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What unpaid labor represents to the Brazilian economy In other Latin American countries, unpaid labor makes up around one-fifth of GDP. But Brazil doesn't even calculate domestic and care work What unpaid labor represents to the Brazilian economy Photo: Sergey Mironov/Shutterstock Since March, when governments around Latin America started to enact lockdowns and other social isolation measures, several sectors of the economy either slowed down or were brought to a standstill. One, however, was unaffected: unpaid labor, largely comprising care work and homemaking. In Brazil, these activities — predominantly carried out by women — are not factored into the calculation of the country’s GDP. But despite lying invisible, this area is an important element of the economy — in some countries, it represents up to one-fifth of GDP. “Our societies organize the production of goods and services based on the relationship... Access all of The Brazilian Report Less expensive than a coffee!
Wildflowers are herbaceous flowering plants that tolerate cold winters. They often grow in the upper woodlands above bogs, pocosin or fens. They prefer partial to full shade, drier areas with woodsy soil that is moist, but well drained, and loose leaf cover. They frequently grow in large colonies along with trillium, may apples and blue bells.They are wonderful companions along the outside margins of carnivorous plant gardens. Wildflowers can grown in acidic, slightly acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline soils, and benefit from the slow release of nutrients from decomposing humus. A good soil mix is 1:1:1 peat:sand:leaf mould. Peat provides the acidic, and moisture holding capacity. Sand provides good drainage with no nutrients. Leaf mould provide a slow and low release of nutrients. Leaf mould is shredded, partially decomposed oak or beech leaves. I prefer not to use perlite because it eventually floats to the surface and can look ugly and become a nuisance. I do not use vermiculite because it eventually decomposes into a slimey clay and compacts the soil. The growing range for most Wildflowers is considerably wide. They naturally grow in Zones 3 to 9 in the eastern half of North America from Alberta and Newfoundland to Georgia and Alabama. This wide, natural range means they are very tolerate of winter conditions. I have found that most do well with winter temperatures of 45°F (7°C) when grown indoors, and outdoors in the ground can take temperatures below -22°F (-30°C). They do benefit from pine needle or weed free hay mulching, about 4-6" deep. This helps retain soil moisture and keeps winter temperatures from extreme fluctuation. shop wildflowers Next article Venus Flytraps
How to Become a Network Administrator Education Pathways, Skills, and Certifications A network administrator is a professional who maintains the performance of a network’s infrastructure. Although it is an often underrated profession, network administration is an important job in the information technology sector. Due to the rapid evolution of tech areas like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things, the need for skilled network administrators has increased. If you’re interested in a career in this field, keep reading this guide to find out how to become a network administrator. What Is a Network Administrator? Get offers and scholarships from top coding schools illustration Find Your Bootcamp Match • Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps • Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses A network administrator builds, maintains, and troubleshoots computer networks. Their role is to monitor a network and spot any errors that could damage its functionality. You’ll find network administrators in almost every industry because most big companies use extensive computer networks to conduct their daily operations. A network administrator works with computer software and hardware, including firewalls, routers, and switchers. What Does a Network Administrator Do? A network administrator will have different responsibilities depending on the network size of the company they work for. However, some basic tasks include setting up a computer network, overseeing it, and developing protection strategies. Below are some details on these key duties. Sets Up a Computer Network Setting up a network involves installing hardware for a company. This might include routers, databases, and servers. However, not all administrators need to build networks. Some are only hired to maintain and troubleshoot existing networks. Troubleshoots the Network Errors can significantly damage a network, so troubleshooting potential problems is an essential part of network administration work. When troubleshooting, you will check the network’s hardware, perform DNS checks, and monitor malware. Sometimes, a network can fall victim to a virus or cyberattack. You will need to implement protection techniques. Protects the Network This is the process of preventing malicious or unauthorized access to a network. To do this, you will install firewalls and maintain anti-virus software. Protecting the network is especially important when there is sensitive information. Network Administration Education Pathways Network administrators must have a background in IT. This usually takes the form of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. Read below to learn more about the education paths and degree programs you can take to become a network administrator. Network Administrator Degrees As a minimum, a network administrator must hold a degree in an IT-related field. However, for many jobs in this area, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is required. You can also opt for a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or shoot for a master’s degree in an area of computer science. Network Administrator Bootcamps A network administrator needs to have some software engineering skills. Although it is rare to find a bootcamp that offers a network administration course, you can instead join a software engineering program to get the skills you need. Bootcamps are popular because they’re more affordable and faster than a formal college education. They are also usually part-time and online, which will allow you to keep your full-time job as you study. Network Administrator Courses One excellent way to start learning about network administration is to sign up for a massive open online course. Most of these are free or very affordable. Although they won’t leave you as prepared as a bootcamp or degree, they will provide you with useful fundamental knowledge. For example, you could learn about network setup and basic troubleshooting. How to Become a Network Administrator: A Step-by-Step Guide Although job requirements will differ, most employers will require that you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree. However, an ideal candidate for a network administrator position will have a combination of education and experience. See the steps below to work toward a career in network administration. Get career training The first thing to do on your journey of becoming a network administrator is to get an education. You can do this either through formal or informal training. A bachelor’s degree will increase your odds of landing a job, but many companies also accept candidates with an associate degree or certificate. Earn a certification Although certification isn’t mandatory to start working as a network administrator, it can help you stand out from other job applicants. It can demonstrate that you have the skills it takes to manage a certain type of computer system. Cisco offers a popular certification for this purpose. Develop your resume Once you’ve received training and certification, you can start developing your resume. Make sure to include the skills you’ve gained and the projects you’ve completed. Including the details of your capstone or personal projects in your resume is important, especially if you don’t have work experience. Gain job experience When starting a new career, it can be hard to get a job if you don’t have any experience in the field. That’s why you need to work on your own projects or get an internship. An internship will provide you with the experience you need to land a full-time job. Start searching for a new job Now that you have education, experience, and a functional resume, you can start looking for a network administration job. Top Network Administrator Skills If you want to build a career in network administration, you should start by developing your skills. Network administrators must have a mix of technical and soft skills. Check out the list below to learn more. Hardware and Software Installation Network administration involves purchasing, testing, and configuring equipment. Network administrators must also know how to choose the correct hardware and software for a particular system according to a company’s needs. As an administrator, you need to set up both virtual private networks (VPNs) and local area networks (LANs). You must also maintain the system and install new equipment when necessary. Programming Literacy Although software development is not the primary task of a network administrator, knowledge of programming fundamentals is important. There is often complicated scripting software used to protect networks. As a network administrator, you can use this software to automate certain tasks and thoroughly troubleshoot a system. Linux Knowledge Linux and Microsoft are the two main types of systems used by network administrators. However, Linux is the most common due to its versatility and integrity. So, Linux is a crucial skill. Network administrators often specialize in this area by becoming certified Linux system administrators. Network Administrator Salary and Job Outlook Network administrators are an important part of any large company. They make sure the computer system is running smoothly and that it is protected from possible threats. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for network administrators is expected to grow by four percent by 2029. This means there will be more jobs in the future. When it comes to wages, the BLS also estimates that network administrators make an average salary of $83,510, which is higher than the national median salary. Entry-Level Network Administrator Job Requirements Most companies require network administrators to have at least an associate degree or an equivalent course certificate. However, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a similar tech field will increase your chances of getting a job. How to Prepare for Your Network Administrator Job Interview To succeed in an interview for a network administrator position, you must be prepared to answer both technical and non-technical questions. Recruiters will want to know that you also have soft skills like resilience, problem-solving, and communication. Below are a few questions that may come up in your interview. Network Administrator Job Interview Practice Questions • What are the differences between a router and a switch? • What is your background in configuration management? • How can you diagnose a DNS? • What is a LAN? • What steps do you take to keep your skills up to date? • What are your go-to auditing tools? Network Administrator Certifications Network Administrator Certifications Network administration certifications are a great way to showcase your expertise. Below, we’ve listed some of the most highly regarded network administration certifications. CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Network+ is an entry-level certification that demonstrates that you have the fundamental skills to work as a network administrator. Some of the topics included in this certification are network security, troubleshooting, and network design. Microsoft Certified IT Professional This Microsoft certification covers several areas of computer science, including network administration. In preparing for this certification, you will need to study network maintenance, operating systems, and web development. Cisco CCNA and CCNP Cisco certifications are very well-respected in the IT sector. This company offers two credentials that will validate your ability as a network administrator. These are the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. These cover network security, access management, and troubleshooting. How Long Does It Take to Become a Network Administrator? The amount of time it takes to get qualified in this field varies depending on the path you pursue. For example, if you attend a coding bootcamp, you can expect to spend six months to a year studying, while an associate degree will last about two years. If you want to complete a bachelor’s degree, it will take four years. Then, you will need to gain some work experience, for which you can expect to commit another year or two. Why You Should Become a Network Administrator in 2021 Network administration is an in-demand IT skill. It’s relevant to any company that uses a computer system in its daily activities, which is almost every industry. If you’re still not convinced, keep in mind that this job comes with a fairly high salary. According to PayScale, the base salary for network administrators is $60,374. This will grow even higher with experience and time. If you’re interested in network security or software and hardware configuration, you should consider working toward a network administrator career. Network Administrator FAQ They both monitor the performance of a particular system. However, a database administrator works specifically with storage and data management, while a network administrator works with the entire computer system. Network administration requires a lot of effort and dedication. You will be fully responsible for how a network operates. This is a big responsibility, but it is also possible that you will be working alongside a team, which will ease your workload. Most network administrators work full-time, which is about 40 hours per week. Many network administrators work remotely because it is possible to configure and protect networks from home. However, an administrator will need to be physically present whenever their job requires that they install new hardware. Get matched to top coding bootcamps Powered By Career Karma You don't have permission to register
Man thinking in front of his computer. Is Coding Hard to Learn? Any aspiring programmer, at some point in their journey, will ask: is coding hard to learn? The truth is, coding can be easy to learn. This is not said to diminish the work of programmers and web designers. It can be easy to understand any skill while being difficult to master. For example, nowadays most people learn to write, but few people master the ability to write well. However, if you follow the suggestions below for learning to code, you’ll find that it’s not so difficult to learn. Soon enough, you’ll master the art of coding. Why Should You Learn to Code? Is coding worth the hassle of learning? The answer is an astounding yes! Learning the skill of coding is worth both the time and effort. Whether for a new career or skill, the benefits are endless. Get offers and scholarships from top coding schools illustration Find Your Bootcamp Match • Career Karma matches you with top tech bootcamps • Access exclusive scholarships and prep courses Learning to code can have an exceptional impact on your financial success. Those who know how to code receive a higher rate of pay than those who don’t. Also, employers are continually looking for candidates who can code. What’s more, those who learn to code can address problems in other subjects differently. They develop a mindset of working through frustrations instead of getting put off by them. Perhaps contrary to belief, learning to code doesn’t have to be complicated. It is becoming more and more mainstream every year. It all comes down to selecting the right study material and following a specific process, such as the one below. One way to ease yourself into learning the language of programming is by starting with the basics. Yellow crumpled papers by and near the trash can. Don’t get discouraged before you even begin! How to Become a Programmer? The idea of coding may be more daunting than the coursework itself. Don’t be intimidated by the concept of coding. Relieve some of that pressure by crafting a thorough learning plan. Below are the top five reasons why and how coding can be easy to learn! 1. Practice Patience and Persistence. You can learn anything if you are both patient and persistent. Coding is no different. If you are committed to taking the time to code, it becomes an easier task for you. You should also understand that there will be times it can get frustrating. However, know that this is a small price to pay to learn a fantastic new skill. 2. Narrow Down Your First Project. Before you even write a single line of code, you should decide what you would like to create. This will help narrow down which books, videos, and programming languages you can study to get started. For example, if you decide to build an interactive website, lean towards tools that are relevant to that goal. In general, when starting with your very first project, smaller is better. Your ambitions may be huge, but it is still best to start with a “toy project.” A simple website or app is usually a better way to start than jumping right into a full, experiential, interactive webpage. Similarly, a basic text-adventure game with no graphics yet still uses learning concepts is a great toy project compared to a whole game. You’re in good company; even experienced programmers start with basic toy projects when they are testing out new ideas. 3. Access Study Materials. Find a book that will tell you exactly how to set up a program step by step. Most “coding for beginners” books will help you learn the basics quickly. Another resource is internet tutorials, such as those available on YouTube. Videos can be a great start to your learning process. They can show you step-by-step instructions you can follow in real-time. When choosing these videos, understand that some of these tutorials are for beginners while others are targeted to more experienced coders. 4. Start Slow. When learning to code, it is best to start with the simplest languages. Learning easier programming languages and web technologies first will help when you move on to other, more complex ones. To give yourself the best chance to succeed, consider starting with some easier languages. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)This is a standardized system for World Wide Web pages. Overall, it is a relatively painless markup language that is invaluable for web design. JavaScriptThis is an object-oriented programming language that is commonly used to create effects and functionality in web browsers. JavaScript is also known as the “Swiss Army knife” in programming and is relatively easy to pick up. Python Python is considered one of the easiest programming languages. It’s easy for several reasons. There are several libraries available, a large community behind it, and Python uses the English language. If you’re learning to program for a career, Python is great. It’s used by web developers, artificial intelligence professionals, application developers, and data scientists. Ruby Ruby is another programming language known for being easier to learn. This language has a strong focus on simplicity. It also uses the Ruby on Rails framework, which makes it easier to create web applications. Ruby shares similarities with Python. They both are used for similar purposes. Either one is a great first language for new programmers. Learn to Code Resources There are several ways to learn to code. You can take advantage of free coding resources online. This includes websites that teach you to code for free or at the very least teach you the very basics. Coding Bootcamps Some coding bootcamps teach you to code without even paying for it. These are usually introductory courses that give you an understanding of how programming works. If you don’t have prior programming knowledge, consider trying free courses. Popular coding bootcamps offer them, and they can help you find out if coding is right for you. Mobile Apps If you’re on your phone a lot, you can learn to code in your free time. Some people practice coding during their lunch break or whenever they have a spare moment. Some of the most popular apps are Programming Hero, Grasshopper, CodeHub, and Enki. What If I Run Into a Problem? Man thinking by the window. If you run into a problem, that only means that you are headed in the right direction. If you are following the above learning plan and come to a difficult section, do what professional programmers do: ask Google. Once you understand the basics and begin writing your code, you will encounter situations where you aren’t sure what to do. Don’t be ashamed of Googling for answers; it’s a key part of learning to program in the Internet age. The first step is to learn some basics and understand languages. The rest will typically come from Google, your peers, and other resources you’ll surely pick up along the way. Conclusion: Is Coding Hard to Learn? White ceramic mug on wooden table. What’re you waiting for? It is time to begin learning to code. Unlike what many people think, coding is not too difficult to learn, even on your own. Many people may think it is impossible since it can be difficult at times and there are many learning paths to take. It all comes down to planning. Prepare a study strategy for yourself before you start any of the work. Remember, when teaching yourself to code, you should have patience and persistence in knowing that you’ll ultimately reach your goals. Also, take into consideration that it will take time to grasp the fundamentals. First things first: narrow down your first project and decide what you would like to create. Next, buy a book or other learning materials and find videos that help. Remember to start slow and learn the languages designed for your preferred path. As always, when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask Google. A lot of your programming knowledge will be added to your library from Google. Popular Bootcamps Get matched to top coding bootcamps Powered By Career Karma You don't have permission to register
Skip to main content Dryad logo Integrated population model for the Mallard in the Netherlands Wiegers, J. N. (Yannick) et al. (2022), Integrated population model for the Mallard in the Netherlands, Dryad, Dataset, Europe’s highest densities of breeding Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are found in the Netherlands, but the breeding population there has declined by ~30% since the 1990s. The exact cause of this decline has remained unclear. Here, we used an integrated population model to jointly analyze Mallard population survey, nest survey, duckling survival and band-recovery data. We used this approach to holistically estimate all relevant vital rates, including duckling survival rates for years for which no explicit data were available. Mean vital rate estimates were high for nest success (0.38 ±0.01) and egg hatch rate (0.96 ±0.001), but relatively low for clutch size (8.2 ±0.05) compared to populations in other regions. Estimates for duckling survival rate for the three years for which explicit data were available were low (0.16-0.27) compared to historical observations, but were comparable to rates reported for other regions with declining populations. Finally, mean survival rate was low for ducklings (0.18 ±0.02), but high and stable for adults (0.71 ±0.03). Population growth rate was only affected by variation in duckling survival, but since this is a predominantly latent state variable, this result should be interpreted with caution. However, it does strongly indicate that none of the other vital rates, all of which were supported by data, was able to sufficiently explain the population decline. Together with a comparison with historic vital rates, these findings point to a reduced duckling survival rate as the likely cause of the decline. Candidate drivers of reduced duckling survival are increased predation pressure and reduced food availability, but this requires future study. Integrated population modeling can provide valuable insights into population dynamics even when empirical data for a key parameter are partly missing. We built an Integrated Population Model (IPM) and fitted parameters with four datasets: (1) population survey data, (2) nest survey data, (3) duckling survival data, and (4) annual band-recovery data. Our study area covers the entire country of the Netherlands, as all data were collected as part of national monitoring programs or citizen science projects. We limited our analyses to the years 2003-2020 due to a limited sampling effort in the years before 2003 for most datasets. Population survey data. Breeding bird populations have been monitored in the Netherlands as part of a national Breeding bird Monitoring Program (BMP) starting in 1984 (Boele et al. 2014). BMP is based on intensive territory mapping in fixed study plots carried out by well-trained volunteers and professionals who follow a standardized protocol. Territory mapping is based on a large, and annually constant, number of field visits (5-10 between March and July depending on species) in which all birds with territorial behavior (e.g., pair bond, display, nests) are recorded on maps. Species-specific interpretation criteria are used to determine the number and exact locations of “territories” at the end of the season. The counts of 1990 constitute the index baseline. Index values for the following years are then calculated as the relative difference between that year’s counts and those of the reference year (Sovon 2019). Nest survey data. Nest data for Dutch Mallards were retrieved from the National Nest Record Scheme (Bijlsma et al. 2020). Mallard nests are mainly reported as ‘bycatch’ during nest surveys of grassland-breeding waders. To calculate clutch size and egg hatch rate, incomplete clutches were excluded by using only successfully hatched nests. In total, there were 4415 observations of clutch size with a range of 149-402 nests observed annually. For egg hatch rate per successful clutch, we calculated for each year the total number of eggs laid and the number of eggs hatched in nests where at least one egg had hatched. In total 2383 nest observations were available, with the number of observations ranging between 54 and 282 nests per year. Duckling survival data. We used data for Mallard females with broods collected through a citizen science project to estimate annual duckling survival rates. Contributors to this project were asked to report brood size and brood age on a mobile application specifically developed for this purpose. From 2018 onward, contributors were asked to make repeated observations of the same broods to allow for the calculation of duckling survival. We therefore used data for the years 2018-2020, as only for these years were there enough repeated observations of broods to estimate duckling survival. The final dataset included 2825 observations of 1212 broods distributed over the three years. Adult band-recovery data. Annual survival of post-fledgling birds was estimated using data for Mallards that were banded between 2003 and 2020 and were later recovered and reported dead. In the Netherlands, Mallards are banded mostly in traditional duck decoys (Karelse 1994). Since the year 2000, 20133 Mallards have been banded, of which 1233 were recovered dead (Buijs and Thomson, 2001, van Noordwijk et al. 2003). We only included Mallards that were banded in the breeding season (March-July) to exclude winter migrants that breed in other countries. This dataset included 2615 Mallards, of which 203 were recovered dead. Vogelbescherming Nederland Jaap van Duijn Vogelfonds Stichting Betty Wiegman fonds Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology
Will Raisins or Grapes Cause High Blood Sugar Although the carbohydrates found in fruits tend to be healthier than those found in white breads, cakes and soft drinks, all carbohydrates can trigger high blood sugar levels if you eat more than your body can handle. Choosing grapes or raisins over refined grains and processed sugars gives you the advantage of getting more fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, but you should still pay attention to the amount you eat at a sitting to prevent high blood sugar. Avoid raisins that contain added sugar because unsweetened raisins are already a concentrated source of natural sugars. A 1.5-ounce box of sugar-free raisins provides 34 grams of carbohydrates, which is the equivalent of carbohydrates found in 1.3 cups of fresh grapes or two slices of bread. If you eat raisins out of a larger bag, you may consume even more in a sitting. Four grams of carbohydrates is the same amount found in about a teaspoon of table sugar; eating too many raisins at once may cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Grapes are a better option than raisins if you are concerned with your blood sugar levels; they contain enough water to dilute their natural sugars. If you can limit yourself to about 1/2 cup of fresh grapes, which corresponds to fewer than 14 grams of carbohydrates, you are not likely to experience high blood sugar levels. If you eat the whole bag of grapes though, you could easily be consuming up to 3 cups and up to 82 grams of carbohydrates at once, or the equivalent of more than five slices of bread. Practice Portion Control The key to prevent high blood sugar levels when consuming carbohydrates is to control your serving size. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics do not exceed 45 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal and 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrates per snack. If you want to include raisins in your oatmeal for breakfast, for example, make sure you have no more than 1/2 cup of dry oat flakes with a tablespoon of raisins and skip the sugar to prevent high blood sugar levels. If you have grapes for your snack, avoid combining it with a granola bar or other fruits to keep your carb intake moderate. Food Combinations Consuming a protein-rich snack before you eat a carbohydrate-rich meal can help prevent a spike in your blood sugar levels, according to a study published in 2016 in "Diabetes Care." Try eating a handful of almonds, a cup of high-protein yogurt, or an ounce or two of cheese a few minutes before you eat a serving of raisins or grapes. Another good way to indulge in raisins and grapes without experiencing high blood sugar levels is to consume them as a dessert after a healthy meal. The fiber and protein of your meal will help to slow down the digestion process and prevent large spikes in your blood sugar levels.
When you spend most of your workday looking at a monitor, it’s more than a display; it’s a portal. Just like every other technology with strongly practical applications, there are different types of desktop monitors best suited for different situations, circumstances and professions. One significant factor is screen resolution, or the number of pixels. Fewer pixels generally equates to less sharpness, but a lower-resolution monitor is often fine for certain use cases. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a look at the three main types of monitor resolution: What is an FHD monitor? Full high-definition (FHD) monitors have 1920 x 1080 resolution. The total number of individual pixels on the monitor screen is therefore 2,073,600 (1920 x 1080), but this resolution is most often referred to as 1080p. FHD monitors such as the Samsung S40UA are relatively common because the image quality is acceptable for most needs. Reimagine your offices for the hybrid workforce icon of a document White Paper Walk through the market drivers, societal shifts and technologies of the reimagined office in this free guide. Download Now An FHD screen’s aspect ratio — or the ratio of screen width to screen height — is 16:9, the classic “widescreen” aspect ratio of most home TVs. By comparison, most movie theater screens have an aspect ratio of 21:9, which has a more pronounced widescreen effect. What is a QHD monitor? Quad high-definition (QHD) resolution is 2560 x 1440, for a total of 3,686,400 pixels — about 1.8 times the pixels of an FHD monitor. Images displayed on a QHD monitor will be sharper, better defined and more detailed, while still in the familiar 16:9 aspect ratio. “Quad” in this context means four, because QHD is four times the resolution of the original high definition screens: 1280 x 720 (a total of 921,600 pixels). What is a UHD monitor? Ultra high-definition monitors have 3840 x 2160 resolution, for a total of 8,294,400 pixels. Maintaining a 16:9 aspect ratio, they promise ultra detail and sharpness on a screen of pretty much any size. UHD monitors are commonly known as 4K monitors, because 3840p resolution rounds up to 4000p. Which monitor is best for you? When comparing FHD versus QHD or UHD displays, the biggest differences are almost entirely about the screen resolution. The more pixels per inch (PPI), the greater pixel density, the crisper and more information-rich images appear. You also need to ensure that your monitor’s cable connections will be able to carry the amount of information required for the screen’s full resolution. As long as that’s taken care of, it’s is simply a question of what monitor resolution best suits your needs. Bear in mind, the advantages of a higher-resolution screen extend beyond the obvious gains in clarity, sharpness and detail levels. The higher the pixel count, the closer you can sit to the screen without suffering image degradation or eye strain. This is particularly useful for people who need to get up close to the information on screen, like designers or creatives or stock traders. But if your on-screen work is less concerned with the finest details, UHD may be an unnecessary expense. The word “ultra” might suggest we’ve reached the pinnacle of monitor resolution, but Samsung knows otherwise. If a state-of-the-art monitor experience is paramount to your work, check out the extraordinary S95UA Series — a dual QHD, 49-inch monitor with a super-wide 32:9 aspect ratio and 5120 x 1440 resolution (7,372,800 pixels, double that of QHD). It’s also curved, so the entirety of the screen can be viewed at a glance and without eye strain. Samsung’s QLED screen technology provides an extraordinarily wide color palette, amazing peak brightness and incredible contrast. Its virtually borderless design means no distractions, and its swiveling stand adjusts for height, too. Whether you need just enough detail or absolutely everything, there’s a Samsung monitor with the right dimensions and resolution to make your life easier. Explore the full range of Samsung’s high-resolution desktop monitors that can help you work more effectively and accurately. And calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of upgrading your business’s monitors with five easy questions in this free assessment. Posts By Simon Lucas Simon Lucas is a freelance technology journalist and consultant with nearly 20 years of industry experience. In a previous life he was editor of whathifi.com. These days he writes about all aspects of consumer electronics, with an audio/video emphasis, for numerous titles all over the world. Anyone with a penchant for incoherent ranting can follow Simon on Twitter @onlysimonlucas. View more posts by Simon Lucas
Activating and Reclaiming Public Spaces Bryant Park, New York City \| Photo: Peter Mauss/Esto For marginalized populations who exist in the peripheries of our codified cities, public spaces are often places of isolation, anxiety and possible violence. Cities have their own way of telling people how much and which parts of it they are welcome to occupy, as well as in what manner; rendering many spaces and people unwelcome. To reclaim such spaces, one has to take the risk of being present. Being present long enough to allow one’s body to familiarize with the space, long enough to pick up the language of the space or even create a new one that does not follow the tacit codes of the space. Reclaiming urban public space, means reclaiming it in every sense, reclaiming the right to walk, to stroll, to loaf, to sit alone, to hang out with others, to wander, to get lost, to be visible, to be invisible, to use a toilet, to just be, in all those spaces, at all hours. New York based GenderInc Studio produced a report on gender-inclusive planning and policy for public spaces which revealed that the maximum violence against marginalized people occurred, not too surprisingly, within the city’s public transit system. The designs of our public spaces dictate our decorum in them and largely decide whether it will be occupied by content or discontent people, or any people at all. A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte \| Painting: Georges Pierre Seurat In her seminal 1980 essay ‘What Would a Non Sexist City Be Like’ “Dolores Hayden said “A woman’s place is in the home” has been one of the most important principles of architectural design and urban planning in the United States for the last century. An implicit rather than explicit principle for the conservative and male-dominated design professions.” Designating only moneyed abled men living in heteronormative societal structures as the standard of reference for designing cities, resulted in cities that did not ensure safety, well-being and pleasure to the rest, rather reproduced the existing social inequalities. Founded in UK in 1987, with the belief that the existing urban environment was unsuitable for women, Women’s Design Service, worked at grassroots level to come up with design solutions for overlooked urban issues such as women’s safety in public places, state of child centric facilities like playspaces and creches, and public toilets for women, which now have better sanitation and diaper changing facilities as a result of their work. Over three decades later, cities largely continue to be designed to maintain gender roles, only sporadically developing in ways that benefit marginalized groups, that too only in some parts of the globe. When cities develop unevenly, issues of discontentment rise. Many a time these issues are addressed with attempts to activate previously disregarded community spaces. In 1914 the police athletic league of America, had started a ‘playstreets’ initiative to create recreational play spaces in congested low-income neighborhoods with the help of temporary roadblocks in an attempt to ease tense relations between the resident communities and police, and were successful to an extent. In recent times Barcelona, took a similar initiative, of creating pedestrian centered super blocks to curb vehicular congestion and pollution, and optimize public space usage by creating safe spaces that foster play, which has been well received by city folk, as well as the internationally. An intersection that was transformed into a playground, Barcelona \| Photograph: CreditConfederación de Talleres de Proyectos de Arquitectura Uneven development in cities also translate to varying levels of attention given to different public spaces depending on their location. Funds sanctioned for creating public infrastructure, are often aimed towards designing, redesigning and renovating the very same high priority spaces over and over. Australia based placemaking consultancy Codesign Studio has been addressing the issue of dead and unsafe spaces like back alleys and arterial laneways in communities and working with them to activate and improve those unheeded spaces. Their findings suggest that majority of marginalized people, especially women, want to be outdoors but just don’t feel safe to do so. Only when one feels safe in a place can one surrender oneself to the surroundings and experience the space positively. To gauge the true quality of a public space, look for diversity, which is possible only when all marginalized communities feel safe and welcome to be there. People from marginalized communities around the world heavily rely on public spaces to earn their living due to lack of private resources. In many countries marginalized communities live in the shadows of public spaces due to lack of infrastructure to accommodate them. Ideally these should be the very reasons, that public spaces are built in consultation with marginalized communities. However the unsafe reality of cities are proof of state led initiatives to hide and evict the marginalized from public spaces instead of accommodating them, overlooking the fact that more eyes on the streets ensure more safety. In the neighborhood of Gazdarabad in Karachi, Pakistan, men and women come out and gather on the wooden benches along the alleys post midnight, to catch up after a long day. That simple community practice, has contributed to the normalization of the presence of women in a society that questions their visibility in public spaces after dusk, and also lead to lower crime rates compared to other parts of the city. The alleys not only serve as meeting spaces but also community halls, as all celebrations and ceremonies are held on those very lanes, and are an indispensable part of their lives. “public spaces have been the backdrop of the crusade for equality in the public realm.” While some public spaces get entangled with identities of communities, some also become integral parts of movements led by the marginalized communities. Whether it was the first SlutWalk, that took off from Queen’s Park in Toronto or the Meet To Sleep campaign that started from Cubbon Park in Bangalore, public spaces have been the backdrop of the crusade for equality in the public realm. The very first step towards being seen as equals, is to be seen. Visibility in public spaces, in the urban context includes representation in what are inextricable parts of today’s urban public space: adverts, signage, signals, billboards, murals, graffiti, sculptures et al. All of them add up to a bigger picture that helps us see spaces in a certain light and deem them safe/unsafe, inviting/hostile, interesting/boring. Even the naming of public spaces, work towards subtly gendering spaces. Left: Graffiti of a trans woman in an alley across a mosque, Bogor, Indonesia \| Artist(s): Fearless Collective; Right: Posters of street harassment victims along a street of Paris, France \| Artist : Tatyana Fazlalizadeh Women’s fight for visibility in public spaces in the recent years in South Asia has led to movements like #WhyLoiter which aims to rehabilitate the act of hanging out in public spaces without any purpose for all marginal groups, #GirlsatDhabas which challenges the idea that women are unsafe in public spaces traditionally occupied and run by men of lower classes, and #BoardtheBus which advocated the collective presence of marginalized groups in public spaces as the key to instilling a sense of safety. While free access to urban infrastructure continues to be a tightrope walk for the marginalized, online spaces have allowed marginalized folks (with internet access) to reclaim the public realm by reporting and cataloging incidents that have traditionally been used as reasons, to keep anyone who doesn’t pass as a cisgender heterosexual male of certain ethnicity, away from public spaces for their own safety. Initiatives like #IllGoWithYou which connect transgender/gender non-conforming people who stand a higher risk of being attacked in public spaces to supportive allies, are examples of utilizing online spaces to collaborate and create safe public spaces. Online spaces maybe catalyzing our performances in public spaces, but our interactions with each other in the civic sphere are the deciding factor for many marginalized folks to choose to be present and visible in those spaces. Public spaces steeped in surveillance cameras are not the final solution to make marginalized people feel safe and welcome in a fragmented society. Confinement and surveillance do not compensate for people’s presence in public spaces, as it is the presence of people that invites more people to a place. According to late Dr. Samuel Mahaffy, overlooking civic relations for political agendas is a common recipe for failure in peacemaking initiatives, which overlook that for there to be peace, one must be creating places that are safe in the first place. Cities built with transparent collaboration and communication among all residing communities have the potential to provide marginalized citizens with opportunities that the existing urban environment does not offer. For spaces to be egalitarian in the public realm, creators and users of the spaces have to meet halfway. While much is to be done to remold behavioral patterns forged around the hierarchical gendered spaces of cities, cultural change can be fully realized only when urban spaces are sensitively designed to accommodate them. Visibility and agency of marginalized communities in public spaces are important steps towards a diverse, dynamic and urbane world. Parkitect \| Studying Play Get the Medium app Ira Sanyal Ira Sanyal Parkitect \| Studying Play More from Medium Reign of gibberish: On academic writing Book Review 3 Steps to Being A More Skeptical Reader Online Non-binary person holding two flags, a green one and a red one. They are looking suspiciously at the red flag.
How Do You Describe A Layer In Photoshop? A layer is a collection of objects in a workspace. It can have any number of objects on it, and each object on it can have any number of properties that can be edited. It is important to note that different types of layers have different purposes. For example, a background layer can be used to add a solid color to an image or to apply a mask to part of an image. There are many ways to create new layers in Photoshop. You can use the Layer menu at the top of the screen, or you can select Layer > New > Layer from the menu bar. Or you can use keyboard shortcuts such as Shift + Command + N for creating a new blank layer, Shift + Option + N for creating a new normal layer, and so on. These shortcuts are available in Photoshop CC and later versions, but not in Photoshop Elements. You can also create new layers using keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl + Shift + N for creating a new empty layer and Ctrl + Shift + Alt + N for creating a new selective (masked) layer. There are many other shortcuts as well that you can experiment with. Layers Panel – Adobe Photoshop For Beginners – Class 3 – Urdu / Hindi Layers are one of the most important tools in Adobe Photoshop. They allow you to organize and edit your images in a way that makes sense to you. You can stack, merge, split, and adjust the opacity of different layers to create complex and interesting effects. For beginners, though, it can be a bit tricky to understand how layers work and how to use them effectively. In this class, we will go over the basics of layers and explore ways they can be used to enhance your images. Along the way, we’ll also cover some useful tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you get the most out of them. When I started using Photoshop as a beginner, I had no idea what was going on half the time! There were so many settings and options that it was hard to know which ones were even relevant to my work. In this class, we’ll go over everything you need to know about layers before you start using them in your own images. From what they are and how they work to their benefits and drawbacks, we’ll take a look at every aspect of this powerful tool. We’ll also explore some practical tips for making the most of them in your own work. Layers For Beginners \| Photoshop Cc Tutorial Layers in Photoshop are a great way to keep track of your work and make sure that things are being edited properly. In this video tutorial, we’re going to show you how to set up your layers and start working with them. To get started, open the file that you want to work on. Then, click the New Layer button at the bottom of the Layers panel. You can add as many layers as you need for your project. Each layer can have its own adjustment settings, effects, and more. By default, every new layer will be set to “Normal” mode. If you want to change that setting, click the dropdown menu next to Normal and select another option from the menu. This is just one way that you can use layers in Photoshop for your projects. How Would You Describe Layer Styles? Layer styles are a great way to customize your document. You can use layer styles to change colors, add shadows and borders, or any other effect you want. To apply a layer style, just click on the layer you want to style, then click the Add Layer Style button at the bottom of the Layers panel. When adding styles to a layer, you have three options: color, opacity, and shape. Color can be used to change all colors in the layer by using the same color picker found in the toolbar (or selecting a color from a text field). Opacity can be used to make parts of the layer completely invisible by setting the opacity value to 0 percent. Shape can be used to change the size and shape of an object by choosing an option from a drop-down list in the toolbar. There is also a custom shape option that allows you to define your own custom shapes for drawing (not including raster images). How Do You Define In Photoshop? A layer contains all the data that belongs to one object. For example, in Photoshop you can create a layer for an image and then place all of the tools you need to work with it on that layer. As you move around the image, the changes you make will be reflected in each of these tools and everything will be updated accordingly. The advantage of having a layer is that it helps you more clearly identify what’s going on in your image. If, for example, every time you add a fill layer you also add a new adjustment layer, it can get confusing very quickly. By creating layers for specific purposes, like adjusting colors or changing opacity levels, you can keep things more organized. Although the advantages of having separate layers are clear, there are some drawbacks as well. For example, if you have a lot of data to work with, it can take up a lot of memory and slow down your computer. If this is an issue for you, consider using multiple monitors or putting your computer into “Cradle” mode—this way only one screen is being used at a time while everything else is sleeping. Another disadvantage of having separate layers is that they can sometimes get in the way when you’re trying to work with your image. What Are The Three Features Of Layers? Layers are a way of grouping objects together in a 3D drawing. They can be used to organize your drawing and to add realism to your drawing. Layers are created by adding objects with the same color, material, or UVs. Layers can be hidden and shown by clicking the eye icons next to each layer. There are three main purposes for using layers: organizing, organization, and organization. Organizing is mainly used when you have a lot of objects in one drawing space and need to keep things organized by using layers. Organization implies more than simple organization and also includes assigning specific roles to each layer such as visibility and opacity. Organization is important because it allows you to better manage your project and gives you more control over your design process. What Is Layer Effects In Photoshop? Layer effects in Photoshop are the special effects that can be applied to a layer by simply holding down the Option (PC: Alt) key and clicking on the layer itself. Layer effects can be used to adjust the layer’s opacity, add motion blur, apply vignette, apply burn, etc. The advantage of using layer effects is that they are easy to apply and do not require any knowledge of color separation or grading. Moreover, layer effects only affect the pixels on a specific layer and do not affect any other layers. The disadvantage of using layer effects is that they may cause artifacts when you move the layer around. Layer effects are an extremely useful tool for beginners and pros alike because they allow you to quickly add visual interest to images without having to spend hours in post-production. What Are Styles In Photoshop? Styles are pre-made collections of settings that apply to a particular item in Photoshop. For example, you can create a “portrait” style that automatically applies all the appropriate settings for portraits. You can also create a “landscape” style that automatically applies all the appropriate settings for landscapes. Styles are very useful for saving time because you don’t have to remember all your different settings for every type of image. The downside is that styles can affect other items in your image, so be careful not to accidentally mess up your image. For example, if you have a landscape style with a desaturated effect applied, then any pixels with an extreme desaturation value will be affected by the landscape style. In Photoshop, a style is a collection of settings that are applied to an item by default. What Are Variables In Photoshop? Variables in Photoshop refer to the settings you can edit for individual elements like channels, layers, or brushes. They are often used to adjust the size and position of an object or the color of a specific area. You can also use variables to change the color or transparency of all of an image’s layers at once. Once you’ve set up your variables, you can save them for later use by selecting “Save Variables as Preset” from the menu. This will store your custom settings in a preset that you can access from thepreset menu. For more information on how to create your own presets, check out our tutorial on How to Create Custom Presets in Photoshop. What Are Scripts In Photoshop? A script is a sequence of instructions that tell Photoshop how to process an image. Some scripts take effect immediately, while others apply only when a specific event occurs. For example, some scripts trigger an action when you press the spacebar (to add a layer), or when you click in the Layers panel (to create a clipping mask). Other scripts can be run manually by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Shift+L, or automatically by choosing File > Automate > Scripts. A script can be as simple as telling Photoshop to save your image when you press Ctrl+S. Or it could be more complex, such as telling Photoshop to adjust the color balance, crop, and rotate an image in response to changes made in the Layers panel. Scripts give you powerful control over how Photoshop processes your images. And because they are written in a programming language called JavaScript, they can be written for almost any environment—Mac OS X, Windows, Linux or even the web! How Do You Make A Texture In Photoshop? First, you need a texture. In Photoshop, you make textures from scratch using layers, filters and blending modes. In other words, you can transform any image into a texture. You can use several methods to make a texture. One method is to take photos of objects and paste them into the program without re-sizing or rotating them. This is called “resizing and cropping” the photo. You can also use the filter “Lens Blur” to simulate a photo taken with a camera lens that has some blur in it. Another method is to use the blending mode “Overlay” to put an image over another image so that it’s not visible through the first image but shows up on top of it. This method works well if the top image is more detailed than the bottom one; otherwise it looks like there are two images superimposed on top of each other. To create a texture from scratch, start by creating a new layer in your Photoshop file (Layer > New Layer). Then choose any filter or blending mode for this layer and create the effect you want by adjusting its settings (Blending Options > Image > Other). How Do You Organize Layers In Photoshop? One of the most common problems that users have with Photoshop is organizing layers. There are lots of ways to organize layers, and each has its pros and cons. Here are some of the most common ways to organize layers in Photoshop: One way is to create folders for your layers. This can be very helpful if you have a lot of layers, and it’s generally easier to navigate than a nested folder system. However, it can be a little bit messy looking if you have a lot of folders, so you may want to consider making sub-folders.Another way is to use layer groups. This is an especially useful option if you have a lot of layers, because they allow you to group multiple layers together into one folder. This can help you keep things organized, but it can also make it a little bit harder to see what individual layers are doing.With either of these strategies, there are also different ways to organize your layers within the groups. You can use names or numbers, though they’re not necessarily the best options if you want to keep everything organized as you work on it. What Are The Parts Of Layer Panel In Photoshop? It?s more than just about stacking things up, although that?s a big part of it. The layer panel is where you put your layers, and each layer has a set of controls and options that are unique to it. There are two main categories of controls in the layer panel: ?Transform? and ?Mask?. Transform controls change the shape or size of a layer, while Mask controls allow you to edit its contents without changing the shape or size of the layer itself. Below those two categories are presets (such as Blending Modes) and other specialized controls (such as the dropdown menu for reordering layers). You can also use the trash can to delete any unwanted layers. The most important thing is to know what each control does before using it, so you know what results you will get when you apply it. It may be tempting to apply one control to multiple layers at once, but this can sometimes cause unpredictable results. What Are Layers How Do You Organize Layers In Photoshop? Layers can be used for many purposes. For example, you can use layers to organize your image. For example, you can use a layer for the background of your image and another layer for the picture itself. You can also use layers to make adjustments to your image, such as levels and curves. There are two ways to organize layers in Photoshop: by type or by stacking order. By type, you can organize layers based on the contents of each layer. In this case, you select a layer, right-click and choose Type > New Layer or type a new name in the Layers panel (Figure 1). To organize by stacking order, select a layer and drag and drop it into the desired position in the Layers panel (Figure 2). Both methods work well and will enable you to organize your layers in an efficient way. How Are Layers Important In Editing An Image? Layers are a vital part of the editing process because they enable you to edit and modify an image in isolation. They also allow you to fully control the image’s appearance by obscuring parts of it. Layers can be used to hide all or part of your image, making it easier to erase/edit mistakes. Layers can also be used to add effects such as vignetting, color grading, and more. In addition, layers provide a way to isolate different parts of an image so that you can change and test them independently. This allows for faster and more accurate changes. Finally, layers are useful for organizing and managing your images. They allow you to keep track of things like file names and dates, which is essential if you’re working on multiple images at once. What Are The 10 Layer Styles In Photoshop? Layer styles are an important tool in Photoshop. They help you create all kinds of custom effects and add special effects to your images. There are 10 different layer styles in Photoshop, but there are also more than 100 different variations of each style. Here’s a quick overview of the 10 styles and their main features: There are definitely lots of ways to use layer styles. You can change color, blur, vignette, add drop shadows, and a bunch of other things. Layer styles are really powerful tools that can make your images look better. If you want to learn more about layer styles, check out this post on CreativeLive . What Is Layer Mask In Photoshop? In Photoshop, layer mask is a masking tool that allows people to create masks which conceal portions of layers. A layer mask is used with every layer in an image and can be used to hide or reveal parts of an image. Layer masks come in two types: normal and synthetic. Normal layer masks are created from the original image by using the paintbrush tool, whereas synthetic layer masks are created from a reference image by using the eyedropper tool. A layer mask is created by painting on a layer with a specific tool and results in pixels being painted over the area that was masked out. There are many different uses for layer masks, including hiding unwanted parts of an image, changing contrast, or adding texture. One of the most important things to remember about layer masks is that they can only be used to conceal portions of a layer. If you want to alter how a layer looks, you need to use a different tool. For example, you can’t use a blurred filter on a mask because it will affect everything on the same layer. What Is Texture In Photoshop? Layer mask is a feature that allows you to selectively apply textures to areas of an image. Why would you want to do this? Well, it’s useful for adding subtle visual effects in your images. For example, if you want to add a texture to a landscape photograph, you could use a layer mask to create the illusion of sand or gravel on the ground. To add a layer mask, select the layer on which you want to apply the texture, and then choose Layer Mask > Add Layer Mask. The resulting dialog box will contain a preview of how your texture will look on the layer. If you like what you see, click OK. If not, adjust the settings until it looks right. Once you’re satisfied with the results, press Enter or Return to apply the layer mask and hide the original image behind it. Leave a Comment
Canada and the Legacy of Vimy Ridge Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden (1854-1937) and Winston Churchill (then First Lord of the Admiralty) in 1912. Location unknown. Public domain “The same indomitable spirit which made [Canada] capable of that effort and sacrifice made her equally incapable of accepting at the Peace Conference, in the League of Nations, or elsewhere, a status inferior to that accorded to nations less advanced in their development, less amply endowed in wealth, resources, and population, no more complete in their sovereignty, and far less conspicuous in their sacrifices.” -Sir Robert Borden In 1919, Allied leaders and diplomats came together in Paris to negotiate a long-lasting peace. The peace treaty was, for the most part, written by the “Big Four,” leaders from the UK, France, the United States, and, on and off, Italy. These leaders were joined weekly by the plenary conference, wherein other, smaller nations, including Canada, could give input. Germany was not invited.
You are currently viewing 66 Simple and Effective Ways to Practice Zero Waste in Your Daily Life Image by Filmbetrachter on Pixabay As the global ecological crisis worsens, more and more people realize current green practices aren’t enough. And this holds true even in the domain of waste management and disposal. Namely, although recycling policies can make an enormous impact on the environment, they won’t be able to solve the current waste problem. However, one concept could serve as a major part of the solution — zero waste. This article will explain what zero waste is and present you with 66 ways you can practice it in your everyday life. What Is Zero Waste? Unlike recycling, zero waste isn’t just a set of environmentally friendly practices. It is the philosophy of lifestyle which promotes the modification of the product life cycle to remove the disposal phase. In other words, instead of throwing the product residues out, consumers utilize them in other ways. Alternatively, they may choose to purchase items with little to no residue. The purpose of zero waste is to eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste going to landfills or incinerators. Furthermore, by dealing with these issues, zero waste practitioners hope to solve the problems of resource scarcity, pollution, and high energy requirements. Zero Waste Practices You Can Adopt Today While it would be impossible to implement all of these practices at once, pick a few that speak to you now and then slowly introduce others. In no time, you will be leading a zero-waste, healthier lifestyle that benefits our planet. Zero Waste in Kitchen 1. Make sure your dishwasher is full before turning it on. 2. Avoid drinking filtered coffee or make it with reusable filters. 3. Store your food properly so it will last longer. 4. Swap regular sponges with reusable ones. 5. Regrow vegetables from kitchen scraps. 6. Use cloth napkins instead of regular ones. 7. Freeze your leftovers (preferably inside reusable containers). 8. Learn a few stale bread recipes. 9. Ditch tea bags for loose leaf tea. 10. Plan your meals to avoid leftovers. 11. Consider canning your food to preserve it. 12. Have a few spice plants close by. 13. Swap paper towels for rags or tea towels. Zero Waste in Bathroom 14. Avoid disposable razors. 15. Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible. 16. Substitute regular cotton rounds with reusable ones. 17. Install a bidet attachment. 18. Fill your washing machine as much as you can before running a cycle. 19. Make your toothpaste and mouthwash. 20. Use a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one 21. Line dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. 22. Keep a bucket in your shower; you can use collected liquid to water your plants or flush the toilet. 23. Wash your clothes only when they are really dirty, not after a single wear. 24. Ditch liquid soap for bar soap (you can even make it yourself). 25. Turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth. 26. Use tube-free TP. 27. Swap plastic shower loofahs for a bamboo bath brush or a real loofah. Zero Waste in Shopping reusable shopping bag Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash 28. Change every regular light bulb for LEDs. 29. Borrow items you need only once instead of buying them. 30. Become a library member or use Kindle to avoid purchasing books. 31. Buy rechargeable batteries instead of disposables. 32. Find things you need on eBay, Craigslist, or even at a local garage sale. 33. Always bring reusable bags to the store. 34. Refill cleaning products instead of buying new ones. 35. Purchase products with little to no packaging. 36. Go with second-hand clothing. 37. Don’t buy anything you don’t really need. 38. Find items that will last a lifetime instead of going for cheaper versions. 39. Do your research to avoid phenomena such as greenwashing. 40. Visit your local farmers market when you need produce. Zero Waste in Fashion and Cosmetics 41. Make your own deodorant, lotion, and face mask from everyday ingredients. 42. Use dry shampoo to avoid frequent washes. 43. Find a tailor that can help you repair or repurpose old clothing. 44. Donate old or unused items in good condition to your local shelter. 45. Reuse plastic chapstick tubes with DIY lip balm. 46. Repair your old shoes and bags with the help of a local cobbler. 47. Host clothing swap with friends and relatives to avoid throwing away or buying new clothes. 48. Turn torn towels and sheets into rags, napkins, or handkerchiefs. 49. Learn to perform minor clothing repairs. Zero Waste in Restaurants and Coffee Shops 50. Bring your own to-go cup and food container for takeout orders. 51. Ask the bartender for no straw when you order a drink. 52. Pack your lunch in a reusable container to avoid eating out. 53. Specify that you don’t need plastic plates and cutlery when ordering food. 54. Ask for a ceramic mug at the coffee shop when staying in. 55. Always carry a reusable water bottle with you. reusable coffee cup Image by stokpic from Pixabay Zero Waste Outside Your Home 56. Take public transport or carpool for longer distances. 57. For shorter distances, take a walk instead of driving. 58. Build a zero-waste to-go kit that will help you avoid rash and environmentally irresponsible decisions. 59. Clean up litter when you see it (but wash your hands afterward). Other Zero Waste Practices 60. Always repair broken items. 61. Place no junk mail sticker on your mailbox to avoid litter piling up. 62. Don’t wrap presents or use old newspapers to wrap them. 63. Plant a garden in your backyard or join a community garden. 64. Install rainwater or greywater harvesting system. 65. Write your notes on a whiteboard or download an app instead of paper. 66. Start a backyard compost. Final Thoughts More than 50 million tons of waste are generated in the United States alone every year. Therefore, living a zero-waste lifestyle has become one of the most important eco-friendly practices that you can adopt. And the best way to do that is by introducing small changes, one at a time. So, choose some of the methods outlined in this article and start protecting the environment today. Featured Image by Filmbetrachter on Pixabay
Health Benefits of coffee 12 Amazing Health Benefits Of Black Coffee You Didn’t Know About! Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, which are the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. Coffea species are shrubs or small trees that grow best in tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. The seeds of some species, called coffee beans, are used to make the coffee we drink. Coffee is hugely popular. Worldwide we consume about 145 million bags of coffee a year – that’s almost 10 million tons of coffee There are 24,000 coffee shops across the U.S. with independent coffee shops making $12 billion in annual sales. Coffee Is The Top Source Of Antioxidants For Westerners Research shows that coffee provides more antioxidants in the diet than any other food group. Especially for Westerners coffee is the top source of antioxidants. This is so because the modern diet often lacks enough fresh fruit and vegetables, which are also good sources of antioxidants. What Are Antioxidants And Why Are They So Important? Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm the cells for your body if their levels become too high. Free radicals are linked to many illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Foods high in antioxidants include strawberries, blueberries, artichokes, goji berries, raspberries, red cabbage, kale, beans, beets, spinach, and dark chocolate. 12 Health Benefits Of Coffee Health benefits of coffee #1 Increases Energy Levels Coffee consumption increases alertness and performance. If you drink a cup of black coffee, you can feel your energy levels improve. In fact, most of us can’t even get going without a cup of coffee in the morning. That’s because coffee contains the stimulant caffeine, which is absorbed into your bloodstream when you drink coffee. #2 Increases Physical Performance One of the greatest benefits of black coffee is that it drastically improves physical performance – 11 -12% on average. It works by increasing epinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the blood. This is the fight or flight hormone, which gets the body ready for intense physical exertion. Caffeine also breaks down body fat and releases the fat cells into the bloodstream in the form of free fatty acids. These fatty acids are then available as fuel for strenuous physical activities. Multiple studies have shown that caffeine increases endurance in athletes and cyclists. Coffee has a positive effect on exercise performance. Many trainers ask their clients to have a cup of black coffee half an hour before they arrive for their workout. #3 May Reduce Post-Workout Pain If you are avoiding exercise because you dread the aches and pains afterward, you may be happy to learn that coffee may help to reduce this pain and discomfort. Moderate doses of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee, reduced post-workout muscle pain by up to 48 % in a study conducted at the University of Georgia in the USA. This is very good news if you are new to exercise as these people experience the most pain. You must drink the coffee an hour before exercising. #4 Coffee Can Lower The Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease After Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition. Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, which is why doctors are focused on prevention. One way to prevent the disease is to drink coffee. Scientists have found that people who drink coffee have a much lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. Coffee drinkers reduce their risk of the disease by 32–60%! However, people who drink only decaf, don’t reap the same benefits. #5 Coffee Can Lower The Chances of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease. The disease causes brain cells to waste away and die. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the world. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are things you can do to help prevent it, including following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Drinking coffee may help as well. Research has shown people who drink coffee reduce their chances of getting Alzheimer’s by up to 65%. #6 Coffee Can Help Fight Off Depression Depression is more than just a low mood; it’s a serious mental health condition that has a serious negative effect on a person’s quality of life. It is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. The good news is that coffee can help. Having a cup of black coffee when you feel down can lift your spirits instantly. Coffee stimulates the central nervous system and increases the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, which can elevate mood. Multiple studies have shown that drinking coffee protects against depression. In one study, women were given 4 cups of coffee per day to drink. Researchers found that these women had a reduced risk of becoming depressed. #7 Coffee Protects The Liver The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body. It performs many important functions. Chronic alcoholism and hepatitis can cause cirrhosis of the liver, which is a serious condition. Black coffee can help. Black coffee has been shown to help prevent liver cancer, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Coffee drinkers who consume 4 or more cups of black coffee a day have an 80 % lower chance of developing any liver disease. #8 Coffee Protects Against Gall stones The effect of coffee on the gallbladder is to stimulate contractions and lower cholesterol in the bile can that can form painful gallstones. This effect helps to prevent gallstones, but only if it’s the real thing – decaffeinated coffee doesn’t have the same protective effect. #9 Coffee Can Lower The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a disease that prevents your body from using insulin in the right way. Insulin resistance or a diminished ability to secrete insulin causes elevated blood sugar levels. There are about 27 million people in the U.S. with type 2 diabetes. The good news is that drinking coffee can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Coffee helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee are effective for this purpose. Scientific studies have supported this, finding that people who drink a fair amount of coffee have a 23–50% lower risk of getting diabetes. #10 Coffee Protects Against Heart Failure While drinking black coffee increases blood pressure, this effect diminishes if you drink coffee regularly. For some people with high blood pressure, this isn’t the case, though. Whether drinking coffee increases the risk of coronary heart disease is still being studied. Many studies have found that moderate coffee drinking (1–2 cups per day) doesn’t increase the risk of heart disease. In fact, women who drink moderate amounts of coffee regularly have shown a lower risk of heart disease. #11 Coffee Can Protect Against Retinal Damage New research has found that drinking coffee may protect against deteriorating eyesight and even blindness. The retina – a thin layer at the back of the eye that is made of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that are responsible for receiving and organizing visual information – is prone to hypoxia. Hypoxia means not getting enough oxygen. Hypoxia can lead to the degeneration of the retina, which causes deteriorating eyesight. The study found that drinking coffee may prevent retinal degeneration. #12 Coffee Can Reduce The Risk Of Skin Cancer Drinking coffee may help prevent the most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A 2011 study showed that women who drank more than three cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of developing BCC than women who drank less than one cup a month. The risk reduction for men was 9%. The researchers observed that decaffeinated coffee did not have the same protective effect on the skin. As you can see, drinking coffee has many health benefits, so if you love your coffee, go ahead and enjoy it. 12 Health Benefits Of Drinking Black Coffee Scroll to Top %d bloggers like this:
October 2007: Racism Remains A Problem Why are people of colour having trouble getting good jobs? October 1, 2007 A recent population projection study done for the Department of Canadian Heritage predicts that by 2017 one in every five residents of Canada will be a member of what the government defines as “a visible minority.” This means that, in just 10 years, there will be from 6 to 8 million people of colour living in Canada. Add to this picture an aging population and declining birth rates, and the result is a country that is replenishing its population base largely through immigration. And since 80% of the immigrants to Canada now come from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region, the vast majority are people of colour—and they are also the primary source of growth in our labour force. Consider these statistics: • Among the 7 million Canadians aged 18 to 34, 20% are persons of colour. • One in three of 5-to-15-year-old Canadians is racially visible. • Two-thirds of all children of colour born in Canada are under the age of 16. • The majority—56%—of Canada’s Aboriginal population is under the age of 24 (compared to 34% of all Canadians). The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples forecast over 10 years ago that an additional 225,000 jobs would have to be found over the next 20 years just for members of this community. The percentage of racialized immigrants with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or higher is 31.5 %, while the proportion of Canadian-born workers of colour with a BA degree or higher is 37.5%. For those not racialized and Canadian-born, the figure for those with a BA or higher is only 19.1% for the same age group. Racialized immigrants hold the second highest unemployment rate (10%) eclipsed, surprisingly, by Canadian-born workers of colour (11%), while white workers face the lowest unemployment rate at 7%. The unemployment rate for racialized immigrant youth (15-to-24-year-olds) is 14.8%, and for racialized Canadian- born youth 15.5%–compared with the overall youth unemployment rate of 13.3%. Bottom line: The average earnings for workers of colour are significantly lower than for other workers. In addition, the type of work they may have is insecure, with fewer benefits and protections. And, tragically, higher education, when viewed in colour, does not translate into more income or more job security. Racial discrimination, both overt and covert, is clearly a large contributing factor to the poor labour market outcomes of workers of colour. Lower incomes, higher unemployment, and precarious work are prevalent for workers of colour as a whole. The fact that Canadian-born racialized workers are doing slightly worse than racialized immigrants underlines the force of the racism operating with impunity in the labour market. The conclusion is hard to ignore: economic disadvantage is racialized, poverty is colour-coded, and the racialized cohort, because of their colour, are not living in the black. Racism persists in Canada, and it is impeding people of colour from entering the labour market at a pace—and place—commensurate with their skills. One 1995 study, for example, found that the gross earnings of South Asians in Canada was nearly $7,000 less than the national average, and that the earnings of Aboriginals were $9,000 less. * * * Another more recent development that serves to deny racialized communities fair access to jobs is the series of “national security” policies that Canadian governments have rushed to implement in the wake of the 9/11 events in the United States. Prominent among these policies is a 186-page piece of legislation called the Anti-Terrorism Act and Security Certificates legislation that resides under what is ironically called the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These two legal tools grant vast powers to the police and other Canadian security officials to monitor (spy on), detain, and incarcerate immigrants who are predominantly folks of colour, to do so outside of a due judicial process, and even deport them to countries where they can be tortured. And what persons are most vulnerable to the arbitrary application of these laws? Naturally they are members of Canada’s communities of colour–particularly the bearded, suspicious-looking Muslims or Middle Eastern types–or their kids–dubbed by the media “the homegrown terrorists.” Maher Arar was the most prominent victim of such barbaric treatment, but other Muslims—Adil Charkaoui, Mohammed Harkett, Hassan Almreii and Mohammad Mahjoub, to name a few—have been detained for years. Others, including Canadian citizens Ahmad El Maati, Abdullah Almalki and Muayyed Nuredin—were “rendered” overseas to military officials in Syria and Egypt to be incarcerated and tortured with the likely knowledge and approval of some members of the Canadian government. Since 2001, Canada has spent (overspent) almost $8 billion on increased security—including extra funds for policing, the military, and immigration, airport and border controls—a vast sum allocated to fighting the “war on terror,” mainly at the behest of the United States. How will the allocation of such vast public revenues to a national (in)security agenda affect the hiring, retention, and promotion of equity-seeking groups that are the first to be put under surveillance? Will the national insecurity agenda help or keep out some groups? We got some idea of this threat last year from a U.S. regulation that prevents Canadian workers holding dual citizenship with some 20 countries from working on U.S. military contracts. It’s called the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). An aerospace industry worker in Montreal was told he would have to revoke his Lebanese citizenship in order to qualify for working under his private employer’s U.S. military contract. A Venezuelan-born aerospace worker, Jamie Vargas, has filed a human rights complaint, claiming that the ITAR rule is discriminatory because it denies him work on the basis of his place of birth. He cites occasions when he and another employee working at Bell Helicopter Textron were excluded from a computer program because of where they were born, thus adversely affecting their employment prospects. Given the billions of dollars in military contracts and the many new jobs that could flow from the insecurity agenda, this kind of job discrimination against those born in or holding dual citizenships with certain countries can be expected to worsen. The race, rights, and equity agenda is colliding with the insecurity agenda and its fixation with alleged risks and lists of suspects. A “terror watch” list compiled by the FBI has swelled to include more than half a million names. The NCTC database has grown at an incredible pace, more than quadrupling since 2003. And rest assured: this is not a white list; this is brown and black list. Canada is now building its own “no-fly” list, which has already resulted in a couple of children with the same names on the list being prevented from boarding Air Canada planes. The mother of one of the boys, when she complained, was actually advised by an airport security official to change his name! No one outside the security apparatus can find out if they are on the list. You won't find out if your name or your wife’s or kid’s names are on the list until you arrive at the airport. So where is all this racial profiling and risk-list-building going? Consider not only which members of our community are most likely to make it onto these new lists; consider also how much our governments are investing in infrastructure, administration, and technology to compile, share, and utilize this personal information. Consider, too, that when the federal Minister of Transport introduced Canada’s no-fly list, he also disclosed that it would be followed by a much broader screening program using sophisticated computer software and complex algorithms that determine risk factors based on undisclosed criteria. What he was referring to was the computer profiling and security check of all travellers (land, sea and air) in order to assign to each and every one of them a "security level." The technology to do this is being developed at the National Risk Assessment Centre in Ottawa. The program will parallel--and be interoperable with--a similar program underway in the U.S., in effect putting in place the infrastructure of a North American Security Perimeter. In October of 2006, the U.S. government disclosed that its border security program will screen all people who enter and leave the United States, create a terrorism risk profile of each individual, and retain that information for up to 40 years. Imagine the deterrent effects on long-term job hunting if your name wrongly appears on one of these lists. According to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office--the equivalent of our Office of the Auditor-General--more than 30,000 travellers already have been falsely associated with terrorism as they crossed the border, took a plane, or were arrested for a traffic offence. And, to be fully functional, the system will rely on biometrics identifiers, thus the push to introduce biometrics passports (a technology that has some glitches in it when looking at folks of colour) or other forms of biometrics I.D. cards. Under such a scheme, records are kept on everyone and the concept of "presumption of innocence" is reversed: every citizen becomes a suspect. All of this is being incrementally implemented here in Canada without any political debate or input from our elected representatives. Think of it this way: if the new risk assessment screening program were assigning a colour to every prospective traveller—orange for slow down, green for you’re free to go, and red meaning you’re not free--what colour do you think you will get in Canada’s new insecurity system? And to what extent will it depend on your colour? (Karl Flecker is the national director of the Anti-Racism and Human Rights Department of the Canadian Labour Congress.)
Home Introduction Persons Geogr. Sources Events Mijn blog(Nederlands) Religion Subjects Images Queries Links Contact Do not fly Iberia Custom Search Do not display Latin text History of Rome (Ab Urbe Condita) by Livy Translated by Rev. Canon Roberts Book X Chapter 4: War in Etruria. Gnaeus Fulvius.[301 BC] Next chapter Return to index Previous chapter The news of this defeat created a quite unnecessary alarm in Rome. Measures were adopted as though an army had been annihilated; all legal business was suspended, guards were stationed at the gates, watches were set in the different wards of the City, armour and weapons were stored in readiness on the walls, and every man within the military age was embodied. When the dictator [Note 1] returned to the camp he found that, owing to the careful arrangements which the Master of the Horse [Note 2] had made, everything was quieter than he had expected. The camp had been moved back into a safer position; the cohorts who had lost their standards were punished by being stationed outside the rampart without any tents; the whole army was eager for battle that they might all the sooner wipe out the stain of their defeat. Under these circumstances the dictator at once advanced his camp into the neighbourhood of Rusella. The enemy followed him, and although they felt the utmost confidence in a trial of strength in the open field, they decided to practise a stratagem on their enemy, as they had found it so successful before. At no great distance from the Roman camp were some half-demolished houses belonging to a village which had been burnt when the land was harried. Some soldiers were concealed in these and cattle were driven past the place in full view of the Roman outposts, who were under the command of a staff-officer, Gnaeus Fulvius. As not a single man left his post to take the bait, one of the drovers, coming up close to the Roman lines, called out to the others who were driving the cattle somewhat slowly away from the ruined cottages to ask them why they were so slow, as they could drive them safely through the middle of the Roman camp. Some Caerites who were with Fulvius interpreted the words, and all the maniples were extremely indignant at the insult, but they did not dare to move without orders. He then instructed those who were familiar with the language to notice whether the speech of the herdsmen was more akin to that of rustics or to that of towndwellers. On being told that the accent and personal appearance were too refined for cattle-drovers, he said, "Go and tell them to unmask the ambush they have tried in vain to conceal; the Romans know all, and can now no more be trapped by cunning than they can be vanquished by arms." When these words were carried to those who were lying concealed, they suddenly rose from their lurking-place and advanced in order of battle on to the open plain, which afforded a view in all directions. The advancing line appeared to Fulvius to be too large a body for his men to withstand, and he sent a hasty message to the dictator to ask for help; in the meantime he met the attack single-handed. Note 1: dictator = Valerius Note 2: Master of the Horse = Aemilius Event: Fourth war with Etruria Nuntiata ea clades Romam maiorem quam res erat terrorem exciuit; nam ut exercitu deleto ita iustitium indictum, custodiae in portis, uigiliae uicatim exactae, arma, tela in muros congesta. Omnibus iunioribus sacramento adactis dictator ad exercitum missus omnia spe tranquilliora et composita magistri equitum cura, castra in tutiorem locum redacta, cohortes quae signa amiserant extra uallum sine tentoriis destitutas inuenit, exercitum auidum pugnae, quo maturius ignominia aboleretur. Itaque confestim castra inde in agrum Rusellanum promouit. Eo et hostes secuti, quamquam ex bene gesta re summam et in aperto certamine uirium spem habebant, tamen insidiis quoque, quas feliciter experti erant, hostem temptant. Tecta semiruta uici per uastationem agrorum deusti haud procul castris Romanorum aberant. Ibi abditis armatis pecus in conspectu praesidii Romani, cui praeerat Cn. Fuluius legatus, propulsum. Ad quam inlecebram cum moueretur nemo ab Romana statione, pastorum unus progressus sub ipsas munitiones inclamat alios, cunctanter ab ruinis uici pecus propellentes, quid cessarent cum per media castra Romana tuto agere possent. Haec cum legato Caerites quidam interpretarentur et per omnes manipulos militum indignatio ingens esset nec tamen iniussu mouere auderent, iubet peritos linguae attendere animum, pastorum sermo agresti an urbano propior esset. Cum referrent sonum linguae et corporum habitum et nitorem cultiora quam pastoralia esse, "ite igitur, dicite" inquit, "detegant nequiquam conditas insidias: omnia scire Romanum nec magis iam dolo capi quam armis uinci posse." haec ubi audita sunt et ad eos qui consederant in insidiis perlata, consurrectum repente ex latebris est et in patentem ad conspectum undique campum prolata signa. uisa legato maior acies quam quae ab suo praesidio sustineri posset; itaque propere ad dictatorem auxilia accitum mittit; interea ipse impetus hostium sustinet.
How English lost the double negative (and French gained it) double negativesDouble negatives are considered bad grammar in English. Try telling an English teacher that you “haven’t got no pencils” or that you “didn’t see no-one” and he or she will pounce and say “Aha…. A double negative cancels out to become a positive, so you do have some pencils and you did see somebody.” It hasn’t always been like this though. There was a time in English when using a double negative was an acceptable way of emphasising something. Shakespeare is littered with double, and even triple, negatives! In As You Like It, Celia says: You know my father hath no child but I, nor none is like to have… In Richard III, Stanley says: “I never was nor never will be” And in Twelfth Night, Viola says: I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth. And that no woman has, nor never none Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.” Other languages still have a double negative. For example in Spanish to say I see nothing you would say “No veo nada.” Well, if it was good enough for Shakespeare, and it’s still good enough for other European languages, what went wrong in English? To paraphrase Baldric in Blackadder goes forth, “ There must have been a moment when double negatives being acceptable went away, and double negatives not being acceptable came along. So, how did we get from the one case of affairs to the other case of affairs?” Well, what happened is that the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason came along. Mathematics became more socially important and scholars tried to impose the same mathematical rules to language. In the mid 1700s Robert Lowth wrote a book about English grammar, proclaiming that two negatives must make a positive, and so it has been ever since. Interestingly – French made the opposite change. As anyone who has tried to learn French will probably remember, to say something in the negative you have to make a ne pas sandwich. I don’t want is “je ne veux pas, I don’t know is “je ne sais pas” and so on. If you’ve ever wondered why you had to use two bits, and why the second word was the same as the word for a step, well… there is a reason! It wasn’t always that way. Once upon a time I don’t want was “je ne veux, I don’t know was “je ne sais” and so on. But then there came a great fashion for exaggeration for emphasis: I couldn’t eat another mouthful….I couldn’t drink another drop……I couldn’t walk another step. Over time this manner of speaking became the norm, but then gradually most of the expressions disappeared, just leaving “pas” which tacked itself onto all of the negatives and has stayed there ever since. And that’s the story of how English lost the double negative, and French gained it. S is for Spanish Spanish, aka Castilian, is one of the Romance languages and the second most spoken language in the world after Chinese. It just spoken in Spain, most of Central and South America, and parts of Africa. The language evolved from Latin, and its current form spread from the north of Spain, down through the country when the Christians reconquered the lands from the Moors. There is still lots of Moorish influence on the vocabulary, including words such as aceite (oil) aceituna (olive), albóndiga (meatball), alcalde (mayor) and aldea (village). Spanish is a popular language to learn as a second language in the UK, partly because Spain is a popular holiday destination, and partly because its phonetic nature makes it easier to learn than some European languages such as French and its lack of cases makes it easier to learn than other European languages such as German. Like most Romance languages, it has two genders (masculine and feminine) for nouns, and sentences follow a subject-verb-object word order. Probably the languages most distinctive features are the upside down question mark (¿) and the upside down exclamation mark (¡). If you fancy learning some Spanish, there is a free course at FutureLearn. If you’d like some face-to-face lessons instead, then get in touch to see how I can help. Related posts: R is for Romance Languages T is for Tok Pisin R is for Romance languages The most common Romance languages are Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Romanian and Catalan. Other lesser-known ones include Occitan, Galician, Asturian, Sicilian, Corsican and Sardinian. In all there are about 35 living Romance languages. Sadly their name comes from the word Roman and not the word romantic. The Romance languages are the ones that evolve from vulgar Latin. Vulgar here means common, ie the version of Latin actually spoken by the common people, compared to the classical Latin of the church and of the elite. Originally vulgar Latin and classical Latin were mutually intelligible, but over time vulgar Latin evolved into the various Romance languages and the people were no longer able to understand classical Latin. Most Romance languages have lost some of the more difficult aspects of Latin, such as declensions and cases. Because of this they have a much stricter subject-verb-object word order, and they make more use of prepositions. There are about 800 million speakers of Romance languages in the world and most of them are in Europe, Africa and the Americas. In Europe the places where Romance languages are spoken roughly equates to the boundaries of the Western Roman empire. And to return to the statement in the first paragraph about the Romance coming from Roman and not romantic, there is a link between the words. Back in those days, “serious” literature was written in classical Latin. Popular tales, such as love stories, were written in the common (ie Romance) language, and so they came to be called romances. Related posts: Q is for Quechua S is for Spanish Q is for Quechua With approximately 8-9 million speakers, Quechua is the largest surviving indigenous language in the Americas. It originated in Peru with the Incas, and then due to trade relationships, it spread north to southern Columbia and south to northern Argentina. Quechua is mostly spoken in Peru and Bolivia where it has joined official status with Spanish. When the Spanish first arrived in the 1500s, Quechua was such an important language that it continued to be widely used. It was officially recognised by the Spanish administration, and Spanish officials learnt it to communicate with the locals. However, in the 18th century, Quechua was banned as an administrative and religious language, and its use declined. In the 19th century it was reinstated, but by this time the damage had been done and Quechua was no longer seen as a prestigious language. Quechua was made an official language in Peru in 1975, but Spanish is still seen as the language of economic advancement. Related posts: P is for Proto Indo European R is for Romance Languages
Bias in a global society copyright by A new study has revealed that AI systems, such as Google Translate, acquire the same cultural biases as humans. While this isn’t a surprising finding, it comes aa s cause for concern and remedial action. Arvind Narayanan, an assistant professor of computer science at Princeton-affiliated faculty member to the CITP explained the rationale for this research: “Questions about fairness and bias in machine learning are tremendously important for our society. We have a situation where these artificial intelligence systems may be perpetuating historical patterns of bias that we might find socially unacceptable and which we might be trying to move away from.” The tool used for research into human biases is the Implicit Association Test which measures response times (in milliseconds) by subjects asked to pair word concepts displayed on a computer screen. Response times are far shorter, for concepts perceived as similar than for those regarded dissimilar. Measure bias in algorithm The Princeton team developed a similar way to measure biases in AI systems that acquire language from human texts. Rather than measuring lag time, however, their Word-Embedding Association Test uses associations between words, analyzing roughly 2.2 million words in total. In particular, they relied on GloVe (Global Vectors for Word Representation) an open source program developed by Stanford researchers for measuring the linguistic or semantic similarity of words regarding co-occurrence and proximity. They used this to approach to look at words like “programmer, engineer, scientist” and “nurse, teacher, librarian” alongside two sets of attribute words, such as “man, male” and “woman, female,” looking for evidence of the kinds of biases humans can unwittingly possess. Machines learn from humans Aylin Caliskan explains that female names are associated with family terms, whereas male names are associated with career terms and demonstrates how AI perpetuates gender stereotypes using Google Translate and Turkish, a language that has three pronouns – he, she and it. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, Bryson says: “A lot of people are saying this is showing that AI is prejudiced. No. This is showing we’re prejudiced and that AI is learning it.” […] read more – copyright by
Despite the growing popularity of acupuncture, its use in the treatment of infectious diseases is not widely accepted. However, scientific evidence does exist that suggests that acupuncture has a modulating effect on the immune system. Specifically, needling of a specific point along the upper shin bone has the potential to stimulate a type of interferon that is responsible for enhancing the body’s immune response. It is widely accepted that acupuncture can reduce anxiety, eliminate toxins and improve sleep quality. In general, problems relative to these closely related factors result in significant immune system compromise. Acupuncture has long been a treatment of choice for these issues. In addition, research has verified the effect of acupuncture at increasing certain types of interferons, especially NK cell concentrations. Interferons are types of signaling proteins released by virally infected cells. Interferon then stimulates the infected cells to produce proteins that prevent further replication. White blood cells produce Alpha and Beta interferon. T-cells and NK (natural killer) cells stimulate production of Gamma interferon. In a small 17 subject human study conducted in 2007, Yamaguchi concluded that there were significant increases in NK cell markers following acupuncture. Considering the role of NK cells in fighting off viral infections, this study does provide rationale for the use of acupuncture. In another 2017 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, rats were dosed with DMBA (dimethylbenzanthracene), a powerful carcinogen and immune system depressor that is often used to generate cancer and damage DNA in test animals. The researchers arrived at the conclusion that the rats who received acupuncture exhibited elevated levels of NK cells compared to control groups. The acupuncture point Stomach 36 (Zusanli) which is located laterally just below the patella was used in both animal and human studies. At Back in Motion Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Daphne, our doctor has 20 years of experience in effective needling techniques designed to improve immune system function. Traditional acupuncture has long focused on the theory of prevention and pre-conditioning with acupuncture treatments before symptoms present. If you are looking for an effective and safe way to enhance your immune system, call our office at 251-621-2224 for more information or to schedule. Call Us Text Us Skip to content
Asset allocation means diversifying your investments between different types of assets. This can help protect you from large losses in your portfolio. An asset can be anything from your home to the right to receive royalties from a book you have written. However, when people talk about asset allocation, they usually mean money invested directly in the capital markets. Below we look at the key role asset allocation plays in your investment strategy. What is asset allocation? Asset allocation means that you allocate your money among different assets such as stocks, fixed income securities and cash equivalents. Each of these assets reacts differently to different market trends, so combining these assets in your portfolio will help you minimize losses when the market is down. In general, the younger you are, the more shares you should own. This is because you have a longer investment period during which you can make up for losses if they occur, and the stock market as a whole tends to rise over time. More experienced investors may have a higher percentage of fixed income stocks and rely more on recurring income than big stock gains. Asset allocation is a key component of any investment strategy. Your portfolio needs to be diversified, and how you distribute your holdings will partly determine how diversified you are. Asset Class Types Each asset class offers different degrees of risk and reward. Here are the three most common asset classes, ranked from least risky to most risky: Cash: This is the least risky type of asset, but the return is negative when inflation is taken into account. This category includes money market funds and certificates of deposit. Bonds: There are many types of bonds, but they are all fixed income investments. The safest are US Treasury bonds. They are 100% guaranteed by the federal government and offer slightly higher returns than cash. Government and municipal bonds offer slightly more risk and reward. Corporate bonds offer higher yields but have a higher default risk. This is especially true for junk bonds. You should also look at international bonds, including emerging market bonds, as well as domestic bonds. Stocks: They are more risky than bonds since you can lose 100% of your investment. Stocks provide the highest returns over time and usually outperform inflation. Shares are divided into three subcategories depending on the size of capitalization: small, medium and large. Like bonds, you should own international and emerging market stocks, as well as domestic stocks. There are many other classes that you should also consider: Real Estate: This includes investment property, such as rentals, investments in a real estate investment trust (REIT), or some type of pooled real estate fund. Experts disagree on whether the house you live in, if you own it, should be included in this distribution. Derivatives: They offer the highest risk and highest return. Keep in mind that you may lose more than your investment. Commodities: Risk can vary as there are many types. However, most investors should own shares in an oil-related mutual fund, as oil should rise in the long run as supplies shrink. It is generally recommended to invest no more than 10% in gold. Currencies: Since the dollar is declining in the long run, it is useful to have assets denominated in foreign currencies such as the euro. When the dollar is weak, then the euro is strong. These two mixed economies are the same size, so they compete with each other in the foreign exchange market. How does asset allocation work? Consider Sarah, an investor who has $10,000. She decides to split her money into three parts: stocks, fixed income securities, and cash. She first decides to invest 60% of her money in stocks. She then decides to divide this amount between the categories of large companies such as Coca-Cola and Reebok, and small companies that most people have never heard of, called "small caps". Sarah buys $4,000 in index funds that track large caps and $2,000 in index funds that track small caps. She invests $3,500, or 35%, in a fixed income investment split equally between US Treasury bills and municipal bonds (city or state). Finally, she keeps $500 in cash, which she holds in a money market account. When the inevitable downturn hits the market, Sarah will be better protected from big losses thanks to her investments in bonds, which are not as volatile as stocks. But when the stock market takes off, most of her stock portfolio will perform well. Asset Allocation and Your Goals How much should you allocate for each asset? It depends on three factors: Your investment goals: Are you planning for retirement, are you already retired, or are you saving money for a down payment on a house? Time Horizon: How soon will you need the money? Risk Tolerance: Can you tolerate when your investment drops sharply at times, knowing that you will earn higher returns in the long run? Your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance will determine the model you should use. If you can tolerate high risk in order to earn high returns, you will invest more in stocks and mutual funds. People with low risk tolerance will prefer bonds. Those who are risk averse or who need money within the next year should have more cash. Asset Allocation Versus Diversification While asset allocation is an important part of building a diversified portfolio, it is not exactly the same concept as diversification. You can spread your money among several types of assets without diversifying them properly. For example, if all the stocks in your portfolio are just a few large-cap stocks, you don't diversify them for better growth. Diversifying your portfolio means covering different levels of risk and return with different investments. Allocation is one way to do this, but you should always go further and diversify each asset class. Why proper distribution is important Allocation of assets based on an individual investment strategy is what almost every investor considers good practice. Even billionaires and institutional investors lose money at certain stakes, but because they are properly hedged, this ensures that they do not suffer significant damage from one bad investment. The balance between equities, fixed income and cash is also important as this strategy allows for macroeconomic changes beyond the investor's horizon. The correct distribution of funds allows you to take into account currency fluctuations and major geopolitical events, providing the investor with protection from large-scale falls. Main conclusions Asset allocation is the process of allocating your investments among different types of assets to protect against market changes. Investors typically put some of their investments in stocks, bonds and cash equivalents, but there are other types of assets to consider as well, including real estate, commodities and derivatives. The best combination for you depends on your investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance. These five financial advisor search engines let you narrow down your search so you can find the person that's right for you. You can search by geographic region, by how a financial advisor is compensated, and by areas of specialization. Find a Certified Financial Planner The search engine on the Financial Planners Association website allows you to search the database of Certified Financial Planners by specialty, compensation method, and minimum income or assets. CFP(R)s must pass a rigorous exam and have three years of work experience before they can use the CFP(R) designation, so by hiring a CFP you know you are getting someone who is not new to the profession. Pros: This is a great way to make sure you're hiring a certified financial planner. Then you can narrow down your search to make sure you find a financial advisor with the right specialization. Cons: None Find a counselor who works with the elderly Boomerater provides a comprehensive list of financial planners and financial advisors in all geographic regions. You can search for them by zip code. Consultants with photos and details pay to have an expanded list, and everyone you find on the site is interested in working with older people. The Boomerater website also has many informative articles written by the consultants listed in the directory. Pros: You will find a complete list of all financial planning and investment management firms in your geographic area. Those with an extended list are looking for new older clients. Cons: You will need to browse the list to find firms and financial advisors that offer the service and fee structure you prefer. Boomerater does not pre-qualify. Find a Paid Financial Advisor All NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisers) members are fee-only, which means they do not sell commission products. In this search engine, you enter your city and state to find a list of paid-only financial advisors near you. Pros: Compared to financial advisors in general, NAPFA members are often more experienced, credited, and have a more established practice. They must also meet strict continuing education requirements as NAPFA requires 60 hours of continuing education every two years to remain a member of the organization. Cons: NAPFA members may have minimum dues or minimum asset requirements. For example, some of them will not work with clients whose portfolio is less than $500,000 or $1,000,000. Find financial advisors who charge by the hour On the Garrett Planning Network, you can enter your zip code and find a list of financial advisors who provide financial planning services for an hourly fee. Pros: Hourly planning can be a great way to get an unbiased opinion on financial decisions. An hourly financial advisor can create a comprehensive financial plan or help with small, specific projects, such as allocating 401(k) plan funds, or helping you decide whether to fund a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA. Cons: If you're looking for an ongoing relationship with a financial advisor who knows your situation inside and out, then hourly scheduling may not be the way to go. Find the right advisor Paladin Registry provides a wealth of educational resources to help you find the right financial advisor. They pre-screen their advisors and don't let just anyone on their platform. To use the service, you fill in the basic information, and then you are matched with several consultants that meet your requirements. Pros: No need to search through multiple ads. Once you complete the online form and submit your request, your situation will be personalized to a handful of selected advisors. Your contact information is sent to them, and their company information is sent to you. Cons: If you are not comfortable providing Net Worth and Assets information, then you will have a hard time finding the right EA for you using this search engine. After a major crash, it's not always possible to restore a car to the point where it flattens out again. In addition to physical damage to the vehicle, you may have to deal with a rescue header. A salvaged car is what the insurance company defined as a total loss, which means it will cost more money to repair than what the car is worth. (Formulas vary by state). It becomes a problem if you want to sell the car or use it again. Main conclusions A salvaged car is what the insurance company defines as a total loss, and in most states you can't drive or get insurance for it. Usually, once a car's title has been branded as a rescue, it will never go back to how it was titled before. * , however, it may be able to be rebranded as "recoverable header" (or "restored" or "collected" in some places). To remove the Salvage heading, you will need to purchase the car, have it repaired, get it checked and submit the correct paperwork. What can you do with a Salvage car? In most states, you can't drive a Salvage titular car on the road or get insurance for it, and it's hard to find a company willing to insure or get funding to buy even an earlier descender car. The most reputable dealerships also shy away from accepting salvage as a trade-in. A total loss, his name would be "branded" as a salvation. So the question is, how can you get the Salveage title? Title title games Before we begin, it's important to note that attempting to obscure a car's history in a way that isn't exactly "regular" in your particular state is a serious crime called "title laundering" or "title laundering." Each state's auto licensing rules are different, and you should always check your state's unique registration requirements and title rules before considering a car with a liquidation title. In most jurisdictions, the rules are fairly similar. As a rule, once the ownership of a car has been given the “salvage” brand, it will never return to its former title. However, in most states a title may be renamed "title restored" (or in some places "restored" or "collected"). This will require the vehicle to be repaired and submitted for inspection by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If it passes the review, the DMV will rename the title to "Recovered". So, in a sense, the title "salvage" can be removed and replaced with the title "rebuilt" - but only technically. Anyone who knows anything about car titles (and the services that provide information about the history of cars) will understand that the word “restored” means that it was previously called an accident. This applies to all insurance companies and any knowledgeable potential buyers. If this is a big problem for you, then you should probably skip the recycling game. If not, read on. Title Recovery Steps Here is a summary of the steps you usually need to take to remove a recycling title. 1. Buy a car It may not be as easy as it seems. In some states, only licensed restorers are allowed to purchase or own a vehicle with a crash title. If this is the case in your state, you will only be able to own the vehicle after it has been repaired and has gone through the inspection and restoration process. 2. Car repair Make sure you know what you're doing or have your car repaired by a certified mechanic. Be sure to keep all the paperwork for the car and take plenty of photos before and during the repair. 3. Pass the inspection Obtain and complete the required forms from the DMV to pass the inspection. This is where all this paperwork and photography comes into play. The DMV will most likely require you to submit a bill of sale, disposal certificate, photographs, and other documentation. After you complete all the documents, schedule an inspection and conduct it. Remember that you cannot legally deliver the car to the inspection site, so you will most likely have to tow it there. After the vehicle passes the inspection (and you pay for the inspection), the inspector can attach a sign to the car stating that it has passed the inspection. 4. Submission of final documents The next step is to apply for a reinstated title, which will require additional forms to be completed and additional fees to be paid. After that, you should receive a title with a stamp on the front, indicating that the car has been restored. If your vehicle has been tagged in another state, you may need to pass inspection and re-marking in that state before you can register it at home. Check your state's regulations before making a purchase. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) You can expect a restored title to reduce the value of the car by 20-40%. This is the rule of thumb used in the industry. Why do I need a bill of sale for a car for an accident inspection? A bill of sale is needed to prove that you have legally taken possession of the car. You may not need it if you bought the car new and it has never changed hands. What happens during an inspection? The main point of a scrappage inspection is to make sure that the correct parts are installed in the car and that nothing has been stolen or illegally modified. The inspector will check the details of the car and compare them with the accompanying documentation. Ariana Chavez has over a decade of professional experience in research, editing and writing. She has worked in academia and digital publishing, focusing on content related to U.S. socioeconomic history and personal finance, among other topics. She uses this experience as a fact checker for The Balance to ensure that the facts given in articles are accurate and properly sourced. Learn about our editorial guidelines. If you're stuck in a debt cycle, earning too little to maintain your desired standard of living, or just want to start saving money towards a major financial goal like buying a home or investing, you may need help to reach your goals. Follow these strategies to take control of your finances right now. Read books about personal finance If you need help with finances but don't know where to start, turn to financial wisdom from books written by experts. There are many books out there on how to take control of your finances, from how to get out of debt to how to build an investment portfolio. Books are a great way to change your approach to money management. To increase your savings, you can buy used financial books online or borrow them for free from your local library. If you prefer listening to advice, look to audiobooks. Start budgeting If you're having trouble managing your finances, then you probably need to create a budget - a plan for how you spend money each month based on how much you usually earn and spend. A budget is the best tool for changing your financial future. To begin, write down your income and all expenses, and then subtract expenses from income to determine your discretionary spending. At the beginning of each month, create a budget to allocate how free funds are spent. Track expenses throughout the month, and at the end of the month, determine if you were on budget. If you've spent more than you've earned, you can fix your budget by cutting unnecessary spending or, if possible, earning more. Submit a revised budget next month to start living within your means. Lower your monthly bills One of the easiest ways to take control of your finances is to cut your monthly expenses. While you may not be able to cut some fixed costs like rent or car payments without making major lifestyle changes, you can cut variable costs like clothes or entertainment with flexibility and a frugal approach. For example, you can reduce your electricity consumption to lower your utility bills, choose different providers for your home or life insurance, or buy discounted products from wholesalers. Cancellation of cable television When it comes to cutting monthly bills, there's likely one bill you could cut right now and potentially save hundreds of dollars each month: your cable TV bill. If you need a little help with finances, or just want to reach your financial goals faster, consider giving up cable television. You don't even have to give up TV completely. Cutting the cord, that is, ditching expensive cable services in favor of low-cost streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, will allow you to watch your favorite shows without spending a lot of money every month. If, after exploring different streaming options, you're still determined to stick with your cable provider, upgrade to a package with fewer channels to save yourself some money each month. Stop eating out Looking for an easy way to take control of your variable expenses each month? Limit the habit of eating out. Spending time at a good restaurant is great, but the savings can increase if you start cooking at home or bringing lunch bags to work instead of eating out every day. Start small – cook at home at least once a week. Start taking your lunches to work next week. You may be surprised at how much you can save. The meals you take to work can save you $1,300 a year, or more than $50,000 over 40 years of work. Plan your menu for the month If the idea of cooking every night is bothering you, make a menu for the month to make it less intimidating. The benefit of planning meals for the entire month is that you can cut food or prepare meals in batches. This approach also makes the grocery shopping process easier and ensures that you spend less on groceries, as you are more likely to use all of your purchased ingredients while they are still fresh. Alternatively, you can use a menu planning service like eMeals or PlateJoy to take the hassle out of shopping and cooking entirely. These services allow you to select recipes and send a list of required ingredients to your local grocery store for quick pickup. However, these services cost money, so you need to evaluate the cost and determine if it fits within your budget. Pay off debt One of the most expensive mistakes you can make is having a lot of debt, especially high-interest credit card debt. If you want to change your financial picture and get more financial opportunities, pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Start by listing all your current debts, whether it's a credit card, student loan, or car loan, and work out the minimum amount you must pay for each. Just paying the minimum amount won't help you get out of debt quickly, so evaluate your fixed expenses and determine how much of your free spending budget you can use to pay off debt. Try lowering the interest rate on your debt by asking the issuer for a lower rate, by consolidating several debts into one, or by transferring high-interest debt to a low-interest credit card, such as a balance transfer card. Then, make a debt repayment plan and adopt smart spending habits to pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Stop using credit cards If you're struggling to make ends meet every month, you may be relying too much on your credit cards. If you continue to use credit cards as a temporary measure to make ends meet, you will quickly find yourself in debt. This will limit the amount of money you have each month to pay bills, save for retirement, or achieve another financial goal. If you really want to take control of your finances, stop using credit cards. In addition to budgeting, to avoid buying things on credit, switch to cash or debit cards to avoid accumulating debt; open a short-term savings account and take money from it for large expenses; or leave your credit card at home so you won't be tempted to take it out of your pocket and swipe it. Student Loan Management Student loans can leave you in debt for years if you don't take care to pay them off. You need to refinance or consolidate them, find out if you qualify for the student loan forgiveness program, or add them to your debt repayment plan. Taking control of your student loans is a great step you can take right now to improve your financial situation. You do not have to drastically change the loan repayment schedule; By paying off half of the student loan amount every two weeks, you will make a full additional payment each year. Some lenders will even cut your interest rate by about 0.25% if you sign up for automatic loan payments. Start saving every week Like investing, saving is another passive approach to growing your wealth, albeit a more gradual one. To take control of your finances right now, open and regularly (for example, every week, month, or at certain times of the year) put money into an interest-bearing savings account. It could be the money you save each month on groceries, a tax refund, a certain amount you set aside from every paycheck, or the amount you budget for monthly savings. No matter which option you choose, and no matter how little you save, look for ways to increase your savings over time. Small successes in the long run will turn into big incomes. Support spending Another way to help you limit your spending and get your finances in order is fasting, where you stop spending money on your own for a set period of time. These are often monthly periods of spending cuts, where exemptions are made only for major spending categories such as food, transportation, and standing bills. If you're ready to live like a minimalist for a short period of time, take on this challenge to top up your checking account, change your habits, and appreciate what you need, not just what you want. This experience may even change the way you think about money forever. Make a financial plan A financial plan is necessary in order to take control of your finances and achieve specific goals. In short, a financial plan is a timeline of important milestones in your life. It is similar to a budget, but covers a longer time horizon - 10, 20 or 30 years, while a budget is a short-term plan for several weeks or months ahead. The two concepts work hand in hand, which is why a budget is often a component of a larger financial plan. These plans can also help you manage your finances by prioritizing your goals, as it's often more efficient to focus on one or two financial goals at a time. Your financial plan should include activities such as buying a home, saving for retirement, and paying for your children's college education. Set realistic goals Take the time to set the financial goals you're aiming for, like buying a house or expanding your retirement nest. If you don't have specific goals that you're working towards, you'll find it hard to motivate yourself to keep saving or investing every month. When setting goals, make sure they are realistic. For example, don't set a goal to pay off $40,000 of debt in one year if your salary is only $30,000. Unrealistic goals that set you up for failure can discourage you from making the right financial moves in the future. Lastly, keep track of your goals over time so you can see how much you've accomplished. For example, most modern brokerages offer tools on their websites that allow you to track the profits and losses of your investment portfolio over time. These tools will help you stay on track as you work toward your long-term goal. Become an investor There are two main ways to make money: earn it actively by working for it, or earn it passively while you sleep by saving or investing the money you have in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or other financial instruments. Given that the long-term average annual return of the stock market is 10% or 6% or 7% inflation-adjusted, investing in the stock market is a great way for the average person to build wealth. If the idea of investing scares you, take a course on the basics of investing, meet with a financial advisor, or talk to a trusted family member or friend with experience in the field. While investing comes with risks, consistently investing and distributing your money in appropriate proportions across different asset classes (such as stocks and bonds) can help you maximize your returns and limit your losses. Protect your savings If you're great at putting money into savings every month, but start spending it quickly to cover budget discrepancies or buy things on impulse, take steps to protect your savings from yourself. Solutions include moving your savings to a certificate of deposit (CD), from a bank where funds are readily available, to an online bank where funds are less liquid, or setting up an emergency fund at a separate bank other than the one you use regularly. Increase in pension savings Retirement will be expensive, so ideally you should start saving for it from the moment you start your first job, especially if you are offered a 401(k) plan. Even if you're working to get out of debt, make sure you contribute as much as your employer suggests - it's free money after all. If you are not in debt, work on increasing your savings. How much you should save depends on how old you are when you start working. If you are 20 years old, you can get away with contributions of 10-15% of your income, while a person who starts saving money at 40 years old must contribute up to 35% of their salary to retirement. The sooner you start saving money, the better for your wallet, both now and in retirement. Find additional sources of income Financial problems sometimes arise from insufficient income rather than expenses. If you stick to a budget, don't spend money on unnecessary things, but still struggle to make ends meet, you might want to look for a better paying job or find multiple sources of income. More income generally means more financial stability, especially if you're single or live in a single-income household. If you are unable to change jobs, look for opportunities to earn income on the side or in addition to your job. Passive rental income is another way to build wealth or find more money to get out of debt. Improve your work skills Although it may not seem directly related to finances, job security is an important part of your financial picture, as it determines how regular your salary will be. Make sure you have the right skills to stay competitive in the workplace. This may mean further certification or training from your current employer. Or it could mean going back to college for a graduate degree that will allow you to have a more stable career. You can protect your finances by taking out insurance for the amount you need. Common types of insurance include car insurance, renter's or homeowner's insurance, life insurance, and health insurance. While you may be tempted to go without insurance, remember that it protects you from catastrophes that could cause your finances to plummet. Take advantage of employee benefits In addition to retirement plans and health insurance, your company may offer additional employee benefits such as dental insurance, vision insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Not all of these benefits may be worth the extra money you pay for them, but some of them can help you financially by saving you from having to pay out-of-pocket for basic expenses. Take the time to evaluate your options to get the most out of your employee benefits. An Overview of Some Standard Types of Business Insurance Cover in Australia An Overview of Some Standard Types of Business Insurance Cover in Australia How do I know what type of business insurance I need? Since there are many types of business insurance, it is difficult to choose what is important for your company. Here are three points to consider when deciding on your business insurance. In addition, a representative from your insurance company can help you determine what will be the best cover for you. Common Business Risks These are common risks that many Australian businesses face: Damage from natural disasters such as floods, fires, and hurricanes Fraud, theft, or vandalism Accidents or accidents on your property that are caused by your product or equipment. Technology failure. Machinery failure. Cybercrimes such as data breaches or identity theft Details about your business In almost all cases, details about your company provide details of your insurance. You will need to see: What do you do Business location Number of employees Other factors you rely on to run your business. If you transport stock. If professional advice is part of your job. Estimated value of your stock Consider Risk Assessment Taking the time to look at different risks can help you make wise decisions and at the same time save you a lot of money. It is worth your while to conduct a basic risk assessment. You can use risk assessment to help guide your insurance decisions. Start with the most common risk categories to explore your risks. Strategic Risks - This category looks at business decisions and goals. Risks of compliance - following the rules, maintaining the rules, following the rules Financial Risks - The structure of your business, how the system works to manage financial transactions financially Operational Risks - Your administrative and operational risks The use of risk assessment metrics is a straightforward way to assess the likelihood of various risks in order to determine the areas that you should consider when insuring your company. What are the types of business insurance in Australia? As you can imagine, there are many types of insurance for business in Australia. Some of these are fairly universal and are part of the insurance profile for most companies, and may apply to your business in certain circumstances. Other types have no purpose for you. That's why running a risk assessment is a great way to decide if your firm needs a certain type of business insurance. An overview of some of the standard types of business insurance coverage in Australia Professional Compensation - Professional Compensation Insurance will protect you and your business if a client suffers a loss after receiving your service or following your advice. Given the propensity for legal action after a loss, a professional compensation cover can save your business. Public Responsibility - Even the best trained and experienced workers make occasional mistakes. In the event that a third party suffers loss, injury, or death as a result of any supervision by you or your company, make sure you are covered with public liability insurance. Product Liability - If the product you create causes damage, injury, or death, the product liability coverage will protect you and your assets. Property Insurance - Property insurance businesses are protected from damage to their land, structures, stocks or materials. These losses may be accidental or may be one of the insured events listed in your policy. Commercial Vehicle Insurance - If your business operates one or more cars, trucks, vans or other means of transporting goods or services, a commercial vehicle cover can give you peace of mind. Business owners can choose from a comprehensive coverage policy or one of several specific policies related to events, such as theft or third party property insurance. Tax Audit Insurance - Business owners get peace of mind from the tax audit core. With this insurance, you will be protected from your tax liability or the cost of any audit of an investigation initiated by the ATO. Business Interruption Insurance - Being forced to temporarily close your business due to events beyond your control does not automatically mean that your business will never return to its operating capacity. If the event described in your policy makes it impossible to run your business, this cover can save you from ruin. Goods and property in transit insurance - If your company sends, delivers or relies on shipments, consider goods and property a valuable protection in the transit policy. Similarly, if the movement of your product depends on maritime shipping, you may want to consider adding Marine Cargo Insurance to your business cover. Cyber Attacks and Cyber Responsibility Insurance - As the virtual world becomes a more important part of everyday life, cybercrime is a major concern in both the public and private sectors. If you have an online presence, policies are important to protect your business as well as your customers. Many business owners make the mistake of believing that cybercrime is rare or isolated, and that they are justified. Have These beliefs are absolutely wrong. Internet crime costs the Australian government 1 1 billion a year, Australia is the world's fifth most targeted country for cyber-attacks, and about 60% of Australian businesses believe they are victims of cybercrime. Have happened Machinery and Equipment Insurance - Depending on your policies, you may want to consider additional cover for equipment or special machinery to pay for repairs and replacement costs. Computer and Electronic Devices Insurance - More businesses than ever before are investing in the core of their electronic devices and computers. A policy usually covers damage to computers and other electronics in the event of an accident or damage caused by an accident. These policies also cover accidental loss of data, but do not infringe data due to criminal activity. Anti-theft insurance - Having a cover for your inventory is very important. Be sure to include any details that are not part of your policy. Some examples include employee dishonesty as well as money laundering. Glass Insurance - A clearly designed insurance cover to cover the costs associated with replacing broken glass internally and externally can be extraordinarily useful for some businesses. Often, a glass insurance policy will cover all glassware on campus. Business owners should consult an insurance expert to find out the details of the policy. Farm Insurance - If you live your life on a farm, you realize the potential for balance between nature and technology. Farm insurance can cover buildings, machinery, crops and livestock. Stock Insurance Failure - If your business relies on refrigeration or freezing items, you can protect yourself from losses with this type of cover. The company held a business meeting in Australia Insuring your business involves making sure your staff is safe. Review of special insurance for special circumstances A large number of businesses will find enough cover for their companies from the list of standard insurance types. However, technology and social trends require insurance that protects companies and owners in certain situations. Directors and Officers (D&O) Responsibilities / Responsibilities of Managers Insurance - There is a legal mandate for business managers and directors to take personal responsibility for the actions within the business they own or operate. This responsibility comes from safety compliance and accidental errors. Deliberate fraud by a company employee. By adding D&O liability, you protect yourself from financial losses and liabilities if you run a public company or have an administrative liability if you have a private business. This insurance cover is especially suitable for companies that have multiple levels of management as it provides peace of mind to the supervisors of others in your organization. Business Expenses Insurance - When you have a business expenses insurance policy, you are protected from catastrophic losses if you are unable to work due to injury or illness. The cover period is usually six months, but the insurance professional can negotiate terms with you. With this type of insurance, you get paid for standard business expenses. So, even if you are unable to run your own business, there are funds that cover staff salaries, office rent fees, utility bills, and other fixed business expenses. Business expense insurance is useful for people running small businesses, the efforts of a single entrepreneur, or any organization that cannot make money without the work of its owner. Crisis Management Insurance - While it is true that good news can travel fast, bad news travels even faster. The technology that brings us together gives us the opportunity to share the hard work of lightning speed accidents. If your business is one in which security has been breached, a claim of negligence has been filed against you, or the service has failed significantly, you are in crisis. A crisis management policy can provide you with the funds you need to protect your firm's reputation and potentially the entire business. You will have the resources needed to hire a public relations specialist or other professional to protect your reputation. Crisis management insurance operates under well-defined conditions for a specified period of time. The insurance professional can review the details of this type of cover with you. Key Person Insurance - Many companies have one or more people at the center of operations. Some consumers rely on this person or persons to maintain trust. Others need the skills of their key people to such an extent that business will not work if they are not in the public eye. Doing business in the absence of a key person. A specially designed insurance cover will keep your business afloat until your key person returns to work or until you are able to find a suitable alternative to do their job. ۔ Businesses of all sizes can benefit from Key Person Insurance If most of the responsibility for the entire operation falls on the shoulders of a highly trained or skilled person. Business Interruption Insurance - For many businesses, stopping work for a day can lead to chaos. Regardless of the reason for the stop, various aspects of your company's operations will continue. Your employees' salaries, debt payments, and other fixed business expenses will remain the same regardless of your ability to run the company. In addition, your firm's inability to meet deadlines for your clients usually results in some form of compensation from you. Angry clients can also take back their business and inspire others to do the same. Nothing happens in space, and in the business world there are only a few seconds. Business intervention insurance helps you cover business expenses that occur during a work stoppage. Some of the reasons for disruption to your company's workflow are exceptions based on your policy details. At a glance you need insurance. It helps to organize the details of your business so that you can guess which cover will help you the most and which policies you can skip. Here are six questions that are helpful for business owners who want to know more about the most applicable insurance policies for their company. Do you offer services to customers in your location or in public? If so, you will benefit from a public liability insurance policy. Does your firm sell the product to the public later? Yes, then product liability coverage may be appropriate for you. Do you have employees in your business? Along with employees, the company must have workers' compensation insurance. Additionally, employee fraud insurance can be a good idea. Is giving professional advice part of your business? If so, you should consider a professional compensation insurance policy. Is a large part of your business done online? When you rely on the virtual world for your business, cybercrime and cybersecurity insurance are essential ways to protect yourself and your firm. In addition, the core can be useful for computers and other electronics. Do you have specific items that need special cover? Yes, depending on what protection you need, machinery and equipment insurance, computer and electronics insurance, stock insurance failure, or glass insurance may apply to your enterprise. Please note that this post is for informational use only. It is a general overview of the information and is not intended to replace or replace expert information or professional advice. What Insurance Cover is Mandatory for Australian Businesses? What Insurance Cover is Mandatory for Australian Businesses? As a business owner, you are no stranger to pressure and responsibility. As such, you value solid expert advice. Your choices shape your life as well as the lives of your employees, customers, and even your competitors. Business insurance is not something you can afford to take lightly. The right business core can determine whether your company will survive or fail after an unforeseen event. Some risks are common possibilities that all business owners face when starting a company, such as floods, fires, and service failures. In addition, it is important to consider public health crises, supply chain disasters, and claims against your company. In this, the possibility of the arrival and failure of cybercrime can be almost felt. Having a proper business insurance cover can give you the peace of mind that you need at night. Although no one intends to need insurance, everyone who needs insurance is happy to plan for it. Which insurance coverage is mandatory for Australian businesses? There are two forms of compulsory insurance cover for Australian businesses that meet certain requirements. These types of insurance include: Worker's Compensation Insurance - If your business employs others, you must provide worker's compensation cover. Third Party Personal Injury Insurance - People who own and operate motor vehicles must have third party personal injury insurance. Is Public Liability Insurance Required for All Australian Businesses? There is some confusion in Australia about the mandatory nature of public liability insurance. Although there is no legal requirement for such insurance for businesses, there are certain businesses and various businesses that require public liability insurance to operate. Often, these companies are involved in some form of government oversight or licensing, such as a plumber's license. Why do I need business insurance in addition to the legal rules? The required types of insurance for Australian businesses are the minimum amount and type of coverage required. There are several types of insurance for business in Australia. Many of these insurances distinguish between business failure and survival. There are a number of reasons that compel a company to obtain a business insurance cover, including: To protect yourself and your assets. As a business professional, avoid the notion that everyday accidents and failures will never happen to you or your firm. No matter how careful or forward-thinking you and your team are, accidents happen. Do you also want to risk your livelihood and personal assets to avoid insurance? To protect yourself and your staff, your employees rely on your success to help themselves and their dependents. A disaster that destroys you will also harm those who work for you. Sometimes, people confuse business insurance with worker's compensation insurance. However, worker compensation insurance is available to help injured workers at work. To increase the trust of your customers, when a customer knows that you have the necessary cover to ensure that they are safe, the chances of a working relationship increase. In fact, some businesses refuse to work with a company that does not have an insurance cover. Where Are Medical Malpractice Claims Filed? Where Are Medical Malpractice Claims Filed? Individuals seeking damages for medical malpractice will file lawsuits in civil court. Generally, these claims are intended to obtain financial compensation for the plaintiff. In the case of a minor or elderly person under your care, the payment is for the child or elderly person the plaintiff represents. What is medical negligence? Under Australian law, any health care worker who cares for a patient who does not meet appropriate and accepted standards is guilty of medical negligence. Is medical negligence limited to doctors only? Many other members of the healthcare profession are responsible for complaints of medical negligence. This includes: Healthcare professionals Hospital staff The nurses Paramedics and other emergency medical personnel Psychologist and psychologist People who work in these professions gain the trust of those who care for them. They must act according to what is called the duty of care. Patients rely on their health care providers to provide appropriate care in a way that does not cause injury or in a substandard manner. Failure to meet these standards of care and the resulting damages are against Australian law. Corruption of medical surgeon team What measures can create medical negligence? Medical negligence can take many forms. These include: A medical worker does not take action or delays the process resulting in harm to the patient in their care. Measures taken by a healthcare worker are inappropriate and cause harm. Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a condition that any reasonable physician or medical professional will find and identify. Measures taken by a healthcare professional that result in either immediate or future harm. Prescribing the wrong medication or medications that are prescribed in untreated doses that cause harm or do not affect the patient's condition. Improper surgical or postoperative procedures Failure of medical products that cause physical or emotional harm. What is Duty of Care? Australian healthcare workers are bound by the principle of duty of care. This means that in the event of injury or any other type of damage; Medical negligence is not a predetermined outcome. Before ordering a medical worker to be negligent, other medical professionals will review the patient's diagnosis, treatment plan, diagnosis, and other mitigation factors. If the defendant's actions fall within the limits that experts see as conventional and appropriate care, then there is no question of medical negligence because the medical worker meets the standard of care duties. Scenario 1: If the patient's abdominal incision opens after the fall, the surgeon who closes the wound is not guilty of medical negligence because the open incision is related to the fall. Scenario Two: If a patient's abdominal incision opens while they are watching television, there is reason to believe that the wound closure was incorrect or substandard. In this example, the surgeon may be responsible for medical negligence because the expected standard of care was not met. What are some of the reasons why patients file medical malpractice claims? There are a number of reasons why a patient may claim medical malpractice. Some of the most common reasons include: Failure to diagnose illness or condition. Failure to prescribe appropriate medication. Disadvantages of negligence or preventable surgery Mistakes or miscarriage during childbirth Failure to comply with laws governing the patient's confidentiality Failure to comply with informed consent laws where applicable. How can I protect myself in a case of negligence or dishonesty? It is important to remember that there is an insurance cover for your corruption to help you if you are sued. Some other important points to keep in mind include: Surprisingly, a few cases of medical negligence will be heard. The preferred way to resolve these claims is through mediation. Negotiations hope the two sides will reach an amicable solution out of court. Whether the claim against you goes to court or is arbitrated, the burden of proof rests with the plaintiff. Will the medical malpractice claim against me be settled soon? In general, due to the complex nature of the subject matter, allegations of corruption and negligence can take months or even years. Establishing many factors in a case is time consuming and can be difficult in the best of circumstances. What elements of a corruption case need to be proved under Australian law? In order to get a favorable outcome for a plaintiff in a corruption or negligence case, the agents must prove that there were four components. Duty - Your responsibility or duty to the patient should be clear and obvious. The vague idea of responsibility is not enough evidence of its existence. Violations - After establishing duty for the patient, the violation of this obligation should be clear. Examples of breach of duty are actions such as pulling the wrong tooth during tooth extraction or leaving a surgical sponge in the patient after surgery. Reason - There must be a link between the breach of responsibility and the consequent loss. If a surgical incision is affected because the wound is not properly cared for and cleaned, there is a link between the violation of duty and the condition. However, there is no evidence that the patient's leg was broken after surgery due to the misuse of the crutch. Damages - The damages requested by the plaintiff should be directly related to the injury or malfunction the patient is facing. If a patient occasionally feels discomfort after physiotherapy, the demand for hundreds of thousands of dollars is not reasonably reasonable. However, if you amputate the wrong foot during the surgical procedure, the loss of more than millions of dollars can be reasonable. In addition to these four factors, the plaintiff must present expert testimony in a case of medical negligence or dishonesty. In order to verify the facts, an expert's testimony must have several criteria: Testimony comes from a professional in the same field of practice as the defendant. For example, a typical surgical practitioner's account of events will not be verified or disproved by a psychologist. The plaintiff must prove that in similar situations the same professional will act differently or recommend different treatment to the defendant. The professional should measure the defendant's actions by an approved protocol or standard of care. Medical Corruption Insurance Guide and Cases How are damages paid? There are three specific factors that determine the amount paid to a plaintiff. Common Losses - These are the damages that most people consider when they think about the reasons for getting paid to the plaintiff. Some examples of common disadvantages include: Physical pain Emotional pain Special Losses - Special Losses refer to incident-related expenses. For example: Ongoing physiotherapy Domestic help Recurrent medical procedures Penalties - In extreme cases of negligence or dishonesty, the plaintiff receives penalties. These cases include procedures that can lead to death or life-changing conditions. The cause of death of the patient, loss of vision, or loss of mobility are all actions that deserve punitive damages. What harm do patients find in claims of medical malpractice or negligence? Generally, the plaintiff seeks compensation for one or more of the following: Pain and discomfort Special care costs including therapist, home help, and home health care worker Wages were lost due to a medical incident which led to a claim. In particular, the time spent in recovering from the incident and the time required to treat the plaintiff's injury. Decreased future income (also called future financial loss) because the plaintiff does not have the physical or mental capacity to perform the tasks necessary to retain the job. ent and level on income. Costs of medical care that need to be corrected or changed. You probably started working in the medical field because you wanted to help others. Although you try not to do any harm, everyone makes mistakes from time to time. However, the right insurance cover will work with you to help patients overcome mistakes and receive poor care. Your reputation and your practice are on the line. Don't settle for a random insurance policy. Insurance Consult an expert who can listen to the details of your work and help you find a cover that meets your needs. What Does a Medical Indemnity Insurance Policy Cover? What Does a Medical Indemnity Insurance Policy Cover? If you work in the medical field, chances are you will make some mistakes during your career. Even well-trained and highly qualified medical professionals make occasional mistakes. When something goes wrong, you will need your medical malpractice insurance. Because of this, the best way to protect yourself is to plan ahead and make policy and provide cover before you need it. Many professionals in the healthcare industry find the world of medical insurance confusing and sometimes difficult. Certain terms are easy to mix because definitions are very similar and small meanings are difficult to distinguish. This guide will explain the often confusing world of medical corruption insurance. What is medical corruption? Medical professionals whose actions deviate from the standards of care in their profession. Courts can pay damages if the actions hurt or harm a patient, his or her minor child or adult in their care. Can a medical facility be held accountable for the actions of the healthcare professionals it employs? A medical center is responsible for the work of the healthcare workers it employs. In addition, it is responsible for the care provided by contract workers, day laborers, or local doctors. It is common to name an individual and a medical establishment where they practice as code defendants in corruption cases. In medical facilities, most practitioners are required to insure for medical malpractice in addition to personal medical compensation. Is Medical Compensation Insurance Like Medical Corruption Insurance? The terms Medical Compensation Insurance and Medical Corruption Insurance are not interchangeable. However, the conditions are the same and often confusing. Medical Compensation Insurance is a type of professional compensation cover. In Australia, the law mandates that healthcare professionals have a medical compensation policy. The policy should also cover the individual's actions. If a problem or accident occurs, a medical compensation policy will protect you as well as your patients. Insurers refer to medical insurance as a 'long tail' cover because you can have many years between getting the cover and settling the claim. What is included in the Medical Indemnity Insurance Policy? Your medical compensation policy covers the amount of compensation paid to the plaintiff as well as the legal costs you incur. Your hospital training and any mistakes you may make are also covered by your medical compensation. You should know that although the Australian Government regulates Medical Compensation Insurance, not all policies provide equal protection. Two specific areas where medical compensation policies differ will be covered: Civil Claims - Claims made due to medical negligence Non-Citizen Claims - Policies may vary regarding the limits and procedures associated with non-citizen claims. Includes some examples of non-citizen claims. Coroner's investigation of a case involving you. Employment disputes Disciplinary investigation Professional investigation Other demands that are outside of normal compensation requests. Some policies have specific sub-limitations when it comes to non-citizen claims. These limits may apply to the following scenarios: Medicare audit Reputation Management If lawsuits against you damage your status in the medical community. Defamation claims, both defense and prosecution claims Tax audit Legal fines such as breach of privacy or improper record keeping Compensation for income lost due to necessary court appearance What Insurance Cover is Best Suited for Sporting and Leisure Clubs? What Insurance Cover is Best Suited for Sporting and Leisure Clubs? Sports insurance It's easy to understand why owners and operators of sports and leisure organizations need to have a high level of coverage. You have invested in your facility, staff, and required maintenance. The last thing you want is to lose all your efforts due to an unforeseen event. Generally, a sports organization or club will need a cover for the following groups. Coaches and teachers In domestic medical providers Athletes and facilitators such as score keepers and staff Clubs and teams. Recreational insurance Facilities that specialize in recreational activities have a special place as far as insurance goes. Amusement club insurance is divided into sub-categories. These are: Health and Fitness Facilities - There may be some overlap between this type of insurance and similar coverage. It's best to talk to your insurance professional to determine which options are best for you and your business. Health clubs, leisure clubs and gymnasiums can fall into this category of insurance. Adventure Sports - A large number of facilities and activities fall into the category of adventure sports. These include but are not limited to: Water Centers Driving experiences Climbing centers Jungle Adventure Activity Centers Aerial experiments Outback Tours Fishing trip As well as organizers, producers and actors What type of insurance cover do physiotherapy practitioners need? If you are an exercise physiotherapist, you are already busy planning your client's care and rehabilitation to help them achieve their best physical performance. However, insurance coverage is a requirement that you should consider to protect yourself and any company with which you practice. The Physiotherapy Board of Australia (PBA) has guidelines under Section 39 of the Health Practitioners Regulation National Law regarding compulsory insurance coverage. The Board of Physiotherapy, along with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), believes that clients have a right to expect that practitioners have adequate insurance to care for injuries or accidents that occur during treatment. Professional Compensation Insurance Registered physiotherapists under the law have occupational compensation insurance to avoid claims that are the result of negligence, professional negligence or mistakes. In addition, in the field of physiotherapy, in some positions a client is more likely to be injured or harmed. In addition, physiotherapists are responsible for consulting with insurance professionals who are able to help them get the right amount of professional compensation insurance. Physiotherapists working without occupational compensation insurance are subject to disciplinary action by the board. Public liability insurance The Board of Physiotherapy of Australia strongly recommends that its members consider taking over the Public Liability Insurance Corps. In many parts of Australia, public responsibility for a physiotherapist is mandatory. The cover will protect individuals from claims made as a result of injury or property damage to your premises. Boundary Violation Corps The need for limit violation insurance is a sign of the misfortune of time. However, as a professional engaged in the physical process of watching clients' rehabilitation, you are now more likely to be part of a sexual misconduct case. Having a cover to help you with legal investigations as well as to clear your name is often an essential part of 21st century professional life. Business entity coverage A business insurance policy is a form of public responsibility and professional compensation cover for your business. It works separately from any individual professional compensation or public liability insurance that you or the professionals working for you can already take. Business policy is especially useful if your business is named in a claim or as part of a claim investigation. Generally, the legal costs associated with these actions are not covered by your personal policy. When you have insurance to protect your business as its own entity, you are making a choice that is both prudent and practical in an age where legal claims are quite common. Run of cover In case you have to stop your physiotherapist practice altogether or you have to leave one practice and practice another or attack it yourself, having a run off cover is a good way to increase your safety. Is. For example: If a former client names you as part of a lawsuit or claim when you are no longer part of the same exercise or are not practicing at all, the Run of Core Policy This will ensure that you are protected from legal fees and other serious consequences of a money claim or lawsuit. A run-of-insurance policy is a great idea if you change places or methods frequently. Furthermore, it is wise to have a run-off policy if you are either nearing the end of your career or planning to change your professional direction. Do you need sports insurance? At Grace Insurance, our experienced staff will guide you based on our unique understanding of your professional and business needs. The quality of the year is worth presenting because they are related to the sports and healthcare industry. Contact us for more information. What Insurance Cover Do Fitness Professionals Need? What Insurance Cover Do Fitness Professionals Need? If you are one of the many Australian professionals who make the sports world their profession, chances are you need insurance. However, do you know what types of covers are available and which ones are suitable for your position? Grace Insurance experts can help you get the right policy at the best price. Whether you're a physiotherapist, a personal trainer, running a gym, or running a sports club, we can protect your valuable career and assets. What is Sports Underwriting? Arranging insurance coverage for professionals at different levels of the sports industry is a sports underwriting core. Depending on the details of your position, you may need a special insurance cover. As the most important thing is to get this protection right, talk to an expert who is familiar with the professions related to the sports industry. What specific professions need to be considered when working with a sports underwriter? Although there are many jobs that fall under the umbrella of sports insurance, they are generally divided into one of several categories, including: Fitness professionals This category includes but is not limited to: Personal trainers Yoga or Pilates teachers Massage therapist Weight loss teachers James and other fitness center owners A licensed physiotherapist specializes in understanding movement as well as the functioning of the human body. In general terms, physiotherapists help people achieve and maintain optimal physical function. In addition to helping patients with injuries and chronic mobility conditions, physiotherapists also work: Patients with paralysis Obesity problems Other chronic health problems that hinder a patient's quality of life. Sports and recreation clubs There are several clubs and associations in the category of sports and leisure clubs. These include: Football and the Australian Rules Club Sports leagues Community club What Insurance Cover Do Fitness Professionals Need? The nature of the work of a fitness professional is multifaceted; It is understandable that the insurance cover suitable for anyone in the fitness industry is versatile and universal. There are many types of cores that many fitness and training professionals should consider. (Note that this list is not a comprehensive statement for those working in the area.) Professional Compensation Insurance Even though you put all your skills and knowledge into the services you provide to your customers, unforeseen events can happen. Having a professional compensation policy is a great way to find yourself. With this cover, you are protected from claims of negligence (both alleged and real). In addition, the professional compensation policy will help cover the legal costs involved in a claim. Some examples of claims where professional compensation coverage can help you include: Create a training plan that is not suitable for the client. Personal injury claim due to trainer negligence Incorrect information Misleading claims of dietary supplement Improper eating plan Public liability insurance In many cases, public liability insurance is mandatory throughout Australia. It aims to provide cover for you and your business if any client, visiting professional, or other member of the public is injured or damaged by your business activities. For example, a client climbs on a kettle ball and breaks his ankle. Your public liability insurance protects you and your assets if the injured person chooses damages. Business insurance No matter what type of fitness business you run, a business insurance policy is a great idea. Not only does this protect your valuables from theft, damage, or loss, but the policy covers any stock you can take, such as supplements or herbal remedies. In the Business Insurance category, you will find: Content insurance that covers everything within your business, such as energy drinks, candle cleaning, or barbells Portable device insurance covers everything needed for the job that travels with you in your meetings. This can include massage therapist oil and massage tables, yoga mats, portable boxing rings or other items for your work. Personal accident or illness insurance When working in the fitness industry, your body is an essential element of your business. For this reason, insurance experts highly recommend covering a personal accident or illness. Personal accident or injury policies will waste lost income and if you are unable to work regardless of what happens outside of your workplace. This cover allows you to relax and recover from injury or illness without having to worry about paying your regular bills.
What is powder coating? Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing dry powder. The coating is applied electrostatically and is then placed under heat to allow it to cure and form a film. It is usually used to create a hard, durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint and more resistant to abrasion and corrosion compared to liquid coatings. Is powder coating environmentally friendly? Yes. The powder coating application consists of dry matter only, and hence involves no emissions into water or air. Liquid paint applications require an evaporating VOC (volatile organic compound) and cleaning solvents. Our powder coating finishes can be used in all LEED-certified and green building projects. What are some examples of powder coated products? We are surrounded by powder-coated parts: fencing, patio furniture, store shelving, metal furniture, light fixtures, appliances, and bridge materials are all examples of items that are commonly powder coated for superior corrosion resistance and durability. What advantage does powder coating offer over liquid painting methods? There are several advantages to powder coating over conventional liquid coatings: • Powder coating finishes are corrosion and chemical resistant, as well as durable, and hence last longer than liquid paints. • Powder coatings emit zero or near-zero volatile organic compounds (VOC). • Powder coating overspray can be recycled and it is possible to achieve nearly 100% use of the coating. • Powder-coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces than liquid coated items. • A wide range of special effects is easily accomplished, which would be impossible to achieve with other coating processes. Are there different types of powder? The two main types of powder coatings are thermoplastic and thermoset. In each of the two, there are a variety of subgroups. The most popular among thermosets are polyester and epoxy. Epoxy is best for indoor or chemical-resistant applications. It provides a hard, highly durable, and shiny finish. Disadvantages appear, however, when it is exposed to UV light – these items tend to chalk and dull over time. Polyester coatings weather well, look great, and are resistant to abrasions.
Cockeysville Marble OFR14 Sinkholes, Hockessin Area, Delaware The non-marine Cretaceous sediments of northern Delaware older than the Magothy formation cannot be divided accurately into formations or mappable geologic units because their lithologic characteristics are very similar. However, two heavy mineral zones can be distinguished in these deposits: a lower staurolite-kyanite-tourmaline-zircon zone, and an upper tourmaline-zircon-rutile zone with abundant alterites. They have been named the Patuxent zone and the Patapsco-Raritan zone respectively.
What is an MRI scan? Your doctor may request a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to detect or diagnose a range of medical conditions. Unlike a computed tomography scan (CT scan) which uses ionising radiation, an MRI scan uses a magnetic field, radio waves and computer technology to capture high-resolution images of the body’s internal structure. “An MRI scan is a safe and painless diagnostic imaging tool for capturing accurate and detailed images of body parts that sometimes cannot be seen by standard x-rays and CT scans” says Dr Albert Low Su Chong, Senior Consultant, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group. How can an MRI scan help? Your doctor may order an MRI scan for the brain, spine, chest, heart and aorta, bones and joints, abdomen and pelvis. An MRI scan can help to: • Locate any tumour, infection or swelling in the brain and spinal cord. • Check for cancerous or abnormal growths in internal organs, in the abdomen and pelvis such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, prostate, uterus and ovaries. • Visualise torn tendons and ligaments in joints, detect disc disorders such as herniated discs and bone tumours. • Detect strokes and other vascular diseases of the brain such as aneurysms. Read on to learn what happens during an MRI scan. Ref: R14
Digital Pastiche Studies Digital images, painting Artistic Research on Style Transfer For a short while around 2015/2016, Neural Style Transfer algorithms were one striking example of how “AI” in the form of artificial neural networks could produce seemingly creative images. These programs can apply the visual style of one image to the content of another, essentially rendering any photograph as a “Van Gogh”, a “Picasso” or any other kind of pastiche. Not surprisingly, this technique was used almost exclusively to create “paintings” in the style of famous artists from Selfies. The initial question of these studies was whether one could create new contexts of meaning with this tool. One methd would be to use input materials which contrast each other and create relationships that are open for interpretation. Materializing a Digital Arcimboldo The general approach to use the rendition of objects which, on a larger scale, show another topic, reminds of Renaissance painter Guiseppe Arcimboldo and his symbolical compositions of fruits, animals, landscapes, or inanimate objects arranged into human forms. So a further step was to actually treat one of the results as a painting - an ironic recourse to the popular use case mentioned above. One of the main reasons was a certain visual quality often found in such generated images: they have a certain kind of blurriness in many places which are somehow painterly. The artist would also undergo a learning process while trying to recreate this image on the canvas. Final Painting Inputs: Bonsai, litter. Taking it Personal Could this technology be used for expression of personal matters? It is still a challenge to communicate the experience of mental illness to someone who is not affected by it. For this step of the project, biographic photographs of a patient were chosen. They were recreated by the algorithm in the style of mandala dawings which the patient had been coloring in occupational therapy during her stay in a psychiatric institution. 1970, age 18 With her daughter Both kids are in school now Second wedding In the garden, before the breakdown
A Potentially Astounding Advance in Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a B-cell cancer caused by malignant plasma cells. It’s a tough-to-treat cancer, with many patients undergoing multiple treatments over time. Eventually, patients whose disease returns despite receiving multiple prior treatments are left with few treatment options. Eventually, that could change if early-stage trial results reported by bluebird bio(NASDAQ: BLUE)are confirmed in future trials. First, some background B-cells are immune system cells that fight infection and disease. When B cells attack infection, they mature into plasma cells that make antibodies and that are mostly found in the bone marrow, or the soft tissue that’s found inside some hollow bones. When B-cells are cancerous, they can produce tumors in the bone, as well as other places. If a patient has more than one tumor, then that patient is diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Eventually, cancerous cells in the bone marrow crowd out normal blood cells, and proteins released by them can build up and organ damage. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 30,000 new cases of myeloma are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Currently, theses patients are treated with various approaches, including biologics, such as Celgene’s (NASDAQ: CELG) Revlimid, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants. If a patient’s disease returns, or it fails to respond to a treatment, then a different treatment option is tried. Unfortunately, this approach falls short for many multiple myeloma patients, and as a result, the five-year survival rate for the disease is only about 50%.
Poison in Tea – level 1 07-09-2020 15:00 Alexei Navalny is a Russian government official. He is a big critic of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. On August 20, Navalny flies from Tomsk, Serbia, to Moscow, Russia. He drinks hot tea at the airport. He does not eat anything. However, he starts to feel very sick on the plane. The pilots must land in Omsk, Russia. Navalny falls into a coma. He ends up in a hospital in Berlin, Germany. Doctors do some tests. The find poison in his body. They find Novichok. Novichok is a Russian chemical. It is very dangerous to people. German officials ask Russia to explain the situation. Some people think that the Russian president wants to kill Navalny. Russia uses Novichok in the past, too. However, the Russian president says that it is not true. Difficult words: critic (a person who says bad things about somebody else), coma (a serious situation when someone looks like he is sleeping, and he does not wake up), poison (a dangerous thing that can kill a person or hurt some parts in the body), chemical (a thing that you can find in nature and that scientists can make). You can watch the original video in the Level 3 section. What do you think about this news? How to improve your English with News in Levels: 1. Do the test at Test Languages. 1. Read two news articles every day. 1. Choose one person from the Skype section.
Power of Poo: Fecal Transplants May Treat Crohn's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis Evidence builds supporting the use of fecal transplants to treat infections in the gut microbiome. A study published in PLOS Biology reviewed the growing prevalence of fecal transplants, which has increased as a last resort treatment for certain infections found in the human gut. Fecal transplants have shown success in treating Clostridium difficile colitis, and has shown preliminary evidence of the efficacy of stool transplantation from healthy individuals in order to treat Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis. “This research is just getting started,” said study author Seth Bordenstein. “It is driven by the new paradigm of the microbiome which recognizes that every plant and animal species harbors a collection of microbes that have significant and previously unrecognized effects on their host health, evolution, and behavior.” There has been accompanying growth in fecal material being used in animal experiments. In one particular study, researchers found that fecal transplants from lean mice turned sterile mice into lean mice, while transplants from obese mice turned sterile mice into obese mice. The use of fecal transplants to treat Clostridium difficile infections has a 95% cure rate, according to the study. “There is no doubt that poo can save lives,” Bordenstein said. “Right now fecal transplants are used as the treatment of last resort, but their effectiveness raises an important question: when will doctors start prescribing them, or some derivative, first?” Healthy human stool contains an average of 100 billion bacteria per gram, but it also contains 100 million viruses and archaea per gram. Furthermore, there are approximately 10 million colonocytes and a million yeasts, and other single-celled fungi per gram. Although the interest in fecal transplants among Western scientific circles was minimal until 2010, it has a long history in Chinese medicine. The earliest recorded applications in humans occurred in the 4th century by the Chinese medical doctor Ge Hong. In the 16th century, it became popular enough to gain the nickname “yellow soup.” Thus far, most of the research has focused on the role of bacteria in donor stool, with bacteria being the most abundant active agent in the material; however, researchers noted they are not the only functional player in feces. “Feces is a complex material that contains a variety of biological and chemical entities that may be causing or assisting the effects of these transplants,” Bordenstein said. The focus on the bacterial component seems to work in some cases, such as Clostridium difficile colitis, but not in other cases, such as multiple sclerosis. In fact, it is possible the effects of fecal transplants may be influenced by, or even caused by, their non-bacterial constituents. The study authors said that more research designed to separate out the effects and interactions of each of these components needs to be conducted. “When scientists identify the specific cocktails that produce the positive outcomes, then they can synthesize or grow them and put them in a pill,” Bordenstein said. “That will go a long way to reducing the ‘icky factor’ that could slow public acceptance of this new form of treatment.”
Taiwan’s TSMC expects to deploy one of ASML’s high-NA extreme ultraviolet lithography machines in two years’ time. The machine allows the chip manufacturer to produce extremely small chips. TSMC is one of the first chip manufacturers to receive the technology from ASML. The Taiwanese giant has yet to finalize its production processes for the new machine. Resultingly, the first model will primarily be used for research. ASML’s high-NA EUV machine is the most advanced chip-making engine in the world. The machine uses extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV) to create tiny circuits on computer chips. According to Reuters, both Intel and ASML expect to use ASML’s new tech for mass production by 2025. 2-nanometer technology Furthermore, TSMC recently provided details on its new 2-nanometer (N2) technology. This technology should improve the speed and lower the power consumption of its existing 3-nanometer (N3) technology. The N2 technology consists of a ‘nanosheet’ transistor architecture that ups the potential of produced chips. N2 chips should go into production in 2025. Tip: Samsung travels to the Netherlands for negotiations with ASML
Definition - What does Param-Dhyana mean? Param-dhyana is a Sanskrit term meaning “supreme meditation” or "ultimate meditation," with param meaning "highest," "supreme" or "God," and dhyana meaning "meditation." It refers to the meditation that is required in order for a yogi to reach samadhi, or spiritual bliss Param-dhyana is an important concept in yoga because it represents the highest stage for a yogi on their spiritual journey to samadhi. Yogapedia explains Param-Dhyana Param-dhyana is mentioned in the "Tejobindu Upanishad," which emphasizes the importance of meditation. It says that for a yogi in param-dhyana, their focus should be on the source of all spiritual light, or the seed, which the text refers to as Tejo-bindu. It is said that this seed is the size of an atom and is located in the heart. It is both gross and subtle and it pertains to Shiva. When a yogi achieves param-dhyana, it is said that they lose all desires and all boundaries and are no longer constrained by natural laws. Some sources emphasize the fact that, unlike other meditation techniques or spiritual practices, there is no need for self-denial or austerities to engage in param-dhyana. Instead, it is a natural pattern that works with the mind, body and soul to achieve Self-realization. Share this:
Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects Difference between Behaviorism and Cognitive psychology Behaviorism vs Cognitive psychology Behaviorism is a branch of psychology that deals with actions of people based on external environmental influences, whereas cognitive psychology is based on the mental thought process that alters a person’s behavior. Both behaviorism and cognitive psychology are two different schools of thought of the field of psychology. They both deal with human behavior. The difference lies in what they think is the cause behind the behavior. Behaviorists, that is psychologists belonging to the school of behaviorism, believe that actions are influenced by one’s external environment. Ivan Pavlov added the two methods of conditioning behavior: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. In classical conditioning, a person/animal can be trained or conditioned to act in a particular manner by repetitive practice, that is conditioning. Operant conditioning is partly based on rewarding desirable behaviors and partly on punishment for behavior which needs to be curbed. Cognitive psychology, on the other hand, says actions are based on the mental processes of reasoning, logical thinking, memory, motivational thoughts, positive and negative thoughts, etc. It is a very important aspect of psychology as it differentiates humans from animals. This branch of psychology is based on intellectual and logical reasoning which only humans are capable of. Let us take an example of a student trying to learn to understand the difference in approach of these two schools of thought. According to behaviorism, the student learns mainly due to the rewards that he gets on learning properly and the punishment he gets if learning is not up to the mark. According to cognitive psychology, students learn due to their motivational thoughts and inner (mental) thought process, which provokes them to study to gain more knowledge. Both the branches have made tremendous contributions to the field of applied psychology. Behaviorism is useful in detoxification and rehabilitation centers for alcohol and drug addiction. In cases of de-sensitization to stimuli that provoke panic attacks, it has been found to be very helpful. Cognitive psychology is used to treat depression, suicidal tendencies, generalized anxiety disorder and other psychiatric disorders. For example, if a person with depression gets rejected in an interview, his line of thought will be that he is useless and that he cannot do anything in life, and that he is a failure in all aspects, etc. A normal person with a positive attitude in life will think that the interviewer didn’t pay much attention to his answers or maybe they found someone better than him to appoint, etc. A cognitive psychology therapist will help the depressed person to identify the problem in the situation, logically channelize the train of thoughts to goals which are achievable and improve the thinking so as to have a positive outlook on life. He will counsel the patient, mainly to develop a clearer thought process and break the chain of negative thoughts. In cases of suicidal patients, therapists help to change the attitude of the patient, make them appreciate the good things in life and try to return to a normal life. Rather than prescribing anti-depressants, cognitive psychology aims at understanding the problem and correcting it. It doesn’t provide merely symptomatic relief as is done by psychiatrists. Summary: Though behaviorism and cognitive psychology are very different, both are needed by therapists and both are important in their own way depending on the patient and the situation. While behaviorism rests on the principle that external environment and circumstances can alter a person’s behavior, cognitive psychology holds that a person’s attitude, logic, reasoning and thinking change the behavior. Search DifferenceBetween.net : Custom Search 1. This article was helpful to me. Much obliged. Leave a Response See more about : , Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Finder
Adonis Diaries Math theorems that have been proved so far Posted on: May 19, 2022 Ten theorems formulated in basic-math terms proved after decades, centuries, or millennia Catalin Barboianu, PhD Dec 15, 2021 Mathematics lovers say that the shorter the text of a problem or theorem and the longer its solution or proof, the more beautiful is that problem or theorem. Philosophers and historians of mathematics say that the longer a theorem stays unproved (as a conjecture), the more important it becomes for the development of mathematics and for the inquiry into the nature and foundation of mathematics. The history of mathematics proves that they were right in this respect. Struggling to solve the conjectures for decades and even for centuries or millennia since their statement, mathematicians were urged to link existing mathematical theories of different natures, structures, and languages, and even to create new theories of a higher complexity than that within which the conjecture was stated. With the addition of new links, structures, conceptual frameworks, and content, they contributed to the increase in applicability of mathematics within itself and also in the sciences. In the current list, we have 10 conjectures that were stated in terms of basic mathematics — that is, within basic algebra, number theory, Euclidian geometry, and elementary geometrical topology — which awaited their proof for more than two decades. 10. The Abel-Ruffini theorem (25 years to prove) Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829) Also known as Abel’s impossibility theorem, it states that there is no general algebraic solution (that is, solution in radicals) to the general polynomial equations of degree 5 or higher. The conjecture originates in 1799 in the work of C. F. Gauss, and the first attempt to solve it belongs to Paolo Ruffini in the same year. However, Ruffini’s solution was not convincing for the great mathematicians of the period (including A. L. Cauchy), because of an incompleteness regarding the definitions of the radicals used. N. H. Abel is credited as the solver of the conjecture in 1824. The proof was based on some results of the Galois theory; however this theory was not yet crystallized at the time of that proof. A few years after that, with the co-authorship of J. Liouville, the theory of Galois was published and recognized as bringing great discoveries in the theory of equations. In 1963, V. Arnold provided a topological proof of the Abel-Ruffini theorem which established the basis of the Topological Galois Theory. 9. Hilbert’s 17th problem (27 years to prove) David Hilbert Hilbert asked within his famous list of capital problems of mathematics in 1900: Given a multivariable polynomial that takes only non-negative values over the reals, can that polynomial be represented as a sum of squares of rational functions? The problem originated in the defense of the doctoral thesis of H. Minkowski in 1885, who expressed the opinion that there exist real polynomials which are nonnegative on the whole R^n and cannot be written as finite sums of squares of real polynomials. Hilbert solved the particular case of n = 2 in 1893, and the general problem was solved in the affirmative by E. Artin in 1927, using the Artin-Schreier theory of ordered fields, with applications in algebraic group theory and model theory. 8. Hilbert’s 7th problem (34 years to prove) Hilbert asked the following equivalent questions within the same list from 1900: a) In an isosceles triangle, if the ratio of the base angle to the angle at the vertex is algebraic and irrational, then is the ratio between base and side always transcendental (that is, it cannot be the solution of any algebraic equation)? b) Is a^b always transcendental for algebraic a not being 0 or 1, and irrational algebraic b? The problem was solved independently by A. O. Gelfond and T. Schneider in 1934 using similar methods, and the result of their work was the Gelfond-Schneider theorem, with a wide range of applications in transcendental number theory, linear algebra, and model theory. Precursors brought important contributions to the solution, such as J. Fourrier’s for the irrationality of e in 1815, C. Hermite’s proof for the transcendence of e in 1873, and C. L. F. Lindemann’s proof for the transcendence of π in 1882. 7. Fermat’s little theorem (43 years to prove) Pierre de Fermat Stated first by P. de Fermat in 1640 in a letter to a friend of his, the conjecture says that if p is prime, then for any integer a, integer a^p — a is a multiple of p. Several proofs were given to this theorem over time, either in combinatorial, multinomial, dynamical systems, modular arithmetic, or group theory terms. L. Euler first published a proof in 1736 (with modular arithmetic), however Leibniz had actually left the same proof in an unpublished manuscript before 1683. The theorem is a fundamental result of number theory and stands as an important primality test. An immediate generalization of this theorem is Euler’s theorem in number theory. The most relevant theoretical application of this theorem was in group theory; as for practical applications, one is in cryptography. 6. Poincaré conjecture (98 years to prove) Henri Poincaré In topology, Poincaré’s conjecture is a statement characterizing the 3-sphere (the hypersphere bounding the unit ball in four-dimensional space), saying that every simply connected, closed 3-manifold is homeomorphic to the 3-sphere. In other words, for a space that locally looks like three-dimensional space but is connected, finite in size, and lacks any boundary, if such a space has the property that each loop in the space can be continuously tightened to a point, then it is necessarily a three-dimensional sphere. H. Poincaré stated this conjecture in 1904, and in 2000 it was named one of the Millennium Prize Problems. In the 1950s and 1960s, other mathematicians attempted proofs of the conjecture. In 1958, R. H. Bing proved a weak version of the Poincaré conjecture: if every simple closed curve of a compact 3-manifold is contained in a 3-ball, then the manifold is homeomorphic to the 3-sphere. Russian mathematician G. Pelerman offered a complete solution based on R. Hamilton’s theory of Ricci flow and made use of results on spaces of metrics due to Cheeger, Gromov, and Perelman himself. The solution was presented in three preprints posted online between 2002 and 2003, and was reviewed and confirmed in 2006. Pelerman was awarded the Fields Medal for his work. Poincaré’s conjecture belongs to the early history of algebraic topology. Generalizations of the conjecture to higher dimensions (already proved) links to the concept of deformation in Riemannian geometry, with implications and applications for gravitation and cosmology. 5. The four-color theorem (124 years to prove) The theorem states that 4 colors suffice to color any map such that two adjacent regions will not share the same color. The conjecture was suggested in 1852 by Frederik Guthrie to his professor, mathematician Augustus De Morgan, who made it public and contributed to its solution. Other famous contributors were W. R. Hamilton, A. Cayley, A. Kempe, P. G. Tait, and J. Koch. In a second stage, mathematicians focused on finding techniques to reduce the complicated maps to a set of classifiable cases that could be tested. Initially, the set was thought to contain nearly 9,000 members, and so the mathematicians appealed to computer techniques to write algorithms that could do the testing for them. In 1976, Kenneth Appel and Wolfgang Haken reduced the testing problem to a set with 1,936 configurations, and a complete solution to the four-color Conjecture was achieved with the help of the computer. The theorem was proved within graph theory, with the crucial help of Euler’s formula; however, projective geometry, knot theory, topology, and combinatorics were appealed over time to contribute to the proof. 4. Catalan’s conjecture (158 years to prove) Mathematician E. C. Catalan conjectured in 1844 that 8 and 9 are the only consecutive powers (3² — 2³ = 1); or in other words, this is the only non-trivial solution of the equation x^p — y^q = ±1. More than 500 years before Catalan’s formulation, Levi ben Gerson had found that the only powers of 2 and 3 differing by 1 were 8 and 9. Hyyrő and Makowski proved that No three consecutive powers exist. R. Tijdeman showed in 1976 that there can be only a finite number of exceptions should the conjecture not hold. In 1999, M. Mignotte showed that if a nontrivial solution exists, then p < 7.15 x 10¹¹ and q < 7.78 x 10¹⁶. Romanian mathematician P. Mihăilescu solved the conjecture in 2002 in a manuscript sent to several mathematicians and published in 2004. The solution makes use of the theory of cyclotomic fields and Galois modules. A generalization of Catalan’s conjecture applies in complex number theory. Other applications are in Galois theory of groups. 3. Fermat’s Last Theorem (358 years to prove) The conjecture stated by P. de Fermat in 1637 says that there are No positive integers ab, and c such that a^n + b^n = c^n for any integer n greater than 2. One of the most notable theorems in the history of mathematics, it can be formulated equivalently in various ways, either within number theory or theory of elliptic curves. Fermat proved the conjecture just for the particular case of n = 4; however, this yielded an important reduction, that of being sufficient to prove the conjecture for exponents n that are prime numbers. Then, mathematicians struggled for over 350 years to find a proof, and dozens of them made advances. Over the next two centuries following Fermat’s partial proof, the conjecture was proved for only the primes 3, 5, and 7. In the middle of the 19th century, E. Kummer proved it for all regular primes. The final proof was offered in 1995 by A. Wiles, who replaced elliptic curves with Galois representations. The proof brought him the Abel prize in 2016 and other awards. During the search for the solution, a link was discovered between the elliptic curves and modular forms, two completely different fields of mathematics. The problem and its solution contributed to the development of algebraic number theory and the proof of modularity theorem. 2. Kepler conjecture (403 years to prove) Johannes Kepler Stated in 1611 by astronomer Johannes Kepler, the conjecture concerns sphere packing in 3-dimensional space: It says that No arrangement of equally sized spheres filling a space has a greater average density than that of the cubic close packing and hexagonal close packing arrangements. F. Gauss showed in 1831 that the conjecture is true if the spheres are arranged in a regular lattice. In 1900, D. Hilbert included the conjecture in his famous list of 23 unsolved problems of mathematics. In 1953, F. Tóth showed that the problem of determining the maximum density of all arrangements could be reduced to a finite number of calculations. This meant that a proof by exhaustion was possible with the help of a fast enough computer. Following this idea, T. Hales applied linear programming methods to a function on over 5,000 configurations of the spheres and announced in 1998 that his proof was complete. The proof also relies extensively on methods from the theory of global optimization and interval arithmetic. This wasn’t enough for Hales. In 2014, together with 21 collaborators, he completed his project to find a formal proof for the Kepler conjecture, which can be verified by automated proof checking software. Although it looks like a problem in recreational mathematics, Kepler’s conjecture has relevant links to other geometrical-topology problems that are involved in various optimization models (including the hexagonal tiling of plane and space). 1. The honeycomb conjecture (2,035 years to prove) By far claiming the longest waiting period for a proof, this conjecture has both practically applicative and philosophical implications. It says that the regular hexagonal grid is the best way to divide a surface into regions of equal area with the least total perimeter. It can be also stated in terms of finite graphs with smooth curves in bi-dimensional space. The origin of this problem is obscure; it is mentioned in a text of Marcus Terentius Varro around 36 B.C.; however, it is hypothesized that Zenodorus’s much earlier work Isometric Figures (about 180 B.C.) might have mentioned it. The proof was provided in 1999 by the same T. Hales. The key lemma of the proof is an “isoperimetric” estimate for perimeter in terms of area and the proof is based on a reduction to finite clusters. The theorem and generalizations thereof have immediate applications in optimizing space, physical structures, and material waste, for instance in construction. Generalized for the 3-dimensional space to describe the shape of bees’ honeycomb, the theorem became a subject of debate in the philosophy of science. Since in physical terms, it reverts to the evolutionary fact that with the hexagonal shape. the bees consume the least amount of wax for a given honeycomb, philosophers of science asked several questions regarding the nature of the explanation of that fact: is this a genuine mathematical explanation, a biological explanation, or a combination of both? Do bees (and animals in general) have a perceptual mathematical knowledge provided by evolution that complies with formal mathematics? How is it that bees “know” the truth of the conjecture and humans had to wait over two millennia to prove it? Dr. Catalin Barboianu is the author of the book What is Mathematics: School Guide to Conceptual Understanding of Mathematics. Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Connecting to %s Blog Stats • 1,496,385 hits Join 821 other followers %d bloggers like this:
Atmospheric scientists critical to construction project success If a skyscraper is structurally sound or a pedestrian area is pleasant for strolling or sitting, thank an atmospheric scientist. CPP has a few of these professionals on their team and we spoke to Anke Beyer-Lout and Kelly Gassert about what they do and why they do it. But first, about that title. An atmospheric scientist is a meteorologist, but what does that last word make you think of? Someone who studies meteors? The weatherperson on local TV? Anke Beyer-Lout The title atmospheric scientist suggests a broader view of the study of climate and the analysis of atmospheric events. Having trained extensively in the specialization, Beyer-Lout and Gassert considered typical meteorological careers in government and academia, but they chose the private sector and CPP for the greater freedom and applicability of their work, meaning “the chance to be immediately helpful to people,” said Gassert. Kelly Gassert Atmospheric scientists play a critical role with CPP’s work. “Every project we do starts with the wind,” said Beyer-Lout. The local wind climate drives building design and what safety measures must be put in place. Beyer-Lout and Gassert sometimes find themselves examining temperature, humidity, and even snow and ice, but most projects focus on wind — over years and decades, in averages and extremes. “We get involved early in the project lifecycle,” said Gassert, “by determining the wind climate for a project location.” Wind data comes from many sources, the best being the National Centers for Environmental Information. Through a website, Beyer-Lout and Gassert download climate data for a particular building site, or as close as they can get. Most data are collected at airports, every hour on the hour, although universities, businesses — such as a wind farm — and even private citizens record data through their own instruments and make it available to the public. Quality varies. Data quality is essential, and has improved in recent decades. Prior to the 1970s, wind observations were often taken manually and recorded by hand. Fortunately, advances led to automated collection and the accumulation of solid historical data. “Going back forty years gives us a good foundation,” said Beyer-Lout. “From that we can extrapolate to paint a picture of 700 years, even 1,700 years, of climate behavior.” Beyer-Lout and Gassert explained that some projects begin with only ten years of data, which is considered inadequate. Consequently, the range of potential error goes up, and the resulting design must account for the uncertainty. A building might require greater reinforcement and associated expense. In short, wind data quality correlates to project cost. Gassert described a typical project. After being downloaded, the climate data is subjected to a series of quality-assurance procedures. Data arriving in many formats must be consolidated, and in huge quantities. “These are massive data sets, well beyond what a spreadsheet could handle,” Beyer-Lout explained. CPP uses proprietary software tools, which constantly evolve. Fig. 1: Available NCEI climate data near New York. Yellow dots depict airports and other land-based weather stations. Newark International Airport is selected in the red box. (source: NCEI) Next, the results of the wind climate assessment are applied to a specific project site. CPP conducts tests in atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnels, blasting scale models of several city blocks with air from all directions, as delicate sensors record resulting pressures and wind speeds along facades and on street corners. The wind climate for the area is then used to scale the non-dimensional wind tunnel results, providing clients with actual extreme wind pressures or average wind speeds they can expect for their building. “Our deliverables to the project engineers vary widely, depending on the type of project,” explained Gassert. For a structural job like the construction of a new building, engineers care most about gusts. After all, a building has to be designed to withstand the worst the environment could deliver. For a pedestrian comfort project, designers pay closer attention to average wind speeds and direction. Direction can be as simple as north, south, east, and west, but the need for greater precision may demand data from sixteen directions or more. What makes for a challenging project? “Take Colorado’s Front Range where CPP is headquartered,” explained Beyer-Lout. “Plains butt up against mountains, creating tremendous wind and weather variances.” Can airport data from a flat landscape be trusted in designing a building for the foothills? Gassert described the challenge of designing for New York City, where wind data can come from a number of nearby airports, all unique. Newark International Airport to the west frequently experiences severe thunderstorms, while data at JFK and LaGuardia Airports on Long Island suggest weaker thunderstorms. “Which dataset applies best to Manhattan? It’s an interesting puzzle.”
Home Medicare Guide To Medicare Guide To Medicare Guide To Medicare What is medicare Medicare is a social health insurance plan which is funded by payroll taxes. All working Americans pay payroll taxes, as do their employers. Medicare is most often utilized by individuals over 65, but there are other individuals that may be eligible. The Social security administration determines eligibility. History of medicare Medicare began in 1965 and since then, the program has undergone some changes. Previously, the amount of salary taxes was capped. However, employers and their employees now contribute a flat percentage of their salary to fund the program, regardless of what the salary is. Medicare reform Medicare reform has included a variety of changes, including the addition of prescription drug coverage. Previous to that, the entire expense of prescription medication was the responsibility of the individual. Although medicare benefits require that the individual pay a deductible on most medications, the cost is much lower than in was before prescription drug coverage was added as a medicare benefit. Medicare cuts Medicare cuts have already begun, as Congress has passed legislation which makes changes to the program in the near future. The reform will include Medicare cuts and lowered Medicare reimbursement. In fact, some beneficiaries may find that they have substantially lowered coverage. Who is eligible for medicare The general requirements for medicare include individuals over the age of 65 that have been United States citizens for at least five years. In addition, the individual must have paid into Social Security for at least ten years, or they will be required to pay a premium. There are also special circumstances which grant Medicare eligibility to those younger than 65. Medicare card replacement Medicare card replacement involves a simple process which can be conducted online or over the phone. Whether a card is damaged, lost or stolen, individuals should immediately request a new card as it is used as proof of eligibility. Medicare fee schedule The Medicare fee schedule may vary depending on the type of coverage, as well as the specific services provided or prescription medication purchased. Medicare billing will usually include a detailed description of fees and who is responsible for payments of those fees.
Odd Discoveries New Science DiscoveriesThe seventeenth century noticed the rise of those we now call scientists. They known as themselves pure philosophers. These males prompted a profound change within the culture, outlook, and lives of human beings. In FACT, a variety of scientists have informed me as much. My science professor again in 2010 said earlier than our class of a hundred and fifty students that science is not set in stone. New technology, new research, and as a result, new discoveries continually require science to modify and typically totally CHANGE what were once believed to be scientific FACTS. The general public makes use of the word idea” incorrectly as if it means some form of a guess. Well, in science when something gets elevated to the time period idea” it is a large deal, and it means the idea has been tested and peer reviewed and supported by a number of lines of proof and has not as soon as been refuted. Like the theory of gravity” or the speculation of evolution”. Maxwell’s Equations are extensively in mathematical modeling of circulation processes. The theory are so summary that it’s applied to any bodily phenomena from electromagnetics, fluid movement thermodynamics. As just lately as the Dark Ages (a interval from roughly 476 A.B. to 1500 depending on who you are talking to – some students imagine that interval ended sooner), folks in energy were so satisfied that the earth was flat that they even killed folks back then who disagreed with them! Newton had a difficult relationships with his peers. He had a bitter precedence dispute with Leibnitz on invention of calculus. This dispute led to a period of over two centuries of isolation of British mathematicians from their continental counterparts by way of notation. Today it’s widely accepted that the 2 independently invented calculus using completely different but equivalent approaches. In Brownian Motion, this put to relaxation the particulate nature of matter. It additionally advanced our understanding of statistics of random occasions. Brownian movement is applied in various field from finance, telecommunications to transportation. While science is a vital part of our lives on this planet, typically doing superb things that improve our lives, it additionally has to backtrack usually and modify or change what we have been led to believe were FACTS because of new information or discovery that somebody did sloppy or deceptive analysis work that actually proved nothing. In 2001, Jack Van Impe and Rexella Van Impe discovered that black holes within the Universe technically qualify for the situation of hell on the idea of description of hell given in numerous spiritual texts. A renowned televangelist, Jack Van Impe is nicknamed the strolling Bible owing to his thorough knowledge about the verses talked about on this holy book. For an concept or idea to be accepted as scientific knowledge it must be examined repeatedly by experimentation and persistently discovered to be true. I really imagine that God is the best scientist of all for He has created this whole world and all that’s in it. He created all the things that scientists now study and seek to grasp, but God understands every thing for He created it. I see no purpose why science and God must be opposites. I do not perceive why anyone thinks the 2 are like water and oil. The two have been connected from second one and it is humans’ incapacity to understand that makes some of them assume the 2 don’t have any commonality. Indeed, they have been the realized males of their time utilizing essentially the most modern scientific info and know-how of their day and satisfied that they knew all that mattered concerning the Earth’s form consequently. My! What a lot of arrogance these people unknowingly had given how backward they were in comparison with the trendy science of today! • Partner links
Connect with us The Wild 6 Animals that can kill a komodo dragon Komodo dragons, sometimes known as Komodo monitors, are one of the world’s largest and heaviest lizards, and one of the few with a poisonous bite. These cunning, powerful hunters use their long, forked tongues to sample the air for food, relying on their keen sense of smell. They can wait for a large meal to come within range for hours before unleashing a lethal attack with their massive, curved, and serrated teeth. These wild dragons typically weigh about 154 pounds (70 kg), but the largest verified specimen reached a length of 10.3 ft (3.13 m) and weighed 366 pounds (166 kg ). As a result of their size, these apex predators, dominate the ecosystems in which they live. But what do you think happens when the biggest lizard in the world meets other apex predators from other environments? what animals can defeat a komodo dragon in a fight? ( 6 ) Crocodile (5 ) Tiger (4) Anaconda (3) Bears (2) Hippopotamus ( 6 ) Crocodile Saltwater Crocodile Estuarine - Free photo on Pixabay.....6 Animals that can kill a komodo dragon Crocodiles are without doubt the most dangerous predator on planet Earth. Animals only survive crocodile attacks if they are powerful enough to disrupt the attack or if they are fast enough to get the jump on the croc first or if the crocodile is attacking an animal too large for it to overpower. Assuming the full-grown Nile or saltwater crocodile, the Komodo dragon fails on all fronts, though smaller crocodile species are likely to struggle more in the conflict. A saltwater crocodile can weigh one ton or more than six times the weight of the dragon. This size difference means that should the dragon find itself in the crocodile’s crosshairs, it would be essentially powerless to escape. In summary, a komodo dragon would be dead and drowned before it even realized what happened. Crocodilians are likewise largely immune to snake venom, therefore a komodo dragon’s venomous bite is unlikely to do significant harm. They also have aggressive immune systems that attack bacteria as soon as it is discovered by the body, meaning that the komodo dragon’s pack is not likely to do much either. (5 ) Tiger Sumatran Tiger \| Today, the last of Indonesia's tigers—now l… \| Flickr......6 Animals that can kill a komodo dragon Probably if a tiger fought with a komodo dragon, both would die. Komodo dragons are ambushed, by hunters. They bite their prey viciously, release it, and settle back for a bask. Tiger ambushes prey from behind and tries to break the spine with one bite and bite until the prey stops fighting. if the tiger jumps on a komodo dragon, it will have problems with its armored neck, but in the end, the dragon will die. If the Komodo dragon attacks first and manages to bite the tiger, then the tiger will surely kill the dragon. Tigers are known to kill large crocodiles, so they won’t have a problem with a komodo dragon. However, the dragon’s venom acts slowly and it is possible that in a few hours the tiger will be dead. (4) Anaconda Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) close-up ... \| Campo Gran… \| Flickr.....6 Animals that can kill a komodo dragon Crocodilians, which are equivalent in size and strength to a komodo, have been known to be preyed upon by giant anaconda. A truly huge anaconda could probably kill and eat a medium-size anaconda. Over thousands and millions, of years, the huge snake has figured out how to kill crocodiles while avoiding those deadly Jaws. The same method should work on a big lizard. Anacondas kill dragons by squeezing them until they suffocate and die. The squeezing of the Komodo dragon may cause internal bleeding. The anaconda would then devour the entire Komodo dragon at once. Komodo loses the battle with the anaconda, therefore. Of course, the komodo dragon may attack first, using its sharp claws and its venomous bite, I don’t think he could kill the anaconda so fast! Got to go with the anaconda on this one, it would be far too large and powerful for the dragon. (3) Bears Grizzly Bear Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures.......6 Animals that can kill a komodo dragon Well, the bear will kill the dragon. A male grizzly bear can weigh up to around 900 lbs (408 kg ). Komodo dragons peak at about one-half to less than a quarter of that weight. Being much more massive gives the bear more raw power and leverage. The bear will most likely tear the reptile apart with brute power. Now, this isn’t to imply the dragon isn’t dangerous to the bear: if he gets to bite the bear, the wound may become infected and the bear may die. The bear has a pretty effective defense in its long thick fur and loose skin, but any bite that strikes home would be debilitating and dangerous. I’m not sure how likely a dragon is to find flesh through the fur, but at least the bear still has vulnerable bits like the face to worry about. So this ranges from a bear enjoying a lizard-shaped snack to a possible mutual kill and points in between. (2) Hippopotamus Hippopotamus Jaw Large - Free photo on Pixabay.......6 Animals that can kill a komodo dragon Hippos are more naturally aggressive than komodo dragons which are more patient opportunistic predators. Hippos can accelerate on land as fast as komodos but reach higher top speeds, allowing the hippo to run down and trample the Komodo. Though Komodo’s do have a great ability to turn corners more tightly which would greatly help with its evasion abilities. Also, if the hippo gets the initial bite, there’s a good chance the hippo will rip the dragon’s massive body in half. crushing its skull with a bite force of 2000Ibs per square inch, with ease and the rest of its body. The hippo can open its jaws at a 180-degree angle, destroying everything in its path, a bull hippo can open its jaws up to 4feet (1.2m). (1) Wolverine Wildlife Mammal Nature - Free photo on Pixabay Like badgers, the wolverine has long and sharp claws strong Jaws with considerable bite force, and anal glands to produce a stinky liquid to spray when needed. Wolverines can take on larger animals, such as black bears, pumas, and wolves, and hunt them down if necessary. Both of the animals are fast and wolverines are more agile. Let’s say wolverines couldn’t detect the dragon and jumped upon it and got bitten by it. The dragon has to endure the skunk smell and avoid all bites and Claw attacks while trying to devour it all at once because we know that dragon venom takes a long time to effect. Thus due to its aggressiveness, it is possible for the wolverine to win! if he doesn’t kill him, he still makes him leave somehow! 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Eastern Spirituality Submit to FacebookSubmit to Google PlusSubmit to Twitter He was a young prince of the Nishadha tribes, who achieves a skill level parallel to the great Arjuna, despite Drona's rejection of him. He was a member of low caste and he wished to study in the gurukulam of Dronacharya. Eklavya (Sanskrit: éklavya) is a character from the epic Mahābhārata. He was a young prince of the Nishadha, a confederation of jungle tribes in Ancient India. He was son of Vyatraj Hiranyadhanus, the king of the outcasts in the Kingdom of Magadha. Eklavya aspired to study archery in the gurukul of Guru Dronacharya (Drona), the greatest known teacher in the use of weaponry and martial art knowledge at the time. Eklavya sincerely sought the mentorship of Drona in weaponry and martial art. However, since Eklavya belonged to the lower castes, he was denied access to Drona's mentorship. But because Eklavya was self-motivated and was determined to learn from Drona, what he did is a phenomenal feat of dedication and imagination strategized to extraordinary learning activity leading to mastery of the art. Eklavya created an image of Drona and took the image as his guru monitoring and inspiring him. He practiced the arts of Drona in front of Drona's image. When Drona and his more fortunate disciples came to practice in the forest, Eklavya used to secretly watch from behind the trees and build upon those tips by self-practicing and showing his work to the pseudo guru he created himself in the image of Drona. Eklavya is called as one of the foremost of kings in the Rajasuya Yajna where he honours Yudhishthira with his shoes. Though he didn't have his right thumb, he was noted as a very powerful archer and charioteer. He was killed in battle by Krishna, who hurled a rock at him.
Arabic translation services Afro-Asiatic > Semitic Text direction 300 million Other names Official language Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Eritrea, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi-Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen Interesting Fact In Arabic, most vowels are not written. Rather, speakers recognize written words from the consonants alone. Arabic is a widely spoken language. It is a native language in all 22 countries making up the Arab League and has large numbers of native speaking minorities in Africa. It is a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew, although the two are not mutually intelligible in either written or spoken form. It is written from right-to-left and there is only one official written form for all Arabic speakers: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). That said, written texts do vary from country to country as there are so many different influences and inputs to the varieties spoken – for example French has an influence on Arabic speakers in the North of Africa and Lebanon. Spoken Arabic differs massively from country to country and area to area. The influence of Arabic on other languages and cultures can be seen in many European place names and English words. Words such as Algebra (al-jabr), admiral (amir), alcohol (al-kuhul) and many more can trace their roots back to Arabic. Language Length Normally 20-30% longer than English. In countries east of Egypt it is customary to use the Arabic-Indic numeral system. Others use the Hindu Arabic system: Hindu Arabic: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Arabic-Indic: ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩ Notable Grammar and Punctuation Differences Where to begin? It’s a right-to-left language using a completely different script, so there are many differences. Layouts will normally need to be completely reversed and images flipped. That said, many punctuation marks are recognizable mirror images of those you may be used to seeing, such as the comma (،) and question mark (؟). Quotation marks Usually “…” or chevron style <<>> (but remember it is right-to-left) Most Arabic countries follow the same system as in English with regard to the markers of the decimal point and comma…but not all. Morocco and Algeria are notable exceptions. For more information contact us here: Arabic Translation Services. Services offered for this language Need help with Arabic or some more advice? Back to top
An American History of Addiction, Part 4: “Drugs Are Bad” After Prohibition, America’s view of alcohol addiction (now “alcoholism”) had shifted from a belief in endogenous addictiveness for everyone who drank, to endogenous addictiveness for only those predisposed to becoming alcoholics. This allowed the Temperance movement to accept the existence of alcohol moderation. Ingestion of the drug, alone, was no longer enough to diagnose a drinking problem. It had to be accompanied by specific symptoms, such as higher than “normal” use, withdrawal symptoms, and socio-economic problems (i.e., criminal trespasses and bankruptcy). A partial catalyst for this change was the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous. This group brought to mainstream culture the idea of a physiological set that predisposes people to becoming addicted to alcohol. This new mindset allowed the temperance strategy to move from criminalization of booze, to focusing on treatment and advocacy for the “chosen few” alcoholics. Poster for “Reefer Madness,” 1936. One year after the creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, and thereby the innovation of prepositional causes of addition, Reefer Madness was released. With its melodramatic and dread-inducing portrayal of the use of marijuana, it coded a new drug with many of the old temperance movement beliefs. Using the drug even once leads to a path of ruin that will affect anyone and everyone who uses it. Once you go down the path, you will fall victim to death and despair, with death sometimes being the more favorable outcome. Today, the film is viewed as nonsensical propaganda and embraced by film-cult audiences as a piece of nostalgia. Yet, within the melodrama lies an important truth of those times. Even though the alcoholism movement was rising, predisposition and the possibility of moderation was not extended to a “hard drug” use, such as a marijuana or heroin. In the case of these “hard drugs”, use alone was still seen as enough to diagnose the person as an addict. America kept the prohibition ideals for a certain set of drugs which, as we discussed in part II, were associated with oppressed races and ethnicities. Through the 1950s, prohibition forces transitioned their focus from liquor law enforcement towards increased enforcement of the drug laws we’ve discussed before. Just as was said about alcohol, the stated rationalization for keeping these drugs criminalized was their endogenous addictiveness, while the racial and ethnic associations were kept veiled during anti-drug public relations campaigns. Stories, such as Reefer Madness, were told about people who tried a drug and instantly went insane. People whose lives were particularly good until that demon weed or devil syringe came around. And it was important to describe how good their lives were, because it had to be the drug that ruined lives and not underlying suffering leading to drug use. Now, because these drugs ruined lives, we had to fight them like our lives were on the line. Local and state police focused more and more on the enforcement of drug crimes. This was famously depicted by shows like “Dragnet”, where the police were shown protecting the innocent from the depravity of those who had chosen to partake in these devilish chemicals. Their choice had led to insanity and addiction. And the (white, affluent) public needed to be protected. But did the approach even work? Hughes et al.’s historical account of a heroin epidemic in Chicago between 1946 and 1949 describes how the response was to arrest any users or sellers of the drug. Once they had been arrested, sentencing for drug crimes was made more severe. This was well after the creation of AA and the expansion of addiction treatments. And as this community was majority African American, the epidemic was observed with disgust and helped to solidify racist stereotypes presented by the anti-drug propaganda. But, once again, did it work? Hughes et al: “…found the period of epidemic decline to be closely associated with increasing cost and decreasing quality of heroin available on Chicago’s illegal drug market. A dramatic response in…local enforcement practices and arrest rates, court sanctions and legislation, mass media attention to drug abuse did not occur until a year or more after the epidemic had already begun its decline.” Which all means that the harsh enforcement of those laws was not the main driver in slowing the epidemic but did make for good television. During the 50s, this ham-handed and severe enforcement occurred almost exclusively in African American and immigrant communities, much as it had been with the West Coast drug laws of the late 1800s and the anti-liquor enforcement during Prohibition. It stayed in those communities until the 1960s, as drug use expanded through the counter-cultural, hippie movement. While marijuana and hallucinogens (such as LSD and psilocybin) are usually recognized as the “hippie” drugs, the expansion included increased use of “hard drugs,” such as barbiturates and amphetamines, and even painkillers like heroin. The overwhelmingly whiteness of the hippie movement caused a certain panic round drugs that was easy fodder for talented politicians. Addiction in America, Summarized Up to this point, we have discussed connections between drugs and the larger culture, and how our society views addiction, as separate but parallel events. That all changed when Richard Nixon signed the “Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970”. It codified both the ideal of a culturally defined “hard drug”, as well as the ideal that the recreational use of drugs was an inherent evil, and those who used drugs at all needed to be treated for their disease of addiction. While there had been skirmishes for decades between police and countercultures and communities of color, this was the first official salvo in the “War on Drugs”. This law was not just for the use or possession of certain drugs either. It also worked to control the manufacturing and sale of drugs. This was defined through the “Schedule” system, which we still use to this day. The system defines what level of legality a drug exists within at the federal level. For example, Schedule I drugs (the highest level) include heroin, LSD, and marijuana (even though marijuana is legal in many states). Coming in at Schedule II are drugs such as OxyContin or Adderall, both of which are key figures in contemporary drug issues, such as the opioid epidemic. Xanax, coming in at Schedule IV, can kill a person during withdrawal and also plays a major role in overdoses today, as it can be lethal when combined with high levels of an opioid. Yet Xanax lies well below marijuana on the scale, showing once again that the definitions of drugs have less to do with actual effects and more to do with cultural ideology. President Nixon campaigning. So, what exactly was the goal of Nixon’s drug act? According to John Ehrlichman, one of Nixon’s domestic policy “chiefs,” “[t]he Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people.” A drug law that could make harsher federal crimes, and even allow for state forfeiture of property, was a good strategy to fight both those communities. Ehrlichman went on to say: What exactly were they lying about though? Partly, it was the rates of use in those communities. In fact, by 1970, when the law was signed, drug use was actually on the decline. Yet, when he signed the law, he stated it was in response to “growing heroin addiction.” As we saw in the Chicago Heroin Epidemic of the ‘40s, the harsh use of law enforcement did not create the conditions to lower overall use and addiction. In many ways, they were also lying about the effects of those drugs, parroting earlier ideas about endogenous addictiveness as we saw in Refer Madness. And at this point, how was addiction defined anyway? Six years after Nixon’s law had passed, the American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the National Council on Alcoholism (NCA) convened and combined their separate definitions of alcoholism into a singular one. This definition was focused on “alcoholism,” as opposed to general addiction, due to the influence and prestige of the AA/alcoholism movement: Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease. It is characterized by tolerance and physical dependency or pathologic organ changes, or both-all the direct or indirect consequences of the alcohol ingested. Other than the singular focus on alcoholism, it is not dissimilar to what we see in the 2011 definition of general drug addiction from ASAM: This concept of addiction is still focused on the use of the drug as catalyst for causing the primary disease. This use leads to changes in the body and brain, creating a condition where the individual cannot control their intake of the drug. Once they get to this point, it only makes sense to use any means necessary to stop them, and then try to fix them. And due to this evil inherent in drugs, as we stated before, it means we should take all steps necessary to protect ourselves from drugs and those who would sell us such poison. But what if that definition isn’t true? What if the way we think about addiction is all wrong? What would that mean for all these policies and ideals we have held as a nation? The disease theory of addiction had been ingrained in our culture for 200 years when Nixon signed this law. But had we ever actually checked to see if it was all true? In the next part of this series, we’ll look at a few studies that took up these questions in the same time frame as the Controlled Substance Act and the start of the War on Drugs. Editor’s Note: All blogs in this series are available to read here. 1. ” because these drugs ruined lives, we had to fight them like our lives were on the line. ” Excellent article. You have put in an incredible amount of work into this. As you have shown, the explanations as well as the resulting approaches to deal with the unwanted actions, feeling or behaviours have never been true, nor have they “worked”. In fact, they become worse. There was a lot out there that could work, not then and not now is this palatable to politicians or the holders of big bank accounts.
Support 100 years of independent journalism. 1. Spotlight 22 October 2018updated 16 Sep 2021 4:52pm Why better buses are just the start By Steven Meersman Over the past few months, the UK has seen a huge push from the public, both young and old, for decisive action on climate change. Whilst the transition to renewable energy has led to a reduction in emissions, little progress has been made in energy-intensive sectors, such as transport, to reduce our carbon footprint and air quality in our cities. Recently the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) recommended an ambitious target for the UK to become carbon-neutral by 2050. To meet this target, both government bodies and private companies must transition towards a smart, low-carbon, decentralised energy system, as soon as possible. Transport accounts for 34 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions. We must therefore look to invest in new technologies and initiatives, including the electrification of public transport and last mile deliveries, as well as other forms of transport. The rollout of the first battery-assisted electric bus fleet in the country occurred in Guildford in January of this year, implemented by Zenobe Energy, in conjunction with Stagecoach and Surrey County Council. Rather than waiting for an expensive grid upgrade, this scheme uses battery storage to support the constrained local power grid. The battery charges up during the day from the current grid connection and gives power to buses at night, so that they are ready to go in the morning. Initiatives such as this are already making a considerable difference in regional areas, by improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. They provide a dual benefit for both our transport and energy objectives – at night it dampens the peak caused by bus charging and during the day it supports the local network enabling more renewables. The use of energy storage or on-site renewables also avoids rising grid charges through optimising large energy users grid consumption. These grid charges increasingly contribute as much as 40 per cent of energy bills and are caused by an overall inefficiency on our grid. The CCC has stressed that in order to meet carbon reduction targets, grid capacity should be significantly increased and policy and regulatory frameworks must encourage innovation, like demand response and storage. However, recent proposed changes, such as the Targeted Charging Review, could dampen innovation and hurt investment in renewables, derailing our transition to a carbon-neutral future, in line with our commitments. For the UK to continue to lead this charge system thinking is vital. Policymakers and regulators must provide a clear mandate that encourages new, flexible, renewable technologies focusing on long-term benefits and costs rather than short-term, often disjointed, objectives. Content from our partners Transport is the core of levelling up The forgotten crisis: How businesses can boost biodiversity Small businesses can be the backbone of our national recovery While schemes such as the EV fleet in Guildford and the London Mayor’s recent Ultra-Low Emission Zone are a great start, they are not enough. Companies and government bodies across the UK need to look at rolling these out nationwide. Partnerships between local councils and private companies can ultimately help maximise the benefit of infrastructure for the whole community, lowering costs, improving air quality and reducing our carbon footprint. Steven Meersman is the founder of Zenobe Energy.
Gush, E. P. Organization: The Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Pages: 4 Publication Date: Jan 1, 1994 Diamonds, an enigma in a mineral resource sense. Chemically, diamonds are no more than carbon crystals in a cubic system-formed one might add under conditions of great pressure and temperature. They have certain physical properties which are fairly unique. They are very hard, they have a high refractive index, they luminesce, some of them fluoresce, they have a high specific gravity, they don't wet and they are a good conductor of heat. In a way, a rather clinical set of qualities. Of course, these qualities are what give diamonds their use and their beauty. It is on the emotional side that they get complex and stir memories of legends, of beauty, of wealth and romance, of war, happiness, bad luck and curses. It is on the emotional side that the value of a diamond is established, if such a thing is possible. Diamonds are extremely varied, there are more than 5000 categories into which they are sorted, so there is room at each point across the spectrum for their individualities to emerge, and accordingly their attractiveness to each buyer is unique. Full Article Download: (481 kb)
Superb Dog is dog saliva clean Is Dog Saliva Clean? Are Dogs’ Mouths Cleaner Than Humans’? You’ve probably heard it said at least once — “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth!” We look at whether it’s true or not. We all know how difficult it can be to resist some sloppy smooches from our furry pals. And when we do get those occasional licks on the face by our dogs, we usually don’t mind it because lots of people share kisses with their dogs and there’s probably no risk from contact with dog saliva, right? Well, that is the question — is dog saliva clean, and are dogs’ mouths cleaner than humans’ mouths? There is no scientific proof showing that dog saliva can be considered “clean” as it contains bacteria and microbes. The bacteria in dogs’ mouths are quite different from those found in people’s mouths, so comparing the two isn’t practical. And while dogs’ mouths are not any “cleaner” than humans’, they don’t generally pose any significant health risks to humans. If you are interested in your dog’s hygiene and level of cleanliness, then you have come to the right place. We will explore the differences between dogs’ and humans’ mouths, and to what extent you can share things with your dog. In addition, we will clear up the many myths surrounding dog saliva and whether dogs’ mouths are cleaner than people’s mouths. Is Dog Saliva Clean? If you are a person who shows love to their dogs with kisses, you are not alone — showing affection to dogs with facial nuzzling and kisses is common. However, people usually don’t this about the possible consequences of this exchange of affection. The saliva of most animals, including dogs, contains bacteria that can impact human health in different ways. There is a big difference between the saliva of dogs and the saliva of people. The properties that dog saliva contains help the dog differently, but they do not help people; you should not view dogs’ and humans’ immune systems as comparable. For instance, the bacteria in dog saliva is good for preventing dental cavities. That is why dogs rarely develop any form of dental cavities inside their mouths. However, this does not mean that dog saliva will have the same effect on your mouth if you exchange kisses with your dog. There is also the myth that bacteria somehow cannot be transferred from dogs to human’s mouths. This is not true. Studies have proven that the bacteria found in dog saliva can definitely be transmitted to people’s mouths. If you exchange kisses with your dog often, then it is likely that at some point you have transferred their bacteria into your mouth. Dog Saliva Causing Allergies in People Dog saliva can cause allergies in humans, although people almost always attribute these allergies to the dog’s fur and dander. According to a study, dog saliva contains 12 different protein bands that might cause allergies in people. So there’s actually a greater possibility that a person is allergic to dog saliva than dog fur. Is Dog Saliva Good For Your Skin? In general, dog saliva is harmless to the human body. Therefore, a sloppy lick or exchange of some affection with your dog will generally not affect your skin. However, because it does contain bacteria, people with highly sensitive skin might notice some irritation. It can also lead to infections if there are any breaks in the human’s skin barrier. While dog saliva doesn’t present any serious risk to your skin, it likely won’t help it, either. The idea that dog saliva can provide some sort of skin benefits has no scientific support. Does Dog Saliva Cause Acne or Pimples? Dog slobber does not cause acne or pimples. Acne is generally caused by excess oil or inflammation. Ingrown hairs can also contribute. Dog saliva does not cause acne. High levels of emotional stress and lack of proper hygiene are common contributors to the conditions that cause acne and pimples. Sometimes, when people are stressed and they seek comfort from their dog in the form of kisses, they incorrectly identify the dog saliva transferred as the cause of the acne. This is a case of correlation, not causation. dog licking man's face with saliva Can Dog Saliva Heal Wounds? Another popular belief is that dog saliva can help heal wounds. The thinking is that some component of dog saliva has healing properties because dogs lick their wounds and they usually heal. Most animals lick their wounds. This can help keep the wound cleaner, which lowers the risk of infection and therefore promotes healing. It can also irritate the wound and make it worse (think hot spots that dogs create through excessive licking and chewing on small wounds). Research has shown that saliva does contain histatins, which are proteins that do contribute to preventing infection, as well as other chemical compounds that do the same. So the claim is not unfounded at all. It usually makes sense to allow a dog to tend to its wounds unless they become overly-attentive and lick the wound to the point that they are inflaming or irritating it. Also, if you have applied any medication such as a topical antibiotic, you don’t want your dog to lick that medication off of the wound as it will no longer be effective. Should I Let My Dog Lick an Infected Wound of Mine? So, if dog saliva helps ward off infection and speed of healing in dog wounds, does it stand to reason that having them lick a human wound will do the same? While there is a chance that the above-mentioned properties of dog saliva could possibly provide benefits to a human wound, there are far more reasons not to let your dog lick a wound. If you have an open wound that is infected, you should see a doctor. Properly prescribed antibiotics will be far more effective than dog saliva. Infection in the human body is a very serious matter, and the real threat is when the infection spreads into the body from the local wound. Dog saliva might only help on a minor local wound and only if the type of bacteria it is effective against is present; it certainly isn’t going to help with an infection that has spread through the body. When dogs get wounds and infections, vets treat them with antibiotics, not dog saliva, and you should have a doctor do the same for your self. In addition, there are many bacteria that exist in dog saliva that could potentially cause infection, which is yet another good reason not to let a dog lick a human wound. Can Dog Saliva Cause Infection in Humans? While dog saliva will usually not cause serious issues if it comes in contact with human skin, it can cause serious infection if it breaks the skin barrier and bacteria enters the body. This often occurs when a dog bites a person. Bacteria from the dog’s saliva enters immediately at the wound site. Doctors will almost always prescribe an antibiotic to dog bite victims to prevent infection from developing. Human saliva, however, poses the same risks to other humans. A common situation where this occurs is when someone punches another person in the mouth with a clenched fist. Known as a “fight bite,” the bacteria from the saliva of the person being punched enters into the wound created on the knuckles of the puncher. Infection may then develop as a result. So even though certain bacterias are considered “clean” enough to live in a species mouth, they can be dangerous if they enter other parts of the body. Is Dog Saliva Cleaner Than Human Saliva? You have probably heard the popular claim that dog saliva is cleaner than human saliva, and wondered whether it is true. This is not at all true. First, it is wrong to compare dog saliva to human saliva. This is because dogs have different microbes in their mouths that do not exist in human mouths. Dogs’ bodies operate differently from humans’, and we do not share the same bacteria and microbes as dogs. While dog saliva can help dogs with different dental processes or digestive issues, it does not mean that that same saliva can perform the same functions for people. Dogs and humans have very different physiologies and health needs. Obviously, human saliva is clean enough for humans’ mouths, and dog saliva is clean enough for dogs’ mouths. Are Dogs’ Mouths Cleaner Than Humans’? Once again, a dog’s mouth and a human’s mouth cannot be compared. According to research professor Colin Harvey, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. This is because even though both dogs’ and humans’ mouths are full of microbes and bacteria, the makeup of these germs is very different for each. While some bacteria might be the same in both humans and dogs, there are microbes that are found in dogs but not in people. For example, dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause periodontal diseases — making the mouth technically “not clean.” But human mouths contain different bacteria that also can cause periodontal disease. Is one mouth “cleaner” than the other when they both contain unique bacteria capable of causing disease? Simply put, it cannot be said that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’ mouths. Considering the fact that dogs, as well as humans, are carriers of different types of bacteria and microbes that cannot be measured against each other quantifiably, such a claim is silly to try to make. Also, one needs to consider oral hygiene in this case. Both humans and dogs need proper oral hygiene to keep the mouth healthy. Humans brush and floss daily (well at least some do!), while dogs depend on chew toys and bones to keep their clean. dog saliva drooling out of dog's mouth Conscientious dog owners brush their dogs’ teeth and encourage play with toys that promote dental health. Although you can start this at any stage of a dog’s life, it is much easier if you begin oral hygiene when your pet is still a puppy. That way, they can get used to the habit of being handled around the mouth, and your job will end up being easier in the long run. You can always consult with your vet about the proper tools and techniques for oral hygiene for dogs. There are a many toothbrushes and toys designed for dogs and for their oral hygiene needs. This does not mean that your dog’s mouth will be cleaner than yours, but it will be healthier than if you neglect its care. Is A Dog’s Mouth Cleaner Than A Toilet? This is another question that seems to get asked often in reference to the relative cleanliness of a dog’s mouth. If you keep good oral hygiene of your dog’s mouth and teeth, then yes, it would likely be “cleaner” than a toilet. However, again, we are discussing different kinds of bacteria, so it cannot be certainly stated that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a toilet. Perhaps if your dog drinks from your toilet, you will have a definitive answer. Final Thoughts Although different species can share similar bodily processes and parts, each species has its own physiology and functions. While both humans and dogs produce saliva in their mouths, the makeup of that saliva is different for each species. Each serves its own species in a specific manner. Therefore, it’s impossible to compare the two and determine which one is “cleaner” or “better.” A dog’s saliva is “clean” for a dog, and human saliva is “clean” for humans. But both contain bacteria and microbes that are probably best avoided by the other species. So when sharing affection with your dog, you may want to play it safe and limit the amount of saliva exchanged. Their saliva might not be harmful if you occasionally contact it, but it still has the potential to be infectious, so it is better to minimize that risk. If you’re ever in doubt about whether a dog’s saliva is clean or not, just think about the times you’ve seen dogs eating trash, cat stools, or dead birds or other animals and your question might be answered. Superb Dog Editor Superb Dog Editor
What about Geothermal Energy? By John McFerrin Is geothermal energy a possible source of energy for West Virginia? A modern society needs some way to produce electricity that is available all the time, not just when sun shines or the wind blows. In West Virginia, this perpetual availability—usually called base load—has mostly been provided by coal. As the availability of solar and wind power waxed and waned, coal was always there, chugging away, providing electricity. Now that coal is in its dotage, West Virginia has begun to search for an alternative. A better system for storing electricity from wind and solar would make them into base load supply. That would take substantial advances in battery or other storage technologies as well as a substantial investment. Burning natural gas provides base load power but it also produces greenhouse gas. West Virginia has some untapped potential for hydro power. Nuclear power has its advocates, as well as those who feel just as strongly that nuclear power is a terrible idea. See the February, 2022, issue of The Highlands Voice. But what of geothermal energy? It certainly has the potential to serve as a base load power source. Is it something that we should be considering? Geothermal energy is, quite literally, heat from the earth. The earth’s core is made up of mostly molten iron with a temperature roughly equal to the surface of the sun. Were we able to tap even the smallest fraction of that energy we could meet the earth’s energy needs with plenty to spare. The big difficulty is, or course, that the earth’s core is about 8,000 miles deep. All of that heat is not available. With currently available technology, about the only places where any of that heat is being used for electricity production are power plants located near hot springs or volcanoes. There are places where water has been close enough to the earth’s core to become heated and has found its way through cracks in the earth’s layers until it is close to the surface. If it reaches the surface, it usually emerges as hot springs. In spots where the hot water is close to the surface, the heat can be used to make electricity. As the end of 2019, the United States had over 3,600 megawatts of installed generating capacity of geothermal energy. All of it is in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Western states; there is nothing east of Colorado. For spots where there is not enough heat to make electricity, there is a consolation prize. The warm, but not blazing hot enough to make electricity, water can be used to heat buildings. The city of Boise, Idaho, has used it to heat commercial and residential buildings since 1890 and still does so. Technologically speaking, the electricity that is being produced so far is the easy stuff. The heat is fairly close to the surface and can be accessed with existing technology. It is also limited by geography. Some people in California and Alaska were fortunate enough to live where hot water is close to the surface. They were clever enough to use that heat to make electricity. Those who are fortunate enough to live near a source of easily accessible geothermal energy have a ready supply of electricity free of carbon dioxide emissions. What about the rest of the world, the large fraction of the Earth’s surface where there are no hot springs, no volcanoes, no relatively shallow sources of geothermal energy? For the rest of the world, the geothermal energy is there. It is just a lot deeper and harder to get to. Until some technical problems are worked out, that energy is not available for human use. There are possibilities on the drawing board. One is to drill two very deep (4-5 miles) holes and use hydraulic fracturing to connect them at the bottom. Water pumped down one hole would get heated. When it emerged from the other hole it would be hot enough to be used to make electricity. It is theoretically possible to build a closed system in which the holes from the surface are connected by a series of pipes. Water pumped through these pipes would absorb heat from the hot rocks and return to the surface as water hot enough to make electricity. The technology still needs to be perfected before any of these techniques for geothermal energy from deep underground sources becomes a reality. Engineers have gotten a boost from the oil and gas industry; it already knows how to drill holes far into the ground. The oil and gas industry never had to deal with super hot water or super hot rock so the technology would not transfer perfectly but some of it would. What about West Virginia? On the face of it, it would appear that West Virginia would be a poor candidate for geothermal energy, at least of the kind that is accessible with current technology. While the more advanced methods for accessing geothermal energy would be possible anywhere, the readily available geothermal energy is usually found where there are hot springs or volcanoes. West Virginia does not have hot springs. With the exception of WVU head basketball coach Bob Huggins (a metaphorical, not an actual, volcano) we don’t have volcanoes. The face of it, however, is not always right. Southern Methodist University has done some mapping of geothermal resources. On its maps, West Virginia is an anomaly for the Eastern United States. Among all the different colors indicating low temperatures, and thus little geothermal potential, there are some yellows and oranges in Northern West Virginia. So, are we sitting on a gold mine, an easily accessible source of geothermal energy, a base load electricity source there for the taking? Nobody knows but we are about to find out. Researchers from West Virginia University are drilling a 15,000 foot hole near Morgantown. They will be able to collect data to tell us what the potential for geothermal electricity is. With West Virginia’s lack of hot springs or volcanoes, finding the kind of relatively shallow geothermal energy that existing technology could turn into electricity is unlikely. The water and rock might not be hot enough. Even if the water and rock are not hot enough to generate electricity, it might be hot enough to provide heat to, for example, the buildings on West Virginia University’s campus.
The practice of acupuncture, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, originates from ancient China over 2000 years ago and is used to treat a myriad of health conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin disposable needles at specific points on the body and left in place for a period of time before removal. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease is caused by disruptions to the flows of “qi”, the life force that moves blood circulation through the body along pathways called meridians. Smooth flow of qi and blood is essential to good health as proper circulation is required to nourish the organs and rid the body of toxins. Impaired qi flow can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture unblocks qi stagnation allowing the body to regain balance and harmony. In Western medicine, acupuncture is explained by concepts of neuroscience. Needle insertion at acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals and hormones which act to reduce pain and inflammation, in addition to stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities to promote physical and emotional well-being. What can Acupuncture Treat? Common conditions that respond well to acupuncture include neck and back pain, sciatica, joint pain, frozen shoulder, tendonitis, arthritis, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress and anxiety, sinus and lung issues, digestive disorders, menstrual and fertility issues. Furthermore, Dr. Thao is proficient in Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA) and Meizen Cosmetic Acupuncture (MCA). ZSA can help treat various neurological disorders including post-stroke symptoms, Bell’s palsy, Meniere’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and neuropathy. MCA is a natural anti-aging approach for facial rejuvenation. In addition to treating pain and illness, acupuncture often is used preventively as a kind of “tune up,” in the maintenance of health and well-being. Techniques We Use At each visit with Dr. Thao, patients will receive a personalized treatment consisting of one or more techniques listed. Body Acupuncture Disposable sterile needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi throughout the meridians. The needles are retained for 20-30 min. The application of manual stimulation, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Body Acupuncture A modality of Chinese Medicine that is used to improve Qi and blood flow through the meridians and organs. The treatment involves using a tool to scrape the skin in long strokes. Guasha may help to break down scar tissues and adhesions, help reduce muscle tension and improving movement in the joints. Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA) ZSA is a specialized technique that involves the insertion of very short, fine needles on the scalp to achieve the desired therapeutic effects on the different parts of the body. Based on Chinese medicine and neurology, ZSA has become recognized worldwide as an effective method to treat various pain and neurological disorders. Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture (ZSA) The suction from the cups promotes increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, calm the nervous system which helps to relieve muscle tension, neck and back pains, lung congestion, migraines, fatigue, and anxiety. Moxibustion (Moxa) A modality of Chinese Medicine that is used to strengthen and stimulate the flow of Qi and blood through the meridians and organs. The technique involves burning the herb mugwort on or near acupuncture points. Alternatively, our office also employs the Premio 10 moxa device which emits infrared heat similar to burning mugwort. Moxibustion (Moxa) Meizen Cosmetic Acupuncture (MCA) Rooted in Chinese Medicine, MCA is a natural and safe option for facial rejuvenation. Each session consists of needling points on the face or neck as well as the body. As such, cosmetic acupuncture not only brings more youthfulness to the face but also promotes beauty and wellness on a holistic level to the body’s entire ecosystem. Meizen Cosmetic Acupuncture Acupuncture Fees Initial Consultation and Examination (45-60 min) $80 Subsequent Acupuncture Treatment (45-60 min) $65 Specialized Service Fees Meizen Facial Acupuncture Session (60 min) $120 Cupping & Acupressure Treatment (30 min) $80 Have a Question?
Department of InformatiX Microsoft .NET Micro Framework Tools & Resources Button is not a key You will probably hear this important fact couple of times more: button is not a key. Its purpose is neither to type letters nor numbers. It is much more similar to the concept of Commands in the Windows Presentation Foundation rather than to the keyboard input (though, button is not a command, either). The .NET Micro Framework project predeccessor - SPOT running eg. in smart watches - does not accept any textual input and that's why we have ButtonDown and ButtonUp routed events rather than KeyDown/KeyUp ones. The Microsoft.SPOT.Input.Button enum (in 2.x framework) represents altogether 13 buttons: Menu, Select, Up, Down, Left, Right, Play, Pause, FastForward, Rewind, Stop, Back and Home. Sure, if you are creating some type of remote control, or some secured product requiring the user to enter a code, then that's not enough. But you need to realize that your problem is not the small number of buttons, your problem is that there are actually no keys at all in the first place! If you think for a while about it, hardly any device (not requiring user input) needs more than thirteen buttons. And have you seen the watches? Cool there are defined all these buttons... Okay, the previous paragraph does not work for .NET Micro Framework 3.0 - there are almost 300 buttons defined now. However, I'm strongly against the way it was done (more on this later), and this article at least shows how easily you can rename the constants. Extending the Button enum Understanding the problem is very important thing. Now let's look what we can do with it right now. Firstly, you do not have to use items like Play or Menu. If your device has just one green and one red button, you do not need additional button values. Just declare your buttons and assign them one of the predefined buttons, it does not matter which ones, they are just numbers! public static class FunnyButton { public const Button Red = Button.FastForward; public const Button Green = Button.Home; } If you don't need more than 13 buttons, this trick will work without any dramatical changes to the application: Secondly, it is standard Enum like any other. That means, it can hold any number of the type it derives from (int). So technically, you could use it to represent up to 4294967294 buttons. To store any number in the enum, use explicit casting: Button UltraViolet = (Button)12345; The following applies to 2.x version only. Thank you for voting! However, using such button requires some additional code. If you try to use it to construct ButtonEventArgs, an ArgumentOutOfRangeException is thrown. I personally do not see any single reason why the ButtonEventArgs should put any constraints on the button value, but at least the class is not sealed, so we can create our own and inherit it. But there are two problems. The first one is, that the ButtonEventArgs.Button is field, so it can't be overriden (and I doubt it would have been marked as virtual either). The second problem is, that it is declared as readonly; in other words, it can be modified only in the constructor. So we have the worst situation for deriving - we have to hide the underlaying member: public class UncheckedButtonEventArgs : ButtonEventArgs { private readonly Button _button; public new Button Button { get { return _button; } } public UncheckedButtonEventArgs(PresentationSource source, TimeSpan timestamp, Button button) : base(null /* buttonDevice */, source, timestamp, (button > Button.None && button <= Button.Last) ? button : Button.Last) { _button = button; } } For compatibility reasons, we set the base's Button to the desired value if it is in the valid range, and to Button.Last otherwise. The buttonDevice is not used at all, so I pass null to the base, although I'm not so sure how good decision is this for the future. This solution, however, does not work on its own. Due to hiding the base's member, you have to deal directly with the UncheckedButtonEventArgs type to access the new one. This simple check can be done in the button handler: protected override void OnButtonDown(ButtonEventArgs e) { Button button = e is UncheckedButtonEventArgs ? (e as UncheckedButtonEventArgs).Button : e.Button; ... } Injecting your buttons into the WPF input system Using the GPIOButtonInputProvider is a bit trickier. Open it and locate the ButtonPad class. It has a method called Interrupt, which looks like this: void Interrupt(Cpu.Pin port, bool state, TimeSpan time) { RawButtonActions action = state ? RawButtonActions.ButtonUp : RawButtonActions.ButtonDown; RawButtonInputReport report = new RawButtonInputReport(sink.source, time, button, action); // Queue the button press to the input provider site. sink.Dispatcher.BeginInvoke(sink.callback, report); } This is the final method which pushes the input into the WPF system. The dispatcher then calls sink.callback (delegate to InputProviderSite.ReportInput method) which more or less causes the PreviewButtonDown and ButtonDown events to be fired and routed. Unfortunately, the ButtonEventArgs is instantiated inside this process and we cannot just change it. Moreover, due to lack of input system extensibility in WPF initial release, we aren't able to replace this process with another one. Not everything is lost yet. We can't plug us into the input system, but at least we can fire the events manually. The ButtonDown and ButtonUp are routed events so we need to fire them throughout the control tree. This is exactly what UIElement.RaiseEvent(RoutedEventArgs args) does. The last thing we need to decide is on which element we should call it. But that's a simple one, on the one with focus! Now we can put together the method which the dispatcher needs to call (and its delegate signature): private delegate void RaiseEventCallback(RoutedEventArgs args); private void RaiseEvent(RoutedEventArgs args) { UIElement target = Buttons.FocusedElement; if (target != null) target.RaiseEvent(args); } Put it directly to the GPIOButtonInputProvider class and create a delegate and assign the method to it in the constructor: public sealed class GPIOButtonInputProvider { ... private ReportInputCallback callback; // current delegate to the InputSite private RaiseEventCallback eventCallback; // delegate to our method // This class maps GPIOs to Buttons processable by Microsoft.SPOT.Presentation public GPIOButtonInputProvider(PresentationSource source) { ... callback = new ReportInputCallback(site.ReportInput); // current delegate eventCallback = new RaiseEventCallback(RaiseEvent); // our new one ... } And finally, modify the Interrupt routine above (in ButtonPad class) to send the exended buton range to our method instead of the InputProviderSite: ... // Queue the button press to the input provider site. if (button > Button.None && button <= Button.Last) sink.Dispatcher.BeginInvoke(sink.callback, report); else { RoutedEventArgs args = new UncheckedButtonEventArgs(null, time, button); args.RoutedEvent = state ? Buttons.ButtonDownEvent : Buttons.ButtonUpEvent; sink.Dispatcher.BeginInvoke(sink.eventCallback, args); } } Well, everything is ready now, you are free to use your buttons in the provider: ... ButtonPad[] buttons = new ButtonPad[] {-- // Associate the buttons to the pins as setup in the emulator/hardware new ButtonPad(this, Button.Up , Cpu.Pin.GPIO_Pin0), new ButtonPad(this, FunnyButton.UltraViolet , Cpu.Pin.GPIO_Pin1), }; ... And my last note today: Keep in mind this is a simple workaround. If you would really want to make it the right way, you should also call the preview events using the tunnel routing strategy and check if the input was handled before firing the actual button events. Have a nice day! Sign in using Live ID to be able to post comments.
Details page The outports of the Norwegian south coast Foto: Jan-Robert Jore The outports of the Norwegian South coast are unique, both in a national and global context. From Kirkehavn on Hidra in the west to Lyngør in the east, the outports are placed like "pearls on a string". Today, it is difficult to imagine that the small, idyllic outports were Norway's most important international meeting places. Many stories about individuals in the outports provide a good picture of how they had the whole world as their workplace. Like China, South America, the United States and the rest of Europe. The outports was also international meeting points, with visiting sailships and crews from Europe and the rest of the world who needed a night port, provision or repairs on their way to their destination ports. In "The Outports of the Norwegian sout coast - Norway's outpost towards the world" we see the outports as they were, a chain of "service stations" for sailships. The outports also have their place in Norwegian art history and emerges when the artists came to several of the outports around 1900.
Controversial existence of two space dust clouds confirmed in new study Hungarian researchers claim that they can settle the decades-long debate regarding two faint formations of interplanetary dust in the solar system. They presented new evidence that validated the existence of the “Kordylewski clouds.” The clouds were first reported in 1961 by Polish researcher Kazimierz Kordylewski. He supposedly found them floating in the Lagrange 5 point of the Earth-Moon system, which is 248,000 miles (400,000 kilometers) from Earth. Although they are not that far off in stellar terms, the clouds are incredibly difficult to observe from our vantage point. Their visual faintness has led many experts to question whether or not Kordylewski actually saw something at L5. Lagrange points are semi-stable areas where the interaction between the gravitational forces of a planet and its moon ensure that any objects in those locations remain there. They are considered to be promising locations for space probes, transfer stations for manned missions to Mars, and dumping grounds for pollutants. The L4 and L5 points are part of an equilateral triangle that includes the Earth and the Moon. They orbit the Earth at the same time that the Moon follows its own orbital path. (Related: Interstellar space is filled with “toxic grease” that would make future space travel very difficult, say researchers.) Are the Kordylewski clouds real or an optical illusion? The semi-stability of Lagrange points have led experts to believe that interplanetary dust could very well end up there for unspecified amounts of time. Kordylewski kept this in mind when he turned his instruments upon the L5 point. Many other studies followed the initial discovery of the space dust clouds that bear Kordylewski’s name. However, the formations proved to be exceedingly difficult to detect. Eventually, many astronomers came to believe that the clouds were a figment of the imagination Enter Hungarian researcher Gábor Horváth of the Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). He led efforts to develop a computer model of the dust clouds that could be used to pinpoint their location. Once he knew where to look for the clouds, Horváth fitted a polarizing filter on a camera and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) detector. The filter was designed to reflect light of a particular oscillation or shape. The shape of light is affected by matter that it passes through or bounces off of, such as the space dust that should make up the Kordylewski clouds. The polarization will depend on the angle at which the light was scattered or reflected. Seeing the reflected light from interplanetary dust through polarizing filters At an observatory in Hungary, the ELTE researchers took polarizing filtered exposures of the L5 area where Kordylewski’s clouds are supposed to lurk. They published their images and findings in the scientific journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The filtered images showed the polarized light given off by the clouds. The distinctly-shaped light traveled so far that it went past the camera’s field of view. Horváth noted that the oscillation of the reflected light did not just confirm his predictions in an earlier scientific paper. It also matched the initial images taken by Kordylewski six decades ago. His team offered additional evidence that eliminated the possibility that these exposures were an optical illusion or similar error. Based on their findings, they concluded that the Kordylewski clouds did exist in Lagrange 5. “The Kordylewski clouds are two of the toughest objects to find, and though they are as close to Earth as the Moon are largely overlooked by researchers in astronomy,” noted Judit Slíz-Balogh, an astronomer who was not involved in the ELTE study. “It is intriguing to confirm that our planet has dusty pseudo-satellites in orbit alongside our lunar neighbour.” Sources include: comments powered by Disqus
Where to start a music or a song? As a newbie to music making, it is often difficult to know where to start with a new music or song. We find ourselves hesitating or desperately trying to find a musical phrase that never comes. Before deciding where to start let’s determine the elements that make up a song: • Chord progression • Melody (vocal or not) • Bass line • Drums • Hook • Ostinato • Lyrics It may seem like a lot when it comes to choosing which one to start with. But in the end, it’s not that complicated. Already, the instruments are used as much to build the sound identity of the piece as its groove. The Groove, what is it? Groove is a word that we often hear and that we try to explain by an idea of feeling or sensation in the song. This is not totally wrong. In fact, the Groove is the general rhythm that comes out when all the different instrument rhythms are played at the same time. So when you go to build your song by combining the instruments, you will be building its groove at the same time. There is always a groove that comes out of a song. Typically, different instruments either play the same rhythm with different notes, or intersperse their rhythm to form the overall groove. This means that some instruments will play their notes during the rests of the other instruments. Ok, but where to start then? What you have to understand is that the element chosen to start your composition is going to be central in the general groove of the piece. For example, you find a nice bass line then you decide to add a rhythmic guitar on top then the drums to complete the whole thing. Each time you add an element, you will use it to fill the rests of the other instruments, thus using all the space available in the bars. So that the last elements added will only play a few scattered notes or very diffuse layers in the background. So you will understand that if you want to do a song with a singing voice and you start with the bass line, then a guitar, then a synth and the drums, there may not be much room left in the groove to stall the voice. So if the voice is the main instrument, you will need to get it into the groove as early as possible and build around it. In addition, some musical styles use one or more instruments to drive the song. We must therefore start with these. Like, for example, bass for funk, chord progression for Future Bass or even drums and / or guitar in certain rock currents. Either way, two things work great together and are central in a lot of styles: the melody and the bass. These two elements respond to each other in a song and can already form part of the general groove. They form the backbone of the title. This is why a section using only these two elements works very well like this, whereas there are only two melodic lines. Besides, there are a number of songs with bass + vocals sections. Another element to compose early enough is the drums because it will complete the groove already created by the bass + voice duo. So if I have any advice for you, it’s to create these three elements first by trying to compose the melody and the bass one after the other because, harmonically, they work together. If a melody comes to you then do a bassline straight away and if you find a nice bassline first, continue with a melody. Ditto, if you find a good drum line, do the melody and the bass line directly to have the best possible basis to continue your song. What about the lyrics? The case of the lyrics is special because they are linked to the melody but above all to the meaning you want to give to your song. The lyrics will necessarily influence the rhythm of the melody because at certain times, you will have to add or remove notes from it to match the words. So, two scenarios are available to you: – You already have a melody (which came to you spontaneously or not), you can either continue and finish your song without the lyrics and then write them or write them before adding any instrument to be sure of the rhythm of your melody. – You have a precise idea of what you want to say in your lyrics with snippets of phrases in mind, so start by writing your lyrics and then create your melody from it. By doing this, you will maximize the place of your lyrics in your title. Also by creating your melody first, it will guide the other instruments and allow you to find new grooves. You can even let yourself be guided by the meaning of the sentences to play with the moods of your sections. For example, bringing in a powerful brass over a specific word or, on the contrary, leaving only a light instrument to underline some soft and light lyrics. Basically, what you need to remember is to start with the element(s) that will drive the song and be central to the general groove of your creation. I hope you will find this article useful in your creations. Leave me a comment if you have any questions or topics you’d like me to talk about. Photo by Unsplash Be the first to comment Leave a Reply
How to buy and use an electric stovetop for your home The average person has about 15,000 liters of petrol left in their car, or about 10 gallons of fuel, which means they are likely to run out of petrol within a few weeks. But as fuel prices have fallen, and as we all know the world is not running on petrol, it is now possible to convert the average petrol-fueled car into an electric one. This is what you need to know about converting your petrol car to an electric. What is an electric car? An electric car is a car that uses batteries that run off the energy from the electricity generated by the vehicle. When a battery is not used for electricity, it can be stored for a short time in a charge bank and is then recharged. It can then be driven again or returned to the charging station. Electric cars also have a battery pack that is not stored in the car and uses the energy generated by other vehicles. It is called the battery and the fuel cells inside the car. An electric vehicle can be powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) engine, or by a battery, either of which can be plugged into the same charger and charged. The battery in an electric vehicle must be of a certain capacity to be able to store the electricity from the electric vehicle. That capacity is the amount of energy that can be released into the air to charge the battery. This capacity depends on how much energy the battery is able to release from the battery pack. An electric car can store an average of 200 kilowatts (kWh) of electricity from its battery pack at a time. The average electric car that I have tested has a capacity of just over 1.5 kWh. That means it can store around 2,000 kWh of electricity, and will use a total of around 7 kWh of the battery to charge its batteries. It also needs to have a low rolling resistance, which is the resistance of a wire to the ground, as well as a good electrical circuit that will allow it to be charged quickly. There are some differences to buying an electric motor car and an electric electric motorbike. An electronic motorcar uses electric motors to drive a wheelspin, which pushes the car forward in the same direction as it is driven. An electronic motorbike uses a wheel with a handlebar mounted on it. An electrical motorcar is designed to drive at least four wheels. Electric motors are much smaller than an ICE, and can be made from very low cost components. The price of an ICE motor is usually around £30,000. An ICE motorbike is designed by engineers to be much larger, costing in the region of £80,000 and having a total weight of around 20 tonnes. You can also buy an electric bike for around £10,000 to £20,000, depending on the type of bike. An all-electric bike can be more expensive than an electric bicycle, but is still much more powerful. You should also check that you have enough space for a battery in your car, as there is a small chance that it will run out. A petrol car or a diesel motor car can also be converted to an ICE. You can then drive the car to a charging station and re-charge the battery with the energy it generated from the car that you used to drive. This will allow you to drive the electric motorcar again or return it to the car charging station, or you can take it back to the petrol station. How to convert your petrol or diesel car to electricSource RTE article It’s not as easy as buying an ICE or petrol car, but it’s possible to make your petrol- or diesel-powered car into a hybrid or electric car, with the addition of a battery. The key is to buy an ICE car and a diesel car with the same powertrain, but an electric battery. You must be prepared to invest in an electrical system, and buy one that is able charge an electric engine. If you want to use a car battery as a charger, you will need to buy a charger with an adapter. Electric car chargers are generally made from aluminium, steel, carbon fibre or ceramic materials, and the battery can be placed in the middle of the charger. They are usually a lot more expensive, and they are also quite difficult to install, but they can be quite handy. Once you have bought your electric vehicle, you can convert it into an ICE-powered electric car with an electric drivetrain, battery and charger. You will need an electric bus, which will run on electricity, as an electric charger will only work on electricity. To make an electric train, you need an electrical bus, and then you can buy a battery and a charger. Electric train battery. Electric bus charging system. The electric bus charger can be connected to a charger and run on power from the bus, but this can only charge an ICE electric car Sponsored Content
Latest in Safety Features Latest in Safety Features As technology advances, there are many innovations that go into vehicle safety. But do they actually reduce the number of vehicle collisions? There are many stunning innovations that have changed the way we drive. And with human error being at least partially attributable to 94 percent of vehicle collisions in 2016, the latest safety features in 2019 may have a huge impact on how safe we are on the roads. Above all, innovations in the automobile industry have led to the development of more driver assistance technology, which have been incorporated into many newer models of automobiles, from compact economy cars to the higher end vehicles. One of the many areas of an automobile that has been enhanced by modern technology is the braking system. One thing that cuts down the potential for collision is the Automatic Emergency Braking System, which detects an impending forward crash and alerts the driver so they can act. If no action is taken by the driver, the AEBS will automatically apply the brakes to help prevent any collision. With this type of braking especially, it can cut down on forward collisions caused by distracted drivers who take their attention off the road. The AEBS has two functions, Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) and Crash Imminent Braking (CIB). The difference between the two of them is that DBS will attempt to assist the driver in braking whereas the CIB will automatically attempt to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision if no action by the driver is taken. According to the NHTSA, in 2015, 33.4 percent of all police-reported crashes involved a rear-end collision with another vehicle. With more advancements made to the AEBS, and the incorporation of AEBS into more cars, the NHTSA acknowledges and recommends the incorporation of AEBS as safety technologies. The incorporation of cameras on newer vehicles is a relatively new innovation. Under Federal Regulation, it actually became required for new cars to incorporate back up camera technology. According to NHTSA this regulation cut down on the 18,000 injuries related to back-up accidents. The backup camera can be very helpful for detecting any potential hazards while your car is in reverse. Blind Spot Camera Another incorporation of the camera in an automobile is the Blind Spot Detection (BSD) camera. This technology uses digital camera imaging to alert the driver of any other cars in their blind spots. Especially when changing lanes, blind spot detection can really decrease the risk of blind spot collisions. The NHTSA report nearly 840,000 collisions every year related to blind spot awareness. The incorporation of cameras in vehicles were included to give the driver more visual awareness of their surroundings, and thus, making it safer to drive. BSD systems are an option in many more vehicles today, including in SUVs and trucks, and larger vehicles with larger blind spots. Lane Assistance One of the many forms of safety technology in automobiles come in the form of lane keeping and departure assistance. Furthermore, this technology uses cameras or sensors to keep track of the lane markings on the road and will alert the driver if they begin drifting out of their lane. If no action is taken by the driver, the lane keeping support (LKS), will automatically activate and either correct steering, brake or accelerate one or more wheels, or a combination of both. Similarly, when it comes to lane departure, lane departure warning (LDW) is a more advanced safety technology that warns the driver when they drift out of their own lane without their turn signals. This technology encourages the driver to use turn signals as they should when making any lateral movements on the road. Altogether, lane assistance technologies help prevent collisions in cars in adjacent lanes. As automobile safety technologies advance, driving is only getting safer. The incorporation of emergency safety equipment in our vehicles have the potential to save lives and prevent collisions and accidents. In addition, all of this technology is recommended safety technology by the NHTSA. Driver error is the reason for a large amount of collisions. Therefore, drivers assistance technology are taking a step in the right direction for safer roads. Blogger/Social Media Specialist 1500 Benson Road South, Suite 201 Renton, WA 98055 Office: 425-242-5252 Leave a Reply en English Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
Student Response 2 Big data is the vast collection of multiple data outlets combined into a singular, massive storage space of data (Thew, 2016). As part of a clinical system, big data is beneficial for many reasons, but the largest—and most important reason—may simply be the benefit of improving patient care. Specifically, big data can improve patient care through pattern recognition after thorough analysis of all data collected (Wang, Kung, & Byrd, 2018). The reason that this would be beneficial to improve patient care is because if patterns are recognized based off data collection, this can then aid in targeting the necessary changes needed to be made to medications, treatment, or other decisions of care. An example would be with cancer patients because, being that cancer is a disease specific to the cellular level within patients, the attainment of multiple data outlets and synthesis of it all could result in a uniquely developed treatment plan for each patient (Pastorino et al., 2019). However, an issue with big data in general is that it is typically difficult to track everything accurately and effectively synthesize it all into the most necessary information. It’s very difficult and time consuming to efficiently analyze vast quantities of data, especially if you are trying to access them all from multiple outlets (Pastorino et al., 2019). One strategy I have observed is through the utilization of all the technology within hospitals and clinics these days. The use of technology greatly diminishes the challenge of trying to accurately gather big data because it simplifies the acquisition and storage of data electronically. An example would be with electronic, portable devices. Nurses often have smart phones given to them by their employer to help track and store the data of their patients (Glassman, 2017). This smartphone technology can often be linked to other electronic devices and maintains the nurses more easily connected to their patients’ progress. Another example is the usage of technology worn by patients—such as monitors for diabetics. These are often connected to smartphone technology to monitor blood glucose levels remotely. The collection of all this data—from the constant fluctuations of glucose levels to the carbohydrate and insulin intakes, to everything else in between—is all able to easily be tracked and accurately documented via the same shared electronic devices. This easily facilitates the process and makes data collection, analyzation, and pattern recognition all much more achievable. Thus, the ultimate goal of improved patient care is more attainable because you are being able to create more accurate and quality results from the data collected. Pastorino, R., De Vito, C., Migliara, G., Glocker, K., Binenbaum, I., Ricciardi, W., & Boccia, S. (2019). Benefits and challenges of Big Data in healthcare: an overview of the European initiatives. European journal of public health29(Supplement_3), 23–27.
By Prajanya Raj Rathore 14 Minutes Read Historical usage of the word- The word furlough[1] was generally used to describe a soldier on leave until 1908. The term was extensively used by several religious groups in twentieth-century when they used to return to the United Kingdom after a long period of working on the sites. What does it mean in modern sense? Etymologically, the word was used in the context of the missionaries who returned to the crown on leave after a long time serving to the people on their given sites. It further evolved to be used in the context of the soldiers who returned home after a long time. Currently, due the ongoing pandemic, the word is now synonymous to a temporary lay off in which a person retains his job but he is not on the company’s payroll temporarily. This only applies to the non-essential employees working in both public and private sectors. However, he retains all the benefits like employee health insurance. This practice is usually carried out by the employees in order to retain the work force and manage the company’s finances. Furlough can be either short-term or long term, it solely depends upon the discretion of the employer and the situation from which the company is going through. For example, some companies working in landscaping might temporarily lay-off their employees in the month of winter then again call their employees once the winter has passed by. Another recent example of furlough is the company Tesla, on 10th of April, 2020, the company ordered a furlough for their employees because they are taking a huge hits in their delivery and sales department because of the pandemic, in order to save cost they furloughed their employees for a period of extended period of a week and since then it has been increasing the furlough.[2] What are the reasons for a Furlough? Conditions for a Furlough is generally because of the following reasons- • Lack of any work • Shortage of funds • Insufficient personal authorization Types of Furlough- 1. Voluntary Furlough[1]This furlough practice was proposed by tech giants like Nokia and Dell in the year 2009 in order to save cost to the company because of the layoffs. This practice is best suited to free lance employees who have an employment out side the general employment practices. The employee will be subject to all the health benefits and other benefits which are supposed to be offered by the company. • Involuntary Furlough[2]when there is a strict financial constraint, the director of the company may resolve to this practice. This is a general practice which is being currently followed by many companies in order to save their cost. They will be entitled to various benefits offered by the companies. Furlough can be used to the maximum extent possible in order to reduce the necessary lay off. This measure is usually taken up by the HR in order to save a ton of cost. But there are chances that because of this involuntary furlough company can lose some of its best employees which may prove quintessential in a dire situation like this. Scheme pertaining to Furlough in U.K.Amidst this Covid-19 crisis, on 20th of March, 2020, the regime in U.K. decided to bring out the job retention scheme for the employees working in both public and private sectors. This was a great attempt at giving a supportive skeletal structure to their businesses and administration. This will help in stabilizing the increasing rate of un-employment in the country. The scheme promises to pay their employees a fair sum till June before the tax season arrive in U.K. Particulars of the scheme in brief[3] 1.First of all, grants under this cannot be treated as a public access fund. 2. All the employees, under this scheme are required to contact HMRC for a grant of covering 80% of the wages. 3. The scheme is applicable to all types of employers irrespective of the size of their business they are running. The aforesaid are the main particulars of this scheme. The scheme is beneficial to the foreign as well as the domestic investors. Since it allows them to support their employees in these difficult times and this is a very noble gesture to the foreign investors as it promotes their wellbeing also because massive lay off will result in way higher cost in hiring new employees. Criticism of the scheme- The scheme does not give a proper definition of wages under, it does not define whether the wages are basic pay or it includes all the cost benefits associated with the job. This has not yet been answered by the crown. It might create a confusion among the people claiming the compensation under the scheme. Though it is a very enabling scheme which affects every type of worker. Furlough practices in India[4]Furlough in not a new practice in India, it is a general practice in the army as to when a soldier leaves on a holiday he is given half of his salary for the period of twenty days. India’s budget has allowed many tax holidays, waivers and other incentives to pull the economy out of the deep water. However, due to this pandemic, India, like any other country in the world is facing an economic slowdown. It will take time to recover from this blow, so in order to cop-up with the current scenario, there have been talks about the practice of furlough in the HR lobbies which is a very soft approach as compared to the lay-offs. It will help companies in retaining their employees thereby saving a ton of money in the process. There has been no official scheme as of now announced by the government but the practice of furlough is being seen in the airline company like Go-Air which is severely affected by the pandemic is practicing furlough. Can the practice of furlough be successful in India? It can be so if we look at the current scheme of the government where government has rolled out a package of Rs. 1,70,000/- crores will prove to be a boon to the underprivileged section but under the scheme there is a provision for employee provident fund under which employee can remove his savings before his retirement period. The particulars for which has been mentioned below[5] 1. Government will contribute to the employee provident fund to both employee and the employer. Together the estimates will be around 24% and this will be extended for a period of 3 months. 2. This scheme will be for the businesses who have up to 100 employees and 90% of them have the salary less than Rs. 15000/- 3. Government is going to amend the EPF guidelines in order to enable the workers to withdraw 75% of their savings or 3 months salary in advance or which ever is lower. Criticism of practice in India- When the practice is combined with the aforesaid package everything falls in line. The practice can be a success if followed correctly. However, there is a dire need to codify this practice as it is going to help the people affected at all level. The aforesaid scheme is said to help around 4.8 crores employees[6]but in order for it to be a success the government should run various awareness campaign so that these schemes reach the masses and the furlough could be made a prolonged practice. Comparative analysis vis-à-vis United Kingdom scheme- If we look at both the schemes, they look somewhat similar but United Kingdom regime has actually codified the practice which had cleared most of the doubts pertaining to it. In India, government has left it to the public to utilize the scheme or not but the wide spread of the scheme cannot be seen. United Kingdom actually cared to elaborate the steps which needs to be taken in order to claim money from the crown under the scheme whereas in India no such directives are given other than that some scheme has been implemented for the benefit of the employees but how to claim such benefits meaning what are the steps to be followed by the workers to claim the benefits under the scheme. Furlough will be a much milder approach than a lay-off, it will help in giving the employees some of the benefits associated with the job. After a lay-off the company has to hire new employees which might not be very cost efficient and the severance packages for the employees being laid off is a whole another level of issue. This practice will be beneficial for the corporates as well as the employees. For the corporates they can easily retain their most talented workers and from the side of the workers it will invoke a feeling of loyalty towards the employer and this might benefit the company in the long run. In lay-offs, sometimes the most talented worker might get laid off but in furlough the employer has a choice to save the person. [1] Human Resources, University of Idaho, Frequently asked questions- what is a voluntary furlough?, University of Idaho,( 3/05/2020, 5:00pm), Source Link see also Government of Guam, Employee Furlough procedure- appendix H,(3/05/2020, 6:00pm), Source Link, see also Cari Tuna & Dana Mattioli, the Politics for volunteering for a furlough, the wall street journal, (3/05/2020, 9:00pm), Source Link [3] HMRC, United Kingdom, Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, (4/05/2020, 1:00 am), Source Link [4] Anurag Kotky, Go-Air to Furlough 90% of their employees as the lock down extends in India, (4/05/2020, 2:00am), Source Link [5] India Today, Nirmala Sitharaman announces a relief package of 1,70,000 crores/-, (4/05/2020, 3:00am), Source Link [6] Supra 7 [1] Merriam Webster, meaning of the term furlough, Merriam Webster online,(2/05/2020, 3:00pm), Source Link see also for the part usage of the word before 1908 Source Link, see also john Kelly, senior research analyst for dictionary.com, what is the difference between a furlough and a layoff?, (2/05/2020, 3:30pm), Source Link [2] Lora Kolodny, Tesla Furloughs hits half of the U.S. sales and delivery employees, CNBC online, (3/05/2020, 4:00pm), Source Link Prajanya Raj Rathore Just an average guy, who is here to learn and explore new things. With interest in Technology law, Media law, telecommunications law, Criminal law and Environmental law. Related Posts
Skip to main content Case Against Saying 'Amen' to Everything Everything doesn't deserve an "Amen" Everything doesn't deserve an "Amen" Saying "Amen" Some people have gotten into the habit of saying, "Amen" to everything. Therefore, nothing stands out. Sometimes people say it without even thinking about what they are agreeing to. About Amen "Amen" in its truest form comes at the end of a prayer, creed, or a statement that is absolutely true. It is used to express solemn ratification or agreement. "Amen" comes at the end of the model prayer known as "Our Father" found in Matthew 6:13. "Amen" Means the Same Thing in Hebrew and Greek Amen in the Bible means just about the same thing in Hebrew in the Old Testament as it does in Greek in the New Testament. In both sections of the Bible, it means "so be it," or "it is so." It is the personal affirmation of the person who says the word. That's why is not good to say "amen" to a statement that you do not agree with just because others are saying it. The statement said that comes before your "amen" might not be your personal affirmation or ratification at that particular time. "Amen" means "It is so." "Amen" means "It is so." Jesus Used "Amen" a Different Way Jesus frequently used the word “amen,” but He used it at the beginning of His sentences. That's because He was agreeing with His Father. before He said it to His audience. He often said, "Verily, verily" or "truly, truly." For example, in John 5:24 He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” In other words, He was saying "Amen, Amen" before He made His statement. When Jesus said "Amen" twice or repeats it, He was emphasizing whatever He was about to say. He did that to indicate that what He was about to say was the absolute truth. Jesus introduced His teaching by saying "amen" on nearly seventy occasions in the Gospels. Thirty of those times are in Matthew, thirteen in Mark, six in Luke, and twenty in John, where the "amen" is always doubled. Say "Amen" when you agree with something. Say "Amen" when you agree with something. Double and Triple "Amens" In Psalm 41:13 the psalmist says “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.” What David concludes in this psalm about the graciousness of God is not only one amen but he repeats it. In Jewish literature, this is a great emphasis. The only greater emphasis that is possible in Jewish literature is to say it or write it three times and that is only reserved when referring to God where it is said that He is “holy, holy, holy” in Isaiah 6 and some other places. Say "Amen" when you agree with something. Say "Amen" when you agree with something. More Amens on Facebook Than in the Bible There are more "Amens" on Facebook than in the Bible. There is a space for people to comment. However, instead of commenting, too many people simply type "Amen" and agree to things they haven't given much thought to. They simply follow what others are doing. Needless to say, some things people say "Amen" too many things that they really shouldn't. Sometimes, there are 99 amens out of 100 posts when a personal comment would have been better. A good example of that is if someone posts that a groom kills his new wife on their wedding day, instead of stating an opinion about the situation, some people take a shortcut and simply type "Amen." In that case, the word "Amen" is out of order. People should not ask others to type "Amen" to something they have posted. It is manipulation when they do that. An "Amen" should come freely and not after a request has been made. "Amen" means "It is so." "Amen" means "It is so." Warning About Saying "Amen" A person should never say "Amen" to something he does not agree to and believe. Whenever someone says the word, he becomes an accessory to what he is agreeing to. No one should ever say "Amen" just because others are saying it. Instead, it is very appropriate if someone is in a personal agreement with something that has just been stated. Saying "Amen" after a statement that has been said is acknowledging a person agrees with the statement and believes it is true. Everything the preacher says in the pulpit should be true. Does that mean an "Amen" should be shouted throughout the entire sermon? Be careful what you say "Amen" to. Be careful what you say "Amen" to. Saying "Amen" in Church People say "Amen" in some churches, especially in the traditional black churches. They say it unnecessarily after everything the preacher says. Whenever they do so, nothing stands out. It is better to wait until something very profound is said. Sometimes people say the word out of habit, and sometimes they say it just because others are saying it. That should not be. Some preachers have a habit of making a statement and then questions the congregation such "God is good, Amen?" This is getting the congregation to respond. That should not be. Some preachers go so far as to ask, "Can I get an Amen? Amens should not be requested. They should be freely given. Once a pastor asked his associate ministers to meet with him after he had preached a morning service. He reprimanded them for not saying "Amen" while he was preaching. That should not have been. It doesn't speak too highly of a preacher who gets upset when people in the congregation don't say, "Amen." Perhaps he didn't say anything worthy of them saying "Amen" to. Say "Amen" to the things you agree with. Say "Amen" to the things you agree with. Why Christians Say Amen Related Articles
Why it is Crucial That Justice Breyer Resign Immediately Since the rise of the religious right in the 1970s and 1980s, religious conservatives have attempted to use the Supreme Court to push their vision of morality in the US. They scored a major victory with President Trump’s recent appointment of three ultra-conservative justices in just four years. He was enabled to do this by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision not to resign during President Obama’s tenure when she was diagnosed with cancer. To avoid a repeat of this mistake Justice Stephen Breyer, a member of the Supreme Court since 1994, should retire immediately in order to secure President Biden a justice of his choice. Photo courtesy of Google Images Justice Breyer, a liberal justice, is the oldest justice on the current court at 82, following the passing of Justice Ginsburg in September 2020. Additionally, with the current Senate being at a 50/50 split between the Democrats and Republicans with Vice President Kamala Harris tie-breaking for the Democrats, a challenge last faced in 2001, the attitude is rather tense. Out of the 100 sitting United States senators, 27 are over the age of 70, with Senator Feinstein being the oldest at 87. In accordance with the current split of parties in the Senate, if a single Democratic Senator passes away, the control of the Senate could potentially switch parties. History tells us that former Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell cannot be trusted to cooperate with any Democratic administration, especially on matters of the Supreme Court. In March of 2016, with eight months left until the general election and ten months left in his presidency, former President Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. Garland, nominated to replace the newly deceased Justice Antonin Scalia, had an extensive resumé including nearly twenty (at the time) years as a federal judge and was the Chief Judge of the D.C Circuit Court of Appeals. He acted as lead prosecutor in the case of the Oklahoma City bombing. At the time, the Senate was held by the Republicans, with Senator McConnell as Senate Majority Leader. Senator McConnell blocked Mr. Garland, stating that the next president, chosen by the American people, should replace Justice Scalia. Photo courtesy of SupremeCourt.gov Cases currently being heard and ones on schedule to come before the Supreme Court include cases on the death penalty, the First Amendment–more specifically whether religious speech should be controlled on public land, the rights of LGBT couples to adopt children, the Affordable Care Act, and most likely, abortion. The recent laws passed by the Arkansas state legislature banning any gender-confirming health practices for transgender youth will also, most likely, be brought to the Supreme Court. The rulings of the Supreme Court do not only put the court’s jurisdiction into effect, but also set precedent for future court cases. Given the judicial leanings of the majority of the court, it would not be a risky guess to say that most likely the rulings would go conservatively on these critical cases. As it is in President Biden’s best interest to confirm a Justice of his own, it is imperative that Justice Breyer step down now in order for the process to begin.
Breast Density What is the Dense Breast Notification, Education Act? The Breast Density Notification and Awareness Bill, approved by the Rhode Island legislation and is effective as of October 1, 2014, requires all mammography providers to inform women of their breast density level as interpreted on their mammogram. How is breast density defined? Breasts are made up of a mixture of fibrous and glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Your breasts are considered dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue but not much fat. The category of breast density depends on the percentage of breast tissue made up of this denser tissue compared to the fatty tissue. Density may decrease with age, but there is little, if any, change in most women. What are the categories of breast density and how many women fall into each group? Breast density is determined by the radiologist who reads your mammogram. The American College of Radiology defines breast density in the following categories: If your breast density is: Number of women with this type Do I have “dense breast tissue”? Almost entirely fatty 10% of women No Scattered areas of fibro-glandular density 40% of women No Heterogeneously dense / dense 40% of women Yes Extremely dense 10% of women Yes The 50% of women with “Heterogeneously” and “Extremely” dense breasts are those that are considered to have “Dense breasts”. What is the significance of breast density? Having dense breasts may increase your risk of breast cancer in two ways. First, denser tissue may make it more difficult to detect breast cancer (masking). The chance that disease will be detected decreases as the density of breast tissue increases. Second, having dense breasts is a risk factor for breast cancer. What is my risk of breast cancer? The risk that you will be diagnosed with breast cancer during the next ten years of your life depends on your current age: -Age 30: 0.44% (1 in 227) -Age 40: 1.47% (1 in 68) -Age 50: 2.38% (1 in 42) -Age 60: 3.56% (1 in 28) -Age 70: 3.82% (1 in 26) How does breast density change the cancer risk? Compared to women with average breast density, the risk for the 40% of women with “Heterogeneously dense” breasts is about 1.2 times greater and the risk for the 10% of women with “Extremely dense” breasts is about 2 times greater. Note that a person’s risk also includes other factors such as gene mutations, family history, and personal history. If I want to have additional tests done, what are my options? Rhode Island Medical Imaging offers two additional tests: Screening breast MRI has been shown to increase the rate of cancer detection. However, it may also show more findings that are not cancer, which can result in added testing and unnecessary biopsies. MRI is recommended for screening in patients at very high risk (>20% lifetime risk of breast cancer). Some people recommend MRI for women with intermediate risk (15-20% lifetime risk of breast cancer) and dense breasts. Due to the on-site expertise of women’s imaging, all RIMI breast MRI’s are done at the Randall Square facility in Providence. In women with dense breasts but no other risk factors, some studies have shown that whole breast ultrasound can detect an additional 1.6 to 4 cancers for every 1000 women screened. However, ultrasound generates many more biopsies than mammogram (up to 300 for every 1000 women screened) and most of these additional biopsies ultimately end up not showing cancer. What is the cost of supplemental screening tests? Because there are so many different insurance plans, it is recommended to check with your insurance carrier for your specific coverage. Do radiologists recommend additional screening in women with dense breasts? There is currently no formal recommendation from the American College of Radiology regarding additional screening, beyond mammography, based solely on breast density. If I do not have dense breasts, do I still need a mammogram? Women without dense breast tissue should still get an annual mammogram. This breast tissue type is easier to evaluate and mammograms are most effective at detecting breast cancer in women that have mostly fatty breast tissue. Therefore, Rhode Island Medical Imaging recommends annual mammograms for women 40 and older, along with monthly self-breast exams and yearly breast exams by your physician. Where can I find additional information? The American College of Radiology The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists The American Cancer Society Are You Dense Advocacy The California Breast Density Information Group Download to read more about Breast Density
We spend our days surrounded by music. It is undeniable that it affects people’s moods and emotions. But even more than that, it has the power to transport listeners to a very particular date, time, or event, especially ones we are experiencing for the first time such as a first kiss at a school dance, occur to some kind of musical backing track so when we hear those songs again, even years later, we will sometimes relive those moments vividly. In 1999, psychologists Schulkind, Hennis, and Rubin conducted a series of experiments in which they played both old and new popular songs for college students and older adults. They found that songs frequently evoked memories. Sometimes the song would evoke general recollection - a memory from a period in the person’s life or a special someone, and other times songs brought to mind specific recollections of particular events. Schulkind and his colleagues found that the more emotion a song generated for someone, the more likely the song would cue a memory. In addition, older songs more often evoked memories for the older participants whereas recent tunes brought memories to mind more often for the college students. In the age of streaming music, Many listeners believe the changes in the way we listen to music have compressed the gap between hearing a song and feeling nostalgic about it. Whereas older generations became nostalgic about their teenage years in their 40s or 50s, people are now experiencing those same feelings in their late 20s and early 30s. When it comes to the relationship between nostalgia and music, something researchers know for sure is that the music we listen will continue to be incredibly influential on us for the rest of our lives. Written By Victoria Nelson
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 13C, It's Where You Need to Be. It's considered the perfect temperature for economic success. 13 degrees Celsius it is. Nations with an average, annual temperature of 13C simply perform better, they always have and they always will. Which, with temperatures on the rise, is about to throw a wrench into a lot of places. Underlying the link is the impact that rising temperatures have on people’s ability to work, their health and even their ability to think, as well as harm to crops and machinery. Today, the US, Japan and China have average annual temperatures close to the sweet spot of 13C, meaning that further warming will begin to harm their economies. But Brazil, India, Indonesia and Nigeria are already much warmer, meaning the impact of climate change on their economic growth will be even greater. The UK and Germany are currently cooler than 13C, meaning their economies may improve a little as temperatures rise, before starting to decline. ...The new analysis, published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, began by examining the economic performance of countries between 1960 and 2010. When a country’s average temperature was above 13C, they found that national economies performed worse in warmer years than in cooler years. Below 13C, the reverse was the case. “This relationship we have uncovered is almost like a law,” said Solomon Hsiang, at the University of California, Berkeley, a member of the research team. “Over the last 50 years, this relationship between how temperature fluctuates and how economies perform hasn’t changed a bit.” ...“When we hear of a few degrees of temperature change, it doesn’t sounds like a lot, but when you look in detail at what will happen on the ground, you are looking at a completely different planet,” said Hsiang. “So it shouldn’t be too surprising that it is going to reshape the global economy in ways that are going to be quite traumatic. We can then ask whether or not we want to subject future generations to that turmoil and change, or if we want to invest what seems like a relatively small amount of today to avoid that scenario.” Climate economist Lord Nicholas Stern, at the London School of Economics, said: “This paper recognises that climate change could have impacts that increase very steeply with rising global average temperature. This is an advance on other previous studies [which have] made severe underestimates of the economic effects of unmanaged climate change.” But he said even the new estimate could be unduly lower, because many possible and severe disruptions suggested by scientific evidence had not been included. No comments:
cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub \| ssh user@ "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys" can someone explain how the quotations works. From what I understand. I am reading the public key on my disk then piping it to the server, making a directory if it doesn't exist and then... am I using this second concatenation to read from my disk? what is being concatenated? It get confusing because im used to seeing a file after the cat command. 1 Answer 1 The command cat is able to concatenate files and to print them on the standard output. When it is invoked without specifying any file or with a -, it will read the standard input. In your command it is used in both the ways. Step by step: • The first part of your command (cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub) does exactly what you understood: it prints the local file ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub to the standard output. • Then with the symbol \| you redirect the local standard output as standard input to the following command (ssh). • The ssh command practically will make execute the command inside the string "" on the remote machine passing the standard input from the pipe. • Inside the string: • You will create the directory ~/.ssh and thanks to the option -p it will not generate error if the directory just exists. • With the operator && you will execute the following cat only if the previous mkdir exits without errors. • The last cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys is an invocation of cat without file. Its output will be appended (if possible) to the file ~/.ssh/authorized_keys thanks to the redirection operator (>>). • On many systems it exists the command ssh-copy-id to copy the local keys on the remote machine. For more info type man ssh-copy-id ssh-copy-id — use locally available keys to authorise logins on a remote machine • As stated by roalma in the comment the original command line can work or not depending of (restrictive) settings of ssh configuration. Your Answer
Related Posts Share This Heavy alcohol use suggests a change in normal cognitive development in adolescents Animation. Frontal lobe (red) of left cerebral... Image via Wikipedia Alcohol, to an adolescent, is often seen as a rite of passage. Many teenagers view alcohol (as well as other drugs) as a gateway to adulthood, but are often blissfully unaware of the damage that it can cause to their bodies. A new study of the effects of excessive alcohol and other drugs in adolescents has shown that both alcohol and marijuana overuse can cause serious detrimental effects on the development of the teenage mind. “The effects of alcohol and marijuana use on cognition in adults have been researched for decades but are only now beginning to receive attention in adolescents,” said Robert J. Thoma, a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. “Both animal models and observational studies in humans suggest that binge drinking during adolescence alters normal developmental processes in a way that negatively impacts learning and social adjustment into adulthood.” Thoma added that during adolescent brain development, the frontal lobe plays an important role in the development of judgment, social skills, and decision-making. “Heavy drinking may disrupt normal neurodevelopmental processes that hone and sharpen attention and executive function during adolescence in that alcohol may selectively target the frontal lobes.” The researchers assessed 19 adolescents that have been diagnosed with substance abuse/dependence, and 14 individuals that have a family history of substance abuse with no history of personal usage. This, in addition to the 15 individuals in the control group, helped the researchers analyze the neurophysiological changes associated with substance abuse. The researchers discovered, after a battery of psychological tests on the experimental groups, that both frequent alcohol and marijuana use significantly affected the adolescent mind. As drinking intensity increased, individuals demonstrated a significant decrease in attention and executive function (which is involved with planning and selecting appropriate actions based on a selective stimulus). Meanwhile, increased marijuana use in both groups was also heavily associated with a decrease in memory performance. “It could be that intense drinking during adolescence leads to delays or incomplete development of frontal brain regions, which in turn leads to problems with attention and executive functioning,” said Susan F. Tapert, a Professor of Psychiatry at VA San Diego Healthcare System and the University of California San Diego. Tapert also noted that if the adolescents were to abstain from alcohol, it may help in recovering the lost function in brain cells, which is a well-established treatment for alcohol-induced brain trauma in adults. Thoma agreed. “Recovery of function with cessation of drinking is a well-established finding in adults,” he said. “And there is reason to believe that the same would hold in youth, who tend to be resilient. If decrements in attention and executive function are indeed caused by alcohol, it is likely that these effects would abate with abstinence from or at least reduction of drinking.” But, this research is only the first step in helping children diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. Thoma and his team plan to continue their research and determine if the effects on the brain are dose-dependent and if modest alcohol use would therefore require intervention. “We also hope to design studies to test complex models concerning how adolescent substance abuse develops and either persists or abates over time. Development of a substance use disorder involves a complex interplay of cognitive, behavioral, and genetic factors that science is only beginning to pinpoint.” Enhanced by Zemanta
Around the world In May and June, the pupils from CE2B travelled around the world. They visited English speaking countries and learned about different cultures. First, they travelled to the capital city of England, London. They learned about the important monuments and life in London. They sang the song « All Together Now » by the famous rock band The Beatles. The pupils also studied the daily routines of Queen Elizabeth. They visited the Buckingham Palace through this 360° video : And they read a funny story : The Queen’s hat by Steve Antony. Finally, they visited the London zoo which is a fun and busy place in London. It is a very big zoo with nearly 20, 000 animals. The pupils learned about the job of a zookeeper. Then, the pupils travelled to AUSTRALIA. This time, they studied australian animals like the red kangaroo, the koala and the emu. They also learned about the aborigines and their culture. Aboriginal Art These are aboriginal paintings. Aboriginal paintings are about animals and nature. The pupils made some aboriginal paintings : 3. U.S.A After Australia, the pupils of CE2B went to U. S. A There, they learned about sports. Sports play an important role in American society. The 5 most popular sports in USA are football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey and soccer.
Home>News>Kiyea News Learn about the four levels of swimming pool water treatment and disinfection equipment standards Swimming pool disinfection is a daily work of pool water treatment, and different swimming pools use different methods. The corresponding disinfection technology can be selected according to the swimming pool specifications, the number of users, the level of disinfection requirements, and the economic level. At present, the swimming pool water treatment equipment standards recognized by the Swimming Association are as follows: Level 1: Metal ion disinfection [Hymatic] The second level: UV disinfection The third level: disinfection under ozone The fourth level: pure chemical disinfection Why is the metal ion processor a first-level disinfection method? To understand this problem, let's first understand the above-mentioned common swimming pool water treatment and disinfection methods! Pure chemical disinfection The method of adding chemical disinfectants is usually a chlorine-based disinfectant. Commonly used chlorine-based disinfectants are: liquid chlorine, calcium hypochlorite (bleaching powder), sodium hypochlorite (high-efficiency bleaching powder, bleaching water), sodium dichloroisocyanurate (euchlorine) Net), trichloroisocyanuric acid (strong chlorine), bromochlorohydantoin (bromine tablets), chlorine dioxide. Advantages: Contains a certain amount of effective chlorine, strong sterilization, and has a strong ability to continue sterilization, algae, deodorization and deodorization. It is widely used, the technology is relatively mature, and the disinfection system investment and operating costs are low. All chlorinated chemicals have certain toxicity. Chlorinated organic compounds in water can irritate people's eyes and skin, causing red eyes and skin rashes; corrosive to swimming pool structure, equipment and pipes; high level of operation management requirements, otherwise it will happen In safety accidents, chlorine preparations are dangerous in transportation, storage, and use. Ozone disinfection Ozone has the ability to kill all kinds of viruses and bacteria, and it has an excellent effect on degrading various organic poisons, decoloring, deodorizing, deodorizing, and improving water quality. Its mechanism of action is to interfere with its respiratory function by destroying bacteria's dehydrogenase, oxidizing various enzymes and proteins, and destroying the structure of cell membranes to achieve the effect of disinfection. Advantages: strong oxidizing ability, can remove or reduce the peculiar smell, odor, color and metal ion problems in water, and also help flocculation and reduce turbidity. The sterilization effect is remarkable, the effect is rapid, the sterilization effect is less affected by the water quality, the broad spectrum is high efficiency, and the side effects are small. Disadvantages: Ozone has poor treatment effects on algae and red nematodes; it has no sustained effect and requires chemical assistance; the equipment cost of ozone disinfection is relatively high, and the power consumption is large. The use of ozone machines is often equipped with oxygen generators, dryers, and exhaust gas. Processor, etc.; ozone is toxic to a certain extent, so be sure to pay attention to safety and dosage when using ozone generators. UV disinfection Ultraviolet light is a kind of low-energy electromagnetic radiation that uses ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength to destroy the molecular structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid) in microbial cells, causing growth cell death and/or regenerative cells Death, achieve the effect of sterilization and disinfection. Advantages: The advantages of ultraviolet disinfection are that the required contact time is short, the sterilization efficiency is high, and the physical and chemical properties of the water are not changed at the same time, and it does not produce odor and other harmful by-products such as methyl halide. Disadvantages: The raw water turbidity before disinfection is high, and a certain water flow thickness is guaranteed. When the water depth is large, the sterilization effect will be reduced. Ultraviolet disinfection should also use its specific device. Each tube has a limited water treatment capacity and needs Clean and replace regularly. Metal ion processor [Hymatic] The ions in the metal ion disinfection technology actually refer to copper ions and silver ions. The electrodes in the metal ion disinfection system generator are subjected to precise low-voltage microcurrents to release copper ions and silver ions, and the excited copper ions and silver ions are positive. Bacteria or micro-organisms in water are generally negatively charged. Therefore, copper and silver ions in the water can interact with bacterial viruses or micro-organisms to cause a flocculation process. The flocculate is cleared out of the pool through the filtration system, thereby achieving the effect of filtration and disinfection. . Hymatic metal ion disinfection system The Hymatic metal ion sterilizer is made in Europe and is an honorary product of the European Harvey Testing Instrument Group, focusing on chemical-free swimming pool water disinfection equipment. In 2013, it was introduced by Guangzhou Qianye Water Equipment Co., Ltd. Once it was launched, it was quickly accepted and recognized by customers. In 2017 and 2020, it won the "Product Quality Award" awarded by the China Swimming Pool Hot Spring SPA Industry Conference. Hymatic products have continuously entered the market for many years and are sold to thousands of households. Hymatic swimming pool disinfection core technology: ABOT special li technology ABOT technology hydrolyzes to produce strong oxidants such as OH-, O-, O3, H2O2, O2, which instantly kills bacteria, viruses, etc. in the water body; and uses copper-silver ions as an auxiliary sterilization and algae removal. At a specific concentration, copper-silver ions pair Humans are harmless (in fact, people need copper and silver ions to stay healthy).
The University of Padua Botanical Garden Created in 1545 on the property of the Benedictine monks of St. Justina, Padua Botanical Garden is the world's oldest university botanical garden Created in 1545 on the property of the Benedictine monks of St. Justina, Padua Botanical Garden is the oldest existing university botanical garden in the world. The Senate of the Venetian Republic approved its foundation for the cultivation of medicinal plants, which later constituted the largest portion of the so-called "simple" herbs, i.e. medicaments of natural origin. This is why early botanical gardens were called Horti simplicium ("Gardens of Simples"). In ancient times the identification of medicinal plants by botanists was uncertain, and frequently led to mistakes and even frauds, which caused great damage to people's health. The institution of a Horto medicinale, prompted by Francesco Bonafede, who held the chair of "Lecturer of Simples", enabled students to identify true medicinal plants. The first "custodian" of the Garden, Luigi Squalermo, called Anguillara, introduced and cultivated a large number of species (1,800). In spite of severe punishments (fines, imprisonment, exile), the Garden was often targeted by thieves, who stole many rare plants, due to the large profits that could be obtained from them. A circular enclosing wall was soon built (hence the names Hortus sphaericus, Hortus cinctus, and Hortus conclusus). The Garden was constantly enriched with plants from all over the world, particularly from countries where the Venetian Republic had possessions, or with which it traded. This is why Padua played such an essential role in the introduction and study of several exotic species. The Garden has witnessed the evolution of botany from a science originally applied to medicine, to an independent science with various branches. The library, the herbarium, and several laboratories, were later added. Just like other similar university institutions in Italy and abroad, not only does the Botanical Garden provide an opportunity for the general public to learn more about plants, but it is also a resource for scholars, and it aims at preserving rare and endangered plant species. Padua Botanical Garden is the original of all botanical gardens throughout the world; it represents the birth of science, of scientific exchanges, and of the awareness of the relationship between nature and culture. It gave a great contribution to the development of many modern scientific disciplines, notably botany, medicine, chemistry, ecology, and pharmacy.
Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres August 29, 1780 Birth Place : Montauban, Tarn-et-Garonne, France Died On : January 14, 1867 Zodiac Sign : Virgo Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres Biography, Life, Interesting Facts Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was a meticulous and revolutionary portraitist. He had profound painting skills, influenced by his native traditions that culminated in his legacy as a reputable master in his Neoclassical and conservative portraits. His work oeuvre is a precursor to modern art and had a strong bearing on Pablo Picasso and other artists. Early Life Born August 29, 1780, in Montauban France, Ingres was raised by a humble family. Notably, Ingres received his preliminary artistic knowledge from Jean-Marie-Joseph Ingres, his father. His father had several skills in music, sculpture, decorative stone mansion and a painter of miniatures. Ingres formal education had commenced at the Brothers of Christian Doctrine. However, this was cut short in 1791 during the France political turmoil that abolished the religious orders. Therefore, owing to the revolution, his father Joseph Ingres took him to study ‘sculpture et Architecture’ at the ‘Academie Royale de Peinture’ in Toulouse. In 1791, he moved to Paris where he joined the studio of Jacques-Lou David, his chief mentor. David was the most renowned artist in France. Two years after he met David, he was accepted in Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres culminated his education when he was awarded the Prix de Rome coveted award. This was a scholarship awarded by the French state which gave consent for students to study art in Rome at Academie de France. Early Career In 1802, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres produced 'The Ambassadors of Agamemnon in the tent of Achilles' which became his Salon debut. This production made him win the ‘Prix de Rome.’ Most of his Neoclassical portraits characterized anticipation of the 20th-century modernism. Ingres started to garner reverence from his meticulous and technical mastery with time. Later, he took up residence in Rome in 1806 and was competent in the study of Italian and mastery in Flemish Renaissance. His style of art was perceived as bizarre (1806-1824). Some thought it was archaic and was frequently faulted by his critics during presentions at Paris Salon. These critics greatly affected his painting commissions. To support his family, he supplemented his income of painting with his draughtsman skills. Like a classical painter and draughtsman, he always drew portraits before he painted them. Career Debut Notably, the much coveted ‘Prix de Rome’ scholarship award given to Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was supposed to support his study at the ‘Academie de France situated in Rome. His hope of getting the ‘Prix de Rome’ scholarship was made impossible by Napoleon's war. This war strained the French treasury, thus halting the scholarship payments. Reluctantly, he was forced to remain in Paris. Not deterred by this, he produced ’Bonaparte as First Consul' in 1804. Motivated by his work, he got the public attention two years later at the 'Salon' where he made a remarkable display of several portraits. It was this official state exhibition and his display of, 'Sabine Riviere' portrait and that of his daughter, Caroline, a 13-year old teen that revealed Ingres spatial and anatomical application of his skills and ability to manipulate that testified his artistic maturity in portraits. However, another of his paintings the 'Napoleon I on His Imperial Throne (1806)' was a source of great controversy. This emanated from undeniable facts that the face feature of the portrait was derived from the Byzantine and medieval prototypes while the meticulous details on it depicted the Flemish masters of the 15th century. His work was much condemned and his artistic skills labeled 'Gothic.' Officially, his tenure as a student in Academie de France in Rome ended in 1810. However, he opted to reside in Italy following the fact that he had established his business of portraitist among the Napoleonic officials and several dignitaries. As a beneficiary of the prestigious historic painting genre, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres received occasional commissions to sustain himself. With time in 1811, he was welcomed to redecorate 'Quirinal Palace' which would later become Napoleon's appointed residence. He contributed 'The Dream of Ossian (1813)’ and 'Romulus, Conqueror of Acron (1812)’ monumental canvases. Fall Of The Napoleonic Empire Unfortunately, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' relative prosperity was short-lived after the Napoleonic empire fell. This triggered the French evacuation of Rome. Ingres opted to remain in Italy. This decision was characterized by desperation for work. He was forced to design small-scale portraits of tourists and the English to earn a living. Although this first sale portrait drawings were meant to reveal personality and appeal the customers and would have been perceived as uncanny by other portraitists, surprisingly, they are among Ingres most admired works despite him scorning them as mere potboilers. In 1819, Ingres emerged as the master of 'troubadour' genre through ' Paolo and Francesca' painting. This was a typical category reminiscent of those earlier found in the 14th century in the Italian panel paintings. It depicted a tragic demise of two unfortunate love birds from Dante's Inferno. Due to its reference to the 14th century, Ingres received attacks as he was perceived to have intentions of taking the artwork to its infancy. 'La Grande Odalisque (1814)'elicited outrange in the 1819 Salon due to its radically attenuated features and anatomical distortions revealed in the female nude. Despite the controversy surrounding his female nude portraits, Ingres turned the tide of his critics to his favor. He strategically relocated to Florence from Rome in 1820. He adopted a conventional style from his hero Raphael. He gave two portraits signifying unity between church and state, namely: 'Christ Giving the Keys to Saint Peter(1820)' and 'The Vow of Louis XIII (1824)’. This move earned him critical accolades and was also elected to Academie des Beaux-Arts in 1824 Salon. Remarkably, in one exhibition, Ingres transformed from one vilified by artists to one most celebrated. Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres opened a studio in France after the successful display of 'The Vow of Louis XIII' in 1825. This studio became one of the largest studios in Paris. In 1827, he exhibited the most famous painting to date ' The Apotheosis of Homer.' It revealed the increasing embattled neoclassical works were subjected to and showed Ingres disposition of cultural conservatism. In 1832, he released the ' Portrait of Monsieur Bertin’, depicting a generation of the empowered middle class. His works revealed him as a revolutionary master at the peak of his powers. This picture echoed an enchanting realism which earned him critical accolades during the 1833 Salon. Since 1829, Ingres had served as a professor at Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and in December 1833 he was elected president of the institution to serve in the following year. During this time, most artists were accused of attempting to promote their artistic policies and in an attempt to influence the entire French painting faculty. This negative energy is best illustrated when Ingres in 1834 exhibited 'Martyrdom of Saint-Symphorien.' This was an absolute masterpiece, as evidenced by the rumor that hovered in the air. However, this religious portrait was vehemently attacked by his critics. This attacks deeply wounded his will power due to a lack of universal approbation. At the height of his disappointment, he announced that he would never again exhibit at the Salon. Major Works and Achievements Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres had a desire to be the director of the 'Academie de France' situated in Rome. Therefore, he negotiated and got the position and in December 1834 left for Italy. His new job was daunting. It took him six years to only three major mesmerizing canvases: ' Virgin with the Host (1841)', ‘Antiochus and Stratonice (1840)' and Odalisque with a slave (1840)'. ‘Antiochus and Stratonice (1840)’ painting turned the tide to his favor. In 1841, he triumphantly made his return to Paris. He was welcomed by the king to dine, and he was publicly endorsed before an audience of more than 400 dignitaries and politicians In 1840, he was the reigning artist in France and much recognized by the Orleanist elite during this time he showcased his works in semipublic exclusive exhibitions where he received prestigious commissions. In the mid-1840s he was remarkably the most sought-after portraitist in Paris. His winning edge was his ability to capture the grace and splendor and sheer ostentation of the beautiful feminine elite. For instance, he painted the renowned beauty ‘Mme Ines Moitessier' twice in 1851 and 1856. Other female elites he painted were: 'Comtesse d'Haussonville (1845)', 'Baronne de Rothschild(1848)', 'Princesse de Broglie (1853)', and 'Comtesse d'Haussonville (1845). Notably, the last works Ingres painted were nudes. For instance, in 1856, he produced 'The Source' a canvas most celebrated, depicting an adolescent girl. This canvas was lacking the anatomical distortions evident in his more controversial female nudes and thus quenched the popular taste with its revealing bit of erotica. Awards And Achievements Remarkably, the main prize of his time was the Prix De Rome in 1802. After a boycott of two decades at the Salon, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was coaxed into the 1855 official exhibition during the Universal Exposition held in Paris. In this exhibition, he displayed 69 works which revealed conservative portraits and a collection of a grand tradition. Progressive critics disliked his style. On the other hand, the government hailed him for his tenacity and bestowed upon him the title of 'grand officer of the Legion of Honor.' He was the first artist to receive this lofty title. Encouragingly, he was also appointed as the first professional portraitist to the Senate. Personal Life and legacy Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' work triggered several art movements. This included and not limited Empire (a style equivalent to Regency in Britain), Neo-classicism, romanticism, realism, Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, academics, Barbizon School, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. His artistic movement was the Neoclassical art. He will be remembered for his meticulous works in painting and as an icon of cultural conservation. By 1840, Ingres had built his status as the most renowned artist in France. Disease And Death Ingres died on January 14, 1867, at the age of 86years. He willed that his more than 4000 drawings and personal collections be housed in his studio in Montauban his home city. Most of his authentic collections are now found at Ingres Museum at Montauban. To date, there is still scholarly fascination when students explore his oeuvre and his reputation as the most compelling and greatest master of 1the 9th century still echoes. More Painters More People From France More Virgo People
How to Raise Kind Kids (Penguin Books, April 2018) How can you raise a kind child? This question is taking on a new urgency as our culture grows ever more abrasive and divided. Raising kind kids means coaching kindness in the rough-and-tumble of family life. Using real-life examples and providing tips you can use tonight, Dr. Lickona's How to Raise Kind Kids will help you give and get respect, hold family meetings to tackle persistent problems, get control of screens, set up age-appropriate chores, solve sibling conflicts, discipline in a way that builds character, and deepen your relationship with your kids---putting them on the path to a happy and fulfilling life. Sample Chapters CH. 1: CH. 4: CH. 5: CH. 7: CH. 9: CH. 10: CH. 12: CH. 13: CH. 16: Why Kindness Matters How to Create a Positive Family Culture: 6 Principles Ten Essential Virtues that Help Kids Be Kind Dealing with Discipline: What’s in Your Toolbox? Family Meetings: Creating a Happier Family Getting Control of Screens Family Conversation about Things That Matter Cut the Complaining! How to Practice Gratitude Helping Kids Find True Love in Today's Culture Sample Appendix Character Quotations for the 10 Essential Virtues (click here for sample quotes) Using mobile version? Also swipe to advance slides.
Brain tumours This information is about the brain and primary brain tumours. Primary brain tumours are tumours that start in the brain. Young woman undergoing cancer treatment Any illness related to your brain can be scary. You might find it helpful to know a bit about how the brain works, so we've included some information below. Your doctor and specialist nurse can give you more information and answer any questions. If there is something you do not understand, don’t be scared to ask. The brain The brain and spinal cord The brain and spinal cord together are called the central nervous system. The brain controls how we think, feel, learn and move. It also controls other important things, such as breathing and heart rate. It is inside the skull, which protects it. The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of the spine. These nerves pass messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The bones of the spine protect the spinal cord. Three thin layers of tissue cover the brain and spinal cord. These are called the meninges. Between two of these layers is a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The meninges and CSF also help to protect the brain and spinal cord. The main parts of the brain Different parts of the brain do different things. The main parts of the brain are the: • cerebrum • pituitary gland • cerebellum • brain stem • cranial nerves. This is the largest part of the brain and has two halves (hemispheres). The cerebrum controls: • thinking • memory • behaviour • personality • movement • sensation. The right half of the cerebrum controls movement and sensation in the left side of the body. The left half of the cerebrum controls the right side of the body. It also controls speech. Pituitary gland The pituitary gland is behind the nose and just below the base of the brain. It makes hormones (chemical messengers) that help control many processes in the body, including: • how the body grows and develops from a child into an adult • how the body uses energy from food • water levels in the body • monthly menstrual periods • making sperm. This is the area below the cerebrum, at the back of the brain. It controls balance and co-ordination. Brain stem The brain stem is at the bottom of the brain and connects to the spinal cord. It controls important bodily functions that keep us alive. These functions include breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The brain stem also controls movements of the eyes and face, speech and swallowing. Cranial nerves These are nerves that go from the brain and brain stem to the eyes, nose, ears, tongue, face and shoulders. They carry messages from these areas about sensations such as taste, smell, vision and hearing. They also carry messages to the muscles that control eye and face movements, speech and swallowing. Primary brain tumours Benign and malignant brain tumours Brain tumours can be either benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). This information is about both types. Benign brain tumours usually grow slowly. They might not cause symptoms for a long time. They are very unlikely to spread into other parts of the brain. But they can cause problems as they grow and press on nearby areas of the brain. Some benign brain tumours do not come back after treatment. But other brain tumours can come back and need further treatment. Sometimes, a benign brain tumour can change over time and become malignant. Malignant brain tumours grow faster than benign tumours. They cause problems by spreading into and damaging nearby areas of the brain. Some tumours may spread to other parts of the brain or to the spinal cord. They rarely spread to other parts of the body. Malignant brain tumours are more likely to come back after treatment. Grades of brain tumour For some types of brain tumour, your doctor may talk about their grade. The grade depends on how the cells look under a microscope. The grade may affect how slowly or quickly a tumour grows: • In grades 1 and 2, tumours are low-grade and benign and usually grow slowly. • In grades 3 and 4, tumours are high-grade and malignant (cancer) and usually grow more quickly. Types of primary brain tumours There are different types of brain tumour. They are usually named after the type of cell they develop from. Or sometimes they are named after the part of the brain they start in. The types of brain tumour that are most likely to affect teenagers and young adults are: • gliomas • pituitary area tumours • medulloblastomas • germ cell tumours of the brain. However, other types of brain tumour can also affect teenagers and young adults. Your doctor can give you more information about these. Gliomas develop from supporting cells (glial cells) in the brain or spinal cord. There are different types. They get their name from the type of glial cell they develop from: • Astrocytoma is the most common glioma. It develops from a glial cell called an astrocyte. • Oligodendroglioma develops from a glial cell called an oligodendrocyte. • Ependymoma develops from a glial cell called an ependymal cell. They line the fluid-filled spaces in the brain (ventricles) and the centre of the spinal cord. All these tumours can be benign or malignant (cancer). Pituitary area tumours Tumours that grow in or near the pituitary gland are usually benign and slow-growing. They can affect how the pituitary gland produces hormones. They can also affect vision. The most common types are pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas. This type of cancer usually starts near the cerebellum at the back of the brain. Sometimes, medulloblastomas can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord. Or rarely they can spread to other parts of the body. Germ cell tumours of the brain These tumours develop from germ cells which are mainly in the ovaries or the testicles. Sometimes, there are small areas of germ cells in other parts of the body, such as the brain. Rarely, this results in germ cell tumours starting in the brain. Germ cell tumours can be benign or malignant (cancer). The two main types of germ cell brain tumours are germinomas and non-germinomas. Your team may check samples of your blood or CSF for higher than normal levels of certain chemicals. These are released by some types of germ cell tumour, so can help your team diagnose and monitor the tumour. We do not know what causes most brain tumours, but research is going on to try to find out. Remember, it is not anything that you have done. Rare genetic conditions that run in families can increase your risk of a brain tumour. People who have radiotherapy to the head as children are at slightly higher risk of brain tumours later in life. Mobile phones, power lines and viruses have all been suggested as possible causes of brain tumours. But no research has found any strong evidence to link any of these to brain tumours. Signs and symptoms A brain tumour can cause different symptoms depending on where it is in the brain. Some possible symptoms are: • changes in your balance and walking • weakness down one side of the body • problems with speech • changes in personality, thinking or behaviour • seizures (fits) • sight problems, including blurred vision, double vision, loss of eyesight or abnormal eye movements • delayed puberty. Sometimes, a tumour can increase pressure inside the skull. This is called raised intracranial pressure. It can also cause symptoms including: • headaches • sickness and vomiting • confusion • problems controlling when you need to pee (wetting yourself). Other conditions can cause these symptoms. But you should visit your GP if you have any of these symptoms or are worried about brain tumours. They will talk to you about your symptoms. They can arrange for you to have tests or to see a specialist doctor if needed. If you have symptoms Some people are diagnosed with a brain tumour at hospital, after having a seizure (fit) or other sudden symptoms. Others go to see their GP about symptoms they are having. If your GP thinks you may have a brain tumour, they may arrange for you to have a brain scan. Or they may send you to see a doctor who is a specialist in brain disorders (a neurologist). People with brain tumours have treatment in specialist hospitals. You may have to travel to your nearest one. At the hospital Your specialist will ask you questions about your symptoms and how you have been feeling. They may check your tummy area (abdomen) and listen to your chest. They will also do a check of your nervous system, called a neurological examination. This includes simple questions to check your thinking and memory. You may also have hearing and eyesight tests. Your specialist may also: • ask you to walk a few steps or do some simple actions to check your balance and movement • check the strength of your arms and legs by asking you to push against something • check your reflexes by tapping your arms and legs • check if you can feel pinpricks on your skin, or feel the difference between hot and cold • check the movement of your face and eyes • shine a light at the back of your eye to check for swelling – a sign of increased pressure in the skull. Having tests for a brain tumour Your doctor or nurse will explain any tests you need. The results will help your doctor plan the best treatment for you. Your doctor and nurse will explain what to expect. But don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your tests may include: • an MRI scan, which uses magnetism to build a picture of the brain • a CT scan, which uses a series of x-rays, to build a three-dimensional picture of the brain • blood tests, to check your general health and sometimes measure the level of certain chemicals or hormones in your blood • a lumbar puncture, to look for cancer cells in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord • eye tests, to check your eyesight. Find further information on tests and scans Having a biopsy You may need to have a biopsy to find out the type of brain tumour you have. This is when your doctor removes a small part of the tumour. You often have a brain tumour biopsy while having surgery to remove the tumour. We have more details about having a biopsy and surgery in the treatment section. Waiting for results Having tests and waiting for results can be scary. Remember, you don’t have to hide your worries. You could try talking to or getting support from family and friends or your specialist nurse and doctor. Driving after diagnosis You may have to stop driving, or learning to drive, for a time after your diagnosis. This mainly depends on the type and grade of brain tumour you have. It can also depend on other things. These things include: • whether you have had seizures • the treatment you are having • the type of driving license. This can be frustrating but it is important to follow the advice you are given. It is also important to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) about your diagnosis. If you do not tell them, you are breaking the law. • In England, Scotland or Wales contact the DVLA or call 0300 790 6806. • In Northern Ireland contact the DVA or call 0300 200 7861. After treatment, you may be allowed to start driving again depending on your symptoms and most recent scans. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice about your situation. Some people are allowed to drive as soon as they recover from treatment. Others may be allowed to drive one or two years after treatment ends. Treatment for primary brain tumours Planning your treatment Doctors treat different types of brain tumours in different ways. The main treatments are: • surgery, which is an operation to remove some or all of the tumour • radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays or particles to treat tumour cells • chemotherapy, which uses anti-cancer drugs to treat tumour cells. Some people do not need treatment straight away. Instead, they have active monitoring. This involves having regular scans to check the tumour and seeing their doctor regularly at a clinic. If their scan results or symptoms show the tumour is growing, they start treatment. For some tumours, the treatment is surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy on its own. But most people have a combination of these treatments. You may also need other treatments to control symptoms before, during or after your main treatments. A team of specialists will plan your treatment. Your team may include: • a neurosurgeon – a doctor who specialises in brain operations • a neurologist – a doctor who treats brain conditions • a paediatric or medical oncologist – a doctor who treats brain tumours with chemotherapy • a clinical oncologist – a doctor who treats brain tumours with radiotherapy and chemotherapy • a specialist nurse who looks after people with conditions affecting the brain • a specialist nurse for teenagers or young adults with cancer • a radiographer, who gives radiotherapy treatment. Your treatment will depend on the type and grade of brain tumour and where it is in the brain. Your doctor and nurse will explain your treatment and answer any questions you have. It is important that you understand what to expect. You may need some time to talk about it with your family. Clinical trials Doctors are working all the time to: • improve treatments • reduce the side effects of treatment. They do this through research called clinical trials. Your doctor may talk to you about having your treatment as part of a clinical trial. Treating symptoms of brain tumours You may have symptoms before, during or after your main treatments for a brain tumour. These can be difficult to cope with, but they can usually be controlled. Most people have drugs called steroids as part of their treatment. You may also have anti-convulsant drugs to prevent seizures (fits). Some people need a small operation to place a shunt in the body. This is a device that reduces pressure inside the skull. We have more information about shunts further down the page. Steroids help reduce the swelling that often surrounds a brain tumour. They do not treat the tumour itself. But they can improve symptoms and make you feel better. You will often have steroids before, during and after your main treatment. It is important to take steroids as your doctor tells you. You should not suddenly stop taking them. Steroids can cause the following side effects: • Tummy pain. Take your tablets with food and tell your doctor if you have tummy pain. They may prescribe drugs to help or prevent this. • Increased appetite and weight gain. If you are worried about gaining weight, talk to your doctor or nurse. • Difficulty sleeping. Taking your tablets in the morning may help you sleep better. • Feeling restless or agitated. Let your doctor know if this is a problem. • Raised blood sugar levels. You will have regular blood or urine (pee) tests to check this. Let your doctor know if you become very thirsty, pass lots of urine or feel unwell. Taking higher doses of steroids for a longer time may cause more side effects. For example, you may be more likely to get an infection. Or your muscles may get weaker, especially at the tops of your arms and legs. You may need medication to keep your bones strong. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information. Side effects can be hard to cope with, especially with everything else you have to deal with. Remember, the side effects will gradually get better when you stop taking steroids. Tumours in the brain can sometimes cause seizures (fits). Anti-convulsant drugs (also called anti-epileptics) can help prevent them. Your doctor might give you these to take before surgery, or to take long-term. There are different types and some people may need more than one type. Your doctor will explain the likely side effects of any drugs they give you. Sometimes, brain tumours block the flow of fluid (CSF) around the brain. This means pressure can build up and cause symptoms. To reduce this pressure, some people have a small operation to place a long, thin tube (called a shunt) in the body. This lets some of the fluid drain from the brain to another area of the body. You cannot see the tube from outside the body. But you may be able to feel the tube under the skin behind your ear. Surgery for brain tumours It is natural to feel worried and frightened about having brain surgery. You may have questions such as: • Will it change the way my brain works? • How will I feel after the operation? • Will I have scars? • Will the surgeon shave my head? Your surgeon and specialist nurse will talk to you about the operation and the possible benefits and risks. If there is a risk of damage to the brain during surgery, they will explain how this may affect you. If they need to shave some of your hair, they will explain what to expect. Make sure you have as much information as you need and ask any questions you have. The more you know about what to expect, the easier it may be to cope. A biopsy is when the surgeon removes a piece of the tumour. This can then be examined to find out the type of tumour or what treatments are likely to work best. There are different ways to take a brain biopsy. Sometimes, it is only safe to remove a tiny part of the tumour to look at under the microscope. But often, the surgeon will take a biopsy as part of a larger operation to remove the tumour. Your surgeon will explain what to expect in your situation. You usually have a biopsy taken under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon uses scans to guide them while taking the biopsy. The scans are taken before or sometimes during the operation. Sometimes the surgeon does a biopsy while you are awake. They inject some local anaesthetic into the scalp so you don’t feel anything. This can sound scary, but it should not take long. You can talk to the doctors and nurses looking after you while it is happening. Removing the tumour Surgery is often the main treatment for brain tumours. Your surgeon tries to remove all of the tumour, or as much as possible. You usually have a general anaesthetic. For some types of brain tumours, your surgeon might suggest doing an operation while you are awake. This is called an awake craniotomy. It may sound frightening, but people usually cope with it well. Because you are awake, the surgeon can check that the surgery is not affecting your speech and movement. For an awake craniotomy, you are usually asleep (sedated) for the first part of the surgery. The surgeon uses local anaesthetic injections to numb the scalp. They gently wake you when they are ready to operate on the brain. The brain has no nerve endings, so you should not feel any pain during the operation. Your surgeon or nurse will tell you what to expect before and after your operation. When you can go home and how quickly you recover will depend on the type of operation you had. Your doctor and nurse will talk to you about preparing to go home. They will arrange any further support you might need. More information about surgery Radiotherapy for brain tumours Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays or particles to treat cancer cells. You may have it: • after surgery, to treat any cells that may have been left behind • instead of surgery, when it is not possible to remove the brain tumour • as your main treatment • if a brain tumour comes back after surgery. For some types of tumour, you have radiotherapy to your spinal cord as well as your brain. Your doctor will explain what to expect. Types of radiotherapy You may have radiotherapy in several ways for brain tumours. Your doctor will give you more information about your treatment plan. You can read more about having radiotherapy in our radiotherapy section. Doctors may treat brain tumours with: • Standard radiotherapy. You usually have this over several weeks, at your nearest cancer treatment centre. • Stereotactic radiosurgery. You have this all at once, on a single day. You may have to travel to another hospital to have this treatment. • Proton beam therapy. You sometimes have this to treat certain types of tumour in the brain and spinal cord. When you have radiotherapy, you may need to wear a light-weight mask or head frame. The mask covers your face and the front of your head. The mask or frame helps keep your head and neck still during the treatment. They should not be uncomfortable. But if you feel nervous, tell the nurse or radiographer so they can help. Usually, each radiotherapy treatment only takes a few minutes. It is not painful, but you need to lie still. You will be on your own in the room, but you can talk to the radiographers. You can talk through an intercom or signal to them during the treatment. They can see and hear you from the next room. You can usually bring music to listen to if you want. Side effects of radiotherapy You may have some side effects during radiotherapy. These usually get better over a few weeks or months after your treatment. Your doctor, nurse or radiographer will tell you more about what to expect. Some people find side effects get worse for a short time after they have finished treatment. This does not mean your treatment isn’t working. It is usually just a normal reaction to the treatment. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you have. They can usually help make things easier. Common side effects of radiotherapy to the brain include: • tiredness • headaches • hair loss • skin changes • feeling sick. Late effects of radiotherapy Radiotherapy can sometimes cause side effects months or years later. These are called late effects or long-term side effects. Newer ways of giving radiotherapy help to reduce the chances of late effects as much as possible. Late effects depend on where the treated area is and the dose of radiotherapy you had. Your specialist doctor or nurse will talk to you about any risk of late effects. The main late effects of brain tumour treatments are: • effects on thinking and memory • an increased risk of stroke • a small risk of damage to the normal brain • risk of a second tumour in later life. These may sound scary, but for most people the risk of them happening is small. It is important to talk to your doctor about anything you are worried about. For several years after radiotherapy, you will go to the clinic for regular check-ups. Your doctor will check for late effects so they can manage or treat these as early as possible. They will advise you to follow a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the chances of problems. This includes things like not smoking. They will arrange regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and for diabetes. You may also need checks of your hearing, eyesight and hormone levels. Chemotherapy for brain tumours Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to treat cancer cells. You might have chemotherapy: • to shrink a tumour, to make it easier to remove with surgery • when it is not possible to remove the tumour completely with surgery • during radiotherapy, to make the tumour more sensitive to radiation • after radiotherapy or surgery, to reduce the chance of the tumour coming back • when a brain tumour has come back after treatment. You may have a variety of chemotherapy drugs. You usually have chemotherapy for brain tumours by injection into a vein (intravenously). Or you may have tablets. You may have one chemotherapy drug, or two or three drugs in combination. You may also have chemotherapy: • directly into the spine ([intrathecal chemotherapy]) • directly into the brain through a device called an ommaya reservoir • directly into the brain during surgery to remove a tumour (called a Gliadel implant). More information about chemotherapy Side effects of chemotherapy Different chemotherapy drugs cause different side effects. Some people just have a few side effects, and others have more. Everyone is different. Most side effects are short-term (temporary), and gradually disappear once treatment stops. The most common short-term side effects are: • risk of getting an infection • losing your hair • feeling sick • tiredness Effects on fertility Some chemotherapy drugs can affect your ability to father a child or get pregnant (fertility). Your doctor or nurse should talk to you about this before you start treatment. If treatment could affect your fertility, you may be able to have treatment to preserve it. We have more information about fertility and fertility preservation. Support after your treatment You may need extra support to recover from side effects or changes that the tumour or treatment has caused. This is sometimes called neuro-rehabilitation. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about how you are managing to do normal activities or things you enjoy. Let them know if anything is more difficult than usual. They can arrange extra support. If you need this support after your treatment, your team may include different people depending on what you need. For example, you may see: • A physiotherapist, who can help you improve your strength, balance or co-ordination. They can show you exercises to do and give you advice to help you. • A speech and language therapist, who can help if you have problems speaking or communicating clearly. They can also help if you have difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing. They will give you advice and show you exercises to do. • An occupational therapist, who will help you get back to doing everyday tasks. These could include washing, dressing, eating, shopping or managing your money. They may also give you equipment that can help make things easier. • A neuro-psychologist, who can help you cope with any changes that affect your thinking, feelings, behaviour or personality. Your team may help in the early stages of your recovery, or for a while after you finish treatment. You may see them when you are in hospital, as an outpatient in a clinic, or at home. Useful organisations There are a number of organisations that provide information and support if you've been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Provides information and support for anyone living with a brain tumour The Brain Tumour Charity Supports research into brain tumours and provides information about brain tumours Brain Tumour Research Supports research into brain tumours and provides information about brain tumours Find more organisations Based on content originally produced by Macmillan Cancer Support.
No Grades, No Grades! What Happened When This New Hampshire School Did Away With Them By Ace Parsi, MPP on May 29, 2018 Pittsfield School District in rural New Hampshire doesn’t seem different from any other rural district. The school is a center for community activity. The teachers pride themselves on building relationships with parents. The building looks like an ordinary school. But there’s something extraordinary happening at Pittsfield. The district is working to get rid of grades (the age group that students share a class with) and grades (how performance is measured). It’s part of an effort known as NG2, or “no grades, no grades.” You may wonder how a small school district in New Hampshire has anything to do with your child. But consider this: What would happen if your child’s teachers focused on his interests and strengths—on what he can do—instead of focusing on what he can’t do? Now consider this: What would happen if they did that for every student in your child’s school? More than 40 states across the country have adopted policies to promote personalized learning. And that trend is ramping up as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) opens the door further for personalized learning initiatives. Programs like NG2 have potential for all students. But it can be a game-changer for kids with learning and thinking differences and other disabilities. A Closer Look at Pittsfield Take, for example, Joey, a student at Pittsfield Elementary School. Joey has and . His teachers know he’s smart. But they also know that sitting still, focusing and following multi-step directions are challenging for him. Danielle Harvey, dean of instruction at Pittsfield School District, says there are a lot of students like Joey. Whether or not they have an identified learning and thinking difference, the school wants to provide support. That’s where NG2 comes in. With NG2, Pittsfield is attempting to address two major issues: 1. Traditional testing doesn’t measure all the skills that are key to long-term success. For instance, they don’t address whether kids can collaborate or self-advocate. Traditional testing also doesn’t give all kids a way to show what they know if the format of the test doesn’t let them demonstrate their knowledge. 2. Students are traditionally grouped by age, not by their needs or their level of understanding. Now, Joey and his classmates can engage with and show their learning and understanding in many different ways, not just with paper-and-pencil tests. Changing these norms requires turning the system upside down, which takes a lot of work and planning. But because it matched their vision for learning, Pittsfield dove in. It was one of the first schools in New Hampshire to volunteer for the Performance Assessment of Competency Education (PACE) pilot program, which reduces how much traditional standardized testing is used. But just because the school doesn’t have traditional grades doesn’t mean they’re not held to the same standards as other schools. The PACE model includes a peer review process to evaluate the quality of district’s assessments against a state-level rubric. This helps to ensure the quality of testing and scoring. Participating schools also take part in statewide testing once in elementary school and once in middle school. Students also take the SAT in high school. Using the NG2 model, Pittsfield also developed non-age-based pathways for learning. That means kids move forward not based on their age, but on their understanding. When they’ve shown they’ve understood the concepts to succeed in a subject, they move up to the next level. And if a kid needs to slow down to really get a skill, that’s OK, too. “No Grades, No Grades” and Kids With Learning and Thinking Differences These changes can have drawbacks. The big question is: How do we make sure that these types of education changes consider all kids from the get-go, instead of making the program fit them after the fact? Over the last three years, Understood founding partner the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has been closely following schools and districts like Pittsfield to try to answer that question. NCLD has been exploring how districts and states are considering kids with disabilities during conversations about things like competency-based education or personalized learning. What they’ve learned in that process is that there’s a lot of potential—and a lot of risk. The key factor? Planning to address kids’ needs before putting the program in place. For example, if Joey continues to struggle in reading, is there a system in place to ensure there are different ways to address his needs? Are there supports for age-appropriate social and emotional learning? How is the school collecting data to monitor progress and make decisions about the types of instruction he needs? Luckily, Pittsfield and other schools and districts in New Hampshire are having these conversations. And they’re working on solutions, too. D.J. Bakie Elementary School, another school that is implementing both PACE and NG2, is taking steps to ensure accessibility from the very start. They’re doing things like putting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into place throughout all grades. (Open this PDF to read more about D.J. Bakie Elementary School.) Personalized Learning Programs and Your Child Soon, it may be your school or district talking about putting a program like NG2 into place. You can be prepared by asking questions to make sure the school thinks about your child’s needs before the program is developed. Questions like: • How have you prepared to put this system in place for all kids? • What thought have you put into including kids with learning and thinking differences? • What training do your teachers have or will you provide for them on an ongoing basis about students with learning and thinking differences? • How will you make sure everyone is sticking to the interventions designed to create better outcomes for all kids (including those with learning and thinking differences)? • How will you be monitoring progress to see if kids fall significantly behind? • What is the plan for supporting kids who may fall behind? Systems like “no grades, no grades” have a lot of potential to customize learning for the needs of each student. That’s what’s happening for Joey. And this success didn’t happen by accident. It’s what can happen when innovative students, parents and educators work together to do better for all students. Tell us what interests you About the author About the author Ace Parsi, MPP is the personalized learning partnership manager at NCLD.
What is a Narrative Essay? If you are thinking about what is a narrative essay, read on. The goal of this kind of essay is to tell a story, either real or invented in a manner that captivates the reader. Narrative essays usually come from personal experience and follow the rules of storytelling. A narrative essay must have a set-up, a plot with an ending, and a protagonist. To write a compelling narrative essay, you must know exactly what it is and how to write it. The most important element of a narrative essay is its conclusion or lesson learned. A narrative essay must address the five senses, and have an argument to prove it. It should use descriptive techniques, for example, sound and images. It should not be written in the second person perspective and should not contain arguments or words of slang. It should be captivating and captivating. It should be written in the first person and in the present verb. The topic of your narrative essay could be anything that is interesting to you. It should be grounded in the real world and not far from it. If you have strong opinions on the subject, you must support https://code.getnoc.com/-/snippets/1631 them with evidence and storytelling methods. Narrative essays are most effective when they are about an experience that you have had personally. While some topics are harder to write about than others, you should not be afraid to express your creativity! Choose a topic that captivates your readers and showcases your unique abilities. A narrative essay should be written in a clear and concise style. It should not have complicated syntax or a language. Instead, focus on the details and characters. The conclusion should sum up the story and emphasize the https://fdel.dk/community/profile/marktopen7/ key aspects. Although narrative essays are written from the perspective of the author but they still need to have a purpose and an argument to support it. This is the most effective type of creative writing. You must decide the best time to communicate the significance of the subject when writing a narrative essay. Some writers connect dots in the first paragraph while others do it in the second. But, you must bring the question to the end of story. Your readers will be able to think about the story’s ending. It should be a pleasant experience for you as well as the reader. A https://t-unlock.com/forums/profile/marktopen7/ strong voice is essential for drawing readers https://fnetchat.com/read-blog/61504 into the story and engaging readers in the story. Your voice is the way https://www.makexyz.com/f/editing-resume-online-93fa54d6cd2e389c83e4dba35b8880ae you speak and how you utilize the various parts of speech, and the style of your essay. A strong voice also requires a strong vocabulary and powerful modifiers. A strong voice is crucial for writing a narrative essay. A greater vocabulary can help you to make a powerful voice. You can locate the perfect words for every situation by expanding your vocabulary. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published.
What is restless legs syndrome? This question was asked in Austin, Texas on 05/01/2012. I have to move my legs at night. Do I have the sleep disorder called restless legs syndrome? Doctors Answers (5) Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD Answered on: 5/4/2012 1 Restless Leg Syndrome is characterized by parasthesias (abnormal sensations) and dysesthesias (uncomfortable sensations) in the limbs that compel the person to move to relieve the sensations and that are exacerbated by rest. Symptoms are worse at night or in the evening and can disturb sleep. 10% of adults experience RLS symptoms often or very often. The cause is linked to abnormal iron transport in the CNS (central nervous system) related to neurons responsible for dopamine synthesis. RLS can also be seen in pregnancy, in kidney failure patient and worsnened by certain drugs such as caffeine, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Gary K. Zammit, Ph.D. Answered on: 5/2/2012 1 Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by pain, discomfort, or unusual sensation in the lower limbs that can interfere with sleep. People with RLS often feel the irresistible urge to move their legs, and they often find that moving their legs or engaging in activity temporarily relieves the discomfort. If you think you might have RLS speak to your doctor, or get a referral to a board certified sleep specialist. There are safe and effective treatments. Syed Nabi, M.D. Answered on: 5/1/2012 4 Restless leg syndrome is a condition characterized by an uncomfortable sensation in legs that is worse in the evenings and improves with movement. It is not only a genetic condition, but sometimes also in people who are deficient in iron, such as pregnant women, hemodialysis patient, or anemic. Certain medications and conditions such as stress, anxiety, thyroid disorders, back injury, neuropathy, can also exacerbate symptoms of RLS. Caffeine frequently exacerbates symptoms of RLS. RLS when it continues during sleep is diagnosed as periodic limb movement disorder. Workup involves blood work and appropriate managment with medicines. Sometimes dopamine based medicine such as Requip or Mirapex are used. Robert C. Jones, M.D. Answered on: 5/1/2012 4 Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may be related to conditions such as anemia (Iron deficiency) and neuropathy (damaged nerves) which occurs while awake. Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep is a somewhat similar condition that occurs during sleep. An evaluation with one of our sleep specialists would be the first step in determining whether or not you may have this condition. J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM Answered on: 5/1/2012 3 Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a condition which usually occurs at rest, usually worse in the evening after the sun goes down and is associated with an urge to move the legs to relieve sensory symptoms. These sensory symptoms are described in many ways such as tingling, burning, aching, tightness, etc. but movement helps. Once you fall asleep, you lose the voluntary control of these movements but the legs, especially at the ankles, often continue to move in a periodic fashion (every few seconds). The name changes from RLS to Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and may be associated with arousals of the brain waves or may be bothersome to a bed partner. The leg movements are known to produce daytime sleepiness and/or insomnia. Plus, people who suffer from these leg movements have a known two fold increase risk for cardiovascular events including high blood pressure.
Have a Kindle or eReader question? We're here to help. Having a tendency to shy away from social obligations and instead read on the Kindle for hours non-stop, I wanted to learn if the Kindle has blue light. The Kindle Paperwhite emits a small amount of blue light. However, it is front-lit, directing light towards the screen not straight to our eyes. We can also reduce its intensity and there is a dark mode option to further reduce the amount of light reflected to our eyes. The common reasons we are concerned about blue light are the possible effects it has on our eyes and sleeping patterns. Let’s begin with a summary of various blue light theories and their effects. What is Blue Light and what is wrong with it? If you are outdoors on a sunny day, you are practically bathing in blue light. This is because the sun is the biggest emitter of blue light on the planet. Exhibit A. Blue light in the sky. Photo by Gonard Fluit. And a question: Why is the sky blue? (Answer at the end of this post). Remember that light is a spectrum of colors, from red to green to blue to violet. Blue light is part of that spectrum. And each of these colors varies in the energy that they contain. With violet being the strongest, blue next. So blue light is basically a part of the light spectrum that emits a higher amount of energy. Some blue light is beneficial. It boosts alertness, helps with memory functions, and elevates our mood. It signals to the body that it’s daytime, thereby regulating our circadian rhythm. The problem is when we get too much exposure and exposure well into the night. Studies indicate that too much of these high-energy rays can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and blurry vision. It also interferes with our sleep cycle, causing us to have more difficulty falling asleep. People also tend to blink less when reading. Which further increases the light shining to our eyes. On the other hand, some studies like this and this, says blue light itself doesn’t adversely affect sleep. So it’s useful to keep a healthy skepticism before drawing any conclusions. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt to manage exposure to these light rays. And there are several ways to do so. More on that later. First let’s look at how much blue light the Kindle expends compared to other devices, including non-digital ones. We’ll use data from fluxometer.com. Comparison between Kindle and other devices 1 DeviceBrightness compared to daylight in %Phase shift in minutes Kindle Paperwhite half brightness00 Kindle Paperwhite full brightness710 Galaxy S5 Active2540 iPad Mini Retina2845 Surface Pro 34063 Nexus 7 Gen24267 iPhone X5485 iPad Pro6196 DeviceBlue light (weighted power) in µW/cm2 Kindle Paperwhite half brightness0.122 Kindle Paperwhite full brightness0.98 Galaxy S5 Active2.58 iPad Mini Retina3.7 Surface Pro 35.13 Nexus 7 Gen25.8 iPhone X5.47 iPad Pro10.1 The metrics displayed in the table are: Brightness compared to daylight: Indicates how big an effect on your body clock as being outdoors in daylight. For example, if you see 25%, it means that if you spent 4 hours in front of the device; it has approximately the same effect on your body clock as spending 1 hour outdoors in daylight. Phase shift: shows how much you can move your body clock in just one night if you see it for long enough (a few hours) typically before bed. Blue light (weighted power): this is an estimation of irradiance in microwatts per square centimeter. Irradiance is the light energy (or power) received by a given surface. All of these figures were taken using the default parameters in fluxometer.com. Please do not take these numbers as exact conclusions on how much blue light each device will produce. There are so many arbitrary factors that would affect blue light in your actual situation. Including distance, angle, light bouncing on the walls, etc. Rather, we can use these numbers and pay attention to their relative differences to each other. This way, we can have a reasonable estimate on the level of blue light that the Kindle emits compared to other devices. Comparison between Kindle, common light bulbs and others 2 Light SourceBrightness compared to daylight in %Phase shift in minutes Full moon00 Ordinary candle00 Kindle Paperwhite half brightness00 Kindle Paperwhite full brightness710 Christmas tree2946 Philips Ambient LED3045 GE Incandescent bulb3555 LED 5000K5485 Philips TL950 fluorescent tubes5892 Light SourceBlue light (weighted power) in µW/cm2 Full moon0.0131 Ordinary candle0.0929 Kindle Paperwhite half brightness0.122 Kindle Paperwhite full brightness0.98 Christmas tree1.71 Philips Ambient LED2.13 GE Incandescent bulb2.38 LED 5000K5.71 Philips TL950 fluorescent tubes6.64 Front lit vs back lit This is one of the major differences of the Kindle Paperwhite compared to other devices. Instead of having LED bulbs shining from the back of the device pointing towards you, the bulbs are recessed along the sides pointing at the screen. In this way, it's closer to a reading lamp than the back lights of mobile devices. This results in much softer light reflecting to the eyes while keeping the screen properly illuminated. Options to reduce blue light being reflected to us Still, despite the Kindle emitting much less blue light, and being front-lit, there are several ways we can reduce the blue light even further. • Reduce the brightness of the front-light. You can do this by tapping on settings in the top menu. This also has the side benefit of reducing battery usage. • Dark mode This option inverts the screen so that most of the display is dark and the text is white. This would reduce the amount of light reflecting towards you. You’ll notice this clearly when you adjust the brightness level while in dark mode. Observe that there is less difference between brightness levels, because there’s much less white on the screen. • Blue light blocking glasses Check out the reviews in Amazon.com and you’ll see many testimonials of how effective they are in alleviating eye strain (from reading on screens in general, not specifically the Kindle). And there are studies that back them up. However, note that there are also some studies like those mentioned earlier, that present a different conclusion. I suppose we’ll just have to see for ourselves what works for us. • Blue light blocking screen stick-ons These are like screen protectors that you would have to stick on top of your device. Note that it's a rather permanent fixture. And you need to be very careful in applying it evenly to avoid “air bubbles”. • Kindle blue shade This is only for the back-lit Kindle Fire tablet, not for the Kindle e-Ink devices. I only included it here to remove the confusion. • 20-20-20 Rule A common guidance on preventing eye strain, the rule recommends looking at an object at least 20 feet away, every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds. • Deep Breaths This is my favorite method. Not just to protect from excess blue light, but also to reduce eye and body strain in general. The challenge here is how to remember to take those breaths. For that, we can use a trigger. Breath Per Page This has been tremendously helpful to me, I’d like to propose an acronym for it: BPP. As in “Breath Per Page” or DBPP “Deep Breath Per Page.” Often when busy, we only take shallow breaths and might even forget to breathe altogether! The idea is to train the body to close the eyes and take one full breath every time we turn a page. You’ll have to think about it at first, but after a while, it becomes automatic like muscle memory: Turn page -> Breathe. Turn page -> Breathe. This method lends itself well to turning a page in the Kindle. Because you don’t have to think much about it. You know exactly where to position your eyes once you reopen them. Deep breathing relaxes not just the eyes, but also the head, neck, shoulders and the entire body as well. This means we can go on reading longer without being tired. Before, I used to have very tired eyes after reading just for a few hours. Not anymore.3 Being less tired also means we can focus more. And although counterintuitive, it might even speed up our reading over-all. The duration of each breath depends on how much time you have. Deeper and longer breaths naturally lead to more relaxation. And something else too: This method has had a remarkable effect on my comprehension. In those few seconds that my eyes are closed, I can almost see what I just read. I can see it being organized by my brain. As if “saving” it to my old cranky, hard drive. As a result, I can follow the train of thought more efficiently. In summary, the Kindle does emit a small amount of blue light. But it’s much less than most digital devices, and even less than common light bulbs. While it’s good to consider the effects of blue light on our sleeping patterns, I find that personally, my level of interest is what keeps me up at night. More than any blue light could. Do you have other methods to take care of your eyes? I’d love to learn from you! Please let me know P.S. Here’s the answer to Exhibit A, on why the sky is blue. Resting the eyes from all these blue light. Photo credits: Bigbird3 1 Details about the instrument and measurement models can be found in the specific fluxometer page for each device. 2 For light bulbs, no wattage was indicated as the readings were scaled to 100 lumens. So the readings can be interpreted as, "if you were exposed to 100 lux of this type of light, it would produce this much phase shift". 3 I’ve been experimenting on using this method for the computer as well. The trick is to use the Page Down key as much as I can, instead of scrolling with the mouse. And then train the body to take a breath every time I hit that key. Incidentally, perhaps this is another plus point for the Kindle not being able to scroll. © 2021 Copyright EBOOK DETECTIVES
Jump to content Whatbird Community Bird Facts Recommended Posts This post was recognized by Kevin! "Really interesting! Thanks for sharing!" Aaron was awarded the badge 'Great Content' and 5 points. In my zoology course we learned quite a bit about birds and how they work. The two most interesting to me (and what I can remember right now) was that 1. In birds it takes two breathes to get the bolus of air through their lungs and out, instead of one like us and they don’t have any mixing of air within the lungs. This allows them to always have fresh air moving across the lungs at all times, which makes them more efficient at extracting oxygen from the air which is why they can have elevated body temperatures (40 degrees +). As high body temperatures need a high metabolic rate, which requires more oxygen. Which is also why they can’t be ovoviviparous as the eggs would not develop properly if retained within the mother as the temperature would be too high. 2. The Turaco (Guinea turaco) is the only true green pigmented bird. All other green birds have blue structural colour overlayed with yellow pigment so they appear green. • Like 8 Link to comment Share on other sites • 4 weeks later... 2 hours ago, Kevin said: There are varying opinions, but I am going with Wikipedia for now... There are 361 Hummingbird species! I knew there were a lot, but I had no clue there was that many. Also, hummingbirds are only in the American continents. It would have had to be a bit of a shock coming from Europe, in past history. "Look at that bug!" Link to comment Share on other sites • 1 month later... Join the conversation Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor • Create New...
Waste capture device installed in Marseille’s Old Port Marseille’s Old Port has seen the installation of an innovative new waste capture device that intercepts rubbish destined for the sea. The ‘D-Rain’ system is the product of local startup Green City Organisation, which aims to fight water pollution in the Mediterranean. The organisation says that 80% of sea pollution comes from land and that “with each major rainfall event, coastal cities discharge waste, plastics and other emerging pollutants directly into the sea via land and underwater stormwater outfalls, like a flush”. the concept of the “D-Rain system” is simple: it consists of a net connected to both offshore and onshore water outlets that is able to capture waste as small as 5mm. The net has a volume of 10m³ and will need to be emptied ten times a year. The system is able to alert when the net is full so that the water flow can be released and the net can be emptied. Sensors on the system are also able to measure the quality of the water, collecting data on factors such as acidity, turbidity and levels of oxygen. Within five years, the organisation aims to recover the equivalent of what France discharges into the Mediterranean – 11,000 tonnes of waste per year. So far, it has been recognised by various institutions and received multiple awards, including the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Award 2021 and the Special Jury Prize in the EDF Pulse 2021 competition (Biodiversity and Nature Protection category)
How Have the Serving Sizes of Fast Food Changed? Serving sizes in fast food restaurants have increased significantly since the introduction of these eateries in the early 1900s. Fast food restaurants have become a staple in American society but at a price. Although convenient, fast food is typically an unhealthy choice that is high in fat, sugar and sodium. Increased fast food serving sizes have likely impacted obesity rates in the United States, according to a 2002 study in "American Journal of Public Health." Burger and Fries A typical fast food meal of a burger and french fries will cost you a lot more calories today than in 1977. A 2003 study in "The Journal of the American Medical Association" found that hamburgers at fast food restaurants have increased from 6.1 ounces to 7.2 ounces from 1977 to 1996, adding an additional 78 calories per hamburger. French fries have increased from 2.1 to 3.3 ounces, contributing and extra 113 calories. Fast Food Beverages Portion sizes for fast food beverages, such as juice and soda, have also increased since 1977. The recommended serving size for beverages is typically 8 ounces. Soft drinks at fast food restaurants have increased by about 60 calories per portion, from 10.9 ounces to 17.7 ounces on average. Fruit juice servings have increased by 5 ounces and 63 calories. Mexican Fast Food and Pizza Mexican fast food has had one of the largest increases in portion size. A serving size of Mexican food has increased from 6 to 8.2 ounces, which increases the calorie total by 184 calories. Pizza is the one type of fast food surveyed that did not increase in serving size from 1977 to 1996. A serving of pizza actually dropped by 35 calories and 0.3 ounces. Better Options According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people eat more when they are given a larger serving size. If you eat at fast food restaurants, instead of super sizing your meal, go for a child-sized serving or split the meal with someone. Opt for water over soda or juice. Ask for sandwiches without mayonnaise or other sauces. If you choose a salad, beware of the toppings like cheese and croutons that are loaded with calories and fat.
Electric motors are devices or machines that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy through the interaction between magnetic fields and electricity from a shaft within the motor itself. It has been considered as an innovation in the field of energy and because of it, life has become as advanced as it is nowadays. Motors in general can be either self-powered or through other external sources. Self-powered electric motors such as motor vehicles and batteries where the energy is generated within, on the other hand the external source current electric motors are dependent on alternative sources such as electrical generators; where the generator is dependent on a motion of another device in order to create energy. The electric motor amongst other types of motors is considered to be cost efficient. It has a longer lifespan because it has few parts in motion therefore less maintenance service is required. Motors are classified according to the use or the general purposes and can be modified but the concept remains that the energy is transformed from electrical to mechanical energy and mostly used for industrial use like in industrial fans, electric cars, blowers and pumps, machine tools, household appliances, power tools, elevators and disk drives. Circuit Breaker Controls the electricity flow within the electrical system, in order to protect the circuit from damage occulting from extra current from an overload. There are different sizes of circuit breakers depending on its use. It is suitable for small circuits and large up to massive circuits. Switchgears are used at an electric power system which controls electrical equipment, it also connects multiple voltages throughout the circuits all around the facility. It consists of fuses, switches, relay and circuit breakers. The electricity flows into the switchgear through a built-in relay which measures the voltage of the incoming power in order to distribute it according to appropriate use. Through our association with our partners we will deliver the best quality of switchgears available. Ats Trafo A transformer transfers electrical energy from a circuit to another through creating an electromagnetic induction. Using instigation between coils in order to create electrical energy which moves between circuits. Transformers are used to control voltage levels between circuits like, increasing or decreasing the voltage at high or low currents. Transformers are also used for isolation to equalize voltage. Our partnership with high-end quality, dynamic manufacturers allows you to get the most of the product and create an efficient outcome. Electrical Motors The electric motor transforms energy from electrical to mechanical energy; using an interaction between magnetic fields and electrical current through a wire to the motor shaft. Choosing the electric motor among other types of motors means cost efficiency. It has a longer lifespan because it has few parts in motion therefore less maintenance service is required. We supply the top quality electric motors with the partnered manufacturer, which offer to you efficiency, high endurance, strength and performance. Substation Power Connectors For electrical utilities and large industrial customers, we partnered with substation power connector provider to deliver safe and efficient product. A substation power connector is a generation, transmission and distribution system. It controls voltage and conveys it from high to low or inverse it. It includes transformers which change voltage levels between high and low. The substation power connector helps you save time and gives you advanced performance. electrical tools Transmission Line Hardware Transmission line hardware consists of wires, insulators and hardware that transfers electrical energy in an electrical power system. The hardware intends to transform energy through its structure without losing any electrical energy. Our partners provide transmission line hardware in high quality which ensures for you the maximum utilization of energy. Copper rod Earthing & Lightning Are considered to be essential systems in order to provide safety to workers and visitors of electrical facilities. The system protects buildings from lightning and electrical discharges. Lighting protection system is meant to set on above ground level. While the earthing protection system is set below ground level commonly underneath buildings. Get The Quotation Contact us now to inquire and order the suitable parts for your projects.
So atoms are formed from protons and neutrons, which are formed from quarks. But where do these quarks come from? What makes them? • $\begingroup$ related: physics.stackexchange.com/q/39590/4552 $\endgroup$ – user4552 Jun 17, 2013 at 2:47 • 2 $\begingroup$ You forgot to mention electrons - they are also a part of an atom. Protons + neutrons composes an atom core, aka. nucleus and electrons are spinning around it. $\endgroup$ Jun 1, 2019 at 20:54 • $\begingroup$ @Alex how can you say that atom is made up of protons and neutrons? $\endgroup$ Jun 2, 2019 at 12:09 • $\begingroup$ TL;DR: No one knows what quarks are exactly made of yet. $\endgroup$ – Sid110307 Jan 12 at 9:39 5 Answers 5 I cannot resist this mother goose quote: What are little boys made of? What are little boys made of? Frogs and snails, And puppy-dogs' tails; That's what little boys are made of. What are little girls made of? What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice, And all that's nice; That's what little girls are made of. You state : So atoms are formed from protons and neutrons, which are formed from quarks. and ask: But where do these quarks come from? What makes them? How do we know atoms are formed from protons and neutrons? We have deep inelastic scatterings which showed that the atoms have a hard core, so they are not a uniformly distributed matter. Then we have the periodic table of elements which organizes itself well counting protons and neutrons. How do we know that protons and neutrons are formed from quarks? We have the results from painstaking experiments that showed us once more that deep inelastic scattering shows a hard core inside the protons and neutrons. The study of the interaction products organized the particles and resonances into what is now called the standard model, a grouping in families that have a one to one correspondence with the hypothesis that the hadrons (protons neutrons resonances) are composed out of quarks. But not only. They also have gluons which hold the quarks together due to the strong interaction, and the gluons have been seen experimentally , again with scattering experiments. This is where we are now. The LHC is scattering protons on protons, i.e. quarks on quarks at much higher energies then ever before, and we are waiting for results. The theoretical interpretation called the Standard Model, so successful at lower energies presupposes that the quarks are elementary. Due to the gluon exchanges it is hard to see how a hard core might appear in quark quark scattering to take the onion one level lower, i.e. tell us that the quarks have a core. Even in neutrino quark scattering the gluons will interfere, if the SM theory is correct at high energies. At the moment there is no experimental indication that the quarks are not elementary. Nature though has surprised us before, and might do it again, once high energy lepton quark scattering experiments are designed and carried out in the future. Feynman I think had said: "to see what a watch is made of one does not throw one watch on another watch and count the gears flying off. One takes a screw driver". Leptons with their weak interactions are the equivalent of the screw driver. Quarks are probably not made of anything more fundamental. The idea that everything has to be made of something else is not true. Light is not made of anything else, neither is gravity. That atoms had internal stuff going on was obvious, because they are electrically neutral, and yet scatter light at definite magic frequencies. Neutrons and protons betrayed their non-elementary structure because of their magnetic moments and too-strong scattering at short distances. It is usually obvious when a particle is composite. The quarks, on the other hand, along with the electrons, light, gravity, and the gluons and W and Z bosons, are perfectly elementary, in the sense that their interactions are described well by a renormalizable quantum field theory. If they are not elementary, it is probably at a scale where they are revealed to be a string theory excitation, a quantum black hole. Models of composite standard model fermions were interesting because they could explain the phenomenon of generations, the repeating standard model families. But string theory gives a much more natural explanation of generations, in terms of the geometry of the compactification. There is no real motivation for substructure, even though people speculate. • $\begingroup$ @BT and Ron: I've moved the comments to a chat room, so if you two really want to keep going in this vein, do it there, but consider this a reminder that rudeness (as exemplified by a few of the moved comments) is not acceptable on this site. $\endgroup$ – David Z Aug 27, 2015 at 23:14 The standard mainstream answer is to consider them as fundamentals. Another standard, but not mainstream, answer is that we call generically "preons" to the hypothetical components of quarks and leptons. The most stablished -arguably- preon theory is Harari-Shupe, sometimes referred to as "rishon theory", but there are others. Without preons, string theory could be also an answer but not in the line of your question; quarks and leptons would be equivalent to some string states, so not "made of", but "same as". Similarly, in Kaluza Klein theory: the quarks and leptons are expected to be special states of the compactified theory. Of course, again, this is the mainstream. Theorists have also proposed models where the states are Rishons. The middle way, you could have the theories that propose to produce quarks and leptons out of geometry. These theories usually worry a lot about gravity. Last, you have the non-standard theories. I myself have one of them, the sBootstrap, and no doubt that some other people will intend to answer you by proposing their favourited theory. • $\begingroup$ While it is nice to have a name for the hypothetical constituents of quarks, the only useful purpose as yet is in sentence like "The experimental limit on the existence of preons...". To talk of an "established" theory in the absence of a hint of evidence is a little optimistic. $\endgroup$ Oct 22, 2011 at 18:15 • $\begingroup$ Downvoted: The only theories that you have mentioned that have any real support among physicists are the standard model and string theory. The standard mode considers quarks and leptons as elementary point particles with no constituents. String theory considers them as vibrating strings, again with no internal constituents. Everything else you mentioned is essentially only hypothetical speculation and not a true constructive serious physics theory that can make predictions. $\endgroup$ – FrankH Oct 22, 2011 at 18:59 • 1 $\begingroup$ Well, you may imagine that strings are made out of string bits, a construction popular with Charles Thorn who promoted it. Like beads in a chain, you may design their interactions so that their bound states will be physically equivalent to strings when you're finished. At any rate, the question isn't exactly deep. It's not always true that things are made out of something more fundamental and it's clear that when we get to the Planck (fundamental) scale (or before that), any further "compositeness out of new things" has to end because there can't be things smaller than the Planck scale. $\endgroup$ Oct 22, 2011 at 19:25 • $\begingroup$ Still, let's note that you can embed preon models in string theory. arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0409146 $\endgroup$ Oct 23, 2011 at 9:41 • 1 $\begingroup$ @FrankH, yep I say "not mainstream". I think my wording has been careful enough, but do the word "stablished" really induces such confusion, even with an "arguably" and a "not mainstream" remark in the same parragraph? Do you think that the answer is not useful? Also, I dont get how these theories are not constructive and not doing predictions. Are you confusing them with the ones I call "non-standard", usually not in refereed journals? $\endgroup$ – arivero Oct 23, 2011 at 12:49 First, let me emphasize that nobody knows what to expect for sure when we probe at smaller and smaller distances (or at higher energies) the until now as elementary considered elementary fields: the electron ($e^-$), the electron neutrino ($\nu_e$), the up-quark ($u^{\frac {+2}{3}},$), and the down-quark($d^{\frac{-1}{3}}$), together with their second and third generation, the massive $W^{+/-}$ and the $Z^0$ (the force carriers of the weak force), the Higgs (explaining mass), and the hypothetical superheavy X- and Y-bosons, which (according to the theory) enable the proton to decay, and have an electric charge of $+\frac{4}{3}$ resp. $+\frac{1}{3}$. A very plausible guess though is contained in Harari's Rishon theory (which already has been mentioned in a previous answer), which can account for all reactions between elementary fields (except the ones that involve the Higgs field). With only two elementary fields, the T-rishon, and the V-rishon, a preon theory can't get more economical (it's impossible to construct the until now known elementary fields out of just one field). This is certainly more elegant than the manifold of elementary particles which prevails nowadays. I name "elegance" because some physicists regard this as an argument in favor of new ideas (by the way, I don't). Other arguments in favor of this theory: • The decay of the proton is explained very easily: $uud (=p)→d\bar{d}(= \pi^0) + e^{+}$ $ u + u→ \bar{d}+e^+$ • The theory states that the amount of matter is equal to the amount of anti-matter • According to the Rishon theory, the weak force isn't a fundamental one, just like the "old" strong force that was once thought to be transmitted by the pion (to be compared with the $W^{+/-}$ or the $Z^0$) turned out to be a residual force, and the fundamental strong force is now known to be conveyed by massless gluons. The Higgs field(s) has no place in this theory, which seems a major throwback since they may have been discovered. It is said that because of this all elementary fields will have no mass. Both rishons are massless, but when they form bound states (the only state they can be in), then maybe the force (the one conveyed by hyper color gluons) between them is thát big that they can (despite the velocity of light they travel with) stay together and form massive fields. If so, what to do with the Higgs field? Well, maybe, in that case, we can use this economic theory to disproof the existence of this Goddamned particle field. Like I wrote in the comment below: To me, the Higgs-mechanism is a rather artificial construct and therefore I'm inclined to say that the evidence for the Higgs is contaminated. So one can use the Rishon theory to disproof the existence of the Higgs field. • 1 $\begingroup$ What is the evidence that the particle discovered was actually the Higgs boson? Has the Higgs interaction been observed perhaps or the vacuum expectation value directly measured? $\endgroup$ – safesphere Jan 17, 2019 at 5:26 • $\begingroup$ In the light of the Rishon theory, I'm inclined to say no, and that the proof for the Higgs exists only in the minds of those who adhere to the idea that a Higgs particle exists. To me, the Higgs-mechanism is a rather artificial construct and therefore I'm inclined to say that the evidence for the Higgs is contaminated. So one can use the Rishon theory to disproof the existence of the Higgs. $\endgroup$ Jan 17, 2019 at 8:10 • $\begingroup$ So no throwback. $\endgroup$ – safesphere Jan 17, 2019 at 8:14 • $\begingroup$ In my eyes, there is indeed no throwback (although I wrote it) because I'm convinced the theory is on the right track. $\endgroup$ Jan 17, 2019 at 8:19 • 1 $\begingroup$ The electroweak unification seems unnatural and problematic. The electromagnetic force is based on U(1) very clearly with nothing else needed. If the weak force theory cannot survive on its own, perhaps we just need a better weak theory instead of unification. And if we drop this unification, then perhaps it becomes clear that no unification of anything is needed at all. Forces can perfectly exist on their own without pretending to be distant relatives. $\endgroup$ – safesphere Jan 17, 2019 at 8:29 What are quarks made of? We don't know what quarks are made up of, it maybe that we've touched bottom here, or that further structure is yet to be uncovered. So far, the results of the LHC in uncovering further structure - apart from the discovery of the Higgs boson - has not been encouraging. It maybe that our current technological capability is simply not up to the mark. Recall, that classical mechanics was reinvigorated when Galileo looked through a telescope at the night sky, and the theory of black body radiation using the then thermodynamical theory of Boltzmann gave results at variance with experiment and prompted Planck's introduction of the atomic hypothesis into energy, ie the quantum hypothesis. It maybe we will simply have to wait for further technological ingenuity before we can properly address physics beyond the SM, and this by the looks of it, could be some wait. However, one of the main current contenders for explaining quarks is string theory; in fact, string theory first arose as a theory of the strong force as a kind of flux tube that connected quarks; it should be pointed out, as all the major practitioners of the theory caution, that this theory is highly speculative, as one ought to expect when we are so far away from a regime that is directly accessible to experiment.
Architecture Around The World: Analyzing The World’s Most Famous Buildings Every day we wake up and walk outside, we find ourselves surrounded by buildings. To us, they come off as nothing more than industrial structures, but underneath all the steel and metal is a work of art sculpted by an artist. These monumental buildings we take for granted every day are much more than the businesses and organizations that are held within them. The art of architecture is an age-old process that is continuously evolving and changing. With its developments comes more advanced structures that leave us in awe and steal our attention. Think of the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, even the Hoover Dam is a stunning work of architecture. But like any art form, some structures are masterpieces while others fall below expectations. Here are some structures that will defy the test of time. Financing With Style: The Awe-Inspiring Taipei 101 True to its name, the Taipei 101 is a 101 storied skyscraper with an additional five floors located underneath the surface. Crafted with a tasteful urban design, the Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan and was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. While construction began in 1999, the building wasn’t completed until 2004. Located at the southern end of the Xinyi District, the Taipei 101 was designed by C.Y Lee and Partners. The towering structure is a recognized symbol of Taipei city that brings in thousands of tourists every day. A designated tourist attraction, the Taipei 101 offers a breathtaking fireworks show every New Year’s Eve. This impressive show attracts people from all over the world, especially within neighboring countries like Japan and Singapore. The building is an international financial office that is clocked in as the tenth highest building in the world. A Monument Cemented In Time: The Rich And Complex History Of The Taj Mahal Deep within the confines of India rests the immaculate Taj Mahal. A prominent religious structure, the Taj Mahal was built from 1632 to 1653 by the infamous architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Millions of tourists flock to the structure from all over the world, an estimated eight million visiting the attraction in 2014. The building is regarded as a prominent example of Mughal architecture and is a universal symbol of India’s history and background. Warranted by Shah Jaran in 1631 in honor of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal has been cemented as a prominent monument in India. The building holds Mumtaz’s tomb and is surrounded by a mosque and a guest house. Mumtaz’s tomb has not been tailored or altered to this very day. Vacationing With Luxury: The World’s Finest Hotel Clocking in at 56 floors with 3 located below ground, the Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel centered in the city of Dubai. The hotel stands on an artificial island that is connected to the mainland by a curved bridge. The shape of the structure is designed to look like the sail of a ship or boat. Located on the top of the hotel is a helipad. Construction on the structure began in 1994 and was not completed until five years later, in 1999. The hotel’s estimated cost is just short of one billion dollars, making it one of the most expensive buildings in the world.
Literary Essay Example on The Old Man and the Sea Published: 2019-08-16 11:28:11 Literary Essay Example on The Old Man and the Sea Categories: Literature Ernest Hemingway Pages: 3 Wordcount: 621 words 6 min read What literary approach does the author take? The Old Man and the Sea: Story of a Common Man is a fictitious story. The author does not actually write of practical events that occurred during the time in mention but rather talks of mental imaginations thereby building mental stories. For instance, the idea that the Marlin pulls Santiagos boat for several days and nights is indeed pure fiction. What is the main idea/focus of the author of the criticism? The major focus of the author of the criticism is the honor that comes with the struggle, perseverance, defeat and eventual death. The author is in a manner of the idea that no struggle is worth giving up and regardless of the turmoil, people should learn to always hold on. Sometimes, good things come after significant perseverance, according to the author. Man is not made for defeat . . . man can be destroyed but not defeated. With what literary device(s) does the author use to support his/her position? The story is told of an aging old man who despite his bad luck on the sea, kept on trying until the day he finally managed to fish out a huge Marlin. The fight with sharks is also another element in the story meant to further build on the theme of struggle and perseverance. What are some of the details/facts that support the main idea of the authors criticism? The major literary devices used to support the authors argument are the various elements of fiction used in the story. For example, in the first paragraph, the author writes that Santiagos sail of cliff resembled the flag of permanent defeat. Similarly, Santiago was pulled around by the giant Marlin for several days and nights. The various fights with the sharks that kept on following him are also fictional, but meant to show the Santiagos determination to take his harvest home. These are elements of fictions that have been used to emphasize on the need for perseverance, especially when seeking fortunes. Annotated bibliography: The Old Man and the Sea Brenner, Gerry. The Old Man and the Sea: Story of a Common Man. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1991. Print. This is a text written by Brenner and Gerry analyzing the major themes in the text The Old Man and the Sea: Story of a Common Man. It can also serve as a study guide for initial readers. Ehms, Sanya. The Old Man and the Sea - Language, Nature and Dreams: Hemingway. Munchen: GRIN Verlag, 2010. Print This text is about the various stylistic devices such as use of language as well as the themes in the book. It is more of a thematic analysis of the original text. It also discusses the relationship between such themes and nature. Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1964. Print. This is the original text as written by Ernest Hemingway. Jobes, Katharine T. Twentieth Century Interpretations of the Old Man and Sea. Englewood Cliffs: N.J. Prentice-Hall, 1968. Print. This book presents vivid explanations explaining how different audiences interpreted the text in the twentieth century. It talks about the divergence views as held by different people about the text. Lichtenstein, Jesse, and Ernest Hemingway. The Old Man and the Sea: Ernest Hemingway. New York: Spark Pub, 2002. Print. This book is also another detailed analysis of the major themes in the original text. It mostly dwells on the symbol of dreams as used in the text. Valenti, Patricia D. Understanding the Old Man and the Sea: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2002. Print. This book is a readers guide that presents chapter by chapter interpretation and analysis of the entire novel. The book also discusses the themes, character characterization and use of language in the novel. Cite this page Literary Essay Example on The Old Man and the Sea. (2019, Aug 16). Retrieved from Request Removal didn't find image Liked this essay sample but need an original one? Hire a professional with VAST experience! 24/7 online support NO plagiarism
Laissez-Faire Leadership, Democratic and Autocratic Leadership Styles Laissez-Faire Leadership and other Leadership Styles In this article we are going to discuss Laissez-Faire Leadership and other styles of leaderships. People are born with several innate qualities, and on the top one can have the leadership quality. As, a powerful and effective leader persuade the people around to do the certain tasks in the desired manner. The leadership quality is not confined to the four walls of an organization only, but is widespread to every nook and corner of the life events and places be it in house or even in organizing a house warming party. In 1939, Kurt Lewin and his associate researchers identified different styles of leadership. The description of different styles of leadership is as follows: Laissez-Faire Leadership Photo by August de Richelieu on Types of Leadership Styles Democratic Leadership Style As the name is suggesting, this kind of leadership style build on the values of democracy, incorporating the essence of democratic values in true sense by the leader. Cooperative environment prevails throughout the environment, wherein all the members do cooperate with each other under the guidance of the leader. Moreover, in the decision making, all the members are being asked to contribute in their capacity, and also leader motivate the entire team to be share their ideas for better decision making. Besides this, people are encouraged as well as rewarded for their creativity and their contribution, this in turn level up their intrinsic motivation to work more efficiently. Adding to this, the importance of this type of the leadership style is being researched around the world, and found that this is the predictor of higher productivity and loyalty among the employees. Researchers’ Views on Leadership Styles Many researches have proven that the democratic leader possess specific traits i.e. honesty, intelligence, creativity, fairness, competence, courage etc. Good democratic leader also respects the individuality and give voice to every contribution of the members. Communication is understood as the main key in the organization by the leader, as a result all the group members feels involved and committed to the given tasks. On the other hand, certain cons are also associated with this type of leadership styles, such as non-clarity of roles and responsibility which may lead to the late completion of the tasks. Moreover, not all the members could be as skilled as required for the task, in that case also the quality contribution is questionable. Autocratic Leadership Style This leadership style is also known as “Leader-Centered Style” or “Authoritarian Style”. This style is also popularly considered as the opposite of democratic style as in this kind of leadership style the leader is supposed to be in center of all the matters belong to the organization, be it decision making or execution. The subordinates are not included in the planning phase nor their ideas are being valued by the leader. The leader is driven by the values of autocratic system, where the leader stands tall to the extent making himself/herself almost unavailable for the group members, thus one sided communication prevails in the environment. The leader practices the close and strict supervision of the subordinates on regular basis making it even more difficult to the workers to work independently and democratically. In addition to this, members are always being imposed with decision and drive through the fear and punishment. The autocratic leader wants to accomplish the task through the use of authority. Leadership Styles: Advantages and Disadvantages This leadership style also has certain pros and cons. Considering the pros of autocratic leadership style, quick decision making can be observed as the leader without consulting other has to take the decision, thus saving the time and also keeping the confidential matters secret. Adding to this, since the subordinates are always under close supervision of centralized authority so the chances of error are feeble. One most important benefit associated with this kind of leadership style is the need of less skilled workers at the bottom makes it more desirable by the organization as it seems most economic. However, many cons are also associated to it, as the subordinates are not the part of decision making, thus they remain uniformed about the task core requirement and the objective behind it. The person assigned with the responsibilities is being never consulted for the consent, thus making it most inhuman approach since they are being forced to follow the commands of the leader. By never being the part of planning, the subordinates’ creative minds remain unused which is the wastage of human resources. The success of any task entirely depends upon the skill set of the leader only, makes it a bit risky. To conclude, the most important con of this leadership style is that the human is not valued. Laissez-Faire Leadership Style The definition of laissez-faire, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is a “practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction.” This definition clearly indicates that in this type of leadership style, the leader remains unreasonably absent from the task planning as well as execution part, and leave all up to the employee just by assigning the tasks to them. Afterwards, no follow ups shall be made from the manager to the task assigned. The chances of success are more in this type of leadership style, only if the employees are self-motivated and are skilled to take care the tasks on their own. Additionally, the passion of employees creates the conducive environment which is essential for individual growth. Laissez-Faire Leadership Styles: Advantages and Disadvantages The benefits of this type of leadership style could only be counted if the manager is well aware of the potentiality of his/her team. Moreover, this type of leadership also empowers the employee, self-concept, confidence in turn improving the productivity overall. Besides this, in this kind of environment, the employees would be fully satisfied with their job as they get independence and recognition. However, few demerits can also be counted, such as, this type of leadership style won’t work if the employees are not knowledgeable, experienced, expert, or skilled, which is important to complete the tasks without any guidance of leader. In addition to this, the general human tendency is to not to be on toes until someone is supervising them to complete the project, which clearly lacks here. Thus, detachment of the leader from the group as well as tasks can result in less cohesiveness and also less commitment from the employees. Democratic Vs Autocratic Leadership Style Both the leadership styles are at extreme ends and are flip sides to each other. Following description will let you understand the difference between these two important leadership Styles environment. 1An environment of mutual trust exists An environment of mutual mistrust exists. 2Co-operative planning is encouraged Monopoly in planning is practiced. 3‘we’ feeling prevails in the environment. ‘I’ feeling prevails in the environment. 4discussion of the problems with the members and accepts the suggestions. Top authority does not accept any suggestion given by the other members. 5All the planning and program are flexible in nature which can be changed as per the interest and needStringent rules are observed as the norm in this type of environment 6Members contributions is encouraged and rewardedOnly the contribution of Leader is being appreciated 7Generally, productivity is high in this kind of environmentPeople feel less associated with the organisation, thus do not feel accountable for the task completion. Democratic Vs Autocratic Leadership Style Conclusion: Conclusively, leadership is one of the many important traits of the personality. By opting for an appropriate leadership style in true sense one can be a successful manager in every life event. One has to be precautious about the adoption of learning style, as much depends upon the human capital which an organization has. Keeping all the things in the centre, a leader can do wonder and truly can be a role model to the subordinates. Tags: Laissez-Faire Leadership, Laissez-Faire, Leadership styles- Laissez-Faire Leadership Read More: Excellent advice about Leadership qualities that you will want To Read! The Importance of Leadership In an Organization What is the Process of Democratic Leadership- A Complete Review Leadership Styles: Autocratic Leadership vs. Authoritarian Leadership 1 Comment Leave a Reply
Menu Home Check your return types when modeling in R Just a warning: double check your return types in R, especially when using different modeling packages. We consider ourselves pretty familiar with R. We have years of experience, many other programming languages to compare R to, and we have taken Hadley Wickham’s Master R Developer Workshop (highly recommended). We already knew R’s predict function is pretty idiosyncratic (takes different arguments per model type, returns different types depending on model and arguments, which is why we wrapped it in our Bad Bayes article). But here is unnecessarily nasty puzzle we ran into recently. d <- data.frame(x=1:10,y=(1:10)>=5) model <- lm(y~x,data=d) d$predLM <- predict(model,type='response') model <- gam(y~x,family=binomial,data=d) d$predGAM <- predict(model,type='response') ## Error in plot(performance(prediction(d$predGAM, d$y), "tpr", "fpr")) : ## error in evaluating the argument 'x' in selecting a method for ## function 'plot': Error in prediction(d$predGAM, d$y) : ## Format of predictions is invalid. It is a silly example, but one really wonders why the plot of the lm model works and the exact same code fails to plot the gam model. Now (as with most runtime bugs brought on by overly dynamic languages) we ran into this problem while in the middle doing something else (while doing data analysis, not while coding). So we were not in the right frame of mind to deduce the solution without further experiment. Now that we are calm we can try and look for the problem. The first step of effective debugging is to put aside what you had been working on and admit you are now debugging. So you write in your notebook what you had been trying to do, and temporarily clear that from your mind. Professor Norman Matloff describes debugging as: Finding your bug is a process of confirming the many things you believe are true, until you find one which is not true. What do we believe? We believe that d$predLM and d$predGAM should both give us a plot. So in some sense we believe they have the same structure. The superficially look to have the same structure: > print(d) x y predLM predGAM 1 1 FALSE -0.05454545 2.220446e-16 2 2 FALSE 0.09090909 2.220446e-16 3 3 FALSE 0.23636364 2.220446e-16 4 4 FALSE 0.38181818 2.085853e-10 5 5 TRUE 0.52727273 1.000000e+00 6 6 TRUE 0.67272727 1.000000e+00 7 7 TRUE 0.81818182 1.000000e+00 8 8 TRUE 0.96363636 1.000000e+00 9 9 TRUE 1.10909091 1.000000e+00 10 10 TRUE 1.25454545 1.000000e+00 Let’s look closer: > print(d$predLM) [1] -0.05454545 0.09090909 0.23636364 0.38181818 0.52727273 0.67272727 0.81818182 [8] 0.96363636 1.10909091 1.25454545 > print(d$predGAM) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2.220446e-16 2.220446e-16 2.220446e-16 2.085853e-10 1.000000e+00 1.000000e+00 1.000000e+00 8 9 10 1.000000e+00 1.000000e+00 1.000000e+00 That is weird, print formats them different. Let’s see what these items really are. > print(typeof(d$predGAM)) [1] "double" > print(typeof(d$predLM)) [1] "double" > print(class(d$predLM)) [1] "numeric" > print(class(d$predGAM)) [1] "array" > print(str(d$predLM)) num [1:10] -0.0545 0.0909 0.2364 0.3818 0.5273 ... > print(str(d$predGAM)) num [1:10(1d)] 2.22e-16 2.22e-16 2.22e-16 2.09e-10 1.00 ... - attr(*, "dimnames")=List of 1 ..$ : chr [1:10] "1" "2" "3" "4" ... Using all of typeof, class, and str (which we didn’t know about when we wrote Survive R) gives us the story. d$predGAM isn’t a vector in R’s specific peculiar sense of the word: > is.vector(d$predLM) [1] TRUE > is.vector(d$predGAM) Had we known to look, we could have found the problem in one step with str(d): > print(str(d)) 'data.frame': 10 obs. of 4 variables: $ x : int 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 $ predLM : num -0.0545 0.0909 0.2364 0.3818 0.5273 ... .. ..$ : chr "1" "2" "3" "4" ... R’s type system is strange. typeof returns what primitive type is used to implement the item at hand (in this case a vector of doubles). class returns what classes have been declared for this item. To computer scientist: d$predGAM is a double vector that has some additional attributes (such as the array class declaration and shape parameters). It would commonly be thought of as a derived or refined type of vector. The writers of mgcv were probably thinking in these terms and figured it is okay to return a more refined type than one would expect from the generic predict signature. This is how most object oriented languages work. It is hard to call this code incorrect when the help(predict) documentation (for the generic base-method) is: To R: d$predGAM is an array which is a class that is different than a double vector (though it is implemented in terms of a double vector, similar to C++’s idea of private or implementation inheritance). In R arrays support most of the same operations as vectors and can even interoperate with them (you can add an array to a vector). However, the ROCR package likely explicitly checked (at runtime) the types of its arguments. This is an actual correct instance of irony: an added type safety check (meant to defend against and give good error messages in the case of unexpected types) triggered an error on a type that probably could have quietly been used safely. (Note: in general I very much like such checks, they tend to cut down on errors and move detection of errors much closer to error origins- making debugging and maintenance much easier). The two packages failed to interoperate because they happened to have slightly incompatible (but likely each internally consistent) visions the R type system. A final question is: why didn’t stuffing the value into a data.frame coerce the types or get rid of some of the additional annotations? The reason is that in R data.frames are in fact lists of columns and they only appear to be two-dimensional row-oriented structures due to some clever over-riding of the two-dimensional [,] operator. Despite expectations data.frame columns are not always simple primitive vectors and can hold complex composite objects such as POSIXlt which would break a lot more code if it didn’t have a built-in conversion to numeric). Categories: Programming Rants Statistics Tagged as: 4 replies 1. That is awesome! Going to be using that A LOT, sorry I hadn’t thought to look for it yet. Thank you for both the package and the comment. 1. print(str(objectname)) is superfluous. str(objectname) is sufficient. str() does not return anything (that’s why you see NULL at the end). str() is used for its side effects (displaying the object structure in a console). %d bloggers like this:
Officials at the Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS) are working to solve a bit of a mystery. What caused a female pilot whale to strand on a beach on the island of Skye recently? Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme While the necropsy (an autopsy performed on an animal) is still underway, initial reports suggest the young whale had a violent run-in with some unexpected adversaries: bottlenose dolphins. According to SMASS, the whale appeared in good condition aside from having multiple, deep lacerations along her body. "These rake marks were spaced 10-12 millimetres apart, consistent with the spacing of dolphin teeth," the team explains. It's still too early to tell what happened on Skye, but is it even possible for dolphins to kill a pilot whale? Interestingly, the short answer is yes. The dolphins in Scottish waters are particularly large compared to their cousins elsewhere, and it's possible that a pod could have charged the whale, but as dolphin researcher Dr Justin Gregg explains, it's not a likely scenario. "I am not aware of reports of the death of a pilot whale being linked to bottlenose dolphin attacks," he says. "But bottlenose dolphins – especially the ones in the area where this stranding occurred – have been known to attack harbour porpoises and dolphin calves." Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme What makes this case a slightly befuddling is that unlike harbour porpoises, pilot whales are larger than bottlenose dolphins. "Most 'attacks' by bottlenose [dolphins] have focused on animals smaller than themselves," says Gregg, adding that it's possible the tooth rakes were caused during play, or only after the animal appeared injured to the dolphins. It could also be that the injuries were caused by fellow pilot whales, perhaps while trying to aid a struggling pod member. "It's too early to say how or why they occurred," he says. The animal's stomach revealed a mass of squid beaks and chyme (the fluid that moves through the intestines during digestion), suggesting the dolphin was healthy enough to hunt at least somewhat recently. "If the [full] necropsy reveals the kind of blunt force trauma and internal damage that are typical of bottlenose 'attacks' on other species, then that is more suggestive of the possibility that the bottlenose fatally injured the pilot whale," explains Gregg. "But even then it’s all quite speculative." These kinds of encounters are still poorly understood, but scientists believe they're likely the result of tussles over territory, competition for food or mating behaviour. The SMASS team will be running further tests, and quite literally digging deeper to get to the bottom of the mystery, looking for telltale signs like cracked ribs, muscle tearing, organ ruptures, deep tissue bruising and brain bleeds (yeah, dolphins are hardcore). We'll be updating you as news comes in, so watch this space. You can see some cetacean-on-cetacean carnage in these images of a harbour porpoise necropsy performed by the SMASS team. Scroll at your own risk; some might find the photographs disturbing. A bottlenose dolphin dwarfs the tiny harbour porpoise. Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme A dolphin jaw is used to check the tooth rakes. Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme Blubber bruising can be seen (here in dark red). Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme Cracked ribs caused by a bottlenose dolphin's impact. Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme The same bruising seen in the blubber reaches the inner layers of muscle. Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme The brain also showed areas of bleeding. ImageScottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme The liver, which typically is very smooth, was ruptured by the dolphin. Image: Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme Top header image: Alexandre Roux, Flickr
Myassignmenthelp submit now plagiarism checker Questions And Answers C++ Syntax C++ Programming Course Help, C++ Programming Help, C++ programming Questions C++ Lab #2 - Chapter #2 Become familiar with C++ syntax. Become familiar with calculations using C++ programming language. Become familiar with if statements. Instructions (10 points) : Please do the following question below. Use the following naming convention: [Name]_lab02.cpp Write a program that determines whether a meeting room is in violation of fire law regulations regarding the maximum room capacity.Obtain from the user: the maximum room capacity the number of people to attend the meeting. If the number of the people is less than or equal to the maximum room capacity announce that it is legal to hold the meeting tell how many additional people may legally attend. If the number of people exceeds the maximum room capacity announce that the meeting cannot be held as planned due to fire regulations tell how many people must be excluded to meet the fire regulations. Sample Output: Welcome the Fire Marshall Capacity App Please enter the maximum room capacity: 50 Please enter the number of people to attend the meeting: 45 It is legal to attend the meeting. 5 more people can still attend. Thank you for using the FMC App. Come Back Soon!
NHS looks to fund new brain surgery for deaf children nhs-england-logoNHS England has recently announced plans to fund innovative new brain surgery for children who are deaf. The surgery will allow them to experience hearing for the first time, and is set to be made routinely available. The Auditory Brainstem Implants (ABIs) surgery will be performed by two highly specialist teams at hospitals in Manchester and London on children aged five or under who are greatly deaf and unable to use conventional hearing aids or implants due to their cochlea or auditory nerve not developing properly. The highly complex procedure involves inserting a device directly into the brain to stimulate hearing pathways, bypassing the cochlea and auditory nerve that have not developed properly. After insertion, long-term support is crucial to help children learn to listen and understand new signals from their implant. This may be as simple as recognising their own name being called, but it may also involve understanding simple phrases. Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: “This truly life-changing surgery, which allows youngsters to hear their parents’ voices for the first time, will now be available across England for children who are deaf who have no other options. “As we put the NHS Long Term Plan into practice, the health service will continue to make the very latest, innovative treatments, like this, available to patients across the country along with world class care.” Approximately 15 children per year would be assessed for the auditory brainstem implantation and that about nine would go on to have the surgery, which costs around £60,000 per patient. Source: pharmatimes
How to balance hormones naturally Last Modified: 3/29/2021 hormone imbalance Hormones are chemical messengers created by the endocrine system that send critical messages through the body, assisting in the regulation of your body’s processes. Unfortunately, when those messengers aren’t functioning normally, they can significantly affect your mental, physical and emotional health. We asked Michele Helfgott, MD, PPG – Integrative Medicine, to elaborate on what a hormone imbalance could look like and the possible ways women can reset the condition naturally. What is a hormone imbalance? For women, a hormone imbalance can start as early as age 25 and can last until the age of 80. Usually, a hormone imbalance occurs when your female hormones, specifically estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DAGA and cortisol, are out of whack and unbalanced. For some women, this can look like mood changes, fatigue and hot flashes, while others may experience night sweats, sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, changes in their menstrual cycle and even weight gain. These imbalances can also happen to teenagers. Many may think they are too young, but if they experience some of the issues I mentioned, it could be due to a hormonal imbalance. What are some warning signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance? Some definite warning signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance could include those I mentioned previously. With that said, it’s also important to understand that the thyroid plays a significant role. While the thyroid is not a hormone, it does produce hormones. So, if you are experiencing a thyroid imbalance, you might also see some of the following: Moreover, my mentor used to talk about a hormone symphony, which means there is a relationship between the thyroid, cortisol and female hormones. If there isn’t a balance between all three, often, women will experience the symptoms we’re discussing. What are the common culprits of a hormone imbalance? When women, especially those in their 20s and 30s, start their families, they tend to put themselves last. They have a hard time balancing it all. Often, they are busy doing everything for their children and work and forget to take care of themselves. Usually, they aren’t eating healthy, are skipping meals, not exercising and are highly stressed, which often can lead to a hormone imbalance. Remember I told you about the symphony? It’s like you have the violin and the piano, but you don’t have the trombone. You have instruments missing, so the symphony isn’t going to run smoothly or sound as good as it usually would if everything was there. It won’t work. What does this mean? Well, when your stress hormones are all over the place, your thyroid will become low functioning because it’s trying to make up for what the stress hormones are doing. This leads to changes in your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, leading to those imbalance symptoms. For this reason, it’s crucial to find balance. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, take an hour for yourself at some point in the day, eat healthily and don’t skip meals. Furthermore, I want people to understand that stress isn’t just emotional but can manifest in many forms. Women don’t realize it, but stress can also look like: • constipation • headaches • poor nutrition • skipping meals • inhaling food • less than seven hours of sleep a night • sitting too much • not moving enough You might think it’s crazy, but let’s look at an example. You’re not sleeping at night or eating right, so you find it hard to get through the day. Because of this sluggishness, you start drinking more coffee or soda. That keeps you going for a while, but it’s also causing issues with your bowels, making constipation or your stomach worse. Before you know it, you’re gaining weight and even having to deal with prediabetes. Everything is interconnected. Our lifestyles are a big culprit too and could be another form of stress. Think about it. We don’t have time to eat right. We are so busy and often shovel our food in, inhaling it to quickly move to the next task in our daily routine. It’s a stress you don’t think about or realize is even happening, but it’s important to sit down, savor and eat nutritious food. Bottom line, you might not feel stressed, and everything in your life may be going well, but it’s essential to take a step back and perform an inventory of the stressors in your life. You might be surprised to find that there are things you need to work on. We all need to take the time to invest in ourselves and our health. Finding a balance is key. What are the best ways someone can balance their hormones naturally? Nutrition is huge! For example, if you said to me, “Dr. Helfgott, if I could only do one thing to balance my hormones, what would it be?” I would tell you time and time again, it’s eating right. For example, I have many women come to me because they have hot flashes and night sweats. Many of them are in their 40s, so they think they are going through menopause, but in reality, more than half of these women’s hot flashes and night sweats are due to sugar, drinking wine, skipping meals, etc. Eating the white hazards – those refined, high glycemic simple carbohydrates such as white potatoes, white rice, white flour, sugar and sweets – can cause those issues. Now, I’m not saying you can’t have wine once in a while, but that does not mean once a week. Instead, it’s maybe once a month. By making these adjustments, eliminating the white hazards, not skipping meals (this does not include intermittent fasting) and reducing their alcohol consumption, many women find their hot flashes go away. The other two ways I recommend my patients naturally balance their hormones are getting enough sleep and managing the stress in their lives. Often, they don’t need hormones. They need to make some lifestyle modifications to balance everything out again. If symptoms don't resolve naturally, what should someone do next? If, after making the suggested lifestyle changes regarding sleep, nutrition and stress, they are still experiencing symptoms, then they should see their primary care provider to discuss their thyroid, hormones and cortisol levels. Once you get the conversation started, you should also speak to your physician about having your thyroid and hormones tested, specifically your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol levels. For further evaluation, you could also see an integrative medicine provider for those tests as well as an evidence-based, personalized care plan to help balance your hormones. Final thoughts Don’t wait. Start working on these things now. I want all women to remember not to feel guilty if they’re putting themselves first. Take that half-hour to sit or walk outside. Maintaining your health and well-being is just as important as maintaining that of your family. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Integrative Medicine office at 260-672-6590. For more about the services we offer, please fill out our request form, and one of our care team members will contact you with more information. Need assistance? Contact us
The Philippine Star What the Philippines can learn from the US elections - By ANDRES D. BAUTISTA Andres D. Bautista served as the chairman of the Commission on Elections from 2015 to 2017. An earlier article discussed Philippine election practices observed in the 2020 US election. As we prepare for our own May 2022 presidential elections, let’s flip the question and analyze what lessons can be gleaned from the recent US elections and potentially applicable to our forthcoming electoral exercise. Unlike the Philippines where a national commission on elections oversees the entire process, elections in the US are regulated on a state-by-state basis. While the Philippines is politically subdivided into regions, provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, each US state is made up of counties, cities and towns. The Philippines uses a voting system for the entire country while each state (and even each county) administers its own election system in accordance with state law. Parenthetically, there are approximately 3,000 counties nationwide with Los Angeles county in California as the largest in the US with a population of over 10 million. At the end of the day, every functioning democracy pursues two basic objectives in its elections: a) get as many citizens to participate and vote; and b) ensure that each vote is accurately counted. Absentee voting Simply put, the system of absentee voting does not require a citizen to personally vote on Election Day. Instead, the voter is given various options on how, when and where to vote. 1. How to vote In general, Americans have the choice to either: a) vote in-person; b) drop their absentee ballots in the polling centers and/or designated secure ballot boxes (sometimes referred to as “drive thru” voting; or c) mail back their ballots. 2. When to vote Aside from the traditional option of voting on Election Day, Americans were given several weeks before Election Day to visit polling centers to cast their votes (“early voting”). Ballots that were mailed back had to be post marked by a certain deadline. 3. Where to vote Since the voter list was computerized, a voter was given the option to vote in any polling center located in the county. Comfortable, convenient and safe venues such as community centers, public libraries and church reception areas were used as polling centers. In contrast, with limited exceptions granted to overseas Filipinos, the armed forces and members of the media, a Philippine citizen can only vote in person on Election Day, which is constitutionally directed to be the second Monday of May. Moreover, Philippine public schools serve as the main polling centers which, given limited public resources, do not have the facilities to comfortably accommodate the droves of voters on election day. Postal voting Postal voting is one of the forms of absentee voting. For months preceding the November election, President Trump consistently criticized the system of mail-in voting even if he availed of an absentee ballot in Florida. What he was actually railing about was the system of certain states (Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Colorado and Utah) which mailed ballots to all of their registered voters whether or not they had requested for one (“All postal voting”). His main criticism was these ballots could be used by voters other than those they were intended for. Yet US studies have shown that incidents of double voting or voter fraud were uncommon. With COVID-19 pandemic raging in the US, states were looking for safe and secure ways for their voters to cast their ballots. Mailing in ballots and using ballot drop boxes were obviously safer alternatives, particularly for the elderly and persons with pre-existing conditions. So aside from the five states enumerated above, other states including California, New Jersey, Georgia sent ballots to all of their registered voters. Best practices I observed the voting process in Fulton County, Georgia. The masked, socially-distanced voter entered the polling center and presented an identification card at the reception. The voter signed an acknowledgment not to use an absentee ballot under penalty of law. The voter was then directed to one of the touch screen direct-recording electronic (DRE) terminals. The voter entered her choices and was then allowed to review the selections before printing the filled ballot. The voter also had an opportunity to review the printed ballot before inserting it in an optical scanning machine (OSM) which was similar to the device the Philippines has used in its automated elections. The voter then received a message that the ballot had been accepted. Unlike in the Philippines, the voter left the polling center without getting a receipt of the candidates voted for. This combination DRE and OSM system is the current gold standard in terms of accuracy and security. The voter’s choices are recorded in both the computer terminal and the scanner. This system is easier to conduct an audit and far less susceptible to vote-rigging. Unfortunately, given current Philippine conditions, a system of absentee voting similar to the US is not workable. First, our postal service is not equipped to deliver and pick up mail on time. Its unreliability could lead to lost ballots and unintended vote suppression. Second, the system, without proper safeguards, is open to abuse by unscrupulous politicians who could exploit the unused ballots for their benefit. Issues dealing with identity theft or the dead voting may resurrect. Third, the system may lend itself to and only encourage vote buying, which is already prevalent in our elections. To recap, what are the ideas that can be transplanted in the Philippine context for the May 2022 elections? Consider the possibility of early voting to give the voters more opportunities to vote. Utilize more convenient and accessible polling centers such as malls and other private establishments not just for voting but for registration purposes as well. And given our computerized voters’ list, allow the voter the option to vote in any precinct located within the city or municipality. Newspapers in English Newspapers from Philippines
Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) and Sleep Apnea • 07 Jun 2022 • 7 Minutes to read • Contributors • Dark Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) and Sleep Apnea • Dark By Anh - Licensed Practical Nurse Sleep Apnea and AFIB Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects millions of people all around the world. Sleep apnea is when you have pauses of breathing in the night, which may be caused by obstructions in the airway or disturbances in the brain’s respiratory center. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when you have a physical obstruction, which may be caused by your tongue falling back and blocking your airway (especially for back sleepers). Another example of a physical obstruction is when the tissues in your neck relax to a point where your airway collapses temporarily. Your body should then send a signal to your brain which will trigger a breath to open your airway up again. Sometimes this may wake you up completely or result in a lighter level of sleep where you’re not in a paralysis state. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) is a type of heart arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is when the heart quivers or beats either too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. The problem with AFIB is that when you’re having an episode, blood can pool in the upper left atrium of the heart. This could lead to a blood clot forming, and if it were to dislodge, it could enter the bloodstream and into the brain, potentially causing a stroke. Patients who have AFIB unfortunately have a higher stroke risk, upwards of 5 times higher than someone who does not have AFIB. Some common symptoms of AFIB include: • Chest discomfort, including pain or pressure • General fatigue • Irregular heart beat, which may be rapid, irregular, or have a fluttering or pounding sensation • Dizziness • Fatigue from exerting yourself, such as exercising • Feeling faint or confused • Anxiety with shortness of breath. Studies have shown that about 50% of the time people with AFIB also have sleep apnea. People who have sleep apnea are 4x more likely to develop AFIB if left untreated. The correlation appears to be the strain/stress on the heart from the sleep apnea, which can eventually confuse your heart into beating irregularly at random points during the day, leading to AFIB. Sleep Apnea and Your Heart Sleep apnea itself already causes a lot of stress and strain on your heart. Let’s dive into the actual process a little bit. Let’s say someone with sleep apnea sleeps on their back and then their tongue falls back and blocks their airway. When you are in REM sleep, for example, your body is in a paralysis state. This is so you don’t act out your dreams. What we see happen next is the airway is cut off and no new oxygen is coming in, so the body will conserve the oxygen already in the bloodstream. The heart does this by slowing the heart rate so that oxygen is not depleted quite as fast. Once your oxygen levels get down to a certain point, your body will react by putting you in a fight or flight response. Your body has to sort of wake you up into a lighter level of sleep where you’re no longer in the paralysis state, or wake you up completely so that you initiate a breath again. This is why many people with sleep apnea are restless at night, often rolling around or moving a lot during the night. They may also wake up at certain times, or more frequently, at night. Some people complain they wake up 3-4 times during the night to use the washroom, but don’t have much to empty in their bladder. This is likely because the sleep apnea wakes them up, and they go to the washroom to empty their bladder anyway since they are awake. This can be confusing to some people as many may think they have a urinary issue as opposed to sleep apnea. Testing for Sleep Apnea Reveals Heart Stress When testing for sleep apnea, you can actually see the stress on your heart as well. When someone has an apnea, clinicians can usually pinpoint when it happens. We often see a drop in oxygen saturation and heart rate and then a sudden spike in heart rate and increase in oxygen saturation. If this happens multiple times in the course of the night, it is easier for clinicians to gauge how severe the sleep apnea is. If more moderate or severe, we often see a saw toothing pattern on the tracings. The heart beat now fluctuates from low to high in a very short period of time, when your heart should actually be generally slower and more relaxed at night. It’s as if you were doing interval training in your sleep. Patients who are suspected to have AFIB are initially sent home with a Holter monitor to wear for 24 hours to help physicians determine what could be triggering the AFIB and when it occurs. If you have sleep apnea and AFIB, your risk for stroke is much higher, so it is important to know the warning signs of a stroke. A group of emergency medical professionals in the UK developed the acronym “FAST” to help detect if someone is having a stroke: • Facial drooping – does it look like one side of the face is numb or drooping? Have the person try to smile to see if part of their face is drooping • Arm weakness – does one of your arms feel numb or weak? Try to raise both arms. Does one arm start to fall or drift downward • Speech difficulty/dysphasia – is the person slurring their speech, are they unable to voice their concerns, are they difficult to understand? Try having them repeat sentences and see if they are repeated correctly • Time to call 911 Treatment Options Treatment of OSA is very important if you are diagnosed with AFIB, but there are other procedures that are used to help “reset” your heart rhythm. Initially patients are often placed on a blood thinner to prevent blood clots. Cardioversion and Cardiac Ablation are two popular treatments used to treat AFIB. Electrical Cardioversion is a procedure in which you will receive a sedative, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure, and two paddles will be used to provide an electrical shock to your heart. The physician may apply both paddles to your chest, or one to your chest and the other to your back. The shock often lasts less than a second, and should be enough to restart your heart rhythm. Most people only need one treatment, but some will need multiple treatments in one session. In most cases, patients will wake up without remembering any sort of shock occurring. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. After the procedure, you will stay in recovery while a nurse makes sure there are no adverse effects from the treatment. Most people go home the same day. Some patients will feel discomfort or irritation where the paddles were applied. Someone should be with you for 24 hours following the procedure to also monitor for any abnormalities. Cardiac Ablation is a procedure which is used to reset or correct the heart rhythm. Any disruption in the pathway signals can trigger arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat). The procedure generally starts with a sedative being administered intravenously. Depending on your current health condition, the procedure may be done when you’re awake/semi-awake to fully asleep. A catheter is inserted by a physician through your blood vessel leading to the heart. Most commonly, the physician uses the blood vessel in your groin as point of access, but less rarely, this can be your shoulder or neck, as well. Sometimes dye is injected, which makes it easier to see the blood vessels on an XRAY image. The tips of the catheters that are inserted have sensors which can send electrical impulses to your heart and also record the current pattern. This information is used to help the physician identify the area of concern and where to apply the ablation. There are two forms of techniques that will be used, which we will refer to as Heat or Cold. The heat method is referred to as radiofrequency energy, and the cold method is cryoablation. The procedure itself usually lasts 3-6 hours, but the duration may vary. You will likely have to stay in bed for at least 2-6 hours to decrease the risk of bleeding. Neither of these treatments is a guarantee that your heart will stay at a more normal heart rhythm indefinitely. In some cases, patients will have to undergo a treatment multiple times. That being said, treatments can sometimes be frequent but also years apart. Some patients have a single treatment and do not need another one for a very long time, if at all. It is important to monitor your health and follow up with your physician as needed. Treating these conditions early could very well prevent the worsening of your current health conditions and lower the risk of developing other cardiac conditions. You could even prevent a heart attack or stroke, which is very important. If you have Sleep Apnea and AFIB, please make sure you use your CPAP every night, as this will help your heart better relax during the night. If you have questions about your therapy or need to replace your machine, please let us know. We are here to help. Was this article helpful?
To Every Man an Answer (Genesis 1:29-31) Andy Woods September 6, 2020 We’re at the very beginning of the Book of Beginnings. The first part of Genesis that we’re just beginning to look at is the beginning of the human race, and the first subsection there is the work that God did in Creation. Genesis chapter 1 is an overview of God’s creative work in the six days of Creation. We have seen Genesis 1:1: original Creation being brought into existence by the handiwork of God. We’ve seen in Genesis 1:2: that original Creation in its unfilled and unformed state. Nothing is necessarily wrong with Creation; it just hadn’t been shaped and populated. As we’ve tried to describe it, it’s like a lump of clay on a potter’s wheel. There’s nothing wrong with the clay; it’s just a matter of expectation—how the potter is going to shape or mold that clay. Then, in verse 3 all the way through the end of chapter 1, what we have is the Creation week itself—God shaping and molding Creation. It’s like an empty canvas. What’s the painter going to do with this canvas? It’s like a lump of clay. How is that clay going to be shaped into something beautiful? And that’s what God begins to do in the Creation week. We have seen Day One: light comes into existence. Day Two: water and sky come into existence. Day Three: land and vegetation come into existence. It’s interesting that Day Four parallels Day One, Day Five parallels Day Two, and Day Six parallels Day Three. Because in Days Four, Five, and Six, God is no longer shaping but He’s populating. Days One, Two, and Three? Shaping. Days Four, Five, and Six? Populating. Day One—light comes into existence. Day Four—God continues the light through the luminaries—the sun and the moon and the stars. Day Two—water and sky come into existence. On Day Five God fills the water with sea animals and He fills the sky with birds. Day Six parallels Day Three because on Day Three land comes into existence—it comes up out of the water. On Day Six, God is putting land animals on the land. Then, the pinnacle of His creation—humanity—He’s putting on the land as well. The last time we were together we were studying Day Six of Creation. I want to return, just for a minute, to verses 26-28. Those verses are so pivotal, and they are so important towards understanding what has been lost in our culture today. So what we begin to see here is man is different than any other thing that God has made. He is unique. He is special because he bears the very likeness and image of God. And in our world where evolution is taught so dogmatically, what people are being told is that they are nothing more than naked apes—evolved animals. The fact of the matter is the Bible could not be more clear that such a sentiment is completely wrong. Man is different than the animals. He’s higher than the animals for the simple reason that he bears God’s image and the animals do not. I can say here, categorically, that human life in the eyes of God has more value than animal life. Jesus made this statement in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:26. He says, “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” He’s arguing there from the lesser to the greater, “Why are you worried about finances? Why are you worried about money? Why are you worried about provision? Why are you worried about shelter? I mean, doesn’t God do a good job taking care of the very birds? If that’s true, won’t He do even more for you since you are more valuable—as a human being—than they?” Why would He say that? Because human beings are different in the sense that they bear God’s image. In Matthew 12:11-12 Jesus is speaking. “And He said to them, ‘What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.’ ” Jesus did something there in the New Testament that defied the religious restrictions of the Pharisees. He actually healed a man on the Sabbath. What an outrageous thing to do! How audacious of Jesus to do that on the Sabbath. And Jesus, when He was criticized for this, turns the argument around. He says, “Don’t you pull your sheep out of the ditch on a Sabbath?” Apparently that was a common practice in Israel; people did that all of the time. “If you take care of an animal on the Sabbath, why do you have any problem with Me healing a person on the Sabbath since a person is more valuable than an animal.” Why would He make that value judgment? Because human beings are unique amongst God’s creatures—they bear God’s image. You see, you might be here today or listening thinking that your life is insignificant. You might be thinking that your life doesn’t count. You might be thinking that God is not really looking out for you or God doesn’t love you. And the fact of the matter is nothing could be further from the truth. Because you share in humanity you are the pinnacle of God’s Creation. It’s why Jesus died on the Cross to restore us to Himself—humans have value—humans are precious to God. We have entered into a time in American history where we have embraced the concept of “quality of life.” “People have value,” we think, “because of what they can do or what their skill set is or what their level of talent is or what they can produce or if they’re employed.” We think that people are valuable if they have those attributes. And those that don’t—those that just take up space so to speak—somehow lose their value. That is a mindset called “quality of life.” I’ve made reference to this before. This is a quote from Richard Lamm, former Governor of Colorado. This is what he said on March 28, 1984. Quoting the referenced New York Times article dated March 29, 1984, “Elderly people who are terminally ill have a ‘duty to die and get out of the way’ instead of trying to prolong their lives by artificial means, Governor Richard D. Lamm of Colorado said Tuesday. People who die without having life artificially extended are similar to ‘leaves falling off a tree and forming humus for the other plants to grow up,’ the Governor told a meeting of the Colorado Health Lawyers Association at St. Joseph’s Hospital. ‘You’ve got a duty to die and get out of the way,’ said the 48-year-old Governor. ‘Let the others in society, our kids, build a reasonable life.’ ” This is what you call a “quality-of-life” mindset. He’s obviously very down on the elderly. Apparently, what he is saying here is the elderly just need to get out of the way—they are holding up society. They have a duty to die and make room for people that are productive. This is what you call “quality of life”—you evaluate people based on what they can do, what they can produce, whether they’re employable or productive or healthy. But once they lose those abilities, they suddenly lose their value. That’s what you call “quality of life.” It’s very interesting to me if you do the math on this. He made the statement as a 48-year-old in 1984. How old is he today in 2020? If you go to his Wikipedia page, he would be 85 years old. I wonder if he still stands by the statement he made in 1984? The fact of the matter is the Bible knows no such doctrine of quality-of-life. What the Bible teaches is the sanctity of life. This is what is being lost in society. This is what is being lost in culture. A lot of it is evolutionary. If we are exactly the same as the animals, if I can go to the Houston Zoo and visit my great, great, great grandpa in the orangutan’s cage, then I’m nothing more than a naked ape and I really don’t have any value. The Bible on the first page is saying that’s nonsensical—that’s outside the parameters of God. God says all human beings are valuable—period. It doesn’t matter how wealthy they are. It doesn’t matter how much money they have. It doesn’t matter if they have teeth or don’t have teeth. It doesn’t matter if they salivate and spit all over you when they talk. It doesn’t matter if they’re homeless and have alcohol over their breath. The Bible teaches on page 1 the concept not of the quality of life but the sanctity of life. And I do fear that we’re losing this very aggressively in American society. There is a war on the elderly. There is a war on the pre-born. The war on the unborn you know about already through abortion, but there is also a war on the elderly. The only difference between the elderly and the unborn is the elderly are outside of the womb and they can organize politically to stop it. The pre-born (or the unborn) don’t have that luxury. You know, it’s interesting. My daughter and I try to read through a chapter of the Bible every evening. We’re currently in the Book of Deuteronomy. We just came to Deuteronomy 28:49-50 where God says He will bring a pagan nation against Israel because of discipline. And when God describes that pagan nation, He describes it as follows: “They will show no respect for the young or the old.” The young and the old in paganism are expendable because paganism is characterized by not sanctity of life—which is what Scripture teaches—but quality-of-life. May God help us understand the time period that we’re living in; there is an actual price that a culture pays for abandoning the truths of God’s Word on page 1. It says in Acts 17:26 concerning Creation, Paul speaking, “and He [that’s God] made from one man [that would be Adam] every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.” You notice that humanity comes from one man: Adam. The big talk today in society is the issue of race. And this has been particularly compounded with the death of George Floyd—what I would consider—most would consider—to be a tragic death. The issue of race and race relations is now front and center. Almost every talk show, every panel on cable TV, somehow gets embroiled in this discussion about race. The fact of the matter is your Bible says something about race. What it says (Acts 17:26) is there’s one race: the human race! Why is that? Because all of us as human beings descend from Adam. Therefore, all of us are what? Image bearers of God. The pigmentation and color of one’s skin, then, becomes somewhat irrelevant, doesn’t it? Since we all share the same lineage, going back to Adam, since we all share in the fact that we are manufactured and made in the likeness of God, it is completely unethical, it is completely immoral, for one race to see itself as superior to another race. It is immoral for one race to subjugate another race. Now that’s not front page news; that’s just basic Bible reading from Genesis chapter 1. And it is very interesting to me that those who hate Christianity somehow want to blame Christianity for racism. It’s a mindset and it’s a mentality that I don’t understand at all. Christianity is the greatest attack against racism that you could ever have! Because it teaches in Acts 17:26 that we are all descendants of one man. Who? Every nation of mankind: color, creed, nationality, ethnicity. It doesn’t matter as far as God is concerned. All of us—regardless—are manufactured and made in God’s image. And I believe, historically, the greatest advocates against racism, against slavery, were people who believed the Bible on page 1. One such man you might think of is a man named William Wilberforce. Wilberforce used his position in parliament repeatedly to speak out against the slave trade. There is actually a movie that you can watch about the life of William Wilberforce—how he, through great perseverance, finally got the slave trade abolished. Why would he do that? It was his beliefs in the Bible that caused him to do that! It was his beliefs in Christianity that caused him to do that! It was his convictions as an evangelical Christian, due to reading Genesis 1. God—on page 1—says all human beings are bearers of the image of God. Charles Darwin wrote a book in 1859. Charles Darwin, I believe, is one of the seven men that rule the world from the grave in the sense that he left a legacy of evil that far transcended his own life span. And most people, when they see a subsequent addition of Charles Darwin’s book, know the title very well, 1859. It’s called On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection. Did you know that’s not even the title of Charles Darwin’s book? That’s not even the full title. What, then, is the full title of the book? You’ve got to go back to the original edition to see it because the subsequent part that I want to share with you very quickly here is clipped out of modern day editions. What is Darwin’s original book called? It’s called On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection… Everybody stops there. But look at the rest of it. …On the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. What in the world is he talking about with “the favored races”? He’s talking about a worldview that rejects Genesis chapter 1 and says that we all came from the animal kingdom—from the goo to you via the zoo over billions of years—Darwinism. It’s what is dogmatically taught in all of our classrooms today. In fact, you can’t even introduce today scientific data that might contradict this. And what I want you to understand is that philosophy is racist at its absolute core! Why is that? Because once you believe evolution and reject Genesis 1, then you can say the following. “One race has evolved more than the other. The white race is more sophisticated than the black race. The white race is better at mathematics than the black race. The white race is better at language or social skills than the black race.” Why is that? “Because the black race is not evolved as highly as the white race. Therefore, the black race is inferior to the white race.” Evolution opens the door for that! In fact, I would challenge you to watch the video by Ben Stein, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. He is tracking in this particular video—it’s 13 years old—how evolution has come into the public square and how you cannot ever contradict it, or your career is destroyed instantaneously. If you happen to be a professor of one of the sciences in the Universities, your grants dry up. Your tenured position disappears. Your career track disappears—simply for articulating anything that would contradict evolutionary dogma. It’s very interesting. At the end of this particular movie Ben Stein quotes people in the third Reich, or people that have studied Hitler’s Third Reich. The Third Reich, as you know, was a horrific movement that took Jewish people and placed them in concentration camps, exterminated them—6 million of them. How could a culture ever do something like that? In fact, I’ve actually been to Dachau. This was before the movie Schindler’s List had even come on the scene. I was escorted into the showers where the Nazis would bring the Jews off of these cattle cars. They would tell the Jews to “Run down the hill. Run into the room and receive a shower.” And they would be running, panting, breathing, going into the shower room expecting moisture to come out of it. The Nazis would turn on the poisonous gas as the Jews were panting and trying to catch their breath from the run. It’s eerie to walk through a place like that where so many people were exterminated. My point is that the ideas that went into Nazi Germany were developed long in advance through evolution. The Ben Stein movie brings us out very well as it interviews scholars and historians of that time period. The Nazis had convinced everyone that, “The Aryan race is more highly evolved in the Jewish race. Therefore, the Jewish race is in the way of progress.” And anybody that has a racist bone in their body is not going to gravitate towards creationism. They are not going to gravitate towards Acts 17:26 which refutes that, because it says there’s one race—the human race—all of us descending from Adam, all of us bearing God’s image regardless of pigmentation of skin. That belief is discarded. You have to move into an intellectual model of evolutionary thought, and once that door is open you can say, “Our race is more important than yours!” Why? “Because we are higher on the evolutionary scale than you are (people of a different skin color or pigmentation).” I’m telling you, folks, Darwinism is one of the most wicked, it’s one of the most diabolical, it’s one of the most evil things that has ever been unleashed on the human race. I would challenge you to go get the book by Henry Morris, the great creation scientist, entitled The Long War Against God. In The Long War Against God Morris doesn’t talk about the scientific problems with evolution; he does that and other books. But here he talks about the cultural and the sociological impact of evolution, how Darwinism can be linked to Nazi-ism for reasons I’ve tried to explain, as well as how Darwinism can be linked to communism. Are you aware of the fact that Karl Marx dedicated one of his volumes, Das Kapital, to Charles Darwin? I mean, why in the world would Karl Marx dedicate one of his volumes to Charles Darwin? Karl Marx, who unleashed communism on the world, killing countless millions of people in the 20th century, why the world would he do that? Because communism comes from the idea that God doesn’t exist! And if God doesn’t exist, then how do you explain Creation without a Creator? Well, Charles Darwin solved that: “We evolved over billions of years through random processes.” And Karl Marx said, “This is great. In fact, this is so great, as I’m constructing my diabolical theory of Marxism and communism, I’m going to dedicate one of my chief volumes, Das Kapital, to Charles Darwin.” This is the part of the formula that most people don’t think through. Darwinism is racist at its absolute foundation! Christianity cannot be because of what we just read in Genesis 1:26-28. What was early man to eat, exactly? It is very clear here: plant, tree, fruit. I don’t see any existence of a sirloin steak there, do you? The fact of the matter is early man was not carnivorous; he was herbivorous. He was vegetarian by the design of God. Now, why is that? Because when God created the heavens and the earth and the Garden of Eden, He designed a world where death didn’t exist. Death never existed in the world God originally designed. That’s why God said to our forebears, “The day you eat from the forbidden tree is the day you will surely what?” Die. That’s where death comes into the picture. Speaking of the consequences of that sin, Genesis 3:19 says, “ ‘By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.’ ” Now, as I like to say, you might not believe this is true until you go to your high school reunion and you can’t recognize a person in the room anymore. Even that real cute girl or guy that you had such a crush on you? See them and you say, “Well, thank You, Lord, for unanswered prayers! Thank You that I never married that person!” Because the body is in a state of decaying; it’s in a state of death. It’s going right back to the dirt from which it came. God never designed the world that way. That has to do with the consequences and ramifications of sin. That is why, when God originally designed the world, He specifically told Adam and Eve that they were to eat of the trees and the fruit and the plants. There were no animals being killed. Because if an animal was killed to create a sirloin steak, that would be death, wouldn’t it? An animal would die. That’s why, when you get to Genesis 3:21, after sin had happened, God kills an animal. He took the garments of skin from that animal and He clothed Adam and Eve. And I believe that was one of the most shocking things that they had ever seen up to that point in time. Because they didn’t even know what death was; they had no concept of it. God was showing them, “This is the price of your sin. The price of your sin will be the death of a substitute.” Now, what did the poor animal do wrong? Nothing—that’s the point. “The animal is an innocent substitute that I will use to clothe the sin of Adam and Eve.” That was shock jock stuff! That no doubt convicted them, or unsettled them, or startled them to the absolute core of their being because you’re dealing with people who don’t even know what death is. And that’s the significance of them eating plants, and trees, and fruit, etc. Now, I love the Longhorn Steakhouse just like you do. So should we feel guilty about having a hamburger for lunch? Well, you get your hamburger not in Genesis 1; you get in Genesis 9. Because in Genesis 9:3, following the Flood, God says, “ ‘Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant.’ ” Now eating from the green plant (herbivorous) and eating meat (carnivorous) are equated and God gives humanity permission to do that. See, this is why it pays to be a dispensationalist. Can I use the D word? A dispensationalist. The word dispensation just means rules—that God, throughout the Bible, changes the rules depending on the situation. I would consider myself a traditional dispensationalist. And God has changed the rules at least seven times in the Bible. Salvation is always the same; it’s always faith alone in Christ alone. In the Old Testament they were just looking forward by faith to a Messiah that would come. We, in the age of the church, are looking backward to a Messiah Who has already come. The plan of salvation is always the same. But having said, that the rules obviously have very significantly changed. For example, how many of you today brought with you your unblemished lamb to sacrifice? The Book of Leviticus tells you to bring one! By the way, why are you here on Sunday? You should have been here yesterday. I was here yesterday, the church was empty, and we certainly didn’t sacrifice any lambs. Why is that? Because the rules changed! Once the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ happened and the age of the church started, the animal sacrifices are no longer necessary; they are null and void. So, change of rules is not a big shock. In fact, there’s a massive change of rules from Genesis 1 and 2 into Genesis 3 as we shift from innocence into something called conscience. You look at Genesis 1 and 2 and there’s no such thing as death. In fact, work is a joy. You don’t have to even work to survive, Genesis 1 and 2. I’m telling you, things sure changed in Genesis 3 with the fall of man; now you have to work by the sweat of your brow. Now death becomes a reality: from dust you are to dust you shall return. And now pregnancy itself becomes difficult. It sure wasn’t in Genesis 1 where God said, “Be fruitful and multiply.” Suddenly (Genesis 3) it becomes difficult. Why is that? Because the rules changed! The rules in the Bible changed seven times. The plan of salvation never changes. These are important teachings to grasp, or you get confused about whether you have to be herbivorous today or carnivorous today. Go ahead and be carnivorous. God says “go for it” following the Flood; that rule was never altered. But I’ll tell you something else. The rules are going to change again! How do I know that? Because of Isaiah 11:7 in the Millennial Kingdom. It says, “…the lion will eat straw like the ox.” Isaiah 65:25 repeats it and says “…the lion will eat straw like the ox…” You mean there’s coming a time in history where the animals themselves will not be devouring each other as is the case in our fallen world? Yes, that’s the glorious Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ which will be established for a thousand years. By the way, Jesus, in Matthew 6, says that we ought to be praying for that to come into existence. He said, “ ‘Pray, then, in this way: “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 “Your kingdom come.” ’ ” What are we praying for? We’re praying for that time period to be established on the earth where the curse will be significantly curtailed. The rules change again. In fact, the Book of Isaiah says that in that time period a child will be able to put his hand into the cobra’s nest and not be harmed. Would you let your child or your grandchild do that today? “Oh yeah, that’s our grandson in the back fooling around with those cobras again!” Such a thing is unheard of today because we’re living under a different set of rules. But the rules are about to be changed again. So you see here at the beginning of human history that man is herbivorous not carnivorous. Then we come to the very last verse in chapter 1, Genesis 1:31, which speaks of the perfection of Creation. Notice what verse 31 says, “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Now, it could not be clearer that the days here are 24 hour days because it uses the word “day” with the numerical descriptor “sixth” day. And every time you see that combination—it’s used about 359 times elsewhere in the Bible—it always refers to a literal 24 hour day. YOM plus a number equals a 24 our day. Esther fasted three days. I hope that wasn’t 3 billion years! The children of Israel circled the walls of Jericho six days—not 6 billion years! And on the seventh day the walls would fall. It’s YOM plus a number. Now, if that weren’t clear enough, God throws in another descriptor here: evening and morning. That’s a normal Earth rotation. There’s not just one descriptor in these days; there are two. There’s a number, and then there’s the expression “evening and morning.” This is what has come into existence; part of it is humanity—Adam and Eve on Day Six. Look very carefully at verse 31. “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” It was what? “Very good.” It doesn’t even say “good” anymore. See, as you as you go through the Creation days—all six days—it’ll say, “and it was good…and it was good…and it was good…” Now we have a summary statement looking backwards, and God doesn’t just say, “It was good”; He says, “It was very good.” You say, “Well, how does this impact my life today?” Let me show you how it’s going to impact your life. Let me show you how it’s going to impact your life this week. What is going to happen—and if it doesn’t happen to you, I’m going to pray that it does happen—is you’re going to have an opportunity to share your Christian faith with the lost. Which is what we should be doing anyway, right? There are certain things that you will not be able to do once you get to heaven; one of them is evangelism. So, you’d better enjoy it now. It’s a rare opportunity that God has given you to share your faith with the lost—whether it’s a coworker, a family member, whatever—the “J” word might come up: Jesus. The argument that you’re going to get back from people is, “You’re speaking to me about how God is a God of love, and my grandma just died of cancer. My grandson just got hit in the crosswalk.” They’ll describe some horrific thing that’s happened to them in the course of their life, and they’re going to ask you, “Where is your God of love now? How can you sit there with a straight face and talk about the love of God when this world is filled with evil?” Your answer to that is Genesis 1:31. Why? Because that’s not God’s design. God did not design a world in which such tragedies would occur. What He created was a world with no evil in it and no death in it. And you say, “Well, where did evil and death come from?” Genesis 3—that’s where it comes from. It doesn’t come in Genesis 1 and 2. Because in Genesis 3 the creature made a decision to use his free will to rebel against the Creator, and that’s what sent everything cycling downward. Why is it that God allowed the creature to use his free will to rebel against God? It’s related to the fact of what we just saw in Genesis 1:26-28, where people bear God’s image. God did not create the world as computer-type robots. I mean, if your computer is saying, “I love you,” that’s really not that flattering when you think about it. But when someone, as an act of their own free will, says it, that is completely different, isn’t it? That’s part of what it means to bear the image of God. It is one of the most awesome powers that we have as image bearers: choice or volition. Why didn’t God just create the Garden of Eden with no Tree of knowledge in it at all? That would have solved the problem. God can’t do that—and won’t do that. If He did that, He would be erasing the design of humanity which is an image bearer of God. An image bearer has to have a choice. And here the choice to accept God or rebel against Him is reflected in the very existence of the Tree of Knowledge. The Tree of Knowledge becomes necessary because of how God has manufactured us. And man used his free will—tragically—to rebel against God—and that’s where problems come from! The insurance companies call hurricanes and tornadoes—Harvey and all of these kinds of things—”acts of God.” You want to blame God for that? That’s not what your Bible teaches! What your Bible teaches is that man followed the design of Lucifer—an angel who used his own free will to rebel against God and then convinced humanity to use their free will to rebel against God. That’s where the fallen nature of our world comes from. In fact, what is happening right now is abnormal. Did you know that? As far as I can tell, this is something that is unique to biblical Christianity that is taught by no other worldview. Every other worldview out there, to my knowledge, says that what is happening now has always been and will always be. You run into, in Eastern mysticism, somebody that is suffering on the street—a homeless person—and they say, “Well, that’s just my great uncle Joe who misbehaved in a former life and has now been reincarnated into this life.” So what is existing now has always been and will always be. Evolution teaches that. Evolution teaches the survival of the fittest over billions of years right up to the present time. “And it’s always going to be that way!” That is not what your Bible says. Your Bible in no way, shape, or form says that what is happening now is normal! In fact, what your Bible says is what is happening now is an abnormality. In fact, if you want to understand what’s normal, you don’t study what’s happening now; you study the two times in biblical history before evil got a foothold through man’s volition. Normal is Genesis 1 and 2. That’s normal! Normal is Revelation 21 and 22 where God has a whole design in history whereby evil is going to be taken out of this universe just like it entered. And Jesus paid a horrific price to put our trajectory moving that direction. If you want to see what’s normal, study Genesis 1 and 2. If you want to see what’s normal, study Revelation 21 and 22 where it says, when God remakes everything, “…He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death..” Gosh, that sort of sounds like Genesis 1, doesn’t it? Man is herbivorous. “…and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain…” Why? For the first order has passed away; the fallen condition of the world due to humanity’s sin is gone, and God remakes everything to what He originally intended. That’s the story the Bible, isn’t it? From a Garden to a City with a Cross in between. How Jesus left His position of glory in heaven to identify with our suffering through His death to put the forces in motion whereby we’re moving to a better world, as if sin never entered the picture at all. Can you imagine a world with no tears in it? No death? No mourning? No crying? No pain? That’s what’s normal! Genesis 1 and 2 was that world; Revelation 21 and 22 will be that world. Everything that’s happening today since the Fall of man (Genesis 3) to when Jesus will create this new order (Revelation 21 and 22) is an abnormality. That’s what you tell your friends that you’re witnessing to who are blaming every single problem in their life on God. Let me tell you something about people: people are angry at God. First of all, why are they angry at God? They’re angry at God because circumstances in their life haven’t materialized the way they thought—a business failure, a health failure, whatever it is—and they target God for that. That’s why a lot of people resent you and they resent your message. It reminds me of what God said to Samuel. “Look, Samuel, they’re not rejecting you; they’re rejecting Me.” Your very presence in your business, job, family—wherever God has you—is light, which is resented by people. And the reason they resent it is not so much you; it’s because you represent God, and they hate God. They’ve misunderstood this foundational point because Satan has so skewed their thinking that they somehow think everything that’s wrong in their life has something to do with God. See, this is to every man an answer. I mean, this is basic apologetics. And I’m going to pray that you have a chance to explain this to someone this week because the world needs to hear this. They’re not hearing this. And that’s the significance of a world where God says, “It was very good.” Well, come on, Andy, don’t you believe—at least—that God used the evolutionary process to create the world?” That’s called theistic evolution. To me, I’d rather just be evolutionist, because evolution is now blamed on God. Theistic evolution: God use the evolutionary process to bring forth humanity. “Don’t you believe that?” I reject that from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet—and there’s a lot of distance between those two—because I believed that as an early Christian. The fact of the matter is…you can’t reconcile the two ideas. See, I went through the school system. I was told, “Evolution is a scientific fact. You can’t even question it!” Then I got saved at the age of 16. So I spent my early Christianity trying to somehow mix evolution with the Bible, only to find that the two philosophies separate as water and oil separate. You can’t mix the two together. Why not? Because evolution is survival of the fittest over billions of years; the strong dominate the weak. In fact, the strong kill off the weak! And as this process goes on for billions and billions of years, finally man climbs out of the primordial soup. Now you want to put that on the shoulders of God? You want to say that God used that, as so many Christians flippantly believe? It just rolls right off their tongues without even thinking about what they’re saying. That means God is responsible for the fossil record, for all of the deaths, and for all of the cruelty throughout eons of time. How could we ever think that God would do such a thing? God’s very character is love. First John 4:8, of God, says, “God is love.” “Can’t we, at least, put a gap between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2?” This is called the Gap Theory, where Satan fell and marred the world that was. Even some people like the late Merrill Unger, Hebrew scholar at Dallas Seminary, argued for a pre-Adamic race that was somehow marred by Satan’s fall. You know the problem with that? You cannot harmonize that with Genesis 1:31 where God said, “It was very good.” How do you put death in between verse 1 and verse 2 of Genesis 1, when God is looking back on the whole Creation week saying, “It’s very good.” How could a person say that God guided the evolutionary process of billions of years of death, survival of the fittest, and the fossil record, and then God says, “It is very good.” What’s good about that? There’s nothing good about that. And yet, your Bible says, “It was very good.” Death didn’t exist yet. Pain didn’t exist. Suffering didn’t exist. One thing to understand about theology. And if you understand this you will understand me better—why I would take a stand on something like this. Theology is like dominoes in a row. If you knock over a domino, they’re all going to start tumbling. You start playing games with Genesis, chapter 1, and there are all kinds of other doctrines that get sacrificed in the process. Not the least of which is the compassion and the goodness of God. “…His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22b-23) You can’t mix a God like that with Darwin’s Origin of Species or some kind of fall of Satan which destroyed the first Adamic race and God made a new Adamic race. It’s insanity! In fact, both of those systems, whether it’s the Gap Theory or Theistic Evolution, when you think about it, put death before Adam. Death existed before Adam’s sin. That, in and of itself, is a foundational attack on the gospel. Because Jesus came into the world to abolish the last enemy which is what? Death. Second Timothy 1:10 says, “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death…” That’s why Christ came into the world: to get rid of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 says, “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death…” Didn’t we just get finished celebrating that this morning at the Lord’s table? Isn’t that what the bread and the cup represent? It means something. To get rid of death, God had to die. “…that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” Jesus came into the world to rid us of the consequence of sin—which is death. And He came into the world that when you trust in Christ you don’t even have to fear death. That’s why Paul calls death, “the last enemy to be abolished.” Theistic evolution says, “Oh, death has always been around. No big deal!” The Gap Theory in its classical articulation says, “Death existed before Adam was created on Day Six.” That’s why there’s a problem. It is a chiseling away of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ Who came into the world to eradicate death. “Well, what’s the big deal with that? Why be all that concerned about death? God created a world with death in it anyway.” That’s why I’m taking a stand on whether man is carnivorous or herbivorous. Why go down that road? It has to do with death! If you make man carnivorous, you’ve got death in the world—by the design of God. If death is in the world before Adam’s sin, by the design of God, then it renders trivial everything that Jesus did to abolished death. You see that? I would just challenge you as a Christian to be really careful what you’re there with Genesis 1. Because what you do with Genesis 1—dominoes in a row—is going to infect other doctrines. Not the least of which is the substitutionary atoning work of Jesus Christ. God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” That statement goes all the way back to Genesis 1:1 where it says, “In the beginning God created the…” It doesn’t just say “heaven,” does it? It says “heavens” and the earth. The Hebrew for “earth” is ERETS. The Hebrew for “heaven” is SHAMAYIM. The “im” ending, like the “S” at the end of a noun in English, communicates plurality. When the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” When God says it was all not just good but very good, it’s a statement that goes all the way back to verse 1, which includes not just the earth but the heavens. Everything was functioning like it was supposed to function at this point in Genesis 1:31. That’s what you explain to the person that you’re witnessing to who wants to blame all of their problems on God. That’s not the design of God. Everything was supposed to be functioning exactly like it was functioning. Everything was not just “good”; everything was” very good.” Not just on the earth, but in the heavens, SHAMAYIM. Well, now we have another issue, don’t we? Because we learn of a fallen angel (don’t we?) named Satan. When did Satan fall, exactly? The traditional model places the fall of Satan sometime in eternity past before the world was. Well, if the fall of Satan already happened, how in the world could God say that it was very good (not just “good”—but “very good”) in the heavens? The Bible and the Greeks did this—they divided the heavens into basically three parts. There is the heavens from the ground to the clouds—heaven one. And then there is the heaven from the clouds to the stars: heaven two. And then there is the heaven beyond the stars where God lives: that’s heaven three. Paul, 2 Corinthians 12, was caught up to the third heaven. He was caught up to where God resides! When the Bible says, “It was very good in the heavens,” it’s making a statement not just about level I or level II but level III. By my way of reasoning, Satan had not fallen yet. If Satan already fell, then Genesis 1:31 (it was very good) connected to the heavens (Genesis 1:1) doesn’t make any sense. And yet, quite clearly when we get to Genesis 3, we run into a talking serpent. Who was that talking serpent? The Book of Revelation, two times (Revelation 12:9 and Revelation 20:2) calls that talking serpent the devil or Satan. Clearly, by the time you get to Genesis 3, Satan has fallen. Where, then, do I put the fall of Satan? I don’t think Satan fell before Genesis 1:31. But he’s clearly fallen in Genesis 3. It is sometime subsequent to Genesis 1:31 but before the events of Genesis 3 take place. And we’re not told the exact chronology of those chapters. I would have a tendency to believe that they occurred very close to one another. But somewhere in the interim Satan fell. “Well, this is the weirdest church I’ve ever been in. I’ve never heard anybody say that!” That’s why I like to quote people more thought out than myself. Renald Showers, longtime theologian with the Friends of Israel, says, “When did Satan fall away from God? We noted earlier that sin was nonexistent in every part of God’s creation, including the angels, through the end of the sixth or final day of creation (Genesis 1:31).” By the time you get to the end of day six, everything is functioning perfectly, even the SHAMAYIM. “Satan’s fall therefore took place after the end of creation. However, Satan was evil by the time he came to earth to tempt man to fall away from God (Genesis 3). These things prompt the conclusion that Satan’s fall took place in the interval between the end of creation and the fall of man. How long was the interval? It must have been quite short because when God created the first man and woman, he commanded them to be fruitful and multiply through procreation (Genesis 1:27-28), but there was no human conception until after the fall of man (Genesis 4:1).” What I believe is this: these chapters take place in very close proximity to each other. But this traditional view that Satan already fell? It doesn’t make any sense in light of Genesis 1:31. But it makes a lot of sense if the fall happened after Genesis 1:31 but before Genesis 3. Why did Satan fall? In Isaiah 14:12-15 Satan utters five “I will” statements. And what I believe is this: Satan, who was part of that angelic kingdom brought into existence during the Creation week (I’ll try to explain that point next week) was inflamed with jealousy because of the authority that God gave man on Day Six. Where God said to man and woman, “Subdue and rule!” Satan says to himself, “Wait a minute! I’m the chief worship leader of heaven.” And he began to say not, “Thy will be done,” but “I will be done.” And there was something that happened on Day Six which provoked that jealousy and caused that fall. And the jealousy was so profound in Satan that he set out to usurp man’s authority over the earth. That’s why, in Genesis 3, he’s speaking to Adam and Eve as a serpent. Why a serpent? Why doesn’t he just come into Eden as an angel? Why doesn’t he come into Eden as another human being through his deception? He purposely speaks through the voice or the mouth of a serpent because the serpent was what Adam and Eve were supposed to be ruling over. They were supposed to be governing creation for God. Satan perverts things where now Adam and Eve are not ruling the animal kingdom; they’re listening to the voice of the animal kingdom! They became—might we put it this way?—animal rights activists. We’re not here to mistreat the animals—don’t get me wrong—but they’re certainly not here to be worshiped! They don’t even bear God’s image. They start listening to creation, and they rebelled against God. Adam said, “It’s the woman You gave me!” And the woman said, “It’s the serpent!” And as the saying goes, “The serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on.” So this is how the story Genesis is unfolding. If you’re here today and you’ve never trusted in Christ, our exhortation is for you to do that. Because Jesus did it all in your place. He did it all in my place. That’s what we celebrated this morning at the Lord’s Table. Our exhortation is to get on the right side of history; get on the winning side by trusting Christ as your Savior. Through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, He did something for us that we can’t do for ourselves. And He doesn’t ask us to save ourselves. The world of religion will tell you to save yourself; that’s not what your Bible says. The Bible says that Jesus has done all the work for us, and we trust in Him. We’re not trusting in our own good works; we’re trusting in His good work. And the moment that happens, you’re fast tracked. Did you know that? You’re fast tracked into glory. In fact, your glorification (Romans 8) is spoken of in the past tense. That’s how done a deal it is! And we are now moving into a time of history which is normal: where evil will be ripped out of this universe and it will be remade just like it was in Genesis 1 before evil entered the picture. Our exhortation for people—anybody listening—is simply to trust, which means to believe in the work of the Messiah. It’s not necessary to walk an aisle, join a church, give money; it’s a matter of privacy between you and the Lord where the Lord places a person under conviction, and they respond to that convicting ministry by trusting in Christ—and Christ alone. This takes us to the end of Genesis 1, which only took six sermons. We’ll be starting Genesis 2 next time. Shall we pray? Closing Prayer “Father, we’re grateful for Your Word. We’re grateful for Your truth. We’re grateful for what it speaks into our lives. Help us to walk these things out this week. Give us opportunities to boldly share the gospel as we give to every man an answer. We’ll be careful to give You all the praise and the glory. We ask these things in Jesus’ name.” And God’s people said, “Amen.”
gig economy Everyone is talking about the "gig economy," and an increasing number of people are employed in it. The phrase may appear to be novel, but it is not. The gig economy was previously known as the freelance economy, agile workforce, or even temporary work before apps brought the concept of on-demand services and gig work to everyone's phone. It may also appear that everyone these days has a side hustle. Or that people have swapped high-paying day jobs for less stressful gig economy jobs. While some people have successfully transitioned from 9-to-5 jobs to gig jobs, the gig economy encompasses much more than on-demand work. What is the Gig Economy and Gig Jobs? gig economy Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website A "gig" is a term used by musicians to describe performing at a specific location. The gig economy operates similarly (without carrying a tune). Gig workers work as short-term, temporary, or independent contractors for one or more employers instead of a traditional, in-office, full-time job with a single company (though they are not employers in the conventional sense). In a nutshell, the gig economy is a free market system in which businesses hire independent workers for short-term contracts, and temporary jobs are typical. The term "gig" is a slang term for a job that lasts for a set amount of time; it is commonly used by musicians. Work arrangements such as freelancers, independent contractors, project-based workers, and temporary or part-time hires are examples of gig employees in the workforce. Though the term "gig economy" is new, nontraditional work arrangements have been around for a long time. According to a study conducted by the American Staffing Association, most Americans (78 percent) see the gig economy as a new way to describe the participation of this long-standing independent workforce. What is the Gig Economy? The gig economy is made up of small tasks that a gig worker completes, regardless of the industry in which they work. These tasks can range from picking up groceries to writing code. A gig worker can work for a set number of hours (such as a shift) or by the project. When the task or shift is finished, the worker moves on to the next job. This could be another task with the same company or something completely different with a different company. Most of the time, the shifts or projects are adaptable. A gig worker may have a day job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then a second "gig job" from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at night. A gig worker can also combine several "gigs" to create a flexible or alternative schedule for a full-time job. Gig workers have the option of working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. While many people believe that the "company" is an employer, this is not the case in the gig economy. Many companies that use gig workers, including Uber, Instacart, TaskRabbit, and MechanicalTurk, do not hire the workers. The company is simply a "connector," bringing together contractors and clients. Who is Involved in the Gig Economy? gig economy Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website The gig economy comprises companies, gig workers, and consumers. The gig economy can be applied to various organizations, ranging from technical positions to transportation positions. Among the industries that provide gig economy jobs are: Some industries that offer gig economy jobs include: • Information technology • Software development • Project management • Accounting and finance • Education • Construction • Media and Communications • Freelance writing • Arts and design • Transportation There is no one-size-fits-all profile for gig economy workers. These workers include freelancers, independent contractors, project-based workers, and temporary or part-time hires. In 2017, 6.9 percent of all workers in the United States were independent contractors. Gig workers are difficult to spot in employment and earnings surveys, but reports claim that less than half of them rely on gigs as their primary source of income. According to some studies, men are more likely to take labor-based jobs and depend on them for income, whereas women are more likely to handle sales or marketing jobs as supplemental income. 10 of the Best Jobs in the Gig Economy There are numerous types of gig economy jobs. Here's a quick rundown of ten gig economy examples to demonstrate the possibilities. 1. Taxi Driving and Ridesharing To apply for ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber, all you need is a smartphone and a car. If you meet the requirements, you'll be able to start earning money on the side in no time. 2. Education and Training Many teachers, tutors, and instructors work as independent contractors, delivering education to various clients. 3. Delivery Food and parcel delivery apps, such as Postmates and Grubhub, are popular in the same way that ridesharing apps are. Gig workers make deliveries on bikes, motorcycles, cars, and vans. 4. Administrative Jobs These are in high demand in the gig economy. Many people, for example, work as virtual assistants, completing tasks for a variety of clients. 5. Computer Software Development Software developers work as independent contractors and consultants for small businesses, assisting them in developing websites, software, apps, and games. 6. Accounting and Finance Accounting and finance-related tasks, such as bookkeeping and tax return preparation, are performed by many gig workers for clients. 7. Digital Marketing In the gig economy, there are a variety of digital marketing jobs available, ranging from Facebook ad management to search engine optimization (SEO). 8. Project Management Project managers are used in various industries to oversee and direct projects from beginning to end. 9. Writing There are numerous freelance writing jobs available in the gig economy. These can include everything from writing advertising copy to improving CVs. 10. Event Staffing Positions Many event planners require temporary workers for parties, weddings, and conferences. Working in the Gig Economy: What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages? gig economy Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website The gig economy provides several advantages that traditional work does not. However, there are some significant drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of gig economy. Perks of Gig Economy Let's start with the five perks of gig economy. • Low Entry Barrier It is very simple to enter the gig economy. Many gig economy jobs are straightforward and do not necessitate any qualifications or prior experience. • Adaptability Workers in the gig economy have the freedom to choose when and with whom they work (or do not work). As a result, many gig workers prefer to work from home. • Varieties Gig economy workers frequently perform multiple jobs for various clients, which can help avoid boredom and keep work interesting. • Individualism Workers in the gig economy are self-employed. A gig worker, in other words, is her own boss. As a result, most gig workers are not required to attend meetings, conduct progress reviews, or deal with office gossip and drama. • Possibility of Trying New Jobs Many people have a small business idea they'd like to try, but it doesn't make sense for them to give up their primary income source. Working in the gig economy is an excellent way to try out new jobs on the side with little risk. Cons of the Gig Economy Every job, unfortunately, has drawbacks. Here are the top five drawbacks of working in the gig economy. • Low Salary Although many gig economy workers make good money from gig work, generating a substantial income from small jobs can be challenging. This is especially true for low-skilled jobs such as delivery driving or grocery shopping. • Inconsistent Earnings A flexible schedule necessitates a flexible income. Workers in the gig economy frequently see their income fluctuate depending on the amount of work available. • Inadequate Benefits Self-employed individuals are responsible for their own health insurance and retirement plan because they do not have an employer to provide benefits. • Taxes and Other Expenses Individuals who work for themselves must also manage and pay taxes on the money they earn from gig work. Furthermore, gig economy workers must usually buy and maintain the tools and equipment they require, such as cars, computers, smartphones, and phone plans. • Possibility of Stress and Burnout Working in the gig economy can be stressful and exhausting. Managing a large number of jobs and clients is not for everyone. And not knowing when your next job will arrive can be stressful. Build a Gig Website with Strikingly gig economy Image is taken from Strikingly user’s website A gig business is a fantastic way to create a steady stream of income that has the potential to grow over time. Many of our Strikingly users started small just a few years ago and are now making a lot of money from their freelancing businesses. They began promoting their abilities by creating a simple website on our platform. It only takes a little courage to get through the difficult times at first. You have a good chance of growing large by the end of the pandemic if you create a website with Strikingly and have patience and perseverance. There are numerous opportunities to earn extra money from small, on-demand jobs in the gig economy. Gig work has existed for a long time under various names. There are numerous types of gig workers, including freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, and temp workers. Workers in the gig economy may face low pay and inconsistent income. Furthermore, they are responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and expenses. Gig economy jobs, on the other hand, offer a high level of flexibility and independence, as well as a low entry barrier. So, if you're looking to supplement your income, consider becoming a gig economy worker today!
How APIs Are Reshaping Business and Software Just like the Internet had a major impact on software development, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are transforming the way business software is being used. It may be seen as a technical concept, but APIs are rising in strategic significance to the business. Making certain functionality available via APIs changes the way that software and information can be delivered. What Are APIs? APIs are groups of code that make it possible for digital devices, software applications, and data servers to talk with each other by taking a specific input and producing a specific output. APIs are the essential backbone of so many services we now rely on. They are usually made available as a software development kit or as an open API document published on the Internet. Some companies create their own internal APIs, while others make some of their APIs publicly available. According to, the number of APIs in use was over 46 million collections in January 2021. As an indication of how APIs change the way software is used, Salesforce reported that more than 60% of transactions on its platform are now executed by non-Salesforce applications using the APIs, instead of using the browser user interface. In a survey of developers, over 60% reported using more APIs in 2020 compared to 2019. The financial services industry had the highest increase in API usage, at 68%. Business Benefits of APIs The API economy is a term used to describe the way APIs can benefit an organization’s bottom line. There are business benefits to exposing APIs as business building blocks for third party applications and services. APIs are the way that modern software is securely integrating cloud and on-premise systems to share data and information, authenticate information, enable transactions, access algorithms, and create new products, services and business models. There are several benefits to employing APIs in modern software development, apart from integrating on-premises software to the cloud. Smaller, function-based software components built around APIs are easier to maintain (often referred to as a Micro-Services architecture), with developers or teams assuming responsibility for a specific component and letting them tap domain-specific expertise. This makes it easier to maintain, upgrade, and scale a software application. APIs enable developers to build products and services more quickly and easily and focus on business issues rather than getting overwhelmed by technical ones. Using APIs allows businesses to unify data across multiple communication platforms, and in so doing, bring products and features to market faster, without having to commit large amounts of time and resources. Competitiveness in the 21st century is driven by getting the right data, to the right person at the right time. By using APIs, a company can make its ability to integrate applications and data a competitive advantage. How APIs Are Transforming Coding By having access to APIs, programmers can deliver new applications using existing resources that could not be done before. They can also create integrations to enable applications to share data more quickly and easily. But APIs also need to be managed, from inception to use and revision, and to retirement. So businesses need to have the processes and tools to manage APIs through their lifecycle. Gartner recommends that API governance is given serious attention • Inventory and document all published APIs • Use available tools to protect APIs • Make security a part of the API development lifecycle, including policies to eliminate the most common API problems • Control how APIs are accessed within the business, not just at the edge How a Hybrid Integration Platform Improves API Management To ensure proper management and oversight over the way APIs integrate applications and share data, a Hybrid Integration Platform (HIP) can provide a development environment that provides a centralized place to create, maintain and manage APIs and their performance. Instead of the traditional hub-and-spoke model, a cloud-based integration platform allows integration processes to be distributed, close to where the integrations are required. At the same time, development and administrative functions are centralized on the platform, providing the ability to develop, deploy, manage and monitor all the APIs wherever they occur. How Synatic Helps with API Management Synatic's HIP makes it simple and quick to create and manage APIs using its low-code approach to integration. A common use case is for an API call to trigger off a Flow that extracts data, manipulates and reformats it, and posts the data to another data source. Synatic is also able to integrate APIs with bespoke solutions that clients have built in-house. To document APIs, Synatic creates a Swagger document that describes the API and makes the documentation shareable between integration personnel. This promotes integration standards and avoids duplication of work. Synatic has several types of security schema and authentication. There are the simple ones such as an individual userID and password, but authentication can also be given to user groups to help with team development. IP whitelisting ensures that only approved IP addresses can call an API. Synatic also supports JSON Web Tokens which offer a good way of securely transmitting information between applications. The Future of APIs APIs enable companies to more easily integrate applications, and create new products and services that would otherwise take too long to build. They are helping businesses to streamline how they integrate applications internally and with partners, and deliver composite data sources that empower people - staff and customers - to make the most of their data. As the number of endpoints in the cloud and on mobile devices increases, the expansion of APIs will continue. This will add to the complexity of managing APIs, so a Hybrid Integration Platform that simplifies and centralizes API development and control will become even more necessary. Jamie Peers July 20, 2021 More From The Blog:
Skip to main content The next time you quench your thirst with a cool, refreshing drink from a disposable plastic water bottle, consider this: if you're an average Canadian, you may have purchased 68 litres of water in the last year. That's the per capita rate for consumption of bottled water in Canada, according to the Council of Canadians, a not-for-profit social action organization. It translates into 2.4 billion litres of water per year, with a large percentage of the plastic bottles that hold the water ending up in landfills. Everyone knows that we should all be recycling, but in practice it doesn't always happen. "Recycling rates vary depending on the province and the collection system," says Ashley Wallis, program manager, water, for Environmental Defence, a Canadian watchdog group. "Provinces with deposit return programs recycled on average 75-80 per cent of their bottles," she says. Ontario and Manitoba don't have bottle return programs for water bottles. "Ontario recycles less than 50 per cent," says Ms. Wallis. "The bottles that aren't recycled end up in landfills, or littered in our lakes, streams, oceans and the rest of the environment." In Ontario alone, some 1.5 billion water bottles end up in the province's landfills or as litter. "That's about 50 bottles every second," says Ms. Wallis. One problem is that while much-lauded programs like the Blue Box program, which was invented and pioneered in Ontario, have high participation rates, the programs still fall short when it comes to discarded water bottles. The province of Ontario passed legislation in 2016 aiming to reduce the amount of waste in all materials, including bottles. And in March of this year, Ontario's Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change announced Ontario's Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy. But as legislation like this rolls out slowly, it will take time to minimize the impact of everything that is being thrown away right now. To add to the complexity, people are drinking more bottled water all the time. The Canadian bottled-water industry generates $2.5-billion in annual sales, and is projected to reach $2.6-billion by 2021, according to global business intelligence company Euromonitor International. Yet, in most North American cities, including Toronto, tap water gets high marks for taste and purity. And those concerned about the chlorine content of municipal water (added to disinfect water from pathogens that can cause illness) can also use water filtration systems like a Brita Pitcher filter or faucet-mounted system to reduce chlorine and improve taste. There are sometimes severe situations where packaged water is necessary. For example, in the recent Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, public water supplies were contaminated or suspect, and breweries and other companies rushed to convert their production lines to provide fresh water to stricken residents. A number of Indigenous communities in Canada are also forced to rely on imported water, as their treatment plants are either broken or non-existent and industries have polluted their water sources. But for most Canadians, any convenience offered up by bottled water is offset by the substantial environmental cost. Some people might assume that all those plastic water bottles ending up in landfills aren't doing any harm once they're dumped and buried there. But there can be long-lasting effects, says Ms. Wallis. "Plastic doesn't decompose, it just degrades. So the plastic that's littered today will still be around 1,000 years from now. One recent study estimated that more than 90 per cent of the plastic ever made still exists in some form on the planet," she says. "As plastic degrades, it breaks into small pieces which can be ingested by fish, wildlife, and even people. Scientists are currently studying the impact these small plastic fragments might have on human health." Ms. Wallis points out that fish and wildlife can starve because their stomachs are full of plastic instead of food. Wildlife can get tangled in some kinds of plastic, like the plastic six-pack rings that keep bundles of bottles together. "Entanglement can lead to drowning, starvation, or debilitating physical deformities," she says. In addition to its detrimental environmental effects, bottled water can impact household finances too. A 1-litre bottle of water can run from $1 to $2.50 or more for a premium brand – a steep price to pay for a product that could spend the next 1000 years in a landfill. This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's Globe Edge Content Studio. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.
06 December 2007 ...And The Band Played On The story of Titanic's bandsmen playing to the bitter end has become an integral part of the Titanic legend. Their bravery for completing the task they set to do and give up their lives has been heralded as nothing short of heroic. Scholars, however, have continued to debate on what the band played for its final song... The final moments of the Titanic produced many stirring tales of bravery and heroism: officers who stayed on deck to load and launch lifeboats until all the boats were safely away, engine room crew who worked away well below decks to keep power and Violin lights running as long as possible, wireless operators who remained at their posts even after the captain released them from duty, and passengers who stood aside so that others might have their seats in the too-few lifeboats. All these people gallantly risked their lives so that others might have a better chance of survival; not because they had to, but because they felt it was their duty. One of most compelling of these tales of self-sacrifice is that of the Titanic's band. They weren't part of the ship's crew (although they nominally signed ship's orders, they were carried as passengers), and they weren't needed to keep the power running or to load the lifeboats; likely no one would have protested if they had sought places in lifeboats. Instead, of their own volition, they stayed with the ship until the very end, steadfastly playing light, airy music to help keep passengers calm while the available lifeboats were loaded. Can you imagine how creepy? None of the gallant band members survived the sinking, but their memories are sure to survive as long as the Titanic is a subject of interest, for one of the endlessly debated pieces of Titanic minutiae concerns the identity of the final song played by the band just before the ship began its final plunge beneath the waves. Part of the fascination with this subject undoubtedly stems from the fact that the question is ultimately unanswerable, since none of the band members lived to talk, and accounts from surviving passengers and crew members are unreliable and contradictory. With no other evidence available to us, the identity of that final song will remain an eternal mystery. Many different tunes have been put forth as the final song, but for now we'll focus on the only two that have any real weight of evidence behind them: "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and "Songe d'Automne" The primary (and only) evidence for latter comes from an interview given to The New York Times by Harold Bride, the Titanic's junior wireless operator, immediately upon his arrival in New York aboard the rescue ship Carpathia: When I was dragged aboard the Carpathia I went to the hospital at first. I stayed there for ten hours. I took the key, and I never left the wireless cabin after that. I went to my cabin and dressed. Every few minutes Phillips would send me to the Captain with little messages ... I noticed as I came back from one trip that they were putting off women and children in lifeboats. I thought it was time to look about and see if there was anything detached that would float. I remembered [my lifebelt] under my bunk. I went and got it. I saw a collapsible boat near a funnel and went over to it. I looked out. The boat deck was awash. From aft came the tunes of the band. It was a rag-time tune, I don't know what. Then there was "Songe d'Automne". Phillips ran aft, and that was the last I ever saw of him alive. They were playing "Songe d'Automne" then. I swam with all my might. I suppose I was 150 feet away when the Titanic on her nose, with her afterquarter sticking up in the air, began to settle — slowly. The way the band kept playing was a noble thing. I heard it first while still we were working wireless, when there was a ragtime tune for us, and the last I saw of the band, when I was floating out in the sea with my lifebeltt on, it was still on deck playing "Songe d'Automne". How they ever did it I cannot imagine Harold Bride can be considered a credible witness because he was not an excited, wild-eyed passenger, but a professional whose job required intense concentration and attention to detail and who remained at his post (at the risk of his life) even after being released from duty by the captain. He undeniably remained on board the Titanic until the very end, leaving only when a wave washed him off the deck. He was isolated during the trip to New York aboard the rescue ship, spending the first ten hours in the hospital and the rest of the voyage in the wireless room assisting the Carpathia's telegraph operator, and thus had little chance to be influenced by stories and rumours related by other passengers. Bride told his story immediately upon his arrival in New York, while the memories were still fresh in his mind. Some details of Bride's story are cause for concern, however, for he was the only person aboard the Titanic who reported hearing the band play "Songe d'Automne" as their last song. "Songe d'Automne" was not included in the White Star book of music that all the Titanic musicians were expected to know by heart, and the last moments on board a sinking ship would be an unusual time to improvise (although some writers have reported that a few passengers claimed to recall hearing the band play "Songe d'Automne," earlier in the voyage.) The tune that by far the most Titanic survivors reported as the band's final piece of music was, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," a hymn manifestly appropriate in sentiment for the last moments of a doomed ship. A few facets of the available evidence are cause for consternation in accepting this claim, however, for some survivors who remained aboard the Titanic until the very end stated that they did not hear the band play "Nearer, My God, to Thee" at any time. A former colleague of the Titanic's bandmaster, Wallace Hartley, reported that years earlier he had asked Hartley what he would do if he found himself on the deck of a sinking ship. Hartley responded that he would gather the band together to play "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" or "Nearer, My God, to Thee." The latter was reportedly Hartley's favorite hymn, and it was regularly played at the funerals of members of the Musicians' Union. Whatever the truth of the Titanic's "last song" legend, one irrefutable fact, however, remains the musicians stayed until all hope of rescue was gone. Who can say how many lives their efforts saved? The memory of the bandsmen and their courageous music will never die. Songe d'Automne (45 sec .wav file, 681 KB) There is a CD called Titanic: Music As Heard On The Fateful Voyage which British conductor, musicologist, and producer Ian Whitcomb put together. Its a re-creation of songs played on board the Titanic the night of the ship's fateful plunge including "Songe d'Automne (Dream Of Autumn): Dream Of Autumn" as the final track on the CD. Creepy. Whitcomb's White Star Orchestra assumes the ghost of bandleader Wallace Hartley, who entertained the first- and second-class passengers from the lounge and eventually atop the decks of the sinking vessel. No comments:
Discover and enable the integrations you need to solve identityAuth0 Marketplace Open Standards What Are Refresh Tokens and How to Use Them Securely Learn about refresh tokens and how they help developers balance security and usability in their applications. Last Updated On: October 07, 2021 Open Standards What Are Refresh Tokens and How to Use Them Securely Last Updated On: October 07, 2021 This post will explore the concept of refresh tokens as defined by OAuth 2.0. We will learn how they compare to other token types and how they let us balance security, usability, and privacy. What Is A Token? Tokens are pieces of data that carry just enough information to facilitate the process of determining a user's identity or authorizing a user to perform an action. All in all, tokens are artifacts that allow application systems to perform the authorization and authentication process. New to identity concepts? Read Authentication vs Authorization to get started. Common identity frameworks and protocols use token-based strategies to secure access to applications and resources. For example, we can use OAuth 2.0 for authorization and OIDC for authentication. OAuth 2.0 is one of the most popular authorization frameworks out there. It is designed to allow an application to access resources hosted by other servers on behalf of a user. OAuth 2.0 uses Access Tokens and Refresh Tokens. OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an identity protocol that performs user authentication, user consent, and token issuance. OIDC uses ID Tokens. Want to get up to speed with OAuth2 and OpenID Connect? Download the free ebook Oauth2 OpenID Connect Professional Guide Let's explore the three token types that we use with OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect to fulfill the authentication and authorization processes of our application systems. In the process, we'll see the critical role that refresh tokens play in helping developers build applications that offer convenience without compromising security. Token Types What's an ID token? As the name may suggest, an ID token is an artifact that client applications can use to consume the identity of a user. For example, the ID token can contain information about the name, email, and profile picture of a user. As such, client applications can use the ID token to build a user profile to personalize the user experience. An authentication server that conforms to the OpenID Connect (OIDC) protocol to implement the authentication process issues its clients an ID token whenever a user logs in. The consumers of ID tokens are mainly client applications such as Single-Page Applications (SPAs) and mobile applications. They are the intended audience. What's an access token? When a user logins in, the authorization server issues an access token, which is an artifact that client applications can use to make secure calls to an API server. When a client application needs to access protected resources on a server on behalf of a user, the access token lets the client signal to the server that it has received authorization by the user to perform certain tasks or access certain resources. OAuth 2.0 doesn't define a format for access tokens. At Auth0, for example, access tokens issued for the Management API and access tokens issued for any custom API that you have registered with Auth0 follow the JSON Web Token (JWT) standard. Their basic structure conforms to the typical JWT structure, and they contain standard JWT claims asserted about the token itself. Download the free ebook JWT Handbook This is the content of a decoded access token that follows the JWT format: "sub": "auth0\|123456", "aud": [ "azp": "YOUR_CLIENT_ID", "exp": 1489179954, "iat": 1489143954, "scope": "openid profile email address phone read:appointments" It's important to highlight that the access token is a bearer token. Those who hold the token can use it. The access token then acts as a credential artifact to access protected resources rather than an identification artifact. Malicious users could theoretically compromise a system and steal access tokens, which in turn they could use to access protected resources by presenting those tokens directly to the server. As such, it's critical to have security strategies that minimize the risk of compromising access tokens. One mitigation method is to create access tokens that have a short lifespan: they are only valid for a short time defined in terms of hours or days. There are different ways that a client application can get a new access token for a user. For example, once an access token expires, the client application could prompt the user to log in again to get a new access token. Alternatively, the authorization server could issue a refresh token to the client application that lets it replace an expired access token with a new one. You can see both ID tokens and access tokens in action in any of our "Complete Guides to User Authentication" available for React, Angular, Vue, and Node.js! What Is a Refresh Token? As mentioned, for security purposes, access tokens may be valid for a short amount of time. Once they expire, client applications can use a refresh token to "refresh" the access token. That is, a refresh token is a credential artifact that lets a client application get new access tokens without having to ask the user to log in again. An application system where a SPA uses a refresh token to obtain a new access token In the diagram above, SPA = Single-Page Application; AS = Authorization Server; RS = Resource Server; AT = Access Token; RT = Refresh Token. The client application can get a new access token as long as the refresh token is valid and unexpired. Consequently, a refresh token that has a very long lifespan could theoretically give infinite power to the token bearer to get a new access token to access protected resources anytime. The bearer of the refresh token could be a legitimate user or a malicious user. As such, security companies, such as Auth0, create mechanisms to ensure that this powerful token is mainly held and used continuously by the intended parties. When to Use Refresh Tokens It's important to keep in mind that the OAuth 2.0 specification defines access tokens and refresh tokens. So, if we were to discuss authorization strategies in terms of other identity protocols or frameworks, such as SAML, we would not have the concepts of access tokens or refresh tokens. For those involved with web development, access token and refresh tokens are common talk because the web extensively uses token-based authorization and authentication through the OAuth 2.0 framework and the OpenID Connect protocol. When combined, OAuth 2.0 and OIDC bring to life an array of authorization and authentication flows. Each flow has its own set of benefits and caveats that define the best scenarios and architecture where we should use access and refresh tokens. If there's an app for that, there's also a flow for that! Keep in mind that according to the spec, when using the Implicit Flow, the authorization server should not issue refresh tokens. The Implicit flow is often implemented in Single-Page Applications (SPAs), which run on the frontend layer of a system architecture. There's no easy way of keeping a refresh token secure in the frontend layer on its own. Using the Authorization Code Flow with Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) mitigates many risks inherent to the Implicit Flow. For example, when using the implicit grant type, the access token is transmitted in the URI fragment, which can expose it to unauthorized parties. You can learn more about these vulnerabilities by reading the "Misuse of Access Token to Impersonate Resource Owner in Implicit Flow" section of the spec. However, implementing PKCE in your applications still has no impact on how secure refresh tokens are. However, you may not need refresh tokens. There are scenarios where you can still get an access token without interrupting the user and without relying on the almighty power of the refresh token. Other examples to keep a session going can be cookies or silent authentication. However, billions of people use SPAs every day. It is important to provide users with a user experience that balances security and convenience well. Is there anything that we could do to let SPAs afford the convenience of refresh tokens in a less risky and more secure manner? An identity platform that offers Refresh Token Rotation makes it acceptable to use refresh tokens with Single-Page Applications. The spec underlines that when you can not verify that a refresh token belongs to a client, such a SPA, we should not use them unless we have Refresh Token Rotation in place. Let's learn more about this security strategy in the next section. Keeping Refresh Tokens Secure A short-lived access token helps improve the security of our applications, but it comes with a cost: when it expires, the user needs to log in again to get a new one. Frequent re-authentication can diminish the perceived user experience of your application. Even if you are doing so to protect their data, users may find your service frustrating or difficult to use. However, since refresh tokens are also bearer tokens, we need to have a strategy in place that limits or curtails their usage if they ever get leaked or become compromised. All those who hold the refresh tokens have the power to get new access tokens whenever they want. "They" could be legitimate users or attackers. At Auth0, we created a set of features that mitigate the risks associated with using refresh tokens by imposing safeguards and controls on their lifecycle. Our identity platform offers refresh token rotation, which also comes with automatic reuse detection. Let's dive deeper into this security technique. Refresh Token Rotation Until very recently, a robust strategy to help SPAs maintain the user's session was using the Authorization Code Flow with PKCE in conjunction with silent authentication. Refresh token rotation is a technique for getting new access tokens using refresh tokens that goes beyond silent authentication. Refresh token rotation guarantees that every time an application exchanges a refresh token to get a new access token, a new refresh token is also returned. Therefore, you no longer have a long-lived refresh token that could provide illegitimate access to resources if it ever becomes compromised. The threat of illegitimate access is reduced as refresh tokens are continually exchanged and invalidated. For example, with refresh token rotation enabled in the Auth0 Dashboard, every time your application exchanges a refresh token to get a new access token, the authorization server also returns a new refresh-access token pair. This safeguard helps your app mitigate replay attacks resulting from compromised tokens. Refresh Token Automatic Reuse Detection Refresh tokens are bearer tokens. It's impossible for the authorization server to know who is legitimate or malicious when receiving a new access token request. We could then treat all users as potentially malicious. How could we handle a situation where there is a race condition between a legitimate user and a malicious one? For example: • 🐱 Legitimate User has 🔄 Refresh Token 1 and 🔑 Access Token 1. • 😈 Malicious User manages to steal 🔄 Refresh Token 1 from 🐱 Legitimate User. • 🐱 Legitimate User uses 🔄 Refresh Token 1 to get a new refresh-access token pair. • The 🚓 Auth0 Authorization Server returns 🔄 Refresh Token 2 and 🔑 Access Token 2 to 🐱 Legitimate User. • 😈 Malicious User then attempts to use 🔄 Refresh Token 1 to get a new access token. Pure evil! What do you think should happen next? Would 😈 Malicious User manage to get a new access token? This is what happens when your identity platform has 🤖 Automatic Reuse Detection: • The 🚓 Auth0 Authorization Server has been keeping track of all the refresh tokens descending from the original refresh token. That is, it has created a "token family". • The 🚓 Auth0 Authorization Server recognizes that someone is reusing 🔄 Refresh Token 1 and immediately invalidates the refresh token family, including 🔄 Refresh Token 2. • The 🚓 Auth0 Authorization Server returns an Access Denied response to 😈 Malicious User. • 🔑 Access Token 2 expires, and 🐱 Legitimate User attempts to use 🔄 Refresh Token 2 to request a new refresh-access token pair. • The 🚓 Auth0 Authorization Server returns an Access Denied response to 🐱 Legitimate User. • The 🚓 Auth0 Authorization Server requires re-authentication to get new access and refresh tokens. It's critical for the most recently-issued refresh token to get immediately invalidated when a previously-used refresh token is sent to the authorization server. This prevents any refresh tokens in the same token family from being used to get new access tokens. This protection mechanism works regardless of whether the legitimate or malicious user is able to exchange 🔄 Refresh Token 1 for a new refresh-access token pair before the other. Without enforcing sender-constraint, the authorization server can't know which actor is legitimate or malicious in the event of a replay attack. Automatic reuse detection is a key component of a refresh token rotation strategy. The server has already invalidated the refresh token that has already been used. However, since the authorization server has no way of knowing if the legitimate user is holding the most current refresh token, it invalidates the whole token family just to be safe. Refresh Tokens Help Us Embrace Privacy Tools Privacy is a hot topic in our digital world. We not only need to balance security with convenience, but we also need to add privacy to the balancing act. Recent developments in browser privacy technology, such as Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP), prevent access to the session cookie, requiring users to reauthenticate. There is no persistent storage mechanism in a browser that can assure access by the intended application only. As such, long-lived refresh tokens are not suitable for SPAs as there are vulnerabilities that malicious users could exploit to obtain these high-value artifacts, granting them access to protected resources. Because refresh token rotation does not rely on access to the Auth0 session cookie, it is not affected by ITP or similar mechanisms. However, a refresh token could have its lifespan limited by the lifespan of an access token. This means we can safely use refresh tokens to play along with browser privacy tools and provide continuous access to end-users without disrupting the user experience. You Can Store Refresh Token In Local Storage Yes, you read that right. When we have refresh token rotation in place, we can store tokens in local storage or browser memory. You may have heard before (maybe from us) that we should not store tokens in local storage. Storing tokens in browser local storage provides persistence across page refreshes and browser tabs; however, if malicious users managed to run JavaScript in the SPA using a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack, they could retrieve the tokens stored in local storage. A vulnerability leading to a successful XSS attack could be present in the SPA source code or any third-party JavaScript code the app consumes, such as Bootstrap or Google Analytics. However, we can reduce the absolute token expiration time of tokens to reduce the security risks of storing tokens in local storage. This reduces the impact of a reflected XSS attack (but not of a persistent one). A refresh token may have a long lifespan by configuration. However, the defined long lifespan of a refresh token is cut short with refresh token rotation. The refresh is only valid within the lifespan of the access token, which would be short-lived. Use Refresh Tokens in Your Auth0 Apps If you're interested in adding authentication and authorization to your application in just a few steps, sign up for a free Auth0 account now. Try out the most powerful authentication platform for free.Get started → Our "Token Best Practices" document outlines some basic considerations to keep in mind when using tokens: • Keep it secret. Keep it safe. • Do not add sensitive data to the payload. • Give tokens an expiration. • Embrace HTTPS. • Consider all of your authorization use cases. • Store and reuse. The Auth0 Dashboard makes it easy to configure your authentication and authorization services to use refresh tokens. Auth0 SDKs and libraries support refresh tokens for web applications, Single-Page Applications (SPAs), and native/mobile apps. For additional resources on how to use refresh tokens with Auth0, please visit any of these documents: • Twitter icon • LinkedIn icon • Faceboook icon
21 Factors that Affect Your Blood Glucose by Metabolic Meals by Metabolic Meals Updated Apr 29, 2021 Reading Time: Your blood sugar numbers are great, right? Most people that answer “Yes”, may base this on a fasting glucose test performed as part of a yearly checkup. Unfortunately, this test is far from comprehensive and doesn’t show you a full picture of how you’re managing glucose on a daily basis. In reality, with proper testing administered nearly 50% of adult Americans over 35 would need to answer “no” to the question. Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity are at an all-time high, mainly due to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Why You Should Care Blood sugar management may be the most important factor when we look to optimize our health. It’s foundational if any of the following benefits interest you: • body fat loss • increased muscle mass • balanced hormones • strengthened immune system • less cardiovascular risks • lower risk of all cancers • Alzheimer’s prevention • Type 2 Diabetes prevention & reversal Let’s explore some of the more common factors that affect blood sugar along with some lesser known, sneaky contributors. 1. Carbohydrate Quantity (high): Carbohydrates raise blood sugar more than any other macronutrient. Many nutritional experts recommend staying under 100g per day unless you are very active. 2. Carbohydrate Type (high): Carbohydrates with a high glycemic load are more likely to raise blood sugar to greater levels than fiber-rich alternatives. 3. Protein (moderate): Proteins can actually have a stabilizing benefit to blood sugar with a few exceptions. Whey proteins for instance tend to be faster absorbing and may cause a rise in glucose. Food allergies may also cause a glucose spike due to the stress hormone cortisol. 4. Caffeine (moderate): Diabetics will tell you that they need to be careful consuming too much coffee and other caffeinated foods. Non-diabetics may also benefit from caffeine moderation, especially if you find yourself “tired yet wired”. 5. Alcohol (high): When more than 1-2 drinks are consumed, expect an insulin spike and subsequent blood glucose fluctuations. This is magnified if those are combined with high sugar mixers such as soda and juices. 6. Meal Timing (moderate): The old adage “eat every 3 hours” may not be the best move for everyone when it comes to blood sugar control. Some people may benefit more from 3-4 meals per day consumed within an 8-12 hour feeding window. 7. Dehydration (high): It’s estimated that more than 50 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. When your body is lacking fluids a hormone called vasopressin causes your kidneys to retain more fluid than normal. By keeping in those liquids, your kidneys are also storing excess unwanted glucose. 8. Gut Microbiome (high): Your gut is populated by both good and bad bacteria. An overgrowth of bad bacteria can be linked to poor diets, anti-inflammatories and heavy anti-biotic use. Too much harmful bacteria makes blood sugar control more difficult. 9. Too Little Sleep (high): A lack of total sleep or poor sleep quality can cause hormonal disruption leading to blood sugar irregularities. Even one bad night of sleep can cause insulin resistance that mimics what we see with unhealthy eating. 10. Stress and Illness (moderate): Both stress and infection cause the stress hormone cortisol to be elevated as a natural response. If this response becomes chronic, higher blood sugar becomes likely. 11. Recent Hypoglycemia (high): Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar drops to low levels and often happens within a few hours of eating an unhealthy meal. This may be from a “roller coaster effect” directly after experiencing high blood sugar. After a bout of hypoglycemia, many people find it more difficult to stabilize blood sugar over the next 24 hours. 12. Allergies (moderate): Both food allergies and seasonal allergies can cause a systemic inflammatory response. Your adrenal glands will release cortisol in an attempt to reduce inflammation and over time this may raise blood sugar to higher than normal levels. 13. Periods/Menstruation (moderate): A raise in blood sugar a few days before the start of a woman’s period can be common. Hormones are often synergistic and at this point in the cycle, estrogen and progesterone tend to be at higher levels impacting glucose as well. 14. Celiac Disease (high): Untreated Celiac Disease damages the gut lining and can lead to frequent bouts of low blood sugar due to malabsorption of nutrients. A gluten free diet can help significantly in this case-as long as high sugar/processed GF foods are avoided. 15. Light Exercise (moderate): Walking or low intensity cardiovascular exercise (less than 60% max heart rate) can help stabilize blood sugar and burn through a little extra glucose during the workout. 16. Intense Exercise (high): Methods of exercise that produce large amounts of lactic acid or a high heart rate will burn though glucose both during and after exercise. In fact, your metabolic rate can be elevated for up to 48 hours post-workout, if the intensity and duration was high enough. 17. Level of Fitness (high): Studies show that leaner individuals with more muscle mass tend to have better insulin sensitivity than someone who is overweight. This allows them to have better blood sugar numbers even if they consume a high carbohydrate meal. 18. Food Timing – after exercise (high): Insulin Sensitivity is substantially greater after exercise. This is amplified even more when the exercise is intense. Timing more of your daily carbohydrates within 1-4 hours post-workout may improve blood sugar stabilization. Eating less carbohydrates and potentially less total calories on non-exercise days can also be a good strategy. 19. Medication Dose (high): People who are on specific medications long term may have to increase the dosage over time as the body adapts. If this medication effects blood sugar, higher doses may become problematic. 20. Medication Timing (high): Taking a medication with or without food can have drastically different outcomes when it comes to blood sugar stabilization. Morning vs. Evening, menstrual cycle and combining medications can also cause irregularities. 21. Steroid Administration (high): Cortical steroids prescribed for conditions such as asthma, arthritis and autoimmune diseases are known to raise blood sugar. Be mindful of the dose and duration. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet can help control elevated glucose. Pin It on Pinterest
From Raw Cane to Demerara: Types of Sugar in All its Glorious Forms It’s no mystery that most of us love sugar and sugary things, which is why it’s crucial to be not overdo it. Here are the different types of sugar. Suscribe our Newsletter Recibe por email las noticias más destacadas America’s sweet tooth becomes all too evident when you realize just how many types of sugar are available on the market. Blame it on technology, which allows us to refine tons of barley, corn, fruits, rice, and sorghum into concentrated sugars readily available year-round. Or you can point fingers at how simply sweet and good it tastes as the cause. But when it comes down to defining its differences, refined, unrefined, etc., sugar is sugar, whether white, brown or raw. Some claim important nutrients that are necessary for the digestion of the sugar are lost in the refining process. Either way, too much of any kind of sugar will likely cause health problems, so use all kinds of sweeteners sparingly. Since sugar provides little in the way of vitamins, minerals or antioxidants, health experts suggest we limit our sugar consumption and stick to fruit. Don’t go overboard with the sugar A bowl of sugar Professor Ian Macdonald, chair of the Scientific Advisory Commission on Nutrition told The Guardian: “The evidence is stark – too much sugar is harmful to health and we all need to cut back. The clear and consistent link between a high-sugar diet and conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes is the wake-up call we need to rethink our diet.” His advice applies to consumption by those ages two and over of so-called “free sugar,” which includes table sugar, the sugar added to food and drinks, and that found naturally in fruit juices, syrups and honey. So how well do you know your sugar varieties and is there a difference between raw sugar and demerara for instance? types of sugar different colors of sugar First let’s start by dividing things into three types of sugar: more-refined sugars, less-refined sugars and sugar alcohols. Perhaps the most famous sugar is granulated sugar (or table sugar). It’s white, highly refined and used in baking. Dark brown and light brown sugars, though touted as “healthier” are also refined whites sugar, but with different amounts of molasses mixed in making it either darker or lighter brown. Other refined sugars include: confectioners’ sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, crystalline fructose, dextrose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, invert sugar, maltodextrin, maltose, malt syrup, polydextrose, sucrose or syrup. Those who watch what they eat gravitate to less refined sugars, though technically they are no better for you in the long run. This category includes raw sugar, which has a higher price tag and marketed as a purer sweetener. Raw sugar is technically called Turbinado and is a type of minimally refined raw cane sugar. It has large to medium-brown crystals, and is often mistaken for brown sugar, though it’s not the same thing. Like refined sugar it comes from sugarcane (though refined sugar can also be made from beets). The main difference between the two is in the boiling of the cane juice: The juice for refined sugar is boiled several times to remove all the molasses, whereas Turbinado sugar is boiled only once. The residual molasses gives Turbinado sugar “some flavor and texture other than just sweetness,” Katherine Zeratski, a registered dietitian with Mayo Clinic told Mother Jones. But it doesn’t provide any significant nutrition. Those who are not so refined Demerara sugar is a variety of raw cane sugar that is minimally refined. It has an amber color, and a subtle molasses flavor. Other less-refined sugars, as per The, include agave nectar, amasake, barley malt, blackstrap molasses, brown-rice syrup, cane juice, date sugar, demerara, fructose, fruit-juice concentrate, honey, lactose, maple syrup, muscovado, and sucanat. Finally, there are the sugar alcohols, which, according to the Martha Stewart camp, come from plant products such as fruits and berries. The carbohydrate in these plant products is altered through a chemical process. So when you read the label and it says erythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH), isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, or xylitol, then it’s a sugar alcohol. Next time you find yourself reading the label on a bag of cookies or for a recipe, you´ll know exactly what kind of sweetener you are dealing with. Ain’t that sweet? The post From cane sugar to brown sugar: the types of sugar in all their glorious forms appeared first on Mundo Hispanico Etiquetas: ,
Skip to content Go to GoCardless homepage LoginSign up What is Earmarking? Businesses live or die, survive or thrive based on how well they handle their money – especially in their pivotal early years. Even if your revenue figures are very respectable, your business is only ever one cash flow crisis away from being brought to its knees. So it’s absolutely vital that you get used to setting money aside for specific purposes. This is the essence of earmarking. The term earmarking is used in a number of different contexts, inside and outside the realm of commerce. Here we’ll look closely at the term, its meaning, its origins and why it’s important for small businesses like yours. What does “earmarked” mean? When funds are set aside for a specific purpose or project, they are known as “earmarked”. This prevents the funds from being spent in other areas, thereby maintaining healthy cash flow. The term earmarking actually has its roots in agriculture. Farmers would cut a notch into the ears of their livestock. This would help them to identify their own animals. Businesses can earmark funds in a number of different ways such as keeping them in a separate bank account or even keeping them in escrow to prevent them from being consumed by other aspects of their operational spending. Examples of earmarking We see examples of earmarking all the time in the world of business and beyond. For instance, local governments will often earmark funds to pay for roadworks or park. When a person or business becomes insolvent, earmarking is essential to ensure that liquidated funds are distributed properly among creditors. Of course, we also earmark funds all the time in our personal lives. We decide what money in our accounts is and is not fungible all the time. Our ability to allocate funds and prioritise transactions is as essential to household budgeting. Earmarking in politics and taxation Earmarking can be (and is) leveraged for political reasons, and politicians can be swayed by the promise of allocating (or the threat of withdrawing or repurposing) earmarked funds. In the US, this is known as “pork barrel spending”. In the UK, portions of tax revenues can be ring-fenced or earmarked for a specific purpose. A good example is the National Insurance system, whereby both employers and employees pay a portion of tax into the NI fund. The NI contributions are used to pay out welfare benefits such as statutory sick pay and unemployment benefits. Another example is the TV licence fee that pays for the BBC, which actually received the vast majority of its funding directly from the government, rather than members of the public who must pay the fee if they own a TV. Why is earmarking important for businesses? Earmarking is absolutely essential for small businesses. Unless funds are properly allocated for investment in inventory, payroll and capital investments, it can lead to the first steps down a slippery slope. An inability to earmark funds can lead to missed payments to vendors that could sour a business relationship. It can lead to payroll issues that demoralise employees and shake their faith in your company. It can prevent you from being able to make investments in equipment or personnel that could take your business to the next level. How you earmark your funds is entirely at your discretion. From keeping funds in escrow to obtaining a separate bank account or even mental accounting (not recommended). However, you do it, it’s an essential habit to get into. We can help If you’re interested in finding out more about earmarking, cash flow management, or any other aspect of your business finances, then get in touch with our financial experts. Find out how GoCardless can help you with ad hoc payments or recurring payments. Get StartedLearn More Interested in automating the way you get paid? GoCardless can help Contact sales
Kaboudan Island (Quyun Daghi) and Ashk Island are the largest islands of Lake Urmia in West Azerbaijan, which were declared protected areas by the Environmental Protection Organization in 1967 and then became a national park in 1976. These two islands in northwestern Iran are located in the east of Urmia and south of the lake. A variety of mammals and birds live on the islands, but the predominant species are Armenian rams and yellow deer. The Persian yellow deer is a rare and endangered species that lives on Ashk Island. Avatar of IFP Editorial Staff
Does stress affect your skin? I asked a US guest writer for their view. Damaging Effects of Stress on Your Skin Our body and skin react to stress in different ways. But they can’t tell the difference between different types of stress, whether they be emotional, environmental, or physical stress. ‘Your skin, however, can distinguish between acute or short-term stress and chronic or lingering stress’, New York City-based dermatologist and author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin, Dr. Whitney Bowe said. The field of psychodermatology emerged out of the need to deal with various skin problems arising from different stressors. Patients are reportedly frustrated by comments like “it’s only your skin” or “it’s just skin disease,” Dr. Anthony Bewley of the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) said. Psychodermatology acknowledges that skin ailments, including stress-induced conditions, can be as serious as any other disease. How the Skin Reacts to Stress Here are some of the ways your skin responds to stress: 1. Your skin becomes inflamed. Your digestive process can slow down when you have anxious thoughts. Prolonged stress can affect your gut or digestive system the way a high-fat diet does, according to a recent study. Dr. Bowe explains that chronic stress can cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your gut that can lead to internal inflammation, which in turn triggers skin conditions such as acne and eczema. 1. Your skin dries up. Your body produces more adrenaline when you’re under stress. Adrenaline activates your sweat glands, causing you to lose a lot more water more quickly. This dries your skin and makes it prone to eczema. 1. Your existing skin conditions worsen. If you are predisposed to having eczema or psoriasis, cortisol produced by your body when you are stressed can cause the weakening of the immune system and inflammation of the skin. 1. Your skin becomes oilier. Your cortisol level can shoot up because of stress, causing your sebaceous glands to produce higher amounts of oil than usual. 1. Dark circles appear below your eyes. More blood goes to your main organs when you are stressed, so your face looks drained. Stress can also cause capillaries around the eyes to break, spreading the blood cells beneath the eyes and forming a dark purple hue. 1. Your skin defenses may become exhausted. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause dark spots, moles, or even skin cancer. 1. Your skin may grow thinner and more sensitive. High cortisol levels can make your skin bruise and tear easily. Thinning skin that easily gets wounded is one of the symptoms of Cushing syndrome. 1. You may develop wrinkles and fine lines. Psychological stress can manifest through creases around our eyes and forehead. How to Calm the Effects of Stress on Your Skin 1. Take time to care for your skin even if you are stressed or tired. Apply a night face mask as part of your evening skin regimen once or twice a week. 1. Eat a balanced diet rich in omega 3’s and fresh fruit and veg. Try a smoothie with berries, coconut milk and oats, you can add chia seeds. 1. Get regular exercise. Even moderate exercise such as walking helps boost oxygen, circulation, and the delivery of nutrients to your skin. 1. Avoid Alcohol. It’s extremely bad for your skin! Practice stress management techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. Also, include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. 1. Get enough sleep and give yourself time to unwind from a stressful day. Knowing how stress can harm your skin can help you plan your life so that you can reduce it to a more manageable, healthier level.
Tulsi plant is worshipped in most of the homes in India. Our sages knew about the medicinal properties of Tulsi millions of years ago, so it has been given such a prominent place for use in daily life. There is a detailed mention of the benefits of Tulsi in Ayurveda too. Tulsi is a medicinal plant in which vitamins and minerals are found in abundance. This medicinal plant, full of properties to remove all diseases and increase physical strength, has been called a direct goddess because there is no other medicine more useful for mankind than this. Due to the religious importance of Tulsi, its plants are planted in every house. Tulsi leaves are considered more beneficial in terms of medicinal use. You can eat them directly from the plant. Like basil leaves, the benefits of basil seeds are also innumerable. You can also use the powder of basil seeds and leaves. These leaves have properties that reduce Kapha, Vata dosha, increase digestion power and appetite, and purify the blood. Basil leaves are also effective in relieving toothache. To get relief from a toothache, making a tablet of black pepper and basil leaves and keeping it under the tooth provides relief from toothache. Read more- Products related to this article
There Is No Punishment, There Is Only Correction Dr. Michael LaitmanThe Torah, “Exodus,” 21:18-21:19: And if men quarrel, and one strikes the other with a stone or with a fist, and he does not die but is confined to [his] bed, if he gets up and walks about outside on his support, the assailant shall be cleared; he shall give only [payment] for his [enforced] idleness, and he shall provide for his cure. From a corporeal point of view, we understand what it is about, but if we penetrate more deeply we will discover that it is much more complicated. It is about a person who can be incorporated into society after the damage that was caused to him, to be a normal, integral part of it, and whoever has caused him the damage should compensate him. Question: What is the meaning of “and one strikes the other” in the internal work? Answer: A person includes the whole world inside him, and when there is a war inside him, he should become his own judge and consider clearly and accurately what inside him is “for” and what is “against,” according to his level. There is an upper court, a local one, a regional one, and so on, which means that there are different levels according to the depth of the problems that arise. There are problems that can be solved by a simple dialog between people, and there are problems that require the intervention of a third party. The Torah speaks about the intervention of a third party, when the judge decides what to do in a specific case. It is about the three lines in our behavior. There are actions that are solved by the intervention of special upper forces, conditions, and so on. The Torah doesn’t refer to prison. According to the Torah, it isn’t just useless but even harmful to a person since you cut him off from society. There is no greater punishment than to cut a person off from society since it is in society that he fulfills himself, and if you cut him off from it, he is considered dead. So, there can be no isolation. We can banish a person from one society and bring him into another, lower one that is more suitable for him. In the past, there were cities of refuge to which a person could escape if he had committed a sin unintentionally. However, if he left that city, he could be caught and punished. The escape to a refuge city, to an asylum, was his correction. This means that the upper Providence had operated on a person in such a way that he had unintentionally killed another person or caused harm to another person. This means that he didn’t take part in this action and that it initially was unintentional on his part, but internally, under all his thoughts and ideas, it was still part of his nature or of his connection with that person. It turns out that he had caused harm or the death of another person, even if it was unintentional. Now, in order to correct this, he must get away. The word “punishment” doesn’t exist in the Torah at all; there is only the word “correction.” From KabTV’s “Secrets of the Eternal Book” 4/29/13 Related Material: About Punishment Crime, Punishment, And The Light Of Correction Questions About Punishment And Pride Discussion \| Share Feedback \| Ask a question Comments RSS Feed
Now, Germany looks set to follow where Austria has led. Others have made vaccines mandatory for parts of the population and imposed restrictions that increasingly explicitly target the unvaccinated, as Europe battles the twin challenges of sharply rising Covid figures and plateauing vaccination rates. Nearly one year into the EU's vaccination campaign, and with around one in three Europeans still unvaccinated, it is not so much hesitancy that European governments are now facing as outright opposition, with the danger that as governments get tougher so too will popular anger towards them. The crucial question of trust Only 19% of Europeans include their government among their most trusted sources of reliable information on Covid-19 vaccines, according to a survey conducted in May 2021 by the European Barometer, a collection of cross-country public opinion surveys conducted regularly on behalf of the EU's institutions. Even before the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy in Europe was strongly correlated to a populist distrust of mainstream parties and governments. One study published in the European Journal of Public Health in 2019 found "a highly significant positive association between the percentage of people in a country who voted for populist parties and the percentage who believe that vaccines are not important and not effective." What the pandemic has provided is a Europe-wide real-time test of that correlation. Nearly two years in and with most countries having exhausted what means they had of encouraging people to get vaccinated, the map of those who remain unvaccinated shows that where there is distrust in government and traditional political parties -- as measured by the strength of populist movements -- many people have yet to get vaccinated. Essentially, people who trust institutions need no convincing in the face of a pandemic; people who don't are unlikely to be influenced at all. Eastern Europe is where vaccination rates are the lowest. Bulgaria has the lowest rate of all, with just 26.6% of the total population vaccinated, according to government data. The country has also been going through a major political crisis with three parliamentary elections held this year. Difficulties with vaccine rollouts and in reaching more remote and elderly rural populations are also to blame in Eastern Europe, but in some of the countries where vaccine take-up has been lowest, populist parties are either in power or strong electorally. Further west, lower vaccination rates are also to be found in countries and regions with either popular or voluble populist or extremist movements, as in Germany, Austria and Northern Italy. In a paper published by the journal Psychological Medicine in October, Michele Roccato and Silvia Russo from the University of Turin argue that their study shows "people with a populist orientation tend to refuse the Covid-19 vaccine, in line with previous research showing that vaccine refusal is often politicized, but that its politicization is not limited to the traditional left-right cleavage." A new common enemy Sophie Tissier, who organizes protests against Covid-19 restrictions and vaccines in France, says that these protests have created a new political force that is radical but goes beyond party political lines. She says her group seeks to "create a citizens' opposition which is beyond electoral considerations and much more like a watchdog that sits outside the world of politics to be able to tell it: 'Look here, you are no longer protecting our rights, you are no longer protecting our rights under the law.'" Demonstrators march during a protest against coronavirus measures in Brussels, Belgium, on December 5, 2021. In August, more than 230,000 people took to the streets across the country in one day after France became one of the first European countries to announce the use of relatively strict vaccine passes. "It really set things alight because people realized that life as it was, was coming to an end," she said. "People would no longer be free, or able to go out as they did." Since then, protests have tapered off in France, partly because no mainstream party has been openly encouraging its supporters to join them. France's vaccine rates are among the highest in Europe, suggesting that even in countries where there is strong vaccine hesitancy -- as there was in France even before the pandemic -- far-right or populist parties' stance on the vaccine can have an impact. Elsewhere in Europe, such groups are clearly fanning the anti-vaccination flames. In Austria, several protests planned since the government announced its nationwide vaccine mandate last month have been planned by the far-right Freedom Party. The mandate is due to come into force in February 2022. Even as he announced the move, Schallenberg accused the Freedom Party of being responsible for the country's low vaccination rates and of having stirred up vaccine hesitancy. "We have too many political forces in this country that are fighting against [vaccination] vehemently, massively and publicly. That is irresponsible," Schallenberg said, adding: "Incited by these radical opponents of vaccination, by specious fake news, unfortunately too many of us have not been vaccinated. The consequence is overcrowded intensive care units and enormous human suffering." In other European countries, populist parties have also jumped on the bandwagon. And the divide in opinion over pandemic measures is no longer about extreme left and extreme right, said French political scientist Jean-Yves Camus, but "between the mainstream and the periphery." "It's much more about the extreme," Camus said. "The most extreme fringe groups taking advantage of the pandemic to say: 'This virus is fake, there is no pandemic and you are being tricked by your governments. It's a worldwide conspiracy of your national governments. They are using the pandemic to infringe on your individual rights and using vaccination passes to have your personal data,' and so on." In parts of Eastern Europe, but also in and around Germany -- from Northern Italy to the Netherlands and Austria -- parties which once focused on immigration or Europe have been tapping into the widespread anger of those opposed to vaccines and Covid-19 restrictions, shifting their attention to an issue far more likely to appeal to the apolitical and to cut across traditional party political lines. Their new enemy is far more federating: The Covid-19 measures and vaccination campaigns that they say threaten their freedom. A protester wearing a mask depicting syringes applauds in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 9, 2021, during a rally against coronavirus measures. Vaccine mandates The World Health Organization has cautioned against vaccine mandates, because of their potential impact on public confidence and public trust. Dr Hans Kluge, WHO's Europe Director, said they should be used as "an absolute last resort, and only applicable when all other feasible options to improve vaccine uptake have been exhausted." In a part of the world where the fight against the pandemic has already been hampered by vaccine hesitancy, such mandates could fuel more resistance. "The worry is that anti-vaxxers could come to hold even more extreme positions," said Russo, of the University of Turin. "That's one risk. But we should also consider that where vaccines become mandatory, there will need to be controls and that could further undermine institutional trust. " In other words, forced vaccination might push people into vaccination centers but it will also drive some of them to the streets, confirming and further fueling their deeply held suspicion of "the system." The fight against the pandemic may one day come to an end, but the fight against populism in Europe could be just beginning.
What are the origins of Labrador Retrievers? brown labrador looking at the sky The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in North America since 1991. Pretty impressive huh? But why? That's a good question. It's because these fluffballs have all that a traditional family can hope for... They are intelligent, outgoing and famously friendly! But were they always like that? Where does this temperament comes from? To find out, we need to dive in the history of the breed. yellow lab diving from a dock I wondered if I should send you this email because your pup is not a lab... I decided to send it to you. I'm sure this will be useful to you for small talk at the dog park. The History of Labrador Retrievers To understand where the lab comes from, we must go back to the 1800s in Newfoundland. At the time, Newfoundlanders were mostly fishermen. Fishing was hard, they didn't have the technology that we have today. One of the methods used to catch fish was called trawling trawling drawing If you are not familiar with it, trawling implies throwing a giant net behind the boat. As the boat moves forward and the net collects the fish in it. But the process was far from perfect... Ropes would break and fish would escape. Fishing was all but a walk in the park. And the fishermen lives depended on it. If they didn't catch anything, they wouldn't get paid by european merchants. They couldn't afford lean harvest. This constant risk needed them to be more creative. That's when fishermen started to use dogs. The coat The dogs were used to close the nets and catch any fish that would fall off the boat... Sounds easy? Not really in waters that ranged from 31°F to 45°F. Once again, evolution did its thing and the dogs developed their water-resistant coat. Often when they came out of the water, their coat would be full of ice. The "Otter Tail" It's during the same period that the ancestor of the labrador developed its “otter tail” that served as a powerful rudder, constantly moving back and forth as the dog swam and aided the dog in turning. ancestor of labrador retrievers a painting of the ancestor of the labrador retrievers Around 1800s, English nobles visiting Canada spotted the dogs. They could not believe the dogs' considerable stamina, loyalty, skill in the water and innate retrieving drive. The nobles brought some of the dogs back to Britain, more precisely to Poole, Dorsetshire. They saw the potential in these dogs to become loyal companion in their favorite sport, waterfowl hunting. waterfowl hunting waterfowl hunting The dogs were bred with english hunting dogs to create what we know today as the Labrador Retriever. It is said the the Earl of Malmesbury himself saw a Labrador in action (jumped off the boat and catched a fish that had escaped a fisherman) and since then became obsessed with the breed. Btw, an "Earl" was a title of nobility back in the 19th century in Britain. There's two potential reasons why it is called a Labrador Retriever: 1. First, geography was not the merchants forte. While today Newfoundland and Labrador are one canadian province, they were two separate entities at the time as pointed by this map: map of newfoundland and labrador And the name would be related to the general region from where the dogs originated. 2. The 2nd might come from the Spanish/portuguese word "worker" which is labradores and lavradores respectively. We will never know for sure. Over the 20th century, the breed would nearly extinct. If it wasn't from the families of the Dukes of Buccleuch and the Earls of Malmesbury, the first to fully appreciate the beautiful qualities of the Labrador Retriever and without whom, the breed would have been in danger of extinction. The first Labrador Retriever was registered to the UK Kennel Club in 1903 and in 1917 at the American Kennel Club (AKC). You want more? access more landmarks in the history of the Labradors. Cool story huh? Have a good night, P.S. Next email is quite different, I'll show you how to create an Instagram account for your dog and how to grow it. You want more of that juicy content? Join our emails to receive advice from vet & trainers. We guarantee everything we make Our products are covered by our Got Your Bark Lifetime Warranty Saving our Planet For each order on our website, we plant a tree Biodegradable Packaging Our products are shipped in biodegradable bags Visa Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Apple Pay Google Pay
How To Compare A Sub-Group Against The Total From Q Jump to: navigation, search Where appropriate, Q automatically compares sub-groups against the total result. In the table below, 50% of the Young prefer Blue. Amongst the total sample, 40% prefer blue. The upward pointing arrow and the blue font indicate that the score for the Young is significantly higher than that for the total sample (i.e., than for the NET). The mechanics of how the tests are performed At an intuitive level, this example can be thought of as testing the 50% for Blue amongst the Young versus the NET of 40%. Although this intuitive understanding is essentially correct in terms of how to interpret the data, it is not, at a technical level, a valid way to describe the test. To see the problem with this it is useful to work through the maths. Amongst the Young, 50 out of 100 people preferred Blue. Amongst the total sample of 300, 120 (40%) preferred Blue. However, the 300 respondents in the total sample include the 100 Young people, so if we compare the 100 with the 300 we would be double-counting (or, to use the more formal statistical language, we would violate the assumption of independent samples). The standard solution to this problem is to subtract the data of the Young from the total, and then perform the test. So, as 120 people in total preferred Blue and 50 of these were Young, this means that 70 (35%) of the 200 people that are not Young prefer Blue. When at its default settings, Q performs the test comparing the 50% of the 100 Young with the 35% of the 200 people that are not Young. Note that while the testing is not explicitly being done of the 100 versus the 300, at a conceptual level we can interpret the test as if we had compared the 100 versus the 300. This is because the only way that young people can be different to the total is if they are different to the people that are not young people. More detailed worked examples of how Q performs such tests is here. Dependent/overlapping/related samples tests A number statistical tests exist for testing samples where the groups overlap. They are variously known as dependent, overlapping and related sample tests. These tests have not been developed for the problem described above. Rather, they have been developed for the following two problems: • Where all the columns in a table are permitted to overlap. For example, if the columns represent websites a person has visited in the last month. A person may have visited multiple websites, meaning that they they appear in multiple columns. Note that with such data Q does not, by default, use dependent/overlapping/related samples tests, and instead performs the test amongst respondents that are not overlapping (see Statistical Assumptions#Overlaps). • Where the table is constructed from repeated measurements (e.g., a Number - Grid or Pick Any - Grid) question. In theory, it is possible to apply a dependent/overlapping/related samples test to the data in the example above, but if the test is conducted in a valid way it will give the same result as will be obtained if applying the strategy described above (i.e., as the underlying maths of the test would simply remove the effect of the Young being in the total sample). Column comparisons If performing Column comparisons you can have Q explicitly test against the NET. See How to Include the Main NET Column in Column Comparisons. See also How To Test Against The NET/Total/Average
The Word "Daraba" in the Qur'an From WikiIslam, the online resource on Islam (Redirected from Wife Beating in the Qur'an) Jump to navigation Jump to search Under construction icon-yellow.svg This article or section is being renovated. Lead = 3 / 4 Structure = 3 / 4 Content = 4 / 4 Language = 2 / 4 References = 4 / 4 3 / 4 3 / 4 4 / 4 2 / 4 4 / 4 (Pictured above) Qur'an verse 4:34 in Arabic script. According to the majority of Qur'anic translators and the Arabic lexicon[1], the Arabic phrase Idri-boo-hunna which appears in Qur'an 4:34 (highlighted in blue) means "beat them". The Qur'an (surah 4:34) clearly says: ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ وَبِمَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ ۚ فَٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ قَٰنِتَٰتٌ حَٰفِظَٰتٌ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَٱلَّٰتِى تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِى ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضْرِبُوهُنَّ ۖ فَإِنْ أَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلَا تَبْغُوا۟ عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيلًا ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيرًا The word "wadribuuhunna" means "beat them (i.e. the wives of men)," yet some modern Islamic du'aah, embarrassed about this obvious command for men to beat their wives in the Qur'an, have claimed rather that this verb means to "separate from them" or to "strike them out (sic)." All the verses in the Qur'an that contain daraba against a human (as a direct object) are understood to mean "beat" or "strike" that human, by their context, and this is agreed upon by these obscure "modern" translations. The only reason to translate the verb "daraba" to mean "separate from them" is to obfuscate the meaning of the verse for modern readers who view the injunction for men to beat their wives as barbaric, inhumane, incompatible with modern human rights. The attempts to translate this word in this way is novel, done only for audiences in majority non-Muslim countries, and flies in the face of over a thousand years of Islamic commentary and exegesis. Modern Claims An argument has been presented on some Islamic websites ( exclusively geared towards western audiences) and by some Muslims and apologists which claim to have "modern" translations of the Qur'an[2], which claims that the Arabic verb "ضرب" "daraba" means something other than to "strike" "beat" or "hit." Alternatives offered include "separate from them" or somewhat nonsensically for a native English speaker "strike them out." The people making these claims are generally seeking to "reform" Islam, but this translation flies in the face of over a thousand years of understanding of the Arabic language, by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. These apologetic arguments are clearly directed people of a westernized/liberal background with little to no knowledge of Arabic, as any Muslim who has an adequate command of the Arabic language or any non-Muslim Arab, or any non-Arabic speaking Muslim familiar with the hadith and tafsir text related to this issue, will find the claim being presented to be ridiculous and prima facia untenable. Despite this, the obviously incorrect translation of this verb can be found in prominent cases such as that of Laleh Bakhtiar, an American Muslim apologist. She went so far as to incorporate this incorrect translation into her translation of the Qur'an, a translation which the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) refused to sell in their bookstore for its inaccuracy. Agreed-Upon Translations Almost all Qur'anic professional translators in English have translated the term as "beat them". Yusuf Ali: Al-Hilali & Mohsin Khan: Dr. T.B. Irving: "...Admonish those women whose surliness you fear, and leave them alone in their beds, and [even] beat them [if necessary]. If they obey you, do not seek any way [to proceed] against them. God is Sublime, Great." [4] Muhammad Sarwar: "...Admonish women who disobey (God's laws), do not sleep with them and beat them. If they obey (the laws of God), do not try to find fault in them. God is High and Supreme." [3] Rashad Khalifa: Abdul-Majid Daryabadi: E.H. Palmer: Muhammad Ayub Khan: "...And those whose rebellion you fear, admonish them and leave them alone in the beds, and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; God is surely High, Great." Ahmed Raza Khan: "...the women from whom you fear disobedience, (at first) advise them and (then) do not cohabit with them, and (lastly) beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek to do injustice to them; indeed Allah is Supreme, Great." [8] Hassan Qaribullah & Ahmad Darwish: "...Those from whom you fear rebelliousness, admonish them and desert them in the bed and smack them (without harshness). Then, if they obey you, do not look for any way against them. Allah is High, Great." [3] Mahmud Y. Zayid: Muhammad Asad: "...And as for those woolen whose ill-will" you have reason to fear, admonish them [first]; then leave them alone in bed; then beat them and if thereupon..." [3] Qur'anic Meanings The partisans of this argument attempt to back up their claim that daraba does not mean "to beat them" (i.e. their wives) in verse 4:34 by providing several other verses in the Qur'an which contain the word daraba, being used to describe an action other than "to beat" or "to strike": 1. To travel, to get out: See Quran 3:156; Quran 4:101; Quran 38:44; Quran 73:20; Quran 2:273 2. To set up: Quran 43:58; See Quran 57:113 3. To give examples: See Quran 14:24, Quran 14:45; Quran 16:75, Quran 16:76, Quran 16:112; Quran 18:32, Quran 18:45; Quran 24:35; Quran 30:28, Quran 30:58; Quran 36:78; Quran 39:27, Quran 39:29; Quran 43:17; Quran 59:21; Quran 66:10, Quran 66:11 4. To take away, to ignore: See Quran 43:5 5. To condemn: See Quran 2:61 6. To seal, to draw over: See Quran 18:11 7. To cover: See Quran 24:31 8. To explain: See Quran 13:17 Evidently, they have searched through the Qur'an for any verses which contain a derivative of the verb daraba and then have compared their meanings, concluding that there are ten different meanings for the verb daraba and something other than "to beat" can be applied to verse 4:34. Each of these differing usages of the verb daraba are thoroughly analyzed below along with the verses in which they appear. Careful study of all the above verses reveals that they do not affect the interpretation of verse 4:34 whatsoever, and that the verb daraba was indeed correctly understood and translated as "beat". In fact, all the other verses presented which contain daraba are actually using the term figuratively. For example, "hit the sky" is a figurative expression; nothing can literally "hit" or "crash" with the sky, it is meant to be understood as "fly high through" the sky. These partisan translators and apologists proposing this bad translation will claim that this is a "different meaning" for the word "hit", when in fact it is simply a analogical extension of the main meaning of the verb. In effect this would mean when someone says in Arabic "I'll hit you," in actuality they meant "I'll fly high through you"; the argument is absurd to anyone with even a basic command of Arabic, but is advanced by Muslim apologists for a non-Arabic speaking audience to allay their embarrassment over this verse. Comparison with English Usages A comparison with English is useful: The meaning of many verbs differ according to the objects they are applied to and the prepositions with which they are used. Using the word "hit" in English as an example, which also means daraba, a number of derivitive and metaphorical meanings of "hit" may be arrived at, similar to daraba. Ten Meanings for "Hit" Ten of these metaphorical/derived meanings are as follows (note that the nouns in the brackets are the objects to be hit): 1. Set out (Road) 2. Click (Mouse) 3. Drink (Bottle) 4. Land (Target) 5. Reach (Market) 6. Press (Brakes) 7. Go (Beach) 8. Fulfill (Spot) 9. Demonstrate (Streets) 10. Win (Jackpot) 1. When an English speaker "hits the road," as in this famous song, it means he "departed" or "set out." It surely doesn't mean he got a hammer and hit the road with it. The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the road." 2. When an English speaker says they will "hit the Mouse," they mean to say they will "click on the mouse." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the mouse." 3. When an English speaker says they'll "hit the bottle," what they really mean is, they'll "drink the bottle" or "drink alcohol heavily." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the bottle." 4. When a darts player "hits the target" in English, he didn't get the dart board and break it, he simply shot the dart and it "landed on the target." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the target." 5. When an author's book "hits the market" in English, it means the book "reaches the market." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the market." 6. When an English speaker says they'll "hit the brakes," it doesn't mean they'll break the braking pedal, but rather it mean they'll "press on the brakes" to stop the car. The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the the brakes." 7. When a an English speaker "hits the beach," they didn't fall from the 11th floor and "crash" into the beach, but they "went to the beach." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the beach." 8. When an English speaker says its fine but it didn't "hit the spot," they mean to say its fine but didn't fulfill their needs. The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the spot." 9. When an English speaker says the activists "hit the streets," it means the activists "demonstrated in the streets." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the streets." 10. When an English speaker says they "hit the jackpot" it actually means they "won the jackpot." The base meaning of "hit" remains untouched when not used with "the jackpot." As can clearly be seen, each of those sentences involves a different meaning of the word "hit", which is applied accordingly to the object used in combination with it. Yet even with all of these "different meanings" of the word "hit" in mind, the sentence "I will hit my woman" remains clear: the meaning is "I shall strike my woman", or in Arabic "سوف أضرب إمرأتي" There is no possible alternative meaning to "I will beat my woman."' The difference between, for example, "hit the road" and "hit the woman", is the object to be hit, and not the meaning of "hit" itself; the meanings of the two sentences are different but clear. Most of the verses containing the eight different meanings which have been given by the apologists are using the verb daraba (hit) not against human beings, but rather "hitting the land," "hitting an example," "hitting the truth"... etc., clearly figurative uses which are derivative of the main meaning "to hit." In the verses in the Qur'an where daraba is used against a human being without a modifiying preposition, it clearly means to "beat" or "strike," which confirms our understanding of the use of daraba in verse 4:34. What follows now is a discussion of daraba in the contexts where it is found in the Qur'an with a meaning other than "to hit" or "to strike." The original verse in Arabic will be presented, along with word-by-word literal translation of the statement in Bold in each verse, which is the place where daraba (hit) and its object (i.e. Land) are used; and above each verse will be found the name of the object being hit. For example, in the example of the phrase "strikean example," its will literally translation will be presented as is, not as "give an example" like the standard Qur'anic translations. Although this translation may sound strange, it will make the object to be hit, easily identifiable for the non-Arabic speakers. This literal translation of all the verses for will show that each time "daraba" is used and has a different meaning than to "beat," it is not against a human being, but against other material and non-material objects. And each and every time it is used against a human without a modifying preposition, it has no other meaning than to "beat". Meaning 1: To travel, to get out Verse: 3.156 Object: Land يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَقَالُوا۟ لِإِخْوَٰنِهِمْ إِذَا ضَرَبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَوْ كَانُوا۟ غُزًّى لَّوْ كَانُوا۟ عِندَنَا مَا مَاتُوا۟ وَمَا قُتِلُوا۟ لِيَجْعَلَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٰلِكَ حَسْرَةً فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحْىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ daraboo ضَرَبُوا۟ is derived from daraba ضرب, meaning "hit" 'beat" or "strike." Fee في literally means "in". Al-Ardi ٱلْأَرْضِ means "the land" or "the earth." Thus, the whole statement daraboo fee al-ardi ضَرَبُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ translates literally as "hit in the land", with a meaning of something like "hit the road" that is "to travel", a clearly figurative extension of the main meaning of the verb, "hit." "Hit" here gives this meaning only when it is against "land"; it is a well-known expression in Arabic. Verse: 4.101 Object: Land وَإِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْكُمْ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَقْصُرُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ إِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَن يَفْتِنَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ كَانُوا۟ لَكُمْ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا darabtum fee al-ardi ضَرَبْتُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ literally meaning "you (plural) hit in the land" again meaning here "to travel" or to move across the land. Verse: 73.20 Object: Land إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ تَقُومُ أَدْنَىٰ مِن ثُلُثَىِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَنِصْفَهُۥ وَثُلُثَهُۥ وَطَآئِفَةٌ مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَعَكَ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يُقَدِّرُ ٱلَّيْلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ ۚ عَلِمَ أَن لَّن تُحْصُوهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ فَٱقْرَءُوا۟ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ ۚ عَلِمَ أَن سَيَكُونُ مِنكُم مَّرْضَىٰ ۙ وَءَاخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِن فَضْلِ ٱللَّهِ ۙ وَءَاخَرُونَ يُقَٰتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَٱقْرَءُوا۟ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنْهُ ۚ وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَقْرِضُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا۟ لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا ۚ وَٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌۢ yadriboona fee al-ardi يَضْرِبُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ literally meaning "they hit in the land" again meaning here "to travel" or to move across the land. Verse: 2.273 Object: Land لِلْفُقَرَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ ٱلْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَآءَ مِنَ ٱلتَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُم بِسِيمَٰهُمْ لَا يَسْـَٔلُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌ darban fee al-ardi ضَرْبًا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ literally "a hit in the land" again meaning "moving about in the land." Meaning number 2: To set up or place Verse: 57.13 Object: Wall يَوْمَ يَقُولُ ٱلْمُنَٰفِقُونَ وَٱلْمُنَٰفِقَٰتُ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱنظُرُونَا نَقْتَبِسْ مِن نُّورِكُمْ قِيلَ ٱرْجِعُوا۟ وَرَآءَكُمْ فَٱلْتَمِسُوا۟ نُورًا فَضُرِبَ بَيْنَهُم بِسُورٍ لَّهُۥ بَابٌۢ بَاطِنُهُۥ فِيهِ ٱلرَّحْمَةُ وَظَٰهِرُهُۥ مِن قِبَلِهِ ٱلْعَذَابُ faduriba baynahum bisoorin فَضُرِبَ بَيْنَهُم بِسُورٍ literally "a wall was struck between them" which is understood as "a wall was placed between them." Meaning number 3: To give examples Verse: 14.24 Object: Example أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ daraba Allahu mathalan ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally "Allah struck an example", meaning "he gave an example." Verse: 14.45 Object: Example وَسَكَنتُمْ فِى مَسَٰكِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمْ كَيْفَ فَعَلْنَا بِهِمْ وَضَرَبْنَا لَكُمُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ wadarabna lakumu al-amthala ضَرَبْنَا لَكُمُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ literally "we strike for you the example" meaning "we give an example for you." Verse: 16.75 Object: Example ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا عَبْدًا مَّمْلُوكًا لَّا يَقْدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَمَن رَّزَقْنَٰهُ مِنَّا رِزْقًا حَسَنًا فَهُوَ يُنفِقُ مِنْهُ سِرًّا وَجَهْرًا ۖ هَلْ يَسْتَوُۥنَ ۚ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ۚ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ Daraba Allahu mathalan ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally "Allah has struck an example" meaning "Allah has given an example." Verse: 16.76 Object: Example وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا رَّجُلَيْنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبْكَمُ لَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ كَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوْلَىٰهُ أَيْنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ ۖ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى هُوَ وَمَن يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ ۙ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ Wadaraba Allahu mathalan وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally "And Allah has struck an example" meaning "Allah has given an example." Verse: 16.112 Object: Example وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ ءَامِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٰقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلْجُوعِ وَٱلْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَصْنَعُونَ Wadaraba Allahu mathalan وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally "And Allah has struck an example" meaning "And Allah has given an example." Verse: 18.32 Object: Example وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلًا رَّجُلَيْنِ جَعَلْنَا لِأَحَدِهِمَا جَنَّتَيْنِ مِنْ أَعْنَٰبٍ وَحَفَفْنَٰهُمَا بِنَخْلٍ وَجَعَلْنَا بَيْنَهُمَا زَرْعًا Waidrib lahum mathalan وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلًا literally "and you, struck for them an example" meaning "and give for them an example." Verse: 18.45 Object: Example وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَٰحُ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا Waidrib lahum mathala وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ literally "and struck for them an example" meaning "and he gave an example." Verse: 24.35 Object: Example ٱللَّهُ نُورُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِۦ كَمِشْكَوٰةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖ ٱلْمِصْبَاحُ فِى زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ ٱلزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّىٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَٰرَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِىٓءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِى ٱللَّهُ لِنُورِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ ۚ وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَٰلَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ wayadribu Allahu al-amthala وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَٰلَ literally meaning "And Allah hits the examples" with the meaning that "he Allah provides the examples." Verse: 30.28 Object: Example He does propound to you a similitude from your own (experience): do ye have partners among those whom your right hands possess, to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? O ye fear them as ye fear each other? Thus do we explain the Signs in detail to a people that understand. ضَرَبَ لَكُم مَّثَلًا مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ ۖ هَل لَّكُم مِّن مَّا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُكُم مِّن شُرَكَآءَ فِى مَا رَزَقْنَٰكُمْ فَأَنتُمْ فِيهِ سَوَآءٌ تَخَافُونَهُمْ كَخِيفَتِكُمْ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلْءَايَٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ Daraba lakum mathalan ضَرَبَ لَكُم مَّثَلًا literally meaning "struck an example for you" meaning and "and he set forth for you all an example." Verse: 30.58 Object: Example وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِى هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ ۚ وَلَئِن جِئْتَهُم بِـَٔايَةٍ لَّيَقُولَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا مُبْطِلُونَ darabna liInnasi fee hatha alqur-ani min kulli mathalin وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِى هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ literally meaning "We have struck in this Quran for every example for the people" meaning "we have given an example for the people in this Qur'an." Verse: 39.27 Object: Example وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِى هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ Walaqad darabna liInnasi fee hatha alqur-ani min kulli mathalin وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِى هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ literally meaning "And we have struck in this Quran from every example for the people" Verse: 39.29 Object: Example ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا رَّجُلًا فِيهِ شُرَكَآءُ مُتَشَٰكِسُونَ وَرَجُلًا سَلَمًا لِّرَجُلٍ هَلْ يَسْتَوِيَانِ مَثَلًا ۚ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ۚ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ Daraba Allahu mathalan ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally meaning "Allah stuck an example" Verse: 43.17 Object: Example وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِمَا ضَرَبَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ مَثَلًا ظَلَّ وَجْهُهُۥ مُسْوَدًّا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ bima daraba liIrrahmani mathalan بِمَا ضَرَبَ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ مَثَلًا literally meaning "in the examples struck by the Merciful" with a meaning of "in the examples given by the merciful." Verse: 43.58 Object: Example And they say: are our gods better, or is he? They mention him not to thee save for disputation. Aye! they are a people contentious.. وَقَالُوٓا۟ ءَأَٰلِهَتُنَا خَيْرٌ أَمْ هُوَ ۚ مَا ضَرَبُوهُ لَكَ إِلَّا جَدَلًۢا ۚ بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ خَصِمُونَ ma daraboohu laka ۚ مَا ضَرَبُوهُ لَكَ literally "what they have struck it for you" The thing that is struck here is, from its previous verse Quran 43:57, is an example; the meaning is thus " Verse: 59.21 Object: Example لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ عَلَىٰ جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُۥ خَٰشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَمْثَٰلُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ watilka al-amthalu nadribuha liInnasi وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَمْثَٰلُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ literally meaning "and these are the examples that we struck for the people" Verse: 66.10 Object: Example ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ نُوحٍ وَٱمْرَأَتَ لُوطٍ ۖ كَانَتَا تَحْتَ عَبْدَيْنِ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا صَٰلِحَيْنِ فَخَانَتَاهُمَا فَلَمْ يُغْنِيَا عَنْهُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا وَقِيلَ ٱدْخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٰخِلِينَ Daraba Allahu mathalan ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally meaning "Allah has strikes an example" and with a meaning Verse: 66.11 Object: Example وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ إِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ٱبْنِ لِى عِندَكَ بَيْتًا فِى ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِى مِن فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهِۦ وَنَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ Wadaraba Allahu mathalan وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا literally meaning "And Allah has strikes an example" meaning "and Allah has given an example." Meaning number 4: To take away, to ignore Verse: 43.5 Object: Admonition Shall We then take away from you the Admonition because ye are a people extravagant? أَفَنَضْرِبُ عَنكُمُ ٱلذِّكْرَ صَفْحًا أَن كُنتُمْ قَوْمًا مُّسْرِفِينَ Afanadribu 'ankumu aIththikra أَفَنَضْرِبُ عَنكُمُ ٱلذِّكْرَ literally meaning "shall we strike the remembrance from you" meaning "shall we forget to remind you." Again, this is a known expression. Meaning number 5: To condemn Verse: 26.1 Object: Humiliation وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَٰمُوسَىٰ لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَٰحِدٍ فَٱدْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنۢبِتُ ٱلْأَرْضُ مِنۢ بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّآئِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا ۖ قَالَ أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ ٱلَّذِى هُوَ أَدْنَىٰ بِٱلَّذِى هُوَ خَيْرٌ ۚ ٱهْبِطُوا۟ مِصْرًا فَإِنَّ لَكُم مَّا سَأَلْتُمْ ۗ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلذِّلَّةُ وَٱلْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَآءُو بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يَكْفُرُونَ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ ٱلنَّبِيِّۦنَ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا۟ وَّكَانُوا۟ يَعْتَدُونَ waduribat 'alayhimu aIdhdhillatu wulmaskanatu وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلذِّلَّةُ وَٱلْمَسْكَنَةُ literally meaning "and the humiliation and poverty was struck open him" id est "he was struck down/laid low with humiliation and poverty." The humiliation and poverty are the subjects of the passive verb here, will Moses and his people are the objects of the preposition "'ala" على meaning "upon." Meaning number 6: To seal, to draw over Verse: 18.11 :Over the ears فَضَرَبْنَا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ فِى ٱلْكَهْفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدًا Fadarabna AAala adhanihim فَضَرَبْنَا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ literally meaning "we have hit upon their ears," which is a common expression in Arabic that means "we will make your ears hear nothing." Just like "beat your feet" can mean "start walking." What was hit here was the ears, not the people themselves. Meaning number 7: To cover Verse: 24.31 Object: Veils and Feet وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَٰتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا ۖ وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ إِخْوَٰنِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٰتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَآئِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّٰبِعِينَ غَيْرِ أُو۟لِى ٱلْإِرْبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفْلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يَظْهَرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ عَوْرَٰتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ۖ وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ ۚ وَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ This verse mentions the verb daraba ضرب twice. In the first occurrence, it says walyadribna bikhumurihinna AAala juyoobihinna وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِهِنَّ ۖ literally meaning "and they should strike their veils over their bosoms," meaning they should place their veils over their bosoms or cover their bosoms. In the second occurrence, wala yadribna bi-arjulihinna وَلَا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ literally means "they should not hit their feet;" and here "hit" is meant literally as "hit" or "strike." Meaning number 8: To explain Verse: 13.17 Object: Truth and Vanity أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحْتَمَلَ ٱلسَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا ۚ وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ ٱبْتِغَآءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَٰعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَٱلْبَٰطِلَ ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَآءً ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ Another two instances of "daraba" here: yadribu Allahu alhaqqa waalbatila يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَٱلْبَٰطِلَ ۚ literally meaning "Allah hits the truth and the vanity," as in "Allahs explains the truth and the vanity." The Main Meaning: To Strike or Beat The main meaing of "daraba" is to hit or strike, including with a sword where the meaning should be rendered in English as "cut", "chop", or "chop off." Verse: 2.60 Object: Rock وَإِذِ ٱسْتَسْقَىٰ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِۦ فَقُلْنَا ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْحَجَرَ ۖ فَٱنفَجَرَتْ مِنْهُ ٱثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْنًا ۖ قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَّشْرَبَهُمْ ۖ كُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ مِن رِّزْقِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِينَ idrib bi'asaka alhajara ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْحَجَرَ literally meaning "hit the rock." Verse: 2.73 Object: Human فَقُلْنَا ٱضْرِبُوهُ بِبَعْضِهَا ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُحْىِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ وَيُرِيكُمْ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ idriboohu bibaAAdiha ٱضْرِبُوهُ بِبَعْضِهَا literally means "beat him with part of her." The one to be beaten is the dead man [a whole human], which is the equivalent of the wife [a whole human] who is to be beaten as instructed in verse 4:34. The only possible meaning here for daraba is "strike" or "beat." The mysterious translation of "separate from them" that was used instead of "beat" in 4:34 cannot be applied here, as the cow and the man were definitely not connected in any way to be "separated." This verse confirms for us, that when you are told to "daraba" a man, it means to strike or beat them. Thus, it is logical to conclude that daraba against a woman will also mean to "strike" or "beat" them, not "separate". Verse: 7.160 Object: Rock وَقَطَّعْنَٰهُمُ ٱثْنَتَىْ عَشْرَةَ أَسْبَاطًا أُمَمًا ۚ وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ إِذِ ٱسْتَسْقَىٰهُ قَوْمُهُۥٓ أَنِ ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْحَجَرَ ۖ فَٱنۢبَجَسَتْ مِنْهُ ٱثْنَتَا عَشْرَةَ عَيْنًا ۖ قَدْ عَلِمَ كُلُّ أُنَاسٍ مَّشْرَبَهُمْ ۚ وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْغَمَٰمَ وَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَنَّ وَٱلسَّلْوَىٰ ۖ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَٰكُمْ ۚ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ Verse: 8.12 Object: Human Necks إِذْ يُوحِى رَبُّكَ إِلَى ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةِ أَنِّى مَعَكُمْ فَثَبِّتُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ۚ سَأُلْقِى فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلرُّعْبَ فَٱضْرِبُوا۟ فَوْقَ ٱلْأَعْنَاقِ وَٱضْرِبُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ كُلَّ بَنَانٍ faidriboo fawqa al-a'naqi waidriboo minhum kulla bananin فَٱضْرِبُوا۟ فَوْقَ ٱلْأَعْنَاقِ وَٱضْرِبُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ كُلَّ بَنَانٍ literally meaning "hit over the necks and hit from them all their fingers." The first "hit" means "beat" and the second means "cut-off." Both objects here are not whole bodies, but only parts (necks and fingers). Verse: 20.77 Object: Road وَلَقَدْ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَسْرِ بِعِبَادِى فَٱضْرِبْ لَهُمْ طَرِيقًا فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ يَبَسًا لَّا تَخَٰفُ دَرَكًا وَلَا تَخْشَىٰ faid'rib lahum -tareeqan فَٱضْرِبْ لَهُمْ طَرِيقًا literally meaning "so strike a road for them." The usage is somewhat eccentric here for an English speaker, but the idea is that a strike or hit will carve out a path for Moses through the sea. Verse: 24.31 Object: Feet and Veil This verse is a repeat and has already been discussed under the section below - To cover. Verse: 26:63 Object: Sea فَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنِ ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْبَحْرَ ۖ فَٱنفَلَقَ فَكَانَ كُلُّ فِرْقٍ كَٱلطَّوْدِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ an udrib bi'asaka albahra أَنِ ٱضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ ٱلْبَحْرَ literally meaning "to hit with your stick the sea." Verse: 37.93 Object: Human فَرَاغَ عَلَيْهِمْ ضَرْبًۢا بِٱلْيَمِينِ This is a great example. Here, darban bialyameeni ضَرْبًۢا بِٱلْيَمِينِ literally means "hit them [people] with the right [hand]." According to this verse, when verb daraban ضَرْبًۢا is applied to humans, it means "beat" or "strike." It cannot be translated as "separate them from your right hand," as that is utterly ridiculous. The Islamic site in question, also agrees that daraban here means "strike." Verse: 47.4 Object: Human Necks فَإِذَا لَقِيتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَضَرْبَ ٱلرِّقَابِ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَثْخَنتُمُوهُمْ فَشُدُّوا۟ ٱلْوَثَاقَ فَإِمَّا مَنًّۢا بَعْدُ وَإِمَّا فِدَآءً حَتَّىٰ تَضَعَ ٱلْحَرْبُ أَوْزَارَهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ وَلَوْ يَشَآءُ ٱللَّهُ لَٱنتَصَرَ مِنْهُمْ وَلَٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَا۟ بَعْضَكُم بِبَعْضٍ ۗ وَٱلَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَلَن يُضِلَّ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ fadarba aIrriqabi فَضَرْبَ ٱلرِّقَابِ literally meaning "the hit of the necks." as in "beaten on their necks." Verse: 8.50 Object: Human Faces وَلَوْ تَرَىٰٓ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ۙ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَٰرَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا۟ عَذَابَ ٱلْحَرِيقِ yadriboona wujoohahum يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ literally meaning "hit their faces," or "beat their faces." Verse: 47.27 Object: Human Faces فَكَيْفَ إِذَا تَوَفَّتْهُمُ ٱلْمَلَٰٓئِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَٰرَهُمْ yadriboona wujoohahum ضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ literally meaning "hit their faces." Comparing the Two Terms Beat them and leave them are different phrases in Arabic, utilizing the same verb, but here differentiated by the preposition used. The Arabic word idribohunna is the command form of the Arabic verv Daraba does not have any other meaning than Beat when it comes to the sentence "Yadribu Ahadan" يضرب أحدا= he hits someone. Idriboohunna (أضربوهن) means beat them (for female plural). Idriboo 'anhunna (اضربوا عنهن) with the preposition 'an عن would mean "leave" or "abandon" them. According to Lane's Arabic lexicon.[10] Arabic Transliteration Meaning ضرب Daraba Beat أضربوهن (used in 4:34) Idriboohunna Beat them اضربوا عنهن Adriboo Anhunna abandon them, leave them Qur'an 4:34 says Idriboohunna[11] أضربوهن not Adribu 'Anhunna اضربوا عنهن. There is no way to confuse one for the other. 1. Arabic Lexicon (page in Arabic language) 2. Such as and 3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Islam Awakened - Qur'an 4:34 4. The Koran - English Translation by T.B Irving 5. - Quran 4:34 (Khalifa) 7. Quran Browser - Quran 4:34 8. Multimedia Quran - Quran 4:34 (Raza Khan) 9. Quran 4:34 - Zayid 10. [1] 11. The use of "Idriboohunna" in verse 4:34 has been confirmed by Errors in English Translations of the Quran (From the Introduction of Quran: a Reformist Translation, Brainbow Press) which itself is attempting to use the "leave them" apologetic that is refuted on this page.
views updated May 14 2018 Modem, an acronym for modulator/demodulator, is a device that allows one computer to "talk" with another over a standard telephone line. Modems act as a kind of interpreter between a computer and the telephone line. Computers transmit digital data, expressed as electrical impulses, whereas telephones transmit voice frequencies as analog signals. To transmit digital data, the sending modem must first modulate, or encode, a computer's digital signal into an analog signal that can travel over the phone line. The receiving modem must then demodulate, or decode, the analog signal back into a digital signal recognizable to a computer. A modem transmits data in bits per second (bps), with the fastest modems transmitting at 56K (kilobits per second). An internal modem is housed within the computer itself, while an external modern is a separate device connected to the computer by cable. A variety of protocols (standards, rules) govern the conversion of data to and from digital and analog. These also govern error correction and data compression. Error correction is necessary to detect and correct data that may have become lost or garbled as the result of a poor telephone connection. Data compression speeds the data transfer by eliminating any redundant data sent between two modems, which the receiving modem then restores to its original form. Individual modems vary in the types of protocols they support, depending on such factors as manufacturer and age. Communications software enables a modem to perform the many tasks necessary to complete a session of sending and receiving data. To initiate a modem session, the user issues the command appropriate to the software being used; the software then takes over and begins the complicated process of opening the session, transferring the data, and closing the session. To open the session, the software dials the receiving modem and waits for an answering signal. Once the two modem have established a connection, they engage in a process called "handshaking": they exchange information about the types of protocols each uses, ultimately agreeing to use a set common to both. For example, if one modem supports a more recent set of protocols then does the other, the first will agree to use the earlier set so that each is sending data at the same rate, with error correction and data compression appropriate to those protocols. The handshaking process itself is governed by its own protocol. In addition to transmitting and receiving data, the communications software may also automate other tasks for the user, such as dialing, answering, redialing, and logging onto an online service. The functionality provided by a traditional dial-up modemthe ability to send and receive information electronicallyis also offered in other technologies that offer faster transmission speeds, although each is not without its disadvantages. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines (ADSL), and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) all use more capacity of the existing phone to provide services. At 128K, ISDN is more than twice as fast as a dialup modem, but not nearly as fast as ADSL or DSL. ADSL can deliver data at 8 mbps, but is available only in selected urban areas. DSL transmits at a high rate of speed, but to ensure reliable service, the user must be located near the phone company's central office or outlying transmitters. In addition, a DSL connection is always "on" and thus makes a computer more vulnerable to attacks from hackers. To secure a DSL connection, a user must install either a software package called a firewall or a piece of hardware called a router. With either of these in place, the DSL connection cannot be detected by outsiders. Cable modems do not use phone lines. Instead, they utilize the same line that provides cable TV services to consumers. Offered by cable television companies, cable modems are about 50 times faster than a dialup modem, but transmission speed is dependent on the number of subscribers using the service at the same time. Because the service uses a shared connection, its speed decreases as the number of users increases. Satellite, or wireless, services are faster than a 56K modem, but slower than a DSL. In addition, the initial satellite installation is expensive. However, for users in rural areas who do not have access to other services, wireless service may be a viable option. As Bonnie Lund states in Business Communication That Really Works!, "the speed with which we can exchange documents has revolutionized business communications," which in turn has enabled business to be done "faster, cheaper, and more efficiently." Modems, along with the related technologies, facilitate this rapid transfer of information between colleagues or customers, regardless of their location. Communications that, in the past, may have taken several days or even weeks to complete, can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time. For example, during a typical work day, an employee could use a modem to facilitate sending an email message to a customer, transmitting a spreadsheet containing the annual budget to a manager for review, or downloading a file from the Internet. On a busy day this will take place dozens of times. Lund also notes that "modems are changing the work style of corporate America" by enabling workers to telecommute or telework. As Amy Joyce reported in the Washington Post, citing data from the Telework Association and Council (ITAC), "the number of employed Americans who performed any kind of work from home, from as little as one day a year to full time, grew from 41.3 million in 2003 to 44.4 million in 2004, a 7.5 percent growth rate." A related development is the "distributed office," used in many small businesses involved in consulting, software development, publishing, and similar industries were members of the company work from home communicating by e-mail and using a common network server available to each by one of the faster modes of telecommunications. "Gateway Enables Remote Site Management." Product News Network. 18 April 2006. Joyce, Amy. "Getting the Job Done at Home: Telecommuting Can Save Money and Boost Productivity." Washington Post. 26 June 2005. Lund, Bonnie. Business Communication That Really Works! Affinity Publishing, Inc. 1995. Poor, Alfred. "Phone as Modem?." Computer Shopper. April 2006. Rae-Dupree, Janet. "Surfing the Web at Warp Speed with Minimal Expense." U.S. News & World Report. 19 June 2000. Hillstrom, Northern Lights updated by Magee, ECDI views updated May 23 2018 modem Short for modulator and demodulator. A device that can convert a digital bit stream into an analog signal suitable for transmission over some analog communication channel (modulation), and can convert incoming analog signals back into digital signals (demodulation). Modems are used to connect digital devices across analog transmission lines. Most modems are designed to match specific national or international standards so that data communication equipment from one manufacturer can talk to that of another. Modems can be packaged in many ways: as add-in cards or PC cards allowing personal computers to communicate over ordinary phone lines, as small external units, or as rack-mounted sets for large applications requiring many simultaneous connections. Modern modems, for attachment to a normal telephone line, can handle data at 56 000 bps, which is about the upper limit attainable over voice-frequency channels. Still faster modems for use in areas where telephone exchanges are equipped with broadband are available, allowing users to connect at over 500 kbps using ADSL or similar services. views updated May 29 2018 modem (modulator-demodulator) Electronic device for sending and receiving computer signals through a telephone system. The electrical pulses produced by a computer are fed into a modem, which uses the pulses to modulate a continuous tone (carrier) by a process called frequency modulation (FM). At the other end, another modem extracts the pulses (demodulation), so that they can be fed into a receiving computer. See also computer network; Internet views updated May 14 2018 mo·dem / ˈmōdəm; ˈmōˌdem/ • n. a combined device for modulation and demodulation, for example, between the digital data of a computer and the analog signal of a telephone line.• v. [tr.] send (data) by modem. views updated May 14 2018 modem (ˈməʊdɛm) Computing modulator demodulator
Using Structured Reflection to Learn from Experience: An LPN Guide Nursing and the clinical world are full of learning experiences. Although licensed practical nurses (LPN)s undertake formal training and keep skills updated through courses, there is so much more to learning and development. With a wealth of experience to learn from one of the best ways for LPNs to be able to develop in the workplace is to use structured reflection and this article explores how it works. What is Structured Reflection? Reflection is a conscious action where someone considers something that either had a positive or challenging action, and if appropriate, how it might be improved or done differently in future. There are several structured models to work through which guide an LPN through a series of actions to consider how they have learned from an incident in clinical practice. Some LPNs can do this alone, whereas others wok in a facilitated group where they challenge and support each other. What Does Reflection Do? Reflection enables an LPN to delve deeper into a scenario to think about what they have learned about in a structured manner, so they can move on and develop. Some of the things that structured reflection allow to happen include: • Constructive criticism of how someone works with colleagues • Study their own decision-making processes • Identify learning needs • Face problematic episodes • Analyze difficulties and identify gaps in learning Models of Reflection There are several theoretical models of reflection which enable an LPN to work systematically through a scenario using a structured framework. These models help the LPN to explore the emotions and feelings, and to consider their learning points. The model developed by Christopher Johns uses a framework set around the esthetics, personal feelings, and reflexivity using Carper’s Knowledge pattern. By asking a series of cues or questions to explore how a nurse feels about a situation, the issue can be explored and produce some constructive learning outcomes. Gibbs also developed a reflective model used in nursing. With a cycle of questions, Gibbs was able to demonstrate how to reflect from issues in practice. This model is commonly used in nursing but does not have the depth of questioning used in the Johns model. Types of Reflection There are several scenarios when an LPN can find themselves reflecting on practice. Johns developed a framework identifying the types of reflection with associated behaviors. Reflection on experience is the situation where an LPN reflects on something after the event with the intention of drawing on insights to move forward. The reflection in action scenario is when someone pauses in a specific situation, so they can reframe the issue and move forward. Another scenario is an internal supervisor, describing how an LPN thinks to themselves when in conversation with others in order to make sense of a situation. Reflection within the moment is the sense of being aware of what the person is thinking as they reflect. It enables some space to think about what to do next. Finally, mindful practice is the sense of being aware of self and what desirable practice is about. All of these types of reflection are forms used by an LPN but the one used most in the structured reflection situation is reflecting on experience. How to Reflect on a Scenario If an LPN is planning to reflect on a scenario, this can be done alone or with a colleague. It is best to find some quiet space where the session is unlikely to be disturbed or overheard as this enables the issue to be explored in depth and in a timely way without feeling rushed. The first stage is telling the story of what happened. This is an outline of the issue, so it can be explored further. Working on this in a structured way the next question to ask is what the person was thinking or feeling at the time. Using open ended questions is very important so that thoughts on an event can be more readily explored. Asking how the person can make sense of the scenario is the next stage in a reflective cycle. This explores their understanding of the context. Analyzing it requires some thoughtful questioning. Exploring what would have happened if someone had not been there or what would have occurred if something had gone unnoticed are just two types of questions that could be asked at this point. Finding out what could be done differently if this situation arose again is vital. This indicates how a person has learned and moved on from the original scenario. It is important to journal reflective incidents and keep them in a professional development folder. Scenarios such as dealing with something difficult are common interview questions and having an example in hand is good preparation. It also demonstrates continuous learning from clinical practice. Reflection done in a structured way is an excellent way for an LPN to learn from experience. By exploring the issue, they are able to find ways of learning and moving forward with a particular scenario, so it is done more effectively the next time. Did learning about structured reflection to learn from experience interest you? Are you ready to become a licensed practical nurse? Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. The Practical Nursing diploma program provides the didactic and skills training needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination.* *While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire school training program that licensure is a required pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a license practical nurse at Gwinnett College.

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