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Liver Cancer - Hepatocellular carcinoma and Colorectal Liver Metastases Hepatocellular Carcinoma What is a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)? Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of the liver. It usually arises in patients with pre-existing liver disease. How may it present? It may present in a number of ways including: • finding of a lump in the abdomen, • as an incidental finding on scans of the liver • worsening liver function • during surveillance scans in patients with liver disease Read more ... Liver Lesions What are liver lesions? Liver lesions are essentially abnormalities in the liver which are seen on a scan. They represent an area where the tissues are different from the rest of the liver. These may be tumours, areas of infection (such as an abscess) or areas where the fat content is different. However, the most common use of this term is in reference to tumours in the liver, both benign and malignant. Are all liver tumours bad? No. A tumour simply refers to an abnormal growth. This may be a benign thing, such as a haemangioma or it can be malignant (cancerous) thing such as a liver cancer. Read more ... Liver Resection What is a liver resection? Liver resection is the surgical removal of part of the liver. It can often be done either by open surgery or laparoscopically (“keyhole surgery”). When is a liver resection required? The most common reason for performing a liver resection is for cancer or other tumours of the liver. Not all cancers and malignant tumours can be removed surgically. Depending on the number of tumours, their size and their location as well as the patient’s liver function, the surgeon can determine whether or not a tumour should be removed or not. Spread to other organs is also an important consideration. Read more ...
What makes the Eurovision Song Contest so special, is the countries that take part in the celebration. The Eurovision Song Contest sees over 30 countries taking part each year, the highest being around 42 last year in Baku, Azerbaijan. Those figures are nothing compared to the amount of the world's population watching it on the television - over 100 million each year tune in! Who can take part? The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has a certain radius, called the European Broadcasting Area (EBA) to determine what countries can take part or not. The EBA includes some non-European countries, for example Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Israel can also take part because the EBA includes it. Iraq, Jordan and that territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and Ukraine lying outside the limits are also included in the EBA. Also, all active members of the EBU can take part in Eurovision. Each year, an invitation is sent out to all active members. Some choose to take part, some don't. Above are the countries who can take part in the Eurovision, who have taken part at least once. How do the countries choose their participant? Participants are chosen either by a national selection, or an internal selection. National Selections take place in countries interested in participating in the Eurovision that will eventually be held. Usually in some countries, it is televised, and hopefuls (even you!) can send in songs. A selection committee then picks the songs that will take part in the national selection, and a jury or the viewers (or both) then pick the winner. Internal Selections are when a broadcaster picks the song for themselves, and a selection committee then picks the representing artist, and sometimes the songs have to be performed! Ad blocker interference detected!
part 2- How to use Peripheral Putting Look into a mirror and stare at your eyes. As you stare at your eyes, you will still see your shoulders, your ears and neck with peripheral vision. While still focusing on your eyes try to see other objects, further to your sides. This side vision is what we are in pursuit of to create a smooth putting stroke. After you have read your putt and found your target line, your shoulders must parallel your target line with your eyes over the ball. Set your putter face accordingly to your target line, and this is the last time you will ever think about the putter head. As you stare at your ball, your attention should only be on the triangle. Remember, the shoulders, the arms and hands while gripping the club make the triangle. Your eyes must not wander off the ball’s position at any time while executing the stroke. Even after you have stroked the ball your eyes are still focused on the spot where the ball had just laid. It doesn’t matter how you grip the putter, the easiest way to learn this stroke is by moving the point of your triangle (point is where your wrists almost meet while holding the putter) back to a position equidistant with your right knee, then through the ball and point to a position equidistant with the left knee(right hand golfer). All the while you must never move your eyes from focusing on the ball’s position. This must be repeated until you finally get comfortable with Peripheral Putting. Shoulders must stay parallel with target line while executing the stroke at all times! There is no need to worry about your putter head or line of putt during execution when your shoulders stay parallel to the target line (fig. N). Once you are comfortable with Peripheral Putting your concentration will now focus on speed of triangle, which in turn creates your pace on the ball (fig. O). If you maintain a constant speed to the triangle, it will control pace of the golf ball which will control the speed at which the point of triangle moves from knee to knee. Make sure you use the same speed to the triangle regardless of distance to the hole. Longer distance, take a wider stance which will ensure a longer stroke and maximizes distance of roll on the golf ball. Shorter distance, take a narrow stance using the same speed to the triangle and minimizes distance of roll on the golf ball. The smoother the speed of triangle, ball trickle distance will increase. Trickle distance is the point where forward momentum of the golf ball begins to die and where the ball actually stops. Think of it as the distance where the ball starts to die into the hole. The greater the trickle distance, the greater the putter you will become! For example: Line up your putt just as you normally do…it is very important that once you have set the putter head on your line of putt, all your attention now goes to your shoulders. Make sure that your shoulders are aligned with your line of putt. Stance isn’t important here, just get comfortable. Now stare at the ball, but concentrate your attention on your triangle with peripheral vision. Your shoulders will now control your putter head so there is no need to look at your putter head anymore. Move the point of triangle knee to knee at a pace that coincides with speed of green to create proper distance to the hole. While during your stroke keep your shoulders properly aligned with line of putt and your putter head will automatically travel on the correct line towards the target. Remember, after the stroke to keep your eyes focused at the spot where the ball once laid. This action ensures that your head is stable and your shoulders are on alignment with line of putt during the putting stroke.
One incredibly sunny day Dan and Tom were playing football while the chocolate rabbit melted in the sun. They sighed because it had melted Tom said “You can buy a new one.” “No! I haven’t got any money” replied Dan. “Ok I’ll buy one”. But in a second a lorry crashed into them. The lorry broke their legs. Quick as a flash the ambulance picked them up and went to the hospital After a month they were lying down watching TV. After fifteen days they were back on their feet playing football. when they were sixteen they were playing football for one of their favourite teams. One thought on “Daniel 1. Hi Daniel. I can see that you have thought very carefully about using a range of punctuation, and lots of different openers. My favourites are: “Quick as a flash” and “After a month”. There is a lot of action in your story and everything seems to happen in a hurry. To make your story even better you could tell a smaller part of the action but describe it more. For example: where did the lorry come from? Did the boys see it coming? Did they try to get out of the way or were they frozen in fear? Thanks for sharing your story on the challenge. Leave a Reply
What is a Pacemaker? Pacemakers have changed over the yearA pacemaker is a small implantable device that is placed in the upper chest and is connected to the heart by means of one or more small, thin, insulated wires known as leads. A pacemaker can be adjusted after it is implanted in the body. A physician or another healthcare professional can communicate with an implanted pacemaker by means of a tabletop computer called the programmer. Using the programmer, the device’s many settings can be adjusted to meet the individual needs of the patient. Pacemakers today are actually miniature computers. They can store information about the heart and its activities, and this material can be downloaded using the programmer. Many pacemakers today can be checked remotely, that is, there are ways for the clinic to check on the device by phone or Internet without the patient having to come to the office. Pacemakers have continued to downsize over the years and today are slim, rounded devices about the size of a pocket watch (but thinner and lighter). But they are more powerful than ever, thanks to advances in chip technology. The largest single thing in the pacemaker housing is the battery. The battery is a lithium-iodide cell that provides many years of reliable service. Depending on the pacemaker and how much you use it and how it is programmed, a battery can last three to ten years or even more. When the battery wears down, the pacemaker will notify the doctor through the programmer (this is why it’s important to go to all of your checkups–your pacemaker sometimes has important information to tell the doctor). Although doctors sometimes talk about “battery replacement” or “battery change-out,” the fact is that batteries cannot be taken out of the pacemaker. When the battery wears down, you get a new pacemaker. In most cases, the leads are left in place and just removed from the old device and plugged into the new device. This procedure, sometimes called a device revision, is not as time consuming or difficult as the first implant. Pacemakers deliver electricity to the heart; they do not deliver any medications or substances that the body is not familiar with. For people with certain kinds of rhythm disorders, a pacemaker is the only therapy that can help, in other words, pacemakers often can help people who have heart problems that cannot be treated well with drugs. If you get a pacemaker, it is likely you will have one for the rest of your life. The heart does not repair itself electrically. Millions of people all over the world have benefited from pacemaker technology. www.pdf24.org Send article as PDF
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 The Hydrogen Hoax Read an excellent article on the feasibility of the Hydrogen economy, written by a person whom I consider somewhat of a genius: Robert Zubrin, an aerospace engineer whose qualifications include "a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Rochester (1974), a masters degree in Aeronatics and Astronautics, a masters degree in Nuclear Engineer, and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering — all from the University of Washington." [wiki] The Hydrogen Hoax The science-based argument states how inefficient the hydrogen production process is, while also pointing out that there is no viable way of efficiently storing liquified hydrogen or compressed hydrogen. In fact, according to Zubrin, to store 20 kg of hydrogen (comparable to 20 gallons of gasoline), would require either a 70-gallon cryogenic tank, or a 162 gallon tank at 5,000 PSI tank - the compressed hydrogen gas tank along would weigh approximately 2,800 pounds (without the 20 kilograms of fuel); the cryogenic storage tank would be prone to failure due to the nature of cryogenic hydrogen, which causes metal fatigue and brittleness and 'boils off,' which could be a serious safety issue in confined quarters (such as parking garages). The most important points he puts forth, however, are the inefficiency of burning hydrogen as compared to gasoline (hydrogen has a lower energy density); as well as the need to produce hydrogen - as 100% of the hydrogen on the planet earth is already bound up in chemical compounds... requiring enormous amounts of energy to free up the hydrogen from these bonds: The spokesmen for the hydrogen hoax claim that hydrogen will be manufactured from water via electrolysis. It is certainly possible to make hydrogen this way, but it is very expensive—so much so, that only four percent of all hydrogen currently produced in the United States is produced in this manner. The rest is made by breaking down hydrocarbons, through processes like pyrolysis of natural gas or steam reforming of coal. Dispensed in compressed gas cylinders to retail customers, the current price of commercial grade hydrogen is about $100 per kilogram. For comparison, a kilogram of hydrogen contains about the same amount of energy as a gallon of gasoline. ...then he gets down to the actual chemical reactions used commercially to change hydrocarbons to pure hydrogen, and the extra energy needed to compress or refrigeration to cryogenic temperatures - which could sap up to 40% of the original energy potential in the original hydrocarbons. As for hydrogen production via electrolysis - where would the energy come from? Pick your poison: coal or nuclear. Anonymous said... top [url=http://www.xgambling.org/]casino bonus[/url] hinder the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casinolasvegass.com[/url] free no store hand-out at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]online casino Anonymous said... [url=http://www.casino-online.gd]online casino[/url], also known as operative casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of traditional ("chunk and mortar") casinos. Online casinos approve gamblers to preferred up and wager on casino games with the forward the Internet. Online casinos habitually twist on the bazaar odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos tend to higher payback percentages in the have recourse to of foremost labour job games, and some bruit about payout mass audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an correctly programmed indefinitely consolidate up generator, catalogue games like blackjack essential an established congress edge. The payout beget a pay out in as a replacement representing these games are established past the rules of the game. Uncountable online casinos sublease or holdings their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Worldwide Deception Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Annona squamosa FAMILY: Annonaceae One of the lesser known but nevertheless delightful tropical fruits which is relatively easy to grow is the Sugar Apple. It is often called Custard Apple, and it belongs to the botanical family, Annonaceae. The species like so many other exotic fruits, originated in the tropics of South America. They were obviously well-known to the early inhabitants of that continent, as it is now widely scattered in places like Mexico, West Indies, India, Spain, Israel and Australia. This sweet, delicious fruit is heart-shaped, 3 to 4 inches in diameter, skin bumpy and green with juicy, sweet, white flesh, neatly encasing several shiny black seeds. The fruit is classed as excellent. The trees are semi-deciduous, shedding a large portion of their leaves by the end of winter. They are usually an open tree; fairly small, but often grow to around 5 metres tall. Flowering usually occurs first in spring after bud burst, but very few of these flowers set fruit. Sometimes a poor set of misshapen fruit will occur, mainly due to poor pollination. Humid weather seems to help pollination, and further flowering after spring seem to have a better fruit set. Being a tropical plant, they require a fairly hot climate, such as coastal regions of northern NSW and Queensland. In such areas the temperatures are not excessive, and there is normally sufficient humidity during the flowering period to ensure a good crop. Young trees must be protected from frosts but when mature, will usually withstand light to moderate frost. Lighter textured soils which are well-drained and will grow bananas successfully, are quite suitable for the sugar apple. Care should be taken that the soil is well-drained. Mounding is a good idea when soils are of heavy clay. The amount of water applied during the growing season will depend on the frequency and extent of the rainfall received. When rainfall is low, the trees should be regularly and thoroughly watered, but care must be taken to avoid excessive watering, as it may cause the onset of root rot. The sugar apple responds to regular application of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. As they are also a member of the Annonaceae family, zinc deficiency symptoms are frequently seen in the form of stunted shoot growth, with small mottled leaves. Zinc deficiency can normally be corrected by spraying the trees in spring with a mixture of 10 grams of zinc sulphate in 10 litres of water. Sometimes a follow-up spray will be required again the following spring. Seedlings usually come into flowering when three to four years old. Some are more productive than others and there is much variation in the size and quality of fruit produced by different trees. When there is an unusually good tree, it should be propagated by budding on to sugar apple seedlings. Pruning of mature trees involves cutting off any branches which crowd the centre of the tree, and any other whip-like shoots are shortened back. After bud burst is the best time to prune, when the sap flow has begun. Fruit is produced on shoots which grew the previous season, as well as those which grew two years earlier. The best way to pick the fruit is when it matures. That is when the spaces between the segments fill out and become lighter in colour. The fruit should be clipped from the tree level with the shoulder of the fruit while the fruit is still firm, then allow it to ripen at room temperature. If the fruit is harvested too early, it will not ripen and soften properly. Although only a minor crop in our northern states, there appears to be little reason why more of this fruit should not be grown, as this delightful fruit should easily find a ready market. Chris Gray DATE: May 1981
Monday, October 26, 2009 attempts at new ways of writing - mixing hindi and English This is an example I ran across on this site - Rakesh Raju, who speaks both English and Hindi - devised a way of writing combigning both alphabets for each word to enable him to write faster - Devnaagri vowels + English Consonants I tried to utilize this system and user test it with simple examples - my attempts were as follows 1) English Lowercase consonants with devnaagri vowels 2) English Uppercase consonants with devnaagri vowels 3) Hindi Consonants with English vowels What I learnt: 1) I thought it was an interesting combination and unique and something different to see - 1) Took me a very long time to write it - defeats the purpose of making a script for a language which is meant for quick, easy, friendly, casual usage. 2) English and Hindi work on very different systems. Figuring out rules for it would be complicated. - hindi has 12 vowels, and 33 consonants, and any combination of 1, 2, ,3 or 4 of these can make up numerous letters. - English has 26 fixed letters - with 5 vowels and 21 consonants 3) English has a lot of silent letters and some letters are pronounced differently when spoken. Hindi is written exactly as it is spoken, it is completely phonetic. Upon user testing feedback: 1) interesting to look at - specially the devnaagri accents on the english letters but will only work for single words, and not phrases or sentences 2) confusing - can only be understood by someone who speaks both hindi and english and would need a fixed rule about when to use what vowel and consonant 3) hard to read fast and can't understand at first glance. 4) better to use English to write Hinglish than to use this as it is an existing script. Where as with with we have to learn a new way of writing and what's the use as anyways you will have to learn Hindi and English before learning this. 5) hindi is written as it is spoken but english involves a different system, so hard to combine both. example - cat and censor - so this does seem a little pointless 1) as we can write hinglish anyways by using english alphabets - devising a new system to write this language does not help it or add value to it. 2) atleast with all english characters the word can be added to the English language if used enough, but with Devnaagri accents its becoming a third language - complicating communication. No comments:
Sunday, June 03, 2012 Exercise-Induced Asthma Even exercise can induce an asthma attack in people who have no other triggers and do not experience asthma under any other circumstances.People with exercise-induced asthma are believed to be more sensitive to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air.When you are at rest, you breathe through your nose, which serves to warm, humidify, and cleanse the air you inhale to make it more like the air in the lungs. When you are exercising, you breathe through your mouth, and the air that hits your lungs is colder and drier. The contrast between the warm air in the lungs and the cold inhaled air or the dry inhaled air and moist air in the lungs, can trigger an attack. No comments: You Tube
Immunologic Adjuvant Combination for Enhanced Immune Response to Vaccines and for Immunotherapy Technology #15041 Adjuvant Boosts Frequency, Functionality, and Longevity of Killer T Lymphocytes This adjuvant makes vaccines more effective by enhancing response of immune cells that provide protection against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Vaccines are composed of an antigen and an adjuvant. Antigens are the foreign substances that provoke an immune response, such as proteins on the surface of viruses and bacteria. The presence of an antigen can cause the immune system to produce antigen-specific antibodies and killer T lymphocytes. The adjuvant is the component of the vaccine that enhances this immune response. The antibodies and T lymphocytes generated following vaccination should provide long-lasting protection against the disease-causing organism. However, most vaccines are capable of generating only antibody responses, which limits the impact of vaccinations against many clinically relevant pathogens (HIV, malaria, TB, and respiratory viruses). Researchers at the University of Florida have combined lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and an anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody to form an adjuvant that boosts the functionality, and longevity of killer T lymphocytes. This enhanced response should make existing vaccines more effective and may enable vaccine development for additional diseases. Adjuvant that enhances both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses for vaccines and possibly for immunotherapy applications • Enhances the efficacy of subunit vaccines, allowing for improved protection • Induces both systemic and mucosal virus-specific CD8 T-cells to provide durable protection against viral pathogens • The adjuvant components are either generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or are predicted to have very low probability of producing an adverse reaction For safety reasons modern vaccine formulations are increasingly based on purified pieces (subunits) of antigens derived from the target pathogen. However, subunit antigens are intrinsically poor immunogens and therefore must be mixed with substances called adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity. There are only a few adjuvants (Alum and MF59) approved for human use and currently used adjuvanted inactivated/subunit vaccines largely elicit humoral immunity; often require repeated immunization to sustain the response for long periods of time; and typically stimulate poor cellular (CD8 T cell) responses. There is emerging consensus that vaccines against many highly virulent pathogens will require both antibodies and CD8 T cells. OX40 is a glycoprotein, expressed on the surface of activated T-cells that can promote various activities such as T-cell proliferation, survival, and enhanced killing of pathogens. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a major immunostimulatory component of Gram-positive bacteria. By combining the LTA from beneficial intestinal bacteria, Lactobacillus. acidophilus, and an agonist OX40 antibody for vaccination, this novel adjuvant promotes long-term systemic and mucosal antigen-specific memory responses that are superior to that generated by currently available adjuvants used in human vaccines. Additionally, this new dual-adjuvant promises to generate an enhanced therapeutic response when used with immunotherapy candidates.
How do Noses Work - health problems 101 Health Problems & Symptoms Position：Health Problems 101 > Diseases > Content How do Noses Work You may have such questions as What Is A Nose and When Is Red Nose Day,or you may also seek several helpful information about What Causes Nose Bleed. Besides,you may be interested in answers related to Function of the Nose,too. Read more as following: From my experience the nose has two large passages which we inhale and exhale air.It is divided by a septurn, that is the cartilage in our nose this is before it leads into our sinus cavities. Which is located above below and behind our eyes. This is how we breath taste and smell. What is the nose? The nose is the organ of smell and is part of the peripheral nervous system. The external part of the nose lies above the roof of the mouth. The nose consists of: external meatus triangular-shaped projection in the center of the face external nostril... More » When is red nose day? Red Nose Day is celebrated in England. This past Red Nose Day was March 13, 2009. This day is when you will do something funny for money.... More » What Causes Nose Bleed? The causes of nose bleeds vary from person to person, but it is most common in the winter because the air is so dry. Thin blood vessels are to blame and dry air, nose picking or stress can aggravate the problem. Getting hit in the nose can also cause... More » What Causes a Red Nose? The causes for a red rose can be Rosacea. Rosacea is a skin problem that causes small red lines, and a lingering redness. It's helpful if you have this skin disorder to stay out of the sun for a long period of time.... More » How to Clear a Stuffy Nose? You can clear a stuffy nose by taking a decongestant or by inhaling steam. They will both open your nasal passages so that you can breathe better.... More » How does the nose work? The nose is composed of two large passages through which you inhale and exhale air. The septum, which is composed of thin bone and cartilage, divides the passages before they lead into four sinus cavities. These sinus cavities are located above, behi... More » 1. Mateen Reply: THX that’s a great ansewr! 2. Yaz Reply: Whenever I notice other peoples noses they don’t get the same thing I do. My nose gets this weird shineness to it, almost a glow. I don’t like it though, so how would I get rid of it? 3. Shelly Reply: Religiously speaking of course. I understand that our noses and ears grow throughout our lives. Well, I’m almost forty, and my nose is running amok! Does anyone know how I can slow my nose’s roll, so to speak? 4. Bryce Reply: I have heard that if you hold their noses closed that they can’t breath. 5. Jayda Reply: I don’t understand it. People are going around saying Happy Red Nose Day! And now I see Avatars wearing red noses. What does it mean? 6. Kyle Reply: I have a very sensitive nose, (I get bloody noses REALLY easy cause I have thin blood vessels in my nose) and I want a nose stud. Would the nose stud make it worse or what? 7. Vicky Reply: I have a cold and have mucus issues. After sniffling for the 10,000th time, my dad got fed up with me. So I told him that if Neanderthals didn’t blow their noses, why should I? That got us thinking : when did people really start to blow their noses? 8. Bacchus Reply: I typed “pretty women” into Google images and noticed that they ALL have greek noses. Celebrities often get rhinoplasty to straighten the bridge of their nose to be like a greek nose. I have a roman honker :\ So I’m not really considered pretty. 9. Leah Scott Reply: I always plug my nose in the water and jumping in. I can do without it bud water goes straight into my nose. Everyone I know can jump without plugging their noses easily, and I don’t know how. Please tell me how to keep my nose clear if water without plugging it! 10. Fluttershy Reply: My children get runny noses it seems like every month or two and I never know when to keep them home. I am supposed to go out of town this weekend and my 3 year old daughter has had a clear runny nose all day. When do I know it’s time to stay home because it’s contagious? 11. Tony Reply: It was 38 degrees today and I got a bloody nose suddenly out of nowhere. I’m pretty used to getting bloody noses but I want to know ways of preventing it. Would drinking more water help? I dont drink much water. 12. Marlize Reply: Aren’t are ideas of beauty linked to what is healthy? Isn’t it better for a person’s health to have a wide nose so that they can breathe easier? So then why do we see thin noses as better looking? 13. Asking Questions Reply: I sometimes wake up at night and just ‘know’ that my nose has started bleeding. Normally both nostrils just start bleeding without any cause. I get bloody noses alot during the day as well. This has only just started recently. What could be causing this? 14. Douglas F Reply: many boxers don’t have nerves in there noses and i would like to know exactily how they do it. Also what are the side effects from it and does it mean boxers cant feel a blow to the nose 15. Dixie Reply: What are the different types of noses and what type of skill level/waveside are best for each type of nose? Thanks in advance. Your Answer Spamer is not welcome,every link should be moderated.
Thursday, October 1, 2015 The Pashtun soldiery and nobility of the Mughal empire By Khan Barmazid The Pashtuns had a chequered history within the Mughal nobility. The short-lived Sur dynasty, followed by the Mughal restoration, made the Pashtun chiefs suspects in the eyes of the Mughals. Akbar thoroughly disliked the Pashtuns as a body. According to Manucci, Akbar left it as a law to his descendants that the that Pashtuns should never receive a higher pay than 4000 rupees per year. That they were not be appointed governors and should only be employed as soldiers. In another place Manucci remarked , "In the whole of Hindustan , from Kabul to the confines of Bengal , there may be one hundred fortresses. To these the King sends faithful governors . Generally they are men in his service, being princes whose fidelity have already been tested. They are Rajputs, Saiyids and Mughals. But the Pathans are never allowed to hold any of these for fear that they may plot some treason, as they did to King Humayun." The reaction of Emperor Akbar to the news of the death of a petty Pashtun officer , Daulat Khan Lodi at Ahmadnagar in 1601, expresses his distrust of the Pashtuns. The Emperor is said to have remarked, "This day Sher Khan Sur has departed from the world". This indicates the distrust with which Akbar still regarded the Pashtuns even at a time when his empire had reached the zenith of its prosperity. Although Pashtuns took part in many of the Akbar's campaigns and distinguished themselves, yet they were never entrusted with a major army command. But as soldiers and officers of lower ranks, they were freely recruited because of their valor in battlefields. Emperor Jehangir realized that if the Pashtuns, who constituted a large part of the Mughal army, could be won over , they might render valuable services to him. So he promoted certain Pashtuns to higher ranks. The information contained in Tarikh-i-Khan-Jahani and Zakhirat-ul-Khawanin indicates that his Mughal nobility was sharply divided on the question of admission and promotion being even to the Pashtuns. The faction which was particularly hostile to them , was led by Sharif Khan, Jehangir's great favorite and principle advisor of his early years. Those favouring the Pashtuns included Mirza Aziz Koka , an old Akbar Shahi noble. Those who were against the Pashtuns represented that it was unpolitic to shower so much favour on a Pashtun, and went to the extent of saying that Pashtuns were the enemies of the Mughal empire , and should be expelled from its borders. Farid Bukhari adds that even orders to this effect had been issued. But Mirza Aziz Koka protested that there were a large number of Pashtuns throughout the country and that the order would lead to a great disturbance. Jehangir accepted Mirza Aziz Koka's argument and the order was withdrawn. During the reign of of Jehangir Mughal policy towards the Pashtuns was modified to the extent that they were admitted into service without much prejudice , but promotions to high ranks and appointments to important assignments were not still easily given. This might have been because of their extensive tribal feelings. Farid Bukhari says that after the fall of the Kandahar , chieftains of Kakar, Tarin, Abdali and Panni tribes from near Kandahar came to Khan Jahan Lodi in Multan on account of tribal feelings and offered to serve in his army in large numbers till they had conquered Isfahan provided he promised to pay them three Tankas a day to the horsemen and two Tankas a day to the field soldiers. Khan Jahan Lodi refused , saying that if the King came to know of this agreement , he would never allow him to live. Shah Jahan also showed much caution and restraint towards Pashtuns. In 1640 Emperor Shah Jahan appointed his distinguished Pashtun general Bahadur Khan Daudzai in Bundelkhand to suppress the Bundelas and gave him the fief of Islamabad there. Immediately after the apartment , Shah Jahan thought that he had acted unwisely in sending Bahadur Khan Daudzai alias Rohilla to Bundelkhand and he feared that he might convert Bundelkhand into Rohilkhand . So, he recalled him. Manucci who came to India in 1656 and was an eye-witness to events during Aurangzeb’s reign, between 1659-1707, wrote, " It is a rule in the Mughal empire not to trust the race of Pathans " . Likewise Bernier who lived in India from 1658-1667, and was closely associated with Mughal courts , states that Mughals were forced to employ the Pashtuns because of their martial qualities. They , as well as Rajputs, were used to quell disturbances , as also to counter-balance each other. Aurangzeb as a prince seems to have made an attempt to win over the Pashtuns. In a letter he expressed surprise that his proposal for promoting a Pashtun officer is turned down by the Emperor simply because of his race . But Bhimsen in his Tarikh-i-dilkusha writes, “The Emperor (Aurangzeb) never had any confidence in the Afghans. Emperor Babar, Emperor Humayun and Emperor Akbar came to India extricated the sense of vanity and pride from the Afghans and took possession of the empire. So its no surprise that they behaved in that manner. “(this statement was made by author when a Pashtun chief Sardar Tarin was found to be in league with the rebel prince Akbar). But through the complicated political conditions of his reign , the rise of the Shivaji and Marathas in the Deccan, wars against the Deccani sultanates , the alienation of the Rajputs and the rebellion of Jats and the Satnamis, Aurangzeb in fact had to depend more on the arms of the Pashtuns. The Pashtun general Daud Khan Daudzai distinguished himself in many a campaign in his reign. Still Aurangzeb never entrusted him with an independent army command. In 1683, Diler Khan was fighting against the Bijapuris as second in command to Prince Shah Alam. Shah Alam intended to rebel against his father and seize the throne. He tried to induce Diler Khan to join him. Failing to win him over, the Prince secretly poisoned him. Manucci says that Aurangzeb was grieved at the death of so faithful a general , for whom he had considerable affection, in spite of him being a Pashtun. Manucci's writings further reveals the distrust of the Mughals to the Pashtuns. He says, "Upon birthdays, days of festival, and New Year's day, the emperor and the princes are weighed. On those days, the chief ladies of the court are obliged to attend at the palace to make their compliments to the queens and princesses. From this ceremony the wives of the Pathan captains are exempted ". The exclusion of the Pashtun ladies from festive occasions shows that although the Mughals continued to enlist the services of the Pashtuns , yet they would not rely on them even in the reign of Aurangzeb. The writings of the French traveler , who lived in India from 1658 to 1667 and was intimately connected with the Mughal court express the same spirit of distrust of the Mughals towards the Pashtuns. They confirm that it was a military necessity only which obliged the Mughal emperor to engage the Pashtuns in his service. The Pashtuns came from a tribal society and even when they were appointed Mughal officers, they still remained tribal leaders and employed men from their own tribes and clans. Manucci points out that they wore aristocratic dress only for the court. When they returned, they put away the dress for the simple costumes of their race. Manucci states that the Pashtun nobles relied more upon their tribe, and employed in their contingents men of their own clan .Relating to their haughty nature, Bhimsen tell us how on a small issue Diler Khan Daudzai became angry with his Pashtun soldiers and ordered them to be fired at by his topkhana. The Pashtun soldiers , instead of surrendering to their master, fought and as many as 600 Pashtuns gave up their lives. In Central Asian campaigns of Mughals 1645-46, the Pashtuns along with the Rajputs were associated with vanguard of the army , under the supreme command of prince Murad Bakhsh . Aurangzeb, when arrived in Afghanistan appointed Bahadur Khan Daudzai in-charge of the vanguard of his army . As the Pashtuns generally formed the vanguard on the storming party of the Mughal force. As a result they had to face disasters on several occasions. One such instance occurred during the siege of the fort of Satara in 1700 A.D, which was conducted by Aurangzeb himself. Mir Atish Tarbiyat Khan , in contravention of Royal orders, exploded the mines in order to break the enemy defenses, with the result that a number of Pashtun clansmen , who formed the storming party , lost their lives. These included important Pashtun lieutenants, like Ahmad Khan Lodi , Asadudduin Ahmad Daudzai and many other men of artillery. Some of the Pashtun tribesmen were noted for their superior archery skills. A Mughal officer Mirza Nathan had a contingent of Dilzak Pashtuns who are described in his book, Baharistan-i-Ghaibi, to be very good archers .These Dilazak Pashtuns were deported to India from their native place by Jehangir and large number of them were recruited in the Imperial army. There were 3,000 Dilazak cavalrymen in Khan Jahan Lodi’s army which was sent against the Kingdom of Bijapur in 1615 AD. 1- Manuccui, Storia Da Mogor or Mughal 2- Rita Joshi, "The Afghan nobility and the Mughals" 3- Bernier, Travels in the Mughal empire 4- Mirza Nathan, Baharistan-i-Ghaibi 5- Tuzk-i-Jehangiri 6- Abdul Aziz, "The Mansabdari sytem and Mughal army" 7- Athar Ali, "The Mughal nobility under Aurangzeb 8- Afzal Hussain, "Afghan Nobility under Akbar and Jahangir—The Family of Daulat Khan Lodi " Shahjahan receives his son Aurangzeb in court at Lahore fort Shah Jahan in Old Age , circa 1650
Creating change through transforming consciousness. Learn more about CE's Mission! Next Story We're creating viewer supported news. Become a member! What causes drug addiction? Easy! Addictive substances. You take heroin and you’ll become an addict for sure, right? This is the narrative that our society teaches us. It is the reason why we treat addicts like criminals, blaming them for the choice they have made when they could have just as easily chosen a normal, conventional life, like everyone else. advertisement - learn more But what if it’s not that easy or simple? The Rat Park Experiment In 1970, Canadian psychologist Bruce K. Alexander and his colleagues at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia conducted a study that directly challenged the common notion that drugs are themselves the cause of addiction. They put lab rats in small separate cages, each with two water dispensers; one of them filled with pure water and the other with water mixed with heroin or cocaine. The rats would end up compulsively pressing the drug dispensing lever again and again, even to the point of choosing it over food. Soon enough, they would starve themselves to death. Sounds like the typical drug addict behavior, right? But the study doesn’t end there. Alexandre and his team built what one could call a “Rat Paradise.” Instead of isolating rats in small separate cages, they let them interact with each other in an environment 200 times more spacious than a standard laboratory cage — with plenty of food, toys, wheels, and space to mate. Their behavior and choices changed dramatically. The rats in the rat park resisted the drugged water and chose pure water instead. Even already-addicted rats weaned themselves off their addiction after they were transferred from cages to the rat park. advertisement - learn more This begs the question: were rats really hopeless addicts, or simply unhappy? Were they reacting to the drug itself, or to their confined, isolated, and depressing environment? – Jiddu Krishnamurti Modern Society: The Antithesis To Human Happiness The same question should be asked about human beings. Perhaps it is not the drug itself that some find addictive, but the fact that it is a temporary escape to this sick and depressing society we have built for ourselves. Authorities continue to glorify the War on Drugs with strict laws, fear-based education, and severe punishment for drug use… while completely disregarding how our society’s very structure is designed for unhappiness. Think about it: the standard human life consists of spending the best years of our lives bored out of our minds in school only to prepare us for a job we will most likely hate, and then retire at 60 when we’re too old and tired to do the things we would have actually wanted to do. – Ellen Goodman I don’t know about you, but this to me sounds a lot like a little cage in which there is no time or space to enjoy ourselves, act on our deepest calling, and feel a sense of community among fellow human beings — which I believe is key to human happiness and fulfillment. This is not to say that choosing the drug over reality is the right choice, but it is, in essence, just as reasonable as the poor rats’ decision to go for “feel good” chemicals rather than stay sober inside of a prison. Both the drug-addicted rat and human are hurting… and pain needs compassion and understanding, not punishment. It is interesting to note that Bruce Alexander’s discovery was ignored and suppressed for many years. Perhaps because taking a good look at our own human environment — instead of policing our reactions to it — may spark the revolution that those in power fear. The difference between our human society and a rat cage is that we have a choice. We can continue living by the rules even though they make us miserable. We can continue escaping our feelings with substances to better cope with the way things are. Or… we can turn to each other and realize that we are the ones powering this entire society. How about we stop that and instead power up the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible? “If you feel like you don’t fit in, in this world, it is because you are here to help create a new one.” – Jocelyn Daher Having Trouble Losing Excess Weight? Are You Addicted To Food? Take the quiz to find out. Take the quiz! No more articles
Pedestrians and trams are given priority treatment in Zurich. Tram operators can turn traffic lights in their favor as they approach, forcing cars to halt. Credit Christoph Bangert for The New York Times Cities including Vienna to Munich and Copenhagen have closed vast swaths of streets to car traffic. Barcelona and Paris have had car lanes eroded by popular bike-sharing programs. Drivers in London and Stockholm pay hefty congestion charges just for entering the heart of the city. And over the past two years, dozens of German cities have joined a national network of “environmental zones” where only cars with low carbon dioxide emissions may enter. Likeminded cities welcome new shopping malls and apartment buildings but severely restrict the allowable number of parking spaces. On-street parking is vanishing. In recent years, even former car capitals like Munich have evolved into “walkers’ paradises,” said Lee Schipper, a senior research engineer at Stanford University who specializes in sustainable transportation. Continue reading the main story While some American cities — notably San Francisco, which has “pedestrianized” parts of Market Street — have made similar efforts, they are still the exception in the United States, where it has been difficult to get people to imagine a life where cars are not entrenched, Dr. Schipper said. Europe’s cities generally have stronger incentives to act. Built for the most part before the advent of cars, their narrow roads are poor at handling heavy traffic. Public transportation is generally better in Europe than in the United States, and gas often costs over $8 a gallon, contributing to driving costs that are two to three times greater per mile than in the United States, Dr. Schipper said. Globally, emissions from transportation continue a relentless rise, with half of them coming from personal cars. Yet an important impulse behind Europe’s traffic reforms will be familiar to mayors in Los Angeles and Vienna alike: to make cities more inviting, with cleaner air and less traffic. A view of Zurich's Limmatquai, a riverside pedestrian zone that used to be two lanes of gridlock. Credit Christoph Bangert for The New York Times Michael Kodransky, global research manager at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy in New York, which works with cities to reduce transport emissions, said that Europe was previously “on the same trajectory as the United States, with more people wanting to own more cars.” But in the past decade, there had been “a conscious shift in thinking, and firm policy,” he said. And it is having an effect. After two decades of car ownership, Hans Von Matt, 52, who works in the insurance industry, sold his vehicle and now gets around Zurich by tram or bicycle, using a car-sharing service for trips out of the city. Carless households have increased from 40 to 45 percent in the last decade, and car owners use their vehicles less, city statistics show. Today 91 percent of the delegates to the Swiss Parliament take the tram to work. Urban planners generally agree that a rise in car commuting is not desirable for cities anywhere. Mr. Fellmann calculated that a person using a car took up 115 cubic meters (roughly 4,000 cubic feet) of urban space in Zurich while a pedestrian took three. “So it’s not really fair to everyone else if you take the car,” he said. European cities also realized they could not meet increasingly strict World Health Organization guidelines for fine-particulate air pollution if cars continued to reign. Many American cities are likewise in “nonattainment” of their Clean Air Act requirements, but that fact “is just accepted here,” said Mr. Kodransky of the New York-based transportation institute. Sihl City, a new Zurich mall, is three times the size of Brooklyn’s Atlantic Mall but has only 225 more parking spaces than Atlantic's 625, and as a result, 70 percent of visitors get there by public transport, Mr. Kodransky said. In Copenhagen, Mr. Jensen, at the European Environment Agency, said that his office building had more than 150 spaces for bicycles and only one for a car, to accommodate a disabled person. While many building codes in Europe cap the number of parking spaces in new buildings to discourage car ownership, American codes conversely tend to stipulate a minimum number. New apartment complexes built along the light rail line in Denver devote their bottom eight floors to parking, making it “too easy” to get in the car rather than take advantage of rail transit, Mr. Kodransky said. While Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has generated controversy in New York by “pedestrianizing” a few areas like Times Square, many European cities have already closed vast areas to car traffic. Store owners in Zurich had worried that the closings would mean a drop in business, but that fear has proved unfounded, Mr. Fellmann said, because pedestrian traffic increased 30 to 40 percent where cars were banned. Correction: July 7, 2011 An article on June 27 about efforts to reduce traffic in European cities, using information from a transportation researcher, misstated the number of parking spaces for cars at Sihl City, a new shopping mall in Zurich, relative to the number at Atlantic Mall in Brooklyn. Sihl City has 850 spaces and Atlantic Mall has 625; Sihl City does not have half as many as Atlantic Mall. The article also misspelled, in some copies, the name of one of the busiest squares in Zurich where cars are banned on some blocks. It is Löwenplatz, not Lovenplatz. Continue reading the main story
Enter your text below and click here to check the spelling Spell Check of poker Correct spelling: poker Definition of poker: 1. An iron bar used in stirring a fire. Common misspellings for poker: poer, pocker, poket. Google Ngram Viewer results for poker: This graph shows how "poker" have occurred between 1800 and 2008 in a corpus of English books. Examples of usage for poker: 1. At small tables various visitors were enjoying the game of poker. 2. Mellish sighed as he looked at him, then he turned to Sotty and said: Just get him away quietly and bring him to the small poker room. 3. That made me so loud, Sir; now, says Mr. Powell, you do it awkerdly; whip says I, in answer like a Chollerick Fool, and out comes Poker, whether George was out so soon I can't say. Quotes for poker: 1. I could think of worse ways of going than at the poker table. - Al Alvarez 2. Last year people won more than one billion dollars playing poker. And casinos made twenty -seven billion just by being around those people. - Samantha Bee 3. No, that's poker. To win, you've gotta get damned lucky. - Wilford Brimley 4. If you're playing a poker game and you look around the table and and can't tell who the sucker is, it's you. - Paul Newman 5. My kitty cats could rely on my poker winnings. - Nicole Sullivan Rhymes for poker: 1. broker, choker, coker, croaker, croker, folker, joker, ochre, smoker, stoker, zocor. 2. mediocre. 3. nonsmoker. • How to spell poker? • Correct spelling of poker. • Spell check poker. • How do u spell poker?
Boy Playing Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis This is a common skin condition which can come and go. Typically skin becomes red, dry and itchy, and the resultant scratching can cause swelling, cracking, “weeping” of fluid, and scaling of skin. Between 10 and 20% of people worldwide develop atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form of eczema. Many develop the condition in the first year of life, and most by age 5. Infantile eczema is usually worst on the scalp and face, as well as in the creases of the neck/behind the ears but can also be found on flexor surfaces (elbows, knees), in the groin folds, and in patches elsewhere. Seborrheic eczema may cause yellow, oily flakes on the scalp and face. Infants typically improve over time, often resolving by age 2. Eczema is more common in children with food allergies and/or asthma, or with a family history of allergic diseases. The rash can be triggered by foods and topical agents (saliva, sweat, lotions) but often there is no obvious cause. Areas prone to rubbing (neck, groin) tend to be worse. Older children and teens with eczema commonly have elbow and knee involvement, as well as patches on the hands/feet/wrists/face/neck/eyelids and upper chest. Long standing eczema can cause either pale or darkened patches of skin, or scaly/thickened skin due to chronic inflammation. Sun exposure can exaggerate skin color differences. Chronic dryness and irritation of the skin can lead to fungal and bacterial infections, typified by increased redness, itch, crusting and discharge. Many everyday exposures can cause flares of atopic dermatitis. Wool and other rough fabrics, juices from meats and fruits, jewelry (particularly cheaper, nickel-containing metals), latex in band-aids or tapes, and even some lotions. Metal snaps on jeans often cause a chronic rash around the belly-button (place duct-tape over the inside of the snap.) Wear gloves when using cleaning agents or cooking. Dyshidrotic eczema is an irritation of the palms and/or soles that causes itch, blisters and peeling or cracking. Often mistaken for athletes foot (which is uncommon in prepubertal children, and typically between the toes.) • Bathing is fine, but avoid any oil-removing soaps. Cetaphil, Mustela or Aveeno non-soap cleansers can be used sparingly in particularly dirty areas. Otherwise just use water. • After bathing, immediately PAT dry (NO rubbing) and apply a thick layer of moisturizer. Vaseline or Aquaphor (CVS equivalent is fine) work best. For particularly tough areas, try a thick diaper ointment like Triple Paste under cotton pajamas. • Reapply ointments (lotions are lighter but less effective) frequently during the day, particularly to prevent exposure to irritants (i.e. to face before eating, before going outside.) 2. Avoid laundry products with perfumes or dyes- particularly dryer sheets that can leave a residue on clothing. 3. AVOID ITCH- this is the “itch” that “rashes.” Treating the itch will help avoid resultant irritation and infection. Try COOL lotions or compresses, antihistamines such as benadryl or zrytec, covering bad areas with moisturizer and an occlusive bandage/cotton gloves. 4. STEROIDS are the mainstay of medical treatment. For mild eczema you can start with over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream applied twice a day. If skin is open, crusty or weeping, or persistently irritated and itchy see your physician; topical anti-bacterials or prescription steroids may be necessary. As steroids can thin the skin and cause color-change over time, they should be used in “bursts”- regularly for up to 2 weeks, then a 2 week break. If eczema is uncontrollable off topical steroids, revisit the physician. 5. IMMUNE-MODULATORS- otherwise known as Elidel or Protopic, these prescription medications interfere with the inflammatory process that causes eczema. These can be used long term without adverse consequences for moderate to severe eczema. 6. CHLOROX BATHS- eczema flares are often caused or accompanied by superinfection with skin bacteria such as staph. Bathing 3 x week in a weak bleach bath can help (add ½ cup bleach to a tub of water, soak for 5-10 minutes.) 7. CRADLE CAP/DANDRUFF- simple treatment consists of moisturizing wet hair with olive or mineral oil, and combing out the flakes. For more persistent cases, Selsun shampoo can be used 2-3 times a week (shield eyes to avoid burning) and/or OTC 1% hydrocortisone cream 2 times a day for several days. 8. DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA- use moisture wicking socks, and change frequently to avoid sweat-soaked feet. Moisturize frequently, with steroids as needed for itch/irritation.
Open main menu Wikipedia β Early timekeeping Railway time Plaque commemorating the Railway General Time Convention of 1883 in North America Worldwide time zones Although the first person to propose a worldwide system of time zones was the Italian mathematician Quirico Filopanti in his book Miranda! published in 1858, his idea was unknown outside the pages of his book until long after his death, so it did not influence the adoption of time zones during the 19th century. He proposed 24 hourly time zones, which he called "longitudinal days", the first centred on the meridian of Rome. He also proposed a universal time to be used in astronomy and telegraphy.[8][9] Notation of time ISO 8601 ISO 8601 is an international standard that defines unambiguous and well-defined methods of representing dates and times in textual form, including specifications for representing time zones. Offsets from UTC UTC offsets worldwide Time zones map Political map showing how a great part of the world has a gap between the official time and the solar. UTC−12:00 ... UTC−06:00 ... UTC±00:00 ... UTC+06:00 ... UTC+12:00 ... −12:00 −12:00 N: US- −06:00 −06:00 N: US-, MX- RU-, KZ-- KI-, RU- S: NZ- +12:45 +12:45 N: CA-, CU, US- N: MN- −04:00 −04:00 S: AQ- N: MN- −03:30 −03:30 S: CA- −09:00 −09:00 N: US- S: BR- RU-, JP, KR, ID- +03:30 +03:30 +09:30 +09:30 −08:00 −08:00 N: CA-, US-, MX- US-, MX- N: CA-, US-, MX- −01:00 −01:00 List of UTC offsets Time offset Example time (ISO 8601 notation) Example locations Example locations that in summer use DST UTC−12:00 2017-09-24T03:42:56-12:00 Baker Island, Howland Island (both uninhabited) UTC−11:00 2017-09-24T04:42:56-11:00 American Samoa, Niue UTC−10:00 2017-09-24T05:42:56-10:00 French Polynesia (most), United States (Hawaii) United States (Aleutian Islands) UTC−09:30 2017-09-24T06:12:56-09:30 Marquesas Islands UTC−09:00 2017-09-24T06:42:56-09:00 Gambier Islands United States (most of Alaska) UTC−08:00 2017-09-24T07:42:56-08:00 Pitcairn Islands Canada (most of British Columbia), Mexico (Baja California), United States (California, most of Nevada, most of Oregon, Washington) UTC−07:00 2017-09-24T08:42:56-07:00 Canada (northeastern British Columbia), Mexico (Sonora), United States (most of Arizona) Canada (Alberta), Mexico (Chihuahua), United States (Colorado) UTC−06:00 2017-09-24T09:42:56-06:00 Belize, Canada (most of Saskatchewan), Costa Rica, Ecuador (Galápagos Islands), El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua Canada (Manitoba), United States (Illinois, most of Texas), Mexico (most) UTC−05:00 2017-09-24T10:42:56-05:00 Brazil (Acre), Colombia, Ecuador (continental), Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Peru Bahamas, Canada (most of Ontario, most of Quebec), Cuba, United States (District of Columbia, most of Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, most of Michigan, most of Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio) UTC−04:00 2017-09-24T11:42:56-04:00 Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil (most of Amazonas, Rondônia, Roraima), Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela Brazil (most of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul), Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, most of Labrador), Chile (continental), Paraguay UTC−03:30 2017-09-24T12:12:56-03:30 Canada (island of Newfoundland, southeastern Labrador) UTC−03:00 2017-09-24T12:42:56-03:00 Argentina, Brazil (Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Pará, Pernambuco), Falkland Islands, Uruguay Brazil (Federal District, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo), Greenland (most) UTC−02:00 2017-09-24T13:42:56-02:00 Brazil (Fernando de Noronha), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands UTC−01:00 2017-09-24T14:42:56-01:00 Cape Verde Portugal (Azores) UTC±00:00 2017-09-24T15:42:56+00:00 Ivory Coast, Ghana, Iceland, Saint Helena, Senegal, Mali Faroe Islands, Ireland, Morocco, Portugal (continental, Madeira), Spain (Canary Islands), United Kingdom, Western Sahara UTC+01:00 2017-09-24T16:42:56+01:00 Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (west), Gabon, Niger, Nigeria, Tunisia Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France (metropolitan), Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Malta, Macedonia, Namibia, Netherlands (European), Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (continental), Sweden, Switzerland UTC+02:00 2017-09-24T17:42:56+02:00 Burundi, Egypt, Jordan, Malawi, Mozambique, Russia (Kaliningrad), Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Moldova, Palestine, Romania, Syria, Ukraine UTC+03:00 2017-09-24T18:42:56+03:00 Belarus, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Madagascar, Northern Cyprus, Russia (most of European part), Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen UTC+03:30 2017-09-24T19:12:56+03:30 Iran UTC+04:00 2017-09-24T19:42:56+04:00 Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Mauritius, Oman, Russia (Samara), Seychelles, United Arab Emirates UTC+04:30 2017-09-24T20:12:56+04:30 Afghanistan UTC+05:00 2017-09-24T20:42:56+05:00 Kazakhstan (west), Maldives, Pakistan, Russia (Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk), Uzbekistan UTC+05:30 2017-09-24T21:12:56+05:30 India, Sri Lanka UTC+05:45 2017-09-24T21:27:56+05:45 Nepal UTC+06:00 2017-09-24T21:42:56+06:00 Bangladesh, Bhutan, British Indian Ocean Territory, Kazakhstan (most), Russia (Omsk) UTC+06:30 2017-09-24T22:12:56+06:30 Cocos Islands, Myanmar UTC+07:00 2017-09-24T22:42:56+07:00 Cambodia, Indonesia (west), Laos, Russia (Krasnoyarsk), Thailand, Vietnam Mongolia (west) UTC+08:00 2017-09-24T23:42:56+08:00 Australia (Western Australia), Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia (central), Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia (Irkutsk), Singapore, Taiwan Mongolia (most) UTC+08:30 2017-09-25T00:12:56+08:30 North Korea[11] UTC+08:45 2017-09-25T00:27:56+08:45 Australia (Eucla unofficial) UTC+09:00 2017-09-25T00:42:56+09:00 East Timor, Indonesia (east), Japan, Russia (most of Sakha), South Korea UTC+09:30 2017-09-25T01:12:56+09:30 Australia (Northern Territory) Australia (South Australia) UTC+10:00 2017-09-25T01:42:56+10:00 Australia (Queensland), Papua New Guinea, Russia (Primorsky) Australia (New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria) UTC+10:30 2017-09-25T02:12:56+10:30 Lord Howe Island UTC+11:00 2017-09-25T02:42:56+11:00 New Caledonia, Russia (Magadan), Solomon Islands, Vanuatu UTC+12:00 2017-09-25T03:42:56+12:00 Kiribati (Gilbert Islands), Russia (Kamchatka) Fiji, New Zealand (most) UTC+12:45 2017-09-25T04:27:56+12:45 New Zealand (Chatham Islands) UTC+13:00 2017-09-25T04:42:56+13:00 Kiribati (Phoenix Islands), Tokelau Samoa, Tonga UTC+14:00 2017-09-25T05:42:56+14:00 Kiribati (Line Islands) Time zone conversions Conversion between time zones obeys the relationship The conversion equation can be rearranged to For example, what time is it in Los Angeles (PST, UTC offset= −08) when the New York Stock Exchange opens at 09:30 (EST, −05)? In Delhi (IST, UTC offset= +5:30), the New York Stock Exchange opens at time in Delhi = 09:30 − (−05:00) + (+5:30) = 20:00. Nautical time zones Skewing of zones Difference between sun time and clock time during daylight saving time: 1h ± 30 min behind 0h ± 30m 1h ± 30m ahead 2h ± 30m ahead 3h ± 30m ahead DST observed DST formerly observed DST never observed Daylight saving time Computer systems and the Internet Web servers presenting web pages primarily for an audience in a single time zone or a limited range of time zones typically show times as a local time, perhaps with UTC time in brackets. More internationally oriented websites may show times in UTC only or using an arbitrary time zone. For example, the international English-language version of CNN includes GMT and Hong Kong Time,[18] whereas the US version shows Eastern Time.[19] US Eastern Time and Pacific Time are also used fairly commonly on many US-based English-language websites with global readership. The format is typically based in the W3C Note "datetime". Email systems and other messaging systems (IRC chat, etc.)[20] time-stamp messages using UTC, or else include the sender's time zone as part of the message, allowing the receiving program to display the message's date and time of sending in the recipient's local time. Operating systems Most Unix-like systems, including Linux and Mac OS X, keep system time as UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). Rather than having a single time zone set for the whole computer, timezone offsets can vary for different processes. Standard library routines are used to calculate the local time based on the current timezone, normally supplied to processes through the TZ environment variable. This allows users in multiple timezones to use the same computer, with their respective local times displayed correctly to each user. Time zone information most commonly comes from the IANA time zone database. In fact, many systems, including anything using the GNU C Library, can make use of this database. Microsoft Windows Programming languages As an alternative to the timezone information bundled with the Java Platform, programmers may choose to use the Joda-Time library.[25] This library includes its own timezone data based on the IANA time zone database.[26] The DateTime object supports all time zones in the Olson DB and includes the ability to get, set and convert between time zones.[27] The DateTime objects and related functions have been compiled into the PHP core since 5.2. This includes the ability to get and set the default script timezone, and DateTime is aware of its own timezone internally. provides extensive documentation on this.[28] As noted there, the most current timezone database can be implemented via the PECL timezonedb. The standard module datetime stores and operates on the timezone information class tzinfo. The third party pytz module provides access to the full IANA time zone database.[29] Negated time zone offset in seconds is stored time.timezone and time.altzone attributes. Time zones in outer space See also 1. ^ Spain may have chosen its time zone for other reasons, such as synchronising with trading partners, and adopting CET as major member of the EU 2. ^ Latitude and Longitude of World Cities 3. ^ "Bristol Time". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 4. ^ "Our Time. How we got it. New Zealand's Method. A Lead to the World.". Papaerspast. Evening Post. p. 10. Retrieved 2 October 2013. 5. ^ "Economics of Time Zones" (PDF). Archived May 14, 2012, at the Wayback Machine(1.89 MB) 6. ^ "". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 7. ^ "Resolution concerning new standard time by Chicago". Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-05. 10. ^ 11. ^ "Turning back the clock - North Korea creates Pyongyang Standard Time". Reuters. 6 August 2015. 16. ^ "法定时与北京时间". 人民教育出版社. Archived from the original on 14 November 2006. 17. ^ Doug O'Hara (2007-03-11). "Alaska: daylight stealing time". Far North Science. Retrieved 2007-05-11. 18. ^ "International CNN". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 19. ^ "United States CNN". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 20. ^ "Guidelines for Ubuntu IRC Meetings". Canonical Ltd. 2008-08-06. 21. ^ How time zone normalization works in Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft (2015). 23. ^ GetSystemTime function (Windows) 24. ^ "Timezone Updater Tool". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 25. ^ "Joda-Time". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 26. ^ "tz database". 2007-12-26. Retrieved 2011-12-05. 27. ^ "DateTime". METACPAN. Retrieved 2014-04-14. 28. ^ "DateTime". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 29. ^ "pytz module". Retrieved 2011-12-05. 31. ^ "Ask the Crew: STS-111". 32. ^ Ed Lu. "Day in the Life". External links
Analysis of suspended sediment transport data for rivers in Yunnan and Tibet shows that monsoon flows control effective discharge. We calculate effective discharge, defined as the discharge that transports the most sediment, for 44 stations for which there is at least one complete year of daily suspended sediment concentration and mean daily discharge data, and find that the effective discharge is approximately the mean monsoon discharge for all stations. The correspondence of the effective discharges with the mean annual flow and monsoon discharge for all stations demonstrates that monsoon flow dominates suspended sediment transport in the region, rather than storm flow during discrete, short-duration storm events. In this region, the monsoon lasts for 4 months (June–September) and during that time transports 86% of the suspended sediment load. In contrast to the general observation from temperate environments that infrequent, stochastic storm events dominate sediment transport (with 90% of the suspended sediment transport occurring in 10% of the time), our findings show that the mean monsoon discharge dominates sediment transport in the rivers draining the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. You do not currently have access to this article.
Alan Turing British mathematician Alan Turing is credited with both laying the foundations for modern computer science with his hypothetical Turing machines and with cracking the German Enigma code during World War II (which was not, as the phrase implies, a one-time event, but an ongoing war on several fronts). His Turing test to determine the intelligence of a machine was a foundation for the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Due to a combination of gag orders surrounding intelligence collection and Turing’s conviction for “gross indecency”, he was not widely credited for his achievements until decades after his death. Turing was issued an apology from the then-Prime Minister of the British government in 2009 and a royal pardon in 2014. The Turing Archive for the History of Computing, an online database for original documents from the history of computers, is named in his honor; on a more artistic front, pop group The Pet Shop Boys premiered an original operatic biography of Turing at the BBC Proms. 2 thoughts on “Alan Turing Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
A Football Analogy 9/22/2007 10:43 am There seems to be a strange momentum that affects both the Super Bowl and military conflicts, especially in the late 19th and early 20th century. It is hard to pick a Super Bowl winner in advance. The teams have rarely played each other and infrequently played the same opponents. The games do not often go the way of the odds-maker, yet they are almost never close games. The team the scores the first touchdown goes on to win 3 out of 4 times often by a wide margin but nobody can be certain in advance which team that will be. This also seems to happen in warfare, especially in the later 19th century. The Mexican War (1846), the Franco-Prussian War (1870), the Russo-Japanese War (1904) are just a few examples. The Mexican War had a new nation with a newly organized and inexperienced army against an established and experienced European-style military. The Franco-Prussian War had a small isolated state against a major power under the leadership of a Napoleon. The Russo-Japanese War had another major power with a long European military tradition against a small “uncivilized” Asian nation. Yet the results of these conflicts were very one-sided. In retrospect it seems obvious, but prediction is another matter. Is it accident? Is it preparation? Morale or esprit? An ability to take advantage of circumstances that present themselves? Probably some combination of all of them. But it does seem to defy accurate prediction. ~ by severalfourmany on September 22, 2007. Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s %d bloggers like this:
Al Capone Public Enemy No. 1 All About Al Al Capone was born January 17, 1899 in Brooklyn, New York to Gabriel and Theresa Caponi. In 6th grade at the age of 14, Al quit school after assaulting a teacher. From a young age, he was a member of notorious "kid gangs." Between petty crimes, Capone worked various odd jobs. In 1818, he killed a man during an argument. In order to avoid charges, Capone fled to Chicago, where he would become a notorious gangster. He was a successful "enforcer" in the underworld, and became even more successful when the 18th Amendment was passed. In 1925, the leader of Capone's criminal operation moved to Italy. The move put Capone in charge of nearly every aspect of the Chicago underworld. Capone had what seemed like unlimited power and money. He used some of this power and money to help the poor during the Great Depression by opening up a soup kitchen. This was a very kind gesture, especially for a homicidal gangster. Despite all of the massacres and other heinous crimes Capone committed, he only served one jail sentence. Oddly enough, the jail sentence was for tax evasion. After seven years of incarceration, he was released to a mental institution in Baltimore for three years. Finally, he moved to Miami to live the remainder of his life in a peaceful retirement. His health was declining due to contracting syphilis from a prostitute in his earlier days of crime. On January 19, 1947, he had a stroke. Six days later, he died of cardiac arrest at the age of 48. Capone left behind a wife and one son, and an infamous legacy.
Hermeneutics and The Sciences – An Introductory Outline Hermeneutics, then, is a general field of study which, though broken up into various distinct and often conflicting interests and methods, is nevertheless founded on these basic premises: 1) Language, and not images or numbers, is the basis medium of human thought; indeed Language, and not physical time and space, is the basic medium of human existence. In a shift anticipated by Diderot, though formulated in far more radical terms, the ear now takes precedence over the eye. 2) A proper understanding of human knowledge and experience requires that we sensitively use critical reading skills to uncovering the basic differences which make each utterance entirely unique and therefore strange. 3) No cultured activity, science included, can exist without writing, and consequently a proper understanding of all knowledge and activity, scientific or otherwise, necessary requires interpretive acts. Because of his investigation into the inevitability and consequences of the use of language, and most specifically writing, in any scientific research, Lenoir’s work makes a significant contribution to the hermeneutics of the sciences. So, is there no difference then between Lenoir and Richards? Clearly there is. We see in these two authors to very distinct methods of hermeneutic investigation, which lead to very different results. To recognize one’s own in the alien, to become at home in it, is the basic movement of spirit, whose being consists only in returning to itself from what is other. Hence all theoretical Bildung, even acquiring foreign languages and conceptual worlds, is merely the continuation of a process of Bildung that begins much earlier. Every single individual who raises himself out of his natural being to the spritual finds in the language, customs, and institutions of his people a pre-given body of material which, as in learning to speak, he has to make his own. Thus every individual is always involved in the process of Bildung and in getting beyond his naturalness, inasmuch as the world into which he is growing is one that is humanly constituted through language and custom. Hegel emphasized that a people gives its existence in its world. It works out from itself and thus exteriorizes what it is in itself. . . . We must realize that the idea of perfect Bildung remains a necessary ideal even for the historical sciences that depart from Hegel. For Bildung is the element in which they move. Even what earlier usage, with reference to physical appearance, called the ‘perfection of form’ is not so much that last state of development as the mature state that has left all development behind and makes possible the harmonious movement of all the limbs. Its is precisely in the sense that the human sciences [psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science, et alia] presuppose that the scholarly consciousness is already formed and for that very reason possesses the right, unlearnable, and inimitable tact that envelops the human sciences’ form of judgment and mode of knowledge as if it were the element in which they move. The way that Helmholtz describes how the human sciences work, especially what he calls ‘artistic feeling and tact’, in fact presupposes this element of Bildung, within which the mind has a special free mobility. Thus Helmholtz speaks of the ‘readiness with which the most varied experiences must flow in the memory of the historian or philologist.’ That may seem to be a description from the an external viewpoint: namely, the idaeal of the ‘self-conscious work of drawing iron-clad conclusions,’ according to which the natural scientist convinces himself. The concept of memory as he uses it, is not sufficient to explain what is involved here. In fact, this tact or feeling is not rightly understood if one thinks of it as a supervening mental competence which uses a powerful memory and so arrives at cognitive results that cannot be rigorously examined. What makes tact possible, what leads to its acquisition and possession, is not merely a piece of psychological equipment that is propitious to knowledge in the human sciences. Moreover, the nature of memory is not rightly understood if it is regarded as merely a general talent or capacity. Keeping in mind, forgetting, and recalling belong to the historical constitution of man and are themselves part of his history and his Bildung. Whoever uses his memory as a mere faculty–and any ‘technique’ of memory is such a use–does not yet possess it as something that is absolutely his own. Memory must be formed; for memory is not memory for anything and everything. One has a memory for some things, and not for others; one wants to preserve one thing in memory and banish another. It is time to rescue the phenomenon of memory from being regarded merely as a psychological faculty and to see it as an essential element of the finite historical being of man. In a way that has long been insufficiently noticed, forgetting is closely related to keeping in mind and remembering; forgetting is not merely an absence and a lack but, as Nietzsche in particular pointed out, a condition of the life of mind. Only by forgetting does the mind have the possibility of total renewal, the capacity to see everything with fresh eyes, so that what was long familiar fuses with the new into a many-leveled unity.” –Hans-Georg Gadamer, “The Significance of The Humanist Tradition” This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Filename Extensions Details of extension .clkd Below, you can find answers to the following questions: • What is the .clkd file? • Which program can create the .clkd file? • Where can you find a description of the .clkd format? • What can convert .clkd files to a different format? • Which MIME-type is associated with the .clkd extension? Clicker Docs .clkd file icon Clicker Docs CLKD file is a Clicker Docs. Crick Software Clicker is a literacy tool used by teachers to create curriculum resources tailored to student needs. Detailed description not available Category: Document files Application: Clicker Program name: - Mime-type: application/octet-stream Magic bytes (HEX): - Magic string (ASCII): - Related extensions: Clicker Books Clicker Board Set Clicker App Document Clicker Connect Set Clicker Keyboard Clicker Palette Clicker Template Clicker Grid Set Other types of files may also use the .clkd file extension. If you have helpful information about .clkd extension, write to us! Is it possible that the filename extension is misspelled? We found the following similar extensions in our database: Pioneer OEL Screensaver Clicker Word Bank Kubotek KeyCreator Design Container Corel R.A.V.E Project ClamAV Local Database Clicker Connect Set Clicker Grid Set The .clkd filename extension is often given incorrectly! lkd (6), clkw (4), ckd (3), clk (3), clkx (2), clkc (2), cld (2) Can't open a .clkd file? If you want to open a .clkd file on your computer, you just need to have the appropriate program installed. If the .clkd association isn't set correctly, you may receive the following error message: Windows can't open this file: File: example.clkd To change file associations: Supported operating systems Rate this page 4 / 5 based on 20 user ratings.
Never Lucky BabyRage: A Guide to RNG in Gaming RNG is a term that gets thrown around a lot in the gaming community, usually with some degree of contempt. The negative connotation attached to the term, however, is likely due to a fundamental misunderstanding of randomness, what it adds to games, and how it can be managed by players. The reality is, RNG is neither inherently good nor bad. When introduced appropriately, RNG can make games more exciting, motivating, or even more skillful. In other situations, too wide a range of possible outcomes creates situations that are frustrating and reduce the impact of player decisions. This article will cover the basics of randomness, its application to gaming, and some of the effects of has on perception and decision making. Defining RNG RNG stands for Random Number Generator. In computer programming there is frequently a need to select a number whose outcome cannot be foreseen [1] and a Random Number Generator fits the bill. In the gaming community, however, the term “RNG” is frequently applied to situations in which the outcome cannot be predicted rather than the means of generating the randomness. In classic Role-Playing Games, a 20-sided die (d20) is frequently used to determine outcomes. The results of the die-roll affect gameplay unpredictably: the die itself is the Random Number Generator and the outcomes associated with it may be loosely referred to as RNG. Range of Outcomes Within any Random Number Generator, there is a range of possible outcomes. Defining the Range of Outcomes contributes to better decision making. When rolling the d20, the Range of Outcomes is outcomes is 1 through 20. As such, each there are 20 possible individual results. Equality of Outcomes A key component to randomness is that all outcomes have an equal probability of occurring. Remembering this is crucial to avoiding logical fallacies associated with random events. Assuming a fair die, each possible outcome in the Range of the d20 is equally likely to occur. This means that a result of 1 is just as likely as a 20, or any other number on the die. Success and Failure Outcomes In gaming, success or failure is rarely reliant on a single value in the Range occurring. Instead, a subset of the possible values would be considered a positive outcome, or a Success and the rest of the Range can result in a negative outcome or Failure. Before attempting to pick a character’s pocket, you must perform a skill check. Because your character has high Dexterity, you determine that you only need a roll of more than 4 for the check to pass. This means that the outcomes 5-20 would result in a Success, whereas 1-4 would be a Failure. Likelihood of Success and Failure Outcomes Splitting the Range of Outcomes into the binary distinction between Success and Failure allows for simpler calculations of probability. Instead of considering all possible values in the Range, only the two subsets must be weighed and quicker and better decision making. • The likelihood of a Success is the sum of all positive outcomes divided by the total number of outcomes in the Range. • The likelihood of a Failure is the sum of all negative outcomes divided by the total number of outcomes in the Range. By segmenting the results of your Dexterity check into Success and Failure, you can determine that 16/20 (80%) of outcomes will be a Success and only 4/20 (20%) of results will be a Failure. You can easily determine that a Success is far more likely in this scenario, despite the randomness involved in die rolling. Law of Averages The Law of Averages [2] states that all possible outcomes will inevitably occur not matter how unlikely they may be. Frequently, the Law of Averages is applied irrationally and results in fallacious reasoning. Just because an outcome is possible, doesn’t make it reasonable to expect it to occur. Likewise, just because an outcome is highly likely, doesn’t make it reasonable to count on it. Despite determining that a Success is very likely in your skill check, Failure is still a possibility. As a result, Failure is bound to happen in this scenario, at least occasionally. Even more unlikely is the Failure happening several times in a row in identical situations. However, because Failure is always a possibility, bad streaks of negative outcomes will inevitably occur. This fact does not change the probability of a Failure happening 20% of the time. Law of Large Numbers The Law of Large Numbers (LLN) [3] relates to performing the same trial several times. With a large enough number of trials, the results will stabilize to the expected distribution. This means that: As a result of the Law of Averages, you failed your Dex check five times in a row. However, given enough attempts at picking pockets, the outcomes will eventually normalize to the 80% Success rate that is expected in the situation. This does not mean, however, that Success is any more likely after a series of Failures. Rather, it means that when evaluating your decision, you can say that more often than not you can anticipate a Success and it was a good choice. RNG in Video Games Random Number Generation (RNG) is included in a variety of video games, adding a layer of unpredictability and excitement to game play. Role-playing Games and Card Games, especially, have obvious elements of RNG incorporated in them. As an offshoot of table-top Role-playing games used in the examples above, the RPG video game genre utilize RNG to determine outcomes in numerous situations. Damage calculations, combat events, and rewards all have a degree of uncertainty in their outcomes. Damage Range In RPGs, damage output is typically dynamic. Abilities and basic attacks alike usually have a Range of possible damage that is used rather than a static value. For instance, rather than a weapon constantly striking for the same amount of damage each swing (100), it may have a wide (25-175) or narrow (90-110) range of potential damage output. Both of these sample weapons have the same mid-range and potential for the same damage over a long period time. The variations in range, however, requires players to make a decision about what would benefit their character most. Consistent damage output via the narrow range is beneficial to some, but characters with abilities reliant on burst may favor a wide range with more top end damage potential. Combat Events Similarly, combat events such as dodges, parries, and critical hits occur somewhat randomly. The unpredictable nature of these events makes them inconsistent but can offer the potential to turn the tide of battle. Players can equip items and upgrade stats to make these combat events more likely, but, just like with the dice roll examples, periods of drought can occur. Likewise, several crits in a row are possible which can decimate enemies and make the player feel powerful. Loot Drops While guaranteed item drops may seem great for the player, this would disincentivize continued play. If you get the loot you were looking for on the first boss kill, why bother running through the dungeon another time? As such, somewhat random rewards provide a carrot for players to continue running dropping bosses and playing the game. With regard to loot drops, RNG provides motivation for continued play. Other games, such as First Person Shooters (FPS), that are devoid of RNG in game play borrow from this practice in their rewards system. In doing so, they offer a similar incentive for continued play. RNG in Card Games Randomness is an inherent component of all card games. Drawing the right cards in the right order is determined randomly. Likewise, digital card games now offer the capability of random events, adding a second layer of RNG in the game. Draw Order When it comes to the outcome of card games, the randomness that has the biggest impact is draw order. Drawing exclusively high-cost cards in the early turns means you have nothing to play in the early game. Likewise, top decking low mana cards in the late game leads to weak turns. That said, each card in a deck has an equal chance of being drawn. As a result, depending on the structure of your deck, you may be just as likely (or more) to draw the perfect combination of cards in the right order as you are to draw dead. Random Events In addition to draw order, random events are frequently tied to card text. These events mimic the combat events found in RPGs to add variance to gameplay. Summoning random minions or dealing random damage is a common example of this. However, most of these random events have a narrow range and a more predictable than draw order. RNG: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly In video games, RNG adds a bit of unpredictability in our gaming experience. Having unexpected outcomes can prevent games from getting stale or provide an incentive for continued play. At times, however, the unpredictability can be frustrating or give the feeling of the outcome being completely out of our hands as players. More damaging, however, is that a misunderstanding of RNG can lead to fallacious thinking that results in poor decisions and perpetuates bad results. The Good: Excitement The unpredictable nature of random events makes them exciting for players and spectators alike. Repetition in videos games quickly leads to staleness, reducing the desire for continued play and viewership. By injecting RNG into games, developers can create new experiences in familiar situations. The anticipation of a range of possibilities affects both gameplay itself and rewards for playing. While many gamers may desire rewards be given to them freely, doing would quickly reduce one of the major incentives for continued play. The Bad: Inconsistency Varied outcomes can be a double-edged sword. The same unpredictability of RNG that creates excitement can quickly lead to inconsistency. Problems arise with RNG when the Range of Outcomes is too wide. Some unpredictability is good, but when it wins and losses are completely determined by extreme outcomes, players quickly become frustrated by inconsistent results. Imagine, for instance, that a weapon does poor damage overall but has a 5% chance on hit to kill enemies immediately. This might make the player feel powerful at first, but the lack of effort and reliability quickly becomes dissatisfying. Worse yet, in a competitive environment, opposing players who are slain by this random proc feel helpless against it, despite winning the majority of the time. The Ugly: Biased Thinking Problems frequently arise with RNG when we misunderstand the concept of randomness. Connecting future outcomes to previous random events is a common issue that creates false expectations for results. Humans excel at pattern recognition. So much so, that we often incorrectly identify patterns where they do not exist. When it comes to RNG, this creates the potential for biased thinking. In particular, a fundamental misunderstanding of the Law of Averages leads us to believe outcomes are more/less likely than they actually are. Gambler’s Fallacy The Gambler’s Fallacy [4] is one such example in which we have a tendency to believe that future outcomes are more likely to occur based on past events. It’s true that the Law of Large Numbers tells us that, over time, outcomes will stabilize to the expected value. This does not, however, affect the probability of individual events. Each outcome in each trial retains its expected probability, regardless of what happened in previous tests. Back to our d20 example, a player falling victim to the Gambler’s Fallacy would believe that, after five failed pickpocketing attempts, the next check is more likely to succeed. He or she would go into the roll assuming that Success is all but guaranteed to end well thanks to past failures. In reality, nothing has changed and Failure is still likely to happen 20% of the time. Hot-hand Fallacy Similarly, the Hot-hand Fallacy [5] ties future random events to past outcomes. In this case, players incorrectly believe that they are having a streak of good luck that improves their upcoming chances of success. This frequently leads to overconfidence and poor decisions. For instance, a player who has had several successful pickpocket rolls in a row may feel he or she has a hot hand. Despite calculating poor odds, the player decides to attempt to pickpocket a character with high wisdom. Past outcomes, despite having no implications on the outcome of future events, caused the player to be overconfident and take an unnecessary risk. You can see how both of these fallacies taken together reveal the human tendency to hope for and unreasonably expect positive outcomes for oneself. This tendency also forms the basis for misplaced feelings of betrayal or sense of unfairness when a negative outcome inevitably occurs. RNG and Fairness RNG is inherently fair. As defined earlier, randomness requires all outcomes to have an equal probability of occurring. Typically, frustrations are not a problem with the RNG itself, rather, flawed memories or unreasonable expectations of results. Favoring Negative Outcomes The events that tend to be more memorable play into our false assumptions about RNG as well. In general, humans tend to fixate negative events [6]. As a result, when remembering random events we are more likely to recall negative outcomes than positive results. In doing so, however, we run the risk of making false assumptions about the probability of specific events, such as overestimating the likelihood of negative outcomes. Event Salience The salience, or degree to which something stands out, of an outcome, also impacts our memory of it. Events that are less common tend to be more salient than those that are common place. In card games, the availability of cards to play (from random draw order) directly results in wins and losses more often than a random event in turns. However, we cling to less common (but more extreme outcomes) that sway the game in these random events. A Madder Bomber hitting exclusively your own face when an opponent has a full board of weak minions is certainly frustrating and memorable. However, the game was likely dictated by the random, negative draw sequence you had in the turns prior, not your unfortunate RNG. Even still, if you’re like most, you’ll have a tendency to remember the Bomber turn and blame the loss on that outcome. Flawed memories cause us to incorrectly assume we are naturally unlucky when it comes to games of chance. Our perception of past events is clouded by a combination of our fixation on negative outcomes and the salience of outlier events. Returning to our d20, failing miserably with a roll of 1 is just as likely as a roll of 13, but we fixate more on the former because of the extreme nature of the roll (and the outcomes associated with it). Coupled with our fixation on negative events, the outlier, Failure roll (1) is more likely to be remembered than the common, Success roll (13) that occurred earlier. Often, these results lead to the player’s resignation that they’re “never lucky”. In reality, clusters of good and/or bad events can happen to anyone equally. This is the result of randomness expected due to the Law of Averages. It has nothing to do with the person being born lucky/unlucky [7]. Rather, it is an expected consequence of a random world. RNG and Skill Frequently, players consider games that contain randomness to therefore exclude skill. The idea here is the belief that the randomness is so powerful a dictator of the outcome, that the player’s choice has no or little impact. In this perspective, the game is reduced to luck or chance with no room for intelligent or skillful play. To the contrary, it’s possible for a game to be devoid of RNG and still require no skill, just as much as it is possible for RNG and skill both to be present in a game, as shown in the graphic below. RNG and Skill can be plotted on a four quadrant scale. While random outcomes are outside of the player’s hand, the decisions made prior to and as a result of these events are directly under the player’s control. More simply, how we weigh the possibilities of randomness and to what degree we are influenced by random events is a skill. Granted, this may not be the same type of skill required to snipe a player across the map with low visibility or position your hero optimally on the map, but it is a skill nonetheless. Individual Outcomes vs. Game State Properly managing RNG requires more than simply weighing the probability of individual outcomes. Players must also consider the current state of the game and how much the potential outcomes will influence the result. As such, when making a decision about potential plays, gamers must consider both the Risk and the Reward of the outcome. In these situations, Risk is the probability of Success while Reward is the degree to which a Success impacts the game state. Playing Not to Lose When behind in a game, a high-probability play, while safer and more likely to result in a Success, accomplishes little in terms of catching up to an opponent. Frequently, these low-risk, low-reward player are referred to as “playing not to lose” because they might offer survival, but don’t provide the opportunity to swing the game state back into the player’s favor. Instead a high-risk, high-reward play may provide a better chance of winning the game, despite the individual play having a lower probability of success. Avoiding Unnecessary Risks Inversely, when ahead in the game it’s often best to avoid high-risk plays even if the reward is great. In these situations, players need to favor plays with few highly-unfavorable outcomes and focus on low-risk plays that maintain their lead. Gamers skilled in RNG management can recognize these circumstances like these and act accordingly. Tips for Managing RNG in Game Like other skills, learning to manage RNG in games requires experience. This article has provided the context for RNG in gaming as well as mindsets to avoid when confronted with choices that involve random outcomes. The tips below summarize these topics into a few critical points for managing RNG in game. • Identify the full range of possible outcomes. • Determine which outcomes would be a Success and which would result in Failure. • Weigh the impact of a Success against the downside of a Failure (i.e., determine which has a greater impact on the game state). • Make a decision based on the probability of Success/Failure and the impact on the game state. • Do NOT consider past results when weighing RNG outcomes. • Do NOT let your beliefs of having generally good/bad luck influence your choices. Game better. How do you manage the RNG in the games you play? Share your tips and experiences in the comment section below! Leave a Reply
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Summer vacation, day 8 Heading south from Skagway you pass Vanderbilt Reef in the middle of the channel. It's a small, rocky, outcropping, with a visibility marker. 576 miles away, and much higher, is Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. It's 20,310 feet high, and the distance from base-to-peak (18,000 feet) is the highest of any mountain in the world entirely above sea level (yes Everest, that includes you). It was first climbed in 1913, by a 4-man expedition of Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum. Stuck, the leader, felt very strongly that the first man to reach the giant's summit should be a native Alaskan. Walter Harper was the son of a Koyukon mother and Irish immigrant. His father abandoned the family when Walter was 2, and the boy was raised by the tribe. Walter Harper In the early 20th century there were no roads in the area, and walking was the only way across the arctic terrain. After a 3 month hike through the Alaskan wilds, then up the mountain, Walter Harper, age 20, became the first man to set foot on top of Denali, followed moments later by the rest of the expedition. It was June 7, 1913. Tatum described the view as "looking out of a window of heaven." After the history-making climb, Harper returned to his regular job and continued his education. In 1918, at age 25, he was accepted to medical school in Philadelphia, and that same year married Frances Wells. Hudson Stuck, now an archdeacon, officiated at the ceremony. For their honeymoon they planned to travel from Skagway to Seattle, then cross-country to Philadelphia for him to continue his studies. On October 23 they left Skagway on the S.S. Princess Sophia. They sailed into one of the northwest's greatest tragedies. In a story I've told before, the steamer struck Vanderbilt Reef in a gale, with the loss of all 343 on board. The only survivor was a dog. Walter and Francis Harpers' bodies were recovered, and buried together in Juneau. The ship has a twice-daily program with the cruise directors. It is, I swear, called “The Wake Show,” which sounds more like coverage of funerals. It consists of William, the cruise director, talking about stuff on board while Lindsay (the assistant cruise director) nods and smiles. You get the impression he could be talking, cheerfully, about a huge engine fire that killed half the crew and she’d be smiling and nodding. Actually, I wonder if these were taped in advance, before we even left port, with a different pre-packaged one for each day of the trip. “Boy, wasn’t that a fun day in Sicily, Alaska? Plenty of sunshine!” after it was raining all day. It wasn't quite as much fun as the disastrous "Good Morning with Goose" show on our 2009 cruise, but still unintentionally entertaining. As we headed off to breakfast, Mrs. Grumpy frantically ran back to the cabin to make the bed. She habitually does this EVERY day on EVERY trip for reasons that I still don’t understand. When asked she says “I don’t want the maid to think I’m a slob.” As a result, wherever we go the staff must believe we spend our evenings passed out on a bench (or deck chair) somewhere. Today we sailed through Glacier Bay National Park. Since it's a federal nature preserve, we had to stop to pick up a team of U.S. Park Service rangers to guide the ship. While getting coffee at a stand near to the purser’s desk, Mom and I overheard them talking about the number of passengers on board and how much the ship’s charges were to get into a National Park (several thousand dollars). My mother, trying to be helpful, rummaged around in her purse and pulled out her Park Service Golden Eagle pass. She handed it to the purser and said “this gets me in for free, I think it will take $10 off the total, if that helps.” Then we slowly cruised through the fjord. It was spectacular, and sad to think that in my kids' lifetime (if not mine) these things won't exist anymore. It was sleeting on & off, but that didn't keep us inside. So we got soaked. Look, people, I'm not Ansel Adams. You want real nature photography? Go to a gallery. We went back inside for lunch. By the midship pool is a grill that serves standard hamburger & hot dog type fare, with a daily special. Today the special was the grilled halibut sandwich, or “halibut burger” as the chalkboard said. So I was in line with Frank to get a burger, when the guy in front of us put on a remarkable display of stupidity. Idiot: “What’s the halibut burger?” Counter guy: “It’s grilled halibut on a hamburger bun, with lettuce.” Idiot: “It doesn’t have a burger on it?” Counter guy: “No, sir, just the halibut filet.” Idiot: “That may be more than I want... I’ll have the halibut hot dog instead.” Counter guy: “We don’t have a halibut hot dog. Just the burger.” Idiot: “Well, if you have a halibut burger, shouldn’t you have a halibut hot dog, too? Like a smaller piece of halibut rolled up on a hot dog bun?” Counter guy: “Well, I can cut the filet in half and serve it on a hot dog bun.” Idiot: “Never mind, I’ll just go to the buffet.” And people wonder why American travelers have a reputation as clods. Walking back to our cabin to change, we passed the floor’s laundry room. There were 3 kids in there doing their family’s wash. I made sure to tell my kids this, to make them appreciate us more. You can have the crew do your laundry for you. They have a bag in your cabin closet that you fill up, and it's $10-$20 per bag to get it cleaned. The bag, however, is about the size of one you'd pack your lunch sandwich in. So unless you want to do laundry, or have the ability to compress your undies to the subatomic scale, just bring more clothes. This evening they had “Shipboard Idol” where anyone with enough confidence and/or alcohol could belt out a number and hope to go on to the finals on the last night. They did this 3-4 times during the cruise, resulting in some horribly untalented people trying repeatedly, thinking they’d be better next time. This is the musical equivalent of putting rotten milk back in the fridge hoping it will freshen up. Some people were legitimately talented, but most were not. The highlight was a guy named Victor, who every night showed up to belt out a Sinatra tune, each time apparently believing the audience would see the remarkable talent that was so obvious to him. He gets an “A” for effort... But that’s about it. The lady who feels the need to belt out “Memories,” from Cats, is on this ship, too. WHY? I have never been on a cruise, EVER, that didn’t have this woman. The worst performer of the whole trip was a guy who picked the Beatles’ “Happiness is a Warm Gun.” Before starting he said he’d seen the name in the ship’s songbook, and thought it sounded cool. Unfortunately, this is absolutely one of the WORST pieces to do if you’re unfamiliar with it, as it’s a sequence of surprising chord and lyric changes (Lennon actually combined 3 different pieces when writing it). So this guy was frantically trying to keep up with the unfamiliar, and rapidly changing, music. His inability to do so was so profound that, about halfway through, his horribly embarrassed wife climbed on stage, grabbed the microphone from him, handed it to the nearest staff member, and walked out. Tuesday, September 29, 2015 Summer vacation, day 7 Funny thing about cruise ships... You see people wandering around with food combinations you’d likely NEVER see on land. You’re in the elevator with a guy carrying a tray of ice cream sundaes and Heinekens. Or pass someone with a tray of burgers, fries, calamari, and sushi. Or pizza, margaritas, and a bowl of corn flakes. There's an awesome dude who works the breakfast buffet. He stands there and hands out trays and silverware as you go in. But what sets him apart is this: instead of just handing it to you and smiling, he runs through a routine. "The time is now 8:54 a.m. on September 25, 2015. Weather today is a high of 62, low of 39, with 20% chance of rain. And it's time for your breakfast." He was so good at keeping up on the time and forecast I meant to ask him for stock quotes and baseball scores. Today we were in Skagway. This is a charming place where Craig and his hair were thrilled to find a Starbucks within walking distance of the dock. He's following in my religious beliefs as a Caffeineatarian, though we currently belong to different branches. Like other cruise-ship-driven economies, the place had kitschy gift shops and jewelry stores everywhere. I do not understand the jewelry store thing AT ALL. You encounter this in every cruise town, regardless of country. Apparently there are people who have nothing better to do then travel to fascinating places to walk into something as exotic as a jewelry store that carries stuff similar to what you can buy at home at the mall for half as much. I don’t know if this is a bizarre human trait or just an American cultural thing. This ship, like others we’ve been on, has someone who is the professional shopper. This is a person whose entire line of work consists of shopping and telling other people which stores to go to (generally the ones who’ve paid a “promotional fee” (aka kickback) to the cruise line. This ship, in fact, had TWO of them. A husband and wife duo who looked like they stepped off a wedding cake. So, to recap: This pair is paid to live on a cruise ship and take people shopping. Their room and food are included. Where can I sign up? Of course, this town also had a photo stop: "He's friendlier than our last waiter." We took a bus tour across the Alaskan panhandle into Canada, marveling at the remarkable scenery. At one point Frank noticed the tops of the tall roadside poles were painted electric yellow-orange, and asked about it. The guide told him that was so the snowplows could locate the road under 15 feet of snow in the winter. Even with the snowy winters we get in Grumpyville, the kids were in awe at that, and kept craning their necks to see the markings. The tour guide talked about the Alaskan Gold Rush at length, repeatedly focusing on how many horses died during it. He finally stopped when Marie began bawling. The view along the road was spectacular, with waterfalls, greenery, towering mountains, and just a slight amount of fog. I decided to try the iPhone's "Panorama" feature, but then Craig walked in front of me. "It's, um, very Avant Garde, dad" The tour continued inland for a while, then turned around and came back to the international border. I began getting out our passports as we pulled up to the guardhouse, figuring they'd ask for them. Looking over I realized the Canadian guardhouse on the other side of the road was empty, and the guy in a Canadian uniform was in the U.S. hut playing cards with the American guard. Détente, North American style. The guy in the U.S. uniform set down his cards, took a swig of coffee, and came over to the window. Guard: "Morning, Pete." Driver: "Hey, Steve. How you doing?" (Canadian guard waves) "Hi, Phil." Guard: "You have pancakes with Mike this morning?" Driver: "Yeah, we both had to be up early. Several ships in today." The Canadian guard looked up at a tour bus coming down his side of the road and waved them through as he refilled his coffee. Guard: "Glad you guys are keeping busy. You be back later?" Driver: "Yep. This is the first of 5 tours today. You need anything from town?" Guard: "Could you grab me a pastrami and chips? I left my lunch at home." Driver: "Sure. You got enough soda here? Or need some?" Guard: "Nah, Phil and I split a case of Diet Coke yesterday." Driver: "Sounds good. See you later." We continued on. After the tour I stopped at the station to divest myself of some Diet Coke, and found I was looking at this sign: Back in town the boys were under the impression this historical place was offering a different kind of tour: There was also this interesting exterior made up of sticks nearby: And another photo stop: Years ago we were on a cruise that stopped in Sitka. I miss that, as I guess the big ships don’t go there. It was a neat little place without (as of 2005) too much of the tourist crap that you see all over Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. And, even cooler, is this: by land area, it’s the biggest city in the U.S. More than 6 times the size of Los Angeles, more than 9 times the size of New York, and with a population of roughly 10,000. So it's a great place to live if you like a lot of distance between you and your neighbors. Actually, for those of you hoping to say “I’ll take ‘Biggest American Cities by area’ for $500, Alex” keep this in mind: The 4 biggest U.S. cities by area are ALL in Alaska: Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Anchorage. Interesting factoid there. After returning to the ship, Mom and I went to play trivia, something we tend to do at every opportunity (trivia & game shows of various types are a 2-3 a day thing on most cruises). We both like it. Most sessions are about 30 minutes, and you’re only playing for bragging rights. It would be nice if they gave you a free cruise or tour, but they’re not. So they give out chintzy trophies, key chains, water bottles, chip clips, and or lanyards. Usually they’re run by 1-2 members of the cruise director's staff. These are attractive, late 20's to early 30's genetically engineered Replicants designed to always be happy, hyper, and smiling. I imagine they’re kept in a special room where, between shifts, they receive intravenous Prozac and triple-strength espresso. The guy who usually ran the trivia was Mickey. I have no idea where he was from. His English was quite good, but his accent was such that he pronounced the word “focus” as, hysterically “fuck us.” Which probably made him the least ideal choice to run trivia. “Try to focus on the question.” “The answer will come if you focus.” “Everyone focus on the screen.” It was pretty hard not to crack up. Since I spend my days in the office doing that, I’d left the ability at home, and kept snickering. Some people, for whatever reason, take shipboard trivia seriously. One question had Elvis Presley as the answer. A group misspelled his last name as Pressley, with the result being that a guy in a Metallica T-shirt held up the game complaining that the team with the incorrect spelling should be disqualified. Dude, chill. You're playing for a cheap made-in-China water bottle. Monday, September 28, 2015 Summer vacation, day 6 The ship's newsletter today had a note today asking passengers to “refrain from leaving the water running or balcony door open when not in the staterooms.” REALLY? There are people doing this? WHY? If we were in warmer climes I could understand the balcony thing... but here it’s in the 30’s-40’s. There was a late-night video game party in the teen lounge last night. When Frank didn't show up for breakfast I went to the kids' room. He was out cold, surrounded by Marie's stuffed animals. "Gag, corneals, and doll's eyes all work. But nothing to sternal rub." Today we were in Juneau. Not being in any particular rush to get into town, we waited until after all the other passengers left, and crew went on shore leave. Walking down the dock we noticed Peter getting off the ship. From a cruise-ship view, everywhere you stop is basically a dock next to a row of T-shirt and jewelry stores, and somewhere behind them is a city. This is a near-universal constant. Someday it will apply to colonies on Mars, too. And beyond. On the dock there was also a memorial to the cruiser U.S.S. Juneau, lost at Guadalcanal during WWII. Out of her crew of 700, 600 went down with her. Of the remaining 100, only 10 of them survived until they were found 8 days later, the rest lost to the elements and sharks. Her casualty list included the 5 Sullivan brothers. I'm amazed how many restaurants in these cities cater to the cruise crowd. I mean, you're dealing with people who have access to unlimited amounts of reasonably good food each day, covering pretty much anything that's commonly eaten from land, air, and sea. The places have seafood? So does the ship. Alcohol? Ditto. Burgers? Yep. Steaks? Of course. There are even shore excursions where - get this - you pay $55 per person to be taken to an all-you-can-eat salmon bake. Considering that at any given moment salmon is available at the ship's buffet, cooked-to-order grill, and formal dining room... I just don't understand this. But I'm not exactly a partial crowd because I am the only person on Earth who doesn't like salmon. But still, the point remains. Apparently it's a state law in Alaska that at least one gift store have a large fake animal in front to be used as a photo spot. So here's one from Juneau: They have an interesting feature called stair-streets. These are not streets you can drive down, but rather stairs ascending on each side to reach houses there. They are, however, mapped and numbered as streets and have addresses on them. I imagine this makes being a postman here a rather vigorous job, and is also a serious incentive not to forget your car keys. We walked around for a bit. Craig had decided that, besides water and oxygen, he needed a selfie-stick. Not having ever wanted one, I hadn't shopped for one before. I figured it would be simple: 1. Find a selfie-stick. 2. Buy it. 3. Leave store. I wasn't even close. There are so many variations on the damn things it's insane. And then you get into "what color handle should I get?" IT'S A FUCKING STICK WITH A CLAMP ON THE END! But this is the kind of decision the American teenager can agonize about. Then, when they finally pick one out, it turns out that one isn't working and we have to start all over again. Heading down the street you pass some interesting business names: We went to take the Mount Roberts tram up to the top of the city. While boarding was finishing, who should I see getting on but... Mrs. Bitchy. She saw that there were maybe 7 teenagers in the car (none of whom was actually near her, or even looking at her) and told the engineer she'd wait for the next one. As she stepped back she noticed me, and gave me the bird. Honestly, folks, this prune isn't one of my patients. I'd never even seen her before this trip. It was actually a pretty impressive ride, with an amazing view of the city. Going up, all the ginormous cruise ships in the harbor shrink until they look like bath toys. Everyone in the tram was frantically snapping pictures. Frank tried to film it, but when he switched on his phone's camera it began playing "Amish Paradise" instead. The displays and trails at the top are impressive, too, and there's a performance by the local Alaska String Band. Tonight at dinner the Limoncello family wasted no time in getting tipsy and belting out "Happy Retirement." Then our waiter, Michael, came over and introduced himself. Michael? Huh? We asked him what happened to Peter. He said Peter had quit that morning "because he had a nerve problem" and flown home. My mother, trying to be helpful, said "my son treats nerve problems." My wife whispered "I don't think that's the kind of nerve problem he's talking about." Marie said: "Will you bring me Ranch dressing?" Michael answered: "You already have it." And pointed to a serving dish near her seat. Marie has dreams of such things Marie was delighted. We've taken several cruises, but this is the first time we've ever driven a waiter over the edge. Friday, September 25, 2015 Past adventures If you're enjoying this year's Grumpy family vacation, please remember that previous year's stories of travel insanity can be found on my family vacation home page. Family vacation, day 5 Peter: “Okay, I assure you...” My wife spilled her water. Frank’s phone began playing “Amish Paradise.” (Craig raises his hand) Peter: “Do you have a question?” Craig: “I just like raising my hand.” (Puts hand down). Walking past a pool later, I passed this existentialist sign: Thursday, September 24, 2015 Summer vacation, day 4 "Dad, they have weird eggs here." "Getting it open is half the fun." We went down to dinner. And I thought our family traditions were different. Wednesday, September 23, 2015 Summer vacation, day 3 Today we walked over to Ghirardelli Square. I had no idea how dangerous a city this was: "This is not going to look good on a headstone." We did the obligatory stop in the chocolate store there, where I noticed this: "Serves 4?" Really? Who are they kidding? I mean, my twins could knock that off easy. For that matter, I know plenty of people who could handle it as a solo project. $40 seems like a lot of money for an ice cream sundae, but San Francisco is nothing if not expensive. Even a trip to the famous Exploratorium is $150 for a family of 5. In the store there was a lady walking around, handing out little sample squares of chocolate. The twins made several attempts to leave and come back in through different doors to see if they could get more than one, but she wasn't buying it. I'm pretty sure she's used to seeing this tactic many times a day. The fact that they were wearing matching "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" T-shirts didn't help, either. After the chocolate place we took a cable car toward the center of the city. The highlight of it was the brakeman working on the back. At one stop a group of people seemed unsure as to whether this was the car they were supposed to ride, and he yelled "Heading downtown! Now or never if you want to get on!" They started to take a few steps, stopped, and looked at a map. He muttered "the hell with this," turned the brake, and yelled "too late! Catch the next one!" It reminded me of Mary handling the day's victims patients. We passed a hardware store, with this sign advertising a brass nozzle: After having lunch and wandering around for a while, we decided to head back to the wharf. We were relying on my wife’s map-reading skills (far better than mine) to figure out what connections to use. Mrs. Grumpy walked over to the nearest stop, checked her iPhone, and said “this is the line we take. It goes one block that way, then loops toward the wharf.” So, when it came, we all trooped on board. The bus carried us down a block, then stopped, and the driver yelled “that’s it people, end of line, everybody off.” So much for that idea. Now what? As we climbed off, Mrs. Grumpy asked the driver which line to take back to the wharf. He pointed to a spot across the street and said “You want that bus stop over there. You’ll have to wait for the next one.” So we crossed the street (which can be pretty hazardous in San Francisco) and sat down at the new place. Marie noticed a pile of dog shit on the curb and took a picture of it. Frank's phone began playing "Amish Paradise." Mrs. Grumpy and I idly watched as the rest of the passengers cleared off our previous bus across the street, and it drove off... ... And after about 50 feet made a U-turn, and came over to our stop. The same driver who'd just tossed us off re-opened the door and yelled “F Line, heading to the wharf, have your passes ready.” So we re-boarded, and were back in our previous seats less than 3 minutes after getting off the same bus. I don't understand this. In a line of people waiting for a cable car was this group of tourists: Frank said "Dad, do you think they're all together?" Before I could think of a suitable response, Craig beat me with, "No, Frank, they're a bunch of prison escapees in orange waiting for their getaway bus." Back toward the water, we wandered over to the wharf. We passed a bunch of guys hawking cheap tours on their boats around the harbor. One kept offering to let anyone who wanted to try to drive the boat around Alcatraz. Frank loved this idea, but since I can't afford to buy the guy a new boat we went on. Fisherman's Wharf is a big tourist attraction, and as such brings out a large number of street performers. There's no shortage of guys covered in gold or silver body paint dancing to boom boxes, people dressed as celebrities to take pictures with, one guy in a cow suit wandering around on all fours and mooing (maybe he isn’t a performer), a teenager with an iPhone that randomly plays "Amish Paradise," street mimes, guys working as living statues, people playing a variety of instruments, and a whole host of other previously unknown talents. It's like a 78-ring circus. Or a mass episode of The Gong Show. But THE star wharf performer is The Bush Man. This guy has been here for over 35 years, which is a pretty long time in any career, especially busking. His act is pretty simple: He carries around tree branches, hides behind them, and, when unsuspecting tourists wander by, jumps out screaming “OOGAH BOOGAH!” Then people pay him for this. Occasionally small kids will join his show to scare others. He scared the crap out of my kids. That alone made it worth handing him a few bucks. Of course, as is typical of such places, very little of Fisherman's Wharf has anything to do with the city's history as a major fishing center. What may have once been an interesting site is now mobbed with unrelated T-shirt and souvenir shops, Build-a-Bear and Build-a-Model-Car franchises, idiotic theme restaurants, ice cream places, coffee stands, and various other touristy stuff. There was also this place, apparently decorated by someone unfamiliar with sports: Another store had these signs for sale. I texted the pic to Mary, who said she wanted one of each for the office. One guy we routinely saw cruising down the wharf was a fellow in a fairly old motorized scooter that, for unclear reasons, had a remarkably high-tech, LOUD, stereo system mounted on it. So as he headed down the sidewalk at 5 mph he was blasting music at more decibels than a Metallica concert. In fact, we never seemed to get away from him. No matter where we went, regardless of time of day, he was rolling along behind us. Even the panhandlers have a sense of humor: Walking through the hotel garage on the way back I noticed this parking job. I guess I never considered SUV's compact cars (unless compared to, say, a cement truck), but hey, I'm not a valet, either. At dinner tonight the twins had one of their weird fights, this time about the kind of soap to use in the dishwasher. As usual, they turned to Siri to settle it (because, you know, parents don't know shit): Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Summer vacation, day 2 Waking up this morning I was glancing through the news and noticed this story. I had no idea Elvis was a terrorist: While waiting in the lobby for Craig to finish his hair, Marie and I watched a lady order 2 guys around as they wrestled a large-screen LCD TV up to her room. She was telling someone on her iPhone that “I hate the crappy TV’s in hotels these days.” I do not understand this. But, as they say, whatever. Today we took a bus tour of San Francisco. This was given by our friendly, but hyper, tour guide Nicole. Apparently fluent in several languages, she often seemed to forget the nationality of her group that day, and would frequently switch into Italian, French, Spanish, or German at random intervals for a few sentences before returning to English. This made the monologue confusingly entertaining. She’d often refer to us as her “love children” and herself as “Mama Nicole.” So while trouping around you’d hear her say stuff like “My love children, follow Mama Nicole this way!” You'd think this would get you some weird looks, but in San Francisco they're used to such. You get the impression Nicole has been doing this forever. We walked down Lombard street, which is clearly one of the worst places in the world to buy a house. Your street is constantly jammed with tourists driving down it bumper-to-bumper, tourists walking down the sidewalks and taking pictures of cars full of other tourists weaving slowly back and forth, and tourists randomly walking out into the middle of the street to take selfies of themselves with cars coming downhill behind them driven by other tourists. I have to wonder how many of those pics ended up being in their obituary when they get mowed down. Those who live here have to deal with pulling in & out of their driveway with this mess going on. We stopped and briefly toured Grace Cathedral. This lovely building has a stained glass window celebrating one of my heroes, Albert Einstein. There are also windows for John Glenn, Jane Addams, Robert Frost, and Thurgood Marshall. Heading elsewhere, Mama Nicole had us go look at the city's famous row of Victorian houses. She really outdid herself on this one. As we stood in a nearby park looking at them, she said "These are some of San Francisco's Victorian houses, and this group is called the Painted Ladies, also Postcard Row. This is because so many postcards of San Francisco feature this group of Victorian Houses, or Painted Ladies. As a result, they call it Postcard Row, because it features the Painted Ladies, which is this group of Victorian Houses." Then she switched to German. The timing is great on this sort of tour. You frequently heard Mama Nicole say stuff like, "This is a lovely building, so many things to see, so be sure to explore it all and enjoy. It's 10:45 right now, so let's meet back at the bus at 10:47 so we can head to our next destination." A teenage kid on the tour began complaining about not having had lunch yet starting at around 9:30 in the morning, and only kept getting louder about it. At 10:00 it was “unreasonable.” By 11:00 it was “unbelievable” that we hadn’t had lunch. 11:30 he was pleading with his parents to discontinue the tour so he wouldn’t starve to death. When we finally did stop in Sausalito for lunch he was apparently on his deathbed, until he began arguing with his parents about where they should stop for lunch. When they picked a place he didn't like, he refused to eat lunch. We took a ferry back to San Francisco, then walked through the Market Building and passed this place: Later on we toured the U.S.S. Pampanito, a WW2 submarine. If you've never been aboard a WW2 sub, it's definitely something to do. You walk through the cramped spaces and imagine spending more than 2 months at a time inside. Today's nuclear behemoths are luxurious in comparison, and they ain't that big, either. To give you an idea, here's Marie, at 5'4", standing next to a hatch that, when on patrol, a bunch of big guys had to race through when the alarm sounded: There was another ship at the pier, the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien, but I'll talk more about her another time. She's a good story. Tonight we met with numerous family members for dinner in Chinatown, where my kids where horrified by some of the things we passed hanging in grocery store windows. If I have any regrets about San Francisco, it's being here 31 years too late for my kids to see the infamous waiter Edsel Ford Fong in action. I'd prefer that to the hyperpeppy types you get at TGI Fridays and such. Monday, September 21, 2015 Summer vacation, Day 1 A few days before we left, Frank dropped his phone in the pool. So we stuck it in a bag of rice for 48 hours, with some improvement. Since we were heading out for our trip soon, we didn’t have time to take it in to the store. Fortunately, it only had 2 issues. Unfortunately, they were: 1. A tendency for Siri to randomly answer questions she’d overheard, even though no one had asked her, the home button hadn't been pressed, and the "lift and talk" feature was off. 2. It would randomly play snippets of Weird Al’s song “Amish Paradise” for no obvious reason. We started our trip in San Francisco this year. I haven't been there in many years, and my kids have never been there at all. So we figured we'd fly in and see the city and visit with family for a bit. When I was younger the pictures on the flight attendant buttons were a generic female shape in a skirt. But with the profession now having a share of men in it, they've gone to this. Which to me looks like the international symbol for "I accidentally amputated my hand." Landing in San Francisco you see signs that you don't see back in Grumpyville: At first I thought it was odd, but then realized that if anything can prepare you for spending 4-5 hours twisted into a cramped, uncomfortable, position in an economy-class plane seat, it's yoga. Or an iron maiden. Or both. There was also this: Craig said "people are animals, so I'll pee over there." We stopped him. We got to our hotel, which was within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf. Yes, I know the Wharf is a huge tourist trap. But, we're tourists, so we're going to do that kind of crap. One of my favorite attractions near the wharf is the Musée Mécanique. This is a remarkable collection of 19th and early 20th century mechanical amusement machines, the forerunners to pinball machines and (later) the videogames. You'd drop a coin into one, usually to see some sort of brief show by automated figures. Some had interactive features, such as boxing or hitting a ball. The place is free, but the gadgets require quarters. The entertainment value is awesome. The most horrifying thing is located by the front entrance. It's an automaton called "Laffing Sal" which towers over you at over 2 meters high. It's a hideous mechanical woman who, when you put in a coin, cackles hysterically. It is not a good laugh. It is a watch-small-children-run-in-terror laugh. What's really fun to see are the things that were considered amusements back then. People complain about video games today having sex, violence, drug use, and alcohol, right? Do they really believe this is a modern phenomenon? Let's look at some games from well over a century ago: There was also this one, with instrument playing monkeys: As we were leaving, Some little girl asked her mother if they could go get ice cream. Frank's phone immediately said "I show 14 ice cream stores within 2 miles of here." She began screaming and hid behind her Mom. You'd have thought she'd put a quarter in Laffing Sal. Heading back to our hotel for the night, the kids began yelling the air conditioner was broken and we'd freeze to death during the night. It wasn't, just Celsius. "This is 'Murica, man." And that's the way it is. Locations of visitors to this page
Grazing shock If you find Your soil has relatively low biological activity Your soil is hard Your soil has poor water infiltration Your soil has low biological fertility Grazing shock is the effect on a plant of being grazed hard or slashed and it’s a great way to build soil and improve pasture quality. Because there is now less plant above the ground, there is less root needed to support the top. So the plant sheds roots. The loss of roots leaves gaps and food for soil organisms and for future root growth. It’s a great way to build soil and improve pasture quality by feeding the soil. This is where some of the benefit comes from the Short hard graze part of a Short on, long off rotation. When animals hard graze a plant or when it is cut for hay, the plant goes into the plant equivalent of a state of shock. The top (the part of the plant above the ground) is now much smaller and cannot support as great a volume of roots. The roots need nutrients from the leaves just as the leaves need nutrients from the roots. Plus the plant no longer needs as much nutrient or water that the roots were getting from the soil. So, to save energy the plant drops off some of the roots it no longer needs. First it withdraws nutrients from the root in much the same way as a deciduous tree does from the leaves it sheds in the fall. When it can draw no more back, it cuts off the root. Any nutrients that are still in the roots are left for soil organisms. The root has become thinner and shorter in the process and so leaves a gap in the soil that enlarges as the root breaks down after being shed. This is often the right size for earthworms and other soil organisms and it allows better gas exchange and water infiltration. Grazing shock is more common on farms that have electric fences, but it’s not given by the electric fence. Grazing shock is an important technique in managing pasture, because it allows you to provide • dead organic matter • a different environment • a range of nutrients • substances that help to glue soil into crumbs and • soil tunnels. These all suit soil organisms and encourage them to multiply. The process builds soil structure by releasing substances that help to glue soil into crumbs. Hard grazing and enough rest time are two of the things you need to get the full benefit from grazing shock. Electric fencing is often cheaper and quicker than other forms of fencing and as a result makes it more likely that you will use grazing shock effectively and to your advantage. Grazing shock is enhanced by • sufficiently large mobs of animals to ensure a short hard graze • small enough areas being grazed at any one time to ensure a short hard graze • mixed mobs — such as of sheep and cattle or cattle and goats to ensure that all plants are grazed and Selective grazing is minimized • long rest time for the pasture to get the benefit and recover fully • adequate nutrition to allow high levels of growth and biological activity to support the new growth Posted in Farm pattern \| Tagged , , \| Leave a comment Market garden If you find There is an unfilled demand for fruits or vegetables in your region You have enough labor and skills to operate this way Other enterprises are not providing sufficient income A market garden can be the major enterprise on the farm and can generate significant income. Or it can just provide sufficient income to keep things rolling financially until another enterprise comes on line. I first came across this approach when I was a boy and my Uncle Bill was growing rockmelons between the rows of young peach trees to make some income from the land in the 5-7 years it would take for the peaches to become productive and to build fertility. Posted in Farm pattern \| Tagged , , , , , , , \| Leave a comment Short on, long off rotation If you find There are crop problems such as soil-borne diseases and deficiencies from a short rotation Stock leave weeds and overgraze the “good bits” Allowing a longer gap may allow recovery. A shorter “on” time may allow the benefit (to the farmer) to be gained quickly. As well as suiting a grazing rotation, this minimizes the problems that would result if there was not a long gap between members of certain plant families. In a Market garden this may mean you need to have a structured rotation to allow a sufficiently long gap between crops in the same family. For example between potatoes, tomatoes and capsicums in the Solanum family. In a grazing situation, the combination of a Short hard graze to bring on Grazing shock followed by a Long rest will encourage livestock to eat the weeds as well as the “good bits” and graze the pasture or range to a more even level. The long rest will allow full recovery and if timed appropriately may force weeds into a less competitive position and give the advantage to the desirable species. This will allow a Competitive crop in the form of a pasture to keep weeds down. Posted in Farm pattern, Weeds \| Tagged , , , , , \| Leave a comment Competitive crop If you find Too much time, effort and energy goes into trying to control weeds and other pests A big part of the farm income is spent on pest control measures Tackling weeds head-on with chemicals just leads to worse weed problems A competitive crop is the best way to keep weeds and pests down. This is so whether the “crop” is a traditional annual such as corn or is an orchard, a pasture or an animal crop such as meat, milk or wool. This is an important part of Crop-beaten-weeds which in turn is the result of fine-tuning your crops and cropping system so they do the weed control for you, without chemicals, with better yields and for less effort. Posted in Farm pattern, Weeds \| Tagged , , , , \| Leave a comment Crop-beaten weeds If you find Weeds seem to do better than crops and pastures do Much the same weed problems occur in much the same way year after year You set out to grow a crop but it seems that your job is more about killing weeds than growing anything else You can adjust your crops and cropping system so they do the weed control for you. If you do it this way you can beat weeds without chemicals and get better yields with less effort. The first step in beating weeds is to understand the weed, where the weed fits into your farming and what aspects of your farming are allowing the weeds to get ahead. Once you have a good understanding, you have the potential to get back in the lead. It may seem that good weed control can only be achieved with a massive amount of weedicide, but many farmers and graziers achieve excellent weed control with no herbicide at all. The key is to change the balance such that your crops get more support, and the weeds get less. Most important is to adjust your system so the crops get a strong advantage and the weeds are struggling to stay alive. What it takes will vary from one farm to another and from one farmer to another and from one season to another. Continue reading Understanding weed characteristics If you find Weeds succeed each year despite all attempts to beat them with chemicals Weeds on your land have developed resistance to all the chemicals that it is feasible to throw at them Weeds seed before you have a chance to get ahead of them Understanding the way the weed works may allow you to get ahead. • you can understand why a weed has a particular characteristic or behaves in a particular way • you have the chance to understand how that benefits the weed and therefore • how you may be able to get ahead of it by applying an appropriate tactic to counter that benefit or to give that benefit to your crop plant. Generally, weeds are more of a problem when your crop is having difficulty. When there is plenty of sun, water, nutrients and no limiting or damaging factors, weeds are not as much of a problem as when your crop is not performing optimally. This is because weeds are better adapted than desirable plants (such as crops including pastures) are to almost any difficulty. Most crop and pasture plants are fussy and less capable in any but ideal conditions. Pioneer plants such as weeds are usually well adapted to hard soils and to soils low in moisture, nutrients or in any other way below ideal. If you let your soil deteriorate, you take the advantage from your chosen plants and give it to the weeds. Plants have three main lengths of lifecycle: Perennial, annual and biennial. ANNUAL plants complete their life cycle in a year or less, starting from seed and producing another generation of seeds before dying. BIENNIAL plants take more than one year and often less than two years to complete their life cycle. The first year is often spent establishing and the second year is spent producing seeds. The plant generally dies after this. PERENNIAL plants continue to live from one year to the next, often producing seeds each year. Weed control is particularly important with perennial weeds because as well as weed seeds, you will have weed plants that may continue to set seed for years. In theory, it is easier to eliminate annual and biennial weeds (than perennial ones) because they can be beaten by eliminating the seed phase. If you stop them seeding, there will be no weeds once the seed bank in the soil is exhausted. The existing plants will die after one or a few years and if they are not replaced, that weed problem ends. Unfortunately, they are usually at least as well adapted to our farm systems as the perennial weeds are and they run through their cycle quicker than our crops and thus seed before harvest. Plants have few opportunities to move. The best opportunity to move or spread is when they produce seeds and they have many mechanisms for getting seeds to move. Some plants have ways to spread other than through seeds: • HORIZONTAL runners cover a lot of ground for kikuyu grass, Pennisetum clandestinum, and couch grass/bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon • CLIMBERS move up into trees and can move across and down to the ground to start new plants: Ivy, honeysuckle, jasmine and others • Some plants grow to become huge clumps that droop to the ground and put down roots to get nutrients for the existing plant or to establish a new plant. One blackberry can take over a gully Because plants have limited opportunities to move, this is often the easiest point to protect yourself from weed spread. The points where you can beat weeds are: • keeping weeds from arriving on your land • removing existing weeds • preventing weed seeds from germinating • preventing weed seedlings from establishing • preventing established weeds from seeding • capturing weed seeds that are about to spread If you can beat the weed at one or ideally at every one of these stages, you will have few weeds and weed problems. Any weed infestation begins with at least a single seed or any other propagule — a part of a plant that is capable of developing into a full plant. If you can beat it when it is a seed, a seedling or before it has a chance to flower, you will only have a brief problem with it. If you allow it to set seed, it can turn into a major problem. Remember that what matters is the relationships between things rather than the things themselves. If you can work out where the relationships fall down, you will find it easier to resolve the problem than if you focus on any single thing. This table shows some • Characteristics of the weed – what the weed has, does or is • What these characteristics may mean for you (this varies from farm to farm) and • Some approaches you could try that may assist you against the weed. Weed characteristic What these characteristics may mean Approach that may assist you against the weed Large numbers of seeds Poor seedling establishment Poor seedling survival Low germination rates Make conditions (particularly competition) tough at germination and soon after No bare ground around seeding and germination — maintain full Ground cover. Seedheads break off with multiple seeds attached An effective method of dispersal with built-in insurance: If one of the seeds on the seedhead germinates but does not survive, there are several others that may when conditions are more favorable. Use windbreaks to confine seeds to specific areas Note: A windbreak need not be particularly tall, and it need not be permanent. It could just be a tall crop, such as corn (maize), to catch the seedheads and prevent them spreading Prickles on leaves or stems The weed would be attractive to stock otherwise Allow pasture to grow tall when the weed is starting to grow. The competition will beat some of the weeds. Others of the weed may survive by switching to upright growth and this usually means fewer prickles plus the weed will be softer and more palatable. A short hard graze at an appropriate stage may get rid of it Rosette at base Weed is trying to commandeer nutrient, light and water, most likely for next year when it will seed Vigorous crop or pasture may outcompete. Allow pasture to grow tall when the weed is starting to grow. The competition for light will reduce the effectiveness of the large flat rosette at catching sunlight. The weed may survive by switching most of its effort to upright growth. A short hard graze at an appropriate stage may get rid of it Make sure there are no bare patches Grow a broad-leafed crop every few years Weed is tall compared to crop The weed gets the light and shades the crop Grow a taller crop, such as an older variety Weed grows from a crown or other underground store Base of plant is providing nutrient to kickstart the aerial part Exhaust reserves by hard grazing or slashing before any stem has returned the nutrient it took to grow it. For example, if you slash blackberries before they get to about 1 m (3 feet) high, there is a good chance you will exhaust them, although it may take a few grazings or slashings Remains after hard grazing Survives hard grazing Unattractive to stock May need to graze the field hard to make the weeds stand out and then remove weeds individually. You may be able to make the weed more attractive by spraying it with molasses or by providing some high protein feed such as lupins so animals can digest it Weed is able to get from a germinating seed to producing seed quicker than the crop is Weed has quick lifecycle so it can reproduce even in a short season Consider slashing the crop as a green manure or using it for grazing, silage or hay making before the weed gets to seed. Grow a vigorous crop and beat the weed at its own game. Oats will beat most weeds or at least give them a run for their money. Plus it is well suited to taking the weed out by grazing or cutting the oats for hay. Many oat varieties are suitable for grazing and regrowing to regraze as a Cut and come again crop. So, if you let the oats regrow and conditions are right you’ll have a second chance at beating the weed by grazing or cutting the oats for hay. Then it might be time to sow a summer crop and have a third go at beating the weed. If that is not suitable or sufficient, plant an out-of-season crop (a summer crop if the weed is in a winter crop and a winter crop if the weed is in a summer crop) and prepare the seedbed before the weeds get to seed. Weed is very vigorous A tough competitor that needs an even tougher crop Pick a suitable crop that can grow vigorously, preferably beating the weed at its own game. For example, a vigorous variety of oats will beat most weeds or at least give them a run for their money. You may be able to take the weed out by grazing or by cutting the oats for hay. Many oat varieties are suitable for grazing and regrowing to regraze. So, if you let the oats regrow and conditions are right you’ll have a second chance at beating the weed by grazing or by cutting the oats for hay. Then it might be time to sow a summer crop and have a third go at beating the weed. The weed looks and behaves in a similar way to your crop The weed possibly evolved in a cropping system similar to yours You will need to fine tune your management or find some particular weakness in the weed or strength in your crop. For example, if you grow wheat or a similar winter crop and you have a problem with wild oats, you may have to delay sowing until the wild oats germinate. At this point, grazing, tillage or sowing the crop may kill a lot of wild oats. You could also choose a tall variety of wheat that can outgrow the oats. However, the best approach is probably to change crops and beat it with a suitable competitive crop that doesn’t match the weed’s patterns of growth. Weed has uses in other places Weed may be an escaper from another farming or gardening situation and thus has had a positive value there, rather than being considered a weed Take advantage of the uses it has in other farming or gardening situations by turning the weed into a benefit: • Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) is a very productive pasture plant and many a farmer in the south of Western Australia would be out of business without it. But it can give plenty of problems if you don’t manage it well. • If you are willing to run goats, many thistles and woody weeds (blackberry, briar etc) make good grazing or browsing. Some goat farmers are willing to agist their animals on your property. Applying this understanding of weeds Pick a weed that matches well with one or more of the characteristics in the left column and check whether the middle column fits that particular weed in that situation on your farm. If it does, then some of the approaches in the right column might work for you. Posted in Weeds \| Tagged , , , , \| Leave a comment Managed lifecycles If you find Non-desired species are not profitable and some eat into profit Pests allowed to complete their lifecycle produce greater numbers of offspring than the existing generation The offspring of desirable species are profitable Desirable species which are allowed to complete their lifecycle will produce offspring and this is where much of the profit in farming comes from — seeds, lambs, calves and so on Two key aspects of Lifecycle management on farms are: 1. managing the lifecycles of desirable organisms to keep them alive and reproducing well, and 2. disrupting or breaking pest lifecycles to reduce the number in this and any following year. This has become the emphasis over the past few decades on many farms — farms have become places to kill weeds, pests etc. Remember when farms were about Growing not killing? Lifecycle refers to the cycle each organism (living thing) goes through in its life. Many lifecycles are simple and consist of these basic stages and no more: • Birth or hatching for an animal and germination for a plant • Establishment and growth which may just involve more of the same until it starts to develop flowers or other sexual organs or may include substantial changes such as a caterpillar developing, going into a cocoon and developing further so that it can emerge into the • Reproductive phase when it produces eggs, live young, seeds, spores etc depending on the type of organism • Aging or senescence which is the phase of wearing out, falling apart and returning to the litter layer to become food for the organisms which come next • and then back to the beginning again. Other organisms have a more complicated lifecycle where the reproductive and growth stages may go on for years, decades or even centuries. This applies to larger animals which usually breed (or can breed) every year, perennial plants and some others. Managing the lifecycles of desirable species Farming’s key aim is growing produce for the family to live on and to sell. For those organisms that are wanted, the idea is usually to allow them to complete their lifecycles because that allows harvesting one or more stages of the lifecycle. By managing the lifecycles of wanted species to keep them alive and reproducing well, we keep our farms the way we want them. The offspring of Desirable species are usually profitable. Desirable species that are allowed to complete their lifecycle will generally produce similar or greater numbers of offspring than the existing generation and this is where much of the profit in farming comes from — seeds, lambs, calves and so on. Managing the lifecycles of undesirable species By managing so that we break our pests’ lifecycles, we reduce the number we have the following year. By interrupting the lifecycle of a species you do not want, you make it hard for it to live, reproduce etc. To do this you need to know the species’ Predisposing conditions or Necessary conditions and remove at least one of them at the right time. Sometimes you have to take from one and give to the other. This needs to be to your advantage. The offspring of non-desired species are unprofitable. Pests allowed to complete their lifecycle will generally produce greater numbers of offspring than the existing generation. By eliminating one stage of the pest species, you eliminate the chance for the species to survive. If all stages are permitted, you need to tackle another aspect, such as its Habitat or change the species you want to grow and that the pest harms. Posted in Farm pattern \| Tagged , , \| Leave a comment Animals on the move If you find Animals that stay in the one spot: • breed parasites • cause a buildup of weed seeds • cause a buildup of nutrients in stock camps and generally sour the ground • cause over-grazing. By preventing animals from staying in the one spot you can eliminate many or all of those problems. Keeping animals on the move — every day or so rather than keeping them moving constantly by droving — is a key part of rangeland and pasture management. This way they: • get fresh pasturage • leave parasites behind • distribute manure more evenly across the landscape • do not create weedy spots and • need not cause overgrazing. Move them frequently enough and you reduce all these problems and improve your pasture management. This usually means: • better pasture composition • fewer weeds • better use of existing pasture • early warning of pasture shortfalls or excess (such as can be cut for hay or silage) and • earlier/better awareness of problems with animals or pasture. And because you are out with your animals and on your pasture or rangeland more often, you get the benefits of applying the old saying The best manure is in the footsteps of the farmer. This will help you to stay in contact with the areas that may need more attention through your Fertile footsteps. Having Closed gates lets you choose when animals move. If you leave the gates open, the animals choose and they are then in charge of your pasture management and your animal health program. Posted in Farm pattern \| Tagged , , \| Leave a comment Closed gate If you find Grazing animals have different objectives to managers of animals Animals will roam all over the place picking at the smorgasbord of delicacies and leaving the bits they don’t want, thus allowing those plants to develop into fully-fledged weed problems Animals will stay in one place too long if given the opportunity Close the gate to keep the grazing animals where you want them. All other gates can be open except those that need to be closed to confine grazing animals. This allows you to choose when and where they graze, at what density and for how long at a time. You can then manage your pastures and rangelands to suit you rather than letting sheep, cows or goats decide your future. Ironic as it may seem, the pattern is part of Keeping animals on the move — every day or so rather than keeping them moving constantly by droving — and this is a key part of rangeland and pasture management. Posted in Farm pattern \| Tagged , , , , \| Leave a comment Rolling harvest If you find Having a single harvest each year means there may be just one day when the whole year’s farm income arrives Paying bills that come in regularly can be difficult with a single paycheck It is difficult asking storekeepers and other suppliers to extend credit until the next harvest payment There is a lot of risk, stress, activity and demands around a single harvest each year, with everything building to a crescendo On many farms there is one harvest with a heap of activity building to a crescendo. And often building to high levels of stress and an increased financial risk because of a lack of income diversity and ecological Diversity. A rolling harvest allows for more than one crop and thus more than one source of income, spreading the load, the income and the risk. Cut and come again crops are a rolling harvest of a single crop that can be cut and sold or used then can be left to grow back until ready to be cut again. This gives more diversity of income over time and also spreads the climate risk by allowing for harvesting to happen at different times and in the process, ideally dodging some of the weather that might interfere with harvests. However, having a range of crops or varieties (such as in an orchard where different peach varieties might reach harvest readiness one after another) allows for a spread of risk. This is because if one variety, species or time in the market is hit by disease, market access issues or market flooding, there will hopefully be another that is not hit. Sometimes you may be able to choose the different crop or variety to be one that is usually in the opposite stage of the cycle. For example the old Up corn, down horn saying referred to corn (grain crops in the general sense, not just maize) prices rising at the same time as horn (animals and their meat products) went down. This was because as grain prices rose, it became more expensive to feed animals with it and farmers would sell off their livestock. As grain prices fell, farmers would buy livestock to feed on the cheaper grain, forcing cattle prices up. And of course, a lot of movements in markets are random or hard to predict for other reasons. If you can make it so that you don’t have to harvest grain at the same time as the weather is perfect for making hay or at the time your sheep need to be mustered for flystrike control etc, then you can ease the stress on you and your family. Posted in Farm pattern \| Tagged , , , , , \| Leave a comment
A Solid-State Single-Ended Power Amp Discover the enjoyment of listening to a single-ended amp -- in a solid-state design! William of Occam (born Occam, Surrey, England Ca. 1285, died Munich, Germany 1349) is frequently credited with being the engineer’s philosopher. What is frequently called Occam’s razor is a medieval principle of economy that can be translated as “plurality should not be assumed without necessity. This is frequently reduced to the simplest possible explanation is best” or “keep it simple, stupid.” FIGURE 1: Amplifier circuit. When I design using this philosophy, I must first decide what the goal is and then use the simplest possible method to obtain it. My simplest goal would be to reproduce music. I then consider music as an emotional expression transmitted in three dimensions through a pressure modulation in the air. It comes to me encoded as a time-varying voltage of one or more channels. I wish to return this to an emotional expression, but I do not have all of the original information; by the very nature of the recording process, information is lost. I therefore do not feel guilty about dramatizing what I have to work with, to increase the emotional content in keeping with my interpretation of the original performance. The engineering interpretation of this goal in building an amplifier involves, first, the easy stuff; that is, the bandwidth, starting with high frequency response. In the past, using a digitally synthesized signal to produce waveforms with equal peak amplitude but different time delays between tones, I established a design goal for my listening threshold as less than 5° of phase shift at 20kHz. I like good low-frequency response. Even though very few rooms can allow a good loudspeaker to fully express itself; it is simple and inexpensive to make sure that the amplifier is not limiting the rest of the system. I have not determined a rule of thumb about the exact low-end design values, and my current rules are subject to modification as better speakers appear. The power for an amplifier is a bit trickier. I have observed from previous designs that each amplifier has a sweet spot for the level at which it works best and the loads that it likes to see. Some amplifiers are very fussy and others are not. I have a wide assortment of loud speakers. Some are very inefficient, others can do quite a bit with 1W. This particular amplifier design is built to be scaled. The best-sounding amplifier I ever built had an output of only one- fourth of a watt. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a loudspeaker that would use this to produce a practical listening level. One of the other fun tidbits to be considered is that amplifiers put out voltage, but most loudspeakers use current. The smallest version of this amplifier can produce about 15V R1VIS and can safely drive very low impedances. However, the current output is not sym metric. It can push several amps into the loudspeaker, but can pull back only a fraction of that. It is not what many would consider a good design, unless, of course, they actually listen to it. The assumption that a loudspeaker requires symmetric current sources is a “plurality” that “should not be assumed without necessity.” When you apply a positive current to a loudspeaker, its cone should move inward, increasing the pressure in the box. When you release the current, the cone will move out on its own. This is, of course, a gross simplification of what is going on—just blame any problems on the speaker designer. Distortion is another concern of amplifier design. As you can tell from the previous paragraph I am not particularly worried about harmonic distortion at high levels. The amplifier should be able to deliver low distortion of the components of the music that are important to transmit the emotion. To me this means making sure the distortion inherent in all amplifiers does not get in the way, but not to chase one measurement of distortion just because it is possible. Settling on a circuit topology is where my biases show up. I like Class-A amplifiers. There is also floating around the audio world a superstition that amplifiers using a single output device sound better than ones that use many. The best amplifier I ever built followed this principle, but was not practical. So the basic first design cut is to scale up that amplifier. Look at the output transistor first. What is the most power a single device can yield? Power transistors are rated at 200W or more. The fine print, however, says 200W at 25° C. As you actually put power through the transistor, it heats up. According to the data sheet, you derate it 1.14W for every degree of temperature rise. Without a heatsink, that 200W transistor is actually good for about 5W. At this experimental stage, I will not use the biggest transistor, but I will start with cheap ones so that mistakes won’t hurt as much. The TO-220 package is the most popular case for moderate power transistors, with a wide selection of devices under a dollar. A typical transistor in that package is rated for 65W, de-rates at 0.52W per degree, and has a thermal resistance of 1.67° per watt. A very optimistic assumption would be an additional thermal resistance of 0.5W per degree each, for both the heatsink and mounting method. Using a bit of algebra shows the transistor can safely operate at 27VV without any safety margin. Interestingly, power transformers are rated for 115V input, and the AC line can run as high as 132V. So you should allow for a bit more volt age increasing the power dissipation. It would be nice to assume the amplifier will run at 25° C. If placed in a cabinet, expect a temperature of 60° C. So 27W is way too high. I will use 15W as a first-try design value. A 15W amplifier would be about 11V RMS into an 8-ohm load. That would require a supply voltage of 15.5V and a supply current of 1.94A. If, for some reason, the worst-case stress were placed on the amplifier, the transistor would need to dissipate about 30W. The actual load placed on the output transistor cannot be calculated because the exact load is an unknown combination of resistance, inductance, capacitance, and back EMF. The load also has a habit of changing. In small power transformers the three most common voltages are 12, 18, and 24V. I will use an 18V transformer, which should give a peak voltage of: 18 x 1.414 x 130 / 115 x 1.2 = 34.5V. That is the minimum voltage the filter capacitors should be rated. The voltage to really expect depends on the transformer. I am using one rated at 18V 2A. I have learned that when you run a loudspeaker at high power its voice coil heats up and it draws less current. In order to get more voltage from the 15W thermal limit, I will allow more voltage and less current. The current draw for my first target will average only about ½A. The current will only be drawn when the peak AC voltage is greater than the DC voltage stored on the filter capacitors. Allowing for 5% ripple at 15V AC (25.45 peak), current will only be drawn when the AC peak voltage exceeds 24.18V. The inverse cosine of 24.18/25.45 is 18.19°. So there are only 18° of the 180 during the positive half cycle to charge the filter capacitor. My ½ A through the output transistors is now a 5A load on the transformer. The data sheet for the transformer states that at no load it produces 20.6V and 18V at 2A load. (That is why there is a 1.2 in the maximum voltage equation.) This would be modeled by a 1.3 internal resistance. At 5A it should lose 6.5V. So expect: 20.6 x 1.414-6.5 - .8=21.8V. The .8 comes from the diode drop. It is larger than the .7 most folks assume because of the higher current. So for my ½A the power from the transformer should be 11W. It’s not. There is some other bad news for the transformer. The amplifier does not have symmetrical outputs, so the load on the transformer will not be symmetric. This means when I play loud music there will be a DC bias magnetizing the core of the transformer and reducing its capacity. I could use a bigger transformer, but I will stick with my 18V 2A unit for now, using a much bigger one for a larger version of the amp. This power supply leaves about 22V for the output transistor. In a Class- A amplifier the current always flows through the transistor. If the current is set for 600mA, the transistor will dissipate about 13W, which is close enough to allow for component and temperature variations. I have mentioned the main filter capacitors before, but at first pass sizing them is simple, using electric field theory not circuit theory as has been used up until now. Field theory is rarely used to design systems, because it is way too cumbersome although more accurate. The definition of capacitance is C = Q/V. (Q is charge, or the number of electrons.) With algebra you rearrange this to be CV = Q You then use calculus to take the first derivative: C dV/dT + V dC/dT = dQ/dT. Current (I) is defined as dQ/dT Most folks assume that dC/dT is zero. Drop the term and end up with: C dV/dT = 1. This is not a good assumption for using capacitors in audio. dC (or the change in the value of the capacitance) can occur from a change in the volt age across the capacitor, a change in the pressure surrounding the capacitor, or even movement of the capacitor. This value does not appear on manufacturers’ data sheets. Keep this in mind when a capacitor sees a large voltage swing. Rearranging the simple form gives me: C = 1 x dT/dV. For a first try at picking a filter capacitor value, I will allow 10% ripple because there is now a greater current draw: C = .6 x (1/60)12.2 = 5000 4700iiF is the closest standard value, and I can use either 35 or 50V. A quick check of the data sheet shows that a capacitor of this size can handle ripple current of up to 1.9A. A 50V capacitor will allow me to try a higher volt age transformer, and in some suppliers’ stocks of capacitors I can only get that up to 330O It’s time to figure out the actual amplifier (Fig. 1). Starting with the output, I can use either bipolar or MOSFET for inexpensive output devices. (If you were expecting a vacuum tube, there are lots of those designs out there.) There are three possible ways to hook up the transistors. Common base (or gate) gives voltage gain but no current gain. Common collector (drain) gives current gain without voltage gain. There is both current and voltage gain from common emitter (source), which is a good starting place. A common-emitter amplifier with a fixed current source is the most popular gain stage in solid-state amplifiers. It is reasonably well under stood and has a number of fun quirks, such as oscillation, internal parameter changes with applied power, and so on. Always an old friend. Using a MOSFET as the output de vice requires driving it with a voltage source that can supply enough current to maintain the design goal bandwidth. A typical MOSFET (IRF610) has in the range of 200pF of input capacitance, and there is also Miller effect capacitance to worry about. Driving this to 100kHz requires a current of less than a few hundred microamps. The output will have a loss of less than 0.5V and meet the power goals. These are pretty good numbers. The downside is that my selection of MOSFETs is quite limited. They are de signed for industrial power handling, and devices designed for audio are rare and harder to obtain (yes, they do exist). A bipolar transistor will require a drive current of 3OmA or so. It will have an output loss of less than 0.4V, and I have a wide selection. If I wish to scale the amplifier up in size, there is a clear path of easily available larger bipolar transistors, some of which have nicely linear gain characteristics. I can add an emitter resistor to obtain some local feedback. The problem is getting enough drive current. Using a bipolar transistor to drive a bipolar transistor output stage will re quire art input current of almost a milliamp. This would give me a low input impedance and loss of low frequencies, unless there are more than two stages. A MOSFET has a higher input impedance and is a voltage to current device, so pro viding the drive is not a problem. If I use a differential input stage with matched MOSFETs, my higher distortion device will be in a circuit with limited gain minimizing the problem. The match between the two devices will also allow me to reduce distortion. It also makes it easy to apply global feedback. With just two stages, one device must be of N construction and the other P. The bad news is P constructed devices don’t work as well as Ns for audio applications. The difference is worse with MOSFETs than with bipolars. To minimize the damage it makes sense to use an N channel MOSFET as the input and a PNP bipolar as the output. A single-ended Class-A amplifier needs some current sources. It is easy to make a simple current source, such as a high voltage supply and just a resistor, or become slightly more complicated and use a transformer and high voltage sup ply (done that—different story), or use a solid-state current regulator. Although the regulator has more parts, it costs the least. So sometimes “plurality has a necessity.” The usual design is a transistor, fed from a constant voltage source, dumping into a resistor. I chose to use bipolar transistors for this because their base voltage is more uniform than MOSFETs. I did a small experiment testing an LED, a power diode, and a signal diode to see how uniform their forward voltage drop was with changes in current. The signal diode had the flattest slope, and its sweet spot was 15 to 30mA. The exact voltage across the diode varies with temperature. When using a diode voltage source for the output current source, be aware that as the output transistor heats up, its base voltage drop (Vbe) goes down and it passes more current. I will therefore assume 0.9V across the emitter resistor rather than 0.6 or 0.7V in the output current source. The voltage regulators formed by the series connected diodes are also bypassed by a capacitor to reduce any noise and power supply ripple. Any noise in the voltage source is amplified by the output current source. I now have most of the basic topology of the circuit. It is pretty standard stuff to use a modest amount of global feedback at AC and t feedback at DC. I have elected not to use additional parts until I listen to the amplifier and see what each change or new part will add. Another really important goal is to be able to actually build the amplifier. In its simplest form this amplifier can be a beginner’s project. I built this amplifier using only a drill (with bits), a soldering iron, a few screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, a small diagonal cutter, wire cutter, hot air gun, and voltmeter I did not lay out the piece with a square and scribe; instead I used my CNC turret punch, which is a bit expensive, so you may choose to stick with the square. If you make a mistake in building this basic amplifier, it’s probably because I for got to tell you some important detail or you read the words I wrote, not the ones I meant. Long ago I once asked a mentor about Boltzmann’s constant. He told me it was “basic.” After about two weeks I apologized for not getting it and asked him for more information. He began by saying, “I said it’s basic, not easy.” This is a “basic” amplifier. If you have built a few kits and choose to try a scratch build, this may be for you. It certainly helps if you have a friend who can help you with the rough spots. I have listed all of the parts along with the Mouser Electronics part number. Note that they do not sell some of the parts such as resistors individually. You may also wish to buy a few extra MOSFETs so you can match pairs for the input stage. I expect anyone can scrounge up some of the parts, even if it’s only a power cord from the weekly trash. If you can scrounge up the aluminum, the power cord, and some scrap wire, you should be able to build two of the amplifiers for around $100. You can build the entire basic amplifier on one 12” x 12” piece of aluminum. I used 1/8” thick alloy 5052 with a temper of H32. The thickness is important to allow the heat to spread out; if you must, you can use two thinner pieces. If you are shopping for aluminum, another choice is 6062 with just about any temper except TO. You should be able to find a piece of scrap anywhere from a junkyard to a metal shop, and, of course, you can always buy a piece on the web. There are also many other alloys of aluminum which will all work, just don’t buy already anodized aluminum. I used terminal strips screwed to the plate to hold all of the components. That way you can easily make changes. For example, I used a TIP42C, which isn’t a great audio transistor, but it’s cheap. You can play with others. Try an MJL4302A. You can adjust the amplifier’s sweet spot by increasing the value of R9. You can also try a higher voltage transformer. (Be sure to increase R9 also.) You can add gain stages, try all MOSFETs or bipolars. I did not use transistor sockets, but I list them in Table 1 for those interested. They aren’t intended as sockets but will work just fine. To begin, lay out your piece of metal. You should use a 12” adjustable square. Set the ruler to one of the dimensions shown on the drawing (Fig. 2), place the edge of the square firmly against the metal just above where you want your finished scribed mark. Then place the scriber (which in many models comes stored in the handle) in the notch in the end of the ruler, and pull the tool to you, while keeping the scribe in the notch. This will allow you to place a line within .005” with just a bit of practice. When you extend the ruler more than 6”, start from the opposite edge except when doing a matching hole (for example, you should measure the two holes that mount the transformer from the same edge). Scribe all of your lines before using a punch to leave a starting dimple for your drill. If you are careful and have a sharp punch, you can feel the intersection of the scribed lines and precisely punch an indent exactly where you want it. Machinists actually have three sharp tools. The scribe, which is used only to make scratches, has a very fine tip that would be damaged if struck. A prick punch is almost the same as a center punch except the tip is at a sharper angle. It is used with a light blow to make a small indent. The center punch is then used to make an indent big enough that the drill bit will not slip out. When done this way your hole will be exactly where you want it. Of course, for normal folks nails work well, but you will need to change often as they become blunted. To make things simple I consider the side with the lines scribed on it to be the face, the other side is the back. The transformer mounts on the bottom. Put on a pair of gloves and safety glasses, then drill all of the holes with a 5/32” drill bit. If you have trouble staying in your center punches, use a smaller bit. If you use too small a bit, the aluminum will gum it up and break it. It is a good idea to dip the drill bit in oil or even soapy water before you drill each hole. After drilling all of the holes, you can simply go back with a larger bit to en large the holes. When you do this, step up gradually to the final size, checking for fit as you go. You can go from 5/32” to ¼” to 3/8” to ½”. Check the holes for the switch, fuse holder, binding posts, and input jack as you drill. Bigger is easy, smaller is not. You may need to wiggle the drill bit in the hole to get a precise fit for some of the parts. After all the holes are their final size, sand the aluminum before painting it. I use 120-grit sandpaper in a small electric palm sander. You can do it by hand; it doesn’t take very long. The idea is to re move most of the layer of oxide that has formed on the aluminum so the paint will stick to it. After you have removed the dull gray aluminum to reveal mostly bright aluminum, you can wipe it with a dry paper towel or one lightly dampened with solvent. Do not use water. Quickly mask all of the mounting holes on both sides of the plates. I use masking tape cut into 3/8” squares. On the face side (the way it looks in Fig. 2) use 3/4” pieces to mask the five transistor mounting holes. On both sides mask the ¼” hole for the input jack. It is not necessary to mask the holes for the binding posts, the fuse holder, or the switch. The process from sanding the metal to painting it should take less than 15 minutes. I prefer the cheapest black spray paint, which is usually thin and dries fast. I spray one very light coat from all four edges on the back side, wait two minutes, flip it over on three small blocks, and paint the other (face) side. It takes me three times around all four sides with a really, really light coat to get the aluminum uniformly black. I do not want a thick coat on the face. FIGURE 2 Small amp drill guide. At this point there is the finish coat on the face and a protection coat on the back. After the face is almost dry (the paint I use takes 10 minutes), remove the masking tape. When the face is dry (about 1 hour), flip it over onto the blocks and put just enough paint on the back to make sure it is uniformly black. After a few minutes remove the rest of the masking tape. By taking the tape off while the paint is not completely dry, the edge of paint moves into the masked area very slightly and leaves a smooth transition. Then let the panel dry overnight. For my “case” I used just a 12” piece of 2 x 4 with a 1/8” slot cut in it off center. The plate just rests in the base and stands vertically (Photo 6). After the panel is absolutely, completely, and really dry, you can begin assembly. Start by mounting the transformer on the face side with a piece of thin cardboard underneath it, using nylon 6-32 machine screws. Mount a two-terminal strip to the right screw. Be sure the fuse is not in the fuse holder and mount it so that the terminals come up on the face side. Only the nut should be on the face side; the rubber washer should be on the bottom. Snugly tighten the nut. If you over- tighten it, you will break the fuse holder. If it is too loose the fuse holder will spin when you try to change the fuse. If you want to cheat, use a drop of super glue. Next mount the switch, again with terminals to the face side. If you use two nuts on the switch, tighten it from the face side to get a trim appearance on the back. The power cord should be clamped firmly in place. I leave about 4” of the three conductors exposed from the outer jacket of the power cord. The green wire is connected to the grounded terminal attached to the power transformer. No heat- shrink tubing is needed here. This makes a safety ground without introducing extra noise into the audio heatsink ground plane. You can use the other isolated terminal to store the white center tap lead from the transformer. PHOTO 1: AC supply. PHOTO 2: Complete amp. Place a piece of heat- shrink tubing over the black (or brown) and white (or blue) wires of the power cord. Then hold the tubing away from the ends as you solder the leads to the switch terminals closest to the edge of the switch, one wire to each side. Black or brown—depending on the power cord you have—goes closest to the transformer. From the center terminal of the switch on the side that the black wire is connected to, attach a wire that also goes to the rear terminal of the fuse holder. Do not forget the heat-shrink tubing! The two black transformer wires are now ready to be connected, again with the tubing on the wires—one goes to the open terminal on the switch and the other goes to the fuse holder’s terminal closest to the panel. Check to be sure your solder joints are shiny and firmly melted to both the wire and its terminal before you slide the heat-shrink tubing over the exposed metal. You can use a hot-air gun, a hair dryer, a match, or a lighter to heat up the tubing until it shrinks firmly in place. Now wrap every thing with electrical tape so that you are sure no metal is visible. This is the only place you have enough voltage to hurt you (Photo 1). You can now put in the fuse. This is a good time to check your work. If you have the parts, you can build an AC test jig, which is simply an AC line cord, an outlet, and a 60W light bulb. Wire the ground and neutral (green and white) from the cord to the outlet. The hot (black) from the cord goes to the light bulb and the other light bulb lead goes to the outlet. Be sure to build this device using standard electrical box parts and strain reliefs. To test this device, plug a lamp into it and the device into the wall. When you turn on the lamp, it should light as well as your test jig’s 60W light bulb. If you are brave, you can just plug your amp straight in; either way you should measure about 21V AC on the two red wires. If you don’t, try turning on the power switch. Now be sure to unplug it before proceeding. PHOTO 3: Input section. PHOTO 4: Output section. The next step is to mount the terminal strip above the transformer that holds the power-sup ply capacitors. You will now find out whether you put the holes in the right place. Push the steel machine screws in from the bottom. They are a tight fit going through the mounting feet of the terminal strip. Use a lock washer and nut on the face side. These screws should be fairly tight. I mount the capacitors to the hole in the strip where it is riveted to the insulator. This is not the normal method, but it gives me a good fit and keeps the capacitor close to the ground plane. Connect the left capacitor so that its stripe showing the negative lead is connected to the grounded terminal. The capacitor on the right has the positive lead grounded. Connect the diodes using one of the center terminals for both and the other end of each going to the capacitors. Both diode bands should be on the left side. Connect the transformer leads and a jumper between the two grounded terminals. I don’t want to just trust the mechanical connection to the ground plane. After you have this hooked up, you should test your work. Plug the amp back in. If you are using a test box, you may notice a brief bit of light as the capacitors charge. I didn’t. Now quickly unplug the amp. Because the capacitors have no load, they will hold a charge for a while. You have a good chance now to be sure you didn’t wire anything backward without risking an explosion. (Capacitors wired backward can explode!) You should measure about 28V on each capacitor. Be sure that positive is actually positive on both. If you have reached this point, you should have made at least one mistake by now and have figured out a way to hide it or fix it! The next step is an option to make a temporary circuit to sort the MOSFETs. I connected one of the 1 K-Ohm 1W resistors to the power-supply terminal strip and connected this to a .1” spaced triple socket. Pins 1 and 2 went to the resistor, which I then connected to the positive supply. Pin 3 went to ground. I then measured the voltage between 1 and 3. Without a MOSFET in the socket it was about 28V. Inserting a MOSFET dropped it to 2.78V for four of them and 2.79V for five of them. One of the ten I bought measured 2.77V. This gave me four matched sets and reassured me that the MOSFETs were well-made. Next, assemble the output stage. Mount two terminal strips with a gap between them using two screws as before. Both strips mount in the same holes. I bent the leads of the TIP41C and TIP42C transistors quite severely to get them to mate to the rivets in their terminal strip. If you try to bend the leads too quickly or too severely, you may break them off. I use the old-fashioned method of mounting the transistors (Photo 5). I put a very small amount of heatsink grease on both sides of a mica washer and then place this between the transistor and the heatsink. I put a nylon 6-32 machine screw through the assembly and tighten the nut from the back. Some folks prefer a steel screw and an insulated bushing; others use a thermal pad that does not require grease. The screw should be snug now and tightened later once the amplifier has become warm. Mount all of the parts to the terminal strips first and, then when you are sure you have it right, solder them. Use bits of wire to interconnect all of the ground terminals. Insert the output binding posts at this stage and attach the output filter (C11 and R12) now. I used old green posts I had around and just painted them red and black. When you mount your posts be sure that the wire hole faces to the side, otherwise it will be difficult to connect your speakers later. Once you have installed R7, R8, R9, R12, C4, C8, C10, C11, D3, D4, D9, and D10, you can fire up the amplifier again. The output voltage should be about -26V. Next turn the amp off and temporarily connect a resistor (1K 1W) between the base of Q4 and ground. Turn the amp back on. The output voltage now should be more positive. It can be anywhere from -10 to +15V. If you are using a light bulb box, the bulb should glow. The output transistors will begin to warm up. The measurement from the base of Q5 to the negative sup ply should be between 1.3 and 1.4V. There should be about 0.7V across R9. If it all works, turn it off and take out the extra resistor. If it didn’t work, start by checking to make sure you have your transistors connected correctly and the bands on the diodes are right. If you have C4 in backward, it won’t make much difference because the voltage is so low across it. However, it will eventually fail. If a resistor smokes, Q4 or Q5 may be shorted. Once the output stage is working, start on the current source for the input. In stall both terminal strips and mount Q3. Install R5, R6, C2, C6, C7, D1, and D2. Once these parts are connected, temporarily connect a 100 ¼W resistor from the positive supply to the collector of Q3. Expect to measure about 5 to 10V across this resistor. Be happy! The current source is working. Also, it’s helpful to check from the negative supply to the base of Q3; the reading should be between 1.3 and 1.9V. Next, install the input jack and all of the passive components you can without making it hard to mount Q1 and Q2 (MOSFETs). I have never blown any of these up myself but I am told that if you try to assemble this amplifier in the winter on a wool carpet sitting in a wool-covered easy chair while wearing silk undies, you certainly will. Handle the MOSFETs as little as possible and then hold them by the big metal tab (drain), not by the gate. The input MOSFETs do not require heatsinking but do it to make sure they are both at the same tempera ture. This is important to minimize DC offset at the output. PHOTO 5: Power supply with test socket. PHOTO 6: Painted chassis. When you assemble the input, it is important that you mount R2, R3, R10, and R11 close to their transistors. If you don’t, oscillations may occur. Once you have assembled everything, take a break. When you get back, recheck your wiring, making sure you have soldered all of the terminals (I never make this mistake). Plug the amplifier in without a load. Measure the output voltage. If it is less than .080V, that’s great. Measure the positive and negative supplies, which should be 21V give or take a volt or two. If all checks out and you have access to test equipment, look at the output with an oscilloscope or computer-based equivalent. The output should be a smooth line without bursts of ringing. Sweep the amplifier with a sine wave; you might see some distortion in the sine wave up past 50kHz. If you see bursts of ringing, be sure C11 and R12 are connected (Photo 3). If that is not it, you can poke your finger around until you see what changes what. An extra capacitor to ground is OK at any power point. I expect that if you do see ringing the most likely problem is either an incorrect hook-up or shorting. If you don’t have test equipment and your meter reads little DC and less than 50mV of AC, put a 1A fast blow fuse in series with an old loudspeaker and hook it up for a second or so. If all’s quiet, give the amp an input and plug the speaker back in. You should hear music. If it sounds good, it will sound really good at this point. If it doesn’t make music, remove the speaker and check all the voltages and compare them to the ones on the schematic to see whether you can find where you went wrong. The amp will become hot to the touch, but that’s OK. If you put your finger directly over the output transistors and don’t scream much, they are fine. The power transformer will also become warm. Any capacitor heating up is a bad sign. As you listen to your amp, you may not notice why people prefer the sound of single-ended Class-A amplifiers at first. After you listen for a couple of hours, try your old amp again. All of a sudden you will find it sounds funny! In one of those lovely psychological effects, you may not notice when something is better, but you are much quicker at noticing when some thing is worse. You now have an amplifier you can both listen to and play with. If it’s occurred to you that this amplifier can be built with a PC card, or scaled up and with better parts, you are right. But then that is a different amplifier. 1. Dave Beckett, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK. ED SIMON received his B.S.E.E. at Carnegie-Mellon University. He has in stalled over 500 sound systems at venues including Jacob’s Field, Cleveland, Ohio; MCI Center, Washington D.C.; Museum of Modern Art Restaurants, New York; The Coliseum, Nashville, Tenn.; The Forum, Los Angeles; Fisher Cats Stadium, Manchester, New Hampshire. Prev. \| Next Top of Page Home Updated: Tuesday, 2015-10-13 7:11 PST
Super Absorbent Gels Most disposables contain a super absorbent gel, including sodium polyacrylate crystals, a chemical deemed unsafe and banned from use in tampons in 1985 because of its association with toxic shock syndrome, but approved by the American Food and Drug Administration for use in baby's disposables. As mothers we ought to be very much concerned by the distinct lack of research into the effects of extreme dryness on babies thin skin and genitalia,and fears of these super-absorbent chemicals entering the body through broken skin. Chlorine Bleaching Chlorine bleaching is much less prevalent than in earlier days of bleaching wood pulp for white paper product, but many disposables still contain extremely toxic dioxins created by this bleaching. There is much debate over whether there is actually a safe level of dioxins. (Costello A et al 1989 The Sanitary Protection Scandal. The Women's Environment Network) The 'cloth like cover' and 'stay dry liner' are usually made of polypropylene, a petrochemical, or petroleum derivative which is non-recyclable and toxic when incinerated. The 'breathable cover' is technically true, but the breathability is so minimal to be of negligible effect, typically less than 3% of total weight evaporated in a 24 hour period. The plastics used in disposable nappies use PCBs in their manufacture, and the waste from this manufacturing is poured out into our rivers and oceans. PCBs are fat soluble, and therefore pass quickly from water to living tissue, and accumulate in the food chain. In otters and minks, the accumulation of PCBs has caused disturbance of the neuro-endocrine system, affecting puberty, ovulation reproduction function, and foetal and neonatal survival. Would you consider the same plastics and chemicals up against your baby's skin for two or three years healthy, or responsible? And why bother with a 'cloth like cover' when you can have the real thing? Airborne Emissions An independent study conducted by Anderson Laboratories in 1999 showed airborne emissions of some disposable nappies producing acute respiratory toxicity, including asthma like reactions, in laboratory mice. The researchers suggested further research into a possible link between disposable nappies and the increasing prevalence of childhood asthma. Chemical gases such as toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, styrene and isopropyl benzene have been found to be in air emissions from disposable nappies. Raised Scrotal Temperatures Disposable nappies raise temperatures in the genital area, and for boys, elevated scrotal temperature has been suggested as slowing down the development of baby boy's testicles. Wolfgang Sippell, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Kiel in Germany : ”This alarming information is based upon the fact that the cells supporting sperm production are laid down in the first two years of life and this development is dependent upon temperature. Testicles need to be cooler than the rest of the body so that is why they are external. Studies over the last twenty five years have shown sperm counts to have fallen as fast as 2 per cent per year. Other factors can play a part in these figures but evidence suggests that use of disposable nappies could be a contributing factor. There is no doubt that disposable nappies trap the heat-especially in the height of summer-and there is concern about the long term effect this could have on both sexes, apart from being most uncomfortable” Disease Transmission through Faeces A potentially serious problem associated with disposable nappies is the ease of disease transmission via faeces left on the nappy and then disposed of in regular household waste. More than 100 enteric viruses are excreted in human faeces, including hepatitis and polio (the live vaccine is used for immunization). Viruses can live for months creating risks to both sanitation workers and contamination of groundwater in landfills” ( Primomo J et al (1990) The high environmental cost of disposable diapers, Journal of Maternal and Child Nursing, 15 (5) 279-84) How many parents do you know who actually scrape poo off a disposable into the loo? Imagine all those enteric viruses being leached into our waterways, out into the big blue. Modern fitted cloth nappies do not have the environmental disadvantages of disposables When assessing the environmental concerns of cloth and disposable nappies, it is important to look at the whole life cycle of a nappy, not just the impacts we can see with our own eyes. This includes cultivation, manufacturing, transportation and waste impacts. The results of a Landbank Consultancy study conducted in 1991show that- • It takes a full cup of crude oil to make the plastic for each ‘disposable' nappy • both nappies use similar amounts of fossil fuel • disposables take up to 500 years to decompose in landfill sites and can harbour up to 100 different types of virus Impact per infant per year Cloth nappies Disposable nappies Factor of difference 2532 MJ 8900 MJ Waste water 12.4 m3 28 m3 Raw materials (non renewable) 25 kg 208 kg Raw materials (renewable) 4 kg 361 kg Domestic solid waste 4 kg 240 kg Land for raw materials (total for German infant population p.a.) 1150-6800 ha 29,500-32,300 ha 4 to 30 (Link, A (2003) Disposable nappies: a case study in waste prevention. Women's Environment Network) Although we do bear slightly more of the environmental cost in terms of water and detergent, this is a drop in the ocean compared to the environmental costs saved at the point of production. The fundamental point to note here is that as parents, we can act to minimize the environmental footprint of the cloth nappy by changing the way we wash and dry nappies, ie by drypailing ,with eco friendly detergents, cold water, in water wise and energy efficient washing machines and by drying + sanitising our nappies out in the sun.Cloth nappies are renewable, recyclable and reusable. They use fewer resources, create less waste and help build a less toxic environment. Organic nappies are even better. In 1999 it was estimated that using an average of six nappies a day over two and a half years produces around 734 kg of solid waste per child. Multiply that by the number of babies born in Australia each year and that's a lot of disposables taking up space in landfill. In fact, 800 million disposable nappies are used in Australia every year, which amounts to 111,220 tonnes of solid waste. This requires 145,000 cubic metres of land fill area. That's roughly 8000 nappies for just one baby, which can take anywhere from 75-500 years to break down! Modern cloth nappies are simple to use, easy and efficient Perhaps the greatest concern of families looking at converting to cloth is the perception that it takes a lot of time we don't have, to wash and care for your cloth nappies. That simply isn't true. With dry pailing your nappies, and the wonders of the modern washing machine, cloth nappies are a lot like the way one might use a disposable. You rinse off the poo, and store them in a lidded nappy bucket for a couple of days, but instead of throwing them out with the rubbish, you throw them in the washing machine, where an extra rinse, and less detergent than you would ordinarily use, produces clean soft cloth nappies ready for hanging on the line to naturally bleach, deodorize and sanitise. Most cloth nappies can just as easily be tumble dried if need be. Once you have a system in place, your choice to use cloth will be fast, easy, efficient, and a routine you will grow to love. Bamboo + hemp are even better than cotton • Bamboo and hemp are better for baby because both fabrics are naturally anti-microbial,and that property has been scientifically tested to remain after extended washing. Your baby's body is naturally protected from bacteria, mould, mildew and fungus, which helps minimize nappy rash. • The superior absorbency of both fibres allows for a slimmer fit and design which is less bulky on your child. Bamboo terry is also silky to touch. • The excellent breathability of bamboo + hemp make it more comfortable to wear, warm in winter and cool in summer, • In terms of sustainability, hemp wins hands down. Hemp is unbleached which makes it safer for the workers who manufacture the fabric • hemp is four times more durable and has eight times the tensile strength of cotton (tests conducted by Patagonia Inc see ). That means that hemp nappies last longer and stand up to rougher treatment, definitely something to value of you would like to put more than one child in cloth. • Both bamboo + hemp are better for the EARTH because their cultivation does not require pesticides. Furthermore, hemp does not deplete the soil-hemp leaves actually return Nitrogen back to the soil, improving it's fertility. Copyright © 2017 Internet shops:
Selasa, 01 Januari 2013 Red Kangaroo The Biggest Animals Kingdom and in The World \| Red Kangaroo \| This species is a very large kangaroo with long pointed ears and a square muzzle. Males have short, red-brown fur, fading pale buff below and on the limbs. Females are smaller than males and are blue-gray with a brown tinge, pale gray below, although arid women of color more like men. The Red Kangaroo working legs much like a rubber band. Men can jump over 9 m (30 ft) of a jump. Females are much smaller, with a head and body length of 85 to 105 cm (33 to 41 inches) and the queue length of 65-85 cm (26-33 inches). Females weighing 18-40 kg (40-88 pounds) while males weigh twice as much as 55 to 85 kg (120 to 190 pounds). The average Red Kangaroo is about 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) high at the top of the head in an upright position. Large males can be over 1.8 m (5.9 ft) tall, has been confirmed with the largest about 2.1 meters (6.9 ft) tall and weighed 91 kg (200 lb) have stopped. The Red Kangaroo maintains the indoor temperature at a point of homeostasis of approximately 36 ° C (97 ° F) using a variety of materials, physiological adaptations and behavioral disorders. Field of red kangaroo is the vision of about 300 °, because the position of the eyes. Red kangaroos live in groups of 2-4 members. The most common groups are females and their young. The largest groups are located in densely populated areas and the females are usually male. Men grow back to arms much larger and longer than females. Generally, stands on his hind legs and try the opponent off balance or forearms stabbed him sliding locks. Compared with other types of kangaroos, the Red Kangaroo struggles between men tend to include more of a struggle. Estrous females Access To alpha male competitive behavior and sexual behavior until overturned. Displaced men living alone, and avoid contact with other people. The red kangaroo plays throughout the year. The females have the unusual ability to delay childbirth and left their previous Joey bag. This is called embryonic diapause. The Red Kangaroo has the typical reproductive system of a kangaroo. Usually only one young is born at a time. Meanwhile, the neonate in the pouch grows rapidly. The composition of milk produced by the mother varies according to the needs of the joey. In addition, the red kangaroo mothers have "three generations of children while a long standing young suck on a tit, a young man in his pocket in a second nipple and blastula in arrested development in utero The red kangaroo is still an abundant species and, like all Australian wildlife is protected by law. Kangaroos dazzled by the lights or scared by engine noise often leap to the front of the vehicle, severely damaging or destroying smaller vehicles or unprotected. As a result, "kangaroo crossing" signs are commonplace in Australia. The kangaroo is so great that it regulates harvest their skin and meat. Hunting licenses and commercial cultivation under approved management plans at national level, to keep Red Kangaroo populations and manage them as a target controlled renewable resource. In 2000 1.173.242 animals were sacrificed. The kangaroos provide meat for human consumption and animal feed. Kangaroo meat is very lean, with only 2% fat. Their skins with leather used. Find The Biggest Animals Kingdom and in The World Alecia Madonado 27 Juni 2017 07.29 High Blood Pressure (herbs to reduce your BP within 7days) Infection, regular body pains Blockage from the fallopian Tube Cyst from the ovaries Unpleasant smell from the virginal Irregular menstruation Infertility for easy Conception....... Erectile dysfunction treatment Get your ex back Happiness in relationship Command respect in the society Enlarge your Penis/breast with no side effect Impotent solution Obesity solution Romanticism solutions Cancer of the blood Parkinson disease General consultation Posting Komentar
Adjective "Sturdy" definition and examples Definitions and examples 1. 'Under the firmly delineated garments, a compact, sturdy body makes its presence felt.' 2. 'A sturdy people, the Dogras are divided into several castes and classes.' 3. 'It is a square-proportioned dog with a compact, sturdy body.' 4. 'He looked about in boredom, gaze falling up to the helm, where he found the sturdy figure of his father's first mate stood.' 5. 'He was sturdy and well built, but quick on his feet.' 6. 'Aidan was five, a sturdy boy with chubby arms and legs.' 9. 'He's a sturdy kid who prefers to stand tall instead of move around, but he fled several times against North Carolina when the heat was coming.' 11. 'the bike is sturdy enough to cope with bumpy tracks' 12. 'The boat had to be sturdy enough to withstand 40 days and nights of rain.' 13. 'The structure is also sturdy enough to serve as long-term housing.' 14. 'Nylon is sturdy enough to withstand outdoor rigors like sun and wind, but light enough to be free floating.' 15. 'It was a nice one, made from strong wood and thatch, sturdy enough to withstand an Avalon hurricane, even with its second story.' 16. 'Both sides of this versatile trellis are used, and it can be made sturdy enough to support heavy crops such as gourds and pumpkins.' 17. 'It was sturdy enough to carry an entire family, a substantial piece of furniture or a pig, strapped to the carrier on the back.' 19. 'Road bikes are fast on the road, but not sturdy enough for off-road riding.' 20. 'Linings, on the other hand, must be strong and comfortable as well - strong to withstand the sturdy boots and comfortable to the riders senses.' 24. 'Because of her sturdy intellectual independence and integrity, Ravitch exempts no sect, ideology, or school from failure and folly.' 25. 'The county had a reputation for sturdy independency.' 1. strongly built; stalwart; robust: sturdy young athletes. 2. strong, as in substance, construction, or texture: sturdy walls. 3. firm; courageous; indomitable: the sturdy defenders of the Alamo. 4. of strong or hardy growth, as a plant. More examples(as adjective) "winters can be sturdy as stands." "volumes can be sturdy at markkas." "timbers can be sturdy in glooms." "supports can be sturdy with bars." "places can be sturdy in places." More examples++
How to Start a Garden Dig in, beginners. Growing your own food and flowers can be fun and rewarding. Related To: ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2008, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited Photo By: Image courtesy of Photo By: Image Courtesy of iStock ©2011, Dorling Kindersley Limited ©2012, Dorling Kindersley Limited Flower and Vegetable Gardens Nothing beats the sun-ripened flavor of a tomato from your garden or the pleasure of snipping your own flowers for a fresh bouquet. Growing edibles and ornamentals is easier than you may think. First, decide if you have room for a garden, or if you'll need to plant in containers. If space is limited, or you're a beginner, try a 10x10 plot. You can expand later and even mix flowers and vegetables, as shown in the garden above. Make a List of Plants and Seeds The fun starts with deciding what to grow. Make a list of plants, seeds and seed-starting items that you'll need. Shop early, as popular varieties and products sell out fast. Read your seed packets to see whether to start the seeds indoors or sow them directly in the garden, and mark the planting dates on your calendar. This will help you know when it's time to transplant or sow again for another crop. Hang onto your seed packets so you can refer to them throughout the growing season. Sketch Your Garden Next, make a sketch of any existing structures, like a tool shed or large trees, and decide where to put your plants. Graph paper lets you draw to scale. Read seed packets or plant tags for information on how far apart to space the plants; this will help you figure out how many can fit in each row. Hang onto your sketch to help you remember what you planted, so you can rotate your garden in coming years. Choose a Sunny Spot You don't have to use a compass to find the best spot for your garden, but do choose a site that gets plenty of sun. Tomatoes, peppers and many other edibles need 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day; leafy crops like lettuce and spinach can take less. Roses, daylilies and other flowers also need full sun, while impatiens and coleus prefer shade. Again, read plant tags or do some online research to match what you want to grow with the amount of sunlight or shade you can offer. Test Your Soil Before you plant, test your soil to see which amendments, if any, it might need. You can buy DIY kits at garden centers and nurseries, or your local extension service office may be able to test a soil sample for you. Be sure to tell the extension agent what you want to grow, so they'll know what to recommend. Testing is best done in the fall, so amendments have time to meld, but you can still do it anytime before you plant. Well-Drained Soil Most plants need soil that drains easily; water that stands around their roots can cause them to die. If you have heavy or clay-like soil, add 5 or 6 inches of good organic matter, or compost, to improve its drainage. (Organic matter also helps improve sandy soils that drain too fast and don't hold enough water for plants). Or consider growing in raised beds. You can build your own, or choose from a variety of easy-to-assemble kits. Then fill them with a good soil mix. Loosen the Soil If your soil test indicated that you need amendments, spread them out evenly over your garden. When the ground is dry, work them in, using a tiller or shovel. Try to avoid stepping on the soil you've loosened, so you don't pack it down again. Remove any sticks, rocks, weeds or grass, and use a garden rake to smooth and level the soil. Water in the amendments and wait a few days before planting. Never work in your garden when the ground is wet. Planting Shrubs and Trees Fall is usually the best time to add a tree and shrub to your garden, when the temperatures are cool, but you can also plant in early spring. As with a vegetable or flower garden, start by testing your soil to see what amendments you may need. Then dig a hole no deeper than the root ball, but 2 to 3 times as wide. Work the amendments into the bottom of the hole and into the dirt from the hole. Slide the tree or shrub out of its pot and loosen its roots. Then backfill the hole, gently firming the soil. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil. Add a layer of mulch to help control weeds, retain moisture and regulate the temperature of the soil. Transplanting Seedlings If you start plants from seeds, the first leaves you'll see are the cotyledons, which provide stored food for the seedlings. They're followed by "true" leaves, which look more like a plant's mature leaves. Once the seeds you started indoors have 3 or 4 true leaves, they're ready to transplant. First, harden off the seedlings by moving them outside into a sheltered, shady spot. Gradually expose them to more wind, sunlight and weather each day over the course of 7 to 10 days. Once they become stronger, or hardened off, they can be planted in the garden. Container Gardening If you don't have space in your yard or landscape, try growing flowers, vegetables, herbs and fruits in containers. You'll find many dwarf varieties that are suitable for pots, half whiskey-barrels, troughs, or window boxes. Hanging baskets are nice for trailing ornamentals or small edibles such as strawberries. Use a potting mix designed for whatever you're growing, whether foods or flowers. Don't use ordinary garden soil in your containers, as it probably won't drain easily or contain the right nutrients. Place your containers in sun or shade, depending on the growing requirements for your plants. Watering Your Garden Most gardens need at least an inch of water a week. If you don't get enough rain, use soaker hoses, a drip irrigation system, or sprinklers. (Water from a garden hose tends to run off before it can be absorbed, wasting money and effort.) To determine how much water your garden is getting, set out a rain gauge, or put an empty cat food or tuna fish can in your garden, and mark a line on it to show when an inch of water has collected. You can also buy "smart" timer systems that monitor local weather conditions and turn your water on and off as needed. Once you've got your plants in place, add a layer of mulch. Newly planted trees and shrubs, as well as flowers and vegetables, need a few inches of bark, pine straw, or other mulch to help hold moisture in the soil and control weeds. Mulching also helps regulate the soil's temperature, keeping plant roots cooler when the mercury rises. To practice organic gardening, feed your plants with good quality compost. Otherwise, look for a fertilizer designed for vegetables, acid-loving shrubs, citrus fruit trees, flowers, or whatever it is you're growing, and apply it as directed on the package. Harvesting and Deadheading Harvest your edibles when they ripen, so your plants will keep producing. You'll also want to deadhead, or snip the faded blooms, to encourage more blooms on flowering plants. Do a little research on your trees and shrubs before you cut them back, to make sure you're pruning correctly and at the right time of year. Sowing a Second Crop You may have time to sow another crop of edibles, depending on how long your growing season is and how long it takes your plants to reach maturity. Of course, you don't have to grow more of the same plants. You might want to replace cool-season beets, for example, with heat-loving eggplants or marigolds. If you replace short plants with taller ones, like sunflowers, make sure they won't cast a shadow on the rest of the garden as they grow. Enjoy your garden.
Bridges Program Tallangatta Primary School provides a literacy program called Bridges, for students in grade five and six who require additional assistance, motivation and support. A qualified teacher trains literacy assistants and coordinates the program. Students work one-to-one with a literacy assistant for 30 minutes, three times a week, for 10 weeks. This program has proved to be extremely successful in creating confidence, engaging students in their own learning and raising their literacy skills.
New Research in Treating Peanut Allergies Peanut allergies are something no one should mess with. We constantly see reports of people have server or even deadly reactions when it comes to their peanut allergies and now-a-days it makes you wonder why there isn’t a better way to treat this horrible allergy. The worse is what people with this allergy are missing out of, PB&J sandwiches and the limited places they are allowed to go, like baseball games. Luckily a breakthrough study has happened, showing that it can possibly help people not get a peanut allergy in the first place. Studies are showing that you can train your immune system into tolerating peanuts. In order to achieve this, researchers say that by giving children a small amount of peanuts at a young age can help them in the long run, even if they are allergic to them. On Monday, the New England Journal of Medicine published their findings that non-allergic young infants who ate peanuts when they were young had a lower rate of a peanut allergy. Doctors say that the age of four months to eleven months is an important window of opportunity to help build the immune system against allergies, such as this one. Researchers don’t know how long the immunity to peanuts would last for someone who is allergic to them but are optimistic in their testing and research. Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Punishing Jefferson Davis In May 1865, following the conclusion of the Civil War and assassination of Abraham Lincoln the month prior, the President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, became the target of a manhunt. As the figurehead and chief executive of a rebellion that saw the loss of many American lives, he was wanted for a myriad of crimes, including treason and his suspected participation in the Lincoln murder plot. The bounty on his head was placed at $100,000. According to Brian Brown at georgiaencyclopedia.org, Davis had other plans. He still held hopes that the Confederacy could become viable, despite its current state of disorganization and economic troubles that began during the war. As the Union pursuit of Davis intensified, he and his group of advisors raced south. They fled the Confederate capitol of Richmond, Va., and held a cabinet meeting in Washington, Ga., on May 5, 1865 before officially disbanding. Five days later, while Davis and a small group were resting in a creek bed in Irwin County, Ga., gunshots rang out. Davis scrambled from the scene, but was quickly caught. He was found with his wife’s overcoat on his shoulders, which led to the myth that he attempted to flee disguised as a woman and the popular song “Jeff in Petticoats.” Davis was imprisoned on the Virginia coast at Fort Monroe. Guards ensured that he ate and neither attempted suicide nor escape while he awaited trial. According to D.J. Flook’s entry on encyclopediavirginia.org, Davis was soon afforded more freedom. He was moved to a more spacious room and a year later, his wife, Varina, was allowed to move to the fort. The media exposure helped to build sympathy for the man. Biographers have often cited the poor treatment he received, though there is no evidence that Davis felt this way. But the information helped to tear at the bonds of a fragile nation. People were split on how Davis should be punished. In an article written in May 1865, a New York Times writer makes no bones about his position. “There is no possible definition of the crime of treason which can relieve him from its guilt. He has “levied war” — openly, ostentatiously, avowedly — “against the United States.” The whole world has been cognizant of his treason, and more than half a million of the bravest and noblest of the land, sleep in their graves as the consequence of his crime. If that crime should not be punished, what crime should? In the strong, direct phrase of President JOHNSON, if treason such as his may go unwhipt of justice, why should laws longer remain on the statute book to punish the murderer or the robber?” Surprisingly, some abolitionists were opposed to the trial, instead favoring sanctions against the former Confederacy. Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon Chase, also favored leniency. Had the trial been conducted swiftly, it appears more likely that Davis could have been executed. But instead, the whole affair became a headache for President Andrew Johnson. After no link could be established between Davis and the Lincoln assassination (the charge Johnson favored), he chose to pursue treason. As the process continued, Davis was released to civilian detainment in 1867. In March 1868, nearly three years after apprehending Davis, U.S. officials completed the indictment; however, by this time, Johnson was facing his own impeachment proceedings. In addition, the public sentiment for leniency was growing, as they focused on issues such as rebuilding southern infrastructure and integrating African-Americans into society. The issue at hand was the constitutionality of secession, with motions beginning in December 1868. Davis’ defense entered a motion to dismiss based on punishments received under the Fourteenth Amendment, including his inability to hold public office. The court was split and the case was sent to the U.S. Supreme Court for final judgment. Fearing the public embarrassment of an acquittal, President Johnson amnestied Davis on Christmas Day, 1868. Davis lived out his remaining days as a respected figure in the South. He held firm in his belief that secession was constitutional, though in later years encouraged loyalty to the U.S. government. This case is a reminder that seeking justice and punishment does not always bring about healing. Much like President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon, many times forgiveness, rather than revenge, is the best path to peace. 1. Brown, Brian. Capture of Jefferson Davis. (2014, September 3). In New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/capture-jefferson-davis 2. Flook, D. J. Jefferson Davis’s Imprisonment. (2014, March 5). In Encyclopedia Virginia. Retrieved from http://www.EncyclopediaVirginia.org/Jefferson_Davis_s_Imprisonment Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
Inner Growth Word of The Day 92 – Stereotypes April 2 Inner Growth Word of the Day: Stereotypes Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition: (n.) 2. something conforming to a fixed or general pattern; especially: a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment. Stereotypes in a sentence: The affects stereotypes can have on people depends on how and to what extent they are applied onto others in day to day circumstances. Stereotypes in action: When you place a person or a group of people into a box that defines them based on general patterns, personal judgements and opinions, you’re creating stereotypes. Stereotypes and inner growth: Stereotypes help inner growth when they are put into question by you; whether you are the one applying them or they are being applied to you. Exploring preconceived notions to understand if they are truly felt within or something you really believe in, and reflecting on how you feel when stereotypes are applied to you; are some of the things that take place during this line of questioning and will lead to growth (whether through change or a higher level of self-awareness). Stereotypes and inner growth action steps: 1. In-depth self-exploration questions: How do I feel about stereotypes? What’s my definition of a stereotype? Where did I learn my stereotypes? Do I use stereotypes? If so in what circumstances and how do I use them? How do I feel when others use or have used stereotypes to define me? Does how I feel about people using stereotypes on me match how I feel when I’m using stereotypes on others? What have I learned about life from stereotypes? How have stereotypes affected my life? How has my use of stereotypes affected my others and my relationships? 1. List or word bubble: Make a list or word bubble with stereotypes at the center and then list or put around it all the words that come to mind associated with it. Next to each word you listed place a word that represents a statement about a stereotype someone used on you and one that you have used on someone. Pick the three words that stand out the most to you for the feelings they bring about. Write about these three words and why you feel this way about them (If you can use the words from your first list too). 1. Bring your awareness to your feelings about stereotypes and allow this feeling to express itself without letting thoughts come to mind at first. Once you really feel the feeling has become clear and spread within you, identify a thought that comes to mind with this feeling related to stereotypes and notice if it’s a person or specific event that took place or maybe it’s an idea or specific stereotype. Whatever that thought is, allow it to express itself, and notice if your feelings change now that you have also allowed thoughts to come to mind. Your turn – Share your stereotypes sentence, life examples, and inner growth action steps; and let me know if you’d like to see something added to our Inner Growth Word of The Day explorations 🙂
Victorian Era: The Working Class Allie Graham - 6th The Working Class was known as the lowest class in society during the Victorian Era. They were the ones that did all the work, but got very minimal pay. They were very prone to diseases and had hardly enough food for dinner. They lived in houses with many other poor people and close to their jobs. They usually worked in factories or laid railroad tracks and carved tunnels. They usually earned up to $5 a week. Health was a big issue, because the factories they worked in exposed them to many diseases and illnesses, but they had little to no healthcare. Although education was for the upper class, most of the kids in the working class attended Sunday school which taught them the basics. Weekday school though was only for the upper classes. Later, a law passed that stated all kids 5-10 had to attend school, but many working class kids couldn't afford to go. Created with images by hpgruesen - "steam locomotive classic view express train" • Presidencia de la República Mexicana - "Inauguración del Hospital Municipal de Chiconcuac" • jarmoluk - "old books book old" Made with Adobe Slate Make your words and images move. Get Slate Report Abuse
Not about everything February 8, 2009 Did the Romans have digital cameras 2000 years before our era? Filed under: history,mystery — takaita @ 11:59 Tags: , , , December 11, 2008 Promiscuity of males and females Filed under: biology,mystery — takaita @ 20:49 Tags: , , , , Sometimes a magazine makes about poll with a question involving the promiscuity of its readers. Such a poll is of course only meant to write an interesting headline for one of the issues of the magazine. And an interesting headline is of course that there are differences between the promiscuity of the two human sexes. Differences in promiscuity between males and females are however non-existent, at least when it comes to heterosexual partners. That is because the amount of males and females on this world are about the same. In every heterosexual contact, both a male and a female are involved. To make the math a bit easier, let’s simply divide humanity in two pools: one of females, and one of males. With every heterosexual contact, each pool gets a point. There is no other way, because a heterosexual contact always involves both a male and a female. After a certain period of time, the average number of heterosexual contacts per individual can be calculated by dividing the total number of points of a pool by the number of individuals in that pool. The math is easy. Both pools have the same amount of points and both pools have the same amount of individuals. Ergo: the average male has just as many heterosexual contacts (and partners) as the average female. The really interesting thing is why polls sometimes show otherwise. The first thing that comes to my mind is that for magazines it does not make an interesting headline if males and females are just as promiscuous. Magazines might “interpret” the poll results just to make an interesting headline. Other things might play a role. Maybe some very promiscuous individual are excluded from the polls, for example prostitutes. If males count their contacts with prostitutes, but the prostitutes do not participate in the poll, then the poll would say that males are more promiscuous than females. Also other non-representative samples are thinkable. Maybe the readers of the magazine (=respondents to the poll) do not form a representative sample of the population. Another source of bias can be in the minds of people. Maybe women remember more of their sexual partners. Males don’t count those they have forgotten about, maybe they were not important enough to remember. Such a thing would result in females giving a higher amount of sexual partners than males. Or maybe it is the other way around. Another thing might be that males count something to be sex, which females do not count to be sex. How far do you go before you call it sex? Anyway: if polls show a difference between the promiscuity of males and females, then the conclusion that males or females (whatever the outcome was) are more promiscuous is false. The really interesting question is why such a difference is reported. Blog at
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Total population 27 million[1] Regions with significant populations India 20,815,730[2] United States 500,000–700,000[3][4][5] Canada 468,673[6] United Kingdom 432,429[7][8][9] Malaysia 100,000[10] Australia 72,000[11] Italy 70,000[12] Thailand 70,000[13] Pakistan 50,000[14] United Arab Emirates 50,000[15] Philippines 30,000[16] New Zealand 19,191[17] Germany 10,000–20,000[18] Singapore 15,000[19] Punjabi (Gurmukhi script) A Sikh (/sk, sɪk/; Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖ sikkh [sɪkkʰ]) is a follower of Sikhism, a panentheistic religion which originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region of northwestern Indian subcontinent.[20] The term "Sikh" has its origin in the Sanskrit words शिष्य (śiṣya; disciple, student) or शिक्ष (śikṣa; instruction).[21][22] A Sikh, according to Article I of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct), is "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru".[23] Gurdwara Nankana Sahib Guru Nanak (1469–1539), founder of Sikhism, was born to Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta, in the village of Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore.[26] Guru Nanak was a religious leader and social reformer. However, Sikh political history may be said to begin with the death of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1606.[27] Religious practices were formalised by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. Gobind Singh initiated five people from a variety of social backgrounds, known as the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) to form the Khalsa,[28] or collective body of initiated Sikhs. During the period of Mughal rule in India (1556–1707) several Sikh gurus were killed by the Mughals for opposing their persecution of minority religious communities including Sikhs.[29] Sikhs subsequently militarized to oppose Mughal rule.[citation needed] Metal helmet in a museum A Sikh Khalsa Army sowar's battle helmet Sikh armour and weapons After the annexation of the Sikh kingdom by the British, the latter recognized the martial qualities of the Sikhs and Punjabis in general and started recruiting from that area, during the 1857 Indian mutiny, the Sikhs stayed loyal to the British. This resulted in heavy recruiting from Punjab to the colonial army for the next 90 years of the British Raj,[31] the distinct turban that differentiates a Sikh from other turban wearers is a relic of the rules of the British Indian Army.[32].According to Mahmud, the British did not discover the Martial race of the Sikh, it was rather created by the British[33] The British colonial rule saw the emergence of many reform movements in India including Punjab, this included formation in 1873 and 1879 of the First and Second Singh Sabha respectively. The Sikh leaders of the Singh Sabha worked to offer a clear definition of Sikh identity and tried to purify Sikh belief and practice.[34] The later part of British colonial rule saw the emergence of the Akali movement or the Gurdwara Reform Movement to bring reform in the gurdwaras during the early 1920s, the movement led to the introduction of Sikh Gurdwara Bill in 1925, which placed all the historical Sikh shrines in India under the control of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).[35] The months leading up to the partition of India in 1947 were marked by conflict in the Punjab between Sikhs and Muslims, this caused the religious migration of Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus from West Punjab, mirroring a similar religious migration of Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab.[36] The 1960s saw growing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus in India,[37] with the Sikhs demanding the creation of a Punjab state on a linguistic basis similar to other states in India, this was promised to Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Jawaharlal Nehru, in return for Sikh political support during negotiations for Indian independence.[38] Although the Sikhs obtained the Punjab, they lost Hindi-speaking areas to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chandigarh was made a union territory and the capital of Haryana and Punjab on 1 November 1966. Tensions arose again during the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalisation by the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress party and tactics adopted by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.[39] According to Katherine Frank,[39] Indira Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government," and her increasing "paranoia" about opposing political groups led her to institute a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage." Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale articulated Sikh demands for justice, and this triggered violence in the Punjab. The prime minister's 1984 defeat of Bhindranwale led to an attack on the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star and to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards.[40] Gandhi's assassination resulted in an explosion of violence against Sikh communities and the killing of thousands of Sikhs throughout India, since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have moved toward a rapprochement aided by economic prosperity. However, a 2002 claim by the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that "Sikhs are Hindus" disturbed Sikh sensibilities,[41] the Khalistan movement campaigns for justice for the victims of the violence, and for the political and economic needs of the Punjab.[42] Culture and religious observations[edit] Daily routine[edit] From the Guru Granth Sahib,[44] Five Ks[edit] Wooden comb, iron bracelet and curved, gold-coloured dagger The five Ks (panj kakaar) are five articles of faith which all baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari Sikhs) are obliged to wear, the symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny.[45] The five symbols are: • Kanga: A wooden comb, usually worn under a Dastar Music and instruments[edit] Woman in yellow scarf bowing an instrument Woman playing the dilruba The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments: the rebab, dilruba, taus, jori and sarinda. Playing the sarangi was encouraged by Guru Hargobind, the rebab was played by Bhai Mardana as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were introduced to Sikh devotional music by Guru Arjan, the taus was designed by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds (taus is the Persian word for peacock). The dilruba was designed by Guru Gobind Singh at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus, after Japji Sahib, all of the shabad in the Guru Granth Sahib were composed as raags. This type of singing is known as Gurmat Sangeet. When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a Ranjit Nagara (victory drum) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks, the beat of the large drums, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib, meant that the singhs were on their way. Yellow bar graph India's Sikh population and their percentage of the total population Numbering about 27 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39 percent[46] of the world population; approximately 83 percent live in India. About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population.[47] Substantial communities of Sikhs live in the Indian states or union territories of Chandigarh where they form 13.11% of the population, Haryana (more than 1.2 million), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.[48] Sikh migration from British India began in earnest during the second half of the 19th century, when the British completed their annexation of the Punjab,[36] the British Raj recruited Sikhs for the Indian Civil Service (particularly the British Indian Army), which led to Sikh migration throughout India and the British Empire.[36] During the Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help build railroads. Sikhs emigrated from India after World War II, most going to the United Kingdom but many to North America, some Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972.[49] Economics is a major factor in Sikh migration, and significant communities exist in the United Kingdom, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia, Singapore and Thailand. Due to this, Canada is the country that has the highest number of Sikhs in proportion to the population in the world at 1.4% of Canada's total population.[50] Coloured world map Map showing world Sikh population areas and historical migration patterns (2004 estimate).[51] Although the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration favouring English-speaking countries (particularly the United Kingdom) have changed during the past decade due to stricter immigration laws. Moliner (2006) wrote[52] that as a consequence of Sikh migration to the UK "becom[ing] virtually impossible since the late 1970s", migration patterns evolved to continental Europe. Italy is a rapidly growing destination for Sikh migration,[53] with Reggio Emilia and Vicenza having significant Sikh population clusters.[54] Italian Sikhs are generally involved in agriculture, agricultural processing, the manufacture of machine tools and horticulture.[55] Johnson and Barrett (2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 (1.7 percent per year, based on 2004 figures); this percentage includes births, deaths and conversions. Primarily for socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9 percent per decade (estimated from 1991 to 2001).[56] The Sikh population has the lowest gender balance in India, with only 903 women per 1,000 men according to the 2011 Indian census.[57] Guru Nanak in Sri Granth Sahib calls for treating everyone equally[note 1]. Other Sikh Gurus also denounced the hierarchy of the caste system, however they all came from just one caste, the Khatris.[61] Despite that social stratification exists in the Sikh community.The majority of Sikhs belong to the Jat community.Other small but influential communities include the mercantile Khatri and Arora castes.Other Sikh castes include the artisan castes Ramgarhias, the Ahluwalias (formerly Kalals (brewers)), and the two Dalit castes, known in Sikh terminology as the Mazhabis and the Ramdasias.[62][63] According to Sunrinder S, Jodhka, the Sikh religion does not advocate discrimination against any caste or creed, however, in practice, Sikhs belonging to the landowning dominant castes have not shed all their prejudices against the dalit castes. While dalits would be allowed entry into the village gurudwaras they would not be permitted to cook or serve langar (Communal meal). Therefore, wherever they could mobilise resources, the Sikh dalits[64] of Punjab have tried to construct their own gurudwara and other local level institutions in order to attain a certain degree of cultural autonomy;[65] in 1953, Sikh leader, Master Tara Singh, succeeded in persuading the Indian Government to include Sikh castes of the converted untouchables in the list of scheduled castes.[66][67] In the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, 20 of the 140 seats are reserved for low-caste Sikhs.[66][67],[68] Soldiers of the Indian Army's Sikh Light Infantry regiment According to a 1994 estimate, Punjabis (Sikhs and non-Sikhs) comprised 10 to 15 percent of all ranks in the Indian Army, although the state contained less than 3% of the country's population, the Indian government does not release religious or ethnic origins of the military personnel, but a 1991 report by Tim McGirk estimated that 20 percent of Indian Army officers were Sikhs.[69] Apart from the Gurkhas recruited from Nepal, the Maratha Light Infantry from Maharashtra and the Jat Regiment, the Sikhs remain the one community to have exclusive regiments in the Indian Army.[69] The Sikh Regiment is one of the most-decorated regiments in the army,[70] with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses,[71] 21 first-class Indian Orders of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross),[72] 15 Theatre Honours, five COAS Unit Citations, two Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1,596 other awards. The highest-ranking general in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Punjabi Sikh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh.[73] Plans by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Sikh infantry regiment were scrapped in June 2007.[74] Historically, most Indians have been farmers and 66 percent of the Indian population are engaged in agriculture.[75] Indian Sikhs are employed in agriculture to a lesser extent; India's 2001 census found 39 percent of the working population of the Punjab employed in this sector.[76] The success of the 1960s Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity",[77] was based in the Punjab (which became known as "the breadbasket of India"),[78][79] the Punjab is the wealthiest Indian state per capita, with the average Punjabi income three times the national average.[80] The Green Revolution centred on Indian farmers adopting more intensive and mechanised agricultural methods, aided by the electrification of the Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing, British Raj-developed canal system.[81] According to Swedish political scientist Ishtiaq Ahmad, a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution was the "Sikh cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial".[82] However, not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial. Indian physicist Vandana Shiva[83] wrote that the green revolution made the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible, and was a catalyst for Punjabi Sikh and Hindu tensions despite a growth in material wealth. Large, ornate white building against a blue sky A Sikh temple, Nanaksar Gurudwara, in Richmond, British Columbia In business, the UK-based clothing retailers New Look and the Thai-based Jaspal[84] were founded by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed by Sikhs.[85] UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership (82 percent) of any religious community.[86] UK Sikhs are the second-wealthiest (after the Jewish community) religious group in the UK, with a median total household wealth of £229,000;[87] in Singapore Kartar Singh Thakral expanded his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings,[88] into total assets of almost $1.4 billion and is Singapore's 25th-richest person. Sikh Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire, the Sikh diaspora has been most successful in North America. Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400m runner Milkha Singh, Indian wrestler and actor Dara Singh, former Indian hockey team captains Ajitpal Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh (India's most successful off spin cricket bowler), Navjot Singh Sidhu (former Indian cricketer turned politician). Bollywood actresses include Neetu Singh, Poonam Dhillon, Mahi Gill, Esha Deol, Parminder Nagra, Gul Panag, Mona Singh, Namrata Singh Gujral and director Gurinder Chadha, Parminder Gill . In the Indian and British armies[edit] Postcard of marching Sikhs with rifles Sikhs supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.[89] By the beginning of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000 (20 percent of the force), until 1945 fourteen Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per-capita regimental record.[71] In 2002 the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross recipients were inscribed on the monument of the Memorial Gates[90] on Constitution Hill, next to Buckingham Palace.[91] Chanan Singh Dhillon was instrumental in campaigning for the memorial. See caption Japanese soldiers shooting blindfolded Sikh prisoners In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded fighting for the British Empire, during shell fire, they had no other head protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith. — General Sir Frank Messervy[93] British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well, as a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans. Large group of Sikh men and women on a city street Sikhs celebrating vaisakhi, the Sikh new year in Toronto During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikhs began to emigrate to East Africa,[95] the Far East, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1907 the Khalsa Diwan Society was established in Vancouver, and four years later the first gurdwara was established in London. In 1912 the first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton, California.[96] Since Sikhs (like many Middle Eastern men) wear turbans and keep beards, some people in Western countries have mistaken Sikh men for Muslim or Arabic and Afghan men since the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War.[97][98] Several days after the 9/11 attacks Sikh Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered by Frank Roque, who thought Sodhi was connected with al-Qaeda. CNN suggested an increase in hate crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK after the 9/11 attacks.[97][98] Since Sikhism has never actively sought converts, the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous ethnic group, the Kundalini Yoga-based activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi in his 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) organisation claim to have inspired a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents of Sikhism.[99] In 1998 an estimated 7,800 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs,[100] were mainly centred around Española, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Sikhs and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund overturned a 1925 Oregon law banning the wearing of turbans by teachers and government officials.[101] In an attempt to foster Sikh leaders in the Western world, youth initiatives by a number of organisations exist, the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America sponsors an annual Sikh Youth Symposium, a public-speaking and debate competition held in gurdwaras throughout the U.S. and Canada. There are a number of Sikh office holders in Canada; in the United States, the current U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and former governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, was born and raised as a Sikh, but converted to Christianity after her marriage, she still actively attends both Sikh and Christian services. Sikh nationalism and the Khalistan movement[edit] Flag used by the NGO[102][103] Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization to represent Khalistan[104] from 24 January 1993 to 4 August 1993; the membership was permanently suspended on 22 January 1995. The Khalistan movement is a Sikh nationalist movement, which seeks to create a separate country called Khalistān (Punjabi: ਖਾਲਿਸਤਾਨ, "The Land of the Pure") in the Punjab region of South Asia.[105] The territorial definition of the proposed country ranges from the Punjab state of India to the greater Punjab region, including the neighbouring Indian states.[106][107][108][109] The Punjab region has been the traditional homeland for the Sikhs, before its conquest by the British it had been ruled by the Sikhs for 82 years; the Sikh Misls ruled over the entire Punjab from 1767 to 1799,[110] until their confederacy was unified into the Sikh Empire by Maharajah Ranjit Singh. However, the region also has a substantial number of Hindus and Muslims, and before 1947, the Sikhs formed the largest religious group only in the Ludhiana district of the British province. When the Muslim League demanded a separate country for Muslims via the Lahore Resolution of 1940, a section of Sikh leaders grew concerned that their community would be left without any homeland following the partition of India between the Hindus and the Muslims, they put forward the idea of Khalistan, envisaging it as a theocratic state covering a small part of the greater Punjab region. After the partition was announced, the majority of the Sikhs migrated from the Pakistani province of Punjab to the Indian province of Punjab, which then included the parts of the present-day Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Following India's independence in 1947, the Punjabi Suba Movement led by the Akali Dal aimed at creation of a Punjabi-majority state (Suba) in the Punjab region of India in the 1950s.[111] Concerned that creating a Punjabi-majority state would effectively mean creating a Sikh-majority state, the Indian government initially rejected the demand, after a series of protests, violent clampdowns on the Sikhs, and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Government finally agreed to partition the state, creating a new Sikh-majority Punjab state and splitting the rest of the region to the states of Himachal Pradesh, the new state Haryana.[112] Subsequently, the Sikh leaders started demanding more autonomy for the states, alleging that the Central government was discriminating against Punjab, although the Akali Dal explicitly opposed the demand for an independent Sikh country, the issues raised by it were used as a premise for the creation of a separate country by the proponents of Khalistan. In 1971, the Khalistan proponent Jagjit Singh Chauhan travelled to the United States, he placed an advertisement in The New York Times proclaiming the formation of Khalistan and was able to collect millions of dollars from the Sikh diaspora.[113] On 12 April 1980, he held a meeting with the Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi before declaring the formation of "National Council of Khalistan", at Anandpur Sahib,[114] he declared himself as the President of the Council and Balbir Singh Sandhu as its Secretary General. In May 1980, Jagjit Singh Chauhan travelled to London and announced the formation of Khalistan. A similar announcement was made by Balbir Singh Sandhu, in Amritsar, who released stamps and currency of Khalistan, the inaction of the authorities in Amritsar and elsewhere was decried by Akali Dal headed by the Sikh leader Harchand Singh Longowal as a political stunt by the Congress(I) party of Indira Gandhi.[115] In January 1986, the Golden Temple was occupied by militants belonging to All India Sikh Students Federation and Damdami Taksal.[118] On 26 January 1986, the gathering passed a resolution (gurmattā) favouring the creation of Khalistan. Subsequently, a number of rebel militant groups in favour of Khalistan waged a major insurgency against the government of India. Indian security forces suppressed the insurgency in the early 1990s, but Sikh political groups such as the Khalsa Raj Party and SAD (A) continued to pursue an independent Khalistan through non-violent means.[119][120][121] Pro-Khalistan organisations such as Dal Khalsa (International) are also active outside India, supported by a section of the Sikh diaspora.[122] In November 2015, a Sarbat Khalsa, or congregation of the Sikh community was called in response to recent unrest in the Punjab region, the Sarbat Khalsa adopted 13 resolutions to strengthen Sikh institutions and traditions. The 12th resolution reaffirmed the resolutions adopted by the Sarbat Khalsa in 1986, including the declaration of the sovereign state of Khalistan.[123] Art and culture[edit] Intricate design Large building on the water Harmindar Sahib, circa 1870 During the Mughal and Afghan persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries,[125] the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Raj in Lahore and Delhi, there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in the Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.[126] Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the Khanda the most obvious), and most Sikh artifacts—except for the relics of the Gurus—have a military theme, this theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi, which feature marching and displays of valor. Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian", "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture", a minor cultural phenomenon which can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen,[127] the art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (the "Singh Twins")[128] is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in the Punjab. Sikh painting is a direct offshoot of the Kangra school of painting; in 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied Kangra Fort and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813 the Sikh army occupied Guler State, and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs, with the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars. The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals, its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhis. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting. See also[edit] References and notes[edit] 5. ^ "Learn About Sikhs". 7. ^ "Table QS210EW 2011 Census: Religion (Detailed), local authorities in England and Wales". Office for National Statistics. 11 December 2012. Retrieved 8 April 2017. 8. ^ "Religion (detailed): All people" (PDF). National Records of Scotland. Retrieved 8 April 2017. 9. ^ "Religion - Full Detail: QS218NI". Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Retrieved 8 April 2017. 12. ^ "2004 Sikh Population of Italy". Retrieved 4 April 2008. 13. ^ "2006 Sikh Population". Retrieved 26 September 2012. 18. ^ "Mitgliederzahlen: Sonstige", in: Religionswissenschaftlicher Medien- und Informationsdienst\|Religionswissenschaftliche Medien- und Informationsdienst e. V. (Abbreviation: REMID), Retrieved 17 May 2017 22. ^ (in Punjabi) Nabha, Kahan Singh (1930). ਗੁਰ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਰਤਨਾਕਰ ਮਹਾਨ ਕੋਸ਼ [Gur Shabad Ratnakar Mahan Kosh] (in Punjabi). p. 720. Archived from the original on 18 March 2005. Retrieved 29 May 2006. 23. ^ "Sikh Reht Maryada: Sikh Code of Conduct and Conventions". Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 6 November 2008. . 33. ^ Quraishi, Muzammil (2006). Muslims and crime : a comparative study (Repr. ed.). Aldershot, England [u.a.]: Ashgate. p. 54. ISBN 978-0754642336. 36. ^ a b c Dutt, Amitava; Surinder Devgun (23 September 1977). "Diffusion of Sikhism and recent migration patterns of Sikhs in India". GeoJournal. 1 (5): 81–89. ISSN 1572-9893. doi:10.1007/BF00704966. Retrieved 4 April 2008. [dead link] 38. ^ Telford, Hamish (November 1992). "The Political Economy of Punjab: Creating Space for Sikh Militancy". Asian Survey. 32 (11): 969–987. JSTOR 2645265. doi:10.1525/as.1992.32.11.00p0215k. 46. ^ "CIA Factbook". Retrieved 4 April 2008. 47. ^ Sikhs in Punjab. Retrieved on 6 October 2011. 49. ^ "Sikhism". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. 57. ^ 68. ^ Puri, H.K (2003). "Scheduled castes in Sikh community: A historical perspective". Economic and political weekly. 38 (26(Jun. 28 - Jul. 4, 2003)): 2693–2701. 69. ^ a b Kundu, Apurba (Spring 1994). "The Indian Armed Forces' Sikh and Non-Sikh Officers' Opinions of Operation Blue Star". Pacific Affairs. 67 (1): 48–49. JSTOR 2760119. doi:10.2307/2760119. 70. ^ "Sikh Regiment". Retrieved 4 April 2008. 82. ^ Ishtiaq, Ahmad (8 February 2005). "West and East Punjab agriculture: a comparison". Comment. Daily Times. Retrieved 4 April 2008. 84. ^ "JASPAL". About. Retrieved 4 April 2008. 90. ^ "Memorial Gates Official Website". Retrieved 4 April 2008. 102. ^ "UNPO Official website". UNPO. Retrieved 26 May 2015. 103. ^ "An anthropology of NGOs". EuroZine. Retrieved 26 May 2015. 104. ^ Dr. P.S. Ajrawat. "Khalistan". 105. ^ "Globalization and Religious Nationalism in India". 109. ^ "Questions/". Sikhs For Justice. 128. ^ "Singh Twins Art Launches Liverpool Fest". Retrieved 4 April 2008. 129. ^ "Bhangra & Sikhi by Harjinder Singh". Retrieved 4 April 2008. Further reading[edit] External links[edit]
This Week in Her and History This Week in History, Jun 3 - Jun 9 Jun 03, 1989 Crackdown at Tiananmen begins. With protests for democratic reforms entering their seventh week, the Chinese government authorizes its soldiers and tanks to reclaim Beijing's Tiananmen Square at all costs. By nightfall on June 4, Chinese troops had forcibly cleared the square, killing hundreds and arresting thousands of demonstrators and suspected dissidents. Jun 04, 1942 Battle of Midway begins. On this day in 1942, the Battle of Midway--one of the most decisive U.S. victories against Japan during World War II--begins. During the four-day sea-and-air battle, the outnumbered U.S. Pacific Fleet succeeded in destroying four Japanese aircraft carriers while losing only one of its own, the Yorktown, to the previously invincible Japanese navy. Jun 05, 1933 Jun 06, 1944 Jun 07, 1913 First successful ascent of Mt. McKinley. On this day in 1913, Hudson Stuck, an Alaskan missionary, leads the first successful ascent of Mt. McKinley, the highest point on the American continent at 20,320 feet. Stuck, an accomplished amateur mountaineer, was born in London in 1863. After moving to the United States, in 1905 he became archdeacon of the Episcopal Church in Yukon, Alaska, where he was an admirer of Native Indian culture and traveled Alaska's difficult terrain to preach to villagers and establish schools. Jun 08, 1968 King assassination suspect arrested. James Earl Ray, an escaped American convict, is arrested in London, England, and charged with the assassination of African American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 4, 1968, in Memphis, King was fatally wounded by a sniper's bullet while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Motel Lorraine. That evening, a Remington .30-06 hunting rifle was found on the sidewalk beside a rooming house one block from the Lorraine Motel. During the next several weeks, the rifle, eyewitness reports, and fingerprints on the weapon all implicated a single suspect: escaped convict James Earl Ray. A two-bit criminal, Ray escaped a Missouri prison in April 1967 while serving a sentence for a holdup. In May 1968, a massive manhunt for Ray began. The FBI eventually determined that he had obtained a Canadian passport under a false identity, which at the time was relatively easy. Jun 09, 1973
From Bitcoin Wiki Jump to: navigation, search Usage in Peercoin Peercoin's proof-of-stake system is based around the concept of "coin age," a measure of the product of the currency amount held times the amount of time it has been held for. When generating a proof-of-stake block, the user sends some money to themselves, consuming their coin age in exchange for a preset reward. This minting transaction becomes more likely to succeed over time until a valid block is found, generating a new block on the blockchain and a payout for the proving user. This process secures the network and gradually produces new coins over time without consuming significant computational power. Both proof-of-work and proof-of-stake blocks are used in Peercoin, although the main blockchain is determined by the highest total consumed coin age (from proof-of-stake generation) instead of the total combined difficulty of the chain (determined by proof-of-work blocks, as in Bitcoin). Peercoin's developer claims that this makes a malicious attack on the network more difficult. See also
Is Alzheimer’s Disease Preventable? Home care is difficult; institutional care is often required because victims become unable to care for themselves and are frequently hostile. Today, approximately 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. Nearly two-thirds, 3.2 million, are women. Of Americans aged 65 and older, 1 in 9 has Alzheimer’s disease. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a form of dementia that can be defined as a cluster of symptoms and signs exhibited by difficulties in memory; disturbances in language and other cognitive functions; changes in behaviors; and disorder in conduct of daily living. AD is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 75 percent of all dementia cases. AD was first recognized as an ailment in about 1950. Alzheimer’s Deaths Are Under-Reported Deaths from AD increased 68 percent between 2000 and 2010, while deaths from other major diseases decreased. The numbers of deaths attributed to AD are significantly under-reported. The official number of deaths caused by AD during the year 2010 in the USA was 83,494. However, a detailed study done in 2014 found that AD deaths in 2010 were likely to have been as high as 500,000. The reason for this discrepancy is that AD deaths are frequently attributed on official death certificates to other diseases that occur concurrently with AD. Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is the disease most often a companion of AD. Other associated diseases are obesity, stroke, heart disease, and cancer. All of these diseases, including AD, are classified as non-infectious, chronic inflammatory diseases. National Policy Current national policy clearly states that there is no cure or effective treatment for AD. Even so, essentially all governmental research funding is aimed at discovering new drugs and better diagnostic methods. National policy appears to have no interest in learning how to prevent AD, even though medical treatments are proven to be ineffective and patient care costs are economically unsustainable and growing steadily. Is Alzheimer’s Disease Preventable? All diseases have causes, and all diseases can be prevented by discovering the cause and then eliminating that cause. Thus, AD is believed to be preventable. One supporting fact is that AD does not affect all of the American population. The existence of an unaffected group is consistent with the idea that a disease is preventable. Another supporting fact is that AD tends to occur concurrently with one or more of America’s leading chronic diseases that are known to be preventable, namely heart disease, stroke, T2D, cancer, and obesity. That all of these diseases are now also acknowledged to be chronic inflammatory diseases is strongly supported by the following statement from a 2008 paper by C. N. Serhan: Uncontrolled inflammation is now appreciated in the pathogenesis of many diseases that were not previously considered classic inflammatory diseases. These include atherosclerosis, cancer, asthma, and several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. There is sound evidence that all non-infectious chronic inflammatory diseases are caused by the modern American diet; therefore, it is likely that AD is also caused by the modern American diet. Chronic Inflammation and the Modern American Diet A review of the scientific literature indicates that AD is a chronic inflammation of the brain caused by one or more of five specific dietary problems that are elements of the modern American diet. These are: a dietary excess of high glycemic carbohydrates (sugar and starches); a dietary excess of vegetable fats and oils (omega-6 fatty acids); a dietary deficiency of magnesium; dietary deficiencies of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid; and a dietary deficiency of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. fish oil). High Glycemic Carbohydrates In America, wide use of dietary sugar and starch increases blood insulin levels that, in turn, cause whole body inflammation. In biochemical terms, high insulin levels stimulate the delta-5 desaturase enzyme. When this enzyme is stimulated, it increases conversion of omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA) to inflammatory lipid mediators (eicosanoids) that result in whole body inflammation. Vegetable fats/oils The large excesses of vegetable fats and oils (omega-6 fatty acids) in the American diet also stimulate the delta-5 desaturase enzyme. This results in the conversion of AA to pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, which increase whole-body inflammation. Many studies show that when continued over time, long-term inflammation induced by dietary sugar, starch, and vegetable fats/oils is a major underlying cause of chronic inflammatory diseases. Magnesium Deficiency Although magnesium is an essential mineral that is indispensable for life, a very large fraction of the US population is deficient in dietary magnesium. This deficiency increases with age. Magnesium deficiency is associated with a number of chronic diseases, such as T2D, stroke, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and AD. Aging is linked to magnesium deficiency because intestinal absorption and increased urinary losses increase with age. Further, aging and magnesium deficiency are associated with increased production of oxygen free radicals and increased whole body inflammation. Long-term magnesium deficits have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, T2D, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including AD. Magnesium deficiency significantly increases the harmful effects of T2D. Although modern medicine believes that resistance to insulin is the reason that rising blood insulin levels fail to transfer glucose to the body’s cells, biochemical science tells us that the problem is not insulin’s failure to deliver glucose to the cells. Rather, it says that insulin ushers glucose to the cells but that cells cannot accept the glucose provided by insulin because they do not have the magnesium they require to open the door to the glucose being delivered. Dietary deficiency of magnesium is the problem. This is significant for understanding why T2D and AD often occur in the same patient. Magnesium deficiencies in T2D patients cause very high insulin levels because of the failure of cells to accept glucose. The insulin levels rise in an effort to move the glucose. As a result, as mentioned earlier, high insulin levels stimulate the delta-5 desaturase enzyme and cause it to increase its conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) to inflammatory eicosanoids. High Homocysteine Levels The relationship between elevated blood levels of homocysteine and heart disease was first proposed by Kilmer McCully in 1969. Homocysteine has an important biochemical role in the methyl transfer cycle. It is now known that proper regulation of homocysteine metabolism, which is crucial for cardiac health, requires participation of three B vitamins; B6, B12, and folic acid. These three B vitamins are often referred to, along with trimethylglycine, as homocysteine regulators. High levels of homocysteine have been found to cause chronic inflammation. Relevant Scientific Literature In 2005, a research paper by Serhan opened the door to the fact that the body utilized essential fatty acids to biosynthesize lipid mediators that controlled inflammation, pain, and healing. In short, the body has a precise biochemical system to heal itself. In this paper, Serhan described the biochemistry wherein the body converts arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, to anti-inflammatory, pro-healing lipoxins (LX’s). Importantly, he also reported that aspirin, utilizing arachidonic acid, induced the production of aspirin-triggered lipoxins (AT-LX’s) that were somewhat more potent than the natural LX’s. In 2005, a study by Lukiw, Serhan, et al. indicated that the concentration of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a dietary essential fatty acid, was below normal in the Alzheimer brain. This deficiency was thought to be due to free radical lipid peroxidation of DHA, decreased dietary intake of DHA, or impaired DHA transfer to the brain. Referenced epidemiological studies suggested that diets enriched in omega-3 fatty acids were neuroprotective; follow-up biochemical investigations using animal models indicated that a metabolite of DHA, the docosanoid, NPD1, was the biochemical that promoted survival of stressed human brain cells. The Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is popularly known for the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles found in autopsies of the brains of victims of AD. However, the role these aberrations play in the causation of AD is not known. AD victims tend to have a pro-inflammatory profile, namely overweight or obese; T2D; high blood sugar; high cholesterol; and high blood pressure. The AD brain shows many indicators of severe inflammation, such as increasing numbers of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are a family of messenger biochemicals that promote or inhibit systemic inflammation. In addition to increasing numbers of inflammatory cytokines, severe brain inflammation is evidenced by activated glial cells; oxidative free radicals; and pro-inflammatory lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid via activated COX-2 enzymes. Microglia are cells that are the resident microphages of brain and spinal cord. This means that microglia are the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system. Their job is to protect the brain from infection and inflammation by destroying all foreign bodies and harmful microorganisms. They constantly scavenge the central nervous system for damaged neurons and infectious agents. A signal that will cause the glial cells to react is brain inflammation. Once activated, microglia are ruthless killers aimed at destroying infected neurons, bacteria, and viruses. In their attempt to destroy infection, the microglia cause widespread collateral damage in the brain. The predicament is that the AD brain tends not to be infected or not to contain bacteria or viruses. Today’s AD patients suffer from whole body chronic inflammation caused largely by the modern American diet. Importantly, inflammation is the activator of the microglia that are causing brain damage. Mitochondria are tiny organelles inside of cells that generate essentially all of the body’s energy. The very large human brain, which uses about 20% of the body’s energy, contains millions of mitochondria. In terms of human health, it is significant to note that the mitochondria are able to induce cell suicide (termed apoptosis) when appropriate and, as a result, control the fate of every cell. The mitochondrial triggers in the brain that induce cell suicide are cellular damage, viruses, bacteria, oxygen free radicals, and chronic inflammation. Biochemical View of the Alzheimer’s Brain Biochemists generally describe the AD brain as follows: excess amounts of inflammatory eicosanoids and pro-inflammatory cytokines; over-active microglia; excitotoxicity caused by increased calcium flux into neurons; excess amounts of reactive oxygen species; and neuronal degeneration. As mentioned earlier, epidemiologic studies suggest that diets enriched in omega-3 fatty acids are neuroprotective. Recent biochemical studies indicate that DHA, an omega-3 dietary essential fatty acid, and its docosanoid metabolite, NPD1, a neuroprotectin, are consistently low in the AD brain, and that both DHA and NPD1 deficiencies correlate with cognitive impairment. It is also known that NPD1 exhibits anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. NPD1 is derived from the selective oxygenation of DHA by the 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) enzyme. Bazan reports that NPD1 and the 15-LOX-1 enzyme are deficient in the AD brain. The probable reason is that the very large amount of an omega-6 linoleic acid in the American diet monopolizes 15-LOX-1 enzyme. The source of linoleic acid is dietary vegetable fats and oils. A study by Merched found that the “Western diet” usurped the ability of the 15-1 LOX enzyme to biosynthesize the lipid mediators that protect against inflammation and inflammatory diseases. These are the lipoxins, resolvins, neuroprotectins, and others that control inflammation and stimulate both healing and the return to homeostasis. Ramsden found that the 15-LOX-1 enzyme aggressively converts dietary linoleic acid to 9-HODE and 13 HODE. These chemicals are oxidized derivatives of linoleic acid (also termed OXLAMS) that have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions. Lowering dietary linoleic acid proportionately lowers OXLAMS in humans. Unexpectedly, increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids appears to have no effect on the conversion of linoleic acid to OXLAMS. A study in Japan published in 2009 found that OXLAM levels were significantly higher in AD patients than in healthy controls. Further, OXLAM levels in AD patients increased with increasing clinical dementia ratings. The Remarkable Marriage of AD and T2D The scientific literature reveals that AD is the result of long term, whole body inflammation including the brain, and that this inflammation is the result of at least one of about a dozen of pro-inflammatory issues, most of which are dietary. Clinical observation has shown that AD does occur more commonly in people who suffer from one or more of America’s major non-infectious, chronic inflammatory diseases. This is not an unexpected finding in view the fact that all of these diseases have a common cause, namely chronic inflammation. Interestingly, the connection of AD with T2D appears to be the most favored of all such diseases. A number of studies have found that the excess risk for AD in adults with T2D range from about 50% to 100%. The relationship between T2D and AD may be likened to Adam and Eve of biblical times. Adam contributed his rib, which was needed to beget Eve. T2D does not make a literal contribution to AD, but rather a figurative one; the metabolism of T2D produces an environment that is needed for the begetting of AD. Effect of Insulin The insulin of T2D appears to be a bridge in the relationship between T2D and AD. This effect of insulin is significant for understanding why T2D and AD often occur in the same patient. Magnesium deficiencies in T2D patients cause very high insulin levels. As mentioned earlier, the rise in insulin levels is due to failure to move glucose from the blood stream because the magnesium-deficient cells cannot accept the glucose. Also, as mentioned earlier, high insulin levels stimulate the delta-5 desaturase enzyme and cause it to increase its conversion of arachidonic acid to inflammatory eicosanoids. The result is that overly high insulin levels in magnesium-deficient T2D patients cause excessive production of inflammatory eicosanoids. The outcome is very high whole body inflammation that promotes T2D as well as the inflammation of the brain that underlies AD. The Ventricular System of the Brain The ventricular system consists of four interconnected cavities in the brain. These are called ventricles. The two larger are termed lateral ventricles. The lateral ventricles produce, circulate, and are filled with cerebral-spinal fluid (CSF). This CSF fills the ventricular system and spinal cord and surrounds the outside of the brain to provide a cushion between the brain and the skull. Patients with AD: AD patients show an increase in volume in the lateral ventricles, which is also known to occur with age and with several neurological conditions, namely schizophrenia; bipolar disorder; major depressive disorder; as well as AD. However, Nestor, using volumetric MRI measurements of AD disease progression, found that absolute ventricular volumes and ventricular enlargement measured over a six-month interval were greater in subjects with AD compared to age-matched controls. Patients with T2D: T2D patients show a greater increase in lateral ventricular volume than do normal controls. A total of 55 patients with T2D and 28 matched control participants had two magnetic resonance imaging scans with a 4-year interval. Findings were that patients with T2D had a greater increase in lateral ventricular volume than control participants. The conclusion was that T2D is associated with a slow increase of cerebral atrophy over the course of years. A Brief Summary: The above two paragraphs present good evidence that both T2D and AD are inflammatory diseases; that T2D increases lateral ventricular volumes; and that increased lateral ventricular volumes are a measure of progression of AD. Hence, logic suggests that to prevent AD the specific causes of chronic inflammation and especially the cause of T2D must be identified and eliminated. Personal Prevention Any disease can be prevented by removing its cause. An effort to prevent AD is of tremendous importance because every person and every family will benefit enormously if it can avoid the tragedy of this protracted, devastating illness. Additionally, an important consequence of a prevention program for AD is that it can also prevent all other chronic inflammatory diseases mentioned earlier: obesity; T2D; cardiovascular diseases; stroke; arthritis; and cancer. It is reasonable to ask how a single prevention program can put a stop to a range of so many different diseases. First, all of these diseases have the same underlying cause, which is long-term, low-level inflammation. Different diseases occur from the same cause because individuals differ in many aspects, including their responses to chronic inflammation. Examples of these differences are dietary patterns; eating habits; ages; genetic backgrounds; oxidative stress; occupational environments; and harmful habits such as smoking. Various combinations of these differences influence individual biochemistry and physiology that, in turn, determine the actual disease that is expressed. It has long been known that excess consumption of high glycemic carbohydrates (sugar and starch); imbalances of omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, with emphasis on excesses of omega-6 linoleic acid; and excesses or deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals are major causes of chronic inflammation. There is no guidance from governmental agencies on disease prevention; therefore, it is urgent that individuals become responsible for their own health. They must learn the basics of healthful nutrition from authors who present sound science rather than flawed dogma and take steps to incorporate the simple basics of good nutrition into their daily fare. The Ketogenic Diet A ketogenic (keto) diet is the ideal diet for prevention of chronic inflammatory diseases. It is an anti-inflammatory diet that counters the inflammatory diet that caused the disease. It eliminates sugars and starches (carbohydrates). It includes all varieties of meat (protein) and animal fats. The keto diet is considered to be a close approximation of the diet on which the human species evolved; primitive man’s diet was mostly of animal origin. That the timing of primitive man’s diet was irregular, depending on the catch, suggests that he also experienced frequent periods of unintended fasting. Ketogenic Diet and AD: Interestingly, a literature review by Maalouf indicates that the neuroprotective properties of fasting have been recognized since antiquity and that current evidence suggests that the benefits of calorie restriction and the keto diet might be applicable to many acute and chronic neurological diseases such as AD. A review article by Paoli reports that in the 1960’s, keto diets were a common method of obesity treatment, and a study by Kivipelto found that obesity at midlife is associated with dementia and AD. A number of studies have noted that keto diets were protective against AD. The suggestion that ketone bodies were the beneficial element in the diet appears to have been confirmed by Jarrett. He reported that mitochondria in brain cells, when using glucose for energy, emit reactive oxygen species that deplete glutathione, a critical antioxidant, and cause significant inflammation in the brain. However, when mitochondria in the brain are using ketone bodies for energy, as is the case when employing a keto diet, the emission of reactive oxygen species are minimized, glutathione increases, and inflammation of the brain does not occur. Sources of Information The internet and bookstores abound with information helpful to anyone interested is following a ketogenic diet. For starters, we offer the following suggestions: Metabolic Energy Control The metabolic energy control system of the human organism is designed to be fueled by glucose (carbohydrates) and/or fatty acids (lipids). In a diet in which the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) are in reasonable proportion, it is customary for the body to switch back and forth seamlessly between glucose and fatty acids during the day, in response to stage of digestive cycle. In ketogenic nutrition, the dietary fuel is almost solely fatty acids. It is prudent for a person implementing a keto diet to have a general idea of how diet provides energy to the body. Diabetics – Listen Up It is essential for people on a keto diet to have a good book on the subject. One we recommend highly is Conquer Type 2 Diabetes with a Ketogenic Diet authored by Ellen Davis and Keith Runyan, M.D. A Revisit To The Importance Of Dietary Animal Fat The refusal of the government-nutrition cabal to renounce its longstanding proscription against animal fat and, by association, red meat, has seriously compromised the health status of its trusting citizens. This post is included to assure people that fears of animal fat are unfounded. Alzheimer’s Antidote Although this book will not be available until March 2017, it is recommended here because it shows great promise of being a valuable resource for both managing and preventing AD. It has had excellent Amazon reviews, and is authored by Amy Berger, MS, CNS, NTP, a highly qualified Certified Nutrition Specialist and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Editorial Note Due to the length of the list of citations for this post, it was decided not to include it. Any reader who would like to have the reference for a specific statement, please write a request to the comments section. It will be answered promptly. 2 Responses to “Is Alzheimer’s Disease Preventable?” 1. I was reading recently about the “Polyol Pathway” and the potential for damage caused by osmotic changes in blood, CSF etc and caused by, primarily sugars and alcohol. It would seem that here is potential for damage to cell membranes from cyclic expansion and contraction. The potential damage to neurons, nephrons and retinal cells suggests there may be a connection with Alzheimer’s. Are you aware of any relevant research related to the retention of sorbitol and fructose in these cell groups? • Many thanks, Lew, for mention of the Polyol Pathway. We are sorry that we cannot be of much help to you because of our own lack of information about the pathway, but perhaps there is someone out there in Ketopia-land who can help. We checked back to our class lecture notes of many decades ago and learned that the polyol pathway, then known as the sorbitol-aldose reductase pathway, was recognized primarily as a minor method for removing excess dietary glucose from the blood when it threatened to raise blood glucose concentration to dangerous levels. A great deal more has been learned since then, but we have not kept up with it. Because of the significance of the polio pathway in diabetic cellular damage , especially in the eye, study of this pathway is of importance. You have asked a good question, Lew. Is there anyone out there who can help with information? Leave a Reply
14-Year-old rightly explains to her teacher why BMI is not correct measure of person’s health A 14-year-old adopted a unique way to make her physical education teacher understand as to why body mass index (BMI) is an old method of assessing one’s health status. They were given take-home assignment in which they asked to answer questions including what is BMI and also calculate the same. But Tessa Embry, an eighth grader from Evansville, Indiana, said that she cannot provide her answers to these questions. She thinks that BMI is not an accurate measure of person’s health. Embry is a softball player and she has refused to make BMI calculation and said to her teacher that it was none of her concern. BMI as per National Institutes of Health is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. There are many who claim that BMI does not allow for bone, fat and muscle proportions. This means that athletes and health-conscious people can result as overweight or obese. Tessa wrote to her teacher, “'BMI is an outdated way of defining normal weight, under weight, overweight, and obesity by taking one person’s height divided by their weight”. She also mentioned in her lengthy answer that BMI should not be used in a school setting where student are already quite self conscious and lack self confidence about their bodies. Tessa said that she is fit and will not allow some outdated calculator to define that she is obese. Tessa's mother Mindi Embry, a teacher, said that she is proud of her daughter for speaking out her heart in public. Mindi Embry has also urged schools not to teach BMI in this way as children are self-aware in terms of ‘where they fit in with everyone else’ and are self-conscious about their bodies. Popular Stories Robot ‘DURUS’ can move like a human Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology... Read More Film-Watching Mice Explain Human Consciousness Total Amazonian tree species tally is at 11,676 so far: Study
Electrical Engineers: Job Description Electrical engineers specialize in electrical systems and their components and are largely responsible for generation, transmission or distribution of electric supply. As an electrical engineer, one might also be required to design equipment that will aid manufacturing, transportation, construction and other such industries. This makes it a pre-requisite for electrical engineers to have project management skills. Electrical engineers are usually a part of larger teams that are aiming to design and develop or improve a product or a service. Other team members are usually from other disciplines and it is necessary that the engineer grasps their suggestions and inculcates the solutions to issues in the product design. Addressing issues across different disciplines requires the ability to multitask and take decisions. Also, the product under development must be safe, reliable and as economical as possible. Usually, post the design stage, the engineer is also required to assist in manufacture, testing and then training employees to use the product. An electrical engineer can work across different areas of the industry such as manufacturing, power generation and distribution, instrumentation, power electronics, control engineering etc. in sectors such as transportation, telecommunication and even defence. Irrespective of the nature of the industry, the basic job description of the electrical engineer remains the same. S/He must be technically competent to design the client desires, be responsible for the project from design to completion, be able to suggest and implement measures of cost reduction, co-ordinate meetings of designers and clients, design and conduct tests to check the functioning of the product, interpret test data, make required modifications to the product and test it again, if required. Once, the system is in place, the electrical engineer also maintains and services the equipment and monitors it for further improvements of the product. As a result of the competition in the recruitment industry, a Bachelor’s degree is usually not the only criterion for recruiting an electrical engineer. Usually, companies offering good salaries, expect the candidate to have 5-10 years of working experience in the field along with people and project skills. Certain recruiters even prefer candidates who have some experience in programming and can write basic code in Perl, Python and other such programming languages. It never hurts to learn to a programming language in this time and age. Electrical engineers are a global requirement and for the right candidate the opportunities are unlimited. Production Engineer- Roles and Responsibilities With the growing number of industries and manufacturing units across the globe, there is an impending need for professionals to fit into the roles of Production Engineer and assume responsibilities of production management. The role of a production engineer is not restricted to one area in the industry but rather blends in at each and every step of product manufacturing. Production Engineering is a discipline of engineering which combines mechanical knowledge, designing and manufacturing aspects of the production. The product could be a washing machine or a television set, a digital camera or even a sports car, a production engineer is a must for the smooth transition from a prototype to a manufactured product. With a large number of products being made available in our markets today, there is a huge demand for those who possess these skills to look into different domains of an industrial set up. A production engineer is responsible across different areas in a factory setup. S/He looks into the design of the product, wherein the quality as well as the feasibility of the product is assessed. Once the product is finalized and brought in for manufacturing, the product engineer becomes in charge of overseeing the job of the manufacturing department. Basically, a production engineer interphases between the development of the prototype and the actual manufacturing of the finished good. This post offers a huge scope for shining in different steps of production and offers a challenging work environment. Since, a production engineer is responsible for scaling up of production it is required of him to calculate yield and cost effectiveness of the manufacturing process. Other duties usually include timely improvement of production techniques, incorporating quality all along the manufacturing process and mitigating hurdles which arise during production. A production engineer must also be technically sound to help or guide technicians in event of a breakdown. However, production management cannot involve just the technical skills. People skill is very important too, in production. Maintaining employee morale, conveying goals, tasks and training of employees requires good communication skills. Putting forth difficulties faced during production to higher level management in an amicable manner is not only important but also effective. A production engineer must also be aware of labor laws and be able to foresee potential risks when finalizing manufacturing process. Overall, a multi-disciplinary position, production engineering, needs a competent person with a wide array of skills. Refrigeration Technician Job Description Profile Defination Refrigeration Technician basically does the job related to refrigeration unit of air conditioning units or cooling units in refrigerators. Typical duties includes maintaining refrigeration units, cooling system, identifying problems, servicing and taking necessary action like repair and replacement of Refrigeration unit and its parts. Their task also includes suggesting solution to the various problems that can arise in Refrigeration units. Essential functions • Providing new installation service, repairing the existing ones and replacing the tempered parts of Refrigeration units. • Inspecting various systems and its components like ventilation unit, cooling units, exhaust fans and other sections to ensure proper functioning of the device along with safety and identifying necessary repair and maintenance service. • Diagnose problem and failures in refrigeration systems the purpose of identifying system faults and damaged equipment that need repair or replacement. • Performing routine maintenance assigned for the purpose of ensuring proper functioning of refrigeration systems. • Cleaning the parts like coil, drain lines, cooling towers, condensation pans and other essential parts to ensure that unit operates properly. • Preparing technical documentation and record on various issues, material, logs time and specifications. This provides written support in compliance with conveying information. • Requesting parts and necessary equipments for the purpose of inventory maintenance to ensure the availability of required items and tools to complete the necessary installation and repair work. • Technicians also need to coordinate with administration and other trading staff to complete the ongoing project or work order efficiently. • They also have to report work progress to the supervisor in order to take appropriate and necessary action in case there are some issues or delay in work. • They also have to maintain tools and equipments to ensure the availability of necessary thing for safe operating conditions. • Transport various tools, equipments and supplies to the job site. • Performing other related duties assigned by the supervisor. Essential qualification Essential skills requirement includes the ability to perform single handedly the technical task and interest in upgrading the skills in order to meet the challenges in the field job. Specific skill required for satisfactory performance include practical exposure to operating tools and equipments used in installation, servicing, repair and maintenance of Refrigeration units. Technician should also have the knowledge to deal with hazardous material and should the capability to perform in unusual situations of field sites. They also need to maintain accurate record of planning, working logs and technical specifications. Sound knowledge is required to perform basic arithmetic calculations, fractions, percents and ratio operation as it is required when dealing with maintenance work. They should also have knowledge to read the technical specification, compose variety of document and involve in technical group discussion to solve recently arisen technical issues. Technician should also possess the ability to perform the task as per the defined and strict schedule to meet the deadline. They should also be capable of gathering, collating and classifying the data using various Refrigeration measuring equipments. They should be flexible to work under variety of circumstances with different approach and techniques as based on the site requirement. Typical responsibilities include working under supervision and making use of standard practices, protocols, method, leading and guidelines. It is also required for them to coordinate with other departments for various purposes like budget expenditures, deadlines and for other technical support. Generally the job required the technicians to make field visitors, standing and walking in the site to monitor the work. The also required to work under minimal temperature variations and in some hazardous conditions. Essential education requirement is to have any combination of equivalent high school diploma supported by approved apprenticeship under authorized and reputed Refrigeration firm or unit. Technician should hold at least 2-3 years of experience in the repair and maintenance work of heavy and light Refrigeration equipments. They should also have training certification for accredited training institute. Machine Operator Job Description Machine Operator The switches on the lamp, the knobs on the electric gas, oven, and the key on the computer, the nuts and the hardware that holds everything together are all made up by machines and to operate, fix, enhance those useful machines we need operators. Machine operator is the technical person who holds command and operates on various types of machines. A Machine operator may be a factory worker who plays a vital role in the production of millions of goods. They are in-charge of safety and efficient use of manufacturing units like lathes, milling machine and grinders that creates the millions of consumer products and goods. Typically there are two types of machine operators: tenders and setters. This classification is created by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tenders basically run and monitor the machine while it is in the working mode, they also inspect the machine periodically throughout the various shifts and do adjustments in the machine speed and load material in the machine. Tenders are also responsible for quality control by comparing the product that machine produces with the actual blueprint of the design. In case the machine is producing even a minor error, it’s the responsibility of tender machine operator to pull off the machine from active work and correct the error. Setters on the other hand are responsible for preparing the machine for operation by equipping the machine with all appropriate tools and ensuring that tools work effectively and in good working condition. Additionally machine operators are also categorized based on the machines they operate, eg they may be called as lathe operator, drill machine operator, press or printing machine operator. According to the career information stated by various universities and industries, machine operator conduct basic operations on machines for the production of goods. Typical duties to be performed by machine operators • Their duties comprises of setting up the machine and operating metal fabricating machines to perform task like rolls, shears, press, cutting, bending, straightening, brakes, providing structural shapes to the metal plates according to the design blueprints. • Their task also includes reading and understanding the blueprints, design & engineering specifications and orders to determine the machine mode, product methods, techniques and sequence of operations to be performed. • Selecting right position, secures dies, blades, templates, squares shims, right gauges and tools are also the part of operations to be done by machine operators. • Adjusting controls, fixing even a small error in the machine, position and clamping stops, adjusting rolls, regulating machining factors, pressure, depth of ram stroke and machine speed are all part of task. • Making alignments according to layout marks, cutting blades manually or using hoist, positioning the work piece according to start and stop. • Start machine and keep a close eye on the job produced by the machine, changing dies, adjusting machine parameters for different jobs and in successive phases are all part of typical duties to be performed by machine operators. Minimum qualification Machine operator should be a high school diploma graduate or should have equivalent job experience as a machine operator, setters or tenders. They should have knowledge to study and understand the blueprints of design to operate independently. Should have solid math background including algebra, trigonometry, geometry and basics of statistics. Machine operator normally learn thing by observing and assisting experienced senior officers, so it is required that operators should have certification of training on various machine or should have experience gained during apprenticeships. Working hours, remuneration and benefits Typical working hours range from 35 to 40 hours a week, with weekend off. They can work in shifts of morning or in evening. Overtime will be given if operator works more than his normal working hours. Salary depends upon the type of machine on which operators work and kind of job he does. An average salary varies based on the country of appointment and the experience levels. Workers also get other benefits like bonus when production and turnover is good, paid holidays, medical benefits that cover the family also and opportunity to earn premium pay.
Active Earth Four views showing characteristics of an active Earth. Plate Tectonics Tectonic Map of the World (click) Plate tectonics states that the Earth's strong outer layer (called the lithosphere, which consists of crust and uppermost mantle) is broken into a mosaic of plates that slowly move over a mechanically weaker layer (the asthenosphere, which is part of the upper mantle). Where these plates interact, major geological processes take place, such as the formation of mountain belts, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Click the image for a scaleable tectonic activity map of the world (from NASA). At the source of an earthquake, several types of energy waves are generated. Surface waves are responsible for the damage that is associated with earthquakes, but they have limited lateral extent. In contrast, body waves can be recorded all around the world. There are two types of body waves that we will consider: compression waves and shear waves. Compression waves travel through material by pushing atoms together for a brief moment, after which they return to their original spacing. The brevity of the process implies that the material is not permanently changed, which is what we call elasticity. Pulling and elastic bend is a perfect analogy of this process, except that the elasticity of rocks is much less. Shear waves behave differently, as the relative motion of atoms from a passing shear wave is like rubbing your hands. Once the wave passes, the atoms return to their original state, so in spite of the different motion, shear waves are also elastic waves. So, the energy release at an earthquake travels away like a 3-D ripple, in the form of both compression and shear waves. Consider a source near the surface of the Earth, say, and an earthquake in southern California. If there are discrete jumps in density, the path will show jumps in the velocity. The latter, a density increase with depth, is seen in the velocity of energy waves over much of the Earth's volume. The velocity changes do not always occur gradually. Relatively rapid increases occur at ~150 km, ~400 km and ~670 km. These steps indicate that there are changes in material properties at these levels. A change occurs at ~2900 km depth, where we find that compression waves decrease in velocity and that shear waves have a velocity of zero. This major change in the Earth, the Gutenberg discontinuity separates the Earth's core from the Earth's mantle. We see another jump in properties at ~5150 km depth, which means that the core is also layered. When we compare the properties of elastic waves through a material made primarily of Fe (like iron meteorites), it turns out that its characteristics match those of the core quite well. The variation in velocity of shear and compressive waves is fully explained by a liquid outer core and a solid inner core made up mostly of Fe, some Ni, and some heavily debated lighter elements such as H, O and S. Thermal Boundaries Modern studies of seismic wave propagation through the mantle have shown small variations in lateral velocities that are related to variations in temperature of otherwise identical chemical materials. Areas characterized by relatively slow wave velocities represent hotter material, whereas regions with faster velocities are relatively cool. Doing such mantle tomography for the entire Earth produces a 3D scan of structures in the mantle. Most compounds move toward the solid state when pressure increases, whereas they move toward the liquid state when temperature increases. Since both temperature and pressure increase with depth in the Earth, there is an interplay between these two effects. As temperature increases with depth, the corresponding pressure increase is not everywhere sufficient to keep all mantle material in a solid state. Locally, some melting may occur, which will have an immediate effect on elastic wave properties. This reduction in velocity from traveling through less dense material occurs in what is called the Earth's Low-Velocity Zone (LVZ). In contrast to the Moho, this boundary is thermal in origin, rather than chemical. Below this region, pressure increase pushes the material back into the solid state, which is seen by an increase in velocity. This relatively cool area above the low-velocity zone is a mechanically strong layer, called the lithosphere (meaning strong as a rock). The area below the LVZ is mechanically weaker, and is called the asthenosphere (meaning no strength). Chemical Boundaries The velocity structure in the outermost part of the Earth represents a combination of chemical and temperature variations. Above we already explored temperature variations. Recall that the relationship between density and chemistry is essentially one of number of nuclear particles per volume, so denser material in the Earth must represent different chemistry. A major chemical boundary was recognized in the mid-20th Century by Mohorovicic, as determined by a sudden increase in wave velocity. This boundary, called simply the Moho, separates a thin outermost layer of Earth that we call the crust, from the underlying layer, the mantle. The nature of this boundary is chemical in origin, like the Gutenberg boundary that separates the mantle from the core. Origin of Earth's Outer Layering The origin of Earth's initial differentiation between core and mantle (chemical boundary) resides in the accretionary processes of planet formation. The core formed very early in the planet's history (<50 my. after initial accretion), but the principles are covered in another section. The origin of the lithosphere has already been explained as a consequence of temperature variation of the Earth. Thus, we now concern ourselves primarily with the origin of the crust -- particularly the contrast between granitic and gabbroic (or basaltic) crust. Earth's crust is the thin shell that lies atop the thick mantle, and it is reasonable to assume that the crust is extracted from the mantle, especially the outermost part of the mantle. An interesting approach to understanding this process is to look at some tracer element. We'll use the element K (Potassium) for this purpose, which is concentrated in the outermost layers. The K content of ocean crust is ~0.1%, whereas the K content of continental crust is ~1%. As there is 10x more K in continental crust, we would need 10 units of oceanic material to make one unit of continental material. Using the average dimension of ocean and continental crust we derived earlier (70% ocean, with average thickness of 8 km; 30% continent with average thickness of 40 km), we find that the ratio of continental crust/oceanic crust is slightly greater then 2. Thus, since we have twice as much continental crust, we need 20 times today's oceanic crust to create continents. Where would all this come from? Today's ocean floor is less than 200 Ma old, with an average age of >100 million years, whereas the continents are as old as 4 Ga. So, 20 cycles of oceanic crust would take <2 by. of Earth's 4.56 Ga history. Ocean Floor The ocean floor is not a smooth surface, but is host to large topographic variation, from mountains that rise above sea level (e.g., Hawaii) to trenches that extend 11 km below sea level (e.g., Marianas trench). The ocean basins also host the world's largest mountain belt, which is most below sea level. These ocean ridges are a system of narrow submarine mountains and canyons that are present in all of the major oceans. Along these ridges, the ocean floor is being continuously pulled apart. Hot magma rises to the surface and continuously forms new oceanic crust. The heat associated with this process is nicely illustrated by the heat flow map in figure 1. Ocean ridges themselves are offsets along (transform) faults, which are the main sites of ocean floor earthquakes. Earth's surface consists of a mosaic of plates that continually jostle one another. The rate at which they move ranges from 1-15 cm/year, which means 10-150 km/my. If the Earth is not to inflate like a balloon by the creating new material at the ocean ridges, then material must be consumed elsewhere at the same rate. The balance occurs where plates move under (subduction zones) and against (collision zones) one another. Thus there are three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent and transform boundaries (see figure). Plate Boundaries If we plot the locations of all earthquakes in a ten-year interval (or longer), most are confined to narrow belts that define the boundaries of plates. The type of fault motion associated with these earthquakes defines the type of plate boundary. The interiors of plates are largely free of earthquakes, but there are notable exceptions to this. There are four types of seismic zones. The first follows the line of midocean ridges. Activity is low, and earthquakes occur at very shallow depths. The lithosphere is very thin and weak at these boundaries, so elastic strain cannot build up enough to cause large earthquakes. Associated with this type of seismicity is the volcanic activity along the axis of the ridges (for example, Iceland, Azores, Tristan da Cunha). The second type of earthquake is the shallow-focus event unaccompanied by volcanic activity. The San Andreas fault is a good example of this, as is the Anatolian fault in Northern Turkey. In these faults, two mature plates are scraping against one another. The frictional resistance between the plates builds relatively large elastic strains before they are periodically relieved by major earthquakes. Activity does not always occur along the entire length of the fault during any one earthquake. For instance, the 1906 San Francisco event was caused by breakage only along the northern end of the San Andreas fault, and more recent activity along the San Andreas Fault is also in restricted areas. You can imaging that this restricted movement may play a role in further likelihood of earthquakes elsewhere along the zone, which is the basis for one type of prediction. The third type of earthquake is related to the collision of oceanic and continental plates. One plate is thrust or subducted under the other plate so that a deep ocean trench is produced. In the Philippines, ocean trenches are associated with curved volcanic island arcs on the landward plate, for example the Java trench. Along the Peru-Chile trench, the Pacific plate is being subducted under the South American plate, forming the Andes mountains. This type of earthquake can be shallow, intermediate, or deep, according to its location on the downgoing lithospheric slab. Such inclined planes of earthquakes are know as Benioff zones. The fourth type of seismic zone occurs along the boundaries of continental plates. Typical of this is the broad swath of seismicity from Burma to the Mediterranean, crossing the Himalayas, Iran, and Turkey, to Gibraltar. Within this zone, shallow earthquakes are associated with high mountain ranges where intense compression is taking place. Intermediate- and deep-focus earthquakes also occur and are known in the Himalayas and in the Caucasus. The interiors of continental plates are very complex, much more so than island arcs. For instance, we do not yet know the full relationship of the East African rift system to the broad picture of plate tectonics. Paleogeography: plate distribution over time Changes in configuration of the continents over last 150 million years. Whereas geologically-speaking we are mainly concerned about very short-term changes (tens to hundreds of years) in Global Change, we get a good appreciation of nature's processes and awesome forces by looking at the geologic record. The animation displays the position of the continents over the past 150 Ma, from the breakup of supercontinent Pangea that formed the Atlantic Ocean to today (make your own reconstruction at the ODSN site). Regardless of the changes that will affect us in the next century, the plates will continue their journey. Small as the displacement may seem (the plates move at about the rate that your hair grows), the forces generated are very large and the natural hazards that they produce will remain to be enormous. There's no messing with nature in the long run. Age variation in the ocean floor. The consequence of this process is the characteristic age variation of the ocean floor, seen in the figure. The youngest rocks (few Ma) are shown in red, whereas the oldest rocks (150-200 Ma) are shown in blue. Website on plate tectonics: Earth's Major Plates (answer to the interactive map above). from USGS Earth’s Natural Hazards Our society is under daily threat from natural disasters. The common hazards include earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, storms and coastal surges that are illustrated in Figure X. The global map shows distinct patterns in their occurrence that can be explained by an understanding of the underlying processes. In this section we focus on two types of hazards, earthquakes and volcanoes, that can be explained by the process of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics offers a global framework for the occurrence of the planet’s earthquake and volcano hazards. Figure X shows that the distribution of major earthquakes and volcanoes mostly coincide with today’s plate boundaries. This connection offers a framework for prediction and mitigation efforts that will be explored after we discuss the origin and processes of these hazards. Figure X. Recent earthquakes (yellow) and volcanoes (red) of the world plotted against tectonic plate boundaries. 2.3.1 Earthquakes Watching the evening news, we regularly hear about the latest occurrence of an earthquake somewhere in the world. Table X shows some examples of past and recent earthquakes and their human and financial toll. While mostly focusing on the human toll, earthquakes have a growing societal impact from their associated cost, to which we return later. Media reports always mention the magnitude of an earthquake, which seemingly equates with the impact of this natural disaster. But is this true and what is the science behind this information? The largest earthquakes are listed below, but you can select do your own criteria for past earthquakes through NOAA's Earthquake database. The catastrophic displacement of fault along plate boundaries is the origin of large earthquakes. Consider bending a wooden pencil until it snaps. The ability to bend is an elastic property of the material, and when it snaps you have exceeded its elastic limit. The same applies to geological materials. Rock are able to accumulate a small amount of elastic energy, what we call elastic limit. When processes exceed this energy, the rock breaks, like bending the pencil. In the case of preexisting faults, the elastic limit of rock is even less, and displacement will occur with relative easy and commonly. These fault displacements can be gradually or intermittently. In the former case we speak of aseismic slip, while in the latter case the displacement is seismic. The moment of seismic slip, when the elastic limits is exceeded, is the origin of an earthquake. The more energy released, the greater the earthquake magnitude, and the greater its impact. The location of an earthquake in the Earth, where the energy release occurs, is called the focus of an earthquake. The point at the surface straight above the focus is called the epicenter. Practically, the epicenter is most important for societal impact, as it marks the position where energy release at the surface is largest. This highlights an important aspect of seismicity, where large earthquake can be less damaging than smaller earthquakes when the latter are closer to the surface. The earthquake intensity scale captures this impact. The effect of an earthquake at the Earth's surface is called the intensity. The intensity scale consists of a series of certain key responses such as people awakening, movement of furniture, damage to chimneys, up to total destruction. Although numerous intensity scales have been developed over the last several hundred years to evaluate the effects of earthquakes, the one most commonly used is the Modified Mercalli (MM) Intensity Scale. This scale, composed of 12 increasing levels of intensity that range from imperceptible shaking to catastrophic destruction, is designated by Roman numerals. It does not have a mathematical basis; instead it is an arbitrary ranking based on observed effects. Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable conditions. A better measure of earthquake is their magnitude, which utilizes seismometers to quantify the ground shaking. Seismographic systems amplify and record the ground motion of earthquakes (typically at periods of between 0.1 and 100 seconds) as a function of time. In the 1930's, Charles F. Richter introduced the concept of earthquake magnitude. By knowing the distance between a seismograph and an earthquake, and measuring the maximum signal amplitude recorded on the seismograph, a quantitative ranking of the earthquake's size can be made. Figure X. Schematic seismogram showing arrivals of different wave types and their characteristics Let's look at a typical seismogram (Figure). You will notice that there are times of wide swings of the recorder against a background of small amplitude. Amplitude describes the distance between the average background and the maximum swing of the needle. The pattern falls into two components: an initial series of swings followed by slowly diminishing activity, then a second wave of greater amplitude. If the station is sufficiently close to the earthquake source region, we find that the needle continues to move even after this second wave of activity. These pulses of activity record different types of waves that originate from an earthquake. Those arriving first are called P-waves, for Primary waves, whereas the second pulse of waves are called S-waves. P- and S-waves represent different atomic interactions in materials. P-waves briefly compress neighboring atoms, after which they relax and transfer the energy to neighboring atoms. S-waves represent a brief shear motion between atoms, which relaxes and is passed on. Figure X. The motion characteristics of compressive (P) and shear (S) waves. The amplitude of the pattern is used to quantify the magnitude of an earthquake, using the formula M = log (A/T) + (source distance function) ; with A is amplitude and T is time. The source distance function is a correction factor for an individual seismic station. Because the scale is logarithmic, each ground motion unit represents an earthquake that is 10 times larger. But seismologists discovered that earthquakes radiate their energy over different time periods. As the amount of energy radiated by an earthquake is a measure of the potential for damage, seismologists also use radiated energy to describe the effects of an earthquake. Estimates of energy use the relationship, log10E = 11.8 + 1.5M. For example, an M=5 earthquake generates 2 x 1019 ergs, which is roughly equal to one atom bomb (or 20,000 tons TNT). A M=6 earthquake generation 6 x 1020 ergs, which is roughly equal to a hydrogen-fusion bomb, and~30x greater than a M=5 earthquake. This explain the rapid increase in destructive power of earthquakes as their magnitude only slightly increases. Comparing earthquake magnitude and energy released: Magnitude Change Ground Motion 10 times 32 times 3.2 times 5.5 times 2 times 3 times 1.3 times 1.4 times Because P-waves move faster than S-waves, the time between the arrival of P- and S-waves will increase as the distance of the earthquake to the recording station increases. From this P-S travel time difference we determine the distance of the earthquake to the seismometer. We need this information from minimally three stations to determine an earthquake’s location, as shown in Figure X. The intersection between three or more distance circles on the Earth’s surface defines the epicenter. Today, many seismic station are connected, so location (and magnitude) are rapidly determined, allowing warning systems for secondary effects, such as landslide and tsunami potential that are often responsible for the great loss of life. Earthquake prediction and mitigation The physics of the earthquake process is reasonable well understood, but this nevertheless limits our ability to adequately predict earthquakes. The main reason for this limitation is the rate of geologic process. The increase in stored energy occurs at plate tectonic rates, which is measured in mm per year. Consequently, we can predict the likely location of earthquakes, along plate boundaries, but not their occurrence on societally-relevant time scales. Earthquake prediction offers probabilities that are increasingly uncertain as the time frame shortens. Whereas probabilities of 50% change in 50 years have become possible, estimates in months or days can not be reliable until earthquake precursors are recognized. Reliable precursors are not currently known. However, our understanding of the distribution and expected impacts of earthquakes offers valuable information to society. Figure X shows the occurrence of large earthquakes of a given size. As the magnitude increases, they are less frequent. Coupling this information with records of past activity offers important mitigation information. Especially the impact of large earthquakes on human structures and cities can be estimated, allowing the implementation of building codes and emergency scenarios that limit their impact. Regrettable, hazards are not restricted to today’s richer societies, meaning that mitigation strategies are poorly implemented. We’ll return to this at the end of the next section on volcanoes, which has a similar implications.. Volcanoes generate a variety of phenomena that affect the Earth's surface and atmosphere, endangering people and property. Whereas small volcanic events may pose hazards only within a few km of a volcano, larger events can directly or indirectly affect people and property tens to hundreds of km away and affect atmospheric properties. Many volcanoes occur at or near the plate boundaries, which provides insight in their origin that is examined below. Earth has a long history of volcanism, responsible in her early years for outgassing the first atmosphere. This process continues today, but at much smaller scale. Volcanic impact today is mostly measured in as a societal hazard, with a long history (Table X). Major Cause of Death Tambora, Indonesia Krakatau, Indonesia Mt. Pelee, Martinique Ash flows Ruiz, Colombia Unzen, Japan Volcano collapse, tsunami Laki, Iceland Kelut, Indonesia Galunggung, Indonesia Vesuvius, Italy Mudflows, lava flows Vesuvius, Italy Ash flows and falls Papandayan, Indonesia Ash flows Lamington, Papua N.G. Ash flows El Chichon, Mexico Ash flows Soufriere, St Vincent Ash flows Oshima, Japan Taal, Philippines Ash flows Agung, Indonesia Ash flows Pinatubo, Philippines Roof collapses and disease Hibok-Hibok, Philippines Ash flows Mt. St. Helens Magma formation With depth in Earth, the ambient temperature (and pressure) increase, which is called the geothermal gradient. At first it increases by 20-30C/km, but below 15 km the increase becomes less. At the crust-mantle boundary, located ~40 km depth, the temperature is 700-800C, whereas at the core-mantle boundary, at ~3000km, the temperature is about 4000C. Temperature increase typically changes the state of matter from solid to liquid to gas. But pressure opposes this phase pattern, such that increasing pressure will tend to keep matter in a more dense form. In earth, the gradual increase in pressure results in solid mantle, but at temperatures that would produce melt at the surface. We examine this behavior in a schematic diagram that plots the stability fields of solid and liquid for a representative mantle rock, indicated by the black circle. The melting curve, the line that separates solid from liquid has a positive slope, meaning that larger pressures require larger temperatures for melting to occur. When heating a solid without changing the pressure, the position of the circle moves toward the melting curve, eventually entering the melt field. Similarly, decreasing the pressure while maintaining the temperature moves the circle into the melt field. So, melting occurs when we increase temperature or when we reduce pressure. In terms of our planet, this means an added source of heat will change solid mantle to liquid, when the material is already close to the melting curve. Similarly, bringing relatively hot mantle rock to the surface will result in melting without requiring additional heat. These two conditions explain the occurrence of volcanism around local mantle hotspots, such as Hawaii and Yellowstone, and volcanism at divergent plate boundaries. A third process that induces melting is the addition of water that weakens the atomic structure of solids, shown in the Figure Xb. The melting curve for dry rocks lies at higher temperatures than that for wet rocks, so the initial solid may become a liquid in the presence of water. This condition occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where metamorphic dehydration reaction (water-producing mineral reactions) release water that promites melting in previously dry host rock. Volcanoes of the Pacific Rim are mostly formed in this manner. Collectively, the occurrence of volcanoes is explained by these three processes that are rooted in plate tectonics. Returning to the location of Earth's ~500 recently and currently active volcanoes, we find that they occur in regions that reflect the role of one of these melting mechanisms. Hawaii is an example of heating, Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean is an example of depressurizing, and the South American Andes result from water addition. With their location well-constrained, today’s eruptive potential of volcanoes is monitored by precursor activities. Particularly changes in shape of volcanoes, inflating due to the rise of expanding magma, microseimicity from subsurface displacement and changing volcanic-gas composition may indicate major activity. Whereas these indicators do not assure imminent eruption, they allow for timely evacuation and mitigation strategies. The nature of the eruption varies from slowly creeping lava flows to explosive volcanism. The shape of volcanoes is one indicator of these eruptive properties. Low-viscous magma producing volcanoes result in large volcanic structures with limited relief called shield volcanoes; for example, Hawaii. Magma that is more viscous, meaning stickier, builds steep edifices, called shield volcanoes, that often produce explosive eruptions; for example, Mt. St. Helen’s. Geologists are able to predict this behavior from chemical analysis of erupted magma, with high Si producing increasingly stickies magma, increasing the risk for explosive activity. Associated Hazards The activity of earthquakes and volcanoes is often accompanied by events that greatly increase the human impact. Particularly tsunamis and landslides have historically been responsible for great loss of life. Tsunamis form when sudden ocean floor movement displaces a large volume of water that travels away from the source. When this fast moving, large mass of water reaches shallow water conditions, the waves slow down and increase in height, resulting is major coastal surges and inland flooding. The impact of a large underwater earthquake is therefore much greater than ground-shaking, as recently demonstrated by the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami. Any sudden movement of the surface will cause a tidal wave, so collapse of the flanks of ocean islands or coastal margins can similarly have a large regional impact. Groundshaking that causes destruction of building also destabilizes natural hillslopes, resulting in large landslides and mudflows. Especially mudflows are capable of covering large areas and cause major loss of life and environment. Societal Impact We have measured most of the impact of natural hazards in human life, which is exacerbated by population trends of the last 100 years. First, the rapid increase in world population means that hazards affect increasingly larger numbers of people. Plotting major hazards against today’s population shows that some of the most populated areas, such as China, India and Indonesia have very significant hazard risk. Second, the growing urbanization of the 20thC will result in >50% of the world’s population in (mega)cities. Many large cities are build in hazardous areas, which will affect larger concentrations of people and generate huge logistical problems for mitigation. Many of these densely populated regions occur in countries where people have low income where sudden changes in living conditions cannot be easily accommodated by individual and by their governments. Even relatively rich, developed nations will face new challenges from the sheer cost of natural disasters. The expense of these events has increased exponentially in the last several decades, which means that expensive choices about rebuilding and improving infrastructure will have to be made. For example, the moderate 1994 earthquake in California (Northridge) carried a price tag of $30billion, while responsible for only ~60 fatalities. In contrast, the 2004 Sumatra earthquake cost is estimated at ~$10billion, but was responsible for >150,000 deaths. Today’s governments are mostly reactive to natural catastrophes, but, beside the human suffering, these events will increasingly affect the global economy. The well-being of the world’s citizens demands a more proactive stand of its leaders, both in wealthy and in poor nations.
Monday, August 31, 2009 The Media: Its Beginnings, Purposes and Evolution In this weeks' reading from The Information Revolution and World Politics, I learned how the different means of communication began and evolved through time. The evolution of media types, such as: the telegraph, the printing press, the radio, the telephone, and the television were impulsed by the necessity of providing a larger number of people with information and the popularity each of these mediums achieved. Some types of media communication evolved faster than others and had a larger audience than others. For example, the telegraph and radio were immediate hits, compared to the rest and how long it took people to support the new media types. Furthermore, these two medias reached a greater number of people than inventions before them. The telegraph’s reach progressed to over international waters, making the flow of information between countries very quick. On the other hand the radio managed to enter most peoples’ homes, even into the poorest communities. As we can see from the above examples, the audience of each type of mass communication focused on a different kind of person, but still reached a lot. The recount of events that most impacted me was the history that led to the evolution of the radio and how its use had many distinct objectives. Objectives like, its use for national security, intercepting enemy broadcasts during the war, commercial, educational, and informative broadcasting. With this last one, countries began to use it in their favor and influence how other nations and their own people perceived the country. Examples of this are: Radio Ghana, which impulsed “nationalism and anticolonialism, and religious stations sponsored by Protestant groups who had the objective of spreading their beliefs to others." The influencing of peoples’ opinions by the different broadcasting at radio stations could work positively or negatively. In my opinion this can largely relate to the topic we spoke of in the last class of framing. Other than just informing the news, it is possible to give a country a negative spin because of an action or offense committed by a person from that country. Important examples of this were the attacks committed on 9/11, as all Arabs in the United States suffered through discrimination and hate crimes because one person from the same race performed a horrible violent act. As we have seen, the types of mass communication have evolved uniquely and their purposes evolve with them. Saturday, August 29, 2009 The United States: Once unique, but no longer? As I read the assigned texts for this week, I noticed a central theme that separated the development of communication networks in the United States versus those developed in Europe - the difference between state controlled enterprises and private, commercial entities. No where is this more prevalent than in the development of the radio and use of airwaves worldwide as a means of informing the population about current events. In the United States, there was minimal regulatory attempts to control this form of media. However, in Britain, the government placed all broadcasting under a public corporation, the British Broadcasting Corporation. Especially evident throughout the years of the Cold War, any attempt made by US officials to regulate any form of the communication industry was seen as a path to state controlled broadcasting. As the medium of communication has changed from radio, to television, to Internet this theme can still be seen. China exercises complete control over the Internet, often prohibiting access to social media networks such as Facebook, whereas the United States appears to remain more lax. Is this however reversing as the United States moves toward policies of communication regulation? A point can be made for more control over media in this country, specifically for national security purposes. But has the previous and current administration gone to far in this effort? The Patriot Act gave the FBI and CIA telephone wiretapping capabilities without a warrant, leading to outrage of the government "spying" on private conversations, only before seen across the oceans from our European and Asian counterparts. Now, President Obama has introduced a bill that would allow him to take complete control of the Internet for "security purposes". This comes on the heels of the White House asking for emails from people discussing information that may appear "fishy" or untrue regarding the President's health care agenda. These actions, occasionally seen from the Bush administration but now more hurried from the Obama administration, appear to be taking the United States away from the idea of private owned media in a move to exerting more "state control" over the mediums of communication in this country. My concern with these actions is the silence that is greeting these attempts by the administrations. When much uproar was made regarding any attempt of the government to take control of the radio during the 1900's, not much is being made now. While some of these actions may be deemed necessary in terms of national security, is the government perhaps overstepping its bounds and changing the free communication medium in the United States into a controlled enterprise as seen in Europe and Asia? Friday, August 28, 2009 An Historical Spin on International Communication Daya Thussu's "The Historical Context of International Communication," chapter one of the book International Communication: Continuity and Change, offers a solid, comprehensive view of the field's evolution over time, especially to those of us just starting to study it. He makes several compelling points to show the essentiality of communication across different cultures. One which I found particularly interesting was the idea that in ancient times, the size of an empire could indicate the strength of its communications network. Thussu states that "Communications networks and technologies were key to the mechanics of distributed government, military campaigns and trade." In other words, the more organized and advanced an empire's communication tools, the further it could spread. He also mentions the emergence of the world's first newswriters in ancient India, a fact which was news to me--I didn't think they appeared on the scene until much later. The role of the telegraph in international communication was a prominent one in the 19th century, especially for Great Britain. Thussu's emphasis on the telegram's role in commerce and information gathering is strong, and for good reason--it truly connected the world at what was then an amazing speed. Thussu conveys its communicative power when he names cities on opposite sides of the world from each other--for example Lisbon and Recife in Brazil--that before the telegraph would have had to wait at least a month to communicate with each other via ship. Also important to note is the forming of the International Telegraph Union in 1865, which was the "first international institution of the modern era," albeit an almost totally Eurocentric one (all 22 founding member countries, except Persia, were in the Old World.) The United States was also a major player, however, second only to Britain in the miles of cable and the share of the market it owned. Thussu's discussion of news agencies was also very thorough. I especially liked his treatment of the role that the three major agencies of the late 19th century--Havas (the predecessor to Agence France-Presse), Wolff in Germany, and Reuters in Britain--played in imperialism. I studied French imperialism as an undergrad, but I had never considered the role of news agencies in its execution. Thussu's statement at the beginning of the chapter about communication networks and ancient empires rings just as true for the colonial empires of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In order to stay on top of everything going on in the British Empire, for example, constant communication links via Reuters were essential and were viewed as a sign of strength and success by the colonizers. The news agencies also proved important in forming and maintaining links with the people on the ground--the colonial and foreign administrations. Of course, the agencies also promoted the aims and values of the colonizers--for instance, Thussu notes that "Reuters was for the most part the unofficial voice of the Empire, giving prominence to British views." After World War I, the radio revolutionized international communication all over again, according to Thussu. During the Second World War, radio evolved into a propaganda tool, as both sides broadcast in a huge variety of languages to try to influence public opinion. I appreciated Thussu's exploration of Voice of America and its cousins, Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty--I hadn't known the magnitude of the competition between VOA and Radio Moscow during the Cold War. One final point that I thought especially worth mentioning was Thussu's contrasting VOA and the BBC on a cultural basis. He states that the BBC provided a "mature, balanced view, winning by argument, rather than hammering home a point, in the best tradition of British understatement." I at first thought this was a little biased, as it made VOA sound brash, lacking in restraint, and in-your-face. However, when I went back and reread Thussu's descriptions of VOA broadcasts, I had to admit he had a point. The difference in styles between VOA and the BBC is just one example of how cultural differences can affect the way news and other information is relayed. All in all, Thussu's observations were a good starting point to the semester and provided a necessary context to the field of international communication. Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Wikipedia Gets Serious We spent our first class talking about the power of citizen blogging and the evolving criteria used to ensure the credibility of diverse forms of communication. After embarrassing user "updates", including the announcement of deaths that hadn't yet happened, it seems Wikipedia is eager to take back some control over its content. They have announced that "within weeks, the English-language Wikipedia will begin imposing a layer of editorial review on articles about living people." Wikipedia will make a distinction between their regular contributors and their trusted editors - the latter of which must approve changes to articles discussing people. With over 3 million English-language articles and prominent rankings in most Google searches, it makes sense that they'd like to enforce a little quality control over the website. The New York Times article also notes that after a steady increase in popularity, Wikipedia had been recently losing credibility as a result of inaccurate edits by newbie contributors that required continuous correction. Readers are eager to see how long the new approach will delay updates. Under the new system, would Ted Kennedy's death (and two paragraphs on the circumstances surrounding it) already be posted this morning? (Since midnight last night, around 150 edits have been made - and argued about - on his page. One editor even questioned in his notes whether it was too soon to be updating the Wikipedia page.) For now, we can carefully read Senator Kennedy's updated article but note Wikipedia's prominent warning: "This article is about a person who has recently died. Some information, such as that pertaining to the circumstances of the person's death and surrounding events, may change rapidly as more facts become known."
follow Web Designing Companies facebook Why most modern websites now need a database. Storing information is vital to most businesses. Web Design has come a long way since the mid 1990's, where most websites were just static pages giving a bit of information with no user interactivity. We expect a lot more from websites now, with dynamic interactivity and ever changing interfaces.· This is mainly due tio the use of databases. So if you want a website that is more than just a few pages, and actually does something, you'll probably need a database. A website is made up of· text, fields and images and design elements. The web page that you see is just a front end view· of data that has been selected for you the viewer to see. This data is held in databases on the hosts servers that sit 'behind' the website. If you've registered on a website, then you've input information onto a database. The data is accessed and input into the database by 'Queries' that are written within the web page code, and are executed when you click a button, or select a function to display data in a certain way. As the data is only on the website for the required purpose of the viewer, this is what makes the website 'dynamic' . A great advantage of databases is that you can hold a lot of information in them that only needs to be accessed at the viewers request, instead of having to sit statically on various web pages that would require a lot of disk-space , and a lot of searching through for the website user. The most common form of database used today is· MYSQL, which is free software. Used usually in conjunction with PHP on the web page, you can pretty much do anything with your data on your web page. Do I need a MYSQL database ? Even if you don't have database experience you can still have one using free open-source· Content Management Systems such as Joomla or word press. These do all the difficult database coding for you and provide an easy to use admin interface.·· Even if you don't want to gather much information on your website, it would still be a good idea to have a database.· You never know what you will want to do with your website in the future. Having a database driven website· will leave with open options. If you· start with a 'static' HTML website, It will be hard and more expensive to then later upgrade to a database driven website. One of the biggets advantages of having a databse website is taht you can have a good quality 'Content Management System' (know as a CMS), which allows you to easily, manage, edit, and add to your website. Any decent web design company nowadays should offer· a database as standard with all of their web packages. If they not, don't even go near them. If you have only a static website, about the only decent interactivity you'd have would be a contact form. With a database you can have : Any type of input form Register your users Interactive blog Social media A Content Management System And a whole lot more. It's really not worth considering having a website without a database. grinlock hatch medi handprint ludaco web design Premier Web Solutions Propraxis rwd Sneeky Peek Web Design tomato network Urban river
Wednesday, January 20, 2016 The story of SpaceX's attempts to land a rocket, and what it means for the space industry In the real world, the third time isn't always the charm, but it's a giant step in the right direction. Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, knows that better than anyone else. Take 2: SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket comes in to land on an autonomous barge, named "Just Read the Instructions." It would land off balance and tip over, then ultimately explode. (April 14, 2015) by S. Alex Martin Rockets are really, really good at going up. The trick is bringing them back down. Most modern rockets work in two stages. The first stage propels the payload (satellites, supplies for the International Space Station, etc) into Low Earth Orbit, and the second stage carries the payload to its destination. Normally when the first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket separates from the second stage at 50 miles up, where it's traveling about 6,300 mph (7,400 kmh), which is Mach-10, or 10x the speed of sound. The first stage does a U-turn, climbing to between 90 and 120 miles high, then begins its descent. The engines slow the rocket down to around Mach-6, then continue with controlled backburns and bring the nearly 250-foot tall stage to a complete stop the instant before touching down on target. Achieving this has been compared to throwing a pencil over the Empire State Building and having it land straight up-and-down in a shoebox on the other side. Source: SpaceX SpaceX began testing its return maneuvers in September 2013, and completed four experiments without using a barge or landing pad. The goal was to collect data about GPS reliability, response lag, and reverse-thrusting efficiency. Coupled with the Grasshopper Program, SpaceX honed in all the key elements of landing a rocket. A "grasshopper" rocket hovers in midair before returning to its launch pad. Source: SpaceX Then, in January 2015, SpaceX attempted the first official Falcon 9 landing onto a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. In order to attempt this, SpaceX had to bring the margin of error for landing on a predetermined target from 6.2 miles (the error of its previous tests), down to a mere 33 feet. While the landing was ultimately a failure, the Falcon 9 rocket did reach the barge. Watch the Video. On the second attempt, April 2015, the Falcon 9 rocket came even closer to landing. While the January attempt had come in nearly sideways, the April attempt was more-or-less standing up--but its horizontal velocity caused it to careen sideways right after touching down. Watch the Video. June 28, 2015--Elon Musk's 44th birthday--was supposed to be the third barge-at-sea landing attempt. The launch, meant to resupply ISS, seemed perfect, but almost three minutes after liftoff, the rocket disintegrated due to a strut that snapped during the ascent, releasing a container of pressurized helium into the rocket's liquid oxygen tank and causing an overpressurization event. Watch the Video. I'd like to exchange my gift: an overpressurization event caused the Falcon 9 to disintegrate three minutes after launch on Elon Musk's birthday in late June 2015. Source: NASA SpaceX entered a hiatus, postponing future launches. Over the next six months, they designed and built an upgraded version of the Falcon 9, dubbed Full Thrust. The first launch of this upgraded Falcon 9 was immortalized on December 21, 2015, when the first stage carried 11 Orb-Com satellites into Low Earth Orbit, then turned around and made a perfect landing on solid ground nine minutes after launching. It marked the first time in history a rocket of this size and velocity had ever returned undamaged to Earth. Upon inspections, Elon Musk announced the rocket was "ready to fire again," but noted that this particular Falcon 9 would never launch again. It will likely be added to a museum's collection of historic rockets. Watch the Video. A mission control operator declared, "The Falcon has landed," seconds after Falcon 9's successful touchdown December 21, 2015. Source: SpaceX What does this success mean for the space industry? Cost. Every single rocket that has ever been launched has been scrapped as trash. It costs over $100 million to build and launch a single rocket, then it's never used again. Think of it as driving to work and buying a new car every single day. That is, inevitably, unsustainable. A reusable rocket costs only $200,000 to refuel, and an estimated half-million to refurbish, rather than approximately $60 million to rebuild completely. On top of that is a price tag of $50-$60 million to launch the Falcon 9 into space -- and that's cheap in the space industry. NASA's space shuttle cost an average of $1.5 billion per launch. To bring commercial launches down into the low tens-of-millions would save money and allow even faster progress, with more and more launches and better R&D in the space industry. So that's why all eyes were on SpaceX Sunday, January 17, 2016. It was SpaceX's fourth attempt to land on a barge at sea, this time in the Pacific Ocean. The rocket was an older Falcon 9, not the newest upgraded version like the one that successfully landed in December. The primary mission of the launch, to deliver the Jason-3 ocean mapping satellite into orbit, was a success. And the rocket made it to the barge, which was 200 miles off the coast of California. It looked like the landing was a success, until one of the support legs snapped and the rocket fell over in what's being hailed as one of the coolest explosions in rocketry. Source: Elon Musk In Elon's terms, RUDs are: Rapid Unscheduled Disassemblies. That's geek-speak for "big fiery explosion." But it's exactly what you would expect from a guy who's trying to change the world, and having fun doing it. He says he's "optimistic about [the] upcoming ship landing," slated for February 6 at the earliest. Click Here for a Full 2016 Launch Schedule. UPDATE: The SES-9 mission was delayed four times, but finally launched on March 4, 2016. The recovery of the first stage did not succeed due to a necessary re-allotment of fuel to get the satellite into GeoSync faster. No comments: Post a Comment
Read Also: • Pyrrhus [pir-uh s] /ˈpɪr əs/ noun 1. c318–272 b.c, king of Epirus c300–272. 2. Classical Mythology. . /ˈpɪrəs/ noun 1. 319–272 bc, king of Epirus (306–272). He invaded Italy but was ultimately defeated by the Romans (275 bc) 2. another name for Neoptolemus • Pyrrolidine [pi-roh-li-deen, -din, -rol-i-] /pɪˈroʊ lɪˌdin, -dɪn, -ˈrɒl ɪ-/ noun, Chemistry. 1. a colorless, water-soluble, unpleasant smelling, poisonous liquid, C 4 H 9 N, from which proline and certain alkaloids are derived, prepared by reducing : used chiefly in organic synthesis. /pɪˈrɒlɪˌdiːn/ noun 1. an almost colourless liquid occurring in tobacco leaves and made commercially by […] • Pyrrole [pi-rohl, pir-ohl] /pɪˈroʊl, ˈpɪr oʊl/ noun, Chemistry. 1. a colorless, toxic, liquid, five-membered ring compound, C 4 H 5 N, that is a component of chlorophyll, hemin, and many other important naturally occurring substances. /ˈpɪrəʊl; pɪˈrəʊl/ noun 1. a colourless insoluble toxic liquid having a five-membered ring containing one nitrogen atom, found in many naturally […] • Pyrrophyta [pi-rof-i-tuh] /pɪˈrɒf ɪ tə/ noun, Biology. 1. a phylum in the kingdom Protista comprising the dinoflagellates and cryptomonads.
Women should be allowed to vote! (?) Okay, it was 90 years ago. An op-ed in the NYT by Christine Stansell commemorates the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Suffrage. Though I should have known, I had no idea how much resistance there was to the idea that a woman should be able to vote. The most persistent opposition occurred in the South. The story gets pretty dramatic: Thirty-six of the 48 states then needed to ratify [the amendment]. Western states did so promptly, and in the North only Vermont and Connecticut delayed. But the segregated South saw in the 19th Amendment a grave threat: the removal of the most comprehensive principle for depriving an entire class of Americans of full citizenship rights. The logic of women’s disenfranchisement helped legitimize relegating blacks to second-class citizenship. Female voters would also pose practical difficulties, described bluntly by a Mississippi man: “We are not afraid to maul a black man over the head if he dares to vote, but we can’t treat women, even black women, that way. No, we’ll allow no woman suffrage.” Nine Southern states joined by Delaware forced ratification to a halt, one state short. Only Tennessee was left, and the opposition had good reason to think it would line up with the rest of the region. But after a nine-day special session in the heat of August 1920, a legislator pledged to the nays jumped ship — he later said it was because his mother told him to — and the 36th state was in. That wasn’t the end of the struggle, by any means: Even then, in several Southern states, die-hards went to court to invalidate the amendment, stopping only after the Supreme Court in 1922 unanimously dismissed their arguments. In 1923 Delaware ratified belatedly to join the rest of the country, but the Southern states waited decades: Maryland in 1941, Virginia in 1952, Alabama in 1953. Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Carolina came along from 1969 to 1971, years after the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had passed. Mississippi brought up the rear, not condoning the right of women to vote until 1984. This entry was posted in American Society. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Responses to Women should be allowed to vote! (?) 1. Ray Harris says: When I registered to vote in Georgia in 1956 only one other state allowed 18 year olds to vote, I think it was Kentucky (memory, not research). Another young man was registering for the first time and the registrar asked his young pregnant wife if she wanted to register too. She was blown away that anyone would think she could/should vote. Her redneck husband could not believe the registrar would even ask. BTW, from that election to now I have not missed a presidential election. The 26th Amendment allowing all American 18 year olds to vote was not passed until 1971. Looking back, and reflecting on 18 year olds’ maturity, I am not sure it was/is a great idea. But if they can vote, why can’t they drink? To be the “Land of the Free” we Americans sure worry a lot about allowing/restricting other people’s rights. 2. I think 18 year olds don’t get to drink legally because drinking is more dangerous than voting, expecially when young people add driving to their drinking. (Of course, it’s not more dangerous than going to war, which is perfectly legal.) • Ray Harris says: The drinking age was lowered to 18 most places during the Vietnam horror years, the reasoning being that if the boys were old enough to be drafted and slaughtered they ought to be able to legally order a beer. Then under Reagan, this was reversed and has resulted in a lot of illegal drinking that should be legal. Seriously, we have made criminals out of 20 year olds who were caught at the keg party. I was sitting in Magistrate’s Court a few years back being lectured for my heavy foot, when I was horrified by how many of the defendents were 19 and 20 year old guys who were prosecuted for having a couple of drinks (not DUIs). It just doesn’t make any sense to me. Leave a Reply WordPress.com Logo Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s
How We Got Here (17) June 4, 2014 The Market And there was the stock market! A wonderfully entertaining and accurate history of the 1920s, Only Yesterday, was full of anecdotes about the post-World War I stock market and its fabulous, almost unbelievable history. As with most group contagions, it started small, and bred got-rich-quick anecdotes that lured in others, some of whom generated similar stories, only in the 1920s it kept on going, and the music kept playing faster. It was all pretty wonderful, as long as stocks kept going up. (Will Rogers told his readers it was simple to make money on the stock market. “Buy a stock, and when it goes up, sell it. If it don’t go up, don’t buy it.”) You could buy stocks on credit, or on margin, and could use the value of the stock to buy more stock on margin, and use the value of the new stock …. You get the idea. And of course, because it was so pleasant and profitable, people persuaded themselves that it was going to go on forever. True, it never had in the past, but “this time is different.” It always is. And it always works out more or less the same way. Herbert Hoover, “the great engineer,” was expected to preside over continued prosperity. Inaugurated in March, 1929, he got about half a year before the roof fell in. In late October, the market crashed. At first it seemed to recover, then on Black Tuesday it went into free fall. The mechanism for the free-fall was the same as the one that had boosted stocks in the first place: margin. Few people understand it, but it’s simple enough in concept. Say a stock sells for $100 a share and you buy ten shares on 10% margin. You have bought ten shares, worth $1,000, by putting up $100 and borrowing, from your broker, $900 against the value of the stock. If the price goes up to, say, $120, the stock you have pledged against your loan is now worth $1,200 and you look like a genius. You could sell your shares, pay off the $900 loan from the broker, repay yourself your initial $100, and walk away with an additional $200. This, of course, is what people were counting on. Stock prices were going up, and would continue to go up, right? They never had in the past, but this time it was different, right? So what happens if for some reason the stock price falls to $80. If your only problem was that your original $100 had shrunk to $80, you could live with that. But you still owe the broker that $900, and now you’re securing that $900 loan with stock that is only worth $800. At some point (and pretty damn quick!) your broker issues a margin call, and you have to deposit more money in the account. If you can’t meet the margin call, the broker can sell enough of your stock to bring your account back up to the maintenance margin. They can (and will) do this without consulting you, and they can sell anything they control. Still sound like a fun game? (Joseph P. Kennedy, the father of the future president, added to the fortune he had already made by extensive stock-market speculation in the 1920s, but – in a spectacular display of good judgment and good timing – he got out of the market entirely in the spring of 1929. A bellboy had given him a tip on the stock, and the stock had in fact gone up, and Kennedy said later, any market in which a bellboy could pick stock was no place for him. One wonders, what would it have done to the history of our country if Joe Kennedy had lost his fortune, or a good part of it, like so many others at all income levels? Fortunately, he didn’t.) Okay, the stock market crashed, for many reasons but most simply because too many people were buying too many stocks by borrowing too much money. As one economist explained later, when asked what had caused the crash, “Somebody asked for a dollar.” In other words, someone was asked to put up actual money in place of borrowed money, and couldn’t, and therefore sold some stock. This in turn caused someone else (working on margin) to have to sell stock, which in turn …. The result was dreadful. Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Twitter picture Facebook photo Google+ photo Connecting to %s %d bloggers like this:
By Sam Vigil Parental Alienation; the programming of a child by a parent to turn the child against the other parent has three levels of alienation mild, moderate, and severe. As the alienation increases the negative behavior of the children towards the targeted parent also increases. The percentage of children having access and parenting time (visitation) with the alienated parent decreases. In a case study of thirty highly conflicted divorce and custody cases, submitted by the courts involving fifty nine children was evaluated to determine the existence of Parental Alienation Syndrome. This is when the child aligns with the alienating parent, adopts their views, joins in the defaming of the target parent and rejects that parent citing frivolous and irrational reasoning. Countering Parental Alienation Syndrome will take the knowledge of Parental Alienation and finesse. This must be confronted to increase the chances for the target parent in reuniting and maintaining a meaningful relationship with their children. Janelle Burrill compiled, analyzed and evaluated the data for one year (2000-2001) from the cases that were submitted from a two year period (1998-2000). In the study twenty two children were listed under the mild alienation category, seventeen in the moderate category, and twenty in the severe. The children listed under the mild alienation category show that eighty two percent of them expressed affection for the targeted parent. None of them had any anger towards or denigrated (disrespect and reject) the parent. Ninety five percent had parenting-time with the target. With mild alienation there is some cynicism of the target parent. This generally arises from a persons lack of restraint in making negative remarks about the target. They tend to react in this manner when they are hurt, angry, and feel personally attacked. For example, when parents first separate mom is feeling anxious and will implicitly convey to the children that their father is a bad person suggesting that it is not safe to be with him. She may say something to the effect of, “If you get scared or are not having fun call me right away and I will come and get you and bring you home.” Dad may say something like, “Remember to tell your mother that you want to spend more time with me,” Suggesting that their mom is trying to separate them from each other. Generally, this behavior from the parents is done so they can look like they are the better parent to be with and that something is wrong with the other one. In the scenario with mom the children start to question if they are safe to be with their father. With dad they can start to believe their mother is trying to estrange them from their dad. Usually when you point out the alienation to the alienating parent they feel ashamed that their behavior is negatively affecting the children and that they did not have enough self-control to refrain from distributing alienation. Parents and children in this category normally have a good relationship. The parents who hands out the alienation usually are unaware they are doing it. It is a behavior that has not been addressed so it can be corrected. These parents are usually willing to modify their behavior to benefit the children. The recognizable denigration traits in mild alienation are sighing in disapproval, rolling the eyes in contempt, ignoring, disrespect, snide or sarcastic remarks, and defaming the target parent. To defuse the alienation explain to the children why people will make those kinds of gestures and bad-mouth another person. Let them know it comes from when they feel disrespected, rejected, hurt by a person, and that they lack self-control and respond in undesirable ways to validate themselves. In the moderate alienation category the percentage of children who had parenting-time with the target parent drops significantly from ninety five percent down to sixty five percent. The same percentage of children also expressed affection for the target parent with fifty nine percent of them expressing anger towards the target and joining in the denigration of that parent. With moderate alienation the alienating parents have difficulty keeping their composer when thing do not go their way or feel threatened. Like the belief their counterpart is trying to take the children away from them. They will increase the alienation when their anxiety escalates in an effort to keep what they perceive is rightfully theirs. When they lose control they go ballistic disregarding appropriate boundaries, including the fear their behavior produces in the children. When, they calm down the alienating parent has a hard time taking responsibility for their actions. But, there is hope. Some of these parents in this category can be persuaded to develop their self-control with anger management, therapy, and parenting classes. These parents love their children and want to be a good parent and be viewed as one. But rarely will they volunteer to get help. They blame the other parent for their problems and believe the other parent is the problem. If they do not modify their behavior then the only remedy is to get a court order for therapy and treatment. With moderately alienated children are hesitant to spend time with the target parent. They have some fear of the target parent due to the alienating parents repeatedly defaming the target in an effort to get the children to get to accept their views about the target parent and to align with them. To remedy this level of alienation with the children there needs to be an environment where they feel safe and comfortable with the target parent. A therapist can arrange to provide for this. The parent then need to listen to the children without being judgmental, empathize with their feeling, acknowledge their concerns, and let them know the conflict is between the parents and they do not have to choose either parents side. They should not have to reject one parent to please the other parent. They should be able to love both without having a loyalty conflict. Bring to the attention of the alienating parent the harmful effects the alienation is having on the children because they are conflicted on how to please both parents without displeasing either one of them. Moderate alienation ascends from emotional charged events. The parent feels they have been wronged and react destructively. Afterwards they are embarrassed of their behavior and might be willing to work on not involving the children to even the score for the wrong they believe was done to them. If there is unsatisfactory improvement and willingness on the part of the alienating parent in correcting their behavior, which is often the case, the target will need to get a court order for family counseling and treatment. In the severe alienation category forty five percent of the children expressed affection for the target parent, ninety percent had anger towards the target, and sixty percent join in the denigration of the parent. Only fifteen percent of the children had any parenting-time with the target parent. With severe alienation there are no-holds-barred attacks on the targets character and the alienator is obsessed with destroying the relationship the children has with the target parent to inflict emotional pain on the target. Because they have deep-rooted distorted beliefs about the target parent and operate from a delusional system of thinking they are hindered from listening to reason. There is no effective way for treating severe alienation. To minimize the influence of the alienating parent and harm the alienation causes the children is to reduce or remove them from the care of the alienating parent which will take legal intervention. At this level of alienation the children aligns with the alienating parent, adopt their distorted views about the target, and join in the campaign to severe the relationship they have with the target parent. This is where Parental Alienation is transformed into Parental Alienation Syndrome. A couple of signs of severe alienation are the childrens refusal to participate in parenting-time with the target parent even if it is court order, an automatic alliance with the alienating parent when conflict arises between the parents, and they join in rejecting and defaming the target parent. They back up their claims with weak, frivolous and illogical explanations, and insist that their views are their own and are not influenced by the alienating parent. The way to counter severe alienation is to obtain a court order for a parenting plan, therapy, and participation in treatment. It is necessary to get the order so the therapist can work with the family to resolve, reduce, or at the very least stymie the alienation. At this level of alienation the alienating parent objective is to hurt the target parent by any means including using the children. The children need to be shown that they have been exposed to the alienation, participated in the denigration, and how it negatively affects the relationship they have with the target parent. Once the cause of the children’s alienation from a parent is identified then an expert mental health professional can provide an appropriate treatment plan to reunite the parent and children. Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Parental-Alienation-Syndrome-and-How-to-Counter-Its-Three-Levels-of-Parental-Alienation&id=3815626] Parental Alienation Syndrome and How to Counter Its Three Levels of Parental Alienation
Published 10 May 2003 From Norman Wilson Your article on the use of depleted uranium used in shells in Iraq implies that this route into the environment is unique. However, we have been dispersing natural uranium into the environment for decades via our coal-fired power stations. Uranium, like most heavy metals, is present in coal at concentrations of a few parts per million. A large power station, such as the one at Ferrybridge in Yorkshire, burns upwards of 7 million tonnes of coal a year, containing some 10 to 20 tonnes of uranium. The coal is finely ground before burning, producing small particles of ash. The ash from these power stations is mainly tipped into open storage lagoons, with the potential for wind-blown dispersal or leakage into watercourses. If there is any significant effect from the use of depleted uranium in shells, surely it would have manifested itself near these large power stations. Lancaster, UK
Nursing Diagnosis: Deficient Fluid volume Application of NANDA, NOC, NIC Nursing Diagnosis: Deficient Fluid volume Betty J. Ackley NANDA Definition: Decreased intravascular, interstitial, and/or intracellular fluid (refers to dehydration, water loss alone without change in sodium level) Defining Characteristics: Decreased urine output; increased urine concentration; weakness; sudden weight loss (except in third-spacing); decreased venous filling; increased body temperature; decreased pulse volume/pressure; change in mental state; elevated hematocrit; decreased skin/tongue turgor; dry skin/mucous membranes; thirst; increased pulse rate; decreased blood pressure Related Factors: Active fluid volume loss; failure of regulatory mechanisms NOC Outcomes (Nursing Outcomes Classification) Suggested NOC Labels · Fluid Balance · Hydration · Nutritional Status: Food and Fluid Intake Client Outcomes · Maintains urine output >1300 ml/day (or at least 30 ml/hr) · Maintains normal blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature · Maintains elastic skin turgor; moist tongue and mucous membranes; and orientation to person, place, time · Explains measures that can be taken to treat or prevent fluid volume loss · Describes symptoms that indicate the need to consult with health care provider NIC Interventions (Nursing Interventions Classification) Suggested NIC Labels · Fluid Management · Hypovolemia Management · Shock Management: Volume Nursing Interventions and Rationales · Monitor for the existence of factors causing deficient fluid volume (e.g., gastrointestinal losses, difficulty maintaining oral intake, fever, uncontrolled type II diabetes, diuretic therapy). Early identification of risk factors and early intervention can decrease the occurrence and severity of complications from deficient fluid volume. The gastrointestinal system is a common site of abnormal fluid loss (Metheny, 2000). · Watch for early signs of hypovolemia, including weakness, muscle cramps, and postural hypotension. Late signs include oliguria; abdominal or chest pain; cyanosis; cold, clammy skin; and confusion (Fauci et al, 1998). · Monitor total fluid intake and output every 8 hours (or every hour for the unstable client). A urine output of <30 ml/hr is insufficient for normal renal function and indicates hypovolemia or onset of renal damage (Metheny, 2000). · Watch trends in output for 3 days; include all routes of intake and output and note color and specific gravity of urine. Monitoring for trends for 2 to 3 days gives a more valid picture of the client's hydration status than monitoring for a shorter period (Metheny, 2000). Dark-colored urine with increasing specific gravity reflects increased urine concentration. · Monitor daily weight for sudden decreases, especially in the presence of decreasing urine output or active fluid loss. Weigh client on same scale with same type of clothing at same time of day, preferably before breakfast. Body weight changes reflect changes in body fluid volume. A 1-pound weight loss reflects a fluid loss of about 500 cc (Metheny, 2000). · Monitor vital signs of clients with deficient fluid volume every 15 minutes to 1 hour for the unstable client (every 4 hours for the stable client). Observe for decreased pulse pressure first, then hypotension, tachycardia, decreased pulse volume, and increased or decreased body temperature. A decreasd pulse pressure is an earlier indicator of shock than is the systolic blood pressure (Mikhail, 1999). Decreased intravascular volume results in hypotension and decreased tissue oxygenation. The temperature will be decreased as a result of decreased metabolism, or it may be increased if there is infection or hypernatremia present (Metheny, 2000). · Check orthostatic blood pressures with client lying, sitting, and standing. A 15 mm Hg drop when upright or an increase of 15 beats/minute in the pulse rate are seen with deficient fluid volume (Metheny, 2000). · Monitor for inelastic skin turgor, thirst, dry tongue and mucous membranes, longitudinal tongue furrows, speech difficulty, dry skin, sunken eyeballs, weakness (especially of upper body), and confusion. Tongue dryness, longitudinal tongue furrows, dryness of the mucous membranes of the mouth, upper body muscle weakness, thirst, confusion, speech difficulty, and sunkenness of eyes are symptoms of deficient fluid volume (Metheny 2000). · Provide frequent oral hygiene, at least twice a day (if mouth is dry and painful, provide hourly while awake). Oral hygiene decreases unpleasant tastes in the mouth and allows the client to respond to the sensation of thirst. · Provide fresh water and oral fluids preferred by client (distribute over 24 hours [e.g., 1200ml on days, 800ml on evenings, and 200ml on nights]); provide prescribed diet; offer snacks (e.g., frequent drinks, fresh fruits, fruit juice); instruct significant other to assist client with feedings as appropriate. The oral route is preferred for maintaining fluid balance (Metheny, 2000). Distributing the intake over the entire 24 hour period and providing snacks and preferred beverages increases the likelihood that the client will maintain the prescribed oral intake. · Provide free water with tube feedings as appropriate (50 to 100 ml every 4 hours). This provides water for replacement of intravascular or intracellular volume as necessary. Tube feeding has been found to increase the risk for dehydration (Lavizzo-Mourey, Johnson, Stolley, 1988; Sheehy, Perry, Cromwell, 2000). · Institute measures to rest the bowel when client is vomiting or has diarrhea (e.g., restrict food or fluid intake when appropriate, decrease intake of milk products). Hydrate client with ordered IV solutions if prescribed. The most common cause of deficient fluid volume is gastrointestinal loss of fluid. At times it is preferable to allow the gastrointestinal system to rest before resuming oral intake. Hydration should be maintained. (See care plan for Diarrhea or Nausea.) · Provide oral replacement therapy as ordered with a glucose-electrolyte solution when client has acute diarrhea or nausea/vomiting. Provide small, frequent quantities of slightly chilled solutions. Maintenance of oral intake stabilizes the ability of the intestines to digest and absorb nutrients; glucose-electrolyte solutions increase net fluid absorption while correcting deficient fluid volume (Cohen et al, 1995). · Administer antidiarrheals and antiemetics as appropriate. The gastrointestinal tract is a common site for fluid loss. The goal is to stop the loss that results from vomiting or diarrhea. · If client requires IV fluid replacement, maintain patent IV access, set an appropriate IV infusion flow rate, and administer at a constant flow rate as ordered. Isotonic IV fluids such as 0.9% N/S or lactated ringers allow replacement of intravascular volume (Metheny, 2000). · Assist with ambulation if client has postural hypotension. Postural hypotension can cause dizziness, which places the client at higher risk for injury. · Promote skin integrity (e.g., monitor areas for breakdown, ensure frequent weight shifts, prevent shearing, promote adequate nutrition). Deficient fluid volume decreases tissue oxygenation, which makes the skin more vulnerable to breakdown. Critically ill · Monitor central venous pressure, right atrial pressure, and pulmonary wedge pressure for decreases. Hemodynamic parameters are sensitive indicators of intravascular fluid volume, and hemodynamic measurements are especially needed in the client with cardiac or renal problems (Metheny, 2000). · Monitor serum and urine osmolality, serum sodium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio, and hematocrit for elevations. These are all measures of concentration and will be elevated with decreased intravascular volume (Fauci et al, 1998). · When ordered, initiate a fluid challenge of crystalloids for replacement of intravascular volume; monitor client's response to prescribed fluid therapy and fluid challenge, especially noting vital signs, urine output, and lung sounds. A fluid challenge can help the client with deficient fluid volume regain intravascular volume quickly, but the client must be carefully observed to ensure that he or she does not go into fluid volume overload. In trauma clients, if there is no clinical improvement after 2 L of crystalloids, then generally a blood transfusion should be iniated (Jordan, 2000). · Position client flat with legs elevated when hypotensive, if not contraindicated. This position enhances venous return, thus contributing to the maintenance of cardiac output. · If trauma client, monitor lactic acid levels as ordered, along with watching for signs of fluid deficit and shock. Increased lactic acid levels can help identify occult hypoperfusion, which results in decreased survival and increased incidence of respiratory complications and multiple organ failure in trauma clients (Blouchard, 1999; Mikhail, 1999; Blow et al, 1999.). · Consult physician if signs and symptoms of deficient fluid volume persist or worsen. Prolonged deficient fluid volume increases the risk for development of complications, including shock, multiple organ failure, and death. · Monitor elderly clients for deficient fluid volume carefully, noting new onset of weakness, dizziness, or dry mouth with longitudinal furrows. The elderly are predisposed to deficient fluid volume because of decreased fluid in body, decreased thirst sensation, and decreased ability to concentrate urine (Bennett, 2000; Sheehy, Perry, Cromwell, 2000). · Check skin turgor of elderly client on the forehead or sternum; also look for the presence of longitudinal furrows on the tongue and dry mucous membranes. Elderly people commonly have decreased skin turgor from normal age-related loss of elasticity; therefore checking skin turgor on the arm is not reflective of fluid volume (Bennett, 2000). The presence of longitudinal furrows or dry mucous membranes is a good indication of dehydration in the elderly (Bennett, 2000; Sheehy, Perry, Cromwell, 2000). · Encourage fluid intake by offering fluids regularly to cognitively impaired clients. The elderly have a decreased thirst sensation (Metheny, 2000), and short-term memory loss may impede the client's memory of fluid intake. · Incorporate regular hydration into daily routines (e.g., extra glass of fluid with medication or social activities). Integration of hydration into regular routines increases the chance that the client will meet the daily fluid requirements. · Monitor elderly clients for excess fluid volume during the treatment of deficient fluid volume: listen to lung sounds, watch for edema, and note vital signs. The elderly client has a decreased ability to adapt to rapid increases in intravascular volume and can quickly develop heart failure. Home Care Interventions · Determine if it is appropriate to intervene for defecient fluid volume or allow the client to die comfortably without fluids as desired. Deficient fluid volume may be a symptom of impending death in terminally ill clients. The deficit may result in a mild euphoria, and a more comfortable death (Bennett, 2000). · Teach family members how to monitor output in the home (e.g., use of commode "hat" in the toilet, urinal, or bedpan, or use of catheter and closed drainage). Instruct them to monitor both intake and output. An accurate measure of fluid intake and output is an important indicator of client fluid status (Metheny, 2000). · When weighing client, use same scale each day. Be sure scale is on a flat (not cushioned) surface. Do not weigh client with scale placed on any kind of rug. Use bed or chair scales for clients who are unable to stand. An accurate daily weight is an excellent reflection of fluid balance (Metheny, 2000). · Teach family about complications of deficient fluid volume and when to call physician. · If the client is receiving IV fluids, there must be a responsible caregiver in the home. Teach caregiver about administration of fluids, complications of IV administration (e.g., fluid volume overload, speed of medication reactions), and when to call for assistance. Assist caregiver with administration for as long as necessary to maintain client safety. Administration of IV fluids in the home is a high-technology procedure and requires sufficient professional support to ensure safety of the client. · Identify an emergency plan, including when to call 911. Some complications of deficient fluid volume cannot be reversed in the home and are life-threatening. Clients progressing toward hypovolemic shock will need emergency care. Client/Family Teaching · Instruct client to avoid rapid position changes, especially from supine to sitting or standing. · Teach client and family about appropriate diet and fluid intake. · Teach client and family how to measure and record intake and output accurately. · Teach client and family about measures instituted to treat hypovolemia and to prevent or treat fluid volume loss. · Instruct client and family about signs of deficient fluid volume that indicate they should contact health care provider. Tidak ada komentar:
Understanding “Value” Investing Value stocks or mutual funds comprise a key element in many investors’ portfolios. But what does value mean? What distinguishes value stocks from all others, especially growth stocks? Every value stock has its own story, but the common elements connecting all value stocks relate to price and risk. Price: Value stocks are often referred to as “cheap” or “bargains” – considered by many as buying stocks on “on sale.” Value investing focuses on investing in companies where the market has discounted the stock price of the company to reflect concerns about company’s financial health. Risk: Value companies are typically viewed as riskier than growth companies from both the perspective of the company’s underlying fundamental business characteristics and the company’s susceptibility to risk during economic cycles. Other things being equal, the discounted price provides greater upward potential for those willing to accept the greater risk. For those investors willing to bear this additional risk, value investing has historically tended to outperform the broader market. By comparison, growth investing focuses on investments in companies that are growing with the potential for continued growth in the future. Defining Value No single unique definition of value exists. Generally speaking, a value company’s stock has a low stock price relative to various accounting measures used to determine a company’s value, including the company’s financial accounting book value, sales, earnings and cash flows. These company attributes or “value measures” have a tendency to correlate with other numerical measures that intuitively seem risky to many investors, such as the company’s leverage, its profit margins and the variability of its financial results. The overall impact of these various measures is heightened concern by investors about a company’s profitability, stability and survivability. Google vs. Bank of America Corporation Consider, for example, two well-known companies, Google and Bank of America. Google is a growth company, with a Price to Book Value (P/B) ratio of 3.4 as of April 2, 2012. This P/B ratio places its ratio in the top 75% of all U.S. publicly traded companies. The stock price is a forward looking stock market prediction of what Google is worth. The book value is a historical accounting valuation of what Google is worth. Thus, a relatively high P/B ratio reflects a growth prediction for Google. That growth prediction correlates with many of Google’s business factors: low debt, solid earnings growth the last several years and a general consensus that it is a very successful company. Based on the P/B ratio, investors believe Google will continue to deliver strong earnings growth into the future and is a relatively lower risk company at any price. These factors make it a classic growth stock. Bank of America (“BofA”) is a value company whose P/B ratio of 0.4 puts its ratio in the lowest 3% of publicly traded U.S. stocks as of April 2, 2012. The relatively low P/B ratio reflects the stock market thinking that BofA’s book value has future “contraction” potential. The market prices the stock in a way that calls into question its future worth. BofA has a large amount of debt, and while its earnings grew nicely through 2007, they have vacillated substantially over the last 4 years. Further, the company is widely viewed as having made several missteps during the financial crisis of the past several years. Based on its P/B ratio, investors believe BofA is a relatively higher risk value company. This example illustrates the basic concepts of the risk argument. Certainly Google might be riskier by some metrics; for example as a newer company some would consider it a greater risk. And not all risks may be reflected on the balance sheet. A scandal, lawsuit, management problem, accident or other surprise could affect either company. But generally the relationship between companies’ known risk characteristics and value measures holds across stock investments. Impact of economic cycles The value risk manifests itself most clearly through exposure to economic cycles. Historical data suggests that stock returns for value companies have been quite strong during expansions but those returns fall dramatically during recessions. As one would expect, when times get tough, companies that have greater leverage, less stable sales, or lower profitability will tend to suffer the most. Of course trying to time one’s entry and exit to take advantage of economic cycles is very difficult – only with the benefit of hindsight can investors identify the key inflection points of economic cycles – but because recessions have been far fewer than expansions, patient value investors willing to bear greater risk for extended periods have typically been rewarded. As it is so difficult to predict the fate of specific companies, and to time economic cycles, those seeking to take advantage of the price/risk characteristics of value stocks generally benefit from holding a bundle of them via a mutual fund or ETF, and holding it for the long term. Taken as a group over multiple economic cycles, value stock investments have typically outperformed their growth stock alternatives, rewarding investors for taking on greater risks. About Dr. Glenn Freed and Dr. Andrew Berkin , , , , , , ,
Good hygiene habits can help businesses to steer clear of cold and flu germs, so why are so many people burdened by these common bugs? Well, bad hygiene has a lot to answer for. Simple tasks such as washing your hands and avoiding close contact can help immensely, but how else can the spreading of germs be reduced within small and large businesses? Here we’ll discuss the many ways to minimise the risk of catching annoying viral infections in the workplace. Good hygiene really does work… Consider this scenario; a staff member in the office is sick with a cold, he sneezes and uses his hand to guard it. Unfortunately, he then touches the telephone, followed by his keyboard, and then the kettle, spreading his germs with every touch. The germs left are then picked up by other staff members, from items he has touched with his unclean hands, despite it being hours since he touched them. So, how can this type of activity get avoided? Hygiene policies One way to combat nasty germs within a workplace is by implementing good hygiene policies to help minimise the spread of colds and flu. Providing hand sanitiser to employees, as well as tissues can help in this instance. Staff should also be reminded to wash their hands, and to keep their desks clean, whilst offices should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis, preferably weekly. Wash your hands Good hygiene methods such as; covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, using a tissue instead of your hand, and washing your hands with warm water, should also be encouraged within a place of business. Common colds and flu are so easily spread from touching infected surfaces or objects, so by ensuring hands are well washed after coughing or sneezing, this can be prevented. If soap and warm water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand rub should also be encouraged. By limiting the sharing of tools within an office such as, computer mice, office phones, or pens, you’ll also help to reduce the spread of nasty respiratory illnesses. Eyes, nose and mouth By not ridding germs ASAP, they will spread, particularly when a person touches something that is contaminated, and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. This is because cold and flu viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth. Cleaning and disinfecting Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects within an office environment, such as keyboards, door handles, and kettles etc., can reduce the chance of spreading a viral infection significantly. Don’t go into work when you’re sick… For sick employees, whether it be a cold or flu, staying home to recover is the ideal solution. Staff who choose to attend work when sick are not only elongating their recovery time – by not resting up and looking after themselves – they are also more likely to spread germs to their colleagues. Avoid close contact Staff must be advised to stay out of the workplace when ill otherwise this could result in a vicious circle effect, with germs continuously spread around the office. By ensuring staff stay at home when sick, other employees are able to easily avoid close contact and prevent the chance of catching the same germs. Commercial cleaning solutions By implementing commercial cleaning into your work setting, businesses can keep their workforce healthier and limit the likelihood of colds and flu spreading. The highest standards of cleaning are most likely to be achieved by a professional cleaning company, something that we at Cannon Cleaning are able to provide.
Home > Blog > How to Breathe With Your Diaphragm How to Breathe With Your Diaphragm Do you know how to breathe? Of course you do, else you wouldn’t be alive. You breathe 24/7 which would normally make you an expert in the field. So, how strange is it that you, as singers need to learn, or re-learn, how to breathe with your diaphragm to sing properly? As singers we need all the air we can breathe as air is what will move our vocal cords and produce sound. Did you know that when we breathe normally and unconsciously, we only inhale one eight of our lug capacity? 1/8! This means that our lugs can accommodate 700% more air, something that can make the difference between hitting that high note with ease or stressing up about it. Read on to learn how to use that extra 7/8ths. What is the diaphragm I’ve heard many people say: breathe with your belly, or, breathe with your stomach. Although the idea is correct, these phrases should only be used to teach children who can’t comprehend anatomy. The correct thing to say is: breathe using your diaphragm better. But what exactly is the diaphragm? I’m sure you’ve heard it many times before, and have probably had a professor or two make you put your hands on their bellies while they breathed to demonstrate how to use your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a flat muscle that sits underneath our lungs and aids with respiration. It attaches to the base of the thorax (ribs) and basically separates the lugs from the stomach and intestines. Take a look at the following image for an illustration. how to breathe with your diaphragm How the diaphragm works When we breathe in, the diaphragm moves downward and compresses the stomach and intestines to make space for the air that comes in (this is why it’s hard to breathe on a full stomach, there’s no space for the air). At the same time, it moves laterally (outward) and causes the rib cage to expand to accommodate the lungs as they expand. When we breath out, the diaphragm moves upward and compresses the bottom part of the lugs, causing the air to escape. At the same time, it lets the ribs to get back into place, which causes them to compress the lugs and squeeze out the rest of the air. During normal respiration you don’t have to think about any of that. Thank God! Image what it would be like having to breathe consciously all the time. For now, let’s stick to breathing consciously during singing. Why we need to know how to use the diaphragm consciously I once talked to a choir singer, a very nice tenor with a gentle voice, who told me that he was trying to expand his breath by squeezing his abs inwards as tight as he could. He could not understand why his air supply was not getting any bigger. What he didn’t realize was that by squeezing his abs, he wasn’t getting more air for singing, but instead he was pressing out the air he already had inhaled faster and in an uncontrolled way. That had as an effect for his air supply to finish faster. But what should have he done instead? How to breathe with your diaphragm You can not have a lot of air to turn into sound, unless you actually breathe in a lot of air. So first thing to do when breathing for choir is to utilize those 7/8th of your lugs by lowering your diaphragm and making it expand latterly. This will allow you to fill the bottom part of your lungs with air and take advantage of all the space in the abdominal cavities. Pay attention to your shoulders. When you breathe correctly your shoulders should not move upwards. Observe someone who’s short of breath. They take short abrupt breaths that make their shoulders and chest move upwards. Many times you’ll see choir singers do the same thing while singing, as well as close their eyes and swing from side to side trying to convey feeling in their music. All these movements could be nothing but detrimental to good singing as they deter one from concentrating on controlling their breathing. how to breathe with the diaphragm Now, remember what we said about the diaphragm and exhalation? The normal function of the diaphragm after inhalation is to press the air out. But as singers we don’t want to waste our air. We need to be as economical as possible. So, once you inhale, you need to control your diaphragm and consciously make sure you keep it lowered. The secret to having an infinite supply of air when singing is to exercise the diaphragm to stay low, thus preventing it from forcing air out, but at the same time letting just enough air in a controlled and deliberate manner. Exhaling should be controlled by using the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm so that the air that was breathed in is sufficient for all the notes within a phrase. All air should be turned into sound and no excess air should escape while singing. There should always be a surplus of air for cases of emergency. The old Italian master, and my high school conductor as well, used to put a mirror in front of their singers’ mouth when they were singing to check if they were wasting their air. If they did, the mirror would get foggy, else it would remain crystal clear, which meant that all the air was turned into sound. You can try this at home! The diaphragm is a muscle and just like any other muscle in the body it needs to be exercised in order to perform as desired. Initially, you might have trouble keeping your diaphragm low and controlling your exhalation, but as you continue to use it during rehearsals, it will become stronger and you’ll start having better command of it. Some of my upcoming posts will talk about the 3 golden rules of breathing, as well as include breathing exercises for strengthening your diaphragm. You don’t want to miss them, so subscribe to my monthly newsletter or to my feed to learn more about breathing and to get posts about singing for choir delivered to you. 1. No. The diaphragm isn’t the issue. It’s the ineer muscles of your larynx which you need to strengthen in order to have full control on the amount of air you’re letting your vocal cords. • Hi Al, thank you for your observation. This is an interesting idea. I hope this is not something you’ve heard from a voice teacher. Unlike what most people might think, it’s not the larynx that controls air. Think of a piston pump: it’s not the sides of the pump that control the inflow of air/water but it’s the piston that goes up and down. By tensing your larynx muscles (in order to strengthen them) you actually prevent yourself from singing the best you can because you pull on your vocal folds. Best case scenario, you get a sore throat and a coarse voice after singing. Worse case scenario you pull too hard and tear your vocal folds. I would refer you to rock stars, but look at Adele and how she raptured her vocal folds. So, ideally, you want to keep your larynx muscles as relaxed as possible. • How do I do that?? Plzz teach me man! 2. Thank you for this very simply, yet detailed explanation of proper use of the diaphragm. I recently began teaching voice. I’ve had years and years of singing and doing this action just became natural. I found it very difficult to explain to my students how to do physically what is needed to control their breathing. This was extremely helpful. Thank you again! 3. Hi! I just discovered your blog and just wanted to share how much I enjoy it. I find that the way you explain these concepts to be very helpful and easy to understand. Now to put them to practice when I sing in choir. Thanks! 4. This is an excellent article, and I’ve gone on to read the article about the golden rules as well. I couldn’t find the article with the exercises though. Keep up the good work. Please write an article containing some exercises on keeping the diaphragm low. 5. Hi! I have a couple of questions to ask. I like singing. I practically sing 24/7. But when I sing, I feel like I’m squeezing my voice out of the back part of my tongue. It feels really uncomfortable. I googled my problem, and some said that I should use my diaphragm, not my throat. I got confused because I thought I was using my diaphragm. But then I thought, maybe I was doing it the wrong way. So I googled my second problem, and saw that some said I should breathe through my nose, and some said I should breathe through my mouth. At that point, I was completely confused. I searched more and more until I found your blog. I thought your blog was awesome and really detailed. So I decided to tell you about my problem. What is the right way to sing with your diaphragm? Please email me the answer: margauxestonilo@yahoo.com • Hi Margaux, check your email. • I have the same problem as well. Could you also help me with this? My e-mail is haiiiifive@gmail.com • I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. Thought I was alone on this. After singing for a few minutes my throat tenses up and it just becomes an issue. Can’t even record. • Hi, could you please help me too? i have this same problem, i am so confused on not know how to breathe with it, my throat gets so tired. • I, too, would love the advice on singing using diaphragm properly, instead of through the throat. Thnx! • I have this same problem i find my recorded Sounds so bad to me and i was also told to use my diaphragm and thus i am confused as well. My email is goodwin.laura@hotmail.com please reply through there thanks • Hi NadiyaFirstly I must tell you that I am Delwyn’s sister, the loelvy Ben’s Aunt. I have heard so much about you sorry we have never met. i love Ben so very much and really enjoy seeing him. You would be very proud of him.I am enjoying the breathing. I am a chronic through the mouth breather and also I have had major probs with sinus so it is a slow process just to trust breathing through the nose. Still working at it.I work professionally as a Counsellor in a secondary school and also able to share this with my students and my colleagues.Kind regardsCarol • I have the same problem too.. i need your expertise on this. my email is martian_keanu@yahoo.com. thanks • Hi Carol, how wonderful to hear from you! I’m sinedng you a personal email too. Thanks so much for your feedback. Both Linda and I are passionate about learning to breathe well and the difference it makes to quality of life. We want to get Breathe Well to as many people as possible, so any help is much appreciated.Big hug to all of you in NZ.Nadiya 6. Power Preciision . Anyways, good blog! 7. AutoFill Dan Robinson Hi the name is dan and I sing for a hard rock group. I don’t do any screamo stuff just power type vocals. I have been finding it more and more difficult to complete our shows as it seems like I run out of air and then am unable to hit any rangeat all. I’ve done some studying and am sure the breathing technique I use is probably in affective. But I can’t tell when I try to move my diaphragm, or control it, if I’m doing it correctly.also I’m a 25 year long smoker, and yes I know its a bad habbit, but could this be causing so much problem that I wouldn’t be able to do any better vocally. • Hi there Dan, There are a few reasons why you might be running out of air, not all related to smoking. What I’ve seen with most rock singers is that they tense their neck, mouth, and face muscles a lot when singing. This is the number one reason for a sore throat after a gig. Even if you use your diaphragm correctly, a tense throat could somewhat cancel out all the good work that your diaphragm might do, and of course, it can potentially result in vocal fold nodules, tearing, and other such issues. So, the first thing to do is make sure, your neck, throat, face, mouth muscles are relaxed. I understand that most times you’ll want to communicate intensity through your face, but at least, make sure your neck is relaxed. Then again, your diaphragm might now be controlling your air properly, therefore letting more air out that you need for singing, which results in shortness of breath. There are a couple of exercises to help you out with this. You can inhale air and then saying a shhhh try to prolong the exhalation as possible. If you’re doing it correctly, it should feel as if your belly is filling with air. Then again, there’s smoking which does decrease your lung capacity. When I was about your age living in Europe, I had picked up smoking, too, for a very small period of time. I had to quit for the same reason you’re describing. It would feel as if my lungs couldn’t fill with oxygen anymore and as if there was something in my lung cells that was preventing air from settling there. It had become hard to sing as well and I was feeling that even my range was being affected. I would recommend seeing a throat specialist to determine if your vocal folds are ok. If you can, you might also need to take a break from singing for a few weeks to give your body a chance to recover. I hope this helps! • Hey Dan. Two things. First, if you’re serious about singing, quit smoking. Come on, I don’t have to say why. Unless you want to sound like Mel Torme or Bobby Shore. Two, learn to relax while you sing. Don’t make it a fight, but go with the flow. Relaxing your neck and keeping your head level, relaxing your abdominals and obliques and you will feel air just pour in each time you stop singing. You won’t have to take a breath, it’ll just happen. If you hear a whoosh as you inhale, you are not relaxed enough. Properly done, no one will hear you breath! Practice this, and it’ll take time to get it right, and your voice will last all night. Forget all this business about the diaphragm, it has very little to do with how much air you can take in or out. Good luck! 9. Hi! Great article. I used to be able to feel my diaphragm lowering and my body getting full of air, and I kept it down while singing. I had no problems. But now, just were te diaphragm is located, I feel like a knot there that cuts the air and I cant lower it as much as I try. Any advice? Thanks! • Hi Pete, There are a couple of different reasons why this might happen, but they are not serious, so not to worry. One is that your stomach might be too full, so it’s hard to breath. Another reason is that you might be a bit stressed and your intestines are “flexed” so they can’t get compressed by your diaphragm to create more space. In general, try to sing with an empty stomach and you should be fine. And of course, if you sing on an empty stomach and it’s still hard for you, then talk to your physician. I hope this helps, 10. Hi 🙂 I really love singing, but it frustrates me that after singing, my voice becomes coarse. I’m not sure if I’m using my diaphragm wrongly, but I think the mee compelling reason would be my control of the larynx. I feel like everytime I want to make my voice more powerful, I tense up & exert pressure on my larynx muscles instead. Also, this pressure on my larynx also occurs when I’m trying to bring my voice to a controlled higher or lower pitch. I’m guessing it’s because of this, my voice becomes coarse after singing. Which is why although I love singing, I don’t want to sing too often because I don’t want to damage my voice. Any suggestions on eliminating this problem? 11. *more compelling, I mean 12. The misspellings in this article really need to be corrected. • This article should have been written in Chinese…correct spelling or not, there are over 6 billion people whom are unable to read it. 13. Hi Olga, I’ve really fallen in love with this article, i love it. Just like Annabel, i love singing and i sing soprano but ta the end of it, my voice becomes coarse which is so frustrating, at one moment i thought that with a lot of practice it could get better but each that passes by its still the same, what should i really do? 14. Hi I love this article cos have been learning how to sing from my diaphragm and am finally getting it.one question,when I breath in air, while singing do I have to put pressure on my diaphragm to hold the air or I have to let it out each time I sing a phrase.or does the air leaves out naturally even if I have pressure on my diaphragm please help 15. I am not a singer, but I went to the Dr. for shortness of breath. They did a cat scan and found my diaphragm has moved up into my right lung. Is there any exercise that can help move it back to where it belongs? • Hi Valerie, I am not writing to you with a reply but want to ask if you have had any treatment for your diaphragm, my husband ha sjust had a scan because he had trouble breathing and they have found the exact same problem that you had. His diaphragm has moved up into his right lung. The doctors don’t seem to know how or why this has happened wjich is why I would love to know how you have been treated and if the problem has been sorted. Thank you for your time Valerie. 16. Hi, actually when i breath with my diaphragm the air quickly goes out leaving me struggling with the notes,so please tell me what to do,and how to know my voice type, please. 17. i wish this article explained more on HOW to use the diaphragm. which abdominal muscles need to be engaged? what is meant by breathe “low”? does the stomach draw back in at least a little after taking the deep breath? I guess these things are hard to explain with words. but to be honest, I have watched a hundred videos on breathing and they are no better. nothing online is helpful so for the people who want to self-teach… don’t bother 🙁 18. Hi! I’m just wondering about the mirror excersice. How close is the mirror suppose to be in relation to the mouth? 19. Ok, I am really shocked at some of the information being presented here in this original article. Let me say this first: If is physically IMPOSSIBLE to consciously control the diaphragm. It is an involuntary muscle. Telling people they can control it is false and irresponsible. Now, what IS possible to do is for a singer to feel expansion in their rib cage and relaxation in the lower body on inhalation so the diaphragm has room to fully expand. The goal on exhalation (in this case, singing) is to maintain lung expansion while the air is traveling up out of the lungs (and passing the chords, which make the sound) and maintaining a steady stream of air. The trick is to maintain this sense of expansion WITHOUT locking the body. I could go on, but I will stop. I enjoy some of your articles here, and some of the things you are saying above are true, but the terminology you are using in regards to how the diaphragm functions in the phonation process is clearly wrong on so many levels. Diaphragmatic breathing is not good breathing. Appoggio, balanced breathing is. Using the right language is important or we are just encouraging more bad habits. • Don’t understand the premise of this comment. Is there no such thing as “taking a deep breath”? How does a singer produce softer or louder notes if not by controlling the diaphragm? 20. The main idea of this article is to breath correctly. Breathing correctly can really benefit your singing. How you breath impacts on how much air you are using and if you breath correctly you will get a better sound and better tone. Some people work on this skill by singing in the mirror to see or notice how your stomach is moving and if you are havering good posture. • “Breathing correctly can really benefit your singing.” No, really? What a concept, lol! Here’s my problem with the original blog post: if this is about breathing correctly for singing, the the author owes it to her readers to demonstrate a basic grasp on human anatomy and how it functions. She clearly doesn’t. It doesn’t mean that singing in a mirror doesn’t help, or that watching your stomach moving, having good posture etc are all bad things to do. But if you don’t even know what the heck you are to look for to breathe properly, you’re just reinforcing bad habits. 21. INGLÉS to regard us know this is the correcatas benificiar Reverse for our singing. 22. Hello, I too have a problem, I sing soprano, at the beginning of our choir session, I am able to hit most the high notes then my throat tightens and I just can’t reach them anymore until my voice is rested on music in a lower key. Please tell me how to prevent my throat from tightening. I am using the diaphragm breathing now consciously. 23. Hi, I have trouble with this. I’ve taken voice lessons, and my teacher had always told me the information above; to watch your back when you breathe, to let as little air as possible out when you sing, and such. But, I’ve always had problems applying it! I’ve tried making my abdominal area hard in an attempt to keep air in, but that isn’t working. And, I’ve also tried singing in the back of my throat to try to keep air in my mouth. Another issue I’ve had is that I’ve always sung low, alto-tenor notes, and with the correct method of breathing and such, but, now that I’ve been placed in Soprano, all of my “correct singing” has gone down the drain! Is it my range, or is there still fault in my method? Thanks for this article, by the way. 🙂 24. So we must fully utilise our air, but how?:( When I try to do that, I tend to “pull my sound backwards”. 25. Thanks for the info and for sharing; Jesus Christ Bless you! 🙂 26. thank you for this information on beath control. Very clear and easy to follow. 27. Hi, I am an alto in a community chorus. I tend to run out of breath very easily and have to breathe sneakily in the middle of a phrase. I can’t seem to get a full breath using diaphragmatic breathing and find chest breathing easier. We sit during choir rehearsal most of the time, so I cannot stand. Do you have any ideas on how to make diaphragmatic breathing easier? • not your best effort but a trckiy subject i’d like to see more, i think that worrying about rhyme kind of killed it.but hey, i am an idiot when it comes to poetry, my criticism shouldn’t count for much.my strentgh is brute logic, in any debate with you i will win all the battles but gladly lose the war.the world would suck if the absurd did not carry the day.and a good choice of graphics, again.(think of replacing Even if it’s false—it’s true! with something that aims for the same mark but sounds less, ahem, wieselian, not an ode to lying in order to achieve some sordid end, you don’t need tarring with that brush) 28. I’ve been complimented by many on my voice and everyone believes I should make it a professional care choice, but I just don’t feel like I’m good enough. I have practically tried everything, I have even had my own band, but that was years ago. I really want to get back into singing again, but I just don’t feel I’m material for it. I need to improve. I can hit some pretty low notes and high notes, but when I sing along with music I just can’t feel in the gaps or either can’t keep up because I’m either too fast or way too slow. I feel I’m way off key from where I should be. I like to sing all genres of music as well as listen to them. Any tips? 29. I’ve always been breathing like this. 30. Hi Olga I’m really having a hard time putting this on practice, I’ve searched in many websites how to breathe properly with my diaphragm and how to to sing. But I just can’t get there. Could you help me? 31. I never sang before and would like to try. do I need to push my stomach out like Santa Clas to fill my lungs. thanks I was confused about using the diaphrem, what I read seemed to be telling me to breathe into my diaphem, which seemed to me impossible as the lungs would get in the way now I understand that its the lungs that need room to expand its the lungs which need to be filled. I will attempt using this method and see if it works. AND how can I keep my voice from cracking, will more air help? thank you for clearing up my confusion about the lungs/diaphrem 32. You said – “Exhaling should be controlled by using the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm so that the air that was breathed in is sufficient for all the notes within a phrase” This is quite vague explanation for one to get a good grip on the specific actions that are needed to be in place, naturally, so that the air streams out on every note, in a controlled manner… Can you explain the exact physical methods to aerate well throughout singing. 33. This article is basically incorrect. Your diaphragm pushes air out of your chest, not in. it is your oblique muscles together with many other smaller muscles between the ribs that lift the ribcage, allowing air in. If your ribs did not move, it would be impossible to take a breath, despite working your diaphragm until you were literally blue in the face. All 24 ribs must move in order to take a breath. By the way, look at a diagram of the human thorax. You will see that the diaphragm is a large, flat muscle that separates your thorax from your abdomen and is actually UNDER your lungs. It is the abdominal muscles that tighten into that coveted six pack, but that muscle only causes your chest to contract, and it is NOT recommended for singers to work this muscle overly. Most of the lungs are no where near your diaphragm, as they run clean up to behind your clavicles. This is not my opinion, just knowledge I have gleaned in my own singing career. To check the scientific research, check out “The Alexander Technique” and also the work of Chrissellene G. Petropoulos and you will see what I mean. I have used these methods and understanding of breath control and it has made me a superior singer.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 North Korean Hackers Crash South Korean Systems? This story helps to show how dependent our society has become on the internet and on computers in general. Previously I posted an article on how the US government is protesting apparent hacking sponsored by the government of China. The US claims that Chinese hackers have been stealing information from various US businesses and government offices. Now the South Korean government is blaming North Korea for potentially hacking into South Korean systems in order to disrupt services at banks and media companies. The article: Vocabulary to help you understand the article: to be paralyzed - if a person is paralyzed, it usually means he/she had an accident and cannot move part or all of his/her body. If a system is paralyzed, it cannot be used. Basically, to be paralyzed means a person can't move or something is no longer usable. a hacker - someone who illegally enters another person's or groups' internet or computer systems to crash a system - if your computer 'crashes' it stops working. If a system crashes, it stops working. In these two examples we used 'crash' as an intransitive verb - a verb that doesn't take an object. "Crash" is also used as a transitive verb, taking an object: They crashed various computer systems. This means they took measures to force these systems to stop working. to disrupt - to interrupt, to cause problems with a coordinated attack - this is an attack which is well-planned so that a number of goals can be reached at one time. to pinpoint - to identify something precisely; to be able to point precisely at a cause to decline to do something - to refuse to do something; to say that you will not do something to speculate on - to think about the causes of something; to guess suspicion fell on - this is an idiomatic usage. If you suspect someone of doing something, you think he/she did something, so your suspicion falls on this person. to dispatch - to send inexplicably - without explanation, unexplainably. If something is inexplicable, there is no explanation as to why it happened. a halt - to stop doing something is to halt doing something; a halt is therefore a stoppage. intensive - very deep, thorough, strong discord - the opposite of harmony; if there is discord between a couple of people, they are arguing to circumvent - to go around something; to avoid something propaganda - this is information provided by a government to make the government look good. It is somewhat true and somewhat false information. For instance, let's say a government is run by a dictator. His government might create movies or news stories showing how happy the people of the country are. yet, many innocent people might be in jails being tortured. sanctions - these are regulations meant to harm the economy of a country which has violated international law to impose - to place upon, to put on. a regime - a long-term government system that is anti-democratic provocation - to provoke, to cause trouble; provocation is the causing of trouble to unleash - this word is used often in newspapers. A leash is something that a person puts on a dog when the dog is taken for a walk. If you have a mean dog and you unleash him, he might attack someone. So to "unleash" something is to let something wild go so. A government can unleash its army, for example, and the army will attack another country. infrastructure - everything that makes up the basics of a society. vulnerable - to be at risk; if you are vulnerable you are not safe. to collide - to crash into, to smash into to be immobilized - if you are immobilized you cannot move 1) What do you think should be done about these apparent cyber-attacks from North Korea and China? 2) Do you think it would be justified to start a war if a country launched a massive cyber-attack which was designed to paralyze your entire society? 3) Do you think that South Korea should retaliate (get revenge) if it is determined for certain that North Korea attacked their internet systems? No comments: Post a Comment
Fort Kyk-Over-Al Fort Kyk-Over-Al is located at the confluences of the Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers. The fort was established on a 6070 square metres (1.5 acres) island bordered by the three rivers. It was the second Dutch trading outpost in Essequibo; the first was located in Pomeroon and was established in the late 1500s. The first outpost at the location, many historians believe was built by the Spanish but there are a few who dispute this claim and believes that it was actually built by the Portuguese . This structure was then replaced by the Dutch, circa 1616, with a permanent building and was outfitted with small guns. The outpost was named Fort ter Hoogen, after an influential Dutch businessman. The first commandeur of the fort was Adrian Groenwegel (1616-1624), who aided in the construction of the outpost. The fort’s name was later changed to the Dutch phrase ‘Kyk-Over-Al’ which means to ‘see over all’. By 1716, Fort Kyk- Over-Al was overcrowded and new buildings for colony officials were built at other locations nearby. One example is a building built at Cartabo Point which is located at the conjunction of the Mazaruni and Cuyuni Rivers. The structure called “Huis Naby” (House Near-by) accommodated the commandeurs of the fort along with other officials. By 1739, attempts were being made to move the outpost to Flag (Fort) Island. By 1748, the fort was abandoned completely and most of the buildings were demolished.
There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of Placebos to treat patients. Some people think that as long as the patients well being is improved, then the practice has achieved its purpose; others think that it is deceitful, unethical and illegal. But as with all with all things man-made, the question and answer often lays with the individual experience it. What is the Placebo Effect? To fully understand this phenomenon, we need to first understand what a ‘Placebo’ is. Placebo, which is pronounced ‘pluh-see-bow’, comes from Latin meaning ‘I will please’ is a ‘medicine look-alike’. This is a substance that looks just like your regular pill but is in fact not medicine at all. Often Placebos are sugar based substances, hence the associated name ‘sugar pills’. In a typical placebo setting, the recipient does not know that they are getting a placebo. Although this form of treatment is often associated with pills, it can take many forms (injections, procedures and liquids). Placebos do not have any active ingredients that directly affect whatever illness they are being prescribed for, but they look just like the real thing and often have the same therapeutic effects. Think positive, and positive things will happen.The Placebo Effect To understand the Placebo effect fully, you need to be tuned in to how much effect the mind has on the human body. When a patient goes to see their doctor, they trust that their doctor will figure out what is ailing them and prescribe the right medication to alleviate and bring to a halt the symptoms that are affecting them. Once they start taking their medication, many of these patients begin feeling better and most of their symptoms tend to disappear. This is mostly due to the fact that their prescribed medication has active ingredients that work towards relieving those symptoms. But as much as real medication may be effective, sometime they just don’t work. Not because they are not functional or because they are not the right kind of medication, but because the recipient refuses to accept that they may actually work. It is a murky line between actual science and belief. This is where the placebo effect comes in to play. power of thinkingThe placebo effect takes place when what the patient expects to happen happens. 1 out of every 3 people who receive placebos as part of their treatment actually report improvements in their symptoms and sometimes even full recovery. This is credited to the body’s self healing powers and the minds self fulfilling prophecies. Because the recipient expected the drugs to work, their bodies comply with this and begin to self-heal. That is the power of the placebo effect. But, of course, with such great power comes a flip side of the very same coin. Just as the hopeful recipient expects to get better and does those who expect that their medicine will not work often end up in a worse state. This is true for real medicine as well. As we all know, most medicines have side effects. If a placebo recipient expects their medication to affect them adversely, then most of the time it will. This effect is referred to as the ‘Nocebo Effect‘. How the placebo effect works It is not fully understood how the placebo effect works but researchers tend to agree that it has a lot to do with the connection between our minds and our bodies. But it is not all just fictitious assumptions. There have been studies which showed actual brain activity when placebos were administered to the subject in question. Nocebo Effect It is also believed that it has a lot to do with the release of endorphins and other self serving hormones that make this effect so powerful. Especially in ‘pain-relief’ placebos. However, the placebo effect is mainly attributed to what is referred to as the ‘expectation effect’. This is to say that the patient will experience whatever it is they expect to experience once they take the drug. It is akin to ‘Faith’. If you expect to get better then you will get better and vice versa. This is true even in real medicine and so is the opposite. If a patient who takes real medicine does not expect to get better, more often than not they won’t. But just because a patient gets better when they take placebos does not mean that their symptoms were not real. Placebos often change a person’s perception. If you are taking stress relief medicine and you get a placebo instead, just because your stress will be relieved does not mean you were not actually stressed. It means that your perception of the situation has changed, which leads to the drop in stress hormones and thus your stress levels.
Daily Readings • Sharebar Dhamma as medicine In the Middle Length sayings of Gotama Buddha, it has been recorded: "The Buddha is like a physician in that He is able to heal sickness of the defilements. The dhamma is like a rightly applied medicine, and the Sangha with the defilements cured, are like people restored to health by the medicine." Ego and Desire The feeling of a separate "I", which we call ego-consciousness, is directly related to the strength of ignorance, greed, and hatred. The deepest meaning of ignorance is the believing in, identifying with and clinging to the ego, which as we have seen, is nothing but an illusive mental phenomenon. But because of this strong clinging to ego-consciousness, attachment/desire, anger/hatred arise and repeatedly gain strength. Dhamma is a way of life Religion, as is ordinarily understood, binds one to such untenable beliefs as a Supreme Creator, immortal soul, eternal heavens and hells. The Buddha Dhamma is free from such beliefs, dogmas, superstitions, and speculative theories. Hence, it cannot strictly be called a religion. The Dhamma is essentially the teaching of cause and effect (Hetu phala vada). Art Of Ancient Buddhist Chant (Paritta) This article is intended to clarify the nature of ancient Buddhist chant, and its significance to the admirers who are truly interested in inner peace and relaxation through melodious Buddhist chant. The ancient Buddhist chant has not been prevalent, even unknown and unheard, in the Western world although it has been a popularly daily cultural and spiritual exercise among the practitioners of Buddhism in Buddhist countries. However, later in this century, the westerners are slowly beginning to draw their attention to this ritual and spiritual practice. The concept of Dependent Arising paticcasamuppada.... The concept of Dependent Arising paticcasamuppada can be considered as the central philosophy of Buddhism. It expresses the content of the Buddha's enlightenment experience. It is the concept in terms of which the fundamental teachings of the Buddha can be explained. The Buddha himself emphasized its central importance when he said that he who sees dependent arising sees the dhamma. The Madhyamaka system of Buddhist thought developed its interpretation of the Buddha's teaching entirely on the principle of dependent arising. Cakkhupalatthera Vatthu Manopubbangama dhamma manosettha manomaya manasa ce padutthena bhasati va karoti va tato nam dukkhamanveti cakkamva vahato padam.
Maya No Mystery to Her Thursday, November 19, 2015 In 2001, I traveled to the Belize-Guatemala border to report on UCSB archaeologist Anabel Ford’s many discoveries at El Pilar, the Maya monument complex she uncovered in 1983. That’s where she developed revolutionary theories that threatened to rock the academic world, namely that the Maya did not “disappear” due to an overpopulation cataclysm, but merely dwindled with time. Instead, Ford found that the Maya proudly persist in Mesoamerica; that they use the surrounding forest as a sustainable, civilization-supporting garden like they have for millennia; and that the use of fire is a critical part of that farming, not indicative of a widespread “slash-and-burn” culture that so many believe contributed to their demise.
Understanding The Essential Components Of Proper Nutrition 1. cookingstar profile image58 cookingstarposted 6 years ago It takes a lot more to understand what nutrition really is than eating certain kinds of foods, especially after the introduction of the new food pyramid that has made the number of choices with regard to dietary intake much more complicated and the confusion is further compounded when you are bombarded with prime time specials that aim only to tease your mind into believing clever marketing ideas. To understand the true meaning of nutrition requires more than being convinced by clever marketing campaigns and in fact likening the functioning of the human body to that of a car assembly plant would make far more sense. Thus, at a car assembly plant, more and more parts keep steadily entering it and the correct parts need to be put in the right places in the right ratio to one another to ensure that the plant continues to run smoothly. In fact, if any one or more parts are missing, the cars produced would not be able to perform their intended functions and though a temporary shortage of a part can be tolerated, if it were to take place over say a month, the results would be disastrous. Missing Parts Similarly, when understanding what nutrition is, you would need to look and see what would happen when cells in the body had missing parts? Nourishing the cells is done by consuming adequate amounts of food, and if cells fail to get the proper raw materials, the body would not be able to carry out its vital functions. The sad part of it all is that the food that we consume today does not really contribute to providing proper nutrition to the cells in our bodies and so it requires consuming nutrient supplements that will help to ensure that the cells are provided with proper amounts of nutrition. However, at the same time it is also certainly necessary to eat foods that contain enough vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and plant sterols and even glyconutrients which will help to provide our bodies with proper nutritious content. These items can thus be considered as being vital to proper nutrition and though they need not form the bulk of all food that is consumed, it is enough if they are present in small quantities so as to help the cells perform their proper function. Thus, vitamins and minerals, plant steroids, antioxidants and glyconutrients when present in small quantities will make up the critical parts that will keep the cells functioning properly and because the body does not store extra nutrients, there is no need to consume too much of these items. In effect, vitamins and minerals are used in the form of enzymes as well as are catalysts that help make chemical reactions in a person’s body. Finally, when considering what nutrition is, you need to ensure that you are consuming all of these four vital components that will help your body gets proper nutritious content and also keep the body well balanced and allow the cells to function properly. 2. matherese profile image60 mathereseposted 6 years ago Did you publish this it is useful! 3. matherese profile image60 mathereseposted 6 years ago Did you publish this it is useful! 4. White Teeth profile image59 White Teethposted 6 years ago If by "publish" you mean copy someone else's work and re-post it here...
Trans4mind Home Page Free Life Assessment Results Discover Yourself! Explore Article Library Essential Tremors By Jim Boxley Have you ever seen people in public whose hand or hands shake?Have you thought to yourself, they must have Parkinson`s or maybe they had to much to drink? Sometimes you may even make fun of them or try not to be around them. Each day you get up and brush your teeth, button your shirt, tie your laces, and can hold a cup of coffee, but people with advance tremor can only do this with great difficulty. Most people with the disorder don`r even have a social life or go to great lengths to hide the shaking, they avoid holding anything or will use 2 hands,but most avoid doing anything that would draw attention to themselves. In public or around strangersmost will avoid eating and drinking until they can do it unobserved. Essential Tremor (ET) is the most common form of tremor. ET was called benign tremor but there is nothing benign about it. It is often mistaken for Parkinson`s, and can affect people of any age. This is being written to enlighten and inform people of the disorder. The disorder will usually get worse with age. Today there are more than 20 different kinds of tremor, so don`t be misdiagnosed. ET can be involuntary, oscillating, wobbling, rhythmatic, or a movement or shaking of your head, arm, hand, or torso or a combination of these. It can occur on one side or both sides of the body. Common types of tremor are: resting, postural, task specific, Essential and Parkinson`s. A family history will be present but not always. Millions of people are affected by tremor in the US alone. ET is a neurological disorder that is more common with the aging but can be present at any age, with mine it surfaced at the age of 17. Defining ET: Posturial tremor occurs in the arms and hands during action and noaction or drugs known to cause are present. Head, voice and neck tremor may or may not be present and no other known factors causing this are present. ET causes uncontrollable shaking of the hands, voice, torso, head, legs and other parts of the body and will increase in severity when trying to perform an action of any kind. Many different drugs are available to treat ET, such as Propananol, Premadone, Sotalol, Atenolol and various others. Before much was known about the disorder even valium was prescribed because it was belived to be"just your nerves",some medical people still believe this because they don`t know about tremor. While the different drugs will help, they will not completly do away with the symptoms but will help manage them and improve the daily lives of those affected. As time goes by the drugs will have less and less effect and dosage will have to be increased, as in my case, years went by and maximum dosage was reached without effect and the new surgery was opted for. When all else fails to control the disorder you can fall back on surgery with brain stimulators, which will interfere with or block the bad signals the brain sends and therefore helps the tremor to not happen. With deep brain stimulators you can lead a more normal life and even work jobs you were afraid to try before. The surgery sounds scary but the procedure, while being a little uncomfortable and with the fact you have to be awake during the proceedure, isn`t as bad as it sounds, and when you see the results a couple months later you know it was worth it. If you have the disorder or know someone who has seek out a neurologist who has traing in this field. In my case a neurosurgon was found who was also teaching the subject in our local medical school. This type of surgery has less complications than other surgery and is also reversible. The older treatment involves cutting away part of the thalmus. Copyright (c) 2005 Jim Boxley - All rights reserved. View all the Hypnosis Downloads here Copyright © 1997-2017 Trans4mind Ltd
Dismiss Notice Join Physics Forums Today! Potentials and curl 1. Oct 23, 2008 #1 I'm trying to get a picture of magnetic potential, as in how to relate it to spin precession. (So have I got the right picture so far?) Classically, B is measured as the derivative of curl (which is a circulation integral) "around" a conducting current (that is, perpendicular to the direction of current I). Gauss' Law says the field is divergence-free, which means it circulates linearly, and the integral is just BL, for any circular integral along a circumference L, of a potential around say, a 1-d current in a wire. Einstein and de Haas tried to measure precessional forces to explain magnets, by envisaging electrons as being in orbits and precessing, as a gyroscope does in a gravitational potential. It didn't quite explain magnetism because it didn't allow for Pauli's exclusion principle that 'admits' two electrons, which share an orbital; magnetic forces are in fact related to electron's spin angular momentum, not their orbital momentum. Or electrons rotate "in place", rather than orbiting like gyroscopes. Aharonov-Bohm phase precession is due to a magnetic potential in a curl-free region, which rotates the spin precession angles in a divided beam of electrons. It looks like a bump for 1/2 the beam, and like a dip for the other 1/2. One spin phase shifts up or 'squeezes' over the dip, the other shifts down or 'expands' over the bump in potential. The phase-difference is preserved, as momentum carries the matter-wave to a detector. So it's about how to relate the geometry of a magnetic field (potential) to the geometry of spin in electrons. Is potential just equal to the precession angle, since a change in this angle, will change the local potential gradient? It's a question (I think), of seeing the geometry and topology involved. The algebra is the really tricky bit with complex quantum spaces with a dimension of [tex] \mathbb C^{2n} [/tex]. Anyways, there's this somewhat dated article in a '81 SciAm about the A-B geometry and neutron spin-precession. Quite an interesting geometric picture; they relate geodesics (over an inclined conic surface) to parallel transport, then what a "path-lifting" does, and so on. You can relate the observed patterns of interference to the topology and geometry of spin precession. Spin is a 'component' of the Schrodinger wavefunction(?), and charge is too(?), whereas position and momentum are another component, or IOW the wavefunction is a "mixed wave" of spin, charge, and mass wave components? There's a major difference between the A-B experiment and neutron interferometry, wrt to the magnetic field applied, since the neutrons cross classical field-lines, or do not travel through a curl-free region, but see a field that rotates the precessional angle, over time, whereas the electrons see just a potential and preserve a single phase shift? Have I left something out of this picture? 2. jcsd Can you offer guidance or do you also need help? Draft saved Draft deleted Similar Discussions: Potentials and curl 1. Delta potential (Replies: 10) 2. Periodic potential (Replies: 2) 3. Gaussian potential (Replies: 7) 4. Potential in QM (Replies: 2) 5. Infinite potential (Replies: 1)
Đang Thực Hiện C Program Simple The assignment: Develop and submit an original implementation of a MAC address lookup program. The user will be presented with a screen and will be prompted to enter a MAC address (with spaces between each of the 6 hexadecimal numbers) to be searched for. After data entry, the program will open a MAC database file ([url removed, login to view]), and search for the MAC address. If the address is found, the program will respond with a message indicating that the MAC is white-listed and that the device can be connected to the network. If the MAC address is not in the file, the program must display a message indicating that an unauthorized connection was refused. If the [url removed, login to view] file is missing, an appropriate error is displayed. • This assignment must be written in C and must compile and run on BA computer lab PCs using Quincy 2005 v1.3. Build options must include Strict ANSI/ISO compliance, C99 support and must compile with no warnings when the All Warnings option is selected. • Your code must have appropriate comments including your name and student number, the name of the .c file, the purpose of the program, brief explanations of variables and explanations of any code which is not obvious to another • All code may be placed in the main function. • Use a do…while loop to input the MAC and to check the length of the inputted string. If it is in an acceptable format (6 hex numbers separated by spaces), accept the MAC. • Use fscanf as part of a while loop to read the MAC addresses from the file. Detect the end on the file using the return value from fscanf. • Within the loop use an if test to compare each of the 6 parts of the typed MAC address with the 6 parts of each MAC address read from the file. Set a variable and exit the loop (break) if the MAC is found. • Use an If test to see if the MAC was found in the file. Provide appropriate messages to the • Before calling scanf(), call fflush(stdin); to empty the keyboard buffer (Windows only) <stdio.h> conversion specifiers for hexadecimal numbers (for use in printf, scanf, fscanf) %X a hexadecimal number of any length %2X 2-character hexadecimal number See the makeIPV6 function (assignment 1) for code which prints unsigned int numbers as hex numbers. Kỹ năng: Lập trình C Xem thêm: fscanf mac address, simple program mac address, windows c programming, while loop c programming, variables in programming, variable programming, variable in programming, string search in c, string programming, string in c programming, string c programming, simple file database, simple computer programming, set in c, search string in c, search string c, search c string, search character in string, scanf c programming, program of computer, programming variables, programming variable, programming program, programming loop, programming keyboard Về Bên Thuê: ( 1 nhận xét ) melbourne, Australia Mã Dự Án: #1047376 Đã trao cho: ready to [url removed, login to view] PM. $35 AUD trong 0 ngày (41 Đánh Giá) this is simple task. i can do it. $30 AUD trong 1 ngày (0 Đánh Giá)
Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Babylonian Jewish Diaspora and R1b ht-35 Some times Western European R1b y-dna is called R1b-Ht15 and is distinguished from a more Eastern variety of R1b called R1b Ht-35 (also known as R1b-Z2103). There is some speculation about what people this group of Ht-35 originates from. Some speculate they are Greeks others Armenians. Some have noticed a larger amount in Turkey/Armenia areas and the Iraq/Iran area. In fact this group of R1b Ht-35 represents the Babylonian Jewish diaspora that occurred after the destruction of the Temple around 460 BC (not 586 BC the date of the Accepted Chronology of Modern Academia). According to Velikovsky the so-called Hittites were in fact Babylonians or Chaldeans and Turkey was their homeland from which they conquered the area in Iraq known as Babylonia. Thus it makes sense that the Babylonians took many of the Jews to their homelands in Asia Minor (Turkey/Armenia) and to Babylonia (Iraq/Iran). Only about 10% of these Jews who were the more devout Jews returned to Israel under Cyrus' decree and were part of the Roman diaspora of Jews, the rest spread out into other lands and many of them assimilated to the surrounding cultures and later with them became Christians. This Jewish origin fits the wide dispersal of R1b Ht-35 better than a Greek or Armenian diaspora though many Greeks and Armenians are descendants on their direct male lineages from these Jewish descendants of the Tribes of Judah and Levi (and the priestly House of Aaron). The Roman diaspora included many of the Samaritans of J1, J2 and E ydna hapologroups who had assimilated with the Jews who were paternally descended from Judah, Benjamin and Levi. Due to modern academias reliance on the theories and frameworks of Darwinist scientists they are unable to read the dna evidence in its correct historical light which is distorting the origins of different ethnic groups which are often contrary to the past written and oral sources of these cultural groups. Sunday, November 20, 2016 Genetics, Out of Africa and Antarctic City Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Ancient Origins: Hunters, Farmers and Metal-Age Invaders of Europe??? Recently family tree dna has put a new feature on their family finder section that apparently tells you what percentage one's dna comes from Hunter's and Gatherers, Farmers and Metal-Age Invaders and non-European ancient origins. I think this feature is pretty ridiculous and worthless for understanding one's family origins. Apparently I have only 12 percent Metal Worker origins and my double first cousin has only 10 percent. The R1b y-dna of Western Europe belongs to Metal-Age Invaders. Both my grandfathers belong to R1b and I find it hard to believe that we have such a low percentage of Metal-Age Invader ancestry. The so-called Farmers seem to be associated with G ydna of which I have 42 % and my double cousin 41% according to familytree dna. The Hunters and Gathers seem to be associated with I ydna which I apparently have 46% and my double cousin 49%. Of course I as one who follows a non-evolutionary interpretation question the datings and the identification of these ancient Europeans but even if one accepts an evolutionary interpretation (as does Eupedia) something seems to be wrong. I was pleased to note that the author of Eupedia is also questioning these percentages he is seeing. He states on his forum: "Interesting initiative, but when I see the results (mine and those posted here), their percentages for the Metal-age invaders seems completely off for everyone. ...I have been explaining that their Metal-age admixture, despite expressly claiming to represent Yamna Steppe people, does not represent Yamna admixture at all, but rather South Asian + West Asian admixture. We end up with Middle Easterners having three times more presumably Yamna admixture than Northwest Europeans, which is utterly ridiculous." I hold that those of I y-dna in Europe are the ancient Royal Assyrians who became the Sarmatians and Vikings descended from one of the clans of the ancient Atlanteans descended from Ishmael's son Massa. The G y-dna are Nahorites or ancient Syrian farmers who may have come into Europe before the R y-dna of the ancient Israelites of the steppes. The Syrian farmers may have entered Europe before 500 BC and the Metal working Israelites of the steppes after 500 BC. However both the Atlantean I and R1b (U106) were in Western Europe before 500 BC. The R1b L21 Gaels didn't come to Western Europe until around 300 BC. The rather simplex divisions of Europeans into three groups of Hunters and Gatherers, Farmers and Metal Age Invaders is entirely inaccurate and misleading. These so-called Metal Age Invaders are linked to the Samara, Khvalynsk, Maykop, Leyla Tepe and Yamna of R1b and R1a and are totally incorrectly dated to the 6th to 5th Milleniums BC rather than in the period between 600-100 BC and are the cultures of the exiled paganised northern Israelites. The R1a Josephites were exiled to the Samara area of the Volga River while the R1b Leahites were in Azerbaijan (Teyla Tepe). Bodies from Khvalynsk II (around 400-200 BC) have been tested with a Leahite R1b man who is maternally H2, a Josephite R1a man who is maternally U5 and a Benjaminite Q1a man who is materally U4. This also demonstrates that females of H2, U5 and U4 were most likely part of the original Israelite people. It would seem that the R1b man whose paternal family probably came from Azerbaijan had a Milesian noble mother or grandmother descended from Nimlot or Nilius the Milesian Prince of Thebes and his wife Asenath (Scota) a Princess of Judah and daughter of King Zedekiah. Bell Beaker and Corded Ware Cultures: Who are they really? Y-dna and mt-dna Trees from the Family of Noah
Category: quantum cryptography China Just Used a Quantum Satellite to Send Data from Space to Earth Quantum Leap For Communication In a huge first for China and the world of quantum communication, researchers at the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) project have used a quantum satellite and quantum cryptography to transmit data to Earth from space. This data is potentially unhackable, thanks to quantum key distribution (QKD) technology. This was the first such transmission from the satellite, which was launched in August of 2016. Today, encryptions are based on traditional mathematics. For now, they are mostly safe from hacking, but quantum computing would be able to completely change encryption as we know it now. Therefore, China is hoping to use transform encryption using quantum cryptography, and QKD technology in particular. QKD uses photons to transmit data, allowing two users in different places to, together, produce a common string of random bits called a secret key. Image Credit: Chinese QUESS Research Team Image Credit: Chinese QUESS Research Team This kind of encryption is unhackable because there is no way to copy a photon in a precise enough way for hacking purposes, and measuring a photon would disturb it, clueing in the users about the disruption. An Unhackable Future This technology could have huge implications in cybersecurity. Businesses would be safer online, and e-commerce would be free of problems caused by hacking and identity theft. The tech would also make it far more difficult for governments to spy on private communications — something that global leaders and agencies around the world have a vested interest in. China’s breakthrough transmission traveled about 1,200 kilometers to Earth from space, making it up to 20 orders of magnitudes more efficient than an optical fiber of the same length would be. This transmission is also much further than the previously understood limits of several hundred kilometers. This advancement is part of China’s overall push to become a major presence in space by 2030, a plan that includes reaching Mars by 2020. China envisions a future with ground-based QKD networks and a global satellite system interacting to form a powerful, worldwide secure network. This transmission is the first step toward making this vision a reality. The post China Just Used a Quantum Satellite to Send Data from Space to Earth appeared first on Futurism. Physicists Take One Large Step Towards Proving Quantum Entanglement New Loophole-Free Bell Test Closing Loopholes The post Physicists Take One Large Step Towards Proving Quantum Entanglement appeared first on Futurism. China’s New Quantum Communication Network Will Be “Unhackable” Securing the Internet Favoring Entangled Particles Over Numbers This is the Fastest Internet on Earth Click to View Full Infographic Physicists Develop Method to Send Secure Messages Using Quantum Memory A Quantum Future In a rather remarkable demonstration, physicists from the University of Science and Technology of China and the Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications have developed a way to use quantum memory for quantum secure direct communication (QSDC). They published the results of their experiment in the journal Physical Review Letters. Whenever one encounters the word quantum, it’s not uncommon to feel a bit unsure of what it means. Since quantum refers to the smallest types of matter — usually particles — the concept shouldn’t be too fundamentally difficult to explain. Quantum physics, in essence, deals with “the physics of the small.” Other theories or applications describe some behavior of particles. Quantum communication, the exchange of information using quantum particles, is one such application. QSDC is a secure form of quantum communication; what’s commonly known as quantum cryptography. “Quantum communication provides an absolute security advantage, and it has been widely developed over the past 30 years.” the researchers wrote in the study’s abstract, adding that “[QSDC] promotes high security and instantaneousness in communication through directly transmitting messages over a quantum channel.” Usually, QSDC protocols rely on fiber delay lines to transmit information, which have their limitations. The use of quantum memory, however, may be able to break through those limitations. Long Distance Quantum Communication As quantum communication is more secure, physicists have been working on ways to extend its usual reach. This requires quantum memory, which would allow it to effectively control information transfer in the quantum networks of the future. One method for quantum memory relies on using entangled photons. Entanglement is a quantum state that allows for particles to be linked even when separated by huge distances. In the case of quantum memory, the particles would be stored to establish entanglement between separated memories. Researchers have demonstrated the necessary steps in a QSDC protocol: generating entanglement, having a secure channel, and the ability to distribute, store, and encode the entangled photons. To bypass the usual difficulty in decoding entangled photons, the researchers opted for an alternative method that was easier to implement. While they were able to demonstrate QSDC effectively using quantum memory, the researchers hope to extend its distance further: perhaps up to 100 km (62 miles) if not more. Quantum teleportation and entanglement have already been shown to be capable of bridging such distances. This would be an important step to realize the future of long-distance, satellite-based and global-scale QSDC for a more secure transfer of information around the world. The post Physicists Develop Method to Send Secure Messages Using Quantum Memory appeared first on Futurism.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010 I Know the Answer, What's the Question? I note that I've been neglecting my duty of exploring and explaining proverbs and phrases recently, and I'm back with an absolute cracker. As the title might suggest, it's easier to talk about the origins of this phrase than it is to talk about what it actually means, yet we use it all the time. After today, though, you'll be able to work out whether it's being used properly. Get ready to have your brain tickled, because here comes... "It's the exception that proves the rule." See? It's a very common little saying, I'm sure you'll agree. I'd put good money on you having used it before. However, should I ask you what it means, would you be able to tell me? You might have an idea in your head, and there's more than one answer you could give. Let's have a little look, and see what's going on here. At first glance, your reply might be that the statement doesn't make any sense. After all, you can't have exceptions in a rule, can you? If you do, you certainly haven't proven the rule. On the contrary, you might as well throw the whole supposed rule in the bin. Well, don't be so hasty. If you've ever thought to talk about it with a learned English teacher (and I'm under the impression that there are a few reading this), you'd probably get an answer like this: The problem here lies in our understanding of the word "prove". Naturally, we take it to mean something like "show for certain". That's blameless enough, it's pretty much the only common use we have for it. There is, unfortunately for you, a lesser known use of "prove". Yes, it can also be used as "to test/trial something". A "proving ground" is a place where you test yourself, not a place where you make yourself certain. If you do want proof you exist, read some Descartes. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" means that we can only test a pudding by scoffing. It's easy to see how you might have thought otherwise, but you know better now. Now, that's a very nice answer, and it deals with most of the problems with our original phrase. Luvverly. Alternatively, it has been argued that it isn't the word "prove" we're messing up with, it's "exception". This is the brain busting bit, so bear with me. In this instance, "exception" doesn't mean that the rule has been broken or tested, but simply ignored. I'll try an example. To begin with, we need a rule: "I'm usually at college in the week." Bingo. Now, imagine that I make the claim "I don't have to go to college this week", and it happens to be true. Here, we're not putting the rule to test. I'm not trying to fight against the college, this is simply an irregularity. In the same way, it isn't proving that the rule's true or false, it's doing something else. By being this kind of "exception", it's demonstrating that there is a rule, and that it's simply being ignored. I suppose you have to consider a "rule" as something that doesn't have to apply. It's not a law. I could skip college whenever I wanted, the only downside being that my teachers probably wouldn't appreciate the cough artistic symbolism in my actions. I'm going to keep this post relatively short, then, so I don't have to put a health warning at the top. By all means, read through it again, get confused, and leave a comment to query me. To sign off, you'll notice I haven't gone into the origins of the phrase, which is a kind of self-imposed rule for posts I set myself when I started. Does this, as an exception, prove that rule? I'm not sure myself any more... (P.S. It first came to to be of note English in the 17th century in a legal document, but with very similar phrases being used a hundred years previously. I couldn't help myself!) No comments: Post a Comment
The Adventure of English From DocuWiki Jump to: navigation, search [edit] General Information History Documentary narrated by Melvyn Bragg and published by LWT in 2002 - English narration [edit] Cover Image: The-Adventure-of-English-Cover.jpg [edit] Information The Biography of a Language [edit] Birth of a Language We are going to delve down to the roots of the language and deduce its history - and in that one sentence we hear words from four different sources; delve from Dark Age Anglo-Saxon, root from Danish invaders, language from medieval French, and deduce from Renaissance Latin; four of the main - but not all - contributors to the richness of modern English. [edit] English Goes Underground We see how England was ruled for three centuries after the Conquest by a French-speaking king and court which used Latin for their official business. English was the language of the peasants; a third-class tongue in its own country. [edit] Battle for the Language of the Bible This is the story of how English became the battleground in the fight for men's souls. The medieval church establishment kept the Bible in Latin, while those possessing an English translation risked death. We see the impact of printing on the English language, and how that fixed many of the anomalies of spelling and grammar that still make English so difficult for students to learn. [edit] This Earth, this Realm, this England Visiting the England of Queen Elizabeth the First shows how naval enterprise and foreign trade brought scores of new words into the language. Scholars were bringing new Latin terms into the language, and there was a movement to stop this and keep English 'pure'. Shakespeare combined the languages of the common people and the aristocracy to take English to new heights and to invent so many memorable words and phrases. [edit] English in America Following the English language on its journey overseas and tracing the story of how the language of the British Isles became a language for the world - the most widely spoken and understood vernacular in history. In America the language of a small group of seventeenth-century English immigrants only survived through the most unlikely coincidence but America was to develop a vigorous new vocabulary, and to spread it around the globe. [edit] Speaking Proper In eighteenth century Britain, the first English dictionary was produced. A cohort of grammarians imposed new rules on the language. English continued to change and develop and the way people talked and the words they used became a badge of class and breeding and social death could result from dropping an h' or using an inappropriate word. [edit] The Language of Empire Traveling to parts of the former British Empire, we see how English met other cultures and other languages, and was enriched by them. We travel to India to see how English began as the language of a few hundred pioneer merchants and became the force that unified an Empire of a thousand tongues. In the Caribbean Bragg discovers how a whole flock of new English dialects grew out of a mix of European and African influences, and in Australia he traces how the slang of transported convicts grew in confidence and finally escaped from the shadow of Standard English. [edit] Many Tongues Called English The concluding episode looks at how in the 20th century the rise of America as an industrial power has made it the driving force behind the global spread of English. The English language is now used by more people than ever before in history. As cultural influences affect the way people use English and new words come into everyday use, how does the Oxford English dictionary the greatest repository of the language keep up with developments. [edit] Screenshots [edit] Technical Specs Video Codec: XviD MPEG-4 codec Video Bitrate: 1860 KB/s Video Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Video Resolution: 704 x 400 Audio Codec: FAST Multimedia AG DVM (Dolby AC3) Audio BitRate: 192 KB/s (CBR) Audio Channels: 2 Ch RunTime: 00:50 Framerate: 25 FPS Number Of Parts: 8 Part Size: 744 MB ea Encoded by gavin63 Subtitles: No TV Cap Source: DVB [edit] Links [edit] Release Post [edit] Related Documentaries [edit] ed2k Links Added by Gavin63 Personal tools
Why Are Ghettos Bad? Examining the Role of Educational Experiences Delia Furtado, University of Connecticut Stephen Ross, University of Connecticut Robert Bifulco, Syracuse University Relative to whites, African Americans that reside in highly segregated metropolitan areas have worse education and labor market outcomes than those that reside in less segregated areas. This paper examines the extent to which cross-metropolitan differences in school environments can explain this empirical relationship. Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 merged with the Common Core of Data, we test whether racial differences in school exposure to single-parent families, standardized test scores, African American teachers, and English as a Second Language (ESL) students can explain the negative impact of residential segregation. We find little evidence to support the idea that the negative impact of residential segregation of African Americans operates through its effect on school environments. This suggests that segregation harms African Americans primarily because it concentrates them into neighborhoods with low levels of income, human capital or related endowments. See paper Presented in Session 160: Residential Segregation and Labor Market Outcomes
Dear Parents, Welcome to a new school year. Usually a new school year means nervous mornings and lots of adjusting. Hopefully by working together we can ease some of the new class jitters. As your child’s teachers, we intend to give every child all the guidance we can to prepare him/her for the fifth grade. This year we will be working on many wonderful activities. These activities will promote growth and independence in our students. Your children will be role models for the rest of the school, since they are outstanding fourth graders. In order to have a successful year, please ensure that each child has the following supplies: -8 Marble Composition Books -6 2- pocket folders -2 packs of Post-its -Glue Stick -1 boxes of Pens – Black or blue ink only -2 boxes of #2 pencils -1 pack of loose leaf paper -Small Pencil Sharpener -2 Boxes of Tissues -liquid Hand Soap -1 sandwich size box of Ziploc bags We would appreciate it if you can purchase these supplies as soon as possible. We are eager to begin working on our projects; As well as, feeding our brains with knowledge. We look forward to starting the new school year on a strong leg. Sincerely your Fourth Grade Teachers, Ms. Lim & Ms. Tripoulas Unit 1A theme is “Becoming Researchers” Students will be learning to how to observe the world around them as researchers by identifying and discussing the text. Anchor Text Tarantula Scientist, Sam Marshall, by Sy Montgomery. Readers will be able to identify and analyze the point of view, features, and text structure of narrative nonfiction texts. Common Core English Language Arts Learning Standards: R.I.4.4 Determine the meaning of and use academic and domain-specific words in a text R.I.4.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details in the text. arachnologist- scientific study of spiders and related animals pedipalps- second pair of body parts; appendages arachnids- small creature such as a spider, that has eight legs and a body with two parts invertebrates- animal that has no backbone
Share this content on Facebook! 05 Aug 2016 The Growth of Christianity You can find three main related factors that contributed to the increase and increase of Christianity, and finally its success. They were a mixture of political, social and economic factors. An upswing of early Christianity continues to be the main topic of much debate and historical analyses. I'll be wanting to simply outline and discuss some of the main social factors that cause an upswing of Christianity. new testament Christianity have come on the right time, toy trucks where life was uncertain and lots of circumstances can't be controlled like the barbarians invading; fires residence whole cities and plagues killing off lots of the population, regardless of whether you were rich or poor it made no difference, life in the Greco-Roman world was very fragile and short. Endurance has not been great and also the average person lived until across the age of 30 or even even less. Life span was suprisingly low and just what could possibly have drawn pagans was that the Christian religion and doctrines offered hope and certainty inside the afterlife and even some personal divine protection nowadays. These new doctrines would have seemed appealing to pagans, when there was clearly growing discontent with pagan practices along with a general spiritual unrest. Like Christianity the Roman Religion was for your ordinary man but interest was waning and the mystery religions were much too complicated for the common Roman, thus the people's choice was probably be Christianity. Christianity also offered desire to a usually pessimistic society that considered that their destinies were fixed, to be in the Gods' favour as well as to be from the, without having hope of redemption. Christianity offered a different with all the much desired chance of salvation. Christianity was primarily an urban movement, in these urban centre's Christianity grew at the steady pace, the cities of cities like Antioch, were very condensed with individuals roughly there were 117 people per acre. In comparison to modern cities nowadays this can be rather overcrowded. The overcrowding was so extreme, entire families were living together in single room apartments; this left little personal space and allowed everyone to know one another's business. Considering the fact that urban centre's were dramatically overcrowded understanding that early Roman Greco cities had minimal sanitation or sewerage on the average apartments people would often just throw their bodily waste out your window of the apartments on the streets. Starks describe your situation in these urbanized areas as: Given limited water and means of sanitation and also the incredible density of humans and animals, many people inside the Greco-Roman world might have lived in filth beyond our imagining. Apartments and condos were often Smokey, dark, damp and constantly dirty. The air was filled with the aroma of sweat, urine and faces. Onto of these conditions the rodents and bugs were everywhere in these apartments. The city streets were not much better that they had open sewers, animal manure and crowds from time to time it turned out so bad there were dead human corpses abandoned within the streets. When cities were in the constant condition of filth, insects and crowding, disease was rife over these conditions, specially when these Roman societies did not have any antibiotics or understanding of germs. Often plagues would strike and physical illness was probably a part of way of life. An example of it was your analysis of human faeces that were found in a cesspit in Jerusalem showed a lot of tapeworm and whipworm eggs, which shows poor sanitary conditions where humans often entered experience of human faeces. Christianity revitalized the clear way of life in Greco-Roman society offering telecomutting saves gas, which handled a few of the consequences of urban problems. Charity and hope was provided to homeless as well as the poor, often the cities were full of newcomers and strangers and Christianity offered a lengthy family plus a base for attachments along with effective nursing services when in disaster, that were often attributable to plagues, earthquakes and fires. Christianity's attitude towards society and it is social impact greatly led to the development and success from the church. The church was particularly well-known for its acts of charity, it's quite possible that this charity itself was the most influencing factors on the expansion of Christianity. The church offered this charity to every one, including pagans and Jews. By the third century the Church was taking good care of 1000 five hundred widows in need of funds. The church itself was well off and according to Eusebius, by the year 251 the church in Rome supported the bishop, 46 presbyters, 7 deacons, 7 sub deacons, 42 acolytes and 52 exorcists, reader and doorkeepers, but also more than 1500 widows and needy persons. The churches obvious financial stability leads it to be popular and yes it successfully expanded because it helped those who work in need, it offered help and frequently individuals were changed into Christianity on account of the kindness and a spotlight they received. Although Roman Empire had some charitable services including the bread dole, Christian charity far outweighed the state's charity. Through the first century on the fourth century there is government enforced persecution of early Christianity, though not constantly. Persecution and martyrdom has been a symbol of great and bad Christianity, which often shows in the event the movement was attracting attention from the Roman state. Such emperors that instigated severe persecution were Decius and Diocletian. There was sufficient numbers of Christians in North Africa for martyrdoms to get noticed, one of these martyrdoms were Perpetua and her slave girl, Felicity who had been thrown towards the lions from a trial. Tertullian wrote that "the blood of Christians is seed" which are often misquoted as "the blood from the martyrs may be the seed with the church." Tertullian may have been saying this as they thought that martyrdoms created new converts or could have strengthened the church. The Roman Empire desired to exterminate this new religion as quickly as possible plus it seems it tried at first to exterminate every Christian they could find but later under Decius they started new ways to try and exterminate Christianity one of many ways was by treatment of clergy as well as the bishops and in addition extracting lands and churches through the Christians, irrespective of rank while forcing these phones sacrifice to the states pagan gods or perhaps punished severely with torture, exile, slavery and often execution, determined by numerous reasons and also the time of persecution. This would have had to present this new religion much publicity, especially if it turned out from the circus arenas being killed by wild beats could have been creating attention, it appears many would have seen these peculiar people ready to suffer excruciating torture and also die for his or her God and religion, this will need to have left the pagan with something further to take into account and consider if they were happy to die for his or her pagan gods. The Christians may even have won converts in certain areas, because of their courage in the persecutions, the effectiveness of their faith along with the support they showed each other, Tertullian declared that pagans had exclaimed from the arenas during martyrdoms "See how these Christians relative another" this indicated the social nature of the Christian faith. The persecutions also created apologists we were holding those who can be writing looking to convince the police they had done no problem, choice . Emperors read these long letters of apology no one knows, it appears rather unlikely however one could suggest State officials having read these letters of apology. Another part of Christian growth was that Christianity and it is friendships formed from the inside of the Church lead to its successful growth because people that became a Christian felt that they were to fulfil the fantastic commission as taught by Jesus and the apostles and they also were to pass the material onto their friends, this in many cases led to a detailed knit community this also was appealing in the era in the event it was expected person to look after yourself. On this Greco-Roman era religious and social life was greatly interlinked. It turned out taught from the church that when Christian travellers came from not in the city or were strangers to an alternative city, Christians would provide their requirements and provide shelter to these Christians, this became not merely taught from the teachings of Jesus but additionally by the apostle Paul. In order that it was a bonus to become a Christian since there was always help and social networking sites that may give you support within a large empire. It turned out such as an nuclear family where ever you went from the Roman Empire. Eusebius writes the Christian missionaries were so inspired from the Holy Spirit that they can saw mass conversions occur, this may also be considered a contributing factor. Christianity also gained some favour in society due to its improvement in the treatments for women, and yes it elevation of their social status. Christianity taught that marital unfaithfulness a single partner as serious as with one other understanding that in in accordance with the New Testament, husbands should treat their wives by using these consideration and love as Christ manifested for his Church, though women were still considered homemakers and wives. It's thought that Christianity made its way into the aristocracy in Rome back then over the influence of their wives. The Greco-Roman world was quite different woman had less rights than men. It turned out an incredibly male orientated society where male babies were wanted and feminine babies rejected this led to infant side of female babies. Some excavations have realized a huge selection of babies bones within an underground sewer viewed as female babies. It wasn't uncommon that ladies were offered in marriage before they had reached puberty to older men and the cultural custom could be that the women were the property with the man, either the father or the husband. Women played a major role during the early Christian church this might have been since they received more rights from the Christian community in comparison to women within the Greco-Roman world. We view in some early writings regarding the persecution of Christians that numerous more females clothing were stored or found than men's, more than double, this could suggest there have been far more females than males in the early church. If this describes factual that there are a great deal more females than males in early church then which allows for many secondary conversions. Secondary conversions are ones that are a consequence of another person being converted due to the first conversion, for example a woman is converted however after that her husband is converted which probably do not need occurred if your woman wasn't originally converted. Christian doctrines were against abortion and infanticide. This might experienced some effect on the birth-rates of Christian woman compared to their pagan counterparts. Multiplication of Christianity also involved Christian writings after the 1st century the writings of Paul and the apostles of Jesus have been spread sporadically over the Roman Empire. Apart for that early apostolic writers, others go about advocating, defending and propagating Christianity. Justin Martyr who lived around Ad 100-160 would have been a Christian teacher and philosopher, he wrote creation second apology. There have been many subsequent Christian writers throghought the first a lot of the church, most often they were well-educated, including Origen, Tertullian and many others. Within the pagan mystery religions only the elite could see the sacred and secret texts, in Christianity often the Gospels and Paul's epistles were read out aloud for all those to hear from the church, this could have appealed to the pagans when contemplating an alternative in further religious observance. The Christian writings also acted as a means of spreading the Gospel message around town, often reaching more than the Roman Empire itself. Overall there are numerous factors that led to the success of the church. The taking care of widows, poor people and also the sick, the Christians attitudes to death, when confronted with martyrdom, better equality among women and men as well as the treatment of slaves, all of this made a direct effect on society were these things were rare. Christianity was less inclined to succeed by ordinary standard of expectation however it did with the Christian use of charity and it is simple guide to salvation. We can't say or indicate one cause and voice it out was the only real good reason that Christianity was obviously a successful religion; the reasons mentioned make a substantial cumulative case for your rise of Christianity. new testament There isn't any comment in this page yet! Do you want to be the first commenter? New Comment Full Name: E-Mail Address: Your website (if exists): Your Comment: Security code:
Friday, July 12, 2013 Bataan Death March The Bataan Death March. April 10-15, 1942. Starting from Mariveles on April 10, some 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war were force-marched to Camp O'Donnell, a new prison camp approximately 65 miles away. The prisoners, weakened after a three-month siege, were harassed by Japanese troops for days as they marched, the slow or sick killed with bayonets or swords. Filipino civilians on the side of roads who offered food/water to the soldiers, were also killed instantly by Japanese officers. Thousands died from disease, starvation, dehydration, heat prostration, untreated wounds, and wanton execution. 5,000-10,000 Filipino soldiers died during the march; and about 1,000 American soldiers died. The only place where the POW’s were allowed to drink was from a small dirty stream filled with maggots and a decomposing human corpse in the water. When the March ended, any POW who survived was forced onto a train and sent away to a Japanese Prison camp, where many more would be tortured, killed, or die of hunger and thirst. Soldiers who successfully reached San Fernando alive, were soon held in prisons. Those who lacked behind or refused to leave behind their possessions were executed. The Bataan Death March was a very important event in history for various reasons. The march exemplified Japan's militarism, great determination, and perseverance to become a leading power during war time against the United States. The immense brutality the Japanese inflicted upon Filipino and American soldiers only created more tension between the nations. Japan's nationalism and strong military contributed to the cruelty they imposed upon their enemies. Also, this event altered Americans' views of the Japanese. Thus, Americans directed their hatred towards the Japanese people, resulting in future conflicts between the two nations. However, their cruel techniques did not always guarantee success. A few more Filipino and American veteran survivors of that fateful days of suffering are still around today and live to tell their harrowing experience. - simoun (image: google / article: To commemorate this event, there are two Ultramarathon races held every year with 102km and 160km distance and strict cut-off time. I did the 102km this year and it was truly unforgettable! My race experience: BDM 2013 Edition My experience as support crew: BDM 2012 Edition Those people willing to take the plunge, can now register for the 2014 edition via No comments:
Birth of French Philosopher Rene Descartes Hot Birth of French Philosopher Rene Descartes Rene Descartes Source: Wikipedia Timeline of History History Topics History of Philosophy French philosopher Rene Descartes is born at La Haye in Touraine, France. Rene Descartes will be widely regarded as the "founder" of the modern age of philosophy because he challenges and questions all of the traditional systems of thinking, most of which were founded upon Aristotle's ideas. Although Rene Descartes will come to be seen primarily as a philosopher, he will also publish many book on pure mathematics and in scientific fields like optics. For Descartes, philosophy will be an integral part of other fields like math and science. He likens philosophy to a tree: the roots are metaphysics, the trunk physics, and the branches individual fields like mechanics. Rene Descartes will believe in the unity of all knowledge and all field of human study. Everything is linked and everything depends upon a proper philosophical grounding, but the "fruit" comes from the branches of science. Three Minute Philosophy: Rene Descartes Powered by JReviews Today's Major Events Monument to German Freethinkers is Rejected in Texas Manifesto Released by Mormon President Wilford Woodruff on Abandoning Polygamy 12 Amendments to Constitution Adopted by First U.S. Congress Peace of Augsburg Ends Religious Conflict Between Catholic & Protestant Rulers March History Calendar September History Calendar
Why is the sky blue? We can think of light as being a wave of energy, and different colours all have a different wavelength. At one end of the spectrum is red light which has the longest wavelength and at the other is blue and violet lights which have a much shorter wavelength. Why is the sky blue? Shorter wavelengths (violet and blue) are scattered the most strongly, so more of the blue light is scattered towards our eyes than the other colours. You might wonder why the sky doesn't actually look purple, since violet light is scattered even more strongly than blue. This is because there isn't as much violet in sunlight to start with, and our eyes are much more sensitive to blue. Why does the blue fade towards the horizon? You might also notice that the sky tends to be most vibrant overhead and fades to pale as its reaches the horizon.This is because the light from the horizon has had further to travel through the air and so has been scattered and rescattered. The Earth's surface also plays a role scattering and reflecting this light.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 Saturday, November 17, 2012 Locavore: from farmers’ fields to rooftop gardens – how Canadians are changing the way we eat - Sarah Elton Sugary processed foods full of cheap calories linked to increasing rates of obesity and diabetes. Fruits and vegetables whose durability for traveling long distances is more important than their flavour and nutrition. The environmental cost of using fossil fuels to ship food worldwide. The ability to provide food security to a population. These are a few of the issues Sarah Elton explores in her book Locavore as she argues for sustainable local food systems. It was a plastic-wrapped pig cookie covered in pink icing with the words “Made in China” at the end of its list of ingredients that led Elton to question just what was happening to Canada’s food supply system. While thousands of Canadians accept that year round there will be all types of exotic fruits and vegetables in the stores, she found it disturbing that foods were being imported that could be easily made locally. Elton began asking questions and got some surprising statistics in return. Newfoundland grows less than 10 percent of what it eats. Vancouver Island used to produce 85 percent of the food it needed, but that has dropped to 10 percent as well. Industrial agriculture has allowed a modern farm to, per hour of labour, produce 350 times more food than a subsistence farmer would have produced on the same soils. A large amount of the food that feeds Canadians is imported because it is cheaper to produce elsewhere. Elton argues that every country should be able to feed itself through a sustainable local food system, arguing: “Drought in some parts of the world is devastating crops, while storms cause extreme flooding in other regions. If turbulent weather or a severe drought caused grain or rice crops to fail around the world, millions of us would starve.” She also questions what would happen if trade routes were to shut down due to war, environmental destruction, or petroleum shortages and rising transport costs. One issue Canada would face in a local food system is climate. Elton visited what she calls “four-season farms” in Ontario where many farmers are innovating greenhouse agriculture. Greenhouses can be incredibly productive, producing 600 000 pounds of food per acre per year when a single outdoor acre will produce 90 percent less food since it can only produce one crop a season. While greenhouses use a lot of energy for grow lights, the majority of the energy demand is for heat – the energy coming primarily from electricity or coal. Some local greenhouse farmers have found that they can reduce the need for electricity or fertilizer inputs for their crops simply by changing planting times, developing hardy varieties, and using innovative methods such as aquaponics (combining fish farms and greenhouse gardens) which both conserves water and provides nutrient inputs for the crops. Mike Shreiner, leader of Ontario’s Green Party and sustainable food system advocate, says, “We have the technology and the capacity to operate greenhouses in environmentally friendly ways. Now, whether the marketplace allows us to do it on a cost basis is to be seen.” The vagaries of the economy is always a major risk, and, as Elton points out, “no greenhouse is sustainable unless it is economically viable” so as long as imported produce stays so cheap, Canadian greenhouse growers have little chance of contributing to a local food system. It is this same market system that put pressure on Canadian farms in the 1970s and 1980s as first the oil crisis and then a glut in the world food market meant that farms were no longer making enough money to pay the debts incurred as they rushed to expand the size of their farms during the boom years. Thousands of farmers went bankrupt, and farming in Canada never recovered. Farming is no longer the profitable industry it once was, and fewer are entering the profession today. There are fewer farmers than ever trying to feed the largest urban populations ever. Those who have stayed in farming are forced to become innovative business thinkers, and are finding ways to be successful enough to continue. Donald and Viola Daigle are from New Brunswick and their family farm is part of the Really Local Harvest Co-op, which has been credited with saving many farms in the area. As farmers struggled to find stores and restaurants to stock their produced, often selling at a loss, a group decided to work together (instead of competing) to sell their crops directly to the consumer. The co-op developed a mandate whereby members assist each other to increase profits while selling an ecologically sustainable product at a fair price. As well, no member farmer is permitted to sell at a loss. Over time, the co-op’s success grew as the community realized they were getting a better product from the local farmers than the non-local produce at the stores: it was higher quality, better tasting, and that made it worth the extra cost. Larry Yee of the Association of Family Farms in California describes organizations like the Really Local Harvest Co-op as attaching worth to qualities beyond money, “You are producing a different food product that has qualities people are looking for.” Elton argues that food is a personal issue and “by making consumer choices that support the creation of a sustainable local food economy, we are helping to create solutions” and perhaps to “create a new food order”. It might seem simple enough to “vote with our forks” but the effect this has on the global system of industrial agriculture is small. There is nothing wrong with Elton’s advice to shop from farmers markets from local farmers, to buy organic and fair trade, or even to simply avoid purchasing processed foods. However, these cannot be the only thing people do, and are often only possible by those with higher incomes anyway. Buying flour made from locally grown grain will not stop the worldwide overproduction of grain, nor will buying locally grown corn stop the proliferation of processed foods made from the excess corn. As long as farmers must continue to struggle to make a profit it is unlikely that a truly sustainable food system can be developed. That said, Elton’s book is engaging and readable, and gives hope and ideas for the future of the world’s food systems. Sunday, November 4, 2012 The Sea Around Us - Rachel Carson The namesake river of this blog – the Fraser River – is the largest watershed in the province of British Columbia, eventually emptying into the Strait of Georgia 1375km from its headwaters. From there, the river water becomes part of the vastness of the oceans. So few of us have traveled beyond a few kilometres from the shore; even fewer have crossed the ocean by ship. Often our only view of the centre of an ocean is from an airplane. As such, oceans remain places of mystery, inspiring stories of monstrous creatures living in the cold dark deep while challenging scientists to find ways to study their depths. Rachel Carson was enamored of the mystery of the oceans. “The Sea Around Us”, published in 1951, is the second in what is known as her sea trilogy. It is a collection of 14 chapters, some of which were published as standalone articles in prominent magazines such as The New Yorker and Nature Magazine. As a result there is not a single narrative throughout the book; rather the chapters are organized into 3 parts based on themes within. Part 1 explores the origins of the sea, part 2 the movement of water, and part 3 the relationship between humans and the oceans. Carson’s science writing style is poetic and accessible, and she is able to use this alongside the scientific language to draw casual readers into the oceanography and make them care about the water, rocks, winds and tides. Her style is unique, and of a quality rarely seen in scientific writing today. In the section titled “The Changing Year”, which describes what happens in the ocean through the course of the seasons, she writes: The larvae of the bottom fauna have long since completed their development and drifted away to take up whatever existence is their lot. Even the roving fish schools have deserted the surface waters and have migrated into warmer latitudes or have found equivalent warmth in the deep, quiet waters along the edge of the continental shelf. There the torpor of semi-hibernation descends upon them and will possess them during the months of winter. Another thing that makes “The Sea Around Us” so interesting is that, having been published in 1951, many of the oceanographic discoveries Carson writes about were relatively new to her and to science. Unlike Earth’s surface, the majority of which is easily observable, the ocean is not. The pressure of tonnes of water coupled with utter darkness makes deep sea exploration difficult (and expensive). It was only in the 1920s and later that remote sensing technologies developed to a point that the crust in ocean basins could be accurately studied. For example, in the section titled “Hidden Lands”, Carson speculates: One of the most fascinating fields for speculation is the age of the submarine mountains compared with that of past and present mountains of the continents…What of the sea’s mountains? Were they formed in the same way and do they, too, begin to die as soon as they are born? The reason for this speculation stems from the fact that the mechanism of sea floor spreading had not been fully developed and explored until the 1950s and 1960s, after the publication of this book (and, in fact, after Carson’s death). We now know that ocean crust is created at mid-ocean ridges, and destroyed in the trenches near to the continents. As for the age of the oceanic crust, it is much younger than the Earth itself and much of the continental shelf – only around 200 million years old. Or how later, in “Wind and Water”, Carson mentions the 1946 earthquake in Alaska’s Aleutian islands that caused a tsunami in Hawaii, a connection that up to this time was still not fully understood. However, it was after this quake that Carson says “it set people to thinking that perhaps we now know enough about such waves and how they behave that a warning system could be devised”. The United States Coast and Geodetic Survey then developed the method to pinpoint an offshore earthquake’s epicentre and predict the path of a potential tsunami so that communities could prepare. This warning system was used locally as recently as two weeks ago when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake was detected off Haida Gwaii, and within minutes both cities as near as the BC coast and as distant as Hawaii were on watch. Perhaps the most interesting chapter to a modern day reader would be “The Global Thermostat”, an explanation of the connections between ocean currents, ocean temperatures and the climate of continents over the short and long term. To paint this picture, Carson provides examples of historical climate change from such sources as logs of Viking seafarers and Scandinavian fishers of the Middle Ages. Then she makes the following statement, which could have been written today: Now in our own lifetime we are witnessing a startling change in climate…it is now established beyond question that a definite change in the Arctic climate set in about 1900, that it became astonishingly marked about 1930, and that it is now spreading in sub-Arctic and temperate regions. The frigid top of the world is very clearly warming up. The reasons Carson provides for this warming trend include the possibility that Earth is still in a warming trend following the last Pleistocene glaciation, and changes in solar radiation or in tide patterns. It makes sense that natural variation can account for some warming, but since the time the book was written there has been an exponential increase in the rate of warming, primarily due to human factors increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere: burning fossil fuels, ozone depletion, deforestation. If Carson was alive and writing “The Sea Around Us” today, she would most likely have included a discussion of these factors as they would have fit with her ecological philosophy. “The Sea Around Us” remains relevant 60 years after its original publication despite advances in oceanographic research that make some aspects of the book dated. Through her evocative descriptions that interweave history with literature with science, Carson shows how the importance of the oceans to life on the continents cannot be ignored. This book is a strong reminder that the fight for a sustainable lifestyle that minimizes carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and rubbish disposal into the oceans will never cease to be necessary.
Re-discovering Remainders by on October 1st, 2010 numbersIf you are similar to most GMAT preppers, you were probably surprised the first time you encountered a remainder question in your GMAT preparation. You probably remember learning about remainders in third grade, when you learned long division. Your teacher probably told you something along the lines of, “a remainder is what is left over after you divide.” You took your long division test and dutifully noted the remainder each time. You passed that test and finished third grade. The next year, in fourth grade, you are suddenly allowed to use a calculator and remainders disappeared. And you did not see them again until you opened up your GMAT prep materials. Reminder on Remainders So, where did remainders go all of those years? Well, they really did not go anywhere. Instead of writing out remainders, you started using fractions or decimals to indicate when numbers did not divide evenly. The remainders are the numerator part of those fractions – and this is the first key to remember when you see remainders on the GMAT. For example, if you were asked to calculate five divided by two, you would end up with 2.5 or 2 1/2. This is the same as 2 remainder 1, because when we divide five by two, we end up with two 2’s, with a one left over. Two Ways to Think About Remainders This means that when we see a remainder question on the GMAT we have two ways to think about it. One option is to convert to a fraction and work with it as such. The other option is to think of it as what is left over. For example, if we are looking for a number which gives us a remainder of 4 when it is divided by 5, we know that the number must be four more than a multiple of five. So the number could be 9, 14, 19, etc. • Hey good pointers Bret. I always feel using fractions instead of decimals is better because then we have a possibility of cancellation and making the calculations easier. Imagine what would you prefer 1) 0.125 * 1.6 = 0.2 2)1/8 * 8/5 = 1/5 and of course remainders have many other applications as well in more complicated questions thanks again • Bret, what an elucidative and important article. The information you reviewed is so critical to a creating a strong foundation - and especially for understanding Data Sufficiency questions. Also, many thanks for making the article just the right length for stressed out GMAT students. Ask a Question or Leave a Reply
Question Info Type: Multiple-Choice Category: Biochemical Pathways Level: Grade 9 Tags: Ecology Author: gwendolynosborne Last Modified: 6 months ago View all questions by gwendolynosborne. Biochemical Pathways Question View this question. Grade 9 Biochemical Pathways Photosynthesis increases the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and decreases the amount of what? 1. waste 2. gas 3. carbon dioxide 4. air
Skip to content Skip to navigation Close X A cross or a letter X that is either standing alone or framed within a box. This icon has become a standard for closing windows. It was apparently first featured in 1985 in Atari TOS 1.0. The X symbol might be a reference to Batsu, which is a Japanese symbol for incorrect. Surprisingly it wasn't adopted by Microsoft before Windows 95. Apple also didn't use it before OS X. Apple's previous version of the icon was simply an empty box. In Windows the close icon used to be a box with a horizontal bar in the middle. Here's a brilliant article about the history of the close icon as we know it today by Lauren Archer: Here's another thorough post by "Antonio" about the evolution of the title bar buttons: Historical occurrences: Atari TOS 1.0 1985. Classification based on survey 1a data. Privacy policy
Posted on October 6, 2016 By admin With 0 comments The Importance of A Good Night’s Rest The secret to better physical and mental health…SLEEP! Loving Support knows that sleep is not usually the first thing that comes to people’s mind but the importance of sleep is incredibly imperative. Sleep has a big impact on our overall health and well-being whether you’re a child, teenager, adult or senior. Many individuals tend to have a lack of sleep due to stress, kids, noise, pain and many other reasons. How much sleep do we need? Most would say we need 8 hours of sleep and 8 hours has become this magic number. The truth is that sleep necessity varies from person to person. Ways to ensure you are getting enough rest is to set a bedtime although this may seem juvenile you will find it will install discipline in your body. What does our body do while we are sleeping? There is an array of things that occur while one is sleeping. One thing is that our body begins to repair our tissues and encourages growth. Second, you will find that sleeping boosts our immune system, hence why rest can be the best medicine sometimes. We also find that our brains process what we have learned for the day and store memory accordingly. What does lack of sleep inhibit? A lack of anything is usually never good, but lack of sleep can be highly detrimental if not addressed. Lack of sleep has been linked to depression, memory loss, poor judgement and slower reaction time. There is also an increased chance of diabetes, obesity and high blood presser. With so many negative factors why would anyone choses to have lack of sleep. We have a list of tips to help other get enough sleep. Tips for getting a good night’s rest 1 Set a bed time. Yes, Loving Support Services realizes that it seems silly for a grown person to have a bed time but this creates a routine your body will adjust to. With time, this will make it easy for your body to realize its bed time and fall asleep faster. 2 Wind down before bed (15-30 minutes). During the day people’s brain are very active. It helps to have a routine to help calm your active brain. Examples include reading a book, listening to music, meditation, or yoga. 3. Turn off your electronics and focus on your sleep. 4. If you nap during the day limit your naps to 1 nap 30 minutes or less. 5. Eat light meals before bed. When your body is full digestion is slower when lying down and can keep you up in the night. 6. After dinner, cut back on liquids. This reduces middle of the night wake ups and bathroom breaks. Remember it takes the average person 20-30 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re not asleep by that time don’t lie in bed frustrated. Get up and try a winding down activity for around 15-20 minutes then try again. Lying in bed frustrated could lead to tossing and turning all night and sleepless nights. We hope these tips help. Have a good night. Come back next month for our next topic. Leave a comment Required fields are marked * Your email address will not be published.
• Join over 1.2 million students every month • Accelerate your learning by 29% • Unlimited access from just £6.99 per month Extracts from this document... The above preview is unformatted text Found what you're looking for? • Start learning 29% faster today • 150,000+ documents available • Just £6.99 a month Not the one? Search for your essay title... • Join over 1.2 million students every month • Accelerate your learning by 29% • Unlimited access from just £6.99 per month See related essaysSee related essays 1. Hitler and the Nazi Regime - revision sheet. 2. Why was the league so ineffective in dealing with the Abyssinian Crisis? However, the sanctions were not placed upon the essentials for war, iron, coal and oil because Britain and France were worried about provoking Mussolini any more than they had to. 1. Causes of show trials + purges of 1930s. After he won he expelled Trotsky from the party. Trotsky was later assassinated by one of Stalin's agents. Stalin main aim was to transform Russia into a completely industrial country that could compete with the rest of Europe. When Stalin took over Russia, Lenin had completed a few of his 2. Vietnam war Effects on society * Traditional role of the village and the family and the Confucian ideal of the ruler as a superior man of morals had been shattered by urbanisation and consumerism * Identity, associated traditionally with land and ancestors, was lost to many * Youth was alienated from the 1. Hitlers Germany The murder of an archduke, a Hohenzollern on a foreign throne, one flag or another flying over a splinter of border territory, would not be the grave threat to national security in the later half of the 20th century. A common danger made Europe aware of its common heritage. 2. Propaganda in WW1 The poster showed England as a huge and ugly spider with a web encompassing European countries in a menacing way. The proud eagle was used to depict Germany, sitting to the side and not part of this menace. This was designed to stir up feelings in Germany against Britain and 1. Did the Nazi arms economy make war an economic necessity? Abyssinia would be split up with Italy getting the fertile lands and a large area to the south would be reserved for Italian economic advancement. Neither Italy nor Abyssinia was involved in these "talks". These "talks" were then leaked to the press. • Over 160,000 pieces of student written work • Annotated by experienced teachers • Ideas and feedback to improve your own work
Doctors are human, too (AP Photo/Ric Feld) by Erica Cohen Your psychiatrist must be intelligent and motivated to have made it through four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, and four years of residency. However, she has a secret that she hasn’t told anyone. She has severe depression, just like you. But unlike you, she hasn’t sought treatment, and it haunts her every day. Medical students and residents suffer from mental illness, particularly depression and burnout, at a higher rate than the general population. One potential explanation for this disparity is that medical training is rigorous; medical students and physicians often do not have the time to get the help and treatment they need, so their mental health deteriorates. Additionally, physicians are significantly more likely to commit suicide than their counterparts in the general population; male physicians have a 70 percent higher suicide rate, and female physicians have as much as a 400 percent higher suicide rate. According to a 2003 study, only 22 percent of medical students who screened positive for depression and only 42 percent of those with suicidal ideation sought treatment. Study participants cited lack of time (48 percent), lack of confidentiality (37 percent), stigma associated with using mental health services (30 percent), cost (28 percent), fear of documentation on their academic record (24 percent), and fear of an unwanted intervention (26 percent) as reasons for not seeking treatment. Physicians are cultured to show no weakness, that vulnerability is a sign of medical incompetence. Although medical professionals encourage patients to seek help for their problems, admitting that the professionals themselves suffer from emotional or mental issues is often seen as a character flaw. The culture among physicians is to place little emphasis on their own health. Many medical residency programs do not offer sick or personal days, and residents therefore come to work so sick they run to the restroom to vomit in between seeing patients. This cannot be healthy for the physicians or their patients. They work excruciatingly long hours with little sleep, which often results in burnout and depression. A 2009 study found that physicians who sought help for mental illness “reported being ostracized by their colleagues, being seen as weak, incapable or lazy or no longer being seen as a ‘proper doctor.’” Only 40 percent reported receiving sympathy from colleagues, and only 11 percent reported that their colleagues had offered to help. Traditionally, concerns about physician mental health issues have focused on risks to patient safety and resulted in punishment and stigmatization rather than compassion. Although patient safety is of paramount concern, not all physicians who are ill are impaired and a risk to patient safety. In a 2007 survey of U.S. State Medical Board executive directors, 37 percent indicated that mental illness diagnosis alone, without any evidence of impairment, was sufficient for sanctioning a physician. Additionally, career obstacles are prevalent; studies show that “medical students who received psychological counseling were less likely to secure residency positions.” And "[p]racticing physicians with psychiatric disorders often encounter overt or covert discrimination in medical licensing, hospital privileges, health insurance, and/or malpractice insurance.” How can we encourage a physician to get treatment if mere diagnosis could be professional suicide? Medical schools and health care employers must be on high alert for issues related to medical professional mental health issues. They must work to provide the maximum possible resources to health care providers in need of mental health assistance. And it is essential to educate future doctors from the first day of medical school about the necessity of self-care and seeking help. We cannot expect our physicians to adequately care for us if they cannot take care of themselves.
2005-07-03 04:00:00 PDT Kampung Teras , Indonesia -- The bones in the limestone cave had been buried more than 12,000 years when the archaeologists found them. The villagers say they belonged to sinners who drowned in the biblical Great Flood. "The people in the cave were condemned by God years ago," said Stanislaus Barus, 60, his lips stained red from chewing betel nut. "They had lots of sins, according to the Old Testament. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, and the condemned people took refuge in the cave." The Indonesian and Australian archaeologists who began unearthing the remains in Liang Bua cave on the Indonesian island of Flores two years ago have come to a more scientific, if no less sensational, conclusion: They say the bones belong to a tiny, previously unknown species of human. The little people stood 3 feet 3 inches tall and had a brain the size of a grapefruit, the archaeologists say. Making sophisticated stone tools, they hunted pygmy elephants, giant rats and Komodo dragons. They used fire to cook and almost certainly had a spoken language. The archaeologists named them "Homo floresiensis," or Flores Man. Now Playing: • Now Playing Report: Ivanka Trump Used Private Email Account For Official BusinessGeoBeats • "IMPEACH Donald Trump" billboard debuts on Bay BridgeKTVU • Oakland Coliseum conversionSFGate • Trump Once Joked: Ivanka 'Looks Down On Me'GeoBeats Based on the discovery of stone tools elsewhere on Flores, scientists believe the species' ancestors landed on the island east of Bali more than 800, 000 years ago and survived there long after modern humans arrived in the region. Most likely they built rafts to reach Flores, which would make them the earliest known sailors. A volcanic eruption may have caused their extinction around 10,000 B.C. In the search for human origins, some experts call this one of the most important finds of the last century. The discovery challenges the conventional view of human evolution, particularly the belief that having a big brain is an essential part of being human. According to the discovery team, these little people carried out complex tasks with brains smaller than a chimpanzee's. Not everyone has welcomed the discovery. In Indonesia, the October announcement of Flores Man in the respected British journal Nature ignited controversy within the scientific community and sparked jealousy among experts who were not part of the excavation. The discovery was front-page news around the world. Teuku Jacob, Indonesia's pre-eminent paleoanthropologist, accused the Australians of stealing the limelight from Indonesian archaeologists by holding their own news conference, and he challenged the conclusion that the bones represented a separate species. "They are all modern man," declared Jacob, a professor of physical anthropology at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta on the island of Java. In his quest to disprove the findings, Jacob persuaded an Indonesian member of the team to lend him the priceless bones. For months he refused to give them back, and then returned some of them broken, including a smashed pelvis. Members of the excavation team have called his behavior unethical. Now controversy over the bones has derailed further excavation at Liang Bua. The quarrel has prompted the influential Indonesian Institute of Sciences to prohibit digging in the cave, which had been planned for this year and might have produced new evidence in the scientific debate. "We should stop excavation there for a while, to avoid the dispute getting worse," said Professor Umar Jenie, chairman of the institute, which has authority over foreign research in the country. "If we don't have a cooling-down period, I worry that relationships between Indonesian and Australian scientists will deteriorate." The tranquil village of Kampung Teras in the mountains of western Flores seems an unlikely center of international controversy. The village has no electricity, running water or sanitation system. The 400 inhabitants, all of them Christian and most of them rice farmers, live in small wooden shacks with dirt floors. They cook their meals over open fires and wash in the river that runs through the village. No one owns a car. When they leave the village, they travel in a converted truck, usually so crowded that passengers ride on the roof. During the recent excavation, more than 30 villagers got jobs digging with small shovels and hauling dirt from the cave. They earned less than $3 a day. Large vines droop near the cave's entrance, which has grown wider over the millenniums as the hillside above has eroded. Inside, broken stalactites hang from the ceiling, which in some places is more than 60 feet high. Over the last 50 years, Indonesian and Dutch archaeologists found the remains of modern "Homo sapiens" in the top layers of the cave floor. But it was not until excavations in 2003 and 2004 that the Indonesian-Australian team dug deeper and found the bones they identified as Flores Man. The most significant find was the skull and skeleton of a woman who lived about 18,000 years ago: It revealed the species' short stature and tiny brain. The team also found bones belonging to six other little people who lived between 95,000 and 12,000 years ago, a span of more than 80,000 years. The bones of the pygmy humans were taken to Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, on Java. Not yet fossilized, they were too fragile for casting. Instead, researchers took them to a hospital, ran a CT scan and from that made a model of the skull. The age of the bones was determined in Australia using rocks found with the specimens. "On Flores, evolution has resulted in the most extreme morphological changes ever seen in hominids, including the smallest stature and brain size for any known hominid species," said Professor Michael Morwood of Australia's University of New England, a co-leader of the excavation team. Scientists say the pygmies and modern humans overlapped in the region for at least 40,000 years, but no evidence of contact between them has been found. The pygmy bones were uncovered beneath a layer of volcanic ash that is about 12,000 years old. All traces of Homo sapiens in the cave were found above the ash layer. "There are still many problems to solve," said Thomas Sutikna, an Indonesian archaeologist on the discovery team. "How did they survive in the same period with modern humans? Maybe they had contact with modern humans. We don't have information about that." The phenomenon of large animal species "dwarfing" in isolated island habitats is well known to scientists, although it had not been seen in humans. In this process, scarce food supplies give the evolutionary edge to smaller creatures, resulting in the larger species' shrinkage over time. Stegodon, an elephant that also reached Flores more than 800,000 years ago, gradually shrank to the size of a water buffalo. Even as larger species can dwarf in an island environment, the opposite can happen to smaller species. In the absence of predators on Flores, the rats evolved to become gigantic. Locals say the rats still exist and are sometimes caught and barbecued. While evolving its short stature and other unique traits, Homo floresiensis retained primitive characteristics in its jaw and pelvis that set it apart from other species of human, Morwood says. Initial analysis of the skull suggests that the brain may have adapted to become more efficient as it shrank. Excavations elsewhere on Flores have unearthed stone tools dating back more than 800,000 years, indicating that the pygmies' ancestors reached the island before that. Morwood says the extent of evolutionary differences suggests that the species lived in isolation much longer, perhaps even 2 million years. If true, that would rewrite the theory of early human migration around the globe. Because of the deep ocean channels west of Flores, reaching the island even during the low sea levels of the ice ages would probably have required a water voyage, which some scholars have thought beyond the ability of such early humans. The two October articles in Nature announcing the Flores discovery underwent a rigorous peer review process before publication. The main article was signed by two Australians, including Morwood, and five Indonesians, including Sutikna. Soon after, Jacob assailed the team's conclusions, arguing that the Flores pygmies were modern humans and that the skull of the female was small because the woman had suffered from microcephaly, a condition in which the head is abnormally small. Jacob, 75, whose extensive collection of human fossils includes the celebrated skulls of Solo Man and Mojokerto Child, argues that evolution cannot "go backward" and produce a human with a smaller brain. A human with such a tiny brain, he contends, could not have hunted cooperatively, used fire or had a spoken language. "It is less than the brain of the chimpanzee, so it could not be making tools," said Jacob, a former rector of Gadjah Mada University who once served in parliament. "You can't base a new species on one abnormal specimen. This is nothing more than a microcephalic pygmy human." To counter the team's conclusion that Flores Man was a separate species, Jacob began combing villages on Flores for short people in the hope of proving that they were descendants of the cave dwellers. So far he has found and photographed 76 adults averaging about 4 feet 7 inches. None is as height-challenged as the pygmy skeleton. One of Jacob's discoveries is Johannes Daak, who has become famous for being short. Standing 4-foot-1 and claiming to be 100 years old, Johannes is a simple man who is convinced that he is descended from the pygmies. He sees no inconsistency with his other belief that the cave dwellers died in Noah's flood, leaving no offspring. Johannes makes a few dollars by charging visitors who want to take his photo. And who can blame him? He and his family live in a two-room shack whose only furniture is a wooden sleeping platform. Rokus Awe Due, another co-author of the Nature article, argues that Jacob's search for short people is misguided. The pygmies' bone structure is so different from modern humans' that Jacob's current-day examples cannot be the pygmies' descendants, the Indonesian scientist says. Flores Man is not characterized merely by short stature, but by features such as a sloping forehead and recessed chin. "It's ridiculous," he said. "Why do they measure the people's height? Height is not the point. Jacob should measure the brain volume of those people, because the volume is what matters." After the dispute erupted, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences discovered that the Australian archaeologists had never obtained a permit from the institute to dig in the cave. That was required, said Jenie, the institute's chairman, even though the excavation was conducted in partnership with the respected Indonesian Research Center for Archaeology. Jacob says the lack of a permit is a sign of the Australians' lack of respect for Indonesia. "What they have done is actually illegal," he said. Morwood said he believed that the center had obtained all the proper permits. Using his clout in the scientific community, Jacob arranged in November for an Indonesian member of the excavation team to ship the bones of the Flores woman and five other individuals to him in Yogyakarta, 275 miles southeast of Jakarta, even though he did not have authorization from the excavation team as a whole. For months, Jacob declined to return the bones, allowing researchers who had no connection to the discovery to examine them. Jacob, who has been accused of hoarding human fossils for his collection, invited a German researcher to take a sample from a rib and ship it to a German laboratory in the hope of extracting DNA. Critics say that allowing an unaffiliated scientist to take material from the find and send it overseas is an appalling breach of scientific etiquette. Jacob and his researchers also made a mold of the skull, leaving a residue of rubber and scratches on the bone. As a result of the casting, Morwood said, much of the finer anatomical detail at the base of the skull was lost. In addition, a lower jawbone was broken and glued back together at a narrower angle. A tooth fell out, and pieces of bone were broken off. Jacob, who returned all but the leg bones in February, says the breakage occurred during the trip to Yogyakarta. Rokus, the Nature article co-author, sees a more sinister intent. He charges that Jacob was trying to manipulate the evidence, in particular reshaping the jawbone to fit his view that it belonged to Homo sapiens. Jacob doesn't deny reconstructing some of the bones. "We tried to improve some of the things," he acknowledged. "We didn't damage any bones. Actually, we improved some."
What is the meaning of "Blue Winds Dancing"? According to the narrator, what is wisdom? Expert Answers gmuss25 eNotes educator\| Certified Educator The name of Thomas S. Whitecloud's short story is "Blue Winds Dancing," which represents an aspect of nature that the narrator associates with the Indian reservation in Wisconsin. Throughout the story, the narrator dreams of "blue winds dancing" over the mountains and trees. The blue color of the breeze depicts the pure, refreshing nature of the wind, which Whitecloud personifies by mentioning that it dances. The narrator comments that he can "feel" the wind, which gives the reader further insight into the symbolic meaning of the wind. The "blue wind dancing" essentially is the spirit of the narrator's tribe and a reflection of their reverence for nature. Throughout the story, the narrator comments on his uncomfortable life in the "white" world as he travels home to his Indian reservation. Along his journey, he contrasts the cultures of the white man and the Indians. According to the narrator, wisdom is appreciating family, friends, and creation. His tribe values personal relationships, craftsmanship, and nature. True wisdom is not becoming a meaningless consumer who continually desires material objects to advance their social status. Essentially, wisdom is a genuine appreciation for life, family, friends, and nature. literaturenerd eNotes educator\| Certified Educator "Blue Winds Dancing" is a lyrical short story by Thomas St. Germain Whitecloud II. Whitecloud was a Native American (Chippewa) author and doctor. The story tells of a young Native American's struggle with growing up in America. The internal struggle of the character exists because of the ancient Indian thought conflicting with modern American expectations. The wisdom the narrator finds, by the end of the story, exists in the one place he failed to look earlier—the reservation. Once at the reservation, the narrator questions if he is white or Indian. He also wonders if his people will still recognize him. Entering into the lodge, the narrator does not stand out. He is among his people, and no one believes him to be out of place. After the music and dancing stops, the narrator recognizes that no one is speaking, yet they are still communicating. The narrator finds it curious that so many people can be together, not talk, and still be happy. For him, the wisdom lies in the beauty or togetherness. Further Reading:
For Baltimore, it will take a village July 22, 1998\|By Peter Beilenson, Carl Stokes and Thomas Frazier OF ALL the unfortunate consequences of this country's drug problem, perhaps the most tragic is its effect on the children of our inner cities. Many children in Baltimore's inner-city neighborhoods are forced to fend for themselves because one or both of their parents are addled by drugs. As a result, many children don't learn the normative values of the broader society -- the importance of getting an education, obtaining a job, creating and providing for a family, contributing to the neighborhood. The terrible impact of drugs is worsened by the criminal justice system's focus on the "war on drugs." This misguided strategy has further removed these children from family members by branding them as criminals and incarcerating them in record numbers, but not adequately treating their health problem: substance abuse. Time restraints What do we do for the children of the drug addicted? Schools and recreation programs, such as the Police Athletic League centers, have such children for limited amounts of time, not enough time to counteract all of the negative influences in their communities. Social service programs are tremendously overburdened, providing foster care and child protective services that simply move children to different sites, rarely providing a stable family structure. What's needed is a program that a number of local groups are discussing: a children's village. Such a village could be created in a square block of rowhouses, where the back yards would be transformed into a common recreation area. The residents of the village would live with other children their age and be supervised by carefully chosen adult residential advisers, who would walk the children to and from school and tutor them after school. Extracurricular activities at the village would be similar to those offered at the city's PAL centers. Such a village would have security to ensure the children's safety. Enrollment in a village program would be voluntary. Parents could leave their children at the village while they go into substance abuse treatment programs. Once the parents have gone through recovery and are ready to lead productive lives, they could retrieve their children. Many drug-addicted parents postpone getting treatment because they worry about the fate of their children if they're away from home. Parents who don't enroll in treatment programs would still be encouraged to stay involved in their children's lives and the life of the village. For example, some parents might be able to help maintain the buildings and grounds of the village, as long as they presented no security risk. Parents would be given increasingly responsible jobs in the village as they demonstrated their ability and commitment to the program. By being of service to others, these addicted parents would certainly experience an increase in their own self-esteem and grow in the eyes of their children, too. The cost of such villages would not be exorbitant. It could be located in city-owned buildings. Many of the services could be provided either voluntarily or for nominal cost by parents. Intergenerational mix One way to help minimize costs is to combine the children's village with elderly housing. For example, senior citizens could live in a section of the rowhouse development and children in the rest. In a similar successful Illinois project, rent paid by elderly residents helps to subsidize the children's services. In addition, because enormous savings would be realized from reduced payments for foster care services and other related costs, some money could be directed from such programs -- as it is in Illinois -- to fund the village. Helping a generation of children become productive, educated, socially responsible individuals has immeasurable social and humanitarian benefits. Far too many of Baltimore's children are suffering from the terribly destructive consequences of the drug problems in their homes and communities. It is time to try a comprehensive approach to help these youngsters achieve their potential. A children's village would be a good first step. Peter Beilenson is city health commissioner, Carl Stokes is a member of the city's Board of School Commissioners and Thomas Frazier is the city's police commissioner. Pub Date: 7/22/98 Baltimore Sun Articles
The sodium borohydride - nitroform adduct 14 October 2013 - Chemical Zoo The combined US navy, US Air Force and the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency were more than happy to fund research into the adduct of sodium borohydride and nitroform as a new high-energy density material aka explosive. The report is titled "BH3C(NO2)3: The First Room-Temperature Stable (Trinitromethyl)borate" and principal author Bélanger-Chabot points out that the compound is not only explosive but also green because the boron employed is non-toxic (DOI). As if greenness is relevant in warfare. Additional and more sensible rationale, a stable B-C bond in this compound is certain to stabilise an otherwise unstable nitroformate anion. In the meanwhile the initial recipe is dead-simple , mix nitroform and sodium borohydride in glyme and after effervescence the yellow solution contains a quantitative amount of BH3C(NO2)3. The work-up is tricky : The solvent was removed under vacuum between -40 and -8°C over the course of several days. The compound exists thanks to the glyme, remove it by a vacuum and you end up with sodium nitroformate. Even with glyme decomposition takes place within a week at RT. So the compound is less stable than expected, and the authors suggest that the strong B-C bond is partially offset by reorganisations from planar to tetrahedral on dissociation of the two ionic fragments. Questions: why is the adduct called a borate when no oxygen is in sight? With respect to the opening line : "Ever since the first report on the nitroformate anion (...) trinitromethyl derivatives have been a subject of significant interest" what is the meaning of "signification interest" given that this first report dates back to 1899, more than a century ago. I guess interest in the electron or radioactivity can be considered "significant" in this timespan but the nitroformate anion?
Geocentric model In astronomy, the geocentric model of the universe is the superseded theory that the Earth is the center of the universe and other objects go around it. Belief in this system was common in ancient Greece. It was embraced by both Aristotle and Ptolemy, and most Ancient Greek philosophers assumed that the Sun, Moon, stars, and naked eye planets circle the Earth. Similar ideas were held in ancient China. [Colin Ronan, "Astronomy in China, Korea and Japan," in Walker, ed., "Astronomy Before the Telescope", pp. 264–5.] Two common observations were believed to support the idea that the Earth is in the center of the Universe. The first is that the stars (including the Sun and planets) appear to revolve around the Earth each day, with the stars circling around the pole and those stars nearer the equator rising and setting each day and circling back to their rising point. [Thomas S. Kuhn, "The Copernican Revolution", pp. 5–20] The second is the common sense perception that the Earth is solid and stable; it is not moving but is at rest. The geocentric model held sway into the early modern age; from the late 16th century onward it was gradually replaced by the heliocentric model of Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler. Today, geocentric cosmology survives as a literary element within alternate history science fiction. Classical Greece In the 5th century BC, two influential Greek philosophers wrote works based on the geocentric model. These were Plato and his student Aristotle. According to Plato, the Earth was a sphere, stationary at the center of the universe. The stars and planets were carried around the Earth on spheres or circles, arranged in the order (outwards from the center): Moon, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, fixed stars. In the "Myth of Er," a section of the "Republic", Plato describes the cosmos as the Spindle of Necessity, attended by the Sirens and turned by the three Fates. Eudoxus of Cnidus, who worked with Plato, developed a less mythical, more mathematical explanation of the planets' motion based on Plato's dictum stating that all phenomena in the heavens can be explained with uniform circular motion. Aristotle elaborated on Eudoxus' system. In the fully developed Aristotelian system, the spherical Earth is at the center of the universe. All heavenly bodies are attached to 56 concentric spheres which rotate around the Earth . (The number is so high because several transparent spheres are needed for each planet.) The Moon is on the innermost sphere. Thus it touches the realm of Earth, which contaminates it, causing the dark spots (macula) and the ability to go through lunar phases. It is not perfect like the other heavenly bodies, which shine by their own light. Adherence to the geocentric model stemmed largely from several important observations. First of all, if the Earth did move, then one ought to be able to observe the shifting of the fixed stars due to parallax. In short, the shapes of the constellations should change considerably over the course of a year, or else the stars are so much further away than the Sun and the planets that this motion would be undetectable. Stellar parallax was not detected until the 19th century as the distances from the Earth to the stars made the effect extremely subtle, so the Greeks chose the simpler of the two explanations (either the Earth is not moving and so no effect exists, or the stars are so far away the effect was undetectable). The lack of any observable parallax was considered a fatal flaw of any non-geocentric theory. Another important observation was that Venus stays about the same brightness most of the time, implying that it is usually about the same distance from Earth, which is more consistent with geocentrism than heliocentrism. In reality, that is because the loss of light caused by its phases compensates for the increase in apparent size caused by its varying distance from Earth. Other objections included the idea, put forward by Aristotle, that the natural state of heavy objects like the Earth was at rest, and that some force was required to move them. It was also believed by some that the Earth's rotation on its axis would cause the air and objects in it (such as birds or clouds) to be left behind. A major flaw in the Eudoxan and Aristotelian models based on concentric spheres was that they could not explain the changes in brightness of the planets caused by a change in distance. Claudius Ptolemy Although the basic tenets of Greek geocentrism were established by the time of Aristotle, the details of his system did not become standard. This honor was reserved for the Ptolemaic system, espoused by the Hellenistic astronomer Claudius Ptolemaeus in the 2nd century AD. His main astronomical book, the "Almagest", was the culmination of centuries of work by Hellenic, Hellenistic and Babylonian astronomers; it was accepted for over a millennium as the correct cosmological model by European and Islamic astronomers. Because of its influence, the Ptolemaic system is sometimes considered identical with the geocentric model. Ptolemy argued that the Earth was in the center of the universe from the simple observation that half the stars were above the horizon and half were below the horizon at any time, and the assumption that the stars were all at some modest distance from the center of the universe. If the Earth were substantially displaced from the center, this division into visible and invisible stars would not be equal.This argument is given in Book I, Chapter 5, of the "Almagest" (Crowe, 1990, pp.60–62). ] Ptolemaic system In the Ptolemaic system, each planet is moved by five or more spheres: one sphere is its deferent. The deferent was a circle centered around a point halfway between the equant and the earth. Another sphere is the epicycle which is embedded in the deferent. The planet is embedded in the epicycle sphere. The deferent rotates around the Earth while the epicycle rotates within the deferent, causing the planet to move closer to and farther from Earth at different points in its orbit, and even to slow down, stop, and move backward (in retrograde motion). The epicycles of Venus and Mercury are always centered on a line between Earth and the Sun (Mercury being closer to Earth), which explains why they are always near it in the sky. The Ptolemaic order of spheres from Earth outward is: #Fixed Stars #Sphere of Prime MoverThe deferent-and-epicycle model had been used by Greek astronomers for centuries, as had the idea of the eccentric (a deferent which is slightly off-center from the Earth). In the illustration, the center of the deferent is not the Earth but X, making it eccentric (from the Latin "ex-" or "e-" meaning "from," and "centrum" meaning "center"). Unfortunately, the system that was available in Ptolemy's time did not quite match observations, even though it was considerably improved over Aristotle's system. Sometimes the size of a planet's retrograde loop (most notably that of Mars) would be smaller, and sometimes larger. This prompted him to come up with the idea of an equant. The equant was a point near the center of a planet's orbit which, if you were to stand there and watch, the center of the planet's epicycle would always appear to move at the same speed. Therefore, the planet actually moved at different speeds when the epicycle was at different points on its deferent. By using an equant, Ptolemy claimed to keep motion which was uniform and circular, but many people did not like it because they did not think it was true to Plato's dictum of "uniform circular motion." The resultant system which eventually came to be widely accepted in the west was an unwieldy one to modern eyes; each planet required an epicycle revolving on a deferent, offset by an equant which was different for each planet. But it predicted various celestial motions, including the beginnings and ends of retrograde motion, fairly well at the time it was developed. Geocentrism and rival systems Not all Greeks agreed with the geocentric model. The Pythagorean system has already been mentioned; some Pythagoreans believed the Earth to be one of several planets going around a central fire. Hicetas and Ecphantus, two Pythagoreans of the 5th century BC, and Heraclides Ponticus in the 4th century BC, believed that the Earth rotated on its axis but remained at the center of the universe. Such a system still qualifies as geocentric. It was revived in the Middle Ages by Jean Buridan. Heraclides Ponticus is also sometimes said to have proposed that both Venus and Mercury went around the Sun rather than Earth, but the evidence for this claim is not clear. Martianus Capella definitely put Mercury and Venus on epicycles around the Sun. Aristarchus of Samos was the most radical. He wrote a work, which has not survived, on heliocentrism, saying that the Sun was at the center of the universe, while the Earth and other planets revolved around it. His theory was not popular, and he had only one known follower, Seleucus of Seleucia. Maragha system The "Maragha Revolution" refers to the Maragheh school's revolution against Ptolemaic astronomy. The "Maragha school" was an astronomical tradition beginning in the Maragheh observatory and continuing with astronomers from Damascus and Samarkand. Like their Andalusian predecessors, the Maragha astronomers attempted to solve the equant problem and produce alternative configurations to the Ptolemaic model. They were more successful than their Andalusian predecessors in producing non-Ptolemaic configurations which eliminated the equant and eccentrics, were more accurate than the Ptolemaic model in numerically predicting planetary positions, and were in better agreement with empirical observations. [83] The most important of the Maragha astronomers included Mo'ayyeduddin Urdi (d. 1266), Nasīr al-Dīn al-Tūsī (1201-1274), 'Umar al-Katibi al-Qazwini (d. 1277), Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi (1236–1311), Sadr al-Sharia al-Bukhari (c. 1347), Ibn al-Shatir (1304–1375), Ali al-Qushji (c. 1474), al-Birjandi (d. 1525) and Shams al-Din al-Khafri (d. 1550). Ibn Al-Shatir, the Damascene astronomer (1304–1375 A.D), wrote a major book entitled "Kitab Nihayat al-Sul fi Tashih al-Usul" ( A Final Inquiry Concerning the Rectification of Planetary Theory) on a theory which departs largely from the Ptolemaic system known at that time. In his book "Ibn al-Shatir, an Arab astronomer of the fourteenth century," E.S.Kennedy wrote "what is of most interest, however, is that Ibn al-Shatir's lunar theory, except for trivial differences in parameters, is identical with that of Copernicus (1473–1543 A.D)." The discovery that the models of Ibn al-Shatir are mathematically identical to those of Copernicus raised the very interesting question of a possible transmission of these models to Europe. Copernican system In 1543 the geocentric system met its first serious challenge with the publication of Copernicus's "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium", which posited that the Earth and the other planets instead revolved around the Sun. The geocentric system was still held for many years afterwards, as at the time the Copernican system did not offer better predictions than the geocentric system, and it posed problems for both natural philosophy and scripture. With the invention of the telescope in 1609, observations made primarily by Galileo Galilei (such as that Jupiter has moons) called into question some of the tenets of geocentrism but did not seriously threaten it. If Venus is beyond the Sun, the phase of Venus must always be gibbous or full.But Galileo saw Venus at first small and full, and later large and crescent. Johannes Kepler, after analysing Tycho Brahe's observations, constructed his three laws in 1609 and 1619, based on a heliocentric view where the planets moves in elliptical paths. Using these laws, he was the first astronomer to successfully predict a transit of Venus (for the year 1631). A geocentric frame is useful for many everyday activities and most laboratory experiments, but is a less felicitous choice for solar-system mechanics and space travel. While a heliocentric frame is most useful in those cases, galactic and extra-galactic astronomy is easier if the sun is treated as neither stationary nor the center of the universe, but rotating around the center of our galaxy. Geocentrism today Individuals of some religions interpret their scriptures literally as stating that the Earth is the physical center of the universe. This requires the Sun to revolve around the Earth instead of the other way around because if the Earth were moving it could not continuously be in the center of the universe. This is known as modern geocentrism. Astrologers, while they may not believe in geocentrism as a principle, still employ the geocentric model in their calculations.Fact\|date=June 2007 The contemporary Association for Biblical Astronomy, led by physicist Dr. Gerardus Bouw, holds to a modified version of the model of Tycho Brahe, which they call geocentricity. A study done by Dr. Jon D. Miller of Northwestern University, an expert in the public understanding of science and technology [cite web title=Jon D. Miller Northwestern University ] , found that today one adult American in five thinks the Sun revolves around the Earth. [cite news title=Scientific Savvy? In U.S., Not Much author=Cornelia Dean date=30 August 2005 publisher=New York Times The geocentric (Ptolemaic) model of the solar system is still of interest to planetarium makers, as, for technical reasons, a Ptolemaic-type motion for the planet light apparatus has some advantages over a Copernican-type motion. The celestial sphere, used for teaching purposes and sometimes for navigation, is also still based on a geocentric system. Science fiction Alternate history science fiction has produced some literature of interest on the proposition that some alternate universes and Earths might indeed have laws of physics and cosmologies that are Ptolemaic and Aristotelian in design. This subcategory began with Philip Jose Farmer's short story, "Sail On! Sail On!" (1952), where Columbus has access to radio technology, and where his Spanish-financed exploratory and trade fleet sail off the edge of the (flat) world in his geocentric alternate universe in 1492, instead of discovering North America and South America. Richard Garfinkle's "Celestial Matters" (1996) is set in a more elaborated geocentric cosmos, where Earth is divided by two contending factions, the Classical Greece-dominated Delian League and the (Chinese) Middle Kingdom, both of which are capable of flight within an alternate universe based on Ptolemaic astronomy, Aristotle's physics and Taoist thought. Unfortunately, both superpowers have been fighting a thousand-year war since the time of Alexander the Great. * cite book \| title = Theories of the World from Antiquity to the Copernican Revolution author = Crowe, Michael J. publisher = Dover Publications, Inc date = 1990 location = Mineola, NY isbn = 0-486-26173-5 ref = Reference-Crowe-1990 * Dreyer, J. L. E.. "A History of Astronomy from Thales to Kepler". 2nd edition. New York: Dover Publications, 1953. * Evans, James. "The History and Practice of Ancient Astronomy". New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. * Heath, Thomas. "Aristarchus of Samos". Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913 * Hoyle, Fred, "Nicolaus Copernicus", 1973. * Koestler, Arthur "The Sleepwalkers: A History of Man's Changing Vision of the Universe", 1959, Penguin Books, 1986 edition: ISBN 0-14-055212-X, 1990 reprint: ISBN 0-14-019246-8 * Kuhn, Thomas S. "The Copernican Revolution". Cambridge: Harvard Univ. Pr., 1957. ISBN 0-674-17103-9 cite book \| title= From Eudoxus to Einstein—A History of Mathematical Astronomy author= Linton, Christopher M. publisher= Cambridge University Press year= 2004 location= Cambridge isbn= 978-0-521-82750-8 Walker, Christopher, ed. "Astronomy before the telescope". London: British Museum Press, 1996. ISBN 0-7141-1746-3 See also Celestial spheres External links [ Geocentric Perspective animation of the Solar System in 150AD] * [ Another demonstration of the complexity of observed orbits when assuming a geocentric model of the solar system] * [ Official Geocentricity Website, Association for Biblical Astronomy] * [ The World & Universe] * [ Ptolemy's explanation for retrograde motion] * [ Ptolemy’s system of astronomy] Wikimedia Foundation. 2010. Look at other dictionaries: • geocentric — adjective having the Earth as the central point, or measured from the centre of the Earth: Ptolemy s geocentric model of the universe … Longman dictionary of contemporary English • Heliocentrism — Heliocentric redirects here. For the albums, see Heliocentric (Paul Weller album) and Heliocentric (The Ocean Collective album). Heliocentric Universe … Wikipedia • Modern geocentrism — Part of a series on Creationism History of creationism Neo creationism … Wikipedia • Cosmology — The Hubble Ultra Deep Field. Every speck of light in this image is an entire galaxy. This is just a small region of a Universe which could contain as many as 200 billion galaxies. Cosmology is the discipline that deals with the nature of the… … Wikipedia • Copernican heliocentrism — Heliocentric model from Nicolaus Copernicus De revolutionibus orbium coelestium Copernican heliocentrism is the name given to the astronomical model developed by Nicolaus Copernicus and published in 1543. It positioned the Sun near the center of… … Wikipedia • Celestial spheres — Not to be confused with celestial sphere. For other uses, see Celestial (disambiguation). Geocentric celestial spheres; Peter Apian s Cosmographia (Antwerp, 1539) … Wikipedia • Galileo Galilei — For other uses of Galileo , see Galileo (disambiguation). For other uses of Galileo Galilei , see Galileo Galilei (disambiguation) … Wikipedia Share the article and excerpts Direct link Do a right-click on the link above and select “Copy Link”
5 Ways Stress Can Affect a Pregnancy It's every pregnant woman's nightmare -- the loss of her baby during pregnancy, known in the medical community as a "spontaneous abortion." As with preterm labor, there are a host of reasons why some women experience miscarriages, and sometimes, there's no explanation at all. However, there have been some studies indicating a link between miscarriage and high levels of stress, especially early in the pregnancy or just before conception. In the June 2003 issue of Endocrinology, researchers suggest that CRH isn't just released in the brains of highly stressed pregnant women; it's also released elsewhere in the body. The CRH targets a type of cell called a mast cell, which secretes chemicals that cause allergic reactions. Some babies are just born small, but they're otherwise considered healthy. Other babies are underweight because they didn't get enough nutrients to grow properly. It's not just because their mothers didn't eat right, either. In the next section, learn about the connection between low birth weight and stress.
Culwic, originally established as Himtil or Himobel (S. "Chill village") and known as Colwich in the later Third Age, was a small town in western Arthedain.It lay just north of the bounds of Dor Lelvin and Lindon on the Little Lune. It consisted of 400 Men and some Dwarves. Its industry and agriculture was mostly devoted to supporting Dwarven settlements to the north. Culwic in TA 1650 One of the larger towns in Numeriador, Culwic possessed a population just under 400. It was home to the famous Two Waters, an inn of some reknown. Located between the junction of the Malhir (S. "Golden-stream") and the Celebril (S. "Silver-brilliance"), the community was more peaceful than most. Its inhabitants were at once very conservative and quite friendly to outsiders; very little existed to upset their way of life. One of their best known visitors was an old Dwarven prospector who frequented the Two Waters. Much of Culwic's business derived from its origin as a trading post. Trappers and hunters often stopped here to trade their wares for flour, firewood, clothing, or money. Since then, more profit had come to the town through small-scale lumber operations. A small mill was located upon the edge of the river, a quarter-mile south of the town. A substantial portion of the population was employed either felling timber or laboring at the sawmill. Upstream from the mill, an elaborate chute system had been developed in order to transport the logs downriver to the saw. The architecture and construction of the town's homes reflected the influence of the local business as well as responding to climatic conditions. Each structure was built of wood and designed with sunken first floors to retain a large amount of heat during the frigid winter months, while allowing it to breathe and cool off during Numeriador's blistering summers. Adjustable vents, awnings, shades, and sunwalls were but a few of the elements employed. Culwic in Later Times For a long period Culwic became known as Colwich, a small and remote village. In the late Third Age Culwic was forsaken and served as a secret outpost for the Rangers of the North. • MERP:Arnor • Jeff J. Erwin:A Traveler's Guide to Lindon Ad blocker interference detected!
User Rating: 0 / 5 Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive Pin It The Discrete Nature of Time: The most important and distinctive of Ibn ‘Arabî's ideas about time is that he considers it to be quantized. Thus Ibn ‘Arabî declared in the Futûhât and other books that 'the smallest time is the single time that does not accept division' [II.384.31]. There has been a great deal of debate in the history of philosophy and science as to whether time (and space) is discrete or continuous, though most philosophers and scientists deal with time as an infinitely divisible quantity. However, the Ash‘arite theologians' distinctive physical theory (of the jawhar, or 'indivisible atom') is entirely built on the discreteness of space and time, and Ibn ‘Arabî himself acknowledges his debt to them for this understanding. For example, al-Bâqillânî, one of the famous Ash‘arite theologians, suggested an atomic nature of time, according to which in each 'atom' of time the entire world annihilates and is re-created in a slightly different form (MacDonald 1927: 326-44). This perspective is at least verbally and conceptually very much in accord with Ibn ‘Arabî's fundamental principle of the ongoing re-creation of all things (see section V.6)—although the Ash‘arite theologians did not make any reference to the key experiential basis of this spiritual insight which is so central to Ibn ‘Arabî's discussion of the 'ever-renewed creation'. What is also new and distinctive here about Ibn ‘Arabî's understanding of this conception of time is that he argues that the actual 'quantum' of time equals our normal earthly day itself [Ayyâm Al-Sha’n: 6]. It is not easy to bridge the gap between this metaphysical hypothesis and our everyday familiar experience of indefinitely divisible time: of the year into months, the month into weeks, the week into days, the day into hours, hour into minutes, minutes into seconds, and so on apparently infinitely. Ibn ‘Arabî, however, explains plainly why time has to be discrete according to his understanding (or “according to his Day”), and we shall devote Chapter IV below to discussing this difficult issue in more detail. Here we can only give a general preview. For Ibn ‘Arabî, time itself does not have a separate existence, but is reduced to motion or, more precisely, to the ongoing creative acts of God, or cosmic 'events' (each discrete divine 'Task' or sha’n) of each 'Day'. And according to the Qur’anic description of God, each Day He is upon some (one single) task (sha’n) (55:29). And since, as Ibn ‘Arabî explains [Ayyâm Al-Sha’n: 10], Allah specified in this verse that He is every Day in 'one' task, and not many as we perceive in our illusion, which witnesses a multitude of events everyday because of the intertwining between these Divine Days and our normal days. This means that this 'Day' has to be indivisible, because only one divine action or event should be happening in it [Ayyâm Al-Sha’n: 6]. As we have seen, Ibn ‘Arabî uses the same Qur’anic term and therefore calls this fundamental quantum of time 'the Day of Task' or divine event (yawm al-sha’n), or—using an expression taken from the physical theory of Ash‘arite theology—'the singular (unique) time' (al-zaman al-fard) [I.292.16, II.82.6]. Therefore the single 'Day of task' in reality equals our normal day; or more precisely, a full revolution of the celestial sphere as viewed from the earth. Ibn ‘Arabî helps to clarify this counter-intuitive understanding of the foundational divine 'Event' by introducing some related new concepts that are also based on certain Qur’anic verses. The other related concept is that the moments that we feel flowing as daytimes and nighttimes are actually a collection (of discrete time-space quanta), and not a straightforward combination of the actual flow of the single divine 'Days'. The normal days that we encounter are 'intertwined' (mutawâlija, v. yûliju)—another key Qur’anic expression—with the actually existing cosmic 'Days of tasks' in a special way that we shall explore in Chapter IV. As a result of this intertwining, we see the appearance of a multitude number of events in our normal days. The human mind naturally thinks of quantities as either discrete or continuous; there is no other way. A closer examination of Ibn ‘Arabî's view of time, however, shows that it is indeed neither discrete nor continuous. We must remember that he considers time as imaginary after all, as well as most other quantities such as space and even mass (see section VII.9). As we indicated previously, such seemingly strange conclusions result directly from Ibn ‘Arabî's fundamental theory of the oneness of being: i.e., that the apparent 'parts' of existence are merely manifestations of a single real existence that is One and Unique, neither multiple nor divisible. The notion of either discreteness or continuousness is indispensable when we imagine multitudes, but with absolute Unity there would be no meaning to such conceptions. Therefore, Ibn ‘Arabî's concept of time is that it would be discrete if we approach it on the (ultimately imaginary) plane of apparent multiplicity, but in reality there is no such reality as 'time' at all. The same perspective can be applied to space.
Monday, April 23, 2007 Word Definition: Refractory 1. Being disobedient due to stubbornness; contumacity 2. Ability to endure high temperatures and/or pressures Latin root: refractarius meaning stubborn, which in turns originates form refragari meaning 'to oppose'. Thursday, April 05, 2007 Wilde Quote Only the shallow know themselves Oscar Wilde Sunday, April 01, 2007 Word Definition: Jingoist 1. An extreme zealot driven by patriotism and nationalism 2. Warmonger; political figure that advocates war and incites strong negative sentiment toward other nations to drum up public support for war. Can you think of one (or two) present day examples? ;) [Note: I've known and loved this word for a number of years, but have been spelling it wrong until now - sorry to everyone I have misinformed previously.] Word Definition: Luddite 1. An opponent of technological advances. 2. Group of English workmen in the 19th century that destroyed the machines that displaced their jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Source Water How does the Safe Drinking Water Act address source water protection? The 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act provide a new approach for EPA and states. In addition to relying on standards and regulations that address water safety at the tap, measures are in place to ensure the quality of drinking water by protecting it from the source to the tap. Every state now has an approved source water assessment program and has completed source water assessments for most public water systems. Each assessment identifies the area of land that most directly contributes the raw water used for drinking water and evaluates the risk of contamination of the water system. Drinking water suppliers now provide reports, called consumer confidence reports, that explain where your drinking water comes from and what contaminants might be in it. EPA provides funding to states through the drinking water state revolving fund for assessment and protection activities. Drinking water protection approaches must be tailored to each unique local situation. Although most source water protection efforts are primarily utility, state, or locally led, a variety of federal tools can be used, such as those available through the Clean Water Act, Underground Injection Control Program, and various agricultural programs. This information is adapted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Source Water Protection Web site found at http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/sourcewater/.
Saturday, July 15, 2017 Even Diesel Burns Cleaner than Gasoline #Science #Environment The information in this one isn't so sexy but it's a champion surprise since I never would have guessed diesel fuel can be burned cleanly. If you ever make the mistake in using the wrong nozzle with diesel, it will be such a screaming hassle to get it pumped back out again you won't likely err that way again - One Who Knows "The next step should be to focus on gasoline or removing old diesel vehicles from the road. Modern diesel vehicles have adopted new standards and are now very clean, so attention needs to now turn to regulating on-road and off-road gasoline engines more. That's really the next target." Diesel is now better than gas, study says You're probably not too keen on the idea of gasoline as a target, Mustang Sally, but that does appear to be the situation and you see part of the case for it above. - PO There you have the numbers and burning gasoline isn't just worse, it's much worse. - PO I take the last to mean diesels need to go too but they want to go gunning for gasoline first. Look at the bright side since America can one day make smog tours a tourist attraction because the U.S. will cling to internal combustion until its bony fingers lose their strength and long after everywhere else has walked away from it. No comments:
How To Create a Twitter App and API Interface Via Python How To Create a Twitter App and API Interface Via Python This tutorial illustrates how to use a Python API to connect to a Twitter account using the Twitter library. Specifically, this API allows a user to extract high quantities of data pertaining to a specific Twitter account, as well as directly control Twitter posts from the Python platform (such as posting multiple tweets at once). Even if you’re not a regular Python user, using one of Python’s Twitter libraries is quite useful when it comes to analytics. For instance, while web developers might be more inclined to use a language such as PHP in connecting to the API, Python offers more flexibility in analyzing trends and statistics with the data. Therefore, data scientists and other analysts would find Python to be a better fit for this purpose. In this tutorial, we’ll start with some basic steps in connecting Python to the Twitter API, and then look at how to stream the desired data. Note that, while the Twitter library (and other Python libraries such as Tweepy and Twython) can carry out a multitude of different tasks with the data, I’ll focus on some of the more basic (and useful) queries in this article. Specifically, I’ll walk through how to: 1. connect Python to the Twitter API using the appropriate credentials 2. download tweets associated with the specific account 3. download a list of all following and followed users for an account 4. post multiple tweets at once 5. customize a search for instances of a specific term on Twitter. 1. Connect Python to the Twitter API This tutorial uses iPython as the Python interface to connect to Twitter. In order to connect to the API, we need to obtain the Consumer Key, Consumer Secret, and Access Token Secret. To obtain these, you need to sign into your account at Once there, you’ll be prompted to create an application: create application Once you have the application created, you’ll find the relevant keys and tokens under the Keys and Access Tokens section. consumer key access token Firstly, we install the python-twitter library in our terminal as follows: pip install python twitter Once we’ve done that, we import the Twitter library and enter the credentials as follows: import twitter api = twitter.Api(consumer_key='your_consumer_key', As soon as the correct credentials are entered, the connection to the API is complete, and we’re now able to control our Twitter account through the Python platform! 2. Download User Timeline Now that we have connected Python to the Twitter API, we can go ahead and start utilizing different Twitter functions remotely. For instance, if we wish to download a user timeline of tweets, we do this using api.GetUserTimeline as below (and specifying the screen name for the appropriate account), and then using the print() function to display the results: statuses = api.GetUserTimeline(screen_name='Michael Grogan') print([s.text for s in statuses]) Once we’ve inputted the above, we see the respective timeline displayed in the Python interface: get user timeline Continue reading %How To Create a Twitter App and API Interface Via Python%
1. Inhalt 2. Navigation 3. Weitere Inhalte 4. Metanavigation 5. Suche 6. Choose from 30 Languages Veganism: good for the environment, bad for people? It's widely argued that cutting meat consumption is necessary to make our societies more sustainable. Although veganism is a growing trend worldwide, it remains controversial - mainly due to health issues. Across European countries, veganism has become a whole lifestyle shared by a growing number of people - from young hipsters to big families. In addition to ethical concerns over killing animals, better health and a desire to reduce ecological footprint play into vegans' arguments. In this context, figures from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) may not be surprising: that the animal agriculture sector is responsible for around 15 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions globally, and - with an expected population of 9.6 billion by 2050 - global demand for livestock products could increase by 70 percent. But not everyone is willing to join this growing trend. Critical voices are still to be heard regarding potential harmful effects of veganism - especially on health. Elvira Savino, an Italian congresswoman, has recently revived the debate by presenting a legislative proposal based on recent cases of malnourishment in vegan children within the country. She believes parents imposing a vegan diet on their children should be punished by up to four years of jail. Meanwhile, environmental and animal rights organizations such as Humane Society International keep working on increasing awareness about the benefits of veganism, and encourage governments to take action and support the trend toward a plant-based diet. Vegan hamburger (Picture: Imago) Across Europe, vegan restaurants and shops are sprouting up like mushrooms Is a vegan diet for everyone? Savino claimed that a diet free of animal proteins could cause a deficit of iron and the vitamin B12, with consequent neurological problems and anemia. Indeed, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) warns that veganism might not be best for children and teenagers since vitamin deficiencies can affect their development. Georg Keckl, co-author of the book "Don't go veggie!," told DW that a vegan diet makes people dependent on genetically engineered food, such as vitamin B12 supplements, and subject to constant medical monitoring. The Vegan Society acknowledges that a B12 deficiency can cause anemia and nervous system damage, particularly in breastfed infants and vegan mothers. The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are food fortified with B12 and B12 supplements. Vegan supporters insist, however, that a plant-based diet is manageable for everybody, including children, and pregnant and lactating women. Vegan activists call the Savino proposal an exaggerated reaction based on an isolated case. "The case in Italy was an isolated incident that has nothing to do inherently with vegan diet, which contains all required nutrients to grow healthy at any age," Jimmy Pearson, media manager of the Vegan Society told DW. 29.04.2016 DW Made in Germany Vegan Berlin has become a hotbed of veganism A new diet requires knowledge The Humane Society International highlights the importance of a high level of awareness and public information for a healthy shift to a plant-based diet. "It is essential that anyone thinking about adopting a vegan diet seek nutritional advice, because you cannot just cut out one food group and not substitute with the equivalent nutritional need," Alexandra Clark, a sustainable food campaigner with the group. told DW. Michal Greger, an internationally recognized speaker on public health issues, believes that despite decades of science strongly supporting a reduction in consumption of animal proteins, most people continue to eat meat - which contributes to dietary diseases - due to lack of knowledge and broad social acceptance for the practice. "It is like 50 years ago: 'oh, wait a second! If it is clear that smoking is associated with lung cancer, why the most people smoke? Why do most doctors smoke?'" he told DW by way of comparison. "At that time people were thinking: 'how can something that is so normal, that your parents do, that your doctor does, how could that be bad for you'? And now, we have the same situation" Who should be responsible? The debate Savino has opened is not only about whether to eat vegan or not, but about who should be responsible for a child's nutrition. Keckl supports the idea that parents imposing a vegan diet on children are committing a form of child abuse. But all the other experts said parents should be free to choose their children's diet - and that in any case, a correlation should exist between a damaging nutritional habit and punishment. "There are thousands of malnutrition cases in the UK alone, but the media decided to highlight the one with the vegan family in Italy. We found that particularly disappointing," Pearson said. From a broader perspective, governments may be to blame. "Governments should take action on promoting healthy and sustainable diets, but they fear backlash from the public," Clark said. Her group promotes a plant-based diet. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) even promotes that tax be charged on meat and all processed meat products, Felicitas Kitali, expert nutritionist working with PETA Germany, explained to DW. The group would also like to see detailed nutritional education be included in school curricula. Peta Protest Laura Daulton (Picture: picture-alliance/dpa/N.Carson) PETA believes meat should be taxed like alcohol or tobacco is Soak and simmer Despite being optimistic, Clark is aware of the many challenges vegans face. "A shift to a vegan diet is absolutely possible - but it takes time," Clark said. "We first have to make vegan food as attractive, or moreso, than meat-based food." For Pearson, the main challenge is to find the right way for livestock farmers to adapt to the transition from livestock farming to growing crops. This would surely require teaching new skills and finding financial supports, he added. For now, opinions on what's the right diet will remain as varied as dishes around the world. DW recommends Audios and videos on the topic
What is Crohn’s Disease Crohn's Disease Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s is a rare condition with less than 200,00 cases diagnosed in the US annually. Diagnosis is required and lab testing and imaging is often also required. Crohn’s can last for years or be a lifelong condition. Crohn’s at its worst can be a life-threatening condition causing severe diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and even in its worse cases tears in the digestive system that allow for internal bleeding. Crohn’s can be of varying levels of severity. Some patients with Crohn’s Disease only experience occasional flare-ups. Some others have constant problems that never seem to end. Some cases fall somewhere in between. Crohn’s has no cure but medications like steroids or immune-suppressants can be used to slow its progress. The most severe cases of Crohn’s Disease may see the patient benefit from surgeries to help repair gastro-intestinal and colorectal damage done by the disease. Crohn’s can develop at any age, but is most likely to develop in people ages 19-40 years of age. Crohn’s generally infects the end of the small bowel, but it can also infect any part of the gastro-intestinal mouth including infections from the mouth all the way through to the anus flaring up when the disease is active. Crohn’s can also thin the bowel walls over time due to the constant inflammation of the condition. Crohn’s patients often experience a loss of appetite and also a dramatic weight loss even though they do not want to or plan to lose the weight. Many cases of Crohn’s can be further treated with reasonable adjustments to the diet the person follows. Foods that “trigger” inflammation will only make the case of Crohn’s worse than it already is. Finding out which foods to avoid, and then following a strictly regimented diet can help the person avoid suffering from any further symptoms of the condition. Doctors and specialists can help pinpoint these certain “trigger” foods, and enlist in the help of a nutritionist to create a meal plan that avoids those certain foods while still ensuring the person receives adequate nutrition. Crohn’s is even more concerning when rarely diagnosed in a small child it is even of more concern as it can cause stunted growth if it is during the child’s most formative years. When the colon and GI tract become severely infected tears and rips in the wall lining can result in both internal bleeding and causation of fistulas to develop requiring emergency surgery. You may also like
Not Getting Enough Sleep can Quadruple Risk of Catching a Cold Whether or not one gets enough sleep could have a massive impact on their health, and new research suggests “short sleepers” are more than four times more likely to catch a common cold. The study is the first to use objective sleep measures to link individuals' natural sleep habits to their risk of getting sick when exposed to a virus, the University of California, San Francisco reported. The findings revealed people who get less six or fewer hours of sleep per night have a significantly elevated risk of coming down with a cold when compared to people who slept for seven or more hours. “Short sleep was more important than any other factor in predicting subjects' likelihood of catching a cold,” said Aric Prather PhD, assistant professor of Psychiatry at UCSF and lead author of the study. “It didn't matter how old people were, their stress levels, their race, education or income. It didn't matter if they were a smoker. With all those things taken into account, statistically, sleep still carried the day.” To make their findings, the researchers exposed a group of 164 participants to a safe and controlled dose of the common cold virus, and looked at how different factors influenced the body's ability to fight off the disease. In the study, the participants wore sensors to get accurate sleep measurements, as they were isolated in a hotel for a week and provided daily mucus samples for vital testing. The findings showed that participants who slept for less than six hours on average per night were 4.2 times more likely to catch a cold compared to those who got more than seven hours of sleep; those who got less than five hours of sleep were 4.5 more likely to get sick. Related Posts
E-Commerce Lesson Plan Essay Sample E-Commerce Lesson Plan Pages Pages: Word count: Rewriting Possibility: % () It has been certified that Akash Sharma having CBSE Roll No. Studying in XII-A (Science), during the academic year 2010-11 has completed a project on the Study of the Affect of Metal Coupling on the Rusting of Iron and has given satisfactory account of this in his project report Shri D.K Gupta External Examiner PGT Chemistry Signature Signature Declaration : I , Akash Sharma of Class XII A (Science) , Anand Vihar School ,Bhopal, declare that the following project on the Study of the Affect of Metal Coupling on the Rusting of Iron has been accomplished under the able guidance of our Chemistry Teacher , Shri D.k Gupta Teacher Signature Anand Vihar school,Bhopal Date : Acknowledgement : I would like to express my gratitude to Shri D.K Gupta, our chemistry teacher, whose help and encouragement made this project possible. I would also like to thanks Mr. Vaidya, the Lab Assistant for his help during the completion of this project. Akash Sharma XII A (Science) Anand vihar school,Bhopal Index : 1) Introduction 2) Electrochemical Mechanism (rusting) 3) Methods of Prevention of Corrosion 4) Aim of the project 5) Requirement 6) Procedure 7) Observation 8) Conclusion Metals and alloys undergo rusting and corrosion. The process by which some metals when exposed to atmospheric condition i.e., moist air, carbon dioxide form undesirable compounds on the surface is known as corrosion, The compounds formed are usually oxides . Rusting is also a type of corrosion but the term is restricted to iron or products made from it .Iron is easily prone to rusting making its surface rough. Chemically, rust is a hydrated ferric oxide. Titanic‘s bow exhibiting microbial corrosion damage in the form of ‘rusticles’ Rusting an Electrochemical Mechanism ; Rusting may be explained by an electrochemical mechanism. In the presence of moist air containing dissolved oxygen or carbon dioxide, the commercial iron behave as if composed of small electrical cells. At anode of cell, iron passes into solution as ferrous ions. The electron moves towards the cathode and form hydroxyl ions. Under the influence of dissolved oxygen the ferrous ions and hydroxyl ions interact to form rust, i.e., hydrated ferric oxide. Methods of Prevention of Corrosion and Rusting Some of the methods used to prevent corrosion and rusting are discussed here : 1) Barrier Protection ; In the method , a barrier film is introduced between iron surface and atmospheric air. The film is obtained by painting,varnishing etc. 2) Galvanization ; The metallic iron is covered by a layer of more reactive metal such as zinc. The active metal losses electrons in preference of iron. Thus, protecting from rusting and corrosion. Aim of the project; In this project the aim is to investigate effect of the metals coupling on the rusting of iron. Metal coupling affects the rusting of iron . If the nail is coupled with a more electro-positive metal like zinc, magnesium or aluminium rusting is prevented but if on the other hand , it is coupled with less electro – positive metals like copper , the rusting is facilitated. Requirement : 1)Two Petri dishes 2) Four test – tube 3) Four iron nails 4) Beaker 5) Sand paper 6)Wire gauge 7) Gelatin 8) Copper, zinc & magnesium strips 9)Potassium ferricyanide solution Procedure ; 1)At first we have to clean the surface of iron nails with the help of sand paper. 2) After that we have to wind zinc strip around one nail, a clean copper wire around the second & clean magnesium strip around the third nail. Then to put all these three and a fourth nail in Petri dishes so that they are not in contact with each other. 3) Then to fill the Petri dishes with hot agar agar solution in such a way that only lower half of the nails are covered with the liquids .Covered Petri dishes for one day or so. 4) The liquids set to a gel on cooling. Two types of patches are observed around the rusted nail, one is blue and the other pink. Blue patch is due to the formation of potassium ferro-ferricyanide where pink patch is due to the formation of hydroxyl ions which turns colourless phenolphthalein to pink. Observation ; S.No.\| Metal Pair\| Colour of the patch\| Nails rusts or not\| 1\| Iron- Zinc\| \| \| 2\| Iron -Magnesium\| \| \| 3\| Iron- Copper\| \| \| 4\| Iron – Nail\| \| \| of iron with more electropositive metals such as zinc and magnesium resists corrosion and rusting of iron. Coupling of iron with less electropositive metals such as copper increases rusting. For our project we have taken help from following sources ; 1) Comprehensive (Practical Chemistry – XII) 2) Internet- www.wikipedia.com, www.encylopedia.com 3) NCERT Chemistry Textbooks Search For The related topics • chemistry • Olivia from Bla Bla Writing Haven't found the Essay You Want? For Only $13.90/page
What noise is causing you more headaches? Map Some Noise Using your smartphone, you can help with noise pollution in your city. NoiseTube is a research project in the form of a mobile app available on the iOS and Android platform which you can download and use to measure the amount of noise in your locale, tag it and upload it to the online server to create a collaborative noise map which others can view. Using a participatory approach through the input of the general public, the app creates a huge array of data that can be far more detailed than official versions. So far the app has been downloaded by 10,000 people with 2,700 registered on the NoiseTube website. The website provides users a place to look up their locale and find more information about the noise levels in their neighbourhood. Watch a demo of the app here:
Grammar Monster Grammar Monster Meaning of IMYM What Does IMYM Mean? IMYM means "I Miss You More". The abbreviation IMYM is used in text-based messaging or chats as a response to the statement "I Miss You", especially when saying goodbye. The abbreviation IMYM is typically used between spouses and partners. It is not normally used between family members. Summary of Key Points Definition for IMYM IMYM means "I Miss You More". This is the most common definition for IMYM on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. Here is some more information about IMYM: Definition:I Miss You More 3: Guessable Typical Users: Adults and Teenagers An Image for IMYM When I write IMYM, I mean this: meaning of IMYM IMYM indicates that your feelings are stronger than those of the other person. Examples of IMYM in Sentences Here are examples of the abbreviation IMYM being used in conversations: • Chris: I am really missing you since you left. The house is quiet and tidy. I can watch what I want on TV and I don't have to listen to your crappy music. • Toni: IMYM. I feel great and everyone says I look 10 years younger. • Ruby: I have just arrived and I miss you already. • Jack: Thanks for letting me know. IMYM. An Academic Look at IMYM IMYM is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Eye Em Why Em). However, as the abbreviation IMYM is typically used for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech it is not often uttered using its letters. Initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are spoken like words. What Did We Used To Say? Before the digital era, we would have just said "I Miss You More" instead of using the abbreviation IMYM. A Text with IMYM Using IMYM on a Cell Phone (SMS Texts, Whatsapp, and Yubl) Popular Themes on Cyber Definitions

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