP 626).
In some cases, modifications may need to be made to a design, even a design that is the high scorer, based on additional ideas or problems identified by the reviewers. In one embodiment, the architecture review board 304 sends the design back to the designer 308 who submitted the winning design, along with suggestions for modifications, explicit directions to make certain modifications, or other instructions, and so on. In some embodiments, the primary architecture review board member makes the modifications. The designer 308 incorporates the changes into the design (STEP 628) and resubmits the design to the architecture review board 304 (STEP 630). The architecture review board 304 then performs a final quality control review of the design (STEP 632), and sends the design to the product manager 302. The product manager 302 can then use the design to solicit developed software components based on the winning design (STEP 634), for example as further illustrated with reference to FIG. 7. The product manager 302 can also pay the winning designer 308, either a flat fee, or using methods described below.
Referring to FIG. 7, once a software design is available, for example by using the method of FIG. 6 or otherwise, the design can be used to facilitate the development of a software component.
The product manager 302 identifies the members of a development review board 310 (STEP 702). This could, optionally, include prior or concurrent selection of a development review board for the component. The product manager 302 provides the design to the development review board 310 (STEP 704). In one embodiment, the product manager 302 places the design on a web server for access by the development review board.
The development review board 310 can already be determined, as a standing development review board 310, or the development review board 310 members can be identified as members of the development review board for a particular component or group of components. In one embodiment, the development review board 10 members are selected by the product manager 302 as a result of their expertise, their ratings, and their expressed willingness to participate in this capacity. In one embodiment, the development review board members are selected after the software components are submitted to allow all developers an opportunity to submit components. In one embodiment, the development review board 310 members are compensated for their participation in the review board 310. This compensation can be in the form of recognition, a flat or hourly fee, or a percentage of revenue generated by the component.
In one embodiment, the development review board 310 is open to members of the general public. In another embodiment, the development review board 310 is limited to software developers who have participated in at least one design or coding competition and are optionally pre-qualified based on their competition performance (STEP 710). In another embodiment, only the excellent developers of one or more competitions are eligible for participation in the development review board 310.
For instance, a series of competitions can be used to identify excellent developers from a large number of contestants. Alternatively, a development review board 310 member can be required to have recently submitted one or more winning component(s) or designs. Once the product manager 302 grants the development review board 310 access to the specification, the board members review the specification to understand the development requirements, as described above (STEP 708). The development review board members 310 can ask for clarification or revision of the specifications, and the product manager 302 can respond. In this way, the development review board 310 can be sure to understand the requirements for the components that they will evaluate.
In some embodiments, prior to being granted access to the design, the software developers (also called programmers) 314, 314′ and 314″, generally 314, are also pre-qualified (STEPS 710, 710′ and 710″), which may be similar to that described above for the board members (e.g., ratings, etc.) or otherwise. The product manager 302, or a member of the development review board 310 then grants those developers that meet the pre-qualification requirements access to the design. In some embodiments, access can be granted by a developer 314 entering a password, by a developer 314 navigating to a particular web page which checks the developer's qualifications, by the product manager 302 emailing the specification to the developers 314, or other similar means. Once granted access to the specification, the developers 314 can then review the specification (STEPS 712, 712′ and 712″) and begin developing software components consistent with the posted design (STEPS 714, 714′ and 714″). Once a developer 314 has completed developing their software component, the developer 314 submits the component to the development review board 310 (STEPS 716, 716′ and 716″).
In some embodiments, the components are subjected to a peer review process. The peer review process allows developers to test and review the components developed by other developers. For example, developer 314 may create a software component and, prior to submission, developer 314′ may subject the component to one or more tests to determine the quality of the component. As described above, the developers 314, 314′ and 314″ typically have minimal or no prior relationship to each other. In one exemplary embodiment, the developers on-line nicknames are used instead of the their actual identities. Because the components are subjected to this independent and anonymous peer review process, the quality of the submitted components will be very good.
The submitted components can take a number of forms depending on the component specified. Typically, the specifications for the component will include the requirements for the developed component. In one embodiment, the developed component includes source code, which can be written in the Java programming language, for example, using the Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) development platform from Sun Microsystems of Santa Clara, Calif. The component also includes unit test cases and log documenting successful execution against the test cases. The component also includes documentation. In one such embodiment, the documentation is consistent with Javadoc style documentation. The component also includes a deployment guide.
The development review board 310 reviews received components (STEP 718). In one embodiment, this review includes a first screening review by a primary reviewer, and then further review by other members of the development review board 310. The first screening review determines that the required elements of the design are included and are functional (e.g., source code, unit test cases, documentation, log files, and deployment guide).
The screening review can also determine that these elements appear complete. With regard to the source code, for example, the screening review can determine any or all of that: (1) all public methods are clearly commented; (2) required tags such as "@author," "@param," "@return," "@throws," and "@version" are included; (3) the copyright tag is populated; (4) the source code follows standard coding conventions for the Java language such as those published by Sun Microsystems; (5) a 4 space indentation is used in lieu of a tab indentation; and (6) all class, method and variable definitions found in the class diagram are accurately represented in the source code. The development screening review can also, for example, verify that unit test cases exist for all public methods in the design, and each unit test is properly identified by a testing program.
In one embodiment, the initial development screening process reduces the number of entries to a manageable number for the development review board 310 to review, such as five entries.
The development review board 310 evaluates the components to determine whether they comply with the design (STEP 720). In embodiments where there is an initial screening, the members of the review board each perform a review to evaluate the submitted component.
The development reviewer evaluates the component code against the design. In one embodiment, for example, with regard to the component, the reviewer evaluates the extent to which: (1) the implementation addresses the functionality as detailed in component design documents; (2) the implementation correctly uses all required technologies (e.g. language, required components, etc.) and packages; (3) the implementation properly implements required algorithms; (4) the implementation has correctly implemented (and not modified) the public application programming interface (API) as defined in the design, with no additional public classes, methods, or variables.
With regard to class definitions, for example, the reviewer evaluates the extent to which classes are implemented as defined in the design documents (including, for example, modifiers, types, and naming conventions), and whether defined classes are implemented. With regard to variable definitions and method definitions, for example, the reviewer evaluates the extent to which all variables and methods are implemented as defined in the design documents (including, for example, modifiers, types, and naming conventions). With regard to relationships, for example, the reviewer evaluates the extent to which the implementation properly maps class relationships.
The reviewer can further evaluate the code by performing a code inspection. For example, the reviewer can determine the extent to which the object types defined in the implementation are the best choices for the intended usage—for example whether a Vector type should have been used instead of an Array type. The reviewer can determine the extent to which there are any needless loops, or careless object instantiation or variable assignment. With regard to test cases, for example, the reviewer can determine the extent to which (1) the unit test cases thoroughly test all methods and constructors; (2) the unit test cases properly make use of setup and teardown methods to configure the test environment; (3) files used in unit test cases exist in the designated directory; (4) unit test cases do not leave temporary files on the file system after testing is complete.
The reviewer can even further evaluate the code by conducting accuracy, failure, and stress tests. Accuracy tests test the accuracy of the results output when provided valid input. Accuracy tests can also validate configuration data. Failure tests test for correct failure behavior when the component is provided with invalid input, such as bad data and incorrect usage. Stress tests test the component capacity for high-volume operation, but testing such characteristics as performance as throughput. The tests that fail are included in the evaluation of the component, for example as a score reduction. Each reviewer can then assign an overall score to the component based on this evaluation.
In one embodiment, the development review board members 310 can use the server 104 of FIG. 1 to subject the design to one or more tests that target individual requirements, for example as set out in the design. Using the results of these targeted tests, members of the development review board (e.g., using the server 104) can obtain a total score for each submission.
For example, the development review board members 310 can use the server 104 of FIG. 1 to record and communicate their evaluations of the component designs to the other board members. In one embodiment, the board member uses an on-line evaluation form to evaluate each component. The evaluations of the board members can then be identified, and the components automatically ranked by board member scores received. Based on the evaluation of the submission(s) the development review board 310 selects a design as the winning submission (STEP 722).
In some cases, modifications may need to be made to the winning component. In these cases, the development review board 310 sends the component back to the developer 314 who submitted the winning component, along with suggestions for modifications, explicit directions to make certain modifications, or other instructions and so on. The developer 314 incorporates some or all of the changes into the component (STEP 724) and resubmits the component to the development review board 310 (STEP 726). The development review board 310 can then perform a final quality control review of the component (STEP 728), and sends the component to the product manager 302. The product manager 302 can then include the component in a component catalog, as described below, and make the component available for distribution (STEP 730). The product manager 302 clan also pay the winning developer 314, using any one of the methods described below (STEP 732).
Referring to FIG. 8, the server 104 can include a number of modules to facilitate the development and/or distinction of components. For example, a component development subsystem 800 can facilitate the development process described above. The component development subsystem 800 facilitates the development of a component with the development team 200 and communicates with many different modules to achieve the distributed team development process.
In one embodiment and as described in more detail below, the server 104 can include a component catalog 804. The component catalog 804 stores components developed by the development team 200. In one embodiment, the component catalog 804 provides a catalog or directory of information about components available to potential purchasers. For instance, a customer of the server 104 can view a directory of the component catalog 804 and information about each component in the component catalog 804 before selecting a particular component. Once the server 104 (or administrator of the component catalog 804) receives the required fee payment or authorization information for the component, the server 104 downloads the component to the client 108 over the communications network 112. The component catalog is described further with reference to FIG. 10 below.
The server 104 also includes communication tools 808. In one embodiment, the communication tools 808 are tools that facilitate communication between the team members 204, 208, 212, 216 of the development team 200. Examples of the communication tools 808 include, but are not limited to, a module enabling the real-time communication between team members 204, 208, 212, 216 (e.g., chat), news groups, on-line meetings, and document collaboration tools.
Moreover, the server 104 can also include a component incubator 812. The component incubator 812 is a module enabling users to submit suggestions for components or modifications to components which can then be used as the basis for market research.
The server 104 can include a requirements design subsystem 816. The requirements design subsystem 816 enables the product manager 204 and architect 208 to view and comment on the requirements specification. In further embodiments, the requirements design subsystem 816 enables the product manager 204 and the architect 208 to create, edit, download, upload, and/or approve requirements in the specification (e.g., over the communications network 112). In one embodiment, the requirements design system can share and manipulate models in UML.
The server 104 additionally includes a development posting subsystem 820. The development posting subsystem 820 enables the server 104 or product manager 204 to communicate with potential development team members to promote development projects and grow a community of contributors that contribute to the component catalog. In one embodiment, the development posting subsystem 820 displays an advertisement to potential development team members. In one embodiment, the advertisement describes the project using text, graphics, video, and/or sounds. The advertisement may also describe positions available in the development team 200. Examples of communication techniques include, without limitation, posting these ads on the server's web site, displaying statistics about the project (e.g., planned royalties paid to development team members, development team members who are participating in this project, development hours available per week). Moreover, in one embodiment the development posting subsystem 820 accepts inquiries associated with development projects. In further embodiments, the development posting subsystem 820 suggests members of the competition member base to form a development team to handle an inquiry. The development posting subsystem 820 may analyze, for example, the rating of each member of the coding competition member base, previous contributions to previous development projects, the quality of contributions to previous component development projects (e.g., based on a score given to each development team member 204, 208, 212, 216 at the completion of the component, as discussed above), and current availability of the potential team member when recommending a member of the competition member base to be part of the development team 200. The product manager 204 may or may not be an advertised position as just described.
The server 104 also includes a management subsystem 824. The management subsystem 824 is a module that allocates revenue to a development team member (e.g., developer 212, QA developer 216). In one embodiment, a development team member earns an ongoing royalty on component licenses or sales of copies of the component. In further embodiments, the management subsystem 824 enables the product manager 204 and architect 208 to view inquiries for projects and select project teams based on a recommendation from the server 104 (i.e., the development posting subsystem 820). The management subsystem 824 can also track deliverables produced by the development team 200 (e.g., source code, documentation, and schema) and/or enable the review of development team members 204, 208, 212, 216 after the development of the component. The management subsystem 824 can also scan development team member information, such as, but not limited to, history, coding competition ranking, and prior work experience. In some embodiments, the management subsystem 824 can display the development team member information to the product manager 204 and/or architect 208 via, for instance, a graphical user interface.
The server 104 also includes a software design subsystem 828. The software design subsystem 828 enables collaboration between the team members 204, 208, 212, 216. More specifically and in one embodiment, the software design subsystem 828 enables team members 204, 208, 212, 216 to view and/or comment on the design documents, such as object diagrams (e.g., class diagrams and use-case diagrams, and so on.). In another embodiment, the software design subsystem 828 enables development team members 204, 208, 212, 216 to create, download, upload, and/or edit the design documents and/or the architecture documents over the communications network 112.
Moreover, the server also includes a component development environment (CDE) 832. The CDE 832 enables team members 204, 208, 212, 216 and potential purchasers of the components to create applications by linking components together. In one embodiment, the CDE 832 is a web-based application (e.g., applet or plug-in application). In additional embodiments, the CDE 832 is included in the client software 120. The CDE 832 also enables the transition of a component from a QA application which tests the component, as described below, into the integration module, also described below, to create larger components or applications. The CDE 832 also enables the migration of standalone components from QA to production and/or the migration of an application or larger component to production. The CDE 832 may additionally incorporate commercially available Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software.
The server 104 additionally includes a quality assurance (QA) application 836. The QA application 836 enables the testing of all applications and/or components. In one embodiment, the QA application 836 executes test cases developed by the QA developer 216. Moreover, the QA application 836 may execute an automated test on the component or application, such as to verify and/or measure memory usage, thread usage, machine statistics such as I/O usage and processor load. Additionally, the QA application 836 can score the component by performance, design, and/or functionality. Moreover, the QA application 836 can be a test harness for testing multiple components simultaneously.
In one embodiment, the server 104 can include a packaging application 840. The packaging application 840 packages deliverables (e.g., source files, executables, documentation, and/or supporting material (e.g., XML, DDL)) in a downloadable file (e.g., .ZIP file, Java Archive (.JAR file), or dynamic link library (.DLL) file). In one embodiment, the packaging application 840 packages these deliverables into a downloadable file when a customer purchases a component from the component catalog. The packaging application 840 then downloads the file to the client 108.
The server 104 also includes a component showroom 844. The component showroom 844 promotes the license (and/or sales of copies) and usage of the components by providing information about the component. The component showroom 844 can also provide the ability to, for instance but not limited to, demonstrate component usage, demonstrate a case study, provide a list of related components and applications, and provide information about pricing and/or licensing.
Although described above as independent subsystems and modules, this is for exemplary purposes only and these subsystems and modules may alternatively be combined into one or more modules or subsystems. For example, in another embodiment, the component development module 800 can perform any number of the functions described above. Moreover, one or more of the subsystems described above may be remotely located from other modules (e.g., executing on another server 104 in a server farm).
Referring to FIG. 9, the development posting subsystem 820 includes a web server 902. The product manager 204 can use the web server 902 to post design or specifications for distribution to the software team 200. The server 104 also includes a rating engine 904. In one embodiment, the rating engine 904 calculates ratings for each participant in one or more coding competitions. In other embodiments, the rating engine can calculate ratings for members of project teams 200 based on the individual members' contributions to the project. The server 104 also includes a receiving module 906. In one embodiment, the receiving module 906 receives computer software designs submitted to the development posting subsystem 820 by members of the project team 200. Alternatively, the receiving module 906 facilitates the receipt of submissions from developers 212 competing for spots on the development team 200. The server 104 also includes a scoring module 908. In one embodiment, the architecture review board 304 uses the scoring module 908 to evaluate multiple software designs submitted by the software designers 308. Additionally, the development review board 310 can use the scoring module 908 to evaluate multiple software components submitted by the programmers 314. The server also includes a reviewing module 910. Additionally, developers can use the reviewing module 910 to review submissions from other developers. In one embodiment, the web server 902, rating engine 904, receiving module 906, scoring module 908, and reviewing module reside on the server 104. Alternatively, the web server 902, rating engine 904, receiving module 906, scoring module 908, and reviewing module 910 can reside on other servers or remote devices.
Referring to FIG. 10, the component catalog 804 includes a component repository 1004. The component repository 1004 is a central store for components that the server 104 can publicize and sell to purchasers. In one embodiment, the component catalog 804 is stored on the server 104. Alternatively, the component catalog 804 can be stored on another server or remote storage device (e.g., database server). In some embodiments, the component repository 1004 provides the user interface to potential purchasers wishing to purchase a component or its information. Typically, the user interface generates code for the client software 120 or web browser 116 used by purchasers to communicate with the server 104.
The component catalog 804 additionally includes an information module 1008. The information module 1008 provides information about the components to the component repository 1004. For instance, the information module 1008 can provide or include a table listing supported components of the server 104 that are stored in the component repository 1004. Moreover, the information module 1008 can also provide documentation for each component to the component repository 1004, such as, but not limited to, the component's memory requirements, efficiency, score received in QA testing, and members of the development team 200. In one embodiment, the information module 1008 is in communication with the component repository 1004 to provide the component information to the component repository 1004 so that, for example, a potential purchaser can view a component's information (e.g., performance) during selection.
The component catalog 804 also includes an update tracking module 1012. The update tracking module 1012 ensures that the component repository contains the most recent version of a component. In one embodiment, upon the determination of a modification to a component previously purchased by a customer, the component catalog 804 receives the change. The update tracking module 1012 ensures that the modified component is stored in the component repository 1004. In some embodiments, the update tracking module 1012 alerts the product manager 204 or architect 208 of the modification. In yet other embodiments, the update tracking module 1012 transmits only the modified portion of the component to the component repository 1004 for more efficient updates. In further embodiments, if a component is modified, the update tracking module 1012 transmits a message to all customers who had previously purchased the previous version of the component to notify the customers that a newer version is available and the differences between this version and the previous version.
The component catalog 804 additionally includes a dependency tracking module 1016. The dependency tracking module 1016 tracks the dependencies between components that are linked together in an application. For example, a component purchaser purchases a component A from the server 104. Component A is a larger component made up of components B, C, and D. If component C is subsequently modified, in one embodiment the server 104 notifies the purchaser that component C has been modified and component C depends off of component A. The purchaser, however, is interested in component A. If the purchaser only updates component C, then the purchaser's component A may not operate unless the purchaser downloads the updated component B and D. The dependency tracking module 1016 is the module that tracks such dependencies. In some embodiments, the dependency tracking module 1016 notifies customers about dependencies.
The component catalog 804 also includes an integration module 1020. In one embodiment, the integration module 1020 integrates components in the component catalog 804 to form larger components or applications. For instance, the product manager 204 can determine that a need exists for a particular component A. If the product manager 204 realizes that no component A exists in the component catalog 204 but does realize that other components exist that may be able to create component A using other components, the product manager 204 can plan a project for the creation of the component A. In one embodiment, the integration module 1020 facilitates the integration of many components into one larger component.
For example and referring to FIG. 11, a component catalog system 1100 includes a first company 1104 operating the first client 108 and a second company 1108 operating the second client 108′. The companies 1104, 1108 communicate with the server 104 over the communications network 112. The server 104 includes the component catalog 804 and the component catalog 804 includes the update tracking module 1012. Although not illustrated, each client 108, 108′ includes the respective web browser 116, 116′, the server 104 includes the modules (e.g., component showroom 844) described above in FIG. 8, and the component catalog 804 includes the modules (e.g., the information module 1008) described above in FIG. 10.
In one embodiment, the server 104 transmits a remote upload tracking module 1112, 1112′, generally 1112, to the first and second companies 1104, 1108, respectively. Each remote upload tracking module 1112 communicates with the upload tracking module 1012 when a company 1104, 1108 modifies a component that is stored in the component catalog 804. Additionally, the remote upload tracking module 1112 also enables a company (e.g., 1104, 1108) to add their components to the component catalog 804, thereby making the component available to other companies. In some embodiments, the remote upload tracking module 1112 may be implemented in various forms, for example, it may be in the form of a Java applet that is downloaded to the client 108 and runs in conjunction with the web browser 116 and/or client software 120, or the remote upload tracking module 1112 may be in the form of a standalone application, implemented in a multi-platform language such as Java or in native processor executable code. Further, the remote upload tracking module 1112 may be implemented as the client software 120.
In one embodiment, the first company 1104 produces a first version of a component 1116. In one embodiment, the remote upload tracking module 1112 then automatically transmits the component 1116 to the server 104 (e.g., the upload tracking module 1012) over the communications network 112 for addition into the component catalog 804. Alternatively, the remote upload tracking module 1112 queries the first company 1108 (e.g., an employee of the first company 1104) if the first company 1108 wants to submit the component to the component catalog 804 and consequently make the component available to other companies (e.g., the second company 1108). For instance, the remote upload tracking module 1112 queries the first company 1104 via a dialog box (e.g., displayed on the web browser 116 or client software 120). If the first company 1104 agrees to the query (e.g., selects YES from a dialog of adding the component 1116 to the component catalog 804), the remote update tracking module 1112 transmits the component 1116 to the server 104, as illustrated with arrow 1120. In one embodiment, the remote upload tracking module 1112 has an option (e.g., checkbox) to transmit completed components to the server 104. Once the option is selected, the remote upload tracking module 1112 does not query the first company 1104 but rather automatically transmits the completed component to the server 104 and does so until the option is unselected. Additionally, although tailored towards the first company 1104, the description also applies to the second company 1108. In another embodiment, other functions, such as royalty negotiation, effort determination, and so on, may take place before a third party component is added to the component catalog 804.
In one embodiment, the uploaded components undergo a QA process as described herein before addition to the component catalog 804. In one embodiment, upon receiving the first version of the component 1116, the server 104 subjects the component 1116 to one or more of the steps described above in FIG. 4. For example, the server 104 does not add the component 1116 into the component catalog 804 without performing the QA testing on the component (STEP 428). In additional embodiments, the server 104 does not add the component 1116 to the component catalog 804 until the architect 208 provides the final approval to the product manager 204. Thus, if version 1 of the component 1116 does not meet the stringent coding standard requirements of the architect 208 (and/or product manager 204), the component 1116 is not added to the component catalog 408. In further embodiments, the server 104 notifies the first company 1104 that the component 1116 did not meet the required standards for entry into the component catalog 804. The server 104 can additionally provide the first company 1104 with the problems found in the component 1116.
If the component 1116 does meet the server's requirements and is consequently added to the component catalog 804, the server 104 can then display the component 1116 in the component catalog 804 for potential purchase. Thus, if a second company 1108 views the component catalog 804 (e.g., via the component showroom 844), the second company 1108 can purchase version 1 of the component 1116. After the sale, the server 104 subsequently transmits the component 1116 to the second company 1108, illustrated with arrow 1124. In one embodiment, the first company 1104 may be compensated for any sale of version 1 of the component.
Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment the second company 1108 purchases version 1 of the component and subsequently modifies the component 1116, shown with modification arrow 1128. A modification is, for example, an improvement (e.g., efficiency increase, smaller memory requirements), deletion (e.g., of an unneeded step or feature), and an addition (e.g., of a complimentary feature or function) to the component 1116. Another example of a modification is the integration of the component 1116 into another component (e.g., a larger component). In response to the modification, version 1 of the component 1116 becomes, for example, version 1.1 of the component 1116′. In one embodiment, the remote update tracking module 1112 transmits a message to the server 104 stating that the second company 1108 has modified the component 1116. In further embodiments, the remote update tracking module 1112 then transmits (or, e.g., queries and transmits) the modified version 1.1 to the server 104, as shown with arrow 1132. Upon receipt of version 1.1 of the component 1116′, the server 104 and/or development team members determine whether the modified component 1116′ can be added to the component catalog 804 by performing the steps illustrated in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, when version 1.1 of the component 1116′ is added to the component catalog 804, version 1.1 replaces version 1 of the component 1116. Alternatively, version 1.1 of the component 1116′ is added as another component in the component catalog 804. The replacement or addition of version 1.1 of the component 1116′ may depend on the amount of changes relative to version 1 of the component. Furthermore, the update tracking module 1012 may notify each customer who previously purchased version 1 of the component 1116 that an updated version 1.1 has been added to the component catalog 804. The other modules 1008, 1016, 1020 may also notify customers about, for example, additional dependencies and available information. Additionally, in some embodiments the second company 1108 is compensated for licenses/sales of copies of the second version of the component 1116′.
In one embodiment, members of a development team (e.g. 208, 212, 216) working on a software product (e.g. a component or a software application) are paid a fee for their work on the product. Although preferably a software component, the product that is developed by the distributed software development system 101 can be any software application or type of intellectual property. In one embodiment and as described above with respect to FIG. 8, the development posting subsystem 820 of the server 104 posts project listings and descriptions of the projects in the project listings, such as in an advertisement. The advertisement or posting can include, for instance, the contribution of each development team member, the fee that a development team member receives for work on the project, and the total contribution of the entire development team.
In one embodiment, the members of a development team receive a royalty based on their contribution to the product and the revenue earned from licenses or sales of copies of the product. The management subsystem 824 (also described above with respect to FIG. 8) of the server 104 tracks particular characteristics for determining the royalty amounts to be paid to the members of the development team. In one such embodiment, the fee is an advance payment on royalties, meaning that royalties are not paid until the advance is covered.
In one embodiment and also referring to FIG. 13, the server 104 (e.g., the management subsystem 824) tracks the total revenue 1304, development team member contribution 1308, development team member royalty percentage 1310, royalty pool percentage 1311, royalty pool 1312, and royalty 1316 for the project and/or for each development team member.
In one embodiment, the contribution 1308 is a predetermined amount that is specified in advance of the development work. In another embodiment, the contribution 1308 of each member is determined by the amount of time, level of skill (determined by previous scores, contest rating, experience or a combination), or degree of effort made by the development team member. In another embodiment, the contribution 1308 is determined by the usefulness of the development team member's contribution. The expected proportional contribution of a development team member (e.g., 208, 212, 216) is the development team member's royalty percentage 1310. In one embodiment, the development team member's royalty percentage 1310 is determined by dividing the total work contribution 1308 that is expected to be required by the development team member to accomplish her task by the total work contribution that is expected to be required by all of the development team members to develop the deliverables (e.g., the component and related documentation). In the event that the component is changed, upgraded or otherwise modified, an adjustment may be made to the development team member's royalty percentage 1310 for that modified version, to reflect the new contribution division.
In one embodiment, a royalty pool percentage 1311 is selected for a product. The royalty pool percentage 1311 is a percentage of total revenues 1304 (e.g. yearly, quarterly, or monthly revenue) to be reserved for royalty payments 1316 to be made to the development team who worked on the product. In one embodiment, the anticipated royalty pool percentage 1311 for each product is set forth in the applicable specification document. In some embodiments, the royalty pool percentage 1311 may depend on other business factors, such as time or popularity of a product. The royalty pool 1312 is then the portion of revenues 1304 from a product that is to be distributed as royalty payments 1316 to the members of the development team who developed the product. In one embodiment, the royalty pool 1312 is determined by multiplying the royalty pool percentage 1311 by the total revenues 1304 received from sales or licenses of the product during a predetermined time period.
The management subsystem 824 tracks the information in the data structure 1324. In one embodiment, there are a plethora of products that are stored in the component catalog 804. Moreover, the number of people who have contributed or are contributing to one or more projects can be substantial. To track the information used to accurately determine compensation for each development team member's contribution 1308 to products, the management subsystem 824 of the server 104 is employed.
In some embodiments, the server 104 tracks and stores a sliding scale royalty 1320, which is based on a selection that a development team member can make that determines the amount of initial compensation paid to the team member (e.g., set fee) upon their agreeing to work on the project. The sliding scale royalty 1320 is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 16. In one embodiment, the management subsystem 824 stores this information 1304, 1308, 1312, 1316, 1320 in a compensation data structure 1324. The data structure 1324 may be stored, for instance, in the server's memory, in an external memory, and/or in a persistent storage.
For example and referring to FIG. 14, a royalty compensation table 1400 includes three development team members 1404, Member1, Member2, and Member3 that are contributors on a development team. For example, Member1 could be an architect 208, Member2 could be a developer 212, and Member3 could be a quality assurance (QA) developer 216. In this embodiment, the contribution 1308 of Member1 is 100 hours, the contribution 1308 of Member2 is 200 hours, and the contribution 1308 of Member3 is 300 hours. In this example, the contribution 1308 for each member (e.g., Member1, Member 2, Member3) can be determined by the expected number of hours required for each member (as determined by the product manager 204). In other embodiments, the contribution 1308 can be determined by, for instance, the actual number of hours spent, the actual amount of model or code designed written, or tested, and so on.
In this example, the total amount 1410 of contribution 1308 by the development team is 600 hours. The development team member royalty percentage 1310 is the contribution 1308 of each member divided by the total contribution. In this example, the total contribution is (100+200+300)=600 hours. The development team member royalty percentage 1310 is, then, for Member1 (100/600)=17%; for Member2 (200/600)=33%; and for Member3 (300/600)=50%.
In this example, the total revenue 1304 is $20,000. The royalty pool percentage 1311 for this product is 5%. The royalty pool 1312 is therefore ($20,000×5%=) $1,000. Thus, the royalty 1316 earned by each development team member 1404 is their royalty percentage 1310 of the royalty pool 1312. Specifically, Member1 receives ($1,000×17%=) $170, Member2 receives ($1,000×33%=) $330, and Member3 receives ($1000×50%=) $500. In some embodiments, these royalty payments 1324 would be made in a similar manner as additional revenue for the product is received.
Referring to FIG. 15, in a continuing example, the product produced by the three team members 1404 is modified and updated into another version. The new version could be version 1.1 of the component 1116 described in FIG. 11 or integrated into another product. The additional work is performed by team members 1504 (e.g., Member4 and Member5) and also by Member3, but not Member2 and Member1. The royalties are adjusted to include the new development team members' contributions into the determination of the royalty 1316. In this example, the contribution of Member4 is 50 hours and the contribution of Member5 is also 50 hours. Thus, with the contribution of the two additional members 1504, the total 1410 of the amount of contribution increases to 750 hours. The development team member royalty percentage 1310 is the contribution of each member (e.g., Member1, Member2, Member3, Member 4, Member 5) divided by the total contribution.
The development team member royalty percentage 1310 is, then, for Member1 (100/750)=13.33%; for Member2 (200/750)=26.66%; for Member3 (350/750)=46.66%; for Member4 (50/750)=6.66%, and for Member5 (50/750)=6.66%.
Further, in this example, the total revenue 1304 generated for the modified product is $30,000. The royalty pool percentage 1311 for this product is 5%. The royalty pool 1312 is therefore ($30,000×5%=) $1500. Each of the development team members 1508 receives their royalty percentage 1310 of the royalty pool 1312: Member1 receives ($1500×13.33%=) $200. Member2 receives ($1500×26.66%=) $400. Member3 receives ($1500×46.66%=) $700, which is higher than the previous royalty 1316 that Member3 had previously received before Member3's additional contribution 1308. In some embodiments, these royalty payments 1316 would be made in a similar manner as additional revenue for the product is received.
Also referring to FIG. 16, in some embodiments the development team members can adjust the amount of revenue that they receive (as royalties 1316) by adjusting their sliding scale royalty 1320. Specifically, the server 104 (e.g., the product manager 204) can implement a sliding scale 1606 that enables a team member to choose the amount of a set fee 1608 and development team member royalty percentage 1310 such that the development team member can accept more or less risk of the success of the product. An increased fee 1608 will result in a decreased royalty and vice-versa, and, therefore, reduces the received royalties 1316. Thus, the amount of the fee 1608 that the team member chooses corresponds with a royalty selection 1612. The endpoints of the sliding scale 1606 are the maximum values of the set fee 1608 and the development team member royalty percentage 1310 that the team member can receive for their contribution 1308 to the project. In the sliding scale 1606 shown, the values of the set fee 1608 are represented on the top half of the sliding scale 1606 and the development team member royalty percentages 1310 are represented on the bottom half of the sliding scale 1606. In one embodiment, when a fee is requested, the royalty potential of the team member is adjusted due to the choice of the set fee. To determine the sliding scale royalty 1320, which would replace the royalty 1316 received by the team member, the server 104 multiples the development team member royalty percentage 1310 of the team member with the royalty pool 1312 and with the royalty selection 1612 made by the team member. Thus, the sliding scale royalty 1320 would be the total revenue 1304 multiplied by the royalty pool percentage 1311 multiplied by the development team member royalty percentage 1310 multiplied by the royalty selection percentage 1612.
Using the example illustrated in FIG. 16 with respect to Member2, Member3, and Member 5 of FIG. 15, if Member2 chooses to receive 100% of his compensation in a set fee 1608, then Member2 will receive 0% of the royalties otherwise applicable. Thus, Member2 has a new sliding scale royalty 1320, which replaces the royalty 1316 shown in FIG. 15, of (26.66%*1500*0%=) zero, as Member2 chose all of his royalties as a set fee 1608.
In this example, Member3 chooses a maximum royalty selection 1612 (e.g., 100%). Consequently, Member3's sliding scale royalty 1320 is (46.66%1500*100%=) $700. In another embodiment, Member5 chooses to receive 50% of the possible fee 1608 and <|fim_middle|> solicited based on the developers having a rating.
28. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of selecting a subset of the submissions further includes identifying one submission as the winning submission.
29. The method of claim 19 wherein the proceeds are allotted at least in part based on the rating of the developers.
30. The method of claim 19 wherein the proceeds are allotted at least in part based on the number of hours the at least one of the plurality of developers spent coding the software program.
31. The method of claim 19 wherein the proceeds are allotted at least in part based on the number of times the software program is distributed. | 50% royalty 1316. Thus, Member5's sliding scale royalty 1320 is (6.66%*1500*50%) $50.
In one embodiment, the amount of the set fee 1608 directly relates to the reduction in the development team member royalty percentage 1310. Thus, a 20% increase in the set fee 1608 consequently reduces the development team member royalty percentage 1310 by 20%. In other embodiments, the change in set fee 1608 is not directly related to the change in the development team member royalty percentage 1310. For example, the server 104 may multiply a constant times the increase in the fee 1608 to make even a slight increase in the fee 1608 correspond to a large increase in the development team member royalty percentage 1310 adjusted for the expected risk. Alternatively, the server 104 may assign a constant which applies an inverse relationship to the change in the development team member royalty percentage 1310 from a change in the set fee 1608. Moreover, any relationship can exist between the set fee 1608 and the development team member royalty percentage 1310. Thus, the server 104 can apply one or more mathematical functions to determine the change in one variable with respect to a change in the other variable.
In one embodiment, the development team member royalty percentage 1310 and royalty pool percentage 1311 (e.g., 5% in previous two examples) may differ for each applicable product and each are subject to upward or downward adjustment by the server 104 at any time. In further embodiments, the product manager 204 and/or the architect 208 can vary these percentages 1310, 1311.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, revenue can be measured before expenses (e.g., gross revenue). In another embodiment, revenue can be determined after expenses (e.g., net revenue, commissions, etc.).
In one exemplary embodiment, the distributed software development system 101 is employed in the bio-technology industry. A first bio-tech company develops a new set of molecules, referred to below as set A, B, and C, and believes that one or more of the molecules can be effective against a particular disease, referred to below as disease X. However, the bio-tech company does not have the protein data that is used to determine if molecule A, B, and/or C are effective against disease X. In one embodiment, the product manager 204 researches the industry and, subsequently, a development team adds a software component that models the characteristics of each molecule into the component catalog 804. In some embodiments, the development team also creates one or more components that model diseases, such as disease X. The bio-tech company may view the components in the component catalog 804 and determine to use one or more of the components to, for example, model molecular interactions and determine the effectiveness of a molecule on a particular disease. In some embodiments, the server 104 produces components that provide a data warehouse for data about a particular gene or molecule. In one embodiment, the bio-tech company uses a component to read data out of a bio-tech machine that reads data of cells and/or genes. The component can also store the data read out of a bio-tech machine.
In general, in one aspect, the invention relates to a method for determining a royalty for a first contributor to a cooperatively developed product that is developed by the first contributor and at least one other contributor. The method includes receiving a value indicative of the contribution made by each of the first contributor and each of the at least one other contributor to the cooperatively developed product. The method includes calculating the total contribution made by the contributor and the at least one other contributor by summing the received values. The method includes determining a developer royalty percentage for the first developer based on the ratio of the determined first contributor's contribution value to the calculated total contribution. The method includes allocating a royalty pool for the cooperatively developed product out of revenue received for the cooperatively developed product; and determining a royalty amount for the first contributor by multiplying the royalty pool by the developer royalty percentage.
In one embodiment, allocating a royalty pool includes specifying a royalty pool percentage for the cooperatively developed product, and multiplying revenue received for the cooperatively developed product by the royalty pool percentage. In various embodiments, the revenue received can be the revenue before or the revenue after deducting expenses.
Although described here with reference to software, and useful when implemented with regard to software components, the cooperatively developed product can be any sort of tangible or intangible object that embodies intellectual property. In one embodiment, the product includes at least one computer software component. In one such embodiment, the product includes a computer application program made up of at least one computer software component. In other embodiments, the product includes at least one of an integrated circuit design and a computer hardware device. In one embodiment, the contribution is at least one of product management, design, architecture, coding, and quality assurance testing.
In one embodiment, the receiving step comprises receiving from at least one of a system administrator, keyboard input, or a data store (e.g. hard disk, memory), and a software object. In one embodiment, the method is performed by a computer in response at least in part to input of contributor contribution values for the cooperatively developed work. In one embodiment, the value indicative of contribution is a predetermined value based on estimates of work required for a specified contribution. In another embodiment, the value indicative of contribution is based on measuring actual contribution. (e.g. lines of code, hours spent). In various embodiments, the steps of the method can be used for follow-on or modified products that include the contribution of additional contributors. In such a case, the value indicative of contribution can be either the contribution to the original product or the contribution to the follow-on or modified product.
In general, in another aspect, the invention relates to a system that can perform the method steps for many contributors and many products. The system is able, using the information and techniques and described herein, to track the information associated with these products and developers to allocate revenue as royalties for the contributors. In general, in another aspect, the invention relates to a system for facilitating distributed component development, including a component catalog, a distributed development environment, and a royalty calculation system.
In general, in another aspect the invention relates to a component catalog system that includes local component storage for storing components and information about the components, an user interface module for providing information about components, an update tracking module for tracking updates made to the components, a dependency tracking module for tracking component dependencies, and an integration module for identifying components that can be integrated. In one embodiment, the system further comprises a remote module for providing information about components stored on a remote system, and making the components available to users of the component catalog as if they were contained in the local component storage.
(e) allotting a portion of the proceeds from the distribution of the at least one software program to at least one of the plurality of developers in response to the selected submission.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising, prior to step a), rating the software developers.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the software developers are rated based on their performance in an online coding competition.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the software developers are rated based on prior submissions of a design for a software program.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the software developers are rated based on prior submissions of a software program.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein the software program is a software component.
25. The method of claim 19 wherein the software program can be one or more of: a software application, a combination of software components, or a software module.
26. The method of claim 19 wherein the developers are solicited based at least in part on their rating.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the developers are | 1,698 |
John P. English, who grew up at a time when amateur golf trumped the professional game and went on to work for a decade as the USGA's assistant executive director under Joseph P. Dey, died on March 6 at age 101 in Yarmouth, Mass.
English grew up in Massachusetts, where he learned the game at Plymouth Country Club from Henry Picard, who would go on to win two major championships in a Hall of Fame career. During a life full of rich golf experiences, English once played a match against Babe Ruth, became friends with Francis Ouimet and Bob Jones, was a golf writer for the Boston Herald, and served both the Massachusetts Golf Association and the USGA.
English witnessed many historic golf moments. He was at the Masters in 1935 when Gene Sarazen made his "shot heard 'round the world," a double eagle on the 15th hole. English walked alongside Sam Snead at Philadelphia Country Club when Snead, needing only a par 5 on the final hole to win the 1939 U.S. Open, made an 8. After the debacle, English had to interview Snead, a four-time runner-up who never won an Open. "He was not a happy man," English said.
Years later, Snead was preparing to tee off<|fim_middle|>3, 1910. He attended Governor Dummer Academy (now Governors Academy) in Byfield, Mass., the nation's oldest boarding school. Upon graduation, English enrolled at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., graduating in 1932. He played on the golf team throughout, winning his school championship in prep school.
After college, English was hired by the Boston Herald, first as a business reporter, then a feature writer.
In 1941, English enlisted in the Navy, and he was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, staying on for a year after World War II ended. He resumed his service during the Korean War, eventually serving nearly 10 years and retiring with the rank of commander.
After leaving the USGA, English was the alumni secretary and director of annual giving and public information for Williams, his alma mater. He kept strong ties with the Association, serving for 28 years on the Green Section Committee as well as a one-year stint on the Nominating Committee. He also had a long relationship with the Massachusetts Golf Association, where he held the posts of president and director. One highlight of every year was the annual USGA dinner.
In retirement, English served as president of the Board of Cape Abilities, which provides support for people with disabilities on Cape Cod. He also served on the board of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, on the vestry of the Church of the Holy Spirit, and as chairman of the Cape Cod Community College Foundation.
English is survived by two daughters, Chris English LeBeau, of Kansas City, Mo.; Sara English, of Centerville, Mass.; one stepson, Michael Laird McIver, of Houston, Texas; three grandsons; and his companion of many years, Betsey Metters. He was predeceased in 1986 by his wife of 38 years, Eleanor Lahey English.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 31, at 2 p.m. at Heatherwood in Yarmouth Port, Mass. | in the 1954 U.S. Open at Baltusrol Golf Club when he spotted English. "I wonder what will go wrong this time," Snead said. He proceeded to hit his ball out of bounds.
In 1955, English walked the fairways of The Olympic Club with Jack Fleck and Ben Hogan in their 18-hole U.S. Open playoff, which Fleck won by three strokes to deny Hogan a fifth Open title.
English served as assistant executive director of the USGA from 1949 to 1959, when it was headquartered in New York City. He helped launch the longtime USGA publication Golf Journal, and served as its editor. At the time, English was one of just three USGA staff members.
"There was Joe Dey, me and [assistant] Eddie Miller," English recalled in a 2010 interview. "Our offices were on the fifth floor, and there was a big room in the front that Joe and I shared, and Eddie worked in the back." Today, the USGA staff numbers nearly 300.
Through his late 90s, English regularly walked two or three holes a day on the golf course adjacent to Heatherwood, the retirement community on Cape Cod where he lived. He had stopped playing golf about a dozen years previously when he moved to Heatherwood from his home in nearby Orleans.
English was born in Haverhill, Mass., on May 1 | 302 |
"That was the worst time of my life!" This is an all too common refrain from lawyers when they think back to the months just prior to the bar exam. While it's true that studying for the bar exam won't be the most enjoyable experience you've ever had, neither does it need to be a cheerless, monotonous slog. In fact, with the right strategies in place, you can actually be happy (or at least not unhappy!) while preparing for the bar exam.
Like most experiences in life, how you feel during bar prep will largely be dictated by your attitude towards it. If you go into bar prep anticipating that it will be miserable, boring, and stressful, I guarantee you that it will be miserable, boring, and stressful! If, however, you go into bar prep with the right attitude, you're much more likely to have a positive experience. This is important because the better your preparation experience, the more likely you are to have positive results!
Of course, having a positive attitude about bar prep is easier said than done. With hours and hours of studying to complete, not to mention the fear of<|fim_middle|> and a surging depth of joy." While I'll admit that it may not be possible to ever feel "a surging depth of joy" about taking the bar exam, with the right attitude, you can feel inspired and excited about the experience, particularly if you remind yourself that this is the final step on the path to becoming a lawyer.
Even with the right attitude, there are going to be moments during bar prep when you feel discouraged, stressed, and burned out. During these moments, being able to turn to a support system can bolster your spirits and quell your fears when you need it most.
A good support system should give you a place to vent your fears and frustrations, offer encouragement, provide assistance with chores or routine household tasks, provide an outlet away from studying when needed, and help you maintain your self-belief throughout the process. One person may do all of these things for you or you may rely on different people to play different roles. It's also helpful to have someone, such as a bar prep tutor or law school professor, that you can go to for advice about study strategies and substantive legal questions.
Try to identify who will make up your support system before you start studying and discuss your expectations and concerns. And, once you've identified your support system, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Having support throughout the process will make bar prep less isolating and burdensome.
The biggest key to having a positive bar prep experience is good time management. The ability to spend time with your friends and family, exercise, eat healthy, get a good night's sleep, do activities you enjoy, and just have some downtime away from studying is absolutely vital to maintaining your well-being during bar prep. And the good news is, you can do all of these things while studiously preparing for the bar exam, but only if you manage your time well and stay focused when you need to work.
There's no secret to balancing work and life: you need to have a good schedule that accounts for everything you want to accomplish, and you need to work diligently during study periods. If you stay focused, avoid procrastinating, and work consistently throughout bar prep, you will be able to make time to enjoy yourself.
While you may never want to relive the months leading up the bar exam, this also doesn't have to be a terrible experience. With the right attitude, a strong support system, and strict time management, you can be happy and thoroughly prepared for the exam. | failure looming in the back of your mind, staying optimistic can be a struggle. But it's a struggle worth fighting, because a positive attitude will bolster your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
So how do you get yourself into the right mindset to face bar prep? Reframe the experience. Instead of assuming that this will be the worst few months of your life, like some people may have told you, try to get excited by the challenge ahead. Yes, there will be lots of hard work, but hard work can be energizing when you're doing it in order to achieve something you care about: becoming a lawyer. You've spent the last three years of your life in law school so that you would have the opportunity to sit for the bar exam. That opportunity has finally arrived, so instead of looking on the months leading up to the exam with dread, try to generate some excitement that this moment has finally arrived.
Author Norman Vincent Peale said that "You can think, talk and act yourself into dullness or into monotony or into unhappiness. By the same process, you can build up inspiration, excitement | 227 |
With so many outstanding<|fim_middle|> Light Riders and the Morenci Mine Murder.
Library discounts are available through Ingram or contact the author directly. | options available for librarians, book acquisition can be challenging. Time Travel Mysteries are written by a former classroom teacher/school principal and are intended to entice and engage even the most reticent readers. With page turning suspense, these novels tackle topics that intrigue today's young adults such as hoarding, tagging, and peer pressure. Each novel is carefully researched and includes a detailed study guide with differentiated questions and activities designed to develop thinking skills and promote a better understanding of targeted eras in time. Thematic projects are also listed for further involvement by the reader.
The Last Tag: Phoenix, Arizona in the present, Ancient Rome (Herculaneum) in 79 A.D.
Outstanding Feather Quill Reviews were given to Light Riders and the Fleur-de-lis Murder and | 160 |
The Idu Mishimi tribe believes in life after death. According to their mythology, after death the soul of a person makes a journey guided by their priest (igu or shaman) to attain the new life and ATHU-POPU is one of the holy places where the departed souls take rest on their journey towards eternity. At this sacred place a big mass of stone stands alone, and<|fim_middle|> a distance of about 200km from Roing, the district headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley. Its altitude is approximately 3500 meter MSL. There are lots of tales, mythological beliefs associated with the hills and places on the way to Athu-Popu, which enthrall anyone. | it is believed that the priest Sinerwu once cried on this scared stone on getting the news of his mother's death. The stone still bears the impression of the priest's palms and his tears, as believed. There is also a wild paddy field near Athu-Popu, believed to be cultivated by the departed souls on their onward journey.
Athu-Popu, with an an altitude of of about 3500 metres above sea level, is situated at Kayala Pass, Indo-China Border and is approximately 120 KM from Maliney. Maliney is the last motorable village in Dibang Valley District which is at | 135 |
Cutler, A. (2002). Lexical access. In L. Nadel (Ed.), Encyclopedia of cognitive science (pp. 858-864). London: Nature Publishing Group.
Cutler, A., McQueen, J. M., Norris, D., & Somejuan, A. (2002). Le rôle de la syllable. In E. Dupoux (Ed.), Les langages du cerveau: Textes en l'honneur de Jacques Mehler (pp. 185-197). Paris:<|fim_middle|> and speech (pp. 32-42). Bangkok: NECTEC.
Cutler, A. (1991). Linguistic rhythm and speech segmentation. In J. Sundberg, L. Nord, & R. Carlson (Eds.), Music, language, speech and brain (pp. 157-166). London: Macmillan. | Odile Jacob.
Cutler, A. (2002). Phonological processing: Comments on Pierrehumbert, Moates et al., Kubozono, Peperkamp & Dupoux, and Bradlow. In C. Gussenhoven, & N. Warner (Eds.), Papers in Laboratory Phonology VII (pp. 275-296). Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.
Cutler, A., & Norris, D. (2002). The role of strong syllables in segmentation for lexical access. In G. T. Altmann (Ed.), Psycholinguistics: Critical concepts in psychology (pp. 157-177). London: Routledge.
Cutler, A., Mehler, J., Norris, D., & Segui, J. (2002). The syllable's differing role in the segmentation of French and English. In G. T. Altmann (Ed.), Psycholinguistics: Critical concepts in psychology (pp. 115-135). London: Routledge.
Speech segmentation procedures may differ in speakers of different languages. Earlier work based on French speakers listening to French words suggested that the syllable functions as a segmentation unit in speech processing. However, while French has relatively regular and clearly bounded syllables, other languages, such as English, do not. No trace of syllabifying segmentation was found in English listeners listening to English words, French words, or nonsense words. French listeners, however, showed evidence of syllabification even when they were listening to English words. We conclude that alternative segmentation routines are available to the human language processor. In some cases speech segmentation may involve the operation of more than one procedure.
Cutler, A. (2000). Hoe het woord het oor verovert. In Voordrachten uitgesproken tijdens de uitreiking van de SPINOZA-premies op 15 februari 2000 (pp. 29-41). The Hague, The Netherlands: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO).
Cutler, A. (2000). How the ear comes to hear. In New Trends in Modern Linguistics [Part of Annual catalogue series] (pp. 6-10). Tokyo, Japan: Maruzen Publishers.
Cutler, A. (2000). Real words, phantom words and impossible words. In D. Burnham, S. Luksaneeyanawin, C. Davis, & M. Lafourcade (Eds.), Interdisciplinary approaches to language processing: The international conference on human and machine processing of language | 571 |
SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Complex in Norco has booked another festival and this time it will host some names in regional Mexican and Mexican-American music, including Larry Hernandez, Roberto Tap<|fim_middle|> be purchased via alritmodelsol.com beginning March 28. | ia and Luis Coronel.
The inaugural Al Ritmo Del Sol Festival will take place Saturday, May 25, at the venue.
Festival promoter Activated Events has entered into a contract to produce as many as 24 events per year at the venue, a 130-acre property that features 24 full-size soccer fields, 1,500 horse stalls and five equestrian arenas. The promoter put on the Boots in the Park fest at SilverLakes on March 16.
In addition to Hernandez, Tapia and Coronel, the event will also feature groups Banda Maguey and Enigma Norteño.
There will be two iterations of Al Ritmo Del Sol, the initial festival at SilverLakes and then another at Woodward Park in Fresno on May 26 featuring the same group of musicians.
Tickets for the festival at SilverLakes, which range in price from $99-$399, can | 196 |
Little Falls Cheese Festival announces winner of logo contest
Posted by Teri Dunn Chace | Jan 23, 2019 | Cheese Festival, News | 0 |
Little Falls Cheese Festival Logo
Little Falls, NY – As the<|fim_middle|>, of Hudson, New York, a young graphic designer and entrepreneur who owns The Rockerbox Spice Company (she, of course, designed her own logo), specializing in pure garlic and onion powders. She found out about the competition because she is a Little Falls Cheese Festival (and Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival) vendor.
"We love Rae's design," committee member Teri Chace declared. "The wedge shape telegraphs CHEESE, the hand-lettering look is compatible with our 'handcrafted' and 'artisan' cheesemaker theme, the ribbon across the middle is festive, and the blue and yellow colors provide strong contrast and are as New York State as, well, car license plates. We are thrilled." She said the committee will not only use it to promote the festival, but is planning a "swag booth" at the festival, where attendees can get a souvenir sticker, mug, or t-shirt featuring the new logo.
Rae wins prize money and a cheese basket. The committee has invited her to come to Little Falls soon to receive her award and congratulations, and to be photographed with her winning design. When weather permits, there will be a ceremony on the steps of the Little Falls Historical Society Museum on South Ann Street, the handsome historic building that was once a bank that played an important role in the City's heyday as the Cheese Market for the nation back in the late 1800s. Local media is invited.
"This nonprofit festival promotes New York producers and is enjoyed and supported throughout our region," Chace emphasized. "Each year it gets bigger and better and now has truly earned its moniker 'New York State's Premier Gathering of Cheesemakers.' The new logo represents our enthusiasm and pride." This year's festival will be on Saturday, July 13, 2019 in downtown Little Falls.
Please visit www.littlefallscheesefestival.com or like 'Little Falls Cheese Festival' on Facebook for more information about the 2019 festival, vendor spaces, and tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities.
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2019 LF co-ed summer football camp kicks off posted on July 15, 2019 | Little Falls Cheese Festival continues to grow in size and reputation, its planning committee decided to launch its 5th year with a new look. A logo competition was announced in the fall, asking artists and graphic designers to "enter as many times as you like." The competition was advertised via posters and social media from Syracuse and Utica to the Hudson Valley, from the southern Adirondacks to the Cooperstown-Oneonta area, including to area art instructors.
Over 100 entries were received—an impressive outpouring of creativity and talent! It took the 10-person committee many hours and several meetings to sift through them all and identify finalists and, finally, a winner.
The winner is Raema Rotindo | 145 |
Beautifully Presented Three Bedroom, Semi-Detached Home In Edinburgh's Desirable Ballgreen.
An excellent opportunity has arisen to acquire this highly desirable three bedroomed semi-detached house, well situated within the Balgreen area of Edinburgh. Viewing of this property is highly recommended to appreciate the accommodation on offer.
Internally this accommodation is in excellent decorative order, briefly comprising; entrance hallway including storage cupboard and WC, a bright and spacious lounge, including a gas fire and built-in shelved storage space, a spacious kitchen with freestanding appliances. The dining room is accessed via the hallway and from the dining room, you gain access to the good sized conservatory, serving as an<|fim_middle|> property, including a patio area to the rear and more than adequate off-street and on-street parking to accommodate for residents and visitors alike. | excellent additional public room.
Upstairs, there are three bedrooms two of which are double and one of which is single in size and would make for an excellent home office or single bedroom. completing the accommodation is the three-piece shower-room which was modernised a couple of years ago.
This property also benefits from full double glazing, gas central heating, private garden grounds to the front, side and rear of the | 82 |
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino admitted that he needed<|fim_middle|>-trick hero Harry Kane.
While Pochettino would not reveal what he and Alli had spoken about this week he did reveal that the young England international needed a bit of loving after being disappointed in himself.
"I think that we should keep private our conversations but you can imagine, I gave love, more love than normal," said the Spurs boss. "He is very mature. He showed today a big maturity.
"I am very happy for him because he was very sad, very disappointed. He is only 20 years old and I would always protect and support him."
He added: "For me he is one of the best young players in the world and we will always protect him. With his character and the way he behaves, yes sometimes he can make mistakes but I want him on the pitch and I want him next to me." | to give Dele Alli "more love than normal" this week after his sending off against Gent at Wembley and the midfielder responded with a goal against Stoke City.
The 20-year-old was dismissed for a horrific tackle in the game against the Belgians on Thursday night and left his Spurs team-mates to battle with ten men for almost an hour and they duly exited the Europa League with the 3-2 aggregate defeat.
However Alli was back to his usual impudent self in the 4-0 victory against Stoke on Sunday afternoon and bagged himself a fine goal on the slide, set up by hat | 127 |
You are browsing the Blog for garage.
More deep, garage-y house vibes on this latest from Denmark's DeepWit Recordings.
Yet Not I itself, in its Original form, is a percussion- and keys-driven workout that should work equally well in the warm-up or in the wee small hours, with the vocal – a man's voice repeating the title – limited to the track's mid-section. The La Rose Remix is a deeper, warmer, floatier pass with the vocal applied even more sparingly and pitched up. The other original cut is Shimmy, a funk-infused deep house dancefloor stomper with soaring synth-strings and organs to die for, while Sagia provides a heavier, dubbier refix for later play.
All four are excellent but if pushed it's the sparser, more Jersey-ish originals that get my vote.
About: Find DeepWit here, here and here.
Another fine deep house three-tracker here, this one coming from Manchester's Inner City Records.
Connected itself sits most comfortably under the 'deep house' umbrella, but the big bassline and male R&B vox ("I've been thinking of you babe") give it a garage-y<|fim_middle|>'s de rigeur in 2015 – albeit this one owes as much to vintage Chi-town as it does to the speed garage days – but marries it to understated piano chords and soulful male oohs and yeahs straight outta the New Jersey playbook. It's an unhurried and actually quite unassuming affair, so probably best suited to warm-up or very late play. Over on the flip, meanwhile, Illusion operates in very similar territory, sporting another large b-line and more of those lovely ivories, but paired with female vocal snips this time.
Two classy cuts but Illusion just nudges it for me.
About: Find Disolend Records on Soundcloud and Facebook.
A three-track vinyl-only release here from the ever-reliable Something Else.
In My Mind is up first, a garage-tinged deep house throbber that comes topped with a Rastaman vocal ("fire… blazin' for freedom"), and that sports some lovely drifty, wibbly synths for good measure. Just Enough is a more trad-style deep house/deep garage groove, with shufflin' beats, a pleasingly old school-sounding bassline, pads to die for and cut-up fem vox. Completing the package is The Raw Cut, a percussion-led cut that pays homage to vintage Chi-town and comes complete with a looped female "this is a dedication to house music" vocal.
All good stuff, but Just Enough is the standout for me. Be quick if you want it, though – the vinyl's VERY limited and there are no plans for a digital release.
About: Find Something Else on Soundcloud and Facebook, or buy the Basement Trax vinyl at Deejay.de. | kinda feel as well (to be fair, it's hardly alone in that right now). The pacier Down Under also has garage-y leanings, while finally The Real Thing rocks shaker-tastic percussion, wonky 'early Madhouse'-like keys and more fat, rumbling bass.
Inner City Records are nearly two years old, yet in that time they've released just seven records. And pretty much every one has been a killer so far… proof that "quantity over quality" CAN still work in this fast-paced modern world we live in!
About: Find Inner City Records on Soundcloud and Facebook.
Some high-quality – and varied – deep house bizniss on this three-tracker from Michigan's Gari Romalis.
Face The Track is up first, a rolling 118.5bpm groover with a dreamy, almost Balearic kinda feel and some lovely subtle ivories. Luv 2 Find ups the tempo to 123bpm and looks to vintage deep Jersey garage for inspiration, while Reach completes the package, a more epic, blissed-out affair that's got 'end of night' written all over it.
All good stuff, and the variety on offer is particularly pleasing… but Luv 2 Find still takes the gold.
About: This is brought to you by French label Slow Town Records… they haven't featured on TIWWD before, but then again this is only number 12 and I think the first thing they've sent me! Find 'em on Soundcloud and Facebook.
A very cool two-tracker from Chile's Disolend Records here that mixes the old and the new, in house terms, to great effect.
On the A, Mateo itself has the prominent bassline that | 358 |
A Palestinian Voice for Peace — Yes!
By J. Correspondent | May 13, 2016<|fim_middle|> project connects ailing Palestinians with Israeli healthcare
Film festival under fire for scheduling Rachel, inviting mom
Famed attorney lays out plan for peace |
In his April 29 letter to the editor, Dr. Marvin Engel recites a familiar litany of claims about the hostility and intransigence of the Palestinians. He ends with the question "There is a Jewish Voice for Peace. Is there an Arab Voice for Peace?" We can answer that question with a resounding "Yes!" On our recent trip to Israel and the West Bank, we met numerous Palestinians who are seeking peace and justice through nonviolent means.
Near Gush Etzion Junction (a highly contested area in the West Bank) we spent a morning at the peace center on the family land belonging to Ali Abu Awwad, who created Taghyeer (Change), a Palestinian national nonviolent movement. There we met Rabbi Shaul Judelman, from the Tekoa settlement, who partners with Ali to promote dialogue and shared learning among Israeli settlers and neighboring Palestinians. Children learn photography together, and community programs have included concerts with Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) and Israeli pop star David Broza.
At the Nassar family's farm southwest of Bethlehem, we visited Tent of Nations, an educational and environmental family farm where people from many different countries come together to learn, share and build bridges of understanding and hope. Among almond and olive groves and vineyards, they host summer camps for Palestinian children, workshops and international gatherings. A stone marking the entrance is engraved with "We refuse to be enemies."
In Dura, near Hebron, we spent a day with Huda Abu Arqoub and her family. She is the regional director of the Alliance for Middle East Peace, a network of more than 90 civil society organizations of Israelis and Palestinians working together in sports, music, coexistence and cooperative activities. We attended a gathering of more than 50 organizations, including the environmental group EcoPeace, and MEET, a program where Israeli and Palestinian high school students learn computer science together from MIT students.
In Nablus, we visited the home of one of the senior elite of Palestine, Munib al-Masri, an industrialist and longtime adviser to the PLO who has worked for peace for the last 40 years. Al-Masri and Israeli high-tech entrepreneur Yossi Vardi created the Breaking the Impasse Initiative in 2012, which brings together prominent Palestinian and Israeli businesspeople and civil society leaders to promote "two states for two peoples" as the only way toward a viable economic future for both peoples.
In Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem, we met with Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan from the Parents Circle Family Forum, a joint Palestinian-Israeli organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost a close family member because of the conflict.
Bassam was in an Israeli prison between the ages of 17 and 24, but realized that armed conflict was not the solution. In 2005, he co-founded Combatants for Peace with former combatants on both sides who wanted to work together to promote a peaceful solution through dialogue and nonviolence. In 2007, Bassam's 10-year-old daughter, Abir, was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier while standing outside her school.
On the Forgiveness Project website Bassam said, "Abir's murder could easily have led me down the path of hatred and vengeance, but I felt compelled to return to dialogue and nonviolence. After all, it was one Israeli soldier who shot my daughter, but it was one hundred former Israeli soldiers, Combatants for Peace, who built a garden in her name at the school."
We could continue with many more examples of Palestinian business leaders, civil society activists and grassroots peace advocates whom we have gotten to know. There is indeed a growing Palestinian voice for nonviolence and peace.
However, it would be naive to conclude that peace is around the corner. All those we talked to recognized that it will be hard. First, they do not believe that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his government have the courage and vision to go beyond the locked-in positions of the conflict — just as many Israelis do not see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a true advocate for peace.
Second, voices of extremism in both societies are getting louder and can drown out the voices of those who recognize that only a negotiated agreement can bring peace and justice. A single teenager with a pair of scissors can make news around the world, while the voices of hundreds of people building institutions for nonviolence and peace don't make the newspapers.
Dr. Engel's letter is a valuable case in point. He ends with the observation that "the silence is deafening." No such silence exists when you actually talk with Palestinians like the ones we met. Sometimes it is difficult to hear the quiet voices over the din of angry shouting on both sides. But it is in these quiet voices that we will find the seeds of peace.
Terry Winograd is professor emeritus of computer science at Stanford University. Carol Winograd is professor emerita of medicine (geriatrics) at Stanford and is vice chair of the J Street national board.
J. Correspondent
BDS conference at Penn met my worst expectations
This | 1,061 |
This is a guest post from Todd Wolfenbarger, who has more than 25 years of senior marketing experience with Fortune 50 companies in various industries and with his own marketing consultancy. He currently serves as president and partner of The Summit Group, an award-winning marketing communications firm located on West Temple in Salt Lake City that specializes in the healthcare, franchise marketing and consumer retail sectors.
There is a notion that life on Madison Avenue moves infinitely faster than in a place like Salt Lake City. Having seen both sides of the street, I agree; in some ways, this assessment couldn't be more true. Salt Lake City—affectionately dubbed "Small Lake City"—has wide pioneer streets built on a grid and will never be known for a dramatic skyline or for three-martini lunches where big deals are sealed.
That said, I've worked in two major U.S. cities with Fortune 100 companies for more than 20 years, and from an agency's standpoint, to say that business moves slowly in a small town couldn't be less true. Small towns simply beat to a different cadence, and there are a few tactics that the "Mad Men" of Madison Avenue could stand to learn from them.
Below are three simple, but important, small-town marketing lessons I had forgotten before opening an office on West Temple—a smaller, lesser-known "avenue" in Salt Lake City.
There is nothing more "West Temple" in approach than a local franchisee running a small business. These "marketers" work behind the counter in their restaurants and storefronts themselves. They see, and hear, what matters most to their customers at a crucial moment—right when they are deciding to make a purchase.
Every good marketer knows that the point at which a customer votes with his wallet is the single most critical moment, and that details of it are often hard to come by when you're sitting on the 95th floor, thinking grand marketing thoughts.
In today's marketing environment, analytics are all the rage—and they matter. However, the most crucial pieces of information a marketer can earn are uncovered when you are close to your clients'<|fim_middle|> an innovative product from a great company, but for more than a year now, I've heard dissatisfied rumblings from businesses using the dispenser. This is despite Coca-Cola representatives claiming over and over that it has the same quality output as fountain equipment. While the "research" says everything is fine, the customers' story is different.
When problems trickle down to West Temple businesses—as Coca-Cola's did with a friend of mine—this sort of denial is simply unacceptable.
My friend owns a chain of successful Italian fast casual restaurants. He had been receiving complaints from customers about the taste of the soda coming from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine and had tried (unsuccessfully) to get the Coke representative to take the machine back.
One day, I walked into his restaurant to see a regular fountain Coke machine sitting right next to the Freestyle. As the person dealing with the customer at the cash register, he'd had to make adjustments. His ability to pivot, in this and many other instances, is the reason his business is growing so quickly.
It's easy to get caught up in the Madison Avenue hustle and forget what matters most in advertising: the end customer. By taking these small-town lessons to heart, agencies can begin to ground themselves and bridge the gap between the customer and the brand.
What other small-town marketing lessons have you seen? Share your suggestions and experiences below. | customers during critical moments in the selling process.
Madison Avenue agency professionals love creating inspirational advertising. It wins awards and recognition, and every once in a while, it sells a lot of products and services. Nike's swoosh inspired millions to compete and be fit. The Steve Jobs era of Apple advertising helped reshape several industries. When a Madison Avenue marketer's big idea delivers, it really works.
The problem is that it rarely delivers.
What works more often is what many West Temple marketers depend on. They work with their clients to provide "pain relief" to customers—something that creates much more consistent sales. When Americans struggled with a pain-free way to eat fast food, Subway introduced them to Jared Fogle, who explained that you could eat fast and healthy. The result? Subway is a category leader and is now the largest franchise in the world.
Inspiration is dramatic, and it produces dramatic sales and huge results—about 10% of the time in my experience. Eliminating pain is more straightforward and sells 80% of the time. West Temple marketers build marketing programs around the idea of creating pain relief and producing consistent sales for their clients. And yes, they find that inspirational!
Small businesses understand the concept of failing fast and adjusting quickly because they don't have the deep resources of larger companies to muddle around in the marketplace. They don't have the bandwidth to sit on a bad strategy, so they must have the flexibility to pivot quickly.
I've watched with great interest the rollout of Coca-Cola's Freestyle drink machine. This is | 314 |
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Legge and Nielsen to Pair in Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio for Heinricher Racing
Photo by Brian Cleary / BCpix.com
Pataskala, Ohio (23 April 2019) – The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship heads into Round 3 of competition for the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio next weekend. Katherine Legge and Christina Nielsen will combine to drive the No. 57 Caterpillar Acura NSX GT3 of Heinricher Racing with Meyer Shank Racing.
The Jackie Heinricher-led effort will enter into the first sprint format race of the IMSA season at the 2.4-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the<|fim_middle|> with Heinricher Racing and MSR for Mid-Ohio," said Nielsen. "The team had a strong run there last year so I am sure we will be in good hands. It's the first of the sprint rounds so the mindset will be a bit different compared to the endurance events, but I know everything will come together smoothly."
The Acura Sports Car Grand Prix will be on May 3-5 with NBCSN coverage of the race weekend. | home track for Meyer Shank Racing.
The 2018 edition of the Acura Sports Car Challenge saw Katherine Legge and teammate Alvaro Parente make a furious pursuit of the win, coming up just .191-seconds short of another winning run on board the Acura NSX GT3. Legge has four victories with MSR since the team launched the NSX GT3 program in 2017.
Heinricher Racing recently announced the addition of Mobil 1 as a partner for the Caterpillar-backed team. The esteemed brand becomes the official motor oil of the No. 57 car and its all-female driver lineup.
"We're excited to add ExxonMobil as a sponsor as we continue to build momentum on and off the track," said Heinricher Racing team principal, Heinricher. "Our effort continues to gain attention and we're looking forward to getting back to the racetrack and proving our strength behind the wheel."
The team got off to a fast start at the first two endurance events. Legge and Nielsen kicked off the season at the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona and continued at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
"I'm looking forward to going back to MSR's and Acura's home track and we will try to get another podium for the team in front of the awesome home crowd," said Legge. "I'm also looking forward to partnering with Christina, she knows the track and has done a good job for us so far this year."
Nielsen, who has been confirmed to the driver lineup for the two remaining IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup events (Watkins Glen and Petit Le Mans), will add to that schedule of outings with the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio.
"I'm excited to be back | 366 |
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Picasso and Antiquity: Line and Clay
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The Museum of Cycladic Art presents the exhibition Picasso and Antiquity. Line and Clay. Which explores the famous artist's ceramics and drawings. | co-curator Angela Rui on the (unseen) thoughts and ideas behind the Dutch contribution to the XXII Triennale di Milano.
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Text by Rachel Morón
The XXII International Exhibition of La Triennale di Milano, titled Broken Nature: Design Takes on Human Survival, aims to investigate the potential role of design in restoring the relationships between human beings with their environments, including both natural and social ecosystems. The thematic exhibition, which has a particular focus on restorative design, is accompanied by 21 international participants — of which the Dutch one is led by Het Nieuwe Instituut (HNI). Transforming the general theme through a 'national' lens, the three curators of 'I See That I See What You Don't See' — design curator and researcher Angela Rui, HNI's director of Research Marina Otero Verzier and HNI's head of Agency Francien van Westrenen — began to look at the Dutch landscape's relationship to light as one of the most illuminated countries on the globe. Utilising design as a tool for criticality and aiming to change the minds and behaviours of their visitors through a layered, non-binary, picture of the multi-species relationship with darkness, the restorative essence of the Dutch Pavillion lies behind revealing the invisible bi-products of our design solutions.
Elaborating on the unseen thoughts and ideas behind the exhibition, TLmag sat down with co-curator Angela Rui — whose 'humanist' approach to curating questions if there is a way for humans to return to a more holistic way of intention and relating to our environments.
TLmag: The theme of XXII Triennale di Milano turned its attention to human existence and persistence with "Broken Nature: Design Takes on Human Survival". What was your first response this?
Angela Rui (AR): I remember that when Paola Antonelli (the head curator of the XXII Triennale di Milano) first announced the theme of 'Broken Nature', she mentioned a precise focus about "surveying our species' bonds with the complex systems in the world, and designing reparations when necessary, through objects, concepts, and new systems". This statement really interested us, especially considering the initial paradigm of the project, one that had to start from a specific national condition or perspective. That's when we understood that light pollution, or light in general, could possibly be a strategy to connect to the main topic — not only for its natural and artificial properties but also because its metaphorical properties can allow speculation through different perspectives. Actually, the Netherlands has become known as one of the most illuminated countries in the world, and this is not only an expression of its 24-hour economy with an emphasis on production and growth but also a reflection of our changing relationship with our environment. For instance, they are so intense that the sky above absorbs and reflects that light. As a consequence, our view of the stars became limited, and the lack of dark influences the natural flora and fauna around these productive areas. Basically, there is no natural darkness anymore, so in the pavilion, the 'broken nature' corresponds to the broken bonds between light and dark, where the consequences are enormous; for our bodily condition (no sleep, infertility, burn out), mental state (no vision of access to the cosmos that goes far beyond our own), nature around us (disturbed lives of animals, plants and the environment as a whole). To place oneself outside of this system is almost an act of resistance. Through this perspective, we also realised that we started to see and read the Dutch landscape as something that has been designed from day one — and began to question if this can be redesigned.
TLmag: Would this 'redesigning' of the Dutch landscape be restorative?
AR: Right now, design has to be restorative. We are at this moment in time where we are trying to look at this condition and make aware to others that we really have so much less time than we first thought. There are no second chances, and if we don't act now – not only will animal species become extinct in nature, but so will we. We should train to think about the fact that our behaviour always has direct consequences — for birds, insects and all other animals and — in the greater expansion of that thought — for climate change. Everything is interconnected. What we observe today is that designers became activists: they are not only playing a social role, but are very aware of political crises and try to move through its gaps and failures, or at least opening up spaces for transgression and possible changes.
TLmag: How did that immediacy work itself out in the exhibition?
AR: An interesting focus that we've had in this exhibition is to change the perspective of our visitors through the designs that we showcased. The projects correspond to a series of parallaxes, as metaphors. In a philosophical sense, the apparent displacements of the point of observation, permit us to also see differently. We asked designers, artists and researchers alike to focus on different ways of approaching and revealing this 'unseen'-ness concerning the consequences of our actions. In the exhibition, all the works have revealed a mechanism that evidences how the current modes of understanding the environment are designed — simultaneously showing how we may redesign them in the future.
Through this idea of revealing through research, unveiling through an exhibition, design becomes restorative. We felt that the first step to fixing things is to be critical, and to ask your public to look at things through a different perspective — and hopefully change their minds and behaviours with you.
TLmag: The title, 'I See That I See What You Don't See', is quite a tongue twister — could you tell us a bit more about it came about?
AR: We borrowed our title from a speech, then published in a booklet, given by Dr F.J. Verheijen in 1976 when he was awarded the chair in Comparative Physiology at the University of Utrecht. His dissertation focused on the influence of artificial light on animal behaviour, calling for a direct observation of nature, beyond the effects that it had on solely humans or from an only human vantage point. When we found this document, we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to use its title and bring all the meanings that it had touched upon to our exhibition. What we understood from his thesis is that, in a way, those animals became us: the more productive-oriented our environment becomes, the more we need to protect ourselves from that.
TLmag: How can we protect ourselves then?
AR: That's the tricky thing about the role and power of design. As you know, the market offers hundreds of gadgets, for example, to help us sleep better; like re-timer glasses, melatonin pills, weighted blankets, white noise's devices, and a sea of app that help us to relax, disconnect, defining a sort of objectification of the self in accordance with social norms of health. We're all exhausted because 'being productive' has become our only way of living. Instead of changing our behaviour and using less or turning off our phones, our behaviour has evolved to a point where our first response is to adopt the offers of the market as fast and disposable 'solutions'. And these have been designed. Do we really want to live in a world in which we are entirely subjected to these conditions? And what's more, those objects don't address other species that are equally affected by the environment we are discussing.
TLmag: Could you walk me through the process of creating an exhibition about such a complex topic and the choice of featured works?
AR: From the beginning, it was clear to us that design should be presented as a critical practice that problematises conventional ways of inhabiting and experiencing the world founded on human control and exploitation of other bodies. So the works in the show present a layered, non-binary, picture of the multi-species relationship with darkness, imagined by designers, artists, researchers who set in motion critical responses to it.
For example, the first year students of the Social Design Masters programme at the Design Academy Eindhoven have presented an iPhone that performs a variety of applications and their push notifications, repetitive commands, gestures, and anxieties of our everyday experience. The audience sees the mobile phone invisibly browsing through a number of applications that are supposedly meant to restore our health and balance, but really that's just another side of the same problem. Still surrounding this idea of the invisible but pervasive landscape of the digital, artist Danilo Correale travelled across New York, Manila, Bangalore and presented The Unsleep, an amazing photo-issue about outsourcing and night labour in call centres — a consequence of the need for 24/7 service in a western, capitalised world.
And last but not least, the documentarist and filmmaker Bregtje van der Haak displayed her collaborative project White Spots, which explores what is beyond the frontiers of the networked world to explore unwired landscapes, communities, and lifestyles, and questions the need to always be connected in one seamless, planetary "Tech-topia". The work is also an application, which brings you to the so-called white spots dispersed onto the globe. It helps you to find the closest place where you cannot have a connection — and once arrived, you become invisible. We could even state that in some ways, invisibility becomes a quality in this world and a privilege.
TLmag: With the first step to restorativeness being to change people's minds, could you tell me how has the reaction of the public has been?
AR: The first response that we saw was when people entered the space: it's a round and dark space, a so-called Panorama. Originally designed to create the illusion of a complete vision of the world, the spatial model of the panorama designed by Olivier Goethals for the exhibition becomes a medium that articulates a fragmented, incomplete representation of contemporary landscapes (like the automated, digital, infrastructural, cosmic ones).
It has to be interpreted also as a carrier and archive of research, illustrated and animated by Rudy Guedj, who have been amazing in ordering and translating all the information produced by the initial research. As visitors walked into this circular, almost black, space, they felt lost and unbalanced from the very first moment. Then, they become witness to moments of discovery and information on a specific condition of darkness — subsequently, dioramas, projections, or smooth screens reveal scenarios we don't generally get, or choose, to see.
Other than that, there were a few other elements that we saw visitors responded quite well to: the iPhone kept being used or touched (even though that wasn't allowed) and there were long lines of people wanting to try out Lucy McRae's Compression Cradle. In this case, the designer enquired the intangibility of the pervasive effects of digital on our lives, that from one side gives us the impression that we are hyper-connected, and from the other make us just feel more lonely,
Willing to design a restorative experience, she created a "squeezing machine" that assists in altering the gene expression of oxytocin — a hormone released in the brain that's responsible for building trust and couple bonding. It basically helps us humans restore those broken bonds not only within us and our bodies, but between individuals as well.
TLmag: After the Triennale, the presentation will travel to Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam in October later this year…
AR: The project doesn't end here, it just started a conversation on possible relations or contradictions between light and dark, seeing and not seeing, their cultural value and how design can interact with all that by visualising challenges and inequalities as well as a not-yet recognised collective common good. HNI and the exhibition designers are now figuring out how the exhibition will be translated into their space. The structure will probably be very similar, but the idea behind is to maybe expand on some of the works, sometimes also through the public program that includes different typologies of events. As a curator, it will be interesting to see how some works can be differently translated into new outcomes and mediums, which underlines the power of knowledge's production as an abstract machine that can be guided, set in motion and performed in a variety of modes.
Join Danilo Correale – contributor to 'I See That I See What You Don't See' – on June 20, 2019, for his artist talk "Uchronia: Acts of Resistance Over a Spaceless Time". With contributions by Erica Petrillo and moderated by Angela Rui.
Broken Nature will take place until September 1, 2019, and is curated by Paola Antonelli, senior curator of Architecture and Design and director of Research & Development at The Museum of Modern Art. 'I See That I See What You Don't See' will travel to Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam in October 2019
https://triennale2019.hetnieuweinstituut.nl/en
Cover Photo: Panorama I See That I See What You Don't See, Rudy Guedj, 2019. Photo: Daria Scagliola.
Angela Rui. Photo Daria Scagliola, 2019
I See That I See What You Don't See. Photo Daria Scagliola.
Rudy Guedj, I See That I See That You Don't See, 2019.
Performance Darkness, as a First Act of Creation, Ramon Amaro. Photo: Daria Scagliola.
Compression Cradle, Lucy McRae. Photo Scottie Cameron.
Compression Cradle, Lucy McRae. Photo: Daria Scagliola.
The Unsleep, Danilo Correale. Photo: Daria Scagliola.
Danilo Correale, excerpt from The Unsleep, 2019, courtesy the Artist.
White Spot, 2015, (Olympic National Park, Washington State, USA). Photo: Bregtje van der Haak
I See That I See What You Don't See, Dutch contribution to the XXII Triennale di Milano. Photo: Daria Scagliola.
Automatic feed pushing robot at a dairy farm in The Netherlands. Lely International.
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They were from Massachusetts. This was the<|fim_middle|> From Liability?
Next articleWhy Have Online Courses Become So Popular? | start of their fourth month on the road – thousands of miles away from their home.
Mary was stood watching John who was lying on his back under the car.
I remarked that if I actually knew anything about how to fix engines, I would offer to help diagnose the problem. But I didn't, so it was pointless. Was there anything else I could do to help?
Mary smiled, "no thank-you," she said and went on to remark that they had just spent $500 giving the truck a service because they felt it needed it. Not because anything was wrong. They got the truck back yesterday. This was the first problem of the trip.
"I am sure it is just a coincidence," said Mary.
I know I would not be so magnanimous.
I looked around. No argument.
The smiles on their faces. The positivity. The gentleness, The patience.
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Are We Committing Mass Murder Of Creativity In Our Schools?
February 26th, 2018 Human Behaviour, Personal, TalentCorp - Find My Next, Youth
'So you were probably steered benignly away from things at school when you were a kid, things you liked, on the grounds that you would never get a job doing that.'
[Updated: Feb 25, 2018]
Is it happening right under our noses?
By SARAH TAN
I first watched this TED talk with my family. From the start of the speech to the end, we were captivated. Not only was Sir Ken Robinson's talk educational and thought-provoking, it was also delivered in such an eloquent way that his viewers were kept interested for the duration of his allocated 20 minutes on stage.
Robinson, a PhD holder in drama and theatre in education, attended and spoke for a TED conference in 2006. His talk, titled How Schools Kill Creativity, currently holds 49 million views online.
As the most viewed TED Talks video online, it's safe to say that education, as he mentions in his talk, is of interest to many.
Check out Robinson's TED talk video on YouTube:
Robinson starts off by mentioning three running themes in that particular TED conference which were relevant to the talk he planned:
Human creativity
Robinson references the variety of evidence of human creativity present in all the previous talks.
In our day-to-day lives, this is evident around us as well – from the way people choose to present themselves, to listening to innovative ideas being brainstormed in the workplace.
The uncertainty of the future
"Nobody has a clue – despite all the expertise that's been on parade for the past four days – what the world will look like in five years' time.
"And yet we're meant to be educating them (our children) for it. So the unpredictability, I think, is extraordinary," he said.
The exceptional capacities for innovation in children
"My contention is, all kids have tremendous talents. And we squander them, pretty ruthlessly," Robinson stated.
Underlining his point, he said that academics and creativity should be considered equal subjects in school, as the ability to create is as important as the ability to read.
Related post: Are You Still Aiming To Be The Top Scorer?
Right to be wrong?
However, despite such remarkable capacities, Robinson says:
"We're now running national education systems where mistakes are the worst thing you can make. And the result is that we are educating people out of their creative capacities."
"If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original," he said. Despite this, both corporate and educational systems follow the belief that mistakes are terrible things that should be avoided.
He admits that being wrong is not necessarily directly related to creativity. Nonetheless, Robinson believes that such mentality educates people out of their creative capacities. In place of creativity, a fear of failure is created instead.
Read this: Failure Is Your Best Friend
Learning hierarchy
He goes on to recollect a time, a few years prior, when he migrated from Stratford to Los Angeles. As he got acquainted with the country, something occurred to him.
"Something strikes you when you move to America and when you travel around the world: every education system on earth has the same hierarchy of subjects," he said.
Subjects that are seemingly more important, for example mathematics and languages, are placed on the top whilst the arts remain at the bottom. Such a system is built around academic ability, which is associated with intelligence, whilst other natural talents are mostly overlooked.
"I think you'd have to conclude the whole purpose of public education throughout the world is to produce university professors, isn't it? They're the people who come out the top. And I used to be one, so there," he said.
"And I like university professors, but you know," he clarified, "we shouldn't hold them up as the high-water mark of all human achievement. They're just a form of life, another form of life."
Instead, subjects that will be more useful in the workplace are encouraged because of the future possible job prospects it carries.
"So you were probably steered benignly away from things at school when you were a kid, things you liked, on the grounds that you would never get a job doing that."
"Is that right? Don't do music, you're not going to be a musician; don't do art, you won't be an artist. Benign advice – now, profoundly mistaken," he said.
As a result, naturally talented and brilliant students may be made to think that they aren't because whatever it was that they are good at in school wasn't appreciated and valued.
Check this out: How Are Children's Rights And Businesses Connected?
An academic inflation
Explaining that degrees don't seem to be worth anything anymore due to more people graduating through education, Robinson aptly labels it a "process of academic inflation".
"And it indicates the whole structure of<|fim_middle|> their whole being, so they can face this future. By the way – we may not see this future, but they will. And our job is to help them make something of it."
Sarah loves listening to TED Talks, despite being someone who isn't inclined to auditory learning styles. Let us know about your favourite TED Talk at editor@leaderonomics.com so we can discuss about it on this leadership portal.
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Creative Schools: The Alternative School Movement | education is shifting beneath our feet. We need to radically rethink our view of intelligence."
Although there is a need for tests to help us assess where students are in certain subjects, we have come to a place in which academic ability has completely dominated our view of intelligence.
Robinson goes on to elaborate his last point, the subjectivity of intelligence. He urges us to rethink our view of intelligence, which is not fixed but diverse, dynamic, and distinct.
On the distinctiveness of intelligence, Robinson gives the life example of Gillian Lynne. When she was a young girl, she had lots difficulty focusing on her studies, as she was always fidgeting and never able to sit still.
Suspicious of a possible learning disorder, her mother quickly brought her to see a specialist, who told her that all her daughter needed was to attend dance school. She is now a famous and successful dance choreographer.
Similarly, there may be hidden talents in our children that can sometimes be mistaken for learning problems or mischief, due to a lack of self-expression taught.
In a survey carried out by JobStreet in 2012, it was revealed that 78% of Malaysians are unhappy with their jobs. Within that 78%, the top reason was due to their scope of work, stating that their work was predictable and boring.
In this talk, Robinson reminds us of our task as the older ones, here to pave the way for our children's education. I believe that a restoration of our education system is definitely in need, and it should start with us – in our communities and country.
Robinson concludes with his views on why he believes we should rethink how the younger ones are being educated, saying: "The only way we'll do it is by seeing our creative capacities for the richness they are and seeing our children for the hope that they are.
"And our task is to educate | 382 |
Dancing Lotus Fitness Studio, as you can probably tell by the name, is not your run-of-the-mill fitness center or gym. Located in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, Dancing Lotus is dedicated to the philosophy held by owner Erica Neis that fitness should be nurtured through music and movement. Recently, Erica also established Journey of Life Wellness Studio and plans to offer a range of services and workshops on different wellness modalities. The goal? "Dancing Lotus Fitness and Journey of Life will work hand-in-hand to make Lake Mills and the surrounding area the healthiest, happiest place to be," said Erica.
Focal Flame Photography recently photographed Erica and her staff in action during a dynamic class session. We asked Erica about Dancing Lotus and why she chose Focal Flame Photography to create a library of commercial photographs.
Focal Flame Photography: Tell us a little about Dancing Lotus Fitness studio. What are Zumba® classes like? Who takes them? What can a first-timer expect?
Erica Neis: You do NOT need to have dance or fitness experience to enjoy Zumba classes. It is our job, as instructors, to show you the moves and to make it easier for you. All you need to do is follow along and HAVE FUN!
Our participants, who range from age 13 to seniors, come from all walks of life, and everyone is welcome! Many are just beginning their fitness journey, and many others are very fit and active already.
Classes, which do not require advanced registration, are typically 45 minutes long. The first class is only $5, then you have the option of dropping in or purchasing a variety of punch cards and passes that offer significant savings.
F<|fim_middle|> I have watched his business grow and have seen his amazing work with fitness and athletic photography. I knew he could capture amazing moments in motion. We enjoyed every minute of having Clint at the studio. The photographs are beyond fabulous!
For more information on Dancing Lotus Fitness Studio look for Dancing Lotus Fitness on Facebook, email erica@dancinglotusfit.com, or call 920-342-4381.
Need to freshen your marketing image? Want to capture the dynamism of your business in action? Contact Focal Flame Photography today. Our team of photographers would love to help you. | ocal Flame: What have been the most interesting trends you've seen within your industry?
Erica: In addition to the obvious physical benefits, people seem to be looking for fitness options that serve them emotionally and spiritually. With busy lives and sometimes limited financial resources, people today need to get the most out of their "me time" and look for workouts that are just as much "therapy" as they are fitness.
Focal Flame: Are there any ways that your company tries to give back to the local community?
Erica: We offer a free class Zumba class nearly every month, and often other classes as well! Check out our schedule and monthly calendar at dancinglotusfit.com. We also make donations to various local groups and events throughout the year.
Focal Flame: What made you decide to commission this series of photographic images?
Erica: Our business and promotional photos were almost two years old and way out of date. Our Dancing Lotus Fitness (DLF) family had changed and grown, and we needed a fresh marketing image. We wanted to capture the joyful, welcoming, "family" feel that makes Dancing Lotus Fitness what it is today.
Focal Flame: Why did you choose Focal Flame to produce them? What thoughts do you have about the experience?
Erica: I met Clint when the idea of a photography business was just a glimmer in his eye. | 279 |
Ash Taylor expects Aberdeen to take a step forward in new year
By PA Staff 24 December 2020
(Image credit: Jeff Holmes)
Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor believes his team can find an extra gear in the second half of the season.
The Dons are comfortably in the top four of the Scottish Premiership following Wednesday's goalless draw at Motherwell and are just two points off Celtic in second place.
Manager Derek McInnes has had to deal with Covid-19 disruption and a host of injuries throughout the campaign but the Dons have only suffered one league defeat on the road in the whole of 2020.
They now have four of their next six Premiership games at Pittodrie starting with the Boxing Day visit of St Johnstone.
And Taylor is looking to push on even more.
The centre-back said: "I still feel we are looking at that complete 90-minute performance.
"We have had large spells throughout games this season but we want to put that 90 minutes together. That will come and hopefully we can kick on even more in the new year.
"I feel there is is still more to come from us as a squad and a team. I feel if we can continue our run of form and put those performances together, we can have a good crack at it this year and push as much as we can."
McInnes<|fim_middle|>.
"I signed Callum for St Johnstone and I know him well. He has put his stamp on that team.
"It's a different system and a different way of playing from how they have been over the years, and they have had some decent results as a consequence of that.
"Any time you play St Johnstone, certainly this season with the way Callum has got his team set up, they are a tough nut to crack. We have got to try and overcome that."
Ash Taylor
My job is to be upfront and to score goals - Nurkovic on his return to action
Steve Bruce sure he is right man for Newcastle despite latest defeat at Arsenal
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl will not rush Danny Ings' return to action
David Moyes does not want to be hammered for another striking mistake
Frank Lampard: Blues benchmark has changed since Brendan Rodgers made job remark
Quiz! Can you name every club Mesut Ozil has ever assisted against?
European round-up: How long will Juventus stick with Andrea Pirlo?
Ranked! Wayne Rooney's 10 greatest career moments
FIFA 21: 5 ways to make more coins during Team of the Year season
FIFA 21 Team Of The Year prediction | will come face to face with a man he knows well when the Dons take on Callum Davidson's St Johnstone.
The former Saints boss said: "They look a well-coached team | 39 |
Home » About Chronobiology
Chronobiology dates back to 1729 when the French astronomer Jean Jacques d'Ortous de M<|fim_middle|> news on chronobiology. | airan noticed that the leaf movements of the mimosa plant had a clear day-night cycle. It wasn't until the early 1880s that the concept of an inherited rhythm—rather than a rhythm that only responds to external stimuli—was theorized. This theory, proposed by Charles Darwin, laid the foundation for many studies to come. Chronobiology began to flourish in the 1950s. The father of American chronobiology, Franz Halberg, coined the term "circadian" to describe an innate biological rhythm that lasted approximately a day. Colin Pittenrigh, Gustav Kramer, Michael Menaker, Alfred J. Lewy and many others expanded the field to make groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the way we practice modern medicine.
What is Chronobiology?
The field of chronobiology deals with the interplay of external and internal timekeepers with endogenous processes, as well as the impact of this relationship on our well-being. The principle is that all processes in our organism have their own rhythm, including each individual human organ. These timekeepers direct our genetically-determined base rhythm and regulate all physical, spiritual and emotional functions without us being aware of it. The better we can align ourselves with this rhythm, the more usefulness can be gleaned from it. It is crucial to know that everything has its proper timing.
For example, why do we have more energy in the morning than in the afternoon? Why are our bodies able to bear pain better between 8 and 9 a.m.? Why do memory performance and the ability to learn peak between 3 and 4 p.m.? Chronobiology provides answers to these and many more questions.
The Branches of Chronobiology
Chronophysiology
Chronophysiology is the discipline of chronobiology that studies the timed procedure of physiological processes. For instance, which system produces the hormone melatonin? When is melatonin released and when is it at its highest concentration within the body? What influences the release of melatonin? These are the types of questions chronophysiology seeks to answer.
Chronopathology
Chronopathology studies the disrupted timing of vital processes. This discipline aims at identifying deviations from normal rhythms.
Chronopharmacology
Chronopharmacology, the most well known branch of chronobiology, studies the inner clock and its effect on medicinal therapies and vice versa. The correct timing of a medication, supplement, or therapy can increase its effectiveness while minimizing adverse side effects.
The Rhythms of Chronobiology
There are three primary rhythms in chronobiology. An ultradian rhythm is a cycle lasting under a day. Hunger, blood circulation and sleep cycles are all examples of ultradian rhythms. The most studied rhythm, the circadian rhythm, is a cycle of approximately 24-hours. The sleep-wake cycle is the most commonly studied circadian rhythm. The final rhythm is called an infradian rhythm. An infradian rhythm is a cycle lasting more than a day, such as the female menstrual cycle or the phases of the moon.
Bullet points
Chronobiology dates back to 1729 when the French astronomer Jean Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan noticed that the leaf movements of the mimosa plant had a clear day-night cycle
Chronobiology is the study of innate biological rhythms and how they are influenced by external factors
All organisms have their own rhythm, including each individual organs
Internal and external timekeepers direct our genetically-determined base rhythm
Chronophysiology: studies the timed procedure of physiological processes
Chronopathology: studies how the interrupted timing of vital processes
Chronopharmacology: studies the inner clock and its effect on medicinal therapies and vice versa
Ultradian rhythm: A rhythm lasting under a day
Circadian rhythm: A rhythm lasting approximately 24-hours
Infradian rhythm: A rhythm lasting longer than a day
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BlanchotMG
BlanchotMG last won the day on June 3 2012
BlanchotMG had the most liked content!
About BlanchotMG<|fim_middle|> need more of this kind of thing, especially for the song portions of CBB! |
Episode 9 — Dimensions
BlanchotMG replied to admin's topic in Professor Blastoff
made this....
Episode 92 — Tiny Andy Dufrane
BlanchotMG replied to admin's topic in Sklarbro Country
loved the Morgan Freeman impression! I've fallen behind on my Sklarbro and it's right about time to get caught up!
Episode 156 — Anniversary Party!
BlanchotMG replied to admin's topic in Comedy Bang Bang
Hey guys, great episode. But I my big problem with the Foam Corner is that I can neverhear the foam! It's probably just that its mic is never turned up enough, but next time please check the mic levels on that foam. I would hate for a new listener to miss the point of the corner.
Episode 154 — Finger Guns
I also never much considered incorporating the evaluation strategy of mustard or pants into my everyday life, but this guy might have convinced me.
I lost my shit when "The Choctaw" went into his African American voice. This episode ranks as one of the all time greatest for me.
Episode 144 — Clones and Oliver Stones
There we go! Not gonna lie, I was a bit disappointed by the first image, but this one more than makes up for it.
How can we improve the Earwolf.com forums?
BlanchotMG replied to andreslucero's topic in General Earwolf
This might be too late to state, but for the sake of it. . Sometimes it's just as important to talk about what features to add as what features NOT to add. While it's great to give us (as users) a wide array of options, ultimately we need to talk about the goals of the forum, and which features specifically relate to that goal. . Reading through the proposed features, they seem to fit into a number a categories that promote a different kind of user experience. I'm sure that Andres already has this kind of thing in mind, but I'm looking for a specific kind of user experience that I would like to advocate for. . Too many forums fall prey to information clutter because there are too many customization features. I don't particularly enjoy quote/signatures, emoticons, and some kinds of formatting features, because they turn a clean looking forum layout into a cluttered mess of features and identities. . So while I would like to see some changes (namely some kind of reply funtionality), I would just like to advocate for a forum that respects the clean and functional aesthetic that we have all come to know and love from the Earwolf site. I realize that this is already most likely on the mind of the designer/developer, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in.
Episode 28 — Creativity
This episode was phenomenal. (Now m'gonna rant about it for a bit) Creativity, for stand-ups, becomes an especially important issue because of the material conditions of stand-up as a cultural technology. To say "material" for the product of comedy has major implications for the way we think about the less apt term of "writing" as the process of creating that product. All throughout the episode it is easy to see the tension between "writing" as an oral process and "writing" as a written process, and it is at this juncture that we might think about the conditions of stand-up specifically to locate the shaky grounds on which we present models of orality and literacy (and we might even nod gently over to current discussions of electracy and systems of "pun-cepts" which exists as a clear point of contact between comic genres and technologies of immediacy). This is not to say that improvisational genres don't put pressure on that boundary (since after all it is the "vanguard of the postmodern". ho), or that comic forms with written commitments (such as sketch) don't impact discussions of orality. Certainly they do. But "writing" for stand-up is one of those murky and complex starting points because it exposes how the process of writing is both written and not-written. Comedy in general exposes the deep implications of contextual consideration, but at some point we must address the implications of laughter for the civic mind beyond Freudian exposition of the unconscious or the mechanics of incongruity. Discussions like the ones in this podcast, the kind that try to describe the incipient moments of the comic machine (of the "laugh factory" if you will), are vitally important for the conversation before us. This conversation revolves around a comedy that isn't just dressing up "truth" to make the audience more interested through laughter. It is a comedy that also goes beyond active criticism where every mode of production deserves scrutiny, beyond "resistance." It is a comedy that supposes laughter as the starting position and the joke as it's product, instead of the other way around. I feel like this episode plays off the growth of this conversation in that "creativity" is really just a code for "how do we MAKE this thing we call comedy?" ANYWAY....that's my rant. I feel like there is so much here to talk about. People that really want to think about the process of comedy and how it's made: this is one of the top episodes on the Earwolf network to listen to this year. I've got this epi in my archive.
Episode 17 — Immortality
An enjoyable episode! It was hard at times to follow the connection to immortality, but there's no discussion too disjointed to keep me from enjoying the podcast. I was particularly struck by David's comment about hands before it transitioned back into a consideration of plastic surgery. Derrida wrote a fair amount of shit about the relationship between our hands and our perceptions of the world. It also reminded me of Donna Harraway's Cyborg Manifesto, in that technology has already become an extension to our physical bodies in both overt (via prosthetics) and subtle (via interfaces) ways. Futhermore, those damn rhymes get me every time.
Episode 29 — Who Is Baratunde Thurston?
BlanchotMG replied to admin's topic in The Wolf Den
I loved listening to Baratunde. You can tell that he's interested in more than just profitability, or even in actively designing communities. What really came through in the interview was Baratunde's ambition to play with the underlying procedures of media formats. On one level this comes out in the fact that he's into learning Python, as well as his anecdote about personifying the swine flu. More importantly it came out in the moments where the conversation jumped to less digestible ideas like "thank you culture" and the changing relationship between creator and audience. Of course this had as much to do with Baratunde's threads as Jeff's direction. Good show sir. . The conversation on audio/video formats brings up an interesting situation, one that the growing comedy podcast field specifically calls into question. There have been many conversations on Earwolf and other podcasts which describe how audio podcasts build on a level of intimacy and freedom. Many are describing podcasts as "punk rock." in this respect, and it seems at least part of this designation comes from a reclaimation of audio-only media. I for one probably wouldn't watch video content. It would need to be as produced as a FOD skectch (so who knows!) in order to grab my attention, and even then I wouldn't commit as much time to watching the video as I do listening to the audio. . I don't think media is progressive. . I also wouldn't use early access or inside ticket information. I live too far away and I listen to most of the podcasts a few days late anyway. But with that said it might be a bonus for those with more access to the LA scene.
Episode 28 — Did You Miss Me?
FOILED AGAIN! . Here I thought I was tuning in to a vibrant discourse on the conflation of oil futures and comedy podcasting, and I find out that this isn't the REAL Jeff Rubin at all, but some hilariously fiendish impostor I may have seen on Bleep Bloop and Nerd Alert! I was so angry that I enjoyed the whole podcast and checked out (the other) Jeff Ruben's podcast! . also: you should totally make a shirt based on this particular episode of the Wolf Den. It wouldn't be too complicated, just a photorealistic image of Jeff Ruben's face surrounded by thousands of file extensions printed in an assortment of typographical sensibilities. And on the sleeves (which I assume is pretty cheap considering the sleeves are so small) you can put: "We can't make a shirt for every podcast episode..." and on the other sleeve: "...but we made a shirt for this one." Then on the back there can be a large print #28, which would usually stand in for a sports team number, but instead this one would stand for the episode number! That way people will think we're cool jocks that play ball sports, when secretly we know the only competition that matters is the earwolf challenge! MAKE IT OR I WILL HATE YOU FOREVER. . But for serious, lovely podcast as always. I value the time you spend on it, and even if you miss a week here or there, I'll still be listening.
Episode 1 — Analyze Phish
BlanchotMG replied to admin's topic in Earwolf Presents
Love the episode. It'd be great if every week there was a different band to argue about. I'd love to hear a Juggalo defend ICP for an hour and a half.
Episode 53 — Lady Caddy
Just Finished! (TWSS). Great Episode. As a Bears Fan, I like to rationalize the situation by thinking that Culter just doesn't understand what the emotion sad looks like. His facial expressions have been molded by years of douche-baggery. I then imagine Lovie Smith assigning Culter to take acting lessons. In fact Lovie could use some help in the emotions department himself. Urlacher's been in a commercial, perhaps he can teach them. Anyway, loved hearing from Paul, can't wait for the new season of the League. Also, will there be a non-joke fantasy league for members of the sklarbro nation? I propose a funniest-team-name contest in order to get in. PLZ!
Holy Damn! Haven't listened to it yet, but I'm so stoked for Langhorne Slim! A cougar once tried to seduce me with a free ticket to Langhorne Slim, she also claimed to have slept with one of the members of Yo La Tengo (?!). But alas, I had to take my brother to the airport. Damn brother.
VIDEO: FreeStyle Rap: Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino, Scott Aukerman Comedy Bang! Bang! #115
BlanchotMG replied to frankpulaski's topic in Comedy Bang Bang
Good Stuff! We | 2,266 |
Home » Wel-com » Mother Teresa Film inspires post-tsunami world
Mother Teresa Film inspires post-tsunami world
A $20 million movie portrayal of one of the most beloved humanitarians of the 20th century, Mother Teresa, will begin its nationwide release in May.
Filmed in Sri Lanka and Italy, Mother Teresa is the life-story of a simple nun who, although small in stature, showed the world that unconditional faith and strength of spirit were more formidable forces than size or power alone.
The movie inspires us to imagine what we as individuals can do to make the world a more compassionate place, especially in times of terrorism, famine and natural disasters.
Never owning more than a blue and white sari, Mother Teresa influenced the decisions of the powerful. She elected to live and work among Calcutta's poorest, feeding and housing abandoned children, lepers and the dying.
Mother Teresa's vocation was to give hope to those who had lost it, and to recognise the face of God in those who suffered.
She challenged authorities, including the church, and stood steadfast in adversity, believing absolutely that she was doing the will of God.
Missionaries of Charity, the order she established in 1950, continues its work in many countries today, including Australia.
Mother Teresa died in 1997, and this<|fim_middle|>9.
For more information, contact: Max Palmer Con Dios NZ Ph 03 3410933 Email: admin@irn.org.nz
Tags: mother teresa | movie was produced to coincide with her beatification in October 2003. Golden Globe award-winning actor, Olivia Hussey (Romeo and Juliet), plays the title role, a request Mother Teresa made before she died.
The performance of Olivia has received high praise from Missionaries of Charity's Sister Nirmala (Mother Teresa's successor) and Agi Bojaxhieu, Mother Teresa's niece.
'After what happened on September 11 and other recent world events,' said Olivia, 'I believe people need films and stories to lift their spirits, and this woman's story will do that.'
Screening dates, advanced ticket sales and a preview are available on www.condios.co.nz or phone 0800 456 56 | 156 |
Het Raadhuis Amstelveen is het gemeentehuis van de gemeente Amstelveen in de Nederlandse provincie Noord-Holland en gelegen aan de Laan Nieuwer-Amstel 1 aan de Poel nabij het oude dorp.
Geschiedenis
De gemeente Nieuwer-Amstel, zoals de gemeente tot 1964 heette, kende oorspronkelijke het raadhuis de Bergenvaarderskamer gelegen aan de Amsteldijk. Dit raadhuis werd door de groei van met namelijk het noordelijke gedeelte<|fim_middle|>antoorfunctie kreeg.
Huidig raadhuis
Op 1 januari 1964 kreeg de gemeente Nieuwer-Amstel, waarvan aantal inwoners inmiddels was toegenomen van 3500 naar meer dan 56.000, de naam Amstelveen. Al spoedig waren er plannen voor een nieuw groter raadhuis en oorspronkelijk dacht men aan een plaats nabij Plein 1960 maar dat ging echter uiteindelijk niet door. Daarna viel het oog op een plaats aan de Poel nabij het oude dorp ongeveer op de plaats van het vroegere Lucas Pesiezwembad en pas eind jaren zeventig kon met de bouw worden begonnen.
Het gebouw is ontworpen door H. Maaskant van het architectenbureau Maaskant, Van Dommelen en Kroos en is gelegen aan de De Poel aan de Laan Nieuwer-Amstel. Het werd op 30 mei 1980 geopend door de burgemeester W.H.D. Quarles van Ufford. Het raadhuis is modern en ruim van opzet met meerdere vleugels varierend van twee tot vijf bouwlagen met daarbij veel glas en licht en is gelegen in een parkachtige omgeving. Het bevindt zich vlak bij het oude dorp en ligt daarmee nogal excentrisch gelegen ten opzichte van het stadshart. Het is per openbaar vervoer slechts beperkt bereikbaar vanaf het busstation, maar het parkeren is er sinds 2014 gratis.
Gemeentehuis in Nederland
Bouwwerk in Amstelveen | van het gemeente eind 19e eeuw spoedig te klein.
Daarom werd tussen 1889 en 1892 gebouwd aan een nieuwe raadhuis dat ook lag aan de Amsteldijk maar dan een stuk noordelijker nabij de toenmalige Verversstraat (nu de Amsterdamse Tolstraat) en het tolhek dat de grens met Amsterdam markeerde.
Na de annexatie van het noordelijk deel van de gemeente in 1896 verhuisde het gemeentebestuur van Nieuwer-Amstel noodgedwongen naar een nieuw klein raadhuis aan de Dorpsstraat 75 in het oude dorp en kwam ingebruik op 15 oktober 1896. In 1925 was het gebouw al te klein en werd besloten tot uitbreiding met een een hulpsecretarie op het voormalige batterijterrein bij De Poel dat eind 1925 ingebruik kwam.
Inmiddels was aan het oude raadhuis in de Dorpstraat een extra complex aangebouwd en was nog ingebruik tot 1980. Na de opening van het nieuwe raadhuis werd het extra complex toen voor ƒ 1,00 verkocht en in verband met verzakking van het gebouw begin 1982 gesloopt. De architect John Webbers uit Amsterdam renoveerde het oorspronkelijke pand dat werd voorzien van een nieuwe fundering en min of meer in dezelfde stijl weer opgebouwd waarna het een k | 375 |
L'église Saint-Hilaire, située à Adriers dans le département de la Vienne, fut fondée vers le milieu du . Elle est inscrite à l'Inventaire général du patrimoine culturel.
Historique
Église fondée vers le milieu du pour remplacer un ancien sanctuaire probablement mérovingien, lui-même déjà placé sous le vocable de saint Hilaire et cité dès l'an 790, elle a été donnée aux chanoines de la collégiale du Dorat en 1063.
C'était une église romane avec voûtes en plein cintre, flanquée d'un épais clocher pouvant servir de protection en cas d'attaque.
Au milieu de la guerre de Cent Ans, la voûte s'écroula. À sa reconstruction, on en profita pour fortifier la façade au<|fim_middle|> la mémoire des morts à la guerre.
Un tableau de Henry Daras (1850 - 1928), élève de Puvis de Chavannes (1824 - 1898) : Jeanne d'Arc recevant les insignes de sa vocation.
Place de l'église
Sur la place se trouve un Calvaire portant les instruments de la Passion, très rare dans le département de la Vienne. Il fut érigé en 1754 et a été restauré presque entièrement.
Liens externes
Adriers
Adriers
Adriers | moyen de deux échauguettes sur contreforts d'angles, surmontées et reliées entre elles par un parapet crénelé monté sur mâchicoulis.
Au cours du , l'église, en très mauvais état, dut être reconstruite. Sous l'impulsion de l'abbé Charruyer, curé de la paroisse, les travaux furent menés en deux étapes.
La nef fut rebâtie dans le style gothique angevin sur piliers trilobés de type poitevin. Le clocher a été refait, moins massif et plus élevé que l'ancien. La façade fut conservée, à la demande du ministère des Beaux-Arts, mais selon les principes de l'architecte Viollet-le-Duc, (sans respecter le modèle original) ainsi que les différents éléments architecturaux et sculpturaux.
Œuvres conservées dans l'église
Un Christ en croix, en bois polychrome du .
Une Vierge à l'enfant, en bois, dorée, datée de la fin du ou du début du . Classée monument historique .
Une statue reliquaire de sainte Radegonde de Poitiers, en bois polychrome, du .
Une Pietà, monument élevé à | 290 |
In order to enhance the exciting live concert atmosphere, the main floor of the McDonald Theatre is generally Standing Room Only for General Admission concerts to allow free flow of movement and dancing! For most of these GA shows, the balcony is fully seated and open to anyone 21 years of age or older, as it features<|fim_middle|> and presentations at the theatre, which allows us to generously give back to the community - a collection of diverse neighborhoods in and around the Eugene/Springfield Oregon area that has shown their continuous and kind support.
As downtown Eugene continues a revitalization campaign, The McDonald Theatre is proud to add a new piece of positive energy and vitality to the core downtown neighborhood. The influx of the public naturally spreads to other businesses and establishments in the area, benefiting all. | a second bar.
For Reserved Seated events, the floor and balcony are fully seated, and tickets are associated with a particular seat, determined at the time of purchase. Coat check is often not available for these events.
Film screenings are generally General Admission Seated, where the floor and balcony are fully seated, but open to patrons on a firstcome, first seated basis.
The main floor is accessible to patrons using wheelchairs. If you need special accommodations, please call (541) 345-4442.
There are many great places to stay and eat when traveling to Eugene! Here are few of the nearby restaurants and hotels, but please visit Travel Lane County for a more complete listing of all the lodging and dining options. Travel Lane County is an excellent resource for all your traveling needs. Click here for a listing of area hotels & restaurants. Click here for directions & parking.
When entering the McDonald Theatre building, one is immediately flooded with past memories of stage and screen performances because the 1925 building is loaded with historical memories and elements reflecting the days of yore.
Within a given week, one can often attend a diverse spectrum of events, from mainstream reggae to a private wedding to a high school prom to a local children's stage performance. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to produce their various fundraising events, lectures, | 275 |
Category: Vertical Development
Vertical Development
The Fear & Uncertainty of Not Knowing Everything
Oh my god! This is a hilarious! I just remembered a realization I had some time ago that relates to my last post about how thinking we know everything often blinds us from growth and development.
My greatest fear in stepping forward into my life's work, and truly owning<|fim_middle|> attempt to disrupt and thus control them, thus almost forcibly wanting them to change.
In a sense, I'm initially working indirectly and lightly, with almost no expectations, but when I see people connecting to what I'm saying, I suddenly shift into a more direct and forcible approach.
This reminded me about a quote below from the book The Tao of Power by R.L. Wing which is a translation of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.
Use attitude instead of action, and lead others by guiding rather than ruling. Manage people by letting them act on you, and not the other way around. In this way, your subjects will develop a sense of self-government, and you as their guide, will be rewarded with their loyalty and cooperation.
R.L Wing, The Tao of Power
Obviously people on Twitter are not my "subjects" but the emphasis here is still poignant. I'm definitely starting by letting people act on me but then later I shift to start acting off them more and more, due to my increased expectations that they should be changing, evolving, and grasping what I'm understanding at my level. In other words, the typical mindset of expecting others to "conform to our worldview," regardless of it potentially being a more evolved one.
All said and done, this ability to step back and reflect on yourself is interesting and most definitely useful, especially when you can quickly get over the hump of beating yourself up over your actions by realizing that your actions are often ingrained and automatic. That's the whole point. You're trying to become more consciously aware of the invisible, automatic actions occurring below the surface of the simplest of things in your daily life, so that you can consciously choose to act in a more creative way, benefitting not just for yourself but for the other people you're interacting with as well.
BTW I just realized something else in relation to this. I think there is need to get others to evolve and grow because I myself feel like I'm not evolving and growing. In effect, while I feel I am making headway, it feels like I've hit a wall of sorts. And that wall is obviously an existing paradigm that defines my current worldview which means I need a larger one which redefines my own identity to step beyond it. | it and accepting it, is not knowing everything and thus being unable to provide "all the answers" that people may need relating to my work.
To put this another way, my very mindset and perception of what I need to be "successful" is a wrong perception of reality that's actually impeding me from my own growth and causing me to suffer in my life, because I feel like I'm stuck in place.
Therefore to step forward and out of the way of myself (my ego), what I need to do is not avoid this but actually embrace it and leverage it as something that can help me going forward in my work. Why this is hilarious is because it actually describes the traits of leaders at the highest plateau of adult development, as pictured below, whereby leaders with Self-Transforming Minds are "leading to learn."
Robert Kegan's Three Plateaus of Adult Development
In effect, leaders with Self-Transforming Minds don't have all the right answers. They are instead the ones asking all the right questions.
This is pretty much why I've been unable to step into this plateau and realm of perceiving because my outdated mindset and perception is preventing me from understanding how it works differently as a whole, even though I've mapped and seemingly understood pieces of this terrain over the last decade or so.
Simply put, for me to truly step into this space, I actually need to live and embody the values of it in my very work. In doing so, only then will I be able to step beyond all of my "monstrous" fears and effectively "slay" them (as per Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey). Effectively as a whole, this means meeting my base needs of 1) economically surviving by doing my own unique work, 2) truly accepting the belonging of my core Self (as per Brene Brown's True Belonging), and 3) finally satisfying my need for respect and recognition by truly doing something of deep value to others.
While I've been aware of these base needs for a while, I just couldn't figure out the correct context and intention for my work to try to "package" it as a whole…because I've been trying to contain it within an outdated approach which never seems to eloquently fit these newer concepts, ideas, and methods. This newer, broader perspective may finally provide me with a larger space of possibilities to contain everything I've wanted, in a way that may finally make sense on so many levels.
The Suffering Certainty of Knowing Everything
I just realized something today that relates to what Carol Sanford said about trying to share the understanding of her work to other people in her book Indirect Work.
The number one thing impeding people from their own growth and development is their assumption that they know everything already (which is why they often listen to just affirm their own beliefs).
This in turn relates to a question I had a very long time ago about trying to help people in corporate environments but without much success. "How can you help someone who doesn't want your help?"
The reason you can't help them and they don't want your help is because they think they know everything and have it all figured out already. In other words, they don't realize that their own belief that they have everything figured out is in itself a misperception that is causing them suffering.
It's only when someone goes through that repeated suffering and finally realizes they haven't got everything figured out and actually asks for help…or at the very least steps back from their beliefs and begin to question them…that they can begin to grow and develop again.
That said though, I think our world is going to go through a whole lot more suffering before people begin to wake up and realize that they're belief that they have everything figured out is the main reason why their world(view) is collapsing in the first place.
Life Is A Game We Can't Help But Play
The One Thing Everybody Wants and How To Win The Game We Play To Get It
Science shows that people's well-being consistently depends upon the degree to which they felt respected by others. That's status, and it's more important to people's happiness than family or money.
fastcompany.com
Life is a game. There's no way to understand the human world without first understanding this. Everyone alive is playing a game whose hidden rules are built into us and that silently directs our thoughts, beliefs and actions. This game is inside us. It is us. We can't help but play.
We play for status, if only subtly, with every social interaction, every contribution we make to work, love or family life and every internet post. We play with how we dress, how we speak and what we believe. Life is not a journey towards a perfect destination. It's a game that never ends. And it's the very worst of us.
This fits quite closely in with my last post about finding deeper meaning in life beyond our base needs, with "status" (aka recognition, self-esteem) being our highest base need that we value (as shown in Level 3 of the chart below) but with which it can have limiting values associated with it (i.e. arrogance, pride, superiority) that can bring out the "worst of us" as well.
Levels of Consciousness, Barrett Academy for the Advancement of Human Values
But we need to realize that what's gotten us here, may not get us to where we want to be in the future. That's because each "level" of the game is like a whole new game in a whole new reality, kind of like a psychological multiverse.
So gaining "status" will only get you so far. You've got to go much further if you really want to understand the deeper game and the deeper treasure at the core of it.
It's not about "winning" or "losing." It's about going beyond zero-sum games and seeing the bigger picture, the bigger arc to life, within the infinite game.
How Fearful Addictions Blind Us From Finding Deeper Meaning
For the past couple of years, I've been increasingly feeling detached from certain things to the point that they feel meaningless or irrelevant to my life, whereas before they may have provided a lot of joy to it. At first I was concerned why I was feeling this way but recently I've come to the realization that this is a natural part of the process of my ongoing transformation and transition to a larger sense of Self.
The best way I can describe this is something Beau Lotto said within his book Deviate.
…if you want to go from A to B, then you must actively engage with the world. But the first step to get to B is to go from A to not-A. To be in not-A is to be in uncertainty, to experience the stimulus without the requisite meaning of the past. The key is to choose to look away from the meanings we have been layering onto stimuli. Stop your reflexive response with awareness… as one can do when one is able to see the cause of a reflex.
Beau Lotto
Basically this detachment I'm feeling is the process of me going from "A to not A." It's me stepping away from things in my life because they aren't provide any substantial meaning to it like they used to (kind of like how people are stepping away from the old concept of "work" today, as it's not providing the meaning it used to provide). But what's strange is that instead of "looking way from the meanings," I'm actually 1) seeing them for what they are, 2) seeing how they helped me in the past, but 3) realizing that they are no longer enough for me to move forward on my journey.
Two examples of this are movies and video games.
I used to love watching movies voraciously. Today though, I'm finding the more I look for something to watch, the more I'm seeing patterns that are old and outdated, rather than new and wondrous. Lately, it's almost as though there is this resurgence of shoot 'em up type movies, where the lone good hero goes about killing all of the bad guys.
I also used to love playing video games. In fact, video games and their communities were integral to my development and growth as a young adult, helping me to step out of my introverted shell and really take a leadership role with things I cared about. Today though, I'm finding video game environments almost like microcosms of what's happen in the world today. It's like there is the same attitude in these video game communities as in these movies, everyone thinks they're righteously the "good guys" and everyone else is the bad guys that need to be removed or controlled to make "everything better."
As I noted above, what's happening with movies and video games is that I'm seeing the underlying meaning of why they are so popular with people but also why they are meaningless to me now because I want to go beyond these meanings and find something deeper. To visualize what I'm talking about here, Richard Barrett has a great chart showing the various levels of consciousness and the values associated with them.
If you look at the base three levels of consciousness (1 Survival, 2 Relationships, 3 Self-Esteem), you're looking at what Robert Kegan describes as the Socialized Mind which encompasses our basic psychological needs and core "positive" values for life, like survival, belonging, and recognition. They help us to "fit in" within society, especially when we're young and growing up.
Note also, however, that accompanying these "positive values" are "limiting values" as well, like control, blame, and superiority. Why these are limiting values is because they can limit our further growth and development to higher levels of consciousness by addictively trapping us at lower levels of consciousness. To put this another way, it creates a situation where you feel like you (as your ego) are standing in your own way.
A guild raid group tackling a "wicked problem" in World of Warcraft.
A way I like looking at these is seeing life as a roleplaying game and these are "monsters" standing in our way. More specifically, they relate to our monstrous fears. And to further "level up" in life and reach more evolved levels of consciousness, we need to overcome and psychologically "slay" these monstrous fears before we can do so.
What I've learnt with regards to my own life though is that you will feel like you have slain these monstrous fears and will have levelled up but then later in your life, these fears will revisit you at a much deeper level than you imagined. Thus you realize that the monstrous fears you felt like you had slain were just the minions of a much larger boss monster that is monumentally harder to overcome. So you have to revisit these monstrous fears and overcome them once and for all or say stuck at the level you're at.
What I see happening with society as a whole right now is that our base psychological fears and limiting values are keeping us within a vicious addictive loop that we can't get out of. It's like we're drowning but we can't see what we're drowning within. What's even worse though is that people have been becoming aware of these psychological fears and addictions and have started using them for their own benefit, such as politically and economically, increasingly over the past decades.
While I won't go into political examples, because I think they're pretty evident, I'd like to show one example of how businesses and even an entire industry is using these fears and addictions for economic gain. I'm talking about the video game industry, as shown in this video below which explains how to psychologically manipulate your gaming customers for your financial benefit. Note that this approach is pretty dominant now in the video game industry, particularly within Free-To-Play games, as this video is from 2016.
Let's Go Whaling: Tricks for Monetizing Mobile Game Players with Free-To-Play
Remember I said that most people are oblivious to what they're drowning within? Well that's what it feels like playing within these video games where these developers are using these techniques to psychologically manipulate their customers as players within it. From my vantage point, I basically can see all of these people around me, particularly males, being manipulated by these very same base limiting values (i.e. control, jealously, revenge, arrogance, pride, superiority) as I mentioned above.
For example, developers of a game will often market new features and items within the game as something that will help you "dominate" your opponents, thus playing into the need to be "superior" and have "control" over others, even if it means having to pay a fortune to do so. So some players in the latest Diablo Immortal mobile free-to-play game were paying over $10,000 to be able to dominate other players.
It's no different with movies though. These lone good guy hero shoot 'em up movies are feeding off these same fears and limiting values.
Yet this isn't how you deal with reality in real life. You can't punch or kill your way out of life's problems, especially wicked problems like climate change which are systemic in nature and are effectively being created by own ignorant behaviours and beliefs. In effect, as I noted above, we are own own worst enemy standing in our own way.
Humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction.
Antonio Guterres
It's funny. There's a common quote that a lot of gamers often use when they treat someone else rudely or discriminatorily within video games. They will often say, "it's just a game", as though the focal point of what they're doing not "being real" means they can treat other people however they want. I've said to them though that while the game may not be real, the people playing it are very real though and should be treated with some human decency.
Lately though, I've realized that this "it's just a game" quote has taken on a deeper meaning for me. I've realized that life is effectively a very deep psychological game of many "levels" of consciousness and most people are completely oblivious and unaware that they are playing it. In effect, gamers are often psychologically playing "a game within a game" when they interact with other players within video games. It's just that they're not aware of it.
That's why I think I have this detachment with so many things I used to have a strong attachment to, like playing video games. They seem frivolous and meaningless now because I'm seeing the larger roleplaying game called Life at a deeper level now and I want to "play a different game," even showing others how to play it as well or at least work on learning from each other within it.
Put another way, I want to play within a larger context of life itself.
The Unfolding & Emergence of Your Authentic Self
Stop Looking for Your Authentic Self | Psychology Today
It is right in front of you.
Your "authentic self"
Your authentic self is right here in front of you. It is the summation of your life programming from your parents, siblings, peers, teachers, employers, societal norms, and the marketing world. In other words, you are the product of who everyone else has told you to be. All the messages are internalized and become your own inner voice telling you how you should be. The outcome is a lot of noise in your brain of self-judgement and that of others. We call it "self-esteem." It is a mismatch of your powerful unconscious brain versus your conscious one. It is endless and wears you down.
When I read the above for the first time, I laughed and thought the author must be crazy because that's not your authentic self. What he's describing is your programmed self, something that most people are completely unaware of. In effect, just because someone thinks they are an "adult" and are "independent", it doesn't mean they are psychologically mature and psychologically independent.
In fact, if you look at Life as a roleplaying game, we are effectively non-player characters during the initial part of our lives growing up (similar to Ryan Reynolds character in the movie Free Guy) because we are so dependent on our societal programming to survive when we are younger.
That's what the author is trying to get at here though. He's saying that this initial stage is completely normal and thus our dependency is normal as well. So who we are at this stage is authentically who we should be. It would be like a caterpillar being depressed that it's not a butterfly yet when becoming a butterfly is a part of its life process. This mirrors with the absurdity of youth today being depressed that they haven't figured out who they are yet before they have even lived their life and had enough experiences to figure out who they actually are.
What becomes more problematic is that thoughts and ideals are perceived as real to a given person as a car or table. They become our version of reality or life filter. Once this life lens is set, it becomes reinforced over a lifetime—unless you choose to become aware of it and change it.
As we grow into adulthood this programming starts to become rigid and permanent, unless we become aware of it and realize it's just a construct. Right now, for many people, they are becoming aware of it though because major life challenges often make you question your reality and your programming in turn. This is basically what the pandemic has been doing for a lot of people over the past few years, thus leading to the Great Resignation in the workplace, whereby people are questing for a better way of working.
You are who you are today. You can see yourself by becoming aware of what you react to, what makes you anxious and angry, what are your behaviors and attitudes towards yourself and others, how much personal responsibility you take for your actions, and what level of compassion and empathy you feel for others.
For example, most of us know that compassion is a good idea. But what happens when you are upset? You may say or do things that you are not proud of, and compassion goes right out the window. It is because compassion is a conscious construct and anger arises automatically from your unconscious brain. It is a million-to-one mismatch. That reaction in the moment is who you are because something in the present connected you to something threatening (or perceived as such) in the past. You are there and not here. It is also who you are.
What's being described above is a person levelling up their level of consciousness which increases their awareness of themselves and the capacity of their consciousness. In Robert Fritz book The Path of Least Resistance, he describes this shift as one from a reactive to a responsive state of being. For those familiar with Robert Kegan's work, he would describe it as a shift from a socialized mind to a self-authoring mind.
Richard Barrett's work further helps us to see how these levels of consciousness are constructs that can be mapped out and how the value of compassion requires quite a high level to fully achieve and truly live as a way of life (rather than just being occasionally compassionate from time to time). A good example of this would be someone like Mother Teresa whose compassion was a way of life.
Your real authentic self
This all sounds challenging but there is a lot of hope once you realize how the complexity and depth of your life programming are playing out today. The key word is "awareness." Once you are aware of how your past is continually playing out in the present, you can direct your attention to where you want your brain to develop. It continues to change every second—the term is "neuroplasticity." Awareness creates the "space" you need to redirect your attention. Any amount will allow you to begin your journey into your new life. The sequence is 1) awareness 2) separation 3) reprogramming.
As you learn to take full responsibility for every one of your actions without judgement, you can create any reality you want by consistently making better choices. This new evolving person is still your authentic self. You just don't have to keep searching for it.
In effect, once you become aware of your past "self" as a programmed ego construct, you are on your quest of discovering your larger True Self that lies hidden deep below it. I've described this like a journey to a new world, whereby you begin to discover it "within the in-between moments of the old world." So while the "search" may be over at this point for your authentic self, as the author notes, the evolution and emergence of this large sense of Self "like a New World emerging from the Ocean of You" can still take the rest of your life to fully understand.
Levelling Up Your Character in Life With Experience
Worries Teens Have About Themselves | Psychology Today
Many teens' concerns can be alleviated by recognizing that they will mature.
Given their newfound awareness, teenagers work at understanding who they are and what they believe in. Because of their limited experience, they often make the mistake of assuming that their characteristics during early adolescence represent permanent traits.
I explain to teens that the process of developing better self-understanding should be a lifelong endeavor. In the case of teens who are undergoing rapid growth, their character will naturally change a great deal by the time they become young adults. Further, character also changes as a result of how people react to various life circumstances.
Some of the teens who seek counseling from me for their anxiety have a similar profile. They tend to be gifted intellectually, sensitive, mature, and have different interests than most of their peers. They often find it easier to relate to adults than to their peers, or to lead activities with younger children with whom they do not expect to share interests. As a result, they feel different and conclude that something must be wrong with them, which contributes to exacerbating their anxiety.
Some teens are so consumed by their inability to choose a career that they feel they cannot move forward in life.
The suffering in our lives is often caused by wrong perceptions of life itself which, as we grow, develop, and mature, can hopefully be corrected with time. The number one misperception of life is that we have to figure it all out before we begin our lives. This is completely backwards, as though Life is a traditional roleplaying game, where we have to figure out our role, class, and abilities before we begin to play the game.
Instead Life is an unconventional roleplaying game whereby we understand our role, class, and abilities while we are playing the game itself. In effect, the greatest Adventure of Your Life is to "Know Thyself" which can take you your entire life to actually figure out. So the more experience you gain in life, the more you can level up your character and understand your deeper Self all the more.
For this to work though, it requires that we look at life as an adventure of many surprising, open-ended possibilities that we can forge on our own rather than a linear well-worn path that we have to follow and fit within.
The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.
Ultimately, true heroes legitimize themselves, not by anything they do, but by being who they are.
Daryl Conners
Psychological Development is Monumentally Hard
This dude has the dumbest hot take yet about transgender people
lgbtqnation.com
Can you really become a male or a female if you're born the other. I don't believe you can. We're too different psychologically as well as physiologically. And the psychological is much harder to change.
Dennis Prager, Conservative Writer & Radio host
Yes, psychological changes are obviously much harder to make. But that's exactly the whole point of understanding transgender people though! Their internal psychologically is different than the norms. So it's easier for them to transform their physiology than try to change their psychology back to expected norms.
In my opinion, society needs to try to relate to and understand transgender people more because they represent all of us in terms of trying to express a deeper aspect of ourselves that others often cannot comprehend.
For example, I believe there are many people psychologically "levelling up" right now in these challenging times of rapid change, yet they are often afraid to try to express the transformation they are going through because society norms may stigmatize them. So not only is their psychological development hard but stepping beyond societal norms makes it twice as hard.
Adapting World Views Using Maps of Meaning
Going beyond knowledge and intelligence to adapting with awareness and consciousness.
Over the past few weeks, I've stopped all of my work and have just been reflecting on things. I've done so because I feel like I've hit a wall, whereby I don't see how I can effectively communicate and continue my work anymore because the depth of it is often misunderstood and paradoxical to conventional minds.
Simply put, my work seems counter-intuitive and thus illogical to most people.
The crux of this has to do with the conventional belief that most of the worlds problems are due to people being stupid (i.e. "vast empty minds needing filling") and they just need to get smarter, obtaining more knowledge. Once they do, everything will be better. The problem with this approach though is that everyone thinks they are smart now and know everything, while everyone else is seen as stupid.
Therefore the problem isn't that we don't have enough smart people. The problem is that we don't have people aware and conscious enough to know if they are smart or not. It reminds me of quote relating to Darwin which articulates how intelligence isn't the end all and be all.
According to Darwin's Origin of Species, it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.
Leon C. Megginson
There also seems to be this current belief that the world is getting stupider. I disagree. It's not. If anything, we're just becoming more aware of how many people are actually ignorant of things that we assumed they understood. Note I said ignorant not stupid. In effect, these people assume and believe they understand the world but are unaware that they don't.
Why are we becoming aware of this now though? It's because the world is rapidly changing. Back when things were more stable, everyone fit into their roles and place, with little cause to question things. Yet now that things are rapidly changing, people's awareness and understanding of the world is being put to the test on almost a daily level, causing them to question everything. And how they answer these questions determines whether they truly understand the meaning of things or not.
And I think therein lies the problem which lies within us, lying to us. How we make our meaning is determined by how we perceive our world (aka worldview), thus relating to our beliefs and assumptions. Therefore, intelligence is not the end all and be all. What is more important than intelligence is our consciousness and awareness of things because it is the context of which our intelligence is contained within.
If acts of intelligence focus broadly on doing, awareness is more about a state of being.
In fact, you could say that awareness is the space inside of which intelligence lives. I mean, how can you be "intelligent" about anything that's outside of your awareness.
The Precision Principle
What I find remarkable about this is that instead of the typical belief that we need more knowledge to make everyone smarter and everything better, it's actually the opposite in a way. We actually need to unlearn. And I think this gets to the roots of vertical development. It's basically about challenging your assumptions and beliefs…before they are challenged by life itself, as they will most definitely be in our rapidly changing world today, as Alvin Toffler notes below.
The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Change is not merely necessary to life – it is life.
The responsibility for change…lies within us. We must begin with ourselves, teaching ourselves not to close our minds prematurely to the novel, the surprising, the seemingly radical.
A new civilization is emerging in our lives, and blind men everywhere are trying to suppress it.
Alvin Toffler
Another way of looking at this all is realizing that how we make our meaning and understanding of our world arises from how we perceive and see the relationship between things within it (including ourselves). And how we adapt, or more aptly transform the way we perceive our world and its meaning, is by changing these relationships. When we do so, we transform the meaning of our world and the way we perceive it, in turn.
Kegan explains that transformation is different than learning new information or skills. New information may add to the things a person knows, but transformation changes the way he or she knows things. Transformation, according to Kegan, is about changing the very form of the meaning-making system—making it more complex, more able to deal with multiple demands and uncertainty.
Jennifer Garvey Berger, A Summary of Constructive-Developmental Theory Of Robert Kegan
Why this is relevant is because I remembered a while back stumbling across learning about concept maps which are effectively maps of meaning which show our understanding of knowledge by showing the relationship between concepts and allowing you to narratively describe the meaning of something by following the relationship flows within it.
More importantly, it can also help you to see how you are misunderstanding the meaning of something as well, since you've explicitly extracted this meaning from within yourself and mapped the relationships of it, thus allowing you to see and manage it more easily.
All said and done, I think concept maps are something that I need to explore further, as a possible way to get beyond this wall that I'm hitting. In effect, I need a tool that is extremely simple and basic but can be used as a building block to articulate and communicate complex, even paradoxical, ideas. Yet more than anything, I have a funny intuition that it might be more effective in articulating and communicating the basic understanding and meaning of things in our world today that so many people are often misunderstanding.
In a sense, imagine as a traveller ending up lost in a small town and being told that your map is out of date. Getting a new local map, you compare the old and the new, seeing the now evident primary differences between the two. That's what I feel like I'm looking for. Some simple way to visually show people the difference between their outdated conventional meaning of the world compared to a much larger reality.
Best of all, if I can figure a way to do this, I can use it to continually test my own assumptions and beliefs with my own development as well.
Going Beyond Forced Expectations to Express My Larger Self
I just realized something else with regards to letting go of control. It's not just about letting go of controlling others but of yourself as well. In effect, our outward expectations of others are often entwined with our inward expectations of ourselves.
So this "radical openness" that I'm looking for applies not just to others but even more so to myself. That's because by transforming my perspective of myself, I can in turn transform my perspective of others.
And strangely enough, I have been thinking about this the last few days, as I've been reflecting upon my life over the past couple of decades. When I do so, I see two aspects of myself. One aspect is the guy who was active in developing communities online around video games but was intuitively practicing Future of Work principles before I even understood what they were years later. The other aspects is a of guy who now understands many of these Future of Work practices but can't find the right type of people to put them into practice.
In effect, as I said back around 2015 on Google+, I don't feel like I'm meant to be helping organizations to transform. Instead I'm realizing I'm supposed to help people transform and they in turn will create new organizations. So kind of a bottom up approach rather than a top down one.
All said and done though, I still feel like I am putting this ingrained expectation upon myself to be something that I'm not which is why I'm still hanging out with people who are focused on organizational transformation.
The key thing that is making me realize I don't have to "play the same game" as others is Carol Sanford's foundational story within her book Indirect Work of how Phil Jackson transformed the Chicago Bulls. The emphasis being that he was able to transform the level of consciousness of a bunch of people who were playing a game. In effect, what's stopping me from doing the same thing within the gaming environments I've been playing within most of my life already? In other words, why force myself to change and act in a way that feels alien to me, when I'm obviously more optimally suited for these gaming environments which to me already have an embedded space and mindset for "playing" in the first place.
For example, the other day I joking said on Twitter that maybe I should create tours into games like World of Warcraft to show business people how The Future of Work will work by immersing them in a guild setting and helping them to translate the meaning of what they're seeing, so that can put these principles into practice in their own businesses. So instead of me going into businesses and meeting people there, I instead invite business people into gaming environments and show them people playing, learning, and working on a higher "level" there.
Actually, I don't even need to target business people. I can just target gamers who are frustrated with the way that work works in their own lives which is probably why a lot of gamers are gaming more because gaming environments are helping them to meet their psychological needs that they may not be getting in their work environments. So it's almost like I'm showing gamers how they can start a work (ad)venture with a company of people and emulate an entirely new way of working using practices similar to what they used to using in MMORPGs (which people like John Seely Brown have already proven are innovative).
All said and done, it is something I should explore and play with more as a potential possibility. In other words, I don't have to follow the forced societal expectations I seem to be automatically putting upon myself. I can instead choose a different path of my own choosing. One that's more aligned with who I truly am.
In closing, I'm reminded of an awesome paper by Daryl Conner from Conner Partners entitled A Hero's Journey for the Practitioner (which unfortunately appears to be gone now due them updating their entire web site platform).
Although Campbell's storyline depicts a single movement from naiveté to wisdom, the same stream of events is replicated repeatedly for those on a mastery path. The heroic emergence from one set of challenges is the entry point for a new level of innocence and pursuit of the next Journey. Mastery calls for taking part in as many of these heroic cycles as is possible, related to a particular domain of knowledge, skill, or beingness. For those of us seeking mastery in the change field, this means repeating the heroic saga as frequently as circumstances and our courage and tenacity will allow.
In closing, I'd like to offer my bias about what is the most important lesson to be learned during these epic periods of professional/personal growth. All the illumination that takes place during these developmental leaps contributes to the wisdom we strive for but, in my view, there is one awareness that stands above all the rest in its creation of value for us and those we serve.
The profound awakening I'm referring to is the same one that unfolded for Sara—at a certain point during the Return phase of her Journey, she could see that all the hard lessons learned during her odyssey weren't where her hero status proved its real value. Being worthy of the hero's title isn't demonstrated through endurance, dedication to a mission, or even slaying dragons, and certainly not by imposing "right solutions" on others. Ultimately, true heroes legitimize themselves, not by anything they do, but by being who they are. They come home from their trials and tribulations simply to live a different life. In doing so, they open the possibility of deeply affecting a relatively few people who, in turn, go on their own Hero's Journey and return to impact a few more who are ready to learn.
As change professionals, the greatest leverage we have for affecting people is just to be who we are. Methodologies, concepts, and techniques are what we use when "exposing" large numbers to the technical aspects of how change can be orchestrated, but when deep impact within individuals is the agenda, there is nothing that comes close to the influence of a practitioner's genuine authenticity on a small number of people. For Sara, this meant that the constituency she came back to serve was actually a relatively small number of her contemporaries who were already predisposed to grow in her direction and who naturally resonated with the full expression of who she is.
Daryl Conner, A Hero's Journey for the Practitioner
Simply put, I think the issue here isn't that I've been communicating over the years, it's that I've been communicating it to the wrong people. I need to find my "tribe", if you will. So I need to find my "constituency" of "a relatively small number of contemporaries" who are "already predisposed to growth in my direction" and who "naturally resonate with the full expression of who I am" (which sounds remarkable close to Carol Sanford's description of "essence").
Letting Go of Expectations of Growth
Thinking about my last couple of weeks being on Twitter has made me realize and see another common pattern of mine that has probably existed for at least five years or more.
Basically whenever I join a new community or work environment, I'm initially trying to find a connection between myself and other people, which seems typically normal for most people to do. What happens next though is where my wanting to control others kicks in. As soon as a connection has been made with others, I suddenly have this expectation for others to begin to grasp what I'm communicating and begin to evolve to my level of consciousness. What then follows when this doesn't happen is an increased expectation and an increased | 7,870 |
Relay For Life Mission Statement
Relay For Life is more than just a community-based fundraising event, it is a movement against the deadly and devastating results of cancer. The Relay committee works for the American Cancer Society and numerous other Cancer-related institutions and societies throughout the world. The Relay events are operated by volunteers that include survivors of cancer, social caregivers, and dedicated participants determined to fight against cancer.
Relay For Life organizes exclusive public gatherings to promote cancer awareness, raise funds, and support society fight cancer. Every year, the organization arranges for more than 5,000 Relay events in over 20 global destinations. These events help amongst various strata and communities of the society like in universities, clubs, local communities, and even virtual campaigns amongst this pandemic situation. In the United States itself, over 4 million volunteers are linked with Relay for Life and participate in their events.
Relay For Life mission statement talks about celebrating the courage of cancer survivors, remembering the spirit of those who fought cancer bravely, and boost the spirits of families with cancer patients. They share similar experiences and motivate newly diagnosed patients.
The primary mission of Relay is to raise funds for cancer treatment, fund cancer research, operate cancer caregiving centers, and improve the lives of cancer patients and their caretakers. Relay comes forward with a vision to promote a sense of hope, courage, determination to fight against cancer.
In 1996 American Cancer Society recognized Relay for Life as the most successful fundraising event and was declared to be the signature event of the American Cancer Society. Over the years Relay For Life has been successfully turning new milestones with each event.
Relay for Life mission statement is "The hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated."
Relay operates dedicatedly for global awareness against cancer, motivates people, and raises funds to fight against cancer. The small initiate of Dr. Gordon back in 1985 when he walked 83 miles and raised $27,000 to fight cancer made its way to the budding of Relay For Life. The movement has not stopped since then, it has rather expanded.
Today, Relay for Life operates as a grassroots movement volunteering to raise not only funds but even spirits to fight back the odds of cancer. It spreads the messages of the American Cancer Society, through its eventful awareness programs, in colleges, clubs, universities, rally, etc.
As per b Relay for Life mission statement, the sole mission of their workmanship is promoting general awareness among people by bringing together survivors and warriors of cancer. It educates people through campaigns on how to fight cancer, how to keep oneself motivated, and fight against the deadly disease. Increased awareness increases not only survival instinct and courage, but helps<|fim_middle|>Relay For Life works to unite different communities to celebrate cancer fighters, survivors, remember the loss of loved ones, also intriguingly empowers the inner strength of friends and families of cancer patients, and raises money for the cure of cancer.
Relay For Life has achieved great success by raising millions of dollars by organizing Relay events throughout the United States. It is continuously expanding its events organizations throughout the world and has initiated work in 20 other countries as well, an unending motion to fight against cancer and to end cancer.
Relay for Life Vision Statement
Relay for Life Vision is to celebrate the zeal and courage of cancer survivors, to reach out to all cancer patients in need of help, both moral and financial, and thereby raise not only funds but also spread the movement against cancer disease. Relay strongly believes that all of us at some of the time has been moved by cancer of our loved ones, family, friends, or colleagues and therefore organizes a wide range of events and ceremonies.
Remember: Relay pays special homage to those who lost their lives to cancer through a ceremony organized at dusk at every event. This is called the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lighted in the memory of loved ones who lost their lives to cancer. These candles glow around the track throughout the night with names imprinted on every luminaria to remember and salute the spirit of those who survived.
Celebrate: Relay organizes Survivor Ceremony to celebrate the lives and spirit of those who successfully battled against cancer. Both cancer survivors and their caregivers are specially invited for an exclusive lap around the tracks of the event venue and offered refreshments.
Funds Help: Relay for Life goes beyond just remembering and celebrating. Their donation raising individual and club campaigns involve inviting volunteers to take up fundraising initiatives.
Fight Back: Relay desperately seeks to defeat the shackles of cancer and stand by all those who have been touched by cancer disease. The Fight Back Ceremony invites all participants to stay committed to the cause by promoting awareness programs of cancer, early diagnosis, treatments of cancer, advocate for improved treatment, accessibility to healthcare facilities, and promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle. All volunteers are humbly invited to be part of the fund-raising mission in association with the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life Core Values
Relay for Life Values revolves around the dedication of making a difference to the world of cancer patients and their families by inspiring them and providing financial support to fight back cancer. Relay invites everyone in the community to take a front step, join hands and help for a dedicated motion of creating a cancer-free future. It uplifts and boosts the spirits of survivors, volunteers, and caregivers for teaming up to create a humble force to raise funds through local Relay for Life events as well as virtual events.
Brings Together: Relay desperately stands up for a belief of gathering all survivors, warriors, and fighters of cancer together as participants as well as volunteers to dedicate a commitment to fight against cancer, save lives and inspire others to stand strong while they fight against cancer.
Fights for a Motion: Relay organizes events to fulfill this commitment and raises funds to help cancer patients and their caregivers. It also organizes events to brings all those who have been touched by the trauma, stress, and fighting off cancer, patients, caregivers, family, friends to share their experiences and inspire.
The objective of Relay for Life is:
To reach out a helping hand and a relieving shoulder to every cancer patient and caregiver.
The Relay For Life movement dedicates its events to help and motivate communities to fight and attack cancer.
Relay works to raise donation funds, encourages the community to come up with their time to share feelings, remember those who lost to cancer.
Rally For Life, therefore, works to make a difference to the life of cancer touched people, either through events or virtual events too.
The American Cancer Society has headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. They have over 350 offices nationwide.
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POPULAR MISSIONS
Under Armour First Responder Discount Requirements And Details | to raise fund and to utilize it to help those whose lives are devastated with this disease. It promotes a simple message of extending your little gesture of help to the needful.
| 35 |
Uptown is an extremely diverse neighborhood, both culturally and economically. Still a little rough around the edges in some spots, Uptown has seen major redevelopment and rejuvenation of historical buildings over the last decade.
It spans the area from Irving Park Rd (4000 N) to Foster Ave (5200 N), from Lake Michigan west to Clark St south of Montrose and west to Ravenswood Ave (1800 W) north of Montrose. Uptown includes a number of smaller neighborhoods: Buena Park, Clarendon Park, Margate Park and Sheridan Park, among others.
Public Amenities, Services, Civic Organizations
It's hard to beat the amenities on the lake in Uptown. It is home to Montrose Harbor, many dog-friendly areas, Montrose Beach, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields and a skate park. The Chicago Public Library has 2 branches in Uptown, The Uptown branch and Bezazian.
Uptown is a neighborhood of communities and there are many resident-run organizations. One of the most active is Buena Park Neighbors, founded in 1997; BPN has been an integral part of the well-being in that area of Uptown. Uptown Update is an online source which reports on the area news and politics, an invaluable tool to keep<|fim_middle|>. Argyle Street hosts plenty of Vietnamese options, including the newly designed BaLe and the fabulous Pho Xua Restaurant. Traveling south on Broadway are Silver Seafood serving authentic Chinese, Crew with tavern fare and the newest addition to the Broadway Lawrence area, Demera, which serves traditional Ethiopian in a charming atmosphere and has live Ethiopian music Friday and Saturday nights.
The nightlife in Uptown is centralized at Lawrence and Broadway. The Green Mill, a famous cocktail lounge and jazz club is known for its days as a speak-easy. The Aragon Ballroom, The Riviera and The Kinetic Playground are the places to go for live music. Live theatre includes The Annoyance, About Face and the long-established Pegasus Players who make their home at Truman College.
A handful of schools reside in Uptown, including the Disney Magnet School, McCutcheon Elementary and Truman College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago | residents informed of activities in their community.
Condominiums dominate the scene. While there are many new high-rise and mid-rise developments, much of the flavor of Uptown is seen in the buildings from the early 1900's. In the 1950's many of the mansions that characterized Uptown were subdivided into smaller spaces, resulting in some very unique and distinctive homes today. Some of the mansions remain intact, especially along a street in the Margate Park section called Castlewood Terrace, one of which belonged to Chicago's own, late, Studs Terkel.
Transportation is easy in Uptown, the Red Line stops at Wilson, Lawrence and Argyle. There are numerous bus-lines including three express routes from the lakefront to downtown.
Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
Uptown is home to major grocery stores like Aldi and Jewel-Osco as well as smaller venues including the recently opened Fresh Harvest Market and specialty grocers like Tai Nam Grocery and Makola Supermarket.
Uptown boasts the newest Target in the city at the controversial Wilson Yard Development. Borders is just up the street on Broadway, where you'll also find Smoke Dreams and Uptown Bikes. Quite a few strip malls run along Sheridan, with small storefront chain stores and mom-and-pops side by side.
Dining options are endless | 280 |
For a few<|fim_middle|> to create a new bus pass solution for Cambridgeshire, which is already used by more than 100,000 people.
Paul Brewer, director for digital and resource at Adur and Worthing Councils, adds that Low-code isn't just being used to plug gaps in services and digitise processes, but it is also used to replace core IT systems.
"The benefits of Low-code are you can control what your digital services look like and within that the ability to implement new ideas about how to operate," he says.
The councils were able to avoid buying a housing repairs system by designing and building their own platform. The cost of a new system would have been more than the entire enterprise Netcall platform licence, which is also running several other major apps, so using Low-code is also cost effective.
Another saving is being able to train existing employees with relevant skills to use Low-code, rather than recruiting or paying a premium for specialist developers. "This keeps costs down as it creates more interesting roles, enabling us to flexibly upskill people from other less-needed roles," adds Mr Brewer.
Digital transformation requires new ways of working, including the development process. Improving or introducing exceptional customer services means organisations must reinvent processes. When you do this, you gain a positive win-win cycle. | years, public sector organisations have been keen to embark on a journey of digital transformation. It's clear that new digital technologies and processes need to be adopted to meet citizen demands, offering them flexible and responsive services.
There is a growing understanding that to achieve this, data, services and solutions cannot be siloed, but need to be joined together and easily available to citizens on many channels. However, there are increasing budgetary constraints.
But digital transformation is not just about implementing new technologies, such as chatbots or artificial intelligence, says Dr Andrew Larner, chief executive of public sector transformation partner iESE.
"There is a danger of fossilising your old processes and being trapped with past inefficiencies when you merely move your current model of service delivery online. This may bring marginal cost-saving and efficiency improvements. What is actually needed is not a redesign of old processes, but a re-evaluation of everything organisations are doing and this is why we started working with Netcall," he says.
Netcall provides organisations with a Low-code platform (MATS). Low-code is a cloud-based digital platform, used by IT and business users to build digital applications rapidly, without coding. It is an alternative to bulky and complicated traditional systems, which for years have dictated how services operate.
Kat Sexton, lead digital architect at LGSS, an organisation supporting shared public sector services, explains that Low-code is an integral part of the way her organisation is able to transform services.
"The goal is to create simple, easy-to-use, end-to-end services to get the job done, first time. Low-code that integrates with multiple systems helps us do this. We simplify, automate and use great tools to get the right process in place," she says.
This means LGSS can deliver new services within a matter of months. For example, LGSS used Low-code | 370 |
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Olsen is insurance, but if he and Dissly are both healthy …
"Yo @gregolsen88 welcome to the PNW!! TE room<|fim_middle|>. 25 | is going to be dangerous this year!!" — Will Dissly, welcoming Greg Olsen to the Seahawks
If Will Dissly and Greg Olsen are both healthy, the Seahawks will indeed be dangerous at tight end in 2020.
Imagine the matchup nightmares Dissly, Greg Olsen and Jacob Hollister could create for Russell Wilson. Forget a third receiver — these guys could help Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf take the top off defenses even more easily.
Of course, that is the best-case scenario.
At worst, Pete Carroll and John Schneider are expecting Olsen to be insurance against Dissly missing time as he comes back from a torn Achilles — or getting hurt yet again.
Dissly has played just 10 games in his first two seasons, having both ended by significant leg injuries. Olsen played in just 16 games in 2017-18, due to foot injuries. But he rebounded to play in 14 games in 2019, catching 52 passes for a Carolina team that did not have Cam Newton most of the way. He will be 35 next season, so the Hawks surely are not expecting him to play full-time. They probably would be happy if Dissly and Olsen combined to give them one great season, to go with another solid effort by Hollister.
For those who think $7 million is too much for a 35-year-old part-time player, consider this: (1) The deal guarantees just $5.5 million, so the remaining amount is likely in the kind of game bonuses Seattle favors for veterans; (2) Olsen will cost a net of just $4 million against the cap, once Ed Dickson is let go.
The Hawks still have at least $40 million for veterans. Tendering Hollister would cost about $3.3 million, and they should budget as much as $32 million for pass rushers.
Word is Jadeveon Clowney wants to set the market for defensive players, which would mean around $24 million a year (Khalil Mack averages $23.5 million). Schneider almost certainly would balk at that, considering he has never paid even $10 million to a defensive lineman. In that case, Schneider might focus on adding a couple of mid-teens rushers such as Everson Griffen, Robert Quinn and Calais Campbell — if any of those guys were available.
Olsen is a comp-free signing, but you have to hope Schneider is not married to playing that game this offseason. He probably cannot upgrade the defense properly without adding unrestricted free agents — unless he somehow finagles trades for Griffen, Campbell or another rusher.
With Detroit dangling Darius Slay, there are a lot of fanciful calls for Schneider to work a deal to add the cornerback to his former teammate Quandre Diggs. But, even if Detroit would take a Day 2 pick for Slay, the Hawks would have to pay him big bucks. For one, they don't do big-money free-agent corners; Carroll trains them himself. Plus, they need to use that kind of money on pass rushers first, so they will look for cheaper competition for Tre Flowers, possibly from the draft, and/or hope Flowers takes the same third-year jump that Shaquill Griffin did.
Media have been speculating that the Hawks could/should cut Bradley McDougald to save around $4 million, but why? With Diggs on the other side, McDougald played very well in 2019. They are a solid tandem. Let McDougald, 29, play out his final year and see whether second-year safety Marquise Blair takes the next step to replace him in 2021. Even if Blair beats out McDougald, the veteran could always return to the two-way reserve role he filled behind Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas in 2017.
Plenty of fans have called for the team to cut Justin Britt, who is recovering from an ACL injury, especially since such a move would add $8.5 million in cap space. But the club would need to find a replacement, which might not be that easy. Detroit's Graham Glasgow could get as much as $14 million a year on the market — much more than the $10 million the Hawks might be willing to pay a new center. And we saw that Joey Hunt is not a long-term answer.
Ray Roberts, who coincidentally played tackle for both Seattle and Detroit, thinks the Hawks should keep Britt: "Justin Britt was putting together a couple of really good football seasons. … I think Justin Britt is a really solid center in our league, so that would be a guy I'd like to see them keep."
Bradley McDougaldGreg OlsenJacob HollisterJadeveon ClowneyJustin BrittWill Dissly
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Kronos Introduces Italian Beef For Restaurateurs Nationwide
<|fim_middle|>
Founded in 1975, Kronos is a premier maker of gyros and other Mediterranean foods. Kronos proudly makes and distributes all of its products to retailers and foodservice outlets nationally, including leading restaurants, hospitals, businesses, schools and universities. The company offers a complete line of gyros products, sauces and dips, pita bread and fillo-based appetizer and entree items such as spanakopita. Kronos also sells baklava and other handmade, specialty desserts for food service and retail customers manufactured at their Madera, California facility. These desserts are also available direct to consumers via www.sinbadsweets.com. For more information, visit www.kronosfoodsinc.com.
Andrea Schnorr
SOURCE Kronos Foods, Inc. | Kronos Foods, Inc.
GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill., Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Suburban Chicago-based Kronos Foods, Inc., www.kronosfoodsinc.com, the nation's leading manufacturer of Mediterranean food products, announced the introduction of an Italian Beef product line. Delivering the quality customers expect, Kronos went beyond its traditional gyros roots to offer this Italian Beef recipe. Created by utilizing traditional Italian spices and superior cuts of beef, Kronos Italian Beef uses the expertise of a meat industry leader to deliver a high-quality product with unparalleled flavor.
"We are excited to expand our product offerings to include new products for new markets," said Howard Eirinberg, president of Kronos Foods. "Our hope is to provide restaurants across the country with these exceptional products, created specifically with them in mind."
Kronos' Italian Beef has consistent color and flavor, carefully cooked to perfection and chilled immediately after cooking to set color and retain its natural juices. The au jus, prepared with a hot cook process, captures the optimal flavor from the seasonings, delivering a complete, balanced taste.
Every slice of beef has a uniform weight and thickness, providing consistency from sandwich to sandwich. The au jus is also packaged in a re-sealable tub, making it easy to store. Offering restaurateurs convenience and quality, Kronos Italian Beef raises the standards of excellence and reliability, meeting consumer demand for high-end food products.
To order samples, call Customer Service at 224-353-5353, or visit www.KronosFoodsInc.com for more information.
About Kronos Products | 341 |
These words were said with great righteousness<|fim_middle|> give out a reward, right" | .
However, when everyone was not paying attention, Elder Ning could not help but glare fiercely at Ning Yiyuan below.
Look, its all because of you.
Now, I dont even have the confidence to speak!
"Thats right, Elder Songs words are also somewhat reasonable," another high-ranking government official said, deliberating his words.
"Look, the key point is that we still dont know which galaxy the man who entered the auction house is from or what his identity is.
It doesnt make sense for us to act rashly!"
These words attracted the approval of many people.
"However, the resentment of the people has become more and more overwhelming." Ning Yiyuan suddenly raised his head.
His eyes were as sharp as a freshly unsheathed sword, and there was a hint of coldness in them.
"If we cant come up with a solution in time, Im afraid that this situation will only make things worse."
"Also," Ning Yiyuan paused.
"The green plant developed by Exalted Chen Bai will be able to shine in thisGalactic Battle of Strength.
However, if we dont handle this matter properly and cause him to be dissatisfied, it might not be worth it."
Ning Yiyuan rarely spoke at military meetings like this, so todays speech was a long one.
Moreover, every word was reasonable, and no one could find a point to refute it.
"Then what do you think" At the crucial moment, Elder Ning was still very supportive.
"Why dont you leave this matter to me In this Interstellar War, I will be responsible for finding out his identity.
When the Interstellar War is over, I will officially file a lawsuit in the Galactic Court." Ning Yiyuan smiled faintly, his eyes were brimming with confidence.
He would personally catch this guy and make him understand the meaning of the wordsexcruciating pain.
"Hmm" Song Tiancheng chuckled.
He could be considered an elder in Ning Yiyuans eyes.
"Listen to what youre saying.
Youre really not avoiding suspicion."
Ning Yiyuan glared at him coldly.
"Naturally, my woman should be protected by me personally!"
The moment these words left his mouth, Song Tianchengs calm expression instantly shattered.
That year, when he and his wife met with danger outside, not only did Song Tiancheng not protect her, he even pushed her into the jaws of a tiger, using this time to exchange for a chance for his survival!
This matter was originally a secret, but for some unknown reason, it was revealed later on.
At that time, everyone in the circle looked at Song Tiancheng with contempt.
After all, this kind of behavior was simply insane in the hearts of the people of the Federation! Later on, he used ruthless methods to climb to the position of the head of the Song Family.
Then, he tried his best to cover up this matter.
He reckoned that if he walked out now, he would still be looked down upon by others!
Ning Yiyuans words were like spikes, poking directly into his lungs!
PLs read on MYB0XNOVE L.C OM
"Then what if Marshal Ning failed to find out the identity of this man" Song Tiancheng raised his eyebrows and the tit-for-tat in his words gushed out.
The thick smell of gunpowder instantly ignited!
"Then… What do you think, as head of the Song family" Ning Yiyuan asked instead of answering.
"Hehe!" Song Tiancheng sneered.
"How is this possible If our Marshal Ning couldnt even solve such a small problem, then how can he still sit firmly in this position as Marshal"
These words were aimed directly at Ning Yiyuans Marshals position!
"What are you trying to say" Elder Ning frowned and asked angrily, "What… "
Before he could finish his words, Ning Yiyuan gave his grandfather a wink.
When he turned to look at Song Tiancheng, he forcefully took over the topic.
"Since the head of the Song Family has such high expectations for me, I naturally cant let you down.
But you see, if I find the successful person, dont you have something to show for it You have to | 862 |
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in addition to being the leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease is also cause of disability, loss of productive capacity and quality of life[2-4].
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed as an effective treatment option in different scenarios of CAD and aims to improve survival, prevent acute myocardial infarction (AMI), reinfarction, improve ventricular function and relieve anginal symptoms[6-9].
Despite its effectiveness, CABG is a highly invasive procedure, often associated with long time of bed rest, reduced cardiorespiratory capacity, loss of strength and muscle mass, as well as physical deconditioning[10,11]. To minimize such deleterious effects, cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation programs (CPMR) are crucial in the recovery process and must be started as soon as possible.
Physical rehabilitation protocols often include ambulation and gait training. However, it is difficult to be conducted in the daily practice due to patient's physical limitations, increased risk of falls and insecurity from the patient and the professional who apply the protocol[13,14]. Additionally, it is harder to monitor vital signs, such as the blood pressure surveillance, and as well as the exercise intensity, especially when walk training programs are applied in corridors and stairways.
In this scenario, the cycle ergometer becomes a possible alternative. It is a training equipment, already used in rehabilitation programs after AMI, that allows to monitor heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and even cardiac electrical activity through electrocardiogram (ECG). Such parameters are extremely important in the first phase of CPMR programs[2,3,15,16]. Moreover, the cycle ergometer rehabilitation program can be applied even in patients with physical limitations due to orthopedic and/or neurological diseases[3,17].
Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of an alternative exercise program using a cycle ergometer to a standard rehabilitation protocol during the CPMR phase I, in the<|fim_middle|>; 91p. Acesso em: 14/9/2015. Disponível em: http://repositorio.pucrs.br/dspace/bitstream/10923/7395/1/000470731Texto%2bCompleto-0.pdf.
17. Pires SR, Oliveira AC, Parreira VF, Britto RR. Teste de caminhada de seis minutos em diferentes faixas etárias e índices de massa corporal. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2007;11(2):147-51.
19. Arévalo Cárdenas M, García Cardona CG. Respuesta aguda de presión arterial, frecuencia cardíaca y percepción del esfuerzo en hipertensos. Rev Cienc Salud. 2007;5(1):53-66.
20. Fardy PS, Yanowitz FG, Wilson PK. Cardiac rehabilitation, adult fitness, and exercise testing. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1996. p.55-278. | postoperative period of CABG, on the maximum distance walked assessed by the six-minute walk test (6MWT).
It is a pilot controlled clinical trial study, investigator-blinded to the outcome. The individuals included were aged 50 or older of both genders who underwent CABG at the São Lucas Hospital, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), between December 2011 and October 2012. The allocation to treatment was performed through a simple random sampling, drawing to the treatment group the first individual included and respecting the allocation to groups in alternating sequence.
Individuals with physical limitations (orthopedic and/or neurological disorders) or who had complications in the perioperative or postoperative period (bleeding requiring reoperation, sepsis, mediastinitis, prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours), reintubation, cerebrovascular accident, AMI, pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure, unstable angina or malignant arrhythmias) were excluded.
Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age and smoking history were collected through a questionnaire standardized for the study. Anthropometric measurements (weight in kg and height in meters), variables related to the surgery and clinical conditions in the postoperative period were collected by review of pre and postoperative evaluation available in the patient record.
The 6MWT test was conducted by a physical therapist blinded to the intervention according to the American Thoracic Society protocol. The test was conducted in a level corridor 30 meters long with markings every 2.5 meters. Participants were oriented to walk as long as possible during six minutes and were not allowed to run during the test. HR (beats per minute - bpm), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 -%), were observed by pulse oximetry before and after the 6MWT. In addition, blood pressure (mmHg) and rate of perceived exertion, using the Borg's perceived exertion scale, were also measured. The Borg's scale rates from zero to ten the perception of fatigue due to effort. After the 3rd minute (during the test) and at the end of the 6th minute, HR, SpO2 and Borg were recorded. For the 6MWT execution, the evaluator was standing immediately by the patient's side, guiding and encouraging the participant to walk as fast as possible. The 6MWT was performed on the 3rd postoperative day and repeated on the 6th day after CABG. During the test, any sign and symptom resulting from physical exertion were recorded. The outcome chosen for the 6MWT was the maximum distance continuously walked for both intra and inter-group comparison.
Patients in this group had physical therapy conducted by the hospital staff and the standard rehabilition protocol was performed. In this protocol, on the 3rd postoperative day, position in bed was conducted as well as chest clearance maneuvers and bronchial hygiene when needed. Pulmonary re-expansion maneuvers, specific physical exercises (if indicated) and ambulation were performed in the hospital room. In the 4th to the 7th postoperative day, the same treatment was executed, except ambulation which was made in the hospital corridor. From the 5th postoperative day, participants had to climb and descend stairs with supervision. The average duration of the standard physical therapy protocol was 20 minutes and it was performed primarily during the morning and also in the afternoon.
In this group, physical therapy techniques conducted with the participants were similar to the standard group, except for the substitution of walking and stairs exercises to cycle ergometer exercise, since the 3rd postoperative day. Participants performed 20 minutes of exercise on a cycle ergometer during the morning and another 20 minutes in the afternoon. HR (calculated as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and tolerated up to 30 bpm above the resting HR), BP, SpO2 and rate of perceived exertion through the Borg Scale, as described previously, were monitored during cycling. The cycle ergometer training was monitored by trained researchers.
Cycling was interrupted in the presence of signs and symptoms of effort intolerance. The goal was to keep 20 minutes steadily, but depending on the participant physical conditions, the first sessions were intermittently held.
Participants' identification started from checking the scale of heart surgery at the hospital on the day of discharge from the postoperative care of heart surgery, which usually happened on the 3rd day after CABG. At this moment, the medical team responsible to the patient contacted the physical therapist researcher, allowing the patient's participation in the research. Then, patients were informed about the protocol and after signing the informed consent, the initial data collection was conducted, which consisted of a questionnaire containing participants sociodemographic data and their clinical characteristics. In both groups, the 6MWT was performed on the 3rd postoperative day and repeated on the day of discharge or on the 6th postoperative day. The CPMR program also began on the 3rd postoperative day with the last training happening between the 4th and the 5th session (depending on the day of discharge) and consisted of two sessions daily, one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
To detect a statistically significant difference of 50 meters between the mean maximum distance walked in the 6MWT in two-tailed test with 80% power and possibility of type I error below 5%, it was calculated a sample size of 12 subjects to be included in each group.
The data collected were entered into a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet. Categorical variables were reported in percentage, and continuous variables as means and standard deviation. Variables were tested for distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Distribution of all variables tested, in both groups, was normal. Thus, the comparison between the distance walked before and after intervention in each group was performed by the t test for paired samples and the comparison between groups was also done by the t test for independent samples. Comparison of categorical variables was performed using the chi-square test. For analyzes the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS® for Windows® version 16 - USA) was used.
The research project was reviewed and approved by the Medical School Scientific Committee and PUCRS Research and Ethics Committee (registration number 09/04813). All participants consented to participate after the presentation and explanation of terms included in the Informed Consent.
Twenty-seven participants who underwent CABG were included in this study. However, two patients were excluded due to early hospital discharge (less than three rehabilitation sessions) and another one was excluded by clinical decompensation. Thus, ten participants were included in the analysis in the SP group and 14 in the AP group.
As described in Table 1, the sample consisted predominantly of men, mean age around 60 years old. Comparison of the maximum distance walked (MDW) in the 6MWT, pre- and post-intervention in each group and between the groups, is presented in Table 2. There was an increment in the MDW post-intervention in both groups with a tendency to be longer in the AP group compared the SP group (312.2±80.6 vs. 249.7±61.4 m; P=0.06).
There was no statistically significant difference between groups when comparing HR, SpO2 and the Borg's scale means in the post-intervention period.
This study demonstrated that there was a similar increase in the MDW in both groups after implementation of rehabilitation protocols after CABG. However, there was a trend for superiority of the alternative protocol, which used a cycle ergometer to replace walking and stair exercises. Furthermore, the cycle ergometer protocol allowed participants to be monitored continuously for cardiorespiratory variables during the rehabilitation program, favoring a better control of exercise intensity.
It has been demonstrated, previously, that the distance walked during the 6MWT varies according to body mass index (BMI), being smaller in those individuals with grater BMI values, result also showed in this present study which found that individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m2 walked more than those with a BMI> 25 kg/m2 (565.45±101.56m vs. 457.35±92.18m). However, even that the average BMI was greater in the alternative protocol compared to the standard one, there was a trend of superiority achieved in the MDW post-rehabilitation using the cycle ergometer. Moreover, in the cycle ergometer protocol, MDW was shorter than in the SP, suggesting a lower initial physical capacity in the AP. Even with these factors, in this study, there was a tendency of improvement in the MDW post-intervention in the cycle ergometer group, suggesting a conservative bias to the results. These findings propose the possibility of even greater benefits using the cycle ergometer in improving functional performance of these individuals compared to the SP.
Because this was an exploratory intervention not applied in a similar population yet, there is no evidence available for direct comparison. However, a study with hypertensive patients measured and compared the behavior of acute BP, HR and perceived exertion during a circuit of resistance exercise versus submaximal aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer. The authors found that participants allocated to the cycle ergometer group had a smaller increase in HR, systolic blood pressure and perceived exertion, suggesting that the use of a cycle ergometer offers safer responses to cardiac patients.
The goal of proposing an alternative rehabilitation protocol using a cycle ergometer is to avoid the deleterious effects of prolonged bed rest safely from the cardiorespiratory view. An important advantage of this type of physical activity is an effective increase in systemic circulation without excessive burdens on the cardiopulmonary system, since muscle contraction is predominantly dynamic, when no resistance to the pedal is added. Other advantages justify the use of this ergometer: a potential reduction in the risk of falls, the possibility of performing a constant and more lasting effort and the possibility of monitoring vital signs at the metabolic demand peak caused by exercise[16,21].
Additionally, studies have shown that the early use of a cycle ergometer in intensive care unit patients, even during ventilation, increases muscle strength, also improving functional capacity, with similar cardiovascular benefits achieved in treadmill rehabilitation[22,23]. Adding to the effectiveness of the method, an important advantage is that the interruption of effort occurs in a safer way, since the patient is already seated and supported with both hands. Therefore, even if the interruption happens in an unexpected and abrupt way, the physical therapist will be in a better position to handle the situation and ask for support when needed. Another relevant point is the ease in having oxygen support, if needed, even during the protocol implementation.
Some limitations of this study must be highlighted: (1) limited sample size, reflecting reduced power to identify the significant differences; (2) simple random sampling, in alternately sequence, which can enable the occurrence of heterogeneity among groups. However, this is a new protocol, evaluated in a pilot study. As a result, the power to identify differences between groups is limited and there was uneven distribution of possible confounding variables between the control and alternative groups. Nevertheless, the differences are possibly associated with a conservative bias, as longer MDW in the 6MWT pre-intervention and lower BMI were found in the control group.
This study demonstrated that both protocols were similarly effective in promoting increased MDW in the 6MWT in patients who underwent physical therapy rehabilitation after CABG, with a tendency of superiority in the cicloergometer group. However, a phase III randomized clinical trial is needed to evaluate the significance of these reported findings.
1. Ramos GC. Aspectos relevantes da doença arterial coronariana em candidatos à cirurgia não cardíaca. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2010;60(6):662-5.
2. Mackay J, Mensah G. Atlas of heart disease and stroke. Geneva: WHO; 2004.
13. Titoto L, Sansão MS, Marino LHC, Lamari NM. Reabilitação de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio: atualização da literatura nacional. Arq Ciênc Saúde. 2005;12(4):216-9.
14. Regenga MM. Fisioterapia em cardiologia: da UTI à reabilitação. São Paulo: Roca; 2000.
16. Trevisan MD, Myskiw JC. Reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica fase I no pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio utilizando cicloergômetro: um ensaio clínico randomizado. 2015 | 2,678 |
At Transfix, we are working hard to build tools to help carriers earn more for their trucks.<|fim_middle|> keep you updated on our progress here on the blog as we make great strides along the way.
If you are not a Transfix carrier and want to join our network to experience a better way to book loads online, contact us here. | We launched a pilot program earlier this year that lets carriers easily book truckloads online through the Transfix website. Today, we are excited to bring this instant booking feature out of pilot and offer it widely to all Transfix carriers.
When we set out to build the next evolution of our truckload marketplace, we wanted to transform the way carriers book loads. Traditional load boards are time-consuming to sift through and filled with unreliable information. Completing any transaction also requires a phone call; many carriers will spend their day browsing multiple load boards, cold-calling brokers, and pursuing dead ends until they find a load that works for their business.
Our solution is to provide a booking experience that takes place entirely online. Carriers can easily find and book the load they want, all in much less time than traditional means and without having to pick up the phone to ask for more specifics. We give them comprehensive and accurate information about the load up front.
We do this by matching carriers with loads that are convenient for them — loads that pick up or deliver within a short distance of their truck yards, or travel along lanes the carrier has driven before.
If a carrier sees a load that interests them, they can book it immediately or ask for a higher rate. Booking a load in Transfix can be done in a few simple steps: a carrier logs in, browses the loads we have available, views detailed information about a particular load, and clicks Book Now if they find the rate agreeable.
Let's say the carrier wants a higher payout. In that case, they can place a bid for a higher rate. As soon as their bid is accepted, Transfix will notify the carrier and extend a rate confirmation that can be signed online. Carriers also have the opportunity to negotiate with our Booking Team over the phone, because having a conversation is sometimes the best way to do business.
Watch the video below to see how instant booking or bidding works.
This is just the beginning. We're continuing to build better solutions for our Transfix partners — the drivers, dispatchers, and independent owner-operators who are the backbone of the trucking industry. In the future, carriers can expect to see even more accurate matches arrive in their inbox, as well as opportunities to book loads farther in advance.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue releasing new products for carriers. Our team is working at a fast pace to build the best transportation technology platform in the industry. And we'll | 494 |
Over the past weekend more than two hundred roasters descended on the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington for the tenth annual Roasters Guild Retreat. There were a variety of activities that took place including peer tasting calibrations, grind and particle size analysis and round table discussions on issues related to the need for Fair Trade certification within the specialty coffee community and the importance of so-called relationship coffees in a time of high market prices. The greatest enthusiasm however seemed to be focused on the Challenge Cup competition, sponsored this year by Anacafe, the Guatemalan National Coffee Association. The attendees were split up into small groups and provided six distinct coffees from various growing regions within Guatemala. With these coffees, each group was challenged to roast, cup and create a blend that was judged by a designated panel of cuppers with the winners announced during the retreat's closing ceremonies.
Four roaster manufacturing companies — Probat, Diedrich, Ambex and US Roaster Corp — provided roasters for the event. Each team was given the opportunity to roast on at least two different machines to come up with a team blend. It was an educational experience to be thrown on a machine you may<|fim_middle|> for information on this event… If it's successful, we'll consider taking the show on the road.
Who won the Challenge Cup competition?
Hey Mike – Team-10 AKA "Planet X Roasters" won the competition. | not have had any experience with and each group seemed to muddling through the process with a fair degree of success. From my perspective as a RoastLog founder, I personally found it a little frustrating that the groups were given paper, pencils and stop watches to track roast profiles. As with roasting at the production level, the learning process could have been so much more productive and the blends, arguably, much better if a tool such as RoastLog was provided to facilitate ease of data collection. The analysis of the data and the artisanship each roaster brings to the task would have remained exactly the same, only the blend development process would be accelerated and hopefully the quality of the finished products would have been improved. My hope for future retreats and group roasting exercises such as this one is to raise the bar in regard to the complexity of discourse and embracing new technology to make the lives of roasters easier. Of course I feel that RoastLog should be a part of this process going forward. To that end, we at RoastLog have been discussing the idea of hosting just such an event – a salon for roasters to discuss quality improvement and determine ways that technology can help in the process. In the coming months check back here | 252 |
Горні-Ломна (чеськ. Horní Lomná, пол. Łomna Górna, нім. Ober Lomna) — село, яке розташоване в долині річки Ломна, на південному сході округу Фридек-Містек, Моравсько-Сілезького краю. Населення — 356 осіб (2022), а площа — 2466 га. У 2001 році, 28% населення села визнали себе поляками.
Місто Тршинець розташоване за 16 км на північ, місто Фрідлант-над-Остравіці — на 21 км на захід,<|fim_middle|>0,3%) — німці.
Уродженці
У селі народився і активно працював університетський педагог, філолог і літературознавець у галузі Чесько-польський літературних зв'язків Ян Корзенний. Він також займався польською регіональною літературою Тешинської Сілезії та регіональною історією з акцентом на долині Ломни.
Населення
Фридек-Містек (округ)
Села Чехії | місто Чеський Тешин — 24 км на північ, а місто Фрідек-Містек — на 27 км на північний захід.
Історія
Перша письмова згадка про село датується 1690 роком, коли тут почали добувати залізну руду. Заселення долини р. Ломна почалося в 1646 році. Адміністративна одиниця Ломна, з'являється в 1730 році. Назва села походить від річки Ломна. У 1770 році, Ломна мала 489 мешканців. Перша приватна школа була відкрита у 1830 році. За австрійським переписом 1843 року, Ломна мала 817 мешканців у 58 дворах. Три робітники працювали на трьох млинах і десятеро на п'ятьох лісопильних. 1844-1847 роках, голод спричинив значну кількість смертей. Перша польська державна школа почала діяти у 1852 р. Згідно з австрійським переписом 1910 року, в Горній Ломні проживало 615 мешканців, з них: 602 (97,9%) — поляки, 11 (1,8%) — чехи і 2 ( | 464 |
Colloids in the intensive care unit.
Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2012 Oct 01; 69(19):1635-42.AJ
The most recent published evidence on the use of colloids versus crystalloids in critical care is reviewed, with a focus on population-dependent differences in safety and efficacy.
Colloids offer a number of theoretical advantages over crystalloids for fluid resuscitation, but some colloids (e.g., hydroxyethyl starch solutions, dextrans) can have serious adverse effects, and albumin products entail higher costs. The results of the influential Saline Versus Albumin Fluid Evaluation (SAFE) trial and a subsequent SAFE subgroup analysis indicated that colloid therapy should not be used<|fim_middle|>1;69(19):1635-42. PubMed PMID: 22997116.
TY - JOUR T1 - Colloids in the intensive care unit. AU - Kruer,Rachel M, AU - Ensor,Christopher R, PY - 2012/9/22/entrez PY - 2012/9/22/pubmed PY - 2013/2/21/medline SP - 1635 EP - 42 JF - American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists JO - Am J Health Syst Pharm VL - 69 IS - 19 N2 - PURPOSE: The most recent published evidence on the use of colloids versus crystalloids in critical care is reviewed, with a focus on population-dependent differences in safety and efficacy. SUMMARY: Colloids offer a number of theoretical advantages over crystalloids for fluid resuscitation, but some colloids (e.g., hydroxyethyl starch solutions, dextrans) can have serious adverse effects, and albumin products entail higher costs. The results of the influential Saline Versus Albumin Fluid Evaluation (SAFE) trial and a subsequent SAFE subgroup analysis indicated that colloid therapy should not be used in patients with traumatic brain injury and other forms of trauma due to an increased mortality risk relative to crystalloid therapy. With regard to patients with severe sepsis, two meta-analyses published in 2011, which collectively evaluated 82 trials involving nearly 10,000 patients, indicated comparable outcomes with the use of either crystalloids or albumins. For patients requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during heart surgery, the available evidence supports the use of a colloid, particularly albumin, for CPB circuit priming and postoperative volume expansion. In select patients with burn injury, the published evidence supports the use of supplemental colloids if adequate urine output cannot be maintained with a crystalloid-only rescue strategy. CONCLUSION: The results of the SAFE trial and a subgroup analysis of SAFE data suggest that colloids should be avoided in patients with trauma and traumatic brain injury. There are minimal differences in outcome between crystalloids and hypo-oncotic or iso-oncotic albumin for fluid resuscitation in severe sepsis; in select populations, such as patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the use of iso-oncotic albumin may confer a survival advantage and should be considered a first-line alternative. SN - 1535-2900 UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/22997116/Colloids_in_the_intensive_care_unit_ L2 - https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-lookup/doi/10.2146/ajhp110414 DB - PRIME DP - Unbound Medicine ER -
Grapherence [↓3]
Colloids
Crystalloid Solutions
Intensive Care Units
Isotonic Solutions
Colloids versus crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients.
Resuscitation fluid types in sepsis, surgical, and trauma patients: a systematic review and sequential network meta-analyses.
Effects of fluid resuscitation with colloids vs crystalloids on mortality in critically ill patients presenting with hypovolemic shock: the CRISTAL randomized trial.
Crystalloids vs. colloids for fluid resuscitation in the Intensive Care Unit: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Effects of fluid resuscitation with synthetic colloids or crystalloids alone on shock reversal, fluid balance, and patient outcomes in patients with severe sepsis: a prospective sequential analysis.
Meta-analysis of colloids versus crystalloids in critically ill, trauma and surgical patients.
Haemodynamic response to crystalloids or colloids in shock: an exploratory subgroup analysis of a randomised controlled trial. | in patients with traumatic brain injury and other forms of trauma due to an increased mortality risk relative to crystalloid therapy. With regard to patients with severe sepsis, two meta-analyses published in 2011, which collectively evaluated 82 trials involving nearly 10,000 patients, indicated comparable outcomes with the use of either crystalloids or albumins. For patients requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during heart surgery, the available evidence supports the use of a colloid, particularly albumin, for CPB circuit priming and postoperative volume expansion. In select patients with burn injury, the published evidence supports the use of supplemental colloids if adequate urine output cannot be maintained with a crystalloid-only rescue strategy.
The results of the SAFE trial and a subgroup analysis of SAFE data suggest that colloids should be avoided in patients with trauma and traumatic brain injury. There are minimal differences in outcome between crystalloids and hypo-oncotic or iso-oncotic albumin for fluid resuscitation in severe sepsis; in select populations, such as patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the use of iso-oncotic albumin may confer a survival advantage and should be considered a first-line alternative.
Kruer RM
Surgical Intensive Care, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287-6180, USA. rkruer1@jhmi.edu
Ensor CR
Brain InjuriesColloidsCritical CareCritical IllnessCrystalloid SolutionsFluid TherapyHumansIntensive Care UnitsIsotonic SolutionsSepsisWounds and Injuries
Kruer, Rachel M., and Christopher R. Ensor. "Colloids in the Intensive Care Unit." American Journal of Health-system Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, vol. 69, no. 19, 2012, pp. 1635-42.
Kruer RM, Ensor CR. Colloids in the intensive care unit. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2012;69(19):1635-42.
Kruer, R. M., & Ensor, C. R. (2012). Colloids in the intensive care unit. American Journal of Health-system Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 69(19), 1635-42.
Kruer RM, Ensor CR. Colloids in the Intensive Care Unit. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2012 Oct | 559 |
Voters in the city can expect something extra at the polls on Tuesday: a chance to help the poor.
The United Way and city government are working together for a first-of-its-kind Election Day food drive at polling places.
There will be containers available for any voters who want to leave canned food donations or cash contributions to help the local homeless shelter and two food banks.
The shutdown of the Christian Fellowship Center's soup kitchen this year has put extra pressure on nonprofits trying to aid the needy during the<|fim_middle|>.
Everyone involved emphasized that this is a nonpartisan effort.
High school volunteers, PTAs and other civic groups will help with the drive, said council member Josh Medeiros. The United Way will distribute the proceeds after the election. | winter ahead, and city officials say the food drive at the polls will help.
"If every Bristol voter brought a dollar or just one can of food, it would make a difference," Republican Registrar Sharon Krawiecki said.
Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu hopes to aid five civic organizations: The St. Vincent DePaul shelter, the soup kitchens run by the Zion Lutheran Church and Salvation Army, and the Brian's Angels and Agape House drop-in centers.
She said St. Vincent DePaul is about $5,000 short of what it needs for wintertime overflow shelter coverage, which provides a safe, warm place on severely cold winter nights when many shelters run out of space.
Last year, more than 1,800 families or individuals in central Connecticut phoned 211 seeking emergency shelter between Dec. 1 and March 1, according to the city.
"Raising money for this will ensure that people are not left outside during those extreme weather conditions," she said.
"In addition, the Christian Fellowship Center, which was one of the three soup kitchens servicing the Bristol poor, has gone offline, which has created additional burdens on the Salvation Army and Zion Lutheran," Zoppo-Sassu said.
On Tuesday, the United Way and the city will have containers at the entrance to Bristol polls. People can drop spare change or bills; cash donations will go to St. Vincent DePaul. In addition, the post office is providing barrels to collect donations of nonperishable foods, which will be divided between the two soup kitchens and the two drop-in centers.
Sarah Larson of the parks department and Lindsey Rivers from the public works office are working with local Girl Scouts, who will keep on eye on the donation areas during the election. Girl Scout troops for years have set up tables at the polls to sell cookies.
State law allows civic or charitable collections at polling places, provided the drive remains free of partisanship. Candidates and their volunteers and aides are not allowed to campaign at the collection points | 411 |
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"Quick turnaround and communicative. Mirza was helpful in coming up with different motifs and gave useful advice about the printing process. The design brief was difficult and I felt that he cared about delivering a great design not just rushing the job. | 466 |
HomeAbout the Society News Statement on House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Action on Pricing Strategies for MS Dis
Statement on House Oversight<|fim_middle|>pharmaceutical companies, insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacies, healthcare providers, policy makers and people with MS—to find solutions to make medications affordable, and the process for getting them simple and transparent.
The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has issued a press release, a letter to Acting Chairman of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions. | and Government Reform Committee Action on Pricing Strategies for MS Disease-Modifying Therapies
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has taken two actions this week on the pricing strategies for the MS disease-modifying therapies.
First, on August 17, Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD-7), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Representative Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), a senior Democrat on the Committee, sent letters to seven pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and distribute disease-modifying MS therapies in the U.S. requesting information on their pricing strategies for these treatments. The information is requested by August 31.
Subsequently, a bipartisan group of Committee members sent letters to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission expressing concern about the rising costs of prescription medications. These members highlighted the escalating prices of MS medications as a specific example and requested a briefing on MS pricing strategies by September 1. The bipartisan group includes Committee Chair Trey Gowdy (R-SC-1); Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7); Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits and Administrative Rules Jim Jordan (R-OH-4); Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8); Chair of the Subcommittee on Government Operations Mark Meadows (R-NC-11); and Committee member Peter Welch (D-VT-AL).
"The price increases we've seen for many of the MS disease-modifying therapies are one of the barriers for people with MS getting the medication they need," says Bari Talente, Executive Vice President of Advocacy for the National MS Society. "We hope this bipartisan effort provides some vital information on pricing strategies, including price increases and the value of medications, that will help all stakeholders work together towards solutions for the challenges facing people with MS in accessing their medications."
In September 2016, the National MS Society launched its Make Medications Accessible Initiative aimed at working with all stakeholders— | 403 |
The World's 50 Best Restaurants programme announced its list of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America at a ceremony in Lima on 4 September 2013. D.O.M. was named as The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Brazil as well as being ranked number 2 on the inaugural Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list.
São Paulo-based D.O.M. is headed up by chef<|fim_middle|> de Janeiro by Critical Divide. Bookmark the permalink. | Alex Atala, who is widely considered to be 'the face of Brazilian cuisine' and one of the world's most influential chefs. At D.O.M. Atala has built a reputation for combining the most authentic Brazilian flavours with a contemporary approach.
At the awards event in Lima, Helena Rizzo, executive chef at fellow São Paulo restaurant Mani, which is ranked at number 5 on the list, received the Veuve Clicquot Latin America's Best Female Chef Award. At Mani, Rizzo works with predominantly traditional Brazilian ingredients delicately treated with the latest techniques of international cuisine.
This entry was posted in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and tagged Brazil, Rio | 139 |
Earlier this month we did a five day design sprint with Marko Dugonjic<|fim_middle|> which may turn some users away. Most users wanted to go to the 'About' or 'Services' page after immediately landing on the portfolio page. We realized that not everyone lands on the home page, so people need to be able to understand the context of the website from outside of the home page as well.
The collaborative, focused nature of the design sprint helped us to take a step back and look at the process of creating a website with a fresh perspective. By including business owners, technologists, and designers all as part of the creation and decision making process, we were able to leverage our collective strengths and ideas. The user testing confirmed that messaging matters. Overall, the process gave us new techniques for brainstorming together, and the ability to see our website through the eyes of our audience. | , a visiting User Experience designer from Creative Nights. During the sprint, we focused on collaborative brainstorming and quick sketching exercises to help us discover ways to better communicate to our customers through the Symsoft website.
On the first day, we identified our priorities by brainstorming what matters most to our clients (such as understanding what we do), identified the "red flags" (what kinds of clients we don't want to work with), and pointed out our strengths (talking with people in person, getting word of mouth references). From here, we were able to determine that our portfolio pages should be the highest priority for the week, with the main goal of generating more leads through our website.
The next day, we did a quick review of the priorities. Then we looked through other existing websites for design inspiration, including sites that had particular features that could help us communicate those priorities. We each chose 3-4 websites that we liked, and talked through the strengths of each one. Next, we sketched out those strengths on a big sheet of paper for visual reference, and then further sketched out mockups based on those strengths. By the end of the day, we each had a full page sketch based on the priorities from Day 1, and the inspiration gathered from Day 2.
On the third day, we looked through the sketches with a fresh perspective and placed them all over the wall. We then walked around the room and marked a dot on each section that would help communicate our priorities. We talked through each sketch, and chose the strongest aspects to build into a final sketch to use as a guide for a more interactive design mockup.
The next day, the design team spent the morning sketching and building a quick web page for a project case study with the goal of communicating what we did for the project, and encouraging the user to contact us. We looked through the sketches and notes over the past few days, keeping our main priority in mind: focus on the portfolio page, and encourage users to reach out to us. By the end of the day, we had the portfolio page complete, and submitted it to Peek User Testing for some quick user feedback.
On Friday, we all reconvened in the conference room to watch videos of the user testing feedback of people reviewing our portfolio page. From the feedback, we learned that most of the user testers did not read all of the text, and that the main text at the top needed to be clearer. Some users were confused about what the portfolio page was about. We learned that we may tend to use very technical or industry-specific jargon | 525 |
Board Committee
A Greater Gift
Sayang Sayang Fund
Collaborative giving
Portraits of Generosity
Business Times: Preserving a century-old legacy of giving
Inspiring stories | News
Following his great-grandmother's footsteps, Keith Chua set up a charitable fund to carry on his family's legacy of giving through the generations.
To Keith Chua, the boy, she was the stern matriarch of their large, Peranakan family, to be approached with deference. To the older and bolder teenager, she drew closer – the great-grandmother glad to chat about his day over tea or a shared meal.
But only years after, as an established entrepreneur with a family of his own, did Mr Chua truly feel the impact of her life on his own, thanks to the impact Mrs Lee Choon Guan had had on others.
"It was a rediscovery," Mr Chua says, about encountering in the pages of<|fim_middle|>. He says, "The objective of CFS flowed nicely with ours of wanting to continue the legacy of giving. It allows family members to be involved and ensure that funds for the community will carry on."
Taking it a step further, he has been intentional about involving his children, whose ages now range between 22 and 32, in his philanthropic engagements. In recent years, this has included trips across Southeast Asia to learn from and explore partnerships with non-profits, charities and social entrepreneurs.
Having sown those seeds, he has since had the satisfaction of watching each child "doing something in their own way", whether via professional or personal pursuits, to give to the community.
An evolving philosophy of giving
Mr Chua says his own approach to philanthropy has evolved over the years.
From viewing philanthropy primarily as responding to appeals for monetary gifts, he began getting involved with charities and volunteering his time. That involvement got him thinking about how he could make a difference with his own skills.
"Coming from a business, finance background, I felt I was able to bring that to the area of social entrepreneurship to encourage entrepreneurship, and help to share business models, my personal experiences," says Mr Chua.
Asked what he has gained from years of intentional giving, Mr Chua is first introspective: "I would like to think that the engagement in all these years of philanthropy has gradually moved me from thinking more of myself, to thinking more of others."
"Along with that, of course, is that it brings a wonderful feeling if you can bring joy and help someone else," he adds.
"I believe everyone can give. Whether in terms of resources, time or talent… I would embrace all forms of participation. The most important thing for me is to encourage others to take that first step, whatever that first step is."
Looking forward, Mr Chua says, "The seed of philanthropy was planted by the generations before me. Now, with the structure of CFS, the funds will carry on past my lifetime. Once you've set certain things in place, you can bring the next generation along for the ride, and trust them with the responsibility when it's their turn."
After all, Mrs Lee Choon Guan's first steps into philanthropy led to her leaving a century-old legacy of giving that has spanned four generations and, if Mr Chua has his wish, countless more to come.
Source: Business Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
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January 14, 2022·
#MyGivingJourney X Ravina Kirpalani: Taking family philanthropy to new heights
How Donor-Advised Funds (DAF) present an innovative and structured solution to Singapore's philanthropic landscape
December 23, 2021·
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Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement. | a 1920s history book a side to his great-grandmother that he had not known, years after her death in 1978.
Growing up, naturally, he had heard stories from his mother. One of these, about Mrs Lee's role in raising funds to contribute a fighter plane to the World War 1 effort, made it into a school composition of his on "A Person You Most Admire".
But it was not till the mid-1980s, after being appointed as a co-trustee to the Mrs Lee Choon Guan Trust Fund his mother started that Mr Chua read for himself the book she had spoken so much about.
Discovering a legacy of giving
"It became quite clear that she was a pioneer in many ways," Mr Chua, 65, says.
In One Hundred Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore, he learnt of how, as one of the few Chinese girls to get an English education and a member of high-society, Mrs Lee sought to open doors for other women in the early 1900s.
Also known as Madam Tan Teck Neo, she was the founding president of the Chinese Ladies Association (now the Chinese Women's Association), running classes for young women and raising funds for charities.
Women and children, healthcare and education – these were causes Mrs Lee cared deeply for. She gave out numerous scholarships to girls, donated to the building of the St Andrew's Hospital for Women and Children, and funded the activities of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children. For her volunteer work and giving during the First World War, she was the first Chinese woman to be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1918.
Moved by the glimpses of her trailblazing giving recorded in the book, Mr Chua has since acquired an autographed edition that is now a treasured possession for what it symbolises – a legacy of giving to be kept alive.
"To me, the process of discovery, rediscovery, has been a continuing one," says Mr Chua. The family is still adding to what they know of Mrs Lee's life and legacy, "all these little pockets of seeds that were planted". Such as the family giving funds in 1924 to start Katong Girls' School (today's Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School) – a fact they only recently stumbled upon.
Among other causes, the trust fund supports tertiary-level programmes on philanthropy at the NUS Business School's Asia Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy (ACSEP).
Down through the generations
In 2011, he set up the Mrs Lee Choon Guan Fund with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) to carry on his family's legacy of giving through the generations. Managed as an endowment, the fund's principal amount is invested and income earned is then given to various causes.
The aim is not merely to build historical knowledge, but to perpetuate the legacy of giving. "I have the opportunity, at this point in time, to put some thought and action into encouraging the continuation of her legacy. So that, hopefully, it will continue with some degree of active participation by future generations," says Mr Chua.
"In continuing the legacy of my great-grandmother, I looked at how she approached philanthropy in her time and tried to include some of her practices in what I'm doing today. It has indeed come full circle."
Some of the causes the fund supports today bear the mark of Mrs Lee's charitable interests – education and healthcare initiatives. Others reflect evolving needs in society that Mr Chua himself is passionate about.
Indeed, Mr Chua is known as much these days for his work in philanthropic circles as he is in business ones.
The executive chairman of ABR Holdings, which owns Swensen's and Chilli Padi among other food and beverage brands, Mr Chua is also managing director of the Alby group of companies in Singapore and Australia. He hails from a line of businessmen too – his grandfather, the late Chua Cheng Liat, is one of the Chua brothers behind car dealership Cycle & Carriage.
Today, actively involved in various community, church and missions agencies, he sits on the boards of the National Council of Social Service and CFS.
"Part of why I'm doing this today, is in the hope that the wider family, beyond just my siblings and children through to my cousins, my nephews and nieces, and their children, will come to appreciate the legacy that my great-grandmother has left for all of us."
Apart from his great-grandmother, Mr Chua cites the influence of his parents' generosity and his Christian faith as two other defining forces behind his philanthropy journey.
"[With my parents], it wasn't so much them saying, 'This is how you do it.' It was watching them in action, responding generously to requests for help, seeing how they lived their lives," says Mr Chua.
And that was the starting point for him and his wife too: sharing with their four children what they do and why, modelling a life of giving in the hope that their children would themselves see the value of giving.
One reason Mr Chua decided to set up the fund with CFS was to ensure that future generations would be able to continue the family's philanthropic work | 1,095 |
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes.
It appears as a curved structure on the posterior (back) margin of each testis. It is comprised of three sections. These are the head, body,and tail. Although it bears some superficial resemblance to the testes, the epididymis differs in that it is smaller, and the tubes are larger and less densely packed.
Near the top of the testis is the head of the<|fim_middle|> layers, although it is only one. | epididymis, which stores sperm until it is ready to undergo maturation. Next is the body, a long, twisted tube where the sperm matures. This maturation takes approximately one week. Last is the tail, which connects to the deferent duct, also referred to as the ductus deferens or vas deferens. From here, the sperm is transported to the ejaculatory duct.
Partially surrounding and separating the epididymis from the testis is a thin sheet of tissue referred to as the tunica vaginalis. The walls of the epididymis are lined in pseudostratified columnar epithelial tissue, meaning that the arrangement of the cells gives the appearance of two | 142 |
There are many Yogic techniques for managing anxiety and dissipating anxious energy. According<|fim_middle|> inaction in finding a great job in this challenging economy. Do you feel excited about applying for a challenging professional position in your chosen field, or do you feel anxious and pessimistic? If you feel anxious or pessimistic about landing the job of your dreams, how does this pessimism determine your actions? How much time do you put into preparing your resume or printing professional business cards if you don't think you will be hired? In this way, your underlying beliefs about your own abilities and the opportunities that are available to you will have a large impact on your actions and desire to secure the position.
When we are able to recognize our habitual beliefs, thoughts and actions, we are, in fact, recognizing our samskaras or the pair of glasses through which we perceive the world. This witness consciousness is known as apperceiving reality. With a strong Yoga and meditation practice, we are able to witness how our underlying beliefs affect our perception of what is happening around us. Spending time "on the mat" everyday will provide you with some time and space to become aware of your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world at large. With this awareness, you will be able to employ Yogic techniques to begin to unravel unnecessarily pessimistic thinking and replace those negative thoughts with beliefs that will support you in reaching your highest potential. | to Hindu belief, samskaras or patterns of perception are created by underlying conscious and unconscious thoughts and beliefs. These thoughts and beliefs may create and perpetuate an anxious emotional state. Samskaras are said to be generated by imprints that are left on the mind, spirit and body of a person by events that have a strong impact. These events may have happened in this lifetime, or, according to some belief systems, in previous lifetimes. These samskaras create a lens by which we view our world and all of the internal and external experiences we have in it. Our underlying impressions, experiences and beliefs also determine our responses to current situations, thus determining our future karma.
A good example of a very strong samskara generated by painful experiences is that of a soldier who is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He or she may jump at the slightest sound and suffer flashbacks of moments in battle. This anxious response will become increasingly "wired" into his or her biology to the point where the response may become uncontrollable. In order to unwind and reprogram the brain and body to not react in such a fearful way, the soldier will need to bring conscious and subconscious experiences and beliefs to light in order to reframe and integrate a very painful set of experiences. Yoga asanas and meditation practices can help to release physical tension and create space for the practitioner to become aware of and witness his or her emotional reactions. Additionally, pranayama or breathing exercises are very effective Yogic techniques for calming an overly-stimulated nervous system.
Another example of managing anxiety and how our samskaras create our reality is our action or | 335 |
Medical examiner identifies man killed after being struck by Metra train in<|fim_middle|> took 3 children from Ohio to Illinois, slept in hotel with one of them
Next Man arrested after allegedly selling undercover officers drugs on multiple occasions in Lake County | Barrington
by Sam Borcia January 23, 2023 1:30 PM
A 49-year-old man died after he was struck by a Metra train on the Union Pacific Northwest Line near Northwest Highway and Ela Road in Barrington Sunday. | Photo: Benjamin Lundquist
The medical examiner has identified a man who was killed after he was hit by a Metra train in Barrington, causing extensive delays on the Union Pacific Northwest Line Sunday morning.
The Barrington Fire Department and Barrington Police Department responded around 11:28 a.m. Sunday to the train tracks across from 1189 South Northwest Highway in Barrington.
Emergency crews received a report of a pedestrian who had been struck by a train.
Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said it was confirmed that the pedestrian was deceased at the scene.
The incident happened between the Barrington and Palatine Metra stations, approximately two miles south of the Barrington station, on the Union Pacific Northwest Line.
The involved Metra train was halted for approximately two and a half hours, Reile said.
The inbound train, which was occupied with riders, was scheduled to arrive at the Palatine station at 11:25 a.m. after it had left the Barrington station minutes earlier.
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A passenger who was sitting at the front of the train reported hearing the train sound its horn before the collision happened.
Reile said it is unknown if the incident was accidental or intentional and the decision will be made by the medical examiner.
The area where the incident happened was a desolate area with Northwest Highway to the north and a neighborhood to the south. Trees line both sides of the tracks in between the roadway and the neighborhood.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Ivan Horvatic, 49, of Park Ridge.
A manner of death is still pending, the medical examiner's office said.
Editor's Note: The above photo of the scene was intentionally blurred to prevent graphic material from being shown.
Tagged: Barrington, fatal crash, Ivan Horvatic, metra, palatine, park ridge, person struck by train
Previous $200K bond for Beach Park man who allegedly | 481 |
Inflation on the rise – The blame game
November 5, 2021 1:43 pm by IWB
by Claudio Grass
After months of outright denials and fiery persistence that inflation is not a problem and never will be, central bankers in the US, the EU and other advanced economies are now being forced to face reality, as well as the consequences of their own actions. Instead of doing that, however, they have partnered up with their peers from the political world and together, they have embarked on a campaign to disperse and deflect the blame and entirely avoid accountability.
For months now, prices of basic goods<|fim_middle|> societies, public trust is already deeply eroded. Adding extensive and prolonged financial hardship to this mix could have serious ramifications. This is especially relevant for gold investors. Seeing inflation take hold was far from surprising to those who have been holding physical gold and were aware of the inevitable consequences of fiscal and monetary recklessness. Physical precious metals are, of course, the best way to hedge against the diminishing purchasing power of fiat money, but they are also extremely reliable safe havens during periods of more widespread uncertainty and turmoil, much like the one we might be facing soon.
Claudio Grass, Hünenberg See, Switzerland
This article has been published in the Newsroom of pro aurum, the leading precious metals company in Europe with an independent subsidiary in Switzerland.
Tags blame, inflation Post navigation
George Soros, Unions, Other Far-Left Entities Donated Heavily to Defeat Pro-Police Ballot Measure in Austin, Texas.
NOT AGAIN! GERMAN COVID CASES SOAR, NEARLY 75% VACCINATED | and essential staples have seen steep increases and households in most major economies have been feeling the pressures mount on their budgets. From food prices to skyrocketing gas bills, the evidence is clear and one doesn't need to be an economist to understand what's happening. By now, it is apparent to the average citizen and taxpayer that, contrary to the assurances of their political and institutional leaders, inflation is here and it's here to stay. What is a lot more murky and nuanced, however, is who is to blame for it.
If one were to take the politicians' and central bankers' explanations at face value, it would appear that the inflationary pressures we're currently experiencing are the direct result of the market participants themselves. The unprecedented fiscal and monetary policy excesses we saw over the last year and a half have absolutely nothing to do with it. Instead, it is all because of the greed of the supply side, namely the exploitative, profiteering instincts of evil capitalists, and the childish behavior of the demand side, i.e. the inability of the average consumer to manage their money as they are supposed to and resist the urge to spend it all at once. This is the gist of the narrative that is being pushed by top level officials of the Fed, the ECB, and other major central banks, and it is an explanation that is enthusiastically supported by the political establishment too.
This reaction is entirely understandable from a political point of view. For central bankers, it is essential to shift the blame elsewhere, lest they lose all credibility. After all, it was only a couple of months ago when they were still insisting that inflation basically doesn't exist, or even if it does it's only "transitory", and anyone who is concerned that their massive money printing might eventually lead to higher prices is an ignorant alarmist. As for the political class, the reasons to adopt this narrative are even more straightforward: Throughout Western history, you'd be hard pressed to find a leader that politically survived an inflationary period. The last thing any government wants is to be remembered as the one that managed to usher in a tidal inflationary wave that will destroy whatever is left standing in the real economy after the damage that was already inflicted by the lockdowns and the forced shutdowns.
See also The Age-Old solution to Unpayable Entitlements Is...Drum Roll Please...INFLATION
Nevertheless, despite what central planners may wish were true and the version of events they try so hard to promote to the public, the nature of reality remains unaltered. The basic principle of cause and effect, fundamental economic laws and plain common sense, all stand in stark opposition to the current mainstream narrative. Inflation occurs when there is a significant increase in the amount of money chasing the same goods. It's as simple as that, it always has been and always will be. Every single historical case of inflation and hyperinflation involved increases in the money supply and this case today is no different. If anything, given the extraordinary interventions, the seemingly limitless money printing and the MMT-inspired spending sprees we've seen during the covid crisis, the inflationary era that we're now entering is a textbook example of this phenomenon and if there is anything remotely surprising about it, is that it didn't come sooner.
Of course, for those of us who have been watching this space closely for a long time, it was already clear even before the virus ever emerged that inflationary pressures have been at work for years. They didn't manifest themselves in the price of a gallon of milk or in a quadrupled electricity bill, but they did push asset prices to absurd levels and totally worthless companies found themselves valued at levels that simply made no sense. This time, however, inflation is set to have a much more pronounced and consequential impact.
See also People Blame Bill Gates for Egg Shortage as Authorities Fight Egg Smugglers
Apart from its obvious, direct effects on the average citizen's finances, it also has the potential to trigger a much wider shift, politically and socially. In the aftermath of the covid crisis, the unimaginable economic devastation of the various "containment" policies and the sociopolitical schism they created in most | 847 |
The New York Junior League was honored to host Dr. Lindsey Bordone, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University Medical Center, for a recent training on melanoma and skin cancer awareness. Dr. Bordone offered<|fim_middle|> The NYJL is the place for you! Check out a new volunteer orientation to learn more about becoming a volunteer. | insights into the nature of skin cancer and highlighted other dermatology tips.
The NYJL's Volunteer Education & Training committee strives to highlight topics that can impact the volunteer experience, and our health impacts everything we do. This year, we chose to highlight health concerns like melanoma and skin disease. As we head into the warmer seasons and our outreach moves outside — whether volunteering for PIP or participating in a DIAD event outdoors — we want to give our volunteers all the knowledge they need to make the experience as fun, beneficial and safe as possible.
We all enjoy the sun and it is even important to our health. According to Dr. Bordone, we can get enough Vitamin D with only 15 minutes of daily sun exposure. She stressed the importance of sunblock, since sunburns increase the risk of certain types of skin cancer such as melanoma. Dr. Bordone highlighted that while your sunblock will protect you from UVB rays, it is not enough to combat UVA radiation. UVA light causes photoaging and the best way to prevent this is to keep covered and avoid exposure.
According to Dr. Bordone, melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. To detect melanoma early, perform self exams and keep an eye out for pigmented spots. Don't forget to also check out your scalp and eyes! The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinomas, which can be removed quite easily. Don't forget to see a dermatologist one a year for a full skin examination!
A key part of the NYJL's mission is to train volunteers and our Volunteer Education & Training events are just one way we accomplish this goal. Looking for a volunteer opportunity where you can give back and continue to develop your knowledge and skills? | 358 |
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