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Modern Science and Anarchism Peter Kropotkin     This is not the place to enter into an exposition of Anarchism. The present sketch has its own definite aim--that of indicating the relation of Anarchism to modern science,--while the fundamental views of Anarchism may be found stated in a number of other works. But two or three illustrations will help us to define the exact relation of our views to modern science and the modern social movement.     When, for instance, we are told that Law (written large) "is the objectification of Truth;" or that "the principles underlying the development of Law are the same as those underlying the development of the human spirit;" or that "Law and Morality are identical and differ only formally;" we feel as little respect for these assertions as does Mephistopheles in Goethe's "Faust." We are aware that those who make such seemingly profound statements as these have expended much thought upon these questions. But they have taken a wrong path; and hence we see in these high-flown sentences mere attempts at unconscious generalization, based upon inadequate foundations and confused, moreover, by words of hypnotic power. In olden times they tried to give "Law" a divine origin; later they began to seek a metaphysical basis for it; now, however, we are able to study its anthropological origin. And, availing ourselves of the results obtained by the anthropological school, we take up the study of social customs, beginning with those of the primitive savages, and trace the origin and the development of laws at different epochs.     In this way we come to the conclusion already expressed on a preceding page--namely, that all laws have a two-fold origin, and in this very respect differ from those institutions established by custom which are generally recognized as the moral code of a given society. Law confirms and crystallizes these customs, but, while doing so, it takes advantage of this fact to establish (for the most part in a disguised form) the germs of slavery and class distinction, the authority of priest and warrior, serfdom and various other institutions, in the interest of the armed and would be ruling minority. In this way a yoke has imperceptibly been placed upon man, of which he could only rid himself by means of subsequent bloody revolutions. And this is the course of events down to the present moment--even in contemporary "labor legislation" which, along with "protection of labor," covertly introduces the idea of compulsory State arbitration in the case of strikes,1 a compulsory eight-hour day for the workingman (no less than eight hours), military exploitation of the railroads during strikes, legal sanction for the dispossession of peasants in Ireland, and so on. And this will continue to be so as long as one portion of society goes on framing laws for all society, and thereby strengthens the power of the State, which forms the chief support of Capitalism.     It is plain, therefore, why Anarchism--which aspires to Justice (a term synonymous with equality) more than any other lawgiver in the world--has from the time of Godwin rejected all written laws.     When, however, we are told that by rejecting Law we reject all morality--since we deny the "categoric imperative" of Kant,--we answer that the very wording of this objection is to us strange and incomprehenesible.2 It is as strange and incomprehensible to us as it would be to every naturalist engaged in the study of the phenomena of morality. In answer to this argument, we ask: "What do you really mean? Can you not translate your statements into comprehensible language--for instance, as Laplace translated the formulæ of higher mathematics into a language accessible to all, and as all great men of science did and do express themselves?"     Now, what does a man who takes his stand on "universal law" or "the categorical imperative" really mean? Does he mean that there is in all men the conception that one ought not to do to another what he would not have done to himself--that it would be better even to return good for evil? If so, well and good. Let us, then, study (as Adam Smith and Hutcheson have already studied) the origin of these moral ideas in man, and their course of development. Let us extend our studies to pre-human times (a thing Smith and Hutcheson could not do). Then, we may analyze the extent to which the idea of Justice implies that of Equailty. The question is an important one, because only those who regard others as their equals can accept the rule, "Do not to others what you would not have done to yourself." The landlord and the slave-owner, who did not look upon "the serf" and the negro as their equals, did not recognize the "categorical imperative" and the "universal law" as applicable to these unhappy members of the human family. And then, if this observation of ours be correct, we shall wee whether it is at all possible to inculcate morality while teaching the doctrine of inequality.     We shall finally analyze, as Mark Guyau did, the facts of self-sacrifice. And then we shall consider what has promoted the development in man of moral feelings--first, of those which are intimately connected with the idea of equality, and then of the others; and after this consideration we should be able to deduce from our study exactly what social conditions and what institutions promise the best results for the future. Is this development promoted by religion, and to what extent? Is it promoted by inequality--economic and political--and by a division into classes? Is it promoted by law? By punishment? By prisons? By the judge? The jailer? The hangman?     Let us study all this in detail, and then only may we speak again of Morality and moralization by means of laws, law courts, jailers, spies, and police. But we had better give up using the sonorous words which only conceal the superficiality of our semi-learning. In their time the use of these words was, perhaps, unavoidable--their application could never have been useful; but now we are able to approach the study of burning social questions in exactly the same manner as the gardener and the physiologist take up the study of the conditions most favorable for the growth of a plant--let us do so!     Likewise, when certain economists tell us that "in a perfectly free market the price of commodities is measured by the amount of labor socially necessary for their production," we do not take this assertion on faith because it is made by certain authorities or because it may seem to us "tremendously socialistic." It may be so, we say. But do you not notice that by this very statement you maintain that value and the necessary labor are proportional to each other--just as the speed of a falling body is proportional to the number of seconds it has been falling? Thus you maintain a quantitative relation between these two magnitudes; whereas a quantitative relation can be proved only by quantitative measurements. To confine yourself to the remark that the exchange-value of commodities "generally" increases when a greater expenditure of labor is required, and then to assert that therefore the two quantities are proportional to each other, is to make as great a mistake as the man who would assert that the quantity of rainfall is measured by the fall of the barometer below its average height. He who first observed that, generally speaking, when the barometer is falling a greater amount of rain falls than when it is rising; or, that there is a certain relation between the speed of a falling stone and the height from which it fell--that man surely made a scientific discovery. But the person who would come after him and assert that the amount of rain fall is measured by the fall of the barometer below its average height, or that the space through which a falling body has passed is proportional to the time of fall and is measured by it,--that person would not only talk nonsense, but would prove by his very words that the method of scientific research is absolutely strange to him; that his work is unscientific, full as it may be of scientific expressions. The absence of data is, clearly, no excuse. Hundreds, if not thousands, of similar relationships are known to science in which we see the dependence of one magnitude upon another--for example, the recoil of a cannon depending upon the quantity of powder in the charge, or the growth of a plant depending upon the amount of heat or light received by it; but no scientific man will presume to affirm the proportionality of these magnitudes without having investigated their relations quantitatively, and still less would he represent this proportionality as a scientific law. In most instances the dependence is very complex--as it is, indeed, in the theory of value. The necessary amount of labor and value are by no means proportional.     The same remark refers to almost every economic doctrine that is current to-day in certain circles and is being presented with wonderful naivety as an invariable law. We not only find most of these so-called laws grossly erroneous, but maintain also that those who believe in them will themselves become convinced of their error as soon as they come to see the necessity of verifying their quantitative deductions by quantitative investigation.     Moreover, the whole of political economy appears to us in a different light from that in which it is seen by modern economists of both the middle-class and the social-democratic camps. The scientific method (the method of natural scientific induction) being utterly unknown to them, they fail to give themselves any definite account of what constitutes "a law of nature," although they delight in using the term. They do not know--or if they know they continually forget--that every law of nature has a conditional character. It is always expressed thus: "If certain conditions in nature meet, certain things will happen." "If one line intersects another, forming right angles on both sides of it, the consequences will be these or those." If two bodies are acted upon by such movements only as exist in interstellar space, and there is no third body within measurable distance of them, then their centres of gravity will approach each other at a certain speed (the law of gravitation)." And so on. In every case there is an "if"--a condition.     In consequence of this, all the so-called laws and theories of political economy are in reality no more than statements of the following nature: "Granting that there are always in a country a considerable number of people who cannot subsist a month, or even a fortnight, without accepting the conditions of work imposed upon them by the State, or offered to them by those whom the State recognizes as owners of land, factories, railways, etc., then the results will be so and so."     So far middle-class political economy has been only an enumeration of what happens under the just-mentioned conditions--without distinctly stating the conditions themselves. And then, having described the facts which arise in our society under these conditions, they represent to us these facts as rigid, inevitable economic laws. As to socialist political economy, although it criticises some of these deductions, or explains others somewhat differently,--it has not yet been original enough to find a path of its own. It still follows in the old grooves, and in most cases repeats the very same mistakes.     And yet, in our opinion, political economy must have an entirely different problem in view. It ought to occupy with respect to human societies a place in science similar to that held by physiology in relation to plants and animals. It must become the physiology of society. It should aim at studying the needs of society and the various means, both hitherto used and available under the present state of scientific knowledge, for their satisfaction. It should try to analyze how far the present means are expedient and satisfactory, economic or wasteful and then, since the ultimate end of every science (as Bacon had already stated) is obviously its practical application to life, it should concern itself with the discovery of means for the satisfaction of these needs with the smallest possible waste of labor and with the greatest benefit to mankind in general. Such means would be, in fact, mere corollaries from the relative investigation mentioned above, provided this last had been made on scientific lines.     It will be clear, even from the hasty hints given already, why it is that we come to conclusions so different from those of the majority of economists, both of the middle class and the social-democratic schools; why we do not regard as "laws" certain of the temporary relations pointed out by them; why we expound socialism entirely differently; and why, after studying the tendencies and developments in the economic life of different nations, we come to such radically different conclusions as regards that which is desirable and possible; why we come to Free Communism, while the majority of socialists arrive at State-capitalism and Collectivism.     Perhaps we are wrong and they are right. But in order to ascertain who is right, it will not do either to quote this and that authority, to refer to Hegel's trilogy, or to argue by the "dialectic method." This question can be settled only by taking up the study of economic relations as facts of natural science.3     Pursuing the same method, Anarchism arrives also at its own conclusions concerning the State. It could not rest content with current metaphysical assertions like the following:     "The State is the affirmation of the idea of the highest Justice in Society;" or "The State is the instigation and the instrument of progress;" or, "without the State, Society is impossible." Anarchism has approached the study of the State exactly in the manner the naturalist approaches the study of social life among bees and ants, or among the migratory birds which hatch their young on the shores of sub-arctic lakes. It would be useless to repeat here the conclusions to which this study has brought us with reference to the history of the different political forms (and to their desirable or probable evolution in the future); if I were to do so, I should have to repeat what has been written by Anarchists from the time of Godwin, and what may be found, with all necessary explanations, in a whole series of books and pamphlets.      I will say only that the State is a form of social life which has developed in our European civilization, under the influence of a series of causes,4 only since the end of the sixteenth century. Before the sixteenth century the State, in its Roman form, did not exist--or, more exactly, it existed only in the minds of the historians who trace the genealogy of Russian autocracy to Rurik and that of France to the Merovingian kings.      Furthermore, the State (State-Justice, State-Church, State-Army) and Capitalism are, in our opinion, inseparable concepts. In history these institutions developed side by side, mutually supporting and reenforcing each other. They are bound together, not by a mere coincidence of contemporaneous development, but by the bond of cause and effect, effect and cause. Thus, the State appears to us as a society for the mutual insurance of the landlord, the warrior, the judge, and the priest, constituted in order to enable every one of them to assert his respective authority over the people and to exploit the poor. To contemplate the destruction of Capitalism without the abolition of the State--though the latter was created solely for the purpose of fostering Capitalism and has grown up alongside of it--is just as absurd, in our opinion, as it is to hope that the emancipation of the laborer will be accomplished through the action of the Christian church or of Caesarism. Many socialists of the thirties and forties, and even the fifties, hoped for this; but for us, who have entered upon the twentieth century, it is ridiculous to cherish such hopes as this! 1 "Compulsory arbitration"--What a glaring contradiction! 2I am not quoting an imaginery example, but one taken from a correspondence which I have recently carried on with a German doctor of law. 3A few extracts from a letter written by a renowned Belgian biologist and received when these lines were in print, will help me to make my meaning clearer by a living illustration. The letter was not intended for publication, and therefore I do not name its author: "The further I read [such and such a work]--he writes--the surer I become that nowadays only those are capable of studying economic and social questions who have studied the natural sciences and have become imbued with their spirit. Those who have received only a so-called classical education are no longer able to understand the present intellectual movement and are equally incapable of studying a mass of social questions. . . . . The idea of the integration of labor and of division of labor in time only [the idea that it would be expedient for society to have every person cultivating the land and following industrial and intellectual pursuits in turn, thus varying his labor and becoming a variously-developed individual] will become in time one of the cornerstones of economic science. A number of biological facts are in harmony with the thought just underlined, which shows that we are here dealing with a law of nature [that in nature, in other words, an economy of forces may frequently result in this way]. If we examine the vital functions of any living being at different periods of its life, and even at different times of the year, and sometimes at different moments of the day, we find the application of the division of labor in time, which is inseparably connected with the division of labor among the different organs (the law of Adam Smith).     "Scientific people unacquainted with the natural sciences,are frequently unable to understand the true meaning of a law of nature; the word law blinds them, and they imagine that laws, like that of Adam Smith, have a fatalistic power from which it is impossible to rid oneself. When they are shown the reverse side of this last--the sad results of individualism, from the point of view of development and personal happiness,--they answer: this is an inexorable law, and sometimes they give this answer so off-handedly that they thereby betray their belief in a kind of infallibility. The naturalist, however, knows that science can paralyze the harmful consequences of a law; that frequently he who goes against nature wins the victory.      "The force of gravity compels bodies to fall, but it also compels the balloon to rise. To us this seems so clear; but the economists of the classical school appear to find it difficult to understand the full meaning of this observation.     "The law of the division of labor in time will counter-balance the law of Adam Smith, and will permit the integration of labor to be reached by every individual." 4An analysis of which may be found--say--in the pamphlet, " The State and its Historic Role " (Freedom pamphlets). Return to Table of Contents To next section Return to Anarchy Archives
Sunday, December 4, 2011 The Seventh Symphony Essay Beethoven Symphony 7 Essay During the 18th century, Beethoven's 7th was perhaps the most popular one among all the other symphonies that he had written. Although the symphony owes much of this popularity to its allegretto, it was real success right from the premiere. Beethoven composed his 7th between 1811-1813. After a very productive seven-year period, Beethoven's musical input diminished in quantity since 1809. This is when he accepted three Viennese princes offer of income for life provided that Beethoven stays in Vienna. One of the reason that he composed less is probably the deafness that he had had increased around that time. Beethoven completed the 7th symphony on April 13th 1813. 8 months later, the piece is premiered under the composer's direction. The concert, which took place at the University of Vienna, was a benefit for Austrian and Bavarian soldiers. The event was so successful that it was repeated only couple of months later. However the highlight of the evening was not the 7th symphony but another orchestral piece composed after a victory of English, Spanish and Portuguese army against Napoleon. This was called Wellington's Victory, also known as The Battle Symphony. Audience reacted to the 7th symphony enthusiastically and the second movement encored in the first performance. The first movement consists of two parts, the Poco Sostenuto and the Vivace. The first part is an introduction of considerable length. The harmonic shifts are prominent in this semi-slow introduction. It starts with A and tonal centers C major and F major are used before it returns to A in Vivace. At the end of the introduction, repeated E's become an obsessive rhythmic figure, which dominates the entire movement. This E is the bridge between the introduction and the first theme. The movement is in sonata form and stylistically is a joyful dance. One of the most interesting parts of the movement is the coda where Beethoven builds up the climax with an enormous crescendo. He abandons the dance rhythm; instead he uses a two-bar ostinato in the bass register and E pedal on the high. The second movement is not a slow one but often played slower than what Beethoven intended. Allegretto was so popular that it was used on occasions of mourning and it's sometimes included in the 8th symphony as an extra movement. The form is binary but the theme is presented in variations. The movement opens with a 6 4 A minor chord on the winds. The same chord also ends the movement. In the beginning the A minor chord sets up the simple rhythm on the lower strings. This time the rhythm is walking rather than dance like. The theme appears in the lower strings first, and then it passes to second violins and finally to first violins. Beethoven uses a fugal design for the A section. Lower strings plays the walking rhythmic episode than when this passes to second violins, lower string plays the theme, and same thing happens with the first violins, and finally when first violins gets the theme, wind instruments play the rhythm. Beethoven had a similar theme in an earlier piece "slow movement of C major String quartet Op. 59 no. 3". This movement is also in A minor, and starts with the 6 4 chord just like the Allegretto. Beethoven clearly had this idea in mind and decided to use it in a symphonic movement too. The third movement is a fast scherzo trio. Scherzo-trio-scherzo cycle goes around twice. This is also something that Beethoven started to do since the 5th symphony. It's in F major and the first section concludes in its third, A major. In trio violins hold the dominant almost always while the wind band sonorities dominate the passage. The finale is also a fast movement. Wagner's famous comment "the apotheosis of the dance" most likely is suitable for this movement. It's a furiously triumphant dance, even more relentless than the vivace. The movement is in C#m and with a sudden transition It moves to D major. Coda is constructed over a bass ostinato, much like the first movement. This movement shows a particular advance in Beethoven's compositional prowess in its sheer power. Warning!!! All free online essays, sample essays and essay examples on the Seventh Symphony topics are plagiarized and cannot be completely used in your school, college or university education. Order Custom Essay on the Seventh Symphony
The Judaic Role in the Black Slave Trade Publié le par hort The Judaic Role in the Black Slave Trade Now that Africans have civilized most of the planet, they now want to distance themselves from the horrendous crimes they committed in the past. In this excellent video Tony Martin shows that it was the Jewish racist myth about African people in their Talmud (the Jewish bible) which Europeans used in the 15-16th centuries to invent and justify racism and the enslavement and dehumanization of African people.  Jews have rarely been associated with the slave trade but in fact they were quite active.They were both financial backers as well as prominent slaveholders in this whole sordid busines. Excellent video to be watched and forwarded. Hort Publié dans videos Pour être informé des derniers articles, inscrivez vous : Commenter cet article
Thoughts And Mind laitman_610_3Question: What are thoughts and mind? Answer: Thoughts don’t exist by themselves. Thoughts are what happens in the mind. The mind is a derivative of desires. Our desires are a derivative of the desire of the Creator. The desire of the Creator is a derivative of His intention. This precise chain is manifested in us in order to create desires. In this case, desires reveal thoughts, and thoughts weave the mind. Once a certain network of thoughts are formed within us and we can own and operate it, then we are able to evaluate our desires, the influences of the Creator, and try to connect our mind with His mind, and our desires with His desires. Desires are primary, and the mind serves the desires. It turns out that the more desires a person has, the bigger his mind is that serves and satisfies them. Question: Does it mean that highly egoistic people are smarter? Answer: Elevated egoism means not large, but a versatile egoism. In this case, the human mind of a person is growing. Yet, if his egoism is large, but one-sided, his mind is very small and narrow. Let’s say, I want to earn a billion dollars. Such egoism is one-sided. However, if I want to earn money, be a scientist, and know what the universe is, then my mind unfolds on all the desires. Therefore, it must be very versatile in order to be able to serve them. From the Kabbalah Lesson in Russian 1/15/17 Related Material: Instinct And Intelligence Attaining The Mind Of The Universe Finding The Force That Balances The Ego Discussion | Share Feedback | Ask a question Comments RSS Feed Previous Post:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Teaching a Behavior Teaching any behavior starts with the same basic process.  If you understand and master this process, you can teach any behavior you like.  The basic steps are outlined below. First, you need to be able to make the behavior happen.  Once you can make the behavior happen consistently, you can add verbal cues and hand signals before the behavior.  Then you need to generalize the behavior to new areas and proof it in the face of increasing distraction. When teaching any behavior, a trainer has four basic options to make the behavior happen.  We can lure, shape, capture or mold a behavior.  • In the case of luring, we use a treat to guide the dog into the desired behavior so we can reward it.  • In shaping, we wait and reward steps towards the desired behavior, slowly raising our criterion along the way.  Think of playing the game “hot and cold” as a child, you aren’t guiding the dog into the desired behavior but rather waiting for offered moves in the desired direction.  Shaping is most easily accomplished with a clicker to mark the behavior.  (Some people combine aspects of shaping and luring to acquire behaviors more quickly.) • Capturing can be used to train behaviors that a dog naturally engages in.  The handler waits until the dog performs the behavior and then marks and rewards the behavior as it naturally happens.  • Finally, molding involves actually placing the dog in the desired position through physical manipulation (like pulling up on his collar and pushing down on his butt to make him sit).  I much prefer to lure, shape or capture a behavior rather than mold it.  For one thing, in molding the dog isn’t actually performing the behavior himself.  Instead, you are forcing the behavior on him.  Molding can be a valuable tool when a trained dog blows off a known command but is not the best way to initially teach most behaviors.  So for teaching new behaviors, I strongly recommend luring, shaping or capturing.  I frequently use luring in my group classes because it is generally the easiest training technique for handlers to pick up and become proficient at quickly.  For handlers and dogs that are comfortable using a clicker, I highly recommend shaping and, when appropriate, capturing.  We’ll talk more about clicker training in a later note. Whichever technique I am using, when teaching a new behavior I don’t start using my verbal cue until I can consistently predict that the behavior will happen.  If I repeat my cue (“sit” or “down”) without the behavior happening, the dog will simply learn that the cue word has no meaning.  Alternately, if I repeat the word multiple times before he performs the behavior, he may learn that “sit, sit, SIT!” is the cue rather than “sit”.  For these reasons, I like to make sure that I can predict the behavior will happen with 90% confidence (9 times out of 10) before I add the verbal cue for the behavior.  Once I am consistently predicting the desired behavior, I add my verbal cue about one second before the behavior is initiated.  In the case of luring a sit, I initially place a treat in front of the puppy’s nose and push it in a line towards the back of his head.  This will cause his nose to rock up and back and his butt will sink towards the ground.  When his butt hits the ground, I mark (either by saying, “Yes!” or with a click) and then I reward him with a treat while he is sitting.  Timing is everything.  You want to reward your dog while he is performing the correct behavior – not after he has gotten up to do something else.  (Clicker trainers have a little more leeway since the click effectively marks the moment in time that the dog is being rewarded for.)  Your dog may not perform the entire behavior all at once.  If that’s the case, you will need to break the behavior down into smaller steps that you can reward along the way.  In the case of sit, you may initially reward the head rocking back and the butt tucking down just an inch or two.  Once the pup is comfortable, reward the butt tucking three or four inches, adding distance an inch or two at a time until the dog’s butt finally hits the floor. Once the puppy is consistently sitting when I put the treat in front of him and start to move my hand back, I will start to fade the treat out as a lure and simply make it a reward.  At this point, I’ll do several repetitions luring with the treat before switching and making the same luring movement with an empty hand.  When the dog performs the desired behavior, I will mark it and reward with a treat from my treat pouch.  During this process, I want the dog to learn to follow the empty hand in anticipation of an as-yet-unseen reward.  It is really important at this point to reward 100% of the time when the dog follows an empty hand.  You don’t want him to learn that he has to see a treat in order to get a treat. Once the dog is following an empty hand consistently, I introduce the use of the verbal cue “sit” just before I present the hand and start to move it.  The verbal cue needs to come before any movement on my part so the pup learns that the word predicts that I will cue the behavior with my hand and body next.  If I add the verbal cue while moving my body, the dog will continue to rely on the physical cues rather than just the word.  The first time the puppy responds to the verbal cue, before I use the hand/body cues, I mark the behavior and give him a jackpot reward (4 or 5 small treats fed in a row).  The jackpot reward makes a powerful impression on the puppy and increases the likelihood that he will offer the behavior (in this case sitting when he hears the word “sit” rather than waiting for my hand to move) again.  I like to wait until the pup is following an empty hand before adding the verbal cue, some people add the verbal cue before luring with an empty hand.  I like my technique because the verbal cue is not associated with following a food lure but you can choose whichever technique works best for you and your dog. Once he consistently follows the verbal cue, you can start to train a formal hand signal.  Simply use your new formal hand signal about a second before the verbal cue.  Jackpot reward the first couple of times that the dog responds to the hand signal before you say the verbal cue.  You can decide whether you want to train the formal hand signal or verbal cue for the behavior first but most people do the verbal first.  While I used sit – probably the easiest behavior to teach – in this example, the progression holds true for teaching all sorts of behaviors.  Figure out how to lure, capture or shape the behavior consistently before putting it on the cue of your choice.  Once it is on cue, you can start to gradually generalize it to new environments and proof it in the presence of distractions.  Remember that this progression is not a straight climb up a ladder.  There will be days when your dog is less motivated or more easily distracted and you need to lower your expectations so he can succeed.  If you move to an area with higher distractions, make sure you start back at the beginning and practice your baby steps before moving up through the process.  Realize that you will need to retrain each behavior several times in different locations before your dog generalizes the behavior to new areas.  If your dog is consistently failing to perform, evaluate whether you are moving too fast or have increased the distraction level too quickly and adjust your approach so he can succeed.  He needs to practice success and desirable behaviors, not failure, even if that means moving away from other dogs in a group setting or going back to baby steps on a behavior that he “knows” at home but cannot perform consistently in a more distracting environment. 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Surname distribution maps for Ford There are approximately 62,499 people named Ford in the UK. That makes it the 124th most common surname overall. Out of every million people in the UK, approximately 989 are named Ford. Ford in the 1881 Census Ford in the 21st Century The maps, if available, show both where there are more people named Ford and where they are most concentrated. The darker the colour, the more people in that county are named Ford. The larger the dot, the greater the proportion of people in that county are named Ford.
Action Alert! Catholic Dictionary The scientifically determined cycle of changes in a person, depending on his or her temperament and physical condition. the cycle basically occurs in the functions of the organs and organism, but the changes also affect a person's emotions, following various rhythms in both men and women each month. Biorhythm has considerable implications in the moral order, as a mechanism that influences one's feelings and indirectly the degree of imputability in human actions.
What Is A Paralegal? In today's world where terminology is frequently changing, the terms themselves and what is associated with them can often be confusing. In the legal field, an example of this is that while terms such as paralegal, legal assistant, and legal secretary, are all used on a regular basis, it can leave many people wondering what these roles consist of, as well as whether or not there is any significant difference between them. After you have some of the basic facts, you should not find it all to be so confusing. A legal secretary is precisely what the term implies. Up until quite recently, this role was the one which most non-attorneys held in a law office. Legal secretaries, who were usually female, were not much different from secretaries of any other type, with the exception that a legal secretary often had specialized training in order to be more knowledgeable about matters specific to the legal field, resulting in being more effective and efficient at the job. While legal secretaries occasionally had a college degree, it was generally more up to the discretion of the employer rather than due to any professional requirements. In contrast, when legal assistants became an everyday part of most law offices, the entirely different role necessitated more and different qualifications. In taking a much more active role in the law office, a legal assistant needed to be much more familiar with all aspects of the legal system in general. While working as a legal assistant was basically a matter of being a helper to an attorney, it was a job which consisted of a decidedly hands-on approach. These days, the terms legal assistant and paralegal are often used interchangeably. Although many who work in this field tend to prefer the latter term, there is actually not a difference between the two. While the duties of a legal secretary consists primarily of a clerical nature, this is not the focus of a paralegal. The majority of a paralegal's work consists of legal duties; although it is usually required that these duties are assigned and carried out under the direction of an attorney, it is generally a matter of the paralegal lightening the attorney's workload by taking on responsibilities and tasks for which she is qualified. For example, interviewing witnesses for a court case is one such duty. Instead of basic clerical work, a paralegal's duties often include such examples as researching statistics, case information, and other facts which are vital to the attorney's ongoing work. In today's world, the role of paralegal is quite often filled by men. While there are still more women paralegals, many men have also found this field to be both professionally and personally rewarding. Although there were very few male legal secretaries in the past, the widening role and opportunities for paralegals have led many men to find this line of work to be quite appealing. In short, a paralegal is a professional in the law office or other business where he or she works. The paralegal has a distinct role, and the qualifications necessary to be effective in that role.
Assam, the gateway to North-East India is known for its rich and diverse wildlife, amazing traditional cuisine, vibrant dance forms and its hospitality. Favourite among the travellers all over the world, Assam is so much more than a mere tourist destination. Here are 12 facts about Assam that make it stand out from the rest of the Indian states 1. India’s largest shaktipeeth “Maa Kamakhya Temple” Maa Kamakhya of Guwahati is one of the oldest temples in India. There are 51 shakti peethas in different parts of India as well as in Pakistan, Nepal & Sri Lanka. The Kamakhya Shakti Peeth is considered as the most powerful shakti peeth, as yoni (vagina) of Goddess Sati had fallen on the Neelanchal parvat i.e. the Nilgiri hills, following splitting of the Goddess dead body. Since everyone comes to this world through ‘yoni’ that is why this place is considered as the center point of creating the whole Brahmand. 2. World’s Largest River Island “Majuli” Majuli is recognized as the largest river island in the world. It is located on the Brahmaputra river near Jorhat, and encapsulates a lush green and pollution free environment. Majuli attracts a lot of tourists every year because of its scenic beauty, its vibrant culture, and the friendly people. 3. India’s Widest River “Brahmaputra” Brahmaputra is considered to be among the most majestic rivers in the world. The Brahmaputra enters India in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, where it is called Siang. It makes a very rapid descent from its original height in Tibet, and finally appears in the plains, where it is called Dihang. It flows for about 35 km (22 mi) and is joined by the Dibang River and the Lohit River at the head of the Assam Valley. Below the Lohit, the river is called Brahmaputra, enters the state of Assam, and becomes very wide—as wide as 10 km (6 mi) in parts of Assam. 4. World’s biggest weaving village “Sualkuchi” Sualkuchi is a village in Kamrup district, which is often dubbed as the, “Manchester of Assam”, because of its huge cottage and textile industry. It is famous for producing high quality Mekhela Chadors and Gamosas which are indigenous to Assam. 5. Asia’s oldest amphitheater “Ranghar, Sibsagar” Ranghar is a historic monument located near the town of Sibsagar. It is believed that the monument was constructed around 1744-1750 AD, thereby making it one of the oldest. The Ranghar was used by the Ahom kings as a pavilion to witness games like buffalo fights, wrestling etc. 6. World’s highest one horned rhino population “Kaziranga” Assam is always inextricably linked with the Kaziranga National Park, and for good reason. Kaziranga is a bonafide World Heritage Site, and it is also home to two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. It is estimated that the population of Rhinos in the park is 2,401 as of 2015. Apart from the rhinos, Kaziranga is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. It was also declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. 7. World’s largest tea growing region “across the state” World’s largest tea growing state – Assam is considered the largest tea producing state in the whole world. Assam contributes more than 50 percent of the country’s total tea production. 8. India’s largest natural zoo “Assam State Zoo” awesome assam Assam State Zoo is the largest zoo in North East India, spread across 432 acres of land. It is situated in the capital city of Guwahati, and it is home to almost 113 species of animals and birds from all around the world. It attracts hundreds of visitors every day because of the large number of animals like Tigers, Himalayan Black Bears, Golden Langur etc. 9. India’s Tea Capital “Jorhat” Jorhat is a major city and district in upper Assam. It is widely referred to as the, ‘Tea Capital of India’. It was the last capital of the Ahom dynasty and is home to some of the oldest historical monuments of Assam. Jorhat produces large quantities of tea which is exported to different countries. 10. Asia’s oldest refinery and birthplace of crude oil “Digboi” When railway tracks were being laid during the 18th century, oil traces were found in Digboi, which led to the first oil well being dug in the city. Because of this, Digboi is also known as the oil city of Assam. Digboi has the oldest oil well in operation.   Apart from oil, Digboi is also famous for the Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, the Golf Course and its War Cemetry. 11. India’s first 5 star river cruise “M.V. Mahabaahu” on Brahmaputra The basic idea behind cruising across the shores of a river is to derive utmost pleasure, and there is no better way to cruise off the Brahmaputra coast than to board the M.V Mahabaahu. It was built in Kolkata with state of the art facilities, which includes Cabins with very Assamese decor of silk panels in golden Muga, Bathrooms/showers with branded quality furnishings & fittings, Central AC with individual control and others. 12. India’s longest bridge “Bhupen Hazarika Bridge” This bridge was inaugurated by our Prime Minister on 26th May. It has been renamed after Assam’s iconic singer Dr Bhupen Hazarika. The total length of the bridge is 9.15 km, making it the longest bridge in India. All Images via (except MV Mahabahu) / Mahabahu image via Please enter your comment! Please enter your name here
Camera That Can Track Blood Flow In The Entire Body Published: Jan 28, 2016 The University of Waterloo announced that its researchers have developed a new touch less system that monitors blood flow in the entire body. The system called Coded Hemodynamic Imaging, is a portable device that can be operated like any mobile camera system such as those found in smartphones for taking self portraits. Source: dailymail Source: dailymail According to Rober Amelard, one of the researchers at the university: “Traditional systems in wide use now take one blood pulse reading at one spot on the body. This device acts like many virtual sensors that measure blood flow behaviour on various parts of the body. The device relays measurements from all of these pulse points to a computer for continuous monitoring.” According to the university’s official statement: “The device works like a video camera but it does more than capture the image of a subject. Through the use of a medical hardware design and digital signal processing, it interacts with light sources in order to look deeper into the skin and proceeds on highlighting the blood flow on the device display. The image captured is a visualization of the blood as it pumps throughout the body.  It is also safe to use since the device does not use X-ray radiation or ultrasound.” Coded Hemodynamic Imaging is among the biggest achievements in technological world, this device can be helpful to identify blood flow problems or future arterial blockage in the body.
Saturday, September 27, 2008 CCK08: "collaboration" versus "cooperation" There was an interesting question posed at 26.23: Does learning as an individual task mean that when we learn together that we are not doing a shared process? Free video chat by Ustream At 28.20 Stephen Downes distinguishes between "collaborate" and "cooperate" in that the former shares more group properties while the latter shares more network properties (see video). The outer ends of the group/network continuum, I believe, are extreme occurrences that don´t necessarily lend themselves well to most school environments that utilize a curriculum as a means for establishing intended desired results. On the one hand, groups include a closed learning environment that contain hierarchies (i.e., teacher-student, student-student, etc.) and tend to hamper the way information is presented presumably in order to assure that "good" content is being provided. On the other hand, networks originate completely from a personal choice (Dron and Anderson) which is also not practical in today´s school systems. Perhaps the "answer" is somewhere in between. Establishing classrooms as a learning community means recognizing that individual and group goals are taken into consideration. The taught curriculum includes input and individual choice on the part of the learner so that personal learning networks may be designed, implemented, and reflected upon. The educator takes on multiple roles (e.g., didactic instructor, facilitate, and coach) depending on the circumstances, and assists the learner as the process of achieving individual and group goals unfolds. Yes, at times, a didactic role is required because some students respond to this type of instruction given certain circumstances. It´s not about constantly "feeding" information to the learner or expecting that the learner automatically consider the information valuable, but more about being one of many informants that learners may choose from in order to create their own understanding or networked knowledge. An important role of the educator is to assist the learner in determining what information is valuable (or not) within the context of a particular learning situation.
William Tyndale (MLA FORMAT) The smell over whelming in the air. The brunt flesh cast a shadow with the dark smoke that the fire created. Some people cheered, some people cried, and yet others smiled greedily under hidden cloaks. The people of England had decided to burn one man that stood up and translated the bible from the original manuscripts into what we have today. William Tyndale cried out with his last breath, " O Lord, open the King of England\'s eyes." The executioner first strangled Tyndale in order to keep him quiet about "his" word of God. William Tyndale has since become known as "The Father of the English Bible." Without Tyndale and his translation of the original manuscripts later versions of the English bible would not be available. William Hutchinson, later changed to Tyndale, was born around the date of 1494 AD. Tyndale had an exceptional gift of speaking over seven known languages. Tyndale attended Oxford University and in 1512 he received his Bachelors Degree. After another three years at Oxford University Tyndale graduated with a Masters Degree. In order to support his education William Tyndale tutored students from the higher class society. Tyndale joined the group called "the White Horse Society." This group gathered together in order to discuss the teachings of Erasmus and Luther. Then Tyndale was learned and well practiced in God\'s matters, spared not to show unto weary, and bare a secret grudge in their hearts against him. As this grew on, the priests of the chancellor, and others of the bishop\'s officers. After a few short years Tyndale left "the White Horse Society" and moved back home to teach children. Tyndale preached at Saint Austen\'s Green which resided in front of the Cathedral of Bristol. During Tyndale\'s stay at home he caused a commotion that consisted charging him with heresy. All of this was due to the teachings of the "Lollardry." These people were followers of John Whitcliffe that sent themselves on missions to teach God\'s word to the people of the nations. The main "crime" of these people was that they believed that the pope was not the sole agent of God and only the word of God was the doctrine that could be held for people. Not long after, Tyndale happened to be in the company of another man of God communing and disputing words, "We were better to be without God\'s laws than the pope\'s." Tyndale, hearing this, full of In 1523 Tyndale moved to London where he met the Bishop of London (who happened to be a close friend of Erasmus). With Tyndale being a "Lollardry" he asked the Bishop for a letter of introduction, but Bishop Tusntal refused to grant the request that Tyndale asked for. Even though Bishop Tusntal was believed to be supportive of the Lollardry cause he still would not grant the letter. Tyndale referred to the Bishop as "a ducking hypocrite." Even with this minor set back Tyndale would not give his quest of giving God\'s word out to the nation. besought him to help him: who the same time took him into his house, where Tyndale lived (as Mummuth said) like a good priest, studying both night and day. He would not eat meat or drink but small single beer. He was never seen in the house to wear linen about him, all the time he lived there. Each day Tyndale increased his knowledge
Talking about Catalan Independence , , , , , , , , , , , As if the world was lacking problems, with hurricanes and Trump and wars in the Middle East, we had two “new” topics to think about. The referendums about independence in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) on September 25, 2017, and in Catalonia on October 1, reminded the world about the aspirations of these two peoples.catalonia_peopes power The initiatives to hold such referendums represent an optimistic approach, a belief that the expression of the will of the people carries a moral weight that may influence political events. But in both cases we also witnessed the refusal of the local and world ruling powers to accept the legitimacy of the referendum. The perspective of conflicts that might get out of control is looming. What is it all about and what does it teach us about the state of the world these days? I was lucky to meet a distinguished guest in Haifa a few days after the referendum, an intellectual activist from Catalonia.  He agreed to help me understand better what is behind the Catalan referendum and how people in Catalonia think about their future as an independent nation. I will try to summarize below what I heard from him as well as the result of some reading and research on my side and deliberations about current discussion of the issue in leftist circles. The deep roots of Catalan aspirations Catalonia‘s history as a nation with distinguished language, culture and history goes back many hundreds of years. But the roots of today’s struggle for Catalonian independence can be immediately traced to the harsh history of Spain in the 20th century. Being industrialized earlier than most of Spain, Catalonia became a hotbed of republican and democratic aspirations, as well as of social movements, with a big role to the trade unions and to anarchist and socialist parties and organizations. Barricades in Barcelona in 1909 Barricades in Barcelona, 1909. Refusing to oppress rebellious Morocco During the 1909 “Second Rif War”, waged by Spanish colonialism to oppress liberation struggles in Morocco, anarchists and socialists in Catalonia called for a general strike against forced conscription to the Spanish army. The people of Barcelona took control of the streets, and soldiers from the local units of the army refused to move against their brother workers. Soon army units were sent from other parts of Spain. They crushed the popular uprising by deadly fire, killing about 150 people. Later the Spanish courts ordered the execution of some of the political leaders of the movement, including anarchist thinker Francesc Ferrer. The repressive dictatorship of Primo De-Rivera, a general who suspended the constitution and ruled Spain with the support of the king between 1923 and 1930, spent special efforts to suppress “separatists” in Catalonia and the Basque country. Economic crisis and mass protest forced the dismantling of the dictatorship and opened the door for the establishment of the “Second Spanish Republic” that lasted from 1931 until it was slaughtered in the bloody 1936-39 civil war by General Franco’s fascist forces. Francesc Meciá addressing a rally Just before the republic was declared, on April 1931, after parties supporting Catalan independence won local elections, Catalan republicans led by Francesc Macià declared the establishment of an independent Catalan Republic, hoping to be part of an “Iberian Confederation”. They were soon pressed by the new republican leadership in Madrid and agreed to settle for an autonomous Catalonia within Spain. After the election victory of the right-wing and fascists and the formation of a republican government led by CEDA, the Catalan local government declared, on October 6, 1934, a “Catalan State within the Spanish Federal Republic”. It was meant to be part of a leftist resistance movement against the rising danger of fascism, which was threatening the PresidentCompanys imprisonedwhole European continent. Soon the Spanish army crashed the independent state, suspended local autonomy and arrested many activists including president Lluís Companys and all his government. All this was just prelude to Catalonia’s special experiment during the 1936-39 civil war between the Spanish Republic and General Franco’s fascists. There are many books and films about this extraordinary social experiment aimed not only to defend the democratic republic but also to create a better society, led by workers and peasants in a real democratic and egalitarian spirit. In fact, my early love for Catalonia started with reading Orwell’s book “Homage to Catalonia”. Later, of course, followed the bleeding experience of almost forty years of oppression by the Franco dictatorship. Mr. Companys, who was Catalonia’s president during the civil war, was among many who were executed in revenge for their struggle for freedom and justice. The Catalan language was outlawed and tens of thousands were imprisoned or had to go into exile.x-default There is a direct line connecting the experiences of the 20th century and current events in Catalonia. Most people that are active today have living memories of parents, grandparents, relatives and friends who were killed, tortured, imprisoned or had to go into exile during the civil war or Franco’s dictatorship. The party of Macià and Companys, the “Republican Left of Catalonia” (ERC), is still leading the movement for independence and returned to be the biggest party in the Catalan parliament in the 2015 elections with 62 out of 135 representatives. And Spain is still a monarchy with institutions that have never completely broken with the tradition of Franco’s dictatorship. The “People’s Party” (PP) of Prime Minister Rajoy was actually established by a previous interior minister under the Franco dictatorship to assure this continuity. Sympathy and ambivalence about separatism Some young comrades here see this reference to Catalonia’s idealistic and rebellious past as pure nostalgia. They say that now Catalonia is simply richer than most of Spain, and wouldn’t like to share its affluence. Comparing the current complaints of the Catalan with those of the Kurds (or the Palestinians), outside observers may say “they have nothing to complain about”. It reminds me of the response of some poor people, which are used to the view of women being abused, beaten and prevented from going out of the house, to hearing of a middle-class woman that asks for a divorce just because there is no love in her marriage. “Let her be beaten and shut up”, they might say. But don’t we all believe that unity, in state or marriage, should be the result of free will? catalonia police attack 2 “You say that Spain is not a democracy?” Well, now, with the clumsy attempts by the Spanish state to oppress the referendum, and the views of police beating citizens furiously just for their will to cast their vote, Catalonia can show the blooded noise and bloated eye that turn public opinion in its favor. Wasn’t all the argument about staying in Spain based on the assumption that Spain is now a democracy? What is more democratic than letting people express their opinion? Britain allowed the Scots to vote on independence. British politicians campaigned to convince them to vote “No”, and won in a democratic way. All the idea of “the right of nations for self-determination” is not about the argument whether staying in one state is better or worse than separation. It states the obvious fact that keeping a nation within a state contrary to its will is basically wrong, both morally and practically. Even if initially there were no compulsory reasons for separation, the oppression and enmity that are the inevitable results of trying to forcefully suppress separatism are making life miserable for the oppressed, and awkward in many ways for the oppressors, and undo any possible benefit of unity. This was recognized by the greatest leader of Arab nationalism, Egypt’s president Gamal Abdel Nasser, who let Sudan separate peacefully.CATALONIA-demo_independencia I learned from my Catalan guest that the same effect worked also within Catalonia itself. Initially many more people supported the referendum than supported total independence. They were saying: “We may agree to be part of Spain, but this should be decided by our free will”.  And after the brutal assault on the referendum, Catalan people who supported unity with Spain joined the protesters for the first time, some of them waving Spanish flags. I find it especially wired while some leftists consider the corrupt rightist ultra-centralist government in Madrid as God’s invisible hand that was sent to redistribute Catalonia’s excessive wealth to Spain’s poor regions. It is doing much better job at holding Barcelona back than at helping anybody else. The long road to the current referendum There is also a more recent historical experience that led to the current surge in support for Catalan independence. It goes back to the previous decade, when the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) was in government in Madrid, under Prime Minister José Zapatero. At the same time the socialists were also in government in autonomous Catalonia, and there was a long process of negotiations to redefine the place of Catalonia within Spain, to satisfy the demand for greater autonomy. After compromises on both sides, the agreement was approved in 2006 by both Parliaments, in Barcelona and Madrid, and in a special referendum in Catalonia. The Spanish rightist party, PP, then in opposition, objected to the 2006 agreement and appealed against it to the constitutional court. In 2010 the court decided by 6 to 4 judges to rewrite and re-interpret the status of Catalonia, annulling most of the achievements of the Catalan people in terms of language, legal rights and economic autonomy. This intervention by the court, based on laws that are mostly relics of the fascist era, which overthrew all what was agreed upon in long negotiations and approved by a democratic process, convinced many Catalans that they can’t rely on Spain’s democracy to meet their aspirations.Catalonia is not Spain The immediate response to the annulment of the autonomy status by the court was the first mass pro-independence rally, which was estimated to number more than a million people. The main slogan of the protest was “We are a nation. We decide.” Since then mass independence demos continued in Catalonia every year. Opponents of Catalonia’s independence emphasis polls in which respondents were given three options: Full independence, wider autonomy or preserving the status quo. Those clearly stating their preference for independence usually fall short of outright majority. Catalonia-regions-mapBut the option for greater autonomy was unilaterally blocked by Madrid, so it is hardly a viable alternative. And, put together, there is a clear majority that is unsatisfied with the status quo. Also, many of those that avoid calling for separation from Spain do it out of fear from outright repression and economic sanctions that may follow. The nightmares of the civil war and the dictatorship are still a strong force in Spain as a whole. Of course, these are legitimate considerations that should be taken into account while choosing your path. But it means that not all those that prefer to stay in Spain do it because this is what they really want. Popular movement What the Spanish government doesn’t understand, explains my guest, is the deep popular nature of the quest for independence. They negotiate with political leaders, hoping to convince them to abandon the call for independence. But now, as so many Ballot box saved One ballot box saved people are active and emotionally involved and the ideas are so widely spread, this is not an option. If some leaders will give up, they will immediately lose their popular support. He describes the political map in Catalonia. The support for independence is strong both among local establishment (pro-capitalist) parties and among the different leftists, socialist and anarchists. Parties that didn’t join the movement, like the local socialist party, were split and abandoned by many of their grassroots activists as well as intellectual highlights. Podemos, the new alternative left on the Spanish level, is supporting independence in Catalonia and gained farter credibility by defending Catalans’ right to choose their way in the Parliament in Madrid. The day of Truth The popular character of the movement was strengthened and highlighted toward the referendum, as the challenge of oppression by Madrid became more threatening. My guest tells the story of thousands of ballot boxes that were bought in China, flown to France and smuggled through the borders by thousands of ordinary Catalan citizens, many of them farmers, hiding them under beds and in cowsheds. In spite of the efforts of the Spanish regular police and aggressive “civil guards”, which were sent in in great numbers by Madrid, almost none were caught. Hooded police confiscating ballot boxes – can they confiscate the will of the people? He also tells the story of the defiance of more than five hundred local mayors, the great majority of them, who openly defied the orders of the central government and supported the referendum. Will they all be arrested? His two sons, he tells, woke up at 04:00 on the morning of Sunday, October 1, their day off work, in order to be, with many others, at the gates of the polling center before 5 am, four hours before voting started, to prevent any attempt by the police to disrupt the voting. He also didn’t only vote “Yes!” but stayed the whole day to guard his vote lest it will be stolen by a police raid. They were all tuned to hear the news from friends’ phones of brutal police attacks on nearby polling centers. Fortunately the police had a hard time where they did attack and couldn’t disrupt the voting in most centers. The rest of it is the history that everybody knows; the 90% yes vote for independence and the denial by Madrid that there was a referendum at all. And, of course, King Philip the sixth expressed his disappointment with the disloyalty of his subjects in Catalonia. He should really consider choosing another nation to rule over. The vision I ask my guest how the Catalans view their future independent state. He explains that it is not a return to old style nationalism. Actually, most Catalans feel very much part of Europe. They speak from the beginning on limited sovereignty within the European Union, with common market, free movement of people and no visible borders. But if they anyway belong to the European club, why do it through the mediation of Madrid and not directly through Barcelona? Anarchist collectives 1936 Agricultural Anarchist Collective – Catalonia 1936 But not all Catalans are to this level mainstream Europeans. There is a strong anarchist tendency, which enjoys the support of more than 10% of the electorate. And there is the radical left that is critical of Europe’s conservative economic policies. My guest is concerned with the radicalism of these parties, but he can’t deny that they are integral part of Catalan political history and culture. In the framework of Free Catalonia Podemos might well be the next government party. He stress that Catalan nationalism is not xenophobic. Because of Catalonia’s economic prosperity it drew economic migrants from all over Spain and from other countries. He says the independence movement take care to put in the front not only people from Catalan origins but also immigrants from different races and regions of the world. Catalonia’s people have all different views about the future. Now they are (or most of them) united in a struggle for independence. When this struggle will be won they will have the chance to pursue their dreams, free of outside chains and interventions. To some extent this vision may be viewed as converging toward a modern concept  of trans-national unity, with no physical borders, combined with decentralized democracy and multiculturalism, which distribute as many powers as possible to all local levels, where the people are. The Kurdish left, confronted with the much more complicated quagmire of the Middle East, developed it into a comprehensive concept of Democratic Confederalism. Reality check I ask my Catalan guest about the danger of violent oppression. What will really come next after a declaration of independence? The immediate expected response is more oppression from Madrid. But the worst he can think about is hundreds of political prisoners, mostly the imprisonment of the political leadership. He doesn’t think that in democratic Spain that wants to stay as part of democratic Europe there could be massacres or uncontrolled violence. I hope he is right, but Madrid’s refusal to negotiate before the referendum will be “annulled” and threats to abolish Catalonia’s limited autonomy and force direct rule don’t bode well. As the people of Catalonia are mobilized in the struggle and the government only opts for more repression there are unlimited options for friction and confrontation to escalate and get out of control. The Catalan leadership is striving for negotiations. Their main hope is that the European Union will intervene to find an agreed solution. But they are ready for any other kind of mediation, including Pope Francis who already intervened to solve sharp internal conflicts in other countries. We like to think that the world is moving forward toward a more democratic order, where conflicts are solved by arguments and votes, not by guns and violence. The two referendums in Kurdistan and Catalonia pose an intriguing test to this assumption. The Kurds know that they live and the most dangerous and politically oppressive region of the world, where hereditary kings and dictators rule by the power of the sword, and nationalism and sectarianism mix to create a combustive atmosphere.  They don’t dare to declare independence as the armies of all neighboring states are ready to intervene to crush their dreams, The Catalan referendum poses the question of how different Europe has become, has it really left behind its not so far violent past?  It will test Europe’s pretension to represent a more democratic order that others may take inspiration from.  If the holy unity of the state will prove stronger than the will of the people, than democracy is only a thin mask over the ugly face of dictatorship. World Economy with Chinese Characteristics , , , , , I started following China’s Rise in detail from the nineties, as the West was celebrating the victory of the capitalist system after the collapse of the Socialist Block around the Soviet Union. The rented ideologues of capitalism, including most of the world media China Rise US Falland academy, wanted us to believe that Communism is dead because it was a wrong idea (not to say evil) from the beginning. But could it be that the failure was not due to the principles of the proposed communist system but to their distorted implementation in Russia, led by brutal self-serving bureaucratic elite that found in Stalinism a new version of its former Tsarist central rule and world power-struggle? If one prototype was flawed and failed, could another team build a better implementation? The Riddle of the Chinese Miracle The phenomenal development of China from one of the poorest nations on earth to the world’s leading economic power is the central feature of the world scene over the last decades. But how should it be explained? Is it because new Chinese capitalism is even more exploitative and ruthless, as many critics from both left and right want us to think? Or is there something different, maybe they are doing something right? Could it be that the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party learned how to initiate and control economic development in a more scientific way, synchronizing social economy, market forces and some capitalist initiatives, inducing them all to drive its grand plan, instead of unleashing the destructive rule of Greed?The economist reporting China capacity cuts One special characteristic of the Capitalist system are cyclical booms and busts. As capital is in constant movement in search of wider profit margins, investment is flowing into the most profitable sectors. This creates over-capacity, which causes a fall in prices and profits, which in turn causes withdrawal of investment, destruction of productive forces, layout of workers and so on. Finally the reduced production can’t meet the demand in the market, prices, profits, production and employment surge again, toward the inevitable next bust. Somehow China’s economic development over the last decades succeeded to avoid these cyclical crises that continue to haunt the capitalist system like seasonal storms. The financial crisis of 2007-2008 was not a typical cyclical crisis, but it provided a good example how China played differently to avoid it. The reason for the crisis was the reckless behavior of Western bankers, taking ever greater risks to maximize profits while relying on the state to come to their rescue when their gambles fail.  Western governments poured money to the broken bankers while many poor people where kicked out of their homes to restore some of the banks’ bad debts. In China’s export oriented economy millions of workers faced the sack as Western consumers had to cut spendings. China’s government mitigated the situation by handing-out money to poor families to buy electric appliances to keep its factories going, avoiding the worst of the crisis. China Going Global One of the numbers that I was following closely, like many other observers, was China’s GDP, as computed by Purchasing Power Parity, or PPP. According to the CIA’s “World Facts Book” China’s real GDP passed that of the US in 2014. But it was not a “photo- World top 10 economies by GDP World top 10 economies by GDP/PPP finish”. Economic development goes on and according to the same source in 2016 China’s GDP was worth 21.14 trillion US$, or 14% more than the US’s 18.56 trillion and counting (see pictured table). The fact that Western economists continue to speak routinely about China as “the world’s second biggest economy” only shows that they are now in a deep state of denial. But GDP numbers say little about the real dynamism of an economy. Maybe the single number that is most telling about a country’s success in the world economy is the value of its exports. Here China is a clear number one, with export worth 2.1 trillion US$ to the US’s 1.5. So here China is already 40% ahead of the US, and the export numbers are not corrected for distorted exchange rates. Actually, used to support the under-dogs of the world all my life, I started feeling uneasy to be a China-fun lately. While in the nineties China’s pride was in lifting people from utmost poverty, is it not now a world bully that should be feared and contained? The riddle of China’s internal development became a main riddle on today’s world economic and political scene. Is China just another power looking for its self-interest at the expense of others, or is it proposing to the world a different and more advanced system of cooperation? The Crisis that Wasn’t The British pro-capitalist crusaders in “The Economist” are one of my favorite sources for following economic analysis about China and its role in the world economy. They had a very interesting story to tell on their September 9, 2017, issue. In an editorial named “Making sense of capacity cuts in China” they say that the main reason behind today’s relatively buoyant world economy is a drive by the Chinese government to cut capacity and production in central industries like Steel, Coal and Aluminum. According to their analysis overcapacity in these sectors led to falling prices and profits, which actually threatened a world economic crisis in 2016. Instead the Chinese government’s central planners intervened by a studied policy, setting targets for cutting capacity to restore prices, profits and healthy growth, According to a detailed news item in the same issue, named “Capacity cuts in China fuel a commodity rally and a debate”, China’s planners simply ordered all coal mines to operate no more than 276 days throughout 2016, in a move that is apparently designed to keep most workers at work. In another detail that shows how massive China’s capacity cuts were, they mention that the planned cuts in Steel capacity equal 15 times Britain’s Steel production. China coal as percent of world total Source: The Economist As China’s share of world production in these major industries is about 50%, its unilateral actions were enough to get the wanted effect and restart a new period of healthy economic expansion without the suffering of an unplanned crisis. And China was not so altruistic as to cause its own economy damage for the benefit of the world economy. As The Economist reports, its managed capacity cuts enabled it in an orderly way to close the less productive facilities, changing its industrial mix be more technologically advanced, such increasing its world economic leadership even farther. The story of the world economic crisis that was avoided in 2016 may illustrate one of the most significant changes in the world economic system – a big step toward a world economy with Chinese Characteristics. Will the Yaffa theatre be the next martyr on the road to freedom? , , , , , , Persecution against Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour is expanding to her defenders In July 2014, when 16 years old Palestinian boy from East Jerusalem, Muhammad Abu Khdeir, was kidnapped and burned alive, it was a shock for the Arab Palestinian public. People felt that the atrocity was a result of constant anti-Arab incitement by Israel’s top politicians and mainstream media. They also felt that the Israeli police and courts are not very concerned to prevent or punish violence when the perpetrators are Jew and the victims are Arab. Arabs were protesting all over the country. Hundreds of Arab activists shared a profile picture on Facebook, designed like obituary, saying “I’m the next I am the next martyr “I am the next martyr” – protesting the killing of the innocents martyr”. Its meaning was clear for everybody: while children are randomly kidnapped from their streets and murdered, any of us can be the next victim. More than a year later, in October 2015, this very same profile picture on the Facebook page of poet Dareen Tatour was wrongly interpreted by Israeli stupid “intelligence” as a declaration that she is going to make a suicide attack. Her house was surrounded at a pre-dawn raid by a big force of Israeli police and border guards and she was arrested. In the first interrogation they told her that she wrote that she wants to be a martyr (“Shahida” in Arabic). Soon they understood their mistake, but they wouldn’t apologize and let their victim go free. They started digging deeper in her Facebook page and found a poem and some posts that they also maliciously misinterpreted, this time as “incitement”. So started the saga of “The Jewish State against Poet Dareen Tatour”, which is now a world famous example of Israel’s unjust persecution of Palestinian arts and the freedom of political protest. From protesters to victims Just like Dareen Tatour protested the fate of other victims and became a victim herself, now the state of Israel is turning against those people that protest the persecution of the poet. A group of Jewish and Palestinian artists plan to stage a protest event in solidarity with Tatour in the Yaffa (Jaffa) “Arab-Hebrew Theater” on August 30th, before her trial is going to resume. They prepared a rich artistic program including reading from Tatour’s poetry and original works by other poets, and staged reading from the trial’s minutes. The full text of the invitation with the program is cited below as the last section of this post. Today, Monday, August 21, Haaretz published (in Hebrew) a long news item titled “The Ministry of Culture requested the treasury to examine whether the Jaffa Theater violated the Nakba Law”. This is the beginning of a process, directly centered against the hosting of the solidarity event on August 30th. It aims to cut the budget of the theater and might even end with the theater having to pay destructive high fine of up to 3 million shekel. The tail wagging the dog The whole process shows how extremist elements are now driving “mainstream” Israeli politics and government institutions are mobilized by populist-racist politicians like Miri Regev to serve their anti-democratic agenda. It all started with one “Shai Glick”, that is sometimes mentioned as CEO of an organization called “Bezalmo – Jewish human rights organization”. This organization calls for a demonstration in front of the Yaffa event, which it describes as “calling for the release of a terrorist” (using the Hebrew degrading word “Mehabelet”). The picture that Invitation Dareen counter demo image Bloody Caricature inciting against the Yaffa Theater: “stop financing terror” was selected for the event page (copied here) is an example of the worst kind of bloody propaganda. Till now the Facebook event of this counter-demonstration has 5 people signed as “attending” (and 15 “interested”), compared to 136 “going” (and 239 “interested”) for the solidarity event. But Shai Glick is not alone. If he doesn’t have the public, he can mobilize the whole power of the state. On August 7 Israeli “mainstream” site “Maariv” reported (in Hebrew) that as a result of a complaint by Mr. Glick, a little known Knesset member from the governing Likud, Sharren Haskel, sent a concerned letter to Ms. Regev, the Culture minister, reporting the solidarity event, repeating Glick’ accusations and requesting the minister to “handle it”. Hence comes the current initiative by minister Regev, demanding investigation by the ministry of finance which is responsible for the financing of theaters and has the authority to reduce or abolish funding or imposing fines. The Nakba law Everybody is somewhat perplexed by the whole process, as it is a new attempt to use new laws and procedures to squeeze freedom of expression. The common knowledge in Israel is that even as Palestinians are persecuted for anything or nothing, the freedom of expression for the Jewish population was more or less secure. Now the event in Yaffa may become a test case of the new laws and the old assumptions. Regev and Mandelblit Regev and Mandelblit, changing the rules of the play to shut up theaters The Knesset seems to be always busy passing new racist and anti-democratic laws, so much so that people relate to the “status quo” and tend to ignore these new laws, hoping that they will not be implemented. Specifically, the new “Nakba law”, which is the legal base of the investigation against the Yaffa theater, was almost ignored, as it mostly speaks about the denial of government funding. People were wondering are there any government funded institutions that actually commemorate the Palestinian Nakba? But the so-called “Nakba law” is not only about commemorating the Nakba. It counts many possible offences that deserve denial of funds, including questioning the “Jewish democratic” nature of the state – i.e. opposing Jewish supremacy. And lately, in a new twist to the plot, the government’s attorney general agreed with Ms. Regev to hold theaters responsible not only to their own plays and programs but also to the contents of any event held in their premises. In a detailed report in Haaretz (August 16, in Hebrew) about the consultations between Regev and Mandelblit, the attorney general, about the strengthening of political supervision of theaters, she is cited as saying: “Hear me well. I’m not ready to be laughed at. I have 20 complaints about the Yaffa Theater. They say that in the Yaffa Theater there are extreme organizations that call for boycott of Israel”. So all that Mr. Glick and his likes should do is write 20 letters, and they become the Ten Commandments for the minister. “Al-Midan”, the Arabic theater from Haifa, was persecuted for similar reasons over the last two years and as of now is still closed. Now, with the new law, the Yaffa Theater might be the next martyr. The invitation for the August 30th solidarity event Here is the full text of the invitation, with the detailed program, taken for the event’s Facebook page:Invitation Yaffa Dareen solidarity A poetry and theater event for the immediate release of the poet Dareen Tatour On the stage Reading from the minutes of Dareen’s trial. Actors: Doron Tavori and Liora Rivlin. Director: Einat Weitzman Music and Spoken Word: Tamer Nafar Reading original poetry and translations of Dareen’s poems: Tal Nitzan, Rachel Peretz, Yonit Naaman, Sheikha Hlewe, Mahmoud Abu Arisha, Michal Ben Naftali and Dana Amir Facilitator: Orly Noy Selling books >>>> Limited edition of social and political literature: The Independent Bookshop “Sipur Pashut”. Percentage of sales will be contributed to Dareen’s legal defense. (This article appeared also in Mondoweiss) Administrative Detentions of Arab “Citizens of Israel” Expanding , , , , , , , , , , , Administrative Detentions are a perplexing phenomenon, as they contradict all the basic notions that we have about justice and the rule of law. Today (Monday, August 7, 2017) we had another exemplary “round” of this strange process in the Haifa district court. The families of the detainees, together with some of the main leaders of the Arab Palestinian population and democratic activists, gathered out of the closed doors of the courtroom of Judge Yizhak Cohen, the court’s vice president, who was “reviewing” the administrative detention of three youth from “the Triangle”. Arab Leaders Arab leaders out of the court (from the right): Sheikh Raed Salah, Muhammad Barakeh head of the Follow-Up Committee, Knesset member Jamal Zahalka When the lawyers emerged from the closed court, everybody flocked around them, but people found it hard to understand the process… Were they sentenced to 6 months? No, they were not sentenced at all. They were arrested on July 23 for a period of 6 months by the order of Israel’s war minister, Avigdor Liberman. The judge only reviewed the administrative orders and confirmed their validity according to Israel’s law that upholds such unlawful detentions. When I tell friends about this detention they ask me: “What are they accuse of?” Well, sincerely, I don’t know. “Did you see their lawyers? They must know”, people continue to ask nervously… But the lawyers, and even the detainees themselves, who were allowed to be inside the courtroom for parts of the “review”, are also not allowed to know what “threat” they are supposed to constitute against “state security”. All the evidence is “secret” and it is presented by the security services (the “Shabak”) only to the judge. Today’s 3 detainees The detainees are three young Palestinians, aged 24-30. One, Mu’atasem Mahamid is from Mu’awiya, near Umm al-Fahm, and the other two, Ahmad Mar’i and Adham D’eif from Ara-Ar’ara, a few kilometers to the south. Closed door and window Closed door and taped window – “security” measures As the hearing started the guards didn’t only block us from entering but also glued papers to seal the glass window in the door, to prevent the families even from waving hello from afar to their loved sons and brothers. As we scorned the justice of this system that hides behind closed doors one of the guards apologized and said he is only a small screw in the machine, it is only his work and he was acting on orders from above. The first lawyer that came out was ‘Adel Bwerat, a private lawyer that represents Mr. D’eif. He was very proud to say that the judge reduced the period of the detention from 6 to 2 months. At first I thought this decision covered al the 3 detainees. Soon I understood that the “review” process for the other two was just beginning. Some two hours later lawyers Omar Khamaisi and Mustafa Mahamid from Al-Mizan, who represent the other detainees, came out with the bad news that their clients’ detention was approved to the full extent of 6 months. In a declaration to the (Hebrew) site Local Call lawyer Bwerat said that the judge, after reviewing the secret evidence, was convinced that the danger from his client was low-level. Well, this is the type of things we celebrate today, when for an imaginary low level potential that you might do some harm you get just 2 months of prison without trial. Some historic perspective Whenever some Palestinians inside the green line get Administrative Detention many people put the same astonished face: We know this kind of detention is massively used in the occupied West Bank, but are they really used also against citizens of Israel? It is a severe precedent! Bwerat explains Lawyer Adel Bwerat explains the situation It might be helpful to remember that Israel is under “emergency laws” for all and every of the 69 years from its establishment in 1948. Every area of the country has its “military governor” that has absolute authority to detain or restrict the freedom of any citizen. Until 1966 the military government was the main tool of the state to handle the Arab population in the 1948 occupied territories. The first Arab national party to organize after the Nakba, Al-Ard, was successfully oppressed out of existence by such measures. In the 1980s Arab student leaders (among others) from both the Israeli communist party and the (leftist Palestinian) Abna Al-Balad movement were regularly confined to their villages of origin by military decrees. In 1987 and 1988, after the outbreak of the first Palestinian Intifada, about 10 of the leaders of Abna Al-Balad and like-minded movements spent time in Administrative Detention for organizing solidarity action. In the last 2 decades the usage of administrative detentions against Arab citizens of Israel actually never stopped, but it was becoming rather rare, used on individual basis. Assessment of the latest development When Muhammad Ibrahim from Kabul was put under administrative detention last year, probably for his indulgence with the Al-Aqsa mosque, it was a challenge for the Arab population. For the first 6 month nobody said anything. As administrative detention is not limited in time – it can be extended indefinitely – it is a very stressful situation for the detainee, his family and his lawyers. There are always those people that advise you to keep low profile in order not to annoy the security apparatus even more. Barakeh Interview Muhammad Barakeh, head of the Follow-Up Committee, interviewed: Even one day of Administrative Detention is injustice! After 6 month of keeping quiet, Muhammad Ibrahim’s detention was extended for another 6 months for no reason at all. The popular committee in Kabul and “The follow-up Committee” – the united leadership of the ’48 Palestinians – started to organize public protest. Finally the detention was shortened and he was released. The case of the three youth from the Triangle is different. Muhammad Ibrahim was initially detained and interrogated by the Shabak. Only after they failed to force a “confession” out of him he was transferred to administrative detention. Our new detainees were administrative to start with, not suspected of anything and not interrogated about anything. Collective administrative detention, not known since the 1980s, is also a sign both of escalating oppression and of the politicization of the process. Over the last month some ministers, including Liberman himself, demanded to issue administrative detention against Sheikh Raed Salah, the legendary leader of the Islamic movement. While the crisis around Al-Aqsa and the provocative Israeli “security” checks around it was at its height, Israel’s housing minister, General Galant, from the “moderate” Kulanu party, suggested to give up the magnetometers and use mass administrative detentions instead (see an Hebrew news item here). So we see that the issue of administrative detention became both a political game for racist politicians competing for the love of the racist electorate and another indiscriminate way to pursue “collective punishment” in the disguise of “security measures” against the Arab public. Now we know that at least one more Arab citizen of Israel is under administrative detention but nothing was reported about it. So, if you happen to live in “democratic” Israel and a neighbor suddenly disappears you can still hope that he is alive and well, just spending some time in Magido prison, where the 3 detainees from the Triangle are staying now. Poetry award from a Danish foundation to Dareen Tatour , , , , By Ditte Scharnberg ‘Chains can imprison a poet physically, restrict his movements and impose house arrest, but they can’t restrict his thoughts, tongue, words and poems’. Dareen 0 Ditte Scarnberg announcing the Award to Dareen Tatour Those were the words from Dareen Tatour to the Danish Carl Scharnberg Foundation, when, in June 2017, we awarded her a prize – 2000 euros – to support her fight for poetry, art and justice. All of us in the foundation feel strongly about encouraging Dareen to keep on fighting. And we are quite sure that had he still been alive, my father Carl Scharnberg (1930-1995) – poet and political activist – surely would have been among her supporters and surely would have printed her poems to be read in Denmark. (Here is a video from the ceremony.) Who was the poet Carl Scharnberg? My father was called the working man’s poet. Not without cause. For a couple of generations he was traveling all over the country, giving talks and reciting from his own literary works at trade union meetings and at the schools of the labour movement. About thirty books were produced on the way: novels, shorts stories, essays and collections of poems. Actually he performed the unique trick of getting the man on the shop floor to enjoy poetry – Carl’s poetry anyhow – because his poems are down-to-earth and at the same time sensitive, committed and engaging. UnderwayLike a little red flower To choose – it’s not to yield and submit and gently lower one’s voice, or to give in to pretty words avoiding a troublesome choice. To choose is more than taking a risk, much more than a question af trade. To choose is in spite of your innermost fear to do what you want to evade. (A poem by Carl Scharnberg) The fight for peace Influenced by his experience as a child at the Second World War, Carl Scharnberg became a political activist, especially interested in the struggle for world peace. He founded the Danish campaign against nuclear weapons in the 1960’s – which succeeded to keep Denmark free of nuclear weapons on its ground. Through the rest of his life, he always supported the wide range of movements for peace in the world – with his poems and by standing up as a speaker at demonstrations. “Unofficial points of view” From 1968 and until his death Carl Scharnberg was supplying a wide circle of trade union periodicals and grass-root publications with a private and independent ‘press service’. In close cooperation with well-known writers, poets and illustrators he spread a monthly issue of articles, mini-posters, etc. all over the country, provided with a general permission to reprint and copy. It was called ‘unofficial points of view’. A foundation for solidarity, human rights and peace After my father’s death in 1995, many people in the trade unions, with whom he was working for decades, decided to build a foundation to support artists and activists working in his spirit. Our family, my brother, mother and me, were very moved by the idea, and have supported it ever since. During more than twenty years the foundation every year awards prizes and grants. The prizes are announced in June, related to the day of Carl’s birth. Till now we recognized and supported this way the contributions of 73 different people, groups and movements working for solidarity, human rights and peace. The Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour is now among those brave and strong people. All of us must do whatever we can to support her! Carl Scharnberg’s Poems in English and Danish Kafr Qasem Martyr Muhammad Taha Fell in the Struggle against Crime , , , , , , , , , The same tragic scene that we see over and over again throughout occupied Palestine was repeated in Kafr Qasem on the evening of Monday, June 5, 2017. Angry Funeral with Palestinian flag Shahid Muhammad Taha’s Funeral protesters were surrounding the police station. A guard came toward them and shot Muhammad Taha with live bullets in his face and his chest. Muhammad, newly-wed 27 years old, was taken to the hospital but soon died. Cold Blood Murder A local lawyer that was present at the scene of the killing, Adel Bder, testified (here in Arabic) that the policemen at the place were in no danger, and that he was arguing with them and trying to calm them down before the shooting, but they insisted on opening fire on the protesters in cold blood. Thousands of mourners attended Mr. Taha’s funeral on Tuesday, including Funeral Entering Martyrs' Cemetery The funeral entering Martyrs’ Cemetery delegations and public leaders of the Arab Palestinian population from all over the 48 occupied territories, from the Galilee to the Naqab.  They raised Palestinian flags and chanted “The martyr is loved by god”. The body was laid to rest in “the martyrs’ cemetery”, where the 49 victims of the 1956 Kafr Qasem massacre were buried. Shooting of Palestinians by racist Israeli army and police, for any reason or no reason, is a daily event in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. Inside the 1948 occupied territories, where the Palestinians are formally citizens of Israel, there were more than 50 cases of fatal shooting since human rights organizations started to keep records beginning with the October 2000 intifada. As always, the racist Israeli government, political establishment, media, police and courts all unite to blame the victims and assure the impunity of the murderers. Struggling against Crime What is special about the murder of martyr Muhammad Taha is how it raises the question of the struggle of the Arab Palestinian society against criminality. All the organs of the Israeli state are operating within the concept of building a Jewish state, which means that they serve the interests of the Jewish population while striving to make the lives of the Arab population unbearable. The police, doing its most to carry this mission, is specializing in issuing fines and securing house demolition and land confiscation in Arab towns and villages, but is doing nothing to fight crime as long as the victims are Arab. Martyr Muhammad Taha - with Arabic writing Martyr Muhammad Mahmoud Taha With no effective policing, under-funded education system, few public services and limited access to proper work, there is a wide class of hopeless youth that are easy to mobilize to serve criminal gangs, as the only way out of idleness and misery. Social alienation and the absence of the rule of law also cause many petty disputes to escalate to violence between family members, neighbors or commercial rivals. The surge in violence within the Arab society, especial the growing number of murders, became a major concern over the last years. Many times there are conflicting positions about the right answer. Should we demand solutions from the racist Israeli police? Should we support more police patrols and the building of police stations inside Arab towns? Will such presence reduce criminality or intensify oppression and harassment of the population at large? The Self Defense Alternative Kafr Qasem witnessed the murder of 7 of its people from the beginning of the year before the racist police, which have its station placed in the middle of the town, added Mr. Taha to this long sad list. Reading the papers you just learn about the horror that fell upon the people there, but no details about the background to these murders. The police, of course, didn’t solve any of these murder cases and didn’t emergency meeting of Arab leadership in Kafr Qasem Emergency meeting of the Palestinian Arab leadership in 48 detain suspects. Only after the murder of Mr. Taha caused public uproar we could read in the papers about a very special experience taken by the Kafr Qasem municipality to defend its people. They established a local guard composed of a nucleus of few municipality workers and many volunteers in order to fend off criminals. The last surge in the violence happened as criminal gangs started to kill citizens that opposed their terror and extortion activities. Locals complain that the police did nothing to stop the murderers or arrest them after the crime, even as they testify that they gave the police names of those behind some of the crimes. In fact the people of Kafr Qasem held a general strike on Sunday, General strike 7 June 2017 General Strike on June 7 June 4, against the free hand that the police was giving to the criminal gangs to terrorize them. In this strike there was a strong demand that if the police is doing nothing to enforce the law and protect the citizens it should get out of the town. A protest tent was placed in front of the police station. The response of the police was to attack the defenders of the city and take revenge on the population at large, humiliating people in provocative road-blocks. On Monday the police arrested one of the leaders of the local guards, what caused a new wave of protests and the gathering in which Mr. Taha, who was also active in the guards committees, was killed. Widening Protest and Solidarity If the police thought to frighten the people of Kafr Qasem and make them abandon their attempts to defend themselves against the criminals, the killing of Mr. Taha may have the opposite effect. On Monday’s night there was a surge in violent Burning police vehicle in Kafr Qasem Burning police vehicle – Monday June 5 protests against the police, stones were thrown at the station building and some police vehicles were burned. On Tuesday the funeral united the whole town in protest at the police murderers but also in support of the brave guards, some of them still under police detention. The leadership of the Palestinian Arab population in the 48 territories gathered in Kafr Qasem just as the news came in on Monday’s night. In a pre-dawn emergency meeting they condemned the police murderers, blamed the ex-Shabak head of the police Alsheikh and the racist political leadership, and called for several protest actions, including a general strike of all the Arab population on Wednesday, June 7. The need to resist criminality and violence is a crucial issue all over the local Arab society. The behavior of the police in Kafr Qasem gave a strong argument for all those that oppose the presence of the racist police in Arab towns. Kafr Qasem’s experiment with self defense is an important example how a population that is not receiving basic services from the state, including the maintenance of personal safety, can work to improve the situation by its independent efforts. Crazy Zionism and Capitalism Haaretz 7 June 2017 Haaretz, June 7, 2017: “Battle between the Islamic movement and crime families” In some of the Israeli media, the efforts of the Kafr Qasem municipality and citizens to guard their city against criminals were reported as an organization of “a Muslim Militia”! Also, notice the following paradox. Some proponent of “the rule of law” tried to defend the actions of the police by claiming that in an orderly state only the police has the permission to use violence to fight crime. On the other side, after the shooting of Mr. Taha the police defended itself saying that the person that shoot him was not a police officer but a private guard that was hired to stand in the entrance of the police station to guard the building. So, the police don’t even protect its own building in Kafr Qasem, but they arrest local people for organizing guards to defend themselves… just as the police were doing! Haifa: A demo supporting Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike closed central streets , , , , , , (The following article was published in Hebrew on May 23, 2017, in “Local Call” and Haifa ha-Hofshit) While Trump‘s visit attempted to revive the illusions of “peace” in the framework of Pax Americana of the region, the ongoing hunger strike of the Palestinian prisoners reminds us that the Israeli occupation regime denies the Palestinians even the most basic human rights. A communiqué issued by “the captive movement” (al-Harakah al-Asira), as the prisoners call their resistance movement inside the occupation prisons, on the 20th day of the strike, called for the unification of the struggle on both sides of the Green Line and in the Palestinian Diaspora by a unified action of all the Palestinian Nazareth Market street on strike - May 22 2017 Close shops in Nazareth on the day of the strike patriotic forces, including the follow-up committee that represents Arab citizens of Israel. In a historic precedent, the leaders responded to the prisoners’ initiative, met in Ramallah and declared a general strike by the entire Palestinian people in all areas of the homeland and in exile, set for Monday, May 22, the 36th day of the strike. Indeed, throughout the West Bank, there was great response to the call yesterday, and streets were lined with closed shops and businesses. The strike was also felt, to a lesser extent, in East Jerusalem and Palestinian cities within the Green Line. The Prisoner’s Square, Haifa Haifa continues to be a focal point for Palestinian protest activity, in which an expanding stratum of activists emphasizes the unity of the Palestinian struggle beyond the borders dividing the territories occupied since 1967 and those occupied since 1948. However, the struggle also exposes the leadership crisis and the difficulty of giving effective expressing to the frustration, the anger and the desire to struggle. This difficulty is exacerbated because, according to the rules of the game of the “Jewish democracy”, Palestinian public opinion is not a factor to be considered. Gathering in Prisoners Square Gathering in prisoner’s square The first protest vigil in support of the prisoners’ hunger strike took place in Haifa on the second day of the strike, April 18. It took place in the German Colony, the tourist center of the city, in the square named “The Prisoner’s Square” since October 2011, when a group of activist staged a hunger striker there, under the slogan “Hungry to Freedom”, in solidarity with a previous prisoners’ strike. The vigil was also meant to mark Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, April 17, which was chosen not coincidentally as the appropriate date to launch the strike. It should be noted here that when we speak in Arabic we don’t use the term “sajeen” (prisoner) but “aseer” that means “captive”. It conveys the view of Palestinian prisoners as prisoners of war – those held by the enemy as a result of their struggle for freedom. Compromising the correct translation is another concession that we inadvertently do to Israeli and Western public opinion, which have difficulty digesting the Palestinian narrative. Marching up the German Colony Marching up the German Colony The next two protest vigils were held on April 29 and May 9 at the initiative of Herak Haifa. The site chosen by the Herak was a little up the German Colony, on the corner of Allenby Street and HaCarmel Avenue (Ben Gurion), a smaller space at the intersection where more traffic passes. When, a few months ago, Bassel al-A’araj, activist and theoretician of al-Herak al-Shababi in the West Bank, was assassinated by the occupation forces, Herak Haifa decided to name the junction after him. The holding of protest vigils at the junction is also intended to establish the name in the public consciousness. On Friday, May 19, the Communist youth held another solidarity activity with the prisoners, slightly higher at the German Colony, in the Bahai Circle. They brought water, salt and glasses and offered passers-by to drink salt water as a symbolic show of solidarity with the strikers. The youth movement’s orchestra created another attraction to draw attention to the event. Taking to the Streets In the meantime, young activists began to organize, in the spirit of the movement that had halted the Prawer plan, aiming to initiate more united and militant activity. They called for a demonstration on Monday, May 22, even before the Palestinian leaderships on both sides of the Green Line declared the general strike on this day in support of the prisoners’ struggle. They published an invitation to a Facebook event entitled “Ash-Shaware’a” (to the streets), hosted by 8 activists from different movements, and many activists worked intensely to invite and prepare. There were 254 “attendees” at the FB event and on Monday, before the scheduled hour, “The Prisoner’s Square” was already filled with young people, as well as many veteran activists, from Haifa and the region. Entering Wadi Nisnas Entering Wadi Nisnas The police also made their preparations, bringing reinforcements, including special anti-riot units, some attack dogs and a special police van to carry potential detainees. In practice, however, the police preferred not to intervene, even when the demonstrators, after about half an hour of shouting slogans in the square, went down to Carmel Avenue, blocked the street and began marching. Some 200 demonstrators marched on the main street of the German Colony in the direction of Allenby Street, between the crowded cafes and restaurants, providing the iconic images of Haifa with Palestinian flags waving and the Bahai Gardens and the golden Shrine of the Bab in the background. From there the protesters continued on Allenby Street in the direction of Wadi Nisnas, where the police blocked traffic on both sides. The demonstrators marched up al-Jabal Street (“ha-Ziyonut Avenue”), turned to Khuri Street and finally poured into al-Wadi Street, the narrow main street of Wadi Nisnas. When the demonstrators reached the last intersection inside the Wadi (the valley), they made a small meeting in the middle of the street. The organizers thanked everybody for taking part and asked for their active participation in a pre-determined plan for the continuation of the struggle, including demonstrations, leaflets distribution and a “Day of Rage” on Thursday, June 1. No More Erdogan , , , , , , , Why I support the NO vote in the Turkish referendum? When I was touring Turkey with my family in 1996, I fell in love with the country. I had the feeling that it looks very much like Palestine would have been if it was not torn apart and stepped over by settlers. Not that everything looked good. There was poverty almost everywhere, and the military presence was thick and frightening. The soldiers would look suspiciously at people in the streets and point their guns as if ready to shoot you. Going to the countryside we noticed that the government seemed absent while people were building mosques everywhere. The country was ripe for the rise of political Islam. Turkey’s Contradictions Following Turkish politics over the years was very instructive. Turkey is not just another big country in the Middle East. In the last decades the political developments in the region concentrated around the conflict between the powers of the old order, Imperialism, Zionism and entrenched local elites, and a mass movement mostly under Islamic orientation. In Iran there was a stormy revolution in 1979, followed by war, internal terror and upheavals. In Turkey the Islamists came to power by elections in 2002 as a reformist force. Also, Turkey’s Islam is mostly Sunni and the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main Islamic party in Turkey, is regarded to be close to the Moslem Brotherhood – the biggest political party (even as it is persecuted in many places) in most Arab countries. So the Turkish experience was regarded as probing one alternative for developments in the wider region. The AKP election victory in 2002 didn’t mean that the party could really lead the country, as Turkey’s democracy was a very limited and ultimate power laid with the army. Even after AKP was already long time in government there were attempts to “outlaw” it, as was done with a previous democratically elected Islamic government in 1997-98. The struggle about who really governs Turkey continued. By gradually neutralizing the grip of the army over the state, the AKP, led by Erdogan, made an essential service to democracy in Turkey. Only after the failed coup in July 2016 did the elected government achieve effective control over the army. Many critics of Turkey in the Arab world like to speak about the danger of Erdogan’s attempts to revive the Ottoman Empire, much the same as others speak about the Iranian danger. I tend to be more conservative in my analysis and assume that the main hegemon (politically, militarily and economically) continues to be external imperialism. I look at the rise of local powers more as an opportunity. In its 15 years in government AKP changed the political and economic orientation of Turkey to be less dependent on Western powers and more oriented to its regional neighbours and other third world countries. It seemed to have a very positive effect for Turkey’s development. The Kurdish Litmus The most pressing internal contradiction in Turkey is its control over northern Kurdistan. The denial of the Kurdish nationality, language and culture kept alive the experiences of ethnic cleansing against minorities that accompanied the establishment of modern Turkey as a nation-state. The continued military effort to suppress the Kurdish aspirations for freedom and equality gave constant legitimacy to internal oppression and fascist nationalism. It is another example of Marx’s saying that people who oppress other people can’t be free. The position toward the Kurdish question is the most important litmus test for the democratic attitude of any party or government in Turkey. In his first period in power it seemed that Erdogan is moving toward a more compromising position toward the Kurds. He relieved restrictions over the use of the Kurdish language and opened negotiations with the PKK and its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan. In 2013 they reached an agreement about ceasefire that was supposed to open the way for a peaceful solution. But recent developments showed that Erdogan is turning Turkey away from the path toward democracy. Naturally it started with changing policy toward Kurdistan. You can set the turning point in the June 7, 2015, general elections. The partial democratization allowed the democratic forces in Turkey, led by Kurdish militants, to create The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and pass the restrictive 10% hurdle for representation in the parliament, gaining 13% of the popular vote. Erdogan’s party used to get much of the Kurdish vote before as the less-anti-Kurdish choice. It lost its majority in parliament and had to choose between forming a coalition government and new elections. It unleashed a wave of oppression in Kurdistan in order to beat its Kurdish opponents on one side and appease Turkish nationalist voters on the other. It won absolute majority in rerun of the elections in November 2015. After the failed coup, in spite of the wise support of all political parties to the government against the coup plotters, Erdogan used his reasserted legitimacy not only to persecute supporters of the coup but also to raise the general level of political oppression. The main victims were, how not, the Kurds. Many HDP leaders were arrested and any pro-Kurdish political activity can (again) result with charges of terrorism. On the most important “foreign affairs” front – the civil war in Syria – the choice for Turkey was most blunt. It could give a major boost to democracy in Syria by supporting and helping to unite all democratic forces. Instead the Turkish regimes indulgence with oppressing Kurds in Turkey dictated its enmity to the Kurdish forces and their Arab allies in Rojava, united under the umbrella of The Syrian Democratic Forces. This approach bears much of the responsibility for the resulting disaster in Aleppo and continued weakness of the Syrian opposition. Western Hypocrisy One reason why democracy in Turkey is so fragile is the hypocritical preaching by Western imperialists and their Turkish allies. You can start from the latest campaign for the referendum to change Turkey’s constitution, when European “democrats” were hunting Turkish ministers in aeroplanes and trains to prevent them from meeting Turkish voters in their “freedom-of–speech heavens”. I followed the news closely but till now I can’t even imagine on what legal grounds this was done. And you can go back to the root, where the Turkish-NATO army was regularly overthrowing democratically elected governments, razing to the ground hundreds of Kurdish villages and torturing thousands of political prisoners from all backgrounds – supposedly all in the name of freedom and Western values. In between there is a whole encyclopaedia of double-talk and racist double-standards. Turkey should fight to defend the West against its Middle Eastern brothers but it and its citizens are refused access to the EU because they are too poor, too Islamic and not white enough. Every move by the Turkish regime is met with ridicule and patronizing disdain. Maybe the most hypocritical of all is the way that Humanistic Europe is paying the Turkish government (and Libya and others) to make the crossing of the Mediterranean so deadly for refugees, just because they can’t see the suffering on their own side. Time to change course All these contradictions return us to the methodology of political analysis. It is wrong to analyse a party or a regime according to its declared ideology. In every country there are concrete issues and everybody should be judged by their concrete answers and actions. Some of my most secular friends tell me that they know what is the position of this or that Islamic movement, because they learned Islam and they know what is written in Islam’s holy books on that case. This will never explain why there are so many Islamic currents, with such different positions, some of them even fighting each other. As much as I can see, the problem with Erdogan his not that Islam is contrary to democracy. The problem with him and his movement is that it started as a popular movement against oppressive regime, but now, after fifteen years in government, it entered a marriage of convenience with Turkish nationalism and the oppressive state apparatus. History can tell about many other movements, from all ideological hues, which went through similar transformations. Even if Erdogan was a perfect leader, I wouldn’t recommend letting him concentrate more state powers or extend his spell at the head of government. Everybody can learn from this wise old Chinese, Deng Xiao Ping, who showed by personal example that the way to ensure your political agenda even after your death is to relay power in an orderly way to a new generation while you are still at your best. El juicio surrealista de poetisa Dareen Tatour , , La poesía política como delito La detención de una persona por publicar un poema político es insólita. Tener que demostrar en el juicio que la policía tradujo mal un poema es poco menos que surrealista. (Este artículo también está disponible en inglés. Traducido por Rebelión.) Ha pasado casi un año y medio desde que la poetisa palestina Dareen Tatour fue detenida en su casa por escribir un poema. Pasó tres meses en varias prisiones y medio año bajo arresto domiciliario en la ciudad de Kiryat Ono, cerca de Tel Aviv. A pesar de que pudo volver a su pueblo natal de Reineh, cerca de Nazaret, permanece bajo arresto domiciliario hasta el final del juicio. Tatour, de 34 años, fue detenida por la policía israelí el 11 de octubre de 2015 a causa de un poema que había publicado en Facebook, junto a una serie de manifestaciones que publicó en el mismo medio, coincidiendo con la reciente ola de violencia de 2015-2016. Fue acusada de incitación a la violencia e identificación con una organización terrorista, todo a causa de su poema. La cláusula principal de su acusación se basó en un poema que supuestamente había publicado en YouTube bajo el título: Qawem ya Sha’abi, qawemhum (Resiste pueblo mío, resístelos). Otra cláusula principal en la acusación se refiere a un artículo de prensa, citado en la página de Tatour en Facebook, según el cual “El movimiento Yihad Islámica llama a continuar la Intifada en toda la Ribera Occidental…” El mismo artículo llama a una “intifada integral”. La fiscalía concluyó sus argumentos en septiembre del año pasado, la mayoría de los cuales fueron diseñados para demostrar que la cuenta de Facebook de Tatour le pertenecía realmente y que fue ella la que publicó el poema y las dos opiniones en Facebook. En noviembre Tatour testificó y admitió que había escrito los artículos. Explicó que estaba protestando por la ocupación, denunciando los crímenes cometidos contra los palestinos por el ejército israelí y los colonos, añadiendo que la traducción de la policía había distorsionado sus textos. Tatour quedó exhausta por los más de tres largos días sometida al interrogatorio por la fiscal Alina Hardak, quien trató de presionarla para que admitiera su “apoyo al terrorismo”. En vano. ¿Hay que detener a los poetas? El domingo 19 de marzo los abogados de Tatour, Gaby Lasky y Nery Ramati, trajeron dos peritos para que declarasen ante el juez Adi Bambiliya-Einstein en la Corte de Magistrados de Nazaret. El primer testigo fue el profesor Nissim Calderon, un experto en literatura hebrea. En su dictamen pericial escrito Calderón afirmó que existen normas especiales relativas a la expresión de los poetas, que describen una larga tradición de poetas que utilizan palabras duras para oponerse a la opresión o la injusticia y que, a veces, van tan lejos como para llamar claramente a acciones violentas. Los poetas, dijo Calderón, no fueron procesados ni siquiera por regímenes opresivos como el zar de Rusia o el Mandato británico en Palestina. Dareen and Propf Calderon smaller Dareen Tatour y él profesor Calderón (centro) hablan en la Corte de Magistrados de Nazaret, 19 de marzo de 2017 Para probar su argumento Calderón eligió tres de los más destacados poetas hebreos, llevando ejemplos específicos de sus textos subversivos. Citó a Hayim Nachman Bialik, uno de los pioneros de la moderna poesía hebrea que escribió las líneas: “Con crueldad furiosa / Vamos a beber su sangre sin piedad”. Calderón también citó al poeta Shaul Tchernichovsky, que escribió: “Dame mi espada, no volverá a su vaina / ¿qué provoca mis labios? Quiero batallas“. A pesar de estos reclamos claros de violencia de destacados poetas judíos, la antisemita policía secreta del zar se abstuvo de detener los o procesarlos. El tercer ejemplo que Calderon citó en extenso era del poeta sionista de derecha Uri Tsvi Greenberg, quien incitaba abiertamente a la violencia y fue miembro de Brit HaBirionim (La Alianza de Matones), una organización sionista que resistió violentamente a la ocupación británica. Nunca fue castigado por sus poemas. Cuando la fiscal argumentó que Greenberg no fue detenido por su poesía porque el Mandato británico no procesó incitadores, Calderón respondió que su tío fue exiliado de Palestina por el apoyo a la inmigración judía ilegal. Cuando la fiscal sugirió que los poetas no necesariamente deben ser inmunes a la acción legal durante los momentos de tensión, Calderón dijo que los británicos no procesaron a Greenberg, incluso cuando llamó a la resistencia a su Gobierno. ¿Qué quiso decir la poetisa? Tanto el fiscal como el juez entendieron que tienen un problema con la traducción de la policía del poema de Tatour. El oficial que lo tradujo no tenía ninguna experiencia específica en traducciones. Cuando al oficial traductor se le preguntó con anterioridad durante su testimonio por qué fue elegido para traducir el poema respondió que estudió literatura árabe en la escuela secundaria y tiene amor por la lengua. Durante el testimonio de Tatour la fiscal quiso que ella misma proporcionara su propia traducción al hebreo del poema. Ella se negó, añadiendo que no sabe el suficiente hebreo como para traducir la poesía. La fiscal quiso entonces que se leyera el poema en árabe para que el traductor de la corte lo tradujese y así las palabras le serían atribuidas e incluidas en el protocolo. Ella lo rechazó. Tal vez la acusación sintió un poco de alivio cuando la defensa trajo su propia traducción del poema al hebreo, realizado por el doctor Yoni Mendel, un traductor literario experimentado y experto en lengua árabe. Su traducción fue significativamente diferente de la que apareció en la acusación. Mendel también proporcionó testimonio experto, afirmando que la traducción de la policía había distorsionado el texto deliberada y sistemáticamente para que pareciera extremista y violento. La contradicción más flagrante entre las dos traducciones se encontraba en las siguientes líneas: “No temas a las lenguas del tanque Merkava \ La verdad en tu corazón es más fuerte \ Mientras seas rebelde en una tierra \ que ha vivido atravesada de redadas, pero aún no está exhausta”. Los dos últimos versos fueron traducidos por la policía como “mientras que resistes en una tierra \ Viva la Gazawat y no hemos de cansarnos”. El oficial de policía omitió la palabra “Gazawat”, probablemente porque no podía encontrar la traducción correcta al hebreo. En su testimonio Mendel explicó que la palabra fue utilizada por las tribus árabes en el momento de la Jahiliyya (lo que los musulmanes llaman el período anterior a la fundación del islam) para describir los ataques a las tribus con fines de robo o para esclavizar a las mujeres. El texto de Tatour usa claramente estas líneas para referirse a los ataques a los que los palestinos están sometidos. La traducción de la policía, de alguna manera, había logrado transformar a la víctima en el agresor. ¿Quiénes son los mártires? En un nivel más profundo, gran parte del énfasis en la traducción, y una gran parte del interrogatorio, se centró en la frase: “Siga la cadena de los mártires”. La palabra árabe para mártires, “shuhadaa,” no fue traducida al hebreo por el traductor de la policía, sino que más bien la ajustó gramaticalmente al hebreo y se convirtió en “shahidim”, una transliteración israelí que para la mayoría de los israelíes evoca la imagen de palestinos asesinados mientras llevan a cabo ataques contra israelíes. Mendel explicó y demostró que cuando se transliteran términos árabes en lugar de traducirse se neutraliza su significado original y la empatía humana básica que subyace en ellos. Divorciadas de su contexto original las palabras árabes como shahid o intifada adquieren un nuevo significado amenazante para el hebreo. Yoni Mendel Dr. Yoni Mendel en el juicio de Dareen Tatour Mendel pasó a explicar que para el público árabe palestino la palabra shuhadaa se refiere a todas las víctimas de la ocupación, la mayoría de las cuales no estaban involucradas activamente en la resistencia. En el contexto específico del poema de Tatour Mendel apoya esta interpretación con el hecho de que el poema de Tatour se refirió a tres mártires específicos: Muhammad Abu Khdeir, de 16 años, que fue secuestrado y quemado vivo por los judíos de Israel; Ali Dawabsheh, un bebé palestino que fue quemado vivo con el resto de su familia en su hogar en Cisjordania y Hadeel Al-Hashlamon, quien fue asesinado a tiros por el ejército en un retén en Hebrón. El fiscal trató de demostrar que Tartour no se refería a los palestinos asesinados, ya que nadie quiere ser asesinado. Mendel explicó que el llamado a “seguir los mártires” no significa un deseo de morir, sino que se refiere a un concepto más general de adherirse a la herencia palestina. Esto incluye abrazar a las familias de las víctimas, no renunciar nunca a la lucha y negarse a aceptar soluciones que niegan los derechos nacionales y humanos de los palestinos. Tatour se ha convertido en un símbolo de la persecución de Israel a los palestinos por expresarse políticamente, sobre todo en las redes sociales. Muchos poetas, escritores, intelectuales y activistas, tanto en el país como en el extranjero, han expresado su solidaridad con ella pidiendo su liberación inmediata. El hecho de que destacados intelectuales como Calderón y Mendel se ofrecieran para dar testimonio durante un interrogatorio agotador (Mendel estuvo en el estrado cinco horas) es un buen ejemplo de lo mucho que este peculiar juicio repercutió en gran parte del público liberal. Incluso los defensores de la libertad de expresión y las artes han comenzado a recoger dinero para ayudar a sufragar los gastos legales de Tatour. Los últimos testigos en el caso de Tatour serán llamados a declarar el 28 de marzo, que será probablemente la última audiencia antes del veredicto que se dictará en unos meses. Tatour se enfrenta hasta a ocho años de prisión y una apelación de una o ambas partes es probable en este hecho de alto perfil. Mientras tanto Tatour permanece bajo arresto domiciliario y puede permanecer detenida durante un total de dos años hasta que el tribunal llegue a una decisión sobre el significado de su poema. Free Political Detainees Firas Omary and Suleiman Agbariya! , , , , , , , When the “Northern” Islamic Movement was outlawed by the Israeli government, in November 2015, it was a relatively low-profile event. It came almost three decades after the Islamic Movement replaced the Israeli Communist Party as the main mass political organization within the 1.5 million Palestinian Arabs that survived the 1948 ethnic cleansing and are formally regarded citizens of the state of Israel. (“Northern” relates to an internal split that took place within the Islamic Movement in the nineties, when the more pragmatic “Southern” wing decided to participate in the Zionist Knesset, while the more popular and militant “Northern” wing concentrated on grass-root organization.) You Can’t Outlaw Life The outlawing of the movement was not followed by detentions or physical attacks – instead the oppression apparatus preferred to concentrate on rooting out the many NGOS, educational and welfare institutions that were identified with the movement. Confiscating the funds that were distributed regularly to poor Arab orphans was no doubt a lucrative profitable business for the Israeli Shabak (GSS). But, anyway, outlawing the biggest political movement of a community that struggles daily for its survival and human and social rights within a systematic apartheid system was due to add a new aspect of illegality to any public expression or struggle. Free Dr Sleiman Agbariya Dr. Suleiman Agbariya in the protest tent against the outlawing of the Islamic Muvement, Umm Al-Fahm Back in November 2015, the response of the Palestinian population was also relatively low profile. The united position of all the parties that are active within the Arab public was expressed by the “High Follow Up Committee” denouncing the outlawing of the movement as an anti-democratic and racist step, targeting all the Arab masses as part of a much wider oppressive wave led by the Israeli government. There was one mass demonstration in Umm Al-Fahm, the biggest city in the Arab Triangle and the traditional capital of the Islamic Movement, a big and very lively protest-tent there and some other activities around the country. But basically the Arab Palestinian public opinion is totally disregarded in Israeli politics. People are fully aware that there is now way that the Arabs can “save” or “defend” Israel’s fake democracy when its government is determined to tear it to pieces. Firas al-Omary - with writing Human Rights activists – Firas Omary The outlawing of the Islamic Movement didn’t “solve” any of the issues that motivated its struggle or caused people to support it. Israeli provocations in Al-Aqsa mosque continue as well as constant offences against Palestinian cemeteries, holy sites and the population in general. As the expression of protest “in the name of the movement” was banned, more energy is invested in united action under the name of local committees and national coordination bodies under the umbrella of the Follow-Up Committee. One example of such democratic united struggle was the campaign of demonstrations against administrative detention and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Hunger strike. Escalating Political Detentions It was strange enough that the first time we heard about political detention as result of the outlawing of the Islamic Movement was the case of an old woman from Al-Quds (Jerusalem). Her main activity was to pray regularly in Al-Aqsa mosque. Over the last year many of those caring for Al-Aqsa, praying there or organizing travel to the mosque from around the country were arrested. In this way the Israeli government actually vindicates the claim of the Islamic Movement that changing the status quo in Al-Aqsa is a strategic goal consistently pursued by the state of Israel. The latest case escalating the persecution of Al-Aqsa lovers was the administrative detention of Muhammad Ibrahim from Kabul. In the meantime Sheikh Raed Salah, the charismatic, soft-spoken and widely popular leader of the movement, Spent 9 months in prison on old “incitement” charges, related to a speech he gave in Al-Quds some ten years ago. But a new wave of detentions in the last weeks looks like an attempt by the Israeli police and GSS to bend the rules farther against any kind of political activities, going after central political leaders and subjecting them to secret interrogation while denying their basic rights for legal protection. Israeli occupation police was here – Firas Omary’s house after his detention At 1:00 after midnight, on March 22, 2017, Israeli forces surrounded and invaded the house of Firas Omary in Sandala, a village inside the “Green Line” on the road between Afula and Jenin. They awakned the family, terrorizing the small kids, and searched the house in a way that is designed to show force and contempt more than to find anything. They took with them Mr Omary, the leader a prisoners’ rights NGO named “Yusouf Al-Sadiq” and a central activist in “the liberties committee” – an organ of the Follow-Up Committee that specializes in defending political freedoms and caring for the human rights of Palestinian prisoners. On April 2, another post-midnight police operation targeted in a similar way the house of Suleiman Agbariya, the previous mayor of Umm Al-Fahm. According to Richard Silverstein in Tikun Olam there are now 5 ex-activists of the outlawed Islamic Movement that are now detained in this wave. Even Silverstein that usually knows all the unpublished details about oppression in Israel couldn’t get the names of the other three. Denial of legal counsel and defence Closed doors Behind closed doors – Omary’s remand hearing in Nazareth When Mr. Omary was brought before the Nazareth court for remand, on March 22, it came out that he is not allowed to meet his (or any other) lawyer. The court extended his detention for six days. On Tuesday, March 28, I was in the vast waiting halls of the Nazareth court building when Mr. Omary was brought for a second remand. I met there dozens of the central activists of the different Palestinian movements within the green line (those parts of Palestine that are occupied since 1948), in addition to relatives of the detainee. Nobody was allowed in to the hearing, in front of Judge Lily Jung-Goffer, except for the lawyers from Al-Mizan, a Legal Human Rights NGO. The prevention of contact between the detainee and his lawyers is not only designed to deprive him from legal counsel so that he will not be aware to his rights according to the law. It is also a very important part of the practice of isolating the detainee from the world while he is being subjected to harsh interrogation, aimed to provoke psychological breakdown. For this reason it is not only that the detainee is not allowed to meet his lawyer in private – he is even prevented from seeing him in the court room. The lawyers out Mizan lawyers had to leave the courtroom To achieve this, the detainee was not present at most stages of this own remand hearing. After the legal argument finished, the defense lawyer was instructed to leave the courtroom so that the judge will speak with the detainee without his presence. Only after Mr. Omary was taken away his lawyers were allowed to return to the hall to hear the judge extending the detention for another 6 days. On Monday, April 3, Omary’s detention was remanded again for another 6 days. He’s expected to appear in the Nazareth court again on Sunday, May 9, the same day that Dr. Agbariya is expected to be brought before the court in Rishon LeZion near Tel Aviv. (There are some more details about the case of Firas Omary in a previous Hebrew post in Haifa Ha-Hofshit)
Will Nanotechnology be the Answer for the Next Generation of Lithium-Ion Batteries? Great Things from Small Things .. Nanotechnology Innovation Nano LI Batt usc-lithium-ion-batteryDespite the recently reported battery-flaming problem of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliners and laptops (in 2006), LIBs are now successfully being used in many sectors. Consumer gadgets, electric cars, medical devices, space and military sectors use LIBs as portable power sources and in the future, spacecraft like James Webb Space Telescope are expected to use LIBs. The main reason for this rapid domination of LIB technology in various sectors is that it has the highest electrical storage capacity with respect to its weight (one unit of LIB can replace two nickel-hydrogen battery units). Also, LIBs are suitable for applications where both high energy density and power density are required, and in this respect, they are superior to other types of rechargeable batteries such as lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-metal batteries, etc. However, LIBs are required to improve in the following aspects: (i) store more energy and deliver higher… View original post 2,586 more words WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Related to Visual Culture Experiences Topic) You may choose Course: Sound and Visual Media (media Studies) An Analytical Essay This short paper will critically examine, analyze and assess the sonic elements or acoustic context of a chosen cultural work. This could be a gallery exhibition of visual art, a popular (or not so popular) TV show, a night out at the cinema, or a public art installation. Pay particular attention to the spatial context of where your visual experience is taking place, and consider how the sound of this space is influencing or inflecting your overall media experience. The idea is to have you pay attention to, and critically consider, the sonic conditions that are often rendered as secondary to the visual aspects of cultural experience. What are the dynamics of noise, silence and music at play in the visual cultural experience youve chosen to examine? This assignment takes the idea of Cultural workin a rather narrow sense, and as such is not intended to cover Everydaytypes of cultural experiences such as coffee shops, shopping malls, or public transit. Since Western culture, and Western cultural activity, is so heavily biased towards visual media and forms of engagement, the idea behind this assignment is to have you pay attention to the aural qualities of an experience that are typically forgotten, ignored or go unconsidered. Some key questions to keep in mind: What does the gallery/theater/cinema/public space sound like before, during or after a visual art Describe and analyze the aurality the event/work/etc. is embedded in. This means that you are not only to consider the sound that is actually part of the work or event you are exploring (e.g. a movie or TV show soundtrack, the music of the musical performance, etc.) but to also pay attention to the sounds that surround the event (e.g. the sound of the audience, the sound of the space itself, etc.). Why might the space your experience is taking place sound the way it does? is there something about the specific time your event is happening that lends to its particular aurality? Are there related cultural or artistic practices that your event/artwork/etc. that might relate to or somehow inform the nature of its aurality? Are there historical practices, or shifts in historical practices, which might inform the aurality of this experience? What are the social or cultural norms that help produce the ideas of silence, noise or music that might be in play? How does the expected or intended experience of your chosen subject implicitly draw upon these norms? Does it challenge them in any way? Using Research This assignment asks you to do a critical reflection of a media experience. Hence while your own observations will form the core of your work, you must critically contextualize and support them with appropriate scholarly work. This is essential if you are to turn your own opinions of what you heard into a rigorous analysis of your experience. *** you may choose any experience you want and analyse. **** the 4 page essay include 3 page double sided essay + 1 page biliography with 3-5 sources
The first question I will answer is “what is extremism?” Extremism is a state were an individual holds extreme views concerning a subject or topic. The literal meaning of extremism is crossing the limit or being driven towards or across limits.11 Extremism today, is attached to only religious or political views. The mass media and communication has brainwashed the minds and have linked religion, radicalism and politics towards extremism. Even a search on goolge will show religion or politics a direct concern towards extremism. I will be discussing extremism and its related problems not only regarding politics or religion, but will also show the most extremism subjects in Pakistan. Land Reforms There are many problems related to the ownership of land and the farmers are suffering. Their lands are being used and they are deprived of their rights. It is one of the worst forms of extremism which is happening in Pakistan. You can further read about land reforms in the separate blog “Land Reform, Better Modus leads Better Results”. Lack of Basic Commodities The basic commodities which an individual needs are food, water, medicine, electricity and gas. People in Pakistan who are below the poverty line are not getting pure drinking water, they do not get 3 meals a day, they are deprived of electricity and they cannot get the medicine they need on time. Each commodity has its own reasons for its scarceness. This is also a form of extremism which needs to be brought under the limits.  You can further read. You can further read about lack of basic commodities in the separate blog “Lack of basic commodities”. Identity Crisis You might be wondering what kind of extremism an identity can create? Well. Try clear US customs with a beard. You will know. When we talk about Pakistan, the various religious sects and political unrest in our country has created a very bad perception in the minds of other nations. Why is it that each and every Pakistani is being judged from the actions of those who are not even a part of us! Bureaucracy and politics have turned this nation into a red zone for potential tourists, businesses and other opportunities. This needs to be resolved. It is an extremism which is affecting every Pakistani in this country or the one who is abroad. Religious and Sectarian Ideologies Islam is a very simple and clear religion. This is the religion which gives freedom to both men and women while protecting them from harm. The question which arises here is that, why such a simple and beautiful religion is divided into so many sects and ideologies. Why is it not possible that every Muslim stands under one flag? The flag of Islam. One god, Allah and the Last messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). Why is our religion being made so complicated? We as Muslims have divided our religion and have given a chance to those lying in wait to name us terrorists, brand our religion as radicals and extremists! This problem has crossed its limits. This is real extremism. You can further read. You can further read about religious and sectarian ideologies in the separate blog “Religion: Divided and conquered”. These are the extreme situations which we need to take control of. We will further discuss these issues and hopefully provide solutions to counter the extremisms. Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
2016年10月8日 星期六 diversity, win over, diverse, divers, overwhelmingly white "An informal exploration of the field of biography, from key organizations to staple institutions, provides the most obvious explanation for the lack of diversity in its subjects: the authors, publishers, and editors of biographies are, themselves, overwhelmingly white." Kavita Das explores the lack of diversity in the biography genre. Thais Cast a Wide Net for Diverse Tourists Thailand is the only Asian country, travel industry analysts say, that has a government-sponsored campaign aimed at gay and lesbian travelers. It is also marketing itself to Muslims.  Dr. Martin Luther's Book, entitled, Colloquia Mensalia, or, his Divine Discourses at his Table, held with divers learned Men and pious Divines; such as Philip Melancthon, Caspar Cruciger, Justus Jonas, Vitus Dietrich, John Bugenhagen, John Forster, etc.: containing Divers Discourses touching Religion, and other main Points of Doctrine; as also many notable Histories, and all sorts of Learning, Comforts, Advices, Prophecies, Admonitions, Directions and Instructions. Study Sees Wall Street Pay Tilted Toward White Men But the study, by the City University of New York's Center for Urban Research, also found that the financial industry's work force was becoming more diverse. Obama’s War Speech Wins Over Some Skeptics While opinions on the war in Afghanistan remained diverse, President Obama managed to persuade a significant number of people on both sides of the political aisle. win over Persuade, gain one's support, as in It won't be easy to win him over to our point of view. [Late 1800s] (dĭ-vûrs', dī-, dī'vûrs') pronunciation 1. Differing one from another. 2. Made up of distinct characteristics, qualities, or elements: "Prague ... offers visitors a series of excursions into a rich and diverse past" (Olivier Bernier). [Middle English divers, from Old French divers, from Latin dīversus, past participle of dīvertere, to divert. See divert.] diversely di·verse'ly adv. diverseness di·verse'ness n. showing a great deal of variety; very different:a culturally diverse population subjects as diverse as architecture, language teaching, and the physical sciences (dĭ-vûr'sĭ-tē, dī- n., pl., -ties. 1. The fact or quality of being diverse; difference. 2. A point or respect in which things differ. 1. Variety or multiformity: "Charles Darwin saw in the diversity of species the principles of evolution that operated to generate the species: variation, competition and selection" (Scientific American). • 発音記号[dáivərz] • [形]((やや古))いくつかの；いろいろの, 種々の. ━━[代]((複数扱い))数人, 数個（のもの）.
Researcher Looks Into Protein That May Prevent Type 2 in Obese People The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $1.15 million grant to a researcher at Eastern Virginia Medical School to investigate a protein that may prevent obese people from developing type 2 diabetes. The researcher, Yumi Imai, MD, will focus on a regulatory protein called adipose differentiation-related protein. ADFP facilitates efficient use of lipids, fatty molecules that the body uses to store energy. Fat contains high levels of lipids. In obese people, those lipids eventually move into the bloodstream, where they can cause organ and muscle inflammation. In the islet cells that produce insulin, inflammation can eventually damage production and lessen the hormone’s effectiveness, often leading to type 2. Dr. Imai theorizes that ADFP functions as a kind of flow control, leading lipids through islet cells so that the cells can absorb energy from them, but preventing the volume of lipids from overwhelming the cells and damaging them. She thinks that obese people may have too little ADFP. However, some obese people do not develop type 2 despite having all of the preconditions for it. In those cases, Dr. Imai will look to see if they have naturally high levels of ADFP. If ADFP functions the way Dr. Imai suspects, confirmation could open the door for a new type 2 therapy that can control lipid damage to insulin-producing cells. She and her team at EVMS’s Strelitz Diabetes Center will use mice and tissue cultures, in conjunction with a high-fat diet, to see how different levels of ADFP affect the development of type 2. Leave a Reply Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.
Dismiss Notice Join Physics Forums Today! How can I plate Cu at very low currents 1. Jun 13, 2016 #1 I have a silicon wafer with a 50nm layer of copper sputtered on it. I coated it with a 1µm of positive photo resist and patterned it with a UV laser stepper. Then I developed it and washed it thoroughly. The pattern has a surface area which measures appx 1300µm x 8µm. What I want to do is to deposit a 30µm homogeneous layer of Cu in the pattern at a very slow depositing rate. To do this over a long time, I need a current in the region of 10^-6A . My problem is that, at this current there is no deposition and the voltage measured is under 0.2V which is lower than the half cell potential for Cu reduction.I think that the low resistance of the electrolyte makes it impossible to get a higher voltage to allow plating . Even extremely dilute CuSO4 solutions have a a resistance of about 2k ohms which is far too low. I have tried increasing the surface area to allow larger voltages but it also doesn't work . I'm using a potentiostat using the Chronopotentiometry mode which allows me to measure voltage at a constant current. What could be the problem? 2. jcsd 3. Jun 13, 2016 #2 User Avatar Science Advisor Gold Member There is a process where the plating voltage is turned on in brief pulses many times repeated . This means that the plating voltage can be as high as is needed but the rate of deposition is controlled by the pulse width and repetition frequency . Have something to add? Draft saved Draft deleted
lessons learned on the journey toward independence Food Preservation How to articles on effectively preserving food using a variety of methods. b2ap3_thumbnail_food-storage.jpgThis last week I decided to tackle the large question about my food storage. Since Nick and I were married earlier this year (April) we have been steadily (as money allows) stocking our pantry with the necessary items. Oats, Beans, Wheat, Rice, Salt, Honey, Dried fruit, Canned fruit, Canned veggies, Potatoes, Nuts, etc. But I started asking myself the question: Do I have enough food in my pantry to last me a year, till the next harvest? That's my goal! Providing food for ones family is an understood responsibility. The problem is that many shift this responsibility to the grocery store, depending on it for this necessity of life. What we fail to think of is how quickly the grocery store shelves go bare leading up to even a fairly routine natural disaster. What if the transportation system is disrupted? How many days of food are on the grocery shelves? And above and beyond that is the fact that much of the commercially available food is treated with dangerous chemicals. And something that many fail to consider is the fact that even much of the organic produce available is just as nutritionally deficient as the non-organic. Friends, the reasons are many and powerful. The time has come to seriously learn and implement agriculture as quickly and thoroughly as possible. I appreciate the simple, but profound truth expressed in Proverbs: Why Wheat? "When determining the value of whole grains in the diet, one need only look back into the history of the Roman Empire. Of course the Roman legions that went about conquering new lands played an important role in the conquests of Caesar. It is interesting to learn that Roman soldiers were fed a daily ration of meal comprised of wheat, rye, flax and bran. Early nutritionists and Generals knew, and understood, that grains provided all the daily needs of a fighting man, provided the most amount of energy per pound of food, and could be stored and moved most efficiently to the point of consumption. It’s even more exciting to know that when the soldiers were successful in battle, securing an area or village containing cows, goats and pigs, that they would shun the prospects of fresh meat and refused to eat it. They became so reliant on the power of their daily ration of grain meal, and its vitality, that they would not consume other foodstuffs, even when they were available. They feared that other foods would make them sluggish, mentally weaker and less likely to succeed in battle. The Roman Meal story is a favorite of ours, because it reminds us that the same simple heritage of grains in the diet that we are rediscovering in modern times, was held in the highest regard by fighting men 2000 years ago." Taken from Wheat Montana's News Blog We believe some of the most nutritious wheat grown in America is from Wheat Montana Farms. Go to the Dealer Locator to find the nearest Dealer/Retailer to you on the Wheat Montana's Website. Here are some helpful tips from the Wheat Montana's FAQ's page: Harvest time is here and the food is coming from the gardens and orchards. Gleaning is a great way to get food when your orchard is not mature enough yet. Since we are only in a temporary location we don't have an orchard  yet. However a good friend of ours has been helping us get produce from gleaning. Recently we ended up with several boxes of peaches. We really enjoy canned peaches. Water Bath Canning hasn't been my specialty. Growing up, I can remember all the glass quart jars we broke trying to preserve food in them. So I was a little nervous about trying it myself. I've become comfortable with pressure canning since I've been doing beans that way all summer, but the water bath seemed a little intimidating. But here were a few tips that really helped me. If I carefully followed these, then I didn't have any trouble with water bath canning. Recently I remembered hearing from a friend of mine who previously lived in the mission field.  She had to find creative ways of preserving food and here is a little of what she shared with me: I spent some time in the country of Uganda. It was tropical, but our location adjacent to Lake Victoria kept the humidity and heat down.  Average daily low/high was about 68 - 78 F.  There were no food safes.  No propane fridge.  Electric everything, and the power was "down" on a regular basis.  Parts of most days, and a week or two of most months was completely powerless.  Because we never knew what to expect, we learned to purchase food guardedly. One time early on, we stupidly had the freezer packed full of food in order to "preserve" it for the entire time my husband was to be gone.  In what we learned later was to be "true to form", the power went out a couple days after he left and did not come back on until a day or two before he was to return. CherriesWe once had some friends give us several boxes of very ripe black cherries--my very favorite berry! Problem was that they were already starting to go bad and we had to do something with them QUICK. So Nick rigged up a temporary solar dehydrator out of supplies that we had here laying around. 3 cement blocks, a few lengths of 2X4's, a piece of metal roofing, a fan, and an old piece of glass window pane. Solar dehydratorWhile he set it up, I quickly sorted out the good cherries, cleaned and pitted them, and spread them out on some cookie sheets that I had in the kitchen. Then we put them under the glass supported by the the 2X4's and complete with my new oven thermometer we left it in the sun to see how it would work. At night I would bring them back into the house and in the fridge so they wouldn't go bad, but after the first night, I left them out even at night till they were dry. During the day while the sun was shinning the temp was 150 degrees F inside the dehydrator. oven thermometer in solar dehydratorAt the end of 4 days those cherries were a little too dry! And I had a whole quart and a half of dried cherries! They tasted really delicious on top of our cereal the next morning. I also dried comfrey root out in the sun, however I didn't need to put those inside under the glass. They dried rather quickly just out in the open on baking sheets.
Welcome to Awakenings Sunday, October 26, 2014 Dodging Bullets This Day in History: October 26, 1881 Back in the days of the Wild West carrying a 6-shooter strapped to your hip was as commonplace as sitting down to the dinner table. What is it about those early days of the American West that people find so facilitating? Killing in the streets occurred regularly and hangings were public displays of capital punishment. The law and the lawless constantly battled over cattle, sheep, horses, water rights and land. Bandits or notorious outlaws were as common as bandaids along with Old West Scoundrels, Outlaw Gangs and Vigilantes. The movie industry capitalized on Wild West fascination with the life and times of Wyatt Earp always drawing a captive audience. Many Faces of Wyatt Earp have appeared on the silver screen from 1939 until 1994. A famous scene that can never be avoided in Wyatt's life is that of the Shootout at OK Corral which took place between Wyatt Earp, his two brothers, Doc Holliday and the Ike Clanton Gang on October 26, 1881. Cowboys, Tombstone and Wyatt Earp were destined to collide and by the spring of 1881, it was apparent they were already on that collision course. The most famous gunfight showdown in history featured thirty shots fired in thirty seconds leaving three cowboys dead along with Virgil and Morgan Earp wounded. Wyatt managed to escape without even a scratch...he was a natural for dodging bullets! That was over 130 years ago but the sound of bullets whizzing through the air can still be heard within the corridors of the mind and reenactments.   Doc Holliday After silver was discovered nearby in 1877, Tombstone, Arizona quickly grew into one of the richest mining towns in the Southwest. Wyatt Earp, a former Kansas police officer working as a bank security guard, and his brothers, Morgan and Virgil, the town marshals, represented "law and order" in Tombstone, though they also had reputations as being power-hungry and ruthless. The Clantons and McLaurys were cowboys who lived on a ranch outside of town and sidelined as cattle rustlers, thieves and murderers. In October 1881, the struggle between these two groups for control of Tombstone and Cochise County ended in a blaze of gunfire at the OK Corral.  Source: History.com A Bit of 'OK Corral' History... As with any story, there is always more than one account...another side to the story. The gunfight did not actually take place in a corral, specifically the OK Corral, nor within or next to the OK Corral. It took place in a narrow vacant lot nearby. Also, according to a fourth generation cousin of the Clantons, the confrontation was quite different from the historical recordings most of us have read or what Hollywood has depicted in the movies. The Gunfight at OK Corral has also been immortalized in song... by Frankie Laine, often billed as America's Number One Song Stylist, his other nicknames include Mr. RhythmOld Leather Lungs, and Mr. Steel Tonsils.
Pyllisp Syntax I have a theory that so called 'forms' are the enabling element in lisp that sets it apart from other languages I've programmed with. (+ 1 3) (if (== 5 2)) (set! x 5) The simple syntax is easy to teach and doesn't stick on way. To see whether it'd work, I extended the syntax but retained the syntax on forms. There's only a form where you see parentheses. And there's no parentheses without forms. Lisp syntax avoids explicit semantics, but it's not nice if you've got arithmetic expressions or expressions spanning multiple lines To make it nicer on arithmetic, I implemented layout-sensitive prefix, postfix and infix syntax, here are the forms and what do they translate to: *prefix (:prefix {*} prefix) in*fix ({*} in fix) in * fix ({*} in fix) postfix* (:postfix {*} postfix) It is implemented as a top-down precedence parser. It looks ahead two tokens to determine what to do. The programmer can define new operators before the file is parsed. Obviously, to avoid parentheses, the curly braces are for grouping the expressions: Additionally the language has syntax for comparators with chaining rules, as well as and, or, not -semantics. It follows the rules of pythons operator precedence a < b <= c {a < b} and {b <= c} Internally the chaining is treated as a separate expression to avoid introducing an extra computation. Lists, Index & Attribute There's syntax for list literals, indexing and taking an attribute: items = [1 2 3 4 5] Assignments are parsed in same precedence as indexes and attributes: term = expression term := expression We got local and upscope assignments. Finally there's an augmented form. We are doing a computation using the original value: term <<= expression (:aug term << {expression}) There's not in-place assignment for and, or, not or chainable operators. Additionally it's not present if the augmented operator would shadow some other operator. Off-Side Capture The outermost forms formed using parentheses can capture the indented expressions coming after it: main = (func name) (println "hello" name) The block doesn't translate into anything. Instead the capture block is passed along in a scope, so macros can give it a special treatment. In case a macro never captures the block, it is passed in as extra arguments to the outermost form: 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 If the outermost form was a macro that didn't capture, an error is raised. If the outermost expression isn't a form, then the rightmost outermost form is used. If there's not such form on the line, then the capturing rule isn't applied. Additionally, forms on the same line capture each other: (f) 4.5 (g) (h) (f 4.5 (g (h))) The above expressions are equivalent iff f and g do not specify a special form. Of course, the expressions on different lines but in same blocks must align: Is not allowed. Chaining rule (if (good_day)) (println "come in" name) (elif (medium_day)) (println "umm") (println "go away" name) There's still one rule left. The programmer can define chained special forms. Such 'chain macros' are captured by the expression coming before it, including other chained forms. If the chained forms aren't used by the capturing form, the reader produces an error. The programs reading are receiving literals and expressions. There are following expressions: :attr expr symbol :index expr* :aug symbol expr expr :form expr* :chain expr (symbol expr)* :prefix symbol expr :postfix symbol expr I rewrote the parser several times before finishing the design. The implementation along everything required to use it sans documentation is about 400 lines. I verified RPython can compile it. I gave the syntax to Pyllisp. The parser will appear in Pyllisp repository when I get it to evaluate the new syntax.
发生错误 详情 隐藏 您有未保存页面 恢复 取消 61st Commission on the Status of Women Gender Imbalances and Female Foeticide In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a wide-sweeping reform and economic growth plan to address female foeticide in India under a campaign called, “Educate the Girl, Save the Girl”.  Through the empowerment of women, Prime Minister Modi sought to stop female feoticide, a practice which has grown in India over the last few decades as fetus imaging technology to confirm the gender of the fetus has developed and become more broadly available. As a result, while the overall ratio of females to males (feminity ratio) in India has gradually improved, the ratio among newborn babies has deteriorated. In the mid-1970s, the ratio of... UN Women Executive Board, first regular session Africa: Women in national parliaments
 Contributions to Zoology Dyopedos bispinis occasionally shows a more complex social structure than other corophiids: masts are occasionally not individual but collective dwellings. The prerequisites for the appearance of this trait might be (1) the possibility of several individuals successfully coexisting and (2) the possibility of continuous reinforcement of the dwelling. Mast-building dulichiids are involved in multiple interactions with fouling organisms, so in Dyopedos bispinis, most masts are attached to other animals, which can be partly or fully immured. Masts occasionally have a complex structure. One mast can have several central cylinders covered by a common cortex, and several supports or, in contrast, can branch (following hydroid immuration). We did not detect any crucial differences in the glandular complex structure of tube-building species and the mast-builder Dyopedos bispinis. The variability in the dwellings most likely reflects behavioural adaptations; large masts are potentially supported by continuous growth and collective building. Amphipod silk glands of Dyopedos bispinis and many other amphipods have an unusual structure in comparison with other crustacean glands, so we refer to them as “pseudotubular” glands. They are multicellular, strongly elongated type-3 glands (according to Noirot and Quennedey, 1974) that comprise optionally binuclear secretory cells, a duct cell and a lining of uncertain origin.
Quiz over Chapter 2 syllabus | schedule | topics | assignments | class notes | resources | students | Digital Arts website Select the best answer according to the information in Chapter 2 of Ideas for the Animated Short: Question: Possible choices 1. According to Ed Hooks, an adrenaline moment is No Response when the character meets another character of the opposite sex. the point at which the story increases in speed. a thought provoking gesture made by a secondary character. something that happens to a character that is of great emotional significance. when the character pumps up his muscles to get more strength 2. It is more important to have No Response good characters than a good story. a good story over good technique. a good beginning over a good ending. a good fight in the middle rather than a good story. good special effects over a good story. 3. A clichè is No Response a symbol that means a specific thing at the beginning but changes meaning at the end. a character that is trying to become the hero but does not have the strength. a concept, character, symbol or plot that is not original and is way overused. a metaphor or simile and represents something other than what it is. none of the above. 4. A good character No Response can jump high buildings in a single leap. cannot be replaced with another character in the story. is designed realistically and behaves like a human. can overcome any obstacle in the story can be used in a variety of animations. 5. What is the difference between concept and premise? No Response A concept is the theme of the story and a premise is the meaning. A concept is a result of the brainstorming process whereas a premise randomly comes to the mind. A concept never changes and a premise changes all the time. A concept is the thought process that the main character goes through to try to achieve their goal and a premise is the action. A concept is the main idea that underlies the story and a premise is the brief description of what happens in the story. 6. When animating characters, remember that a character No Response thinks then acts. moves in random ways. always behaves as expected. moves faster during the inciting moment. moves then speaks. 7. When you "show, not tell" in an animation that means No Response the ending of the story is coming. you make evident the emotional experience of the character. the narrator stops talking just long enough for the character to act. no dialogue is included. the animation has dancing yet no singing characters. 8. The three types of conflict are: No Response character vs character, character vs. the story, character vs god. character vs. the world, character vs. his lover, character vs. the animator. the fight scene, the crying scene, the lying scene. character vs. character, character vs. environment, character vs. self antagonist vs. protagonist, love story, mystery 9. In a story, the best type of humor No Response takes the audience away from the plot. grows out of the situation and reinforces the conflict or emotions of the character. is slap stick because humans like to observe pain as long as it does not happen to them. is written by comic book writers. hides the fact that a movie has no plot. 10. When thinking of a story idea, if you start with the location you need to No Response rethink the idea. render it out to see if it takes too long. see if it looks good during all seasons so the story can expand. travel to it to see what it really is like. discover why you are attracted to it and what its potential for a story is. 11. If you start with a situation when thinking of a story idea you need to No Response expand upon it so it includes a fight scene. try again and start with a character next time. figure out what planet it takes place on. remember all the times it happened to you. create a conflict for the situation. 12. If you start with a character when thinking of an animation idea No Response you should clothe the character. you need to find out as much about the character as you can. you need make the character a location to exist in. start again and think of a situation instead. all of the above Name:      Email address:
Plastic is fantastic. It’s cheap, durable, and doesn’t react to the usual organisms that break down organic matter. This has made it incredibly useful for the packaging industry, but has also led to mountains of waste, like the trillion plastic bags dumped in landfills annually. Now, though, the fight against plastic might have an unexpected ally: a type caterpillar called the wax worm that loves to chow down on plastic bags. The discovery of the wax worm’s previously unknown diet was made accidentally by Spanish researcher, Federica Bertocchini. Bertocchini is a part-time beekeeper, and is used to removing wax worms from her hives, where the caterpillars like to munch on the beeswax inside. After leaving a recently evicted troupe of wax worms in a plastic bag one day, Bertocchini found that the critters had munched their way to freedom. Bertocchini was curious as to whether the centimeter-long wax worms were actively …
Welcome to the reimagined 2003 Atlantic hurricane season! Everyone can edit this article (if you want to)! List of storms Tropical Storm Ana Tropical storm (NHC) 702px-TD4 Aug9 2000.jpg Duration February 5 – February 7 Peak intensity 40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min)  999 mbar (hPa) A weak, low pressure area formed on February 3 approximately 100 miles south of Tampa, Florida. It was very ragged and did not look very spectacular on satellite imagery. It could not strengthen that much due to its proximity to land. But on February 4, this area became a tropical wave as fast as a bomb. Thunderstorm activity increased, and its pressure dropped. A closed circulation was detected on February 5 by Hurricane Hunters, and the wave was upgraded into Tropical Depression One at 1200 UTC on February 5 75 miles south of Tampa. It was the first cyclone to complete cyclogenesis in February since 1952. The depression was close to land, but moved slowly, intensifying under climatologically low wind shear. Twelve hours after being initially classified, winds were upgraded to 40 miles per hour (mph), around 0000 UTC on February 6, being upgraded to a tropical storm and named Ana. This made it the second tropical storm in February history. Ana had a consistent pressure of 999 millibars (mb) throughout its duration. The tropical storm hugged the Florida coast for the next day, getting less organized on satellite imagery. Finally, around 1800 UTC on February 6, Ana made landfall near Saint Petersburg, Florida with 40 mph winds and a 999 mb pressure. Upon making landfall, Ana weakened to a tropical depression, and dissipated around 0600 UTC on February 7. Hurricane Bill Category 1 hurricane (NHC) Hurricane Philippe Oct 6 2011 1445Z.jpg Duration May 31 – June 2 Peak intensity 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min)  987 mbar (hPa) On May 31, an unusual occurence occured. A tropical depression developed from a single thunderstorm cell. It was the first time this had ever occured in Atlantic hurricane history. The depression was numbered Two around 1200 UTC, but the story doesn't stop here. It rapidly intensified, gaining an exceptionally impressive satellite image in barely three hours. A Hurricane Hunters flight into the system confirmed 40 miles per hour (mph) winds and a 996 millibar (mb) pressure. It was named Bill. This was the first time a tropical storm had been named right on the hurricane season's start date (around 0600 UTC). However, Bill still had a trick up its hands. It explosively intensified to a minimal 80 mph hurricane in about 18 hours, another new record. Despite this, an eye feature was not that evident. And to top things off, Bill completely degenerated to a extratropical cyclone in one hour. The storm completely shocked National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasters. Tropical Depression Three Tropical depression (NHC) Tropical Storm Matthew 2004.jpg Duration June 21 – June 21 Peak intensity 35 mph (55 km/h) (1-min)  1005 mbar (hPa) On June 17, a weak, disorganized tropical wave formed. It did not organize at all, and looked like an extratropical cyclone on satellite imagery. Despite this, four days later, on June 21, it just creaked at 35 miles per hour (mph) and 1007 millibars. It was upgraded to Tropical Depression Three on that day, around 1200 UTC. Yet, some things happened. The depression never really got that strong, because it hit 1005 millibars, then was eaten by wind shear. Hurricane Claudette Category 2 hurricane (NHC) Karl 2004.jpg Duration June 28 – July 11 Peak intensity 100 mph (160 km/h) (1-min)  983 mbar (hPa) Around June 25, a tropical wave with 30 miles per hour (mph) winds formed approximately 500 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It wasn't very organized on satellite imagery, but had a 10% chance of developing on the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook. Over the next couple of days, the disturbance got better organized, but could not be classified as a tropical depression because there was no closed circulation. The chances were upped to 60% on the outlook by June 28. That same day, 575 miles north-northeast of San Juan, Tropical Depression Four was classified by the NHC. It was evident the depression had 40 mph winds and a 992 millibar (mb) pressure 700 miles south-southeast of Bermuda. It was named Claudette by the NHC around 0300 UTC on June 30. Claudette was in an area of high wind shear and cool sea surface tempratures (SST), but still stregthened at a normal pace. An eye developed on July 2. NHC forecasts predicted Claudette to dissipate within 24 hours due to the low wind shear. However, Claudette became a hurricane approximately 700 miles east of Bermuda, and turned north-northwest. Even though it was clearly in an area unfavorable for typical tropical cyclone formation, Claudette kept strengthening. Its pressure hit 983 mb, and its winds hit 100 mph, making it a Category 2. Forecasters were upset over Hurricane Claudette's erractic and long motion. They repetitively forecasted Claudette's dissipation, but it lived on. By July 6, some forecasters had given up. The hurricane was still a Category 1, making loops here and there. It was now even annular, letting it live against the wind shear. No one knows why Claudette was doing this, but some professers claim Caludette was maintaining a strong intensity and good cloud cover. The clouds kept building, and Claudette got so symmetrical a pinhole eye developed around July 9. Then, something special happened. Claudette suddenly weakened to a tropical storm on July 10 around 1500 UTC because wind shear was rapidly penetrating the center of the hurricane like a bullet. Cold sea surface temperatures also weakened the system, and it further degenerated to a tropical depression twelve hours later. After eight days of hurricane status, Claudette was at its last breath. It lasted six more hours before degenerating into an extratropical cyclone. Tropical Storm Danny Tropical storm (NHC) Duration July 14 – July 15 Peak intensity 45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min)  1000 mbar (hPa) A tropical disturbance formed on July 12 in the open Atlantic. It had a "near 0%" chance of developing into a tropical cyclone according to the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook. The wave acquired tropical features quickly, and was already at a "high" (60+%) chance of developing by July 13. It didn't take long for the waqve to become fully tropical. The NHC assessed the wave to become purely tropical around 0300 UTC on July 14. It was numbered Five by the warning center. Once numbered, the depression began a slow improvement, and became a tropical storm around 2100 UTC. It was automatically named Danny. The tropical storm reached 45 miles per hour (mph) winds by 0600 UTC on July 15. After that, it dissipated quickly to a patch of clouds. Hurricane Erika Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS) Ernesto 2012.jpg Duration July 30 – August 8(exited basin) Peak intensity 155 mph (250 km/h) (1-min)  924 mbar (hPa) Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Ad blocker interference detected!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Article Reflection My article was titled "Creating Safe Schools for Queer Youth." The article listed statistics about the amount of bullying that lgbtq students face in schools everyday. The statistics were staggering and heartbreaking.  4/5 LGBTQ students reported being verbally harassed in schools. This does not create a safe environment for these students to learn.  The article stated that most teachers felt like it was their job to protect students, but the LBGTQ students polled did not feel like their teachers did anything to stand up for them or their rights. There is a serious disconnect between the teachers wanting to help and the students knowing that they are protected. The article listed ten ways to ensure a safe learning environment for LBGTQ students. I thought they were very helpful to know. 1. do not assume heterosexuality 2. guarantee equality 3. create safe environment 4. diversify library or media holdings 5. provide training for faculty and staff 6. provide appropriate health care and education 7. be a role model 8. provide support for students 9. reassess curriculum 10. broaden entertainment and extra curricular activities When I am a teacher I will not allow the use of any gay slurs. Students in my classroom will know that those are harmful and inappropriate.  I also want students to know regardless of their sexual orientation, race, gender, ect. that no one deserves to be put down or bullied especially at school. I hope that they know that I am a safe person to talk to and will take any harassment that they may face incredibly seriously. All students deserve for school to be a safe and welcoming environment. 1 comment: 1. Lauren, I really liked your take on the article. I agree that no slurs should ever be allowed in the classroom and no one should be put down because of who they are. It sounds like your article was very informative and helpful!
Chapter Contents SAS/ACCESS Software for Relational Databases: Reference ACCESS Procedure: DB2 Specifics The following section describes the DBMS-specific statements that you use in the SAS/ACCESS interface to DB2. ACCESS Procedure Statements for DB2 To create an access descriptor, you use the DBMS=DB2 option and the TABLE= database-description statements in the PROC ACCESS step. This database-description statement supplies the DBMS name to the SAS System. The TABLE= statement must immediately follow the CREATE statement. The CREATE statement specifies the access descriptor to be created. Database-description statements are required only when you create access descriptors. Because DB2 information is stored in an access descriptor, you do not need to repeat this information when you create view descriptors. Note:   Unlike some other SAS/ACCESS interface products, the SAS/ACCESS interface to DB2 does not use the following procedure statements: USER=, PASSWORD=, and DATABASE=.  [cautionend] The SAS/ACCESS interface to DB2 uses the following procedure statements in interactive line, noninteractive, or batch mode. PROC ACCESS <access-descriptor-options|view-descriptor-options>; CREATE libref.member-name. ACCESS|VIEW; UPDATE libref.member-name. ACCESS|VIEW; DROP <'>column-identifier-1<'><...<'>column-identifier-n<'>>; LIST ALL | VIEW|<'>column-identifier <'>; SERVER= DRDA-database-system; enables direct access to DRDA resources (such as SQL/DS tables) from the SAS/ACCESS interface to DB2. SERVER= is an optional statement. Enter a DRDA database system name assigned by your system administrator to make the connection to the desired database. Check with your system administrator for valid system names. You can connect with only one server at a time. specifies the DB2 subsystem ID to use for the access descriptor. The DB2-subsystem-id is limited to four characters. Refer to Setting Your DB2 Subsystem Identifier for more information on setting SSID=. The SSID= statement is optional. If you omit it, the SAS System connects to the DB2 subsystem that is specified by the SAS system option DB2SSID=. If your site has not set DB2SSID=, the SSID= statement is required. Consult your DBA to determine when the DRDA resources are set up properly. Refer to Connections Using the Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA) for more information. enables you to further qualify exactly where a table resides. In the DB2 engine, the location is converted to the first level of a three-level table name: LOCATION.AUTHID.TABLE. The connection to the remote DB2 subsystem is done implicitly by DB2 when DB2 receives a three-level table name in an SQL statement. LOCATION= is optional. If you omit it, SAS accesses the data from the local DB2 database. TABLE= <authorization-id.>table-name; identifies the DB2 table or DB2 view that you want to use to create an access descriptor. The table-name is limited to 18 characters. The TABLE= statement is required. The authorization-id is a user ID or group ID that is associated with the DB2 table. The authorization ID is limited to eight characters. If you omit the authorization ID, DB2 uses your TSO (or OS/390) user ID. In batch mode, however, you must specify an authorization ID, otherwise an error message is generated. DB2 Restriction on Connections The DB2 interface engine restricts the maximum concurrent open cursors to 32 when working from a single connection. Note that if you are working with a SAS view that accesses other views, you could be opening more cursors than you are aware of. Beginning in Version 7, there is no limit to the number of connections that you can have to DB2. The DB2 interface engine uses the Call Attachment Facility (CAF) or Recoverable Resource Manager Service Attachment Facility (RRSAF) to make an explicit connection to the local DB2 subsystem. For each connection to the CAF, the DB2 interface engine attaches a separate OS/390 subtask. Note that if you establish too many separate connections, you can adversely affect your performance. Examples: Creating Access Descriptors and View Descriptors The following example creates an access descriptor and a view descriptor that are based on DB2 data. options linesize=80; libname adlib 'SAS-data-library'; libname vlib 'SAS-data-library'; proc access dbms=db2; /* create access descriptor */ create adlib.customr.access; rename customer = custnum; format firstorder date7.; list all; /* create vlib.usacust view */ create vlib.usacust.view; select customer state zipcode name subset where customer like '1%'; The next example uses the SERVER= statement to access the SQL/DS table TESTID.ORDERS from a remote location. Access and view descriptors are then created, based on the table. libname adlib 'SAS-data-library'; libname vlib 'SAS-data-library'; proc access dbms=db2; create adlib.customr.access; list all; create vlib.allord.view; select ordernum stocknum shipto dateorderd; subset where stocknum = 1279; Chapter Contents Top of Page
Elizabeth Maconchy: The Early Years, 1923 - 1939 by Erica Siegel Institution: University of California – Riverside Year: 2016 Keywords: Music Posted: 02/05/2017 Record ID: 2127703 Full text PDF: http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/27x3s0jn Though musical modernism was a topic of frequent debate in the British press in the 1920s and 30s, until the 1990s, few scholars attempted to challenge underlying assumptions that modernism in British music was somehow less modern than the musical developments of its continental peers. This growing body of scholarship, however, has focused almost exclusively on male composers, ignoring the contributions of composers such as Elizabeth Maconchy (1907-1994), who was widely considered to be at the forefront of the younger generation of composers emerging during the interwar period.This dissertation examines Maconchy’s early career and its reception in conjunction with the political landscape of music in Britain during the interwar period. While the contemporary neglect of Maconchy’s music has often been attributed to gender discrimination, in the late 1920s and early 30s, Maconchy achieved renown despite the discouragement meted out by prejudice and incomprehension. By the late 1930s, however, the overall reception of Maconchy’s music began to shift. Her music, which had been welcome in the early part of decade and praised for its radically modern—yet at the same time distinctively “British”—idiom, came to be castigated by critics as the exact opposite by the end of the decade. This research contributes to a greater understanding of the intricate web of gender politics and shifting attitudes towards modern music in Britain by illuminating not only aspects of Maconchy’s early career that have been ignored and overlooked, but also the vital role played by nationalist ideologies in the decade leading up to the Second World War.
Since 2010, DAH for malaria has been declining for the 35 countries actively pursuing malaria elimination (from $176 million in 2010 to $62 million in 2013). The Global Fund is the largest external financier for malaria, providing 96% of the total external funding for malaria in 2013, with vector control interventions being the highest cost driver in all regions. Government expenditure on malaria, while increasing, has not kept pace with diminishing DAH or rising national GDP rates, leading to a potential gap in service delivery needed to attain elimination. Shretta R, Zelman B, Birger ML, Haakenstad A, Singh L, Liu Y, Dieleman J. Tracking development assistance and government health expenditures for 35 malaria-eliminating countries: 1990–2017Malaria Journal. 14 Jun 2017: 16:251. DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1890-0
The Nineteen-cent Prexie The nineteenth President of the United States was Rutherford B. Hayes, who served from 1877 until 1881. The design forhis Prexie stamp was taken from a Presidential medal manufactured by the United States Mint. Nineteen-cent Prexies were only issued in sheet format. Nineteen-cent Prexies were first issued on November 10, 1938. A total of 102, 662, 900 were issued from then through 1956. There were very few solo uses of the nineteen-cent Prexie. Some possibilities were a double-weight special delivery letter from November 1, 1944 until the end of 1948, a special delivery airmail postcard from the first of 1949 until the end of 1951, and a special delivery letter from a member of the armed forces serving outside the United States, from November 1, 1944 until October 1, 1946. Other possible solo uses include parcel post and certificates of mailing.
Shoulder Harnesses and Seat Belts—Double Click for Safety by Rob Freeman, Civil Aviation Safety Inspector, Commercial Flight Standards, Standards Branch, Civil Aviation, Transport Canada Excerpt from a recent Transportation Safety Board report: “The pilot’s shoulder harness was found post accident tucked into a storage pouch behind the seat.” If you are like most of us, you don’t even think about putting on your seat belt and shoulder harness when you get into your car. You just do it. It’s been a long time since people actively fought against the seat belt law in Canada. Yet years ago, it was commonly held that you were actually safer if you were ejected from the vehicle during a collision! Now it feels uncomfortable to move a car even a short distance without being strapped in. So it is a bit of a surprise to find that many of the same pilots who drive their vehicles to the airport while buckled and secured do not attach their shoulder harnesses when they go flying.  We know that to be true because aircraft accident investigations often reveal the sad reality— survivable accidents aren’t survived, and the ever-present crew shoulder harnesses that are required to be installed on all aircraft manufactured after the dates specified below have been neatly tucked away or secured behind the now-deceased pilot’s seat. The FAA has estimated that roughly one third of all general aviation accidents with fatalities would have been survivable if the pilots had been using their shoulder harnesses. For cars and aircraft, it is the secondary collision that kills. The dynamics of the deceleration sequence in a sudden-stop accident are straightforward and have been well understood for a long time. The vehicle (either car or aircraft) undergoes a sudden and complete deceleration during contact with an immovable surface (ground or water). The driver or pilot is still moving forward at the original velocity and now pivots from the waist, where he or she is secured only by the lap belt. No one is physically strong enough to prop themselves up against the high g-force deceleration that may occur during an accident sequence, so heads and arms strike the dashboard or instrument panel violently.  These days drivers and their passengers may be saved by airbag deployment, but that is not the case in most aircraft. Pilots are often rendered unconscious or unable to extract themselves from the wreckage due to serious injuries or shock. Hypothermia, drowning or fire is often the second and final complication for the incapacitated crew and their trapped and panicked passengers. The intent of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) is that pilots wear both the lap strap and shoulder harness where installed. Where there are two pilots, at least one must wear the safety belt (lap strap and shoulder harness) at all times while in flight. Here are some excerpts from the CARs concerning the use of safety belts that apply specifically to pilots. Sections referring to other occupant restraint systems have been excluded for clarity and brevity. Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 101.01 (1) In these Regulations: "safety belt" means a personal restraint system consisting of either a lap strap or a lap strap combined with a shoulder harness; (ceinture de sécurité) "crew member" means a person assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time; (membre d'équipage) "flight crew member" means a crew member assigned to act as pilot or flight engineer of an aircraft during flight time; (membre d'équipage de conduite) Seat and Safety Belt Requirements 605.22 (1) …no person shall operate an aircraft other than a balloon unless it is equipped with a seat and safety belt for each person on board the aircraft other than an infant. Shoulder Harness Requirements 605.24 (1) No person shall operate an aeroplane, other than a small aeroplane manufactured before July 18, 1978, unless each front seat or, if the aeroplane has a flight deck, each seat on the flight deck is equipped with a safety belt that includes a shoulder harness. (4) No person shall operate a helicopter manufactured after September 16, 1992, the initial type certificate of which specifies that the helicopter is certified as belonging to the normal or transport category, unless each seat is equipped with a safety belt that includes a shoulder harness. (5) No person operating an aircraft shall conduct any of the following flight operations unless the aircraft is equipped with a seat and a safety belt that includes a shoulder harness for each person on board the aircraft: • (a) aerobatic manoeuvres; • (b) class B, C or D external load operations conducted by a helicopter; and • (c) aerial application, or aerial inspection other than flight inspection for the purpose of calibrating electronic navigation aids, conducted at altitudes below 500 feet AGL. Use of Crew Member Safety Belts 605.27 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the crew members on an aircraft shall be seated at their stations with their safety belts fastened • (a) during take-off and landing; • (b) at any time that the pilot-in-command directs; and… (2) Where the pilot-in-command directs that safety belts be fastened by illuminating the safety belt sign, a crew member is not required to comply with paragraph (1)(b) • (c) if the crew member is occupying a crew rest facility during cruise flight and the restraint system for that facility is properly adjusted and securely fastened. (3) The pilot-in-command shall ensure that at least one pilot is seated at the flight controls with safety belt fastened during flight time. Note that the definition of safety belt includes a lap strap OR a lap strap AND shoulder harness, to address all aircraft, including those exempted from having shoulder harnesses due to their age and original basis of certification. The definition was not intended to provide an either/or choice to the flight crew. Unfortunately, that has become a common interpretation. It does not help that unlike automobiles, where both the lap strap and the shoulder harness are generally a combined unit that cannot be separated; aircraft systems normally permit lap straps and harnesses to be latched individually. This tends to reinforce the widespread misunderstanding of having a choice when strapping in. CAR 605.27(3) requires one pilot to be fully restrained at all times when the aircraft is in flight. Where the aircraft is operated by a single pilot, then that obligation applies to him or her without exception. Pilots of some aeroplanes have pointed out that the layout of the instrument panel and controls make it impossible to reach those controls when the shoulder harnesses are attached. Similarly, helicopter pilots involved in longline operations complain that twisting sideways to monitor the load is very uncomfortable or not manageable when the shoulder harness is attached.  Operators, as part of their SMS programs for identifying hazards and for constant improvement, should be addressing these issues within their organizations to see what can be done. There are very few low-cost improvements that can be implemented so simply and have such a profound increase in safety and crew survivability as the constant use of pilot shoulder harnesses. Aftermarket installation of inertia reel harnesses might be one solution for aircraft that do not have these devices; relocating switches or avionics control heads may be another. Some helicopter models can now be retrofitted with crew seats that have some swiveling capability specifically for longline operations.  As a start, we strongly suggest that you include a line “shoulder harness – fastened” on your pre-flight and pre-landing checklist and keep it attached whenever the aircraft is in motion, particularly during takeoff and landing. If you have to unfasten your shoulder harness when it interferes with cockpit duties, get into the habit of reattaching it as soon as you can. The risk remains that not attaching or removing your shoulder harness for whatever reason and continuing to fly without it will multiply the severity of any crash; perhaps, and most sadly, beyond the point of survival. Invest a few minutes into your safe return home... reviewing the Civil Aviation Safety Alert (CASA) 2011-01, titled “SAFETY INFORMATION REGARDING GROUND AND AIRBORNE ICING”.The purpose of this CASA on ground and airborne icing is to highlight the fact that continued aircraft operations in icing conditions introduces additional risks. It’s time we The Danger of Laser Strikes—Increasing in Power and Frequency The following are a few vivid examples of both the increasing power and frequency of aviation laser strikes: • At 0323Z on April 18, 2013, a US Air Force C-17 was illuminated by a laser. Given that this is a global combat support aircraft, many may not consider this unusual—however the aircraft was overflying Rivière-du-Loup, Que., at 31 000 ft when the strike occurred.  • A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777 had to conduct a missed approach at Vancouver International Airport due to distractions from a laser strike on March 30, 2013.  • There have been media reports that the pilot of the Asiana Boeing 777 that crashed at San Francisco on July 6, 2013, was “blinded by a bright light”. While this has not been—and may never be—substantiated, the report starkly illustrates the potential danger of a laser strike to aircraft, particularly on short final approach through landing.   Increasing power of handheld lasers While advancement of laser technology has generated many positive benefits, the greatest danger to aviation may be the general public’s lack of understanding of the power and potential impact of handheld devices on pilots. Most people are still of the belief that all handheld lasers are toys and still associate these devices with the 1 milliwatt (mW) red laser pointers that many used to carry on their key chains.  Today’s reality is significantly different; a handheld 1.4 W class IV laser (1 400 times brighter than your old 1 mW key chain pointer) can be purchased for under $400. This particular laser is visible up to 100 mi. away—quite literally observable from space and with a beam that is visible in daylight. The manufacturer describes this device as “strong enough to burn holes, pop balloons and start fires from across the room”. Such devices are far more than presentation pointers. While there are some valid uses for handheld lasers, such as astronomy, those uses don’t require the high-power handheld lasers now available. In fact, some pilots wisely carry laser flares; however these devices do not create a focused beam and are expressly designed and approved for search and rescue purposes only. Increasing frequency of laser strikes In part due to the low cost and increasing availability of these devices, the number of laser strikes on aircraft is increasing rapidly.  Reported Laser Attacks Total and % Increase   Laser Attacks Total 2011-2012* (46% ) 2012-2013* (34%) Actions being taken by various aviation agencies To mitigate the increasing risk to aviation, coordinated actions have been formalized between many NAV CANADA ATS units, law enforcement agencies, police dispatchers and Transport Canada enforcement officials to rapidly react to aviation laser strikes. As an example, in the Vancouver FIR, the following process has been put in place: • A pilot reports a laser illumination to ATS personnel. • ATS personnel notify police dispatch and, when possible, provide updates on the position of the laser emissions. • Police are quickly dispatched—using air services where available—to attempt to locate the emission source and apprehend the individual(s) involved. • In the case of CYVR, the RCMP makes every effort to meet the impacted flight crew and take their statements to further support prosecution. The results to date are encouraging—as of May 2013 (the first 10 months of this coordinated action), there were: • 16 reported laser strikes, • 13 police responses, • 4 arrests, and • 1 conviction (with more prosecutions proceeding through the legal system).  Actions for pilots receiving laser illumination • If you are struck by a laser—don’t overreact: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. • Give your eyesight some time to readjust and follow your company’s procedures. • If you are able to locate the source of the laser without further endangering yourself, pass that information along to ATS personnel who will coordinate with law enforcement. Visit the Transport Canada’s “Use Laser Pointers Safely and Legally” Web page, where you will find how to submit a Directed Bright Light (DBL) report. Finally, Transport Canada has an excellent guide on preparing for a laser strike, including actions to take in the event of receiving a laser illumination, which can be found here: Risks in Aviation by Jean-Gabriel Charrier Below you will find a translation of a chapter from Jean-Gabriel Charrier’s fine book L’intelligence du pilote. Further extracts from the book will appear in forthcoming issues of the Aviation Safety Letter. The reality of risk for pilots As a pilot, you are more vulnerable if you are not aware of the hazards that you face, and prevention starts with information. Light aviation is about 50 times more dangerous per hr than driving; depending on the country, the number of deaths varies between 2 and 5 per 100 000 flying hr. Some types of aircraft, such as helicopters and antique planes, are more prone to accidents than others. If you fail to keep risk present in your mind, then all the regulations, training and safety instructions will serve little purpose, and any precautions you have taken will probably not be sufficient to keep you safe. Accidents are not inevitable German pilot Bruno Gantenbrink, former world glider champion in the mid-1990s, had this to say, based on his many years of experience: Gliding is the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done in my life. So why don’t I stop? Good question. I don’t stop because gliding gives me more joy and pleasure than anything else I can think of as an alternative. However there is also a second reason, which is why I’m writing this. I do not think gliding is intrinsically dangerous. It could be much less dangerous if we were aware of the hazards and acted accordingly. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Being myself very aware of the hazards, I take care to act on this knowledge, and as a result, I hope to be able to beat the statistics. Without that hope, if gliding were as dangerous for me as the statistics seem to suggest, I would stop at once. Almost all the friends I’ve lost in flight succumbed to human error or pilot error. They made ridiculously small mistakes and neglected the simplest things, with fatal consequences. They died because, at that vital moment, something other than safety was more important in their minds. If gliding is to become less dangerous, it won’t be enough to take this or that action. Instead there needs to be a basic shift in attitude. And that won’t happen unless we make a realistic assessment of the hazards we are facing on an almost routine basis. Gantenbrink’s thoughts should be pondered by all pilots involved in light aviation. Your safety depends first and foremost on you, on your attitude. Concepts of risk An accident is a confrontation with risk that goes wrong: a poorly executed landing in a crosswind; loss of control under demanding flying conditions. Pilots need to avoid these accident-producing situations. And one way to do that is to improve your perception of the risks related to the type of flying you do. Here are some concepts that will give you a better understanding of risk. Risk or hazard? Before looking at the concept of risk, we need to talk about hazards, because in aviation, risk arises from a confrontation with or exposure to some hazardous phenomenon, i.e. a physical threat. If you are aware of the hazards, you can avoid them. So for example if you are unfamiliar with downdrafts, you should avoid flying over mountains when winds are high as this will generate downdrafts. In some cases, it is fine to confront a hazard, but only if you know how to deal with the phenomenon in question: the risk of carburetor icing can be controlled by a knowledge of the conditions under which it occurs and of how to use carburetor heat. Seriousness and likelihood Risk is thus a confrontation with a hazard which you do not know how to control and which may lead (with some degree of likelihood) to an accident (of some degree of seriousness). Taking off without doing certain routine checks is liable to create a risk. Failing to read NOTAMs increases the probability of an accident, though this may be less serious than failing to top up your tank. The more likely and the more serious a risk, the more critical it is. If you fly all the time (high degree of likelihood) without checking a vital aspect of your aircraft (high degree of seriousness), the risk becomes critical. Avoiding, mitigating and accepting risk When you notice a big squall cloud ahead of you en route, you are identifying a hazard. There are three courses of action open to you: avoid the risk, limit it, or accept it. If you go around, you will not confront the hazard and thus you will not be taking a risk. If you decide to fly on the side of the cloud that seems least active, rather than under it, then you are mitigating the risk. Finally, you can continue on your present heading if you think the risk is acceptable. For pilots, especially recreational pilots, the prime tool for managing risk is avoiding hazards. Ignorance of hazards as a risk factor The degree of risk, as we’ve seen, is measured by multiplying seriousness by likelihood, but a third factor commonly mentioned is failure to detect the hazard. If, through ignorance, the hazard is not identified, then the probability of being confronted by it becomes much greater. For example, a pilot enters a valley without noticing that it rises and narrows, and he continues despite signs of deteriorating weather which he does not understand. Experience and risk management Risk perception will grow with experience, which will improve your judgment and the quality of your decisions. You will find it easier to notice risky conditions, such as fog which may obscure the horizon when you are flying over water or arrival at an unknown airport when there is a lot of traffic. With experience, you will be able to identify these conditions, which previously had no meaning for you. However, experience should not lead you to take greater risks, to “take things to the next level”, under the assumption that you are in control of the situation. This widespread tendency to keep “pushing your limits” is contrary to the objective of any flight, which is to get the aircraft, its passengers and its crew safely home. Prevention versus precaution Risk prevention is based on knowledge: knowledge of the environment (hazardous phenomena, low fuel, heavy traffic), of your aircraft and of your own limitations. A precautionary approach is different but complementary: you take precautions when you lack precise knowledge of hazards or suspected risks, or there is doubt about whether you can control them. Taking precautions means increasing your safety margin in the face of a perceived or probable hazard: wait until visibility increases; go around a Terminal Area, taking a longer route; request a different runway; or just cancel your flight if you don’t have a good feel for the situation or just want to be safe rather than sorry! Objective versus subjective risk There is a difference between real (objective) risk and perceived (subjective) risk. The source of this difference is ignorance, inexperience or overconfidence. Also, there is a tendency to underestimate risks which you yourself are taking. If you are taking an action yourself, you have a (subjective) feeling of controlling risks, though this may not be the case. A good deal of the content of training courses as well as information for pilots is directed at reducing the gap between subjective and objective risk. Risk and regulations In the world of aviation, regulations are mainly a way of managing risk. However, regulations need to be adapted to numerous special cases. Often a compromise is made that leaves the door open to risk. For example, 15 min after sunset, it will be dark in a valley if the sky is overcast, whereas it will be bright over flat land if skies are clear. Unlike the case with commercial passenger aviation, where nothing is left to chance, in recreational aviation things are much more “open”, much less regulated. You need to be aware of this, because it means that the hazards are more numerous. You need to know about them, and associate with them a risk assessment that is as objective as possible. Most accidents occur even though there is full compliance with the regulations. Acceptability of risk varies with the pilot Every pilot has his own perception of risks, and this will determine their acceptability. Perception and acceptance of risk will be influenced by your training, experience, education, personality and beliefs. These factors will affect your reasoning and your attitude. Also to be noted is the problem of rash behaviour, especially among young pilots who are trying to find out how far they can go. The importance of humility As a pilot, your thinking needs to be based not only on your knowledge but on being aware that there is much you do not know. That recognition will encourage you to be careful. Humility is essential for a pilot.   Key points In light aviation, most accidents are due to a lack of caution. Be wary of the insidious and dangerous feeling of invulnerability. • Ignorance or underestimation of risk leads many pilots to go beyond their limits, whether unconsciously or deliberately. The risk then becomes more serious and more probable. • Compliance with regulations does avoid some risks, but does not guarantee safety. • While light aviation may be a recreational activity, it calls for the strictest of attention at all times. • Accidents don’t happen by chance. If the factors that may lead to an accident are analysed before the flight, the likelihood of an accident can be greatly reduced. Many accidents result from ignorance, and sometimes from contempt for elementary rules. • If you have any doubts about your ability to handle a situation, then avoid trouble: it’s better to turn back or to cancel the flight than to take pointless risks. Your ego will recover! TC AIM Snapshot: Contaminated Runway Operations At Canadian civil aerodromes where snow removal and ice control operations are conducted, assessment and mitigation procedures are carried out to the extent that is practicable in order to provide movement surfaces that will permit safe operational use. Pilots who are confronted with conditions produced by the changing Canadian climate must be familiar with and anticipate the overall effect of contaminated runways on aircraft handling characteristics in order to take any corrective actions considered necessary for flight safety. In general terms, whenever a contaminant such as water, snow or ice is introduced onto the runway surface, the effective coefficient of friction between the aircraft tire and runway is reduced. However, the accelerate/stop distance, landing distance and crosswind limitations contained in aircraft flight manuals are demonstrated in accordance with specified performance criteria on bare and dry runways during the aircraft certification flight test program, and are thus valid only when the runway is bare and dry. As a result, the stop portion of the accelerate/stop distance will increase, the landing distance will increase and a crosswind will present directional control difficulties.  It is therefore expected that pilots will take all necessary action, including the application of any appropriate adjustment factor to calculate stopping distances for their aircraft as may be required based on the runway surface condition and Canadian Runway Friction Index (CRFI) information.  (Ref: Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM), Section AGA 1.1.5) Date modified:
Archive | Week Seven RSS feed for this section MPM107 Networking 101 4 Nov 1. What is a computer network? A network for computers to pass data on from one to another • LANs (Local Area Networks) • Image A network, which covers a small area (a house) • WANs (Wide Area Networks • Image A network, which covers a large area (a university) • Internet • Image • Intranet • Image “An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to share information, operational systems, or computing services within an organization.” (Wikipedia) • MANs (Metropolitan area Networks) Metropolitan area network. Is a computer network where the nodes interact with each other inside the same metropolitan. A MAN is generally operated by a respective local corporation inside the metropolitan. • VPN (Virtual Private Network) Virtual private network. It “extends a private network across a public network”, such as the Internet. It’s similar to WAN where the network can be accessed across a larger area. It also allows users to connect to a private network even if they are not in close proximity to the network itself, it can be accessed using secure protocols. They can access that private company network using the public Internet network as the medium. 1. How do these two types of networks differ? • Peer-to-peer. This is a way that computers can connect to one another and send information to each other through either a specific program or the Internet. • Server – based. It’s a similar network system, which peers connect to each other using a centered node for communication. The centralization allows many nodes to connect with each other via requesting permission from the central server. 1. What is the difference between a client and a server? The server is a main computer holding information, and the client is sent connections and information from the server when it is necessary. 1. What is the OSI model? The OSI model is a way for the computer to format data between various devices. It is almost like a translator with data formatting. (Example formatting information that comes in from a computer to send it to a printer) 1. Define and visual explain what the following terms mean: • Protocols   Protocol (object-oriented programming), a common means for unrelated objects to communicate with each other   Routing protocol, a set of rules that determines how routers shall route communications   AAA protocol, a computer security protocol” (Wikipedia) • TCP/IP • FTP “Used to transfer files from one host to another” (Wikipedia) • HTTP Hypertext is structured text that uses logical links (hyperlinks) between nodes containing text. HTTP is the protocol to exchange or transfer hypertext.”  (Wikipedia) • Telnet 1. What is a router? This is a device that is able to send data, which has been purchased to any device using wifi or Internet. A router could be for one device, multiple device (in a home), or hundreds of device (in a school). It basically covers a field of area to supply Internet connection. 1. What is a network firewall? This is a defense mechanism that keeps out unwanted networks coming into the server to leave virus’, pop ups, or bring issues into the network. It is basically a virtual wall, which keeps the unwanted things out. 1. What is the difference between a web and ftp server? A web server is capable of hosting webpages to multiple computers but a FTP server or File Transfer Protocol allows computers to share files between one another. 1. What is an IP address? This is a specific number given to a computer so it can be identified when it is using the web. 1. How do you transfer files for a computer to a server? Create a small tutorial to teach us how to do it. I found this great quick and easy Youtube tutorial, which explains exactly how to transfer files to a server. I think the video is much easier to understand than written instructions because you are able to see exactly how to do it in the video. I also found a second video, since the first video is a few year old, so the second video gives you the option to use Filezilla, and was created this year so it is more up to date. Works Cited MPM107 The Library 4 Nov The library is a great place to learn new things, gather information, or sometimes a great place to just relax. Although I enjoy going into the library, and finding physical books to use when working on different projects and assignments, the electronic resources that libraries have to offer are amazing. Sometimes it is easier to find a specific article, or item that you may need online, than it is to go into the library. The libraries main online feature is being able to access books and articles online, without having to leave your home. My local library does use the internet and some electronic media sources, but mostly this includes audio books as well as some online versions of books, but they do not have a very big selection of things in other categories. One great thing the Ryerson library offers is not only a wide range of full pdf book documents online, but journals and articles too! Journals and articles can be very helpful, and if you use the RULA search engine properly you can find so many help articles or journals for projects and assignments. I find thing helpful because it is usually easier to read through an article and find key points, as well, it is usually easier to find an article on a topic than a whole book written about it. I have used the RULA electronic media sources a few times. The first time i actually emailed the library and they helped me figure out how to properly use the search engine, since my local library uses a different process. The biggest difference i think is just that my library offers a smaller selection online compared to Ryerosn, and that is why there are so many aspects to searching on the RULA website.
Forgotten History Unlikely Allies When I say Unlikely Allies I am not referring to the German.Italian,Japanese pack nor the US,Canada,British,Russian alliance but something more surprising. The Jews who fought along the Germans. In 1941 Finland was still allied to Nazi Germany. The picture above is that of Major Leo Skurnik a soldier/medical officer In September 1941, he performed a deed so heroic he was awarded an Iron Cross by the German high command. With little regard for his own safety, and in the face of heavy Soviet shelling, Major Leo Skurnik, a district doctor who had once fostered ambitions of becoming a concert pianist, organised the evacuation of a field hospital on the Finnish-Russian border, saving the lives of more than 600 men, including members of the SS. Now Major Skurnik wasn’t the only soldier rewarded an Iron Cross but what makes his case different he was Jewish. Despite Germany demanding that Finland introduce anti-Semitic laws like in the rest of Nazi-controlled Europe, the Finns refused, treating their Jewish soldiers with respect. When Heinrich Himmler visited Finland in August 1942, he asked the Finnish Prime Minister, Jukka Rangell, about the “Jewish question.” Jukka’s reply was brief; “We do not have a ‘Jewish Question.’ ” There was even a field synagogue for the Jewish soldiers, with some Germans actually visiting the synagogue and showing respect for the Jews who prayed there, despite the propaganda they had been shown for years.synagoge For the Finnish Jews it was more a case of my enemy’s enemy is my friend. They allied themselves with the Germans to fight a common enemy, the Soviet Union. It wasn’t only Finnish Jews that served in the Nazi regime, in Germany there also had been Jews who were active in the Wehrmacht.Below is a picture of Werner Goldberg  whose image appeared in the Berliner Tageblatt as “The Ideal German Soldier” Werner’s father was Jewish even though he had converted to Christianity so he could marry his Lutheran girlfriend. Werner had saved his Father twice from the Gestapo.Werner died in 2004. This picture shows ‘Jewish’ Senior Officers In Hitler’s Army: Erhard Milch, Wilhelm Keitel, Walther von Brauchitsch, Erich Raeder, and Maximilian von Weichs during a Nazi rally in Nuremberg, Germany, 12 Sep 1938. They served in the German military with Adolf Hitler’s knowledge and approval. Although these men weren’t 1st generation Jewish, according to the Nazi doctrine they were still considered Jewish. In relation to the Finnish soldiers, some of them are still alive, they all said they had no regrets, I suppose it was their way to survive, deep down inside I reckon they must have felt at least uncomfortable about it. It is believed that in total 150.000 Jews fought either in the Germany army or with them. 20 of them received the highest German military order the Knight’s cross. 2 thoughts on “Forgotten History Unlikely Allies 1. Pingback: Erhard Milch-Hitler’s Jewish Field Marshall. | History of Sorts 2. Pingback: Algoth Niska- Finnish smuggler, footballer and adventurer. | History of Sorts Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
The Chabahar-Gwadar Conundrum The Chabahar-Gwadar Conundrum By Gazi Hassan The geo-political situation in South Asia is changing swiftly. This can be credited to the fact that the emerging powers in the region are redefining their presence. Friends are becoming foes and vice versa. The proximity of the South Asian region to the oil rich West Asia has changed politics of the region. Pacts are being signed; alliances are being made between countries of the region, befitting their economic and political interests.  For instance, Pakistan’s quest to boost its ailing economy by signing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with People’s Republic of China is seen as a landmark of economic cooperation between the two nations. Pakistan as  part of a CPEC agreement handed over construction of Gwadar Port to China. Gwadar is a deep sea port located in the Baluchistan Province, the Southwestern part of Pakistan. The location of port of Gwadar is strategic as it is located at the confluence of Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz. China’s dependence on the Gulf oil is huge; it amounts to approximately 60%. It takes China about three months to transport oil from Gulf of Oman to China through Indian and Pacific Oceans. In order to lessen time travel and  thwart piracy in the Somalian waters, China is developing Gwadar to meet its requirements and a  safe passage. It will also ensure continuous flow of oil from the Persian Gulf under all weather conditions round the year. The  Port of Gwadar is connected through roads to  the Chinese city of Kashgar via Karakorum Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. India’s concerns are clearly understood as it is considers Gilgit-Baltistan as a disputed territory. Chinese presence there exacerbates these concerns. Gwadar port will also facilitate trade between the China, the Central Asian and Middle Eastern nations.  The port is majorly Chinese sponsored, funded on the cost-sharing basis with Pakistan in the ratio of 80-20. On the contrary, a commercial contract has been reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and India for the development of infrastructure and regional connectivity. This cooperation includes development of the  Chabahar Port in Iran by India which is part of a broader Trilateral Agreement (Chabahar Agreement i.e. Transport and Transit Corridors) signed between India, Iran and Afghanistan. The agreement signed between India and Iran is in line with Tehran Declaration (2001) and New Delhi Declaration (2003) under the Vaijpai governmentt. Chabahar port is a joint venture of India Ports Global Pvt Ltd and Iran’s Arya Banader. Chabahar is the Iranian port city on the banks of Gulf of Oman. This port is connected to the national highways network of Iran. Chabahar Agreement will facilitate India’s access to the oil and gas rich Persian Gulf and Central Asia. Developing a  port in Iran will provide an alternative access route to Afghanistan via Iran.  Iran will also use it to increase its trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. India is providing more than 4000 crore rupees for the development of the port. India’s process of developing highways in Afghanistan is in resonance with the construction of port in Iran.  Apart from developing the port, India is planning to lay a pipeline to transport oil and gas resources from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan in to Iran and from there to Gujarat. Thus,  India would bypass Pakistan, which however provides  a much shorter route under TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) project, for transporting oil resources to India. Port development by India will also boost International North-South Transport Corridor and its alliance with Russia. Iran’s port will be the gateway for moving freight among Iran, Russia, India and countries in Central Asia with an objective of increasing trade between major cities of these countries. Chabahar-Gwadar ports are  at a distance of about 72 km from each other. Both India and Pakistan have been constantly undermining each other in the region. Developments of these ports will increase this animosity. The importance of both these ports has led to the struggle for strategic dominance in the region. The fact is that Gwadar holds an  edge over Chabahar in terms of its geographic location. Chabahar is part of the Gulf of Oman and not part of Indian Ocean where India has its dominance. Also, Pakistan’s Naval Base is located in the region which remains an irritant for India. And,  if Pakistan allows China to dock it’s Naval Ships or Submarines at Gwadar port,  it will further increase India’s sufferings. However, this may not be same in case of India as Iran may not allow India to use Chabahar for military purposes. The ties between India and USA will have a profound impact on Iranian strategic thinkers. In addition, Indo-US alliance in the Indian Ocean is against Iran’s interests. Contestation between these two ports banks on the possibility that both Chinese and Indian Naval presence in the Arabian Sea will increase, leading to Sino-Indian rivalry in the Indian Ocean. India’s apprehension of China encircling it by pursuing Strings of Pearl strategy is balanced by the apprehension in Pakistani establishment that India is trying to isolate it in its own backyard. South Asia is becoming a region witnessing a rise of the New Great Game. America’s alliance with India should also be seen in this context. Recent agreements signed between the  United States  and India validates the fact that   rising China is threat to regional balance of power. The United States is also concerned with the rise of Chinese economic power in the region. China’s CPEC coupled with its ambitious “One Belt, One Road”(OBOR) are considered by India and the United States a as threat to their strategic interests in the region. This will lead to foreign power shaving influence in the policy making decisions in nations of the region. The relationship between India and Pakistan will also undergo significant changes in the coming years. In the conclusion, it can be inferred that if  the Pakistani establishment effectively encourages its administration, military and diplomacy to maximize the potential of the Gwadar port, it can successfully ensure effective connectivity to the world as well as lead to the movement of its goods and services. On the contrary if Pakistan fails in doing so,  it will allow India and Iran to reap all the benefits. The author is a Research Scholar of International Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. 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What Is Depression? Often times I feel as though our society is very nosy. We are always concerned with other people’s personal lives, careers, and figuring out what is going on around us; however, it seems that when it comes to serious subjects, most people could care less to look further. It’s almost as though when people hear certain topics they choose not to listen or choose to walk away. We are afraid of the unknown. My question is, how can anything change if we don’t look into ways of understanding? Depression is one of those topics that many people tune out. For a lot of people they don’t understand the difference between being clinically depressed and being sad. And for the people who do understand the difference, they might not understand the significance or the extent of which depression hurts. Almost everyone has seen some sort of television commercial for a depression medicine. They often have a series of statements all of which consist of explaining that depression not only hurts the person who is depressed, but it also hurts the ones around them. But the solution is not always as simple as getting on a medication and make everything go away. Depression is an illness that many people suffer from, and many people will continue to suffer from, their whole lives. Since there are different levels of depression and everyone has different experiences, it can be hard to tell when someone is actually depressed or if they’re just sad. It is typically noted that a constant sadness lasting for over two weeks can be diagnosed as depression. For some, medication works, while others choose to do wellness activities such as yoga, and even others choose to do nothing. Whatever the decision that is made, this is a topic that does need attention. It’s a topic that needs to be understood by all, because until this happens, it will continue to be a taboo in our society and people will continue to walk away from this without actually dealing with the issue. Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Robots that serve dinner, self-driving cars and drone-taxis could be fun and hugely profitable. But don’t hold your breath. They are likely much further off than the hype suggests. It turns out that so much of what appears in mainstream media about self-driving cars being just around the corner is very much overstated. Fully autonomous cars are many years away. At some point, all of that software in autonomous cars meets a hard pavement. In that world, as with other robot applications, progress comes by moving from data to information to knowledge. A fundamental problem is that most observers do not realize just how vast an amount of data is needed to operate in the physical world — ever-increasing amounts or exponential amounts. While it’s understood today that big data are important, the amounts required for many physical operations are far larger than big data imply. The limitations on acquiring such vast amounts of data severely throttle back the speed of advancement for many kinds of projects. The future of AI will be innovative, but may not be shared equally. Companies based in the United States absorbed 66 percent of all external investments into AI companies, China was second, at 17 percent, and is growing fast. Both countries have grown AI ecosystems—clusters of entrepreneurs, financiers, and AI users—and have issued national strategic plans in the past 18 months with significant AI dimensions, in some cases backed up by billions of dollars of AI-funding initiatives. South Korea and the United Kingdom have issued similar strategic plans. Other countries that desire to become significant players in AI would be wise to emulate these leaders. Getting enough data to be 90% accurate is difficult enough. Some object-recognition software today is 90% accurate, you go to Facebook, there are just so many faces — but there is 90% accuracy in identification. Still, even at 90% your computer-vision colleagues would tell you ‘that’s dumb. But to get from 90% accuracy to 99% accuracy requires a lot more data — exponentially more data. And then to get from 99% accuracy to 99.9% accuracy, guess what? That needs even more data. We compare the exponentially rising data needs to a graph that resembles a hockey stick, with a sudden, sharply rising slope. The problem when it comes to autonomous vehicles, 90% or even 99% accuracy is simply not good enough when human lives are at stake. To have exponentially more data to get all of the cases right, is extremely hard. And that’s why I think self-driving cars, which involve taking actions based on data, are extremely hard to perfect. Yes, it’s a great concept, and yes, we’re making major strides, but to solve it to the point that we feel absolutely comfortable — it will take a long time. Alan Greenspan famously said there was irrational exuberance in the stock market not long before the crash of the huge tech stock bubble in the early 2000s. A similar kind of exaggeration is true for today for self-driving cars. That’s where the irrational exuberance comes in. It’s a technology that is almost there, but it’s going to take a long time to finally assimilate. Tesla head Elon Musk claims all of the technology to allow new cars to drive themselves already exists (though not necessarily without a human aboard to take over in an emergency) and that the main problem is human acceptance of the technology. Musk will also tell you that batteries are improving and getting better and better. Actually, it’s the same battery that existed five or 10 years ago. What is different is that batteries have become smaller and less expensive, because more of us are buying batteries. But fundamentally it’s the same thing. Progress has been slow elsewhere, too. In the physical domain, not much has changed when it comes to energy and power, either. You look at electric motors, it’s World War II technology. So, on the physical side we are not making the same progress we are on the information side. And guess what? In USA, 2% of all of electricity consumption is through data centers. If you really want that much more data, if you want to confront the hockey stick, you are going to burn a lot of power just getting the data centers to work. At some point it gets harder and harder and harder. Similar constraints apply to drone technology. Here’s a simple fact. To fly a drone requires about 200 watts per kilo. So, if you want to lift a 75-kilo individual into the air, that’s a lot of power. Where are you going to get the batteries to do that? The only power source with enough power density to lift such heavy payloads is fossil fuels. You could get small jet turbines to power drones. But to have electric power and motors and batteries to power drones that can lift people in the air — this is a pipe dream. That is not to say one “can’t do interesting things with drones, but whatever you do — you have to think of payloads that are commensurate what you want to do. In other areas, like electric cars, progress is moving along smartly and there is lots of potential. The Chinese have shown that, they are leading the world. The number of electric cars in China on an annual basis that are being produced is three times that of the USA. Electric cars are here to stay, but not so sure about drones using electric power. Creativity aside, the beauty of AI is that even if marketers don’t have specialized IT skills, they can still act on high-level insights. For example, iteration cycles start to become much faster as AI kicks in, so we think of this process as a layer cake. While AI may perform many impressive and valuable tasks, once again physical limitations remain almost fixed. A deep-learning algorithm that than can do just speech recognition, which is translating what you are saying, has to be trained on millions of hours of data and uses huge data farms. And while a deep-learning network might have hundreds of thousands of neurons, the human brain has trillions. Humans, for the time being, are much more energy-efficient. They can work all day on a tiny slice of pizza! Today, the effort is to reverse the teacher and pupil relationship so that, instead, machines begin to learn to communicate with humans. The research and development, and application of AI algorithms and machines that will work for us, cater to us, is underway. They will understand our meaning, our emotion, our personality, our affect and all that. The goal is for AI to account for the different layers of human-to-human communication. We look at each other, we engage each other’s emotion and intent. We use body language. It’s not just words. That’s why we prefer face-to-face meetings, and we prefer even Skype to just talking on the phone. There is a need to teach robots to understand and mimic human emotion. Basically, it is making machines that understand our feelings and intent, more than just what we say, and respond to us in a more human way. Such affective computing means machines will ultimately show affect recognition picked up from our voices, texts, facial expressions and body language. Future human-robot communication must have that layer of communication. But capturing intent as well as emotion is an extremely difficult challenge. Natural language is very hard to understand by machines — and by humans. We often misunderstand each other. In the near future, no one needs to worry because machines are pretty dumb. We could make a robot today capable of doing some simple household chores, but, it’s still cheaper for me to do it, or to teach others to do it. So, for the near future there are tons of jobs where it would be too expensive to replace them with machines. Fifty to 100 years from now, that’s likely to change, just as today’s world is different from 50 years ago. But even as new tech arrives it is not always clear what the effect will be ultimately. For example, after the banking industry first introduced automatic teller machines, instead of having fewer tellers we had more tellers. ATMs made it cheaper to have a branch, and then we had more branches, and therefore we had more tellers in the end. On the other hand, introducing blockchain technology as a ledger system into banking will likely eliminate the need for a third-party to double-check the accounting. Anything requiring reconciliation can be done instantly, with no need for confirmation. Eventually the cost of doing a transaction will be like sending an email, it will be like zero, without any possibility of confusion, there’s no cost. Imagine if you apply that to trade finance, etc. New jobs will be created in the wake of new technologies, as was the case following ATMs. We area  bit concerned about the speed of change, which may cause us to be careful, but there will be new things coming out.  Even in fintech, progress will be throttled by the available data. In certain areas, you have a lot of data, in others you don’t. Financial executives have have huge databases, but not nearly large enough to accomplish many of their goals. Today we are creating more jobs for robots than humans, a cause for concern for the future of jobs for humans. AI and robotics will work best in applications where they work with humans. It’s going to take a long time before we build machines with the kind of intelligence associated with humans. When it comes to going from information to knowledge, we have no clue. We don’t know how the human brain works. Jobs most likely to be eliminated could surprise people. What is the one thing that computers are really good at? They are good at taking exams. So, this expectation of, oh, I got a 4.0 from this very well-known university, I will have a job in the future — this is not true. At the same time, for robots cleaning up a room after your three-year old is just very, very hard. Serving dinner is very, very hard. Cleaning up after dinner is even harder. Those jobs are secure. The jobs safest from robot replacement will be those at the top and the bottom, not those in the middle. What about many years down the road, when robots become advanced enough and cheap enough to take over more and more human activities. What’s to become of human work? For one thing, there will be a lot more AI engineers and people who have to regulate machines, maintain machines, and somehow design them until the machines can reproduce themselves. But also, many jobs will begin to adapt to the new world. Suppose, for example, at some point in the distant future many restaurants have robot servers and waiters. People will pay a lot more money to go to a restaurant where the chef is a human and the waiter is a human, so human labor would then become very valuable. What’s more, creativity already is becoming increasingly important. So, it’s not whether AI engineers or business people will be calling the shots in the future. It’s really creative people versus non-creative people. There is more and more demand for creative people. Already, it appears more difficult for engineering students to compete with the best compared to the old days. In the past, for engineers, a good academic record guaranteed a good job. Today, tech companies interview applicants in so many different areas. They look beyond technical skills. They look for creativity. Engineers have to learn more non-engineering skills, and then the non-engineers will be learning more of the engineering skills, including scientific thinking, including some coding. The idea of a well-rounded graduate, the idea of liberal education today, includes engineering and includes business.  Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Sentence Examples with the word onslaught The new synthesis reveals a universal decline from the 5th to the 10th centuries, while the Germanic races were learning the rudiments of culture, a decline that was deepened by each succeeding wave of migration, each tribal war of Franks or Saxons, and reached its climax in the disorders of the 9th and 10th centuries when the half-formed civilization of Christendom was forced to face the migration of the Northmen by sea, the raids of the Saracen upon the south and the onslaught of Hungarians and Sla y s upon the east. But the policy he pursued in turning the crusaders against Constantinople, in order to promote the interests of the republic, while serving to break up the Greek empire, created in its place a Latin state that was far too feeble to withstand the onslaught of Greek national feeling and Orthodox fanaticism; at the same time the Greeks were greatly weakened and their power of resisting the Turks consequently lessened. View more The chancellor never realized the gravity of the onslaught which, with his Kulturkampf, he was making upon the conscience and liberty of his Catholic fellow citizens. Henceforth he was bitterly but unjustly accused of want of patriotism, and in 1738 was compelled at last to retire before the impetuous onslaught of the triumphant young Hat party.
Are there any similes and hyperboles in "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson? Expert Answers mwestwood eNotes educator| Certified Educator With hyperbole meaning an exaggeration that is used for emphasis or effect, the entire story "The Lottery" can be considered a hyperbole.  For, the apparently simple story is actually an subtly inverted exaggeration of the underlying truth of Jackson's theme. Told with limited and banal description and without excessive emotionalism, Jackson's narrative points to the ordinariness of the cruel, violent, barbaric act of stoning that has somehow become a ritual.   Bobby and Harry Jones and Dickie Delacroix....eventually made a great pile of stones in one corner of the square and guarded it against the raids of the other boys. Bobby Martin dicked under his mother's grasping hand and ran, laughing, back to the pile of stones. ...Mr. Summers, who had time and energy to devote to civic activities. There had been, also, a ritual salute, which the official of the loterry had had to use... She [Tessie] tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell Mr. Summers waited with an expression of polite interest while Mrs. Dungar answered.  "All right, folks," Mr. Summers said, "Let's finish quickly." These examples exaggerate the seemingly simplicity of the annual ritual. Also, with Jackson's limited description, there is a paucity of figurative language used.  Here is what could be found: She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell. "It's not [like is implied]the way it used to be," Old Man Warner said clearly.  "People ain't [like] the way they used to be."  It is this lack of figurative language and its simple description which deceives the reader into believing Jackson's "The Lottery" a mild and simple tale.  But, it is the hyperbole, the exaggeration of this simplicity is what shocks the reader at the end. edcon eNotes educator| Certified Educator Similes are comparisons of dissimilar things using "like" or "as," and there are no obvious similes in Jackson's short story used as comparisons. Although the narrative is mostly straightforward and the characters' emotions are mostly muted, there are a few hyperbolic, or exaggerated, statements made in "The Lottery."  As the tension builds in the moments leading up to the drawing of names, people in the crowd express their apprehension with nervous small talk, such as the hyperbole of Mrs. Delacroix's statement to Mrs. Graves: "Seems like there's no time at all between lotteries any more."  When Mr. and Mrs. Adams quietly point out that the ritual of the lottery has been given up in nearby communities and is being considered in another, Old Man Warner's rejection of this idea is hyperbolic.  He calls the other communities a "pack of crazy fools," and conjectures "next thing you know, they'll be wanting to go back to living in caves, nobody work any more..." Giving up a barbaric and terrifying ritual with an unexplained and likely superstitious rationale can hardly be reasonably equated with abandoning civilized living and finding purpose in life.  Read the study guide: The Lottery Access hundreds of thousands of answers with a free trial. Start Free Trial Ask a Question
What are the utopian themes explored in News From Nowhere? What is Morris' social criticism? Expert Answers Noelle Thompson eNotes educator| Certified Educator Morris' social criticism is intimately connected with the utopian themes.  Because the two are so intertwined, they both relate to one another.  This being said, I will attempt to bring attention to several of the utopian themes explored in News From Nowhere.  The former formal government no longer exists as it has been overthrown and people are now living in stability with nature and each other.  An uprising of the people displeased with unfavorable conditions created this change. London is previously considered dark, murky, and labor intensive. The Utopian Communities are now peaceful and thriving.  There is much less structure surrounding the education of children.  Relationships between couples have no formal basis, as courts are no longer needed to enforce feelings of love between individuals in the society.  This allows an ability to move in and out of a relationship at need as feelings change. Like the mediaevals, we like everything trim and clean, and orderly and bright; as people always do when they have any sense of architectural power; because then they know that they can have what they want, and they won't stand any nonsense from Nature in their dealings with her. Money is not needed nor exchanged for goods in the utopian society as people are honest and have occupations.  In turn, there is not a need for law enforcement nor a prison system.  Children learn through their naturally curious nature, which creates no need for a formalized school system. This utopian society is obviously non-existent and though Guest first thinks he is dreaming of this society, he realizes instead it is a vision to strive towards.  Through this commentary on utopian society, Morris' social criticism is clear. Read the study guide: News from Nowhere Access hundreds of thousands of answers with a free trial. Start Free Trial Ask a Question
Project Ground Up Project Ground-up attempts to provide all basic amenities within a small house-footprint and building a community around the construction of the house with a village cooperative between 100 families, to create job & eventually lift poverty. One billion people worldwide live in slums and the figure will likely grow to 2 billion by 2030. Project Ground-Up is targeted at preparing the site for a sanitary living condition, building a basic house for expansion, and building a self-managed and sustainable village cooperative and micro-enterprise that support the building of such houses as a short term goal, and  eventually to lift poverty as a long term goal. Sanitation condition in slums are disastrous, dominated the accumulation of waste water and rainwater, which contributed to health hazards for inhabitants. Our goal is to prepare the site so that grey water can go into sewage lines and bathrooms are self-contained compost units that were proven safe and the decompost to be used as fertilizers. Depressed roads are provided to encourage positive drainage away from the house. Through microfinancing and budget of the $300 house (detailed in last section), two micro-enterprises relating to construction are created: Micro-concrete Roof Tile Factory Compressed Earth Block Factory.  These two micro-enterprises will provide 1500 compressed earth block and 250 micro-concrete roof tiles for each household, in return for 4.8 paid hrs of labor per family per week, the goal is to provide both free building materials for the villagers, job training, and small income for the families. The house itself is a simple 180SF compressed earth block house on a 480SF plot containing an open courtyard. The courtyard could be used as retail, expansion of rooms, work area, etc depending on the need of the inhabitants. Chulha cooking stove (which reduces indoor smoke by 90%) is provide per family, and a concrete biosand water filter is also provided and shared between three families. We think that an individual bath / toilet is necessary as basic amenities as communal baths require a high maintainence budget, not to mention the dismal sanitary conditions associated. The scheme could accommodate an existing house even during construction of the new house, depending on the geometry and size of the existing plot. The use of local material and labor is utmost important to us. The key to the project is the building of a village cooperative of 100 households. The goal is to provide a channel of participation and ownership of the village. All work produced in the process is made by the people for the people.  The enterprises provide additional income for villagers once the construction phase is over. If calibrated carefully, the cycle of improvements then can truly shape the well-being of the villagers that are committed to this change, and towards a healthier, safer, and more financially stable future. Other entries in this project
Why connecting everyone to the internet could help end extreme poverty Why connecting everyone to the internet could help end extreme poverty Join the fight against extreme poverty It’s easy for those of us with internet connections to take it for granted. I’m in New York right now, and my visit would be a washout without connectivity and my phone. The map on it gets me around the city. It keeps me connected to my colleagues – and my family back home, when we catch up by video call. It connects me to the information I need and the people I love. I’m here in New York because this week, world leaders have agreed the Global Goals: ambitious global commitments to end poverty and hunger, bring healthcare, education, and energy to all, and protect our planet. And there’s a target in the Global Goals to connect the poorest people in the world to the internet by 2020. So when people don’t have enough food, education, healthcare, isn’t access to the internet a luxury that comes later? The answer is an emphatic ‘no.’ Because when people have a connection to the internet, information is available to guide decisions that can keep them safe, and make them better off. The internet can educate and help communicate. Farmers can plan for the weather, and watch the prices of goods in the market. Families can receive money from relatives overseas. Microcredit transactions can give people a digital and financial identity, and bring them into the local economy. Women can gain power in their lives. Connectivity can mean that people living in poverty are empowered to make their own decisions, to have access to nutritious food, a home, and to be free to express their opinions. This is especially important for girls and women – poverty is sexist and so, as it turns out, is access to the internet in the poorest countries. Women in the developing world are less likely than men to own a mobile phone. Right now, we are too far off: In developing countries, only 2.1 billion people (35% of a total of 6 billion) are using the internet leaving the other 3.9 billion (65%) of people in developing countries offline. The results of connectivity could be huge. Internet connectivity could generate $2.2 trillion of economic growth and more than 140 million new jobs.  If everyone had access to the internet, the opportunities opened up to them could lift 160 million people out of extreme poverty, the improvements in health care could help save the lives of 2.5 million people, and 2.5 million HIV/AIDS patients could increase their life expectancy thanks to better monitoring and adherence to treatment. If we galvanise, organise, and energise, we can save these lives and boost economies. Mark Zuckerberg, left, and Bono at an innovation space at the United Nations. Photo credit: Facebook So should everyone have the right to the internet? We think so; that’s why we are spearheading a campaign, backed by Bono, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill and Melinda Gates and many more to ensure that everyone can get access to the internet. This is no small task. It’s not just about having a smartphone and some mobile coverage. It’s about having the education to be able to use the internet, the energy to power up your computer, the freedom to learn and connect with people and businesses from all over the world. With the right investments, we can ensure that access to the internet can help us to end extreme poverty. Join us in calling on world leaders to make this a reality. Join the Conversation Comment Guidelines
Why Being Small is Hard- Big Challenges for Small Water Systems Access to clean, safe water does not come easy. We may have mental images of some parts of the world where people spend their whole day traveling to and from water sources and preparing water so that it is safe to consume. But in the United States, we’ve come to expect clean and safe water at the turn of a tap. This water that flows freely from our faucet didn’t get there quickly, however. In order to provide safe and clean drinking water, systems collect water, treat it through various means, and disseminate it out through a complicated infrastructure system, so that it can show up in our household when we want it. Large, urban water systems in the United States may have their own special challenges with consent orders and older infrastructure. But, small water systems in the United States have special challenges owing to their size. There are probably more of these “small” water systems in this country than you realize. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines small water systems as systems that provide drinking water to a service population of 10,000 people or less. These are the systems that struggle the most to provide water at a low cost. In the US, 97% of systems fit into the “small” category. As a result of their size, these systems have the highest cost per capita and the most challenges continuing to provide clean, safe water. Smaller water systems have higher numbers of annual health violations, with almost 26% of systems under a service population of 500 having violations, compared to 17% of systems over a service population of 100,000. Systems with violations have to work rapidly to make changes to their system, or else pay the price in fines. But, making these improvements to an ailing system can be even more difficult for a small system, which often doesn’t have the capital reserves or other resources of a large system. Small systems less of a customer base to spread their costs among. For a system of less than 100 residential connections, the cost per connection for outstanding capital needs can top $19,000. And even for systems of 3,300 to 10,000 residential connections, the cost per connection is over $4,000. How can a system manage its finances under these conditions? While it can be overwhelming as a water system concerned about covering costs and making improvements, there some ways to manage finances to mitigate these. Here at the EFC, we focus on educating systems about how to plan for future expenses and make smart decisions involving money. In the “Resource Library” we have compiled tools, publications, etc. that are specific to small water system management. Other blog posts, can be found here: http://efcnetwork.org/small_systems_blog/. There are different categories of blog posts. For example, a system interested in the “Fiscal Planning and Rate Setting” category, will find a recent post on “I’ve Got the Rate Case Blues: How to Maintain Financial Health While Mounting Fewer Rate Cases.”  We also host online and in-person training events focused on small water systems. In fact, in an uncanny way, blues and water finance will actually come together on July 26th. A blues music festival and a Finance Forum on water rate setting will actually be in the same place: Florence, AL . The EFC at UNC will be hosting a Water Rate Setting and Long Term Fiscal Planning Workshop for Small Water Systems in Muscle Shoals, AL. This workshop is free of charge, and is open to systems struggling with water finance and are looking for guidance, as well as systems who just want a refresher on rates and finance. The EFC will be assisting with travel costs in the form of a hotel room reimbursement, but today is the last day to sign up for the room block. For more information about this workshop, please click here. For help booking your hotel or to inquire about reimbursements, please email Rosemary at roseab@live.unc.edu While small water systems have big challenges, organizations like the EPA are aware of the situation and have been trying to provide tailored resources to this important group of water systems that serve 21% of the nation’s population.
CubaA Essay Research Paper Revolution in CubaThe Cuba(A) Essay, Research Paper Revolution in CubaThe revolution in Cuba was not a result of economic deprivation, nor becauseof high expectations in the economy, it was the political factors andexpectations which evoked the civilians to revolt. The Cuban economy wasmoving forward at the time before the rebellion but the dominant influence ofthe sugar industry made the economy “assymetrical” and encouraged no “dynamic industrialsector”. Because of the dependance on sugar, the unemployment rate ranged between 16 and20% rising and falling with sugar prices, ebbing and flowing as the season changed. The ruralwage levels were incredibly unsteady and unpredictable; the standard of living was low. Dependance on the sugar industry did not retard the economy of Cuba, just the wages of itsworkers. It was the leaders of the nation who reaped profit from this dependance, and it was theleaders of the nation who insisted on keeping the nation the way it was. By the mid 1950’s,however, the middle class had expanded to 33% of the population. Democracy, as we know it,broke down: the large middle class did not assert democratic leadership, there was no socialmilitancy in the working class ranks, and the people found order preferable to disarray. Batistacould no longer legitimize his regime . Failure in the elections of 1954 showed the discontent ofthe people, and failure in communications with the United States illustrated its discontent. Finally,opposing forces confronted Batista’s power: there were street protests, confrontations with thepolice, assault, sabotage, and urban violence. This began the revolution in Cuba. America, with its stubborn ideas and misjudgements of character, forcedCastro to turn to the Soviets for alliance and aid. When Castro visited theUnited States in April, 1959, there were different respected individualsholding different views of him and his future actions. Nixon believed Castroto be naive, some others thought him a welcome change from Batista, stillothers called him an “immature but effective leader, without a well formed viewof how to lead a revolutionary movement and not overly concerned with abstractof philosophical matters” (p. 55). Why, then, did the United States impressnit-picky ideals like “there should not be communists in the Army or in labor”,or “Cuba’s approach to the Batista trials is totally unacceptable, too casual,too nonchalant” on this “forming” leader? Castro was like an inexperiencedmurderer with a gun in his hand: any rustle in the background could set offhis nervous trigger finger causing death, destruction, and liaisons with theU.S.S.R. When America expressed dislike of the trial procedures Castro washolding, of course he (Castro) would try to prove he was able to run hiscountry by himself and snub the U.S. ambassador. The United States had somuch invested in Cuba that it was stupid to think that Cuba could not retaliatewhen the U.S. cut off sugar imports. America was just too sure of itselfthinking it could get away with criticism and acts like that when an “immature”leader was in control. Cuba was not totally dependant on the United States and proved itself so. If Cuba could not find help and support in America, it sought elsewhere for thosewho smiled on its actions and ideals. Castro found friends in Russia; the United States made thisso. Succeeding and failing have alot to do with judgement. For the UnitedStates, the revolution was a failure because the result was a communist nationin the Carribean. For the revolutionarie s in Cuba, the revolutionaccomplished many of their goals: capitalism was abolished and socialisminstalled eroding class distinctions and eliminating private property, theworking conditions improved, women’s rights improved, labor unions wererecognized, the military became more modern and advanced, political order wasrestored, the status of the country improved from dependant to independant, andmany more. For the people of Cuba, therefore, the revolution can be viewed asa success (if communism ca n be seen as acceptable), but for America, theresult was a failure. Latin America is one of the poorest and underdeveloped sections of the world.Because of this fact, it is difficult for its nations to compete and thrive inthe world market with modern nations as they struggle to industrialize andimprove their status. Capitalism, as a basis for an economy, means that eachman has to struggle to make a living, that each man may fail and starve, andthat each man may get a lucky break and thrive. We saw this struggle of thelower classes clearly in Mexico during their industrialization. With communism, a man may notbecome of greater status than he is born with, but then again that status is no better than hisneighbors; this man is, however, guaranteed a certain amount of land, for example, and a certainhome and a certain salary. To the poor, those threatened by the extreme of starving, this idea isvery appitizing. To a nation undergoing change, where there are many poor and these poor co uldget hurt by the industrialization, communism is appealing in every way. The United States has to learn that it is not in total control. We cannot goaround condemning countries which hold procedures different than our own. The developingcount ries in Latin America must struggle through economically and politically hard times to reachtheir own maturity; this means experimentating with different styles of government to find outwhich is best for the specific country. If America wants democrac y to reign over the Carribean,Central, and South America, it should make the idea appealing, show these countries that it canwork. America should support strong democratic leaders, encourage capitalistic moves they (thecountries) make, and advise the nations when they need or ask for it. Mexico is an examplewhere democracy worked, in Cuba, it didn’t. Force will get us nowhere in preventing the spreadof communism, either will cutting off relations with countries who are still debating U. S. A. or U . S. S. R. America has too many interests in Latin America toforce it into alliance with the Soviets. If America is supportive and actslike a friend–not a dictator–these nations will develop naturally and seethat democracy is the best for them. ДОБАВИТЬ КОММЕНТАРИЙ  [можно без регистрации] перед публикацией все комментарии рассматриваются модератором сайта - спам опубликован не будет Ваше имя: Хотите опубликовать свою статью или создать цикл из статей и лекций? Это очень просто – нужна только регистрация на сайте. opyright © 2015-2018. All rigths reserved.
Addiction Essay Research Paper In order to Addiction Essay, Research Paper In order to fully understand this question it is important to define exactly what is meant by the key terms used; the Oxford English Popular English Dictionary (Parragon, Oxford 1995) defines ‘abuse´ as; ‘To make bad or wrong use of; to maltreat´, and it defines ‘addiction´ as the condition of doing or using something as a habit or compulsively (esp. of drug taking, with adverse effects on ceasing) devotion to an interest. During this essay I hope to show how drugs alter the way the brain works, and the way it perceives situation. I hope to show the consequences of drug use and abuse and also to show what research is being undertaken in an attempt to alleviate these problems. Recently we have seen a huge increase in the use of legal and illegal drugs in our society as some have been used for legitimate purposes, others have also been seriously misused- this misuse can be defined as drug abuse and addiction this addiction encores both psychological and physiological addition, and drug abuse often leads to this addiction. As an example of a drug which can be abused I shall look at Cocaine. Cocaine is a white powder refined from the coca plant, which grows in South America, it is a short acting stimulant which quickly reaches the brain and it produces effects such as talkativeness, excess confidence increased appetite and euphoria. As these effects only last around thirty minutes the user feels they need more in order to overcome the effects received on a ‘come down´. These include paranoia and irritability. Regular users suffer poor sleeping patterns the feeling of not being able to cope without the drug. So how are these effects caused? Alcohol, cocaine, nicotine even caffeine are just some of the drugs which can lead to addition and abuse. All of these cause their effects through the brain, mostly it is the brain´s ‘reward system´ where the effects begin. The network of neurons is activated when we perform the daily activities which help to keep us alive – such as eating, the brain provides a ‘reward´ associated with pleasurable feelings so encouraging us to repeat these actions. Drugs also stimulate this system but often produce effects far in excess of these received from natural daily functions, so the influence of these drugs on the brain encourages the user to repeat drug use. Findings indicate that there are two or more receptor sites which meditate the effects of the drugs, one site meditates the euphoria, while the other mediates pain killing. Different drugs mimic the effects of brain neurotransmitters at synaptic receptors. Opiates such as heroine or morphine mimic the opioids such as endorphins or enkephalins, nicotine mimics acetylcholine, cannabis mimics endocannabinoids and amphetamine/cocaine mimics dopamine/norepinephrine. In the 1950s researchers Olds and Milner (1954) produced experiments on intracranial self stimulation (ICSS) here they discovered that under certain circumstances rats would dismiss the pleasure of water, food or sexual partners in order to keep an area of the brain over stimulated by an electrode, this is how the reward centre got its name. This ‘centre´ got the name ‘circuit´ when researchers found that linked brain locations are involved in pleasure. The circuit includes a set of neurons found in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which connect to the nucleus accumbens and to other areas such as the prefrontal cortex. Some neuroscientists now are studying the molecular mechanisms that drugs alter within the circuit, they study the way that dopamine is produced and how its messages are received (Dopamine is a chemical messenger), they believe that drug´s influence on these mechanisms eventually change the way neurons within the system act. Simply put drugs and ICCS block the biological reward pathways, drugs provide a rapid intense reward not found within day to day realms, normal rewards get replaced by the need to get the high produced form the acquisition of the drug. The rate at which this motivational toxicity develops depends on the type of drug, the way that it is administered and its psychological impact. (Pleasure and Addiction – Dr Tim Kirkham 2001) So the life of the addict becomes centred around receiving more drugs, so behavioural patters can be produced which would not normally be seen in an individual free of these craving, such as steeling and manipulation in the case of women – sometimes prostitution. We cannot also ignore the risks associated with taking these drugs, poor diet often leads to ill health and increased susceptibility to ailments. Unsterile equipment used for taking or injecting the drugs leaves the user more open to catching such diseases as hepatitis or HIV, and without proper regulations centring around those of these drugs a risk can be formed surrounding the question of the purity of the drugs themselves which could lead to overdose. If a heroin user overdoses, respiration is slowed, which causes coma, and eventually death. Addiction is more associated, however with a general deterioration of health and personality. There are many factors set to encourage an individual to take narcotic in the first place, relating to stress, personal problems or problems at work even sociocultural conditions. Narcotic dependency seems to be centred around an antisocial personality and other psychopathology. Chinlund (1969) studied the use of narcotics by women, he studied women in New York for a period of seven years and found that that the user has three main goals; 1) A conscious wish to lose control of the drug usage so that she can blame her failures on the drug. 2) To blot out all sense of time, so that she can hide from things happening in her frustrating life situation. And 3) The need to deny cause and effect relationships in her life such as the relationship between sexual intercourse and pregnancy. ( Abnormal Psychology and Modern life- p440 – James Coleman – 1976) Drugs are often turned to as a means of alleviating anxiety and coping with problems caused by stress, until these principal issues are dealt with in our society there will always be drug usage and drug abuse. Aldous Huxley remarked; ‘ that humanity at large will ever be able to dispense with artificial paradises seems very unlikely. Most men and women lead lives which at worse so painful, at the best so monotonous, poor and limited that the urge to escape, the longing to transcend themselves if only for a few minutes, is and always has been one of the principle appetites of the soul.’ This is a view shared by many people, who seem that drug usage does not always lead to addiction, and indeed, even if it does lead to addiction, that addiction, does not always bring about the demise of the person both physically and socially of it is able to be controlled. However although attitudes are changing towards drug usage, especially among the more affluent, we can still see the devastation drug addiction can cause, especially as those who feel the need to use drugs are generally of the frame of mind which leaves them more susceptible to their consequences. Scientists are now searching for ways to block some drugs from producing their effect on the brain. Cocaine works by blocking a pump which regulates dopamine´s messaging. It is hoped that new drugs will attach to the transporter and make it ignore the cocaine but continue with its regular functioning, this appears be working with rats and the treatment is now being tested in humans. ДОБАВИТЬ КОММЕНТАРИЙ  [можно без регистрации] перед публикацией все комментарии рассматриваются модератором сайта - спам опубликован не будет Ваше имя: Хотите опубликовать свою статью или создать цикл из статей и лекций? Это очень просто – нужна только регистрация на сайте. opyright © 2015-2018. All rigths reserved.
CLIL: some principles Over recent years the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Oviedo has gradually introduced bilingual study groups.  This experience supposes an enormous challenge for the lecturers and students who face the difficulties associated with the process of teaching and learning in a second language. The challenge is twofold; on the one hand, the particular difficulties of the specific materials and content of the business and administration degree. On the other hand the need to possess and improve those linguistic abilities which will ensure a correct learning process. In this context, lecturers should adopt an educational approach which uses methodologies that permit dual attention to contents and language. Following Do Coyle and David Marsh   the way is to integrate content with language in order to foment the overall learning process (Coyle, et al., 2010). This focus, endorsed by the European Union  and known as CLIL (Content and Language Integrated learning), implies that attention should not only be paid to the particular content but also to the specific aspects of the language necessary for learning and communicating  the knowledge acquired . Working in a second language gives rise to multiple communication difficulties, and above all in the context of the technical and academic use of the language. Moreover, the mere fact that learning in a second language, demands a command of the language which guarantees sufficient linguistic skills in order to sustain the necessary cognitive processes for teaching and learning. In these types of situations, the second language is a vehicular instrument for the specific knowledge of the subject and of the related basic terminology but is also the instrument for the effective communication of this knowledge and of the mental processes necessary for learning. Teaching contents in a second language is not easy and lecturers have to control the discourse used in the classroom and support students in the learning of the subject as well as in the results of the specific academic discourse of the former. Accordingly, the lecturers have to create the necessary opportunities for interaction and communication in  order that the apprentices use the knowledge learnt in a way which allows them to perform an adequate discourse in that second language. This entails designing active learning experiences, of a significant and conversational nature, in which the communication in the classroom between students and the teacher constitutes the learning center. CLIL book 26.1.2010 In 2010, Coyle, Hood and Marsh wrote a well-known book named “CLIL: Content and Language Integrated Learning” published by Cambridge University Press, where they cover some principles about this pedagogical approach. CLIL was adopted in1994 in the European context to describe and further design good practices where teaching and learning take place in an additional language. In this book the authors “investigates the theories and practices of CLIL pedagogies in an in-depth way, whilst raising ‘big’ question- and at times awkward and difficult ones-for key stakeholders.”(Pg. ix) Coyle, D., Hood, P. & Marsh, D. (2010): Content and Language integrated Learning, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge UK. Be Sociable, Share! No comments yet. Deja un comentario
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 File name formats A filename extension is the data to the right of a file name.  This extension tells you properties of the file and often what application it will work with.  Some file extensions only work with certain operating systems.  Read about file name extensions: Explore File Names Examples: You will be providing 3 comments.  Please number each one. 1.  Name a file extension that only works with Windows/Microsoft products. What would be an analogous file for mac? (10 pts) 2.  Name 2 graphics or image files.  Which ones are the most compatible in most operating systems? What are the reasons you would pick this image file or not pick it? (20 pts) 3.  Explore the example sites above.   Discover an interesting extension that you've never heard of but think you might use it in the future.  Why does this file interest you and how do you think you will use that app?  (30 pts) 1. 1. .msi is a file extension for installing programs in windows while .sit is a compressed file for Stuffit on Mac. 2. .BMP is the BEST image filetype. Actually, it's a bitmap image which stores specific pixel locations and colors. It's compatible with most operating systems. .img is a disc image filetype which can be used to store data that will be burnt to a CD or DVD. 3. .7z is the file extension for 7zip's self-developed file compression. It's really cool because it's completely open source and built around open standards to enable compression at many different levels for different people, and it has a GUI on Windows and CLIs for *Unix systems. 7zip is fast and easy and it's an awesome compression program so that large files take up a smaller amount of space. 2. One Windows only file extension is the nif which is a binary hardware network initializing file. Two image files are .gif and thm files. Gif are for short animated files to use in presentation or websites while thm are thumbnail pictures for icons and applications. They are both fairly common across Mac and Windows. Adobe Illustrator uses .ai files for vectored drawings. For comics and other drawing this types of file is very nice. 3. One Windows extension that will not work on a Mac is ".themepack", which is what you save a personalized theme to. A mac specific file extension ".burn" Images are ".jgp" and a ".iso"(a disk image). An interesting file type is the ".gba" which is a GameBoy ROM. 4. 1.Windows only file extension: .wmv Mac file extension: .action 2. Images file extensions: .thm is a file extension used for certain thumbnail images. These are usually fairly small file sizes .tiff is popular on Apple computers and are used by graphic artists and the publishing industry. 3. .js is the file for javascripts. I think I could use this in the future because I am interested in using javascript and creating basic programs. 5. 1. .wmv is a file that only runs with Window Media Player only. .sparseimage as well is Mac only 2. One type of image file is .dcr. It is the extension for an RIF picture. another type of image file is .d3s, which is the extension for an image file taken with a Nikon camera. 3. One interesting file type is .nds. It is the file extension for Nintendo DS emulator files. 6. 1. File Extension for Windows/Microsoft only, .dll mac only, .aspx 2. graphic and image files .2bp which stands for pocket PC bitmap image file and .mng which is Multiple network graphic. 3. If i could pick my favorite file extension, i would pick .obj, because i has to do with 3D object files and i would want to use that later on in life. It interests me because i like files that you can create things with and this one, according to wikipedia, it says that this file is a 3D graphic application. 7. 1) ".PAGES file extension" is a word processor and page layout program that only works on Mac. 2) One image file extension is ".ARW" another one is ".CVI" 3) One i think ill use in the future is .BLEND witch is used for blender. i would use this application to make 3D animation scenes. 8. 1. ".dfont" files on a Mac are used to store fonts, they do not transfer over to a PC. A file that doesn't work on a mac is a .wmlp 2. ".blend" a file that is used in blender another one is a ".drw" file which is used for drawing files. 3. A file i have never heard of is a ".vxd" file. It is the Virtual Device Driver. If you manipulate the file the wrong way it can make your OS unoperational. I think I could possibly use this in a sense of low jack that can be remotely activated if your computer is stolen or hacked and make it to where the person who stole your computer or hacked it is not capable of getting any information. 9. windows only files: .GIF (image type) .asd -Autosave file (Word for Windows) Mac only files : .a4m Unpackaged Authorware MacIntosh file .abs Abstracts (info file) Data file (Abscissa) MPEG audio sound file file type i have never seen before but have heard of it: .atr Lightscape Material Library- used in the program lightscape to create lighting for 3D software 10. A flie extention that works on PC and not on mac is SAV. its use to save games on PC. A file extention that works on mac and not on PC is TOAST. it creats CDs and DVDs. 2. the 2 image file extention are "icm." and "icon." The 1 link that i had never seen was "ipsw" i will use this in the future to update my ipod or iphone. 11. 1. An example of a windows only file name is the .search-ms, which is primarily associated with Windows Vista and functions as a way to save information on search in Windows Vista. An analogous file for mac would be the .sparseimage which is can be created under Mac OS X using Disk Utility. Encrypted sparse image files are used to secure a user's home directory by Mac OS X's FileVault feature. 2. Two image files are the .ic1 and the .8pbs. The .ic1 is a low resolution imagic graphics file, while the .8pbs is an Adobe Photoshop Macintosh file. The .8pbs is obviously used on macs however can also be opened on Windows. The .ic1 is only used on mac. I would probably use the .8pbs more than the .ic1 only because I have a PC at home that operates on Windows, making the .ic1 file in accessible for me. 3. A filename that probably isn't the most interesting, but I can see myself using often in the future is the AAC files designed by Apple Inc. for iTunes. I find this one interesting because there are many different sub-files I will be using them in the future because no matter what I go into based on my desired major choices, I will need music files or video files that I will most likely store on iTunes to keep them all organized. 12. 1) .exe is a Windows application while .app is the Mac version of an application file. 2) Two image files are .gif and thm files. Gif are for short animated files to use in presentation or websites. If you want a small animation that is easy to add flair to a presentation .gif is the way to go. .thm are thumbnail pictures for icons and applications. If you wanted to create an icon for a self made program or update or change an existing one it is important to know. They are both fairly common across Mac and Windows. 3) One specialty extension is a .ai file used in Abobe Illustrator. These are vector drawings for use in graphic design and drawing. As a cartoonist these file types are both good to know and helpful to use. Humor is great. Always please be appropriate.
4.4.3. mysql_install_db — Initialize MySQL Data Directory mysql_install_db initializes the MySQL data directory and creates the system tables that it contains, if they do not exist. It also initializes the system tablespace and related data structures needed to manage InnoDB tables. mysql_install_db is a Perl script and can be used on any system with Perl installed. With one exception, the settings in the default option file are commented and have no effect. The exception is that the file changes the sql_mode system variable from its default of NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION to also include STRICT_TRANS_TABLES. This setting produces a server configuration that results in errors rather than warnings for bad data in operations that modify transactional tables. See Section 5.1.7, "Server SQL Modes". To invoke mysql_install_db, use the following syntax: shell> mysql_install_db [options] Because the MySQL server, mysqld, needs to access the data directory when it runs later, you should either run mysql_install_db from the same system account that will be used for running mysqld or run it as root and use the --user option to indicate the user name that mysqld will run as. It might be necessary to specify other options such as --basedir or --datadir if mysql_install_db does not use the correct locations for the installation directory or data directory. For example: shell> scripts/mysql_install_db --user=mysql \ --basedir=/opt/mysql/mysql \ --datadir=/opt/mysql/mysql/data mysql_install_db needs to invoke mysqld with the --bootstrap and --skip-grant-tables options. If you have set a custom TMPDIR environment variable when performing the installation, and the specified directory is not accessible, mysql_install_db may fail. If so, unset TMPDIR or set TMPDIR to point to the system temporary directory (usually /tmp). After mysql_install_db sets up the InnoDB system tablespace, changes to some of tablespace characteristics require setting up a whole new instance. This includes the file name of the first file in the system tablespace and the number of undo logs. If you do not want to use the default values, make sure that the settings for the innodb_data_file_path and innodb_log_file_size configuration options are in place in the MySQL configuration file before running mysql_install_db. mysql_install_db supports the following options, which can be specified on the command line or in the [mysql_install_db] group of an option file. (Options that are common to mysqld can also be specified in the [mysqld] group.) Other options are passed to mysqld. For information about option files, see Section, "Using Option Files". mysql_install_db also supports the options for processing option files described at Section, "Command-Line Options that Affect Option-File Handling". Spec-Zone.ru - all specs in one place
Difference between Should, Could, and Would Here’s the latest video from my YouTube channel. In this video, I explain some of the differences between when to use should, could, or would. I’ll outline them below with a few example sentences as well. Use when giving advice. If you give a person a suggestion or advice, they are not obligated to do it. It is a polite way to give advice. Example sentences: You should eat vegetables every day. You should go to the doctor if you don’t feel well. Use when talking about your ability, or what you can do, when it’s in the past. At one time, you were able to do something, but not anymore. I could run 10 miles. (I can’t now) He could play the piano well. (But he has forgotten and can’t anymore) Use when making a polite request. You can ask someone to do something politely by using could. Could you get this for me? Could you bring me a cup of tea? Use in unreal or improbable situations. When something is imaginary or probably not going to happen, you use would. I would buy a car if I had $10,000. (But I don’t) She would be famous if she could sing. (But she can’t sing) Use to make a polite offer. This is the opposite of using could as a polite request. Would you like a cup of tea? Would you like some dessert? For more help on grammar or speaking contact me to start private lessons today.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury vs. Concussion • June 12th, 2012 • | • Rate This Page: What is Traumatic Brain Injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by the head being hit by something or shaken violently. There are three severities of TBI: mild, moderate, and severe. A traumatic brain injury can change how a student learns, thinks, performs, and behaves in school. The definition of TBI below comes from federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA defines traumatic brain injury as… What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Doctors may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, their effects can be serious and sometimes long term. (Centers for Disease Control, Rate This Page:
infrared camera Shinyfamily/iStock/Thinkstock Online Infrared Technology Holds Potential for Monitoring Substations A first for U.S. utilities, research to study impact of weather on data readings to better assess potential problems, improve service Marking a first for U.S. utilities, the New York Power Authority is now utilizing a new online infrared camera system at its largest power plant, the Niagara Power Project, to detect any potential situations of concern with operations and to assess how data readings for infrared cameras are affected by weather. This camera pilot study, which also uses weather sensors to estimate thermal measurements, is intended to help utilities develop more accurate, efficient and cost-effective ways to identify potential operational problems, thus improving service and avoiding unplanned, and potentially costly, outages. “Utilities need to continually and accurately monitor power sub-stations and switchyards regardless of weather conditions,” said Alan Ettlinger, director of research, technology development and innovation at NYPA. “Technologies are quickly advancing and this new system has the potential to greatly improve our collection and analysis of data while boosting our inspection and assessment programs.” Infrared imaging is already used to monitor power substations and transmission switchyards because of its electric fault detection capabilities. However, the process can be time consuming as most units currently being used are portable and require manual operation and data analysis. Electric utilities are interested in finding a more cost-effective technology that can generate more accurate and timely data and be deployed in a more regular and independent manner. For this project, the infrared camera, which identifies hot spots and indicates any problems, was installed in a fixed position to monitor a transformer. The Electric Power and Research Institute (EPRI) is collecting and interpreting the project data. In addition to the infrared camera, adjacent sensors have been added to create a “weather station” for the collection of environmental data. The project also involves testing ten different types of sensors, provided by EPRI, to see which work best. An earlier phase of the project involved installing an infrared camera on a transformer at NYPA’s Harlem River power substation. As a result of that project, EPRI developed a laboratory system for developing the algorithms and installed several field demonstration systems that collect infrared measurements of substation equipment, local weather data and equipment temperature. The information is sent over a wireless network to EPRI’s Charlotte laboratory where the data is analyzed to confirm that the infrared camera is accurately reading transformer conditions. This next phase in the project will further research and develop algorithms that can correct, to the degree possible, thermal measurement accuracy and help alert users to conditions in station equipment before they result in a failure. A new alarm feature will also give an automatic notification if the temperature of equipment rises higher than a pre-determined limit, indicating a potential equipment problem that needs to be addressed. Information from the camera is also being fed into NYPA’s recently announced transformer asset health system where it is combined with data from other sensors and put into an algorithm to predict the overall health of the transformer. If this project is successful, NYPA plans to increase the use of infrared cameras on its other transformers. TAGS: Substations Hide comments Plain text • No HTML tags allowed. • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
Historical Evaluation of Merlin Merlin is a legendary personality who is well known for being the tutor of Arthur before he became a king. He has over the ages become an universal ensemble for youth seeking wisdom, material prosperity and spiritual value. Merlin is a remarkable figure in Welsh literature and Aurthurian legends. He is a man of mystery and magic, there is a lot of mystery surrounding his life. He is known for many skills – he has been mentioned as wizard or sorcerer, a bard, a prophet, an advisor and an able tutor. He was a young boy who had no father. As an old man he offered advises to four successive kings of Britain. Merlin was the Tutor of King Arthur On the other hand he has also been mentioned as an old fool who could not control his lust on seeing beautiful women. Women hold him in fear. He went mad after a bloody battle and ran off into the forest, there he learned to talk with the wild animals and was named Wild Man of the Woods. He was thus a controversial character. Merlin was a master wizard Though many scholars feel that King Aurthur, Guinevere, Merlin and Lancelot are fictional characters as their graves have still not been discovered. But many others feel that Merlin is none other than a writer and prophet named Myrrdin. Myrrdin was also a scholar of great repute in his times. Whether or not he advised the king is still not known. But he did go mad and take refuge in the forest of Celydon after King Gwenddolau was defeated in the Battle of Arderydd in 573. First mention of Merlin is seen in the History of the Kings of Britain in 1135 by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Indeed Merlin had later on become a prophet and was associated with a quest for the Holy Grail. Merlin has been mentioned to have been trapped in a hawthorn tree and he dwelled there until death. Myrddin similarly was trapped by his madness in the forest and was never seen again. As an old man Merlin advised the youth So there are strong chances that Merlin was none other than Myrddin. This slideshow requires JavaScript. Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Sentence Examples with the word neutral The growth of missionary enterprise in India lent colour to this theory, which was supported by the fact that no precautions had been taken to grease the Indian cartridges with a neutral fat, such as that of sheep and goats. View more Citric acid, being tribasic, forms either acid monometallic, acid dimetallic or neutral trimetallic salts; thus, mono-, diand tri-potassium and sodium citrates are known. This 25 kilometre neutral zone was abolished in 1905 when France surrendered Chantabun to the Siamese, who in their turn ceded the port of Krat and the provinces of Melupre and Bassac, together with various trading concessions to France on the right bank of the Mekong. Whatever view be taken of the provenance of Codex Vaticanus it is plain that its archetype had the Pauline epistles in a peculiar order which is only found in Egypt, and so far no one has been able to discover any non-Alexandrian writer who used the Neutral text. As a guarantee of his good faith the king surrendered the city of London to his foes, while the Tower was entrusted to the neutral keeping of the archbishop of Canterbury. His fear lest Russia should demand a stretch of coast along the Varanger Fjord induced him to remain neutral during the Crimean War, and, subsequently, to conclude an alliance with Great Britain and France (November 2 5th, 1855) for preserving the territorial integrity of Scandinavia. In 1866 Bennigsen used all his influence to keep Hanover neutral in the conflict between Prussia and Austria, but in vain.
How did events after World War I lead to intolerance? Expert Answers lynn30k eNotes educator| Certified Educator During and after World War I, much of Europe experienced devastating losses, both of people killed in the war, and huge economic losses. Instead of helping create a balance of power in the region, the nations that "won" the war seemed to feel the need to punish the countries that lost. This created even worse conditions in those countries, notably Germany. This helped Hitler and the Nazi party come to power; things were so bad that it was much easier to convince the population that things would be better if they were in power, and that everything was the fault of the Jews. The intolerance had existed for a long time, but the situation after World War I made things much worse. brettd eNotes educator| Certified Educator Because World War I led both directly and indirectly to poverty in European countries and elsewhere after the War, it also led to intolerance.  There's a close link between the two. When the German economy crashed, it caused widespread misery and economic dislocation.  Unemployment, hunger, and civil strife became common, and crime rose.  In conditions such as that it is easy to look for scapegoats - someone to blame - and Hitler and the Nazi Party, among others, sought to provide the public with that scapegoat.  In that case it was Jews and Communists. adhish-knows | Student 1. Italy which was a part of the victor Allies group was not given its share in the fruits of victory. 2. The terms of the post-war treaties was humiliating for Germany and its was given all the credit for the war losses.
Julian and Gregorian Calendars From FamilySearch Wiki Jump to: navigation, search The previous calendar in Europe was the Julian Calendar, instituted in 46 BC and named after Julius Caesar. The old Julian Calendar assumed the earth went around the sun in exactly 365.25 days. For this calendar to follow the earth’s movement, this rule was used - every year that was divisible by 4 was made a leap year of 366 days, otherwise it was a standard year of 365 days. In actual fact, the earth travels around the sun in 365.2422 days, about 11 minutes shorter than the old Julian Calendar. This discrepancy accumulated about 3 days short every 4 centuries. By 1582, the calendar was 10 days early. The Catholic Church was very concerned because the celebration of Easter was figured from the spring equinox. And the spring equinox was now happening 10 days earlier than it should. As a result, on 24 February 1582 Pope Gregory XIII issued a decree (a papal bull) instituting a new calendar. The British Empire changed to the Gregorian Calendar in 1752. Because of these changes, there is some uncertainty for the dates between 1 January and 25 March in the years from 1582 until 1752 in the old British Empire. To avoid any confusion, write the date with both years' numbers. For example - 14 February 1699/1700. At the time it would have been considered 1699 according to the Julian Calendar, then in effect. But now it would be considered 1700 according to the Gregorian Calendar. Using the double-year dating and understanding its purpose can be helpful in recording historical events. Julian to Gregorian calendar changes by country or region Ancestor Search has published a helpful chart showing when countries and regions changed from Julian to Gregorian. Fourmilab.ch has created a converter that converts dates from a variety of calendars, including Julian and Gregorian. Another tool that can help with Julian and Gregorian dates, especially for Germany, is GenTools6, available as a free download from www.gentools6.de The following is partial list of countries and regions and when they adopted the Gregorian calendar.  The chart from Ancestor Search, mentioned above, has a more complete and detailed list. Country Start numbered year on 1 January Adoption of Gregorian Calendar Denmark and Norway Gradual change from 13th to 16th centuries[1] Venice 1522 1582 Holy Roman Empire 1544 from 1583 Spain 1556 1582 Portugal 1556 1582 Prussia 1559 1700 Sweden 1559 1753 France 1564[2] 1582 Southern Netherlands 1576[3] 1582 Lorraine 1579 1682 Dutch Republic 1583 from 1582 Scotland 1600[4][5] 1752 Russia 1700[6] 1918 Tuscany 1721 1750 Britain and British Empire except Scotland 1752[4] 1752 2. Le calendrier grégorien en France 4. 4.0 4.1 Blackburn Holford-Strevens (1999), p. 784.
Learn the Guitar Fretboard Learning the Guitar Fretboard The guitar fretboard is the area along the front side of the guitar neck that features inset fret wires, spaces, and inlaid markers. Guitarists press strings down to the fretboard in order to change pitches. With a combination of vertical frets and horizontal strings, the fretboard is essentially a grid. guitar fretboard grid blank With its horizontal strings and vertical frets, the guitar fretboard is a grid as seen in the diagram above. When arranged and played on this fretboard grid, notes, scales, chords, and progressions make shapes and patterns. Guitarists visualize these shapes and patterns in order to navigate around the neck. Furthermore, guitarists understand how musical elements fit together by fitting their pieces together like a puzzle. In fact, you can build chords, compose chord progressions, and determine correct scales to play simply by relating to shapes and patterns, with little or no regard to key signatures, notes, sharps, and flats. Even if you take the traditional route of thinking, you still have to translate the music concepts to the fretboard and connect the dots, so to speak. This is why guitarists usually prefer to make use of guitar tablature and neck diagrams over standard notation. chord and scale fretboard Without giving much thought to the notes they contain, it’s easy to see how this guitar chord shape and scale pattern fit together. Have you ever wondered how it is that so many pro players don’t read music and have no formal training yet music makes complete sense to them on the fretboard? It’s because the fretboard is the real battleground and ultimately what matters most. If you want to understand music as it pertains to guitar playing, then you need to develop a proper fretboard perspective. Getting to Know Fretboard Notes Many guitar players set out with a goal to memorize all the notes on the fretboard. While this isn’t such a bad idea, and it can serve a good purpose in some situations, I consider it to be a distraction from a much more needed skill, visualizing shapes and patterns. This doesn’t mean that you can completely disregard notes. You still need to make a connection between shapes and patterns and notes to some degree. What most guitarists do is memorize the notes along the sixth and fifth strings since these strings are where most shapes and patterns originate. Octave shapes are used to trace notes on other strings back to the sixth and fifth strings where the note names are then identified. guitar fretboard notes Guitarists typically trace everything on the fretboard back to the notes along the 6th and 5th strings. Chords On the Fretboard Getting into the details of guitar chord construction involves learning about major scales, intervals, triads, arpeggios, and chord tones and extensions. All of these musical elements are worked out on the fretboard in the form of shapes and patterns. Guitarists, more so than most other instrumentalists, know a chord by its shape rather than by its notes. Scales On the Fretboard Getting into the details of guitar scales involves learning pentatonic and major scale patterns, which are the base patterns guitar players rely on even when other types of scales are in use. Guitar scales and modes are worked out on the fretboard and related to chords and progressions all in the form of patterns. Guitarists know scales more so by their patterns rather than by their notes. Progressions On the Fretboard When it comes to how chords relate to one another and how chords combine to make progressions, once again patterns and fretboard visualization come into play. Chords form shapes, and progressions form patterns. Guitarists know chord changes more so by their numbered patterns rather than by their notes. These numbered patterns are used to chart progressions and follow a song’s movement such as 1-4-5, 1-6-2-5, and so on. Fretboard Video Instruction Fretboard Theory DVDs transparent 150Your musical development and guitar playing success rely on how well you know your way around the guitar fretboard. Learning how shapes are formed and patterns connect is the key to mastering the neck and developing your skills whether you play guitar to write songs, compose music, or just jam. You begin the process of learning the neck with the Fretboard Theory video instruction featured in the GMT member area. There are over 20 courses and 150 video lessons pertaining to scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more. Aside from learning these components of music individually, you learn how they fit together to make music. Furthermore, everything is taught from a guitar player’s perspective by focusing on the fretboard and relating all concepts to familiar songs. Desi Serna Fretboard Basics For Beginners If you’re just getting started with guitar and need to learn the very basics of playing, then please visit my beginner guitar page which features free guitar lessons for newbies. Read More About the Fretboard and Related Guitar Theory What Is Guitar Theory? What Scales To Learn How to Learn Chords On the Fretboard How to Play Guitar Chord Progressions What Are Scale Modes? What Is Fretboard Theory?
Home > Standard Error > What Is Standard Error Of Mean What Is Standard Error Of Mean They report that, in a sample of 400 patients, the new drug lowers cholesterol by an average of 20 units (mg/dL). National Center for Health Statistics typically does not report an estimated mean if its relative standard error exceeds 30%. (NCHS also typically requires at least 30 observations – if not more So let me draw a little line here. This is more squeezed together. check over here The ages in that sample were 23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, 40, 40, 48, 53, 54, and 55. The margin of error and the confidence interval are based on a quantitative measure of uncertainty: the standard error. So you got another 10,000 trials. This is equal to the mean. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_error Standard Error Of The Mean Formula Take the square roots of both sides. The standard error of the mean estimates the variability between samples whereas the standard deviation measures the variability within a single sample. Standard error is instead related to a measurement on a specific sample. We get one instance there. n is the size (number of observations) of the sample. Edwards Deming. But it's going to be more normal. Standard Error Regression In this scenario, the 2000 voters are a sample from all the actual voters. So we take our standard deviation of our original distribution-- so just that formula that we've derived right here would tell us that our standard error should be equal to the Standard Error Of The Mean Excel Now, I know what you're saying. And it turns out, there is. read this article This estimate may be compared with the formula for the true standard deviation of the sample mean: SD x ¯   = σ n {\displaystyle {\text{SD}}_{\bar {x}}\ ={\frac {\sigma }{\sqrt {n}}}} The unbiased standard error plots as the ρ=0 diagonal line with log-log slope -½. Standard Error Of Proportion However, different samples drawn from that same population would in general have different values of the sample mean, so there is a distribution of sampled means (with its own mean and and Keeping, E.S. (1963) Mathematics of Statistics, van Nostrand, p. 187 ^ Zwillinger D. (1995), Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae, Chapman&Hall/CRC. We observe the SD of $n$ iid samples of, say, a Normal distribution. Standard Error Of The Mean Excel Assumptions and usage[edit] Further information: Confidence interval If its sampling distribution is normally distributed, the sample mean, its standard error, and the quantiles of the normal distribution can be used to I really want to give you the intuition of it. Standard Error Of The Mean Formula The ages in that sample were 23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, 40, 40, 48, 53, 54, and 55. Standard Error Of The Mean Definition Let me get a little calculator out here. Sokal and Rohlf (1981)[7] give an equation of the correction factor for small samples ofn<20. http://3cq.org/standard-error/when-to-report-standard-deviation-and-standard-error.php The standard deviation of all possible sample means of size 16 is the standard error. If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked. For example, the U.S. Standard Error Vs Standard Deviation This makes sense, because the mean of a large sample is likely to be closer to the true population mean than is the mean of a small sample. If σ is known, the standard error is calculated using the formula σ x ¯   = σ n {\displaystyle \sigma _{\bar {x}}\ ={\frac {\sigma }{\sqrt {n}}}} where σ is the For example, you have a mean delivery time of 3.80 days with a standard deviation of 1.43 days based on a random sample of 312 delivery times. this content This makes $\hat{\theta}(\mathbf{x})$ a realisation of a random variable which I denote $\hat{\theta}$. But if I know the variance of my original distribution, and if I know what my n is, how many samples I'm going to take every time before I average them Difference Between Standard Error And Standard Deviation In an example above, n=16 runners were selected at random from the 9,732 runners. This is usually the case even with finite populations, because most of the time, people are primarily interested in managing the processes that created the existing finite population; this is called The standard deviation of these distributions. So if I know the standard deviation, and I know n is going to change depending on how many samples I'm taking every time I do a sample mean. A natural way to describe the variation of these sample means around the true population mean is the standard deviation of the distribution of the sample means. Compare the true standard error of the mean to the standard error estimated using this sample. Standard Error Symbol The distribution of the mean age in all possible samples is called the sampling distribution of the mean. Standard error functions more as a way to determine the accuracy of the sample or the accuracy of multiple samples by analyzing deviation within the means. As an example of the use of the relative standard error, consider two surveys of household income that both result in a sample mean of $50,000. It might look like this. http://3cq.org/standard-error/why-is-standard-error-smaller-than-standard-deviation.php So we could also write this. And of course, the mean-- so this has a mean. Sampling from a distribution with a small standard deviation[edit] The second data set consists of the age at first marriage of 5,534 US women who responded to the National Survey of The standard deviation of the age was 9.27 years. This change is tiny compared to the change in the SEM as sample size changes. –Harvey Motulsky Jul 16 '12 at 16:55 @HarveyMotulsky: Why does the sd increase? –Andrew In this scenario, the 2000 voters are a sample from all the actual voters. This approximate formula is for moderate to large sample sizes; the reference gives the exact formulas for any sample size, and can be applied to heavily autocorrelated time series like Wall Standard error of the mean[edit] Further information: Variance §Sum of uncorrelated variables (Bienaymé formula) The standard error of the mean (SEM) is the standard deviation of the sample-mean's estimate of a Well, we're still in the ballpark. It just happens to be the same thing. So just for fun, I'll just mess with this distribution a little bit.
YOU ARE HERE: LAT HomeCollections CONSUMER REPORT : Travel in 21st Century Will Be Down a Fast Track April 16, 1989 Airplanes will fly five times the speed of sound and carry 300 to 400 passengers, reaching destinations in minutes. Today it takes hours. Trains will run up to 300 m.p.h. and ride as smoothly as rolling on glass. Cruise ships will carry 5,000 passengers in tri-hulled vessels, with 12-story hotel towers amidships. A driving vacation will probably be mapped out on a screen mounted on the dashboard. If traffic thickens ahead, the screen will offer alternative routes. Science fiction? Not according to Montreal-based futurist Louis D'Amore, who spoke of what lies ahead in travel and transportation during a speech at Gov. George Duekmejian's recent annual tourism conference. D'Amore believes that some, or all, could come about in the not-too-distant future. Beyond Concorde Take that Mach 5 airliner, for instance. We have become accustomed to hearing about the Concorde, the first supersonic jet, which does better than Mach 1. But the Anglo-French Concorde is no longer in production, and, when the few that exist are retired in 10 to 15 years, there are no others to take their place. However, plans are to build a second generation of supersonic carriers. D'Amore said that West Germany is working on plans for a jet with a top speed of Mach 4.4. The Soviet Union is doing even better; it is planning to fly a liner at Mach 5 as early as 1999. D'Amore believes that there will be a transitional supersonic transport (SST) somewhere between the Concorde and the new super-fast aircraft . . . somewhere near Mach 3, about 2,000 m.p.h The United States also is building an SST. It is hoped that the jet will test fly in 1996. Unresolved Issues The trouble with SSTs in the earth's atmosphere, of course, is that the environmental issues (noise, air pollution, etc.) that prevented the Concorde from flying over U.S. land have yet to be addressed. SSTs are still a political hot potato. Also there's the cost, which could be prohibitive. Whatever the obstacles, enough plans have been laid for D'Amore to envision the inside cabins. Every seat in the U.S. version will have its own phone and TV console, offering programs in several languages. Passengers will play video games, run their own computer programs, send fax messages and make hotel and car-rental reservations electronically. If the public suddenly develops a thirst for supersonic transportation, target test dates might be brought forward. Ground Speed In addition, consider the trains. Again, we're looking at a new generation of equipment. The Japanese introduced its famed bullet train in 1964. It wasn't until 1981 that France followed with its version, which has an average speed of 125 m.p.h. and has reached 165 m.p.h. By the early 1990s West Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium will have high-speed rail systems. Before the end of the century they will link most of Europe's major cities. Japan is studying a 300 m.p.h. rail engine. Pressure is mounting in the United States to develop a similar system. Advocates point out that trains are energy efficient, do the least damage to the environment and are the least expensive mode of public transportation. High-Speed Competition D'Amore reported that a dozen states have feasibility studies in the works, and that Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas are determined to be first in the high-speed train business. Los Angeles-Las Vegas is a possible route for a high-speed system. And Amtrak, the nation's rail company, believes the Los Angeles-San Diego run would be most promising for such a system. Cruise ships in the 21st Century will be at least 100,000 tons and carry 5,000 passengers. Passengers will be whisked around by a rail system, presumably a little slower than 300 m.p.h. D'Amore said that building these new vehicles isn't the tough part. Finding room for them to maneuver is. D'Amore warned that congestion could be the major inhibitor of travel by the turn of the century. He said that shortages of adequate roads, airports and bridges--what he called "our aging infrastructure"--could negate the technological gains that promise to make travel in 2000 and beyond a new adventure. Los Angeles Times Articles
How do burglar alarms sensors work? The good old light sensor Part of the “active sensors” family, it’s still a good way to secure a doorway. We call active sensors the devices emitting energy captured by a receptor. It can be light, microwave or sound, and any change detected indicates some movement in the environment. Laser beam Basically a light detector is composed of a light source and a receptor. When any object is blocking the light between the transmitter and the receiver, it detects a lower luminosity and triggers the alarm. It is equivalent to the lasers we see in movies, except you can’t see the light and you can’t easily cheat it with a mirror. The Radar sensors, also known as motion detectors Radar sensors are active sensors as well. They emit microwave radio energy that bounces back on the environment and is captured by the sensor. Any change in that low energy flow reveals a movement in the environment. Sonar Principle This is how most automatic doors work: it detects movement and not presence. If you stand in front of the door without moving or moving very slowly it’s going to close. We all have experienced automatic doors where you have to step back or raise your arms before it understand someone’s here. The PIR detectors A more advanced type of sensors is the Passive Infrared detectors, also known as Pyroelectric sensors. Unlike active sensors, those detectors don’t send out any energy or signal. Humans and most animals emit heat and infrared energy, this is what those sensors detect. To not misinterpret a natural change of temperature or a small animal with a human presence, those sensors are set to detect a variation and infrared wavelengths corresponding to body heat. Most modern alarm systems use that system, more reliable than active sensors and allowing a more accurate setting to detect only intruders and avoid false alarms. Other common alarm sensors Tomographic motion detection is usually used to control larger areas, either opened fields, large facilities or warehouses. They are based on a network of nodes communicating together with radio waves. Video cameras can also play the role of an alarm system if coupled with a detection software. The software can detect movement on the image and trigger the alarm. Most advanced systems can also be equipped with image recognition softwares to detect human forms. Ultrasonic sensors are based on the doppler effect: this active sensor sends out ultrasonic waves humans can’t hear that bounce back on obstacles. Any change in this signal indicates movement; we can even measure movement speed with that process, this is how radar speed gun work.
English 12: Finals Hamlet Essay: Due during your class’ final period.  Turn the paper into turnitin.com as well.  Essay conferences January 15 and 16 in class. Hamlet Essay 5th Period: Hamlet test on final exam day. English 12: 1/3 – 1/5/18 English 12: Wednesday: Group recap of  Hamlet up to Act IV.  Class reading of IV.i.-iv. Thursday:  Finish reading Hamlet IV. Friday: Substitute: Fill out worksheet to summarize Hamlet up to this point. English 12: 12/4-12/8 Monday: Hamlet I.v. Hamlet Act I Writing Assignment Directions: In a well-constructed paragraph (close to a page) type a response answering the following question: How has the image of a nature, in particularly, a garden played a significant role in the play through Act I? Wednesday: Hamlet II.i. Thursday: Hamlet II.ii. Friday: Hamlet II.iii. English 12: Fools Crow Essay Fools Crow Essay: Due 11/27/17, by start of class.   Turnitin and hard copy. 11/17/17: Outline due. 11/20-21: Essay conferences during class. Fools Crow Chapter Summaries: Copy and Paste link. English 12: 11/1/17 Period 1 & 6 Read up to Chapter 22 in Fools Crow. English 12: 10/26-10/27: Period 2 & 6 In-Class: Truth from Fiction – Find 10 characters/events in Fools Crow that establishes their existence in history.  On GoogleSlides.  Research online and give brief info: i.e. birth/death, what tribe, importance in history. English 12: Period 2 and 6: 10/11/17 Read Fools Crow through Chapter 6. If you are struggling with understanding the reading…print out “Fools Crow Characters” sheet for clarification. English 12: 10/6/17: Period 6 Fools Crow PPT: Chapter 1. English 12: 10/6/17: Period 5. Finish College Essay/Cover Letter. English 12: 10/6: Period 2 Fools Crow: Chapter 2 and 3 White Man’s Dog Family Tree List of characters in F.C.: Fools Crow Characters
Concrete is an artificial compound, generally made by mixing lime or cement with sand, water, and some hard material, such as broken stone, gravel, burnt clay, bits of brick, slag, etc. etc. These ingredients should be thoroughly mixed so as to form a close conglomerate free from voids. The lime, or cement, sand, and water, combine to form a lime or cement mortar in which the hard material is imbedded, so that the result is a species of very rough rubble masonry. The broken material is sometimes for convenience called the aggregate, and the mortar in which it is encased the matrix. The strength and other qualities of concrete depend chiefly upon the matrix. They are, however, influenced also by the aggregate, and it will be well to make a few remarks upon these two parts of the material separately before proceeding further. The Matrix, as before stated, is the lime or cement mortar in which the hard broken material, or aggregate, is imbedded. The lime, or cement, sand, and water, should be so proportioned that the mortar resulting from their mixture is the best that can be made from the materials available. As a rule it should be better than the mortar used for walling, especially if the concrete is to be used in important positions. The reason for this is, that in concrete, the mortar receives less assistance, from the form and arrangement of the bodies it cements together, than it does in masonry or brickwork. In some cases the mortar is mixed separately, just as if it were to be used in building brickwork or masonry, and then added to the hard material. More generally, however, the ingredients are mixed together in a dry state, and sprinkled while they are being mixed. For further remarks on the subject of mixing, see p. 214. The Aggregate is generally composed of any hard material that can be procured near at hand, or in the most economical manner. Almost any hard substance may be used when broken up. Among these may be mentioned broken stone, bits of brick, of earthenware, burnt clay, breeze, and shingle. If there is any choice, preference should be given to fragments of a somewhat porous nature, such as pieces of brick or limestone, rather than to those with smooth surfaces, such as flints or shingle, as the former offer rough surfaces to which the cementing material will readily adhere. When weight in the concrete is undesirable, a light porous material such as breeze1 may be used, but wben great weight is an advantage, as in the works of a breakwater or sea wall, the aggregate may be of the heaviest material that can be procured. Any aggregate of a very absorbent nature should be thoroughly wetted, especially if it is used in connection with a slow-setting lime or cement, otherwise the aggregate will suck all the moisture out of the matrix, and greatly reduce its strength. Many engineers prefer aggregates composed of angular fragments rather than those consisting of rounded pieces, e.g. broken stone rather than shingle. The reason for this is that the angular fragments are supposed to fit into one another, and slightly aid the coherence of the mortar or cement by forming a sort of bond, while the round stones of the shingle are simply held together by the tenacity of the matrix. Moreover, the angular stones are cemented together by their sides, the rounded stones only at the spots where they touch one another, and angular stones are as a rule rougher and the cement adheres better to their surface. The aggregate is generally broken so as to pass through a 11/2 or 2 inch mesh. Very large blocks cause straight joints in the mass of the material, which should be avoided if the cement is to bear a transverse stress or to carry any considerable weight. Of the aggregates in common use, broken brick, breeze, or coke from gasworks if clean, and burnt clay if almost vitrified throughout, all make very good concrete. Gravel and ballast are also good if angular and clean. Shingle is too round and smooth to be a perfect aggregate. Broken stone varies; some kinds are harder, rougher on the surface, and therefore better, than others. Flints are generally too round, or, when broken, smooth and splinter)'. Chalk is sometimes used; and the harder varieties make good concrete in positions where they are safe from moisture and frost. Slag from iron furnaces is sometimes too glassy to make good concrete, but when the surface is porous it is one of the best aggregates that can be used. It is hard, strong, and heavy, and the iron in it combines chemically with the matrix, making it much harder than it would otherwise be. Some slag, however, contains lime which may be dangerous (see p. 161). The results of experiments as to the relative value of some of these aggregates are given at p. 222. The materials for concrete may be broken by hand, except when large quantities are required, in which case a Blake's stone-crusher is generally employed. The size of the pieces of which the aggregate is formed influences the content of the void spaces between them, and therefore the quantity of lime and sand that must be used. Unless the mortar is of such a description that it will attain a greater hardness than the aggregate, the object. should be for the concrete to contain as much broken material and as little mortar as possible. 1 Concrete made of breeze is also used when it is required to receive nails, as in lintels, or to be proof against fire. The following Table shows the amount of voids in a cubic yard of stone broken to different sizes, and in other materials: - 1 Cubic Yard contains Voids amounting to Stone broken to 21/2inch gauge.. 10 cubic feet. Do. 2 do. . 10 2/3 do. Do. 1 1/2 do. . 11 1/3 do. Shingle ..... 9 do. Sand ..... 6 do. Thames ballast (which contains the necessary sand) ..... 4 1/2 do. A mixture of stones of different sizes reduces the amount of voids, and is often desirable. The contents of the voids in any aggregrate may be ascertained by filling a water-tight box of known dimensions, with the material thoroughly wetted so as not to absorb, and measuring the quantity of water poured in so as to fill up all the interstices; or by weighing a cubic foot of the aggregate and comparing its weight with that of a cubic foot of the solid stone from which it is broken.
Scientific background scientific background Within hours after successful reperfusion, a well-orchestrated healing mechanism is initiated. White blood cells, fibroblasts, dendritic cells and other progenitor cells from peripheral organs and blood are mobilized upon the release of signals related tissue injury. A first rapid mobilization of neutrophils, chemo- and cytokines into the heart paves the way for secondary migration waves of other leukocyte subtypes, such macrophages, lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Eventually, cell debris within the infarcted area is removed and replaced by proteins secreted into the extracellular environment (extracellular matrix). This is the stage in which a provisional matrix is formed that regulates scar formation and vessel growth. Fibronectin-EDA is a major component of the provisional matrix responsible for a series of adverse events in both the infarcted as well as unaffected remote myocardium. Fibronectin-EDA is a large adhesive glycoprotein that is generated by alternative splicing from a single gene. It interacts with other extracellular matrix proteins and cellular ligands and receptors, such as glycosaminoglycans, collagen, fibrin, integrins and Toll-like receptors. Fibronectin-EDA is prominently expressed during embryogenesis and remains absent hereafter in healthy tissue. However, its expression becomes evident after injury, such as AMI. Pre-clinical translational studies are pending to explore the full potential of EnCare Biotech products.
Infant Deaths Written by Dr. D. Rao Infant Deaths According to the Infanticide Act of England ( 1938), infanticide means the unlawful destruction of a child under the age of one year. Only the mother can be charged with the offence when the circumstances justify it, such as when the infant is killed by its mother while suffering from disease of the mind due to the effect of stress associated with her pregnancy, delivery, puerperium, or lactation. In such cases, the mother may not be held wholly responsible for killing the infant. In India, there is no such special Act, and as such there is no distinction between the murder of newborn infant and that of any other individual. Foeticide is the killing of the foetus at any time prior to birth. Filicide is the killing of a child by its parents. Neonaticide is the deliberate killing of a child within 24 hours of its birth. Infanticide does not include the death of foetus during labour, when it is destroyed by craniotomy or decapitation. Infanticide is rare and usually committed by a young unmarried woman or widow. Infanticide is usually committed at the time of, or within a few minutes or hours after the birth. The alleged mother should be examined for signs of recent delivery and her mental condition should be noted. In case of the child, the points to be decided are: 1. whether the child was stillborn or dead born? 2. Whether the infant has attained viability or not? 3. Whether the child was born alive? 4. If born alive, how long did the child live? 5. What was the cause of death? STILL BIRTH: A stillborn child is one, which is born after twenty-eighth week of pregnancy, and which did not breathe or show any other signs of life, at any time after being completely born. The child was alive in utero, but dies during the process of birth. Stillbirths occur more frequently among illegitimate and immature male children in primiparae. The incidence is about five percent. It is born in sterile condition, and as such, putrefaction occurs from without inwards, whereas in case of newborn child which lived for some time, the bacteria inside the body may cause putrefaction to start in the abdomen. Signs of prolonged labour, i.e., oedema and bleeding into the scalp, a caput succedaneum, and severe molding of the head indicate stillbirth or death from natural causes shortly after birth. Common causes of stillbirth are: prematurity, anoxia of various types, birth trauma especially intracranial hemorrhage due to excessive moulding, placental abnormalities, toxemias of pregnancy, erythroblastosis foetalis, and many types of congenital defects. DEADBIRTH: A dead born child is one which has died in utero, and shows one of the following signs after it is completely born. 1. Rigor mortis at delivery. 2. Maceration: Maceration is a process or aseptic autolysis, and is the usual change. This occurs when the dead child remains in the uterus for about three or four days surrounded with liquor amnii but the exclusion of air. Signs of maceration are not seen, if the child is born within 24 hours after death. If air enters the liquor amnii after death of the foetus, putrefaction occurs instead or maceration. The earliest sign of maceration is skin slippage, which can be seen in 12 hours after the death of the child in  utero. The body of a macerated foetus is soft, flaccid and flattens out when placed on a level surface. It has a sweetish, disagreeable odour. The skin is red or purple. Large blebs are present which contain a red  serous or serosanguineous fluid. The epidermis detaches easily and leaves moist and greasy areas. The tissues are reddish and oedematous. The abdomen is distended. The serous cavities may contain a turbid reddish fluid. The bones are flexible and readily detached from the soft parts. The joints become abnormally mobile. The skull bones are separated and  the brain has a grayish – red pulpy appearance. All the viscera become soft and oedematous and lose their morphology, but lungs and uterus remain unchanged for a long time. The umbilical cord is red, smooth, thickened and soft. Spalding’s Sign: Loss of alignment and overriding of the bones of the cranial vault occurs due to shrinkage of the cerebrum after death of the foetus. In the early stage, there is only loss of the alignment without overriding. The sign will develop earlier with a vertex presentation than with a breech. It may be detected within a few days of death of the foetus, but often takes much longer time, some times even two nto three weeks. Mummification: Mummification occurs when the foetus dies from deficient supply of blood, when liquor amnii is scanty, and when no air enters uterus. Viability of the Infant: Viability means the physical ability of a foetus to lead a separate existence after birth apart from its mother, by virtue of a certain degree of development. A child is viable after 210 days of intrauterine life, and in some cases after 180. Live birth: It means that the child showed signs of life when only part of the child was out of mother, though the child may not have breathed or completely born. The causing of death of such a child is regarded as homicide. In civil cases, any sign of life after complete birth of the child is accepted as proof of live birth, e.g., hearing `` cry, seeing movement of the body or limbs, muscle contractions, etc. The muscles may twitch for some time after death, and therefore is not safe to assume that twitching of muscles indicates life. A child may cry either in the uterus or in the vagina, which may be heard by bystanders or even outside the room of delivery. This occurs only when the membranes have ruptured and air has entered the uterus. The law presumes that every newborn child found dead was born dead until the contrary is proved. In criminal cases, signs of live birth have to be demonstrated by post-mortem examination of the child. Internal examination may provide strong, but not definite evidence of a live birth. 1. Shape of the Chest: Before respiration, the chest is flat and its circumference is one to two cm. less than the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus. After respiration, the chest expands and becomes arched or drum-shaped.. 2. The Position of the Diaphragm : The abdomen should be opened before the thorax, and the highest point of the diaphragm is noted, which is found about the level of fourth or fifth rib if respiration has not taken place, and at the level of the sixth or seventh rib after breathing. The position is affected by gases of decomposition. 3. Lungs: Breathing causes important and permanent changes in the lungs, the extent of which depends on the physical strength and period of respiration. 4. Volume: Unrespired lungs appear smaller, being collapsed on to the hilum when the thorax is opened. Fully respired lungs fill the plural cavities, and the medial e edges overlap the mediastinum and part of the pericardium. 5. Margins: Before respiration the margins are sharp, which become rounded even when the breathing is feeble. Glistening bullae appear along the margins when there has been a struggle to breathe due to some mechanical obstruction. 6. Consistency: Before respiration, the lungs are dense, firm, and non-creoitant like liver. After respiration they are soft, spongy, elastic and crepitant. The lungs are also crepitant in prtrefaction and after artificial inflation. 7. Colour and Expansion of the Air Vesicles: Before respiration, lungs are uniformly reddish-brown, bluish or deep-violet, according to the degree nof anoxia. The surface of the lobules is marked with shallow furrows. On section, interior of the lung is uniform in colour and texture, and little forthless blood exudes on pressure. After respiration, the air cells become distended with air, usually about the anterior surfaces and margins, and then on the remaining portions of the lungs. As the air vesicles expand, they become raised slightly above the surface, and may be observed as polygonal or angular areas on the surface of the lung, giving it a fine mosaic appearance. As the blood becomes aerated in the expanded area, the colour becomes a light-red, and the whole lung has a mottled or marbled appearance, with rose-coloured patches of expansion and aeration alternating with the cosllapedsed dark bluish-red areas. If there is complete expansion of the lungs, they usually float and support the heart on the surface of the water. On section, frothy blood exudes from the cut surfaces on slight pressure. Exposure to air will brighten the colour of the fortal lungs, but the air cells are not distended. Mottling is absent  in  artificially inflated lungs, and on section the exposed surface will exude little blood but no froth. Sl. No Trait Before respiration After respiration (1) volume Normal or small. Larger, and cover the heart. (2) Consistency : Dense, firm, mom-crepitant. Soft, spongy, elastic, crepitant. (3) Margins Sharp. Rounded. (4) Colour : Uniformly reddish-brown or dark red Mottled or marbled appearance. (5) Air vesicles: No inflated. Inflated. (6) Section : Little frothless blood exudes on pressure. Abundant frothy blood exudes on section. (7) Weight : 1/70 of body weight. 1/35 of body weight. (8) Floatation : Whole and parts sink in water. Expanded areas or whole  float in water. 1. Gas: In putrefaction, bubbles of gas are seen under the pleura which can be moved from place to place by stroking with the finger. Interstitial blebbing indicates decomposition. 2. Blood in the Lung Beds: The amount of blood in the lungs after respiration is about twice that in circulation in the stillborn. 3. Weight: (1) Static Test or Fodere’s Test: The lungs are ligated across their hila and separated. The average weight of both lungs before respiration varies from 30 to 40g. and after respiration from 60  to 66g. The increase in weight is due to the increased flow of blood. 4. Ploucquet’s Test: The blood flow in the lung beds is so increased after breathin that their weight is almost doubled from 1/70 of the body weight before respiration to 1/35 after respiration. The increase in weight is not constant and is not a reliable indication of breathing. 5. The Hydrostatic Test: It is based on the fact that on breathing, the volume of the lungs is increased, which more than compensates the weight of the additional blood, due to which their specific gravity is diminished. The specific gravity of the lungs before respiration baries from 1040 to 1050, and after respiration about 940. A ligature is tied on the bronchi, and lungs separated. Each lung individually is placed in water. If they float, each lung is cut into twelve to twenty pieces and floated in water. A small piece of liver may serve as control. If the liver floats, the test is of no value. If these pieces float, they are each squeezed in between thumb and index finger under the surface of water, to see if any bubbles of air escape, and if they still persist to float, or they are taken out of water, wrapped in a piece of cloth and  squeezed by putting a weight to remove the tidal air. The pieces are again placed in water, and if they continue to float, due to the presence of residual air, it indicates that respiration has taken place. If the pieces sink after pressure, respiration has not taken place. If some pieces float while others sink, it shows feeble respiration. A piece of lung is rolled gently between the finger and thumb very near to the ear. A crackling crepitant noise indicates a significant degree of respiratory activity. The hydrostatic test is not of much value, because the lungs of the live born who have lived for few days may sink, and the lungs of the stillborn may float. The expanded luings may sink from : 1. Disease, e.g. acute oedema, pneumonia, congenital syphilis, etc. 2. Atelectasis (non-expansion) of the lungs due to: 1. Air not entering the lungs due to feeble respiration but aeration of lungs may occur through the mucosa of trachea and bronchi. 2. Complete absorption of air from the lungs by the blood, if circulation continued after stoppage of respiration. 3. More air being expelled from the lungs during expiration than what is inhaled during inspiration, if the respiratory movements are very feeble. 4. Obstruction by an alvelolarduct membrane. The unexpanded lungs may float from: 1. Putrefactive gases the putrefied lungs are soft and greenish. Signs of decomposition of the body will be seen. 2. Artificial inflation: The foetal lungs may be artificially inflated by blowing air through a tube, catheter or cannula passed into the trachea or by the mouth-to-mouth method. In such cases, the lungs can be inflated only partially and the stomach contains air. Hydrastaic test is not necessary when: 1. The foetus is born before 180 days of gestation. 2. The foetus is a monster. 3. The foetus is macerated or mummified. 4. The umbilical cord has separated and a scar has formed. 5. The stomach contains milk. Signs of the struggle to breath: The victims of the “struggle to breathe” may be stillborn or they die shortly after delivery. The gross changes in both the groups are similar. The sequence of changes, as the struggle to breathe develops is as follows: 1. Dark fluid blood (due to raised CO), haemo-concentration. “Pseudo-clots”. 2. Cyanosed, expanded lungs. expansion due to (a) inhaled liquor amnii or vernix, (b) obstructive emphysema, (c) oedema with or without air or liquor amnii. 3. Tardieu’s spots on pericardium, pleura and thymus. 4. Liver swelling due to congestion of whole lobule. 5. Distension of large bowel with meconium. 6. ascites. 7. Retroperitoneal oedema. Respiration Before and During Birth: A child may breathe: 1. while it is in the womb, after the rupture of the membranes (vagitus uterinus), 2. while its head is in vagina (vagitus vaginalis), 3. while its head is protruding from the outlet. A child who has breathed in the womb or vagina may die from natural causes, befre it is completely born. Therefore, proof of breathing is not proof of livebirth. In the newborn child, the respirations may not be strong or deep enough to expand the air cells, but may not be sufficient to distend the fibrous tissue. The air may be subsequently absorbed by the blood, or may be lost. The child may live for many hours or even one or two days with only small portion of its lung tissue expanded. When the air cells have been distended once, they never return to the foetal condition. For the above reasons, the hydroststic test fails in a small percentage of cases. Microscopic Examination of the Lungs: Microscopic examination is of value in determining the extent of respiration, and also in providing evidence of pulmonary disease or abnormality, which may have caused or contributed to the death. The thoracic contents are removed intact by cuts with a scalpel by “no touch” technique of Osborn (1953), to eliminate artifacts. They are fixed for 48 hours and sections are taken of the whole lung in cross-sections. At four months pregnancy, the parenchyma of the lung has gland-like structure with a cuboidal or columnar cell lining. After fifth month, the air sacs are filled with amniotic fluid. The thin-walled adult type of alveolus is formed before full term. The normal foetal lung at full term is almost completely atelectatic but many of its terminal bronchioles and vesicles are partly expelled through the bronchi and partly absorbed back into the pulmonary circulation. It was thought that if respiration has not taken place, the alveoli appear as hollow gland-like structures lined by cuboidal or columnar epithelium. This is not correct, for the change in the type of cell which lines the air sacs does not occur with the onset of respiration. If the child has lived only for a few minutes, microscopy cannot always provide clear evidence of extrauterine respiration. Obstruction of the lower bronchial tree by hyaline duct membrane causes respiratory failure. Its development and clinical features are obscure, but its presence is evidence that death is due to natural cause. The struggle to breathe may result in: (1) incomplete lung expansion, (2) suboxia and cyanosis, (3) petechial haemorrhages mainly subpleural, (4) oedema of the mediastinum and often of the lung. Livebirth is probable when: 1. All the lobes of the lungs are fully expanded with or without obstructive emphysema. 2. There is oedema of the lungs, especially gross. 3. An alveolar duct membrane is present and has widespread distribution in the lungs. 4. Pulmonary atelectasis due to obstruction by an alveolar duct membrane is present. 5. Contusions of the lungs are present. A gland-like appearance of the alveoli does not exclude live birth but only indicates prematurity. Tardieu’s spots may be present both in stillbirth and livebirth and also in bronchopneumonia. Stillbirth is probable in the presence of: 1) Maceration of the infant. 2)Flooding of the lungs with liquor amnii, and especially evidence of phagcytosis of meconium by the cells lining the air sacs. 3)Desquamation of bronchial epithelium. 4)Distention of large bowel with meconium indicating a struggle to breathe. 1. Changes in the Stomach and Intestines: Air is swallowed into the stomach during respiration.The stomach and intestines are removed after tying double ligatures at each end. They float in water if respiration has taken [lace, otherwise they sink. This is known as Breslau’s second life test, or stomach bowel test. This is not of much value because air may be swallowed by the child in attempting to free the air-passages of fluid obstructions in cases of stillbirth. It is useless when there is decomposition. In a stillborn child or one dying shortly after birth, the stomach will contain grey-white gastric mucin mixed with swallowed amniotic fluid. Sometimes, the infant may swallow maternal blood during delivery. When dissected under water, the stomach shows mucus, saliva and air bubbles if respiration has taken place and only mucus if breathing has not occurred. Blood, meconium or liquor amnii in the stomach indicate that the child was alive at or shortly before birth. If milk is present in the stomach, it is positive evidence that the child has lived for some time after birth. 1. Changes in the Middle Ear: (Wredin’s Test). Before birth, the middle ear contains gelatinous embryonic connective tissue. With respiration, the sphincter at the pharyngeal end of Eustachian tube relaxes and air replaces the gelatinous substances in few hours to five weeks. This is not at all reliable. If a placenta is found with the body, it should be examined. If placenta is absent, the length of the remaining umbilical cord should be measured. Examine the cord to see whether a ligature has been applied and to know whether it has been cut or torn. A torn cord is usually ragged. 1. Other Signs of Livebirth: Several changes occur in the child after birth, which are helpful in estimating the length of time the child lived after birth. 1. Blood: Nucleated red cells usually disappear from the blood within 24 hours. Foetal haemoglobin which is about eight percent before birth rapidly decreases to 7 to8% at third month. 2. Meconium: It is the green viscid substance consisting of thickened  bile and mucus. The meconium is completely excreted from the large intestine in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, but in a breech presentation and also in severe anoxia, the meconium may be excreted completely before birth.. Meconium stains are brownish-green and stiffen the cloth. The reaction is acid. 3. Caput Succedaneum: This is an area of soft swelling that forms in the scalp over the presenting part of the head in vertex presentations. The elevated rounded area of the caput succedaneum corresponds to the portion of the scalp surface that is exposed within the opening of the dilated vervixduring labour. The scalp in the area of the caput is swollen to three to four times its normal thickness. The localized area of oedema and congestion is due to local interference with venous return produced by the pressure of the rigid cervical ring. Most commonly, the caput occurs asymmetrically over the crown of the head, in the parietal region. With breech presentations, similar swellings occur over the buttocks and scrotum or labia. The caput succedaneum gradually diminishes often disappearing during the first day (within a week) after birth. Cephalhaematoma: This is a localisedaccumulation of blood deep to the scalp, between the periosteum and bone surface. The haematoma is limited to the periosteal sheath of single bone, commonly the right parietal bone, and never crosses a suture line. Cephalhaematoma is raer, occurring in less than one percent of newborns, and varies in size from a centimeter to golf ball proportions. The haematoma swelling often tends to increase during the first day or two after birth, as more and more blood accumulated, but gradually decreases in subsequent weeks as the blood is absorbed. Neonatal jaundice may be increased because of the extra load of blood pigment. 1. Skin: At first skin is bright red, which becomes darker on second or third day, then brick-red, yellow and normal in about a week. Physiological jaundice is seen by third day due to relative insufficiency of enzymes required for conjugation and excretion of bilirubin. Vernix caseosa covers the skin, mostly in the axilla, inguinal region and folds of the neck, buttocks and persists for one or two days. Sometimes it may be absent at birth and it is removed by washing. The skin of the abdomen exfoliates during the first three days after birth. 2. Air in G.I. Tract: Air moves along the gastrointestinal tract at the same speed in full term infants as in premature ones. The air reaches stomach after fifteen minutes; the small intestine after one or two hours; the colon after five to six hours; and the rectum after twelve hours. Bacterial gas formation and resuscitation attempts may be a source of error. 3. Umbilical Cord: The blood clots in the cut end two hours after birth, and the vessels begin to be obliterated ib about 24 gours. The cord attached to the shrinks and dries in 12 to 24 hours but this appearance is also seen in the body of a stillborn infant, and an inflammatory ring forms at its base in 36 to 48 hours. It mummifies on second or third day. Mummification of the cord also occurs after death if exposed to air. The cord falls off on the fifth or sixth day and leaves an ulcer, which heals and forms a scar in 10 to 12 days. 4. Circulation: Contraction of the umbilical arteries starts in about ten hours and are completely closed by third day. The umbilical vein and ductus venosus are closed on the fourth day. The ductus arteriosus closes by tenth day and doramen ovale by second or third month. Causes of Death: I. Natural Causes: 1. Immaturity. 2. Debility due to lack of general development. 3. Congenital diseases, e.g. syphilis and specific fevers, such as small pox, plague, etc. affecting the mother, or disease of the child’s internal organs, such as lungs, heart, brain, etc. 4. Malformations. 5. Haemorrhage from the umbilical cord, genital organs, stomach, rectum, etc. 6. Post-maturity. 7. Pre-eclamptic toxaemia. 8. Disease of the placenta or its accidental separation from the uterine wall 9. Placenta praevia or abmormal pregnancy. 10. Neonatal infection. 11. Intrapartum or ante-partum anoxia. 12. Cerebral birth trauma. 13. Erthroblastosis. (II) Unnatural Causes: These may be: (1) Accidental and (2) Criminal Accidental Causes: (A) During birth: 1. Prolonged labour: Severe compression of the head against contracted or deformed pelvis may cause intracranial haemorrhage and death with or without fissured fracture of the parietal bones of the skull. Extradural haemorrhage is rare. Subdural haemorrhages are common and usually bilateral. They are usually caused by ruptures of the bridging veins, but may also occur less commonly from tears of the falx cerebri. Rarely, haemorrhages occur from ruptures of the internal or great cerebral veins. Tentorial tears may be bilateral and haemorrhage occurs into the subdural space, the head of the child shows evidence of well-developed moulding and caput succedaneum. Fractures and dislocations of the limb bones and clavicles may be found. 2. Prolapse of the cord or pressure on the cord: They produce death by asphyxia. The cord is liable to be compressed by the fortal head, especially in breech presentations. On post-mortem examination, blood, meconium, liquor amnii or vernix caseosa may be found in the bronchial tubes. 3. Twisting of the cord round the neck of the cord: It causes compression but no abrasions or ecchymoses and cause death by strangulation. 4. Injuries to the mother: Heavy blows or kicks on the mother’s abdomen or falls from a height may cause concussion of the brain of the child with or without fracture of skull or rupture of blood vessels or organs. Rarely, powerful uterine contractions may fracture the cranial bones of the foetus. Table (19-2). Difference between head injury due to labour and blint force. Sl. No Trait Head injury due to labour Head injury due to blunt force (1) Bruises : May be present on the presenting parts of the scalp. Found any where on the scalp. (2) Lacerations : Not present on the scalp. Present on the scalp. (3) Fractures : Fractures are fissured; usually of parietal bones and run downwards at right angles to the sagittal suture. Extensive comminuted and depressed fractures of the skull bones affecting vault or base. (4) Brain : Usually not injured. Contsions, lacerations and haemorrhage. Death of the mother: The child can be saved if it can be delivered within five to ten minutes of the mother’s death. (B) After birth: 1. Suffocation : It may result when the membranes cover the head during birth, or if the face is pressed accidentally in the cloth pr submerged in the discharges, such as blood, liquor amnii or mecoium. A child can survive in the membranes for 20 to 30 minutes. Precipitate Labour: Labour terminating in a very short time than that taken on the average, either in a primipara or multipara is called precipitate labour. In this delivery occurs suddenly and rapidly without the knowledge of the mother. All the three stages of labour are merged into one. The foetus is normal or premature. It is possible in multiparae with large roomy pelves, but is extremely rare in primiparae. A woman may be delivered unconsciously during fits or periods of coma, hysteria, hypnosis, under the influence of narcotic drugs, anaesthetics, and even deep drunkenness. It is highly improbable that any primiparous woman would be delivered during ordinary sleep without being aroused. Sometimes, a woman may not be able to distinguish the sense of fullness produced by the descent of a child from the feeling of bulky evacuation. The child may die from 1. suffocation by falling into a lavatory pan, 2. head injury and fracture of the skull with subdural haemorrhage often bilateral, by a fall on a hard floor, if the woman was standing, and 3. haemorrhage from the torn end of the cord. If the birth occurs in the toilet bowl or into a bucket containing liquid, the infant will inhale the liquid and blood, and meconium and vaginal mucus are found in the air-passages. Microscopic examination of the lungs will show the foreign particles contained in the drowning dluid. In accidental falls, the haemorrhages are usually sibdural and often bilateral. The average length of the cord is fifty cm. which is not sufficient to allow the child to fall to the ground, and is sufficiently strong to withstand the weight of the foetus without breaking. The cord is torn most commonly at the foetal end than the placental end, but is-not torn in its middle. Caput succedaneum and moulding of the head are absent. Foreign materials, such as mud, sand, gravel may be found in the hair or injured scalp of child. The fractures of the skull are usually fissured and limited to parietal bones, but may extend to frontal and squamous part of temporal bones. Fractures due to forceps lie at points normally gripped by the instrument and are usually “gutter” or “pond” type. Medico-legal Importance:(1) The mother or her relatives may be accused of infanticide, while the death of foetus may be due to injury, haemorrhage or asphyxia from precipitate labour. (2) In a case of infanticide, death of the child may be attributed to precipitate labour. 1. Criminal Causes: These may be (1) acts of commission, and (2) acts of omission. 1. Acts of Commission: They are acts done positively to cause the death of the infant. Numerous injuries may be found on the body, especially around the face, head and neck, due to circumferential abrasions around the whole surface on the neck caused due to fingernails. They should not be mistaken for homicide. 2. Suffocation: The child’s nose is closed with two fingers and the lower jaw is pushed up with the palm to occlude the airway. Other methods are placing a pillow or towel over the child’s face and pressing down, or pushing the face down into debclothing. The amount of force to produce smothering is so minor that there is no evidence of trauma. Overlaying, or forcing mud, rag or cotton-wool into the mouth are other methods. 3. Strangulation: Throttling or strangulation by ligature is also common, and in the latter case the ligature is frequently left in situ.Sometimes, umbilical cord is used as a ligature to simulate accident. Abrasions on the neck may be caused by the frantic efforts of the mother to deliver herself. 4. Drowning: It is rare, but the body of a dead foetus may be thrown into a well, tank, etc. 5. Burning: Infanticide by burning is rare, but it may be used as a mode of disposal. 6. Blunt head injury: Infanticide by dashing the head against a wall or the floor by holding the feet is rare. In such cases, there may be bruising of the ankles and feet, where they were firmly gripped. Blows on head may be produced with a blunt weapon. Subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhages are common and are usually accompanied by fractures (depressed or comminuted) of the skull and contusions and lacerations of the brain and scalp. In infants, extradural haemorrhages are limited to single bones because of the adherence of the dura to the skull along the suture lines. 7. Fractures and dislocation of cervical vertebrae : These may be caused by twisting the neck. 8. Wounds: The child may be killed by stabs, incised wounds, cut-throat, etc. 9. Poison : Rare 1. Acts of Omission or Neglect: A woman is guilty of criminal negligence, if she doesnot take ordinary precautions to save her child after birth. The following acts of omission amount to crime. (1) Failure to provide proper assistance during labour may cause death by suffocation or head injury. (2) Failure to clear the air-passages which may be obstructed by amniotic fluid or mucus. (3) Failure to tie the cord after it is cut may cause death by haemorrhage. (4) Failure to protect the child from exposure to heat or cold. (5) Failure to supply the child with proper food. THE ABANDONING OF INFANTS : If the father or mother of a child under the age of twelve years, or anyone having the care of such child, leaves such a child in any place with the intention of abandoning the child, shall be punished for abandoning of birth as per the laws of the respective state. CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH: Whoever, secretly buries or otherwise disposes of the dead body of child, whether such child dies before or after or during its birth, intentionally conceals the birth of such child, shall be punished for concealement of birth as per the laws of the respective state. It is also known as child abuse syndrome, Caffey’s syndrome, and maltreatment syndrome in children. The typical form of this condition is very rare in India. A battered child is one who has received repetitive physical injuries as a result of non- accidental deprivation of nutrition, care and affection. The classical features of syndrome are obvious discrepancy between the nature of the injuries and explanation offered by the parents, and delay between the injury, and medical attention which cannot be explained. The constant feature is repetition of injuries at different dates, often progressing from minor to more severe. 1. Age: Usually less than three years old, though it may occur at any age. 2. Sex: Slightly more in males (55 to 63%). 3. Position in family: One child of a family, commonly the eldest or the youngest and often unwanted, such as the result of pregnancy before marriage, failure of contraception or an illegitimate child. 4. Socio-economic factors: Parents tend to be young between 20 to 30 years, and belong to lower social class and lower education. The family is usually isolated. There is often a history of family disharmony, long-standing emotional problems, or financial problems. Many of the fathers have criminal records, or unemployed or socially unstable. Many mothers have multiple social and psychiatric problems with a chaotic and violent home background. The mother is of lower I.Q., often pregnant or in the premenstrual period at the time of battering. Unhappy childhood experiences are common in both parents and many battering parents were “battered children” themselves. Most of the parents suffer guilt-amnesia. (50 History: There is obvious difference between the nature of the injuries and the explanation given by the parents, which may change on several times of repetition, each time the child is taken to a different doctor. 5. Treatment: There is always delay between the injury and medical attention. 6. Precipitating factors: Violence is precipitated by actions of the child itself, e.g., crying, refusal to be quiet, persistent soiling of napkins, etc. Injuries: Direct manual violence is the commonest method of injury. Sruface injuries: Soft tissue injuries are very common and may be seen almost anywhere on the child’s body. The head, face and neck show bruises, abrasions and lacerations of different ages. Multiple bruises are seen on brows, checks, mouth and neck. Laceration of the mucosa inside the upper lip, often near the centre line where the frenulum may be torn, is the most characteristic lesion. This may extend laterally and separate the inner surface of the lip from the base of the gums. This injury results from a blow on the mouth or due to other efforts to silence a screaming or crying child. Multiple bruises of various ages all over the body from rough handling, or beating or kicking or throwing the infant are common. Bruises may be seen on either side of the chest, behind the axillae and down the anterior chest wall, where the child has been gripped roughly, between two adult hands and shaken. Caffey (1974) described the effects of shaking a child as a major cause of subdural haematoma and intraocular bleeding in battered babies, the so-called “infantile whiplash syndrome”. In such cases, bruises are produced in areas where the child is held by the hands, but there are no external injuries to the head or fractures of the skull, but there may be traction lesions of the periosteum of the long bones without fracture. Permanent brain damage may be caused due to habitual prolonged shaking. Bite marks may be found on the cheeks, shoulders, chest, abdomen, arms, legs and buttocks. Bruises are usually present around the elbows and knees due to gripping of the child, so as to shake or pull him, or hurl him into cot or against furniture, etc. Slap marks may show clear lines of petechial haemorrhages. Knuckle punches show as rows of three or four roughly round bruises. Bruising caused by belts, straps, canes, pieces of wood, hair brushes may be seen frequently on the buttocks and thighs. Pinch marks may appear as butterfly-shaped bruises with one wing caused by thumb larger than the other. Subgaleal haematoma resulting from vigorous pulling on the scalp is characteristic. Eye: Retinal separation, lens displacement, retinal haemorrhages, vitreous haemorrhages, subconjunctival haemorrhages, subhayaloid haemorrhages, and black eye have been found . Visceral injuries: Subdural haemorrhage is found in about 40% of fatal cases. Crushing or compressing force applied to the abdomen produce either “bursting” injuries of the liver or spleen, or perforations of distended hollow viscera including the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder. The second part of the duodenum and jejunum may be completely teansected. Deceleration or whipping mesentery and can lead to disruption of the small intestine. Extensive internal injuries may be present with minimal external signs of injury. Burns: Small circular, pitted burns may indicate deliberate stubbing of cigarette ends upon the skin. The child may be made to sit upon a hot stove or electric radiator or he may be dipped in very hot fluids. Skeletal Injuries: Large periosteal haematomas are common because periosteum is readily stripped in infants. Bleeding under the periosteum causes calcification, which is seen on X-ray as an extra line of opacity running alongside the affected length of bone. The violent forces applied to the limbs involve pulling and twisting, both capable of producing epiphyseal separation and periosteal shearing. Transverse and spiral fractures of long bones result from compression, bending and direct forcible blows. Anteroposterior compression of the chest causes fractures of ribs in midaxillary line. Violent squeezing of the chest from side to side causes fractures at the costochondral junctions. Multiple rib fractures also occur along the posterior angles of the ribs. After one to two weels, callus is formed, and on X-ray “a string of beads” appearance is seen in the paravertebral gutter. Avulsion of the metaphyses or epiphysis may occur, with small fragments seen isolated on X-ray. Before autopsy, a whole body X-ray should be taken to detect old fractures and especially metaphyseal and epiphyseal injuries in various stages of healing. Diagnosis: The diagnosis depends upon (1) nature of injuries, (2) time taken to seek medical advice, and (3) recurrent injuries. Differential diagnosis has to be made from scurvy, congenital stphilis, osteomyelities, leukaemia, rickets, juvenile osteoporosis with stress fractures, and paralytic disease with fractures, infantile cortical hyperostosis and osteogenesis imperfecta. Radiological manifestations of trauma and especially the metaphyseal lesions are specific to the battered baby syndrome. MUNCHASUSEN’S SYNDLROME BY PROXY: It is a type of child abuse usually involving the mother. It consists of repeated pretentions of illness or the infliction of repeated minor injuries, with the object of gaining admission to hospital or obtaining medical care and attention. The child is brought to hospital for induced signs and symptoms of illness with a fictitious history. The child is admitted frequently in the hospital for medical evaluation for the non-existent conditions. These patients appear to be compulsively driven to make their complaints. The person is aware that he is acting an illness, but he cannot stop the act. There is a continuum, ranging from exaggerated claims of infirmity to actual selfinduced illness. At the extreme end, life-threatening injuries are masqueraded as being legitimately contracted. Some examples are: (1) The mother pricks her finger and adds blood to the urine of the child and takes the sample to the doctor. (2) The child’s nose is closed with two fingers and the lower jaw pushed up with the palm to block the airway. (3) A pillow or towel is put over the face of the child and the face is pushed down into bed clothing. (4) The child is repeatedly smothered into unconsciousness, then resuscitated or taken to the hospital. (5) The mother gives insulin to the child and takes to hospital with hypoglycaemia. SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death or crib death is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of seemingly healthy infant, whose death remains unexplained even after a complete autopsy. 1. Incidence: 0.2 to 0.4% of live births. 2. Age: Two weeks to two years. Majority of cases occur between six weeks to six months with a marked peak between two to four months. 3. Sex: Male to female ratio of about 3:2. 4. Twins: There is increased risk (threefold) amongst members of a twin pair. Most twins are premature and of low birth weight. 5. Geographical Time of death: Death always occurs during sleep at all times of night with a moderate increase in the early morning hours. 6. Prematurity has no effect. 7. Socio-economic standard of the family is usually low. 8. Cigarette smoking and drug abuse by pregnant women increase the risk. The child is either quite well when put to the bed, or may have only a minor upper respiratory tract infection (cold or snuffles), or minor gastro-intestinal disturbance. Cot deaths are major cause of death in infants in the first six months of life. Autopsy: Milk or a blood-stained froth is sometimes seen on the child’s mouth or bleeding. The post-mortem findings are negative. In about 15% of cases, some pathological condition may be found, such as frank pneumonia, congenital heart disease, Down’s syndrome or a tracheobronchitis. The only constant findings are multiple petechial haemorrhages on the cisceral surfaces of the heart, lungs and thymus which are agonal in nature, perhaps from terminal respiratory efforts against a closed glottis. A small amount of milky vomit in the trachea and main bronchi, and shedding of individual tracheobronchial epithelial cells are commonly found. Many infants show forth in the air-passages and facial pallor. There are no petechial haemorrhages in the face or eyes. The hands are often clenched around fibres from the bed clothes. The lungs show patchy or uniform purplish discolouration of the surface and are firm in consistency with congestion, oedema, patchy alveolar collapse and increase in weight. The alveolar walls are thickened and are infiltrated with lymphocytes and occasional neutrophils and monocytes. Laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, Pneumonitis and pleuritis either individually or in various combinations may be found. In the majority of cases, the extent of the pathology present is rarely sufficient to cause death. Theories: Various theories have been advanced, but there is no single cause of cot death, and death may result from a number of causes which combine fatally while a child is passing through a vulnerable period of development. The commonly accepted hypothesis suggests that some infants have prolonged “sleep apnoea”)s periodic failure to breathe during sleep), which makes them susceptible to hypoxia, which finally leads to bradycardia and cardiac arrest. Respiratory infection may produce a viraemia which adds to the sleep depression of the respiratory centres. Nasal oedema and musus secretion may further narrow the small upper respiratory passages and in some hypotonic babies, a flaccid pharynx and even neck posture may further reduce the airway. An element of laryngeal spasm has also been suggested. Whatever the cause, factors in pregnancy that inhibit foetal circulation could damage the child’s brain, so that it no longer controls breathing properly. An unidentified trigger could affect the airway of a sleeping infant. The brain would not respond correctly and breathing would stop. Infants may vomit milk after a feed which is absorbed by polyurethane mattress on which infants lie. Staphylococcus aureus are produced in the absorbed vomit in the mattress. Staphylococcus aureus infection of upper respiratory tract is said to cause anaphylactic shock and sudden death. Other causes of death which have been proposed are conduction system anomalies, mechanical upper airway obstruction due to anatomical abnormalities, adrenal insufficiency, gastro-oesophageal reflux leading to bradycardia.Hypersensitivity to cow’s milk, deficiency of parathyroid, selenium, antibodies, calcium, vitamin D,E,B, magnesium, etc., house-mite allergy, botulism, sodium overload in feeds, hyperthermia’ hypothermia, suffocation by bed clothes and pillows,  bacterial infection, nrurogenic shock, hypogammaglobulinaemia, and metabolic disorders. Sexual Assaults Written by Dr. D. Rao A man is said to commit rape, who has sexual intercourse with a woman against her will, without her consent with her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death, or of hurt, with her consent when the man knows that he is not her husband and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married (as unsoundness of mind or intoxication), with or without her consent, when she is under 16 years of age.Subject to changes regarding age in different countries. Under the law rape can only be committed by a man. The slightest penetration of the penis with in the vulva, with or without emission of semen or rupture of hymen constitutes rape. It is not necessary that there should be complete penetration of the penis. Rape can be committed even when there is inability to produce a penile erection. Examination of the victim: 1. To search for physical signs that will corroborate the history given by the victim. 2. To search for, collect and preserve all trace evidence for laboratory examination. 3. To treat the victim for any injuries and any venereal disease or pregnancy. Preliminary steps: 1. The victim should be examined only when asked by the Police Officer or the Magistrate. 2. Obtain written consent for: 1. Examination, 2. Collection of specimens, 3. Photographs 4. Release of information to proper authorities. If she is under 12 years, or an sane person obtain written consent from her parents or guardians. 1. The victim should be identified by the escorting police constable, whose name and number should be recorded. Note tow identification marks. The name of the victim and her parent, address, occupation, marital status, time, date, year, place of examination and by whom examination is requested should be noted. 2. The examination should be carried out without delay, as minor degrees of injuries may fade rapidly, and detection of sperms from the genital tract also diminishes with delay. 3. Obtain and write history in the patient’s words: 1. Preliminary affairs, 2. Time and place of alleged offence, 3. Exact relative positions of the parties, 4. Details of struggle or resistance, 5. Pain 6. Hemorrhage, 7. Sensation as to penetration and emission. 8. The appearance of any discharge, 9. Details of the events after the alleged assault 10. Calls for help, 11. Whether the bath was taken after the assault. The degree of agreement of various statements will be strong proof of their truth or the contrary. Examination of clothes: Ascertain whether the clothes are those worn at the time of attack. They are examined for: Vuval pads and vaginal tampons should be preserved. Whether worn at or after the time of incident. The clothing should be retained if possible and labeled and handed over to police. Foreign hair, fibers, etc., must be preserved. General examination: The whole body must be examined for marks of violence especially scratches, or bruises resulting from struggle as regards their appearance, extent, situation and probable duration. They are usually found Rape on a Virgin: The hymen shows tears. Soon after the act, the magins of the torn hymen are sharp and red which bleed on touch. After 2 or 3 days the edges of laceration are congested and swollen, which heal in a week, but they do not unite. Tearing usually occurs posteriorly at the sides, or on midline of the hymen. The semilunar hymen usually ruptures on both sides. The posterior commissure may be ruptured and fossa navicularis may disappear. Bruising and laceration of external genitals may be present with redness, swelling and inflammation. With violent intercourse laceration of the vaginal wall may occur posteriorly. If there are no fresh injuries, vaginal examination should be carried out if the state of hymen permits. In most young women a finger may be passed into the vagina, although the hymen is intact. If the vaginal opening is enough to admit two fingers easily, the possibility f sexual intercourse having taken place may be inferred. Signs of Virginity: Rape on Defloration Women: In a married woman marks of violence to the genitalia are less likely to be found. In cases of resistance, the vagina may show some deep injury, laceration or bruising with effusion of blood and swelling and inflammation of the vulva. Such injuries usually disappear or become obscure in 3 or 4 days. The only proof of penetration is presence of sperms in the vagina. The presence of signs of violence in other parts of the body is the chief evidence of the crime. Rape on Children: Usually the penis is placed either within the vulva or between the thighs. As such, the hymen is usually intact and there may be little redness and tenderness of the vulva. In forceful penetration there may be: Laboratory Specimens: Identity of the Assailant: Blood, semen, urine, saliva, hair and general debris present on the clothing or person of the victim may help the identity of the accused by comparing with the known materials from the accused. The presence of V.D. is also helpful. Positive signs of Rape: Opinion: Rape can occur without causing any injury and hence negative evidence is not exclusive. Negative findings are as important as positive ones and may assist in the protection of analleged assailant who has been falsely accused. The doctor should mention only the negative facts but should not give his opinion that rape has not been committed. In such cases corroboration of eye witnesses or circumstantial evidence is necessary. Rape is not medical diagnosis; it is only a legal definition: No conclusions, opinions or diagnoses should be written in the report. The doctor may give opinion that there are signs of recent vaginal penetration, recent sexual intercourse, general physical injury, and/or intoxication, and that the signs are consistent with the history given. Special Procedures: 1. Obtain previous history with regard to sexual experience, menses, vaginal discharge, venereal diseases,  pregnancies, pelvic operations, etc. 2. Photograph the victim with clothing as it was at the time of recovery to know the position and condition of the clothes. 3. Ask the victim to undress herself on a plastic or paper sheet or a piece of cloth. All foreign objects should be retained. 4. Determine the age 5. Examine the victim in the presence of a third person, preferably a female nurse or a female relative of the victim. 6. Note the physical development in order to determine her capacity for struggle and resistance. 7. Note the victim’s emotional state, eg., distressed, calm, tearful, aggressive, hysterical, alcoholic, stoic, etc. 8. Observe her gait; whether she complains of pain on walking or micturation or defecation. 9. If the victim is in menstrual period, a second examination should be done after the termination of the period. 1. Blood stains, 2. Seminal stains, 3. Mud and other stains, 4. Tears and loss of buttons, etc. 5. around the mouth and throat inflicted while preventing her from calling for help, 6. about wrists and arms where the man seized her, 7. about inner sides of thighs and kness caused by forcing her legs apart, 8. on the back from pressure on hard ground, and 9. on breast’s by rough handling 10. An intact hymen, 11. A normal condition of the fourchette and posterior commissure. 12. A narrow vagina with rugose walls. 13. Reddening or frank inflammation with abrasion, bruising or laceration of external genitals or vagina. 14. Muco-purulent discharge of yellowish or greenish yellow color from the vagina staining the clothing. 15. The hymen may show several lacerations. 16. In recent cases, blood may be oozing from the injured parts or clots of blood ma be found in the vulva. 17. Tearing of the perineum into the anus. 18. Comb the pubic hair. 19. Obtain samples of pubic and scalp hair with roots by plucking. 20. Clip off the free ends of the finger nails or scrape the undersurface of the free ends with a blunt object. 21. Obtain vaginal swabs and aspirants. Make smears on labeled microscopic slides. 1. Examine an unstained slide for motile sperms. 2. Fix the smear and stain with H & E and Grams. 3. Examine for acid phosphate activity. 4. Blood group antigen. 5. Precipitin test against human sperms and blood. 6. Take anal, oral or other swab as indicated. 7. Suspicious stains from the vulva, thighs or other areas should be collected by swabbing to examine for the presence of sperms and acid phosphate. If stains are dry scrape them by a scalpel. 8. Take blood for grouping and toxicological analyses. 9. Blood stains on clothing should be grouped to know whether they are from the victim or assailant. 10. Take smears from the cervix and urethra for gonococci. 22. Obtain a blood sample for serological examination. 23. Marks of violence on the person of the victim and the accused. 24. Marks of violence about the genitals. 25. The presence of stains, semen or of blood on the clothes and the body of the victim or accused. 26. The presence of seminal matter in the vagina. 27. The existence of gonorrhoea or syphilis in both the parties. 28. Look for and protect trace evidence which may be vital. 29. Take specimens to ascertain if rape occurred. 30. Preserve ligature material; do not unite. 31. Cut neck vessels longitudinally to show intimal laceration. 32. Obtain fingernail scrapings.
Show Mobile Navigation 10 Mind-Blowing Wars That Nearly Happened Marc V. Our history has always been full of what-ifs, and war is no exception. It’s always fun to speculate what would have happened if this or that war had ever been fought. Last time we discussed the different military operations in World War II that would have hugely impacted history—if they had been implemented. World War II doesn’t have a monopoly on what-ifs. Here are several major wars from different timelines that almost happened, and could have forever re-written history. 10A British-Confederate Team-Up Against The Union During the Civil War, the Union very nearly got into an armed confrontation with the British, thanks to one over-eager soldier. Charles Wilkes—a captain of the Union Navy—intercepted and detained two Confederate diplomats aboard the British ship, Trent. The diplomats were on their way to Britain in order to secure an alliance with the British. News of the capture made Wilkes a hero in the Union. At the same time, it sparked anger among the British citizenry. The “Trent Affair”—as it came to be known to them—sparked calls for war if the Union did not apologize for the incident. To show that that they meant business, the British transferred 8,000 of their troops to Canada and rallied the Royal Navy for battle. While most in the Union were also gung-ho for a war with Britain, President Lincoln knew better than to fight two wars at the same time. He quickly conducted a series of diplomatic overtures behind the scenes. He disowned Wilkes’s action and released the Confederate diplomats, but did not issue an official apology. Lincoln’s political savvy saved the Union and dashed the Confederates’ hopes of the British joining them. 9The French Wanted Australia The Japanese were not the only ones hankering for a piece of the Outback. More than 100 years before the Japanese ever planned to take Australia, the Napoleonic French already had their eyes on the prized British settlement—according to a report uncovered by historians at the University of Adelaide. The report was made by an 1802 Australia expedition led by the famed French explorer Nicholas Baudin. The chief author of the report—the expedition’s top scientist, Francois Peron—argued that the British colony (specifically Port Jackson in Sydney) could be utilized better by the French, instead of being a mere prison for exiled convicts. He added that the French should occupy, rather than destroy, the colony for future use. For the invasion, he suggested sending in at least 1,800 soldiers, who would later be supported by the prisoners, especially the Irish. According to Peron, it was imperative for the French to capture Sydney as swiftly as possible, in order to ensure the quick surrender of the surrounding settlements. For reasons not yet concrete, the invasion never took place. Among historians, the general consensus for this non-event was the pivotal Battle of Trafalgar, in 1805. The French defeat at the hands of the British Navy seriously crippled their abilities to wage war on the high seas. 8The Sino-Soviet Crisis In the heyday of “Red Scares” and communist witch hunts that occurred during the Cold War, probably one of the greatest and most frequent misconceptions in the West was the belief that all communist nations were united in one giant “Communist monolith.” That notion couldn’t be further from the truth, as evidenced by the time when the world’s two largest communist countries—China and the Soviet Union—almost obliterated each other in the late 60s. Other than the ideological split that shattered the unity between the Soviets and the Chinese in the 1950s, another thorn in their relationship were the numerous disputes along their shared borders. Although these disputes were often resolved without much violence, the worsening relations between the two countries finally culminated in shooting wars along their borders that started in March 2, 1969 and lasted for seven months. In that span of time, the world held its collective breath as both the Chinese and the Soviets seriously considered lobbing nuclear missiles at each other. The Soviets even asked the US for its opinion on the USSR going through with a pre-emptive strike. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed at the negotiating table, allowing the Soviets and the Chinese to settle their disputes peacefully. The communist fall-out became a boon to the West, especially to the Americans—it enabled them to approach and eventually establish warmer relations with the Chinese. 7The Soviets Almost Invaded Israel (Twice) For all its people’s misfortunes throughout history, Israel was very lucky to have escaped destruction not once, but twice at the hands of the Soviet Union. During the Six-Day War, the Soviet Union informed the US that if Israel did not cease fighting immediately, it would be forced to protect its interests in the Middle East—a thinly-veiled threat to invade Israel. Although it was largely dismissed as an empty threat, historians who closely studied the war later on found out that the Soviets were dead serious. They had already prepared their invasion force, complete with nuclear-armed planes and ships. Some historians also alleged that it was the Soviets who instigated the Six-Day War, in hopes of destroying Israel’s nuclear capabilities. If so, that plan was foiled due to the swift Israeli victory over the Arabs. Another threat happened during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israeli forces were on the verge of destroying Egypt’s 3rd Army and bombarding Damascus with artillery, when they were ordered to cease all fighting. The order came after the Soviet Union made a threat to the US that they would “unilaterally intervene” if the war dragged on. 6The French And The British Nearly Fought Each Other Before World War I We can only imagine what would have happened if the British and the French went through with their private war, just before World War I—an event that came to be known as the Fashoda Incident. Both the British and the French wanted to expand their colonies in Africa and were looking for new areas to occupy. Fashoda, in Sudan, was the perfect place for them to link their respective colonies and form a contiguous African empire. The French reached Fashoda on July 18, 1898, followed by the British two months later—a meeting that resulted in a very tense standoff. News of this quandary reached their respective home countries, and incited them to mobilize their navies. At this point, however, the French realized their navy was no match for the British, and instead negotiated for peace. The French Foreign Minister, Theophile Delcasse, also wanted an alliance with the British to counteract Germany’s influence on the continent. A month later, in November, the French discreetly pulled out of Fashoda, thereby ending the dispute and ensuring they remained allies with Britain during World War I. However, this wasn’t the only case of two future allies bickering before the Great War . . .  5The Russians And The British Almost Fought Too Probably one of the lowest points of British-Russian relations before the Soviet era occurred during the Russo-Japanese War in the 1900s, specifically in the infamous Dogger Bank Incident. In that incident, warships of the Russian Baltic Fleet passing through the North Sea engaged what they thought to be Japanese torpedo boats—which turned out to be British fishing vessels. (Apparently, it didn’t cross the Russian’s minds that the Japanese were in the Pacific, not the Atlantic.) The Russians sank one of the boats and killed two of the crewmen. The incident spurred the British to rally against the Russians. British battleships tailed the Russian fleet in preparation for war. Only a timely apology from the Tsar and fair compensation for the victims saved the day for the Russians. Nonetheless, the Russian fleet’s voyage was a doomed one from the start—a few months after the incident, they were thoroughly annihilated by the Japanese navy in the Battle of Tsushima. 4Berlin Almost Became A Battleground (Again) It seems fate wasn’t on the side of the Berliners who survived World War II. They had gone through a devastating war and were just looking to rebuild their lives, when yet another war of epic proportions threatened to engulf them during the infamous Berlin Blockade of 1948. The blockade—imposed by the Soviets on railways and roads leading to the Allied-held parts, in hopes of obtaining control over all Berlin—threatened to destroy the fragile peace that existed between the Russians and the Allies. For a while, it seemed that war was imminent—the hawks at the White House advocated military operations that included either sending an armed convoy to break the blockade or even dropping nuclear bombs on the Soviets. Fortunately, the majority of the military chiefs and President Truman were against it, and instead began one of the biggest relief operations in history—the Berlin Airlift. For one year and three months, thousands of Allied planes flew countless sorties, and delivered badly-needed supplies to the isolated Allied areas. In the end, the Soviets had to call off their blockade, after they were embarrassed by their failure to completely take over Berlin. 3The India-Pakistani Standoff One of history’s most enduring and understated rivalries is the one between Pakistan and India. Since the 1940s, the two countries have fought four conventional wars and figured in at least “four disputes every five years.” All those conflicts, however, paled in comparison to the 2001–02 standoff between the two countries—a standoff that very nearly resulted in nuclear war. The starting point of the standoff read like a Tom Clancy novel: A deadly Pakistani terrorist attack on India’s Parliament on October 1, 2001, left dozens dead and several more wounded. The terrorist attack—combined with a border war just two years earlier—enraged the Indian government enough to mobilize almost a million men along its shared border with Pakistan and demand swift justice. In response, the Pakistani military deployed several hundred thousand of its own armed forces. A tense, 10-month waiting game along their borders soon followed and was made all the more alarming by the presence of nuclear weapons. The Pakistani government even expressed their willingness to pre-emptively strike with nuclear missiles against the much-larger Indian military, if it became necessary. Fortunately for both countries and the rest of the world, the crisis ended when the Indians decided to be the first to withdraw on October 16, 2002—a gesture returned by the Pakistanis shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, the threat of nuclear war didn’t deter the two countries from continuing their storied conflict, as exemplified by another standoff in 2008. (To be fair, it was terrorists who started that one.) 2The First And Second Taiwan Strait Crises Could Have Gone Nuclear One of the issues that have continued to impede the US-China relations has been the existence of Taiwan. Since its inception in 1949, the tiny island of Chinese Nationalists has largely depended on the US for its continued survival against its much larger Communist neighbor. For the US, its continued protection of Taiwan almost resulted in nuking China twice. The first time the US came close to launching nuclear missiles at China happened during the First Taiwan Strait Crisis, in 1954. The Communists subjected the Nationalists to intense artillery barrages. The US mobilized its forces towards the region, and seriously threatened the Communists with nuclear war if they did not stop firing. The second crisis did not differ much, with the US sabre-rattling its way to a de facto victory over the Communists. That victory, however, was short-lived. The Chinese Communists realized they could not rely on the Soviets to bail them out in case of a nuclear conflict with the Americans, so they decided to build their own nuclear arsenal instead. 1A World War II One Year Earlier Most historians agree that World War II officially began when Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. However, World War II could very well have started a year earlier, with the commencement of “Fall Grun” (Operation Green), Hitler’s planned invasion of Czechoslovakia. Although the Germans did eventually occupy Czechoslovakia virtually unopposed, a few months before World War II, it was a high-risk gamble. For starters, Czechoslovakia was allied with France, Britain, Poland, and the Soviet Union. Germany would have fought a losing war right then and there—a stark reality that was painfully obvious to the leaders of the German military. In a secret meeting on August 4, 1938, they even planned to have Hitler arrested, if he ever followed through with the military operation. The arrest was to be made only if Britain and France also agreed to fight for Czechoslovakia. As Hitler’s luck would have it, the British and the French thought it better to appease him, and so gave his forces free rein to occupy Czechoslovakia. The rest, as they say, is history.
Popular Posts Thursday, November 17, 2016 Top 10 richest presidents of U.S.A. With the election of Donald Trump as next U.S. president, America is going to see the richest President all time.  Earlier the richest one was founding President George Washington with worth of 580 million U.S. dollars. Below is the list of richest presidents along with their wealth, in 2016 dollars. The figures represent peak wealth. 1.       John. F. Kennedy ( more than 1 billion $) He along with his family owned more than 1 billion us dollars. His family fortune was created by his father John Kennedy, who made money from commodity trading and real estate investing. 2.       George Washington (580 million dollars) He was an industrialist and entrepreneur. He sat up his own distillatory for making alcohol. Moreover he owned more than 8000 acres of land. President Washington estimated worth in today’s dollars is 580 million $. 3.       Thomas Jefferson (234 million dollars) He was third president of United States. His net worth was 234 million $.  He inherited vast fortune but ended up in debts, in later part of his life. 4.       Theodore Roosevelt(138 million dollars) He owned 138 million dollars. He was born to prominent and wealthy New York family and became 26th U.S. president. 5.       Andrew Jackson(131 million dollars) Andrew Jackson was 7th president of United States. He owned 640-acare plantation called hermitage situated near Nashville. He was among first three investors who founded Memphis. 6.       James Madison (112 million dollars)  112 million dollars president Madison after inheriting some land from his father, he eventually owned 5000-acres.  He became the largest land owner of Orange County, Virginia. 7.       Lyndon b. Johnson. (108 million dollars) After inheriting small piece of land, in Texas, he eventually built it up into expensive 1500-acre ranch. His wife also owned radio and TV station in Austin, Texas. 8.       Herbert Hoover (82 million dollars) A mining engineer by profession amassed huge stakes in different mining companies. 9.       Bill Clinton ( 75 million dollars) He unlike other presidents, Clinton didn’t inherited family fortune. He made his fortune during his tenure as Arkansas Governor and later as President. He also received 15 million$ advance for his autobiography in 2005. President Clinton is one of the highest paid keynote speakers. 10.   Franklin D. Roosevelt (66 million dollars) 32nd President of United States owned 66 million dollars. Like other wealthy U.S. presidents much of his fortune was inherited. Tuesday, November 8, 2016 5 Most powerful economic nations of history For the most part of the history, the most powerful economic powers were simply the countries that housed the most people and controlled the most land. Up until 300 years ago, economies across the world were mainly agricultural. Economic historian Ian Morris says that for the most part of the human history, civilization’s economic strength depended largely on when it experienced an agricultural revolution.   Until the industrial revolution upended everything, it would take a nation thousands of years to turn itself into an economic powerhouse. Here is the list of 5 historically dominant economic civilizations, in chronological order. Roman Empire Rome, the distant descendant of first agricultural revolution, became dominant global empire in matters of centuries. It at its peak controlled 25 to 30% global production. As trade is vital for economic growth, the Romans were better at it during their height than anybody else. Historical evidence also suggest that they had very well developed financial system that made extensive use of credit and bank notes, hence enabling traders to forgo hauling precious metals across distances. China under Song Dynasty China under song dynasty controlled 25 to 30% of global output. Although agriculture reached china later than it did in modern day Middle East but Chinese made good use of the benefits of agricultural society. Mughal Empire One of the most magnificent and economically most powerful civilization, the world has ever seen is India’s Mughal empire. The English word Mogul is derived from the word ‘Mughal’. Even today the signs of their splendor can be seen in form Taj Mahal Agra, Badshahi Mosque,etc. According to late economic historian Angus Maddison, the per capita income of the mughal era india was likely about the same as in England or Britain at the time, but India’s aristocracy’s life style surpassed that of European elites.  Mughal era at it its peak produced one-fourth of global output.   British civilization Its aptitude of profiteering from its colonies made it the first global economic powerhouse which dominated the world without strictly controlling equally large percentage of population. Another advantage, Britain enjoyed came from huge technological boost of the industrial revolution. It, at its height, produced 21% of total global output out of which 6% came from its colonies. American civilization United States, for about past 140 years, is the largest economy, but its relative power is in decline. It is expected that China’s economy would overtake the United States, by 2018. After the World War II, there was a brief period when United States, owing to destruction of other industrial economies, produced half of world total economic output. Saturday, October 1, 2016 6 benefits of an afternoon nap Taking a nap in the afternoon helps you stay alert and productive Are you feeling tired and sleepy in the afternoon?  Better it would be for you to take a nap for 15 to 30 minutes.  Research supports the age old tradition of having Siesta in the afternoon. The afternoon nap has many benefits.  Some of them are mentioned below. 1.     Increased productivity  Afternoon nap helps you to be more productive. The energy boost enables you to do more. 2.     Better health Afternoon naps boost your health as well. A person having enough of shuteyes, the risk of physical ailments reduces. The enhanced testosterone level helps your body remain healthy. 3.     Successful family life A person who doesn't sleeps enough, have more quarrel with his partner.  Pretty things become issues threatening your matrimonial life. 4.     Mental alertness Afternoon naps are a good way of maintaining your mental health as well.  The nap makes your mind more alert. 5.     Energy boost Afternoon naps boost your energy level. In the afternoon when your energy level falls to its low, it helps you recoup the reduced energy. 6.     Better social relationships Naps help you understand emotional signals from other people, which means you can enjoy better social relationships. Sunday, July 24, 2016 Using customers' money for your startup Beijing has the world’s costliest rental housing, according to a survey of 15 global cities, with average prices more than 1.2 times average salaries, says a report by the Global Cities Business Alliance, a UK-based not-for-profit organization. The rise in rent, in developing countries like China, India, and Pakistan, has provided developers an opportunity to make money out of thin air. What they do is to purchase a piece of land and then announce construction of residential plaza or shopping mall over it. Advance booking is announced for residential and commercial units. The advance money collected is then used for completing the project. Unheard in many developed countries, realty development is one of the most lucrative areas for investors. The use of customers’ money for growth isn’t limited to realty sector only; entrepreneurs can use this method to grow their startups in other areas as well. Take the example of TutorVista, which successfully leveraged this customers’ money model of financing. It started when Krishnan Ganesh hired three teachers and provided them with VoIP internet connection, PC displaying a digital whiteboard along with webcam. It quickly became a 100$ per month tuition service. Dell is another example of customer funded business. Michael Dell, founder of Dell, started by selling customized PCs to small businesses. The core percept in his business was to collect cash before having to lay out money on chips and computers to be sold.  Customer funding provides many benefits to the startups. Usually, startups receive higher valuations if they performed successfully for an extended period of time, without external funding. Additionally, strong cash inflows, from customers, allow entrepreneurs to focus on proving business model rather than wooing investors. In this model of business funding, balance sheet shows more current liabilities than current assets. In accounting term it is called negative working capital. Ironically positive working capital is assumed to be good as it poses less insolvency risk to the business. Not every startup can be run using customers’ funding. Capital intensive projects need to rely on traditional way of financing.  Sunday, July 17, 2016 Foreign investment in Pakistan: boon or bane? In the last couple of days, Pakistan has witnessed an increase in foreign investment. Many local companies were acquired by foreign multinationals. Dawlance, Pakistan’s white goods manufacturer was acquired by Turkish group Arçelik . Furthermore, in the same week a Dutch based dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina acquired stakes in Engro for around $460 million. This shows that international investors are viewing Pakistan as a growing market. Its huge population provides huge consumer base. The rise in middle class along with young population makes it attractive location for investment.  Many European countries are having population as much as Pakistan has graduates. But is there any benefit to the nation of these huge investments from multinationals. In a nutshell we would say yes. But on a deep analysis we would say it is hard to say anything precise unless we take into account other factors. Let us assume that Turkish group would enhance the quality of the products, manufactured by Dawlance, and would make them attractive to export markets. Definitely, in this case it would be good for Pakistan. Multinational companies have huge research and development departments with billions of dollars in budget which helps them in developing new and better products. Small companies like local ones cannot expend that much on research and development. Furthermore, small companies have issues with protecting patent rights. Hence, from this particular angle it is good that foreign companies are making inroads into Pakistani market. With better quality and increased foreign clients’ satisfaction, country would be able to earn foreign exchange. This would also help Pakistan to move from exporter of low-tech to exporter of high-tech products. The ability of multinationals to get a better deal from Govt. in matters of tax rebates is another thing to ponder. In countries like Pakistan, Govt. rules are more favorable to foreign big investors rather than local small investors. The exemption of duties and taxes extended to Chinese companies working on CPEC is one such example. Exemptions in taxes make it more likely for these companies to earn heavy profits and pay high salaries to its employee. This would mean more and high paying jobs for locals as well as better employee retention for the multinational companies. But there are more cases in which these companies hire foreign people than local ones. This would mean snatching jobs which could be provided by local companies to local people. Moreover, huge portion of profit earned, through getting tax rebates, by these companies is repatriated back to their country of origin. Thus foreign investment is good for host country if it leads to transfer of technology; increase in exports, provides employment to local ones, pays taxes and duties to host country Govt. and improves quality of manufactured goods. Sunday, July 3, 2016 Turkish company Arçelik acquires Dawlance for $258 million Turkish company Arçelik has said it is going to acquire Dawlance, Pakistani manufacturer of consumer durables, for $258 million. The deal is expected to be closed by the end of 2016, as it requires approvals from Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), purchase of minority stakes and transferring of land and buildings to the ownership of the company, it said. Dawlance had revenues of $220.6 million in 2015. Similarly, its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is $45 million last year. Its net debt amounted to $30 million at the end of 2015, according to Deutsche Bank. Sources close to the sponsors of Dawlance say the company had been on the auction block for the last five years. Bashir Dawood is the major shareholder of Dawlance. He is Hussain Dawood’s brother-in-law, a corporate tycoon who controls majority shareholdings in Engro, HUBCO, and Dawood Hercules groups. Sources say the owner of Dawlance wanted to permanently move abroad. His children have established careers in fine arts and interior designing in Europe and the Middle East and apparently have no interest in managing the family business. Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Islamic mode of financing Islamic finance is sharia compliant way of financing.  Sharia, on one hand, prohibits any transaction involving undue uncertainty and on the other hand, it requires avoidance of receiving interest. Sharia defines interest as any income derived in excess of loan. Loans involve personal guarantee of debtor and therefore any such benefit would amount to injustice to debtor. In other words, you can only make profit when you don’t enjoy guaranteed return of the principal amount. Islamic finance is Sharia compliant way of raising funds Another important aspect of sharia financing is use of money for ethically healthy projects e.g. you cannot invest in projects involving alcohol manufacturing.   Sharia compliant financial institutions have developed many sharia compliant products including modaraba, musharika, sukkuk, murabaha etc. Let’s discuss them one by one Modaraba is financing mode in which one person provides financial resources and other labour and skills to carry out business. Both share profit, in pre-determined ratio, while losses would accrue to one who invested financial resources. Musharka is mode of financing in which both partners contribute capital and divide profits/losses according to pre-agreed ratio. Sukkuk is a bond which gives right of ownership, of some tangible asset, to its holders. The holder of instrument then collects profit as rent of the asset.  Three elements of sukkuk as outlined by Taqi Usmani are ·         Sukuk must represent ownership shares in assets or commercial or industrial enterprises that bring profits or revenues ·         Payments to Sukuk-holders should be the share of profits (after costs) of the assets or enterprise ·         The value payable to the Sukuk-holder on maturity should be the current market value of the assets or enterprise and not the principal originally invested, Murabaha is sharia compliant form of leasing. In this form no amount is charged for late payment as it would constitute interest (Riba). Murabaha has become the most prevalent form of Islamic financing. Thursday, May 26, 2016 How leveraging works Leveraging (Other People’s Money) is one of the techniques, most used by billionaires to amass fortune. Sam Walton, Donald Trump, Aristotle Onassis, W. Clement Stone, Daniel Ludwig and number of other tycoons applied this principal to set up their empires. Financial leverage is using borrowed funds to invest in an industry. Say, for example, an investor borrows 1000$ and invest it along with his own 1000$. Now, if the industry generates 20% returns he would be able to produce 33% return on equity as compared to 20% returns he would have generated without leveraging. The most famous example of application is Aristotle Onassis who borrowed funds from banks, using future cash flow from his already owned ships as collateral, to build more ships. Although Daniel Ludwig was the founder of this technique but Aristotle Onassis is more famous for its application. W. Clement Stone also used other people’s money to buy other insurance companies. E.g. he bought the Pennsylvania Casualty Company using funds borrowed from the Commercial Credit Company of Baltimore, which owned the company he was buying. Financial leverage is a double edged sword. Using it can generate super normal profits in good days but it can play against you, as well, by generating extra losses during recession. Leveraging may help you to be extra vigilant regarding your business expenses. The liability you have under taken in form of funds and interest would pressurize you to be extra careful in your expenditure and you would move towards cost cutting. It may provide impetus for you to work hard. Fed chairman Ben Bernanke, has compared, adding debt to firm’s capital structure, to putting a dagger to steering wheel of your car.   Dagger- which points towards your stomach- would motivate you to drive carefully but at the same time the risk of damaging yourself is very serious when someone else hits you- even if you are driving carefully. Thursday, May 19, 2016 Investment in Dubai realty sector Dubai presents lucrative investment opportunities for Asian investors in real estate sector. The proximity of Dubai to these countries along with good rental yields is the main attraction. Moreover, Dubai offers unique opportunity of earning tax free gains. Furthermore, the deteriorating law and order situation in many of surrounding countries is another reason which boosted Dubai’s property market. Affluent investors from gulf including Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and other Arab countries have flocked to Dubai. Investors from non-Arab countries too have benefited from its property market. The data from Dubai Land Department shows that Pakistani investors, during 2015, has invested AED 8 billion in Dubai, which is more than AED 7.588 billion, invested during 2014. India has topped the list of largest investor. The amount invested by Indians during 2015 is AED 20 billion which is more than AED 18.123 billion, invested by Indians during 2014.  Burj khalifa UK citizens are second largest investors in Dubai’s property market. The amount invested by U.K. investors, during 2015, is AED 10 Billion. Previous year investors from U.K. invested AED 9.318 billion. The improvements made by UAE Govt., after 2008 crisis, helped build investor confidence. Steps like increase in property transfer fee sidelined speculators. Furthermore, Escrow account added another layer of security for genuine investors.  Sunday, May 1, 2016 Benefits of investing in REITs REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are companies that pool funds from investors. This fund then is used to own or finance income producing real estate. Owing shares in REITs allow you to reap all benefits of owning property along with some other advantages. These benefits include Investing in small amounts For average joe to purchase property in Karachi or Islamabad isn’t possible. It may take years in saving to buy a small piece of land. But by purchasing shares in REIT you can start owning property with as less as 5000 rupees. Collection of rent and maintenance services  When you own the property you have to maintain the property and collect the rent. If you own more than one property then managing them and collecting rent would be a lot hectic. With REITs you can collect your rents in the form of dividends. Furthermore all the maintenance functions are to be done by your REIT. If you have small amount to invest in real estate, you cannot buy a number of properties which can diversify your risk. Diversification for REITs is possible owing to their huge funds, hence; you can be a lot secure when you invest through REITs. Professional management REITs charge you for their professional services.  The management makes sure that risk and rewards are balanced. Economies of scale Purchasing and managing properties can be very costly. REIT owns a lot of properties. In this way they can spread fix costs over a large number of properties, hence reduced per unit costs for you. Availability of loans In developing world taking loans from banks is a problem. REITs can take loan from banks easily if they have good credit rating. This enables them to make leverage purchases, hence high dividends for you. Less risk of fraud With professional management the risk of fraud is minimized. Defective titles and encumbrances are now not your problems, but your REIT will take care of them.
The towers of glasses that stack up at summer camp could become permanently wedged into a long cylindrical monolith were it not for the fins inside that prevent the glass from nesting all the way down. Mistake-proofin g category: Mistake prevention Setting function: Physical Regulatory function: Shutdown Source: Off-the-shelf Secondary Problems (side effects, weakness or concerns) with this example: The fins make it very difficult to clean the cup effectively. A more effective design would be to place the fins on the outside of the top part of the glass rather than on the inside of the lower part. Outside lugs would: 1. be much easier to clean 2. be less critical to keep clean, having no contact with food 3. have the added benefit of preventing the glass from rolling on the table 4. improve the grip. Sources of Supply: See also: {create links here to other examples that are comparable}
Study Questions: Is there a role for weight training in the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)? A prospective cohort study was conducted in 32,002 men (ages 40-75 years) from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, observed from 1990 to 2008. The authors analyzed the association of weight training with risk of T2DM in men, and the influence of combining weight training and aerobic exercise. Weekly time spent on weight training and aerobic exercise (including brisk walking, jogging, running, bicycling, swimming, tennis, squash, and calisthenics/rowing) was obtained from questionnaires at baseline and biennially during follow-up. Relative risks (RRs) of T2DM by categories of weight training and aerobic exercise were estimated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression stratified jointly by age (in months) at the start of follow-up and the year of questionnaire return. A total of 96% were white, 15% had a family history of diabetes, and participants were otherwise low risk for diabetes based on body mass index and nutrition. At baseline, mean aerobic exercise frequency was 3.2 hours/week, other physical activity 9 MET-hours/week, and14% did some weight training, which increased to 29% by 2006. Weight training at least 150 minutes/week at baseline was associated with more aerobic exercise, less smoking, and a healthier diet. During 508,332 person-years of follow-up (18 years), 2,278 new cases of T2DM were documented. In multivariable-adjusted models, there was a dose-response relationship between an increasing amount of time spent on weight training or aerobic exercise and lower risk of T2DM (p < 0.001 for trend). Engaging in weight training or aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week was independently associated with a 34% lower risk of T2DM (95% confidence interval [CI], 7%-54%) and 52% (95% CI, 45%-58%), respectively. Men who engaged in aerobic exercise and weight training for at least 150 minutes per week had the greatest reduction in T2DM risk (59%; 95% CI, 39%-73%). The authors concluded that weight training was associated with a significantly lower risk of T2DM, independent of aerobic exercise. Combined weight training and aerobic exercise conferred a greater benefit. Weight training is a good alternative for individuals who have musculoskeletal or other limitations for aerobic exercise. There was not a significant attenuation of the benefit for preventing T2DM with weight training after additional adjustment for BMI, but there was in men 65 years and with a family history of T2DM; findings that need to be clarified in studies appropriately powered. The decrease in T2DM with resistance training is thought to be related to the benefits of increasing muscle mass, which increases glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity. Further similar studies need to be done in cohorts with a higher risk for diabetes. While this study was limited to predominantly middle-aged white men, until there is evidence to the contrary, there is no reason to not make similar recommendations to other ethnic groups and women. Clinical Topics: Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease, Prevention, Sports and Exercise Cardiology, Diet, Exercise, Smoking Keywords: Risk, Follow-Up Studies, Exercise, Insulin Resistance, Smoking, Primary Prevention, Glucose, Resistance Training, Body Mass Index, Middle Aged, Racquet Sports, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diet, Confidence Intervals, Diabetes Mellitus < Back to Listings
Experience > Encounter in Charleston Plantations and piazzas. Alligators and artifacts. Colonial artillery and coats of arms. Touch real, living history. Explore Other Experiences Unplug Adventure Imagine Curious hands and minds are welcome here. Edmondston-Alston House The piazza of this museum home is one of the city's most storied spots; it served as a front-row vantage point to history when General Beauregard joined the owners to watch the bombardment of Fort Sumter in 1861. 2 - 6 The original owner was a merchant who could keep watch on his wharves from the piazza. How many boats do you count in the harbor? 7 - 11 Find the family coat of arms on the second story parapet. What would your family coat of arms depict? 12 - 16 Long before the invention of air conditioning, architects designed homes to catch sea breezes. Can you identify how this home uses Mother Nature to cool its interior? South Carolina Aquarium Come face-to-face with a sea turtle nearly the size of a Volkswagen Beetle at this underwater world of imagination for curious guppies that explores the state's distinct maritime zones, from mountain streams to the gulfstream. 2 - 6 Check out Toddler Cove, where the life-sized, aquatic-themed play structures, squishy floor and silly animated clown fish make pint-sized fun. 7 - 11 Experience the 4-D Theater where the imaginative world of a movie bursts into the room with color, imagery and sensations of the natural world. 12 - 16 Can you find one of the few fish able to swim both forward and backward? Here's a hint: it is not what you expect (and it rhymes with squeal!) Charleston Museum It the first museum in America and a virtual treasure chest of cultural artifacts, including guns, buttons, bones and a mummy! 2 - 6 Marvel at the massive whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling in the great hall. 7 - 11 The Lowcountry Hall tracks the evolution from a tribal society into an agricultural empire. Visit this exhibit to learn about "Dave" jars. 12 - 16 Print the scavenger hunt available at charlestonmuseum.org to uncover curiosities hidden in the museum. Boone Hall Plantation Step back in time at one of America's oldest working plantations with its sprawling grounds, interpretative slave cabins, main house and horse pasture. 2 - 6 See the magnificent horses that call the plantation home. 7 - 11 Indigo, cotton and pecans were the primary crops grown at Boone Hall more than 100 years ago. Do all three grow on trees? 12 - 16 All of Charleston's working plantations were located beside a body of water. Do you know why? Magnolia Plantation Indigenous flora and fauna abound at this 70-acre botanical wonderland, where fragrant flowers and wildlife give families offer a complete immersion in nature. 2 - 6 All aboard! The nature train is a fun ride through the plantation's wetlands and marshes. 7 - 11 What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? Why do snakes stick their tongues in and out? Will touching a toad give you warts? Visit the Nature Center and Petting Zoo to find out! 12 - 16 Keep your eyes peeled for an alligator during the hour-long nature boat tour. Old Slave Mart Museum The story of slavery is not easy to tell, but this museum explores the history of African migration in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner. 2 - 6 The Museum is located on a cobblestone street. Have you ever seen a street made of stones? 7 - 11 Writer Pearl Buck said, "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." Talk with your parents about what you learned here. 12 - 16 Locate the exhibit of slave tags and learn the meaning behind these identification markers. The Powder Magazine Designed to store explosive gunpowder in wooden barrels for safety, this 32-inch thick brick wall structure is the oldest public building in the state. 2 - 6 How many kegs can you count? 7 - 11 Steer clear of the wooden stockade! You don't want to wind up with your wrists and neck locked in irons! 12 - 16 Several tons of sand are encased in the solid brick walls. Can you predict what would happen after an explosion? Sign Up To Access Favorites Login to Access Your Favorites No Account Yet? Sign Up & Plan Your Trip Share Your Favorites
Atlantic Puffin From SongbirdReMixWiki Jump to: navigation, search Common Name: Atlantic Puffin Scientific Name: Fratercula arctica Size: 12 ½ inches (32 cm) Habitat: North Atlantic: coasts of northern Europe south to northern France, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and eastern North America south to Maine. Winters south to Morocco and New York. Status: Least Concern. Global Population: 5,700,000 - 6,000,000 mature individuals. Puffins are hunted for eggs, feathers and meat. Atlantic Puffin populations drastically declined due to habitat destruction and exploitation during the 1800s and early 1900s. They continue to be hunted in Iceland and the Faroes even today. The Atlantic Puffin forms part of the national diet in Iceland, where the species does not have legal protection. Puffins are hunted by a technique called “sky fishing”, which involves catching low-flying birds with a big net. Their meat is commonly featured on hotel menus. The fresh heart of a Puffin is eaten raw as a traditional Icelandic delicacy. Diet: Sandeel, herring and capelin. Nesting: Puffins breed in colonies on coasts and islands. The male Atlantic Puffin builds the nest and exhibits strong nest-site fidelity. The nesting substrate of the Atlantic Puffins is soft soil, into which tunnels are dug. The Atlantic Puffin burrow is usually lined with material such as grass, leaves and feathers but is occasionally unlined. The eggs of the Atlantic Puffin are creamy white but can be occasionally tinged lilac. After breeding, puffins winter at sea, usually far from coasts and often extending south of the breeding range. Cool Facts: “Fratercula” in Latin means “little brother” and is probably a reference to puffins’ black and white plumage, which resembles monastic robes. Found in Songbird ReMix Puffins Personal tools
University of Minnesota Extension Extension > Agriculture > Livestock > Swine >Pros and cons of the net energy system for swine Print Icon Email Icon Share Icon Pros and cons of the net energy system for swine Mark Whitney Feed is by far the single most expensive cost of producing pork, accounting for ⅔ to ¾ of total production costs on average, and on a nutritional basis, energy is the most expensive nutrient in the diet. I think we all understand the importance that energy intake and density in the diet plays on subsequent growth performance and carcass characteristics in the pig. Therefore, any means by which we can more closely meet the energy requirements of the pig without over- or under-feeding this nutrient can significantly improve not only feed conversion but also decrease the cost per pound of pork produced. Therefore, nutritionists formulating diets on a least cost basis pay special attention to energy level of the diet and cost to provide it. However, depending on energy system used, different ingredients (energy sources) may have different value in the diet. In general, there are four energy systems to consider. First, Gross Energy (GE) is the total energy contained in a feedstuff, and is determined in a laboratory by burning the feedstuff and measuring the amount of energy liberated. The pig, however, cannot utilize all of the energy, and therefore a more descriptive and animal-specific method is required. The digestible energy (DE) system accounts for loss of energy nutrients not digested and absorbed in the gut and excreted in feces, and is simply calculated as GE minus fecal energy. Most of the energy in feces originated from the feed consumed, but a small amount (dependent on type of feed or ingredients consumed) is endogenous in nature, coming from sloughing of cells and excretion of enzymes and other products by the pig. Use of the DE system is fairly common, especially in Canada. Assuming a corn-soybean meal based diet, DE level may be approximately 85% of GE. A third system, called the metabolizable energy (ME) system, accounts not only for the fecal energy lost by the pig but also losses in urine and methane gas. Because energy lost in methane is very small in pigs, it is usually not measured. Energy lost in urine, however, can vary considerably in different ingredients, with higher protein components increasing the amount of energy lost through urine. Because most diets are formulated fairly close to pig requirements and excessive protein levels are not usually encountered, the ratio of ME to DE is generally quite constant. The ME system can be thought of as being slightly more precise than the DE system, and is commonly used by nutritionists in the United States. ME for corn-soybean meal based diets is typically around 97% of DE, or 82% of GE. The newest, and most accurate energy system (theoretically) being used is the net energy (NE) system. Not only is fecal, urinary, and methane (gaseous) losses of energy accounted for, but also heat produced, and thereby losses in energy due to heat loss are accounted for. NE, therefore, is the energy retained by the animal to be used for productive purposes, such as protein and fat deposition and milk production. NE in corn-soybean meal diets may be 55 – 60% of GE, and a great portion of energy is therefore accounted for with heat loss. The net energy system is especially valuable when considering alternative ingredients besides corn and soybean meal, and is why the NE system is used widely in Europe. When diet ingredients contain high levels of fiber, more energy is liberated as heat and thereby lost, and the NE system can account for the reduction in energy efficiency whereas other energy systems do not. Similarly, because less heat is produced in metabolizing fat into energy, it is given a higher energy value when using the NE system. Many nutritionists in the U.S. choose not to use the NE system, however. One difficulty is that there are not as many studies evaluating the NE of ingredients, and therefore confidence in NE values listed for individual ingredients in references is sometimes questioned. The process of determining net energy values for ingredients is much more expensive and tedious, requires special equipment and use of animals, and therefore is not the type of measurement one can receive by simply sending a sample into a lab to be analyzed. Also, NE gets one closer to meeting the animal’s biological needs, but is not perfect. Efficiency of energy use is also affected by animal stage of growth and use of the energy (whether for lean or fat tissue accretion), in addition to digestibility and chemical characteristics of the diet and its constituents. Despite these challenges, however, more and more of the North American swine feeding industry is moving towards utilization of the NE system. John Patience, director of the Prairie Swine Center, has indicated that switching from DE to NE systems for formulating diets saves $1 to $2 per pig sold in Canada using conventional diets. When deciding whether or not to incorporate alternative ingredients, such as distiller’s dried grains or fat sources, it becomes even more economically important to use NE values. As our understanding of energy metabolism and body composition increases in the pig, so will the value of using the NE system. We will be better able to make decisions on amounts and types of ingredients to include in swine diets as market conditions change, thereby improving overall profitability.
Adaptation Overview In the area of "Adaptation", the climate change team supports member countries and territories in developing and implementing appropriate adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures. Climate change adaptation is being mainstreamed in national and sectoral policies, strategies and plans implemented through coordinated institutional arrangements supported by enabling environments at all levels and sectors, with technical assistance from SPREP and other partners. This includes the development of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), Joint National Action Plans (JNAPs) and the introduction of the Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change (PACC) project in 2009. One of the main objectives of the PACC project is to capture and document lessons learnt from adaptation efforts in the Pacific region. You are here: Home Adaptation
Without Book Interview Questions and Answers | Online Test | Moct Test Download Android App in your Android Device from Google Play Store Institute Training Search by Name or Email Exams Attended Make Homepage Bookmark this page Subscribe Email Address Computer Basics Interview Questions and Answers Ques 1. What is Accelerator key? For Windows, a keyboard accelerator is represented by an underlined letter on a button, menu or other label. On recent versions of Windows, they are hidden until you press the Alt key. Then you can hit that letter to select the menu, button or other input control. Is it helpful? Add Comment View Comments Ques 2. What is Active window? Ans. The current window that is being used. The window you are working currently. Example: If you are working on Paint so the active window is paint, if you working on Notepad so that time Notepad is Active window. Is it helpful? Add Comment View Comments Ques 3. What is Asynchronous SRAM? • Static random-access memory (SRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory that uses bistable latching circuitry to store each bit. The term static differentiates it from dynamic RAM (DRAM) which must be periodically refreshed. SRAM exhibits data remanence,[1] but is still volatile in the conventional sense that data is eventually lost when the memory is not powered. Is it helpful? Add Comment View Comments Ques 4. What is BIOS (Basic Input and Output Software)? Ans. BIOS stands for Basic Input and Output Software. The BIOS is software that controls the most fundamental operations of a computer and a BIOS is necessary in order to start a computer. Without a BIOS, a computer would not know how to communicate with its hard disk and other devices. The BIOS is stored on a ROM (Read-Only Memory) computer chip inside the computer. Many computers in the past few years use "Flash EPROM" chips, which means the BIOS chip can be reprogrammed with an updated BIOS. A BIOS may need to be updated to fix bugs, such as the year 2000 bug, or an update may be necessary in order to support new hardware protocols. Is it helpful? Add Comment View Comments Ques 5. What is Bit? A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in a computer. A bit has a single binary value, either 0 or 1. Although computers usually provide instructions that can test and manipulate bits, they generally are designed to store data and execute instructions in bit multiples called bytes. In most computer systems, there are eight bits in a byte. The value of a bit is usually stored as either above or below a designated level of electrical charge in a single capacitor within a memory device. Half a byte (four bits) is called a nibble. In some systems, the term octet is used for an eight-bit unit instead of byte. In many systems, four eight-bit bytes or octets form a 32-bit word. In such systems, instruction lengths are sometimes expressed as full-word (32 bits in length) or half-word (16 bits in length). Is it helpful? Add Comment View Comments Most helpful rated by users: ©2018 WithoutBook
Sentence Examples • CHELSEA, a city of Suffolk county, Massachusetts, U.S.A., a suburb of Boston. • The principal thoroughfares are Wandsworth Road and Battersea Park and York Roads from east to west, connected north and south with the Victoria or Chelsea, Albert and Battersea bridges over the Thames. • It was cultivated in England in the 17th century, and the name C. lusitanica was given by Philip Miller, the curator of the Chelsea Physick garden, in 1768, in reference to its supposed Portuguese origin. • Independence is further curtailed by other state boards semi-independent of the city - the police commission of three members from 1885 to 1906, and in 1906 a single police commissioner, appointed by the governor, a licensing board of three members, appointed by the governor; the transit commission, &c. There are, further, county offices (Suffolk county comprises only Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop), generally independent of the city, though the latter pays practically all the bills. • It is situated on a peninsula between the Mystic and Chelsea rivers, and Charlestown and East Boston, and is connected with East Boston and Charlestown by bridges. How would you define Chelsea? Add your definition here. comments powered by Disqus
What is cryptocurrency? What Is Cryptocurrency? What Is Cryptocurrency? Lately, there is a lot of talking about various cryptocurrencies and their growing importance on the global market. Although the technology that backs them up is more than a decade old, cryptocurrencies have seen immense breakthrough to mainstream traders and investors only in the past couple of years. Surely you have heard about Bitcoin, a virtual currency that doesn’t need a centralized authority like government or bank to approve and record transactions, because all of that is done automatically. There is a lot of other cryptocurrencies bearing more or less similarities to Bitcoin in existence today. The crypto marketplace is truly vivid with its current cap surpassing 150 billion dollars, increasing more than ten times in a single year! Now you see why more and more traders are entering the market, since cryptocurrencies are in its early stage and profits are almost guaranteed. Want to know what is cryptocurrency and how can you invest in one? Read our introductory article and learn the basics of trading crypto! What is cryptocurrency? | The inception The first effort in creating cryptocurrency happened back in 1998, when the system of so-called “b-money” was described. It was to be a form of electronic cash system distributed between anonymous parties. However, despite the promising idea, the project did not go into major development. However, in the very same year, American computer scientist and cryptographer Nick Szabo created what will be a predecessor of Bitcoin, called Bit Gold. Although the final product was never really implemented, it is consisted of some key elements found in the Bitcoin core architecture as well. For instance, Bit Gold has introduced the proof-of-work concept, determining the computing power needed to solve series of complex cryptographic puzzles. The participant of the network that succeeds in solving the cryptographic problem creates a block, a list of approved transactions in the given timeframe. That block is added to the immutable ledger called blockchain, and the creator of the block earns a revenue in a form of variable amount of cryptocurrency. The same proof-of-work scheme is a key principle of Bitcoin network, designed in 2008 as a result of global economy crisis. One man or a group of people hidden behind the name Satoshi Nakamoto wanted to develop a truly decentralized peer-to-peer electronic cash system. Backed by lack of faith in governmental institutions and stability of fiat currencies in general, Bitcoin rose to prominence in the coming years due to its decentralized nature and independence of institutions. Every participant of the network has a copy of a whole ledger with all transactions made from the very inception of Bitcoin, giving the currency much-needed stability and preventing attacks that could make changes to the blockchain. This was the beginning of a vivid market we have today. Now, let’s see how one can join in! What is cryptocurrency? | Entering the market So you’ve seen the potential behind the concept of cryptocurrency and now you want to get involved. But how do you do it? Well, there are several ways – you can start mining them, speculate their price fluctuations or buy them, either for day trading or holding long term. Buying cryptocurrencies is the most popular way, since the growing number of exchanges give you a plethora of trading opportunities. These exchanges don’t differ from the traditional ones, except they only allow you to buy and sell cryptocurrencies and exchange them for several supported fiat currencies. The first step in trading cryptocurrencies is choosing your desired exchange. It is advised to choose among most popular ones such as Coinbase, Bittrex or Binance, since they incorporate more security measures and are less vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Upon registering, you’ll be asked to provide some personal information including documents for identity checkups, as well as some payment information for deposits. Be sure to enable two-factor authentication option, which gives an additional layer of security to your funds. Now, scroll through fiat currency pairs (these are usually limited to top 10 currencies), choose the one you want, place an order and that’s it! You’ve become an owner of your first cryptocurrency. Now you can keep it in your personal or exchange wallet, sell it, swap it for others or spend it wherever it’s recognized as a legal payment system. Keep on reading and learn why you should be doing this right now! What is cryptocurrency? | Why join? There are many advantages that cryptocurrencies have comparing to traditional, government-backed currencies. Due to their encryption and digital form, cryptocurrencies can’t be counterfeited or lost, since all transactions with input and output addresses are written on the blockchain and distributed to all network participants. They eliminate the need for a mediator such as bank, since all transactions are automatically executed. Transaction fees are significantly lower than with traditional methods, and the speed of execution is higher as well. Also, due to decentralized nature, cryptocurrencies are maintained through peer-to-peer protocol involving all participants, rendering them immune to any possible government manipulations. And finally, since you can send as much crypto to as much people you want, cryptocurrencies are creating a global marketplace without any middlemen. This is only the beginning of the revolution, so get on board while it’s still not too late! What is cryptocurrency? | Conclusion After reading our introductory article, you now have a basic knowledge about the concept of cryptocurrency. Designed as the people’s response to manipulative economical operations done by global corporations, which resulted with economy crisis, it will truly change the world as we know it. Market cap is growing each day, as more and more people tend to realize the major advantages of cryptocurrencies. We will surely see much more innovations here, so it’s safe to say that we are currently at the beginning of something truly special. Therefore, we suggest you to roam around our website and go through our library of articles describing other key features of trading cryptocurrencies. That way you’ll educate yourself properly, which will surely result in high incomes once you decide to enter the market. Good luck in investing in your prosperous future! Author's overall rating: Author: Ben Prescott
Home » Uncategorized » CONJUCTION USE mini-test 8 CONJUCTION USE mini-test 8 1. Fill in the blank: ______ Sumiko hates chocolate, she loves sugar. A: But B: Or C: Although D: And E: So 2. Fill in the blank: He was invited ______ he did not come. A: if B: when C: or D: but E: while 3. Fill in the blank: They’re tired ______ they worked for ten hours. A: because B: however C: or D: when E: except 4. Fill in the blank: She dictates ______ I type. A: while B: for C: during D: or E: although 5. Fill in the blank: We get good grades ______ we study. A: but B: except C: or D: during E: because 6. Fill in the blank: All the leaves are brown ______ the sky is grey. A: or B: either C: and D: finally E: before 7. Fill in the blank: Everybody’s talking at me ______ I can’t hear a word they’re saying. A: either B: if C: or D: but E: then 8. Fill in the blank: “America: love it ______ leave it.” A: except B: but C: so that D: or E: when 9. Fill in the blank: The recession has caused a $1.00 drop in share prices, ______ 45 percent. A: whereas B: or C: but D: so E: if 10. Fill in the blank: You won’t ______ you don’t practice. A: to get better because B: get any better if C: getting better if D: better since E: improve but Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s %d bloggers like this:
Board of Education’s Office of Integration and Human Relations Human relations was the term used to describe a desired state of harmony between different ethnic groups in America during the heyday of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.  It was in use in 1968, when I was twelve and my father was forty-four, when he was working at the New York City Board of Education’s Human Relations Unit.  Human relations and intergroup relations meant black students would be allowed to go to the same schools as white students, and that all reasonable steps would be taken to ensure that ancient and present anger and grudges did not interfere in the relations between these young humans or with their education.  The animating idea was that all children have potential and that it is a crime to waste that human potential. Not to be an asshole about it, but the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision that had finally done away with the hateful “separate but equal” doctrine in public education was already older than I was in 1968.  The Court had called for desegregation of public schools “with all deliberate speed” and, like many things the law solemnly proclaims, it amounted to a kind of mockery.   The weasel words “with all deliberate speed”, well-meant, no doubt, but… as they say, you cannot legislate morality, and if local whites sincerely hated local blacks it would do more harm than good, perhaps, to send in troops with bayonets and defend the little Negroes from the wrath of the children of their fellow poor people who hated them.   How, in fact, could we police every playground, bathroom, elementary school cafeteria, even if we wanted to?     A better approach, it seemed at the time, was to create groups to study the problem, issue reports, and form Human Relations programs.   New York City had a program, so did several other large cities including Los Angeles and St. Louis.   My father joined the Human Relations Unit as an experienced high school teacher with a proven talent for interacting with students, as he had for years as faculty liaison of the G.O. at Martin Van Buren High School.  The G.O. (“general organization”) was the student organization at Van Buren and my father was its faculty adviser.  He worked closely with student leaders, at least one of whom, Mike Levine, by name, called him at home regularly during dinner hours.   Thinking about this now, my father’s move to the Board of Ed headquarters on Livingston Street in Brooklyn from the nearby high school in Queens, was his chance to make a difference in something he believed in.   He received the same teacher’s pay and benefits and commuted two or three times the distance to and from work every day, but was finally able to use his talents to do more than inspire the occasional high school social studies student.   He was returning to the front lines of tikkun olam, repairing the world, doing God’s work, fulfilling his potential to help bend the arc of history toward justice and fairness. They did some good work in the world in those years.  Angry Italian kids, their high school turf forcibly invaded by unwanted Negro kids and Puerto Ricans, on top of the insult of the dark brown kids, literally rioted.   Cops were called to the school, the place was put on lockdown.  My father, his black hair spilling over his collar in the back, his thick sideburns showing a certain counter-cultural panache, strode into the school with a young, blonde WASP on one side, an Italian guy on the other side, a black man, a hispanic woman.  Into the vestibule of the Brooklyn shit-hole they went, getting dirty looks from the kids as they entered. “Dass some shit,” one of the passersby would hear the black haired Jewish intellectual type say, and the tiny door would begin to come open.   “You are free to express yourself freely here,” the big Jew would tell them.  “I’m not squeamish about language, but I am about dishonesty — I have no use for a fucking liar.  Use the words you need to express yourself, but please, out of respect for the rest of us, don’t try to feed us any bullshit, all right?  Our bullshit detectors all work very well. We have a problem at your school that can be fixed, mostly by learning that we have a lot more in common than we are led to think we do.  We are all going to fix a bunch of the problem together this weekend.  It’s going to be fine, but first we have to talk.”   And they would talk, in sensitivity training sessions, in role playing sessions.   “You want to know why the word ‘nigger’ is offensive, motherfucker?” the black kid would say to the leader of the Italian kids.  And my father and his trainers knew to hang back at that moment, I suspect.  This is a great moment between the leaders of the two gangs.  My father would make a note in his head, and at the proper time he’d begin. “‘Motherfucker’ is one of the most fascinating and powerful words in our language.  Tony, you said it’s a fighting word, the last, irresistible, provocation before fists fly, which it certainly is.  Lamar gave us two or three other meanings for ‘motherfucker’.  The word is like holding lightning in your hand, if you think about it,” and they would talk about who the real motherfuckers were, and who just thought they was real motherfuckers, and soon every motherfucker in the room would be nodding their heads, some of them laughing.  “Do you make the feeling behind a word more or less powerful when you forbid its use?”  I could hear my father asking.  “Lamar, would you prefer Tony call you a nigger or an ‘n-word’?  Any preference at all between those two?” “Fuck no,” says Lamar, “let the nigger call me what he wants, but let him say it with love.”  And Tony bursts out laughing, he never realized what a funny motherfucker Lamar was.  The two had been implacable enemies, the most charismatic of their respective warring tribes, and now they were each seeing the other as a highly intelligent, witty young individual.  Like the Jew said, they actually did find out they had more in common than they thought. “You know, as far as my people were concerned, and I mean the White Anglo Saxon Protestants who actually run this country,” said the blond folk singer, “Italians were niggers too.  I mean, no offense, Tony, but Italians were one tiny step above niggers, in the same category as garlic-eating Jews like Irv over here.   American history has not been pretty, in fact, in many ways it’s been very, very ugly, but going forward the future belongs to us.” As they broke for lunch students who had never talked to each other began to chat.  The food was way better than school food, the setting, in a country campus somewhere, was a bit magical for these city kids, made them feel special.  Breaking bread, talking frankly, having adults who were not trying to micromanage and control everything, who let them talk the way they talked… these things were all good.  Friendships emerged.  The fighting at their school would stop.  For a year or two.  The friends would graduate and their little brothers and sisters would start attacking each other. “Well, you’ve captured some of this, Elie, but you know who you really need to speak to if you want a primary source, don’t you?  You have to find and contact my man Phil Trombino.  Phil was there, he’d be sitting next to Tony as Evelyn was telling him Italians were actually niggers.  Tony would look at Phil and Phil would raise his eyebrows and nod.  ‘Ain’t dat some shit?’ Phil’s familiar expression would tell the Italian kid.  The Unit really was a great idea, until Nixon and that ventriloquist’s dummy Reagan and all the rest of them repackaged the narrative and made guys like us the problem, and, if you think about it, when have we not been the real problem?  Nixon had plenty of guys like us on his enemies list, the paranoid, drunken fuck.  Call Trombino, Elie, seriously.  This is a story that should be told, and who better to tell it than you?” Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. 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Russia Seeks Ice-Free Ports in Ukraine, Syria By CIMSEC 2016-12-15 18:57:46 [by LT Jason H. Chuma] The two major military actions conducted by Russia in the past two years are operations in eastern Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea in March 2014, and interventions in the Syrian civil war on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad starting in September 2015. These two interventions are normally discussed separately with separate strategic bases. Many view Russian operations in Ukraine to be in response to a perceived threat from NATO expansion eastward with the inclusion of former USSR member states or Soviet Bloc countries in 1999, 2004, and 2009. Intervention in Syria can be seen as a means of asserting great power influence in the Middle East, a region where the United States and the West is withdrawing influence. These assessments of Russian involvement in Ukraine and Syria are at least partially correct, but there is one common thread they both share: Tartus in Syria and Sevastopol in Crimea are warm water ports that provide access to the Mediterranean, either directly or via the Black Sea and the Dardanelles. Warring for Maritime Access Even before Peter the Great, access to the sea – and especially ports which are ice-free year round – have driven Russian strategic decisions. Russia fought twelve wars between 1676 and 1878, primarily against Turkey, to establish unrestricted access to the Black Sea and attempt to establish direct access to the eastern Mediterranean, enabling easy trade routes with southern Europe. By 1812, Russia had secured access to the Black Sea, but direct access to the Mediterranean was still elusive. This was significant because transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean requires the use of the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits, which was, and still is, under Turkish control. Probably the closest Russia came to having unrestricted access from the mainland to the Mediterranean was during World War I. In the Constantinople Agreement, the United Kingdom and France agreed to give Russia control of Constantinople (Istanbul) and the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits in the event of a victory by the Entente. The October 1917 revolution and subsequent Treaty of Brest-Litovsk which ended hostilities between Russia and the Central Powers removed them from the Entente and any hope of the Constantinople Agreement coming to fruition. Similar to the U.S. 6th Fleet, the Soviet Union maintained a sustained presence in the Mediterranean via the 5th Operational Squadron. A small continuous Russian presence in the Mediterranean has been made possible through an alliance with Syria. Russia has maintained a naval presence in Tartus, Syria, since 1971, and managed to maintain that presence following the fall of the Soviet Union due to a deal that absolved Syria’s debts to the Soviet Union. This naval presence in Tartus is extremely important to Russia because though multiple NATO members have direct access to the Mediterranean, Russia does not share this luxury. She is dependent on Turkey, a NATO member, for the use of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles to access the Mediterranean from the Black Sea. Maintaining a friendly regime in power through President Bashar al-Assad is key to maintaining a continuous Russian presence in the Mediterranean. The naval base at Sevastopol in Crimea was founded in 1783 by the Russian Empire. It was transferred to Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union, in 1978. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia set up a 20-year lease with Ukraine to maintain the Black Sea Fleet at Sevastopol. Sevastopol and Crimea are of key strategic value to Russia. It served as a staging ground for blockades and amphibious landings during Russia’s war with Georgia in 2008. Russia chose to annex Crimea in 2014 and ensure uninhibited access to the naval base at Sevastopol. By contrast, Russia did not annex Abkhazia or South Ossetia, two Georgian republics allied with Russia but not containing Russian naval bases. Sevastopol and Tartus are key strategic bases for Russia. Russia, as a predominately continental power, has always had the challenge of not having great coastal access, particularly in the Mediterranean. The ability to operate beyond its own coastal waters is enshrined in Russia’s maritime strategy, Maritime Doctrine for the Russian Federation 2020. The strategy describes “naval presence of the Russian Federation in the ocean . . . display[ing] the flag and military forces,” and “in the Mediterranean Sea . . . sufficient naval presence of the Russian Federation in the region.” Even if securing naval bases is not Russia’s only motivation in Crimea and Syria, it must at least be part of its strategic calculus. Russia has clearly demonstrated that restoring a strong naval presence is a national priority, and the Mediterranean has been a key maritime hub for western civilization for all of written history. Ensuring continued access to the Mediterranean for the Russian Navy must be at the forefront of any strategic thinking in the region.
Is anger a predominant note in "Songs of Experience"? Expert Answers Doug Stuva eNotes educator| Certified Educator Your question covers a tremendous amount of territory, asking about the collection of poems by Blake, Songs of Experience.  Yet you ask for a detailed answer.  That's difficult in this forum of relatively short answers.  I'll answer giving you much detail about one particular poem, and let other editors deal with the collection as a whole. No, anger is not predominant in William Blake's "The Tyger."  Awe and reverence and wonder are dominant. The poem focuses on the creator and the tyger.  The speaker is not angry at the creator, though, nor is the speaker angry at the tyger.  The speaker is in awe that a creator could make a beast with such "fearful symmetry," with such "fire" in its eyes.  The speaker wonders at a creator that could "twist the sinews" of the heart of the great beast, and at the blacksmith (figuratively speaking) that could form a beast capable of such "deadly terrors."  When studied in conjunction with its companion poem, "The Lamb," the tyger, or any large, ferocious cat, is contrasted with the meek, mild, innocent lamb.  The tyger is the opposite of the lamb.  If the lamb is innocence, the tyger is experience.  And the speaker's point is that the same creator that made the lamb made the tyger.  They are two sides of the same creator, and by extension, two sides of nature and existence and humans.  Humans consist of oppositions, and therefore oppositions are not really oppositions.  Humans consist of a mixture of good and evil, innocence and experience.  Dichotomies do not exist, for Blake.  People are not totally good or totally evil--we are mixtures.  Blake is also interested in perspectives, vantage points, points of view.  The lamb and the tyger also present different perspectives of the creator and of existence. Read the study guide: Songs of Innocence and of Experience Access hundreds of thousands of answers with a free trial. Start Free Trial Ask a Question
It's been five years since America retired its Space Shuttle program. Five years in which American astronauts have been forced to rent rides on Russian rockets for up to $82 million a head. But now, after five long years, the space shuttle program has finally been reborn ... ... in India. India's Re-usable Launch Vehicle. Image source: Indian Space Research Organisation. Haven't I seen you somewhere before? Last week, in an announcement that stole headlines around the world, India announced the first launch of its new "Re-usable Launch Vehicle" (RLV). A small, currently unmanned Space Shuttle lookalike, India's Space Research Organisation built RLV for just $14.2 million -- less than a quarter the cost of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. RLV's first iteration is a 21-foot long, 1.75-ton prototype that has already proved capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5.0 and heights of 39 miles above Earth's surface, then returning to splash down at a preplanned position in the Bay of Bengal. It's sized at about two-thirds the length of Boeing's (NYSE:BA) military drone space shuttle, the X-37, and about one-sixth the size of NASA's defunct Space Shuttles. Later versions of RLV will grow in size (and attempt to land on runways). Ultimately, India expects to produce a production version 120 feet in length in 2030. That would be four times the size of Boeing's X-37, but still only about 70% of the size of NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavour. India's goal in developing RLV is the same goal SpaceX set in building a vertical landing feature into its Falcon 9 rocket. For that matter, it's the same goal NASA set in developing the Space Shuttle: To transition from disposable launch vehicles to a reusable platform, cutting the cost of space launch dramatically -- perhaps by as much as 90%. Deja vu all over again Of course, NASA flew 135 shuttle missions over 30 years before cutting short the Space Shuttle program. In all that time, NASA never managed to achieve its own cost cutting goal. In fact, at an average cost of more than $1 billion per launch, the Space Shuttle program was even more expensive than what NASA pays United Launch Alliance for use of disposable Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. So what are the chances that India's RLV space shuttle will succeed where NASA failed? What are the chances it will succeed where SpaceX is succeeding? Indian mathematics I posed this question to Jim Cantrell, CEO of Vector Space Systems, last week. And you may be surprised to hear that, in several respects, Cantrell thinks India may hold an advantage over NASA -- and perhaps even over American private space companies such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. For example, Cantrell points to experience that NASA gained from its Space Shuttle program, and that the Soviet Union gained from its copycat shuttle program. This is experience that India can draw upon to lower its own development costs. Cantrell notes that India's RLV "is similar in size and shape to the X37 and the original Soviet shuttle prototype," inferring "there seems to be some intellectual property bleed over from these two programs." In short, India has a head start in developing its own space shuttle. Another point in India's favor: Cost. India's cost of operations in space "tend to be 2-3x less than western equivalents," notes Cantrell, a fact owing in part to low "relative labor costs of the Indian labor base." But cheap labor isn't the only factor affecting cost. Cantrell also applauds the "smaller organizational size and less entrenched bureaucracy" at work in India's space program, and the country's "willingness to take risks." Simply put, India doesn't regulate and test everything to death before flying it. This lack of red tape, says Cantrell, "is a proven factor in lowering the costs." What works there, works here Indeed, you can see these same factors at work at SpaceX, probably the most famous place Cantrell worked prior to setting up Vector Space Systems. Historically at least, SpaceX has relied primarily on commercial space launches for its revenues -- a business with less regulatory constraint than the business of launching satellites for the U.S. government and military. This lack of red tape (plus small size, lack of bureaucracy, and certainly a "willingness to take risks") all help explain how SpaceX is able to charge prices as little as one-third of what United Launch Alliance charges -- and beginning to steal work away from its larger rival. Bringing the argument home to investors Will these factors, which help SpaceX beat ULA, now turn around and enable low-labor-cost India to beat SpaceX at its own game? Will they turn India into yet another low-cost competitor for ULA itself? That depends. As Cantrell explains, probably the biggest factor affecting launch cost in a reusable rockets program is the ability to launch and reuse the rockets often. A company needs quick turnaround time, and multiple launches per year (and even per month), to spread out development and production costs as thinly as possible, and drive average launch costs down. At Vector Space, Cantrell targets as many as 100 rocket launches a year to maximize the efficiencies of rocket reuse. That's twice what NASA targeted for Space Shuttle (which was supposed to fly 50 times a year). It's 10 times the 10 flights-per-year Space Shuttle actually accomplished. And it's about 100x more flights than India has so far accomplished with its prototype RLV. So can India underprice SpaceX? India hopes to have RLV operational and flying by 2030. If it succeeds in that task, and in driving down its own already-low launch costs by 90%, then there's a very real possibility that by 2030, India will be able to launch satellites for less than the $62 million SpaceX charges today. Of course, by 2030, SpaceX's own launch costs will probably be even cheaper -- and SpaceX will be landing people on Mars. Then again, if this is how things play out, I'd say that would be a victory for both India and for SpaceX. While India is busy building shuttles to orbit Earth, SpaceX is hatching plans to occupy Mars. Image source: SpaceX.
Technology content trusted in North America and globally since 1999 7,809 Reviews & Articles | 58,042 News Posts WinXP Tweaking: Protecting your PC from the outside world Intelligent Computing Practices Many people recommend using a limited account when on the Internet so as to not install bad software. This is a good way of prevention, but it really doesn't tell you what you should avoid; there are plenty of things that can still go wrong even when on a limited account. When receiving and replying to e-mail, check who has sent it and be sceptical of its legitimacy if it involves financial details. Banks do not send e-mails asking you for your account details, neither does Microsoft warn you about problems by e-mail, no companies ask you for their product's CD-Key. If you have willingly done the senders bidding in the above scenarios, you've lost something. If you are unsure of the verification, ring up the company involved to see if they have e-mailed you. Also while e-mailing, do not open attachments that you are unsure of, they may contain viri and be sure that you scanned them for a virus before you open them. When buying items online, verify that the URL has a protocol of https://... as the "s" means secure which prevents fraud, in addition to reading the company's privacy policy. If they don't have a policy or they have one with nice fine writing, beware. This includes downloading programs, if the don't have a privacy policy, the software could be spyware. Avoid sending personal information online unless on a secure server (above) as anyone can intercept the packet of your personal information for their own gain. When on public computers, refrain from saving passwords and usernames; be sure to sign out after each session and to clear the cache, cookies and URL's visited. Using Firefox creates a much more secure environment to explore the Internet. It can block pop-ups and doesn't have the security holes that hackers target within Internet Explorer. Only use one anti-virus and one firewall at the same time, as having two of a kind is really just a waste of resources as each program must check the data for itself just to reach the same result. Lastly it is most important to check for updates for your preventative programs regularly to combat new threats. When you install a personal firewall, there usually aren't many settings to tweak as they come fairly secure 'out-of-the-box'. However anti-virus products can be tweaked heavily, usually involving a trade-off with protection and speed. Some anti-virus software can be configured to have different scanning levels with either low, medium or high. High is the most secure but it will take the longest time to analyse the files. Also, depending on your computer, you may not need all of the protection your anti-virus product automatically loads up. If you are still using Windows 9x, you could put your virus protection levels down to low, because no viri are written for it anymore. Be careful if using another anti-spyware tool other than the ones that I mentioned, many of these programs are actually spyware themselves using clever tactics to make the user think it will help when it won't, so ideally use Spybot Search and Destroy or Lavasoft Ad-aware. If you choose to use both spyware products, don't be fooled into thinking Spybot Search and Destroy is actually spyware itself. Spybot creates dormant backups of the files it removes by default which other anti-spyware programs will then pick up as spyware. Generally, you do not need spyware / adware / malware to be backed up, so you could disable this option and prevent any issues. How much to upgrade to x64 Edition? Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (ZAT00008) for PC
Moral Education Por em 18/01/2016 Raising a new member of a social group is a complex endeavor that involves several different elements. The first job, of utmost importance, is the transmission of that community’s customs. The next step is their schooling, that is, transmitting information humanity had accumulated during the millennia before the child’s arrival. Teaching is an arduous, difficult task, especially nowadays, when children are more used to learning through electronic devices, which are more interesting than what goes on in a classroom. There, even today, teachers still use chalk and blackboard to try and give children a recap of the “episodes” they’d missed. Education is meant to give children the tools to better keep up with whatever happens in their lives. Along with the transmission of knowledge and customs, families have an important role in transferring the ethical and moral values accepted and practiced by its members. Not just accepted, but also practiced! Yes, because children should not be underestimated: they know enough to notice contradictions between what is expected of them and how adults behave. These contradictions noticed within the family are, in fact, only the beginning, as they happen everywhere else, as well. Adults whose moral behavior is consistent are very well aware that most people those who are professionally, socially and financially successful are not considerate, and do not observe even the most basic rules regarding other people’s rights. So, how to proceed, when raising children? Should they be taught more solid and considerate values, which will make them less competitive, or should their values mirror those of successful people? I firmly believe that we should transmit to our children the moral values in which we believe and that we practice. It might mean it’ll be harder for them to reach higher places in the world we live in, but I believe it is an essential condition to achieve emotional happiness, build solid bonds of friendship and establish good self-esteem. Now, I think young people must be told that not everyone has the same standards, that there are those who cheat at the “game of life,” and furthermore, that they have to be on alert and protect themselves as necessary, so as to not be too harmed by those who aren’t trustworthy. Children should be raised with solid principles, but they shouldn’t be gullible. The second and most important element of giving children a moral education is finding an efficient way to transmit the values held by the parents. There lies the question: is it advisable to reward children when they act according to what is expected of them? Should children be trained like pets, that is, should they get a treat “treat” whenever they behave well? Many parents, educators, and even psychology professionals, believe in this approach, called operant conditioning, in which positive reinforcement is used to support what is seen as good behavior. I absolutely do not agree with it. I believe that children who study and get good grades only in exchange for a gift at the end of the school year are not receiving a proper moral education. They might get good results in their exams, but I don’t know if they’ll have developed a genuine love for learning.  All appropriate behavior must be sought even without prizes. In the old days, children were taught to act in a way adults believed was right, and parents used to tell them “it is what’s expected of you.” Going to school was a privilege, and it was a child’s duty to make good use of the opportunity. Honestly, loyalty and decency were no more than part of a child’s duties. There were no rewards for appropriate behavior, just punishment for when they were bad. Children were terrified of losing their parents’ love, and that was the main tool used to transmit values. If, at first, a child behaved according to the rules because they were afraid of this emotional loss, they’d gradually develop a true personal pleasure in being a decent person, who was respected for their beliefs. Thus, these values were internalized and slowly became part of their self. It is true, however, that many families overemphasized generosity, past the point of justice, which not a good moral choice. I believe it’s time to rethink this behavior, to fight against the excess in generosity that creates unwarranted guilt. I believe it’s time to value people who are fair. Fair and discerning! Tradução: Amanda Morris
Map of life expectancy at birth from Global Education Project. Sunday, January 07, 2018 Sunday Sermonette: Dust Here's the second half of Genesis 3. As I said, it's starting to get more interesting. 16 To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;     with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband,     and he will rule over you.” The Hebrews were a patriarchal society, to say the least. This Just So story justifies the order of society. But how can a just God punish all of Eve's descendants for her single act of disobedience?  “Cursed is the ground because of you;     through painful toil you will eat food from it     all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,     and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow     you will eat your food until you return to the ground,     since from it you were taken; for dust you are     and to dust you will return.”  This is quite odd since humans are evidently already mortal, inasmuch as they haven't eaten of the Tree of Life. It is certainly the human condition that we must work for our daily bread -- or rather at least some of us must. But the ancient Hebrews probably didn't have a leisure class. Here's another oddity. God never actually commanded the people not to eat from the Tree of Life. Now all of a sudden he doesn't want them to do it, but they could have at any time! This story is muddled in many ways, but it seems to be trying to explain basic facts of the people's condition: labor, mortality, and patriarchy. Anthropologists have learned that hunter-gatherer people actually work less than agriculturalists, and have more egalitarian societies. Of course they are mortal, but nevertheless perhaps this story does have some resonance with actual history. The fall, however, did not consist in eating from a tree; but rather in learning to plant and reap. Gay Boy Bob said... I'm reading all of your posts on the Holy Bible and find them interesting. I can't wait for your sure to come future series on the Quran. Don Quixote said... Can we please have some intelligent comments from people who read this blog? I'm so tired of reading GBB's dumb-ass snark. Speaking of dumb-ass, GBB, I've told you before that if you're going to combine two or more words to function syntactically as an adjective, you need to hyphenate them. So your banal comment, above, should have read "sure-to-come" ... but please do continue to expose your ignorance through ignorant, perverse comments that are poorly written. But Cervantes really does deserve better. Infinitely better. I mean, any comment from any writer, even a fairly illiterate one, would be better than your meaningless, invidious but, ultimately inconsequential drivel. Cervantes said... I would like to do Quran some day but the Bible is going to take a while. However, the Bible is obviously much more important in U.S. society and politics, which is why it made sense to start there. I have read Quran, in case you were wondering.
Special needs of vegetarians and vegans A medical professional fills out form on clipboard overlooking vegetables Image credit: Adobe Stock The vegetarian diet can be typically low in protein, prompting a deficiency in catecholamines, the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of being energized and alert. Tyrosine can be found as vegetarian capsules and as a powder to dissolve in water, for a catecholamine boost. Vegetarians can also be low in tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin. Try taking 5-HTP derived from the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia for a serotonin boost. The endorphins are comprised of fifteen amino acids, and vegetarians could easily fall short of them because they are found mostly in meats. Since fats and oils encourage the release of the endorphins, be sure not to limit high unsaturated fat foods like nuts or avocado. Beware of unhealthy addictions to endorphin-generating activities like over-exercising, sex addiction, or overeating chocolate. This is your body’s attempt to force a short term burst of endorphins for a “runner’s high.” A better way to help your body produce endorphins is to use the amino acid supplement “DLPA” (D-phenylalanine and L-phenylalanine), exercise only in moderation, and include lots of protein at every meal. Many brands of DLPA state: “suitable for vegetarians.” To avoid a deficiency in essential fatty acids, vegans may take algae oil instead of fish oil. Algae is what the fish feed on! Don’t rely solely on flaxseed oil to get DHA, because it is not readily converted to EPA or DHA, so you are probably getting less DHA than you think. Change all your cooking oil to olive oil or coconut oil, or ghee if you’re not vegan. Today’s diet of fried and sauteed foods has thrown the body’s expected ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 way off. This increases the incidence of depression because the brain is not being fed the essential oil it needs: DHA. Beware of too much soy, because it seems to inhibit the conversion of tyrosine into the catecholamine neurotransmitters. It may lead to a blah, flat mood that lasts a long time. Don't stop eating soy based foods, though. Vegans need soy, but just be aware if you are eating tofu and soyburgers at every meal. As Joseph Pizzorno, founding president of Bastyr University counsels, “Too much of anything, no matter how healthful, can cause an imbalance.” And for the B vitamins and iron, be sure to take your favorite brand of vegetarian multivitamin every day. A calcium supplement should be taken separately, in the afternoon and/or before bed. The shocker list of nutrients lists “brewer's yeast” as a source of many of the B vitamins. You can find “nutritional yeast” at health food stores or online; this is a favorite supplement of vegans. Nutritional yeast is any yeast grown for the specific purpose of being a food supplement, and brewer’s yeast (the yeast used in making beer) is used as a nutritional yeast when it's grown in the presence of vitamin B12 and other nutrients. It can have a wide range of nutritional values, depending on the species of yeast and on what medium it was grown, like grain or sugarcane. Don't forget about Bragg's Liquid Amino Acids. This brand has been around for decades because it answers a vital need in the vegan community. Sprinkle some drops of it on your meals just before eating to ensure the amino acids are intact. (Don't cook with it.) Just like everybody else, vegetarians also need to be wary of eating too much refined sugar, white flour-based carbohydrates, and foods fried in rancid oils. Substituting an extra bag of chips to make up for the fact that there is no meat in your sandwich only sets you up to crave more fried foods and empty calories, and ultimately leads to 'false' bad moods.
A Simplified Grounding Objection To Middle Knowledge The topic of God’s knowledge is admittedly a difficult one for human beings to discuss, given that the subject is so far beyond our ken. But, over years of reflection, the church has come up with at least two kinds of divine knowledge which almost all theologians have agreed God possesses: Natural knowledge: God’s knowledge of what is necessary (such as his being) and what is possible (such as what things he can create). Free knowledge: God’s knowledge of what he has created or decreed to create. On the classic definition of the term, knowledge is just “true, justified, belief.” While things like externalist views of knowledge and the Gettier problems have complicated this analysis of knowledge, most philosophers will still want to include the “true” component in their definitions. Of course, many contemporary epistemologies will deny an infallibilist criterion to knowledge, which allows for the possibility that someone can have a warranted belief in something (which we could call knowledge) which actually turned out to be false. However, on classic definitions of God, no such criterion for something to be knowledge is required to know that God must have infallible knowledge, since infallibility is a property of God himself. He is infallible, so his knowledge must be too. This means, then, that all God’s knowledge must be of true things. This leads to another age-old philosophical discussion: what is truth? Or in other words: what makes something true? By far the oldest and most popular answer to this is what could be generally called the “correspondence theory” of truth. This was most simply expressed (in my opinion) by Aristotle, who said that truth is “saying of what is, that it is”. Thus, knowledge, at least for God, must be belief of something that is, that it is. For him to know something, that something must exist in reality (in some form). It is easy to understand, then, what God’s free knowledge corresponds to in reality: it corresponds to everything that exists in reality distinct from Himself. Further, God’s natural knowledge corresponds to knowledge of himself: he knows what he is, which includes knowing his capability, which includes knowing everything that can possibly be created. But Molinists add another kind of knowledge to God’s mind: middle knowledge. This is knowledge of what any libertarian-ly free creature would do in any given circumstance. Theopedia helpfully summarizes the use that Molinism puts to the doctrine of middle knowledge, in explaining how God’s foreknowledge is grounded in such a way as to preserve libertarian freedom. It explains the logical sequence of God’s knowledge in the following order: 1. God’s knowledge of all possible and necessary truths (natural knowledge — of what could happen). 2. God’s knowledge of all feasible worlds (middle knowledge — of what would happen through free choices under certain circumstances, including counterfactuals). 3. Divine decree to create His selected world. 4. God’s Foreknowledge set through His selected decree (free knowledge — of what will come to pass). One of the main recurring objections to this form of divine knowledge is known as the grounding objection. I want to briefly trace this objection. Firstly, middle knowledge, by definition, cannot be God’s free knowledge. God’s free knowledge is of what is (or will be), and not what could be (or could have been). Furthermore, God’s free knowledge exists logically subsequent to God’s decree to create, whereas his middle knowledge is (supposedly) independent of such knowledge. Secondly, middle knowledge cannot be grounded in God’s being or will. If it were the former, it would be knowledge of facts that necessarily emanate from God’s being. If it were the latter, it would be knowledge of facts that God has causally determined to be true. But, by definition, middle knowledge is knowledge of things that are not necessitated by anything; it is knowledge of what indeterministically free agents will indeterministically choose to do. The grounding objection is this: the supposed middle knowledge of God is not grounded in anything. There is nothing in reality for it to correspond to. It cannot correspond to his being, nor can it correspond to his will, since in both cases we would have determinism. On the other hand, since it is supposed to be distinct from God’s free knowledge, it cannot correspond to what creatures have chosen to do, or have somehow communicated to God that they could (or wish to) do. Rather, in the Molinist scheme, middle knowledge is supposed to be the knowledge God uses to construct his providential plan, before the world exists. It is the knowledge he uses to decree a particular historical sequence, and thereby ground his foreknowledge of history. (Or, on an atemporal view of God, it is at least knowledge used to construct God’s plan for what will happen in history, and thus cannot possibly be based on what has actually happened in history. This is only reinforced by other aspects of God’s being, such as aseity, which implies God does not have cognitive potential actualized by creatures.) Thus the facts that God knows in middle knowledge are neither facts about the Creator, nor facts about creation. In a Christian worldview, though, those two terms comprehend everything that does or could exist. But if there is nothing for the content of this middle knowledge (i.e., counterfactuals of creaturely freedom) to correspond to, this content cannot be true. This follows from the definition of truth: saying of what is, that it is. And from this, it follows, middle knowledge cannot be possessed by God: for knowledge (or at least divine knowledge) must, by definition, include belief in something that is true.
The Possum Makes a Loving and Caring Pet [Facebook] [Twitter] Although the North American Possum is not commonly kept as a pet, a growing number of people are fascinated by and dedicated to this unique animal. These animals are wonderful pets when provided with a good home environment and proper care. Just like any other pet, for that matter. They cuddle on the sofa with you, snuggle under the blankets in your bed, and greet you at the door when you come home from work. There are a few things you should know about the possums. They are nocturnal animals, solitary and slow moving. When frightened, instead of running for cover, they will often enter an involuntary shock like state, known as playing possum. They will also sometimes hiss or growl, and bare their teeth when frightened or threatened. In reality, they are quite placid and very adaptable animals. They can live just about anywhere, provided they have water, food and shelter. If in captivity, the opossums can live up to 10 years. In the wild, however, very few possums live past their first year, since they have numerous predators, including humans. North American possums can make great pets. This is specially true if they are hand fed. They do not bite, unless they feel threatened. Aside from making great pets, possums are also used as important models in biomedical research. Moreover, they are also beneficial for the environment as they eat many types of insects, including cockroaches. It is great to have them around the house. They also catch rats and mice and dispose of dead animals and over-ripe fruit and berries. It is much better than having a cat or any other pet. Every possum has his or her own personality, so temperament and behaviours will vary from one animal to the next. The optimal age to obtain an opossum is a baby of 5 to 8 weeks of age. They will only make as good a pet as the amount of time you invest in them as babies, and it is critical that you devote extensive time. Never hit or shake them, because corporal punishment will cause the animal to bite. They are best maintained as an indoor pet with the exception of a bit of fresh air and sunshine while supervised outdoors each day. Opossums are excellent climbers and can escape easily over a fence. They train like a cat, so they will need a litter box nearby their beds and additional boxes in the rooms where they spend a good deal of time with you.
Demonstrative Communication Paper Only available on StudyMode • Download(s) : 98 • Published : January 12, 2013 Open Document Text Preview Demonstrative Communication Paper By: MaryLouise Maddox BCOM 275/ Robert J. Mascarenas University of Phoenix Demonstrative communication consists of accepting and sending messages that can be silent; this can help give attention for the start of verbal communication even though a non verbal communication can transmit the message all by itself. An example of this would be facial expressions, which can be used to express most non verbal communications. According to Nayab body language along with facial expressions represent 55% of all communication. With demonstrative communication it can highlight the verbal communication for instance appropriately dressed, a nice firm handshake and conducting oneself in a professional manner while on employment interviews. Another example would be when two people meet for the first time; demonstrative communication can either show that the other person is either friendly or unpleasant by just saying the word hello. The facial expression of a smile can demonstrate whether the person is in good spirits and have a friendly personality. A good way to figure this out without the verbal communication would be the smile and other gestures through the nonverbal communication of the other person. An example of this would be a two people doing business together and when they meet for the first time and both business men smile at each other. This would be a nonverbal communication. The way that a person’s personality is shown is through their nonverbal communication. Demonstrative communication can go both ways in being effective and negative. There are many different facts that play into the nonverbal communication, like the clothes that people wear, their tattoos and possibly their hairstyles. Although these types of communications are nonverbal it does make some people a little uneasy about how they handle their business with someone with this type of communication. It does not matter what the tattoo is of. It can be... tracking img
Longevity and Obstacles Only available on StudyMode • Download(s) : 140 • Published : December 16, 2012 Open Document Text Preview Written Assignment 2: Longevity and Obstacles As people become older, they face various obstacles in their lives. What are the demands of longevity? Give at least 2 obstacles faced by the elderly in your country. Give solutions - ways the elderly can overcome each obstacle and/or the measures that can be taken to help the elderly. Include examples and state any references used. (350-400 words) Longevity and Obstacles How long can a person live? In my country, Myanmar, life expectancy today is on the rise due to better care services. Our national statistics indicate that our average life expectancy is 62.1 years, quite close to the world average of 67.2 years. Just like old people all over the world, our elderly also face obstacles. Human history is a record of how we encounter and handle obstacles. Let us discuss the obstacles which the elderly in Myanmar face and how our society helps them to overcome these obstacles. The most common obstacle is livelihood which includes food, medicine, and accommodation. The government gives the old people an allowance to purchase their daily necessities. There are also community-run retirement villages where the poor and homeless elderly can turn to for refuge. In such community living, the elderly support one another to face the obstacles of aging. For example, Hninsigone Bobwa Yeiktha, special community living, is the most famous and peaceful place for the poor and homeless elderly in Myanmar. This is one of the best traditional practices in our lovely land. While the first obstacle relates to the body, the second obstacle relates to the soul. People when old, helpless and poor tend be afflicted by negative emotions such as anger, frustration, sorrow, fear, and hopelessness. As a result, many elderly people dare not embark on new adventures; they have no confidence. They also think that at such an old age, it does not really matter if they continue the status quo. What a pity, old age is supposed to the golden age.... tracking img
Of Mice and Men - Friendship Only available on StudyMode • Download(s) : 868 • Published : January 9, 2013 Open Document Text Preview John Steinbeck shows how important a friendship is and how much two people can support each other to survive. Take this bond away and it will create a difficult and almost impossible journey for the two men in this novel. John Steinbeck portrays Lennie and George as having the greatest friendship in the world and while George claims to not need Lennie, he knows that he needs Lennie as much as Lennie needs him. The mutual relationship between George and Lennie is a genuine friendship between two very different men. Lennie, a mentally handicapped, big man with stand out features and George, the small little tough guy, with the brains and great leadership skills. As the two men are trying to escape from a mishap that Lennie is in fault for, George like always tries to back him up. George and Lennie met one day when George was talking to his friends and told Lennie to jump off of a bridge that they were both on. Since Lennie is mentally challenged he attempted this brainless act and almost drowned. George feeling great sympathy for Lennie thought of it as an obligation to be friends with Lennie to pay him back. As the two got to know each other they became great friends and didn't stop. Knowing that Lennie was handicapped, George would always take care of him like a "cousin". George proves that a good friendship is based on what someone's personality is like, not how they look on the outside. George sticks around with Lennie even when Lennie does make many mistakes and almost puts George into danger. On page 34 George and Slim have a conversation. "You guys travel around together?" "Sure, we kinda look after each other" This quote shows that George isn't afraid to say he and Lennie travel around together and isn't embarrassed by his company. Throughout the whole novel, George always compliments Lennie on his work and his positive abilities. Good friends always stick by each other. They always back each other up and they always help out when one of them is in need.... tracking img
There Is Another Sky Only available on StudyMode • Download(s) : 337 • Published : April 16, 2013 Open Document Text Preview Poem: There is another sky by Emily Dickinson There is another sky, Ever serene and fair, And there is another sunshine, Though it be darkness there; Never mind faded forests, Austin, Never mind silent fields -- Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green; Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been; In its unfading flowers I hear the bright bee hum: Prithee, my brother, Into my garden come! * Theme: depression, death * Imagery: Visual imagery * Tone: dark She is inviting people into her "garden," perfectly.  I think that the poem itself can be interpreted as a forest that is always green since when you write something down it's going to stay that way.  However, I think that what Emily really tries to refer to is her soul of warmth and compassion which always wants to offer itself to those who are suffering.  I think that this is the true forest that is never withered or cold because it's always there.  Even with her dead, one gets a sense that if this type of compassion can exist from a person then at least someone at some point cared.  Emily had a very special spirit in my opinion and a searingly powerful inner beauty - almost one that is so full of this inner radiance that it spills out for others as well.  And the very act of trying to reach out to another and show him/her how deeply you care is enough to comfort a person and invite them into that warm acreage of soothing. Austin is her brother. It is him she is talking to throughout the whole poem. Prithee means prey thee, so the line is 'prey thee, my brother, Into my garden come!' She is praying for her brohter to come in to her world of peace and tranquilty rather than stay in his dark one. tracking img
Breakfast Operations In every district the variety of school building types, age, and access means that there may be as many customizations to breakfast operations as there are schools. The overarching goal is to create efficiency through implementing standard operating procedures and menus-cycles, as well as adequate staff training in procedures and the importance of breakfast. The ability to deliver a cohesive organized breakfast plan to the decision makers in your district is imperative to success. You can use our Breakfast Assessment Tool to compile all the key school building information in one place, which will guide you through the decision making process in breakfast expansion. For example, based on the projected participation, which sites will require additional refrigeration? How many classrooms, hallways, stairways are there?  Assessing your needs in each location allows you to identify building challenges, which schools may have schedule issues, and schools that may need infrastructure improvement like electricity for refrigeration. You may have sites where traditional breakfast is the only option. In those cases, are there bus drop-off issues; is the cafeteria space used before school for other programming; and how early is your staff currently arriving at the site? All of this information is critical in developing an effective plan and the eventual success of your breakfast program. Equipment and Smallwares To launch traditional breakfast in the cafeteria, you may not need any additional equipment, but for alternative breakfast implementation, most districts will need to purchase (or acquire through grants such as our breakfast grant opportunities) some supplementary equipment and smallwares. Take the time to read through our Alternative Breakfast Equipment Guide, which describes some of the most common choices for various service models and can help you determine district-wide equipment needs based on each school’s criteria. Depending on the alternative model chosen—Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) vs. Grab ‘n Go—there are unique factors to consider. When addressing these factors through the equipment guide, keep in mind that creative approaches can provide solutions for a sustainable alternative breakfast model. For example, we’ve seen Red Flyer wagons and suitcase dollies used to move BIC meals. Likewise, Grab ‘n Go setups can vary from folding tables and food service carts to mobile salad bar units or even mechanically cooled and heated service stations that live near key intersections in larger school buildings. Menus and Food Take a look at breakfast menus in many districts today, and you’ll see all sorts of packaged pancakes and waffles that are pre-sweetened with maple-flavored corn syrup and sometimes even served on a stick like a corndog. With the limited time allocated to breakfast, the prevalence of convenience foods is not surprising. Labor allocated to breakfast is typically small, and the budget for breakfast food costs is modest, with most districts trying to keep food cost averages for all meal components under $0.90. Reimbursement for breakfast ranges from $0.28 for non-eligible students to $1.93 for free-eligible students, depending on whether the school qualifies as “severe need.” To compound the cost issue, in the 2014-15 school year the USDA began requiring a serving a cup of fruit or vegetable daily. That will increase the overall cost of breakfast for many districts without an increase in reimbursement. So with these challenges, how can we offer breakfasts--either in the cafeteria or in the classroom--that are cost effective, attractive to students, and meet the guidelines? Juice is also limited under the USDA guidelines and no longer counts as a full fruit. Consequently, many districts are pairing juice with a half cup of fruit. Use of USDA Foods can support containing costs. Waste is the biggest concern and it is a valid one, so efficiency in breakfast becomes paramount.  For traditional breakfast, reducing waste by limiting over-production is critical to controlling costs. Instead of offering four choices, try offering two: a hot and a cold choice. Cold choices like cereal are good because the product is not wasted. Hot cereal choices like an oatmeal bar with toppings is also very cost effective. House-made breakfast burritos are also a cost effective choice for the cafeteria since they can be assembled on demand to reduce waste. We also see both pre-made and scratch prepared burritos offered in classroom breakfasts. Each district will need to develop a menu that works with the skill set of your team, the physical limitations of your school buildings, and the taste preferences of the students. Classroom breakfast menus are usually simpler. If the breakfast is Grab ’n Go, there may be more than one choice, but delivered breakfast is typically planned as a complete meal with no choice. It may also be presumed to be “offer vs. serve.” If you want to reduce reliance on the mass-produced ready-to-eat foods, working with local food companies can be an excellent solution. We have seen successful relationships for school-delivered fresh bagels and muffins created to the district’s specifications by local bakeries, and local companies producing breakfast burritos and granolas. Because breakfast eaten in the classroom is most often served as a complete meal (meaning there's no offer vs. serve) some districts avoid students throwing components away by allowing students to save the fruit component to eat later. Depending on the reception of classroom breakfast in your district, this may or may not be an option. However, it is one that we hear about more and more as many teachers acknowledge that students learn better if they aren’t hungry. This also helps reduce waste in the menus. Menus Cycles Explore breakfast menu cycles developed by us and by districts around the country in our Menu Cycles section. The impact that breakfast expansion will have on your current labor model will vary depending upon your current operational model, the breakfast service model selected, bell schedules, service hours, and historical labor assignments at the sites. Our Meals Per Labor Hour Worksheet is a useful tool for understanding your labor baseline. Any time you are making changes to your program it is important to review the impact as part of your planning process. Depending on how much labor is attributed to the site before expansion, adding breakfast may or may not require additional labor. Reorganizing start and exit times, adding an hour or two, and occasionally hiring additional personnel are all options but need to be vetted against your current labor assignments and the expected work load of the expansion. When calculating a meal equivalent to evaluate Meals Per Labor Hour (MPLH), we typically assign BIC at 2:1, or two breakfasts equal one meal equivalent. This is because it requires more labor if the foodservice staff is solely responsible for pack-out, delivery, pick-up, and data entry. Traditional Breakfast or Grab ‘n Go would be factored at 3:1, three breakfasts equal one meal equivalent. When determining labor requirements, your MPLH analysis should be considered in the context of other practical considerations of the site, such as facility limitations and bell schedules that create gaps in service. Standard Operating Procedures Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for breakfast service need to be articulated for the particular service model and updated as part of the department’s SOPs. For example, handling leftovers in classroom breakfast and the proper set-up of Grab ‘n Go should both have an SOP. Food ordering, menu cycles, recipes, production records, and accountability procedures are all part of the school site team’s responsibilities and should all have SOPs. Here is a sample Breakfast SOP  from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Nutrition Team. Breakfast After the Bell! Appleseed Register to Download The Lunch Box Tools
Macbeth- Character Analysis Essay by chokolatHigh School, 10th grade March 2007 download word file, 2 pages 0.0 1 reviews Downloaded 19 times What is Macduff's motivation?Macduff, to a large extent, is driven by patriotism. His primary motive is his love for his country, Scotland. This is displayed when he tells Malcolm of his grief over his country's suffering/s, quote:"…new sorrows strike heaven on the face, that it resounds as if it felt with Scotland and yelled out like syllable of dolour."- Translation: "The grief cries up to heaven and the skies seem to feel Scotland's sorrow, for heaven's cries echo the same note."- Macduff, Act 4, Scene 3, Lines 6-8Macduff wants to defend his country and is so motivated by his love for his country that he leaves behind his beloved wife and children to bring back Malcolm, whom he believes will restore peace and harmony to his homeland. His passion to defend his country is shown in the following quote. "Let us…hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men bestride our down-fallen birthdom."- Translation: "Let us take to our deadly swords, and like good men, defend the downfallen country of our birth."- Macduff, Act 4, Scene 3, Lines 2-4In all the productions, Macduff is portrayed similarly to the original text of the play. He is depicted as a righteous, noble, patriotic, brave, loyal man, who bases his actions upon a pure love for his country. What is Macduff's relationship with others?His family- Macduff seems to be a very loving, very caring father, who seems to be loved back by his wife and children. His relationship with them seems very powerful, and he is anguished and deeply moved when news arrives of the murder of his wife and children, quote:"I cannot but remember such things were, that were most precious to me."- Translation: "I can't help remembering my wife and children, who...
Decentering Whiteness: Dismantling privilege in the interest of racial justice We believe that, for example, the system of White privilege, goes on everyday, thriving in fact, whether or not White folks get out of bed in the morning. With or without any specific actions they take to promote or encourage their privilege. That is to say, we believe that White privilege has become the norm, embedded in the fabric of society and its institutions. University of Minnesota Law Professor, John A. Powell, cites Professor Stephanie Wildman who “defines privilege as a ‘systemic conferral of benefit and advantage’ triggered not by merit but by ‘affiliation, conscious or not and chosen or not, to the dominant side of a power system” (1999). So, White folks are afforded privilege whether or not they want it, whether or not they choose it, and with or without any actions on their part. The reward is unearned and solely based on their skin color. Professor Wildman points out expected behavior in the workplace is “White and male, from social behavior between employees to collective behavior.” (1996). Hence, women have to ask for accommodations to pick up their kids or breast feed. And committees have to be formed to promote diversity in hiring because the default hiring reverts to predominantly White male or White female (think of professions like education or professorships at university). The nuance of our argument is that- although we believe systems of oppression such as the system of White privilege thrive without the dedication of any individual actors- we believe dismantling these systems requires the action and commitment of individuals who form communities dedicated to confronting and challenging inequity. It is easy for White folks to think they hold no responsibility with this system of privilege. After all “privilege does not require the conscious participation of Whites” (Powell, 1999), therefore what responsibility could they hold in dismantling it? Furthermore, this system has done nothing but benefit them so relinquishing it means relinquishing positive advantages they have enjoyed all their lives. Referring to fear of the White majority about growing diversity in United States, Gloria Steinem writes their sentiment is something along the lines of “What if I am treated as I have treated others?” Specifically, Whites have likely not spent a whole lot of time thinking about the privileges they have been afforded because of their skin color and have likely spent even less considering the disadvantages that burden people of color. Powell writes, “the confrontation of privilege also requires an exposure and problematization of a legacy of values that have constituted privilege holders.” (1999). Decentering Whiteness requires dismantling a system that has become the status quo. Engrained. Embedded. It can be so perfectly illustrated with this excerpt below from Gary Howard’s book, We Can’t Teach What We Don’t Know: White Teachers, Multiracial Schools: How then do we expose our uncle racism? He has become a part of the way we do things around here. His exposure as the menace that he truly is will shake up our world. It will prompt Whites to reimagine the lens through which they have grown comfortable approaching life. It requires all of us let go of systems and norms that have become inevitable. Facially neutral systems and norms that are insidiously grounded in racism and inequity. It will require White educators to interrogate how cultural forces infiltrate classrooms and explore steps they can take to challenge and transform the stubborn, central narrative that culturally and linguistically diverse students are regularly exposed to, and psychologically harmed by. It will require they actively seek out and employ pedagogy in their classrooms that counters biased and deficitizing narratives and replaces them with literacies that promote social justice and equity. “One inhibitor to confrontation on the part of privilege holders is their denial and search for other explanations for their status” (Wildman, 1996). Hard work and meritocracy! Recently, reported that at the Iowa Black and Brown Forum, 2016 Presidential Candidate Secretary Hillary Clinton was asked point blank by a Drake University student to say what white privilege means to her, and to ‘give an example from your life or career when you think you’ve benefited from’ white privilege.” Her reply was,  “I was born white, middle-class, in the middle of America,” the former Secretary of State said. “I went to good public schools. I had a very strong, supportive family. I had a lot of great experiences growing up. I went to a wonderful college. I went to law school.” Read between the lines here. The implication is her family worked hard to earn their wealth and provide for her strength, support, great experiences, great schooling, and an advanced degree. The old myth of the American dream. These notions and justifications for unearned privilege only further perpetuate hegemonic narratives about marginalized groups that they are somehow individually responsible for the systemic oppressions to which they have been subjected. The underlying implication of her understanding of White privilege being that non-White families don’t provide the same things. It denies that she has received benefits solely because of her skin color, benefits that no one had to work for. It also opens the door for deficitizing Black and Brown families who do not have the accumulated wealth she has or who do not have access to high-quality schools. This reaction to the smart question posed by this Drake University student demonstrates a common misunderstanding of White privilege that feeds into negative stereotypes about Black and Brown folks and fails to acknowledge the systemic impact of racism in society. A common reaction to exposure of privilege is White folks saying they don’t even see color; they treat everyone the same. The argument goes something like this… “To treat people the same who are in fact different would be to give them special treatment, thereby violating the requirement of equality that is fundamental to the logic” (Powell, 1999). In actuality, to treat people the same who are, in fact, different, is tantamount to racial erasure. Denial of past and present oppressions. Failure to honor parts of an individual’s identity that make him or her who he or she is. Our world is centered on middle to upper class, White heteronormative, English-speaking standards. Everyone else is Other-ed. This standard is then applied to how we expect colleagues, students, and parents to communicate, behave, and engage with schools. This is problematic and exclusionary. Note this anecdote we heard from a principal the other day: A teacher came up to me the other day and told me she was having an issue with a student in class. It was happening often, she had met with him, and had seen no progress. I asked her if she had spoken to his parents. She said, “Oh no. Not worth calling. Those parents are not involved.” I said, “Really? Well, did you know his dad is a doctor and works long hours?” The teacher seemed surprised and said she did not know that and she would definitely try to contact them…..A few days later the teacher came up to me and said, “You know, Principal Smith, I did speak to his parents and actually things are getting better now. We had a meeting where we all sat down and talked a bit. You know what though- his dad is not a doctor.” To which I replied, “I know. But, I also knew you wouldn’t have tried calling had I not told you that. Am I right?” She looked down and replied, “ You’re right. I probably wouldn’t have.” Why is this the case? Why are we more inclined to reach out to the parent we think will be more involved because of who they are or who they appear to be? Why is it that we make assumptions about the families of our students and our students themselves based on preconceptions, misconceptions, and stereotypes? We think it’s because we live in a world centered around Whiteness. There are Whites and then there is everyone else. Robin Morgan writes “Hate generalizes, love specifies.” We believe in order to dismantle an oppressive system like that of white privilege we need a revolutionary love of others, more specifically of those we have Other-ed. We need to go beyond exposure and acknowledgment of privilege, to disavowing this type of inequitable system. In order to do this, we believe we need brave individuals who form communities to disavow inequity and racism in their respective worlds- Home. Work. Daily life. These critically conscious individuals effect transformational change in partnership with other equity conscious individuals, serving as a community committed to social justice. These individuals and communities serve as transformational agents for social change by actively shifting the power structure, elevating the assets, strengths, and passions of all people, privileging none over another. 4 thoughts on “Decentering Whiteness: Dismantling privilege in the interest of racial justice Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Cranial ornamentation development in dome-headed dinos For some time, there has been a debate about how many species of dome-headed (pachycephalosaur) dinosaurs existed. The largest and best known, Pachycephalosaurus, has always been a stand-alone, valid species, known from adult material. ‘Dracorex‘ was named in 2006, and represented a juvenile pachycephalosaur, while ‘Stygimoloch‘ was a subadult. All 3 species were found in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana, and several people have hypothesised that they represent ontogenetic morphs (or ontogimorphs) of Pachycephalosaurus [1]. Unfortunately it has been particularly difficult to determine exactly what is going on with the ontogimorphs and what species they are because most finds of small pachycephalosaur material lacks cranial ornamentation, because they are so young that they haven’t started the dome-development. However, some newly described material represents the smallest known Pachycephalosaurus specimens found. Goodwin and Evans [2] describe three very small bones also from the Hell Creek Formation of Montana from a juvenile Pachycephalosaurus, recognised by the cranial ornamentation pattern. Screen Shot 2016-04-10 at 21.10.55 Juvenile Pachycephalosaurus skull reconstruction from Goodwin and Evans (2016). They found that the arrangement of cranial spikes on the posterolateral surface, jugal, and parietal of the new specimen matches what is seen in both ‘Dracorex’ and ‘Stygimoloch‘. More exciting, the new material better clarifies the development of the pattern of cranial ornamentation in Pachycephalosaurus. First of all, rather than being fused osteoderms, the spike-like nodes are actually represented by bony outgrowths of the cranial bones. Furthermore, the squamosal spikes don’t seem to develop later in ontogeny like previously assumed, but are actually present in early juveniles. We are finally getting a more clear idea of exactly how the cranial ornamentation developed in pachycephalosaurs. Ontogenetic sequence of Pachycephalosaurus represented by an adult of Pachycephalosaurus (A,B), a young adult (C,D), ‘Stygimoloch’ (E,F), and ‘Dracorex‘ (G,H). From Horner and Goodwin (2009). Pachycephalosaurs have always been my favourite dinosaurs, partly because of the (possibly out-dated) idea that they engaged in head-butting. Or possibly just because they look so silly with their big dome-heads. I love stories like this where we discover ontogenetic sequences rather than just naming new species, but the Harry Potter fan in me is a bit sad that ‘Dracorex hogwartsia‘ is likely not a valid species… 1. Horner and Goodwin (2009) Extreme cranial ontogeny in the Upper Cretaceous dinosaur Pachycephalosaurus. PLoS One 4: e7626. 2. Goodwin and Evans (2016) The early expression of squamosal horns and parietal ornamentation confirmed by new end-stage juvenile Pachycephalosaurus fossils from the Upper Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation, Montana. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 36:2, e1078343. 2 thoughts on “Cranial ornamentation development in dome-headed dinos 1. As a fellow HP fan, I’m a little sad too, but as I’m a fan of taxonomic lumping rather than splitting, I suppose I’m nevertheless satisfied. Regarding head-butting, do you think it more likely that they engaged in flank-smacking instead? 1. Good question. I think that flank-smacking (as you say, haha) is more likely given that it wouldn’t be nearly as hard on the brains and bones. There has to be something they’re doing with those big skulls, so I think that is much more likely. The evidence against head-butting is becoming pretty substantial, although it will always hold a special place in my heart! Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
YUGOSLAVIA: Amnesty International demands fair trials Amnesty International emphasizes that the right to a fair trial is a basic human right as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nation (UN) in 1948 and reaffirmed in the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) adopted by the UN in 1996, and to which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is a party. Amnesty International is also calling on the Serb authorities to review the cases of about 400 ethnic Albanians held in Serbian prisons the majority of whom were convicted and sentenced in unfair trials. If a review of the evidence establishes that they have a case to answer, they should be granted a fair retrial - in accordance with international standards within a reasonable time. Otherwise they should be immediately released, and should be given the right to appropriate compensation under national law. The Djakovica group, 143 ethnic Albanians from the town Djakovica in Kosovo, were arrested in 1999 by Serb forces and convicted of 'association for the purposes of hostile activity in connection with terrorism' under Articles 125, 139 and 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The men were sentenced in May 2000 in a mass trial by the Nis District Court to jail terms between seven and 13 years. These trials did not meet the minimum standards for a fair trial as set out in international instruments. View latest press releases
Search within this web site: you are here :: History, Shifting Sovereignties French occupation, Dominicans, revolt, black people, troops The French in their part developed a flourishing plantation economy and a lively trade, while the Spanish area, bypassed by commerce and shown little interest by the administrative authorities, declined; many people left, and much of the land remained unpopulated. Spain finally ceded Santo Domingo to France in 1795. During the years that followed, the country was caught up in the convulsions of neighboring nascent Haiti, fought over by the French, Spanish, and English, as well as indigenous mixed-race and black people. When Haiti ousted the French in 1804, Santo Domingo remained under French occupation for another five years. Then the French were expelled and nominal Spanish rule restored. After 1814, however, the Spanish administration became increasingly tyrannical, and in 1821 the Dominicans rose in revolt, proclaiming their independence. It was short-lived. The following year Haitian President Jean-Pierre Boyer led his troops into the country and annexed it to Haiti, thus bringing the entire island under his control. Boyer ruled until overthrown by a revolution in 1844. A year later Santo Domingo again declared its independence, forming the Dominican Republic. Article key phrases: French occupation, Dominicans, revolt, black people, troops, independence, revolution, Dominican Republic, Spain, entire island, France, commerce, control, country, years, English Search within this web site:
25 December 2014 Confederate soldiers pardoned Neighbors fought neighbors during the Civil War. Brothers literally took up arms against each other during the war. Can you just imagine for a moment what that first Christmas dinner was like after the War? Small talk had to be difficult. Pardoning is the first step towards healing. President Andrew Johnson, On This Day in 1868, granted unconditional pardon to all Confederate soldiers. On This Day is a prompt I started this month to further explore historical events. I will make every effort to keep events localized to that of my research or research I am conducting for others. However, from time to time, it will simply be a subject that captured my attention. Some posts will be brief while others may be more detailed.
Diagnostic X-Ray Risks? The Myth of the “One Right Answer”: Diagnostic X-Ray Risks? (From the March 2006 The ‘G’ Note) A paper in the December 2005 issue of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association  by Oakley PA et al. questions the health risks of diagnostic plain film x-rays by reviewing the literature on low level radiation exposure and the “linear no-threshold” hypothesis. There is no question that there are significant risks from high dose ionizing radiation. Is there a difference between high dose radiation, such as from nuclear weapons detonations and major Chernobyl-type radiation leaks from nuclear power plants, and from low level radiation as one receives from diagnostic x-rays or background radiation? Is there a linear dosage relationship between high level and low level radiation? Is there no safe level of dosage? Dr. Gonstead stated that diagnostic x-rays can actually be beneficial to a person’s health. He contended that taking a set of x-rays tended to lower high blood pressure. In their introduction, the Oakley, et al state that there is a significant lack of scientific evidence for health risks associated with low doses of ionizing radiation as used in radiography. “Linear No-Threshold Hypothesis” (LNTH), when applied to ionizing radiation, has been used to estimate the risks of low doses of radiation by extrapolating data, via a linear model, from the risks associated with the high doses from the atomic bomb attacks on Japan in World War II. LNTH was developed in the absence of study data of the actual risks associated with low dose radiation when determining the risk of varying exposure to known carcinogens. (Oakley 2005) Many have used LNTH in assessing risk from diagnostic x-rays, of whom appears to be the well-known researcher, J. W. Gofman (Fickel 1986, Gofman 1999).  A review by Kant, et al. in 2003 made the following statement: “‘…whole body exposure to low-level ionizing radiation (LLIR) decreases overall cancer incidence (the most important long-term somatic effect of radiation exposure).’”  Furthermore, Kant et al. made the statement that after reviewing the literature: “‘the substantially acceptable conclusion (is) that whole body exposure to LLIR reduces cancer mortality rates when compared with control populations in both experimental animals and humans.’” (Oakley 2005) Pollycove states that studies of populations exposed to high natural background radiation have increased longevity and decreased cancer deaths and that in statistically significant controlled epidemiologic studies, they have demonstrated that exposure to low or intermediate levels of radiation are associated with “positive health effects.” (Pollycove 1998)  Pollycove also writes that the linear non-threshold hypothesis is not supported by statistically significant data found in human low dose radiation studies. (Pollycove 1998) Some authors have begun advocating the abandonment of the LNTH for long level ionizing radiation and have even stated that cancer risk from diagnostic radiography may be much lower than estimate and may even be zero. (Oakley 2005) A study of British radiologists between 1897 to 1979 did not show an increased mortality from cancer compared to a control group of non-radiologist MDs – the death rate from cancer specifically for those before 1920 was 75% greater than controls, but the death rate of the same pre-1920 group from noncancer diseases was 14% lower. After 1920, the death rate of British radiologists from cancer was much less than for controls.  Furthermore, overall compared to the controls, the British radiologist had a lower standardized mortality rate compared to the control from cancer (29%), all causes (32%), and from non-cancer causes (36%). (Cameron 2003, Oakley 2005) Natural background radiation is a low dose radiation source of concern to many. A study by Jagger for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission found that states with the highest background radiation – Colorado, Idaho, and New Mexico – had levels 3.2 times greater than Alabama, Lousiana, and Mississippi, but the average cancer death rate in the 3 Gulf Coast states studied was 1.26 times greater than the aforementioned Rocky Mountain states. Other studies on radon, such as a Japanese study comparing a radium-containing spa vs other areas, had similar findings. In this country, there is a concern for houses with high radon levels. They found that houses with higher radon levels had lower levels of radon-induced lung cancer than those with lower radon levels. They also found that the smoking-caused cancer rates were lower as well. A study of 28.000 nuclear shipyard workers with the highest cumulative doses had a death rate from all causes that was 24%  and 16 standard deviations lower than a control group of 32,000 job-matched non-nuclear shipyard workers. (Cameron 2003, Oakley 2005) Other studies of nuclear industry workers had similar findngs. (Luckey 1991) The hormesis thesis states that “low and high doses produce opposite results.” This is in contrast to the linear, no-threshold models which state that there is no level of radiation that might not be harmful. Animal and bacteria studies have found that high doses of x-rays were fatal, but low doses stimulated growth rates. (Luckey 1991) How does hormesis explain what low level radiation dose does to an organism and the dramatic difference between high lethal doses and low level doses? From hormetic studies, research has found that lethal doses of radiation devastates the immune system and causes rampant infection as seen in radiation sickness. On the other hand, low level doses appears to cause stimulation of the immune system and statistically reduces the amount of infection and the incidence and mortality from cancer. Researchers have found that whole body low dose radiation increased the number of circulating lymphocytes. (Luckey 1991) Cell culture studies have found that low doses of ionizing radiation produces less mutations and stimulates mitosis, lymphocyte repair processes, and DNA and RNA synthesis.  the low doses suppresses the suppressor T cells and helper and functioning T cells function more efficiently. (Luckey 1991) Fetal Exposure Fetal exposure to ionizing radiation is controversial. Ursprung et al has recently written on the topic, although here again, the LNTH is used. (Ursprung 2006) It is best to avoid x-raying a pregnant woman, unless absolutely necessary. Mutagens & DNA Repair Pollycove writes that limitations in the accuracy of DNA replication and repair for every class of gene lead to up to 400,000 mutations/day in each individual. A rare one mutation by low linear energy transfer radiation won’t have a significant impact if there is an intact, active DNA damage control biosystem – Dr. Ronald Pero from the Swedish University of Lund, who spoke at Renaissance Seminars in the 1980s, had some preliminary findings that seemed to indicate that those under chiropractic subluxation care had an improved DNA repair system, if I understand his findings correctly. The DNA damage control biosystem is decreased by high radiation dosage but appears to adaptatively respond by increasing activity in the presence of low dose radiation. (Pollycove 1998) Is there a threshold between high dose radiation that is harmful to living beings and low level doses that appear to have beneficial properties? Unfortunately, the answer is unknown. Taking Chiropractic X-Rays For those who do take x-rays when required for analyzing patients and for those who are considering follow-up or post-x-rays, the Oakley et al state that according to research studies, the health risk of the use of diagnostic radiography in chiropractic, there is essentially no scientifically demonstrable risk to the given patient. In addition, follow-up or post-radiographs to monitor the response  to treatment as is often done in some techniques, appear to provide negligible risk. (Oakley 2005) Should you reduce x-ray exposure when taking x-rays? It’s just sensible practice. A recent study found that the radiation dose from a full spine x-ray series is more-or-less equivalent to 3 weeks to 4 months of natural background radiation. (Cracknell 2006) One should always use collimation which reduces dose by a factor up to 3 (Gofman 1999) and also reduces scatter-secondary radiation which improves the image, shielding where appropriate (gonadal shielding reduces dosage to the gonads by a factor of 2 to 10 (Gofman 1999)), general filtration of the primary beam with rare earth filters to filter out specific rays reduces dosage by a factor of 2 to 4 (Gofman), filtration of the primary beam to compensate for body density differences (unfortunately, this filtration does cause scatter and secondary radiation that may impair image quality), low exposure technique (e.g., high mA/short exposure time/high kV improves tube life and reduces the potential for patient movement), and a matched high speed screen/high speed film combination which reduces dosage by a factor of 2 to 4 (Gofman). Many Gonstead chiropractors who take full spine x-rays are vigilant and use leaded glasses to protect the eyes and pituitary gland, shielding for the gonads and other sensitive tissues, high speed rare earth screens and film, filtration, and also use a long focal-object distance (focal film distance of 72” to 84” for full spine x-rays). As far as split screens and gradient screens, those are frowned on by radiological experts as attenuating the primary beam before it reaches the patient is preferred. They do produce better images because of less scatter and secondary radiation. For all of the technical difficulties involved in producing 14” x 36” standing, full spine radiographs,  you can produce diagnostic-quality films in most patients. It is your choice on which experts to agee with, but, in any case, beware of the myth of the “one right answer.” Cracknell DM, Bull PW. Organ Dosimetry in Spinal Radiography: A Comparison of 3-Region Sectional and Full-Spine Techniques. Chiropractic Journal of Australia  March 2006; 36(1):33-39. Cameron JR. Longevity Is the Most Appropriate Measure of Health Effects of Radiation. Radiology  October 2003; 229(1):14-15. Fickel T. An Analysis of the Carcinogenicity of Full Spine Radiography. ACA Journal of Chiropractic  May 1986; 37(8):61-66. Gofman JW. Radiation from Medical Procedues in the Pathogenesis of Cancer and Ischemic Heart Disease: Dose-Response Studies with Physician per 100,000 Population. 1999. Luckey TD. Radiation Hormesis. Boca Raton FL; CRC Press. 1991. Mootz RD, Meeker WC. Minimizing Radiation Exposure to Patients in Chiropractic Practice. ACA Journal of Chiropractic  April 1989; 26(4):65-70. Oakley PA, et al. On “Phantom Risks” Associated with Diagnostic Ionizing Radiation: Evidence in Support of Revising Radiography Standards and Regulations in Chiropractic. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractors’ Association  2005 December; 49(4):264-269. Available as pdf file from http://www.jcca-online.org Pollycove M. Nonlinearity of Radiation Health Effects. Environmental Health Perspectives  February 1998; 106(Supplement 1):363-368. Ursprung WM, Howe JW, Yochum TR, et al. Plain Film Radiography, Pregnancy, and Therapeutic Abortion Revisted. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics  January 2006; 29(1):83-87.
From the history of the island From the history of the island The island of Mallorca has been inhabited since Neolithic times. In the ancient era, the indigenous inhabitants of the island were known for their skills in using an unusual weapon - a sling, throwing deadly stone missiles at enemies. The ancient Mallorcans were recruited as mercenaries in Roman and Carthaginian troops. The island was a haven throughout history and often a target of attacks by pirates. For this reason, all of the Mediterranean powers, whether the Romans, Moorish rulers and later the Spaniards tried to take control of the isla Native population defended the island against foreigners by slings. According to a legend, a Roman general who attacked the island had to use animal skins to protect himself against stones thrown from slingshots of the islanders. Nevertheless, the Romans conquered the island and annexed it to the Roman Empire t the site of the present capital city, the Romans founded a military fortress, which was later rebuilt and expanded by new conquerors until the current Almudaina Royal Palace and the city of Palma de Mallorca were built. After turbulent times of the migration of the nations, the island got under the influence of the Byzantine Empire and in the 8th century it was occupied by Moorish conquerors bringing their advanced Arab culture. After the Reconquista, the island was annexed to the Christian Kingdom of Aragon. For a short period an independent Balearic Kingdom was established, which in a modern period got into possession of the Spanish Habsburgs and later modern Spanish.
Friday, October 16, 2009 Kitchen Chemistry On a school day off this week, 25 third through fifth graders participated in our 1st ever Hands-On Science program applying the scientific method to learn about science in the kitchen! But don't be fooled- having your kitchen as a laboratory is a lot of fun and a great way to enjoy exploring science! Here are two projects we did that you can try at home and consume the results! How to make ice cream without a freezer? 1 gallon size zip-loc bag 1 quart size zip-log bag 1 T sugar 1/2 t vanilla extract 1/2 cup whole milk or cream 6 T rock salt (kosher salt) 2 cups of ice Place sugar, vanilla and milk in the quart size bag. Tightly seal the bag. Place the bag into the gallon size bag and pack with ice until it is half full. Pour the salt onto the ice and tightly seal. Check for any leaks. Shake the bags for 5- 10 minutes until the ingredients in the small bag are softly frozen. Remove the small bag and empty into a bowl. Enjoy! How Does it Work?: Just like we use salt on the roads in winter, salt causes ice to melt. Water normally freezes at 32 degrees F, but when salt is added, the freezing point of water becomes lower. Because the freezing point of milk is lower than of ice, by lowering the temperature around the milk, we are able to create an environment in which the temperature is lower than 32 degress and in which the milk mixture can freeze into ice cream. How to carbonate homemade root beer? large plastic container, wooden spoon, plastic laddle, sacle, think rubber/latex gloves 2 gallons of cold water 2 lbs of sugar 2 lbs. of dry ice (HANDLE WITH CARE:dry ice is so cold it can cause burns-wear gloves if directly handling it) 2 oz. of root beer extract Pour 2 gallons of water into container and add sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add root bear extract and stir again. Put on the gloves and add dry ice in chunks one at a time, stirring. Cover loosely and stir occasionally for 1/2 hour until all dry ice has turned into gas. How Does it Work?: Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. The dry ice changes from a solid phase straight into a gas phase of carbon dioxide under standard pressure and temperature. This change from a solid to gas phase is called sublimation because it skips the liquid phase (just like boiling is the change from a liquid to gas phase). When dry ice is placed in water, sublimation accelerates and the dry ice vaporizes into a clear colorless gas more quickly than in air (you will see the cardon dioxide gas bubbles slow down as the temperature of the water cools). The white vapor/fog is carbon dioxide gas and water vapor which is the water in the air that is condensing (as it cools from the dry ice) into tiny droplets. For additional ideas, try these activities from Scholastic's The Magic School Bus, each focusing on a different science concept and the PBS show, Zoom, that features a virtual kitchen (no mess to clean up). No comments: Post a Comment