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UK’s £200 million polar research ship to be named after Sir David Attenborough, days before the broadcaster’s 90th birthday
“Boaty McBoatface” to live on as the name of the ship’s high-tech remotely operated undersea vehicle, following a public call for ideas
new Polar Explorer programme launched to engage young people and inspire the scientists, engineers and explorers of the future
A £200 million state-of-the-art polar research ship is to be named after world renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, the Science Minister Jo Johnson has confirmed today (6 May 2016).
Following a call for suggestions that sparked global interest, Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough has been selected as a name that captures the ship’s scientific mission and celebrates the broadcaster’s contribution to natural science.
The decision to name the ship after Sir David Attenborough comes only days before Sir David’s 90th birthday and is in recognition of his legacy in British broadcasting, inspiring a love of the natural world over generations. In a career spanning 6 decades, Sir David has presented critically acclaimed wildlife documentaries on the BBC including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
Reflecting the global interest that the campaign drew, Jo Johnson has also confirmed the popular suggestion Boaty McBoatface will live on as the name of one of the high-tech remotely operated sub-sea vehicles. The “Boaty” sub-sea vehicle will be dispatched from RRS Sir David Attenborough to allow the ship’s research crew to collect data and samples from the deepest waters of the Arctic and Antarctic.
Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said:
The public provided some truly inspirational and creative names, and while it was a difficult decision I’m delighted that our state-of-the-art polar research ship will be named after one of the nation’s most cherished broadcasters and natural scientists.
This vessel will carry the Attenborough name for decades to come, as it fulfils its mission to explore the oceans and put Britain at the forefront of efforts to preserve our precious marine environment.
The ship has captured the imaginations of millions, which is why we’re ensuring that the Boaty name lives on through the sub-sea vehicle that will support the research crew, and the polar science education programme that will bring their work to life.
Sir David Attenborough said:
I am truly honoured by this naming decision and hope that everyone who suggested a name will feel just as inspired to follow the ship’s progress as it explores our polar regions. I have been privileged to explore the world’s deepest oceans alongside amazing teams of researchers, and with this new polar research ship they will be able to go further and discover more than ever before.
Building on the interest in polar science generated by the naming process, Jo Johnson has also announced today that the government will be investing up to £1 million in a new Polar Explorer programme to engage young people and inspire the scientists, engineers and explorers of the future.
The £200 million ship, being built in the UK on Merseyside, is due to set sail in 2019. Tonne for tonne, it will provide the UK with the most advanced floating research fleet in the world, conducting vital research into the world’s oceans and how we address climate change.
As the biggest commercial shipbuilding contract in Britain, the construction of RRS Sir David Attenborough is supporting 400 jobs and 60 apprenticeships.
Notes to editors
The decision to name the ship was taken by government following a public call for ideas led by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The search for a name attracted over 7,000 suggestions. Sir David Attenborough’s name was one of the top suggestions with over 11,000 members of the public supporting it and was chosen on the basis of his career as a broadcaster and natural scientist. Boaty McBoatface topped the list with over 124,000 votes and, in recognition of the public interest, it will be used as the name of one of the ship’s high-tech remotely operated sub-sea vehicles.
2.Famous polar discoveries
Polar research has a history of unearthing vital scientific breakthroughs. British Antarctic Survey scientists’ discovery of the ozone hole in the 1980s, following many decades of monitoring, was crucial to the Montreal Protocol, one of the most successful international agreements ever. BAS scientists were not only leaders in monitoring stratospheric ozone but also made important breakthroughs in understanding the atmospheric chemistry that led to ozone depletion. Our continued investment in ozone research still provides abundant evidence for policymaking.
3.What will the polar ship do?
Once ready in 2019, the ship will be deployed in both Antarctica and the Arctic, and will be able to spend up to 60 days in sea-ice at any one time to let scientists gather extended observations and data. The ship will also be the first British-built polar research vessel with a helideck, will open up new locations for science and will be one of the most sophisticated floating research laboratories working at the poles.
Robotic submarines and marine gliders including the Boaty McBoatface sub-sea vehicle will collect data, images and samples relating to ocean conditions and marine biology and deliver it to scientists working in the ship’s onboard laboratories. Airborne robots and onboard environmental monitoring systems will provide detailed information on the surrounding polar environment.
4.Facts and figures on the ship.
Did you know:
the ship is 128 metres long – or more than 5 tennis courts
it weighs 15,000 gross tonnes – that’s one and a half times the weight of the Eiffel Tower
it has 900 cubic metres of space for scientific cargo – that’s almost 3 squash courts
it will have 30 crew and 60 scientists and support staff
5.Polar Explorer programme
The government will invest up to £1 million in a new “Polar Explorer” programme to inspire the scientists, engineers and explorers of the future. The programme will run over the next 4 years. The programme will use the construction and launch of the ship to engage young people through the science, mathematics and engineering associated with the vessel.
The programme will be led by STEM Learning Limited, building on the experience of their successful Tim Peake Primary Project. STEM Learning will work in partnership with NERC and STEM Ambassadors to reach out to schools, teachers and young people. |
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Samuel J. Thomas <email@example.com>
Michigan State University
I am currently researching the American Catholic Bishops Response to Catholic dissent on contraception during the late 1960s, the last part of a book length project entitled: American Catholicism in the 1960s: Authority and Dissent in An Age of Cultural Revolution."
I am also planning for a forthcoming museum exhibit of original political cartoons entitled: "No holds barred: Political Cartoons of the Gilded Age." The exhibit will be held at the MSU Museum and run through fall semester 2008.
|Address:||Department of History
301 Morrill Hall
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
|List Affiliations:||Advisory Board Member for H-Catholic
Advisory Board Member for H-SHGAPE
Reviewer for H-Women
|Reviews:||Creating Communities in Medieval and Early Modern Europe
|Interests:||American History / Studies
Religious Studies and Theology
My degrees are as follows: B.A. Kent State U; M.A. and PhD, Michigan State U.
From 1966-1989,I taught European history or humanities,and from 1989 I have taught several courses in American history,including the survey, methods courses focusing on immigration and on child welfare in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, upper level lecture courses in the late 19th and 20th centuries, senior seminars on Americanization/immigration; and on the use of political cartoons as primary sources for the political history of the the Gilded Age. Most recently I have taught an upper level course entitled "Catholics in Modern America."
My most recent publications, those since 2000, include:"A 'final disposition one way or another': The Real End of the First Curran Affair," The Catholic Historical Review, Vol. 91 (October 2005), 214-242.
"Teaching the GAPE (and other periods) with Political Cartoons: A Systematic Approach to Primary Source Analysis," The History Teacher, Vol. 37 (August 2004), 425-446.
"Mugwump Cartoonists, the Papacy and Tammany Hall in the Gilded Age," for Religion and American Culture: A Journal of Interpretation, Vol. 14 (Summer 2004) 213-250.
"Holding the Tiger: Mugwump Cartoonists and Tammany Hall in Gilded Age New York," New York History, LXXXII (Spring, 2001), 155-182.
“In No Sense an Inquisition: Alexander Zaleski and the Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, 1966-1970,” Polish American Studies, LVII (Spring 2000), 55-72.
Conferences: I have participated in over seventy professional conferences as presenter, commentator, chair or panelist.
In 2004, I completed a third edition of a CD entitled "Political Cartoons of the Gilded Age." The CD, containing political cartoons photographed from the originals, was used in a senior seminar Spring semester 2001 and 2002. This edition adds more than one hundred additional cartoons, for a total of over five hundred. The original edition was produced with the support of a research grant from Michigan State University.
A related project: I am seeking support for an exhibit of more than one hundred original political cartoons from Puck, the premier magazine of satire in the Gilded Age. |
The latest round of Medicare’s Competitive Bidding Program for diabetes testing supplies reduced beneficiary choice and access to commonly used diabetes testing supplies, adversely affecting patient outcomes, according to a survey released by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.
“We’re still deeply concerned that the competitive bidding program is harming persons with diabetes by limiting their access to diabetes testing supplies, as prescribed by their treating providers,” Kurt Anderson, AADE Director of Federal and State Advocacy, told Endocrine Today. “It’s difficult to overstate how important self-monitoring is, especially if you’re beginning diabetes self-management training. You have to have consistency of supplies; you have to be familiar with the different devices that you have. Any break or rupture in that continuity is very difficult on patients.”
Since the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the competitive bidding program (CBP) for diabetes testing supplies purchased through mail-order suppliers in January 2011, several reports have noted that product choices are limited through the program, likely influencing patient health outcomes.
In an analysis by the National Minority Quality Forum released in March 2016, researchers assessing Medicare claims data from 2009 to 2012 found that the CBP disrupted beneficiaries’ ability to access diabetes testing equipment, leading to an increase in mortality, hospitalization rates and inpatient costs. In two “secret shopper” surveys in 2011 and 2013, AADE diabetes educators contacted contract suppliers authorized to sell diabetes testing supplies to Medicare beneficiaries through mail order. The participants found that CBP suppliers did not make available all products that were listed on the Medicare.gov Suppliers Directory. In addition, survey results revealed that many products available to beneficiaries before the implementation of round 1 of the program were no longer available through mail-order suppliers.
CMS is required to re-compete contracts under the CBP at least once every 3 years. Following the Round 2 re-compete in 2016, AADE conducted a third “secret shopper” survey with 11 national suppliers and found the following:
- The number of brands of diabetes testing supplies carried by national mail order suppliers fell nearly 50% since the CBP began;
- The number of diabetes test supply systems available under national mail-order is less than half the number available in 2009;
- Many suppliers do not offer models covering 50% of the market share of diabetes test supplies; and
- Suppliers do not provide consistent information about inventory to customers.
- The most recent AADE survey, however, indicates improvements, with results suggesting fewer discrepancies between the information provided on Medicare.gov and what is available to consumers.
“The government has to be very sensitive in trying to provide a good benefit at a low cost,” Anderson said in an interview. “But at some point ... the money you don’t spend in trying to keep the program consistent is money you’re going to be paying down the line [in adverse outcomes].”
In February, CMS announced that it will temporarily delay moving forward with next steps of the Round 2019 CBP to allow the new administration an opportunity to review the program; CMS removed information that was posted to its website regarding the Round 2019 on Jan. 31. In a statement, AADE applauded that move, noting that the CBP should be overhauled to reflect evidence-based data and best practices.
“Evidence continues to show that the competitive bidding process is failing people with diabetes and putting them at unnecessary risk,” Kellie Antinori-Lent, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, BC-ADM, CDE, a diabetes clinical nurse specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said in a press release. “Patient safety and choice must come first.”
Anderson said the program is a valuable one that can be repaired.
“But if it’s not going to work the right way, you’re really going to cause a lot of damage to people who desperately need these supplies and who desperately need consistency,” he said. – by Regina Schaffer
The AADE product availability survey can be accessed at: https://www.diabeteseducator.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/aade-study-on-suppliers-in-competitive-bidding-program_2016-(002).pdf?sfvrsn=2
Disclosures: Anderson is director of federal and state advocacy for AADE. The National Minority Quality Forum, a nonprofit organization, received support for the 2016 study from Abbott, Acelity LP Inc., Lifescan, Roche Diabetes Care, US Healthcare Supply LLC and US MED. |
Your Genes Need Not Be Your Fate: Nutrigenomics To The Rescue
Nutrigenomics is a young science and built around the revolution in genomics. As such, the science is still evolving. The excitement about nutrigenomics comes from a growing awareness of the potential for modifications of food or diet to support health and reduce the risk of obesity and many deadly chronic diseases.
Nutrigenomics will become a critical part of the entire “personalized medicine” concept that is revolutionizing medical practice as discussed in detail in The Future of Medicine – Megatrends in Healthcare. Personalized (or “custom tailored”) nutrigenomics medicine is an approach that means it is possible to have a direct impact on long term health and longevity by very specific dietary manipulations. Nutrition will no longer be “one size fits all.”
Nutrigenomics offers hope to those who know they have a strong family history of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and most likely many other diseases as well. At the same time it takes away the excuse of “everyone in my family is overweight so I am too.” One no longer needs to be fatalistic in this regard and hope may lie at the end of a fork.
Nutrigenomics is not a phenomenon, a fad, or a technique to use in a vacuum. It is best as part of a total approach to lifestyle management.
It is increasingly apparent that various foods directly affect critical genes – turning them off or on as the case may be – and thereby directly impacting the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes, many cancers and obesity, among others. The foods that we consume play a role in how genes that affect our health are expressed, or “turned on” and “turned off”.
For example, we know that broccoli is good for us because it is one of the most nutrient dense foods that we can consume. One of the reasons that consuming broccoli may enhance our health is that many of the nutrients in broccoli have been shown to turn on genes that protect from disease and turn off genes that increase the risk of disease. For example, a nutrient in broccoli called sulforaphane has been shown to turn off genes that cause many forms of cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, grass-fed beef, walnuts, flax seeds, and fish oils appear to turn on genes that protect against heart disease and its risk factors. These are just a few examples of how eating a nutrient dense diet can improve health by turning on genes that protect from disease and turning off genes that cause disease.
It is important to realize that processing foods removes or destroys phytonutrients. Hence, processed foods contain less or no phytonutrients, and this lack of phytonutrients along with chemicals that directly affect our cells’ genes explains, in part, why overconsumption of processed and ultraprocessed foods contributes to chronic disease.
See the Future of Medicine – Megatrends in Healthcare for a fuller discussion of the implications of genomics. And watch for new developments in this fast moving new science.
Remember, nutrigenomics has made it clear that your genes need not be your fate! Just because you have a family history of a certain disease does not mean that you are also destined to become a victim. |
Try our lip-reading quiz
Posted by Sarah O'Brien
Try our lipreading game and see if you can work out what the celebrities are saying. You'll be surprised how many words look the same on the lips. You can challenge your friends by sharing your score on social media when you've finished the quiz. Good luck!
How hard did you have to concentrate?
Deafness can be tiring as you have to concentrate extremely hard to follow conversations. Imagine how hard it would be if two people were talking at the same time. Many of the answers above make use of similar lipshapes and even if you lipread every day it's impossible to understand everything. In fact many lipreaders welcome gestures, signs or other clues to help them follow conversations. Some people also find it more difficult to lipread than others, just like some people find it harder to draw than their friends. But lipreading is a skill that can be developed with practice so the best thing to do when you are talking to a deaf person is to speak directly to them, include the topic of your conversation from the start, and don't talk too quickly or too slowly so they have the best chance of following the conversation. If you would like to learn more, get our top tips on how to communicate with deaf people here.
Psst! Don’t miss all the latest Hearing Dogs news…
Would you like to know more about us, our dogs and our amazing community? We have a free monthly e-newsletter that we send out to 15,000 of our fantastic friends. It would be great if you joined, too.
- Updates on how we train our dogs and how they change deaf people’s lives.
- A monthly dose of our adorable puppies!
- Behind-the-scenes stories and photos.
- News of upcoming events and ways you can help us create more hearing dogs.
All comments are moderated |
Silver Spring in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Pond in Summer
Brookside Nature Center
Summer Wildlife--In the summer, animals that were born in spring have left their dens and nests and begin to make their own way in the world.
In the Pond--The pond provides habitat for painted, red-bellied and snapping turtles. They bask in the sun on logs and rocks, or swim with just their heads above water. Sunfish lay eggs in hollows scooped in the muddy shallows. Frog and toad eggs have hatched and tadpoles metamorphose into adults. Listen for the banjo-like croak of the green frog and the low rumble of the bullfrog.
On and Around the Pond--In early summer, watch for mallard ducks and Canada geese, followed by their ducklings and goslings. They paddle across the pond, plucking plants from below the surface. Deer and fox come to drink at the water's edge. Baltimore orioles nest high in the trees around the pond, and wood thrushes in the nearby forest. They sing elaborate, flutelike songs. Ruby-throated hummingbirds drink nectar from cardinal flowers and trumpet vines at the edge of the pond.
Erected by Montgomery Parks.
Location. 39° 3.576′ N, 77° 1.95′ W. Marker is in Silver Spring, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from Glenfield Road. Touch for map. On the grounds of Brookside Nature Center. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20902, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Pond in Spring (here, next to this marker); The Pond in Winter (here, next to this marker); The Pond in Autumn (here, next to this marker); One Tree's Life (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); What Happened Here? (about 500 feet away); The Harper Family Homestead (about 600 feet away); Conservatory (about 700 feet away); Formal Gardens (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Silver Spring.
Categories. • Animals • Environment • Waterways & Vessels •
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2017. This page originally submitted on November 24, 2017, by Devry Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 84 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 24, 2017, by Devry Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page. |
After the recent chaos in Birmingham and Atlanta, we have really been thinking differently about what we keep in our cars for emergencies. The following is a list of items you should keep handy, just in case:
1. Jumper cables (preferably with the knowledge to use them safely)
2. Spare tire, tire iron, and car jack (and/or fix-a-flat)
3. Blanket or sleeping bag: This is one we never think about, but many of the people that spent the night in their vehicles on Birmingham highways would have loved to have had one.
4. Drinking water and/or energy bars
5. Phone charger
6. Emergency lighting: Road flares and reflectors make you visible if broken down or stranded at night. A flashlight could prove useful as well. |
Mainstream medicine has failed us yet again. The recent paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that attempts to discount the ability of omega-3s to lower heart disease risk is already generating headlines such as, "Omega-3 Supplements Don't Lower Heart Disease Risk After All." Oh, please.
Leonard Smith, MD is a board-certified general, gastrointestinal, and vascular surgeon. During his 25 years in private practice in Gainesville, FL not only did he maintain an active surgery practice, but he also incorporated lifestyle, diet, supplementation, exercise, detoxification, and stress management into his practice. Many of his patients with serious illnesses did so well with these programs that he began to devote his time to foundational health care and preventative medicine. Currently, Dr. Smith is on the volunteer faculty at the University of Miami Department of Surgery and Department of Integrative Medicine.
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Walmart on Wednesday praised Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) for refusing to sign a bill that would allow religious business owners to discriminate against LGBT customers.
The retail giant had urged the governor a day earlier to veto the measure, which lawmakers said was designed to protect religious freedom.
“We commend Governor Hutchinson and legislative leaders for reconsidering HB1228,” Walmart said in a statement. “We clearly support the importance of religious freedom and encourage the legislature to make certain any legislation does not encourage discrimination.”
Walmart, which has its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, joins a growing list of companies publicly opposing religious freedom laws like the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed in Indiana. Companies from Apple to Gap to Subaru have protested the law, claiming it legalizes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Hutchinson was expected to follow Indiana's lead and sign the bill into law but backed down in the face of mounting pressure.
On Wednesday, 39 tech industry executives signed a joint statement urging legislators to amend civil rights laws to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as a protected class. |
Medical innovation in the pharmaceutical industry has resulted in positive results that have undeniably benefited patients and their families. We depend on better and more effective drugs for patients to live better and longer lives. The development of effective medicines has helped eradicate some of the world's most dreaded diseases, such as polio and smallpox. AIDS and cancer are no longer the dreaded death sentences they once were.
Medical research, knowledge transfers and innovation are critical for us to overcome growing healthcare challenges. Everyone stands to gain from innovation, especially those suffering from HIV, tuberculosis, rare cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and vector-borne diseases such as dengue or malaria. The sense of relief a patient and his family members feel when they are told that a new life-saving medicine is now available, cannot be described.
Everyone stands to gain from innovation, especially those suffering from HIV, tuberculosis, rare cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and vector-borne diseases such as dengue or malaria.
The results of innovation in medical science are tangible. We have seen a decline in death rates due to diseases from communicable as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the quality of life as well as life expectancy worldwide has improved. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), between 2000 and 2009 new therapies accounted for 73% of the increased life expectancy in 30 developing and high-income countries. A study published in the 22 November issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that, in the US, the death rate from infectious diseases has dropped from 800 deaths per 100,000 people in 1900 to 46 deaths per 100,000 people in 2014. Innovation has helped halt the spread of HIV and saved millions of people. After 1995, when the first HIV treatments were developed, deaths from the disease dropped dramatically from 15 deaths per 100,000 people to fewer than 5 deaths per 100,000 people each year.
However, 53% of total deaths can be ascribed to NCDs as the underlying cause, even as India still carries a heavy communicable diseases burden. According to the WHO, there were 422 million diabetics in the world in 2014, and almost 70 million of them in India, with this number expected to double to 140 million by 2040. A recent PhRMA report, "Medicines in Development for Diabetes," states that more than 170 medicines are currently in development for diabetes and could offer patients the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. Similarly, new research in the field of cardiology is also showing good results and 240 new medicines are in various phases of development for the treatment of blood cancers. A new report, produced jointly by PhRMA and the Epilepsy Foundation, states that America's biopharmaceutical research companies are currently developing 420 medicines to combat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. In 2016, vaccines to prevent epidemics such as ebola and meningococcal B were fast-tracked for approval, so patients could receive them earlier. Global biopharmaceutical research companies are also developing 74 medicines to treat or prevent asthma and this offers hope to numerous patients. Newer and more effective medicines for multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and alzheimer's have also been developed.
Our pharmaceutical companies should be encouraged, and even incentivised, to discover new cures while being assured protection for their intellectual property.
It is time for our nation to assume its rightful place on the world's innovation landscape. Our pharmaceutical companies should be encouraged, and even incentivised, to discover new cures while being assured protection for their intellectual property. Currently, we are known for our generics industry, but we are able to manufacture these generics because an innovator has invented them. Currently, our patients gain access to new medicines several years after they are approved, and sometimes do not have access at all due to regulatory barriers. Patients, living anywhere in the world, should be able to benefit from new discoveries that are taking place, whether at home or globally. Our systems need to embrace innovation for the larger good of our people while building on our internal strengths to create self-sufficiency.
New technology needs to be transferred as new and improved medicines are approved for better health outcomes and decreased side effects. The benefits of these new medicines can only be measured if more and more people have access to them. For governments and the private sector to become viable and invest in research to boost innovation, an enabling environment that fosters innovation is very important. Patients should have knowledge of the new drugs and a legally enabling environment to participate in clinical trials and be able to try the new drugs for hitherto incurable diseases or better outcomes for curable diseases. The results of such trials will encourage innovators to invest in research and thereby create a cycle of demand.
We must recognise medicines as an economic investment rather than a cost to be incurred—medicines cure diseases, improve quality of life and build healthier, more productive populations.
Healthcare for all Indian patients must be prioritised and requires integrated, holistic planning. Our health must become an economic, social and cultural right, and be recognised as a significant contributor to the nation's social and economic climate. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified India's poor health outcomes as one of our major developmental challenges. In this context, we must recognise medicines as an economic investment in health rather than a cost to be incurred—because medicines cure diseases, improve quality of life and build healthier and more productive populations. On the issue of funding, we must hold the government accountable for its previous commitment to doubling public expenditure on healthcare over the next two three years.
New mechanisms for healthcare financing must be accorded priority, to increase the patient's ability to pay. At the same time, easy access to rationally priced drugs is also crucial. With innovative healthcare financing, demand will be boosted and lead to sustainable investment as more companies invest in research to invent new medicines for more and more patients to be treated and cured. Finally, we must also bring innovative thinking towards creating public-private partnerships in healthcare. We must create an environment of collaboration, with the patient at its core. |
A faux leather finish can add drama to a room or interest to a piece of furniture. A favorite piece of worn leather clothing -- or even an attractive thrift-shop find -- can serve as inspiration for your project. With just a few paints, some basic tools, and pieces of thin plastic sheeting, the technique is within the reach of virtually any do-it-yourselfer.
Surface Prep and Base Color Painting
Make sure the surface to be painted is thoroughly clean. Give any glossy surface a light sanding so the paint will adhere properly. Wash the surface if necessary and remove any loose paint. Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth. The surface must be clean and dry before painting. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you do not wanted painted.
Apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry completely. Use a primer that is appropriate to the surface. Some primers are specifically designed to bond to smooth surfaces such as plastic and metal.
Roll on the first coat of paint. This will be the lighter color of the two you selected. Cover the entire area and allow it to dry completely. If the first coat did not adequately cover the existing finish, give the area a second coat of the lighter-color paint. Allow it to dry before starting the "leathering" process.
Making It Look Like Leather
Mix the second, darker paint color with glaze. Use a ratio of four parts glaze to one part color.
Apply the glaze mixture using random roller strokes. Do not try to cover more than about a 4- to 6-foot-square area at a time if you are covering a large surface. Immediately after you finish rolling on the glaze, tightly wad up a piece of plastic, then unwad it.
Place the piece of plastic -- which now has crinkles and creases throughout -- over the painted area. Gently push it down with the palm of your hand so it touches the glaze and sticks to the surface.
Use a broad, soft brush to lightly brush the plastic so it adheres to the glaze. There will be creases, bumps and lumps in the plastic; these are what create the leather effect. After it has all been brushed down, carefully peel the plastic off to reveal the texture.
Soften the harder edges of the texture. Take a rag, dip it in water and ring it out so it is just damp. Lightly blot over the harder edges of the texture to soften the overall effect.
Continue applying the glaze in sections, slightly overlapping your previous work. Apply fresh plastic each time and soften the texture with a damp cloth as you continue. Allow the glaze to thoroughly dry before proceeding with an optional second glaze layer.
Repeat the glaze application, if desired, with an even darker color to increase the depth of the effect. If you do this, use six parts glaze to one part paint. Allow the final glaze layer to dry and cure for 24 hours, or according to glaze product directions, before putting the item to use or hanging pictures and placing furniture that will touch the painted surface. |
Simplicity and Positivity Key to Effective Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
In verbal communication, less is expressed in words than in the expression, tone, and emotion conveyed by the speaker. Verbal skills come naturally; on the other hand, developing effective written communication skills can take years and quite a bit of training. Below are two simple, yet effective, tips to help you present a more powerful written piece.
Keep it Simple
As Einstein said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” This is especially true in writing, be it technical, business, or scientific. In the classes we teach, one of the first things we tell participants is that simpler is better; for instance, one syllable words versus words with two or more (a good example is “use” versus “utilize”—why use “utilize”? It’s not a better word, it’s just longer).
In addition, using appropriate sentence and paragraph length can help simplify, as shorter and longer sentences and paragraphs “show” readers how to read the document. In fact, readability studies tell us that readers pay closer attention to shorter, rather than longer, sentences and paragraphs. This doesn’t mean, of course, that we should use only short sentences and paragraphs, but it does mean that we should think carefully about how we relay information and if we’re attracting reader attention to the ideas we want them to pay attention to.
Another way to simplify is to be aware of the difference between concrete and abstract language. Too often, writers will write a sentence that’s abstract, followed by one that’s concrete. In this case, the writer is essentially saying the same thing twice! Concrete language is words and phrases that most readers all define as meaning the same thing; for example, most people would define a word such as “resilience” as the ability to bounce back. Abstract language, however, is up to the reader to define; two examples that I see quite a bit are “very” and “small” (or “large”). There’s nothing inherently wrong with using abstract terminology; rather, the idea is that using concrete language can help us simply our documents, as readers can more easily understand the ideas we’re trying to get across.
Use Positive Language
A frequent stumbling block in written communications is that the overall tone is negative and/or the reader views the idea being conveyed as negative. To avoid a negative tone, use positive words and focus on what’s possible; help your readers see the negative as an opportunity. I remember that in a class I taught years ago, one of the participants had just been laid off. He said, however, that the letter explaining the layoff was so positive that he didn’t feel bad or angry about being laid off. Now that’s using positive language correctly!
I talked earlier about abstract and concrete language; along these same lines, we should be aware that words have positive and negative connotations. For instance, I can say that I “slapped,” “hit” or “spanked.” While these words all mean roughly the same thing, they all have different connotations, or associations. Thus, if I want to convey positivity, I should ensure that I use words with positive, rather than negative, connotations. For instance, rather than “She failed to complete the project,” I can write “She was unable to complete the project” or “The project couldn’t be completed,” if I want to remove her from the sentence altogether. A statement as simple as ''Don't hesitate to call me'' can infer that you doubt the reader can handle your request and would hesitate to ask for help, implying incompetence. In addition, the widely used phrase, “Feel free to call me if you have questions” can imply that the reader won’t know enough to call you if s/he does have questions and that because you haven’t done your job, the reader will have questions.
Writing effective technical, business, and scientific documents can be a boon to your career and, likewise, can enhance your image. Think carefully and critically about the meaning of the scientific, business, or technical language you use in your writing to better ensure that readers can quickly and easily get through the documents. Use our simple, yet effective tips for techincal, scientific and business writing to properly communicate your message. |
Today, scores of different religions revere hundreds of different gods. But who and what is God? How can you know whether you worship the real God?
"Which God do you worship?" The question sounds absurd. To Western minds, God is the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible. However, the Judeo-Christian God isn't acknowledged as the Supreme Being by the vast majority of mankind. Much more of humanity don't accept the Judeo-Christian belief than do. Consider this quote from a letter sent to one of our offices:
I am not a Christian. I have heard about your God and the gods of other religions, but I'm confused. Which is the right one? I couldn't care less for some time. Recently a friend of mine showed me a booklet of yours. I was very much astonished by its content and it also made me feel the importance of religion in my life. Which is my God, then?
"Which is my God, then?" It's a good question. The writer states plainly, "I am not a Christian." He does not believe in the Christian God. Consider: Since the writer is Asian, should he be worshiping Buddha, one of the Hindu deities or possibly Allah? Does the Christian God understand or even care about the peoples of the East or is He only the God of the Occidental peoples? Non-Christian, non-Jews outnumber Christians and Jews by 3 to 2 in the world today. For some of this huge melange of people, God is a many-armed idol. For others, He is represented by their dead ancestors. To still others, He is a great, fat-bellied Buddha or simply a rock or tree. Our letter writer may have been taught about Buddha, Confucius or the Hindu deities, all of which are revered in his part of the world. He has obviously heard of the God of the Bible and is confused. His plaintive, "Which is my God, then?" could be echoed by millions. How should it be answered?
The unknown God
To begin, let's step back to the time when Christianity was new. The knowledge of Jesus was a new message to everyone then. It was not welcome knowledge for most. There were many gods already available to be worshiped. The people of the time were content with their gods. Still, being intelligent and curious, they were willing to hear of other ideas, philosophies and gods. During one of his journeys, the apostle Paul arrived in Athens, capital of ancient Greece and the home of many intellectuals and philosophers of the day. Paul's preaching came to the attention of some of the leaders of Greek thought and, being interested in new ideas, they invited him to discuss his with them. "As I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship," Paul told them, "I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22-23). The Authorized Version renders "without knowing" as "ignorantly." Is it possible for intelligent, broad-minded people to be ignorant when it comes to the worship of God? Those who have not been taught about God are by definition ignorant. What about those who think they know God, but still don't know Him? They are ignorant even of their ignorance. They don't know what they don't know! Isaiah 44:15-17 contains a message for both types of people — the professing Christian of today and the non-Christian. The prophet paints a picture to show just how foolish the worship of false gods is. When it is all said and done, the object worshiped is the product of one's own mind and talents. What a pitiful travesty! To bow down before something of one's own creation while the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God of the universe looks on. Paul, in his address to the Athenians (Acts 17:24-29), explained that God, the God of the Bible, created all the universe and gave life to man and all things. He is not to be found in a tree, a rock or an idol, but is the Lord of the heaven and earth. Today, as in Paul's day, most of mankind is totally ignorant of the true God. And, surprisingly enough, even if you grew up in a nation that commonly acknowledges the Judeo-Christian God, you may be more ignorant of God than you would like to admit.
One of the proofs of God's existence is that He tells what will happen and then brings it to pass (Isa. 46:9-10). God issues a challenge to all who would call themselves God or profess to know other gods: "'Present your case,' says the Lord, 'Bring forth your strong reasons,' says the King of Jacob. 'Let them bring forth and show us what will happen; let them show the former things, what they were, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare to us things to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; yes, do good or do evil, that we may be dismayed and see it together'" (Isa. 41:21-22). God is the Creator, the lifegiver and the one who brings to pass those things He has foretold. He establishes a test and offers, as proof of His powers, the ability to foretell an event and then cause it to come about. In the book of Isaiah, we read of just one example of a prophecy God made and then caused to be fulfilled: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isa. 7:14). God has met His own test. History attests to the fulfilling of that prophecy. Jesus Christ of Nazareth was born of a virgin. He lived a perfect, sinless life and was killed without cause, just as prophesied in Isaiah 53. God foretold the manner of both the birth and death of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before the events, and brought it all to pass.
The Father of all humanity
During His ministry, Jesus began to open the minds of all men to the knowledge of their God. Jesus revealed God not just as the God of the Jews, but as the Father of all humanity. He is the God of all nations and races. He understands all mankind because He created mankind and all things through His Son Jesus Christ. All humanity, including the Jews, were ignorant of the Father until Jesus began to teach and reveal Him. With that in mind, perhaps we can better understand why so few today really know God. It isn't so strange when we realize that the true knowledge of God has been extremely limited down through the history of man. Jesus has to reveal the Father to us or we can't know Him (Luke 10:22). Jesus did reveal the Father to His disciples. God created, through His Son Jesus, the universe and everything it contains. He is the Father of all humans, regardless of their background or race. He thoroughly understands and deeply loves all human beings to the extent that He allowed His only Son to die the most miserable death known at that time, so that humans could be forgiven their sins and be brought to the Father.
How to know God
A few years before Paul's ministry, another early Christian, Philip, answered a cry similar to the one in the letter quoted above. In Acts 8:27-31, the treasurer of Ethiopia, a non-Christian, was beginning to make inquiry concerning God. In this case, he happened to be reading one of the scrolls of the Old Testament, the book of Isaiah. Philip was led to him and said, "'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him." This man recognized his ignorance and the need for someone to teach him. He was in need of direction, just like the writer of the letter at the beginning of this article. In an effort to learn of God, he was reading the book of Isaiah. Philip began to expound the passage, teaching the Ethiopian about Jesus from the Old Testament. Finally, the Ethiopian asked if he could be baptized: "Then Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him" (verses 37-38). God reveals Himself through the Holy Bible, His written Word. Everyone, in order to know and understand the true God, must be taught about Him. Just as the apostles Philip and Paul taught non-Christians about the true God, someone needs to teach our letter writer mentioned before and the overwhelming majority of mankind about Him. To believe, as the Ethiopian did, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God implies an understanding of many things that even the average professing Christian doesn't understand about Jesus. To believe these things, you must come to know Jesus Christ — how He thinks, how He acts, how He worshiped the Father when He Himself was on earth as a human being. In doing so — in developing an awareness of the mind of God — you will also come to understand the fantastic purpose He had in creating mankind. For more information on God's purpose in your life, read our free booklets Does God Exist? and Your Awesome Future - How Religion Deceives You. |
The flag of St Piran is to be raised in celebration. The Cornish are to be recognised as a national minority, giving them the same status as the Welsh, Scots and Irish as official members of the UK's Celtic minorities.
Danny Alexander, the Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary of the Treasury, will make the announcement in Bodmin on Thursday. He said, as reported in the Independent: "Cornish people have a proud history and a distinct identity. I am delighted that we have been able to officially recognise this and afford the Cornish people the same status as other minorities in the UK."
Cornish nationalists have been campaigning for rights and protection as a distinct group, insisting that Cornwall has a distinct language and a culture worth of formal recognition. With national minority status, the Cornish have protection against discrimination under a European convention.
The Cornish language has more in common with Welsh and Breton, a Celtic language spoken in Brittany that was brought to Great Britain to Armorica by migrating Britons during the Early Middle Ages. In 2009, Unesco listed the Cornish language as "extinct" but later re-categorised it as "critically endangered" after protests.
According to the Cornish Pasty Association, cornish pasties, one of Cornwall's most famous exports aside from clotted cream, were first recorded in the 1300s and now comprise 6% of the Cornish food economy. The pasty, filled with meat and vegetables, has now been granted EU protected status.
The crust around the pie was allegedly designed so that tin miners could eat the contents without contamination from arsenic. Tin mining was important in the High Middle Ages and rich copper mines expanding during the 19th century, while railways led to a growth of tourism in the early 20th centuries.
In the mines of Devon and Cornwall, pasties were associated with "knockers", which were spirits said to create a knocking sound that would indicate the location of rich veins of ore or warn of an impending tunnel collapse.
Flag of St Piran
Cornwall has 422 miles of coastline and its own flag. The white cross on the black background of St Piran's flag was first recorded as the Standard of Cornwall in 1838. It is attributed to Saint Piran, a 6th-century Cornish abbot.
St Piran's flag is similar to the old Breton flag and the flag of St David. There are well-established cultural links between Cornwall, Brittany and Wales.
Cornish landscape and people
In 2011, a census saw 84,000 people declare themselves Cornish. Some argue that Cornish people represent a distinct ethnic group descended from ancient Celtic tribes.
The area now known as Cornwall was first inhabited in the palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods and continued to be occupied by the Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples. Vast areas of Cornwall's coastline and Bodmin Moor are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. |
A barrel bomb killed 15 civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Wednesday 8 July according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks violence across war-torn Syria.
Night-time video posted online is said to show the aftermath of the attack in the Karm al-Beik neighbourhood in the south-east of the city. The footage shows rescuers wearing head torches scouring through the rubble trying to find anyone wounded in the strike.
According to the observatory the dead included four children and two women.
Another video shows bulldozers and rescuers returning to the same scene on Thursday 9 July to continue looking through the rubble in the daylight.
The city is vitally important to the Syrian president, Bashar Al-Assad. Losing it would further entrench a de facto partition of Syria between western areas still governed from Damascus and the rest of the country run by militia groups. |
WASHINGTON — A day after an emergency financial rescue plan collapsed in the House of Representatives, the Senate scheduled a Wednesday vote on an amended plan that includes tax cuts for businesses and renewable energy, a higher ceiling on federal bank deposit insurance and a fix to the alternative minimum income tax that forces millions of Americans to pay higher individual income taxes.
Money bills ordinarily originate in the House, and the Senate's plan to act first, coupled with the tax cuts and the increase in federal deposit insurance, is likely to add to the pressure on the House to approve the measure, or else shoulder all the blame for the consequences of refusing to do so.
The new bill, announced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would raise the cap on federally insured bank deposits from $100,000 to $250,000, a move that Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain both endorsed Tuesday. Both presidential candidates also said they’d return to Washington for the vote.
As phone calls flooded Capitol Hill switchboards — many from constituents whose stock-based retirement accounts were hammered by Monday's 778-point plunge in the Dow Jones Industrial Average — lawmakers displayed a more conciliatory tone Tuesday as they regrouped after the House's surprise rejection of the administration's bailout plan.
President Bush, in a televised statement to the nation, renewed his call for congressional action, despite the House vote that handed him one of the worst defeats of his presidency.
"I'm disappointed by the outcome, but I assure our citizens and the citizens around the world that is not the end of the legislative process," Bush said. Stocks surged upward Tuesday, with the Dow Jones average climbing 485 points, brightening the mood of lawmakers as they looked for compromise.
Bush spoke by phone with both Obama and McCain on the need to get Congress to enact some kind of financial system rescue.
The presidential candidates tried to spell out in Main Street terms what would happen if Congress doesn't pass a rescue plan that many voters view as a golden parachute for Wall Street fat cats. Obama stressed that the House's rejection of the plan led Wall Street stocks to lose more than $1 trillion on Monday alone, at least on paper, which hurt ordinary Americans.
"The 401Ks and retirement accounts that millions count on for their family's future are now smaller," Obama said in Reno, Nev. "The state pension funds of teachers and government employees lost billions upon billions of dollars. Hardworking Americans who invested their nest egg to watch it grow are now watching it disappear."
McCain, campaigning in Des Moines, told an economic forum that one lender to the Sonic fast food chain, GE Capital, stopped extending loans to restaurant franchisees. He also said that 100 Milwaukee Area Technical College students couldn't get private loans, forcing the school to come up with emergency loans.
"When small companies like Sonic franchisees can't borrow, contractors don't get that remodeling work, equipment makers lose sales, and restaurants go out of business," McCain said. "It hurts the entire economy."
Both candidates urged Bush to take whatever steps he could without congressional action to help quell the crisis. Both recommended that the FDIC immediately be granted the authority to increase the deposit insurance cap to $250,000. Later, FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair endorsed the call, but Congress must authorize the increase.
In addition, McCain urged the Treasury to use a $250 billion stability fund it has available to help shore up financial institutions. He also called for the Treasury to buy "up some of these terrible mortgages and help stabilize the situation."
As McCain and Obama weighed in, Bush lamented Congress's failure to pass the bailout package and attempted to assure the public that some sort of rescue package will pass.
"I recognize this is a difficult vote for members of Congress. . . . But the reality is that we are in an urgent situation, and the consequences will get worse each day if we do not act . . . . For the financial security of every American, Congress must act," Bush said from the White House.
On Capitol Hill, the House was in recess for the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah while the Senate remained in session, but took no votes to allow Jewish members to observe the holiday.
Some anger over how the package was rejected still lingered, after some Republicans blamed a partisan floor speech by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Cal., for enraging some GOP members to vote against it.
Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., speaking on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," called Pelosi's speech "stupid," but said it wasn't why House Republicans rejected the package.
Instead, Shadegg blamed Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson for "arrogantly coming to Congress, giving us four hour's notice of a crisis of generational proportions and then saying it was his bill or no bill at all."
"What happened yesterday was that Mr. Paulson got a civics lesion which he desperately needed," Shadegg said.
(Douglas reported from Des Moines, Iowa, and Montgomery from Washington.)
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|Title:||Early Korean Study Abroad Students (chokiyuhakseng)|
|Abstract:||This project investigates the psychological patterns, religious practice and self-identification of Chokiyuhakseng, or early Korean study abroad students, who came from South Korea to the United States mainly in their high school years, as compared with Korean American students on campus. The author examines various social practices of the undergraduate students that attend the Korean Church of Champaign-Urbana (Crossway), a majority of whom are Chokiyuhakseng students. In this examination, the author seeks to answer what factors influence their pattern and use of language, whether Korean and English? Is the choice of language in varying situations related to how they identify themselves within varying environments? How do Chokiyuhakseng identify themselves within the larger Korean ethnic population in the university? What role does the Korean church provide for its Chokiyuhakseng members? This project is based on individual and group interviews as well as ethnographic observation of Chokiyuhakseng and Korean American Bible group members and university students. This study concludes that Chokiyuhakseng students are a distinct group minority within the Korean ethnic community, whom identify separately from yuhakseng (study abroad students that came to the states after high school) and Korean Americans.|
|Date Available in IDEALS:||2007-08-07|
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
Student Communities and Culture
The university offers an extraordinary opportunity to study and document student communities, life, and culture. This collection includes research on the activities, clubs, and durable social networks that comprise sometimes the greater portion of the university experience for students.
Diversity on Campus/Equity and Access
This collection examines ways in which the U.S. university and the American college experience are affected by diversity, and difference. In particular, these student projects examine experiences of diversity on campus, including important contemporary social, cultural, and political debates on equity and access to university resources. |
Suzy Levenson knew something was off when she opened a can of cat food in her Sharon kitchen Saturday morning and Merlin didn’t immediately come running in.
Merlin, her black cat, was on the window sill in another room, staring into the backyard. Levenson’s 6-year-old daughter, Amelia, was on the phone telling her father, Aaron, about the really big cat Merlin was eyeballing.
“I said, wow, that’s a big cat — that’s not a cat, that’s a bobcat!” Levenson said.
The bobcat heard Levenson’s excited yelling and snapped out of the staring contest with Merlin. It slowly wandered back into the woods, but not before Levenson managed to take a photo.
“This one looked very healthy,” Levenson said. “Very fluffy.”
Tom French, assistant director of the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, said it did appear to be a bobcat judging from the photo, and was probably a young female, about 18 pounds.
Bobcats usually avoid humans, French said, but they are not rare in Massachusetts.
“Granted, they’re most common from Worcester County west. But they’re getting more and more common all the time, and they’re showing up in eastern suburbia,” French said.
The proliferation of both bobcats and cellphone cameras has led to more confirmed sightings in recent years, French said.
Her husband’s family has lived on Billings Street in Sharon since the 1950s, Suzy Levenson said, and they’ve never seen a bobcat in the neighborhood before.
They have seen plenty of other wildlife in the backyard: deer, turkeys, raccoons, and fisher cats, Levenson said. Before Amelia saw the bobcat, she was telling her father about three snapping turtles she had spotted in the yard.
Levenson said she called police about an hour after she saw the cat, after a suggestion from Aaron’s father, who lives next door.
“We’re not afraid, we’re not scared,” she said, but added, “we’ll take a little bit of extra precaution.”
Sharon police posted a list of tips on the department’s Facebook page, asking residents to secure their pets and not to feed any bobcats.
“In the past we’ve had reports of one being seen but we’ve never had a photograph of it,” Sharon police Sergeant Stephen Coffey said in a phone interview Sunday.
Levenson said she’ll keep the family dog, a 6-pound Maltese named Daisey Mae, on a leash during her walks from now on. And she taught Amelia to wave her arms and call for her if she sees another big cat in the backyard.
In August 2013 , a bobcat was spotted on Cape Cod for the first time since the late 1700s, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said at the time.
Because most people are not accustomed to seeing the cats, reports can be exaggerated: An adult bobcat, which typically weighs 15 to 35 pounds, is sometimes thought to be a 60-pound bobcat or even a mountain lion.
“They don’t realize how big bobcats look, and they don’t realize how big, really, a mountain lion is,” French said.
Bobcats eat rodents, birds, and medium-sized mammals such as raccoons and squirrels, according to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s website.
They do not normally attack humans, French said, but they might pick off house cats or backyard chickens.
Still, people who see bobcats should keep “a respectful distance,” French said. Do not try to feed, touch, or tame them.
In January 2013 a bobcat attacked a Brookfield man in his garage, leaving scratches and bite marks on his face and back. The bobcat tested positive for rabies, which dramatically alters an animal’s behavior.
In Sharon, police said no bobcat attacks on humans or pets have been reported in the past few days.
“I hope everybody got to appreciate it,” French said. “You’re lucky to see a bobcat, because not many people get a good view.”Gal Tziperman Lotan can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org. |
Dairy producers are doing something right. A recent study presented in September, 2011 at the 3rd International Symposium on Mastitis and Milk Quality, indicates that bulk tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) have continued to decrease on U.S. dairy farms, which indicates an increase in milk quality. BTSCC refers to the number of white blood cells (primarily macrophages and leukocytes), secretory cells, and squamous cells per milliliter of raw milk and is used as a measure of milk quality and as indicators of overall udder health.
The study used data from four Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMOs) which capture data from almost 50% of milk shipped in the U.S. BTSCC were evaluated at four levels: herds, shipments, orders, and milk. The milk-weighted geometric mean BTSCC was 295,000 cells/ml in 1997 and was 224,000 cells/ml in 2010, representing a 24% decrease.
Jason Lombard, DVM, MS, USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services, Fort Collins, Colo., says approximately 50% of shipments from each of the four FMOs averaged 200,000 to 399,000 cells/ml BTSCC, while less than 3% of all shipments in 2010 exceeded the current U.S. regulatory BTSCC limit of 750,000 cells/ml.
Even summer variations, when higher temperatures and humidity increase stress on cows and provide conditions more favorable for bacterial growth, have also decreased over the years that were monitored, Lombard says.
Granted, this information is a bit biased, Lombard notes, because those federal milk marketing orders pay bonuses based on somatic cell counts, but three subsequent National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) studies have also indicated a decrease in BTSCC.
There seems to be a correlation to dairies that are more observant and those that have high milk quality, adds Angela Daniels, DVM, Circle H Headquarters, LLC, Dalhart, Texas. “The small things matter a lot. Farms that have good milk quality are good at mastitis recognition, maybe to a point where we are hypersensitive. They also have sound milking and treatment protocols in place and a good monitoring system that allows us to recognize when changes occur.”
Monitoring to find problems
There isn’t just one way to solve high SCC problems on the dairy. Daniels says it’s really important to know what the culprits are before trying to blindly solve the problem. “We advocate a monitoring program that includes regular bulk tank cultures, monitoring fresh cows for contagious mastitis and bacterial monitoring of mastitis cases,” Daniels says. “Additionally, having continuous access to the quality results from the milk processor are key to knowing what is going on.”
Daniels says with a monitoring program in place, there is an early alert system in place when something does change which allows you to know where to begin. “If you are working with a client who does not have this system in place, it is important to collect some diagnostics to know which direction to head.”
Changes in bedding, 1996 to 2007
The ideal bedding for lactating cows is dry and clean, provides cushion and does not support bacterial growth. Of the bedding types listed in the table, only the use of straw and/or hay decreased from 1996 to 2007 on operations and for cows. The percentage of cows bedded on corn cobs and stalks decreased by about one-half from 1996 to 2007. The percentage of operations that used sand or mattresses increased, with mattresses showing the largest increase from 4.7% in 1996 to 23.7% in 2007. Composted manure use increased, as 9.0% of cows were bedded on composted manure in 1996 compared with 24.2% in 2007.
There are a lot of inputs that can impact SCC on the dairy, everything from bedding, cow health, environmental changes, milking equipment, sanitation and more, and it’s difficult to point to one area that makes the difference. “From my experience, it is dairy-specific and is generally multifactorial,” Daniels adds. She works individually with clients throughout the region to improve milk quality when opportunities arise
How clients have improved
Over the last five to 10 years there have been improvements in health, housing and technology that no doubt have benefitted SCCs on dairies. Daniels outlines how some specific activities have contributed to milk quality. “Clients realize the value of training programs,” she says. “In most cases our clients use full prep routines, we have better teat dips – particularly better winter/protectant dips, we are doing a better job washing towels and monitoring the cleanliness of the towels and the barn.”
As far as cow cleanliness and sanitation, Daniels says the industry agrees that sand is the best bedding material, but good advances have been made in using compost. “We also now have the tools to hygiene-score cows, there has been new technology introduced with pre-dipping and more attention to stall cleanliness.”
Daniels says the largest change she’s noticed is that we recognize the importance of tracking health data. “Laboratory results can now be automatically uploaded into the software systems, We have farms that have implemented on-farm culture that allows for making more targeted treatment decisions. We may be under-utilizing the value of DHIA testing which is a great tool to help monitor milk quality via SCC data on a monthly basis.”
Daniels believes that dairymen have always placed a high value on having high-quality milk. “Certainly the discussion of lowering the SCC limits brought the discussion of improving milk quality to the table,” she says. “The value of implementing many of these changes can certainly be realized by milk quality bonuses. The key for long term buy-in and success is to have cost-effective programs in place.”
NAHMS shows where we’ve improved
Jason Lombard, DVM, MS, USDA-VS, shares NAHMS data from the last three dairy studies, the latest which was Dairy 2007, and indicates the biggest areas of improvement which lead to lower BTSCC scores. A similar decrease in BTSCC has been observed over the course of the three NAHMS studies as was observed for the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The majority of operations had an average BTSCC between 100,000 and 299,000 cells/ml during each of the three study years.
1 A higher percentage of operations forestripped cows in 2007 compared with 2002.
2 The use of single use cloths or towels for drying teats has increased from 2002 to 2007. Single-use paper towel was the most common drying method used in 2002 and 2007. In summer and winter, the percentage of operations that air dried teats prior to milking decreased from about 27% in 2002 to about 12% in 2007. The use of single-use cloth towels increased from 2002 (10.2 and 7.9% in summer and winter, respectively) to 2007 (21.5 and 21.6% in summer and winter, respectively).
3 More operations have milkers wear gloves during milking. The percentage of operations in which milkers wore gloves to milk all cows increased from 32.9% in 2002 to 55.2% in 2007. The percentage of cows on operations in which milkers wore gloves increased from 48.7 in 2002 to 76.8% in 2007.
4 More operations are using automatic takeoffs in 2007 compared with 2002. Although there were no changes by herd size from 2002 to 2007 in the percentage of operations that used automatic takeoffs, the percentage of all operations increased from 36% in 2002 to 45.4% in 2007.
5 More operations (and more cows) are using (being milked in) parlors compared with 1996. The percentage of operations that used a parlor as a primary milking facility increased from 28.8% in 1996 to 39.5% in 2007, while the percentage of operations that used a tiestall or stanchion decreased from 69.5 to 60.3% during the same period. A larger shift was observed in the percentage of cows, as 54.9% of cows were milked in parlors in 1996 compared with 78.2% in 2007.
6 Although housing types don’t appear to have changed much as a percent of operations, a small increase in freestall operations and a decrease in tie stall stanchion operations could account for a large number of cows.
7 The percent of cows on sand bedding has doubled since 1996 – from 15.3% to 30.3%. The ideal bedding for lactating cows is dry and clean, provides cushion, and does not support bacterial growth. Of the bedding types listed in the table below, only the use of straw and/or hay decreased from 1996 to 2007, on operations and for cows. The percentage of cows bedded on corn cobs and stalks decreased by about one-half from 1996 to 2007. The percentage of operations that used sand or mattresses increased, with mattresses showing the largest increase from 4.7% in 1996 to 23.7% in 2007. Composted manure use increased, as 9% of cows were bedded on composted manure in 1996 compared with 24.2% in 2007. |
Credit should be given where its due, which is why marketers should focus on attribution, especially this holiday season. Asking what types of content and SEO keywords drove users toward websites, in turn causing them to make purchases, should be considered as marketers look to strengthen content marketing campaigns on social media sites, blogs and websites.
A recent report by Econsultancy revealed that 46 percent of businesses don’t pursue marketing attribution, even though its results have been proven to help decide on future strategy. With 89 percent of those who do carry out marketing attribution measurements believing that the process has brought benefits, attributing success to its proper source is worthwhile.
Why aren’t brands attributing their efforts?
The survey asked marketers why they haven’t attributed their marketing efforts. Lack of knowledge came in first place, followed by technology limitations and skepticism about attribution’s value. The inability to understand is front and center, which is why some should consider outsourcing content marketing efforts to third party services. Still, this presents challenges.
“With so many vendors offering attribution-related technology and services, the challenge lies in identifying a supplier who can provide actionable and reliable information from the vast amount of data available,” said Amy Rodgers, a research analyst at Econsultancy.
Social’s measuring challenge
Brafton reported that 40 percent of companies say they believe measuring social media marketing contributions is a top challenge. Because Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media platforms are so dynamic, it can be difficult to assess conversion measurements and give proper attribution to specific channels. Additionally, a survey from Pulse Point found that many are using intuition, rather than hard data, to assess the success of social media and content marketing efforts.
Despite the challenges, those who attribute success to various marketing efforts will be able to streamline and improve content marketing efforts. Are consumers finding products via Facebook or considering services because of blog posts?
The ability to answer these questions – to focus on successful paths and to improve those in need – will only bring further success to marketing campaigns. |
Perfectly BalancedMath brain teasers require computations to solve.
Tom spun a geometric object (such as a cylinder, cube, pyramid, rectangular prism, etc.) like a top. However, when it stopped, it was still standing up with no noticeable differences. How is this possible?
HintPerfect in all ways.
AnswerTom actually spun a sphere. It didn't matter if it spun or not, it looked the same.
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I have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It's a terminal disease with an average lifespan of two to five years post-diagnosis, and scientists don't know what causes it. ALS prevents your brain from talking to your muscles. As a result, muscles die. As a result, every 90 minutes people die. I am a person. |
A Tree of Life
Taxol pioneer is celebrated for a lifetime of fighting cancer.
by DAVID MCKAY WILSON
Susan Band Horwitz, Ph.D.’63, recalls being awestruck by the elegant architecture of Taxol, a small molecule isolated from the poisonous bark of the Pacific yew tree. Her landmark research would help turn the molecule into one of the world’s most effective anti-cancer drugs.
“I thought — that’s a very beautiful structure,” says Horwitz, the Rose C. Falkenstein Professor of Cancer Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y., “and I had an interest in looking further.” That was 1976, when she told the National Cancer Institute that she’d like 10 mg of Taxol to study in her lab.
More than a decade earlier, in 1962, a botanist gathering potential anti-cancer compounds had scraped the bark from an old-growth yew tree in Oregon, taking the first step in the long and complex discovery of what became one of medicine’s blockbuster anti-tumor drugs. By the time Taxol arrived in Horwitz’ lab, scientists knew that it held promise fighting tumors. But no one knew how it did this — and understanding its mechanism of action was key to harnessing its power as a chemotherapeutic agent.
As luck would have it — and Horwitz says luck plays a part in many scientific discoveries — she’d welcomed cell biology doctoral student Peter Schiff ’75 into her laboratory just after he’d received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis. During his first year there, Schiff had begun investigating the behavior of microtubules — proteins that are part of the cell’s skeleton and play a crucial role in cell division. Still looking for a topic for his doctoral thesis, Schiff became interested when Horwitz mentioned a possible study of Taxol.
“I told him he could work on the drug for one month and determine whether he could build it into a thesis project,” says Horwitz. Schiff soon found that the microtubules in a cell behaved quite differently in the molecule’s presence. Microtubules are dynamic structures necessary for normal cell replication. In the presence of Taxol, however, they became stabilized, halting cells from further growth. The study of Taxol became Schiff’s doctoral thesis. He was lead author and Horwitz was senior author of a groundbreaking 1979 paper for the journal Nature elucidating Taxol’s previously unknown mechanism of action involving microtubules.
It took 13 years after the Nature article appeared for Taxol to gain FDA approval for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Two years later, it was approved for breast cancer, and by 1999 lung-cancer patients were being treated with Taxol. Since 1992, more than 1 million cancer patients have been treated with the drug. “I’m still studying Taxol,” says Horwitz, who is also researching compounds from sponges found in ocean waters near the Bahamas and New Zealand, which she hopes may one day develop into new anti-tumor drugs.
Her research achievements have brought a flood of accolades, including the American Cancer Society’s Medal of Honor and induction into the National Academy of Sciences. This year, she received the American Association for Cancer Research Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research.
Horwitz acknowledges that the cure for all cancers won’t be found anytime soon. But she sees a day when many forms of cancer will be treated as chronic diseases, with new treatments keeping the cancers at bay. “We want to make cancer into a disease that you can live with and still have a good quality of life,” she says.
There were few women in science research when Horwitz, a biology major from Byrn Mawr College, looked to study biochemistry on the graduate level in the late 1950s. Horwitz was attracted to Brandeis, which had two married women on its science faculty and a new biochemistry department opening that fall.
“Brandeis was a terrific fit,” says Horwitz, who lives in Larchmont, N.Y. “There was superb science and yet a relaxed atmosphere. And after five years, I was not only a different person scientifically; I was a very different person because I was married after my third year and by graduation had a set of 1-month-old twin boys.”
She’d met her husband, Marshall Horwitz, in the Brandeis biochemistry lab while he was doing research one summer. He was destined for a career as a physician/scientist. She wanted to become a scientist and at Brandeis focused on the study of chemical reactions catalyzed by enzymes. But she also wanted time to raise her boys, and she couldn’t find a lab studying enzyme kinetics that would let her work part time. She turned to her thesis adviser, Professor Nathan O. Kaplan, who connected her with the pharmacology department at Tufts University School of Medicine, which let her work three days a week exploring the behavior of small molecules used in the treatment of cancer.
“I hadn’t heard of pharmacology and wasn’t that interested in it,” she says. “But then I started to learn about anti-tumor drugs. And it turned out to be one of the best things I did in my life.”
By the time her boys entered first grade in 1970, she was ready for fulltime cancer research at Einstein. “She was a great mentor,” says Schiff, now vice chairman of NYU School of Medicine’s Department of Radiation Oncology. “Working in her lab was kind of like working for your mother. She’d hover when she thought she needed to hover, and when she felt confident, she’d let you be, to work independently.”
The drug’s success reaffirms what Horwitz discovered long ago when she first tackled the challenges of molecular pharmacology in her first postgraduate laboratory. “I loved the idea that small molecules could do great things,” she says. |
I ran across a system today that was using the VHCS control panel. It looks like the system wasn’t correctly configured to allow SMTP authentication. It uses Postfix as the MTA and Courier-IMAP for the Imap/POP3 server. It was populating the Courier-authentication database with email addresses and passwords to use for logging into the incoming mail server, but postfix wasn’t configured to use the same database for authenticating and providing an outgoing mail server.
This is what I had to do to get it working
Edit your system’s smtpd.conf file (/var/lib/sasl2/smtpd.conf for RedHat and derivatives. /etc/postfix/sasl/smtpd.conf for Debian and Ubuntu derivatives). And put in this content:
I think this is a default install looks like:
pwcheck_method: saslauthd mech_list: PLAIN LOGIN
So change it to this:
pwcheck_method: authdaemond mech_list: PLAIN LOGIN authdaemond_path: /var/run/courier/authdaemon/socket
Of course, make sure that the authdaemond_path is correct for your system, and change as needed.
Then restart postfix and see if that works. You can use my SMTP Authentication String tool to get your encoded password and try it through telnet. Tail your mail log to see if it gets any errors.
On the system I was working on. Postfix was configured to chroot the smtpd processes (in /etc/postfix/master.cf). I got errors in the mail log that looked like this:
Jan 24 19:52:46 host postfix/smtpd: warning: SASL authentication failure: cannot connect to Courier authdaemond: No such file or directory Jan 24 19:52:46 host postfix/smtpd: warning: SASL authentication failure: Password verification failed Jan 24 19:52:46 host postfix/smtpd: warning: host.local[127.0.0.1]: SASL plain authentication failed: generic failure
So, in that case, I simply hard-linked the courier authdaemon socket file inside of the chroot (/var/spool/postfix)
cd /var/spool/postfix ln /var/run/courier/authdaemon/socket courier-authdaemon-socket
Then change the authdaemond_path to just ‘courier-authdaemon-socket’. Restart postfix and it should work |
Common Core Is a Power Grab
There is an important fight going on in our country today that is being under-reported by the media. Parents and activists are on the front lines every day fighting to save the quality of public education in this country; they are fighting to stop Common Core.
It is disgraceful that the media isn’t doing more to report not only the failures of the curriculum standards themselves, but the horrible rollout of these standards in the states that have adopted them.
Unfortunately, Common Core standards are being rushed into classrooms all across the country and once again, parents are on the outside when it comes to the education of their children. Though they are technically being adopted on a state-by-state basis, Common Core is a set of federal standards, and it’s being promoted by the Obama Administration.
The standards are tied to assessments that are still in development and are supposed to be administered on computers many schools don’t have. With the implementation of No Child Left Behind under President Bush, public education has taken a sharp turn and become more about instruction, focused on performance on standardized tests, than ensuring students obtain and retain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in life.
Recently major news broke in the fight to defeat Common Core that, odds are, most Americans haven’t even heard about yet. The nation’s largest teachers' union is withdrawing its support of the Common Core academic standards. The New York Times has also highlighted early champions of these Common Core standards who are now speaking out against them.
You’d think that the new federally mandated education standards receiving criticism from the right and the left end of the political spectrum would get media attention, but no. On this important issue that is a critical component to the very future of this great nation, the mainstream media is completely silent.
It’s time for the media to break their silence and report the truth about Common Core and how it is detrimental to our nation’s education system. In 2014, the government should not unilaterally make a decision to fundamentally transform our education system without a debate that involves our nation’s parents.
This is a complete disgrace and just another instance in which the Obama Administration completely overreached with regards to its federal powers. Just as we had a national conversation about our nation’s healthcare system, so should we have had at least a conversation about Common Core before it was forced on our nation’s students.
America’s children deserve better than this, and the fight to stop Common Core is just beginning. |
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Up to 60,000 to lose unemployment benefits at end of year | Emergency Unemployment Compensation
Up to 60,000 people in Washington will be shut off of unemployment benefits when the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program ends on Dec. 29.
Since being activated in July 2008, the program has paid more than $5.6 billion in federally funded unemployment benefits to more than 407,000 jobless workers in this state, according to the state’s Employment Security Department.
During much of the recession, most unemployed workers could qualify for up to 99 weeks of benefits, including 26 weeks of regular benefits, 53 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) and 20 weeks of extended benefits – paid in that order.
Due to the state’s improved unemployment rate, extended benefits shut off last April, and congressional action has reduced EUC benefits to a maximum of 37 weeks. After Dec. 29, only regular benefits will be available for most Washington workers.
Although Congress has extended the EUC program 10 times in the past four years, there’s currently no indication it will be reauthorized again. If Congress and the President approve another extension, Employment Security will automatically notify anyone who claimed EUC during one or more weeks in December.
Over the next few weeks, Employment Security will send emails, robocalls and direct mail to recipients reminding them the program is ending.
The messages also will urge the workers to contact their local WorkSource office for assistance in finding work. WorkSource offers a variety of workshops, skill assessments, online courses, job counseling and other services aimed at helping job seekers find work. |
That I may climb it like a stair."
The above lines are from a version of The Brothers Grimm story of Rapunzel. This month we plan to read as many picture book versions of the classic story as possible while we wait for the release of the movie, Tangled. At the end of this month, on November 24, 2010, Walt Disney Pictures will release their 50th full-length animated feature, a new, unique story based on the fairy tale, Rapunzel.
I recently read through some of the advance press notes about Tangled, and it is unclear to me just how closely the Disney version will follow the classic tale. Obviously, Rapunzel and her famous hair play a major role. In the storybook version, the villain is a witch. According to the movie's press notes, the villain is written a little differently -- "Mother Gothel is the only mother Rapunzel has ever known. By stealing Rapunzel as an infant and raising her in the tower, Gothel ensured that she alone would have access to Rapunzel’s magical hair, which she uses as her personal fountain of youth." And, where's the prince? Well, there's Flynn Rider, the thief. Rapunzel makes a deal with him and the apparently both escape the tower together. Guess we'll have to wait and see the film before trying to make comparisons. I'm most excited to see what Rapunzel's chameleon, Pascal has to say. His character is certainly not in the original fairy tale!
Like I said, in the meantime we plan to check out some of the many various children's books about Rapunzel. See our Rapunzel picture book list and reviews here: http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2010/11/rapunzel-picture-books-childrens.html
SurLaLune Fairy Tales also has a pretty comprehensive list of versions if you're interested in doing a little research of your own: http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/rapunzel/books.html
Synopsis (Provided by studio)
When the kingdom’s most wanted—and most charming—bandit Flynn Rider (voice of Zachary Levi) is taken hostage by Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), a feisty teen with 70 feet of golden hair who’s looking for her ticket out of the tower where she’s been locked away for years, the unlikely duo sets off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade filled with adventure, heart, humor and hair—lots of hair.
Tangled Website: http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/tangled/
Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyAnimation
Follow on Twitter: @disneyanimation
Random House is releasing several movie-tie in books. View the full list at http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/disney/books/TAN/Tangled/
Interactive Disney storybooks based Tangled Disney are available from Reader’s Digest / Simon & Schuster:
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures has kindly offered to give away some cool Tangled promotional items to a Brimful Curiosities reader. The prize pack includes:
- Female fit Rapunzel t-shirt in Adult and Youth sizes (choice S, M, L, XL)
- General fit Flynn Rider t-shirt in Adult and Youth sizes (choice S, M, L, XL)
- General fit Pascal t-shirt in Adult and Youth sizes (choice S, M, L, XL)
- Silly Bandz – set of 4 characters (Rapunzel, Flynn, Pascal, Maximus)
To enter, leave any comment relevant to this post or, if you have one, list your favorite book version of Rapunzel.
• For contact purposes, if you are a non-blogger or your email is not accessible in your blog profile, please leave a valid email address within the comment section.Three ways to gain extra entries (Maximum total entries is 4; please leave a separate comment for each entry):
• Contest is open to US Only
• Contest ends on Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 at 11:59 PM CST.
• Winner will be chosen at random and sent an email notification.
1st extra entry: Blog about this contest then post your link in the comment section.
2nd extra entry: Follow me on twitter (iambrimful) and tweet about the contest.
3rd extra entry: Follow Me! or subscribe by email or RSS reader
Thanks to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for sponsoring this giveaway. I did not receive any free products or other type of compensation for writing this post. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.) |
L/S of a domestic interior decorated to represent a Victorian drawing room. A glamour girl reclines on the floor listening to a gramophone (would they have sprawled on the floor in Victorian days?!). A cat sits licking its paws beside her. The famous fashion artist Ruth Sheradski (sp?) enters the set and adjusts the model's nightie and the horn of the gramophone. M/S of the artist perched on a chair with palettes of paint beside her, she paints C/U of her looking towards the camera. C/U of her painting. High angle shot showing the artist and her work.
LS of the model striking another pose. She stands up and walks towards a sofa where another model sits. She takes off her dressing gown (narrator calls this a negligee) to reveal a night-dress underneath - both are trimmed with broderie anglaise. Narrator mentions the fact that these fashions are made from British Cotton. C/U of the other model who wears a night-dress with candy green stripes.
C/U of a hideous pair of feet - yeuch! Model has bright red toenails and narrator states that "Painting her toenails is something that Grandma would never dream of doing" but compares the night-dresses we see to the ones of Victorian times. C/U of blonde model posing in a green night attire with puffed sleeves. Camera tilts down - the cat is on her lap - to reveal laced edged calf length pantaloons (!). L/S of the model in green. L/S of model posing in a red night-dress trimmed with white lace. Ruth is sitting in front painting the scene. Ruth approaches the model and helps her to lift the skirt of the night-dress to show her matching bloomers. The model holds the night-dress up. Ruth sits down - her face suggests she approves of the new pose. C/U of her painting. C/U of the lace trimmed panties. C/U of face of model, camera tilts down to show the nightie.
High angle shot of model entering a bedroom - the furniture is Victorian and she wears a Victorian style night-gown with polka dots. She crouches down in front of a mirror. Low angle shot of her combing her hair then high angle shot to show her face reflected in a mirror as she primps and preens. Narrator ends by saying: "After this success perhaps men's nightwear fashions too might turn to old-fashioned styles". Funny end shot of a man dressed in long night-gown and white hat with a red pom-pom on the end. He has a big false beard - a Victorian gentleman presumably. He is sitting on the stairs with his head in his hands looking tired - presumably waiting for his wife to finish combing her hair!
Note: narrator states that this story is shot in the artist's studio - seems unlikely.
Models are listed in the paperwork as being: Ann Whitelaw, Alexia Stephens, Hilda Moray and Mary Mudford. There is also a magazine article in documentation file about these nighties.
See separate explanation record CP 001: 'International Pictorials'. |
Strouse at 80 Always Looking Toward Tomorrow
No matter what we do or where we go, there are certain songs that stay with us and inspire us. But many times, we associate the songs with the shows and not with the people who created them. Well, it is with the deepest gratitude and respect that I share this interview with all of you for one of Broadway's greatest composers, Mr. Charles Strouse. And I apologize to Mr. Strouse if I gush, as I know from speaking with him that he really doesn't feel comfortable about people gushing, but I do it out of respect for the work he has done and continues to do.
On June 7, 2008, Charles Strouse, the award winning composer of Annie, Bye Bye Birdie and some of the most popular music from the last 50 years of Broadway, film and television, turned 80. To mark the occasion, a year-long celebration of events including concerts, international tributes, revivals of popular favorites and premieres of new works will take place across the United States and around the world.
Strouse has written the score to over 30 stage musicals, 14 scores for Broadway, four Hollywood films, two orchestral works and an opera. He has been inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theatre Hall of Fame. He is a three-time Tony Award winner, a two-time Emmy Award winner, and his cast recordings have earned him two Grammy Awards. His song "Those Were The Days" launched over 200 episodes of the "All in the Family" and continues to reach new generations of television audiences in syndication.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Charles Strouse
TJ: Congratulations on fifty years of entertaining people all over the world!
STROUSE: Thank you.
TJ: So how does it feel?
STROUSE: I feel pretty much undeserving, if that's a way to put it. You know, it's something you want admiration, adulation and all that. But deep down, between you and me, who deserves it?
TJ: Well, with the work that you've done, from the perspective of someone from the outside looking in, it's been such a wonderful body of work and so many people around the world appreciate the work you have done everyday.
STROUSE: Thank you. I just got back from a doctors appointment and I said, "Gee. What you do is so fantastic. I always wanted to be a doctor and give people comfort and cure them and all that." He's a fine doctor and he said, "Well, look at what you do?" Well, I do what I do because I don't know what else to do. The short answer is it feels great.
TJ: I think everybody contributes to life in a certain way and we're all appreciative to some respect of each others contributions. Now, there are all sorts of celebrations going on over the year, which will be keeping you really busy.
STROUSE: Yes because I turned 80, which is unusual for my family as both my parents died before or in their early 60's. But I feel great. I'm doing a lot of work. I guess there's something mystic about 80. Maybe next year it will be 90 .who knows?
TJ: When you look back on all the work you've done over the past 50 years, it has got to be fulfilling for you.
STROUSE: As I said before, I don't know what I else I would do. I was trained. You're a writer. You get trained in it someone explains a metaphor or something and suddenly, it's the only thing you want to do. It's your teachers. I had very good teachers. I wake up every morning wanting to write something.
TJ: When did you discover that this was what you wanted to do?
STROUSE: Well, I went to music school fairly early in my life. I was 15 and wasn't sure at all that was what I wanted to do, but I showed an aptitude for it. I think when I was at school, the Eastman School of Music which is a very serious music school I started to have goals. They were basically in writing quartets in Bartók and Stravinsky all the music I heard. All my fellow students and teachers appreciated the values and the counterpoint in Bach and all of that. And it seemed as though that was what I wanted to do.
The only difference was that my parents were sickly, and my father particularly. My mother was a kind of depressive and I found myself more and more writing music that would please them. I still write seriously once in a while and I've done film scores and things like that. I moved away from the cantatas and sonatas and all that kind of thing and when I made my living in New York, I got into jazz. I started playing for a lot of singers and dancers and before you know it, I was a jazz guy.
TJ: Did you find it hard to break into the business?
STROUSE: It's beyond hard. There's something about the New York theatre world, which indolence is built into it. I read that it wasn't that way in Ziegfeld's day. But yeah, it's more than hard it's like air that's always yielding to any pressure without ever seeming to give anything back. It's been good luck that sometimes you do run across somebody whose interests coincide with yours or who sometimes have an admiration for what you do.
I had a couple of people like that in my life like Goddard Lieberson, who was the head of Columbia Records and who, through a friend, heard Bye Bye Birdie and liked it. And there was a man, who I thought was a fool, that came up from the South a very rich man who I thought was at least a total innocent. And he didn't know what was in or out or fashionable he just liked some of the music and he invested $75,000 in it, which was more than anybody had ever heard of which enabled us to get started. The theatre owner, kind of against his will, gave us the Martin Beck. I say against his will he was looking around for any other show and looking back on it; I can't help but feel there's an element of luck.
I don't know if you've read my book but my wife was always finding coins on the street and I never found anything. And she said, "The trouble is you're looking at the wrong time. You should always look down when the coin is there", which made no sense at all to me. There's a kind of optimism.
TJ: I can't believe that it's been 30 years since Annie came out.
STROUSE: Yeah. I know. It was another tough grind along the path. Of course, I had the greatest collaborators. We had the most fun Martin Charnin and Charles Meehan and I. We worked on it and worked on it and I can't believe it was 30 years ago either. Many people had said that we wrote so we could get a young audience. We didn't know what we were doing, in that respect. We were writing the Depression and Dickens. So those elements played in our favor.
TJ: And years later, Annie is known by everyone.
STROUSE: I know! I have had parents say to me that if my daughter sings Tomorrow one more time, I'm going to come over to your house and kill ya [laughter]. I'm kidding. I mean they said it jokingly.
TJ: I understand that. But the bottom line is that people love the show. It's timeless.
STROUSE: I've got to say, it seems to be.
TJ: On that subject, I spoke to Sally Struthers a couple of weeks ago and she is playing Miss Hannigan in a production of Annie coming up in July. She loves the show and said she has so much fun playing that role.
STROUSE: She's very good in it.
TJ: Speaking of her, I didn't realize that you wrote the theme song to All In The Family, Those Were The Days.
STROUSE: Yeah. Lee Adams and I. We had written the score for a movie called The Night They Raided Minskys. It's full of coincidences, this corner of my life. The reason that he asked me to do the score for that, Lee and me to do some songs, was because he had seen Bonnie and Clyde. Actually he hadn't seen it but heard it was very good and that I did the music for it. He asked me if I wanted to do the music for this picture and I said, "Sure!"
And then after that, Norman Lear showed me this British script which I thought to myself that this was a real loser nobody's going to use language like that. But he softened it up a bit and it became what it became. I feel blessed rather than deserving.
TJ: Now, you had mentioned Minsky's...I understand that you're doing the music for the new musical stage version?
STROUSE: Yes. It opens in California in December and then is coming to New York.
TJ: So, at 80, you're still doing it.
STROUSE: Yes, that's what I like doing. I don't know what else I'd do. I can't eat more than one dinner a night. I have a great family, which is terribly important to me. Three out of four of them are married. One is on the way. And I'm crazy about them. They're all writers, by the way, except my second son, who was an actor and a rock 'n roller and he's now a psychotherapist. Yeah it's a great life.
TJ: It sounds like your family has been very supportive of you.
STROUSE: They really are. They're wonderful and bright and achievers and I've learned a lot.
TJ: Now, the new book, what was it that inspired you to write it?
STROUSE: I do concertizing every once in a while. It's basically with a singer or two or just by myself. I play a whole bunch of songs and tell anecdotes. Well, one night, a literary agent, whom I didn't know that well, as a matter of fact, said, "I think there's a book in that. Why don't you try writing it?" She told me to write 30 or 40 pages and I did. Oddly enough, I heard from her and her editor, who were both very positive. Then she lost me in the shuffle of her being busy and so I looked up on the internet for literary agents. The first one I buzzed was somebody I liked on the phone. She read it, she liked it and she got two offers right away from publishers and that was it!
TJ: How far back do you go in the book?
STROUSE: Back to, I would say, 3 or 4. My mother was a seriously depressed woman who became addicted to drugs and my wanting to cheer her up. And my father who was very sickly it's a very early part of my life that I do remember.
TJ: Who are some of your inspirations in musical theatre?
STROUSE: Well, certainly Kern and Steve Sondheim, who is probably my oldest friend. I would say Cole Porter was my biggest inspiration. I found his work so thrilling and sophisticated. I would put him as the number one influence. You know, I studied with a lot of people who influenced me outside of musical theatre influenced me rhythmically and harmonically and all that kind of thing where it started to draw together.
TJ: On Minksy's, you have a great collaborative team in Casey Nicholaw and Bob Martin, who both worked on The Drowsy Chaperone.
STROUSE: And Susan Birkenhead is doing the lyrics. It's a lot of fun working on the show and I think more than that. We'll see.
With great thanks to the legendary Charles Strouse, you might want to head out to the bookstore or check out Amazon.com or www.bn.com as his new memoir, "Put On a Happy Face" releases on July 1st. It should be a great read. And the year long celebration continues with events all over the place. You can get more information on where to see him at his newly launched website www.CharlesStrouse.com.
And don't forget his new show, Minsky's, with lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (Jelly's Last Jam), a book by Bob Martin and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw (both of The Drowsy Chaperone), which will play ay The Ahmanson in Los Angeles January 21 to March 1, 2009, with a New York premiere to follow. Minsky's is a big, racy, new musical comedy set in the Prohibition Era New York City, recalling the free-spirited time of early showbiz comedians, con men, sexy chorus girls, hot music and dancing.
Its one big celebration for a great guy and hope you join in. So for now folks, I am back to the grind and bid you, "Ciao!" and remember, theatre is my life! |
Renaissance House Writers Retreat to Hold 10th Annual Public Reading of Frederick Douglass Speech at Inkwell Beach, Today
Renaissance House: Retreat for Writers & Artists in Martha's Vineyard invites readers of all ages, races and backgrounds to go to the historic Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs on Friday, July 4 to raise their voices in powerful group and individual efforts to bring life to the words of one of the top speeches of all time "What Does the Fourth of July Mean to the Negro?" by one of the great writers of all time, human rights activist Frederick Douglass, the first black citizen in U.S. history to hold a high ranking government office.
Now in its 10th year as an annual attraction on the island, organizer/host Abigail McGrath, founder of Renaissance House, is calling for more voices to read different sections of the 10,000-plus word address written in 1852 in the midst of slavery. Martha's Vineyard Community Television (MVTV) will tape readings this Thursday, July 3 in studio, and on the beach, Friday, July 4. Following the July 4 readings, there will be a free communal potluck lunch on the beach.
"Each year, Renaissance House Writers-in-Residence participate in this historic reading on the beach. However, we need all kinds of voices, men, woman, children, soft, loud, sweet, tough -- to give life to one of the greatest speeches known to mankind. We want everyone to be part of this event," says McGrath. "Douglass always called for unity of spirit and purpose."
"More than 150 years after Frederick Douglass delivered his Fourth of July speech at a convention in Rochester, New York, the message still resonates throughout these times and throughout the world where freedom is elusive and the human rights of people are ignored," McGrath added. "Some problems which existed in Douglass' time exist today, making his message timeless and universal."
"This event also celebrates the power of the creative process, written word, critical thinking and oration to unite people and bring them together to act," she continued. "Mr. Douglass is arguably American history's greatest example of this. And there's no better way to celebrate this special day."
The public is encouraged to participate in the Frederick Douglass reading on July 4th. The projects' architects include Frederick Collins, a law professor at John Jay College, a fan of Mr. Douglass and a cultural advocate and resident of Oak Bluffs and Makani Themba, executive director of the Praxis Project, a grass roots media policy non-profit in Washington, DC. She is a Renaissance House Writer-in-Residence and the editor/producer of the Frederick Douglass speech presentation.
"The first time we read a portion of the speech in a small group, I was reminded of its power. It was refreshing, contemporary sounding. It took my breath away," explained Themba.
"After the first Renaissance House group reading, I took the 10,000-word original speech and broke it into parts," Themba added. "By the fourth year, the project had evolved into 20 speaking parts with an entire community chorus. Last year, the chorus section alone numbered well over 50 voices."
Each year, Professor Collins starts the readings. The program will continue with members from the audience reciting passages from Frederick Douglass' historic speech. This year, there is an expectation of a few hundred, but that number could increase by thousands; word of Renaissance House's annual event is getting around the country. Members of the Brooklyn-based North East Publishers Association, for instance - representing more than 250,000 in combined readership, in a salute to Douglass entrepreneurial success as a newspaper publisher, will this year extend McGrath's Renaissance House project to their readers, encouraging their readers to immerse themselves in the speech and pass it on.
But it's Martha's Vineyard that appeals to McGrath who is delighted that her project inspires others off-island. "There is just something about people of all ages, all backgrounds, reading these words, and those words being carried out over the Atlantic waters where millions lost their lives during the Middle Passage," she said. "And each person brings their own light and energy to these words."
Themba says she focuses on the historical context. "1852. A Black man speaks to a packed hall full of whites without air conditioning and he is lighting them up. It defies our standard narrative of Black power and voice in the 19th century. And I love how people of all walks of life, all races, just show up to read Douglass' words. Each person brings their own light and energy to these words. Each time I hear their voices, it's new all over again - each and every year."
The Atlantic Ocean, edging the Inkwell Beach at Martha's Vineyard, was the resting place for millions of Africans en route to enslavement in America during the Middle Passage. On this July 4, the azure depth will form the perfect natural backdrop for public open-air readings of the most powerful anti-slavery message of all time - the Frederick Douglass' 1852 Independence Day Speech.
Renaissance House is an annual writers retreat sponsored by the Helene Johnson and Dorothy West Foundation. West, the author of the award-winning novel and film The Wedding, and her poet cousin Johnson (Mc Grath's mother) were writers during the Harlem Renaissance. It was founded by McGrath, an author, playwright and filmmaker, who was the inspiration for the novel The Wedding. Renaissance House provides writers and other artists with a subsidized retreat away from life's responsibilities and the space in which to create new works of art. It is one of the few retreats designed for issue-oriented writers, writers of color and writers of social justice. |
President Obama will be releasing his vision for a climate change strategy on Tuesday, June 25. With just a few years until the next election and almost a year into his second term, the president will use this opportunity to set a course on this issue for the remainder of his presidency. This event is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it will give guidance to both the business and environmental communities as to what sectors and activities will be in line for changes. Second, by establishing the boundaries of the administration’s approach to climate change, it will clarify the degree to which Congress may want to legislate in new areas, such as taxation. And third, the level of ambition set by the U.S. will be an important consideration for international discussions to address climate change that are due to culminate in a new international agreement in 2015.
The road to this announcement thus far has in fact been longer than the road remaining ahead—some observers may recall that even in the presidential debates in 2008, both Barack Obama and John McCain agreed on the importance of addressing climate change and differed primarily in the degree of stringency they would apply to a policy of pricing greenhouse gas emissions. On the campaign trail that same year, Obama repeatedly returned to three priority themes that he promised to focus on during his presidency: the economy, health care and climate change. As we now know, other issues took precedence in the ensuing years, particularly after a disappointing international climate change conference in Copenhagen in 2009, and after the 2010 elections and vitriolic health care debate helped scuttle discussion of a domestic cap-and-trade program on greenhouse gas emissions.
As a consequence, Obama recalibrated his approach and maintained a low level of engagement on the issue of climate change. Most visibly, his engagement focused on energy policy, where he advocated for low-emissions technologies. His approach was most notable through his support for clean technology innovation and green jobs—which were a familiar pillar of his 2012 campaign pitch—but also manifested in a number of more technical administrative efforts that sought to establish higher standards for efficiency in transportation and electricity generation. For example, automobile fuel efficiency standards were raised significantly, from an average of 27.5 mpg to 37.8 mpg by 2016 and over 50 mpg by 2025. Nevertheless, the general hostility or disinterest of Congress has essentially precluded a more comprehensive, legislatively grounded approach. Such an approach could include features like a mechanism to tax greenhouse gas pollutants or to establish federal requirements for renewable energy or carbon content in liquid fuels.
Against this backdrop, the administration’s options are limited but by no means absent. The president has already sketched the broad outlines of his new policy, which will come in three parts: (a) reducing carbon pollution; (b) preparing for the impacts of climate change; and (c) leading global efforts to fight climate change. Obama has already discussed options in each of these categories and may reveal new ones. Taking each one in turn:
Reducing carbon pollution. It is widely acknowledged that there are negative consequences to releasing large volumes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, but currently doing so in most places in the world is either free or relatively cheap. The most broad-reaching and economically sound way to fix this problem is to make the cost of pollution more expensive by imposing a tax or fee on this greenhouse gas pollution. However, for many reasons (beyond the scope of this note), Obama can’t count on Congress to institute any such tax in the near term. As such, he has been looking for other ways to improve, through regulation, the efficiency of parts of the U.S. economy and to expand low-emission sources of energy supply. Such approaches could include:
- Issuing more stringent standards to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants. While the Environmental Protection Agency has already issued aggressive rules covering new (i.e. proposed, not-yet-built) power plants that would essentially block new coal-fired electricity plants, it would be a much more dramatic effort to start regulating emissions from plants that are currently operational. Such standards have been proposed but have not yet been implemented.
- Regulating the production of high greenhouse-effect gases (such as hydrofluorocarbons) under the Clean Air Act. Because of their chemical characteristics, some gases have a much higher impact, pound-for-pound, than the standard tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide. Because of this high leverage, reducing the net greenhouse impact of such gases can be done more cheaply than achieving the equivalent reduction in carbon.
- Improving standards to reduce methane emissions from natural gas distribution systems and from natural gas fracking. The recent “shale gas revolution” in the U.S. has contributed to domestic energy security but if some of that additional natural gas flowing through the system leaks to the atmosphere, it could have a negative greenhouse impact. Improving data collection, reporting and regulation of the U.S. natural gas system could mitigate such impacts.
- Facilitating access to public lands and offshore ocean areas for development of renewable energy technologies. Some technologies, like offshore wind technology and solar power, could be utilized on public lands and be subject to federal permitting processes. Streamlining these procedures could accelerate the deployment of these lower-carbon supply options.
- Increasing efficiency standards for new appliances. Efficiency standards are a well-tested and cost-effective method to encourage incremental technological change. A new set of standards for appliances, refrigerators, lighting and industrial equipment could generate overall economic savings as well.
- Generating new technologies through science and technology investment. Obama has been a strong advocate of targeting research and development funding toward national priorities. He could propose federal investments in innovative clean-energy technology—not only solar, wind, batteries and other new technologies, but also biofuels and nuclear energy.
Preparing for the impacts of climate change. In the climate debate, much attention is traditionally focused on the technologies and fuels that result in greenhouse gas emissions. But it is generally expected that, given the pollution already released, even now most places around the world will be subject to some changes in weather variability, trends and severity. The U.S. is expected to grapple with some such changes—in the most dramatic instance, of the kind witnessed during Superstorm Sandy—but perhaps also on a much more broad basis as well via increased drought, flood or heat events. As we have discovered countless times, reducing the toll on people, communities and property requires relatively mundane steps. Such steps include preparing and training of first responders, streamlining communication across institutions, ensuring sound infrastructure planning and good zoning decisions, encouraging healthy insurance programs, and developing and funding post-event recovery efforts. Such approaches will likely form a central part of any U.S. plan to prepare for climate change impacts.
Leading global efforts to fight climate change. Although the U.S. played a substantial global leadership role on climate change in the 1990s, its priorities have shifted elsewhere in recent years. Nevertheless, the U.S. did join many other countries in issuing a non-binding national pledge to reduce emissions in 2009, and President Obama has repeated that goal subsequently. The U.S. target of reducing domestic emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 is thought to remain in reach, though doing so would require an aggressive set of initiatives like the ones discussed above. In addition, the international community recently agreed to seek a new globally inclusive international agreement on climate change by 2015, and, as one of the world’s leading emitters, the degree of U.S. ambition in reaching its own goals will dramatically affect the chances of success for any such global agreement. There is one other major emitter whose participation remains uncertain but essential—China. A side agreement between the U.S. and China on their own emissions, perhaps with the participation of a few other major emerging economies, would go a long way toward bolstering the outcome of this next round of discussions. Interestingly, the U.S. has been in intense discussions with China and recently released a joint statement with China on climate change. Obama may therefore clarify his approach to the 2015 discussions as well as with respect to other big emitters like China.
It is possible that the president could present a surprise or two in the policy proposals he brings to the table on Tuesday—and one might hope he does, for even reaching our 17 percent reduction target is regrettably both uncertain given the policy levers at his disposal and inadequate given the magnitude of reductions we would need to undertake to stabilize the climate. Many climate advocates are hoping that Obama use this forum to make a clear stand against the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. This administration has made clear on many occasions their agnosticism about XL, and most indications have been that they will allow XL to be built, despite the concerns about its facilitating the import of higher-carbon petroleum from Canada. Finally, I would add one more note to watch for during Obama’s speech on Tuesday—the invocation of religious values in what Obama may argue is an obligation to “preserve God’s creation for our children and future generations.” Some people (including myself) have argued that for too long, the climate debate has been too heavily relegated to technical arguments—essentially important though they are—and too little connected to the genuine value debates that will ultimately drive policy action in this issue. |
Moving, Growing, Thinking
Click image to enlarge
Artist: Leslie Fry
Title: "Moving, Growing, Thinking"
Medium: Sculpture - Wall Relief
Size: 60" x 112" x 7"
Year Installed: 2005
Location: Tyrone Bryant Branch Library
Go to next Leslie Fry image in Public Art collection
A love for the library atrium and the surrounding park was expressed by members of the Tyrone Bryant Branch Library. People wanted to “bring the outside inside,” which included sports activity in the park as well as nature. The imagery combines undulating elephant ear leaves with details of bodies moving, growing, and thinking.
This six parts sculptural wall relief is made of cast Forton reinforced with fiberglass and stainless steel, and finished with acrylic paint and varnish. To infuse the plants of the library atrium into the interior space, artist Leslie Fry depicted leave forms juxtaposing with human activities in the park and the library.
"The decision to create painted wall-reliefs for the four branch libraries was in response to the community outreach meetings in each neighborhood. People had requested for many different representational images and emphasized the use of color.
The images used for the Margate Catherine Young Branch Library are flora connected with human learning, openness and growth. Leaves of pages and plants become one with hands finding the way toward knowledge."
Click images to enlarge: |
Students K-12 Need 2nd Chickenpox Shot for 2011-2012 School Year
It's time to think about the immunizations your student needs for next year. There's a new immunization requirement for varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Starting July 1, 2011, a second dose of varicella vaccine or documentation of the disease is required for all students, K-12, under newly updated rules and regulations.
"Chickenpox can be a severe disease," said Dr. Joann Schaefer, the state's Chief Medical Officer and the Director of Public Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). "Studies show that one dose of varicella vaccine is about 85 percent effective in preventing the disease according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A second dose provides improved protection for children who didn't build strong immunity the first time around."
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. It usually causes a fever and itchy rash. Complications from chickenpox can include bacterial infections, pneumonia, dehydration and central nervous system problems (usually more severe in children 13 or older and adults).
The first dose of varicella vaccine was added to Nebraska's list of required immunizations in 2004. The vaccine was first licensed in 1995. Children usually receive their first dose of varicella vaccine on or after their first birthday. The second dose can be given anytime on or after the fourth birthday.
Dr. Schaefer encourages parents to think about getting their students that second dose of varicella vaccine sooner than later to help avoid the back to school rush.
Children who have already had chickenpox do not need varicella vaccine. Parents, guardians or healthcare providers can provide a written letter confirming the child had the disease and the year it occurred.
For vaccination information, contact your local health care provider. DHHS' Immunization Program is another good informational resource. Call (402) 471-6423.
More information on school immunizations |
Explore Emei Shan, one of the most sacred Buddhist Mountains
by Stephanie Sherrill, China Travel Examiner, August 31, 2009
Emei Shan, China -- Emei Shan is a beautiful weekend escape from city life. It is also considered the Western Sacred Buddhist Mountain and a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural beauty and cultural relevance.
<< The Golden Buddha at Wainnain
Temple. Photo by S.Sherrill
Brief history: Originally a Taoist retreat, it became an important Buddhist mountain by the 3rd century. During the Ming and Qing dynasties over 70 monasteries were built along the mountain peaks. Most of the temples are associated with Puxian Buddhism. Puxian focuses on devotion to the Bodhisattva Puxian or Samantabhadra, which the 6-tusked elephant is a symbol.
Trails crisscross the mountain and temples are sprinkled throughout. Hiking is an unforgettable experience of non-stop, endless staircases. Hiking also allows you to experience the quiet, less-traveled sections of the mountain. There are several guesthouses and hotels to stay in at the bottom of the mountain in Baoguo village and even hot springs to enjoy. The hot springs at the bottom of Emei Shan are famous for being the largest outdoors radon hot springs in China and are quite lovely.
You can avoid the grueling hike and take busses to most of the main larger temples and monasteries. In addition, there are a few cable cars. Regardless, you will have to climb some steep stairs even after the cable car and/or bus. An alternative to walking is to pay the locals to carry you on their shoulders in lounger like chairs. The price all depends upon your negotiation skills.
The 30-70 temples (ten of which are large and very old) and four wonders of Mt. Emei Shan can be explored over two days time. These temples are all remarkable in the ways that they have been built to adapt to the mountain and reflect pure Buddhist principles.
The Four Wonders of Emei Shan can best be experienced from the summit, weather permitting.
- Buddha’s Halo – Rainbow-like rings that surround and move with your shadow especially after a rain or snow.
- Sea of Clouds – As you peer off the edge of the summit all you can see are a blanket of clouds below you.
- Holy Lamp (Divine Lights) – Visible only at night the cause of these millions of tiny twinkling lights is unknown.
- Golden Summit Sunrise – Weather permitting, the sunrise from the mountain is truly breath taking as it quickly jumps from below the horizon.
Cost: RMB120 (RMB60 students) cable cars are RMB30-60
Emei Shan is located about 2 hours from Chengdu (150km) and less than 1 hour (28 km) from Leshan. Adding a 2- or 3-day outdoor trip to Emei Shan from Chengdu is highly recommended, especially when paired with a visit to the Giant Buddha in Leshan. |
Computer simulation opens up new horizons
|With IT now everywhere in our lives, the revolution in nano- and bio technologies, and the growing ecological challenges we face, our environment is going to undergo significant change. A simple defensive policy of cost cutting will not be enough to thrive in this new world order: innovation will be the key to success. But that innovation will have to be concrete, rapid and operationally-focused, in order to minimize time-to-market and meet customers’ needs immediately.|
Computer simulation is rapid establishing itself as the essential tool when it comes to innovating more extensively, faster and cost-effectively. Because it enables even the most complex of equations to be solved and the most sophisticated models to be analyzed, High-Performance Computing (HPC) is opening up new horizons for organizations in every sector of the economy: from healthcare to energy, plant science to finance, transport to construction.
Real benefits within reach for SMEs
As European leader in HPC and an established partner of major companies and leading international research centers, Bull has designed some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers. The company is also closely partnering with specialist HPC software publishers in areas including energy, aeronautics, automotive and chemistry, which enables it to optimize its solutions for different fields. Now, Bull is ensuring that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have access to all this expertise, with the launch of Bull Online, the world’s first Web site dedicated to making HPC more accessible to all. Through this initiative, Bull is offering these businesses direct access to the fantastic potential of computer simulation, with turnkey, pre-integrated solutions that are both powerful and easily accessible. To deliver even greater adaptability and wider access to computer simulation, Bull is also developing an innovative solution, Bull HPC On Demand, which will provide completely flexible on-line access to computing power.
Bull’s commitment to working with you. As part of the NEXT program from Bull, find out more about the roadmap that can help double the speed of your innovation, thanks to computer simulation. Log on to Bull Online and request an interview with a Bull consultant, to find out what Bull HPC On Demand could do for your organization. |
Research addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of employees who provide direct care to others
The Center for Health and Care Work (CHCW) has as its primary aim the development and dissemination of research addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of professionals who provide healthcare and other forms of direct care to others. This is a large and growing workforce in the United States, encompassing jobs that cut across income and education levels, ranging from personal attendants and childcare workers to nurses and physicians. Enhancing the quality, size, and stability of this workforce touches on many of the central economic and social issues of our time, ranging from off-shoring to immigration, national competitiveness to shared prosperity and reducing the ranks of the working poor.
Seven of the ten fastest growing occupations in the United States are health and/or care professions. Due in part to growing demand, there are persistent difficulties recruiting direct care workers across a variety of occupational categories (e.g., nurses; home health workers; childcare workers; some physician specialties). The problems of job vacancies are compounded by high turnover in many direct care professions, with dramatic and negative consequences for consumers of these services, the workers themselves, the organizations that employ them, and society as a whole. There continue to be numerous public-and private-sector initiatives to retain direct care professionals, and growing interest in this workforce from federal and state agencies which provide significant funding streams for these services.
Research at the CHCW is focused on addressing questions such as: |
By now, you've heard that AT&T has stopped offering all-you-can-eat wireless data subscriptions, instituting monthly bandwidth caps and overage fees for its new customers.
But, never fear, here's the latest example of how AT&T is totally screwing its customers, and NOT being reasonable.
There's a product that AT&T is rolling out called the "Micro-Cell," which fills in the gaps in its spotty wireless network by hooking up a tiny cellphone tower to your home Internet connection.
AT&T plans to sell the devices for $150, giving you the privilege of using the bandwidth you pay for -- cable modem, DSL, whatever -- to make up for AT&T's unreliable service. (I've been testing a review unit for a few weeks, and it works as promised. For the first time, I can use my cellphone in my ground-floor Brooklyn apartment. I might even buy one when they go on sale here.)
But here's how AT&T is screwing you.
It's counting any mobile data you use -- over the 3G Micro-Cell, over YOUR broadband connection -- toward your monthly AT&T wireless bandwidth cap and overage fees. (This was mentioned in several publications recently, including Broadband Reports, but appears to have been first discovered by Current Analysis research director Peter Jarich.)
AT&T explains the practice by saying there is a cost to handle the data transmission once it hits AT&T's network, after it goes through your broadband pipe. (Likewise, it charges you for the voice minutes that you use over the Micro-Cell. But that's a different service.)
Perhaps this is true, that a cost exists, but there's NO WAY that transmitting data over AT&T's massive fiber network is nearly as expensive or laborious as transmitting data over its wireless network, which was the whole point for the wireless data caps and overage fees.
For AT&T to charge its wireless customers a second time for bandwidth that they're already paying their broadband company for is highway robbery and just plain insulting. In reality, AT&T should be paying YOU for the bandwidth it's borrowing to make up for the fact that it can't build out its wireless network fast enough.
There is simply no excuse for this policy, and it's precisely the kind of B.S. that makes people HATE telecom companies. |
|Table of Contents|
Antonia, by Willa Sibert Cather
Book IV: The Pioneer Woman's Story
THE FIRST OR second day of August I got a horse and cart and set out for
the high country, to visit the Widow Steavens. The wheat harvest was over,
and here and there along the horizon I could see black puffs of smoke from
the steam threshing-machines. The old pasture land was now being broken up
into wheatfields and cornfields, the red grass was disappearing, and the
whole face of the country was changing.
There were wooden houses where the old sod dwellings used to be,
and little orchards, and big red barns; all this meant happy children,
contented women, and men who saw their lives coming to a fortunate issue.
The windy springs and the blazing summers, one after another, had enriched
and mellowed that flat tableland; all the human effort that had gone into
it was coming back in long, sweeping lines of fertility. The
changes seemed beautiful and harmonious to me; it was like watching the
growth of a great man or of a great idea. I recognized every tree and
sandbank and rugged draw. I found that I remembered the conformation of
the land as one remembers the modelling of human faces.
I drew up to our old windmill, the Widow Steavens came out to meet me. She
was brown as an Indian woman, tall, and very strong.
When I was little, her massive head had always seemed to me like a
Roman senator's. I told her at once why I had come.
stay the night with us, Jimmy? I'll talk to you after supper.
I can take more interest when my work is off my mind. You've no
prejudice against hot biscuit for supper? Some have, these days.'
I was putting my horse away, I heard a rooster squawking. I looked at my
watch and sighed; it was three o'clock, and I knew that I must eat him at
supper Mrs. Steavens and I went upstairs to the old sitting-room, while her
grave, silent brother remained in the basement to read his farm papers.
All the windows were open. The
white summer moon was shining outside, the windmill was pumping lazily in
the light breeze. My hostess put the lamp on a stand in the corner, and
turned it low because of the heat. She
sat down in her favourite rocking-chair and settled a little stool
comfortably under her tired feet. `I'm troubled with calluses, Jim; getting
old,' she sighed cheerfully. She crossed her hands in her lap and sat as if
she were at a meeting of some kind.
it's about that dear Antonia you want to know?
Well, you've come to the right person.
I've watched her like she'd been my own daughter.
she came home to do her sewing that summer before she was to be married, she
was over here about every day. They've never had a sewing-machine at the
Shimerdas', and she made all her things here.
I taught her hemstitching, and I helped her to cut and fit.
She used to sit there at that machine by the window, pedalling the
life out of it-- she was so strong--and always singing them queer Bohemian
songs, like she was the happiest thing in the world.
I used to say, "don't run that machine so fast. You won't hasten the day none that way."
she'd laugh and slow down for a little, but she'd soon forget and begin to
pedal and sing again. I never
saw a girl work harder to go to housekeeping right and well-prepared. Lovely
table-linen the Harlings had given her, and Lena Lingard had sent her nice
things from Lincoln. We hemstitched all the tablecloths and pillow-cases,
and some of the sheets. Old Mrs. Shimerda knit yards and yards of lace for
her underclothes. Tony told me just how she meant to have everything in her
house. She'd even bought silver spoons and forks, and kept them in her
trunk. She was always coaxing brother to go to the post-office. Her young
man did write her real often, from the different towns along his run.
first thing that troubled her was when he wrote that his run had been
changed, and they would likely have to live in Denver.
"I'm a country girl," she said, "and I doubt if I'll
be able to manage so well for him in a city. I was counting on keeping
chickens, and maybe a cow." She soon cheered up, though.
last she got the letter telling her when to come. She was shaken by it; she
broke the seal and read it in this room. I suspected then that she'd begun
to get faint-hearted, waiting; though she'd never let me see it.
there was a great time of packing. It
was in March, if I remember rightly, and a terrible muddy, raw spell, with
the roads bad for hauling her things to town. And here let me say, Ambrosch
did the right thing. He went to Black Hawk and bought her a set of plated
silver in a purple velvet box, good enough for her station. He gave her
three hundred dollars in money; I saw the cheque. He'd collected her wages
all those first years she worked out, and it was but right.
I shook him by the hand in this room. "You're behaving like a
man, Ambrosch," I said, "and I'm glad to see it, son."
a cold, raw day he drove her and her three trunks into Black Hawk to take
the night train for Denver--the boxes had been shipped before. He stopped
the wagon here, and she ran in to tell me good-bye. She threw her arms
around me and kissed me, and thanked me for all I'd done for her. She was so
happy she was crying and laughing at the same time, and her red cheeks was
all wet with rain.
surely handsome enough for any man," I said, looking her over.
laughed kind of flighty like, and whispered, "Good-bye, dear
house!" and then ran out to the wagon.
I expect she meant that for you and your grandmother, as much as for
me, so I'm particular to tell you. This house had always been a refuge to
in a few days we had a letter saying she got to Denver safe, and he was
there to meet her. They were to
be married in a few days. He was trying to get his promotion before he
married, she said. I didn't like that, but I said nothing.
The next week Yulka got a postal card, saying she was "well and
happy." After that we
heard nothing. A month went by, and old Mrs. Shimerda began to get fretful.
Ambrosch was as sulky with me as if I'd picked out the man and arranged the
night brother William came in and said that on his way back from the fields
he had passed a livery team from town, driving fast out the west road. There
was a trunk on the front seat with the driver, and another behind. In the
back seat there was a woman all bundled up; but for all her veils, he
thought `twas Antonia Shimerda, or Antonia Donovan, as her name ought now to
next morning I got brother to drive me over.
I can walk still, but my feet ain't what they used to be, and I try
to save myself. The lines outside the Shimerdas' house was full of washing,
though it was the middle of the week. As
we got nearer, I saw a sight that made my heart sink--all those underclothes
we'd put so much work on, out there swinging in the wind. Yulka came
bringing a dishpanful of wrung clothes, but she darted back into the house
like she was loath to see us. When
I went in, Antonia was standing over the tubs, just finishing up a big
washing. Mrs. Shimerda was going about her work, talking and scolding to
herself. She didn't so much as raise her eyes.
Tony wiped her hand on her apron and held it out to me, looking at me
steady but mournful. When I took her in my arms she drew away.
"Don't, Mrs. Steavens," she says, "you'll make me cry,
and I don't want to."
whispered and asked her to come out-of-doors with me. I knew she couldn't
talk free before her mother. She
went out with me, bareheaded, and we walked up toward the garden.
`"I'm not married, Mrs. Steavens," she says to me very
quiet and natural-like, "and I ought to be."
my child," says I, "what's happened to you? Don't be afraid to
sat down on the drawside, out of sight of the house. "He's run away
from me," she said. "I
don't know if he ever meant to marry me."
mean he's thrown up his job and quit the country?" says I.
didn't have any job. He'd been
fired; blacklisted for knocking down fares.
I didn't know. I thought he hadn't been treated right. He was sick when I
got there. He'd just come out
of the hospital. He lived with me till my money gave out, and afterward I
found he hadn't really been hunting work at all.
Then he just didn't come back. One nice fellow at the station told
me, when I kept going to look for him, to give it up. He said he was afraid Larry'd gone bad and wouldn't come back
any more. I guess he's gone to
Old Mexico. The conductors get
rich down there, collecting half-fares off the natives and robbing the
company. He was always talking about fellows who had got ahead that
asked her, of course, why she didn't insist on a civil marriage at once--
that would have given her some hold on him.
She leaned her head on her hands, poor child, and said, "I just
don't know, Mrs. Steavens. I guess my patience was wore out, waiting so
long. I thought if he saw how
well I could do for him, he'd want to stay with me."
I sat right down on that bank beside her and made lament. I cried like a
young thing. I couldn't help
it. I was just about heart-broke. It was one of them lovely warm May days,
and the wind was blowing and the colts jumping around in the pastures; but I
felt bowed with despair. My Antonia, that had so much good in her, had come
home disgraced. And that Lena Lingard, that was always a bad one, say what
you will, had turned out so well, and was coming home here every summer in
her silks and her satins, and doing so much for her mother. I give credit
where credit is due, but you know well enough, Jim Burden, there is a great
difference in the principles of those two girls.
And here it was the good one that had come to grief! I was poor
comfort to her. I marvelled at
her calm. As we went back to the house, she stopped to feel of her clothes
to see if they was drying well, and seemed to take pride in their
whiteness--she said she'd been living in a brick block, where she didn't
have proper conveniences to wash them.
next time I saw Antonia, she was out in the fields ploughing corn. All that
spring and summer she did the work of a man on the farm; it seemed to be an
understood thing. Ambrosch
didn't get any other hand to help him. Poor Marek had got violent and been
sent away to an institution a good while back.
We never even saw any of Tony's pretty dresses.
She didn't take them out of her trunks.
She was quiet and steady. Folks
respected her industry and tried to treat her as if nothing had happened.
They talked, to be sure; but not like they would if she'd put on airs. She
was so crushed and quiet that nobody seemed to want to humble her. She never
went anywhere. All that summer
she never once came to see me. At first I was hurt, but I got to feel that
it was because this house reminded her of too much.
I went over there when I could, but the times when she was in from
the fields were the times when I was busiest here. She talked about the
grain and the weather as if she'd never had another interest, and if I went
over at night she always looked dead weary. She was afflicted with
toothache; one tooth after another ulcerated, and she went about with her
face swollen half the time. She
wouldn't go to Black Hawk to a dentist for fear of meeting people she knew.
Ambrosch had got over his good spell long ago, and was always surly. Once I
told him he ought not to let Antonia work so hard and pull herself down.
He said, "If you put that in her head, you better stay
home." And after that I did.
worked on through harvest and threshing, though she was too modest to go out
threshing for the neighbours, like when she was young and free. I didn't see
much of her until late that fall when she begun to herd Ambrosch's cattle in
the open ground north of here, up toward the big dog-town. Sometimes she
used to bring them over the west hill, there, and I would run to meet her
and walk north a piece with her. She had thirty cattle in her bunch; it had
been dry, and the pasture was short, or she wouldn't have brought them so
was a fine open fall, and she liked to be alone. While the steers grazed,
she used to sit on them grassy banks along the draws and sun herself for
hours. Sometimes I slipped up to visit with her, when she hadn't gone too
does seem like I ought to make lace, or knit like Lena used to," she
said one day, "but if I start to work, I look around and forget to go
on. It seems such a little
while ago when Jim Burden and I was playing all over this country. Up here I
can pick out the very places where my father used to stand. Sometimes I feel
like I'm not going to live very long, so I'm just enjoying every day of this
the winter begun she wore a man's long overcoat and boots, and a man's felt
hat with a wide brim. I used to
watch her coming and going, and I could see that her steps were getting
heavier. One day in December,
the snow began to fall. Late in the afternoon I saw Antonia driving her
cattle homeward across the hill. The
snow was flying round her and she bent to face it, looking more
lonesome-like to me than usual. "Deary me," I says to myself,
"the girl's stayed out too late. It'll be dark before she gets them
cattle put into the corral." I seemed to sense she'd been feeling too
miserable to get up and drive them.
very night, it happened. She
got her cattle home, turned them into the corral, and went into the house,
into her room behind the kitchen, and shut the door.
There, without calling to anybody, without a groan, she lay down on
the bed and bore her child.
was lifting supper when old Mrs. Shimerda came running down the basement
stairs, out of breath and screeching:
come, baby come!" she says. "Ambrosch
much like devil!"
William is surely a patient man. He
was just ready to sit down to a hot supper after a long day in the fields.
Without a word he rose and went down to the barn and hooked up his team.
He got us over there as quick as it was humanly possible. I went
right in, and began to do for Antonia; but she laid there with her eyes shut
and took no account of me. The old woman got a tubful of warm water to wash
the baby. I overlooked what she was doing and I said out loud: "Mrs.
Shimerda, don't you put that strong yellow soap near that baby. You'll
blister its little skin." I
Steavens," Antonia said from the bed, "if you'll look in the top
tray of my trunk, you'll see some fine soap." That was the first word
I'd dressed the baby, I took it out to show it to Ambrosch. He was muttering
behind the stove and wouldn't look at it.
better put it out in the rain-barrel," he says.
see here, Ambrosch," says I, "there's a law in this land, don't
forget that. I stand here a
witness that this baby has come into the world sound and strong, and I
intend to keep an eye on what befalls it." I pride myself I cowed him.
I expect you're not much interested in babies, but Antonia's got on fine.
She loved it from the first as dearly as if she'd had a ring on her
finger, and was never ashamed of it. It's a year and eight months old now,
and no baby was ever better cared-for. Antonia is a natural-born mother. I
wish she could marry and raise a family, but I don't know as there's much
slept that night in the room I used to have when I was a little boy, with
the summer wind blowing in at the windows, bringing the smell of the ripe
fields. I lay awake and watched
the moonlight shining over the barn and the stacks and the pond, and the
windmill making its old dark shadow against the blue sky.
|Table of Contents| |
Captions for photos of animals in the news around the world. Shots include a bubble blowing beluga whale in Japan, a giant panda cub in China, hippos in Zambia, a three-month old black howler monkey at the Edinburgh Zoo, and a baby chimp at the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee.
Archive for July, 2008
Soft tissue recently found in 68-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex bones is actually modern-era bacterial slime, scientists say, challenging what some call one of the most remarkable paleontology findings of the 21st century.
For most people, the chance to view a total eclipse is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime event: Any given patch of Earth will host one only about once every 375 years on average. Learn about eight memorable eclipses of the past.
Captions for photos of environmental stories in the news. Shots include searing heat in China, an oil slick in New Orleans, haze at the Olympics in Beijing, Typhoon Fung Wong in Taiwan, and a rescued penguin in Brazil.
WALL-E, a robot left to clean up a trashed planet Earth, is rolling into theaters and into the hearts of moviegoers everywhere. Learn more about him and nine more robots that have touched moviegoers’ hearts – and fears – over the years.
Real-life mummies have fascinated the public for decades — often with their own horrific tales. Learn about eight of their stories.
Captions for photos of animals in the news around the world. Shots include Scotty, an African elephant at the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, cloned Labrador retrievers in South Korea, a bamboo lemur in Madagascar, a Chilean flamingo at the Lincoln Park Zoo, and an albino eagle in Colorado. |
When: September 13, 2008 (Saturday, 1:00 pm)
Where: Chinese Culture Center, 750 Kearny St, 4th Floor, “Pine” meeting room, San Francisco
Admission: FREE (RSVP Encouraged)
Chinese Culture Center Cinema (C4) is pleased to present a special installment of our current film festival. Alongside our screening of Farming the Seas, we are holding a workshop to discuss and learn about the issues facing seafood resources and their relevance to us as individuals and as a community.
Ocean fisheries have been depleted by more than 90% over the past century due to over harvesting by humans, and the loss of resources from aquatic ecosystems endangers cultures that utilize those resources for food and traditions. For the Chinese American community, the idea of maintaining sea resources in an environmentally sustainable matter is practical. Seafood plays a vital role in the cultural food of Chinese American diets, as most family gatherings will contain a fish dish. Chinese culture emphasizes prosperity for future generations, but this is only possible if resources are managed responsibly.
The workshop includes a partial screening of Farming the Seas, a panel discussion, and tips on how to make conscious consumption choices as an individual. Free magazines, recipes, handouts, and light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome, though material is suitable for a more mature audience (highschool and older).
Derek Emmons is a third year environmental studies major at UC Santa Cruz. He is a 2007 In Search of Roots intern with the Chinese Culture Center.
Olivia Wu is the Executive Chef at Google. Her restaurant on the Google campus at Mountain View serves Asian small-plates fare, with a core of traditional Chinese menus and authentic dishes. She was previously a writer with the San Francisco Chronicle Food and Wine section. In 2006, she was assigned by the paper to report on food and culture from Shanghai.
Sara Randall is Program Director for The Institute for Fisheries Resources (IFR) where she oversees and implements projects that aim to restore and protect marine resources and the fishermen and coastal communities which depend on the resources. For the last four years she has worked to unite the United State’s entire commercial fishing industry into a national coalition, called the Commercial Fishermen of America, and educate Americans about the profession of commercial fishing.
Al Cheng is an educator of 30 years, renown for his involvement in the Chinese American Community, and served on the Chinese Culture Center governing board during the past 20 years. He has been elected president and co-chairperson for three terms each, and is currently the center’s executive director. Cheng is co-founder of the In Search of Roots program, an 18 year old program that guides Chinese American youth in genealogy and to their ancestral villages in China’s Pearl River Delta.
Jesse Marsh is Fisheries Research Manager for Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative and focuses on sustainability evaluations of wild-caught seafood products for consumers and businesses. Jesse received a B.A. in Environmental Science from Boston University, and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. Her passion for marine conservation began 10 years ago, while spending a semester in Baja California Sur researching the sustainability of fisheries and fishing communities there.
About the Film:
Farming the Seas (2004) English/ No Subtitles
Aquaculture was intended to take the pressure off ocean fish stocks and help avert a global food shortage, but many experts now believe that some forms of “fish farming” are actually creating more problems than they’re solving. This film journeys around the world documenting the most important stories as they unfold. From the indigenous tribes of British Columbia to the large-scale operations of multinational corporations, from Mediterranean fishermen to Thai shrimp farmers, Farming the Seas gathers perspectives from around the globe as it examines the problems and the promises of this emerging industry.
“Well-crafted and important environmental documentary that combines superb research, production values and journalism…My students were educated, entertained, and inspired.” David L. Brown, City College of San Francisco
“Excellent footage of aquaculture operations…It is easy to see why Farming the Seas won the award for Best Marine Conservation Message at the International Wildlife Film Festival and a host of other awards as well. It is well researched, well edited and a timely and interesting look at the potential problems associated with aquaculture. I highly recommend this video to all libraries.” Barbara Butler, Educational Media Reviews Online
“An outstanding job is done in contrasting the farming of [salmon, shrimp, and tuna] with the more sustainable Chinese practice of raising non-predatory fish and shellfish… The narration by Peter Coyote is excellent. Numerous short interviews effectively feature both advocates and opponents of aquaculture enterprises, including indigenous people, scientists, and industry representatives. With adequate background information provided prior to viewing, the program would be suitable for students in ninth grade and above.” Tim Maret, Shippensburg University for School Library Journal
For more information about C4, and a listing of the entire year’s program, visit our 2008 Film Series page. |
MCAD Modeling Methods-Trends in Design Analysis1 Jun, 2005 By: IDSA ,Mike Hudspeth
Virtual testing finds problems up front.
"She canna take the strain, Capt'n!"
"You've got to do something, Engineer!"
"She wasn't built for this kind of thing!"
"Just a little while longer."
"She's gonna buckle!"
"Science Officer, what can we do?"
"Nothing, Captain. Analysis indicates we have 30 seconds to total failure."
Dramatic music blares as the tension builds to an impossible level and we. . . cut to a commercial.
Why is it that the parts we design fail? When they fail, is it in a consistent manner? Can the failure be predicted? Prevented? Everyone who designs mechanical parts has asked these questions. Finding answers is a different story. Fortunately, design analysis software can shed some light on these issues.
FEAThere are different types of design analysis. One of the most common is FEA (finite-element analysis). Computer-based FEA gives detailed information about the stresses and deflections inherent in a design (figure 1). FEA involves a mathematical model, which is an idealized and simple version of a physical situation. The computer model is created using assumptions about geometry, materials, loads and displacements. A faceted representation, or mesh, of a part or parts is used. Generally, the mesh is as simple as possible, representing only a small portion of the overall design. Once the model is boiled down to its lowest common denominator, the designer tells the FEA program what the model is made of, how it's fixed and what forces will act upon it. The program works for a while and then presents graphics showing where the weak spots are likely to be.
Figure 1. The U.S. Navy uses FEA to estimate the response of shipboard equipment to underwater explosions.
FEA can save untold dollars by identifying problems well in advance of tooling. Most FEA programs are static, working with a model that is fixed in space. Dynamic FEA can handle multiple parts in a mechanism and put the assembly through its functional paces. Essentially, such a program analyzes every part in the assembly at every step in motion. Computer resources are occupied for a while, even on high-powered computers. To get FEA results in a reasonable timeframe, it's necessary to limit the input geometry, and thus limit the relevance of the results—this becomes a trade-off. Another thing to remember is that people who are not trained in FEA can very easily end up with erroneous results
Integrated CAD and AnalysisThe ability to perform analysis from inside design software is extremely helpful (figure 2). Users no longer have to mess with iffy translations—now they get something useful from the start. Whatever is modeled can go directly to the analysis software for full testing. The obvious exception here is if users create a really bad model—no amount of cajoling can help with a corrupt model.
Figure 2. Analysis software is increasingly being integrated into modeling packages—this is a good way to put the tools on the engineering desk.
To every good thing, there is a downside. Generally, most professional modeling packages worth their salt now come with some kind of analysis capability. It's usually a pared-down version of a stand-alone product, such as COSMOSXpress found inside SolidWorks. This is a fairly easy-to-use package for entry-level analysis, but to go beyond basic analysis, a higher-level software must be used.
What happens if what comes with a modeling package doesn't do what users need it to? They need to buy a stand-alone package at full price. Though it costs more, users get full functionality, which could end up being a blessing in disguise. Investigate what the modeling package is capable of and compare it against what you need before making a final decision.
Simulation AnalysisSimulation is another trend that shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, its use is accelerating at a phenomenal pace. To test a new design in the old days, users had to build physical mockups and prototypes to put through their paces. This was expensive and time consuming. Often multiple copies had to be built because the models broke easily. When testing and marketing groups suggested changes, a whole new set of prototypes had to be made and tested.
Then there are tooling issues. If a model is given to five tooling vendors, each one will propose a different way to build it. I've often had to change a design just so it could be tooled correctly. Changes that occur at tooling can be outrageously expensive. It's better to find the problems before the design is that far along. This is where simulation comes in.
By building a model of a design and putting it through digital testing, users can discover what can be changed or replaced without incurring the costs in time and money that older methods did. Problems such as interferences require great pains to find and fix. By building a smart assembly of, say, an extending lamp arm, a designer can move it through its complete range of motion and tell if all the parts are the right size. Digital simulation can help identify problem areas as well as allow what-if questions that help put a product on the cutting edge.
Thermal AnalysisWhen objects that handle heat are designed, it's important to use some kind of thermal analysis software (figure 3). Whether it's a stove, an electronic device or the space shuttle, heat is an important consideration. Thermal analysis shows where the hot spots are in the parts.
Figure 3. Thermal analysis software can help identify heat transfer characteristics.
Structural AnalysisStructural analysis can indicate what parts need to be strengthened for a design not to collapse under its own weight. This is a make-or-break detail whether designing high-rise office buildings or vehicles. An interesting fact about analysis software is that the bigger the scenario and the more the parts that make up a system, the more general the analysis and the more realistic the analysis figures get.
Mold-Flow AnalysisWith mold-flow analysis, a user imports a component, identifies the material it's to be made from and the type and location of the injection gate, and the software provides a detailed report that shows how the part will fill, what areas need draft for the part to come out of the mold easily and where the weld and flow lines will be. Again, many modeling software packages now offer some of this capability.
The BenefitsWhat are the benefits of design analysis? There are plenty—starting with higher-quality parts. Reliability is the key to manufacturing a trouble-free and profitable product. Consistently building parts that can be made easily and will attain a predictable service life is vital to a company's bottom line, and analysis can help. Safety is also an advantage—whether it's safety on the manufacturing floor or end-user safety. Functional testing through virtual prototyping reduces costs and time to market. With it, designers have a much better understanding of how a product performs under any and all conditions it's designed for.
To beat the competition to market, build a better product and increase return on investment, design analysis should be an important part of a designer's work.
Mike Hudspeth, IDSA, is an industrial designer, artist and author based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's free Tips & Tools Weekly e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is published. All exclusively from Cadalyst! |
Published: 15 December 2011
by GEORGIA GRAHAM
TWO years ago, Kiko Matthews almost died. She was rushed to King’s College Hospital with a dangerous tumour on her pituitary gland after losing huge amounts of weight and developing severe diabetes.
For months, it was touch and go but when she finally recovered, the 30-year-old from Stratford Villas decided something had to change.
Quitting her job as a biology teacher, Ms Matthews wanted to do something a little bit more exciting with her life – something like driving across two continents to South Africa.
She said: “I woke up one day and realised that I could so easily have been dead. I didn’t want to spend my whole life stuck in a classroom.”
So instead, she has decided to join an educational project bringing rugby and education to schools across Africa.
And as life changes go, heading off in two Land-Rover Discoveries on a six-month drive with five men across Africa certainly is a change.
From January, the team plan to introduce rugby to 15 schools in 10 different countries. She said: “When you think of football, you think of the sport but you also think of the football hooliganism and violence that goes with it.
“With rugby, you have a massive, violent scrum on the pitch but then it is good natured and gentlemanly off the pitch.
“We teach five different things that rugby stands for as well as sport – solidarity, discipline, integrity, passion and respect.
“For every group of kids that we have playing the sport, there will be other kids waiting to play and then we can teach those children about health, about drugs and smoking and, of course, about Aids.
“It is also a chance to speak a bit about human rights and about gender.”
She added: “It’s going to be a challenge all the way through. It’s a long, long way and we’ll be going through Syria, we’ll be going through Libya, which are not going to be easy border crossings.”
The team will be made up of three rugby coaches, a medic, the team leader and Ms Matthews, who will be in charge of education.
Eventually each of the schools will be linked with a school back in the UK and over the next few months the team would love to hear from local schools who would be interested in linking up.
The team are also looking for people with a keen interest in rugby to come out and join the project for a few weeks at a time to offer some extra coaching. |
The Eighth Edition of the standard engineering economy text and reference explains the principles and techniques needed for making decisions about the acquisition and retirement of capital goods by industry and government, as well as alternative types of financing and other applications. Arranged in four parts: basic concepts, principles, and mathematics; procedures and methods for evaluating alternatives; techniques for handling special situations; and special applications. Introduces the use of computers and spreadsheets in evaluating engineering alternatives. Includes up-to-date coverage of federal tax legislation, extensive discussions and problems dealing with personal finance, and material on handling multiple alternatives by rate of return and benefit/cost ratio methods. Contains numerous examples and 476 problems, many entirely new. Accompanied by a complete solutions manual for the instructor. |
Canada is a young and diverse nation and Canadian culture celebrates diversity. Canadian artists have gained centre stage in the hearts and minds of Canadians, and have become key figures on the international cultural scene.
The Department of Canadian Heritage website contains information on national policies and programs as well as general information related to Canadian arts and culture, identity and society, heritage and history, and sport.
The Virtual Museum of Canada (VMC) is the creation of 2500 Canadian museums who have developed exciting virtual exhibitions, online games and a gallery of more than 630000 images from their collections. Teachers can also find lesson plans and other interactive educational resources. The VMC is administered by the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN), an agency within the Department of Canadian Heritage. |
Happy New Year!
Besides giving my thirsty indoor plants lots to drink in this cold, dry weather, I haven't done much thinking personally about my own garden — that will change in the coming weeks as I'm really excited for spring.
However I have been busy editing and uploading content to go with the new special issue that is being mailed to subscribers probably as I write this! The theme is “Fantastic eco-wise Gardens.” With municipalities banning the use of pesticides and enviro-minded garden gurus reminding gardeners everywhere about the benefits of “green” gardening, this will be a fantastic resource to get you in the eco-friendly spirit for spring.
We also have lots of great eco-friendly content online…
For the new year, Jennifer Murray, my fabulous web producer, put together a helpful list of realistic eco-gardening resolutions.
If you're looking to add some earth-friendly titles to your gardening library this year, consulting editor Lorraine Flanigan has compiled an extensive list of resources.
Plus, you can determine how green you are with Stephen Westcott-Gratton's “Determining your green thumbprint” quiz. It might inspire you to adopt at least one of the eco-gardening resolutions — even small steps can make a great difference.
My eco resolutions include:
- Setting up my composter to actually produce compost! Currently it is just full of grass clippings. All the good stuff goes out in my green bin each week.
- Trying to find an effective, “green” way to get rid of the army of ants who call my property home.
- Plant a couple of trees in my yard. This will be win win as my neighbours behind me plan to build a second story on their bungalow – I’ll need privacy! Plus it will be good for the environment.
What are your eco-gardening resolutions? |
Deciduous azalea: R. luteum
Europe’s only native azalea, occurring from southern Poland and Austria through the Balkans and east to southern Russia and the Caucasus, it can be a difficult weed in its native range. It is very popular throughout Europe and has naturalized in much of Great Britain. The fragrant, two-inch bright yellow flowers are tubular with a darker yellow blotch and open before the leaves. It reaches four feet in 10 years and is hardy to -23 C (–10 F). The oblong leaves, up to five inches long, turn yellow, orange red and even purple for a month or two in autumn. Sometimes called the honeysuckle azalea or azalea pontica, it is likely the source of the honey that sickened 10,000 Greek soldiers returning from Persia in the 4th century BC.
Evergreen azalea: ‘Girard’s Fuchsia’ ((‘Herbert’ x ‘Girard’s Hot Shot’) x ‘Sandra Ann’ (s) X ‘Sandra Ann’)
A bushy plant covered with deep reddish-purple ruffled flowers up to three inches across, it blooms in midseason. It is compact, reaching three feet in 10 years, with shiny, dark green foliage that turns dark red in winter. Hardy to - 26 C (-15 F), it is a Peter Girard hybrid from the lake shore of northeast Ohio. |
Acting Victorian Premier Peter Ryan starts the emergency warning siren. Photo: Joe Armao
PEOPLE near a fire's path should not rely on mobile phone disaster alerts in place of their common sense, bushfire experts and Victoria's acting Premier Peter Ryan have warned.
Victims of a bushfire that tore through farming communities at Carngham in the state's west on Tuesday night have criticised authorities for failing to keep them informed about the blaze.
During a packed community meeting in nearby Snake Valley on Wednesday, several residents were angry about not being able to access information about the blaze, with some complaining they did not receive emergency SMS alerts.
Melbourne University's Kevin Tolhurst, a panellist on the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, said he was concerned people were not getting time-sensitive and accurate information online. ''I've been trying to get some information as a member of the public on particular fires and was told it was a fast-moving fire and it is five hectares. That message continues for three or four hours and it doesn't make sense. The detail is not being updated.''
Mr Tolhurst, who designed a computerised fire modelling system for the Department of Sustainability and the Country Fire Authority, said he was concerned the CFA website would not withstand a real disaster after it crashed last week.
''It is really concerning that we are not able to build a website that can cope with that many hits. I find that a bit unbelievable. I would have thought it would have. The first bit of pressure and it hasn't performed.''
He said it was unrealistic to expect mobile phone reception in all parts of the state and people should rely on television, radio and their common sense.
Mr Ryan said the CFA website and its app have now been split across two servers and that he was confident both online tools would cope with millions of hits from the public and provide the latest information on bushfire threats.
‘‘The web and the apps are working very well at the present time and we anticipate no problem with them,’’ Mr Ryan said.
‘‘We took 12 million hits in 12 hours on the website last week and we expect that if we have a similar flow of traffic we will be able to accommodate that.’’
Mr Ryan said concerns about mobile phone warnings should be viewed in their full context and praised the work of firefighters and other emergency services who controlled the blaze at Carngham. He said the first of 12 different warnings, including SMS messages, was issued 20 minutes after a grassfire took hold in Chepstowe, west of Ballarat, on Tuesday.
''That fire ultimately burnt out 1200 hectares,'' Mr Ryan said. ''It is the case that eight properties were lost, it is the case that about a dozen people were injured but it is also the case that no lives were lost and as the commission has reinforced repeatedly - and as we have said so often since - the primacy of life is the critical issue when we are fighting the ever-present threat of fire.''
Mr Ryan said those who complained about not receiving an alert may have fallen outside the ''polygon'', a line on a map that is drawn by the fire's incident controller to decide who receives an alert. He said it was ''a question of balance''.
''You don't want to be causing undue alarm in elements of the community where the threat isn't actually imminent, so you are drawing a line on a map and by definition that could mean some people are left to it.''
He said a ''suite'' of bushfire information was available, including the CFA website, the CFA app, ABC radio and the bushfire information hotline, that people should monitor on high-risk days.
Last June, Mr Ryan called on the Gillard government to improve telecommunication services to ensure Victorians were warned of impending disasters. He said his office had received complaints about black spots in about half-a-dozen areas, including the Alpine region and Traralgon South.
Mr Ryan said he had written to Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and was writing to Senator Stephen Conroy, to ''urge him to consider the safety of Victorian communities''.
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association spokesman Randal Markey said 99 per cent of Australians received mobile phone coverage but there were limitations, particularly during extreme bushfires when electricity supplies to base stations were sometimes cut. ''We understand this is disturbing to some people but we are not talking about normal conditions,'' he said. |
NCI Drug Dictionary
The search textbox has an autosuggest feature. When you enter three or more characters, a list of up to 10 suggestions will popup under the textbox. Use the arrow keys to move through the suggestions. To select a suggestion, hit the enter key. Using the escape key closes the listbox and puts you back at the textbox. The radio buttons allow you to toggle between having all search items start with or contain the text you entered in the search box.
A selective, orally available, 1,5-benzodiazepine-derivative gastrin/cholecystokinin 2 (CCK-2) receptor antagonist with potential antineoplastic activity. Z-360 binds to the gastrin/CCK-2 receptor, thereby preventing receptor activation by gastrin, a peptide hormone frequently associated with the proliferation of gastrointestinal and pancreatic tumor cells. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus) |
Genetic errors identified in 12 major cancer types
Examining 12 major types of cancer, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (home of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center) have identified 127 repeatedly mutated genes that appear to drive the development and progression of a range of tumors in the body. The discovery sets the stage for devising new diagnostic tools and more personalized cancer treatments. The research, published Oct. 17 in Nature, shows that some of the same genes commonly mutated in certain cancers also occur in seemingly unrelated tumors.
Among the research institutions NCI funds across the United States, it currently designates 68 as Cancer Centers. Largely based in research universities, these facilities are home to many of the NCI-supported scientists who conduct a wide range of intense, laboratory research into cancer’s origins and development. The Cancer Centers Program also focuses on trans-disciplinary research, including population science and clinical research. The centers’ research results are often at the forefront of studies in the cancer field. |
- Helping ChildrenWhen a Family Member Has Cancer:Dealing With a Parent’s Terminal Illness
- Why should I tell my children I’m dying?
- When should children be told that a parent might die?
- How do I explain to a young child that their parent is dying?
- Are there differences in issues depending on whether the sick parent is a mother, father, or other caregiver?
- What if I am the only parent and have a terminal illness?
- How do children differ by age in dealing with illness and death?
- Infants or very young children
- Children age 3 to 5
- Children age 6 to 8
- Children age 9 to 12
- When death is near, should children be involved in the actual event?
- How can children be prepared for the memorial ritual or funeral?
- What other factors influence how a child understands a parent’s death?
- How are children affected by the surviving parent’s grief?
- Spiritual and religious beliefs may help comfort children
- How should your child’s school be included?
- To learn more
Children age 9 to 12
Children this age may have feelings of sadness and loss during terminal illness and after a parent’s death. They may even feel embarrassed about their outbursts of strong emotions. They are able to understand more about serious illness and the finality of death, as long as they are given clear information all along. This doesn’t mean that the child won’t still have a fantasy sometimes about Mom or Dad coming back from death, but with gentle reminders they usually can accept the reality.
The child will need detailed, concrete, and complete information about the parent’s illness and its treatment to understand what’s going on. Understanding doesn’t come in one brilliant flash but slowly, over time, when the truth has a chance to sink in and the child can more easily tolerate the loss.
- Give fairly detailed information about the parent’s diagnosis: name of the disease, specifics, symptoms, and as much as possible about what to expect. Explain what the child sees. Answer questions honestly.
- Assure children the illness (or death) is not their fault.
- Tell the child that the uncertainty is stressful for everyone, with reminders that the family is strong and will get through this painful time together.
- Have the child visit the parent in the hospital. Suggest topics to discuss; explain the parent’s condition and treatment. It’s helpful if children this age meet medical and nursing staff, and explore the hospital a bit. Tell the child about any differences in how the parent looks before you go.
- Help the child stay involved in after-school activities, sports, and keep him or her in contact with friends. Remind the child that it’s OK to have fun.
- Inform the child’s teachers, coaches, and other school staff about the family situation.
- Explain that it’s good if the child is interested in helping with the parent’s care, but keep in mind that the child cannot be in charge of the parent’s care.
- Encourage children’s interest in reading or writing about cancer or its treatment and their responses to the parent’s illness if they want to do this.
- Arrange for one family member or trusted friend to take a special interest in each child.
It’s better for the child if he or she is prepared for the parent’s death. Afterward, the child may cry, scream, laugh, or want to be alone for a time—any of a range of emotions is possible. Or, they might want to avoid showing any strong emotions, but express their feelings in other ways such as by being messy or stubborn or arguing a lot. Kids this age may want to take active parts in the funeral, or put special items in the casket.
After the parent’s death, the child may have trouble sleeping. Some find it comforting to have clothing or other items that had belonged to the parent, especially during the first year or so after the death. Most like looking at pictures of their parent during happier times, and hearing stories about them. Routines are important, so try and get back to them quickly. Help the child get back to school and their usual activities at least by the time all the ceremonies are over.
Last Medical Review: 07/20/2012
Last Revised: 07/20/2012 |
It'll be a good year for weather, forecaster says
Douglas predicts wet spring; much of U.S. in 'good shape'
By MATTHEW WEAVER
SPOKANE, Wash. -- One of the most trusted names in weather calls for a wet spring and a dry summer in the Pacific Northwest and more rain for parched California.
Art Douglas delivered his latest forecast Feb. 2 as the Spokane Ag Expo kicked off.
This month, Douglas expects heavy rainfall to continue in California. The moisture will spread into the Pacific Northwest, and then the storms will move into the southern plains to aid winter wheat conditions in Kansas.
"As we go into 2010, the United States really is not threatened with drought," said Douglas, professor emeritus of atmospheric science at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. "The main planting areas of the country are in pretty good shape."
Douglas predicts relatively mild conditions throughout the northwestern third of the United States in February, with the main cold in the Southeast.
He's keeping an eye on the warm El Niño conditions in the central Pacific Ocean, which favor warmer conditions and means there will likely not be late arctic cold affecting wheat.
As summer approaches, Douglas called for minimal El Niño conditions through March, and La Niña conditions in July.
"That means warming and drying here in the summer," Douglas said, predicting precipitation will last until June in the Pacific Northwest, when it will turn hot.
The Midwest is too wet, Douglas said, and if the El Niño ends in May or early June, it will be better for the United States in general, improving crop development and drying fields to avoid late planting.
Other agencies have made different forecasts about El Niño, Douglas said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts temperatures 11/2 degrees above normal through the summer.
Australian weather agencies predict a gradual cool-off come August, which also means a cooler, wetter Midwest in the United States and a cool summer in the Pacific Northwest.
European forecasters expect a completely different scenario for the United States, with a warm and dry Pacific Northwest in the summer and a drier spring in the Midwest.
"One of these forecasts for El Niño is going to be right," Douglas said.
Malad, Idaho, farmer Don Buehler said he was concerned about the mild weather Douglas predicted for the Midwest, which could lower the price of hard red winter wheat, he said.
"I hope he's wrong," Buehler said.
A dry land farmer, Buehler said he would work to get his wheat in the ground as soon as possible to capitalize on the wet spring in Douglas' forecast.
"Then we could carry through the summer without much rain," he said.
Elsewhere in the world, Douglas said China's rapeseed is not doing as well as is typical, while India's crops are in good shape.
Australia is not as dry as is typical in El Niño conditions, save for some spotty drought in the southwestern and southeastern corners of the nation. Recouping rainfall will be the main concern through the summer, Douglas said.
Argentina has improved from the worst drought in a century last year to ideal growing conditions. Northern Brazil is a little drier this year compared to last, but Douglas doesn't expect problems with soybean production. |
A whopping 24 percent of Americans are comfortable with insurance fraud.
A new online survey by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) found that almost a quarter of respondents had no issue increasing an insurance claim by a small amount to help cover the deductible. Additionally, 18 percent of respondents went even further, claiming it was perfectly all right to increase the claim amount to make up for premiums paid in previous years when they had not made a claim.
Despite these somewhat dismal results, the numbers are moving in the right direction, says the IRC, comparing the most recent data with results over the last 32 years. The percentage of respondents willing to fudge a claim to cover a deductible, for example, fell from 33 percent in 2002.
Despite the decline, IRC Senior Vice President Elizabeth Sprinkel says there is still work to be done. Padding “has direct implications for claim costs and the cost of insurance for consumers,” she says.
The IRC survey, “Insurance Fraud: A Public View, 2013 Edition,” found that while 10 percent of respondents agree that "insurance fraud doesn't hurt anyone," a more responsible 86 percent agreed with the statement "insurance fraud leads to higher rates for everyone."
Most willing to pad a claim are young males. While only 5 percent of older males were willing to massage the numbers, 23 percent of men 18 to 34 felt that it was all right to run up the claim amount.
The IRC survey also asked respondents about possible changes in laws to stem fraud and attempted fraud:
- 66 percent said they would approve of limiting access to police reports by lawyers and medical providers.
- 80 percent said they were willing to undergo some inconvenience to cut down on fraud.
- 82 percent said they would submit to an independent medical examination.
- 85 percent said they would be willing to take an examination under oath.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau has reported a marked rise in suspicious claims since 2010. (See “Suspicious claims on the rise.”)
-- By Mark Vallet, CarInsurance.com contributor |
In Virginia, a speeding ticket for 15 mph over the speed limit is a 4 point offense and in North Carolina it can be a 3 point offense if you were going over 55 mph at the time. Both states are members of the Drivers License Compact and thus exchange information between their departments of motor vehicles.
Once your home state of North Carolina receives information regarding your conviction for this moving violation they will likely put it on your driving record. You will need to check with the NC Department of Transportation (DOT) to find out if any points will be assigned.
Typically in North Carolina, if you receive points on your license for a moving violation, insurance points are also assessed. Two insurance points are usually assigned for speeding more than 10 mph over the limit, if the total speed was in excess of 55 mph but less than 76 mph.
If 2 insurance points are assessed for your out of state speeding ticket from Virginia, your insurance surcharge could go up by between 15 to 45 percent but insurance companies can use different point systems to determine insurance rates. The NC DOT suggests contacting your insurance agent if you have questions about how your provider calculates insurance points.
Your insurance rates could rise and if they do you can do auto insurance comparison shopping here with us. |
Chevrolet Avalanche Oxygen Sensor
Detecting Chevrolet Avalanche Oxygen Sensor Problems
Being rich doesn't always mean good news. In fact, it spells death for your vehicle. An engine that's running rich can cause performance problems, poor fuel economy, and decreased acceleration power. Fortunately, you can always count on your Chevrolet Avalanche oxygen sensor to help save your vehicle from such problems. The O2 sensor monitors and measures the oxygen content in exhaust gases so that your engine will run on optimum and accurate air/fuel mixture. The measurement from the oxygen sensor is then used by the engine's computer to properly adjust the air and fuel mixture in your vehicle. Incorrect adjustment in the mixture often results in poor engine performance and high emissions, so the oxygen sensor must always be in good working condition to ensure precise measurements. Problems with oxygen sensors often crop up after several years of use, but doing some troubleshooting right away can help save the sensor from total failure. Here are some tips to help you find the causes behind oxygen sensor problems:
Although there are several other factors that can cause rough idling, one of the parts that you should check first is your oxygen sensor. Often, the engine runs rough due to an oxygen sensor that's malfunctioning and sending inaccurate measurements to the computer. A faulty sensor can disrupt several engine functions, such as ignition timing and combustion intervals, causing your vehicle to stall and eventually run rough. Unfortunately, your engine can easily detect signs of oxygen sensor malfunction, so it will inject more fuel than necessary to counteract the problem. The extra amount of fuel often results in rough idling. To prevent this problem, have a mechanic check your vehicle's oxygen sensor. Better yet, test the sensor yourself with a 10-megaohm digital voltmeter. A voltage reading that takes around four minutes or more to fluctuate is a sign that the sensor needs replacing.
A sudden increase in vehicle emissions
If you're noticing an increase in your vehicle emissions, then your oxygen sensor has most likely gone faulty. If the sensor's malfunctioning, it won't be able to keep the emissions of your vehicle within the required parameters. Also, a bad sensor will have problems adjusting and measuring several engine operations and ratios. Test the sensor for proper operation and have it replaced if necessary to correct the problem. |
We know from our work with clients around the globe that China continues to be a focus of interest, activity—and challenge. The issues identified in Cartus’ recently conducted China survey are reinforced in our Feb. 14 press release, which further underlines how companies are responding to the talent needs in China, including volume shifts to Tier II and II cities and the use of changing assignment forms. Some of the most critical challenges faced by companies and their assignees concern the cultural differences faced by many Western-based organizations, and the adaptations required to live and work productively and successfully in China. Our new podcast explores those issues and provides some best practice ideas for companies that are already doing business in China—or those who have cast their eyes on the vast opportunities of this expansive market.
China: Challenges and Change
Shelley is vice president, Marketing for Cartus. She’s been with Cartus more than 15 years and has more than two decades experience in global relocation and real estate marketing.
This entry was written by Shelley Northrop, posted on February 22, 2011 at 10:14 am, filed under Intercultural and tagged assignee, assignment, cartus, China, corporate relocation, culture shock, diversity, emerging markets, expatriate, global mobility, Intercultural, international assignment, mobility challenges, relocation management company, survey. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL. |
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
A revealed truth that so far exceeds the capacity of a created intellect that its full meaning cannot be comprehended except by God alone. Yet strict mysteries, such as the Trinity and the Incarnation, can be partially understood, with varying degrees of insight, depending on God's grace or the believer's own effort and experience.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission. |
President Barack Obama appears to have learned something compared to candidate Obama: protectionism isn’t to America’s advantage. Unfortunately, it is not clear that Congress has learned the same lesson. Three free trade agreements negotiated by the Bush administration remain in limbo, while no one is pushing to reinstate the president’s so-called fast track negotiating authority.
And past protectionist actions are now bearing ill fruit. The “stimulus” bill required that construction money be spent in the U.S. Although the provision was amended in response to foreign criticism, some Canadian firms have been adversely affected. So Canadian cities have begun boycotting American products.
Canadian municipal leaders threatened to retaliate against the “Buy America” movement in the United States on Saturday, warning trade restrictions will hurt both countries’ economies.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities endorsed a controversial proposal to support communities that refuse to buy products from countries that put trade restrictions on products and services from Canada.
The measure is a response to a provision in the U.S. economic stimulus package passed by Congress in February that says public works projects should use iron, steel and other goods made in the United States.
The United States is Canada’s largest trading partner, and Canadians have complained the restrictions will bar their companies from billions of dollars in business that they have previously had access to.
“This U.S. protectionist policy is hurting Canadian firms, costing Canadian jobs and damaging Canadian efforts to grow our economy in the midst of a worldwide recession,” said Sherbrooke, Quebec, Mayor Jean Perrault, also president of the federation that represents cities and towns across Canada.
The municipal officials meeting at the federation’s convention in Whistler, British Columbia, endorsed the measure despite complaints by Canadian trade officials.
Trade Minister Stockwell Day told the group on Friday that Ottawa was actively negotiating with Washington to get the “Buy American” restrictions removed.
Thankfully, this bilateral spat isn’t likely to spark another Great Depression. However, it illustrates how protectionism is self-defeating. Other countries will not stand by silently as American legislators attempt to bar their products from the American market. And U.S. workers will be the ultimate victims as the cycle of retaliation spreads. |
Eliot Spitzer divines such a “conflict” in the fact that insurance companies pay “contingent commissions” to brokers who bring them new business or get clients to renew policies. As in previous Spitzer cases, this one began with a press release citing snippets from one company’s e-mails. The initial target is Marsh & McLennan, owner of the world’s largest insurance brokerage. And as with previous Spitzer press releases, the media dutifully described the New York AG’s unproven charges against a few as industry-wide “scandal.” CBS Marketwatch spoke of contingent commissions being “at the center of a growing scandal in the insurance industry.” There’s no crime named “scandal,” so presumptions of innocence can be dispensed with. The press release was titled “Investigation Reveals Widespread Corruption in Insurance Industry,” but “corruption” is just another smear word like “scandal.”
Allegations of inadequate disclosure of the terms of commission agreements could be easily remedied if valid. Yet Mr. Spitzer demands “major corrective action and reform.” He wants insurance brokers to stop collecting fees from sellers, although such an unlegislated “reform” would require larger fees from buyers. A few insurers mentioned in the complaint have said they’ll stop paying such fees. But that may be bad news for those insurers and their clients, since these commissions, like other market arrangements, came into being for a reason. Contingent fees are often based on the profitability of the business, so that brokers who keep bringing high-risk clients to insurers will not be rewarded for doing so. Contingent fees for renewing policies also provide a clear incentive for brokers to keep clients satisfied. Business insurance can be custom-tailored, so policies do not compete on price alone.
Mr. Spitzer’s complaint said that collecting fees from insurance companies is “phenomenally profitable.” “In 2003 alone,” it says, “approximately $800 million of Marsh’s earnings were attributable to contingent commission payments. That year, Marsh overall reported approximately $1.5 billion in net income. Marsh, however, has never disclosed to its shareholders how contingent commissions constitute the lifeblood of its business… . The enormous size of these profits is not happenstance… .” If Marsh described $800 million of revenues as profits, earnings or income, as the complaint suggests they should, they’d be guilty of fraud. And far from being “the lifeblood of the business,” these fees were only 7% of revenues.
The serious charges involve bid-rigging — collusion to make sure a favored company isn’t underbid. This supposedly resulted in “elevating the price of insurance for every policyholder.” Marsh allegedly became the biggest among insurance brokers by systematically overcharging all its clients, nearly all of whom are major corporations. Yet wouldn’t a broker’s reputation for routinely overcharging for insurance become commonly known? Don’t sophisticated corporate purchasing agents know how to shop around?
Some selections from e-mails do appear damaging. But many key accusations are not direct quotes and others cite no specific reference. Sections that may appear to suggest “elevating the price” do not really say that. One underwriter wrote that his company wanted to charge $890,000 but “could get to $850,000 if needed. [A Marsh broker] gave me a song and dance that game plan is for AIG at $850,000.” Since this irritated challenger was clearly unwilling to underbid the incumbent, why should the broker recommend changing insurers?
Companies involved in Mr. Spitzer’s complaint may have run afoul of New York’s 1893 antitrust law, but that remains to be proven. In any event, that wouldn’t demonstrate industrywide “corruption” or “scandal” any more than the overblown complaint about active trading in a few mutual funds involved industrywide scandal. But Mr. Spitzer has the deck stacked his way thanks to the 1921 Martin Act, which allows almost anything to be called fraud.
Mr. Spitzer has no authority to dictate how insurance brokers are paid. Improving disclosure is unobjectionable, but meddling with market-based incentive schemes is risky. If New York’s elected legislators want to ban this variety of sales commissions, that’s their business. It’s not Mr. Spitzer’s job to regulate entire industries through threats of endless litigation. |
Are You Capturing and Billing Uncompensated Overtime Correctly?
In 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) created the concept of overtime by establishing that a standard work week shall consist of 40 hours and anything in excess would be classified as overtime. At that point in time, the concept of uncompensated overtime was created. Uncompensated overtime are the hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a week by a salaried employee or employee who is otherwise exempt from additional compensation for the extra hours worked.
There is an important distinction however, between uncompensated overtime and unpaid overtime. Unpaid overtime is when an employee that qualifies for overtime under FLSA is denied that extra pay which is owed; uncompensated overtime applies to employees who are exempt from FLSA overtime rules and are already considered compensated through their salaries for all hours worked.
To prevent an imbalance in the determination of the cost of a Government contract, contractors should record all hours that employees work, commonly known as total time accounting. If uncompensated overtime is worked but not captured correctly in the contractor’s timekeeping and accounting systems, and especially if a salaried employee works on more than one contract, there is a greater potential for contractors to manipulate their labor accounting system. The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Contract Audit Manual (CAM) (Section 6-410) provides for three different ways that a contractor can address uncompensated overtime:
- Computing a separate average hourly, labor rate for each labor period, based on the salary paid divided by the total hours worked during the period, and distributing the salary cost to all cost objectives (contracts) worked on during the period based on this rate.
- Determining a pro rata allocation of total hours worked during the period and distributing the salary cost using the pro rata allocation. For example, if an employee was paid on a weekly basis and worked 25 hours on one cost objective and 25 hours on another cost objective, each cost objective would be charged with one-half of the employee’s weekly salary.
- Computing an estimated hourly rate for each employee for the entire year based on the total hours the employee is expected to work during the year and distributing salary costs to all cost objectives worked on at the estimated hourly rate. Any variance between actual salary costs and the amount distributed is credited to overhead.
There are two additional methods allowed by DCAA but these methods would require additional evaluation by DCAA and must be tailored to the contractor. The most common method that we see among our clients is the first option, which uses an effective rate per hour to allocate labor costs to contracts. The problem that can occur with this method is evident in cost reimbursable type contracts. If a salaried employee is paid $1,000 per week and works 40 hours on a contract, the contract is charged $25 per hour. But if the same employee works 50 hours on the contract, the diluted rate is now $20 per hour. The contractor does not get to claim any additional revenue for the extra hours worked, and the Government has essentially received 10 hours of work free of charge.
If instead of using the first method the contractor used the third method allowed by DCAA, the employee’s standard hourly rate would still be $25 per hour, but if the employee works 50 hours in a week, the contractor would be able to charge $1,250 to the contract instead of $1,000. The uncompensated overtime, $250, is then credited to overhead. This method allows the contractor to still account for all of the hours worked, to bill for all hours worked and see the difference in revenue, and to strategically decrease their overhead rate.
Recently a case came before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) concerning the accounting of uncompensated overtime (GaN Corp., ASBCA No. 57834 (July 13, 2012)). The contractor held a sole source contract that called for task orders to be issued as either firm fixed price or on labor hours based on already established labor rates on individual categories. In their proposal, the contractor specifically stated that their labor rates were based on an employee’s annual salary divided by 2,080 non-overtime man-hours, confirmed they used total time accounting and confirmed that all hours worked, whether compensated or uncompensated, would be charged and billed to the contract.
The contract incorporated FAR 52.232-7, Payments Under Time-And-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts, which in part, states that contractor submitted vouchers will be substantiated by evidence of actual payment. The Contracting Officer used this clause to withhold payment for all hours worked and billed for which the employees were not compensated. The Government erroneously argued that except for the labor rates being fixed, a labor-hour contract was a variant of a time and materials contract which is synonymous to a cost reimbursement contract. The Government mistakenly concluded that if the contractor did not incur a labor cost, then it could not invoice for it. But while the FAR does not provide a definitive answer on this, DCAA’s CAM does; the audit manual states that salaried or exempt employees are paid a salary to provide a service in whatever time is required, and the FLSA does not require employers to pay overtime to salaried employees.
The ASBCA made its decision based on the plain language of the contract, which established agreed upon labor rates, confirmed the contract was to be either firm fixed price or labor-hour, and the contractor clearly explained how its labor rates were determined. The totality of the payment clause had to be examined and the Government could not read out or ignore the other portions and prohibit a contractor from collecting its hourly rates for work performed by salaried employees.
For the contractor, it can become a critical piece of information to state in your proposal how your labor rates are determined and how your employees record their hours worked. Using a total time accounting system prevents mischarging and may mitigate the potential for labor mischarging and false claim allegations. If you are interested in discussing whether your timekeeping procedures are in compliance with DCAA requirements or how you can better account for uncompensated overtime, please contact your local Cherry Bekaert representative. |
CS 3651 teaches computer science students just enough electrical and mechanical engineering to be dangerous. Students learn how to interface computers with the real world by building computer controlled appliances that use sensors and actuators to interface with the physical world.
At the end of the course they form project teams that design, build, and document their appliance and the building process.
- Lecturer: Jay Summet
- Email: summetj [at] gatech.edu
- Office: CCB 123-B
Automatic Guitar Tuner
The idea: To build an automatic guitar tuner. When a string is plucked on a guitar, a unit figures out the pitch of the string and drives a motor to turn the peg until it matches a specified note.
The Candy Launcher is a device that launches a piece of candy at a target that the device acquires. Currently, the target is acquired using a Wiimote to scan for and center in on an infrared light source. A servo motor is used to control the rotation of the device during the scanning, and a second servo motor is used to trigger the spring loaded catapult.
Dynamic Dance Floor
A dance floor that reacts to the music being played and the movements of the dancers through the use of pressure switches by changing the color and intensity of LED lights set into the floor.
A computer controlled two axis (X/Y) table can be used for many purposes. In this case, it will guide a cutting laser that can be used for manufacturing. |
It is important for dentists to conduct a Security Rule risk analysis as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect their patients’ information and minimize liability risk. A recent review of HIPAA enforcement actions reveals that entities were penalized for not having a documented risk analysis or for having an incomplete analysis.
Congress passed HIPAA in 1996 to simplify, and thereby reduce the cost of, the administration of health care. HIPAA does this by encouraging the use of electronic transactions between health care providers and payers, thereby reducing paperwork. Congress deemed that if the electronic transmission of patient health information was to be encouraged by the legislation, there needed to be means to protect the confidentiality of that information, and thus, the HIPAA Security Rule was created.
One of the ways dentists can be in compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule is to have a documented risk analysis conducted on their practices’ information systems.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlines a risk analysis as follows: “[c]onduct an accurate and thorough assessment of the potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information held by the covered entity.”
Dentists may utilize the sample risk assessment worksheet contained in the ADA Practical Guide to HIPAA Compliance. Dentists who are not tech savvy may want to utilize a tech consultant to look at how electronic information is stored and transmitted at their practice and to identify risks and threats to the system.
“A risk analysis will help a practice map out a plan and make recommendations on the weaknesses that the dentist needs to focus on,” said Rami J. Zreikat, one California IT professional with 25 years of experience. Zreikat will lead a lecture on the topic at CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry in Anaheim on May 16.
There is no single method or way to conduct a risk analysis that is a surefire path toward compliance with the HIPAA security rule. The HHS has laid out a process for common steps, however. The following are provided as examples of steps that covered entities could apply to their environment.
1. Identify the scope of the analysis.
2. Gather data.
3. Identify and document potential threats and vulnerabilities.
4. Assess current security measures.
5. Determine the likelihood of threat occurrence.
6. Determine the potential impact of threat occurrence.
7. Determine the level of risk.
8. Identify security measures and finalize documentation.
For more details on these steps, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Other things dentists can do to protect themselves include, among other things, instituting a system to regularly review records of information system activity, such as audit logs, access reports and security incident tracking reports; designating one staff person to be the “security officer” (similar to the designation of a privacy officer as required by the HIPAA Privacy Rule); and having business associate agreements that require compliance with the Security Rule and notification of data breaches that occur with the respective business associate.
Secure electronic transmission of protected health information is one of the many requirements of the HIPAA Security Rule. Dental practices should review the rule requirements to ensure compliance. The HIPAA Security Rule: A Summary resource can be found on cda.org. Also, HHS has on its site a Guidance on Risk Analysis.
For more information on patient privacy and HIPAA requirements, visit cda.org/Privacy-HIPAA. |
Information for Specific Groups
Many people don't know if they are at high risk for complications from influenza. Some* of the people who are at higher risk for complications from influenza include:
- People with asthma
- People with diabetes
- People with heart disease and those who have had a stroke
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People who have HIV or AIDS
- People who have cancer
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
*For a complete list of people who are at higher risk for flu complications, see People at High Risk from Flu.
Materials are also available for:
Flu Information for Parents with Young Children
Advice for parents who want to keep their children healthy.
Influenza Vaccination Information for Health Care Workers
Information on the importance of influenza vaccination for people who work in health care.
Information for Health Professionals
Information about vaccination, infection control, prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of seasonal influenza for public health and health care professionals.
Information for Schools & Childcare Providers
Information on preventing the flu, common questions and answers, and poster materials for schools.
Information for Businesses & Employers
Information and tools on preventing the flu, workplace specific guidelines, and printable materials.
Legal Professionals and Policymakers
Legal materials related to influenza.
Flu Information for Travelers
Advice for actions to take before, during, and after trips to protect yourself from influenza.
- Page last reviewed: August 15, 2015
- Page last updated: March 28, 2012
- Content source: |
2014 CDL TestsBelow are the links to each CDL test page. You will find the practice tests and print out guides in these pages.
About the CDL TestAbout the CDL Written Test and Endorsement Tests
Each state has a different written test format, but all the test questions and answers are nearly the same. For example, in Florida the written test is taken on a computer and each question has a time limit. In other states the written test is taken on paper and there is no time limit.
In most states the general knowledge test is 50 questions and the rest of the endorsements are about 30 questions. You can take as many written tests as you want in one day. You can always go back to the DMV to get more endorsements. For example, when you first took the written test you only wanted to drive a combination vehicle with air brakes. Ten years later you now want to drive a tanker truck, so you go to CDL Test Genius study for the tank endorsement and pass the tanker endorsement test at the DMV.
Select Your State to Get All 8 CDL Practice Tests!
with the tanker endorsement, hazmat, and air brakes. I studied for 4 hours! I passed my tests the next day at the dmv....' |
Google's plans to build a super high-speed broadband network
running at 100 times current speeds have been pushed back for
2011, Googe announced today.
Earlier this year Google had announced
an experiment that
would help make Internet access better and faster for everyone:
to provide a community with ultra high-speed broadband, 100 times
faster than what most people have access to today. Google planned
to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small
number of trial locations across the United States. Google said
that it would deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster
than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per
second, fiber-to-the-home connections. The service would be
offered at a 'competitive price' to at least 50,000 and
potentially up to 500,000 people.
Google had initially planned to to announce the development of
the service to its selected community or communities by the end
of this year, but according to Milo Medin, vice president of
Access Services at Google, "the level of interest was
incredible - nearly 1,100 communities across the country responded
to our announcement - and exceeded our expectations. While we're
moving ahead full steam on this project, we?re not quite ready to
make that announcement."
"We're sorry for this delay, but we want to make sure we get this
right. To be clear, we're not re-opening our selection process - we
simply need more time to decide than we'd anticipated. Stay tuned
for an announcement in early 2011, he said. |
by Adam Crowl
Adam Crowl has been following Friedwardt Winterberg’s fusion concepts for some time, and now weighs in with a look at Winterberg’s latest thinking on the use of deuterium reactions in advanced propulsion designs. If fusion is our best bet for interstellar missions, we need to get past the limitations of deuterium/tritium, which produces a neutron flux of such proportion that a manned mission would pay a huge penalty in shielding. Winterberg’s ideas on thermonuclear deuterium reactions offer a technique with high exhaust velocities, one with interesting echoes of Project Orion.
Back in the 1960s Robert Enzmann imagined immense fusion-propelled starships which saved tankage mass by storing frozen fusion fuel – chiefly deuterium – as a huge frozen ball. Enzmann and his co-workers eventually found that deuterium isn’t a very strong solid and a tank of some sort would be needed for mechanical support under acceleration. Even so attaching a starship to a great big mass of frozen deuterium seems a good idea, in light of Dr. Friedwardt Winterberg’s updated e-print from June, entitled “Advanced Deuterium Fusion Rocket Propulsion for Manned Deep Space Missions.”
Of course the trick is igniting the deuterium-deuterium reaction and getting a high fusion-burnup fraction out of the fuel-target. Winterberg is an unapologetic skeptic of SF style interstellar ‘short-cuts’, rightly pointing out the non-evidence for anything like wormholes or warp-drives. Interstellar travel can only be seriously contemplated on the grand scale via fusion rockets.
Image: The Enzmann starship, as envisioned by artist Rick Sternbach in a 1973 issue of Analog.
Igniting Deuterium (and the Benefits)
The two fusion reactions presently within our technological reach require relatively abundant deuterium, namely deuterium-tritium and deuterium-deuterium reactions. The D-T reaction has two liabilities – most of its energy goes into uncharged neutrons and the tritium has to be continually made via breeding it in a lithium jacket subjected to that same neutron bombardment.
The D-D reaction is not so easily done as the D-T, but Winterberg’s work makes the prospects look good with sufficient effort. In this most recent paper he suggests a way of reducing the wasteful loss of kinetic energy to electrons and neutrons. Firstly the electrons are allowed to escape the fusion target after the initiation of the fusion compression process – this merely requires the target to have a sufficiently small width. Secondly the neutron/ion kinetic energy fraction can be altered by causing an auto-catalytic fusion detonation wave to form in the burning front of the fusion reaction. This causes x-rays produced by the reaction to focus on the unburnt fuel, preparing it for the fusion reaction itself.
The estimated exhaust velocity is fairly high, an estimated 19,000 km/s (0.063 c) which means a 120,000 ton starship attached to 12,000,000 tons of deuterium can do a delta-vee of ~0.29 c. With an efficient magnetic sail that means the journey speed approaches ~0.29 c, albeit with the mass-penalty of the sail.
The Shadow of Orion
Winterberg’s discussion gives some interesting insights into the “Orion” atomic rocket effort. Freeman Dyson wasn’t alone in being disturbed by the fallout issues with the fission pulse units and triggers and it was this concern which inspired Winterberg to develop non-fission triggers for pulsed nuclear fusion. Thus all the fusion starships inspired by Winterberg’s early work on electron beam ignition, like “Daedalus”, were in turn inspired by “Orion” and the fallout fears of its developers.
Non-fission triggers are a laudable goal of fusion propulsion research, but they pose a conundrum for slowing proliferation of thermonuclear weapons. Winterberg prefers a very high-powered proton beam ignition system for in-space flight, which would require a mile-long Super-Marx Generator to store up enough power for the beam here on Earth. Not a proliferation risk in either manifestation. However his preferred fusion launcher system does have military implications, using high-explosive driven argon UV lasers to trigger a two-stage DT/DD fusion pulse. Such a device could be used as a low radioactivity nuclear weapon – tritium dispersal poses its chief radiological hazard.
Image: Pure deuterium fusion explosion ignited with an intense ion beam. D deuterium rod, h hohlraum, I ion beam, B magnetic field, R miniature target rocket chamber, H2 solid hydrogen, L laser beam to heat hydrogen in miniature rocket chamber. Credit: F. Winterberg.
Fission and the Space Imperative
Winterberg’s final discussion of keV energy chemical super-explosives is the more disturbing prospect in some ways. Lines of research indicate that some elements can be forced into metastable bonds between their inner electron shells, thus storing up keV energies in chemical form. Regular outer shell chemistry produces mere electron volts of energy per reaction, released as visible light and UV light photons, but keV energies mean x-ray photons, the sine qua non of fusion triggering.
In all likelihood such super-explosives will require dynamic compression to create, probably requiring the apparatus to be too heavy for bombs – but what if such materials could be ‘quenched’ to STP conditions? Then we’d have a real proliferation risk. Ted Taylor, the late co-worker of Dyson on “Orion”, once dreamt a solution to non-fission triggering of fusion reactions, but never told anyone for fear of the implications.
As Arthur C. Clarke once said nuclear power not only makes spaceflight possible, but imperative… |
Local kids explore what lurks in the backyardBy
Parents whose children gravitate towards the computer or video games after school have the perfect excuse to drag them out into the sunlight next week—National Wildlife Week!
Since 1938, the National Wildlife Federation has dedicated a week to, “children, youth and adults taking time to explore wildlife.” This year, the NWF is asking kids and their parents to explore wildlife through five different lenses (innovative defenses, record breakers, super senses, survive in unusual habitats, and special adaptation.) They explain these lenses on their website at http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Activities/National-Wildlife-Week/Record-Breakers.aspx.
Another tool that NWF provides in conjunction with National Wildlife Week—and that might help leverage kids into the great outdoors—is a web map of animal sightings that lets children upload their own local nature stories and animal pictures. Many observations have already been posted online in the York, Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland and Adams sections. Among the sighted animals are brown bats, white-tailed deer, red squirrels, beavers, elk, black rat snakes and more. Parents should just remember to accompany kids if they plan on venturing beyond the backyard.
Visit http://www.nwf.org/wildlifewatch/ to submit or for more information. |
Bratislava - Former Czechoslovak conservative communist leader Vasil Bilak, one of the five officials who asked the Soviet army to suppress the Prague Spring reform movement in 1968, died at the age of 96 during the night.
V Bratislavě zemřel v noci na 6. února ve věku 96 let bývalý vysoký funkcionář Komunistické strany Československa Vasil Biľak (na archivním snímku z 31. března 2000). ČTK Mišauerová Jana
CTK received the information from Slovak Communist Party chairman Jozef Hrdlicka.
Bilak was bed-bound recently and his family was caring for him, Hrdlicka said.
Bilak was a secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party (KSC) and chief party ideologist in 1968-1988.
Czech historian Oldrich Tuma said Bilak played an exceptionally negative role in Czechoslovak history.
"There were only a few as negative figures as Vasil Bilak in Czechoslovak public life from 1956," Tuma said.
Tuma said Bilak was repeatedly convincing the Soviets that a military intervention was urgently needed in Czechoslovakia and that the hardline communists can then restore order.
"He played the sad role of one of the quislings," Slovak historian Peter Jasek said.
Czech Communist Party (KSCM) chairman Vojtech Filip said Bilak was undoubtedly one of the initiators of the invitation of the Soviet troops in 1968.
"The present time has different views of this invitation," Filip said.
Czech Civic Democrat (ODS) MP Marek Benda described Bilak as "one of the most horrible protagonists of the former regime."
Czech Culture Minister Daniel Herman (Christian Democrats, KDU-CSL) said Bilak is a symbol of the repressive totalitarian communist system.
Bilak was the last surviving signatory of the "letter of invitation" that officially justified the military invasion of Czechoslovakia.
He was charged with high treason and breach of the law on the protection of peace. His prosecution started in 1991, but it has not been completed as Russia did not hand the original of the inviting letter to the Slovak court.
In 1992, Russian president Boris Yeltsin gave a copy of the letter to Czechoslovak president Vaclav Havel.
It was allegedly Bilak who handed the letter to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. He claimed he did not even sign the letter, however.
The Slovak Prosecutor´s Office interrupted the proceedings against Bilak in 2011.
According to Pavel Bret, head of the Czech Office for the Documentation and Investigation of Crimes of Communism, the Slovak bodies disregarded the results of the investigation previously conducted by the Czechs, who gathered evidence against Bilak.
While on the Czech scene reactions to Bilak´s death resulted in a sharp exchange of opinions between political parties´ representatives today, in Slovakia politicians have not commented on the event much.
"Everyone makes mistakes. Vasil Bilak clearly ranks among significant personalities of the Slovak history," Hrdlicka said.
Bilak´s funeral will take place in Bratislava next week. The Slovak Communists have invited their foreign counterparts, including the Czech Communists (KSCM), to attend, Hrdlicka said.
Former dissident and post-1989 Slovak prime minister Jan Carnogursky said in an Internet discussion that Bilak had been one of the Communist hardliners and that he led Czechoslovakia into isolation.
Bilak was one of the main contributors to the official Czechoslovak communist interpretation of the events of the late 1960s, known as Lessons Drawn from the Crisis Development and explaining the need to intervene against a counter-revolution. Many people were then dismissed from the KSC and from their work within the consolidation process.
In the 1980s, Bilak was one of the sharpest opponents of Mikhail Gorbachev´s "perestroika" policy in Czechoslovakia.
In December 1989, shortly after the fall of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, Bilak was expelled from the KSC. He nevertheless remained a convinced communist for the rest of his life.
In 1997, he said the communists should have used armed forces to prevent the Velvet Revolution that toppled the communist regime in 1989.
Living in his villa in Bratislava, Bilak did not appear in the public in the past few years and he did not communicate with media. He was writing his memoirs, among others.
His son-in-law Jozef Sevc was Slovak Communist Party chairman in 1998-2006.
Bilak was born in a village in northeast Slovakia in 1917 and he was orphaned at the age of 11. He trained to be a tailor. His political career started in the early 1950s, after he graduated from a school for communist senior officials. |
Dreammaker (Jury Honors) From Germany, this piece by Leszek Plichta of
Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg surpassed the expectations of the
jury, thereby receiving accolades from some of the industry’s top representatives.
En Tus Brazos (Award of Excellence) Another student
entry, this short from directors Francois-Xavier Goby,
Edouard Jouret, and Matthieu Landour of Supinfocom/Premium Films,
also garnered a coveted prize.
HP Hands “Paulo Coelho” This image is from a spot for HP by creative
directors Rich Silverstein and Steve Simpson from Motion Theory in the US.
Often called the Academy Awards of computer graphics, the annual SIGGRAPH Electronic Theater is a premier event for the world’s most innovative and amazing digital films and video creations. This year, an internationally recognized eight-person jury—which, collectively, has expertise in all the various segments of the industry—selected 39 submissions for the honor of appearing in the 2007 Electronic Theater. All told, the jury, in three and a half days, reviewed more than 900 entries, which is 20 percent more than the total of the previous record for submissions. The jury’s choices represent outstanding achievements for this era in the particular area of computer graphics that each animation represents, says chair Paul Debevec of the USC Institute for Creative Technologies.
The entries to the Computer Animation Festival—which comprises the Electronic Theater and Animation Theaters—are representative of the wide range of interests in computer graphics present at SIGGRAPH, including animation, visual effects, research, scientific visualization, art, broadcast, and real time. Similarly, they reflect CG excellence from around the globe: 72 animations are from outside the US. “I am thrilled with the jury’s selections and feel they did a great job not only in choosing innovative and excellent pieces, but also in selecting those from across the board in all the submission categories,” says Debevec.
Aside from the Electronic Theater pieces, another 93 were chosen for the Animation Theaters. This content will be presented in themed segments that will play throughout the show.
Three groundbreaking films received the coveted SIGGRAPH festival awards: “Ark,” Best of Show; “Dreammaker,” Jury Honors; “En Tus Brazos,” Award of Excellence. “This year’s winners are perfect examples of how computer graphics is enabling small, independent groups to create films with vast landscapes, complex characters, and amazing visuals,” says Debevec. “Just as CG blurs the line between real and virtual, each of these, in its unique way, explores what is tangible and what is imaginary, and whether that difference is important.”
According to Debevec, this is a notable year for studio shorts in the Electronic Theater. There are always tent poles of the show that everyone looks forward to, and they include Pixar’s “Lifted,” Blue Sky’s “No Time for Nuts,” and Blur’s “A Gentlemen’s Duel,” he notes. “Not every show is lucky to have three of the major studios with a major shorts effort.”
2007 is also a big year for real-time content; to that end, there are nearly 10 minutes of real-time material in the theater. One highlight is a documentary of a new game module for Half-Life 2, called “Portal,” which has an especially innovative gameplay element. Additionally, there will be a montage comprising various real-time technical advances in gaming, as chosen by the jury. Also, the show features various scientific visualizations, including a breathtaking animation of a galactic formation, called “Formation of a Spiral Galaxy.”
“Every piece is there because it is different—it pushes beyond the borders of what we have seen before,” says Debevec. “And there are more than a few laugh-out-loud moments that are humorous in unexpected ways.” In other words, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A small selection of images from this year’s the Electronic Theater is presented in these pages. —Karen Moltenbrey |
More companies are considering green credentials when selecting outsourcing companies, according to a recent study by Brown-Wilson Group, Clearwater, Fla., which studies the outsourcing industry.
Nearly 90% of outsourcing decision-makers indicated that environmental stewardship would influence the choices they make when contracts come up for bid during the next year, according to the study.
Public companies are more likely to work green practices into future outsourcing contracts because of regulatory, shareholder and customer concerns, the survey found. More than 21% of public companies have already added green policies into existing contracts while more than 94% of respondents intend to add green clauses when they go to renegotiate.
Forty percent of companies expect suppliers to develop new green technologies, products and services that reduce waste, save energy and increase efficiency.
Brown-Wilson predicted that the next few years would be critical for outsourcing firms to establish “their road map to green leadership.”
The firm concluded that more companies are dumping environmentally unfriendly out-sourcers in a trend expected to continue. |
Mouthwash and Heart Disease?
Many of you are aware that heart disease remains the number one cause of death throughout the world. There has long been speculation that there is a link between heart disease and oral health. More recently research is adding support to this premise.
This past April, the results of a clinical trial, presented to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, surprisingly showed a link between the use of an iodine based mouth rinse and LDL, the bad cholesterol. This was not something researchers were looking for or expected. As a part of the study, they were monitoring inflammation in a number of their subjects. Amazingly, the users of the mouthwash were found to have lower LDL’s than in the placebo group in addition to having improvements in their overall oral health!
The product involved was a once a day/30 second oral rinse with the active ingredient being based on iodine. Enough of a correlation was found to warrant further study.
While scientists are still unsure why this made a difference, the results from this and other studies continue to indicate a connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease.
Additional studies are being conducted. Until there is better understanding of the connection, it is clearly worthwhile to make oral health a priority. The heart you save may be your own! |
Killing and Letting Die:This collection contains twenty-one thought-provoking essays on the controversies surrounding the moral and legal distinctions between euthanasia and letting die.Since public awareness of this issue has increased this second edition includes nine entirely new essays which bring the treatment of the subject up-to-date. The urgency of this issue can be gauged in recent developments such as the legalization of physician-assisted suicide in the Netherlands, how-tomanuals topping the bestseller charts in the United States, and the many headlines devoted to Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who has assisted dozens of patients to die. The essays address the range of questions involved in this issue pertaining especially to the fields of medical ethics, public policymaking, and social philosophy. The discussions consider the decisions facing medical and public policymakers, how those decisions will affect the elderly and terminally ill, and the medical and legal ramifications for patients in a permanently vegetative state, as well as issues of parent/infant rights. The book is divided into two sections. The first, Euthanasia and the Termination of Life-Prolonging Treatmentincludes an examination of the 1976 Karen Quinlan Supreme Court decision and selections from the 1990 Supreme Court decision in the case of Nancy Cruzan. Featured are articles by law professor George Fletcher and philosophers Michael Tooley, James Rachels, and Bonnie Steinbock, with new articles by Rachels, and Thomas Sullivan. The second section, Philosophical Considerations,probes more deeply into the theoretical issues raised by the killing/letting die controversy, illustrating exceptionally well the dispute between two rival theories of ethics, consequentialism and deontology. It also includes a corpus of the standard thought on the debate by Jonathan Bennet, Daniel Dinello, Jeffrie Murphy, John Harris, Philipa Foot, Richard Trammell, and N. Ann Davis, and adds articles new to this edition by Bennett, Foot, Warren Quinn, Jeff McMahan, and Judith Lichtenberg.
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Rent Killing and Letting Die 2nd edition today, or search our site for Bonnie textbooks. Every textbook comes with a 21-day "Any Reason" guarantee. Published by Fordham University Press. |
04-12-2007: Jeroen Cornelissen of the Institute for Molecules and Materials at the Radboud University in the Netherlands has recently received EUR 1 million from EURYI (European Young Investigator Awards). The award will allow Cornelissen (35), an assistant professor at Radboud and a member of the scientific board of a macromolecular research spin-off company, to establish his own research group in the field of nanoscience, something that is not usually possible for such a young scientist, and could ultimately lead to important discoveries on the European and international arenas.
Cornelissen is a researcher within the SONS (Self-Organised NanoStructures) research frameworks having worked with Radboud's Professor Roeland Nolte in BIONICS. "As an assistant professor I co-supervised the research team that contributed to the BIONICS project," says Cornelissen. "That project provided a platform for us to carry out internationally competitive science and allowed us to interact with top-level European research groups," he adds, "These contacts are extremely valuable for a young scientist."
He also works with Professor Alan Rowan of the University of Nijmegen, who now captain's the SONS2 SUPRAMATES program. "In Nijmegen, there is a very strong collaborative effort between the group of Professor Rowan and the Nolte/Cornelissen group," Cornelissen says.
Having begun in the field of synthetic and physical organic chemistry, Cornelissen is increasingly focusing on the assembly of biomacromolecules. "A major theme at the moment is the synthesis of hybrid materials of synthetic polymers and biomacromolecules and their self-organization properties," he explains, "This work is combined with the use of protein materials from a harmless plant virus for constructing functional materials and nanometre-sized reactors."
One putative nanoreactor is the spherical protein shell, or capsid, of the plant virus cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV). It is possible to trap chemical precursor compounds and catalysts within these hollow capsids. In so doing, the team hopes to improve our understanding of chemical reactions and also to improve the efficiency of industrially important reactions by directing the pathway to reduce the formation of by-products.
Because the capsid wall is porous, the precursor compounds can enter and are trapped by changes in acidity within. "We can synthesize well-defined inorganic particles inside," explains Cornelissen, "these can then react to form useful products."
Cornelissen plans to maintain and extend the research team active in the virus capsid project utilising the money from the EURYI award. The judging committee, based at the European Science Foundation (ESF), has complete confidence in the project and the scientific group and recognises the extremely high potential.
"In the first part of the project we will study single enzyme reactions in conditions more akin to the workings of a living cell, compared to traditional single molecule studies that are carried out under high dilution with catalysts chemically or physically linked to a surface," explains Cornelissen. "This system will be extended to multiple enzymes, allowing the detailed study of cascade reactions. Eventually this will lead to a better understanding of the coupling of reactions in place and time."
Next, Cornelissen hopes to be able to load the viral particles with small molecules that can be linked together to form polymer chains within and so alter the internal structure of the capsids. "Eventually the inclusion of such functional polymers will lead to tuneable nanoreactors with specific chemically reactive properties," says Cornelissen. More specifically, Cornelissen suggests that precursors for iron-based inorganic salts could be included, which under the influence of light would solidify to form well-defined magnetic particles that are limited in size by the constraints of the virus capsid. The possibilities are almost limitless.
Researchers of Eindhoven University of Technology and the Radboud University Nijmegen in The Netherlands show for the first time why ordinary graphite is a permanent magnet at room temperature. The results are promising for new applications in nanotechnology, such as sensors and detectors. ... more
Jeroen Cornelissen of the Institute for Molecules and Materials at the Radboud University in the Netherlands has recently received EUR 1 million from EURYI (European Young Investigator Awards). The award will allow Cornelissen (35), an assistant professor at Radboud and a member of the scie ... more
Living cells are highly complex synthetic machines: Numerous multistep reactions run simultaneously side by side and with unbelievable efficiency and specificity. For these mainly enzymatic reactions to work so well collectively, nature makes use of a variety of concepts. One of the most im ... more
A new public database of Europe’s finest scientific research facilities has been launched today to better inform policy makers about the deployment of science funding and to help scientists locate and access the most appropriate equipment and services to support their research. This new too ... more
In existing policy frameworks, energy and water policies are largely developed in isolation from one another. Little research is undertaken into the relationships and interactions between energy and water and, most importantly, how those links can be accounted for, and incorporated into, in ... more
Tiny electronically active chemicals can be made to form ordered layers on a surface, thanks to research supported by the European Science Foundation (ESF) through the EUROCORES programne SONS 2 (Self-Organised NanoStructures). These nanostructured layers may one day be used to build the co ... more |
Dave Dickey Forum Moderator 286 Posts
Re: How do you estimate the torque needed for a small chopper/blender assembly?5 April 2010 at 1:29pm
Chopping solid vegetables in a blender is not much like liquid blending, so all of these estimates are at best just estimates. A four-blade impeller with sharp blades will not have much resistance in a well copped and dispersed mixture, but could encounter much more resistance cutting through solid vegetables. The amount of resistance at the low speed will be very different depending on whether the vegetables are carrots (firm) or tomatoes (soft).
As some general rules, based on fluid mixing, the torque required at 2000 rpm will more than 1500 times the amount of torque required at 50 rpm. So the actual range of torques can be quite different. Kitchen experience with food choppers says that the torque at low speeds can be quite high because of the resistance in cutting solid vegetables, although I don't ever remember seeing a chopper that operated at only 50 rpm.
At that speed, you can see the blade rotating at less than one revolution a second.
Using a range of experience and process knowledge, I estimate that the maximum torque in a mixed vegetable blend at 2000 rpm could be roughly 0.5 Newton-meters. If the chopped vegetables form a very heavy slurry, the torque could increase to 1.5 Newton-meters. Those values are only rough estimates based on an educated guess at both the processed food properties and the power characteristics of a four-blade chopper.
The answers by this expert are based on the best available interpretation of the information provided. The consequences of the application of this information are the responsibility of the user. If clarification is needed, please submit a further question. |
FDA Computation of Atomic Orbitals (Windows and Linux)
This little script lets you compute energies and orbitals of atoms for any electron configuration you fancy: Atoms in groundstate, atomic ions, ionization potentials, electron affinities, inner excitations for X-ray terms, outer excitations for UV/VIS spectra. The various buttons on the FDA panel are explained here. You can fill the boxes for composing a special electron configuration and run it with [Read], or use [Generate] with an atom symbol to refer to the stored ground state configurations (which can be edited before computing). [Inp(ut) ready] lets you run a previously generated input file.|
The density and orbital arrays can be plotted with [Plot Density/Orbitals] (see below).
The computing engine FDA is based on an SCF procedure proposed by Herman & Skillman (1963) using Density Functional theory and the Xalpha functional. The source code from David J. Heisterberg (1995) is an improved and corrected implementation and FDA gives significantly more accurate results. It may be downloaded as fda.tar.Z. It is written in C/C++ and can be compiled e.g. with Visual C/C++, 6.0.
We have compiled the program, bundled it with the script fdalin and test examples as
fdalin.zip. Download for
Windows9x,ME,2k,XP,Vista,7 and for Linux (using the wine emulator Version 1.x.x). Clicking the buttons [FDA] and [fdalin] in the top menu bar of the panel gives you a short introduction by David J. Heisterberg's FDA and to some examples of using this script. FDA is freeware but must carry Heisterberg's copyright.
Notice: The model is not spin polarized and non relativistic. Overall, it has an accuracy between LDA (local density approximation) and LSD (local spin density approximation). The following pictures from NIST show the accuracy of these and other DFT methods across the PS for ionization potentials and the expected corrections of the atomic energies resulting from spin polarization.
Output window for neutral Zinc (summary) using [Plot Density/Orbitals]:
|For comparison: This plot has been computed by a new Herman-Skillman code.| |
In 1992 the Supreme Court ruled in a case about mail order that a state could not charge sales tax on an out-of-state company unless that state had sufficient nexus within that state. The gold standard since then has been a brick and mortar presence. Companies with physical stores in a state charge sales tax on online purchases for that state while companies without physical stores do not.
In 2008, New York passed a first of its kind law that expanded the definition of nexus to include companies with affiliate ties to that state. The statute stated that if a company received business through referrals from New York affiliates, then that company had sufficient presence within the state to be charged sales tax. Since 2008, eight states have passed their own versions of New York’s law, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Colorado, Illinois, Arkansas, Hawaii, Connecticut and California. For the most part in these states, e-retailers like Amazon have responded by discontinuing their affiliate programs rather than charging sales tax.
Currently Vermont, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Missouri and Minnesota are all considering affiliate tax bills of their own. Meanwhile South Carolina and Texas have given Amazon in particular, the online retailer that has become somewhat of the flagship in this debate (they have sued to have the New York law declared unconstitutional and are sponsoring a ballot measure to repeal California’s law) special protections against sales tax to encourage the company to build facilities within their states and bring jobs.
The 1992 Supreme Court ruling left open the possibility for Congress to pass new laws, to set new rules for interstate commerce, thus allowing mail order and online retailers to be required to collect sales tax. For several years now a proposal for this has waxed and waned in popularity and exposure, something called the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement. The idea is that states join the Agreement and agree to abide by some common rules for sales tax in exchange for the ability to collect sales tax on out of state retailers. The biggest push in support for this measure has come most recently from Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) who has introduced the Main Street Fairness Act into the Senate. It would provide official Congressional support for the SSTA and would allow it to go into effect once 10 states approved it.
Perhaps most importantly, online retailers like Amazon and Overstock.com have put their support behind Senator Durbin’s initiative, arguing it is the fairest resolution to the current debate.
For more information on the affiliate tax, other sales or use tax issues, or for assistance with any tax law concern, contact Horowitz & Weinstein.
Horowitz Law Offices
311 West Superior, Suite 314
Chicago, Illinois 60654 |
Sunday, September 11, 2011
It's Always There
September 11, 2001. I have not forgotten. It changed everything... or at least it changed how I see everything. Maybe it only brought to the surface convictions and values that were always there.
I remember the fear and grief, the sense of panic about the days ahead, and the anxiety over what else might happen, and I remember the tremendous unity and determination that immediately rose out of the destruction. Everywhere, we were sharing this fierce pride and sense of community, we were bound together in our homes, our neighborhoods, towns, and as a nation. What a blessing we could, and can, be to each other.
Remembering that morning, the days and weeks that followed, certainly brings up sorrow and grief, and even fears, anxiety, I have tried to quell, to overcome. It feels so recent... how is it that ten years have passed?
The day's events were harrowing. It is no exaggeration. Each of us has an account of the day and events, and each of us was affected, changed, moved. Some stories are of heroism, some of loss, some of resolve. Most are simply personal, deeply felt recollections of coping, of feeling touched by tragedy, no matter our proximity to the destruction.
I think about the men and women who served, who ran into the smoke and gave everything to do their work. I think about the men and women who do this everyday. I think about volunteers, and individuals serving in the military... about sacrifice, and dedication. I think about the heartache families feel when they lose someone dear, when things blow apart, and we try to live, with our hearts exposed.
I think about the shadow that was cast over our lives, and I look for light, I look for hope. I look for reason, and instruction... for solutions to the devastation. I look for ways and means of putting things back together, for hanging on, moving forward, keeping faith.
I remember the spontaneity of our will, our unified defiance against terror, tragedy, and oppression. I remember the spontaneous, heartfelt expressions of that unity and pride, that resolve to overcome. I remember the flags, the flowers, the tears, the memorials, the exchange of knowing glances between strangers. I do not like the pain of recalling 9/11, but I love that we resolved to embrace one another, to thrive, to rebuild, to overcome. I love that we were able to reconnect to National pride, and community togetherness.
Normal days are a blessing. I have big dreams, and high hopes, but the normal days are great. I think about running water, soap, safe rides, adventures with friends. I think about having enough, and making do. I think about sharing... space, work, happiness, dinner, ideas. I think about all the good things that have transpired since that day. I think about every good thing achieved, and I think about working together to achieve more. I think about securing more normal days for all of us.
I think about my cousins, the firefighter and the policeman, the teachers. I think about my brother, who has done more than we can say in service to our country. I think about my neighbors, our friends, and how sweet they have made my life. I think about my children... and this is where I break down. I worry about what they fear, what they lost, how the world changed in ways that took something away from their beliefs and ideas about their futures.
I think about my son, and recall his deep, and lasting sorrow, because he could, and does, comprehend the magnitude of the destruction, and I wish I could relieve him of some of that burden. I wish. I wish...
There it is, that tangible grief, the injured place in my heart, where I cannot actually undo the harm, and here is my resolve not to be undone: we will keep moving forward, and we will find the best solutions that we can. I will not forget, but I will not allow the fears and sorrows to direct our course.
Ahead, we have possibilities. We have each other. We have art, and science. We have music. September 11, 2001 will always be there, we carry it with us, because it changed everything, and some things it simply brought to the surface. Let's remember those good things... love, community, service, education, kindness, sincerity, respect, compassion, intelligence. |
Santa Claus and ICIUM mascot Ming Ming Panda celebrate the opening of the ice sculpture park ICIUM, Wonderworld of Ice, in Levi, one of Finland's largest ski resorts, on December 18, 2010. [China.org.cn/Yangxi]
An ice sculpture park, ICIUM, Wonderworld of Ice, was opened on December 18 in Levi, one of Finland's largest ski resorts, by Finnish Minister of Communications Suvi Linden and Mr. Huang Xing, China's ambassador to Finland.
The sculpture park, featuring replicas of Chinese and Western architecture, was created by Chinese sculptors from Harbin, the capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Visitors can see ice sculptures of Helsinki Cathedral and Santa Claus, as well as Chinese pagodas and pandas. The park took months to complete and the exhibition will last until April of next year.
The ice sculpture park is a joint venture between Chinese and Finnish companies. The organizers expected at least 100,000 people to visit the park.
"Cultural exchanges should not be limited to the government level. Non-governmental cultural exchanges are playing a bigger role in introducing Chinese culture to the world," Huang Xing told China.org.cn.
"This kind of cooperation brings the friendship of Finland and China to the level of the people, since people are able to come here and see the wonders of Chinese culture. And the skills of the ice sculptors are something that we cannot even imagine," said Suvi Linden. "Here in Lapland, we have the snow and ice, this combination is just great."
"I hope people will come and visit ICIUM because it is the first time that a project like this has been built in Finland. I think they will really enjoy seeing all the magnificent work that the artists have created here," said Zhao Yinong, managing director of FutuVision, one of the firms behind the ice sculpture park. |
The snake ranks sixth of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Snake are the most intuitive, even while remaining the most private and reticent. Snake people represent the symbol of wisdom. They are intelligent and wise. Snake people are usually regarded as great thinkers.
Snakes are materialistic and love keeping up with the Joneses. They love to posses the best of everything, but they have no patience for shopping. Snake people prefer to work alone, therefore they are easily stressed; if they seem unusually stressed, it is best to allow them their own space and time to return to normal.
Snakes prefer living a peaceful life, and they do not like a noisy environment. Snakes become easily stressed when their lives aren’t calm or in order. Therefore, a manageable workload would be good for them rather than a schedule of over workload. They need to spend lots of time to relax themselves. It's necessary to take vacation at a proper time. People should pay attention to the health of snake people, especially senior members in the family.
Snakes are very creative and extremely diligent. Though snakes work very hard, they have a tendency to be job-hoppers for they will easily become bored. Snakes are great thinkers. Complex problems stimulate them. And of course they’re excellent problem-solvers and thrive under tight deadlines. Good career choices for Snakes include: scientist, analyst, investigator, painter, potter, jeweler, astrologer, magician, dietician, and sociologist.
People born in the year of the snake do not have a lot of friends. It is extremely hard to get to know them because they keep their feelings locked up inside. The snake will be careful in choosing friends. They will never forgive a breach in the friendship. Once people are friends, a Snake is willing to share his sorrow and happiness with them. Snake people guard their chosen friends much like valuable possessions, and they easily jealous and even obsessive.
Best with: Ox or Rooster
Worst with: Tiger, Monkey or Pig
Love: The romantic life for them will not be very smooth in 2015, especially for single people. Married couples should care more about each other in order to keep a good marriage.
Fortune: People who were born in a year of the snake will have bad luck in 2015, and even spend more money than they earn.
As a result, they should purchase some valuable things at the beginning of a year in order to increase the value at the end of the year. They should also make money legally, and then good fortune will find its way to them.
Career: Fortune never falls upon them in 2015, and one calamity comes on top of another for them. They must try their best to save their jobs which are risk from bad performances in 2015.
Health: The tendency for good health will not be very good, so they should avoid risky sports, such as diving and riding, in order to prevent accidents. As for their daily life, they should slow down when doing something so as to reduce the chance of injury.
Snakes should follow the same instructions as for their bigger Dragon cousins. See above. Hang out with the Dragons in the west this year, and don't start wandering. Be particularly wary of Ningxia, Gansu, Xinjiang, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia but also, in the north east, Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang, Dalian and Qingdao.
Liu Bang (256 BC-195 BC), the first emperor of the Western Han Dynasty.
Zu Chongzhi (429 AD-500 AD), a famous Chinese mathematician and scientist.
Kangxi (1654-1722), the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty.
Lu Xun (1881-1936), an influential writer in China in the twentieth century.
Mao Zedong (1893-1976), the top leader of the People's Republic of China. |
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among U.S.
men and women, claiming a life every 33 seconds. Smoking and
eating a high-fat, high-salt diet are risk factors for the
disease, and exercise (or lack of exercise) may also play
Consider a recent study published by the British Journal
of Sports Medicine. Twenty-four healthy premenopausal women
were evaluated to examine the effects of a supervised 14-week
resistance training program on cholesterol levels and overall
body composition. Subjects were randomly assigned to a non-exercising
control group or to an exercise group that participated in
45-50-minute resistance training sessions, three days a week
on non-consecutive days.
At the end of the 14-week training period, total cholesterol
and LDLC (the "bad" cholesterol) levels were significantly
lower in the training group compared to the control group,
and HDLC levels (the "good" cholesterol) had increased
Resistance training can involve free weights and/or weight
machines, and many men (and more and more women) use resistance
training as a supplement or alternative to aerobic exercise.
Your chiropractor can help you choose a resistance training
program best suited to your physical condition, time constraints
and fitness goals.
Prabhakaran B, Dowling EA, Branch JD, et al. Effect of 14
weeks of resitance training on lipid profile and body fat
percentage in premenopausal women. British Journal of Sports
Medicine 1999: Vol. 33, pp190-195. |
The New Zealand city of Christchurch has dedicated its transitional cardboard cathedral after the original concrete building was damaged beyond repair by an earthquake.
The stunning temporary replacement is the creation of Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and was constructed using over 90 cardboard tubes.
The tubes measure over 20m in length and 600mm in diameter and are protected by a polycarbonate roof and solid concrete floor.
The original cathedral was badly damaged by the 2011 earthquake in which 185 people died. It was written off earlier this year and plans are now afoot to build a permanent new cathedral in the city.
Cathedral officials were attracted to cardboard for the temporary replacement as the material is strong enough to withstand earthquakes as well as being recyclable and affordable.
Although it is transitional, the structure has been built to last at least 50 years.
Acting Dean, the Venerable Lynda Patterson said there was still a lot of work to be done, including installing a permanent heating system and building more toilet facilities.
"Undoubtedly there will be times when we will be disappointed. We will have expectations which aren't fulfilled - because expectations are really just premeditated resentments," she said.
"We're still enjoying being in a new home, but ultimately the thing about home isn't where the light switches are or that new smell of glue and fresh paint.
"It's what you can do there, and who you can welcome, and how you can show hospitality and the transforming love of God. Let's work so we're known for that, not the fact that we have a cathedral made of cardboard." |
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH
Albany Road, St Pauls (formerly Baptist).
Is this the little lancet building recently sold by estate agents with pulpit in situ?
Angers Road Totterdown
1878 . small red brick and demolished with surrounding streets.
|Bourne (Kingswood High
Named after the founder of the Primitive Methodists. Huge building with classical details. Built 1873, of typical plan. Main facade with three large windows above three portals.After closure it was used as a clothes store for a while, with "Castaways" a Kiddies Adventure Playground in the lower floor, although I am not sure when the internal subdivision was done.
|Since c1995 in use again as Bourne Community Church but the successful use of the ground floor remains! Upstairs the church is a very pleasant room, lit by the large upper tier of windows and with the feature of the eastern arch to act as a focus to the building. Some beautiful plasterwork remains in the ceiling, and this is cut away from the three stepped western windows in a most unusual and attractive feature.|
Clowes (Airballoon Road), St George
1879. Named after a early founder at Mow Cop. Huge edifice with pilasters and architrave and sash windows and a pediment. Interior quite ornate with lovely plaster ceiling. Pulpit large with a arch above with a text 'reverence my sanctuary'.
This was demolished in 1988 and on the site a brick building "Summerhill Methodist Church" was erected replacing Bethel St. George and Crews Hole. This opened on 25th July 1989. The church faces the main road, various rooms in opposite wing and entrance foyer in between. The architects were Stocks Build. Much use of patterned brick outside, attractive. Sliding screens can extend or hide the church. Some minor furniture from the other churches, and one of the members has sketched the three predecessors (copies of these on the relevant pages on this site).
1873. Not sure where located possibly gothic buildings at the other end of park
|Ebenezer (Midland Road)
Unusual building still surviving c1850. West front neo Norman c 1850. Zig zag style door with three very unusual windows above with round metal glazing bars. No side windows. Interior with a very heavy wooden galleries and an arched flattened barrel vault ceiling. Now an architectural salvage showroom. The interior still has the neo-Norman arcading on the front of the galleries.
Essex Street Bedminster
1871 - long since demolished
Hebron, Barton Hill (Morley Rd)
1869. Classical although small. Demolished in the 1970's.
1881. There is a chapel building backing on to allotments but not sure if this is the one
Mount Tabor, Newfoundland Road
1881. Closed and demolished in the 1970s for the widening of the road as the extension of the M32 motorway route into the centre. An odd building, with large west window flanked by what looked like twin double bellcotes.
Picture taken by David Dawson shortly before demoltion and used with permission.
Rose Green St George
|1855 large gothic building with lancets. Now a glazing company. Red brick Victoria Sunday School extension at the rearof 1892.|
|Salem, Church Rd, St
1904 Gothic - now the Bethel United church (Pentecostal). In recent restoration the "dachreiter" was removed. Interior little changed with galleries on three sides.
Speedwell (Speedwell Road)
1880. Small classic building now Spiritualist church.
Zion Bedminster Down Road
1850 small classic building, now demolished.
Zion (Fishponds Road)
1875.. Now a car park site. Originally a very nice classic building with sash windows on two storeys - pediment and architrave's. Demolished after long secularisation in c1990.
|Zion Whitehall (Whitehall
Built 1871. Huge unusual classic building with two ranks of windows and sashed windows. Huge interior with galleries. Now a studio area and accomodation
BIBLE CHRISTIANS CHURCHES
The Bible christians were founded by a William O'Bryan who was a Wesleyan preacher, in 1815. They were of a evangelistic tendancy and built many chapels in Cornwall. They did not call their ministers Reverend and they encouraged female preachers although they could not take part in church government.
Gladstone Street, Totterdown
1864 long since demolished
|1904. (Bill Krouwel writes:- The Bible Christian (Methodist) Church in Knowle was at the top of Greenmore Road, opposite Stephens' Dairy and on a level street corner.... As far as I'm aware, it was demolished in the 1970s (perhaps 60's come to think of it) and my Gran got some of the stained glass, which she hung in her living room! It was a substantial redbrick Chapel (with, if memory serves, two small towers, one at each corner) which perhaps fell victim to the (still extant) preference in Methodist circles to lose their old Primitive/Bible Christian/New Connexion premises in favour of the more "churchy" Wesleyan ones )|
1876 long since demolished : Dame Clara Butt sang here.
Research by Neil Marchant, with contributions by Phil Draper
If anyone can help with additional information / history of any of these churches, or any have any photographs please get in touch.
Back to Bristol churches Index
Back to Methodist Index |
Welcome to the Southside Plan Page
The Southside Plan, along with the associated Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), General Plan amendments, and Zoning Ordinance additions and amendments, was adopted by the City Council at the public hearing held September 27, 2011. Thank you for your interest and participation in the Southside Plan.
Links to the approved documents and effective dates (if applicable) are listed below:
- Southside Plan (effective September 27, 2011, Resolution No. 65,473-N.S.), which includes:
- Table of Contents
- Introduction and Plan Goals
- Southside Planning Process
- Related Planning Studies
- Land Use and Housing Element
- Transportation Element
- Economic Development Element
- Community Character Element
- Public Safety Element
- Appendix A: Southside Opportunity Sites
- Appendix B: Circulation Alternatives Considered in the DEIR
- Appendix C: Designated or Listed Historic Resources as of April 2009
- Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) (Resolution No. 65,471-N.S.)
- General Plan Amendments (effective September 27, 2011, Resolution No. 65,473-N.S.)
- Zoning Ordinance Amendments (effective November 12, 2011), which includes:
- Southside Design Guidelines (approved by the Planning Commission on April 6, 2011, effective September 27, 2011)
Background Documents and Information
The Draft Southside Plan was first published in January 2000. Jointly sponsored and prepared by the City of Berkeley and the University of California at Berkeley, the Draft Southside Plan contained specific policies regarding land use, housing, traffic and circulation, economic development, public safety, urban design, and historic preservation.
After publication of the January 2000 Draft Plan, the Draft Plan was reviewed and refined through a series of community (working group) meetings and discussions at the Planning Commission. The Southside Plan Planning Commission Subcommittee held further public meetings to review elements of the Draft Southside Plan.
The December 2001 draft of the Southside Plan (the Subcommittee Draft) was reviewed and changes were incorporated by the Planning Commission during 2002. In the spring and summer of 2003, the Planning Commission considered additional changes and amended the draft plan. The current version of the plan is now available for public review.
In 2008, the Planning Commission directed staff to review the 2003 version and, as necessary, update outdated or inconsistent policies and zoning recommendations, review text for consistency with policies, and add updates to the text. This resulted in the 2009 Draft Plan, which is shown in a track-changes format. As a result of this process, staff identified proposed changes that would require explicit Planning Commission approval. These issues were discussed at four Planning Commission Subcommittee meetings in the summer of 2009 and the fall of 2010; final direction on these issues was given at the December 8, 2010, Planning Commission meeting. The direction from this meeting resulted in the final document which was considered by the Planning Commission on April 6, 2011.
The environmental review of the Draft Plan began in 2004, with the release of the Notice of Preparation, and the DEIR was completed in 2008. It had a 90-day review period, from April 1, 2008, through June 30, 2008.
On April 6, 2011, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the Plan and related documents. At that meeting, the Planning Commission voted to forward the Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Map amendments, General Plan amendments, and the FEIR to the Council with a recommendation for approval. The Planning Commission also approved the Southside Design Guidelines, which will go into effect if the Southside Plan is adopted. The City Council held a workshop on June 14, 2011, to discuss the Southside Plan FEIR, and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, General Plan, and General Plan Map. The Plan and associated documents were approved by Council at the public hearing held September 27, 2011. Minor revisions were made to the Southside Plan at that time. |
Cooperative, incorporated on December 23, 1936, was the first rural
electric cooperative formed in Oklahoma. Since the energizing of the
first electric meter on December 4, 1937, Cimarron has grown from
its original 446 consumers to over 15,000. Headquartered in
Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Cimarron Electric provides electrical service
to consumers in Kingfisher, Blaine, Major, Dewey, Custer, Garfield,
Logan, Canadian and Oklahoma counties.
consumer members are actually owners of Cimarron Electric, "service
first" is the Co-op's motto. Fifty-two
employees located in Kingfisher, Cashion, Hennessey, Okeene and
Watonga, make up the cooperative's work force. These men and women
are instrumental in serving their communities through civic
organizations, school activities and church affiliations. |
THE STORY OF US
About The Production
The history of The Story of Us
began with a conversation between Rob Reiner and producer/writer Alan Zweibel
when they were working on the film North.
"We started talking about doing a movie about what it means to be married
for a long period of time... the ins and outs, the difficulties of staying
married," says Reiner. "Our couple is going through a lot, and they're
going to determine whether or not they're able to make a go of it or wind up
getting divorced." Reiner continues that "there are movies about
people getting divorced and the trauma of divorce, but you never see movies
about all the stuff in between, the difficulties of what it is to have an
ongoing, committed relationship."
The producers/writers, Alan Zweibel and Jessie Nelson, delved into this
project utilizing their own personal experiences to truthfully examine marriage.
As Nelson says, "No one ever told me how hard it would be. You fall in and
out of love. There are magical times, and then there are challenging
Zweibel adds, "A lot of the scenes did, in fact, happen to me in my life. I
was living a lot of it, as were Jessie and Rob." At times, Zweibel says, he
had no idea how certain scenes would turn out until he resolved them in his own
marriage. Zweibel and Nelson would collaborate on a Monday morning and, says
Zweibel, "We got together and it became almost like therapy sessions."
The title of the film was also a
collaboration between Zweibel and Nelson. Jessie went to meet Alan at his home
for a preliminary project meeting. During her visit, Jessie noticed a beautiful
book- a bound and illustrated narrative written by Alan as a gift to his wife
titled The Story of Us. In this book, he composed an account of their
relationship's highs and lows. Zweibel explained that for every holiday,
birthday and anniversary he would buy a present for his wife and, inevitably,
she would return it the very next day. This gift-giving "ceremony"
continued throughout the first decade of their marriage until, for their 10th
wedding anniversary, Alan created this account of their relationship, which he
determined she could not return to any store! Nelson knew that The Story of Us
was the perfect title for the project they were scripting.
Nelson remembers the first time she heard Pfeiffer at a table reading. "It
was a mind-blowing experience. We knew what an extraordinary actress she was and
how moving it would be, but we had no idea how funny she was!"
Recalling her first impression of the script, Pfeiffer says "it was so
funny and smart. I don't think there has been a movie about this subject matter.
When you see a story about a marriage on the rocks, or a relationship falling
apart, it is usually the result of something huge. The truth of the matter is,
most relationships or marriages fall apart because of the day to day
This daily grind has been felt by a plethora of women, including many
crewmembers who were involved in the making of the film. One member of the crew
explained the film to her friend by declaring that "Michelle Pfeiffer is
Pfeiffer tends to agree with this statement, "Katie is like a lot of women
that I know who are basically juggling everything, and I think [they] get
overwhelmed by that and begin to resent their mates for not meeting them
"Eventually, over time, you just lose touch with each other, wi
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Akershus University College, Lillestrom, Norway. firstname.lastname@example.org
Note: this information is from 2009 and may not be completely up to date. Information is taken from the most recent article we have where Eikeseth S is the first author. Also, it is possible for multiple authors named Eikeseth S to have articles in the CIRRIE database.
Eikeseth S has been an author on 12 articles in the CIRRIE database. The 5 most recent are:
Gale CM, Eikeseth S, Rudrud E. (2011 ). [Functional assessment and behavioural intervention for eating difficulties in children with autism: a study conducted in the natural environment using parents and ABA tutors as therapists.]. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 41(10):1383-96.
Eldevik S, Jahr E, Eikeseth S, Hastings RP, et al. (2010). Cognitive and adaptive behavior outcomes of behavioral intervention for young children with intellectual disability. Behavior Modification 34(1):16-34.
Eikeseth S. (2009). Outcome of comprehensive psycho-educational interventions for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities 30(1):158-78.
Hayward D, Eikeseth S, Gale C, Morgan S. (2009). Assessing progress during treatment for young children with autism receiving intensive behavioural interventions. Autism 13(6):613-33.
Eikeseth S, Smith T, Jahr E, Eldevik S. (2007). Outcome for children with autism who began intensive behavioral treatment between ages 4 and 7: a comparison controlled study. Behavior Modification 31(3):264-78.
The most used subject headings in articles written by this author in the CIRRIE database are: |
Arunahmgowda Started The Discussion:
I am working as a HR Executive, i am looking for core knowledge in HR field as i am looking for change.
i want to know about end to end recruitment including recruitment process and recruitment explain.
Please do the needful
Thanks and regards,
Aruna Kumara HM
well if u r talking about recruitment it is totally diff. from selection and hiring. recruitment is just calling up candidates in the co. premises. 2nd step is interview and then is selection so to recruit means shortlisting candidates for interviews just like staffing co.'s do!!!!!
Any Please Comment on this with the Actual if it is not exact...
Hhooo, Sorry its a topic of End to End Recruitment, but i have posted End to End HR Function...
For an End to an End Recruitment, Identifying actual requirement of that Particular Job, Fixing up slap for Min/max Qualification/Requirement for the Post, Advertising in Media/Publications/Job Fairs, Conductive Interview, Testing/Screening (Aptitude, Skills, Comunication, Appearance, etc.,.), Selection, Negotiation, Finalising and Placement.....
"A Right person in a Right Time at a Right Place to a Right Job...."
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Report Of Mayor’s Green Ribbon Task Force On Climate Protection
Appointment And Operation Of The Task Force
Responding to the challenge of global warming, Mayor Judy Kleinberg stated in her 2006 State of the City address that she would establish a Green Ribbon Task Force on Climate Protection, serving the Palo Alto/Stanford community, to “better galvanize our community to work on the problem of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, and to recommend tangible steps and local actions by all stakeholder groups, including the City, to reduce global warming and encourage sustainable practices.”
To recommend an achievable and measurable set of policies and actions to meet or beat the Governor’s greenhouse gas emission-cutting goals (2000 levels by 2010, 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050).
To achieve significant, measurable reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Palo Alto/Stanford area through positive actions in all sectors of the population. |
After a couple of days of rain and warmth, we will see what will most likely be a final blast of winter by Tuesday night.
Yesterday's high in Montreal was close to 25 degrees. Tuesday night's low is expected to plummet to -8, accompanied by gusty winds and 2 to 4 centimetres of snow, just for good measure.
But the winter weather won't last for long.
Davis Phillips, the senior climatologist at Environment Canada, says normal temperatures will return by the long Easter weekend, and after that, there's an excellent chance that the cold and snow will be winter's last hurrah.
"Our models are looking for mid-April to mid-May as normal, normal conditions," Philips says. "And that's good, because [Montreal has] been colder than normal every month since November."
Beyond that, he says, we're looking at warmer than normal conditions.
"Maybe if that is the case, it'll get our mind off of what it seems was a tough winter, with some April surprises." |
One of the true pleasures of reporting on the insurance industry’s response, or non-response, to Hurricane Katrina was meeting, and reading the reporting of, the principal Gulf-area papers’ reporters on the insurance angle, Rebecca Mowbray of the Times-Picayune and Anita Lee of the SunHerald of Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss.
It is heartwarming to see them still on the case, four years later. It is heartbreaking to read what they are reporting.
Mowbray: “Report dubs FEMA poor watchdog”
That one, from September 22, is about how the government fails to supervise the private insurers who administer the federal flood program under a “private-public partnership” (always a good idea to check your wallet when you read those words):
The GAO report says that one-third to two-thirds of all flood premiums collected each year go to the private insurance companies administering the program, depending on the number of claims each year.
That’s for expenses, people. Insurers under this program bear no risk. What financial product comes with a 66% load?
The story says the government also does a poor job of preventing insurers from assigning damage that was actually caused by wind, which insurers must pay, to flood, which is paid by, guess who? And you wonder why the government doesn’t work.
Oh, don’t get me started. But do read this fascinating 2007 Mowbray story on how Allstate spent government money like it was going out of style, but when its own money was involved, treated nickels like manhole covers. And this was in the same house.
And here’s one from Lee yesterday: “Wind Coverage Counts”
This one reports on a landmark ruling by the Mississippi Supreme Court, which, after four years of litigation, finally ruled that wind policies cover damage caused by, um, wind.
I’ll explain. When Katrina hit in the predawn hours of August 29, 2005, wind howled for hours, doing untold damage, and then, around mid-morning, the massive wind pressure that defines a hurricane displaced the Gulf water up onto shore and over what was left of the houses. This was called a storm surge.
These facts are not seriously in dispute. So who pays? Well, logically, you might split the difference because, really, who know what caused what damage?
But no. You see, state insurance regulators, in their captivity, allowed insurers to include something in homeowners’ policies called the “anti-concurrent causation clause”—swear to God—that said in, effect, that if an uncovered cause (water) also does damage, even hours or days later, then the insurer is not responsible for any of it. Say, as happened in many cases, the wind blew those houses away, leaving only a slab, and the water washed over the slab, insurers could and did claim that water contributed. Claim denied. Don’t believe me? Here’s the language in the policy, from the Mississippi ruling (my emphasis):
We do not insure for loss caused directly or indirectly by any of the following. Such loss is excluded regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any sequence to the loss.
In insurance law, ties are supposed to go to policyholder, because, among other reasons, they don’t write the contract and must accept whatever language the insurer provides. And a federal judge in Gulfport, L.T. Senter, ruled the language “ambiguous,” and threw out the clause in a clear rebuke to the regulators who allowed it. But the conservative-dominated Fifth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals in 2007 overturned Senter and upheld the contract. The tie in that case went to the insurers. And as Countrywide and The Wall Street Journal editorial page will surely tell you, a contract is a contract.
The trouble is, insurance law is different precisely because of the asymmetry of power and information inherent in insurance contracts. Insurers already have the money. Policyholders’ only serious recourse is the courts.
The latest ruling deals with a separate case brought in state court, which had sought a guidance from the high court on the policy language before proceeding with the trial.
The Mississippi high court opinion is well worth reading and found in a link to Lee’s story. It makes the commonsense point that:
No reasonable person can seriously dispute that if a loss occurs, caused by either a covered peril (wind) or an excluded peril (water), that particular loss is not changed by any subsequent cause or event.
Once it’s a loss, it’s not undone by something else.
All this pettifogging may seem obscure, but that’s kind of the point. These are details you only care about if you are fighting for your house. |
Large-scale competitive and economic forces are confronting news organizations, old and new. This chapter identifies sixteen features of the digital world that are transforming the business of news, including changes in audience, aggregation, distribution, customer experience, cost structure, innovation cycles, and advertising.
• Companies discussed: McClatchy, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Admeld, Examiner.com, Groupon
Digital audiences often far outnumber those for broadcast or print news outlets, but online ad revenue is usually a fraction of what’s earned in traditional news media. One reason is the difficulty sites have keeping readers’ attention. The most loyal users typically make up a small part of the audience but look at the most pages per visit. Some news organizations are retooling their approach to derive more revenue from those users.
• Companies discussed: The New York Times, Houston Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, Scout Analytics, Gawker Media, PBS, The Dallas Morning News, Examiner.com, The Atlantic, Tumblr, New York, Newser, Mashable
Despite the general distress in the news industry, some community sites have succeeded. The economics of local and niche news providers are much different than those of large sites, and they capture some benefits by operating at such a small scale: low costs, local ties and creative online ad sales strategies. Networks such as Patch are attempting to be local to their audiences but national in their technology and ad sales, with uncertain success so far.
• Companies discussed: TBD, Main Street Connect, Patch, Baristanet, Alaska Dispatch, The Batavian, PaperG, Daily Candy
Journalism companies are grappling with a stream of innovations in digital media. Most organizations have tried to develop new ways to report and distribute stories, and many are making substantial investments to enable their work to appear on attractive new devices. Companies must constantly evaluate where to invest and how much. Video has been a special challenge. Publishers know that advertisers will pay a premium for video, but the video audience remains small at many news sites.
• Companies discussed: The Wall Street Journal, The Daily, Wired, Sports Illustrated, The Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News, CNN, New York, LIN Media, Forbes, Detroit Free Press
Publishers cite several reasons to charge for news online. One is to increase subscription revenue, another is to slow erosion in print audiences. Even before the Internet, subscription revenue didn’t amount to much; Americans are used to paying little for their news. With few exceptions, digital pay plans have not been able to make up for declining advertising revenue offline. Digital subscriptions may pay off in the years to come, but only if media companies can persuade consumers to use, and pay for, mobile platforms like smartphones and tablets.
• Companies discussed: The Wall Street Journal, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Dallas Morning News, The Miami Herald, Financial Times, Newport Daily News, The New York Times
The arguments about companies like Huffington Post mask the reality that aggregation has long been a feature of the journalism business, and one that almost every news provider engages in today in some fashion. It makes economic sense to create and enrich content by linking to material that appears elsewhere, and aggregation is among the cheapest and most efficient ways to get users.
• Companies discussed: The Huffington Post, AOL, Google, Yahoo, New York, Newser
The notion of “trading dollars for dimes” captures the impact of digital distribution on the economics of the news business. Without having to make the steep investment that used to be required to launch a media business, low-cost local or topical sites have found it easier to build audiences. Legacy news producers face a trickier challenge: to cut costs and boost online revenue while trying to protect traditional advertising sources.
• Companies discussed: CT Mirror, Journal-Register, Breaking Media, Business Insider, The Atlantic, Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News
Media companies that successfully make the transition to the digital world are developing new businesses and twists on old ones. These include selling marketing services to advertisers, beating Craigslist at its own game, and broadening their sales beyond their own sites.
• Companies discussed: Houston Chronicle, KSL.com/Deseret News, McClatchy, Izea, Groupon, The Atlantic, Facebook
Every digital news organization faces relentless competition; some do better than others through high-quality management. Because digital news products are in a state of flux, it is critical for news companies to understand data and respond quickly. Hiring and compensation of journalists have been made more complicated as metrics have entered the picture. Some media companies are developing programs to encourage advertisers and marketers to contribute content directly in ways that wouldn’t have been countenanced in the past.
• Companies discussed: The Huffington Post, AOL, CNNMoney, LIN Media, Forbes, Tumblr, GQ
To download this section as a PDF, click here. |
Transcript of audio:
This week's readings compel us to reflect on intimacy with God.
Witnessing miracles and feeling God's protection on their journey out of Egypt, the Israelites committed to serve Him. They trusted Him as the one true God and their intimacy grew stronger. But after spending some time in the Promised Land, their trust and commitment began to waiver. In the scripture reading we find Joshua not only recommitting his life to God, but also challenging the Israelites to renew their trust and commitment to serve God.
Joshua and the Israelites remind us that God wants an intimate relationship with each of us. Do you feel you have deep intimacy with God? Commit to Him and trust in His plan for you. The reward of an intimate union with God will be a level of happiness beyond your imagination...both in this life and the next. |
DNA TESTING OF MUNRO CADET FAMILIES
Greetings to Munros in Scotland,
You have something precious-- the DNA of our ancestors. During previous times of hardship in Scotland, members of earlier generations of your family left seeking to find a better way to provide for their families . Their descendants live all over the world. For those interested in their heritage, research is easier as more records are placed on the internet, however that only can be done when records exist! Sadly, many records have been destroyed for any number of reasons. Consequently, many Munros are up against a brick wall and look to DNA research as a way to circumvent obstacles. We need your help and your participation. The genealogy committee of the Clan Munro Association, U.S.A., Inc. is actively seeking donations world-wide to pay for Scots to take a DNA test.
Charles Munroe is spear-heading a DNA study of cadet families. In his article that follows, there is a brief description of what you would need to do in taking a test. What the genealogy committee wants understood is that the 112 participants in the Munro Project desire the participation of any interested Scot. Participants live in Australia, Canada, England, France, Scotland and the United States. Included in the group is the Munro of Foulis-Obsdale, a distant cousin of Chief Hector Munro. Two of our newest participants are a descendant of the three Alexander Monros, the famous anatomists, as well as a self-described cowboy from Uvalde, Texas, who is a member of President James Monroe’s line. It’s an interesting, eclectic bunch of folks who claim Scotland as their ancestral home. Won’t you help us? If interested, please contact me.
Best regards to each of you,
Margaret Dorris Bardin
4071 Young Street
Pasadena, TX 77504
Although the Clan Munro Associations worldwide can now claim one of the largest Scottish genealogical data bases, it still has gaps that need to be filled. Prior to the middle of the 19th century records of births, marriages and deaths were not systematically kept by governments and most genealogical information was recorded by churches or written in family Bibles. Many of these records have long since disappeared and as a result many descendants of the Munros who left Scotland long ago need the assistance of their cousins in Scotland in order to fill in the gaps in their genealogy. In the last few decades modern technology has made it possible to do so through DNA testing.
This a not a solicitation for money. Munros in the United States, Canada, Australia and elsewhere will be encouraged to donate money to a fund to purchase DNA test kits and to provide them at no cost to our Scottish cousins. Even the postage will be prepaid. If interested in helping, all that is asked of you is :
1) Make an effort to find a living male Munro, of one of the thirty-eight cadet families, who can trace his ancestry back a few hundred years. Even though there are female descendants of cadet families, the male Y-chromosome test is used for surname projects.
2) For those interested, please contact Charles Munroe at email@example.com, or 3043 Amarillo Avenue Simi Valley, CA 93063-1703 USA or call 805-905-8708. Your contact information will be needed as well as the cadet family represented.
As offers to participate are received they will be advertised on Clan Munro web sites and publications in an effort to solicit funds from Clan Munro members outside of Scotland in order to purchase DNA test kits from Family Tree DNA. A test kit contains two small vials with small brushes about the size of a ladies eyebrow brush. All that is involved is to gently brush the inside of the cheek with the brushes and return them in the vials in a prepaid envelope. It is not necessary to reveal from whom the sample was taken other than the cadet family that person represents. The test takes only a few minutes and is strictly confidential.
In two to three months the test results will be posted on the Family Tree DNA web site at http://www.Familytreedna.com/public/MunroDNA/default.aspx?section=yresults.
The results will be identified only by the kit number. Later I will post on the Clan Munro web site the kit number and the cadet family it represents. The name of the person tested will be known only to that person unless he desires that his name be known. The initial test will involve 12 markers; if it matches the 12 DNA markers of another Munro, or group of Munros, they may opt to have the testing increased to a 25 or 37 markers. Further testing helps in narrowing the time period when a common ancestor lived. This will not require anything further from the provider as the testing laboratory maintains the original sample, and the cost is borne by the person or persons requesting further testing.
By volunteering to take the test you may help fill in gaps in the family tree of Clan Munro, and in addition you may find that you have far more relatives than you ever imagined. Please volunteer and spread the word.
Add: "Most Distant Known Ancestor"
If you have not already done so could you please add details of your "Most Distant Known Ancestor" to your personal homepage at FTDNA otherwise a blank will be displayed for that field in your results entry. The project accepts results from both Y-DNA and mtDNA, but the direct line must come originally from Scotland.
- This can be entered by first logging into your Family Tree DNA homepage
- On the left hand side bar under "My Account" will be found "User Preferences"
- Once this has been opened about half way down will be found "Displaying the Most Distant Known Ancestor"
- Information to include consists of the following: name of the individual, date, event type and importantly the geographical location
- Remember if it is a mtDNA test you have taken the ancestor will be a female!
Here is a typical example of how the details can be entered: Donald Munro b.1787 Fearn, Ross & Cromarty
If you do not know the name of the individual or event, just insert the surname and geographical location.
Disclaimer: Family Tree DNA is not responsible for the safety and security of files downloaded from third-party sites. If at any time you want to stop receiving e-mails from your DNA Project Administrator, please go to the "Setup Preferences" section of your personal page and change the corresponding setting. |
Why is music silenced in the arts debate?
Helen Wallace asks why classical music remains on the back foot in arts coverage
I’ll never forget that particular episode of a popular arts review show. A member of the critics panel had chosen Rossini’s William Tell Overture as their object of desire. The conversation went as follows: ‘Wow! It’s great, isn’t it?’ ‘Yeah. Saw that on a film once.’ ‘It’s got – such – momentum!’ ‘Yeah, it’s… unstoppable!’ ‘Yeah’. Ends.
Rossini’s burst of ebullience had stumped the lot of them. There was no one there with an ability to give a dramatic context, a historical or political perspective or to unpick how the composer achieved his masterly feat.
No wonder art music is such a rare subject on the general arts review programme, be it on radio or television, BBC, Channel 4 or Sky. There’s never a talking head who can talk about it. At the end of March, BBC Four’s Review Show bit the dust (the final incarnation of the Late Review/Newsnight Review) just as Director General Tony Hall announced a big new commitment to the arts. One can only hope that a new format review show emerges from the ashes which breaks the mould.
Scanning through a list of subjects discussed on arts programmes in 2014 so far I can see books, magicians, films, TV series, plays, theatre productions, art and museum exhibitions, poetry, comedy shows, a Bruce Springsteen album... In one show’s People of the Year 2013 Marin Alsop is the single representative of classical music. No composer makes the cut. Looking at the commentators, there are columnists, critics, authors, academics, broadcasters and playwrights, but no one with a background in music. Even the Financial Times’ PR columnist Mrs Moneypenny is apparently a better bet to join the hallowed ranks of arts commentators than anyone known for their musical opinions.
Germaine Greer on BBC Two’s Late Review in the late 1990s proved you could argue about Wagner, Hollywood and Eastenders in the same breath, but when she went back to Australia, no one filled her place. No one needed to: music had slipped off the agenda. However bizarre or obscure the art of the Turner Prize nominees, it must be discussed; but 25 years of spectacular new British operas have passed without general comment: Turnage’s Greek, Adès The Tempest, Birtwistle’s The Minotaur, Benjamin’s Written on Skin, to name but four of the greatest.
One would have thought that Alex Ross’s The Rest Is Noise might have changed this. Here was a highly accessible survey which gave recent music history a socio-political context for the lay reader. The festival it spawned at the South Bank had record attendance. Ross brilliantly showed that Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, Ligeti’s Requiem, Stockhausen’s Gruppen, and Reich’s Drumming had just as much to tell us about Western culture in the 20th century as did Picasso’s Guernica, Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, the poetry of Pablo Neruda or the buildings of Le Corbusier.
But there’s a persistent perception that anyone with an interest in music exists in a hermetically-sealed world. Despite the best efforts of Matthew Barley (Classical Star), Howard Goodall (The Story of Music, Big Bangs) Charles Hazlewood (with too many to name) and a host of fascinating recent music programmes, such as David Starkey’s Music and Monarchy, when it comes to general arts reporting, there’s a suspicion that the dandruff-dusted, be-sandalled music commentator will be desperately out of touch. In fact, the majority of music critics I know have backgrounds in literature, languages, philosophy and politics. They read novels (yes, imagine that), see films, go to the theatre and even – horror of horrors – watch TV.
So let’s hope the producers and commissioners are actually watching Suzy Klein’s new series Majesty, music and mischief, part of the BBC’s 18th Century Britain season. It might remind them that music both reflects and impacts on society just as powerfully as any of the arts - and that there are people out there who can explain how. |
Anton Reicha (Antonín Rejcha; February 26, 1770 - May 28, 1836) was a Bohemian composer, born in Prague. An associate of Bernard and Andreas Romberg and Franz Joseph Haydn as well as an exact contemporary and friend of Ludwig van Beethoven, Reicha's reputation lies primarily with his 25 wind quintets and his theoretical writings on music. His copious chamber music includes an octet for strings and winds, ten string quintets, thirty-seven string quartets, five quintets for wind and strings, several piano trios and violin sonatas, and a large body of solo piano music. There are also eight symphonies, three large-scale choral works, and eight operas.
It has been said that Reicha is to the wind quintet what Haydn is to the string quartet – he almost single-handedly established the combination of flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon as an important form. Reicha's contributions to other forms are only now being seriously investigated. The string quartets and quintets, in particular, deserve to be better known, as do his novel and inventive symphonic works. In later life, as professor of counterpoint and fugue at the Paris Conservatoire, Reicha taught Hector Berlioz, Franz Liszt, Charles Gounod, and César Franck, among many others. |
|Green Metallic Bee, Ailanthus Webworm Moth and Hoverfly.|
I appreciate all the pollinators at Clay and Limestone, but, my favorite are the bees.
|Green metallic bee on salvia leaf|
In the United States, honey bees, bumble bees, and approximately 4000 species of solitary bees pollinate agricultural crops, our garden plants, and plants of lawn, meadow and forest. How we garden and the habitat we create can contribute to the our native bee's health and survival in an often hostile world.
According to conservation biologists
- "bees are “keystone organisms” in most terrestrial ecosystems. That is all of us land dwellers!
- Bees are essential for maintaining the integrity, productivity and sustainability of many types of ecosystems: the forest understory, pastures, fields, meadows, roadsides, many agricultural crops, fruit orchards, and backyard vegetable and flower gardens. That is all that we admire and love.
- Without bees, many flowering plants would eventually become extinct. Can you think of any you want to say so long to?
- Without the work of bees, many fruit- and seed-eating birds and some mammals, including people, would have a less varied and less healthy diet. We need our pollinators! (source)
|Although, this family includes brightly colored metallic bees,|
the majority of halictids are drably colored and small like this small carpenter bee
- Plant more native plants~annual and perennial~known to attract bees in your garden region
- Make sure you have several different plants in bloom from early spring to late fall
- Eliminate the use of insecticides that are toxic to bees and other beneficial pollinators
- Provide shelter from the wind, rain, or cold
- Provide nesting spots~Soft and exposed soil, decaying logs, nesting boxes, research what they need.
- Don't be in such a hurry to tidy up the garden or cover every piece of earth with mulch
- Provide water
We can do this. Together we can make a big difference. xxoogail
This is the second in a series on native bees and other pollinators in our gardens. Other posts about bees you might enjoy are also listed.
Part I~Now Is The Time To Bee-gin Thinking About Bees ( here)
This Is The Place To Bee ( here)
Bumblebee Hotel (here)
Still Taking Care Of Bzzness (here)
My Sweet Embraceable You (here)
A Splendid Creature For Your Garden (here)
*The Green Metallic Bee is also known as a Sweat Bee. And, yes, they are attracted to the gardener's salty sweat and, yes, they can sting. In case you wondered: their sting is rated 1.0 on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index~making it almost painless! (1.0= Light, ephemeral, almost fruity. A tiny spark has singed a single hair on your arm.) But, pain is subjective~be careful out there. If you are allergic to bee stings even this tiny bite can be dangerous.
This post was written by Gail Eichelberger for my blog Clay and Limestone Copyright 2011. Please contact me for permission to copy, reproduce, scrape, etc. |
Elections have consequences — that’s a favorite line of Washington Democrats this year as they use their new power to challenge the president and change Congress’ agenda. And it’s becoming true in Cleveland as well. Thanks to new Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and a Cuyahoga County jury, our botched elections have consequences too.
Brunner forced all four members of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections to resign in March and April, ending three years of incompetence, arrogance, excuses and broken laws. Four other elections officials who did a shoddy job of protecting our right to vote have also been fired or forced to resign, including two supervisors convicted of tampering with the 2004 presidential recount.
No one who cares about democracy should feel bad for them. Until Brunner stepped in, they were still insisting they’d done a good job. The May 2006 election’s long lines, badly trained poll workers, absentee ballots that wouldn’t scan and mutilated recount paper trails were one-time mistakes, they said, the natural growing pains of a county adjusting to electronic voting. “The May election was an anomaly,” board chairman Bob Bennett said in February, right after accepting elections director Michael Vu’s resignation.
Never mind the 2004 presidential election, when, with the whole world watching swing-state Ohio, our elections agency made mistakes that shook the country’s confidence in our ability to hold a clean vote. Never mind that the board of elections lost about 3,600 county residents’ votes to screw-ups that year (see “Your Vote Counts ... Or Does It?”, October 2006), from people being allowed to vote in the wrong line to voter registrations disappearing because a hard-to-use software system made data-entry errors easy.
Never mind that citizens groups warned the board of elections about those mistakes, but the board certified the 2004 election anyway. Never mind that two law professors warned, beforehand and afterward, that the recount procedures were illegal.
Bennett and Vu never admitted making any mistakes in that election. “I thought we had an amazingly smooth election in 2004,” Bennett told me last August. “As far as 2004 goes, I think for the most part, everything went well,” Vu told me then.
The board treated the voting activists who warned otherwise as special pleaders and meddlers. “Activists have only one purpose: to embarrass,” Bennett told The Plain Dealer in December.
Actually, the activists were trying to save Bennett and Co. from embarrassment. But our elections officials would not be denied.
After so much imperiousness and bumbling, Brunner’s 18-page complaint, filed against Bennett and the other board member who resisted resigning, reads like a moment of clarity. It notes that the board ignored citizens’ complaints about the cancelled voter registrations for a year and a half — and still hadn’t fixed the problem in time for the 2006 elections. And although our elections officials congratulated themselves for running a better election in November 2006 than in May, our fall vote was still marred by thousands of people voting without signing the poll books, poor security for ballots and vote-counting machines, and thousands of ballots printed with errors on them.
In December 2004, witnesses at Cuyahoga County’s official presidential recount were alarmed to see long stretches of Kerry ballots and long stretches of Bush ballots go by — a sure sign the votes had been counted and sorted beforehand. George Taylor, a law professor representing the Kerry campaign, went to the next board of elections meeting and complained. Jacqui Maiden, a midlevel supervisor, admitted that the ballots had been presorted. She said elections workers had done so before recounts for years.
“It raises the possibility, the suspicion there’s been some manipulation,” Taylor argued. The board certified the recount anyway. Another Kerry lawyer complained to the board and Cuyahoga County prosecutor Bill Mason, who passed the complaint to Kevin Baxter, a special prosecutor.
Baxter investigated and charged Maiden and another supervisor, Kathy Dreamer, with rigging the recount. Not only had elections workers illegally counted the ballots before the official recount, Baxter said, they had set aside precincts that didn’t match the official count and replaced them with those that did. Their motive, Baxter suggested, was laziness. If the 3 percent hand-counted sample hadn’t matched a machine recount, elections workers would have had to count all 687,000 ballots by hand, which might have taken weeks or months.
For two years, the board of elections members insisted that Maiden and Dreamer had done nothing wrong. “These allegations are based on interpretation of procedures, not on any suggestion of fraud,” the board said in a 2006 statement. “We are confident that no employee of the Board of Elections would knowingly or negligently engage in any unlawful conduct.”
Maiden and Dreamer’s lawyers argued that presorting recounts had been an unofficial, unwritten procedure at the elections office for 20 years. They denied that their clients had rigged the recount.
But at trial, three elections workers testified that some precincts were taken out and replaced with other precincts during the presorting and precounting that Maiden and Dreamer supervised.
Why? Kevin Baxter asked. “Because they didn’t match our official count,” said ballot counter James Santora.
The jury found Maiden and Dreamer guilty on two counts, negligent misconduct and failure to perform their duties — a felony and a misdemeanor. They were acquitted on five other counts, including willful misconduct. (A third defendant was acquitted of all charges.)
Roger Synenberg, Dreamer’s lawyer, argued that the verdict meant his client and Maiden hadn’t rigged the recount. “Rigging implies intentional conduct, which they were not convicted of,” he said at the March sentencing.
Judge Peter Corrigan didn’t buy it. “It was a charade, when you did the official recount in front of witnesses — it was predetermined, it wasn’t random,” he told Maiden and Dreamer. “You had to know that this was wrong. It was a fraud on those witnesses. It was a fraud on the public.”
Furious, he sentenced them to 18 months in prison. Yes, elections have
After Brunner asked the Board of Elections to resign, an enraged Bennett led off the next board meeting with a vindictive, character-assassinating tirade. He blamed Dreamer and Maiden’s convictions on everyone except Dreamer, Maiden and the board. Outrageously, Bennett blamed the whistle-blower — Fran Lally, Vu’s executive assistant — for telling the board’s lawyer, Reno Oradini from the prosecutor’s office, about the precounting but not informing the board. “I can tell Mr. Lally that his days of landing at the Board of Elections whenever he is laid off [from] his other public employment are over, as long as I have anything to say about the matter,” Bennett threatened. He also blamed Oradini for not passing on Lally’s news until just after the recount was certified.
Bennett apparently thought a vast left-wing conspiracy was the source of his troubles. He even tore into the law professors who’d warned the board it was approving an illegal recount, noting darkly that they had worked for the Kerry campaign. For weeks afterward, until he resigned, Bennett complained that Brunner’s house-cleaning was a partisan attack on him — a ludicrous charge, since Brunner also asked the Democratic board members to resign.
As for Bennett’s attack on Oradini, it’s true that the attorney didn’t serve the board well. He should have told the board what he’d heard about the precounting right away. He’s also partly to blame for the election workers’ most ridiculous illegal act: He told them they could continue to hand-select precincts for sample recounts, even though the law says they have to be chosen randomly. To complete the clean sweep at the elections office, Mason should send the board a new attorney.
But Bennett’s nasty strategy of blaming his lawyer and a whistle-blower was really a poor excuse. The board shouldn’t have needed a lawyer to tell them that “random” doesn’t mean “hand-picked.”
There’s no evidence that the board knew everything Maiden and Dreamer were doing, but by letting employees hand-pick precincts to recount, the board members opened the door to fraud. They should have heeded George Taylor’s warning that the recount appeared to be illegal instead of certifying it. But even if they had ordered a new recount then, Maiden and Dreamer had already committed their crimes and still deserved to be investigated.
Maiden and Dreamer have been portrayed as either victims of bad legal advice or poor innocents taking the fall for their bosses. Before the trial, Bennett claimed that Oradini had signed off on all the board’s recount procedures, and the defense attorneys tried to use that argument in court. But Oradini testified that no one asked him about presorting and precounting.
Oradini, on the other hand, suspected Vu was in charge of the precounting. “There is suspicion that others, higher in management, were involved in this miscarriage of an election recount,” Baxter wrote in a court filing before trial. But when the judge asked the two women at their sentencing if anyone else had directed them to precount, both said no. One witness testified the precount didn’t start until after Dreamer got “direction from upstairs,” but who was upstairs was never established. That’s not enough for an indictment, but it’s a reminder that the botched recount was a failure at every level.
None of that excuses Maiden and Dreamer. Corrigan could have made his point about the seriousness of violating election law with a shorter sentence. But people who tamper with a presidential recount should go to jail.
On May 7, Brunner swore in the new board members. “I don’t want any questions in our state, nationally or around the world about our elections, and it seems that many of the questions that have arisen have centered or started right here in Cuyahoga County,” Brunner told them. “You’re in a perfect position to change that. I have great confidence in all of you.”
At that meeting, our new elections officials set a completely different tone. The board members asked commonsense questions about some of our biggest, simplest Election Day problems. Jeff Hastings, a former county judge, asked how to make sure no one votes without signing in first. Inajo Davis Chappell, an attorney involved with several nonprofits, asked what more can be done to show voters which precinct line to stand in at their polling place. Interim director Jane Platten listed all the improvements she’s made since Vu resigned, including better ballot proofing, voting security and voting-machine testing, plus — for the first time — documenting all the office’s procedures in writing. Competence had replaced confusion.
So why look back on the old, fallen regime? Because remembering the past three years of denials, excuses and half-hearted efforts will also remind us what we must demand of our new elections officials, and how the 2008 presidential vote could end in catastrophe — for Cuyahoga County and the whole country — if our elections system fails again. The activists who critiqued the board of elections’ many mistakes aren’t meddlers. They’re alarmed citizens protecting their right to vote. If the board members had listened to their critics, they could have avoided embarrassing themselves — and Greater Cleveland. |
The studio walls of United Sound Systems in Detroit are meant to quell any echo in the air, but even they couldn’t stop the sound of laughter that came from a group of men one July afternoon who were sifting through a stack of black and white pictures.
I watched in reverence as they passed the pictures back and forth between their worn, but still agile, fingers.
Their memories may be decades old, but their happiness was new with every glance at the pompadour hair styles and references to "Saturday Night Jamboree."
Armed with drawls and guitars, these men were part of Detroit’s earliest rockabilly music scene: Johnny Powers, Jimmy Kirkland and David Rowe Rohelier.
“Back in the early '40s through the mid-'50s, Country music was pretty popular in Detroit,” said Craig “Bones” Maki, author of a book that recounts the genre’s roots in the Motor City. “There was a lot of important music being made before Motown in Detroit.”
What is rockabilly?
“If you really want to get a quick definition of it, it's country players playing blues but doing it with a little bit of jump and energy,” said Maki.
He explained that southerners moving north for factory work brought both their labor and their musical flairs.
“There was so much communication and travel between the South and Detroit, people moving back and forth, visiting friends and what not, that the music scene in Detroit was very up to date with what was going on elsewhere.” Maki “So when Elvis broke out on Sun Records, they were being played up here on jukeboxes. Rockabilly came in pretty early in Detroit.”
For the musicians, it was all about having a good time.
“It was certainly musical and vibrant back then. There was a band in every bar,” said Kirkland, who is now 80 years old. “It didn’t make a difference where you went, you could find music.”
Every type of music was popular in the '50s – whether it was Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, James Brown or Jackie Wilson.
But it was Detroit’s rockabilly musicians who really tuned ears in appreciating a blend of all of them into one unique sound.
“Once we started talking to people, we really found out that there was much more of a colorful scene here. A lot of the young fellas, especially in the early '50s who got into the Country music scene, eventually moved into rock and roll when Elvis started getting popular,” Maki said.
Powers, now 76, was born in Utica.
“I got involved with music because my dad’s side of the family were a bunch of musicians. They played a lot of Polka music. I’m Polish. I recorded my first record here in Detroit on Fortune Records. I paid $100 to record the record,” Powers said.
Powers given name is john Leon Joseph Pavlik, but he took the stage name “Johnny Powers” when the co-owner of Fortune Records saw him eating a “PowerHouse” candy bar.
“The Woodward cruise really started with guys like me,” Powers said. “We used to drive around to restaurants, take our instruments out and play out of the car. We had a convertible. The guy would be flipping a lot of burgers and we’d move to the next restaurant and they would follow us to the next one. So we would go up and down these things, Woodward and buzz Gratiot.”
Powers recorded a global hit, “Long Blond Hair” on Fox Records in Detroit. But the recording studio closed, shuttering the song with it. He then signed with Sun Records and became the first while male singer to sign with Motown Records.
“First of all, to be signed with Sun Records was something everybody wanted,” Powers said.
Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash were just some of the big-name musicians signed to Sun.
“Just to be around those people was phenomenal, and same with Motown - two historic places that will probably never happen again,” Powers said. “Marvin Gaye was a dear friend. Stevie Wonder, I used to pick him up at his home and drive him around. He used to hide my guitar and stuff. I used to say, ‘Stevie, stop that.’ And Diana Ross. I knew them all. It was a family. A family scene at Motown.”
Both Powers and Kirkland are in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
“I didn’t set the world on fire, but I had fun,” he said. “It’s good memories. You feel like you’ve done something in life because of being involved in the music in those days. It was just a fun time.”
Maki said it took him 20 years of research and 10 years of writing, plus help from co-author Keith Cady, to finish his book, “Detroit County Music : Mountaineers, cowboys and Rockabillies.”
The book is available through the University of Michigan Press. |
Bilateral Recession or Unilateral Recession-Resection as Surgery for Infantile Esotropia
Infantile esotropia is corrected in most cases by bilateral recession of the medial rectus muscles (BR) or by unilateral recession of the medial rectus muscle and resection of the lateral rectus muscle (RR). We compared the outcome of these techniques in a randomized prospective study.
Procedure: Bilateral recession
Procedure: Unilateral recession and resection
|Study Design:||Observational Model: Defined Population
Time Perspective: Longitudinal
|Official Title:||A Randomized Comparison of Bilateral Recession With Unilateral Recession-Resection as Surgery for Infantile Esotropia|
|Study Start Date:||January 1998|
|Estimated Study Completion Date:||December 2001|
We randomly assigned 124 patients (average age 5.8) from twelve participating clinics in Germany and the Netherlands to either BR or RR. Patients did not have demonstrable binocular vision at baseline. The angle of strabismus was measured pre- and postoperatively in a standardized fashion. The primary parameter to assess difference between BR and RR was the variation of the latent angle of strabismus at distance at three months postoperatively, secondary outcomes were reduction of convergence excess and binocular vision.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00304577
|Rotterdam, Netherlands, 3015 GD|
|Study Chair:||Huib J. Simonsz, MD, PhD||Erasmus MC, Rotterdam| |
Start-up developing new Web interaction paradigm
The secretive start-up Siri plans to make the interface to the Internet more usable by mere mortals.
In the midst of the financial meltdown and a contentious upcoming election, you might think the U.S. government and taxpayers are just funding wars, bank bailouts, and bridges to nowhere or somewhere. But this is the same government that funded the Internet way back when and is also funding the next generation of technologies that will make the current Internet seem like a Model-T.
Over the last several years, the U.S. government--via DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) grants--has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in PAL, an acronym for "Personalized Assistant that Learns." Smarter software and networks and augmenting human intelligence are useful in times of war and peace.
As part of the PAL project, more than $200 million of DARPA money has been poured into CALO (Cognitive Assistant that Learns and Organizes) over the last five years. CALO has been run out of SRI International with the assistance of 25 research organizations and 400 researchers.
Several companies, including Radar Networks, Farecast (acquired by Microsoft) and Adapx, have been spun out of SRI based on some facet of CALO technology. The latest, Siri, was founded in December last year and has raised $8.5 million in series A funding from Menlo Ventures and Morgenthaler Ventures.
At this point, Siri's management is being secretive about what the company is developing. The elevator pitch goes something like, "Users' online lives are becoming more complicated and getting out of control for mainstream users. What if there was an easy way for normal users (non-power users) to ask the Internet to help them."
According to the Siri PR pitch, the product is "a new interaction paradigm for the consumer Internet experience that applies intelligence at the interface." The company expects to release a beta version of its initial product in the first half of 2009, according to Dag Kittlaus, a former Telenor Mobile and Motorola executive who is a co-founder and CEO of the company.
"We have to be careful at this stage," Kittlaus told me. "We don't like to play these games, but we need to keep a tight lid on what we are specifically doing. We have some original ideas of what the product is going to do, but we don't want to spark ideas among potential competitors." Those competitors would likely be masters of the Internet with large Internet footprints and research prowess like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo.
Kittlaus did allow that Siri has more than a dozen partners, presumably large, well-established distribution players that can help build a consumer market for Siri's product. Unlike most Web start-ups, Siri has a business model, Kittlaus claimed. "We have good business models, both existing and emerging. We think CPA (cost per action) is the future, and this specific application is good for CPA and we are partnering on that."
He also touted the pedigree of the company's current cadre of 19 employees. "They are mostly engineers from Yahoo, Google, SRI, NASA, and Xerox PARC," he said. The chief architect of the CALO project, Adam Cheyer is a co-founder and vice president of engineering at Siri, and Tom Gruber, a well-known artificial intelligence and semantic Web expert, is a co-founder and CTO.
Cheyer described CALO as superset of what Siri is developing. "The CALO project is building an automated assistant to help manage and improve your life. The technology spans all aspects of interaction--natural language processing, speech recognition, and planning and reasoning capabilities--and interfaces with all kinds of systems, such as email and contacts," he said.
"Learning in the wild is core focus," he continued. "We want it to improve over time and learn from users with no coaching and without changing any code. We are taking the key elements from the project to commercialize it in a form that will delight users. We are not building systems that do things but that learn how to do things."
CALO sounds like a representation of the famous Apple Knowledge Navigator video from 1987.
"Siri is a subset of that concept," Cheyer said. "We have to keep in mind existing user behavior. It will feel like something close to what people use a lot. We will add speech recognition and other features as we go. We don't want to take such a leap that people cannot identify with it. We'll do things similar to but more advanced than what we do now. The longer term vision is the Knowledge Navigator, although it is an early chapter now and it might look different than that."
According to Gruber, intelligence at the interface allows the computers to make recommendations, like a personal assistant:
The interfaces we use to interact with the world's information are getting smarter. Web portals gave us someone else's idea of the content we should see. Then came search engines, which let us tell the system what we want, one query at a time. We are about to see the next wave -- intelligence at the interface -- in which the system knows about us, our information, and our physical environment. With knowledge about our context, an intelligent system can make recommendations and act on our behalf.
Siri may be working on more intelligent Web interfaces that can make inferences based a wide variety of user activities (the "lifestream"), learning over time on its own, and then taking actions on behalf of users. For example, if you are booking travel or looking for a restaurant, Siri would know your preferences and about travel sites or restaurants, integrating data and context from multiple sources to deliver personal assistance. This could be especially useful in mobile scenarios where you don't want to wade through pages of search results or deal with complex interactions.
We'll have to wait for next year, if the company stays on schedule, to see whether Siri can really define a new paradigm for experiencing the Web. |
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