source stringclasses 1
value | snapshot stringclasses 3
values | text stringlengths 264 621k | size_before_bytes int64 269 624k | size_after_bytes int64 185 235k | compression_ratio float64 0 0.01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
warc | 201704 | Red Moon is your Conscious Self - who you are and who you are becoming.
Red Moon is the cosmic seed of awakened awareness. Consume it like a fruit, and let it blossom within you. You are on the quest of self-remembrance, of Godseed. If you work with the energy of Red Moon with clear awareness and attention, an awakened state of remembrance will naturally blossom within you. Remembrance means having direct access to your expanded presence through an intrinsic perception of unity. Remembrance is your recognition of the larger pattern and your connection to it, often facilitated through dreams, art, music, colors and creative pursuits. With focused attention, meditate on Red Moon and you will receive help with self-remembrance.
Red Moon is also a beacon or transmitting station. As you open to self-remembrance, you become a beacon and receiver for cosmic consciousness. This communication creates the gradual opening of the third eye, the eye within the mononlith of self. As this eye opens and your communication becomes more refined, you will notice more signs, signals and understanding coming to you. These are all for your growth and evolution - a feedback system from which you can gain insight about your journey. The number for Red Moon is 9, which symbolizes the recurrence of great cycles. An example of such recurrence is the periodic return of master teachers to help awaken human beings on Earth. Nine is the number of Quetzalcoatl, buddha, and Christ. Red Moon is a symbol for great teachers who have come to translate universal wisdom to humanity, to embody the awakened state of consciousness that is accessible to all. Such teachers serve as a connection to the Divine and hold the promise of full self-mastery. Take off the veil of forgetfulness. Become the beacon of awakened awareness. As you open to self-remembrance, you will freely receive divine guidance. Be with others who support your fullest expression.
Red Serpent is your Higher Self & Guide.
"I am the flint and tinder of the sacred fire," reads the meditation for Red Serpent. In the Great Mystery, flint and tinder represent the instinctive combustion that initiates movement in the physical body toward union with Spirit. When flint and tinder are brought together, the spark of divinity awakens and ignites the fire of your essence. Red Serpent invites the purifying spark of the sacred fire, the kundalini, to align and integrate your body, mind and spirit. Red Serpent can help you uncover apparent blockages in specific chakras to clear an align them. If you are working on a process of purification, invite Red Serpent to assist you.
Red Serpent's symbol is the serpent, representing healing and wholeness.
This Mayan medicine can remove toxins, rejuvenate and transform dis-ease. Red Serpent is also known by the Maya as the kultanlilni, or kundalini, the energy that moves up from the base of the spine and out through the crown chakra. There are two aspects of this force, the ida and the pingala, representing its male and female polarities. One of the ancient secrets of Red Serpent is the activation of higher states of consciousness through balancing these two polarities so that they dance within us as one. Another metaphor for this serpent energy comes from the Mayan words luk umen tun ben can, or "those absorbed by the serpent of the sacred knowledge." When the seven chakras are fully activated, one experiences an enlightened state.
Red Serpent represents the basic structural apparatus of your motivations, instincts, desires, and your innate movement toward wholeness. Red Serpent asks you to shed the skin of your past and step into the fires of alchemical transmutation. In this, rebirth is revealed. This desire is an innate response encoded in the depths of your being. With the energy of Red Serpent, you learn to use the innate intelligence of the body. In this culture you may have become separated from this wisdom. It works like this: when you suppress and ignore your issues, your body receives and retains the unconscious metaphors of that which is ignored. This may be expressed through physical symptoms that bring your unconscious issues to conscious awareness. When this happens, work toward a more conscious relatonship with your body - and work with the physical metaphors in order to heal yourself on all levels. The body has a specific kind of consciousness through which messages are clearly delivered. In fact, the body itself is a living metaphor that mirrors your mind, emotions and spirit. However, the body also remembers all it has experienced, and consequently holds the consciousness of the past within it, including past wounds and traumas. In healing these, remember the innocence of your body. Treat it with love and respect. Open yourself to be aware of its messages and metaphors rather than storing them. Be willing to look at the positive intent beneath any symptoms or physical process your body is using to communicate. Explore whatever it may be asking you to see. In this alignment process, you can use images or energies that come to you in meditation or dreams. Journey through your body to catalyze and explore any sensations, colors, shapes, or images. In these times we have a profound opportunity to transcend both our physical and our spiritual genetics. The body's integration provides an unparalleled opportunity for personal evolution. Learn to expand and utilize your senses to access your body's wisdom and vitality. Don't 'think' about it; simply allow your body to sense intuitively the solutions necessary for change and growth. Red Serpent also represents the connection between powerful physical/ecstatic experiences and the light of higher consciousness. This is an initiation of awakening through the body and senses, rather than in negation of them. As Jose Arguelles says in The Mayan Factor, "Like the Maya, we shall understand that the path to the stars is through the senses." Within the body are held the keys to fully awakening our consciousness. This deeper understanding is expressed in tantric practices, where spirituality and sexuality are integrated and honoured as a means to enlightenment. Red Serpent represents the integration of mind, body and spirit.
Use the body as a tool for transformation. Learn how to use passion and the senses as a means of access and alignment to higher consciousness. Follow your gut-level intuitions and instincts to make choices in the moment.
Be willing to look at issues you have concerning intimacy and sexuality. Make sure that you are not separated from the dance of passion that is in union with your divine nature. Sense your deeper desire for union and intimacy. Red Serpent calls on you to awaken your vitality, body wisdom, and passion for life.
Red Serpent is associated with the sacred tools of the drum and the rattle. Drums and rattles can break down old patterns or bring energy into alignment.
Yellow Human is your Subconscious Self and Hidden Helper.
Yellow Human is the grail, the golden fleece, the philosopher's stone, the alchemical transmutation that turns baser materials into gold. It is the cornucopia, the paradox of emptiness and harvest, the still place that lies open and fallow, receiving the gifts.
Yellow Human offers you the gift of beginner's mind in the fullness of union. Be receptive. Yellow Human is preparing your circuits for transformation. Become empty, that your thirst may be quenched by the bounteous gifts poured from the chalice of the spiralling galaxies. Open and receive all that Yellow Human offers in the chalice of your own body. Eb asks you to strengthen and clear your physical vessel in order to prepare for the expanded energies of higher mind. Your chalice of self is being purified through vibrational adjustments in the brain/body system. With this quickening, adjustments are made and your circuits of consciousness are naturally transformed. Often this process is accompanied by the sensation of being altered or "rewired". Higher centers of the brain and the light-sensitive pineal and pituitary glands are being activated to contain more light. This penetration brings you to a critical threshold, creating enormous change at the cellular level. It also activates soul memories and expands your concepts of reality. With this expanded consciousness, your brain/body system is being cleared and fine-tuned so that you can create a sluiceway for the activation and acceleration of cosmic consciousness. This penetration of frequencies and its accompanying quickening is like upgrading the 'hard drive' of your biocomputer and activating the 'hidden chip,' the unused parts of your brain. This is the foundation and awakening of your light body, a body crafted from the expansion of interstellar light within every cell. This body exists in and out of time and space and is able to experience and communicate freely with other dimensions and times. This is the resonant body within those whom Jose Arguelles calls the Servant-Warriors: "those humans who fully realize the dream light body within the physical body and understand the circuitry of the human organism - who use the light body to navigate the electromagnetic waters which we call the universe." The development of the light body involves strong interaction between Spirit and self as you prepare for entrance into the expanded chalice of Essence Self. In preparing this vessel, you enter into the rites of passage inherent to cosmic consciousness, and such rites eventually burst any false containers of self that cannot encompass the expanding chalice. In meditation, expand to include all that you are. Then bring that feeling of expansion back into your physical self. In this process, you create a complex stability, opening a chalice of self that is fully rooted in human form. With this expansion, you are freed to explore within a new center that, paradoxically, seems to have to center. Yellow Human reveals the secret of being essence within form, everywhere and nowhere, "nothing" but present in all things. The metaphor of the ever-expanding chalice is a powerful spiritual tool. This chalice represents the eternal container of light, ever filled with spirit's fire and nourishment. It is the metaphor that represents the form in which your full potential can manifest. Each stage in your journey feels like the final one, but each stage then opens to an expanded form, releasing you into the next stage of consciousness. All the gifts of the macrocosm pour out of the universal cornucopia. With an open heart, empty yourself to be filled with the fruits of your true desire. Through the temple of your body, lift the chalice of your expanded self and declare that it is filled with truth and clarity. Feel the ecstatic union with your full potential as a human being. Meditate on the cornucopia with you at its center. Lift the chalice of your self-generated energy vortex to greet the vortex that will descend from above. As an open vessel, prepare a place to receive Yellow Human's gifts. When you flow in unconditional love, all the fruits of the universe rush toward you for benediction. Bathe in love's essence as a child splashing in a pool on a hot day. Connect with others in joyous union. Use the broom of Yellow Human to sweep your day clear of past experiences and the issues and obstacles of small mind. In the spirit of Yellow Human function on all frequencies and power bands. Your cup is filled with the nectar of sacramental union. Be fulfilled by the great harvest of love!
Blue Storm represents your Challenge and Gift. With maturity and awareness this challenge will turn into a Focus. This is what you desire to learn in this lifetime.
In the shadow of Cauac are held issues of spiritual separation. Cauac bridges the time and space between physical and nonphysical realities. This space can be viewed as a wall or veil between you and the Creator. The intensity of your desire to go 'home' is often met with equal force from the collective belief in separation. At times, you may even experience a sense of despair and helplessness over the apparent gap between you and Spirit.
Take courage - you will move through the wall! During this process, you may encounter intense feelings related to the original trauma of separation from Source. But equally intense feelings will take you through the wall to sacred reunion on the other side. On this journey, you will meet and deal with the charge of that part of your power that has not been freed into love. And in your yearning for your spiritual home, you will be assisted by ascended beings and masters whose purpose is to aid in your return. A prominent shadow of Cauac is the fear of loss, the fear that by jumping into the unknown, you will lose everything: companions, loved ones, attachments, possessions - perhaps even your body or mind. Cauac is the crucible of revolution. This transformation is so inclusive that you may be reluctant to take risks for fear of the depth of change. You may even have feelings of despair or giving up. Though it can appear frightening, this process is actually there to serve you - to magnify your feelings until you address them, using them as fuel to propel you thorugh the transformational barrier itself. Another shadow of Cauac falls on those who seek to escape or transcend earthly reality through addictions of all kinds - to substances, fears, self-doubts, material comforts, relationships, sexual obsessions, and work, among others. Addictions are like incomplete rites of passage, where compulsive behaviour creates a feeling of being trapped rather than being free. They may offer the appearance of freedom, but only spiritual connection can offer true freedom. On the other hand, the desire from a new or altered state can become an indirect spiritual path leading to transcendence. Thus the escape is incomplete, yet it eventually brings one to the opportunity of a profound transformation. Any illusions you may have about self are magnified intensely through the lens of Cauac. When you experience separation from Spirit's love, questions of Essence Self and issues of archetypal self-worth arise. This separation springs from a basic denial of your oneness with Spirit. Denial can be seen as consciously or unconsciously holding something away from yourself, and it creates an energy loss and a feeling of disconnection from your potential.
However, that which feels like it has been lost returns when you forgive yourself. Accept your human process, freeing the power and potential that has been locked in your fear-based emotions. Accept your behaviours as part of your learning experience. Let go of the rigid belief systems and judgements that hold denial in place.
Acceptance is the allowance that creates freedom, and separation is the guide to union. You may tend to deny your feelings and your growth process, thinking that you are above them or have already worked through them. This denial amplifies and intensifies the feelings until they come into awareness. Know that the intensity of your process is also healing your cellular and genetic memory, as well as the collective issues of humanity and the planet. Simply accept the truth of your experience, no matter how intense or difficult it may seem. Embrace everything that happens to you and you will regain all the vital energy that can be applied to the purposes of evolution.
White Dog is your Compliment - something that comes naturally to you.
One of the gifts of White Dog is the calling in and recognition of other companions of destiny. Other beings with the same longing are waiting to meet and acknowledge you - beings who can see you as you authrentically are. When you have truly been seen, you feel empowered, and remembrance of a shared sacred trust is ignited. This is a natural process, divinely designed for recognition through vibrational affinity, freed from personal expectations.
White Dog can be seen as an access point for developing relationships with guides, totems, allies and guardians. There are many ways to work with these spiritual guides, including guided visualizations, shamanic journeys, and meditation. A useful construct is viewing them as aspects of yourself, part of your life stream that is asking to be integrated. Remember, there is no 'other'. In this grand adventure, you are being asked to embody all that you are. Profound insights are garnered through shared purpose and relationship with others who are willing to be in their truth and integrity about the light and shadow aspects they perceive in themselves. Similarly, intimate relationships can be viewed as unique opportunities to bring forward in each other deep emotional patterns to be transformed. In this case, those you have drawn to you hold the ability to assist you in your own integration as well. There are no mistakes. Be willing to look deeply into the truth held within any relationship. The expression of intimacy is a gift of love; the lack of it may be a symptom asking for honest communication and healing. It may also be guiding you to reevaluate your relationship and the purpose it is serving.
White Dog signals a breakthrough in your life: new beginnings, new perceptions, new allies and friends. As you express more authentically who you are, you draw your true family closer to you.With your guides and companions, you have the ability to manifest your inspired visions and dreams. Recognize the eyes and hearts that spark the remembrance of a sacred trust.
The harmonic wisdom of White Dog is affinity, the attraction of like vibration or substances for one another. Spiritual affinity is not limited to family kinship - it is part of the natural affinity between companions of destiny. Such companions of are drawn together by the same aligned force that draws iron filings to a magnet. Companions of destiny are drawn togther to do work that is naturally harmonious.
On the surface at times, it may seem that you have little in common with these companions, yet the attraction remains. This is because Essence Selves are often committed to work together long before they meet in the physical world. This is a natural process of affinity, rather than a process motivated from personal desire. Follow this guidance into your unfoldment within the larger pattern.
Your Tone is Tone 4 - Self-Existing
Order, definition, discrimination, natural cycles, meaningful alignment.
Four is the ray of measure, the alignment with natural cycles. It is the square, the base of the pyramid, the solid foundation that unifies the lines of directional force. Four is the diamond asking you to utilize tools of discrimination. Now is the time to manifest your dream or vision. Look to natural logic, order and definition - these gifts support the whisperings of your creative spirit. You are the architect who manifests your dreams! Open the door and call forth the sacred Four. You are being brought into meaningful alignment, bringing healing into this cycle of your life. The four directions offer you assistance in understanding universal physical laws. Use measure as a tool of consciousness to mold time, form and space. Now is the time to focus, to connect tangibly with the undefined. Take your ideas and give them discipline and form. Develop the ability to discriminate without creating separation or judgement. Channel your creative energy constructively, generating the power for practical manifestation!
***
These excerpts were taken from the book, "The Mayan Oracle - Return Path to the Stars" by Ariel Spilsbury & Michael Bryner - Click here to email Ariel and purchase a signed copy! | 19,702 | 7,982 | 0.000126 |
warc | 201704 | House GOP Debt Limit Deal Represents Opportunity for Taxpayers
Americans for Tax Reform continues to support the Budget Control Act of 2011 after CBO released an updated estimate of the bill's budgetary impact. The only serious proposal that addresses the country's debt crisis, the Budget Control Act institutes real cuts, establishes enforceable spending caps on discretionary spending and requires a vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution in Congress.
Most importantly, it fulfills the pledges made by House Republicans throughout the entire debt limit debate: No "clean" debt limit hike that ignores the government's spending problem, cuts greater than borrowing authority extended and no tax increases. Specifically, the House debt limit proposal:
Extends $900 billion in borrowing authority (roughly enough for the next six months) in exchange for savings of $917 billion over the next ten years. This is a cut of about 8 percent of total expected discretionary spending for half of a year of borrowing authority. Removes outlay caps from the first version of the bill, reducing the amount of money actually going out the door in next year's budget. This limits budgeted spending to two percent annual growth while tightening the amount of actual spending allowed to occur in 2012. This results in savings of $25 billion next year alone. Proves that the House-negotiated FY2011 Continuing Resolution was a good deal for taxpayers - CBO's updated projections to include the deal show it will save taxpayers $122 billion over the next decade. Under the Obama budget, spending would have increased by over $400 billion in the same time. Requires additional real savings of at least $1.8 trillion before the President can request additional borrowing authority.
"Republicans have proven once again that they take the pledges they make to taxpayers seriously," said Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist. "House Republicans didn't blink when their initial bill came in under projections; they did what they promised to do and rewrote the bill to cut more. This signals more reform is down the road, but lawmakers need to take the first step in getting there. The House's plan to solve the debt limit debate is that necessary first step." | 2,280 | 1,145 | 0.000878 |
warc | 201704 | Freedom is not just about being able to choose anything you want. Freedom is ease with oneself. Believe me, you know this, when you’re in a transition faced with goblins, jewels, and choices. See, the problem isn’t that you don’t know yet which life you want. The real problem is that voice in your head–which is just way too much like a jumpy crack junkie, or, say, a cattle-prodding “concerned” relative, who needs you to get a fice in the park–rather than take a walk in it. This junkie is calling out the inner militia to make you DO something. But here’s what you are doing: You are learning to trust yourself, your life and your spirit. You are learning the art of living a more inspired life.
Between the worlds often requires that we hang out on the perimeter, before diving in. Of course, you may look around at others, thinking they’re so “productive.” but what are they getting done? Another day at the office swallowing yawns, truth, and boredom and spending the bulk of their week with people they don’t admire or cherish. What do you think will matter to you at the end of your life? will it be that you attended another business meeting or swept another floor? Or will it be that you took the time to be with your own heart beating and that you created a life that swept all doubts away? Learning how to trust your deepest desires and yourself are among the most important things you can do with your breaths on earth.
Why Transition Can Unsettle Us
I don’t know about you, but for most of my early years, I led a paint-by-number life, granted the deluxe corporate lawyer edition. I pleased teachers and scored top grades. Good grades got me into a good law school. The great law school got me a great job. I did well at the great job and got the bonus. I was a superior rat. I always knew the lever to press to get the cheese. I didn’t have to have an opinion or instinct or emotional connection. I could accomplish whatever I was told. Of course, I had no idea what to do, if I wasn’t told. I’d never listened to myself.
You may think effort is difficult. But let me tell you effortlessness is way harder.
Living your calling is a path of effortlessness. It’s a path of walking headlong into grace. It doesn’t have an external program or drill sergeant. This kind of reinvention is all about listening to the angels instead of the crowd. It’s about becoming the authority of your destiny. It’s about listening, breath by breath, to direction in and of itself.
Change, will change you, and that’s the point. Still, it’s not fun to be between worlds, jobs, lovers, or identities. The good news is I’m here to tell you don’t need to eat yourself into two new pant’s sizes. I’d like to help you navigate this sacred dimension. This is a time out of ordinary time. That means it’s extraordinary time. And I recommend you make extraordinary choices. Here’s three I recommend.
1. Stay the Course:
Being between worlds can be expansive and disorienting. Give yourself the opportunity to fly. “I’m thinking of going back to school,” says “Mary” a client of mine. “Of course you are,” I think, grin, and say. Most people want to jump on a track again instead of stay in the intractable pudding of being themselves and the gloppy unknown. They want to go back to school get certified in something, marry the T.V. repairman or anyone else who can come up with a picture at this point, or micromanage someone else’s life. But I don’t recommend pasting a patch over a volcano. There is a birth in progress and I want you to trust the rumbles and discomfort. Besides, the Universe, in its infinite Universe wisdom, wants to be sure you have lungs and feet before it sends you down a path. Have patience for the mystery of creation.
There’s a reason your full blown path doesn’t just materialize. The mystic poet Emily Dickinson said, “The
truth must dazzle gradually or every man be blind.” And Anais Nin wrote, “There are very few human beings who receive the truth, complete and staggering, by instant illumination. Most of them acquire it fragment by fragment… by successive developments, cellularly, like a…mosaic.” I thought you might believe it more if other people said it.
Remember, an architect doesn’t attach the expensive Spanish windows or frame the structure of a castle until the foundation is secure. You are establishing foundation, scraping through dirt and finally laying concrete. And if it’s taking time, it’s because you keep questioning the foreman and holding up the shovels.
You can ease your anxiety if you strengthen your commitment to a spiritual path, religion, meditation practice or some way of uncovering your own inner voice. When clients or students feel frustrated about not having clear plans, I soothe them, “You don’t need a map, when you have a guide.” I want you to experience a nonlinear source of strength, comfort, and clarity. You will make more progress by choosing from strength instead of fear.
2. Rest, Rest, Rest, and the Rest will Come:
Most of us need to rest. We’ve worked hard. Or we’ve experienced unspeakable tragedies or deviations from our dreams. We may have ignored our own cries for help. This is a detoxification process. Also, freedom, that houseguest with a thousand questions, can be exhausting.
I tell my clients to rest. They tell me I’ve done that. I took a nap or a long walk or I blinked my eyes, and now I want to get on with it. I tell them again to rest. I don’t mean just sleep. I mean stop the judgment in your mind. I mean slip into a place where the narrator isn’t on the bullhorn critiquing your every move, all days of the week, all hours of the day. Rest means let go of judging the process–and start opening to the nuances, whispers, and surprise moments of buoyancy, clarity, and secret rustle of wings. When your eyes adjust to the dark night sky, a thousand stars appear. But the stars do not blaze when your flashlight is on. Turn off your searching devices, and sparks appear of themselves.
Sometimes, I meet people who cannot find peace or name their joy. It’s because they have a sadness or injustice that requires forgiveness. You cannot go forward into new holy ground with bitterness in your heart. Come into present time. It doesn’t matter what you could have done twenty years ago. It doesn’t matter how things should have turned out. Start now. Lift the burden. Honor the life before you.
3. Experience and Explore:
Sometimes you will feel like you’re not getting anywhere, and it’s because you need more information.
I remember when I first bought a house. I had no idea of what I was looking for.
The realtor asked, and I looked at him blankly, and maybe even provocatively, as though with a little encouragement, he might tell me the right answer. So we started with whatever I did know. I did not want to live next door to a meth lab and that sort of thing. Then the realtor showed me different neighborhoods and styles of homes. Over time, as we looked at different places, clarities began to emerge. I realized I loved older homes, but I wanted closet space, and I loved the idea of being close to a coffee house and restaurants but having a private backyard and garden. Pretty soon I was rattling of requirements, as though dictating a recipe. I would never have gotten clear in my mind. I got clear in the car, as we drove and visited properties. I didn’t figure it out. I
recognized desires as I looked at houses. I couldn’t imagine anything in the beginning. But when I saw choices, my imagination ran wild.
When you’re between worlds you may need to sample new lives. Start taking classes, reading books, seeing what hooks you now. Invite curiosity with you, but keep decisiveness on a short leash. Visit the cult, don’t join it. Play, sample, and dabble. Don’t be concerned that you are not committing, incorporating or building a website, hiring staff, and appearing on the Today show within the week. That’s the point. I don’t want you to grab at anything. I want you to be grabbed by it. That’s when effortlessness enters the room.
***
It’s not easy to walk around without business cards or skin. It’s not easy to part the clouds. It’s not easy but it does lead to an ease that is unshakeable. Transition is a precious opportunity to give birth to your true life. It’s not for the faint of heart. Baby, it’s for the full of heart. | 8,740 | 4,062 | 0.000258 |
warc | 201704 | Epstein says employer-based health coverage can reduce your out-of-pocket insurance costs. You can also sometimes find low-cost life insurance through your employer. Both types can be difficult and expensive to obtain independently if you're over 50. In addition, when you become eligible for Medicare, your insurance plan at work can substitute as a Medigap policy, saving you money. | 386 | 263 | 0.003822 |
warc | 201704 | The women scientists who took India into space 12 December 2016 From the section India
Two years ago, as Indian scientists successfully put a satellite into orbit around Mars, a photograph that went viral showed women dressed in gorgeous saris with flowers in their hair celebrating at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in the southern city of Bangalore.
It was reported that the ecstatic women were scientists and the photograph challenged the stereotype that rocket science in India was a male preserve.
Isro later clarified that the celebrating women were administrative staff, but it went on to add that there indeed were several women scientists who had worked on the mission and were in the control room at the time of the launch.
The BBC's Geeta Pandey recently travelled to Bangalore to meet some of the women who have taken India into space.
Ritu Karidhal, Deputy Operations Director, Mars Orbiter Mission
As a little girl growing up in the northern Indian city of Lucknow, Ms Karidhal was an avid sky watcher who "used to wonder about the size of the moon, why it increases and decreases. I wanted to know what lay behind the dark spaces".
A student of science who loved physics and maths, she scoured the daily newspapers for information about Nasa and Isro projects, collected news clippings, and read every little detail about anything related to space science.
After getting her postgraduate degree, "I applied for a job at Isro and that's how I became a space scientist", she says.
It's now been 18 years and Ms Karidhal has worked on several projects at Isro, including the prestigious Mars mission, which has thrust her and her colleagues into the limelight.
The mission began in April 2012 and the scientists only had 18 months to capture Mars.
"It was a very small window, so the big challenge was to realise the project in that time. We had no heritage of interplanetary missions, so we had a lot to do in that short period."
Although women scientists were part of the mission right from the time of conception, Ms Karidhal says its success was due to the team effort.
"We used to sit with the engineers, everyone would brainstorm, irrespective of the time, we often worked the weekends.
A mother of two young children, Ms Karidhal says it was not easy to maintain a work-life balance but "I got the support I needed from my family, my husband and my siblings".
"At the time, my son was 11 and my daughter was five. We had to multi-task, manage time better, but I think that even when I was exhausted at work, I'd go home and see my children and spend time enjoying with them, and I'd feel better and they would also like it."
It's often said that "men are from Mars while women are from Venus" but following the success of the Mars mission, many dubbed India's women scientists the "women from Mars".
"I am a woman from earth, an Indian woman who got an amazing opportunity," Ms Karidhal says.
"Mars mission was an achievement, but we need to do a lot more. The country needs a lot more from us so that the benefit reaches the last man."
And who better than women scientists to do that?
Nandini Harinath, Deputy Operations Director, Mars Orbiter Mission
Ms Harinath's first exposure to science was Star Trek on television.
"My mother is a maths teacher and my father is an engineer with a great liking for physics and as a family we were all so fond of Star Trek and science fiction and we would sit together and watch it on TV."
Of course, at the time, she never thought of becoming a space scientist and for her, Isro "just happened".
"It was the first job I applied for and I got through. It's been 20 years now and there's been no looking back."
Being part of the Mars mission was a high point of her life.
"It was very important for India, not just for Isro. It's put us on a different pedestal, foreign countries are looking at us for collaborations and the importance and attention we got was justified.
"It was also the first time Isro allowed the public to look at what was happening inside, we were on social media, we had our own Facebook page, and the world took notice.
"I feel proud of our achievement. Sometimes, I feel honoured and flattered, but sometimes I'm also embarrassed," she says, laughing. "But now the way people look at you, it's very different. People recognise you for being a scientist. And I'm enjoying it thoroughly."
Ms Harinath says she takes "immense pride" in Mangalyan and was "really thrilled" to see it's photograph on the new 2,000 rupee notes.
But it was not an easy assignment and the work days were long.
In the beginning, the scientists worked about 10 hours a day, but as the launch date came closer, it went up to 12 to 14 hours.
"During the launch, I don't think we went home at all. We'd come in the morning, spend the day and night, probably go home for a short time the next afternoon to eat and sleep for a few hours and come back. But for an important mission like that which is time bound, we needed to work like that.
"We spent many sleepless nights. We encountered lots of problems as we progressed, in the design as well as in the mission. But it was coming up with quick solutions, innovation that was brought in that was key."
To make matters worse, her daughter's crucial school leaving exams fell right in the middle of the mission.
"Those few months were very demanding at work and at home. It looked like a race at the time. I'd wake up at 4am with my daughter to give her company while she studied. But now, we look back on that time with fondness. She did extremely well in her exams, scoring 100 in maths. Today, she's in medical school and is doing really well so I think it was all worth the effort."
I ask if we can call her the "woman from Mars".
"I want to be grounded to earth. It's important to remain so, to bring out the best in a person," she says.
"The Mars mission was a huge achievement, but that's past now. We need to look into the future, to see what more we can do. We have the entire cosmic neighbourhood waiting to be explored. There are so many planets, so it's time to venture out."
Anuradha TK, Geosat Programme Director at Isro Satellite Centre
For this senior-most woman officer at Isro, the sky is the limit - she specialises in sending communication satellites into space that sit at least 36,000km from the earth's centre.
The scientist who has worked with Isro for the past 34 years first thought about space when she was nine.
"It was the Apollo launch, when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. We had no television in those days, so I heard about it from my parents and teachers. It really ignited the imagination. I wrote a poem on a man landing on the moon in Kannada, my native language."
Considered a role model by other women scientists at Isro, Ms Anuradha disagrees that women and science don't gel.
"I never liked subjects where I needed to remember a lot and science looked logical to me. I don't believe that Indian girls think science is not meant for them and I think maths is their favourite subject."
When she joined Isro in 1982, there were only a few women and even fewer in its engineering department.
"In my batch, five-six women engineers joined Isro. We stood out and everyone knew us. Today, more than 20-25% of Isro's over 16,000 employees are women and we no longer feel special," she laughs.
At Isro, she says, gender is not an issue and the recruitment and promotional policies are all dependent on "what we know and what we contribute".
"Sometimes I say that I forget that I'm a woman here. You don't get any special treatment because you're a woman, you're also not discriminated against because you're a woman. You're treated as an equal here."
She laughs at the suggestion that her colleagues consider her an inspiration, but agrees that having more women in workplace can be a motivating factor for other women.
"Once girls see that there are lots of women in the space programme, they also get motivated, they think if she can do it, so can they."
Although the numbers of women staff has been consistently growing at Isro, it is still way below the halfway mark.
That's because "we are still carrying cultural loads on our backs and many women think their priorities lie elsewhere, at home", she says.
Her advice to women who want to be rocket scientists is simple: "make arrangements".
"Once I had made up my mind that I needed a purposeful career where my passion lay, I created a good set up at home. My husband and my parents-in-law were always cooperative, so I didn't have to worry much about my children.
"And I owe my success to the arrangements I made. You have to give something to get something. But life is like that. So when there was work to do, when I was needed at the office, I was here, working with passion. And when there was an absolute need for me to be at home, I was there."
Geeta Pandey recently spent ten days working on a series of stories in Bangalore. This is her second report. | 9,089 | 4,190 | 0.000242 |
warc | 201704 | By
Jason Wojciechowski on February 28, 2005 at 12:58 AM
This is about the nation's high schools being broken and not challenging enough. As someone who's teaching high school, though, I'm going to pass the buck. Instead of all the focus on what we're not teaching high school kids, how about some focus on what they're learning in middle and elementary school to prepare them for high school? High school can't prepare kids for college if those kids don't have the proper foundation when they get to high school.
Now, I come from a very particular background on this: the kids in my school are
unselected, in a sense. Had they done better in middle school, they might have gotten in to high schools with tougher admissions requirements. That's not to say that we don't have smart kids, because we do have some students who should go on and be very successful in college and life beyond that. What we don't have is enough of those kids, and what the city doesn't have is enough of those kids.
I think Bill Gates is right about something: the system might need to be torn down and rebuilt from the beginning. My professor this summer was adamant, and somewhat convincing, in his belief that the nation's mandatory education system grew out of a need to keep kids out of the labor force, for economic reasons. This meant that schools were essentially babysitters, time-occupiers to keep kids doing something semi-productive while the parents were free to have jobs. Supposing this is true, perhaps the way school works ought to be re-thought from the perspective that everybody actually needs an education. Even supposing it isn't true, if our schools aren't working, we can't be afraid of radical change.
What kind of radical change? Look around at various alternative schools in the country: small classes with mixed ages; curricula driven by skills and abilities, rather than by rote knowledge; less textbooks, more hands-on work; more art and music, particularly with respect to
appreciation of those subjects; cross- or inter-disciplinary work; meaningful, real-world questions and problems in classes, rather than knowledge-based exercises and ridiculous hypotheticals; etc.
Some of these ideas are slowly gaining traction in the mainstream educational world (though they're often poorly implemented because they try to compromise with the old ideals rather than realizing that the old ideals ought to be completely replaced), but not enough of them and not quickly enough.
My path from traditional public-school student to non-traditional private college student to traditional public-school teacher has disillusioned me in some ways about the educational system, but I do have some hope. I do think things can be changed. They can't be changed effectively from the front lines, the teachers, not with the top-down systems being implemented, but there are places where change can be effected. | 2,907 | 1,434 | 0.0007 |
warc | 201704 | Nail salons use high intensity ultra violet lamps in order to dry and cure nail enamel. These lamps emit UVA light which is associated with skin cancer. Does that mean that nail salon UV lamps can cause skin cancer? Most definitely not in one visit but if you repeatedly expose your nails to this light, the chances of skin damage is high and it could perhaps lead to cancer too.
What do UV lamps in the salons do?
The UV lamps in nail salons act as dryers which quickly dry either the nail enamel or harden the gel manicure and also help them last longer. Normally, after every coating of nail enamel or the gel manicure, the nails are placed under these lamps so that they can dry and harden faster. The light that comes out of these UV lamps is UVA light.
Why is UVA light harmful?
The component of sunlight that is attributed to causing skin cancer is UVA light. The powerful radiation is capable of causing melanoma, damage to the DNA and skin aging upon prolonged exposure.
Do all UV lamps cause damage?
The wattage of the light used in the nail salon differs from place to place. If the wattage of the lamp is high, then the level of UV-A radiation in the light is also high. Lower level of radiation does not pose as much risk and would need hundreds of visits before it can cause any damage to you.
If the lamp is of a high wattage, then you run the risk of the UVA radiation causing lasting damage to the cells in your body. Again, a single visit is completely safe since the danger of cancer occurs only upon cumulative exposure.
Read more about how to get rid of stained nails here Does this mean saying no to UV Lamps?
Prolonged exposure to high intensity UVA rays, occurring from multiple visits in a month can cause basal cell carcinoma. A study has shown that depending on the intensity of the rays, it could take anywhere between eight to 200 minutes under the UV lamp in order to cause damage to the cells and pose the risk of cancer.
If you occasionally visit the nail salon, then there is no cause for concern. A single sitting will expose you to about 5 minutes of tolerable intensity of UV light which is not going to do any harm to you.
Moreover, most of the studies are in the preliminary stages and do not have any solid proof to link exposure to nail salon UV lamps and skin cancer. This does not mean you do not take the threat seriously since you cannot rule out the possibility either.
How do you prevent damage?
If you are worried about the UV lamps in nail salons causing cancer, then the best thing for you to do is to use a broad spectrum sunscreen on your fingers before you stick them under the lamp. Restrict exposure to once a month. Better still, air dry your nails to stay away from any kind of fear of cancer risk.
Read more about cancer causing foods here | 2,812 | 1,290 | 0.00078 |
warc | 201704 | Positive solution
What a wonderful, positive community response to the honesty of our two young people who were brave enough to accept responsibility for their vandalism of Littleton Gardens.
Your editorial (BDN, 11/10) reported that Nathan Marshall suggested a mentoring program, John Richards the financial advantage of employing a youth worker and others, community service, as possible solutions to vandalism.
These are all very positive ideas, and not just for vandalism.
But nothing will be achieved if solutions are attempted in a piecemeal manner, out of scattered locations around the town.
Our roofless community centre, the Old Bega Hospital, did, until 2004, provide the opportunity for the above types of services to be built around the needs of the individual and the community, taking into account local opinion, circumstances and available resources. If the people of our Valley had access to a vibrant community centre again, where help, advice, information and activities were available, coordinated and directed where needed, then everyone, the young and not so young, would take more pride in our town.
Valerie Little, Tathra Very confusing
In Friday’s Bega District News there was an article voicing concern over the Liberal Party’s influence on the newly elected council, which I totally agree with.
Each councillor should be completely independent with no affiliation to any political party.
I don’t care about what they vote personally, that is their own business, but it should be completely neutral in relation to the council decision making.
The part that confuses me is the article I have spoken about says they don’t believe in a popularly elected mayor, which is rather conflicting. If a significant number of councillors are Liberal wouldn’t they vote for a Liberal mayor?
It also doesn’t give much credit to residents in relation to picking their own mayor.
Eight people get to decide and thousands of residents don’t?
Frank Pearce, Bega Saviours thanked
I wish to send my heartfelt thanks to two Bega police officers, Senior Constable Jarrod Butler and Sergeant Brad Swan.
These two officers saved my life in a recent incident and I wish them to know publicly that I will always remember their sincere devotion and will always be extremely grateful for their actions.
Thank you.
Nigel Wiggins, Bega Stand by our youth
October is Mental Health Month and it is over this month that we put extra emphasis on understanding and recognising mental health issues.
Although it is important to reflect in this month, I implore everyone to extend their reflection outside of October.
The signs of mental health issues can be hard to detect or even deliberately hidden, therefore mental health awareness should be something we think about on a day-to-day basis.
I have dedicated my life to helping the disadvantaged youth of Australia turn their lives around, and as such I have seen many of our youth struggle with a broad spectrum of mental illnesses.
These illnesses are severely affecting our youth with a significant number of cases developing in to long term issues or even resulting in suicide.
Without continuous care and support, our young people run the risk of developing these long term issues and this is simply not something we can allow to happen.
I ask that we take this Mental Health Month as an opportunity to grow as a nation and stand by our young people. | 3,458 | 1,713 | 0.000594 |
warc | 201704 | Police Federation warns over shortage of firearms officers Published 16/05/2016
A national shortage of armed police is leaving Britain vulnerable to terror attack, the Police Federation of England and Wales has said.
Officers are not volunteering to carry guns because they fear being "hung out to dry" and treated like a suspect if they discharge their weapon, the federation claimed.
Its chairman Steve White warned that Government's plans announced last month to train another 1,500 firearms officers to deal with the terror threat looked doubtful.
The warning comes as a survey of 16,800 officers shows that while 40% fear they will be attacked at work, just half this number (20%) have or want personal firearms.
Mr White told the Press Association: "Before we even start talking about recruiting the extra 1,500, we are struggling to fill the vacancies we have currently got because of the lack of understanding and protection that officers would have if they have to discharge their firearm.
"That's what this survey says - we do fear violence, but officers don't want to carry firearms because they are concerned that if they discharge it, they are going to get arrested for murder.
"But it is all connected with how officers are feeling - they are feeling vulnerable, they are feeling under threat. And if they are feeling like that ordinarily, why would they take the extra step to volunteer to carry guns? It is just more pressure, it is just more potential criticism.
"The Government has got to provide a message to the service, not that it has a get out of jail free card, but that officers will be supported appropriately and fairly in order to encourage officers to step forward and take on additional responsibility."
David Cameron announced last month that money will be ring-fenced to boost the number of firearms officers after terror attacks in Brussels and Paris.
Mr White warned there are "worrying" inconsistencies in the service nationally that have left some forces without firearms officers and reliant on neighbouring forces for coverage.
He added: "This isn't necessarily about the individual police officers, this is about our ability as a service to provide the level of protection that members of the public quite rightly expect.
"I think many members of the public think we have a lot more firearms officers than we actually have. I think they probably think we are all equipped with Tasers. It simply isn't the case.
"The inconsistency around the service is worrying, because no longer can we assume that if there is some kind of terrorist outrage that it is going to happen in the capital."
Mr White's comments come days after the threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain was raised from moderate to substantial.
He was speaking ahead of the federation's annual conference this week, with Home Secretary Theresa May expected to get a tense reception when she addresses officers on Tuesday.
The federation said officers are being "let down time and again" by ministers who are not providing them with kit such as Tasers and body-worn video.
The poll found that for many police officers, abuse, assaults and the threat of violence have become quite common.
About 44% of officers said they had received verbal threats at least once a month, while 7% said it happened daily.
More than a third (35%) experienced unarmed physical attacks at least once a month, while 6% said they were attacked with a potentially lethal weapon such as a bottle or gun at least once a month.
Police minister Mike Penning said: "It is vitally important that the police and intelligence agencies have the resources and kit they need to respond to the evolving threats we face. Following the terrorist attacks in France last year, we have announced an additional £143 million over the next five years to provide a national uplift in armed policing capability.
"We ask our firearms officers to do a vital and uniquely challenging job on behalf of the public - to put themselves in harm's way, in situations where they may have to decide in a split second whether to shoot and, in certain circumstances, to take the life of a person who poses a threat to others.
"We will always ensure firearms officers are supported to take the difficult decisions necessary to protect the public, and that is why, earlier this year, the Home Secretary commissioned a review of the legal and procedural framework governing police use of firearms and post-incident investigation, which is ongoing.
"However, there cannot be any question of police officers being exempt from the normal requirement of the law that any use of force must be proportionate, justified and reasonable." | 4,735 | 2,232 | 0.000453 |
warc | 201704 | Recently, I was chewing the fat with one of my star clients (you’re all stars), Millie (the names have been changed…) who’d successfully and permanently removed over 30 pounds two years ago. She’d contacted me because the circumstances of her life had changed and with these changes, she felt herself reverting to her old ways, which would inevitably lead to her weighing more.
One of the old ways that had seeped back into Millie’s way of being was a certain defeated tone. During our session she said,
“Every morning I tell myself that I’m going to try to get back on the wagon…” And, “I keep trying, but …” And then, “I’m going to try to remember…” Millie was using the most sabotaging word in the English language – and therefore in the Battle of the Bulge! Try, try, try!
When you “try,” the implicit possibility of failure is always there, hanging heavy. You’ve left yourself a loophole that leads straight to a slippery slope.
As the great Yoda said,
“Do or do not… there is no try.” If you don’t believe me, or Yoda for that matter, then place a pen on the table. Try to pick it up. Go ahead and see what happens. You either do pick it up or you don’t pick it up. There is no try!
Happily, I am here to inform you that there are other words and phrases that you can use instead of “try” that have a positive association to them.
Eliminate the word ‘try’ from your vocabulary; and substitute the words –
Explore Discover Learn Search Investigate Find out more about . . .
Tune in to yourself. When you hear yourself using the word “try,” substitute one of the above words and notice how the meaning and feel of the whole sentence changes. Notice how your energy shifts and how things become possible.
You can now explore and discover how to easily and effortlessly move “into the lite!”
Do or do not … there truly is no try.
For more super-duper weight loss tips that can blow the fat cells out of your mind, join Our Lady of Weight Loss’s Kick in the Tush Club/FB! | 2,166 | 1,126 | 0.000975 |
warc | 201704 | Researchers from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) have uncovered a new therapy to help those living with chronic back and leg pain to finally obtain relief.
There are many options to help relieve back and leg pain but many of them don’t have the lasting power. Chronic pain affects 23 to 26 percent of the population and so finding lasting treatments is necessary. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy offers greater and longer-lasting relief for those who suffer from chronic back pain and leg pain.
“This is the first long-term study to compare the safety and effectiveness of high frequency and traditional SCS therapy for back and leg pain,” said lead study author Leonardo Kapural.
SCS therapy sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord using a device which is implanted beneath the skin.
The new therapy is called HF10™ and it uses high frequency pulses. Typically, SCS frequency pulses ranges between 40 to 60 Hz, but with HF10™ the pulses are up to 10,000 Hz.
For the study 171 patients with chronic pain were implanted at 10 pain treatment centers. Ninety patients received HF10™ and the others received typical SCS therapy.
After three months 85 percent of back pain sufferers and 83 percent with leg pain who received the HF10™ treatment experienced a 50 percent reduction in pain or more. In the typical SCS group, only 44 percent with back pain and 56 with leg pain experienced over 50 percent reduction in pain. Over the 12 month study period, those who received HF10™ had lasting effects and reported being “very satisfied” with the treatment.
The findings were published in
Anesthesiology. | 1,681 | 821 | 0.001263 |
warc | 201704 | Pioneer Editor: 'Cash for Clunkers' is stimulus
Car dealers are back in business as Congress sent President Barack Obama on Thursday night another $2 billion for the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Congress and the president have been struggling with ways to jump start an economy in recession, and earlier this year passed a $787 billion economic stimulus bill. The monies there are surging through the economy but none has had the widespread impact as the Cash for Clunkers program.
The program was found to be so successful that it soon ran out of the $1 billion appropriated for it. In fact, had not the Senate acted on the additional funds Thursday, the program would have been suspended today. The program would have otherwise only run for 10 days.
But Americans used the money to help purchase 250,000 new cars, giving the automobile industry the shot in the arm it needed. The additional funds will allow Americans to buy 500,000 more vehicles.
Cash for Clunkers allows people to trade in certain older models for up to $4,500 credit on a new, energy-saving vehicle that gets at least 28 miles per gallon and the old car less than 18 miles per gallon. A $3,500 voucher is available if the new car is getting at least 22 mpg.
It's obvious the American people have embraced the program, as the initial transaction generates more than a 50 percent in fuel economy, generating $700 to $1,000 in annual savings, President Obama said in a statement as the bill headed to his desk. "And they are getting the oldest, dirtiest and most air polluting trucks and SUVs off the road for good,"
As part of Cash for Clunkers, the traded-in vehicles must not be resold and must be destroyed.
So only is the program instilling consumer confidence to purchase such a big-ticket item as a new car, it is also removing gas-guzzling vehicles from American roads, thus promoting a cleaner atmosphere and less reliance on foreign oil.
That seems like stimulus funding with a huge return for the investment. | 2,003 | 1,039 | 0.00097 |
warc | 201704 | History of the bed
Ever wondered how we came to sleep on the beds we commonly use today?
Take a trip back in time with Bensons for Beds and discover how where we sleep has evolved through the ages. From simple feathers and fur to technologically advanced iGel… it's a journey that will help you appreciate your bed at home that little bit more.
The history of the bed is a story that began thousands of years ago, and it’s one that’s still developing today. Read on to find out more.
Fascinating facts on the
history of the bed revealed What inspired the phrase 'night night, sleep tight' What made Queen Elizabeth I’s four-poster bed the most decadent of all How an early incarnation of the modern waterbed involved a vinyl sack and jelly An amazing mattress that cools you when it’s hot and warms you when it’s cold! But essentially, you slept where you lay
In fact, it wasn’t until a few thousand years later that the first example of what you would consider a standard bed set-up (bed base, mattress and blanket) was discovered. In 1850, a great storm battered Orkney in Scotland, UK and unearthed a Neolithic village of eight dwellings named Skara Brae, inhabited sometime between 3200BC and 2200BC. In each dwelling sat a large stone slab bed, which would then have been topped with soft fern and animal skins.
If the first European beds were basic, elsewhere they were anything but. Between 3,000 and 1,000BC the Egyptians were building elaborate beds for the Pharaohs.
Ornate wooden bed frames were carved then covered with gold sheathes. Woven mats were placed on top to provide stability, then topped with a wooden slat mattress. And wool cushions would be added, along with sheets fashioned from linen. Meanwhile, around 1580BC, the Persians started filling sewn-up goatskins with water in what is considered to be the first example of a waterbed.
Yet these early experiments in bed technology were reserved purely for people in the higher reaches of society. If you were poor, it would be after the turn of the century before you had something you could call an actual bed.
In medieval times, for example, most people would doss down on the floors of the hall in which they lived. Their bed consisted of a “mattress” fashioned from wooden boards covered with an animal fur. It’s actually from this set up that we get the phrase “bed and board”.
If you were a Saxon, you’d probably have a kind of bunk bed, usually placed up against a wall. You’d sleep on a rough mattress of sackcloth and straw, which was placed on top of boards. Curtains would be suspended from above and drawn round the bed. This served two purposes: letting draughts and light out and keeping warmth and sicknesses in.
If you were a servant, you would probably sleep underneath your master’s bed. But that was a rare luxury. Typically you had no bed at all – you slept where you worked. If you were a laundry maid, you slept on piles of laundry (which doesn’t sound too bad at all, actually), or if you were the cook, you slept on the floor in front of the fire. The most important thing was to keep warm, so people slept together in groups, with the oldest sleeping closest to any source of heat.
It was perfectly normal for the lady of the house to entertain guests in her bedroom. Warm, cosy and inviting, the bedroom became the typical reception room of the average Tudor house. It may also have been the inspiration for the creation of the “day bed”– where one could recline and receive guests in comfort.
Eventually, the rope straps would be replaced with bed strings, an intricate criss-crossing of ropes, threaded up and down and from side to side across the bed frame. Over time these strings would sag and require tightening. The phrase 'night, night sleep tight' comes from this process.
The concept of the portable bed was born around this time too. In some instances, particularly if the nobleman and his lady travelled a lot, bed frames were designed so that they could be dismantled and then rebuilt quickly and easily. Though these would not be nearly as ornate, usually no more than a wooden box on legs that could be carried fairly easily by a group of servants. Meanwhile in the richest houses, beds began to be regarded as more than a piece of furniture. Magnificently ornate bed frames were built, complete with ornate canopies, carved wooden bed frames, rich embroidery and soft mattresses filled with feathers, a new luxury imported from across the Channel in France.
Now the bed wasn’t just a place to lay your head at the end of the day: it was a symbol of your wealth and status.
Beds as a status symbol
The bed most synonymous with wealth, and the social standing of its owner, is the four-poster. It was first introduced into the UK by the Tudors. Tudor noblemen and women would compete with one another to see who could make theirs the most elaborate. Solid oak, intricately engraved pillars up to 18 inches round, fine velvet drapes, woollen curtains, heavily embroidered hangings bearing the coat of arms, resplendent colours and vibrant designs, lavish canopy to offer protection from twigs and feathers falling from the roof… the list of adornments went on and on.
Naturally the person with the most decadent bed of all was the most noble woman of all, The Queen. Of all The Tudors, Queen Elizabeth I had the winning bed. A receipt dating from 1581 details her requirements as ‘walnut, richly carved, painted, and gild… valance of silver cloth, figured with velvet, lined with a changeable taffetta, and deeply fringed with Venice gold, silver, and silk.’And that was just the bedstead.
There were also curtains cut from extravagant tapestry with each seam bordered with gold and silver lace, a headboard of scarlet satin, edged with silk, and plumes of ostrich feathers garnished with gold leaf. If the decoration on the bed was lavish, the mattress was still of a fairly basic standard. But over the next few years, this would start to change dramatically.
The development of the mattress
By the turn of the 17th century, people had begun to appreciate the benefits of sleeping on feathers, and this had become a more common mattress filling. Yet it was still something of a luxury. A feather bed was a prized possession, often handed down from one generation to the next. If you were a maid working in the kitchen of a large manor house, you might be permitted to keep the feathers from the birds you roasted as a kind of dowry towards your own marital bed – such was their value.
If you couldn’t afford feathers you were probably still sleeping on a sack filled with something soft, usually straw but sometimes wool, and this continued until well into the 18th century.
It was during this time however that a much wider range of materials became available for bedding. Pillows and mattresses stuffed with wool, horsehair or coconut fibre began to be sold. And cotton sheets, the vast majority of which were produced in the mills of Manchester, began to dress the beds of the common man up and down the country.
Indeed bedding became as much a display of wealth as the ornate beds of the era. A typical bed would be dressed in sheets, including a top sheet, blankets and an eiderdown – basically, the more bedding you had, and the longer it took your servant to make your bed, the better.
Realising the limitations of the standard wood frame and rope strap set-up, many tradesmen began constructing iron or steel bedframes. These offered two advantages: firstly durability, and secondly protection from disease. This was a period when tuberculosis was rife, and while wooden bed frames would often harbour lice, metal bedframes were practically sterile by comparison.
Meanwhile, several bed manufacturers began to use steel coils to support the mattress and in 1865, a man named Samuel Kettle patented what is now recognised as being the first ever open spring mattress. It was a huge success and the combination of a metal bedframe and a coil-sprung mattress would become the norm for decades to come.
What the coil-sprung mattress offered was comfort. The springs spread the weight of the person sleeping on the mattress more evenly, easing pressure and ensuring a more peaceful sleep.
In 1900 however, James Marshall, an English engineer living in Canada went one better, patenting the first ever pocket-sprung mattress.
What made Marshall’s invention unique was it contained lots of individual springs sealed into fabric pockets. Each spring provided support independently of its neighbours. Put together, they provided a support system that adapted to the individual contours of a person’s body. It was a revolutionary idea: a mattress that offered unparalleled support and comfort, no matter what your size, shape or weight.
Meanwhile, across the border, an American by the name of William L. Murphy was writing his own name into the history of the bed. Having moved to San Francisco to seek his fortune, he found himself frustrated at the lack of space within his tiny studio apartment. He didn’t like the way his bed intruded into the space where he wanted to entertain guests. His solution to the problem involved several experiments with a doorjamb and the hinges of his wardrobe. The result was what is now know as the fold-away bed, pull-down bed or, as he would probably have preferred it to remain, the Murphy Bed.
Natural, hypoallergenic, and extremely supportive, latex mattresses became very popular, particularly amongst people with back troubles. By 1939, over 30,000 had been sold in the UK alone. But then during the Second World War the supply of latex was cut off by the Japanese, and they became more and more expensive, in some cases only available if prescribed by a doctor. Sprung mattresses began to enjoy a resurgence and would remain popular until a new mattress fad arrived in the late 1960s.
In 1968, San Francisco State University students Charles Hall, Paul Heckel and Evan Fawkes were attempting to build the ultimate comfortable chair. Their plan was to fill a vinyl bag with warmed cornflour, though this proved unsuccessful, as did a subsequent attempt using jelly as the filling. Pondering the problem one evening, Hall decided that the elaborate shape of a chair meant that using a malleable filling inside was not workable – it just wasn’t supportive enough. So instead he decided to focus on creating the ultimate bed. This time he filled the vinyl bag with warmed water and even fitted a temperature control device designed to match the water temperature with the sleeper’s body heat – the waterbed as we know it was born.
Over the next 20 years waterbeds became hugely popular, but not really for the reasons Hall had hoped. While he saw his invention as a bed designed to ease pressure points and provide warming relief from aches and pains, everyone else saw the waterbed as something else entirely.
The waterbed became synonymous with the sexual revolution. Hugh Heffner boasted of having one in the Playboy Mansion. An advertisement ran with the slogan, ‘Two things are better on a waterbed. One is sleep.’
They were massively popular and by 1986 waterbeds accounted for 20% of the bed market. But it couldn’t last and it wasn’t long before it was replaced by something infinitely more sophisticated. Memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1960s to make the seats on aircraft more comfortable for the pilots.They created a kind of solid foam that was heat sensitive. When it came into contact with bodyheat it would soften, then firm up again when it cooled. This meant that it could mould to an individual’s bodyshape and offered unrivalled, personalised support.
The benefits to the sleeper were obvious, though it wasn’t until the early 1980s that NASA released the technology to the public, and even then it was incredibly expensive. But by the early 1990s, memory foam was the mattress of choice for people determined to have the best night’s sleep possible.
Memory foam was not without its drawbacks. Because it is basically a solid mass product, it doesn’t “breathe” like a coil based mattress might. Therefore when it’s warm outside, during the summer months for example, memory foam mattresses can feel warm, maybe even too warm for some.
What was needed was a mattress that could cool you in the summer and warm you in the winter. And that dream became a reality in 2013, following the launch of the iGel mattress range.
While traditional memory foam mattresses can leave you too warm and uncomfortable in the night, iGel mattresses adjust with your body temperature to ensure you’re never too hot or cold.
Each mattress contains thousands of tiny gel support beads that conduct heat away from your body and prevent you from getting too hot. When it’s cold, these beads first store then release heat throughout the night so you don’t wake up because you are too cold.
References
Dr Lucy Worsley BA Hons (Oxon), DPhil (Sussex) – English historian and curator – presented Tales from the Royal Bedchamber on BBC4 – author of If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of the Home | 13,358 | 6,078 | 0.000168 |
warc | 201704 | Dallas Residential Windows and Door Company Dallas Residential Windows
If you are looking for a reliable source for
Dallas replacement windows, look no further than Better Windows & Doors Inc. We are the company you can trust to provide better windows at a better price. We are also known for supplying homeowners and building contractors with some of the highest quality vinyl siding and doors along side our wide selection of replacement windows.
If you've already made the decision to replace the windows in your Dallas home, you are probably well aware of the energy and cost saving benefits new replacement windows can provide. Perhaps it is time to replace your old windows because the glass is shattered. Or maybe the there are leaks and gaps in the aged window frame that are beyond repair. Or, quite possibly, your energy bills have gone up tremendously in the past few years due to the poor insulation quality of your old windows. No matter what the reason you wish to replace your current windows with newer, energy efficient windows, it is important that you choose the right Dallas replacement windows for your home.
Dallas Vinyl Windows
Dallas vinyl windows are a great investment for homeowners because the new windows are made with insulated glass and are much more energy efficient than traditional wood windows that can be very drafty. The energy savings you'll get from having our Dallas vinyl windows installed coupled with certain tax credits means that, over a period of time, your new replacement windows will pay for themselves. Talk about a worthwhile investment!
If you have old wooden windows in your Dallas home, chances are that you have old paint on the windows. In most cases, the paint is lead based. Getting rid of these windows simply for this purpose makes sense as lead based paint has been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer.
It's no wonder why the maintenance free vinyl windows we carry at Better Windows & Doors Inc are preferred by many Dallas homeowners. If you want to learn more about our vinyl windows or the many other options of Dallas replacement windows we have available, please call our Dallas window replacement contractors at 469-383-9008 today.
Dallas replacement windows Dallas window replacement Dallas aluminum windows Dallas energy efficient windows Dallas vinyl windows Dallas vinyl siding Dallas windows Dallas wood windows Dallas window installation Dallas window installers Dallas door replacement Dallas new windows Dallas Door Replacement
Like replacement windows, new doors offer homeowners in Dallas the opportunity to not only increase the look and feel of their home, but the security and protection as well. Dallas door replacements often provide homeowners with a more energy efficient solution when compared with current entry doors, as well as increased curb appeal. The security and protection that a new door provides is all based on the superior construction of today's Dallas door replacements.
None of these benefits can be gained, however, without proper installation. Just like with your Dallas window installation, door replacement must be done properly for the energy efficient benefits and long-lasting durability of a new door to be utilized. Ensure your new doors are installed correctly by calling the Dallas door replacement experts at Better Windows & Doors Inc today.
Better Windows & Doors is Rated: 5 / 5
based on these 2 happy customer reviews.
"The best customer service ever! We just had new windows installed in our entire house, and the whole experience has been outstanding! The owner Patrick Hebert is wonderful to work with and came to the house a number of times to check on the installation. The installers, led by Miles, were professional, courteous, and had great attention to detail. My husband and i were exceedingly pleased and would highly recommend Better Windows and Doors and Patrick!!"
"Dear Patrick, Thank you for your amazing service replacing our windows in Hollywood Heights. Your knowledge of the product and explanation of the process was very helpful and put us at ease replacing our original windows in our 80 year old house. Having just had a baby and gone through the Lakewood hail storm you were able to help us through a stressful time by putting us at ease. We appreciated your sense of urgency and going the extra mile for us. You were very knowledgeable of the products and we couldn’t be happier with the new windows. Customer service is somewhat of a lost art, and it was apparent from the beginning that customer service is a top priority for you and your company. Your crew was very courteous and cleaned up very well in each room during installation. I highly recommend Better Windows & Doors if you are thinking about replacing your windows. Thank you." | 4,824 | 2,065 | 0.000487 |
warc | 201704 | MADISON University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have solved the mystery surrounding a "rogue protein" that plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain.
The scientists found abundant amounts of the puzzling protein whose main location and function were unknown until now in a specific area of the pituitary gland. Like someone at a control knob, the protein may adjust the release of the two hormones that come almost exclusively from the posterior pituitary: oxytocin, which controls many reproductive functions, and vasopressin, which controls fluid balance.
"The findings raise very interesting possibilities for women's health, in which rising and falling hormone levels play a key role in many biological processes," says senior author Meyer Jackson, a professor of physiology at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). More studies will be needed to better understand the protein, he adds.
The study appears in the Jan. 11
Nature Neuroscience.
The research focused on Syt IV, a maverick member of the synaptotagmin family of 17 proteins, which are present in both mice and humans. Synaptotagmins are usually embedded in the membranes of small sacs, or vesicles, filled with neurotransmitters and hormones within nerve terminals. When an electrical impulse from one cell reaches a nerve terminal, it triggers the release of calcium, which in turn triggers the spilling out of the vesicle's contents neurotransmitters and hormones so they can act on other cells.
"Most synaptotagmins are triggering molecules that drive a vesicle's membrane into the membrane that surrounds a neighboring cell so that chemicals inside the vesicle can come out," says Jackson.
But Syt IV is an odd member of the family because it doesn't bind to calcium, said Jackson. In addition, Syt IV is found only sparsely in most parts of the brain. But Jackson and his colleagues were surprised a few years ago when they discovered large amounts of it in the posterior pituitary, one of the three primary parts of the gland.
He teamed with Edwin Chapman, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, fellow SMPH physiology professor and synaptotagmin expert. The UW-Madison researchers conducted high-powered biophysical measurements to understand exactly what Syt IV does in the pituitary. They made a thorough comparison of the pituitaries from normal mice and mice in which Syt IV had been knocked out.
The work showed conclusively that, like other members of the synaptotagmin family, Syt IV resides on vesicles. But unlike the others, Syt IV doesn't trigger neurotransmitter or hormone release.
"It does not simply translate a calcium signal into a command for hormone release," says Jackson. "Unlike other synaptotagmins, Syt IV tunes the triggering command and determines whether the same electrical impulse will let a large or small amount of hormone out of the nerve terminal."
This ability to modulate hormone release may have important implications for pregnancy, birth, lactation and the menstrual cycle, all of which are linked to fluctuations in oxytocin levels.
"Any change in the body that entails releasing more or less of this hormone into the bloodstream could well be a result of the brain's making more or less of this protein," says Jackson, who for two decades has studied the powerful pea-sized pituitary located at the base of the brain.
For example, early release of oxytocin can lead to premature birth, a phenomenon that has intrigued Jackson for a long time.
"It's quite possible that Syt IV levels change during pregnancy, birth and even post partum," he conjectures.
Confirming the possibility will be the next order of business for the Wisconsin researchers and others.
Jackson's interest in the effects of oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone," is not restricted to the female reproductive system. Last year, his team showed that Viagra acts in the posterior pituitary by enabling electrical impulses to release more oxytocin.
'/>"/>
Contact: Dian Land
dj.land@hosp.wisc.edu
608-261-1034
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Source:Eurekalert
1
GOOD | 4,159 | 1,964 | 0.000514 |
warc | 201704 | NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:
Molecular diagnostics is a rapidly-advancing area of research and medicine, with new technologies and applications being continually added. The technologies that come under the umbrella of molecular diagnostics include first-generation amplification, DNA probes, fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), second-generation biochips and microfluidics, next-generation signal detection, biosensors and molecular labels, and gene expression profiling using microarrays. These technologies are improving the discovery of therapeutic molecules for cancer, the screening, diagnosis and classification of cancer patients, and the optimization of drug therapy. This TriMark Publications report describes the specific segment of the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market known as molecular diagnostics (MD), with a specialization in the MD tests for cancer. In the current medical diagnostics market, molecular diagnostics for cancer testing offers one of the brightest areas for growth and innovation. The confluence of breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics, and the development of microarray devices to measure analytes in the blood and various body tissues, has led to this revolutionary market segment offering the power of advanced analytical techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This report analyzes the size and growth of the molecular diagnostics market in its applications for cancer detection and therapy, examining the factors that influence the various market segments and the dollar volume of sales, both in the United States and worldwide.
To order this report:: Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Testing
SOURCE Reportlinker
Copyright©2010 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved
0
GOOD | 1,840 | 927 | 0.001087 |
warc | 201704 | ULTRAVIOLET DOSAGE FORMULA. JOHANNES MEIJER uvh2o at comcen.com.au Sun Nov 1 22:13:12 EST 1998 Question on UVc Dosage CALCULATION
How do I arrive at the correct dosage, given the following information
Information that I have on a UVc Germicidal lamp is that it is powered with
a
15 watt 12V Dc inverter.
Lamp is 17 watts and its actual UV output is 5 watts.
According to the lamp manufacture at 1 Meter the UVc lamp produces 45
microwatts per SQ Centimetre.
Wave length is 253.7 nm
As for water temp, that will vary from tap to tap , unit could be used in
various situations in various countries. I would presume that one could
perhaps quote an average temp taking in consideration reasonable
variations.??
As for a water transmission coefficiency the device is to be used with
water that has already been subjected to pre-filtration 5 micron and is
recommended to be used with clear potable drinking water.
However the organism that it will need to target will depend upon its
efficiency and UV output water flow etc. Flow rate at
600Kpa using 3/8'' tubing is 3.4 Lpm, and using 1/4''tubing is
10 Lpm this should help in the quotation of dose rate.
The are a number of organism to target and I feel the best way to look at
this is to target those that require a high dose and work down from there,
but some require a higher dose than others, eg Cryptosporidium but no one
seems to know the required dose to neutralise this one including ,
Bilharzia and Giardia. I suspect it requires more than 100.000 microwatts
per cm sq.
Here is an indication of dose required for various bacteria etc
BACTERIA MOLD SPORES
-------- -----------
Agrobacterium tumefaciens 8500 Mucor ramosissimus 35200
Bacillus anthraci 8700 (white gray)
Bacillus megaterium (vegatative)2500 Penicillum expensum 22000
Bacillus megaterium (spores) 52000 Penicillum roqueforti 26400
Bacillus subtilis (vegatative) 22000 11000 (green)
Bacillus subtilis (spores) 58000
Clostridium tetani 22000
Corynebacterium diphtheriae 6500 ALGAE
Escherichia coli 7000 -----
Legionella bozemanii 3500
Legionella dumoffii 5500 Chlorella vulgaris 22000
Legionella gormanii 4900
Legionella micdadei 3100
Legionella longbeachae 2900
Legionella pneumophila 3800 VIRUSES
(Legionnaires disease) -------
Leptospira interrogans 6000
(Infectious Jaundice) Bacteriophage 6600
Mycobacterium tuberculosis 10000 (E. coli.)
Neisseria catarrhalis 8500 Hepatitis virus 8000
Proteus vulgaris 6600 Influenza virus 6600
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3900 Poliovirus 21000
(laboratory strain) Rotavirus 24000
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10500
(environmental strain)
Rhodospirilium rubrum 6200 YEAST
Salmonella enteritidis 7600 -----
Salmonella paratyphi 6100
(Enteric fever) Baker's yeast 8800
Salmonella typhimurium 15200 Brewer's yeast 6600
Salmonella typhosa 6000 Common yeast cake 13200
(Thyphoid fever) Saccharomyces var. 13200
Sarcina lutea 26400 ellipsoideus
Serratia marcescens 6200 Saccharomyces sp 17600
Shigella dysenteriae 4200
(Dysentery)
Shigella flexneri 3400 CYSTS
(Dysentery) _____
Shigella sonnei 7000
Staphylococcus opidermidis 5800 Cysts normally cannot be killed
Staphylococcuc aureus 7000 with UV, but are removed with
Streptococcus faecalis 10000 a sub-micron filters.
Streptococcus hemolyticus 5500
Streptococcus lactis 8000
Viridans streptococci 3800 Cysts include Giardia Llamblia
Vibrio cholerae (Cholera) 6500 and Chryptosporidium.
I hope this information will help .
Thank you in advance for your time and effort.
Regards, Johannes Meijer. uvh2o at comcen.com.au
FAX 61 2 98749119
Sydney Australia.
More information about the Microbiomailing list | 3,674 | 1,948 | 0.000525 |
warc | 201704 | Aspartame Lawsuits Against Some of World's Largest Companies for Poisoning the Public Dr. Betty Martini bettym19 at mindspring.com Mon Apr 12 18:01:18 EST 2004
Aspartame Lawsuits Filed Against Some of World's Largest Companies For
Poisoning Consumers
Leading Fortune 500 Companies, Coke, Pepsi, Walmart, Kraft General
Foods, etc. filed against for knowingly poisoning the public with
aspartame
SACRAMENTO, CA (PRWEB) April 11, 2004--ASPARTAME LAWSUITS ACCUSE MANY
COMPANIES OF POISONING THE PUBLIC. Defendants in the lawsuits include
Coca-cola, PepsiCo, Bayer Corp., the Dannon Company, William Wrigley
Jr. Company, Walmart, ConAgra Foods, Wyeth, Inc., The NutraSweet
Company, and Altria Corp. (parent company of Kraft Foods and Philip
Morris).
Lawsuits were filed in three separate California courts against twelve
companies who either produce or use the artificial sweetener aspartame
as a sugar substitute in their products. The suits were filed in
Shasta, Sonoma and Butte County, California.
The suits allege that the food companies committed fraud and breach of
warranty by marketing products to the public such as diet Coke, diet
Pepsi, sugar free gum, Flintstone's vitamins, yogurt and children's
aspirin with the full knowledge that aspartame, the sweetener in them,
is neurotoxic.
Aspartame is a drug masquerading as an additive. It interacts with
other drugs, has a synergistic and additive effect with MSG, and is a
chemical hyper-sensitization agent. As far back as 1970, Dr. John
Olney founded the field of neuroscience called excitotoxicity when he
did studies on aspartic acid, which makes up 40% of aspartame, and
found it caused lesions in the brains of mice. He made world news on
the aspartame/brain tumor connection in l996. Dr. Ralph Walton,
Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, Northeastern
Ohio Universities College of Medicine has written of the behavioral
and psychiatric problems triggered by aspartame-caused depletion of
serotonin.
Aspartame causes headache, memory loss, seizures, vision loss, coma
and cancer. It worsens or mimics the symptoms of such diseases and
conditions as fibromyalgia, MS, lupus, ADD, diabetes, Alzheimer's,
chronic fatigue and depression.
Aspartame liberates free methyl alcohol. The resulting chronic
methanol poisoning affects the dopamine system of the brain causing
addiction. Methanol, or wood alcohol, constitutes one-third of the
aspartame molecule and is classified as a severe metabolic poison and
narcotic.
Recent news is full of reports of world-class athletes and other
healthy consumers of aspartame suddenly dropping dead. Sudden death
can occur from aspartame use because it damages the cardiac conduction
system.
Dr. Woodrow Monte in the peer reviewed journal, Aspartame: Methanol
and the Public Health, wrote: "When diet sodas and soft drinks,
sweetened with aspartame, are used to replace fluid loss during
exercise and physical exertion in hot climates, the intake of methanol
can exceed 250 mg/day or 32 times the Environmental Protection
Agency's recommended limit of consumption for this cumulative poison."
The effects of aspartame are documented by the FDA's own data. In 1995
the agency was forced, under the Freedom Of Information Act, to
release a list of ninety-two aspartame symptoms reported by thousands
of victims. This is only the tip of the iceberg. H. J. Roberts, MD,
published the medical text "Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic" --
1,000 pages of symptoms and diseases triggered by this neurotoxin
including the sordid history of its approval.
Since its discovery in 1965, controversy has raged over the health
risks associated with the sugar substitute. From laboratory testing of
the chemical on rats, researchers have discovered that the drug
induces brain tumors. On Sept 30, l980 the Board of Inquiry of the FDA
concurred and denied the petition for approval. In l981, the newly
appointed FDA Commissioner, Arthur Hull Hayes, ignored the negative
ruling and approved aspartame for dry goods. As recorded in the
Congressional Record of 1985, then CEO of Searle Laboratories Donald
Rumsfeld said that he would call in his markers to get aspartame
approved. Rumsfeld was on President Reagan's transition team and a day
after taking office appointed Hayes. No FDA Commissioner in the
previous sixteen years had allowed Aspartame on the market.
In 1983, aspartame was approved for use in carbonated beverages. Today
it is found in over 5000 foods, drinks and medicines.
Neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock, MD, author of "Excitotoxins: The Taste
That Kills" (http://www.russellblaylockmd.com) wrote about the
relationship between aspartame and macular degeneration, diabetic
blindness and glaucoma (all known to result from excitotoxin
accumulation in the retina).
All of these neurodegenerative diseases are worsened by aspartame. In
addition, we now have evidence that excitotoxins play a major role in
exacerbation of MS and other demyelinating disorders including
trigeminal neuraliga. Blaylock says that new studies show excitotoxins
trigger significant elevation of free radicals in the lining
(endothelial cells) of arteries, which means that aspartame will
increase the incidence of heart attacks and strokes (atherosclerosis).
In original studies, aspartame has triggered brain, mammary, uterine,
ovarian, testicular, thyroid and pancreatic tumors.
Plaintiffs have asked for an injunction to stop companies from
producing, manufacturing, processing, selling or using aspartame.
Plaintiffs in all three cases are seeking a jury trial.
If you would like to schedule someone from the National Justice League
for an interview, please call or fax us at 208-246-1171.
Roberta Bellon, Public Relations
NATIONAL JUSTICE LEAGUE
http://www.nationaljusticeleague.com
2205 Hilltop Dr. Ste. 2022
Redding, Ca 96002
Phone: 208-246-1171
California: 530-248-3483
Cell Phone: 208-890-0034
E-mail: info at nationaljusticeleague.com
FOR INFORMATION ON ASPARTAME:
http://www.dorway.com
http://www.wnho.net
You can also contact Dr. Betty Martini, Founder, Mission Possible
Intl, 9270 River Club Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097 USA 770-242-2599
This release is issued by courtesy of:WORLD NATURAL HEALTH
ORGANIZATION (for further information on this Breaking News and
History of Aspartame) http://www.wnho.net
Contact Information
Betty Martini
MISSION POSSIBLE INTERNATIONAL
http://www.wnho.net, www.dorway.com
[]
Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in these
press releases please contact the company listed in the press release.
Please do not contact PR Web. We will be unable to assist you with
your inquiry. PR Web disclaims any content contained in these
release. Our complete disclaimer appears here.
© Copyright 1997-2003, PR Web. All Rights Reserved
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
More information about the Toxicolmailing list | 6,990 | 3,644 | 0.00028 |
warc | 201704 | Effect of muscle exercise with an oral screen on lip function.
MedLine Citation:
PMID: 2351205 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The study aimed at evaluating how training of the lips with an oral screen affects the strength of the lips and the pressure of the lips on the teeth. In addition, the effect of the treatment with an oral screen on the dentition was studied. The treatment and lip training programme was instituted for 9 months in 16 children, 7-11 years old, with protruding maxillary incisors. The effect on the dentition was studied on dental casts made before and at the end of the treatment, and 5 months thereafter, as well as on lateral cephalograms. The lip strength was recorded with a dynamometer. The pressure from the lips on the upper and lower central incisors at rest, and during chewing and swallowing was measured with an extra-oral pressure transducer incorporated in a water-filled system with an intra-oral measuring point. Measurements of lip strength and pressure were made regularly before and during the treatment, and continued for up to 10 months thereafter. The treatment resulted in a decrease of the overjet and upper dental arch length, but with some relapse after the treatment. The strength of the lips increased during the treatment, but decreased afterwards. The pressure from the lips on the teeth at rest and during swallowing was unaffected by the lip training. The pressure from the lower lip during chewing increased temporarily during the treatment period.
Authors:
U Thüer; B Ingervall
Related Documents :
8333415 - Screening rules for determining blood pressure status in clinical trials. application t...
24100355 - Day-by-day variability in self-measured blood pressure at home: effects on carotid arte...
11597545 - Interactions of sildenafil and tacrolimus in men with erectile dysfunction after kidney...
16685295 - Blood pressure assessment practices of dental hygienists.
3370655 - A polygraphic study of systolic time intervals and their correlations with heart rate a...
3578725 - A comparison between the effects of fentanyl, droperidol with fentanyl, and halothane a...
Publication Detail:
Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal Detail:
Title: European journal of orthodontics Volume: 12 ISSN: 0141-5387 ISO Abbreviation: Eur J Orthod Publication Date: 1990 May
Date Detail:
Created Date: 1990-07-13 Completed Date: 1990-07-13 Revised Date: 2006-11-15
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID: 7909010 Medline TA: Eur J Orthod Country: SCOTLAND
Other Details:
Languages: eng Pagination: 198-208 Citation Subset: D; IM
Affiliation:
Orthodontic Clinic, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Cephalometry
Child
Dental Arch / pathology
Electromyography
Equipment Design
Exercise Therapy
Female
Humans
Lip Diseases / physiopathology*, therapy
Male
Malocclusion / physiopathology*, therapy
Orthodontic Appliances*
Pressure
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document:A longitudinal study of occlusal interferences and signs of craniomandibular disorder at the ages of... Next Document:The skeletofacial growth pattern pre- and post-dentofacial orthopaedics. A long-term study of Class ... | 3,386 | 1,712 | 0.000595 |
warc | 201704 | Screening for autistic spectrum disorder at the 18-month developmental assessment: a population-based study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID: 17955715 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of administering the CHecklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) at the 18-month developmental check, estimate the prevalence of screening positive for autism at the first and second administrations of the CHAT and estimate the prevalence of diagnosed cases of autism. A cross-sectional study design was utilised and data was collected at child developmental screening clinics in counties Cork and Kerry. The sample group consisted of infants attending the routine 18-month developmental assessment, who were broadly representative of infants in the catchment area. The main outcome measure was a medium or high-risk score following two administrations of the CHAT screening instrument and a positive diagnosis of autism after clinical assessment. The CHAT was administered to 2117 infants (79% of those approached) of whom 29 were scored at medium or high risk at first screening, resulting in a prevalence rate of 137 per 10,000 (95% CI: 87-187). A total of 7 of the 29 first screen positive infants were positive (medium or high risk) at second screening, 12 were low risk and 10 parents refused to participate. On subsequent clinical assessment of the 7 infants screening positive on first and second assessment and assessment of 5 of the 10 infants whose parents declined second screening, 7 children received a diagnosis of autism. Thus the overall prevalence of clinically diagnosed autism following this screening exercise was 33.1 per 10,000 (95% CI: 13.3 to 68.0). The CHAT instrument is a useful tool to help identify childhood autism among infants. Routine use of this instrument at 18-month developmental assessment merits consideration.
Authors:
A VanDenHeuvel; M Fitzgerald; B Greiner; I J Perry
Related Documents :
3349015 - Changes in astigmatism between the ages of 1 and 4 years: a longitudinal study.
14738655 - Neonatal birth parameters of positive newborns at pku screening as predictors of false-...
20539275 - Implementation and analysis of a pilot in-hospital newborn screening program for glucos...
1515765 - Congenital dislocation of the hip: a prospective study comparing ultrasound and clinica...
2218945 - Expression of a new mutation (axd) causing axial defects in mice correlates with matern...
11028765 - Sequential c3 and c4 levels in human milk in relation to prematurity and parity.
Publication Detail:
Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal Detail:
Title: Irish medical journal Volume: 100 ISSN: 0332-3102 ISO Abbreviation: Ir Med J Publication Date: 2007 Sep
Date Detail:
Created Date: 2007-10-24 Completed Date: 2007-12-06 Revised Date: 2009-10-26
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID: 0430275 Medline TA: Ir Med J Country: Ireland
Other Details:
Languages: eng Pagination: 565-7 Citation Subset: IM
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College Cork.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Age Factors
Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Developmental Disabilities / diagnosis
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant Care*
Ireland
Male
Mass Screening / methods*
Prevalence
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards
Public Health Nursing
Questionnaires
Risk Assessment
Time Factors
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document:Consensus statements on the borderlands of neonatal viability: from uncertainty to grey areas. Next Document:Acute facial paralysis due to primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland. | 3,858 | 1,960 | 0.000518 |
warc | 201704 | The Use of Bioelectric Dressings in Skin Graft Harvest Sites: A Prospective Case Series.
MedLine Citation:
PMID: 21979844 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Despite advancements in wound care treatments for the management of acute and chronic wounds, there remains an unmet need for interventions that accelerate epithelialization. Many authors in the past have advocated the use of electric currents to accelerate wound healing. Novel wound dressings with inherent electric activity are emerging, and studies of these specific modalities are lacking. The principal aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a bioelectric dressing on acute wound healing. Thirteen patients who underwent skin grafting were enrolled. One half of all skin graft donor sites were treated with the bioelectric dressing and semi-occlusive dressing (SOD) and the other half using solely a SOD. Epithelialization was rated by a blinded burn surgeon attending. Participants also provided a self-assessment of their scar appearance. At week 1 postprocedure, average epithelialization of 71.8% was noted on the bioelectric dressing-treated side, compared with 46.9% on the SOD side, representing an average 34.62% faster wound healing (P = .015). At 1 month, patients rated the bioelectric dressing-treated half as superior in terms of scar color (P = .198), stiffness (P = .088), thickness (P = .038), and overall quality (P = .028). These early data show promise in terms of faster healing, improved scarring, and improved patient subjective outcome with the use of the bioelectric dressing on acute wounds. With fulfillment of an extended study population, the authors hope to provide a solid foundation for extrapolating their data beyond skin graft donor sites to all areas of wound care.
Authors:
Andrew L Blount; Sarah Foster; Derek A Rapp; Richard Wilcox
Related Documents :
18253794 - Pneumatic balloon dilation therapy is as effective as esophagomyotomy for achalasia.
8686404 - Heller-dor procedure for achalasia: from conventional to video-endoscopic surgery.
21712704 - A prospective randomized trial comparing subatmospheric wound therapy with a sealed gau...
21946704 - Comparison of the effects of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex and calcium carbonate on bon...
24439314 - Cytological alterations of nasal mucosa after nasal packing.
11136524 - Seasonal and age distribution of rotavirus infection in porto alegre--brazil.
Publication Detail:
Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-10-5
Journal Detail:
Title: Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association Volume: - ISSN: 1559-0488 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 Oct
Date Detail:
Created Date: 2011-10-7 Completed Date: - Revised Date: -
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID: 101262774 Medline TA: J Burn Care Res Country: -
Other Details:
Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: -
Affiliation:
From the *Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University Plastic Surgery Residency, Grand Rapids; †Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University General Surgery Residency, Grand Rapids; and ‡Blodgett Hospital Regional Burn Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document:Multiple Organ Failure as a Cause of Death in Patients With Severe Burns. Next Document:Double-Blind, Randomized, Pilot Study Assessing the Resolution of Postburn Pruritus. | 3,617 | 1,896 | 0.000535 |
warc | 201704 | Virus-like particles-universal molecular toolboxes.
MedLine Citation:
PMID: 18083549 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are highly organised spheres that self-assemble from virus-derived structural antigens. These stable and versatile subviral particles possess excellent adjuvant properties capable of inducing innate and cognate immune responses. Commercialised VLP-based vaccines have been successful in protecting humans from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and are currently explored for their potential to combat other infectious diseases and cancer. Much insight into VLP-mediated immune stimulation and optimised VLP design has been gained from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-derived VLPs presenting promising components of current AIDS vaccine approaches. Owing to their unique features, VLPs and virosomes, the in vitro-reconstituted VLP counterparts, have recently gained ground in the field of nanobiotechnology as organic templates for the development of new biomaterials.
Authors:
Christine Ludwig; Ralf Wagner
Related Documents :
19198569 - Structure-based engineering of an icosahedral virus for nanomedicine and nanotechnology.
2440229 - Ultrastructural and immunological studies of virus particles observed in a t-cell line ...
4233829 - The purification and concentration of hog cholear virus with electron micrographs (a pr...
8057429 - Hepatitis b virus nucleocapsid particles do not cross the hepatocyte nuclear membrane i...
130739 - Intracisternal virus-like particles in a human pituitary adenoma.
1949609 - Localisation of complement components in association with glomerular extracellular part...
25426979 - Forecasting the disease burden of chronic hepatitis c virus in poland.
6282509 - The effects of t-cell growth factor and virus purification on virus-mediated inhibition...
16777919 - Artificial receptors in serologic tests for the early diagnosis of dengue virus infection.
Publication Detail:
Type: Journal Article; Review
Journal Detail:
Title: Current opinion in biotechnology Volume: 18 ISSN: 0958-1669 ISO Abbreviation: Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. Publication Date: 2007 Dec
Date Detail:
Created Date: 2008-01-08 Completed Date: 2008-05-14 Revised Date: -
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID: 9100492 Medline TA: Curr Opin Biotechnol Country: England
Other Details:
Languages: eng Pagination: 537-45 Citation Subset: IM
Affiliation:
Molecular Microbiology and Gene Therapy Unit, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany. christine.ludwig@klinik.uniregensburg.de
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Antigens, Viral / immunology*
Drug Design*
Humans
Models, Biological
Viral Vaccines / immunology*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Antigens, Viral; 0/Viral Vaccines
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document:Influenza virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes: a correlate of protection and a basis for vaccine ... Next Document:Optimization of extraction of high-ester pectin from passion fruit peel (Passiflora edulis flavicarp... | 3,274 | 1,803 | 0.000564 |
warc | 201704 | 20 Feb 2014, Ms Karen Reddington, BioSpectrum
From a pan-Asia perspective, the biopharma cold chain logistics market alone is projected to grow 66.5 percent to $2.58 billion by 2017. Taking an even broader perspective, the cold chain logistics market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to account for nearly 30 percent of the global market by 2017 .
The rapid increase in demand for biopharma products is due not only to advancements in medical technology and personalised medicines, but also to innovation-driven demand in emerging economies and increasing life expectancy globally.
Transporting healthcare and biopharmaceuticals is a complex and demanding operation, and, as the pharma trade flow gains speed, the process of shipping pharmaceuticals has evolved significantly in order to meet the stringent requirements of the trade.
While pharma companies have traditionally been reluctant to outsource logistics to third-party service providers, this is changing rapidly as companies need to boost their revenue to supplement elapsing patents on blockbuster drugs. Against this backdrop, they are outsourcing their logistics operations to supply chain providers that have specialised and more cost-effective operations devoted to the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The evolution is also accelerated by government agencies such as the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. In the past, healthcare companies shipped mostly ‘hard pharmaceuticals', such as pills or raw materials used to make the drugs. Today, healthcare shipments may contain high value products or compounds that can change their chemical, physical, and biological properties during shipping due to changes in the environment.
The nature of such shipments demands stringent time and temperature controls as government agencies such as the FDA have strict compliance to temperature parameters for customized medicines and biotechnology drugs. Maintaining product temperatures parameters and real time data visibility through the whole supply chain is critical to the healthcare companies to meet these regulations.
According to industry estimates, seven out of ten of the top pharmaceutical products will require temperature-controlled transportation by 2014, therefore increasing the demand for customised logistics solutions.
Many biopharma shipments require a refrigerated environment within a certain temperature range, and that has resulted in recent FedEx innovations including a new "cold shipping" packaging that can maintain cool temperatures for up to 96 hours.
As an example, one US-based multi-national biopharmaceutical company that FedEx services, transports liquid media between US and Singapore, and requires shipments to be maintained at a customised temperature range of between 2-8°C (chilled), or -20°C (frozen) throughout the entire shipping process, not only during flight, but also in the time that the shipment transits from a flight to an on-road vehicle. We provide the customer a time-definite, 3-day delivery from US to Singapore with the right temperature-controlled environment, the FedEx Custom Critical exclusive-use vehicles for pick-up and delivery, active monitoring in the FedEx Express network as well as a 24x7, 365-a day service availability.
One of the world's largest makers of laboratory equipment and instruments relies on FedEx to ship high-quality reagent chemicals across China domestically - medical cargo that must be kept at constant temperatures. All are journeys where regulation is high, the dollar value of the goods is high, and delivery reliability is vital. FedEx delivers an integrated transportation solution, including complete custodial control, healthcare control tower services, real-time inventory data and reporting through the FedEx Global Distribution System, a single point of contact for our customer's China business, and consulting for specialized shipments. In addition, we also align closely with our gateway operations to boost service delivery and speed through China's Inspection & Quarantine Bureau.
While speed and capacity are absolutely necessary, they are no longer sufficient.
As a result, global carriers are investing in sophisticated and comprehensive air and road infrastructure to enhance their fulfillment capabilities. Faster speed-to-market, shortened transit times and later cut-off times are just the beginning of customised logistics solutions.
Environmental sensors are also no longer specific to temperature, but are also increasingly focused on several other environmental parameters, such as exposure to light, humidity, pressure, shock and shipment location. The list of sensors will keep growing as pharma shipments become more complex and shippers require more and more information and visibility in their shipments.
Increasingly, we see 24/7 support from dedicated specialists who not only monitor the statuses of critical shipments, but also provide proactive recovery of them. Added services such as dry ice replenishment, gel pack reconditioning and access to cold storage are among some of the customised recovery services.
For example, one of China's leading pharmaceutical R&D companies had to quickly transport shipments of chemical compounds from China to the US. Their challenge was to ensure a constant controlled temperature of -20°C, and deliver a more cost-effective way to transport the compounds. FedEx worked with this customer and offered a closed loop and custodial process as part of its solution - a service that takes just two days from uplift to final delivery in the US. The end-to-end solution includes control tower monitoring and customized packaging (PCM cooling boxes) - all with same day clearance and transfer to Shanghai's Pudong Airport.
Another trend that we are seeing is that many biopharma companies have established tighter internal procedures for assessing their vendors, including suppliers of services. The overall supply chain has come under intensive scrutiny by regulatory agencies, partly due to the increase use of outsourcing services and also partly due to new and more restrictive Good Distribution Practices (GDP) guidelines.
As a result of enhanced quality standards and a stronger focus on regulatory compliance, FedEx Express is experiencing a drastic increase in the number of inquiries about quality safeguards related to general quality matters with FedEx shipping practices and procedures, especially in Western Europe and North America.
FedEx offers many different types of services to support the healthcare companies' efforts to track performance and ensure a more efficient and effective supply chain. For example, through use of the FedEx innovations like the SenseAware platform, temperature measurements can be monitored in near-real time and analyzed afterwards. In the event any transportation-related problems arise, shippers can request Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) or file a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) form or even decide to disqualify a vendor temporarily. Investigations are carried out internally by the vendor to determine root causes and find robust solutions.
Indeed, while multi-sensor devices such as the FedEx SenseAware platform are already available for use on all transport modes in over a dozen international locations, by 2033, the use of sensors will be ubiquitous.
We envision that the biopharma supply chain of the future will be underpinned by both visibility and flexibility. It will radiate visibility with tiny embedded sensors, enabling an unparalleled degree of real-time tracking and tracing.
In terms of flexibility, biopharma supply chains will continue to be optimised on an individual level, and every shipper will have access to a personalised command centre to monitor disruptions in the supply chain, with a new level of near-molecular precision. This level of data will also mean greater security throughout the supply chain.
This flexibility will also extend to a venerable fundamental of the supply chain - consolidation. In 2013, most shipments are consolidated, packed in containers in the belly of an aircraft or hull of a ship or back of a truck.
By 2033, pharma shippers will have the flexibility of removing a portion, or even a single item, from a consolidated shipment. It will provide the ability to expedite the customisation and delivery of a biopharma drug instead of sending it with dozens of other packages on the back of a truck. | 8,497 | 3,796 | 0.000265 |
warc | 201704 | Well the answer of this question differs from side to side like the person who is on the making side may find it as an advantage but the person on the buyer’s side may find it as a disadvantage. Having more number of producers gives more options for the buyer as well as many more benefits which are hidden from the regular customers. Imagine a situation in which you have high number of options and the other case when you have only one or two sellers so in which situation do you think you are getting benefitted? Of course in first because there you are not only getting high range of variety but in order to attract you towards their product every company will try their hard and because of which the prices offered by them will be most feasible whereas in the second case it is not so.When you have limited number of sellers or you can say producers they know it very well that you will buy their product in any circumstance so they do not have any tension to lose you because of which the prices applied by them can be very high and in this you cannot do anything either avoid using that item or buy them on the specified prices.
If we see from the other end that is from the producer’s side then having few sellers is absolutely an advantage because the fear of losing you does not exist and they only have to focus on their production and what is market’s scenario they have nothing to do with it. This makes those producers powerful as they hold the full charge of deciding the price and the quality of the product. In today’s date where the competition is neck-breaking every company is trying hard to give you best quality product in the most suitable price as per them not you and now think of the case when they have no competition and they are very-well aware of the importance of that product. In the second case they are free to regulate the supply and also the quality of the product delivered to you and no one will be answerable and the only side which will get benefitted is the maker’s side and the buyers will face problems.
Now you can see the benefits of having heavy competition because if this competition would not have been there then the companies that do everything to gain your attention would not have been doing anything to please you because that time you will be the one who will be in need unlike today where you have plenty number of options and you can easily switch to another if you do not feel like continuing with one. Now companies are in need of customers so they are trying to provide the best they can and that too at the best feasible price so that maximum number of people can buy. | 2,658 | 1,176 | 0.00086 |
warc | 201704 | It doesn’t seem like this exercise should be that tough.
The government issues Daily Treasury Statements telling everybody what went in and out on a given business day. At the end of the month, the last Daily Treasury Statement has a record (admittedly jumbled and larded with lots of bureaucratic excess) of all receipts and disbursements for the month.
The folks at the Congressional Budget Office look over the final Daily Treasury Statement and estimate what the totals for receipts and disbursements (or “outlays”) will be. The difference, obviously, is their estimate of the month’s reported deficit. The only remaining items should be error corrections (if any), or accounting entries resulting from the government’s ill-advised choice to account for “investments” in banks, car companies, and other entities on a “net present value” basis.
On the eighth business day of the following month, the Treasury Department releases its Monthly Treasury Statement.
On Friday, the CBO estimated that the April’s deficit would be $85 billion. The press (as covered at NewsBusters; at BizzyBlog) virtually ignored its report. That’s bad enough, but when reporters went out to economists for deficit estimates, their predictions were significantly lower. For starters, here’s what the Associated Press carried this morning:
The AP’s $30 billion consensus sharply differed CBO’s estimate, yet the rest of the AP’s report failed to even acknowledge the existence of the variance, or for that matter of the CBO.
Other news sources also came in with lower April deficit estimates, but not by as much as AP’s:
Bloomberg/Business Week had a median estimate of $57.9 billion, as “Projections ranged from deficits of $20 billion to $90 billion.” This Inside Futures post had an estimate of $59.8 billion. This Citizen Economists item claimed a consensus of $40 billion.
Well, here’s the relevant portion of April 2010′s Monthly Treasury Statement that was released today at 2 PM. We can see who was closest (figures are in millions):
CBO overestimated the deficit by only $2.3 billion.
As stated earlier, unless there are “net present value” entries, estimating the deficit shouldn’t be that tough, as CBO has just demonstrated. So why was there such an across-the-board lowball consensus among the economists consulted by the press?
All I’ll say is that it’s mighty, mighty convenient that the early morning drive-time, get-ready-for-work reports based on the AP item above told radio and TV audiences that the year-to-date deficit would come in “about 7% lower than a year ago.” The fact is that it has barely budged (the $799.7 billion above is only $2.6 billion lower than last year’s $802.3 billion). After considering the $115 billion non-cash item noted in the last paragraph of the AP excerpt above, the true cash spending deficit is about $915 billion, or 14% higher than last year’s year-to-date figure.
All of this is likely to get ignored in the rush of other afternoon and evening news, leaving many listeners and viewers believing that the government’s financial situation is improving. It isn’t. Again, how convenient.
Now that the Monthly Treasury Statement has been published, I’ll have more to say about the establishment media’s coverage in a later post.
Cross-posted at NewsBusters.org. | 3,474 | 1,676 | 0.000629 |
warc | 201704 | An Honorable Mission
Environmental experts also are taking notice.
Jonathan Kaplan, senior policy specialist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, is very impressed with Growing Powers re-circulating system, calling it “clever.”
“This helps reduce the waste stream coming from the fish and reduce fertilizer use for the plants. Those results mean a lot for the environment,” Kaplan says. Allen’s innovative techniques are a reason why the NRDC20on Tuesday named him as a winner in its food producer category for the first-ever “Growing Green Awards,” which recognizes leaders and innovators in the sustainable food field. Allen also will be awarded a $10,000 cash prize. The NRDC also honored individuals in a business leader and thought leader categories.
The NRDC honor comes a day before the Kellogg Foundation announced it would give Growing Power a $400,000 grant to create green jobs in the inner cities of Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee. Both awards follow the
MacArthur Foundation’s naming Allen among its 25 fellows last year, earning the urban farmer a $500,000 “genius” grant. Growing Power also recently received a $100,000 green technology grant from the city of Chicago Department of Environment. What’s That Smell?
Allen believes that providing good quality food is best accomplished through educating and mentoring of youth, which Growing Power does via its Youth Corps, which provides year-round gardening activities for neighborhood children ages 10 to 18 years, introducing them to healthy food options as well as possible career opportunities in the natural resources.
While many youth may not know more about food production beyond what they pick up at a grocery store or drive-thru window, Allen is working to change that, confident that once exposed, many inner-city children will opt for healthier, organic food selections.
“Sometimes they first complain about the smell. When they get passed it, it’s hard to get their hands out of the dirt. The ones that complain about it the most in the beginning wind up being the leaders,” Allen says.
Anthony Jackson, 30, became involved with Growing Power 16 years ago through a work-study program offered through his church. Jackson, who sits on Growing Power’s board, describes Growing Power as an “eye-opening experience for kids who don’t get a chance to see things like” urban farming or get exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Along with him, Jackson says he knows of eight to 10 other Youth Corps members who are walking the straight and narrow path thanks to their involvement with Growing Power.
“Will pushed discipline and hard work. I went there and didn’t have any thoughts about college. I didn’t even know what college was,” jokes Jackson, who now is completing graduate studies at Cardinal Stritch University. | 2,932 | 1,502 | 0.000695 |
warc | 201704 | Unfunded mandates uncalled for
When life is fair, I will never have to appear before a Beaufort County Magistrate for any reason whatsoever.
I only say this because I am against a State Legislative procedure commonly known as an “unfunded mandate” that will require the county to give its magistrates about $72,000 in raises next year.
Normally when a person is about to receive a raise in salary it is the result of some sort of objective job performance evaluation or meeting a set of defined goals and is determined by an employee’s superior. However, this is the government we are talking about, silly me.
The rationale for these magistrates receiving a raise has nothing to do with job performance, change in duties or increased responsibilities; it is because the population of Beaufort County increased to more than 150,000. Not saying that there is, but theoretically, we could have an incompetent magistrate receiving an increase in salary for the sole reason that the population increased. One might say that as the population increases the workload increases, possibly, but not all people are destined to be litigated and court hours do not seem to be extended because of population increase or a magistrate under any rule that cases must be decided in a certain period of time.
However, enough about that, my main gripe is the “unfunded mandate” part of this legal requirement. In this case, the state is telling the county that the increased funds must come from their pocketbook and the almighty state is not putting up a dime. They get this power to make unfunded mandates from a 1994 Federal Law called the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act that allows the bigger government to force the smaller government to pay for things the bigger government either does not want to pay for or cannot afford, talk about stuff rolling downhill.
So in this case the state government which has a department of transportation that wants to borrow money to pay its own bills from a federal government that is more than $14 trillion in debt, with no plan to pay any of it back yet, is telling a local government, that happens to have a balanced budget, that they must in effect increase the tax burden of their citizens because the population grew from 149,999 to 150,000.
All of this comes at a time when the county cannot afford to give its own employees a raise, nor can they give law enforcement officers or teachers an increase but I suppose there are not too many magistrates in the unemployment line.
Somewhere, somehow, the Home Rule Act of 1975 needs to be expanded to tell the State Legislature to stop fiddling with local governments that try to remain solvent and if you want to dictate how much magistrates or any other positions make, then pay them yourselves.
More Info
In the meantime, you can contact me at
Whenlifeisfair@gmail.com | 2,879 | 1,383 | 0.000733 |
warc | 201704 | So far in our brief self-assessment journey, we've focused primarily on board-level evaluation. While there is much to accomplish from a collective review of our governance performance, it's equally important to take some time to reflect on how we're doing as individual members of that leadership group.
Ideally, we're evaluating and adapting our actions daily. But it also is important to take time, in a more formal setting, to assess our individual contributions to the greater good. Formally asking our board to stop, reflect, and recommit - as individual members - is an essential part of the process.
What types of questions foster the kind of productive self-assessment that leads to enhanced board member effectiveness? How can we help guide reflection that deepens commitment to organizational leadership? I've thought about that and offer several questions to consider posing to your board members. Obviously, asking every question here would be overkill. But they may give you a starting point for either constructing a self-assessment from this basket of possibilities or adapting and expanding to fit your board's specific needs.
Here is an initial list of potential self-assessment questions:
What skills, perspectives, connections, etc., do I bring to the table? What are my uniquecontributions to this board's work? How would I rate my individual performance on the following: Attendance at meetings Participation in discussions Willingness to pose questions that need to be asked Willingness to offer counterpoints/different perspectives to board deliberations Participation on committees and other focused work groups Fulfilling commitments I make What is my biggest point of pride so far? How have I exercised leadership within the board? Do I support the agency financially, at a level that is personally meaningful? Where have I fallen short in my board responsibilities? What can I do to change that? How have I shared our story with the community? With what outcome(s)? What do I need to know/understand better to serve more effectively? How do I prefer to gain that knowledge (e.g., face to face training, print or web resources)? What am I yearning to do/accomplish before my term ends? Would I serve again if asked? Why or why not? | 2,264 | 1,126 | 0.00089 |
warc | 201704 | If the modern cocktail movement and its apostles have taught us anything (besides, of course, the gravitas of well manicured facial hair), it's the importance of ice to a well-crafted drink. Crappy ice equals crappy cocktails, the master mixologist philosophy states. So these days, the best bars are equipped with special cocktail ice machines (Kold-Draft) or dedicated personnel who turn out hand-chipped ice, ice orbs, and ice blocks. Yes, it makes whatever you're drinking look better, but it also profoundly affects the taste. (I won't bore you with dilution rates and such, but trust me.)
Earlier today I shared the recipe for my preferred antidote to the summer heat, a Prescription Julep. Even with today's new cocktail awareness, people often overlook the fact that ice can make or break, or in this case, crush, any Julep. One could argue that it's the most important ingredient in this drink, and you could say the same for a Martini. Most home bartenders don't own a huge machine that spits out perfect crushed ice. But don't let that stop you. Here are three ways to crush ice for a proper mint Julep, in the comfort of your home bar.
Let's say it's Saturday around 4 PM and you get the craving for an icy Julep. It happens to me all the time. I'll ask my wife ifshe wants one (she has yet to say "no"), grab some mint, sugar, bourbon(cognac and rye if I'm making a Prescription Julep) and next thing Iknow I'm having a second. This isn't the time to break out theLewis Bag or the Waring (see below) for crushed ice. Youneed a quick fix. Take a cue from pro bartenders and use the metal partof a cocktail shaker with a muddler or a sturdy wooden spoon.Fill the cup with ice and muddle it (essentially smack it with the piece of wood) several times until the ice iscrushed. It's ok if the shards are uneven. This should produce enough ice for twojuleps.
Throwingan intimate dinner party? Need ice for 10 Juleps? Get aLewis bag. I don't know who Lewis is, but I'd like to thank him (or her) for this simple, classic, and inexpensive method for crushing ice. It couldn'tbe easier: Fill bag with ice, tie it shut, and then, with a muddler,baseball bat, or rolling pin, crush the ice. Not only does the bagcontain the ice, but it also absorbs some of the moisture which leads toa drier ice (and that's a good thing). I have several Lewis bags at homeincluding the one from Cocktailkingdom.com. It sells for a veryreasonable $4. In a pinch, you could use a pillow case.
I know you're thinking: "Just what I need, another appliance." I'mwith you, but if you do a lot of entertaining and cocktail making, adecent ice crusher is indispensible. In a perfect world we'd all havehuge kitchens and multiple ice machines. In a realistic world, there'sthe Waring Professional Ice Crusher IC70 ($75). Most electric icecrushers are flimsy, super loud, and break too soon but this one, sofar, has never failed me.
Share this: | 2,931 | 1,555 | 0.000646 |
warc | 201704 | Project Gutenberg. Public domain. Oblique fractures, as may be surmised, aresolutions of continuity of bone in such manner thatthe fissure crosses the long axis of a bone at anacute or obtuse angle. These fractures are proneto injure the soft structures adjacent, and are frequentlycompound, as well. Moreover, because of the factthat the apposing pieces of bone are beveled, thebroken ends of bone are likely to pass one anotherin such a way as to shorten the distance between theextremities of the injured member. Contractionof muscles also tends to exert traction upon a boneso fractured, resulting in a lateral approximationof the diaphysis and thus preventing union becausethe broken surfaces are not in proper contact.
Fractures are
longitudinal when the fissureis parallel with the long axis of the bone. Thisvariety of break is not infrequent in the first phalanx;and a vertical fracture of the second phalanx is alsosaid to be longitudinal, however, there is littledifference (if any, in some subjects) between thevertical and transverse diameters of this particularbone. Green stick fractures are essentially thoseresulting from falls to young animals. They areusually sub-periosteal and when the periosteum isleft intact or nearly so, no crepitation is discernible. If this fracture is simple, prompt recoverymay be expected. Bones of young animals, becausethey do not contain proportionately as much mineralsubstance as do bones of adults, are more resilientand less apt to become completely fractured. They are, however, subject to what is known as greenstick fracture. Impacted fractures are usually occasioned byfalls. When the weight of the body is suddenlycaught by a member in such manner as to forcefullydrive the epiphyseal portions of bone into and againstthe diaphysis, multiple longitudinal fracturesoccur at the point of least resistance. Partsso affected undergo a fibrillary separation, increasingthe transverse diameter of the bone; or if the impacthas been sufficiently violent, the portion becomesan amorphous mass.
In a treatise on the subject of lameness, the bones chiefly concerned and most often affected must be especially considered. The shape and size of a bone when injured, determines in a measure, the course and probable outcome in most cases, but of first and greater importance is the function of the bone. A fracture of the fibula in the horse need not incapacitate the subject, but a tibial fracture is serious and generally proves cause for fatal termination. The body of the scapula may be completely fractured and recovery will probably result in most cases without much attention being given to the subject, yet a fracture of the neck of this same bone constitutes an injury of serious consequence. The difference in the function of different parts of this same bone, as well as its shape and mode of attachment, determine the gravity of the case; so it is in fractures of other bones with respect to the course and prognosis of the case—function is the important factor to be considered. | 3,047 | 1,449 | 0.000692 |
warc | 201704 | How You Can Support Your Immune System
Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited fear among the American public, emptied Chinatowns all over North America and stopped much of the travel between the U.S., Toronto, Canada, China, Taiwan and southeast Asia. While SARS is an urgent concern for the World Health Organization, a larger worry on the horizon for the world health agency is the flu-the long awaited influenza pandemic.
The flu pandemic has historically occurred at 25-30 year intervals and its destruction has been cataclysmic. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, for example, killed more than 40 million people worldwide (670,000 Americans alone). The most recent flu pandemic struck 35 years ago and killed more than 4 million people. SARS, by comparison, has caused less than one thousand deaths and is much less infectious. Dr. Klaus Stohr, the head of the influenza program at the World Health Organization who is also leading the agency's fight against SARS said in a Wall Street Journal interview, "We are not prepared for the devastation of a flu pandemic? SARS will be something to smile about," he said.
Regarding the likelihood of a major flu pandemic striking in the near future, Albert Osterhaus, a Dutch scientist involved in pandemic preparedness in Europe said in the same Wall Street article, "It's not a matter of if, but when, this will happen. I am far more scared of a flu pandemic than I am of SARS." The flu, SARS and other communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis are the twenty-first century's major heath challenges.
Overcrowding and global travel have increased the risk of diseases spreading unchecked. However, the real threat lies in a virus's ability to undergo small changes or mutations that evade people's natural immunities or commercial vaccinations. Similarly, the widespread use of antibiotics in poultry and meat producing industries has enabled bacteria to become stronger and more resistant. According to some critics, even our current medical practices of over-prescribing antibiotics may contribute to the rise of "super-bugs"!
When these "new" microbes strike, they move quickly and wipe out victims, leaving a wide path of destruction. The West Nile and Ebola viruses, for example, both have at least a 90% mortality rate.
Don't panic. You can prevent or minimize your chance of contracting infectious diseases both at home or while traveling. Some of my recommendations are common sense:
Wash your hands frequently
Sometimes you cannot help but travel on airplanes, meet with someone who may appear to be sick, eat out at a restaurant or be in a crowded place. Therefore you must make sure that your immune system is functioning at a peak level. This involves avoiding activities that would weaken or deplete your immune system and engage in immune strengthening and supporting actions. Below I have outlined a checklist of things to avoid:
Stress and negative emotions
Many people who were exposed to SARS, Ebola, the West Nile virus or the flu virus never came down with the infection. The reason is simple: Their immune systems are much stronger and better equipped to fend off the viruses than those who came down with the illnesses. I have outlined below actions to strengthen your immune system:
Reduce stress and maintain equanimity
Extensive studies of ways to strengthen the human defenses have been carried out for centuries in China, producing a wealth of knowledge on Chinese herbal medicine and its effect on the immune system. While there is currently no cure for SARS, the Chinese Government Health Authority recently released its recommendations for preventing SARS. These recommendations consist of Chinese herbal medicine formulations as prophylactic agents against SARS. They are herbs that have been found to contain anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and have immune boosting qualities. Some are effective in increasing the white blood cell production in your body (they are your defense troops), while others increase lymphocyte activities such as killing foreign invaders, etc. Fundamental principles of Chinese medicine are, of course, "Treating disease before its occurrence", and "Strengthen the defenses to prevent sickness."
The recommendations are listed below:
Lu Gen (reed root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Chan Yi (cicada shell), Jiang Chan (silkworm), Bo He (peppermint), Gan Cao (licorice)
Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome), Huang Qi (astragalus root), Fang Feng (siler root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Sha Sheng (silver beech root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root)
Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), Da Qing Ye (Isatis leaf), Zi Su (perilla leaf), Ge gen (Kudzu root), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Cang Zhu (Chinese atractylodes rhizome), Pei Lan (ornamental orchid), Tai Zi Sheng (pseudostellaria root)
Persons whose jobs (health workers) or relations may bring them into contact with someone with potential SARS are advised to take the following formula:
Da Huang (Chinese rhubarb root), Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower), Chai Hu (bupleuri root), Huang Qing (skullcap root), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root), Guan Zhong (dryopteris root), Cang Shu, Yi Yi Ren (Job's tears), Huo Xiang (patchouli), Fang Feng (siler root), Gan Cao (licorice)
We cannot rely on the government or a world health body to protect us from communicable diseases, nor should we. In a world grown ever more connected and fast-paced, the risks of disease transmission are greater with each passing day. However, individuals have the ability to protect themselves and loved ones by being proactive in ensuring optimal health and immune function. As frightening as the prospects of SARS and the flu pandemic are, we are far from being helpless. With the steps that I outlined above you can take minimize weakening your immune system and increase your immune functions. You do not have to be a sitting duck waiting for the inevitable to happen.
About The Author
Dr. Maoshing Ni, a Licensed Acupuncturist and a Diplomat of Chinese Herbology, is currently in general practice at the Tao of Wellness Clinic in Santa Monica, California. The Tao of Wellness Clinic is one of the oldest in Los Angeles, established in 1976. (310) 917-2200. Dr. Maoshing Ni is also the publisher of Points Newsletter, found at http://www.acupuncture.com.
MORE RESOURCES: RELATED ARTICLES Brain Foods Make You Think Differently for Back-to-school
Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn about brain foods, and how they can help their concentration and make their school work easier.The most important meal of the day is breakfast.
Hidden Poison
Did you know that there might be poison in many of your favorite foods found on grocery store shelves everywhere? Breads, crackers, cookies, energy bars, tortillas, frozen pizza are just a few examples of these dangerous foods. The poison in these items is called partially hydrogenated fat, often referred to as trans-fatty acids.
The Danger of Curbing Hunger Artificially
Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary to a very outdated perception, this harm is not limited to those who suffer from obesity[1]. In reality, according to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, the majority of Americans exhibit unhealthy eating habits, with just over one in four women and only one in five men claiming to eat the minimum five daily servings of vegetables and fruits[i].
Learn About Diet Nutrition Physique
Diet nutrition physiqueToday, learning about diet nutrition physique isn't all that difficult any longer. The truth of the matter is what should you do about your overall health and well being? If you're concerned about you weight and physique then a little different twist on things are in order.
Sleep for Joy
Better sleep = better metabolism. I have been saying it for years - since my own experience of being stressed out, overworked and under-slept and not able to lose weight but just recently this fact is getting a good amount of press.
Body Calling: Maintaining Excellent Health
Our bodies are truly incredible machines. What makes cells healthy? What causes disease? Scientists are discovering the answers: Keep human cells healthy and fully functional and with out degeneration.
Alkalize Your Way to Better Health
Today we're shifting our focus from wealth to health. First of all, I am not an expert.
The Wonderful Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the healthiest in the world consisting as it does of large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, nuts, seeds, omega-3 rich oily fish, olives, and olive oil and being comparitively low in dairy products and red meats.The people of the Mediterranean region, particuarly Greece and Spain, are very fortunate to live in an area where naturally healthy food is readily and cheaply available.
Try a Slow-Carb Habit
Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as well as vegetables, fruit, tofu, beans, and dairy - provide the body with the most efficient fuel for energy production and brain activity. They're nutritionally essential, a principle currently downplayed by the "low-carb craze".
The Tibetan and Chinese health Secret: If you read one health report a year, this should be it!
It seems as if the health of America is failing. One million Americans will die of circulatory disease this year.
Acid and Digestive Disorders: Breaking the Vicious Circle
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to those who have it. During the digestive process, acid flows up into the throat and causes a burning sensation.
Is Your Food Aging You?
Did you know that the food you eat could be prematurely ageing you? Science has made some amazing discoveries in the last decade in nutrition. We really should be taking note of what we put in our mouth because more than ever, "we are what we eat".
Relieve PMS with the Food Diet Changes
Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time or another. The symptoms are familiar: mood swings, cramping and bloating, trouble sleeping.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Essential Fatty Acids are oils, omega-3 and omega-6, that you can find, in certain amounts, in all oils that you can purchase in most the health food and regular grocery stores. These fatty acids are called essential because you cannot create them in your body and your cells use them every day.
Blueberries and Their Role in Cholesterol Control
Our bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin D, hormones, and certain acids that help us digest fat.
Glycemic Index of Foods
All carbohydrates are not the same. Generally it is assumed that simple carbohydrates are not good for health as they increase blood glucose levels rapidly, and complex carbohydrates are good because they have a slower effect on glucose levels.
Did You Start Your Life With Enough Probiotics?
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Yourdigestive tract is your first line of defense when it comesto your health. This is because of the good bacteria thatresides there.
What is the Cause?
The question most people think they need an answer to is what is the cause of their this or that? Many people pay it lip service, but what is cause really? Going with the bucket analogy, what is the cause of one of the symptoms or diseases not being covered by water, or being expressed? Could it be that water is leaking out of the bucket through the holes? Which hole is the "cause" of the symptoms or disease being expressed? That is kind of a trick question.It is not just one hole that causes a symptom or disease to be expressed.
Reading Labels:Understanding Fiber, Fat, Carbohydrates, Etc
Since 1994, food manufacturers have required the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include food labels on all packaged food items. Labels can be a tremendous help in controlling our diets-but only if we understand them.
Reasons to Eat Organic Food
Your healthOrganically grown fruit and vegetables are not covered in a cocktail of chemicals - even after washing, a conventionally grown apple may have 20 chemicals on its skin.Conventionally grown fruit and vegetables contain more water and less vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants than organically grown produce. | 12,535 | 5,936 | 0.00017 |
warc | 201704 | no. 1-20
No. 03-111
Understanding Risk and Return, the CAPM,
and the Fama-French Three-Factor Model
RISK AND RETURN
The General Concept: Higher Expected Returns Require Taking Higher Risk
Most investors are comfortable with the notion that taking higher levels of risk is necessary to
expect to earn higher returns. In this note, we explain two important models that have been
developed to make this relationship precise. Then we explain how such tools can be used by
investors to evaluate assets such as mutual funds.
Why should riskier companies have higher returns? Intuitively, an investor would require a
higher expected return in exchange for accepting greater risk. And, we do, in fact observe this
relationship when we look back at historical long-run returns of stocks, bonds, and less risky
securities as shown in the first chart.
To understand this, imagine an investment that is expected to generate $1 million per year in
perpetuity. How much is someone likely to pay for such an asset? The answer depends on the
uncertainty or riskiness of the cash flows. With complete certainty that the cash flows will all be
paid when promised, an investor would discount the asset at the risk-free rate. As the degree of
uncertainty increases, the return required to justify the risk will be much higher, resulting in a
much lower price the investor would be willing to pay, simply because of the higher required
discount rate.
Furthermore, economists have made the assumption that investors are risk-averse, meaning that
they are willing to sacrifice some return (and accept even less than the expected present value of
the future returns) to reduce risk. If this assumption is true, we would expect investors to
demand a higher return to justify the additional risk accepted by holders of riskier assets.
This case note was written under the direction of Kent Womack and Ying Zhang by Adam Borchert, Lisa Ensz, Joep
Knijn, Greg Pope, and Aaron Smith. We would... | 1,994 | 1,060 | 0.000957 |
warc | 201704 | Chinese education officials are aggressively recruiting male teachers to serve as assertive and “manly” role models to young boys as a means to counter the trend of increasing numbers of timid and effeminate young males.
Prompted by reports from Chinese news media of a need to “salvage masculinity in schools,” officials are seeing a stepped-up debate about gender equality and social identity just as government leaders are seeking a labor market that first rewards achievement and ability over fairness.
Sixth grade teacher Lin Wei, 27, one of few male teachers at the primary school level in Fuzhou, China, teaches, “Men have special duties. They have to be brave, protect women and take responsibility for wrongdoing,” reports the
New York Times.
China’s longstanding one-child policy has produced a population where boys far outnumber girls. Yet teachers are predominantly female and boys have consistently fallen behind in academic performance – with disparities in performance seen as early as third grade – causing concern for many parents who are now pressing for more assertive male role models in classrooms. The recruiting effort – that has included relaxing college admissions requirements and providing full scholarships with job guarantees to male applicants – has been labeled, by some, as “sexist.”
The effort to raise less effeminate boys is visible in Zhengzhou, where schools have asked boys to sign pledges to act like “real men.” Similarly, in Shanghai, “boys only” classes for martial arts, computer repair, and physics are offered. Educators in Hangzhou have launched a summer camp–called West Point Boys–that offers taekwondo classes and touts the motto, “We bring out the men in boys.”
The backlash against the endeavor, however, has been heard.
“If women go into architecture, shouldn’t the government give them a free education too?” Xue Rongfang, a student at Fujian Normal University, asked. “Why should men get this benefit?”
Others deny the negative influence of a plethora of female teachers on boys.
We have a more intuitive sense of children’s needs,” said Li Yue, 36, a kindergarten teacher in Fuzhou. “It isn’t the responsibility of schools to teach boys to be boys. It’s the responsibility of parents.”
Zhou Jiahao, 18, a senior at Shanghai No. 8 Senior High School, disagrees that China faces a masculinity crisis, but said boys feel more confident in all-male classes.
“In classes with female students, we might not dare speak out,” he said. “When it’s just boys, we feel much freer.”
As the
Times observes, wages are a problem in recruiting more male teachers. The average salary of a public school teacher in 2013 was approximately $17,000.
In addition to salary concerns, however, some young men express concern about perceptions that male teachers are not trustworthy and that the choice to become a teacher is an indication of homosexuality.
Jiang Weiwen, 19, a university student, said friends and relatives wondered why he would choose a career in teaching.
“They asked, ‘Why would a man want to be a teacher?’” he said. “They think men should be ambitious, and that it’s so stable and bland to be a teacher.” | 3,395 | 1,695 | 0.000634 |
warc | 201704 | Sweden knows how to save the world from Islamic State (IS) terrorists as they tire of beheadings, crucifixions, murders and random acts of extrajudicial killing. Just be very, very nice to them.
According to WND news service, a programme to help jaded IS fighters rejoin society has started in Sweden’s Örebro Municipality, where jihadists can obtain “psychological help to overcome traumatic experiences they may have suffered while fighting in Iraq and Syria.”
The Swedish newspaper
Expressen reports that councillor Rasmus Persson advocates offering terrorists jobs so they don’t “feel alienated” as they endure their post-battlefield existential funk. At the same time Stockholm has released a document outlining its “strategy against violent extremism.”
Here is a translated excerpt from that nine-page guide to helping jihadists when they return home.
“
Post-perspective: When a person wishes to leave a violent extremist grouping or coming home from combat overseas, it is crucial to provide customized inclusion efforts. Even then, it is important to have a local cooperation between various actors. Voluntary organizations can provide targeted support and advice. Even faith communities working with advice, but also psychosocial support.
When it comes to people who participated in combat there is likely to be great need of health efforts. Therefore, it is important to establish cooperation between social services, social psychiatry and drug units, as well as health centers and psychiatric services (trauma, PTSD, etc.)
When it comes to security, it is important that cooperation between social services, income support, employment and other efforts by the Labour Department, as well as assistance with job placement.
Finally, the accommodation issue is a prerequisite that must work. Therefore, cooperative housing companies needs to be included in the post-perspective.”
Councillor Persson agrees. He told the news program Tvärsnytt, “We have discussed how we should work for these guys who have come back, and to prevent them from returning to the fighting, and that they should be helped to process the traumatic experiences they have been through.”
All this fast-tracked past the queue of law-abiding immigrants and indigenous Swedes. Such conspicuous acts of kindness to avowed Islamic murderers are not cheap, either. That’s why Sweden’s official coordinator against violent extremism, Mona Sahlin – a former leader of the Social Democrat Party – advocates using taxpayer funds to underwrite the services.
WND reports one Swedish soldier stationed in Kabul during his third mission in Afghanistan is not so sure the plan will work or even if it is available to those on the front line taking the fight to IS. He posted a challenge on Facebook and asked that Sweden extend the program to its own warriors returning from active duty.
“In a few months, I’m back in Sweden after being deployed in Afghanistan, against the Taliban and others who have really jeopardizing development in this very sore country,” Frederick Brandberg wrote. “There is no permanent job waiting for me when I come home.”
Brandberg added: “It would be wonderful if I was met with a comparable program after my homecoming, after which I could feel safe in having a regular job, with monthly income and a social stable situation in the society where I wouldn’t need to wonder whether I’m wanted or not.”
In November 2014, the Swedish government estimated between 250 and 300 of its citizens have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS.
Just two months ago, Sweden’s national job agency fired all of its own contracted “immigrant resettlement assistants” because they were recruiting fighters for ISIS. | 3,861 | 1,943 | 0.000538 |
warc | 201704 | Bryan Medical Center Named One of the Nation’s Top Cardiovascular Hospitals
Bryan Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics.
The study examined the performance of more than 1,000 hospitals by analyzing outcomes for patients with heart failure and heart attacks and for those who received coronary bypass surgery and percutaneous coronary interventions such as angioplasties.
This year’s winners were announced October 1 in Modern Healthcare magazine. “It’s an honor to be so highly ranked for cardiovascular services by an independent source such as Truven,” said John Woodrich, president and chief operating officer, Bryan Medical Center. “I congratulate our physicians and staff for their dedication to quality and the outstanding patient outcomes achieved.”
"This year’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals have proven that a commitment to deliver excellent care is still attainable in times of economic uncertainty," said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and the 100 Top Hospitals® program at Truven Health Analytics. “The hospitals in this study have achieved higher levels of care and efficiency than their peers, demonstrating incredibly strong focus by cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and cardiovascular service administrators and staff on basic care and outcomes."
The study shows that cardiovascular outcomes in U.S. hospitals are improving nationwide. Across all U.S. hospitals, 96 percent of cardiovascular inpatients survive and remain complication-free. Among the 50 Top Hospitals, performance surpasses these high-water marks as indicated by:
Better risk-adjusted survival rates (41 percent fewer deaths than expected, compared with 9 percent fewer than expected at peer hospitals) for bypass surgery patients.
Lower complications indices (35 percent lower rate of heart failure complications than peers).
Fewer patients readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of admission.
Shorter hospital stays. The typical winning hospital released their bypass patients a full day sooner, and their heart attack and heart failure patients about three-quarters of a day sooner than their peers.
Lower costs. Top hospitals spend $3,500 less per bypass case and $1,000 less per angioplasty than non-winners.
The study evaluated general and applicable specialty, short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals treating a broad spectrum of cardiology patients.
Truven Health Analytics researchers analyzed 2010 and 2011 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, 2010 Medicare cost reports, and 2012 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data. They scored hospitals in key performance areas: risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted complications, core measures (a group of measures that assess process of care), percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, and wage- and severity-adjusted average cost. | 3,140 | 1,444 | 0.000709 |
warc | 201704 | Stages of the DMIS
The developmental model of intercultural sensitivity implies a developmental progression in a individual’s awareness and understanding of culturedifference. There are six stages in this model which they are: denial, defense, minimization, acceptance, adaptation and integration. This model is mainly to view the diverse world. It alsoidentifies problems that may be important to individuals at each developmental level. As people’s experience of cultural differences becomes more sophisticated, some other people’s competence inintercultural relationships is strengthened. We can identify each stage by specific behaviors and attitudes. These stages are breakdown in two section:
1. The Ethnocentric, which has the first three stages.2. The Ethnorelative, which has the second three stages.
An ethnocentric orientation involves the interpretation of events and behaviors from one’s own cultural viewpoint. The ethnocentric stages areview as a way to avoid cultural difference by denying the existence of differences, by using defenses against difference, or by minimizing the importance of difference (Bennett, 1993).Ethnorelative 3
An ethnorelative is based on “the assumption that cultures can only be understood relative to one another and that particular behavior can only be understood within a culturalcontext” (Bennett, 1993). The stages under the ethnorelative are viewed to understand the importance of difference , by accepting people’s own perspective to take into account the perspective of others, or byintegrating the importance of differences into people’s own identity.
I placed myself into the second three stages, the thnorelative stages. Acceptance is simple the acknowledgment thatdifferences exist, and they are important, and we should respect them. I am a multicultural person already. I am from Panama City, Panama. I’ve always been around people from different countries... | 1,969 | 908 | 0.001131 |
warc | 201704 | Nearly a month after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that 86% of his country's cash would become worthless due to suspicions of rampant illegal activity, the country has devised a digital solution to the widespread shortage of paper money.
Beginning on Christmas Day, the Indian government will hold a daily lottery for anyone who buys into a new system of electronic payments.
The prize amounts vary from roughly $15 to $1,500, culminating in an April 14 draw for more than $1.5 million.
Modi's solution is an attempt to move India into the 21st century. While the US does about half of all transactions electronically, and Sweden about 98%, India only does about 5% of its payments digitally.
"Our objective is to make digital payments a huge mass movement in this country," Amitabh Kant, CEO of the state-run think tank NITI Aayog, told CNN. NITI Aayog is the organization that came up with the idea for an electronic-payment lottery.
To enter the lottery, citizens must enroll in the new system and obtain an ID number. Each day, the government will pull 15,000 numbers from the pool for $15 prizes. There will also be larger draws held each week, which vary from $73 to $1,472, and a final set of six draws next spring for between $17,000 and $1.5 million.
If all goes to plan, the lottery will persuade large swaths of India's billion 1.25 people to give up their dependency on cash, which is currently in short supply.
On November 8, Prime Minister Modi issued a ban on all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes — a ban that took effect just four hours later — over fears that most of the currency was earned illegally or used for illicit means. He called it "black money," and has given Indians until December 30 to trade in their old notes for new ones.
Mass panic followed the announcement. There was an outpouring of people to ATMs to take out notes that were still legal tender. Even for people who could get the larger 2,000 rupee notes, customers and business owners alike complained that they couldn't make change. Many have feared how they'd pay for food and bills, as millions of Indians do not have bank accounts.
Given the country's lack of infrastucture for such a digital migration, economists believe consumers will need to wait a while before they see any tangible benefits to the cash ban. So far the only groups that have profited from it are e-payment companies. In poorer areas, entire markets have shut down.
Over the next several months, Modi and his cabinet hope the lottery will smooth over what has been a tumultuous rollout. In order to rid India of its reliance on cash, the government sees a rocky start as the first step toward embracing its economic future.
Learn more: Credit Card Industry and Market Mobile Payment Technologies Mobile Payments Industry Mobile Payment Market, Trends and Adoption Credit Card Processing Industry List of Credit Card Processing Companies List of Credit Card Processing Networks List of Payment Gateway Providers M-Commerce: Mobile Shopping Trends E-Commerce Payment Technologies and Trends | 3,088 | 1,590 | 0.000634 |
warc | 201704 | European Central Bank president Mario Draghi held a news conference after the latest monetary policy decision from the ECB saw the bank unexpectedly cut interest rates.
Draghi announced that the ECB would begin a quantitative easing program in October, comprised of asset-backed securities and euro-denominated covered bonds.
Draghi said the ECB was unanimous in its commitment to using additional and unconventional instruments if needed to address risks of a prolonged period of inflation.
Draghi said the economic recovery in Europe was likely to be dampened by: unemployment, balance sheet adjustments in the private and public sectors, and negative loan growth.
The ECB also cut its 2014 and 2015 GDP projections, while revising its 2016 projection upward. The ECB expects 2014 GDO of 0.9%, down from a prior view of 1%, while 2015 GDP is expected to come in at 1.6% against previous expectations for 1.7%.
In 2016, the ECB sees GDP growing at 1.9%, up from 1.8% previously.
Draghi also acknowledged that heightened geopolitical risks may have the potential to negatively affect economic conditions.
The ECB said it expected inflation to remain low through 2016. Expectations for inflation in 2014 are 0.6%; 1.1% in 2015; and 1.4% in 2016.
As he did in Jackson Hole, Draghi again said that fiscal policies had hurt economic growth, and he said that euro-area countries should not unravel the economic progress made with fiscal consolidation. Draghi added that important structural steps had been taken in some eurozone countries but not in others.
Draghi said in response to a question that
the ECB's rate decision was not unanimous. He said additional easing measures were discussed, with some members wanting to do more than announced Thursday, and others wanting to do less.
Draghi also said that a broader asset purchase program was discussed.
In response to a question about what he considered quantitative easing, or QE, Draghi said QE was the outright purchase of assets and could be based on private- or public-sector assets, or both.
Draghi said that Thursday's measures were oriented toward "credit easing" but that it was also clear the ECB would buy outright the senior tranche of asset-backed securities.
Draghi also said that it was difficult to immediately assess the size of the program announced on Thursday.
Draghi said most of the reason behind the decision to act at Thursday's meeting was tied to the downward movement in inflation indicators in August.
With regard to interest rates, and banks that are considering participating in the ECB's first TLTRO, or targeted long-term refinancing operation, Draghi said:
"We are at the lower bound."
Draghi said the ECB staff saw a return of inflation because of recovery, exchange rates, monetary policy, and the increase of certain goods, notably food.
Draghi said that for central banks, it was hard to reach inflation goals only based on monetary policy. "You need growth, you need low unemployment, and for that, you need other things," Draghi said.
Draghi said there was no "grand bargain" but added that bankers and politicians "simply need to do their own jobs."
Draghi said that in urging structural reforms, countries shouldn't lose sovereignty but share sovereignty the way they do with the eurozone.
Inflation expectations are still anchored, Draghi said, but the ECB has seen downside risks for inflation expectations increasing.
Also regarding inflation, Draghi said there had been low inflation but not deflation. Draghi said there had been several forecast errors in inflation expectations and that the price of food and energy had been a major part of this miscalculation. He added that unemployment and currency appreciation had added to this of late.
The ECB cut its main refinancing rate to 0.05%, its marginal lending facility to 0.3%, and its deposit facility to -0.2%.
These rates were expected to remain unchanged at 0.15%, 0.4%, and -0.1%, respectively. | 3,984 | 1,823 | 0.000554 |
warc | 201704 | The dollar's drag on corporate profits is set to die away soon.
In the past year, the US dollar index, which measures the dollar against a basket of other currencies, has been on an amazing tear and rallied about 20%.
The largest S&P 500 companies that generate a chunk of their sales in weaker foreign currencies see those earnings shrink when they are translated back to the dollar.
But in a note to clients on Friday, Fundstrat's Tom Lee wrote that these "FX headwinds" that companies have grumbled about for the past several quarters were set to decline soon.
"Based on current trajectory of DXY," or the US dollar index, Lee wrote, "about one-third of this drag will reverse in early 2016, meaning USD goes from being a headwind to a tailwind."Investing.com
Lee said the biggest hit to earnings this year would come in the third quarter. Based on data from FiREapps, Lee said the dollar's strength was having about a $93.5 billion, or $10.11 per share, impact on S&P 500 earnings.
Excluding the dollar impact, S&P 500 profits grew by about 8% this year, or $9.64 a share.
Lee wrote that this basically countered the notion that US corporate profits were in a recession.
"We believe expectations are sufficiently beaten down for 3Q15, and that the risk/reward is pretty favorable for earnings season," Lee wrote. "The upshot of this is that we believe models and forecasts were based on a January 2015 dollar, which has since weakened. Thus, we see wiggle room for EPS increases as we move into 2016."
The other good news for companies, according to Lee, is that the drag from lower oil prices is also set to fade. | 1,639 | 894 | 0.001133 |
warc | 201704 | Flickr
Starting in August the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will stop delivering mail on Saturdays to save $2 billion annually.
First, some facts.
The USPS:
• is an independent branch of the federal government.
• began in 1775, when Benjamin Franklin appointed the first Postmaster General through the Continental Congress.
• handles 40 percent of the world's mail while receiving no taxpayer dollars.
• is the core of the trillion dollar mailing industry that provides jobs for more than 8 million people.
• reaches every address in the nation, which comprises 151 million residences, businesses and P.O. boxes.
• is funded by the products and services it sells, which include delivering a letter from a small town in Alaska to a farm in Maine for 46 cents.
• ranks as the fourth most trusted company in the U.S. and the most trusted government agency (for the seventh year in a row).
• if it were a private sector company it would have ranked 35th in the 2011 Fortune 500.
• is most important to America's poorest communities — while 80 percent of the 3,830 post offices under consideration for closure are in poor rural areas.
• has been required to break even since 1970 (unlike other government agencies such as the military).
• is the only federal agency or private company required to pre-fund retiree health benefits for 75 years, which means that it is required to pay $5.5 billion annually to the Treasury.
Furthermore, the USPS has over-paid its obligations to the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) by an estimated $50 billion and has over-funded the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) by approximately $6.9 billion. If these funds were returned, the service would be profitable.
Lastly and
most importantly, the USPS has attempted to evolve with the times, but Congress — at the behest of private companies and special interests — has continually restricted its ability to raise rates, enter new lines of business, or take other steps to help it raise revenue.
Taking these realities into account,
there's no justification for letting private industry (with the help of Congress) commandeer America's messenger. | 2,224 | 1,144 | 0.000911 |
warc | 201704 | You are here USDA to pay farmers more than US$7b due to low crop prices
[CHICAGO]The US Department of Agriculture will pay more than US$7 billion of taxpayers' money to farmers this fall to keep them afloat in the face of low crop prices, agency officials said on Tuesday.
The USDA released the total on the same day that payments started going out to more than 1.5 million growers of corn, soybeans and other crops, who had enrolled in US safety-net programs to protect themselves from market downturns last year.
Prices for the crops have stayed low in 2016 as massive harvests around the world have increased inventories and intensified competition for exports.
US farmers recently started bringing in their latest corn and soybean harvests. Both of which are expected to be record-large due to favourable weather.
"The program payments being announced today will provide a needed cushion for farmers during these tough economic conditions," said Gordon Stoner, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, which represents wheat producers.
In August, the USDA predicted net farm income in 2016 would fall 11.5 per cent from 2015 to US$71.5 billion because of low commodity prices. If realized, that would be the lowest since 2009.
It also would mean that USDA's safety-net payments accounted for about 10 per cent of net farm income for 2016.
The payments will help farmers "who are standing strong against low commodity prices," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the statement. He added that the agency will "continue to ensure the availability of a strong safety net" for growers.
Payments will be made to farmers who enrolled acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, grain sorghum, lentils, oats, peanuts, dry peas and canola under two USDA programs, called Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage.
They "primarily allow producers to continue to produce for the market" when crop revenues or prices decline, according to the agency.
Additional payments for producers of other commodities, such as rice, will be announced later, the USDA said.
Last year, the agency paid farmers US$5.2 billion under the programs to cover weak markets in 2014.
REUTERS | 2,201 | 1,140 | 0.000886 |
warc | 201704 | No s. 271(1)(c) penalty even for unsustainable/ non-debatable claims if there is disclosure in the return
Though the income from the transfer of units of a mutual fund is exempt u/s 10(33), the assessee claimed a deduction for the loss of Rs. 3.08 crores suffered by him on transfer of US 64 units. The AO disallowed the loss on the ground that the exemption in s. 10(33) applied to a loss as well and imposed penalty u/s 271(1)(c). The CIT(A) confirmed the penalty. On appeal by the assessee, the Tribunal allowed the appeal on the ground that as the assessee had disclosed the details with the return, he had not filed inaccurate particulars of his income and that the making of a wrong claim / incorrect claim did not attract penalty u/s 271(1)(c). On appeal by the department to the High Court, HELD dismissing the appeal:
As the assessee had disclosed all details in the return of income, at the highest it can be said that the claim of the assessee was not sustainable in law. But as there was no furnishing of inaccurate particulars or concealment of income on the part of the assessee. penalty u/s 271(1)(c) could not be levied (Reliance Petroproducts 322 ITR 158 (SC) referred). | 1,191 | 608 | 0.00165 |
warc | 201704 | Food Banks Canada says 310,461 children in school are helped each month at food banks across Canada, which is equal to 6,200 full school buses full of kids.
But, Calgary’s hungry children are outnumbering the national average. Of the 132,000 Calgarians that accessed the food bank this past year, 43 per cent of them were children — seven per cent higher than the rest of Canada.
To combat this and other issues with hunger in our community, there are 110 community agencies supported through the Calgary Food Bank Food Link program. Of these organizations, many of them working with children and youth.
One of the initiatives helping to reach hungry kids is the “All In” for Youth program – a collaboration with the United Way and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary aimed at reducing our high school dropout rate. Now in its third year, “All In” for Youth Success Coaches are in 20 Calgary schools as the key contact for struggling youth.
Ethan Backwell, Success Coach from Father Lacombe High School, says he works with teachers and staff to identify at-risk youth dealing with challenges and barriers to their academic success, one of the biggest being food insecurity.
Backwell says that his school provides food to an average of 50 students per day, adding he can go through more than 150 food items, like granola bars, each day. In February alone, Father Lacombe High School provided snacks for over 2,000 students through Food Link.
“There are just so many students that don’t want to talk about [their food insecurity] and maybe it’s a pride thing,” Backwell says. “I’m pretty sure if you tapped on most students’ shoulders here they could benefit from some extra support somewhere.”
“We’re super grateful that we have access to (food),” he added. “Without the support, I don’t know how we would afford to buy the food we need. And well, how we would fuel these hungry brains?” | 2,000 | 1,029 | 0.001031 |
warc | 201704 | Looking for a zolpidem? Not a problem! Click Here
If you would like to get far more info with regards to zolpidem kindly check out Pharmacy Lookup.
Guaranteed Worldwide Shipping Discreet Package Low Prices 24/7/365 Customer Support 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Tags:
For long term usage, Ambien and Ambien CR may cause dry mouth, low back pain, allergy, flu-like symptoms, tremors, laziness, dizziness, an atmosphere as if you're drugged, stomach upset, depression, abdominal pain, diarrhea, myalgia (muscle pain), arthralgia (pain), constipation, sinuses, upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis (sore throat), rash, and urinary tract infections. For more details, consult prescription drug guides, such as the Physicians' Desk Reference, and the websites:. Some of the less serious unwanted side effects are daytime drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling "drugged" or light-headed, lack of coordination, amnesia, forgetfulness, vivid or abnormal dreams, nausea, constipation or blurred vision. Trancework, An Introduction for the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis. If you happen to be an elderly patient, and even a debilitated one, or a patient who's diseases which could affect your metabolism, such as issues using your thyroid, use Ambien and Ambien CR with caution.
It holds a commanding market share with the sleep aid market-about 85%. Others have driven their cars and engaged in alternative activities that they later cannot remember. Erickson taught himself to steer using this technique over the next two years and spent high of his '. Sonata can also be handy for air travelers, since it will likely be completely eliminated before most red-eye or intercontinental flights are complete. Both medications may be habit forming, so it is important to consider them just as prescribed and for the smallest volume of time possible.
This was shown inside a study done by James Penland with the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota. Those that are drinking alcohol should also be careful, as alcohol alone is capable of depress the CNS (central nervous system). This pharmaceutical technology is an improvement over some other formulations for sublingual administration. However, when Sam's doctors refused to take care of him with Zolpidem, his fianc. There would be a significant main effect of the hypnotherapy treatment with PTSD symptoms as measured from the Posttraumatic Disorder Scale.
Like alcohol, zolpidem helps it be difficult simply to walk a straight line. --If you might be required to adopt medications which induce lethargy and drowsiness, this is usually to be brought towards the notice of the health care provider. Sleep disorders shouldn't be not dealt with, especially if it really is already affecting the traditional routine of the person. Sanofi-Aventis, the inventor of brand name Ambien, has released a reformulation in the drug called Ambien CR. Zolpidem Side Effects: Does It Increase the Risk of Falling.
When I learned recently in regards to a friend who gave her 11 years old an Ambien when he couldn't sleep with the night, I was horrified because I knew that particular prescription has never been shown to help children sleep, instead causing hallucinations, dizziness and headaches -1-. Unfortunately, they also have serious side-effects. Let me start with saying that I am a chronic insomniac. Common unwanted effects of Ambien include: sleep walking, sleep eating, driving while sleeping, getting up in strange locations, talking as well as carrying on conversations throughout sleep, total amnesia of events or "black out", hallucination, paranoia, increased appetite, loss in motor function, impaired judgment, euphoria, decreased sex drive, delusional thoughts and behaviors, boost in impulsive behaviors, poor balance and difficulty walking, and erratic thoughts and behaviors. Now I don't have to become awake for just two or three hours each night. | 3,925 | 2,101 | 0.000478 |
warc | 201704 | money-savingor environment-helping guns, there’s help. Try these quick and easy tips for living on less – and saving more – and watch your bank account grow. 1) Cut out daily coffee and fast food runs. One of the fastest ways to burn through cash is by splurging on these unnecessary treats, so cut back on the number you indulge in per week to save. TIP: You don’t have to give these luxuries up completely. Hooked on coffee shop java? Remember, Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Hortons, Timothy’s and other coffee houses all sell coffee you can make at home, either in-store or often in the grocery store. Pack your coffee in a thermos and bring your own lunch every two or three days instead of grabbing fast food every day. Bonus: On top of saving money you’ll also cut back on take-out waste and help the environment in the process. 2) Skip pricey salons that can set you back upward of $50 per haircut. Instead, look for a local beauty school that offers cuts (or highlights, facials or manicures/pedicures) by students or professionals demonstrating techniques. Prices for services here are often half (or less) of what you’d expect to pay in a salon. 3) Try secondhand goods for kids.Whether it’s toys, clothes or furniture, kids six and under are the perfect candidates for gently used goods. Try looking up reputable consignment stores in your area for best results. 4) Pay attention to the calendar when purchasing big-ticket items.Certain times of the year mean bigger sales for specific pieces. For example, furniture tends to have the biggest sales in February and August, while jewelry sees the biggest discounts in January. Mark your calendars and do your best to hold off on buying until sale season rolls around. 5) Reacquaint yourself with the library.With big book chains now in many larger cities around the country, North American families are opting to buy their literature new. To save yourself some coin, pass on straight-from-the-shelves reads and visit your library. You may even be able to rent some great new or older, harder-to-find movies. 6) Recruit some friends for a biannual clothing swap.Rather than spending hundreds on new pants, dresses or shoes every season, invite a handful of similar-sized friends over and ask them to bring pieces they like but don’t wear anymore. Do a swap and enjoy the feeling new-to-you clothes can bring. 7) Get expert advice from a professional planner– preferably one that doesn’t earn commissions by promoting certain products or stocks. They’ll be able to help make sure you’re setting aside enough for retirement, your kids’ education costs, and to ensure that any current investments are working for you. 8) Think outside the box when it comes to grocery shopping .Unlike your average grocery store, warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco offer discounts of 20 to 50 per cent on everyday goods like canned foods, condiments and more, and are a great place to shop for bigger-ticket items like appliances, over-the-counter medications and books.
Get some more great ideas on how to keep your cash in your wallet from this article:
5 blogs that will help you save money Page 1 of 1
Page 1 of 1 | 3,241 | 1,704 | 0.000602 |
warc | 201704 | Oral cancer
Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth.
Causes Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70 - 80% of oral cancer cases. Heavy alcohol use Other risks include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as that from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Symptoms Lesion, lump, or ulcer On tongue, check, upper and lower alveolus usually painless to start with. Diagnosis Physical examination Biopsy of the lesion Treatment Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small .If the neck glands are involved or if the tumor is big the neck dissection will also be done. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy – given depending upon the final histopathology report after operation. Rehabilitation may include speech therapy or other therapy to improve movement, chewing, swallowing, and speech. Prognosis Approximately 50% of people with oral cancer will live more than 5 years after diagnosis and treatment. If the cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other tissues, the cure rate is nearly 75%. Approximately 25% of people with oral cancer die because of delayed diagnosis and treatment. When to Contact us If you have a lesion of the mouth or lip or a lump in the neck that does not go away within 1 month. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer greatly increases the chances of survival. Prevention Correct the dental problems Avoid alcohol use. Avoid smoking or other tobacco use. Practice good oral hygiene. | 1,498 | 786 | 0.00128 |
warc | 201704 | Two months from now, on July 1, Oregon will become the fourth state to allow residents to legally purchase marijuana for recreational use. In anticipation of legalization, the governing body that will oversee marijuana licensing and sales is preparing for something unexpected: A huge influx of cold, hard cash.
Legal marijuana in states like Colorado and Washington have surpassed revenue expectations in their first few years. But when marijuana businesses try to pay their taxes, the federal law that makes marijuana illegal limits their access to financial institutions.
Despite assurances from the Treasury Department that they would not be prosecuted, banks have been reluctant to open accounts for weed-related businesses. Some banks that accept money generated by marijuana sales fear that they may leave themselves open to federal money-laundering charges.
– Read the entire article at The Washington Post. | 925 | 539 | 0.001876 |
warc | 201704 | Online Training for a Hands-on Electrician Career With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting great job stability and growth for electricians with the right skills, now is an excellent time to break into the field--and training is essential. Through online courses, current or future electricians can get the career training they need without giving up their day jobs. It's ElectricFor a challenging, hands-on career based on problem solving and prevention, think about becoming an electrician. It's a job that offers both flexibility and security. Around 75% of electricians are self-employed, or work for contractors--but there's nearly always work to be had. The Right TrainingBecoming an electrician takes hard work. The basics are learned through electrician courses: Installation techniques Circuitry Currents, voltage, and wattage Wiring Safety Electrical repair Apprenticeships and CareersAfter electrician courses are completed, an apprenticeship is the next step. Many apprenticeships can take three to four years, or around 2,000 hours. An apprenticeship is a key career-starter for an electrician, and is often the first real job you will have.
After the training and apprenticeship are completed, electricians can look forward to an hourly rate that steadily increases. The average hourly wage of electricians was $20.33 two years ago, but with a training certificate, an apprenticeship, and a few years' experience, an electrician can make $25 per hour or more.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Assessment Career Assessment
Not sure what types of careers would be a good fit for you? Try this career assessment test to help determine what professional fields match your personality and skills.
Explore Other Careers | 1,748 | 885 | 0.001134 |
warc | 201704 | Vaidya Mishra's Knowledge Newsletter
“Gokshura,” the Sanskrit name for
Tribulus terrestris, translates as “having the shape of a cow hoof.” In some respects, gokshura has related nourishing benefits to ashwagandha and shatavari (a rasayana for women). In fact, men’s rejuvenative formulations commonly contain gokshura and ashwagandha, along with mucuna, which we’ll discuss next. Women’s rejuvenative formulations can contain gokshura as well, but in combination with other herbs more appropriate to female physiologies. Although not technically a vajikarna herb itself, it is useful as a component of a vajikarna formulation in that it increases both the subtle and gross forms of shukra, while also building all the other tissues. In men, this promotes the production of semen as well as ojas.
Apart from its physical value, gokshura is a
satvic herb. Satva is the principle in nature of purity, expansion, and evolution; it is the light (consciousness) of the soul, radiating into and enlightening the mind. Vaidya Mishra’s SVA tradition recognizes the primary importance of satva for those on a spiritual path (which is really everyone, whether they yet know it or not). Gokshura brings the light of the soul into the mind. It is also full of soma. Nature has given this herb an unusual property of having the cooling quality of soma alongside the ability to increase the body’s transformative “flames,” ensuring that the soma gets used by the tissues. These qualities help bring balance to the qualities of both ashwagandha and the agni-dominated male physiology when the herbs are used in tandem.
Animal studies indicate gokshura increases testosterone, though to date this has not been demonstrated in human males. Nevertheless, Ayurvedic tradition holds that it does increase physical and sexual stamina. Gokshura is thought to support the intelligence of the urinary bladder and of the whole genitourinary tract. Individuals prone toward renal stones can be helped by gokshura, so long as their diet is correct (especially avoiding the nightshade family). In general, gokshura is a great friend to
apana vata, the downward, eliminative force in the body, due to its generous helping of soma. The soma restores the dryness caused by acidic toxins in the elimination organs. Constipation, menstrual problems, prostate issues, hemorrhoids, bladder infections, and slow urination all are symptoms of imbalanced apana vata.
Ayurvedic texts tell us that gokshura gives strength to the lungs and blood and is helpful in chronic cough and breathing problems. Also, the heart needs gokshura’s ability to prevent harmful toxins residing in the urinary system from traveling back to it and causing cardiac imbalances. Men are more prone to heart disease, so this is yet another reason for them to use gokshura.
This formula contains additional ingredients reputed for supporting the male physiology, such as Shring Bhasma and Yasad Bhasma. To find out more, please visit Vaidya Mishra's YouTube channel and watch his videos on the benefits of Shring and Yasad for male health.
Gokshura sarratta (Tribulus terrestris), Shring Bhasma (Deer Antler), Yasad Bhasma (Zinc)
Directions:
Take 1 capsule after breakfast and 1 capsule after lunch. Or use as directed by your SVA expert. If you have a medical condition, consult with your medical doctor before using this or any other herbal supplements.
Disclaimer
This product and statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All of the information above is intended to be used for educational purposes only and may not be used to replace or complement medical advice. | 3,795 | 1,859 | 0.000549 |
warc | 201704 | North Central College on March 14 will host sectional competition in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Academic Challenge.
The Academic Challenge is a competitive series of tests created and administered by WYSE and offered to high school students in Illinois and Missouri. This competition has been hosted by North Central College for more than 10 years and is designed to present a challenge to the brightest students.
Test material is drawn from senior high school and freshman-level college curricula. Written by teams of college and university faculty, subjects include biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics.
Each test production team produces three tests of increasing levels of difficulty for regional, sectional and state finals. Students compete as individuals and as part of a team (when their school fields a team); they have 40 minutes to complete multiple-choice tests that range in length from 30 questions (computer science) to 100 questions (English).
More than 470 students from 47 high schools will attend and compete in divisions based on high school enrollment. The sectional challenge will take place in classrooms throughout campus on Thursday, March 14, and be hosted by the North Central College Board of Trustee Associates. Top placers will advance to state competition in April. The annual Illinois WYSE challenge is sponsored by the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Students who compete at WYSE and later attend North Central College may be eligible for a scholarship funded by the College’s Board of Trustee Associates. For more information about WYSE or North Central College’s Lederman Scholars program for talented high school students, contact Wilders at 630-637-5234 or rjwilders@noctrl.edu.
North Central College offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in mathematics with focused study in pure mathematics, applied mathematics or actuarial science. The program prepares students for successful careers in education, actuarial science and wide range of math-related jobs in business and academia.
Founded in 1861, North Central College is an independent, comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences that offers more than 55 undergraduate majors and graduate programming in seven areas. Located in the Historic District of Naperville, Illinois—rated by Money magazine as among the nation’s “Best Places to Live”—North Central College is just 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop. With more than 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students, North Central College is committed to academic excellence, a climate that emphasizes leadership, ethics, values and service, a curriculum that balances job-related knowledge with a liberal arts foundation and a caring environment with small classes. Visit www.northcentralcollege.edu to learn more. | 2,933 | 1,410 | 0.000721 |
warc | 201704 | READER ROI
- Understand why firing correctly is important
- Identify what it takes to fire with dignity
- Learn how to cope with the personal stress of letting people go
Greg Suddreth was 22 years old when he got sacked. Fresh out of college, he was working as a sales associate for a wine distributor just outside Chicago. For roughly $40,000 a year, Suddreth drove up and down Interstate 74 in his 1991 Hyundai Sonata, selling cases of wine to liquor stores 35 hours a week. But no matter how hard he tried, he could never meet his quota. Finally, on a bitterly cold January evening, the bosses called him into a back office. Before Suddreth could even sit down, one boss started yelling, blaming him for sabotaging profits. He questioned Suddreth’s work ethic. He wondered aloud how the youngster thought he would ever be able to hold down a "real job" in sales. Then he said, "You’re fired."
The other supervisor remained silent throughout, and when his colleague was finished, he patted Suddreth on the back, offered a few words of encouragement and showed him the door. There was no severance or exit interview.
"I’ll never forget the way I felt that day," Suddreth, now 33, says. "In five minutes, they completely destroyed my self-esteem. Even the nicer guy made me feel like crap. That was no way to let someone go."
The bitter memory of that January day has inspired Suddreth to approach firing his own people with compassion, honesty and dignity, he says. In 1997, as IT manager for Alsip, Ill.-based International Gateway Communications, he had to fire a technician for performance issues. Along with the ax, he also offered the man outplacement counseling, a hefty severance package and references for future employment. Last year, as director of IT for HotSamba.com in Schaumburg, Ill., Suddreth spent a week finding new jobs for three people he was forced to lay off. Today, as CTO of Inet Financial Services in Northbrook, Ill., Suddreth hasn’t had to fire anyone, but he understands the inevitable, and he vows that he’s ready for the task.
This might be more than most CIOs can say. In the tight job market of the past several years, knowing how to fire correctly is a skill few IT leaders have displayed or bothered to cultivate. Yet it’s important--to those who stay as well as those who go. And with the economy tanking, more will be going every day. Fire the right way and people leave your organization sad but not enraged. Screw it up and you run the risks of burning bridges, alienating those who stay and hampering your ability to make future hires.
The common perception seems to be that firing indicates organizational and managerial failure and is therefore too sensitive to discuss. But as Diane Tunick Morello, a vice president of IT business management for Gartner, explains, termination is as much a part of management as recruiting, hiring and retention, and executives need to learn the dos and don’ts.
"Just because this is a sensitive issue doesn’t mean it’s something IT leaders should ignore," she says from her office in Stamford, Conn. "Firing someone with dignity takes thoughtfulness, sacrifice and skill. It’s never, ever easy, but it can be done well."
Letting Go
There’s no shortage of expert opinions on firing strategies. For the people doing the firing, however, discussing termination is a lot like talking about hemorrhoids--too personal, too sensitive and too close to home. More than a dozen CIO-level executives declined to participate in this article, explaining that they didn’t feel comfortable discussing such a controversial topic.
But the handful of IT managers who agreed to volunteer their time and opinions on termination all described similar attributes of a framework that is both fair and firm. The methods that these executives have found to work (sometimes by trial and error) dovetail with a body of research on the best ways to show employees the door.
The first step in this framework is to identify problem employees and notify them of their failure to perform. Do this yourself in a one-on-one meeting with the worker--don’t leave it to the human resources office. CIOs who subscribe to this approach say they give struggling employees anywhere between 60 and 120 days to turn performance around. Many companies have instituted special programs designed to drive home the significance of the make-or-break period. Puneet Bhasin, until recently CIO of Livermore, Calif.-based Greenlight.com, ran what he calls the Performance Improvement Program to bring fringe employees back from the brink. At Freddie Mac, the government-chartered housing assistance company based in McLean, Va., Senior Vice President of IS Bill Ledman employs a "gap recovery program" that serves a similar purpose.
Programs like these are generally termed progressive or corrective discipline. Central to them are probationary periods for underperforming employees during which all work activity is documented. This record-keeping puts pressure on workers in a humane way; by giving them unambiguous goals to shoot for, progressive discipline demonstrates that the company isn’t out to nail them to the wall. At Freddie Mac, Ledman works with employees on probation to map out goals and objectives, meeting with them weekly to chart progress overall. At Greenlight.com, employees had to obtain signatures from their supervisors and HR representatives before they could take on a new task.
Bhasin says that while this requirement was a bit bureaucratic, it helped him keep better tabs on specific employees. In turn, these workers could see a well-delineated road to return to good standing. If they failed to pick up performance by the deadline, however, the documentation built a case for firing. "Once you’ve gone through the process of documenting the issues, everything becomes very straightforward," he says. "If a person still isn’t working out, the facts you’ve compiled make a termination conversation easier."
Still, CIOs agree that when an employee has failed to respond to progressive discipline, the termination conversation is by far the most difficult aspect of letting someone go. Bryan Kearney, CIO and vice president of Idaho Power in Boise, Idaho, advises managers to arrange the final meeting carefully. Although Kearney hasn’t had to fire anyone at Idaho Power, at previous jobs he scheduled termination meetings at the start of the day to get it off his plate early, held the meetings in his office rather than the employee’s, had representatives from HR sit in to make sure he covered all the legal bases and prepared the necessary paperwork (termination letter, severance package and so on) beforehand.
Experts say Kearney does it right; with all the nitty-gritty details out of the way, managers can focus on the conversation itself. Here, says John Challenger, CEO of the Chicago-based outplacement agency Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the rule is similar to one everyone learned in kindergarten: Treat employees as you would like them to treat you. During the meeting, the manager should go out of her way to maintain a calm and supportive tone, he says, stating facts simply and plainly and making sure the employee has been terminated in no more than 15 minutes. A meeting that takes longer is a sign that the manager is getting bogged down in a negotiation rather than making a declaration. While the manager should cite the documents that track poor performance, she should not dwell too long or too heavily on such negatives. She should focus instead on the employee’s next step.
"You want to be firm, but you don’t want to belabor the point," he notes. "Be kind, but not too kind. Remember that your job is to do what’s right for the business." Challenger recommends that managers write down their comments before the meeting and rehearse them so that they’re able to keep the conversation on track (see "What Do You Mean I’m Fired?" Page 68). Gartner’s Morello recommends that managers not waste time during the termination meeting outlining the components of a severance package but instead instruct the employee to direct all questions to HR.
Hold Your Fire
Not every relationship has to end this way. Some IT managers have developed their own techniques for firing. At CareGroup Healthcare System in Boston, CIO John Halamka combines progressive discipline with an approach he calls "ask-tell-ask." The interactive strategy is designed to make employees more comfortable with their fate. Getting fired is never easy, but Halamka has found that this method protects employees’ dignity. In mirroring the way physicians are taught to behave in emergency medicine, the ask-tell-ask approach is predicated on the notion that it’s easier to tell someone bad news when they’re already expecting to hear it. For Halamka, an emergency physician who also serves as associate dean of educational technology at Harvard Medical School, the strategy is second nature.
A typical termination at CareGroup begins with a question: "How do you feel about your performance since we put you on probation?" Halamka says that most of the time, a worker will know if he has continued to underachieve and will respond with the understanding that a firing is imminent. At this point, Halamka confirms the suspicion--"Yes, you’re right, you are going to lose your job." He immediately follows this statement with another question: "How do you feel about this?"
Then, he says, employees generally express sorrow and sadness but not anger; once they have voiced their fears of termination, they are more willing to accept the inevitable. "When prompted appropriately, most folks have the realization that something dire is going to happen," Halamka says. "For some reason, admitting that realization eliminates a good bit of the initial sting."
While Halamka’s method is intended to usher people out the door gently, Challenger assails it as a cop-out. The ask-tell-ask approach improperly shifts responsibility from managers to employees, Challenger says, by leaving it to the latter to declare their own poor performance. SEI Information Technology, a high-tech consultancy in Chicago, takes another tack while still seeking to soften the psychological blow of termination. SEI executives try to talk poor performers into resigning before they are fired. Director of Human Resources Rod Boswell says this approach enables employees to leave with their dignity intact since they are the ones deciding their fates. This technique, which Boswell characterizes as Psych 101, gains the desired outcome without the pain. Last year, for example, when a young programmer repeatedly refused to conform to a company dress code, Boswell told the youngster he’d be fired unless he resigned first. The result? The kid jumped ship that day.
Some companies bend over backward to avoid firing people. Conoco CIO Thomas Nicewarner has worked with representatives from the Houston-based energy company’s HR department to develop a retraining and reassignment program that keeps even tightrope-walking workers in the fold. Dubbed HireConoco, the program was launched in the early 1990s as a companywide effort to move employees in danger of termination (whether because of poor performance or layoffs) into new positions elsewhere in the corporation.
Over the years, Conoco has reassigned hundreds of employees. Nicewarner estimates at least 100 of them have come from the IT department. Once an employee is enrolled in HireConoco, he receives sponsorship from a manager familiar with his skills. With the sponsor’s help, the employee works with in-house educators and psychologists to determine a new line of work and a plan of action. This hand-holding is time-consuming but important, says HR Director Linda Miller; by committing to keep someone around, Conoco managers are redoubling their investment in that employee.
HireConoco reflects a corporate culture that places a premium on treating employees well, Miller says. "We take laying someone off very seriously, and we’ll do anything we can to avoid it at all costs. Even in what some might call their darkest hours, we treat our people with honor and respect."
Although cynics might liken Conoco’s approach to burying bad apples instead of throwing them out, Gartner’s Morello says it’s crucial to be gentle when firing. IT managers who appear heartless or happy when firing risk developing a bad reputation. IT people love to talk, and bad news travels fast. Kearney, the CIO at Idaho Power, notes that he’s worked with the same people at different jobs. If he hadn’t handled terminations with dignity, he says, any one of these employees could have gossiped about the past and undermined his current job.
Kearney points out that notoriety for firing not only alienates you from existing employees, it scares off prospective job candidates as well. The lesson is to do the right thing the first time around. "Everything I do is potentially my reputation, so this isn’t really that tough of a concept to understand," says Kearney, who learned his leadership skills in the United States Marine Corps. "If you treat people well, if you treat them with dignity and compassion, you shouldn’t have to worry about your reputation." | 13,496 | 6,195 | 0.000165 |
warc | 201704 | I recently watched a Jimmy Kimmel skit regarding cyber security in which he sent a TV crew out on the streets to interview folks like you and me about their passwords. I admit, it was pretty funny, but I was also alarmed at how easily people were manipulated into telling a complete stranger their passwords. It’s no wonder cyber attacks have been on the rise in the last few years—so much so that the FBI ranks cyber crime as one of its tops law enforcement activities. If you don’t think it can happen to your organization, you need to think again.
Companies as large and diverse as Anthem, Target, Sony Picture, Home Depot, and Staples have all recently fallen victim to cyber crime—and the list doesn’t end there. Millions of social security numbers and credit card numbers are at these attackers’ fingertips. If these types of attacks aren’t keeping you and your stakeholders up at night, you’re not paying attention. Maybe you’ve felt like you’ve had more pressing IT matters to deal with, but I’m telling you: nothing is more important than ensuring your organization and your data are secure.
So where do you start? There are a few products you should look into ASAP, especially if you’re looking to make the transition to the cloud.
Azure Active Directory (AD) along with Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) has many great features to help you secure, protect, and manage all of your company resources—such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires more than one verification method, adding another layer of security to user sign-ins. You select two of the three methods, (password, verification code to another device, or biometrics—yes, really, biometrics). MFA is extremely easy to set up, and it’s scalable, as it can be integrated with your on-premises AD. You can ensure you’re always protected, and it is extremely reliable.
Azure AD Advanced Threat Analytics is a newer feature that is included with the Enterprise Mobility Suite. What it does is identify any suspicious user and/or device activity with built-in intelligence, which provides clear threat information. It will not only detect malicious attacks, but will let you know any abnormal behavior, such as anomalous logins and password-sharing via behavioral analytics. It can also identify broken trust, weak protocols, and more.
As I wrap this post up, I’ll point out that I just saw another article regarding cyber security. Looks as though another data breach has affected 273 million email accounts of Mail.Ru, Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail. So I encourage you to really consider a Microsoft EMS solution—I promise that you will sleep better at night once you have. | 2,743 | 1,425 | 0.000727 |
warc | 201704 | Case Study: ChevronTexacoBy CIOinsight| Posted 11-15-2003 Case Study: ChevronTexaco
When Dave Clementz first became president of Chevron Information Technology Company (CITC) in 1997, the job came with strict orders: Make IT pay for itself.
Thanks to a woolly and overgrown tangle of multiple platforms, software, servers and networks stretched around the globe, the San Ramon, Calif., oil giant's information technology subsidiary was consistently 10 percent to 15 percent over budget, and Chevron Corp. headquarters was tired of picking up the slack. "I had a mandate from the chairman of the board to do a couple of things," Clementz says, "mainly, to make the IT division more relevant to the business and to stop the bleeding."
It was a tall order, but during the next six years, Clementz and his team did all of that and more, hacking through Chevron's thorny IT with a combination of reorganization, standardization, outsourcing and zealous cost-accounting. In the first three years alone, annual enterprise IT costs were cut from $400 million to $320 million.
Then, in 2001, following Chevron's 2001 merger with Texaco Inc., Clementz got to pull an even larger rabbit out of the IT hat. Under orders, he cut IT costs by an additional $230 million a yearand this time, company-wide.
For a Q&A with former ChevronTexaco CIO Dave Clementz click here.
The size of the cuts sought reflected more than concern over redundancies stemming from the merger. According to Haim Mendelson, Codirector of Stanford University's Center for e-Business and Commerce, the requests signaled further evidence of a yawning credibility gap between IT and business-side executives: Oil companies live or die by how well they contain costs and achieve economies of scale. In the oil industry, cost is an important driver of profitability. Yet with 53,000 employees, operations in 180 countries and hundreds of thousands of contractorseach wanting their own type of IT system or suite of equipment, Chevron's IT budget was bloated and its IT department reactivetoo overwhelmed, at times, to proactively push new ways for information to benefit the business.
What to do? First, Clementz declared war on complexityand on the IT department's credibility problem. There was resistance. While the rationale for a single platform was obvious to Clementz, it was less so to those on the receiving end. "The challenge of standardization is that you take away the ownership of a technology from a specific location or business unit," says Robert Miller, CITC Manager in Product Management, Global Technology and Strategy. "Setting standards dictates an answer to people that they have to live with."
In order to convince the rest of Chevron that standardization would be better, faster and cheaper than the status quo, the IT team did it the hard way and piloted its PC standardization in one of the company's most problematic locationsthe frigid Tengiz oil field of Kazakhstan. Because of the area's far-flung locale and unforgiving climate, the installation of 1,000 computers had to be done early and at a breakneck pace before the onset of the harsh winter. With that done successfully, the IT team now had the means to effectively combat company skeptics. "It really became a very convincing argument that standardization was a valid concept," says Pete Brown, Planning Manager for Global Strategy and Planning at circ.
Next, Clementz declared war on bloated costs within his own department. He cut his 2,000-person staff by about 400 workers, eliminating those whose skills were no longer up to par or who exhibited resistance to change. Then, Clementz began outsourcing less critical tasks, such as the management of the mainframe, telecom, help desk and network operations, mostly to Electronic Data Systems Corp.
But by far Clementz's most important, though bloodiest, battle was to make both IT workers and technology strategy more directly accountable to business goals. How? He created what he called an "activity-based" accounting system, whereby the company's more than 60 individual business units would be billed for precisely the technology and IT services they usedrather than the arbitrary fee of the past, which was based on how many employees worked in each business unit. This, Clementz knew, would do more than force IT to figure out exactly what the business units needed. It would also force whole new levels of communication between IT and business managers that hadn't existed before and create a basis for improved IT-business alignment throughout the company.
Page 2 Social Work Getting people out of their cubicles was awkward at first, but eventually, morale began to soar. "I'd send people out to have face-to-face conversations with the people in each business unit that controlled IT spending, and for the first time in some cases, we began to understand not simply more about the oil business, but also learn details about what the units needed and were thinking about in terms of future technology," Clementz says. To help speed the process along, he created company-wide Business and IT Forums, held twice a year, to assemble all 150 to 200 key IT and business leaders in one place to share their problems and jointly hammer out solutions.
Yet as with earlier efforts, Clementz once again met resistance. During one of the early Business and IT Forums, for example, there was a heated argument between Chevron's international managers and domestic groups over how much they were getting charged by CITC for network services. But Clementz persisted, determined to create solutions based on alignment strategy as much as on technology. At early meetings, he recalls, "we'd group people at tables by their regions, or business interests." Each person would be given two paper folders, one red and one green. "We'd put a proposal out there for a technology change, or ask the whole assembled group if they liked something we were doing," Clementz says, "and then just sit back and see what color cards came up."
When questions arose, for example, over whether Chevron was going to charge its employees in Nigeria for using the global network, people seated at the international tables began waving their red folders in earnest, forcing Clementz to stop the meeting and call on those assembled for a joint solution. "We didn't solve it that second," Clementz says, "but by the next morning, the network guys had figured out a formula they could use to give relief to the international people." Sure it would mean rates for domestic people would go up, Clementz remembers, but by the time the forum ended, however, the problem got solved: people who used the network the most, regardless of location, would need to pay the most for it. The decision set a new precedent for collective problem-solving within IT, and set the stage for a new, less hierarchical culture at the firm. Says Clementz: "It's an example of how a financial decision to break down the costs of everything leads to greater communication and then greater accountability, and then greater teamwork."
Still, even Clementz's own staff was less than thrilled, at first, about the move to activity-based cost-accounting. Besides demanding higher levels of communication and time-consuming consensus-building, it also would require extra work to perform the detailed cost analyses required by the new system. "Making these costs transparent was critical to getting the kind of alignment we needed," Clementz says, so he hired 10 more accountants to handle the extra load. Eventually, though, the savings reaped by the new system more than paid for the extra head count.
Knowing more led to surprises all around. While the new accounting system enabled more precise spending decisionsClementz was able to impose a new rule that IT had to recover to within 97 percent to 103 percent of its budget on projectsit also meant that if IT under-charged or overcharged business units for IT services, there could be an uproar. "When we first did the activity-based accounting, I discovered we were over-recovering about $30 million a year on the mainframes," Clementz recalls, "and about $10 million of that was being charged to the marketing department." So Clementz started handing out rebates to correct the errorsand to continue his drive to bolster his department's credibility. It worked. "I went to the marketing VP and said, 'Look, I've just done an analysis of the costs, and you've been overcharged for your mainframe, so we're going to reduce your mainframe charges by $10 million next year.' He looked at me like he wanted to kiss me." Rather than take the rebate and spend it on marketing, he decided to invest it in a new IT program.
Still, Clementz knew that if he were to make any long-term progress boosting credibility, his department also would have to rate itself on performance, and give business-side staff a chance to rate them, too. "We even ding ourselves if we fail to measure up to our metrics," Clementz says, "and I know that's not the norm for IT departments."
ChevronTexaco continues to hold annual IT performance reviews that dock bonus pay if IT fails to recover cost within 3 percent of budget. Business-side managers also rate CITC on performance metrics, including network reliability, the number of service outages, how well service level agreements are fulfilled and how close IT projects come to being on time and on budget.
Sound brutal? It was: Most people employed under the old system ended up quitting or getting fired. And while the overall IT workforce shrank by 25 percent, the turnover in CITC upper management was even higher. Of the original senior management team that Clementz inherited in 1997, none remain. The next-level management team is mostly new now, toowith perhaps only about 15 percent Chevron veterans who, Clementz says, understood the importance of making IT responsive and fully accountable to business. "There's an old saying we use at this company a lot when you're going through a massive cultural change: 'You either change the people, or you change the people'," Clementz quips. "You change what's between their ears, or you change them out, and that's what you have to do if you want to drive change and drive it in a hurry."
This July, Clementz, 58, retired from ChevronTexaco and opened a consulting firm. The CITC staff has kept the structure Clementz and his team created. His IT and business forums and meetings with customers have been institutionalized and help to keep business and IT budget goals more closely aligned. An open-book policy means that any CITC customer can see what they were charged and why.
And time sheets are being kept now too, if not quite perfectly, then well enough. Says Clementz: "Do people fill them out religiously? No, they probably fudge. They get close to a deadline and customers are beating on them about costs, and they probably don't account for all their hours. But I tell you it's a hell of a lot better than it used to be. We're a lot closer, maybe within 10 percent of the truth versus, well, you didn't even know . . ."
Page 3 Measure for Measure Every month, ChevronTexaco's IT team rates itself on dozens of metrics, using a digital "dashboard" of red, yellow and green markers to rate performance per team, employee and department overall. Here are some of the key measures:
Here are some of the key measures:
Worker ProductivityYearly performance reviews for each IT worker aim to root out the company's least productive 10 percent. "Our customers always raise the bar for us." Fulfillment of Service Level AgreementsIf IT fails to deliver on time, or if it overcharges for services, it gives rebates, which boosts the credibility of IT with the business-side executives. Number of Business Incidents The IT team tracks the number of outages and subtracts cash from worker bonuses if the organization fails to meet certain targets for improvement. Financial Performance Is IT recovering costs and driving costs out of the system? ChevronTexaco IT is required to stay within 97 percent to 103 percent of its budget, or employee bonuses get cut. Number of Safety Incidents "For us, it's not slips, trips, falls or motor vehicle accidents but people having repetitive stress injuries," Clementz says. If incidents increase, performance reviews reflect the rise. For Q&A with Dave Clementz about his use of activity-based cost accounting to achieve better IT-business alignment, click here. Margaret L. Young is a freelance writer based in Silicon Valley. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including BusinessWeek, the San Jose Mercury News and Stanford Business. | 12,735 | 5,740 | 0.000175 |
warc | 201704 | Spam levels have declined dramatically since the March 16 takedown of Rustock, the world's largest botnet, but how long will this victory last? Rustock was responsible for sending almost half of all global spam and up to 44 billion spam emails per day. The spam was mainly emails that linked to websites offering counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs. Since the Rustock takedown, Viagra and Cialis spam emails have declined 75 percent, and security vendors have noted that Rustock has not become active again. The takedown is certainly a positive development, but pharmaceutical brand owners have good reason to remain cautious.
The key reason for caution is that the economics of the counterfeit drug industry suggest a continuation of pharmaceutical spam. One security researcher involved in the Rustock takedown observed that the money the Rustock botnet operators were making from sending pharmaceutical spam "was off the chart." According to an Interpol official, criminals spending $1,000 to make counterfeit medicines can earn as much as $450,000. There is a lot of money flowing between the counterfeit drugs industry and the botnet industry.
This big money means there will likely be replacement botnets or alternative online marketing methods to drive traffic to fake pharmaceutical sites. Cybercriminals may develop new botnets via increased malware infections. Or they may find new ways to drive traffic to fake pharmaceuticals websites. Current botnet operators could also form alliances to take up some of the slack in email distribution after Rustock. The point is there's just too much money at stake for the Rustock takedown to be the last word in pharmaceutical spam.
Post-Rustock, pharmaceutical brand owners should remain vigilant and monitor their brands, especially across websites, business-to-business exchanges, and search engines. An effective online brand protection strategy must address distribution channels as well as promotional touchpoints. Such an approach is the best way to protect customers from being diverted to places on the web selling fake, potentially harmful pharmaceutical drugs.
About MarkMonitor
MarkMonitor®, the world leader in enterprise brand protection uses a SaaS delivery model to provide advanced technology and expertise that protects the revenues and reputations of the world's leading brands. Learn More
Access Providers IPv6 Broadband Law Censorship Malware Cloud Computing Mobile Cyberattack Multilinguism Cybercrime Net Neutrality Cybersquatting P2P Data Center Policy & Regulation DNS Privacy DNS Security Regional Registries Domain Names Registry Services Security Enum Spam ICANN Telecom Intellectual Property Top-Level Domains Internet Governance VoIP Internet of Things Web Internet Protocol White Space IP Addressing Whois IPTV Wireless
Sponsored by
Afilias
Sponsored by
Port25
Sponsored by
Afilias - Mobile & Web Services
Sponsored by
Verisign | 2,929 | 1,446 | 0.000697 |
warc | 201704 | By CityTownInfo.com Staff
August 6, 2009
With economic data churning out on a daily basis, it's hard for job seekers to make sense of the information flood. Yet, one thing seems to be emerging clearly from recent employment figures: Employers are not coming close to creating enough jobs to make up for some 6.5 million lost since December 2007.
A recent news story from NPR contains this disturbing conclusion: "Instead of hiring more workers, businesses are operating with leaner, more efficient staffs." NPR reporter Frank Langfitt found a paradigm for this trend at Seibel's, a family-run restaurant in Burtonsville, MD that's been in operation for some 60 years.
Co-owner Lynn Martins, according to NPR, now has ten fewer employees on staff than before the recession hit. "We learned to do it with less people," Martins was quoted as saying. "They learned to cover more territory." For waiter Joey Rosenberg, 21, that now means busing his own tables and sweeping the restaurant floors, in addition to his principal task of waiting on the eatery's customers.
Meanwhile, figures released yesterday showed that the American private sector slashed more jobs than anticipated in July reports Reuters [from an article originally located at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/05/AR2009080501562_pf.html]. Employment cuts came in the service industry-which includes restaurants like Seibel's- for the second straight month, setting off worries about how robust the country's economic recovery really is.
U.S. businesses reduced their payrolls by 371,000 jobs in July, according to the ADP Employer Services report, written with the collaboration of Macroeconomic Advisers LLC, according to Reuters. Last month's job losses dwarfed the 463,000 jobs that vanished the month before. Yet, July's downsizes exceeded projections by analysts who had foreseen only 345,000 job losses at midsummer.
On a more hopeful note, new unemployment insurance claims declined, according to the New York Times. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that first-time claims decreased to a seasonally adjusted 550,000 for the week ending on Aug. 1.
The numbers came in well below economists' predictions of 580,000, based on a survey by Thomson Reuters. The four-week average of claims, which analysts used to assess trends, fell to 555,250, its lowest level since late January. Still, last week's jobless claims continued to exceed the 300,000 to 350,000 that analysts say signals a strong economy. And a slight rise of 69,000 in the number of people who chose to stay on the unemployment insurance rolls reflects a job market that remains tight.
"We really think this is going to be a gradual and slow climb out of the hole," Kathy Page, a vice president at Manpower Inc., told NPR, noting the slow rate of hiring among Manpower's business clients. | 2,869 | 1,557 | 0.000647 |
warc | 201704 | (CNN) -- The Genocide Archive of Rwanda opened its doors to the public Friday at the Kigali Genocide Memorial grounds in the country's capital, offering an in-depth look at the horrors of the country's 1994 genocide.
The new site rests on the slopes above the mass graves containing the bodies of 250,000 Rwandans murdered in 1994.
The physical archive at the Genocide Archive of Rwanda, showcases 1,500 audiovisual recordings and more than 20,000 documents and photographs from genocide survivors and perpetrators both at the facility and online.
The Rwandan government's National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide and British-based Aegis Trust set up the project in 2003.
"It is very exciting to have this archive. For the past two decades, we have been fighting against the deniers of genocide," said Freddy Mutunguha, director of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre and Rwanda director of the Aegis Trust.
"As a survivor of genocide, it is very painful to hear that someone is denying what happened to yourself, your family and your people. This archive gives me confidence that at least we can fight it with the facts," said Mutunguha.
This new comprehensive archive gives survivors like Mutunguha -- a Tutsi who lost his mother, four sisters and 60 members of his extended family in the genocide -- an opportunity to connect with the rest of the world.
"Although the initial collection is relatively modest, we wanted to make the Genocide Archive accessible to everyone as early as possible in the process of research and acquisitions," said archive manager Yves Kamuronsi.
The Aegis Trust is also collaborating with the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom on a project to create a comprehensive map of Rwanda's genocide sites.
The database uses GPS technology to map all the genocide sites in Rwanda, matching them with photographs and testimonies from survivors, witnesses and perpetrators.
To date, over 1,000 sites have been identified in Kigali alone.
"The more information we can have about the genocide, [the more] researchers can start to understand how it is that genocides evolve, develop and how governments began to implement it," said Dr. James Smith, CEO and co-founder of Aegis Trust.
Understanding the details, we can then appreciate and recognize the signs and develop strategies to prevent tragedies like genocides and crimes against humanity in other parts of the world, said Smith.
The United Nations estimates that more than 800,000 men, women, and children perished in the Rwandan genocide, perhaps as many as three quarters of the nation's Tutsi population.
"During the genocide, the international community turned their backs to us, they didn't take what was happening seriously. It will be very embarrassing for the international community to see these achieves detailing the facts and not take responsibility to prevent something like this from happening again," said Mutunguha. | 2,955 | 1,446 | 0.000698 |
warc | 201704 | For Immediate Release Nobel Peace Laureate Campaign Condemns Libyan Antipersonnel Mine Use
GENEVA - The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) strongly condemns the reported use of antipersonnel mines by the Libyan Armed Forces in recent fighting with rebels in eastern Libya.
On 28 March, over 50 antipersonnel and antivehicle mines were discovered near power pylons outside the town of Ajdabiya by electrical technicians. A Human Rights Watch investigation reported that the mines had recently been laid. The Libyan Armed Forces controlled the area from 17–27 March.
“The use of these inherently indiscriminate weapons poses a great threat to civilians,” said Kasia Derlicka, ICBL Director. “Landmines must not be used by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances.”
The ban on antipersonnel mines has become a widely accepted international norm since the adoption of the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Myanmar (Burma) is the only other government in recent years to use antipersonnel mines. Libya is one of 39 states outside that remain outside the treaty.
The ICBL strongly urges Libya to halt any further use of mines; provide information on the location, quantities, and types of all mines laid to enable rapid clearance; and to join the Mine Ban Treaty without delay.
During a meeting on 25 March in Benghazi, Gen. Khalifa Hufter, commander of the rebel forces in eastern Libya, made a pledge not to use any type of mines. The ICBL welcomes the commitment made by Gen. Khalifa Hufter on behalf of the rebel forces based in Benghazi that they will not use landmines.
The ICBL calls on all parties to the conflict in Libya to prohibit the use of antipersonnel mines by their forces and urges the clearance and destruction of all landmines in Libya.
A total of 156 nations have joined the Mine Ban Treaty since it was adopted in 1997, while two states have signed., but not yet ratified (Marshall Islands and Poland). Under the Mine Ban Treaty, states must renounce use of antipersonnel mines, destroy their stockpiles of the weapon, clear all their mined areas, and provide comprehensive assistance to landmine survivors.
The ICBL is a network with members in over 90 countries and areas, working for a mine-free world, where landmine survivors can lead fulfilling lives. The ICBL received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its efforts to bring about the Mine Ban Treaty.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines is committed to an international ban on the use, production, stockpiling, and sale, transfer, or export of antipersonnel landmines. | 2,598 | 1,252 | 0.00081 |
warc | 201704 | The government has resisted attempts to provide more protection for direct payment users under the proposed vetting and barring scheme for people working with vulnerable adults.
An amendment to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill would have classed direct payment users as “regulated activity providers”, forcing them to check prospective employees against the list of barred people.
But government spokesperson Baroness Royall last week blocked the amendment, saying the purpose of direct payments was to put people in control of the care they received, so they should decide whether or not to check the list.
Some service user organisations had argued that the amendment would have undermined the independence of people using direct payments, but charities had claimed unsuitable people might “gravitate” towards working for direct payment recipients if they knew they were unlikely to be checked (news analysis, page 18, 27 April).
Another amendment, tabled during House of Lords scrutiny of the bill, would have forced people commissioning regulated activities for the benefit of vulnerable adults to check the barred list.
But Royall said checks in these circumstances would be “intrusive”.
The government has, however, moved to address concerns about the inclusion of children on the barred lists.
Lord Adonis said people aged under 18 when they committed an offence causing them to be placed on the list would not be included automatically.
Instead, he said they would be dealt with under a “discretionary route, with the right to make representations”.
The commitment came after Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Walmsley had used the example of a young person aged 17 involved in a mutual but illegal sexual relationship with a 15 year old.
She said they “may not present a risk of harm to children in general” and it might not be appropriate to automatically bar them from work with children.
However, Adonis blocked an attempt by Walmsley to give people included on the list as children an automatic right to have their status reviewed when they reached the age of 18. | 2,143 | 1,056 | 0.000976 |
warc | 201704 | One out of 10 community college students lose their credits when they transfer to a four-year university. Don't become one of these statistics, and learn how to ensure your hard-earned credits are transferred.
A recent study
shows that one out of every ten community college students lose nearly all of their credits upon transferring to a four-year institution. In fact, just 58 percent of students who being their studies at a two-year institution report having more than 90 percent of their credits transferring to a baccalaureate program at a four-year college or university. As a result, a large number of students who dream of obtaining an undergraduate degree never get one because the credits they worked so hard to obtain do not count at their new school.
An Uphill Battle
Students who begin their post-secondary education at a community college are already less likely to graduate
with a bachelor’s degree than their peers who begin study at a four-year institution. This is not to say that community colleges are somehow failing their students, rather, it is most likely life events that curtail a student’s educational aspirations. Family issues, financial difficulties, or changes in job or childcare availability are just a few common issues that force community college students to put their studies on hold. Unfortunately, the already narrow likelihood that a student will get a bachelor’s degree is further diminished when they take a break from school to attend to life’s pressing issues.
Even when students are able to stick with it and collect enough credits to transfer, they often discover that many of their credits will not be counted at their new school. This can be a problem for in-state transfers, but is a particularly troublesome issue for out-of-state transfers. With nearly half of all undergraduate students
in the United States beginning their education at a community college, this difficulty in transferring credits to a four-year institution is a very significant problem. While credits may transfer as electives, oftentimes coursework completed at a community college will not count towards the specific requirements of a degree program.
For example, a student who has earned 12 credit hours of coursework in psychology may be able to transfer those credits to satisfy general education or elective requirements, but they very well may not count towards the required credit hours in the study of psychology. As a result, a transfer student would have to retake those 12 credit hours at their new school. For many students, the decision to attend a community college is one borne out of financial need. Therefore, when hard-earned credits do not transfer, students are faced with repeating courses they have already satisfactorily completed. As the financial burden of retaking these classes increases, some students choose to call it quits instead.
States Step In
Many state governments, including Wyoming, California, Rhode Island, Delaware and Washington, have passed legislation to help facilitate the transfer process between community colleges and in-state universities. In Wyoming, the Higher Education Course Transfer Guide
and Statewide Course Catalogue lists institutional and departmental articulation agreements that specifically outline which community college courses will transfer, and what degree requirements those courses will fulfill at the University of Wyoming, the state’s only public four-year university. Providing this information for students and school personnel helps avoid a situation in which a community college student earns a number of credits that will not transfer.
In California, which has the largest community college system in the country, students can check how their credits will transfer between public institutions online. The ASSIST website
allows students to select their current college or the college to which they will transfer, and examine the articulation agreements of that school based upon their intended major. Additionally, all community colleges in California specify which courses will transfer
to one of the state’s public university systems. These specifications are made for classes that will transfer as general or elective credits, as well as those that will transfer for program or degree-specific requirements.
Ensuring Your Credits Transfer
Nothing is as demoralizing as working hard to earn college credits only to learn that many – if not all – of them will not count toward a higher degree. To avoid this situation, it is imperative that you take advantage of state systems that seek to make the articulation and transfer processes more transparent. However, not all states offer programs such as those discussed above. As a result, seeking the guidance of a college counselor or academic advisor is strongly encouraged. College personnel will have an excellent working knowledge of agreements between your current school and other schools in the region, and can help you devise a plan for getting the most credits out of your community college experience.
Additionally, it is a good rule of thumb to request a transfer credit evaluation from the school to which you intend to transfer. These evaluations are often carried out by the Office of Admissions and provide a point-by-point analysis of how your credits will apply toward your intended undergraduate degree program. Taking advantage of available tools such as these and seeking the help of knowledgeable school personnel can help you avoid the headache of losing valuable time, money and hard-earned college credits. | 5,639 | 2,369 | 0.000427 |
warc | 201704 | Delegate Kristen J. Amundson (D-44) wants to make sure that constituents like Anne-Lise Kloster don't suffer. One of the ways she can do that is by trying to ensure that they won't lose any more money.
Kloster was one of hundreds of customers from the Women's Fitness Company who lost money when the club suddenly folded last fall. The owner was required to pay a bond, but the amount of money which members will see from that bond, if any, will be negligible.
Amundson is introducing a bill which would increase the bond a health club has to purchase before accepting membership. Amundson feels that this bond would help protect consumers who have paid for access to the health club.
Kloster said that she had been a member at the local women's health club for almost 20 years. It started out as a Spa Lady, and went through a few changes before becoming the Women's Fitness Company. She lost almost $400 when the health club closed its doors.
Amundson said, "Anne-Lise is not alone. Each year in Virginia, health clubs close their doors, often with little or no warning. And the consumers who have spent their hard-earned money on prepaid contracts often find that they are simply out of luck. Many of those consumers spoke with me. Although they knew they would never recover the money they had lost, they asked me why other people should be at risk."
The legislation Amundson is introducing is not new; instead it is an amendment to the Code of Virginia, relating to the Virginia Health Spa Act.
"My legislation will increase the amount of the bond required by health spas based on the number of membership contracts held by the business. It will bring the bond amount required of Virginia health spas into line with what is expected of businesses in other states. This legislation, if passed, will provide Virginia consumers with additional protection in the event of a business closing," she said.
AFTER LOSING HER membership, Kloster started looking around for another place to exercise. She and her husband, Donald, checked out local health clubs, but they ended up joining the Mount Vernon RECenter. They found that was most convenient and also liked the fact that the center was very clear in presenting the membership options to them; this was contrary to Kloster's previous experience.
"I never got a straight answer [from the Women's Fitness Company]," said Kloster.
At Fairfax County RECenters, membership options are clearly spelled out. One can purchase a Leisure Fitness Pass for a month, six months or 12 months. The discount becomes more significant the longer the pass that is purchased. Members can also purchase a Discount Fast Pass. Buy a pass during the Healthy Heart Sale, which is on until February 14, and save significantly on three and six-month passes. There is also a significant discount for Fairfax County residents.
Unlike some clubs, the staff doesn't get a commission for selling the longer-length passes; they merely try to explain that the type of pass purchased should depend on a person's usage. Somebody who's only going to use the facilities once a week would do well to purchase a Discount Fast Pass. This allows the pass holder 25 admissions to any of the Fairfax County recreation centers.
For a Fairfax County resident, the cost is $127.90; going once a week it would last six months and cost about half of what a six-month pass would cost. If, however, the member plans to use the club several times a week, the monthly, 6-month or 12-month pass would be more economical. While refunds are not available should somebody change their mind, the management is willing to work with people to convert to another option.
Trina Taylor, who manages the Mount Vernon RECenter, said, "We are so lenient, unlike other places that are so binding. We're not just trying to get people's money. If somebody changes their mind, we'll work with them and credit money towards a Fast Pass or some other option. We want them to get the best buy for their money."
WHILE MANY PEOPLE are familiar with the ice skating rink and pool at Mount Vernon RECenter, they don't realize how much else is available at the center. There are party rooms, saunas, whirlpools and much more.
Pass holders also may not realize just how much their pass gets them. Not only does it allow members to go to any of the area recreation centers to use the swimming pool, fitness room, locker rooms and gymnasium [where available]; it also gives them one free visit with the personal trainer. The trainer will instruct the member on the use of the equipment in the fitness room and suggest a routine if desired. Another thing the trainer will do is show members how to use FitLinxx. This interactive network-based exercise system consists of an electronic workout card and a virtual training partner.
"It coaches you through your workout and tracks your progress; it augments a personal trainer," said Taylor.
Numerous classes are held in swimming, dancing, skating and more. Some classes, such as yoga, pilates, skating and swimming require an additional fee. However, any class on the Group Fitness Schedule is included in the price of admission. This schedule currently includes more than a dozen classes specializing in everything from step aerobics to cardio routines.
Taylor said that this XYO (Exercise Your Options) program gives members plenty of flexibility. And unlike the Parktakes schedule which has to be planned months in advance, the fitness schedule can be changed every few months.
"We can change according to what people want," said Taylor.
AS AN INSTRUCTOR, Dee Samson also likes the flexibility. When Women's Fitness Company closed, Samson not only lost her membership, but she lost her job as well. Samson had been teaching a couple of classes a week at the club.
When the club closed, she took a month off and then starting teaching at the rec center.
She currently teaches two sessions of Mix It Up! and two sessions of Step Combo.
"In a way, this happened for the best. It's unfortunate what happened and I feel bad for the members, but it worked out okay for me," said Samson.
Samson said that she enjoys working with the people at the rec center, especially Courtney Clance. Clance oversees all the "land" classes and meets with the fitness instructors to plan the schedule.
"Courtney is great. We [the instructors] just met with her to discuss the new schedule and she took most of our suggestions. She's trying to generate interest and see what the clientele wants," said Samson.
A few classes were added to the most recent schedule, including a 7 a.m. abs class and a noon cardio class (visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/mvrec.htm for the most current schedule).
Christy Motley switched from teaching the 6 p.m. class to teach the cardio class; she still teaches the Saturday morning class.
Motley's been teaching fitness classes for more than 20 years, many of them at the rec center. She has also taught at Chinquapin and Karate Masters. One of her students, Rosalie Targonski, has been coming to her classes for 15 years. Targonski said that she recently retired and was able to start coming to the noon class instead of the evening class.
Sue DiGiacinto has been coming to Motley's 6 p.m. and Saturday morning classes. She also switched to the noon session, and said, "I think Christy's a terrific instructor. You work at your own pace and Christy knows what she's doing. The class is fast moving and constantly changing, she makes it fun and enjoyable."
Since the noon class is new, it hasn't been as crowded yet as some of the other classes. Motley's 8 a.m. class has a more regular following. Bonnie Brynczak and Arline Fay have been taking Motley's class for years and Brynczak said, "It's great cardio exercise."
She has found that the Fast Pass works well for her. Jeannette Suelter, on the other hand, chose to go with the monthly membership. She enjoys working out both at Mount Vernon as well as Lee District.
"I never knew about the centers until I came with a friend; I've been coming ever since. XYO is the greatest thing. I just wish Christy would teach more classes."
Suelter would like to see the center make some improvements, and Samson said that Clance already has some scheduled. Within the next six months, they are planning to install new fans as well as a new stereo and floor in the smaller exercise room.
Another one of Motley's students, Laura Davis, said, "There's a great variety. Christy calls the routines in time for you to do the steps and makes it easy to follow. This is a great facility; I enjoy Christy's class and have taken it for a number of years. There are a lot of options, they keep adding classes."
Fitness Classes at Mount Vernon
Abs, Back & Stretch w/ Dixie: Mon. & Wed., 7-7:55 a.m.
Sculpt, Strengthen & Tone w/ Brenda: Mon. & Wed., 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Mix it Up! w/ Dee: Tues. & Thurs., 9:15-10:15 a.m.
CardioNíCore Express w/ Christy: noon-12:45 a.m.
Step Combo w/Vivian: Mon., 6-6:55 p.m.
Step Combo w/Dee: Tues & Thurs., 6-6:55 p.m.
Sculpt, Strengthen & Tone w/ Anne: Tues., 7-7:55 p.m.
Sculpt, Strengthen & Tone w/ Anne: Tues., 7-7:55 p.m.
Sculpt, Strengthen & Tone w/ Tammy: Thurs., 7-7:55 p.m.
Mix it Up! w/ Christy: Saturday, 8:30-9:25 a.m. | 9,304 | 4,146 | 0.000243 |
warc | 201704 | Anyone can vacuum, right? Well, yes. But even the best upright and canister vacuums from the 100 or so models we've reviewed can leave behind dirt, dust, dander, and more if you don't handle the machine properly. Here then are Consumer Reports' ten tips for getting floors and carpets truly clean, which in turn will improve your home's indoor air quality.
Minimize the mess. The less dirt that enters your home, the less your vacuum will have to pick up. Lay mats at entrances and impose a no-shoe policy to prevent filth from being tracked indoors. Also, dust furniture, blinds, and windowsills before you vacuum, so the vacuum will pick up fallen particulates. Stick to a schedule. Weekly vacuuming is sufficient for most parts of the home. High-traffic areas may need to be hit more frequently, and daily vacuuming is recommended if you have heavy-shedding pets. If that's more than you can manage, consider purchasing a pet-hair tool for spot cleanings. The $6 Pledge Fabric Sweeper proved effective at picking up pet hair in our tests. Choose the right attachment. Most vacuums come with a few basic tools that suffice for most cleaning jobs: a crevice tool for tight spots, such as under large appliances; a small upholstery brush, good for furniture and mattresses; a round brush for dusting steps and windowsills. Pay attention to carpet-height adjustment, a feature which matches the height of the vacuum to a carpet's pile height for easy movement and thorough cleaning. On canister vacuums, a power nozzle cleans carpets more thoroughly than a simple suction nozzle. Make multiple passes. In our deep-clean carpet test, Consumer Reports testers make more than a dozen passes to see how well vacuums take up cat hair. You don't have to go to that extreme, but a single sweep will likely leave behind embedded matter. Instead, make several passes before moving on to the next spot. Steer clear of small objects. It can be hard to resist sucking up pennies and paperclips. But our repair analysis has found that small objects can clog nozzles and hoses, and they can also damage fans, which could lead to an expensive visit to the repair shop. Don’t overfill bags. On many upright vacuums, the hose feeds into the bag about a quarter of the way from its top. As a result, you're best off replacing the bag after it's one-half to two-thirds full. This will maintain maximum suction and prevent particles from being emitted back into your home. Use special care with area rugs. To prevent frayed edges, vacuum from the center of the rug out towards the perimeter. You may also be able to machine-wash small rugs, and it's a good idea to occasionally take larger ones outside and beat them with them with a broom. Spot-treat spills. Speed is critical when treating stains. Blot spills with a clean cloth towel or paper towel. Use carpet-stain remover on stubborn spills. Seventh Generation Natural Carpet Spot and Stain Remover is a CR Best Buy, but Bissell's OxyPro Carpet Spot & Stain Remover did better with red wine. Maintain the vacuum. Clean the filter and the rotating-brush supports. Worn brushes tend to stiffen, which can cause texture change to carpets. Inspect the cord periodically and replace it if its cover is damaged. If you're buying a new vacuum, check our reliability data to see which brands are the most and least repair-prone. Go for an occasional deep clean. Carpet-cleaning machines are better than vacuums at eliminating dirt and oil that clings to carpet fibers over time. Some of the carpet cleaners we've tested were more effective than others, though they all take up extra storage space. You can also rent a carpet cleaner from the supermarket, hardware store, or home center for about $20 to $30 a day. —Daniel DiClerico | 3,771 | 1,885 | 0.000532 |
warc | 201704 | The Visual Customer Service in the Social Age infographic created by Gryffin for TollFreeForwarding.com, describes the different social media platforms and how they could be to supplement customer service information to customers.
I’m sure you know that visual content on social media can massively improve engagement. But just how important is it?
On the web, it’s estimated that 55 percent of all traffic will be video by 2016, and mobile video traffic will increase by 1800 percent. YouTube, Instagram and Vine are currently the best platforms to maximise video engagement, so are you utilising them to their full potential in your marketing campaigns?
I like that this design takes some of the great things we know about visual information and applies it to a specific company function. This is one way the companies can leverage the power of visual information with their customers.
It’s interesting that I couldn’t find the original infographic on either Gryffin or TollFreeForwarding.com sites. There’s no blog post or infographic landing page on either one.
Again, we see the folk research statistic that “the brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text.” This data point is quoted so often that people believe it’s true, but no one can find the research to back it up. As far as anyone can tel, it was quoted in some marketing information from 3M in the 1980’s to support sales of transparency sheets used on overhead projects. If you’re interest, I suggest reading these posts from Alan Levine and Darren Kuropatwa. | 1,603 | 848 | 0.001223 |
warc | 201704 | 1. The first time you have a one-night stand
With copious amounts of cheap booze flowing and a campus full of fit men, it's not surprising that many single students will end up in the sack with a stud or at least that's what he looked like on the night... While it's great to up your sexual repertoire make sure you exercise the same precautions you would when sleeping with anyone new. Tell your mates where you're going, stay safe and always carry a condom and keep some in your room. Unis hand them out in bag-fulls so there's no reason not to be well stocked. Try to avoid casual liaisons with guys in your halls or on your course, you'll only have to battle the blushes for the rest of the year. Besides there are so many men at uni you'll def be spoilt for choice...
2. The first time you do drugs
If you haven't already forayed into the world of illegal drugs, the temptation to smoke weed and possibly experiment with other drugs will most certainly come your way. The peer pressure will be similar to when your mates first started to drink or smoke, but the same rules apply; it's
still illegal and you never know what reaction you'll have. Trying drugs for the first time and in a new environment can seem very exciting, but if you do have a bad experience, you'll want to know you've got good mates close by who'll look after you which, in the first term of uni it's unlikely. If you do want to dabble with drugs you should be clued up on about them (see talktofrank.com for all the info) and make sure you're around people you can reply on. 3. The first time you get so drunk you forget what happened
Swearing never to drink again and getting smashed on £15 are most definitely going to happen. Booze is such an integral part of university life that clubs and bars are almost giving it away! Relishing their new found freedom many students get as humanly drunk as possible, but you don't have to follow suit. If you do end up getting very drunk waking up with hazy or only partial memory of what happened the night before can be pretty scary not to mention the fact you'll be dealing with a hideous hangover. Take it from us, prevention is better than cure. It sounds like killing the fun, but try to mix up water with drinks, if you don't want to appear like the only one not drinking, ask for soda water in a half pint glass and if anyone asks just say it's vodka and lemonade. It'll not only stop you getting too tipsy, it'll also help reduce the hangover the next day: result!
4. The first time you have sex
Ah uni, freedom, fun and er, fornication? If, you haven't popped your cherry yet, you're not the only fresher to come to uni that way. But, with relationships forming fast and as we've already mentioned there's a plethora of potential thanks to the man count, your virginity can swiftly become non existent. When it does come to the moment, make sure you don't feel pressurised and you're ready, and as best you can relax. Try not to over think things and always keep some lube handy as it'll make things a bit easier. And remember, it may not be fireworks the first time, but trust us, the more you relax and the more you explore your body the more earth-shuddering it'll become, we promise!
5. The first time you have unprotected sex
Eeek! Whether you had sex in a drunken haze and didn't use a condom or accidents happen and it split, uni could be your first experience in this dilemma. Don't panic though, if you're not on the pill, you should get the morning after pill as soon as possible, and if you're not sure of the guy's sexual past i.e when he was last tested you'll need to have an STI test.
The morning after pill costs a rather unstudent friendly £26 at the chemist and you'll need to have a conversation with the pharmacist. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest GUM clinic you get it for free and have an STI test. To find one near your uni see nhs.uk You can also visit your doctors for the morning after pill although if you haven't registered with a doctor near your uni it may delay the process. If you don't want to go to a GUM clinic or to the doctors you can try an online testing service such as thesticlinic.com who will discreetly deliver testing kits to your door within 24 hours and all medication required is included in the fee. Cosmo readers can receive a 10% discount when using the code 'Cosmo.'
6. The first time you run out of money
You'll soon become used to checking your bank balance on the screen of an ATM and believing there's been a mistake. Most times, the only mistake is that you've overspent and that realisation can be a bit crushing. Banks are out to make money and will start racking up the charges as soon as you're out of the interest free overdraft. Before you call your parents, think of quick ways to make money, can you sell some things on ebay? Can you get a part time job? If things do get serious don't hide it or be ashamed, do talk to your parents or your student advice service, as there are loans available to help.
7. The first time you have a serious boyfriend
No parents around to check who's staying over, no one checking whether you're attending lectures - it's young love's dream come true you can spend every day together, every night together and it'll be amazing. Of course Cosmo wouldn't want to get in the way of true love and want to wish you well, but if it's your first term be careful not to spend every minute with your man as you'll want to make friends too and in case your relationship runs its course, you don't want to end up isolated.
8. The first time you'll be homesick
Oh no, this is an all too common feeling in your first semester and utterly horrible! Whether you're best mates with your mum or sworn enemies with your sister, when you're far from home and without the close formed friendships you'd thought would flourish in the first week things can get on top of you. After a trip home, try to get back to uni and keep really busy, go to all your lectures, study in the library, not in your room, join a few clubs and try to get out as much as possible! This way you're more likely to meet people even if it is while queuing for coffee, this in turn will help cure any homesickness.
9. The first time you have to do housework
It all sounds so simple, you can shop and cook for yourself, do your own washing and clean your room when you want, but if you've never done it before it can be an education. Walking round Asda with a trolley buying in bulk may seem like a stella money saving idea but if you don't have a car, carrying ten heavy bags back on the bus isn't so smart. Team up with friends and get a cab back from the supermarket. When it comes to cooking, experimentation is key but when you want a quick and cheap fix carbs come thick and fast as does your waist band. Be careful that you don't pile on the pounds with your eating and try and shop at a market so you can get fresh goods cheaper. When washing, try to do it weekly or at least fortnightly as if you leave it pile up, you'll be spending an entire weekend at the laundrette on just a tee shirt and pants.
10. The first time you live in a house share
Oh the household dramas that follows a flat share. Flat sharing with friends is definitely the best way to live - think pre party drinking in the kitchen, getting ready with the girls nightly, watching TV together and stressing over essay deadlines at the same time. But while there is plenty of amazing things to cohabiting, there are a few appalling experiences you'll go through - you'll soon realise how dirty/clean, messy/neat, relaxed/anal other people are. In your first term you're usually thrown in with a mix of random people and sometimes it works and other times it doesn't unfortunately, but don't fret there are plenty of people at uni be it on your course, in a club or at the pub who'll you'll click with. | 7,897 | 3,671 | 0.000274 |
warc | 201704 | A recent survey has revealed that, according to the British public, there is no better aroma than that of freshly baked bread. The survey, carried out by decorating brand Harris, revealed Britain's top 50 scents, as well as a few odours we can't stand.
The results of the scent survey saw homely and comforting aromas come out on top, with bacon, coffee and cakes baking in the oven also featuring in the top five, alongside the nostalgic smell of freshly cut grass.
Britain's top 20 scents Freshly baked bread Bacon Freshly cut grass Coffee Cakes baking in the oven The seaside Freshly washed clothes A Sunday roast Fish and chips Fresh flowers A real Christmas tree Roses Vanilla Scented candles Log fires Lavender Lemon Chocolate Barbecues Cinnamon
Few would dispute these choices but the top 50 also featured several aromas that might divide the public, including marzipan at number 43, cheese at number 49 and even petrol at number 36. The study suggested that we associate certain smells with particular memories, eras of our lives or people we've known, many of which are linked with the comfort of home.
At the other end of the scale, bins were named Britain's most disliked smell, closely followed by drains, body odour, sewage, vomit and rotting milk.
What do you make of the list? Has your favourite childhood scent been unfairly missed? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below. | 1,407 | 774 | 0.001298 |
warc | 201704 | Study your flashcards anywhere!
Download the official Cram app for free >
Shuffle Toggle OnToggle Off Alphabetize Toggle OnToggle Off Front First Toggle OnToggle Off Both Sides Toggle OnToggle Off Read Toggle OnToggle Off How to study your flashcards. Right/Left arrow keys: Navigate between flashcards.right arrow keyleft arrow key Up/Down arrow keys: Flip the card between the front and back.down keyup key H key: Show hint (3rd side).h key A key: Read text to speech.a key
1/11
11 Cards in this Set Front Back
Name three qualities of scientific thinking.
observant, methodical, inventive, creative, skeptical, cooperative.
Describe the scientific inquiry approach to answering questions.
observe
ask questions
form hypothesis
gather data
test the hypothesis
share what is learned
Explain the difference between a hypothesis and a theory
A theory is a hypothesis that has been tested over and over and "proved" to be true (no exceptions have yet been found).
Explain the difference between a theory and a law. (The reason objects fall down is because the earth's gravity draws them to it.)
A theory explains how or why something happens or happened; a law doesn't explain, it describes what will always happen under certain conditions (if dropped, an object will always fall toward the earth).
What tools do scientists use to study the Earth and oceans?
math and technology:
satellites, computers, GIS systems (geographic information systems)and other complex instruments as well as simple instruments like lenses, crushers
Dr.Harrington, who teaches at Harvard Medical school, observed BLS students daily from his nearby office. He noticed that a great many were obese and wanted to find out why. He thought about several possibilities: unhealthy school lunches and snack machines at the school, insufficient exercise, and family background and habits. What stage of scientific inquiry is this called?
observing and asking questions
Dr. Harrington guessed that students who participated in sports would be less obese than those who did not. What stage is this called?
forming a hypothesis
Dr. Harrington designed an anonymous survey to hand out to students that asked about their participation in sports, their eating habits at school and at home, and whether their parents were overweight. What is this phase?
designing an experiment to test the hypothesis
Dr.Harrington got permission to hand the survey out in all homerooms at Boston Latin. What aspect of the scientific method is this?
gathering data
He input the results of the surveys to his computer and was able to form a profile for each student that showed How many obese students had overweight parents, how many bought snacks and ate the school lunch, how many participated in sports, etc. He found that his hypothesis was correct: students who participated in sports weighed less than those who did not even if they ate snacks or if their parents were overweight. What is this phase called?
analyzing data and drawing conclusions
Dr. Harrington published his experiment in the Journal of New England Medicine. Why?
He needed to share his results with colleagues so they could repeat his experiment and test whether his results are accurate or not. | 3,249 | 1,523 | 0.000664 |
warc | 201704 | If you are ever lucky enough to hear Eli Goldratt speak, he will almost certainly tell you what he calls “one of the fundamental beliefs of science.” As he puts it, “In reality there are no complex systems” or “reality cannot be complex.” Therefore, our first principle of common sense says that you need to shun complexity and seek simplicity. The following can all help you to do this:
Look for simple solutions by asking what the simplest thing to do would be in a given situation.
Ask simple questions: Who? What? Why? Where? When? How?
Ask for simple answers. This is particularly important when you are dealing with highly technical people.
Try to describe something—an issue, a problem, a solution, a proposal—coherently in 25 words or less.
Can you describe that same thing in just 30 seconds? This is sometimes called the “elevator story” or “elevator pitch,” the idea being that you meet some important person in an elevator and you've got the travel time of the elevator to convey your message.
Write down the issue, problem, solution, or proposal. If you find you have ended up with a complex solution or idea, you have probably gone in the wrong direction. Go back and look again, this time in the simple direction.
When you come up with something, ask if there is a simpler way.
Get people to tell it to you as if you're a six-year-old.
Remember the acronym KISS (keep it simple, stupid).
Learn—and use—lateral thinking. The need for lateral thinking arises out of the way the mind works. The mind acts to create, recognize, and use patterns, but it does not act to change patterns. Lateral thinking is all about changing patterns. It is about escaping from old ideas and generating new ones. Lateral thinking involves two basic processes:
Learn to think like Leonardo da Vinci. In a book titled How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci [2], Michael Gelb identifies what he calls “the fundamentals of Leonardo's approach to learning and the cultivation of intelligence.” He crystallizes these in seven principles: | 2,115 | 1,092 | 0.000958 |
warc | 201704 | Why is India making it easier for foreign companies to open up shop?
The country has become a technological center in Asia, and loosening its regulations should help the industry grow even more rapidly, analysts say.
India announced new rules for foreign retailers on Monday, loosening a past requirement that foreign investors must locally source 30 percent of the goods sold in their Indian stores.
The rules were meant to protect Indian manufacturers and producers, but relaxing the rules will enable technology giants such as Apple to open their doors and even begin manufacturing in India, which will create millions of jobs and help bring India into the 21st century, something Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed extensively.
"In this digital age, we have an opportunity to transform the lives of people in ways that were hard to imagine just a couple of decades ago," said Mr. Modi in a September speech to about 500 technology leaders, including the chief executives of Microsoft, Google, Adobe, and Uber, in San Jose, Calif., reported The New York Times.
The government also announced that foreign investors are now allowed to own up to 100 percent of domestic airlines, raising the limit from 49 percent, The Wall Street Journal reports. The relaxing of regulations for foreign firms comes a year after India and the United States reached a cooperative agreement about renewable energy. At that time, President Obama worried about the foreign investment exemption, also called the "Make in India law."
According to The Hindu Times, "India [maintained] that U.S. subsidies on solar products threaten Indian manufacturers, and the domestic solar industry has accused the U.S. of 'dumping cheap outdated technology' on India."
US officials responded that India should not focus on making technology in India, but on taking technology if it wants to keep developing at a fast pace. Earlier this month, the Christian Science Monitor's Ben Rosen reported:
India is already an emerging global technology hub. With investments from Amazon, Google, and Apple, Hyderabad will only contribute to India’s startup scene centered in Bengaluru. During a December visit, Google chief executive officer Sundar Pichai announced a program to train 2 million developers in the country, for which it will partner with 30 universities across India. The Indian-born CEO also shared plans to expand free WiFi in 100 railway stations and a rural internet program for women from pilot to full-scale program to cover three lakh villages in three years, The Hindu Times reported.”
With this new law, Apple will be able to tap into the Indian smartphone market, which is expected to grow at a compound rate of 23 percent annually through 2018 and will soon become the second-largest smartphone market in the world after the United States.
Apple has historically had low iPhone sales in India. The company sold 2 million in 2015, which, according to Counterpoint Research, gives Apple only 2 percent of the country's overall market. Neil Shah, director of Counterpoint Research, told CNET the problem is that prices are too high for many potential buyers in the nation.
Establishing itself as a retailer in India would increase Apple's brand presence and enable Apple to sell its phones directly to its customers. Specifically, selling refurbished phones would help the company tap into the lower-budget market. With this move, analysts say, Apple will be able to establish itself in India while the market is growing quickly as sales for the iPhone stagnate in the US and China. But India's ultimate goal is to see Apple products made locally.
In May, Apple announced it will open up a development center in the southern city Hyderabad, a major center for the technology industry, that will focus on the tech giant's Maps app and create up to 4,000 jobs, according to the company. That same week, Apple announced it will be opening an iOS design and development accelerator in Bengaluru, another Indian tech hub.
"The talent here in the local area is incredible and we are looking forward to expanding our relationships and introducing more universities and partners to our platforms as we scale our operations," Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple, said, according to CNET. | 4,303 | 2,096 | 0.000481 |
warc | 201704 | Hypnosis is a tool that has been used for thousands of years and according to written history, it dates back to the Egyptian priest-physicians and goes back even further prior to written history by various tribes. Today, hypnosis is approved by the American Medical Association, it is used in psychology, law, business, sports and much more and it continues to be used by spiritual practitioners in their work. It is a useful and proven tool in pain management.
There are many techniques in hypnosis used to control pain. In 1850, Esdaile performed 3000 Surgical procedures in India without chemical anesthesia, because it wasn't available to him and surgery was needed, so he used Mesmeric passes, a hypnotic induction technique, that worked but it takes hours before achieving the desired state needed for surgery.
Hypnosis techniques for pain include:
Direct Suggestion is when the hypnotist uses straightforward hypnotic commands, Pain go away or pain will be reduced by 35% at 6:00 pm, etc. Creative Imagination is when the hypnotist may suggest putting the pain in a box and send it off, seeing it melt away, etc. Disassociation works great for burn victims who are instructed to take a vivid detailed internal fantasy trip that is incompatible with pain. In one such case, a fire fighter and burn victim using virtual reality found himself in snow world and the procedure saved his life. He said his other choice was suicide. This story was aired on the Jane Pauli show, a number of years ago. Separation is when the patient thinks of the pain being somewhere else, over there. They separate themselves from the sensation. Fascination describes finding the pain very interesting, while the other sensations remove themselves from the consciousness. Creative Analysis is playfully describing the pain with color, size, shape, as an animal or maybe a holding tank and asking oneself how much water it will hold. Word Repetition can be internal or external. I am relaxed. Fixation is fixing conscious attention on physical feelings other than pain, such as sounds, music, breathing, sights, a movie, etc. Substitution is moving the discomfort to another part of the body, such as from the leg to the finger, or substituting a more tolerable sensation, like tingling or mild electrical sensations for the discomfort. Glove Anesthesia is a numbness placed for example in the subjects hand where he can place it upon another body part to relieve his pain.
Last, but far from least, is
Medical Hypnoanalysis. Psychotherapy in a altered state of awareness, which in my experience is the best hypnotic technique for the relief of chronic pain, also known as acute pain that just did not go away.
The above list makes even more sense upon review when it is understood that there is no pain until it reaches the brain. Relaxation is the opposite of pain, so learning how to relax may require a professional to get one started in the right direction. This way, the patient knows what to expect and what they should be experiencing. Learning self hypnosis will put the patient in the driver's seat and save them a lot of money.
Always make sure that you consult your medical doctor first, so you both know the reason for the pain, its purpose and if it is no longer needed. | 3,276 | 1,640 | 0.000611 |
warc | 201704 | Life's lessons can help us build trust in ourselves, even when it feels they are trying to tear us down. With support, it's possible to create a future so compelling it inspires us to overcome old fears and limits. We can also develop meaningful relationships and careers.
Once we acknowledge the pain of betrayal or failure or heartbreak,the next step is to embrace new goals. I believe spiritual growth is the surest path to real and lasting change. My approach is to encourage your best creative energy and guide you in new directions.
I can help you find the courage to make life-enhancing decisions. Supporting people as they develop a new, or to improve an existing business is a special joy of mine.
I have also learned to assist in the struggle to straighten out personal finances.
I am available for face-to-face therapy in my office, as well as by phone, or using Skype or Facetime.
Email me any questions, and I'll respond personally and quickly. No fee for brief initial contact. And we can both determine if we will work well together. | 1,055 | 625 | 0.001611 |
warc | 201704 | Scorpio Horoscope
December 19, 2012
The outgoing part of your nature may be driving your confidence today, making you feel more energized. You may also be feeling exuberant, self-assured, and more playful than usual. Activities that expend great physical energy could appeal to you today. If you are presented with the opportunity, consider playing a team sport, hiking in a beautiful nature setting, enjoying a session with a personal trainer, or delving into an entirely new physical discipline. Even a trip to the gym or going for a jog can make you feel good and help you expend some of your excess vigor in a healthy way. You may also be driven to use your energy surplus to affect changes to your home or tackle a project at your workplace. However you choose to take advantage of your liveliness today, your confidence can be bolstered by your willingness to try something new.
When you're feeling highly energetic, channeling that vibrancy into positive action can help you make the most of it. It's easy to let a period of high energy pass us by because of the myriad of responsibilities we face each day. However, by using your energy wisely, you can accomplish much more than if you simply let it move through you undirected. With only minor planning, you can channel your energy into personal or professional projects. A task that once seemed unconquerable may now be quite easy to accomplish when you are experiencing a period of heightened energy. By focusing your energy, you should be able to tackle creative projects or mentally challenging duties. Channel your energy today, and there will be little that is beyond your reach.
This article is printed from DailyOM - Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.
Register for free at dailyom.com | 1,787 | 950 | 0.001057 |
warc | 201704 | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Still Doesn't Believe in Climate Change
Lake O.C. Fisher outside San Angelo, summer 2011.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Global climate change is real, it's caused by people, and it will have a significant, often unpredictable impact on the United States and the human beings who live here.
Those are the takeaways from the third-ever National Climate Assessment, an 840-page, congressionally mandated tome released by the White House on Tuesday.
The effects of climate change, the report says, are already being seen in longer, hotter summers, shorter winters, and an increase in extreme weather events. This will continue, and it will get worse.
The report warns of dire consequences if steps aren't taken to address the problem: water shortages, disease outbreaks, more powerful hurricanes, and so on. Texas, which is lumped in with the Great Plains, will experience "both increasing heavy rain and snow events and more intense droughts." The 2011 Texas drought gave a taste of what's to come.
Upcoming Events
The report is the product of hundreds of experts overseen by a 60-member federal advisory committee, and it represents the overwhelming consensus of climate scientists. Not that this matters to Republicans, who were quick to condemn the report as, in the words of House Science Chairman Lamar Smith of San Antonio, "a political document intended to frighten Americans into believing that any abnormal weather we experience is the direct result of human CO2 emissions."
That's about the response you'd expect from a Republican politician circa 2014,
National Geographic's optimistic prediction that the NCA will bridge the partisan divide notwithstanding. More troubling is the response from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
From
The Dallas Morning News:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, run by three Perry appointees, issued a statement late Tuesday blasting climate science findings such as those in the assessment, which says that "human activities are now the dominant agents of change" and that warming trends are clear.
"It is clear that the science of global warming is far from settled," the TCEQ countered. For example, reducing coal use, the agency said, would raise energy prices, especially on the poor.
"This is the true environmental impact of the war on coal," the TCEQ said.
In other words, the chances that Texas will be proactive about planning for the impacts of climate change are close to nil.
Send your story tips to the author, Eric Nicholson. Get the ICYMI: Today's Top Stories Newsletter Our daily newsletter delivers quick clicks to keep you in the know
Catch up on the day's news and stay informed with our daily digest of the most popular news, music, food and arts stories in Dallas, delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday. | 2,876 | 1,488 | 0.000679 |
warc | 201704 | The dog mauling case involving the death of 57-year-old Klonda Richey will be presented to a grand jury, the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office announced late Tuesday afternoon.
Richey died outside of her home, 31 E. Bruce Ave., after being attacked by two mixed-mastiff dogs in the early morning hours of Feb. 7. The dogs were registered to Julie Custer, 25, who lived at 35 E. Bruce Ave. with the homeowner, Andrew Nason, 29.
Prosecutors met with Dayton police detectives for about three hours Tuesday afternoon. A date when the case will be presented to the grand jury was not announced.
When police responded to the report of Richey’s body, they were charged by the dogs, who were shot and killed.
Police took Custer and Nason into custody while executing a search warrant after the attack. They were held in Montgomery County jail, pending possible charges of reckless homicide. They were released two days later without charges being filed.
Richey, who worked for Montgomery County Children Services and lived with about 20 cats, tried to get protection from the dogs and her neighbors for months before her death, according to records obtained by this newspaper from the county and courts.
In total, 13 complaints were filed with the Animal Resource Center and another 46 calls were made to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center related to Nason’s home between Dec. 27, 2011, and Richey’s death on Feb. 7.
Most of the Animal Resource Center calls were anonymous but 23 of the calls to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center were from Richey or associated with Richey’s phone number. The majority of the calls were about the dogs at the Nason house, but other calls included complaints about juveniles, fireworks and other activity.
Richey’s neighbors have been urging residents to write letters to their state legislators encouraging them to pass stronger vicious dog laws. There also is a petition on Change.org. Richey was a member of the Redcrest Neighborhood Association.
Jon Brazelton, vice president of the neighborhood association, said he believes state legislators will add stronger penalties for irresponsible owners of vicious dogs. Several local elected officials recently have said that changes are needed to strengthen Ohio’s vicious dog law to better protect citizens.
The current state law, which took effect in May 2012, created three designations for problem dogs and removed pit bulls from the definition of a vicious dog. It also created a process for owners to appeal the designation. Violators can be fined or face felony sanctions.
The two dogs in Richey’s death did not have a designation because they had no history of biting someone or killing another dog, Mark Kumpf, director of the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center, has said.
“It’s a matter of public safety, not just loose dogs in the street,” Brazelton said.
The Redcrest Neighborhood Association also sent a certified letter to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Tucker inviting him to its April 10 meeting. The association asked Tucker to appear and explain what evidence Richey would have needed to present in order to receive a civil stalking protection order against Nason.
Richey was ultimately denied a civil stalking protection order in April 2013.
Tucker said he received the invitation, but will be unable to attend because of a medical procedure scheduled that day. He said if the association would like him to attend a future meeting, he would do so.
“I’d be more than happy to talk about this type of order and what is needed for the order to be approved,” Tucker said. “I’m not going to get into the specifics of the case.”
Last month, Tucker said to grant a civil stalking protection order, there must be a pattern of conduct — two or more incidents closely related in time — that has caused physical harm or mental distress.
In addition to the dog issues, a fire at the Nason home on Feb. 21 caused $30,000 in damage and was ruled arson. | 4,100 | 1,889 | 0.000545 |
warc | 201704 | Statehouse Republicans on Tuesday proposed creating a commission to compensate victims of the Lower North Fork fire, saying Gov. John Hickenlooper hasn’t moved aggressively enough to make amends.
The commission, which needs legislative approval, would review claims by people who lost loved ones or property in the fire, which started March 26 from the embers of a state-lit controlled burn. The claims process could result in victims receiving far more money for their losses than they could through lawsuits.
The state’s liability in civil suits is $600,000 total — for all victims — and the lawmakers said it is possible the state would be entirely shielded from suits over the fire by Colorado’s governmental-immunity law. The assessed value of the 23 homes burned in the Lower North Fork fire is estimated at more than $11 million.
“What we don’t have is moral impunity,” said Senate Minority Leader Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs. “This is an important step to take to assure people that amends will be made.”
The GOP’s announcement came a day after Hickenlooper hedged on whether the compensation cap in civil lawsuits should be raised, saying such a move could unsettle state and local government budgets.
House Majority Leader Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, said Republicans didn’t tell Hickenlooper about their plan before announcing it, adding, “We’re going to move forward. The governor can catch up to us when it gets to his desk.”
Hickenlooper spokesman Eric Brown rejected the idea that the governor hasn’t done enough. On Monday, Hickenlooper announced a plan to streamline the chain of command in the state’s response to wildfires and other disasters. The governor also has ordered multiple investigations into the fire.
Brown said he could not comment on the specifics of the Republicans’ plan because he hadn’t seen any.
“In times of tragedy and great sorrow, we have a responsibility to act with our hearts, but also our heads,” Brown wrote in an e-mail.
State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, said the commission would be made up of lawmakers and others. Any claims approved by the commission would be paid out of the state’s general fund, meaning the legislature would have to sign off on them with a second bill.
John Ingold: 303-954-1068 or jingold@denverpost.com | 2,418 | 1,243 | 0.000847 |
warc | 201704 | Largemouth Bass Virus in Virginia
Largemouth bass virus (LMBv) is a disease that impacts several fish species but only appears to cause death in
some largemouth bass. In fact it is the only known virus to cause mortality in largemouth bass. LMBv was first discovered in Lake Weir, Florida in 1991 and the first reported fish kill occurred four years later at Santee Cooper Reservoir, South Carolina. As it spread throughout the southern United States, LMBv was responsible for other largemouth bass die-offs in the late 1990’s. However, in many reservoirs LMBv did not result in significant die-offs but only led to a decrease in survival and growth rates. When such decreases in survival and reduced growth rates occur, anglers catch fewer quality-size largemouth bass – bass greater than three pounds. The good news is that these impacts from the virus outbreak are normally short lived and largemouth bass fisheries recover in about 3-6 years as individuals build up a resistance to the disease.
LMBv has been classified in the family Iridoviridae of the genus Ranavirus. The only noticeable behaviors that might be expressed by infected bass are a loss of equilibrium and fish floating on the surface of the water unable to submerge due to an over inflation of the swim bladder. No other external cues are obvious in fish infected with the virus. Disease outbreaks are most common in August through October.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) first tested several water bodies in 2001 with most either having no occurrence of LMBv or very low infection rates (see table). Subsequent virus testing coordinated by VDGIF in the summer of 2010 revealed that about 40% of largemouth bass had been exposed to LMBv at John H. Kerr Reservoir/Buggs Island Lake and the disease was likely responsible for the recent decline in the bass fishery on this reservoir. Largemouth bass sampled from Briery Creek Lake and Sandy River Reservoir, the only other two lakes examined in 2010, also tested positive for the virus. A small largemouth bass mortality event which occurred at Briery Creek Lake in late June 2010 was also likely the result of LMBv. No apparent impacts to the fishery have been detected at Briery Creek Lake or Sandy River Reservoir.
During August 2011, the VDGIF tested sixteen bodies of water statewide including large impoundment, small impoundments, and major rivers to test for presence of the virus. LMBv was found in all of the tested waterbodies except the tidal James River. Despite the spread and discovery of LMBv across many waterbodies in Virginia, there are reasons for optimism. Reservoirs like Lake Chesdin, Smith Mountain Lake, and Lake Anna, where LMBv has been found, maintain excellent bass populations and anglers are enjoying improving success at Kerr Reservoir. Bass do build up immunity to the disease and reservoirs in the southern states hit hard by the virus in the late 1990’s have recovered to pre-exposure angler success rates.
Due to the popularity of the largemouth bass fishery in Virginia, anglers have expressed concerns about LMBv spreading to other area reservoirs. While LMBv has obviously spread since 2001, it is still very important for anglers to use every precaution available to help prevent the spread to those waters that may not be infected – even private waters. Anglers who remove bass to stock other water bodies are encouraged to halt this practice due to the high likelihood of spreading the virus. Responsible care and handling, which is a major goal in the Department’s effort to promote proper natural resource stewardship, of all largemouth bass is vital to maintaining healthy populations regardless of the presence of disease. When LMBv is present, one of the best things that anglers can do for the fishery is to limit largemouth bass tournaments during the warmest months. Stress on largemouth bass is greatest when water temperatures are high and with the additional stress of disease, mortality rates can be very high during summer fishing trips. Tournament organizers tend to do a good job about avoiding tournaments during the heat of summer but we can always do better.
The following are several concerns that anglers have expressed to us and other agencies concerning the impacts of LMBv. These are some of the most commonly asked questions that we encounter.
Can we cure the disease? No, the virus will have to run its course and hopefully the fish will build up immunity to LMBv. So far, lakes affected by the disease in the southern U.S. have not experienced additional large LMBv outbreaks since the initial ones in the late 1990’s. Are there any risks to humans from the virus? No, fish are safe to eat and the water is safe for drinking water supply and recreation. This virus cannot be passed to humans. What causes an outbreak of the virus? It is not fully understood what causes an outbreak of LMBV. It is likely that stressful conditions such as low reservoir levels, high water temperatures, or increased handling time make bass more susceptible to LMBv. How can you tell if a largemouth bass that you’ve caught has the disease? There are very few external cues that the bass might have the disease and most show no signs of the disease. Fish that are very sick from the virus may appear bloated and swim erratically due to the impacts of the virus on the swim bladder. How does the disease spread? Fish that come in close contact (like in a livewell) can easily infect one another. Transmission through the water and eating infected prey are also ways that the disease is spread. How does LMBv impact largemouth bass populations? Anglers may notice LMBv impacts in the form of reduced catch of larger fish. The virus can increase mortality and reduce growth in the short term which does not noticeably impact the population as a whole but when these two factors are combined, the results are often decreased number of older and larger fish in the population. Table. Largemouth bass virus (LMBv) testing history in Virginia. N = number of largemouth bass sampled for the virus. Not all tests produced an exposure rate (%) due to pooled sampling on some water bodies to test for presence or absence of the virus.
Date Site N LMBv present? Exposure rate (%) 2001 Nottoway River 28 No 8/20/2001 South Holston Reservoir 48 Yes 1/48 = 2.1% 8/21/2001 Briery Creek Lake 60 No 8/21/2001 Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir 59 Yes 1/59 = 1.7% 8/20/2001 Flannagan Reservoir 57 Yes 1/57 = 1.8% 8/21/2001 Smith Mountain Lake 55 No 9/4/2001 Shenandoah River 37 No 8/21/2001 Claytor Lake 29 Yes 4/29 = 14% 9/4/2001 Lake Robertson 28 No 8/29/2001 Occoquan Reservoir 60 Yes 1/60 = 1.7% 8/29/2001 Lake Anna 36 No 8/29/2001 Lake Chesdin 60 No 2001 Chickahominy Reservoir 60 No 8/30/2010 Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir 51 Yes 21/51 = 41% 8/30/2010 Briery Creek Lake 20 Yes 6/20 = 30% 8/30/2010 Sandy River Reservoir 20 Yes 3/20 = 15% 8/11/2011 Lee Hall Reservoir 32 Yes 5/32 = 16% 8/11/2011 James River (tidal) 25 No 8/11/2011 Chickahominy River (tidal) 50 Yes pooled 8/11/2011 Lake Chesdin 25 Yes pooled 8/11/2011 Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir 30 Yes pooled 8/17/2011 South Fork Shenandoah River 30 Yes pooled 8/17/2011 Flannagan Reservoir 30 Yes pooled 8/17/2011 South Holston Lake 30 Yes pooled 8/17/2011 Claytor Lake 30 Yes pooled 8/23/2011 Briery Creek Lake 30 Yes 9/30 = 30% 8/23/2011 Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir 60 Yes 14/60 = 23% 8/24/2011 Smith Mountain Lake 60 Yes 35/60 = 58% 8/25/2011 Philpott Reservoir 60 Yes pooled 8/31/2011 Lake Moomaw 20 Yes pooled 9/1/2011 Lake Orange 30 Yes pooled 9/1/2011 Lake Anna 59 Yes 19/59 = 32%
If you have questions or concerns about any fishery in Virginia please feel free to contact any of the DGIF offices located throughout the state.
View a video produced by the Concerned Bass Anglers of Virginia (CBAV) on proper care and handling practices of largemouth bass and for more information on LMBv.
For more information on proper care and handling practices to increase bass survival visit the BASS website or your organization’s conservation page for similar information. | 8,165 | 3,469 | 0.00029 |
warc | 201704 | Smartphones aren’t just for Angry Birds. Multiple mobile apps offer diabetics and caregivers an easy way to manage diabetes data.
Mayo Clinic diabetic educators Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N. weighed in: “In our practice, I find that most people don't mind testing their blood sugar, but they don't care for writing down their readings.
“The goal of using smartphone apps,” reported the Clinical Diabetes Journal, “is to effectively manage diabetes by improving glycemic control and, ultimately, prevent or delaying further complications of diabetes.”
Creators jumped on the mobile health bandwagon, with hundreds of apps available. We’ve randomly selected four. Diabetic Connect is not endorsing or rating these apps. The measure of the success of these apps should be, “Does it work for me?” And always check with your medical provider.
Here is a brief run-down of four apps that are garnering national attention.
Glucose Buddy is the most downloaded health app in the iTunes app store. Sift through the colorful web site and you’ll find a free, easy-to-use app that charts your A1C, logs your medication, and connects with your iPhone.
Users gave thumbs up to OnTrack, an Android app described as, “an application to help diabetics manage their diabetes by tracking various items such as blood glucose, food, medication, blood pressure (BP), pulse, exercise and weight.”
The popular Glooko program, which comes with an app and a cable for linking your smartphone to a glucose meter, is now available at Wal-Mart, according to Mobile Health News. “The stores sell the low-cost ReliOn Prime meter for $16.24 and $9 for 50-count strips, which is about 18 cents per test.”
SiDiary users report easy-of-use in this simple Android app. The electronic diary works as a stand-alone or can be synced to your PC. Some customers want data like blood sugar or insulin pump monitoring in two places.
Electronic Monitoring Makes Good Sense
Mayo diabetic educators Klobassa and Moreland summed it up: “We understand busy schedules and know that it can be difficult to find the time to test your blood sugar, let alone write it down.
“However, keeping a record of your blood sugar levels can help you identify patterns of blood sugar levels that are too high or too low. A blood sugar record also helps your healthcare team evaluate the effectiveness of your diabetes medications, including insulin.” | 2,510 | 1,318 | 0.00079 |
warc | 201704 | Your bursae are the small fluid-filled pads that work as cushions among your bones and the muscles and tendons that are located near your joints. This lubricating fluid works to decrease irritation, friction and rubbing. Your body contains about 160 bursae.
Bursitis is a painful condition that affects your bursae. Bursitis is marked by inflammation of your bursae.
Bursitis may be an acute (short-term) condition. However, bursitis may also be a long-term, ongoing (chronic) condition.
Your shoulders, elbows and hips are what are most often affected by bursitis. However, bursitis may also involve your heel, knee or the base of your big toe. Bursitis usually takes place in your joints where repetitive motion is occurring a great deal of the time.
Bursitis is a common condition in the United States, but it is difficult to determine how often bursitis occurs. This is due to the fact that, in many cases, bursitis is mild and does not have to have any treatment.
Bursitis is far more prevalent in adults than it is in children. It is especially common in adults who are past the age of 40.
Septic bursitis, which is also known as infectious bursitis, is one of the forms of bursitis. Septic bursitis is more serious and dangerous than other kinds of bursitis. This is because septic bursitis involves infection, and the bacteria that is causing your septic bursitis, if left untreated, may move to other tissues in your body or into your blood stream.
Septic bursitis often occurs at your kneecaps and the tips of your elbows. Septic bursitis is most likely to develop if you frequently have non-infectious inflammatory bursitis.
Septic bursitis is far more common in males than it is in females. In fact, somewhere around 85% of the cases of septic bursitis take place in males.
Septic bursitis may be caused by some kind of irritation or infection. Septic bursitis may result from a wound that gets infected, which is located near a bursa.
Tiny microorganisms (bacteria) get into your bloodstream. Staphylococci or streptococci are the most common bacteria that lead to septic bursitis.
One risk factor for getting septic bursitis is having an injury near a bursa that may get infected. Another risk factor for septic bursitis is participating in activities or work that involve repetitive trauma, such as athletes, miners, plumbers and carpenters.
There are other things that can also result in septic bursitis. These include septic arthritis and cellulitis.
There are different signs and symptoms that you may have with septic bursitis. Some of these are:
Swollen glands near your affected bursa
Redness, warmth and pain in the area around your affected bursa
Swelling in the area around your affected bursa
Tenderness in the area near your affected bursa
A shooting or sharp pain, especially when you exert yourself or exercise
Fever
A restricted range of motion in your affected bursa.
Have you become incapacitated? Is the reason why you cannot work due to septic bursitis and/or complications that have developed because of it or other underlying ailments that you have in addition to septic bursitis? If this is true, have you been trying to get financial help?
Have you thought about applying for Social Security disability benefits or disability benefits from the Social Security Administration? Have you already done this and been turned down by the Social Security Administration?
If you decide to reapply or appeal your denial, you really should give careful consideration to having the disability lawyer at disabilitycasereview.com fighting for you. The disability lawyer at disabilitycasereview.com knows how to work with the Social Security Administration and can help you receive the disability benefits that are rightfully yours.
Do not put this off. Turn to disabilitycasereview.com, without fail.
Kye Duncan Latest posts by Kye Duncan (see all) A Solar Keratosis and Receiving Social Security Disability - September 30, 2013 Acute Granulocytic Leukemia and Receiving Social Security Disability - September 27, 2013 Anoxic Anoxia and Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits - May 8, 2013 | 4,146 | 1,769 | 0.000569 |
warc | 201704 | by Lee Hamilton and Herb Strentz
You want to fix our politics? Start with voters
We’ve just had three “change” elections in a row, but Americans are no happier with our politicians. I’d like to suggest that our attention needs re-directing. To fix our politics, start with the voters.
Most voters just want the country to work, but to help it along, we need to exercise some judgment. We need to choose representatives who know how to cooperate and find common ground, since our nation is too diverse for any one faction or ideology to dictate the way forward. We need to remember that the future of civilization is not at stake when we enter the voting booth, and reject the increasingly common rhetoric that says it is. And we need to be true to our own values and judgment, not rely on politicians and commentators to do our thinking for us. It is extremely hard to make this country work, but as voters we can help it along by choosing political leaders who are more determined to help the country succeed than to have their personal views enshrined. CV
Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.
JFK and Reagan: Contrasting calls to fellow Americans
Here we are marking the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address and his challenge, “And so, my fellows Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
The “Ask not” line will be subject to more replays on our TVs and in our newspapers this month than will be offered in all the football bowl games combined. Yet the public mood might be better illustrated by the question Ronald Reagan asked of Americans in his 1980 presidential debate with Jimmy Carter: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” So much of the news coverage today is about how Americans are digging in their heels at any suggestion of sacrifice or cutbacks in government programs like Medicare and Social Security, yet we recall fondly, almost to the point of veneration, JFK’s “Ask not…” declaration of Jan. 20, 1961. Seven months earlier, Kennedy had said something similar in accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination for President. His “New Frontier,” he said, “…sums up not what I intend to offer the American People, but what I intend to ask of them.” But it was the idealistic “Ask not” line that was immediately recognized as eloquent and inspiring. For one thing, the contrast between JFK’s rhetorical skills and articulate nature and those of President Eisenhower was almost as striking then as similar contrasts between President Barack Obama and his predecessor are today. It is tempting to contrast Kennedy’s call to commitment with the criticism of bailouts, earmarks and government aid that is popular today until the cutting gets personal. “Are you better off today?” is more the theme than “Ask not.” Maybe the context is different. Kennedy’s “Ask not” was addressed to a nation in only the second decade of its Cold War against Russia and Communism and a nation where deprivation and economic hard times had been experienced by most voters. Reagan’s “Are you better off?” spoke to a generation used to good times. Also, in 1961, the enemy we were asked to rally against was tangible yet distant. Nowadays, the enemy — government deficits and government bureaucrats — is domestic yet somewhat nebulous. The answer to today’s crisis is not sacrifice, but voting the bums out of office — except, of course, for the local congressman who keeps bringing us new roads and maybe a dam or an airport so we get our share of the pie. Much easier to bask in the warm and patriotic memories of “Ask not what your country can do for you…” than to confront the demands of the day. CV
Herb Strentz is a retired administrator and professor in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication and writes occasional columns for Cityview. | 4,159 | 2,028 | 0.000521 |
warc | 201704 | I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “Camera’s don’t take pictures; people do.” Sure, that’s true, but you still need a camera to create a permanent record of your visual experiences. It’s also true that the more sophisticated the camera, the more creative control you can have over your photographs. However, all digital SLRs, from entry-level to high-end, share many features and functions. Some are obvious, and some happen behind the scenes.
Let’s take a look at some of the less frequently discussed features that can help you to get the most out of your digital SLR camera—as well as your creative experience.
1. Camera Care
Your digital camera is a precision piece of equipment, and it should be handled with tender, loving care. To ensure years of use (even though an updated model will probably be introduced every 18 months), here are some things to remember.
Never leave your camera around anything with a strong magnetic field, such as a television set, a loudspeaker at a rock concert or an electrical motor. Keeping clear of antennas that emit strong radio signals is a good idea, too. Strong magnetic fields and radio signals can damage image data.
Magnetic fields also can damage memory cards, as can static electricity. Airport X-rays, however, don’t damage digital cameras or memory cards.
High heat and severe cold can cause a camera malfunction. At very low temperatures, the LCD panels might not work, and you can run out of battery power quickly.
2. Be Sensitive To Your Image Sensor
When you clean the sensor, you’re not really cleaning the sensor, but rather the low-pass filter that covers it. When you clean this filter, use only products designed specifically for photo-sensor cleaning, and follow the instructions very carefully.
When I’ve shot in dusty conditions, such as when I was photographing the sand dunes in Namibia, I cleaned my sensor every night. Better safe than sorry is my motto.
3. A Shutter’s “Mileage”
Would you buy a used car without knowing the mileage? Of course not. When it comes to buying a used camera, it’s also important to know its “mileage,” that is, the approximate number of shutter activations it has been through. And if you’re buying a new camera and plan to take a ton of pictures, it’s important to know its estimated mileage, too.
For example, the Canon EOS 40D has an estimated 100,000 shutter activations. That may sound like more /images than you’ll ever take, but a sports photographer could take that many pictures in a year—or sooner. Higher-end digital SLR cameras have more durable shutters. The shutter in my Canon EOS-1D Mark III, which I used to photograph this series of whale tail photographs in Antarctica, has a life expectancy of about 300,000 activations.
Before you head out on the road with a new or used camera, check its mileage. Some cameras offer counters. For those that don’t, you have to rely on the previous owner’s honesty. And speaking of honesty, “driving conditions” also are a factor.
Don’t panic if you do plan to shoot hundreds of thousands of pictures. Shutter replacements cost between $250 and $500, which isn’t bad when you own a high-end digital SLR that cost more than $5,000.
4. Your Eyes Vs. Your Camera’s “Eye”
Our eyes are incredible light-sensitive devices. We can see a dynamic range of about 11 ƒ-stops. That’s why in a scene like this Mongolian landscape, I could see into the shadows, and the highlights in the bright clouds weren’t washed out.
Our digital camera sensors can “see” about five or six ƒ-stops. Therefore, it’s our job as photographers to work with that limitation to produce /images that look like the scenes we see—or at least look like we want them to look.
We can accomplish that goal by controlling the light and compressing the contrast range with reflectors, diffusers, flash and filters. Of course, we also can control the light in the digital darkroom.
The key is to realize that what we see with our eyes isn’t what the camera sees with its “eye.” Learning how to see the contrast range of a scene—and knowing how to compress it with accessories like diffusers, reflectors, filters and flash units, and how to control light in the digital darkroom—will make us better photographers.
In addition, seeing the light will help keep us from being disappointed when what we see in real life isn’t what we get on our camera’s LCD monitor, perhaps saving us from deleting outtakes that can be turned into keepers.
5. sRGB Vs. Adobe RGB And RAW Vs. sRAW
I’m a nut about capturing color—great color! In fact, when I’m out on location, as I was when I photographed this Masai woman in Kenya, I look for color and try my hardest to get good color in-camera.
One way to ensure the best color images is to set your camera to Adobe RGB color space. When you set your camera to the other color option, sRGB, you’re choosing a smaller color space, one with fewer colors. There’s an easy way to remember why sRGB has fewer colors: the “s” in sRGB stands for “smaller” color space.
That said, you might not notice the difference in the two color spaces unless you’re doing commercial work or making super-big prints of scenes with a superwide color and contrast range.
Let’s talk RAW. Some cameras offer both a RAW mode and an sRAW mode. When you shoot in
the sRAW mode, your file is much smaller than a RAW file, meaning that there’s less information in the file. For example, on my Canon EOS-1D Mark III, a RAW file is about 10 megapixels compared to the 2.5-mega-pixel sRAW file.
For me, RAW is the only way to go because I want the flexibility of having that extra data in the digital darkroom.
6. ƒ-stop Info
When I first became interested in photography in 1975, there was a popular expression about how to get a good, extremely sharp picture with great depth of field: “ƒ/22 and be there.” The idea was that if you set your lens at ƒ/22 and had a good subject, you’d have a good chance of getting a good shot with the maximum amount of depth of field.
With digital SLRs, shooting at small apertures like ƒ/22 might not always be the best idea because pictures may look a bit soft. Here’s why. The aperture blades have the potential to deflect and bend light as it passes by them and scatters it as it heads toward the digital image sensor, so at smaller apertures, this will be more of an issue. At fairly wide aperture settings, the vast majority of the light rays entering through the aperture are unaffected—only those on the outermost peripheries are impacted by the aperture blades. The wide opening means that nearly all the transmitted light continues on its way, sharply focused by the lens.
I hardly ever take a picture at ƒ/22, choosing ƒ/11 as my smallest ƒ-stop, as I did here when photographing the interior of a church in Peru.
7. Internal Filter Flare
When shooting into the sun with a digital SLR, the sun can reflect off the low-pass filter that’s over the image sensor, bouncing onto the rear element of the lens and creating a ghost image.
Usually, the ghost image appears on the opposite side of the frame. You can erase a ghost image using the Clone Stamp tool in Photoshop, but here’s another idea. Don’t shoot the subject as tight as you may like. That way, the ghost image may appear out of the final frame. When you crop the image, you’ll crop out the ghost image, which is what I did with this picture of a shipwreck off the coast of Namibia.
8. When Pixels Bloom
Here’s a fact about digital SLRs that I’d like to share so that you don’t freak out and think that something is wrong with your camera when you view a really big enlargement of a scene where very bright and very dark areas meet, as illustrated by this neon sign.
In this photograph, you see the light from the sign spilling over to the dark areas in the scene. That’s normal. That would happen even with film.
On a digital image sensor, where very dark and very light areas meet, the light from bright areas can spill over from the bright pixels to the dark pixels, creating a halo around those dark areas.
In digital photography terms, this is called blooming. You can’t see the blooming effect (different than the light-spilling-over effect) in this picture because it’s small on this page. When viewing an image like this on your monitor at 50% or less, you might not see the effect either. If you think there’s a chance of blooming in a picture, the first thing you should do is enlarge your picture to at least 200% on your monitor to check. Also keep in mind that when you increase the contrast and sharpness of the image, you increase the blooming effect.
Format your memory card. Compose a scene with lots of detail—trees and grass and foliage in a landscape, or a headshot of a person with a beard. Take five exposures with your ISO set at 400. Now check your camera to see how many exposures you have remaining. Note that number.
Now, format your memory card again. This time, compose a scene with few details—say a sky with clouds or a baby’s face. Take five exposures with your ISO set at 100. Now, check to see how many exposures you have remaining.
As you’ll see, you’ll have more remaining exposures after your few-details/low-ISO setting. That’s because the amount of information in a file affects its size, and files with more detail and more digital noise (which you get at higher ISO settings) are larger than files with fewer details and less noise.
Something else you should know about memory cards: Always format them in-camera and not with your computer. In-camera formatting sets up the memory card for that particular camera.
10. Firmware Updates
Your digital SLR comes with built-in firmware that sets many of the camera’s functions, such as autofocusing and metering. From time to time, camera manufacturers update the firmware, optimizing the performance of their cameras. You can easily download the firmware from the camera manufacturer’s website to your camera via the cable that comes with your camera.
To update the autofocusing on my Canon EOS-1D Mark III, I simply connected my camera to my computer and downloaded the new firmware on my camera. Now I get a higher percentage of sharp action photographs, such as this picture of my son and his friend playing lacrosse.
All digital SLR owners should check the manufacturer’s website regularly for these updates. They’re important.
On a side note, also check the website for your inkjet printer. New drivers are introduced occasionally that will make your printer perform at its best.
Rick Sammon’s latest book,
Rick Sammon’s Exploring the Light: Making the Very Best In-Camera Exposures, covers just about everything you need to know about digital SLRs. Visit www.ricksammon.com. | 11,202 | 4,862 | 0.000216 |
warc | 201704 | The Dublin 7 Housing Action hosted a meeting for the residents of Dublin 7 about the proposals for the re-development and future of O'Devaney Gardens.
Last month, Dublin City Council voted to allow plans for the re-development to proceed - half of the units will be either social or affordable housing, with half going to the private sector.
There was a good mix of the community in attendance, with about 40 local residents present.
Here are the top seven things we took away from the meeting...
1) A unified front is needed
There are a number of groups and residents associations within the Dublin 7 area that have concerns about the future of O'Devaney Gardens.
It was agreed by everyone in attendance at the meeting that all groups have to come together with a plan to get the progress they want.
2) Segregation is a concern
A real concern about the possibility of segregation within the finished development exists, due to the high number of private units that are proposed.
There are fears that those who are living in the social housing units will feel segregated from those in the private units.
3) O'Devaney Gardens is part of a wider problem
O'Devaney Gardens is just one example of a wider housing problem that is happening not only in Dublin, but throughout Ireland.
A need for regulation that units are only sold to owner-occupiers was raised, but it was said that the reality is that we'll continue to see empty private units.
4) Integration is possible
One woman at the meeting who lives in the Dublin 7 area and is from Vienna said how social housing is common in Austria.
The woman, who is facing eviction along with her child by the end of the year, said around 60% of housing throughout the city is social and is the norm.
5) O'Devaney Gardens could challenge the status quo
The re-development of O'Devaney Gardens is seen as an opportunity to challenge the current housing and re-development process throughout Dublin.
It was proposed to 'think outside of the box' and consider 'alternative' ideas for the re-development.
6) People from Dublin 7 are being forced out of the area
A number of people at the meeting had extended family members who could not afford to live in the Dublin 7 area.
One member of the Dublin 7 Housing Action who was from the Dublin 7 area was no longer living locally, due to 'gentrification' in the area.
7) The proposal would see a major increase on population in the local area
With the proposal of up to 600 units, there would be a major increase in the population of Dublin 7 if plans were approved.
There were concerns about the demand for facilities in the local area if such an increase occurred. | 2,676 | 1,208 | 0.000836 |
warc | 201704 | The Essence of 6 Alternative Treatments Explained
It’s no secret that the magical mantra for good physical and mental well-being is regular exercise and healthy diet.
When it comes to diet, plenty of raw veggies and fruits is what you need to lead a healthy life. Talking about exercise, all it takes to get fit is a balanced combination of resistance and interval training workouts.
However, if you have an existing ailment and are looking for medication, then it’s better that you start looking for alternative treatments instead of pills and injections as these can cause serious side effects in the long term.
What is Alternative medicine?
Alternative therapy is a term used to describe health treatments that are not widely used in Western countries. It includes various categories of treatments that range from activating pressure points to poking needles into the skin to diet changes.
Here are some of the most popular alternative (aka complementary) treatments widely trusted by people:
Acupressure
This is a type of treatment in which the specialist uses his/her hands, elbow and feet to massage the pressure points of the patient. According to acupressure, a person might fall sick when his/her meridians (that are responsible for carrying energy in the body) are defective. There could be blockages or imbalance in the meridians which cause sickness, body pain, and other problems.
Acupressure is believed to clear blockages and correct imbalances to enable a free flow of energy throughout the body and restore wellness of the person.
Studies have found that acupressure can clear nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy and even control stress and anxiety in people who are about to undergo surgical procedures.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a 3000-year old healing method introduced by the Chinese. In this type of treatment, the practitioner uses needles or electrical stimulation to stimulate specific pressure points in the patient’s body to cure a range of physical and emotional problems. It is widely considered one of the best treatments for arthritis. However, the actual benefits go far beyond just that.
Multiple clinical studies have proved that acupuncture offers an effective cure for anxiety, stress, depression, infertility, migraine headache, nausea, and musculoskeletal problems like neck pain, back pain, and leg pain. In recent years, a vast number of Americans have tried and benefited from Acupuncture treatment.
Aromatherapy
This type of alternative therapy uses essential oils (extracted from the roots, seeds, leaves, stems, flowers, and wooden barks) to restore balance and harmony of the body and mind. The oils are inhaled or massaged onto the body and in some rare cases, they’re fed orally.
Inhalation of essential oils is believed to stimulate brain function whereas the absorbed oils are believed to penetrate through the skin and enter the bloodstream to give a whole-body healing. Some oils are effective in curing infections and inflammation, and others help promote relaxation naturally.
Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy (also known as hydrotherapy) refers to the technique of treating diseases with mineral spring baths. According to this 400-year old therapy, water is considered to influence the condition of skin and using mineral water can help cure skin infections, pain, and swelling. Sometimes, douches, mud packs, and wraps are used to cure specific problems.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a form of complementary therapy that trains patients how to control critical physiological processes like blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, and muscle tension. Usually, these are involuntary actions that happen by themselves. Biofeedback helps monitor certain actions and generates feedback to help patients learn how they can manipulate their actions for better well-being.
Biofeedback is believed to offer an effective cure for problems like chronic pain, blood pressure, anxiety, headache, and urinary incontinence. In clinical sessions, electrodes are attached to the skin of the patient and their movements are measured by the specialist.
Chiropractic Adjustment
Studies reveal that chiropractic could be your newest antioxidant. Chiropractic adjustments offer a drug-free, surgery-free option to heal a range of physical problems. The treatment focuses on curing musculoskeletal and nervous problems such as back pain, neck pain, joint ache, and headache. However, the most popular application of chiropractic therapy is for ‘spinal manipulation’. It is believed that the spine is the central part of the body and any disorder in this area can lead to nervous system problems that can seriously affect long-term mobility. People who have undergone chiropractic adjustments have reported decreased body pain and improved physical functioning, so you might want to try this technique to cure your problems as well.
Looking for more alternative health solutions? Try Missi’s yoga pain relief program! Conclusion
The goal of alternative treatments is to improve physical and mental well-being through traditional approaches and without using harmful drugs or painful surgeries. Hope the ones mentioned in the post helped. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks!
About the Author: Joshna Joe is a blogger and a private tutor, sharing his experience in spheres of blogging, self-growth, and fitness, and diet. He writes for numerous blogs educating readers on the best ways to improve their health naturally.
Further Reading:
12Shares | 5,564 | 2,518 | 0.000402 |
warc | 201704 | The Leading eBooks Store Online 3,757,227 members ⚫ 1,221,934 ebooks
New to eBooks.com?Learn more
[X] Bestsellers - This Week Foreign Language Study Pets Bestsellers - Last 6 months Games Philosophy Archaeology Gardening Photography Architecture Graphic Books Poetry Art Health & Fitness Political Science Biography & Autobiography History Psychology & Psychiatry Body Mind & Spirit House & Home Reference Business & Economics Humor Religion Children's & Young Adult Fiction Juvenile Nonfiction Romance Computers Language Arts & Disciplines Science Crafts & Hobbies Law Science Fiction Current Events Literary Collections Self-Help Drama Literary Criticism Sex Education Literary Fiction Social Science The Environment Mathematics Sports & Recreation Family & Relationships Media Study Aids Fantasy Medical Technology Fiction Music Transportation Folklore & Mythology Nature Travel Food and Wine Performing Arts True Crime Foreign Language Books
Most popular at the top
Wiley 2017; US$ 99.00 US$ 85.80
Integrate critical roles to improve overall performance in complex engineering projects Integrating Program Management and Systems Engineering shows how organizations can become more effective, more efficient, and more responsive, and enjoy better performance outcomes. The discussion begins with an overview of key concepts, and details the challenges... more...
Taylor and Francis 2016; US$ 25.00
Project Performance Review focuses on evaluating projects efficiently and in context, identifying important improvement opportunities and leading project and organizational management practices. It advises how these can be put in place to give stakeholders confidence in the control and delivery of their projects without waste. The authors explain... more...
Business Expert Press 2016; US$ 19.95
In the recent past, computer programs have been used extensively to manage construction projects. It has become almost mandatory for construction managers and civil engineering students to learn how to use computer software to manage projects using computer software. Computer Support for Successful Project Management: Using MS Project 2016 with Construction... more...
Wiley 2016; US$ 21.95 US$ 19.02
Vor einem liegt nicht nur ein bislang un?berschaubares Projekt, sondern schon eine Ahnung hinsichtlich all der Probleme, die mit ihm einhergehen k?nnten: Wer kennt das nicht? Stanley Portny zeigt, wie Projektmanagement richtig funktioniert, wenn man wei?, worauf zu achten ist. Er erkl?rt, wie man Projekte richtig plant, durchf?hrt und kontrolliert,... more...
Wiley 2016; US$ 70.00 US$ 60.67
"This book is of the kind you always wanted but didn't think would or could ever exist: the universal field theory of problem solving." Tom Sommerlatte Typically today's tasks in management and consulting include project management, running workshops and strategic work - all complex activities, which require a multitude of skills and competencies.... more...
Business Expert Press 2016; US$ 19.95
Project management sophistication is the state of enterprise practices in which success of projects is predictable and that the definitive measure of project management success continually improves with time. Sophistication in project management will lead to efficiency in operations and better profits. Enlightened enterprises are sensitive to project... more...
Business Expert Press 2016; US$ 19.95
If stakeholders matter on projects, then they must make a difference to the way we plan, structure, and execute projects. This book provides a stakeholder-centric analysis of projects, and explains which engagement models are relevant to different types of projects?from simple office moves to IT enterprise changes, to transformational change of a business,... more...
Business Expert Press 2016; US$ 19.95
This book explores project management (PM) from a musical perspective. Music is a significant example of a nontraditional arena where PM is vital, yet it is only beginning to be seen as a vital tool. Therefore, this book will give an in depth and preeminent look at the PM processes and knowledge areas that are of utmost importance in many fields that... more...
Business Expert Press 2015; US$ 29.95
This book is intended to provide project management office (PMO) executives? practical information to promote enterprise Agile for business value compatibility within their organization. The primary benefit of this book is to promote a sense of common purpose and collaboration between the project delivery and the organization. Agile project delivery... more...
Business Expert Press 2016; US$ 29.95
Projects generally require skills and effort from multiple disciplines to develop project deliverables. Projects are executed in teams, as project tasks require multiple skills, judgment, and experience. Project teams roles should be assigned based on strengths of individuals. Project team process is a mediating mechanism linking variables such as... more... | 5,000 | 2,406 | 0.000418 |
warc | 201704 | Photo by Pavel Rahma by Associated Press
Working conditions in Bangladesh have been placed under scrutiny in the international media since last year’s tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse where thousands of people were killed or injured. Now a new report from Al Jazeera examines the origins of the luxury leather goods that make their way from Hazaribagh, Dhaka, one of the five most polluted places on the planet. This is the base for the 200 tanneries providing leather to top fashion houses in Europe and around the world where sales generate over one billion dollars. Yet cooperation between the government and factory owners to improve environmental standards leave something to be desired, says the report.
PREVIOUSLY ON ECOUTERRE: Are Bangladesh’s Toxic Leather Tanneries Killing Their Workers?
The leather industry in this region is huge: every year 14 million raw hides are processed into leather in Bangladesh, which is then exported around the globe to be used at top fashion houses – Italy is the largest importer of Bangladeshi goods which in 2013 have amounted to some $85m.
But the environmental implications are terrible, with the tanneries discharging around 21,000 cubic metres of toxic waste into gutters each day. These flow directly into Dhaka’s main river, causing insurmountable problems.
Who is responsible for such low environmental standards is up for debate. One tannery owner in Bangladesh, Mohammed Abu Taher, says that the owners are pressing the government to encourage cooperation on relocating the tanneries from Hazaribagh.
On the other hand, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said the government is committed to an environmentally-friendly tannery zone. However, little has been achieved due to disputes over who should take responsibility for the cost of moving. | 1,823 | 985 | 0.001031 |
warc | 201704 | Clogged pores are an indication that your skin is oily and has not been properly deep-cleaned and exfoliated. Pores filled with hardened oil, dead skin and other debris will cause the surface of your skin to feel rough and scaly. If you want to have a smoother skin texture, you will need to extract the debris from your pores and exfoliate your skin. Deep-cleaning clogged pores and treating scaly skin is something you can do at home.
Skill level: Moderate Other People Are Reading Things you need Oily skin cleanser Large metal bowl Towels 2 strips of cotton, 1 inch wide and 2 inches long Exfoliating facial mask Oily skin toner Cotton ball or pad Oily skin moisturiser
Show MoreHide
Instructions 1
Washing your face with a cleanser formulated for oily skin. After gently massaging the cleanser into your skin, thoroughly rinse it off with warm water. Blot your face dry.
2
Fill a large metal bowl with hot -- although not boiling -- water and place the bowl on a table. Sit in front of the bowl in a chair that will position you comfortably so that you can hold your face over the bowl.
3
Hold your wrist over the water to check the temperature of the steam, making sure that it's not too hot for steaming your face. If the steam does not feel too hot, position your face a comfortable distance away from the water and drape a towel over your head, to form a tent-like shape, so that the steam does not escape.
4
Steam your face for no more than 10 minutes. Reduce the amount of time if the steam becomes too hot for you. Steaming opens pores and helps loosen the debris inside them. Blot your face dry after you have finished steaming.
5
Wrap a strip of cotton around the tips of both of your forefingers.
6
Place one forefinger on one side of a clogged pore and the other forefinger on the other side of the pore. Press down and in to force the contents of the clogged pore out. Use this method to extract impurities from all of your clogged pores.
7
Rinse your face with warm water and blot it dry.
8
Apply an exfoliating mask and leave it on according to the product's instructions. Rinse off the mask with warm water and blot your face dry.
9
Wipe your face with a toner-moistened cotton ball or pad. Spread a thin film of moisturiser formulated for oily skin on your face while your skin is still damp.
Tips and warnings For professional results, have a licensed aesthetician treat your skin. Never continue to steam your face if you feel any discomfort or burning. Immediately remove any exfoliating product if it starts to burn or irritate your skin. Don't Miss 20 of the funniest online reviews ever 14 Biggest lies people tell in online dating sites Hilarious things Google thinks you're trying to search for | 2,746 | 1,318 | 0.000765 |
warc | 201704 | Citizens Band radios are available as handheld walkie-talkies or mountable units. There are several different ways to provide power to a CB radio, and the ideal method depends on the intended use. A handheld radio may use disposable batteries exclusively, while a radio mounted in a vehicle might connect to the vehicle's electrical system. Depending on the application, you can also switch between battery or external power.
Replaceable Batteries
Many handheld CB radios can operate using common replaceable batteries. A walkie-talkie style radio often has a compartment specifically for this purpose. The compartment typically holds several "AA" size alkaline batteries. The operation time of the CB radio is limited by the strength of these batteries, and continuous use can drain the batteries quickly.
A handheld CB radio can also use rechargeable batteries. Nickel-cadmium or lithium-ion batteries are available in common sizes, and can be used in place of alkaline batteries. Some CB walkie-talkies also include special rechargeable battery packs that can be recharged without being removed from the radio, which is more convenient for frequent charges.
Vehicle Power
Many CB radios are installed in cars and trucks, and use the vehicle's electrical system. Typically, the CB runs on 12-volt DC power, which is generated by the vehicle's alternator and stored in the vehicle's battery. This allows you to use the radio for long periods of time without draining the vehicle's battery. The radio may be directly wired to the car, or may use a cigarette lighter plug.
CB radios are commonly installed in a similar way as car stereos. One wire supplies the positive, or "hot," power feed, while another is used to ground the unit. Although it is possible to connect a CB directly to the vehicle's battery, manufacturers often recommend the use of a fuse between the battery and the unit. This prevents a short-circuit from damaging the vehicle or the radio.
Home Power
Some CB radios are designed to run on household power. These radios use a power adapter to convert home AC power to 12-volt DC electricity. A handheld radio may have a power jack for this purpose, which can run the unit and also charge a connected battery.
A vehicle CB radio can also run on home power even if it does not include an adapter. An optional power supply can convert home electricity into 12 volts, and feed this to a cigarette lighter power port. In this setup, the CB plugs into the power supply and operates the same as in a vehicle.
Power Considerations
A radio can become damaged if it receives improper power, so make sure use the correct voltage and amperage for your specific CB model -- you can find this information in the radio's instruction manual.
A CB that is wired to a vehicle's electrical system can sometimes experience "noise," or interference. This is caused by the other electrical components, such as the alternator, connected to a vehicle. If your CB experiences significant interference, a direct connection to the vehicle's battery may be a good option. To prevent damage caused from an overload, always use a fuse in this type of connection.
Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images | 3,217 | 1,460 | 0.000689 |
warc | 201704 | Warning: Illegal string offset 'keywords_time' in /home/elsecreto/www/www/blog/wp-content/plugins/internal_link_building-v-2-1/internal_link_building.phpon line 118
Most of us have seen, read or heard about The Secret and the Law of attraction, but how do you actually manifest or appeal to what you want?
We know that like attracts like, It really is about vibration levels also recognized as the circulation, every thing which includes ideas and feelings are just vibration
We also know the law of attraction is real, and actual fact, like the law of gravity
Being vibrating at the appropriate degree; this is when we experience beneficial or excited, as that is an indication that you are channelling the proper universal electrical power
The universe isn’t going to differentiate between goals, the only distinction is about your beliefs.
Manifesting car parking spaces is effortless simply because there’s not a lot at stake and it truly is less complicated to let go.
When it comes to cash or ones love existence the stakes are significantly larger and concern tightens our thoughts, but we ought to be aiming to let go just as we did for the vehicle parking spaces, that is the Important.
The law of attraction is about feeling what is good, and will not be necessarily rational, when you get that fired up experiencing in your stomach, which is you in your vibrational match or attracting/manifesting zone, that may be anything you wish to aim for.
Just enjoy being with your stream and factors just happen. The key thing is it really is seriously about what feels great for your requirements, that is your resonance, and that’s the place to become.
Your Feelings Are Your Guidance
You would like being feeling very good to manifest working with the law of attraction
Bear in mind that if that you are feeling out of balance using the situation then be careful not to stay in that circulate as you’ll give that vibe out, whatever you give out returns back to you, whether or not it’s good or negative
Maintain your attention on excellent things and ask your self what you can do about anything, or a thing that you are out of sync with.
All energy is fluid, so when talking about vibrating, it really is perfectly feasible to shift your own vitality, attempt to often remain inside second and in the now focus on this, It can be about what feels finest and in alignment for you suitable now
It’s about what feels beneficial for your requirements, this really is where your vibration or movement is, it isn’t going to matter what it is, your vibration is the way you communicate using the Universe.
Whenever you start some thing you’re drawn to it simply because of vibrational reasons it has power and you are drawn to this. Over time this electrical power may perhaps drop. The critical point would be to emphasis on what you loved/love about that, but most people get started doubting. You would like to preserve that in a loving experiencing. Ask what ideas you have. Ask everything you appreciate about it and focus on this is the vibration you desire to put out.
How would you’ve felt in case you had turned all of the beneficial stuff away? Everything you wish is within your vibration. Things only come for you once you are prepared for them, and in case you were not ready for them they wouldn’t come into your lifestyle.
Love Is the Highest Vibrational Vitality Within the Universal
Carry feelings as a sign and deal with them as they arise, and most importantly permit it. Concern or be anxious will make your electricity close up and it will push the opportunities apart. Putting pressure on on your own will make you tighten up. There is not just 1 chance you will discover lots of chances. Do not fear about things.
In that second feel ‘I know I am worrying’ and consciously distract and carry on your own away from the fear. Accept which you will not sense ideal and tend not to dwell on it. Receive your self gone from this. Be gentle with on your own, receive the pressure off and enable on your own to be by yourself. Trying to force factors will also carry you to a location of lack.
1 exercise you could do just about every day is feel of and write down five to ten factors that are beneficial about you, it is about you appreciating your self, and will enable you get into a positive flow
Daydream more usually sense how it would come to feel as if you might have what you want appropriate now. Step absent from what doesn’t really feel excellent. Daydreaming helps you receive into vibration after which see what you experience like doing. Will not feel you might have to do the ‘usual’ things, if that doesn’t make you sense beneficial. When you really feel like going for the supermarket then do that.
Know That Every thing You Desire Is Already Out There And DOES Exist
As an example, if you’re in search of a soul mate or a companion, consider what you would like from a companion. A person to have a laugh with. A person to talk about anything to, having lengthy conversations, somebody to assistance you and listen to you, an individual to share joy with, a companion.
The crucial thing is when individuals get started to feel of items that they want the vibrational implication is that it will not be here NOW. Keep in mind it really is previously there from the Universe and it previously exists on a deeper degree, you must assume this, you just need to manifest it into the physical by nurturing it.
How Do You Stop Damaging Thoughts?
Negativity is commonly triggered by thoughts, unconsciously. Make a note of the way you felt and what your views have been,get in tune with your thoughts, after which assume of or do a little something which is optimistic, like listening to music or thinking of a pleasant image or knowledge, get into the habit of flipping any negativity, feelings or emotions
It is possible to only knowledge and consider of every little thing from the now. Your vibration is in the NOW and This really is also the point of attraction making use of the legislation of attraction.What matters is how you really feel. You ought to feel a want with wish and bliss. You must not experience a want through a sense of lack. So recall the past along with the future is all relative, the vibration you place out is about now.
Internal Conflicts Or Unfavorable Feelings?
The body knows what it wants and how being well. It regenerates each and every cell approximately each and every seven years. Feelings disrupt and distort the circulation in the body.
The Universe can only deliver to you by means of the path of least resistance via your vibration
Trust your instincts on what’s correct, state the intention of a objective, note that your beliefs have to assistance this and target or assume of what you want. Make what you wish more familiar to you than something else, the Universe will then feed your vibration.
You must operate from the perspective of ASSUMING that the Universe will acquire care of Every little thing, you should emphasis on what exactly is most enjoyable and what you receive most energized about to get towards the correct vibration after which manifesting.
Your life will change, you’ll appeal to working with the law of attraction, you will probably be happy and men and women will start off to be nice for you.
To accelerate your attracting, get your two Totally free law of attraction MP3 audio’s, that can enable you get into movement with out resistance and get you into attracting what you want. Go to [http://manifestingwiththelawofattraction.com/] ManifestingWithTheLawOfAttraction | 7,705 | 3,465 | 0.000294 |
warc | 201704 | Bucksport receives $200,000 from EPA for use of old paper mill site January 11, 2017 by David Roza on Business, Environment, News BUCKSPORT — Bucksport became one of 19 communities across the country — and the only one in Maine — to receive a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Brownfields Area-Wide Planning (AWP) program on Thursday afternoon. The purpose of the $200,000 grant is to analyze the local and regional market for companies that are interested in buying land on the site of the former Verso paper mill. “This will allow us to build on what we’ve been doing,” said Bucksport’s Economic Development Director Rich Rotella. The town of Bucksport has partnered with the Hancock County Planning Commission, Bucksport NEXT, Bucksport Heart and Soul and the Eastern Maine Development Corp. (EMDC), which will take the lead on the market assessment efforts. “We’ll all be working together to do this analysis and find an equitable way to reuse the mill site,” said Vicki Rusbult, the director of Re-Engineering the Region & Planning at EMDC. When the mill shut down in 2014, its 500 employees lost their jobs and the town lost 40 percent of its tax base. New restaurants and businesses on Main Street and a steady stream of new residents in Bucksport indicate that the town is recovering smoothly. But the question of what will be done with the 400-acre mill site lingers. The Maine Maritime Academy has expressed interest in using 5 to 10 acres of the site for a training facility, and Rotella has fielded inquiries from a wide range of other potential buyers. However, many of those buyers are waiting for the mill demolition process to be completed. Rotella said that should be accomplished this May, though the site’s owners, AIM Development, plan on keeping the site’s smokestacks, conveyor belt and power plant. “There’s lots of room for multiple projects, which is great because you don’t want to put your eggs all in one basket,” Rotella said. “The future is with multiple industries in a space like that.” Rotella said those industries could be aquaculture or lumber or something else. The new grant should help the Town Council plan that out. “The market analysis is going to look at what are the industries and businesses in the region,” Rusbult said. “We’re trying to determine what would be the most suitable and profitable tenants that fit the picture. It may not make sense to bring in a business that relies on supply chains that don’t exist here.” The site is still a brownfield, meaning that, as a former industrial site, its future use could be affected by environmental contamination. To address that concern, Rusbult said that some of the money will be spent hiring an environmental consultant to help guide the redevelopment process and whatever cleanup of chemicals is left to do. She also said EMDC plans to keep an eye out for spots that could be used as potential parks. “The mill is close to downtown and the waterfront,” she said. “So can we use some green space to enhance the downtown area?” Initiated by the Obama administration, the grant is meant to empower economically and environmentally distressed areas, such as those affected by manufacturing plant closures. Rotella hopes that EMDC and Bucksport’s other partners will help make that a reality. “No one man or woman can do this,” he said. “It takes support for a community to become what it is.” Bio Latest Posts David Roza David grew up in Washington County, Maryland, has reported in Washington County, Oregon, and now covers news in Hancock County and Washington County, Maine for The American and Out & About. Latest posts by David Roza (see all) Hancock County residents prepare for Women’s March on Washington and Augusta - January 19, 2017 Bucksport’s economic development groups strive to work together - January 18, 2017 Brooksville students publish book of stories - January 15, 2017 | 4,094 | 1,967 | 0.000532 |
warc | 201704 | Welcome Parents!
Joining a values-based organization can be a great thing. National research projects, conducted by the Center of Advanced Social Research at the University of Missouri, provide data that supports the beneficial qualities of membership in a fraternity or sorority.
Students who join fraternities and sororities are 28% more likely to return to school the following year than students who choose not return. Following graduation, Greek-affiliated alumni often secure employment closely matching their career path due to alumni networking opportunities.
Here are some interesting facts about Fraternity & Sorority Life at Elon University:
There are more than 2,000 members in the 25 Greek-lettered organizations at Elon. Each Greek-lettered organization is a self-governing business. With the assistance of alumni advisors, students collectively budget, collect and expend more than $600,000 per year.
Fraternity and sorority members are involved in various areas of campus life including student employment. There are more than 200 leadership positions within the Greek community alone.
Cumulatively, the fraternity/sorority community at Elon raised and donated $200,000+ to charitable organizations during the past academic year.
16 out of 25 of our organizations have a chapter housing facility.
Questions Frequently Asked by Parents
What is my role as a parent? Encourage your student to get involved on campus before joining a Greek-lettered organization. Elon’s spring recruitment schedule allows students to find their place on campus before making a lifelong commitment to a fraternity or sorority. We offer a full semester for students to find a balance between their academic, student involvement and social priorities before deciding to add a Greek-lettered organization that may compliment their experience. Help your student compare their personal and family values to the values of each chapter. Greek-lettered organizations were founded to create better people through membership in values-based organizations. Understanding this is a key component to helping your student choose which organization to join. Be a consultant. Listen and learn about your student’s experience. Make suggestions and ask thought-provoking questions, but encourage your student to take the lead on their own decision making. Set expectations regarding membership before the recruitment/intake process begins. Discuss who will be responsible for financial obligations and consider discussing how your student will balance their time and how they might respond to peers’ influence. Be open minded. There is a lot of myth and legend surrounding fraternities and sororities. Know that your perception or fraternity/sorority experience will be somewhat different from the experience of your student. Greek-lettered organizations differ from campus to campus, as campus culture and climate impact the overall fraternity/sorority life experience of students. Listen and let your student make the choice that is right for them. Keep our office information handy. We are happy to help and committed to providing our students and their families with the best holistic learning experience possible. Get involved! Elon has many opportunitites for parents and family members to learn more about and contribute to the university. Visit the Parent Programs website for more information.
How can fraternity/sorority involvement help my student succeed academically?
One of the central purposes of fraternities and sororities is to promote academic excellence.
Each organization requires a minimum GPA to remain an active member of the chapter.
All chapters emphasize the value of academic success and will help their members achieve through scholarship programs, study halls, incentive programs and peer tutoring.
The Greek community consistently has a higher cumulative GPA than non-affiliated students.
Order of Omega, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and Rho Lambda are Greek Honors Societies that recognize outstanding fraternity men and sorority women for their leadership and academic achievements.
Are Greek-affiliated students involved on campus?
Greek-lettered organizations encourage members to expand and develop their leadership skills within their own organization as well as other campus groups.
Members of the fraternity/sorority community are represented in most campus groups including Elon University Ambassadors, Student Government Association, Orientation Leaders and many more.
As a member of a Greek-lettered organization, your student will have the opportunity to become involved in a variety of Greek-lettered organizations outside of his or her chapter including: House Captains, Pi Chis (Panhellenic Recruitment Counselors), Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council.
Do members participate in community service?
Every year our students give thousands of hours of service to the community.
Members donate time to help with projects such as Habitat for Humanity, reading to underprivileged children, Adopt-A-Highway and the Special Olympics.
Each fraternity and sorority chapter has its own national philanthropy, which it supports on an ongoing basis.
Chapters have special events to raise money for their particular projects.
For more information on our community service and philanthropy reports, click here.
Does being a member of a Greek-lettered organization have benefits after graduation?
In today's job market it is not only important what your student knows, but who your student knows.
When someone joins a fraternity or sorority, he/she not only becomes friends with the members of that chapter, but also begins building relationships with the families and friends of those members and alumni from all over the country.
By joining a Greek-lettered organization, a person can create an entire network of people, from which he/she may meet a future employer, spouse or lifelong friend.
Does it cost a lot join a fraternity or sorority?
Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial commitment.
Each chapter is self-supporting through dues paid by their members.
When students join a Greek-lettered organization, they also agree to pay dues and fees while in school to maintain membership.
Although chapters may make accommodations for special needs, students should discuss the financial obligations with their parent(s) before deciding to join. For more information, click here. For questions about recruitment, please visit our Recruitment FAQ page.
Please feel free to explore our site to learn more about our community. If you do not see the answer to your question, please feel free to contact our office at 336.278.7326. | 6,741 | 2,906 | 0.000347 |
warc | 201704 | Low Vitamin D Does Not Explain Poor Flu Vaccine Immunogenicity NEW ORLEANS, LA—Vitamin D deficiency does not explain poor influenza vaccine immunogenicity among HIV-infected adults or others, according to findings from a prospective cohort study reported at IDWeek 2016.
“Vitamin D deficiency was common among both HIV+ and HIV- adults, but lower levels did not predict antibody responses after H1N1 (2009) influenza vaccination,” reported Nancy Crum-Cianflone, MD, MPH, of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD, and coauthors.
“Low 25(OH)D levels do not explain the poorer post-influenza vaccination responses among HIV+ persons,” the authors reported.
Post-vaccination antibody responses are “often inadequate,” particularly among HIV+ individuals, the authors noted. Because vitamin D deficiency is common among HIV+ adults and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are associated with immune response, the authors assessed the association between 25(OH)D levels and monovalent influenza A (H1N1) vaccination responses among HIV+ and HIV- adults age 18–50 years during the 2009–2010 influenza season.
A total of 128 adult participants were enrolled in the study, half of whom were HIV+.
Participants' antibody titers were measured with humagluttination-inhibition assays at baseline, Day 28, and 6 months after vaccination, and serum 25(OH)D levels were evaluated at Day 28. Post-vaccination seroconversion associations with 25(OH)D levels were examined in univariate and multivariate regression analyses. 25(OH)D deficiency was defined as <20ng.
“HIV+ [participants] had a median CD4 count 580 cells/mm
3,” the authors reported. “Seroconversion at Day 28 post-vaccination was achieved in fewer HIV+ compared with HIV- participants (56% vs. 74%; P=0.03). Similarly, HIV+ persons had lower GMTs at Day 28 (269 vs. 80; P=0.003) and 6 months (113 vs. 20; P=0.0002) post-vaccination.”
Vitamin D deficiency was not statistically-significantly more prevalent among HIV+ than HIV-uninfected participants (25% vs. 17%;
P=0.39, n.s.), and no association was detected between 25(OH)D levels and antibody response at either Day 28 or 6 months after vaccination, among HIV+ or HIV-uninfected adults, the researchers reported.
“Further research is needed to improve vaccine immunogenicity especially among HIV+ persons,” the authors concluded. | 2,458 | 1,140 | 0.000909 |
warc | 201704 | Court Strikes Down FCC Ruling on Comcast Major blow for Federal Communications Commission's authority to regulate broadband services, raising major doubts about its current net neutrality proceedings.
A federal appeals court has struck down the Federal Communications Commission's order censuring Comcast for secretly blocking traffic on its network, dealing a major blow to the commission's regulatory authority over the Internet just as it sets out on implementing its ambitious 10-year broadband plan.
In a unanimous ruling, the three-judge panel held that the commission exceeded its so-called "ancillary authority," a term referring to a regulatory mandate implied -- but not expressly stated -- in statute.
"The commission may exercise this 'ancillary' authority only if it demonstrates that its action -- here barring Comcast from interfering with its customers' use of peer-to-peer networking applications -- is 'reasonably ancillary to the ... effective performance of its statutorily mandated responsibilities,'" Judge David Tatel wrote in the court's ruling, citing an earlier Circuit Court decision in a 2005 case. "The commission has failed to make that showing."
When Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and the FCC presented their oral arguments to the court in January, the judges seemed skeptical about the commission's assertion that it had the authority to enforce an Internet policy statement it had ratified in 2005. In the meantime, the FCC has initiated a proceeding to enshrine that policy statement as a set of binding rules and add specific provisions barring Internet service providers from discriminating against certain traffic and providing meaningful disclosures about how they manage their networks.
But with the ruling the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued on Tuesday, the FCC's authority to press forward with that proceeding or any other broadband-related issue is in serious doubt.
FCC spokeswoman Jen Howard declined to comment beyond a statement saying the commission is "firmly committed to promoting an open Internet," and that the ruling would not derail its work on the issue.
"Today's court decision invalidated the prior commission's approach to preserving an open Internet," Howard said. "But the court in no way disagreed with the importance of preserving a free and open Internet. Nor did it close the door to other methods for achieving this important end."
But what the court did say is that with broadband classified as a so-called Title I service under the Communications Act, the FCC does not have the authority to regulate ISPs in the same manner as telecommunications, or Title II, services, which are subjected to common carrier requirements and other regulations.
At the time of the oral-argument hearing in January, FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick made it clear how much was riding on the court's decision.
"If Comcast's most extreme argument were adopted by the D.C. Circuit, then we would have to either change fundamentally our regulatory approach, or look to the Supreme Court or Congress to restore that power," Schlick told
InternetNews.com on the eve of the hearing.
For Comcast, the court's ruling was obviously welcome news, though the company said it won't affect the way it manages its network.
"We are gratified by the court's decision today to vacate the previous FCC's order. Our primary goal was always to clear our name and reputation," Sena Fitzmaurice, Comcast's vice president of government communications, said in an e-mail to
InternetNews.com. "We have always been focused on serving our customers and delivering the quality open-Internet experience consumers want." | 3,672 | 1,761 | 0.000573 |
warc | 201704 | The flexibility the Common Agricultural Policy gives to member states has in some cases led to reduced environmental spending, leaving the EU’s flagship agricultural policy no greener than it was in 2014. Our partner Journal de l’Environnement reports.
“Greening” is the watchword of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2014-2020. After publishing highly critical studies on the first pillar of the CAP in late 2015 (direct payments to farmers, subsidising of agricultural production), the NGOs European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and BirdLife Europe have now turned their attention to the second pillar (rural development).
According to the NGOs, this pillar may be even less green than it was under the previous CAP, from 2007-2013. Based on their calculations, 44% of the funds for the second pillar of the 2014-2020 CAP (around 20% of the total CAP budget) are dedicated to measures encouraging biodiversity.
Yet nearly a third of these rural development subsidies, which come with no environmental or management requirements attached, go to areas of natural constraints (including mountainous regions), where they serve only to fund the intensification of agricultural practices, the NGOs stated in their study published on 8 February.
Of the 19 member states and regions of the EU analysed in the study, 14 had cut their financing for environmental measures under the second pillar of the CAP. “The quality of the measures was overstated in 79% of the cases” looked at by the report’s authors. Less than 17% of the EU’s agricultural land is subject to measures that contribute significantly to biodiversity.
And according to the NGOs, the environmental indicators are not encouraging. “Once-common farmland birds have decreased by 53% since 1980, and the European Environment Agency reports that over 80% of grasslands are in an unfavourable condition.”
Environment ignored in CAP negotiations
Contacted by the Journal de l’Environnement, Faustine Bas-Defossez, the EEB’s head of agricultural policy, said, “The negotiations were monopolised by certain actors: the Agriculture committee in the European Parliament, despite the fact that the Environment committee should have played a more important role, and the Agriculture Council in the Council of the UE.”
For Bas-Defossez, the new CAP’s green credentials “are not coherent with European environmental law”. The conditions of the first pillar are a prime example. “The negotiations ended up with the withdrawal of the Pesticides Directive and the Water Framework Directive,” she added.
As a result, “the CAP dismantles the ‘pollutor pays’ principle in favour of a ‘pollutor gets paid’ principle”.
For the environmental NGOs it is no surprise that the second pillar has turned out to be equally shaky: the ecological foundations of the first pillar, which was supposed to support it, were no more stable.
Of the three “greening” measures, the areas of high ecological interest, which are supposed to cover at least 5% of farms over 15 hectares, exist only in name: due to the flexibility offered by member states, none of the farms concerned has yet decided to ban the use of pesticides in these areas.
Some French farmers have even included maize monocultures in these areas, which are also entitled to “green payments”. | 3,444 | 1,621 | 0.000647 |
warc | 201704 | Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings that go from highs, or manic episodes, to the lows of depressive episodes. These symptoms are traditionally treated with medications and psychotherapy. However, staying involved in activities and pastimes you enjoy can be a rewarding way to improve the management of your condition.
Having regular activities scheduled into your week can provide structure and a sense of purpose, both of which can help you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder and keep manic and depressive episodes under control.
“There’s no broad-based answer to what activities are good for people with bipolar,” says Andrea Corn, PsyD, a psychologist in private practice in Lighthouse Point, Fla. She suggests choosing activities based on your personality and skill level, and that you find something you can enjoy on an ongoing basis.
Being Productive During a Manic Episode
When you’re manic and feeling go-go-go, you may do everything intensely and really push yourself to release energy. You may even gravitate toward risky activities. “You may want to choose things like sky diving or rock climbing, but you must have the skill level to enjoy yourself safely,” says Dr. Corn.
People often feel invincible and energized when in a manic phase, but it’s important to channel your excess energy appropriately. Rather than going to a casino to gamble or doing unplanned shopping, use your energy to accomplish tasks you didn’t have the drive for before. You could put family photos into albums, clean out your garage or basement, or start another personal project.
“The extra boost of energy will allow you to do it because you’re feeling so positive,” Corn says. “Say, ‘I can do this today. I can tackle that. I know I will feel great afterward because I can see what I’ve accomplished.’”
Getting Started With Exercise
Exercise can provide both a mental and a physical boost for people with bipolar disorder, especially aerobic exercise. Being active can help release built-up energy during highs and provide a positive boost to your physical energy and mental outlook when you’re going through a low period.
The best exercises to fight feelings of depression are those that are continuous and require you to stay focused — such as walking, swimming, or yoga — rather than those that stop and start, like tennis or baseball. These types of meditative exercises also relieve stress and help you relax.
To start, pick an activity that’s easily accessible, affordable, and doesn’t need a lot of equipment — like classes or swimming at your local Y — so there are fewer obstacles to participating regularly, Corn says.
Consistency is also important. Devoting even 20 minutes a day to an activity you enjoy will give you needed structure and allow you to see rewarding progress.
Here are some easy and energy-expending exercises with added mind-body benefits:
Walk your dog.You and your pup will both benefit. If you don’t have a dog, volunteer to take your neighbor’s dog for a walk. You’ll get regular exercise and fresh air, which can help improve your emotional outlook. Practice yoga.Yoga is a great way to help you feel relaxed and to reduce stress. Schedule classes on your calendar, and keep your commitment to yourself to attend. Take an aerobics class.Consider enrolling in a more intense class such as Pilates or Zumba. Exercise releases endorphins, “feel-good” hormones, and joining a class provides the benefits of interacting with others. Many people with bipolar disorder have trouble sleeping, and a more rigorous type of exercise during the day can help you sleep better at night. Unleashing Your Creativity
A manic period may spark your creativity, and the arts are a great way to channel the extra energy you’re experiencing in a positive way.
Be inspired by music.Whether you’re listening to a favorite musical genre or playing it yourself, music has profound therapy value on the psyche. If you’d like to play the piano, violin, or another instrument, consider taking lessons. Practicing at a set time every day and taking weekly lessons will add structure to your days, Corn says. Find your inner author.Writing poetry, prose, or even entries in a journal can be a healing art. Let go in a bound blank book and schedule a writing session every day, perhaps when you first wake up or before you go to sleep at night. Get crafty.Exploring arts and crafts is another way of exploring emotions. Painting and drawing, for instance, are great mediums for creative expression, but crafts such as origami, weaving, and knitting can also keep you busy and turn out projects you’ll be proud of. Grow a garden.Gardening requires a lot of time and energy, and it can be used as a constructive activity during manic phases. As your garden grows and your flowers bloom, you can take pride in what you have accomplished, and that feeling can boost your self-esteem and help you out of your depressive phase, Corn adds.
You can make any of these activities more enjoyable by asking a friend or a family member to participate with you. A buddy can motivate you to stick with your routine, especially if you’re feeling depressed, and help you feel less alone.
Increasing your activity level allows you to use up your energy in safe and healthy ways during a manic episode and will make you feel less tired and lethargic during depressive episodes. However, exercise and other activities will not be enough. It is important that you continue to take your medications as directed and that you talk to your doctor if you’re feeling as though you can’t control your mood swings. | 5,791 | 2,668 | 0.000388 |
warc | 201704 | Now I’m no nutritionist, nor do I play one on television, so I must admit that every so often I go out to eat and indulge in a lunch or dinner of fast food. I know that we’re all supposed to shop at Whole Foods or Wild Oats, and cook a healthy and nutritious homemade meal made from organic vegetables, low fat meats like fish and perhaps some Japanese side dishes like endamane (green soy) beans.
Grasshopper, this is the way of the triathlete!
However this is not the way of the modern Everyman Triathlete who has a job, family, dog, a tank full of fish, and mortgage. You know I really love to hate those cooking shows were the Chef prepares easy, light, and healthy meals that "we can all make in just a few short minutes."
I would love to make those meals. But first I’ll need a producer who will gather all the ingredients and put them in those beautiful glass bowls in the perfect amounts. Next a professional kitchen with studio lighting, and how about a team of interns to clean up my mess, feed the dog, change the fish filter, put away the dishes, clip the coupons and pick up the kids at school?
Oh by the way, the interns might as well fill up the car, get it washed and pick up my dry cleaning. Now I’m ready, in a Zen-like state, to cook that perfect healthy meal.
Jeez Louise, someone forgot to inform the producers that my kid will not eat fish, or any sort of bean, or for that matter anything that is green that is not called Sprite.
So gang, for the rest of us Everyman Triathletes who are occasionally forced to partake of fast food, I’ve put together a short list of workable alternatives to the hamburger and fries.
Please keep in mind that I really only have four simple rules when it comes to healthy happy meal fast foods:
1) It must be healthy. By healthy I mean a common sense “healthy” which in my book means that the meal uses mostly fresh ingredients, it is not fried or nuked or in anyway cooked in grease or unsaturated fats. 2) It must be truly fast food in so much that I can order it, get it, and eat it after a 4-mile run over my lunch period. 3) It must be cheap. This means that I can purchase it, get a drink and still get change from a ten-dollar bill. 4) It must taste good.
What’s the use of a tofu spinach salad that is perfectly balanced with all essential nutrients and vitamins if it tastes like paper and glue? I’m not a big believe in healthy meals just for the sake of healthy meals.
Sure you may feel like you are “doing the right thing” when you have one of these healthy meals, but sooner or later you’ll break down and snarf down five dozen chips ahoy cookies like a contestant on survivor, day 30. The meal has to taste good, and you must want it to the extant that you crave it.
So here’s my short list of Everyman Healthy Happy Meal Fast Foods:
You can order either a steak or chicken naked burrito at Qdoba and get it made your way. This means either grilled steak or chicken on a bed of rice and black beans with tomatoes, salsa, lettuce and your favorite hot sauce. To keep this meal truly healthy you have to walk away from the cheese, sour cream and tortia.
I’m not a big fan of any sodas so I tend to stick to unsweetened ice tea with a fresh wedge of lemon. The down side is that it colors your teeth, but the upside is no high fructose corn starch or funky sugar like chemicals. I also like to squeeze a couple of limes onto my naked burrito. I’m not sure that this makes it any better, but it sure feels healthy. All the limes you can squeeze are available by the soda machine.
Restaurant Chain: Noodles and CompanyMeal: Penne Rose
From the companies web site; “Spicy red pepper-flaked tomato cream and penne pasta tossed with white wine, mushroom, fresh spinach and roma tomato. Parmesan or feta cheese.”
Once again I would skip the cheese and order some grilled chicken instead. They now offer this meal as combo with a fresh salad and drink. Try it and I believe that you’ll not only like it, but you’ll feel good about eating it.
This Boulder based chain has some of the freshest food in the fast food world. Not only do I like many
of their meals, but they also serve a wide selections of healthy bottled drinks and waters that go beyond your usual soda machine
Most Whole Foods Markets have a tremendous salad bar with about every organic vegetable and salad you could ever imagine. Build your own perfect salad in about 3 minutes and take it to the express lane check out for a quick, healthy, and easy meal. I also love their fresh soups if you want to go the soup and salad combo route. My personal favorite is the Matza Ball Chicken soup with a fresh roll from the bakery.
Word of warning. While it is easy to eat healthy from their giant salad bar, it is just as easy to overdo it. I especially recall the young ladies from my freshman collage days who somehow still managed to put on that freshmen fifteen, even though they only grazed at the cafeteria salad bar. And that’s just it…avoid the temptation to graze by creating a salad pyramid of eggs, cheese, nuts and creamy salad dressing.
So I must admit that I have a guilty pleasure left over from a misspent childhood of fast food fare. But before I get to that I’m convinced that McDonalds offers only one truly healthy food item, besides bottled water, on their menu. This would be the fruit salad plate that if eaten without the sweetened nuts and sweetened yogurt-like white sauce, might actually be healthy as it has fresh grapes and apples slices.
But if you are like me and you must have a true fast food fix, I would recommend the All American Hamburger meal. You won’t find this on the menu, but almost all the restaurant server it as a left over from the times when you could get this meal for just $1.00 at MacDonlads. It is a hamburger, small fries and, small drink. Today it cost just over $2.00.
The good news is that if you stay away from the Soda and get unsweetened ice tea, this meal is only about 500 calories...give or take a few ketchup packets.
The bad news is that it is still 22 grams of fat that you’ll have to swim, bike, or run to remove from your body. But for just over $2.00, every few months, it is a guilty pleasure that I like to indulge as it leaves plenty of money for dog and fish food, as well as that monthly mortgage check that I still have to write. | 6,469 | 3,072 | 0.000333 |
warc | 201704 | Planet Trump
Tracking the Environmental Policies of the Trump Administration >>
Agency Charged with Drinking Water Safety Already Drowning, Mr. Trump
During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump pledged to residents of Flint, Mich., that the lead crisis that poisoned their drinking water “would have never happened if I were president.”
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible, through enforcement of the Safe Drinking Water Act, for making sure the nation’s drinking water is safe from lead and other contaminants. The EPA administrator is appointed by the president, so the buck ultimately stops with him. Without the EPA and the Safe Drinking Water Act, millions of Americans – including those in Rust Belt states like Michigan – could face drinking water crises in their own communities.
That point seems lost on the president-elect.
During an interview last year on Fox News Sunday, host Chris Wallace pressed Trump on his promise to cut the EPA. Trump replied that he would be “cutting spending,” not services, then went on to demean the agency and its efforts to protect public health.
Trump: "Environmental Protection, what they do is a disgrace. Every week they come out with new regulations. They're making it impossible –
Wallace: “Who's going to protect the environment?”
Trump: "They – we'll be fine with the environment. We can leave a little bit, but you can't destroy businesses."
However, “Trump dismantling the EPA wouldn’t save much money because the agency already spends so little,” according to a revealing report on Quartz. It details just how limited the EPA’s resources are, as the agency struggles to make sure the water our children drink and air they breathe is as safe as possible.
Trump promised to keep Americans safe. He can't do it if he cripples the capacity of the EPA to do its job. | 1,926 | 1,003 | 0.001046 |
warc | 201704 | With the startup seem booming due to a recovering economy and improving confidence about the future prospects of the business scenario in the country, it hardly a suprise to see a gamut of newly launched companies in almost every area imaginable. While the minds of the founders of each of these companies certainly do not lack any creativity or boldness, for they have dared to venture out on their own, sometimes a lack of previous experience can lead to nasty consequences, especially while dealing in areas related to compliance or law.
The reason behind this is while starting out any business, there are umpteenth number of rules and regulations that must be abided by, and if a business owner somehow messes up on any of them, the repurcussions can be significant, often leading to penalties or fines that can become the cause of a lot of troubles for the owner in the form of long legal battles and draining of cash that could have been utilized in the operations of the business instead. This is why it is advisable for startup owners to take the help of professional services that specialize in this field in order to prevent getting on the wrong side of the law.
While there are numerous companies that provide such services, Lighthouse risk services is one of the best in the business, helping out business owners with expert advice and assistance in order to prepare for any problem they face in respect of Health & Safety compliance as well as Employment law legislation. Most such services, as do theirs, include comprehensive packages for the same, having audits, risk assessment, training and consultation as a part of them so as to provide a complete solution. | 1,682 | 872 | 0.00115 |
warc | 201704 | Leading renewable energy solutions provider, VG Energy has launched an innovative biomass scheme to provide businesses with fully funded biomass boiler installations. The new scheme has been designed to help businesses significantly reduce their energy costs and improve their green credentials, with zero cost and risk to them. Under VG’s new scheme, businesses will receive a free commercial biomass boiler, including free installation, free maintenance and servicing for a period of 20 years. The incentive is especially beneficial for businesses who have high daily heating demands, are looking to save on their energy costs but do not want to spend the capital costs required or are finding it difficult to secure the required funding. Under the scheme, VG Energy will manage each stage of the project, from start to finish· Will perform a technical site survey to determine the best system to suit the business· Will work with businesses to finalise a suitable system design that meets the customers specific requirements· Will enter into a Lease agreement with the customer where VG will pay for the legal costs· Will supply and install a high quality commercial grade biomass system on the customers property· Will provide full staff training Staff and provide Operation Manuals· Will be responsible for repairs and will pay the servicing costs of the system VG’s Commercial Director, Nick Bowmar said: “ Heating represents the largest part of UK business energy bills, on average it equates to 55% of an organisations overall annual energy cost. Switching to a biomass system can therefore result in significant savings on heating, ranging from an impressive 30-70%, where properties are on oil or lpg. Customers are looking for alternative ways to cut heating bills. We are therefore delighted to introduce this new scheme and to provide a no cost, no risk incentive for businesses to switch to a cheaper wood fuel source. There is not catch. To allow us to provide a free Biomass Boiler, we claim the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) that is earned from the system to cover the cost of the equipment, the installation, and the costs of the servicing and maintenance for 20 years. The RHI was created to encourage businesses to switch to Biomass as a renewable, sustainable heating source, providing quarterly payments for 20 years for commercial applications.” VG’s biomass division specialise in the design, supply, installation and servicing of biomass boiler systems. With over 550 renewable technology products successfully completed since 2008, the company has earned one of the highest regarded reputations in the industry. VG Biomass currently delivers renewable energy projects to organisations in both the public and private sector spanning multiple industries and manages every stage of a biomass boiler project, from start to finish in-house.The company works in partnership with the world’s leading biomass boiler manufacturers, such as Heizomat, Viessmann and ETA boilers and offers customers a wide choice of boiler size options and prices. VG Energy has offices in Yorkshire, Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire For more information on VG’s Free Biomass Boiler scheme call 01563 829990 or email freeboiler@vgenergy.co.uk
1 Comment | 3,310 | 1,542 | 0.000662 |
warc | 201704 | In 2009-2010, the IFAD Office of Evaluation conducted an interim evaluation of the Vegetable Oil Development Project in Uganda.
This is a high-profile project because of the novelty of the public-private partnership, the extent of leveraged private-sector financing, the political controversies involved with the Oil Palm Subproject.
The evaluation found that the project has the potential to ensure the sustainability of both oil palm and oilseed production by farmers; however, a number of challenges remain, such as ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Kalangala Oil Palm Growers’ Trust, environmental and natural resources management, and the future of adaptive research in support of oilseed crops, in particular with regard to soil fertility
Read more on IFAD website:
Issue 74: March 2011
20 April 2011 | 829 | 513 | 0.001978 |
warc | 201704 | Cape Town - The National Assembly approved Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's Adjustments Appropriation Bill on Tuesday.
It was tabled with the medium-term budget policy statement on October 25. The adjustments budget provides for an additional R11.523bn in vote allocations for 2012/13. This includes roll-overs of R1.506bn, unforeseeable and unavoidable spending of R2.273bn, higher than expected personnel remuneration increase costs of R5.480bn, and self-financing spending of R440.1m. The water affairs department has the largest number of budgetary roll-overs, at R416m, with about a third of this amount allocated to addressing acid mine drainage. Another environmental issue, listed as an unforeseeable and unavoidable expense, is the R20m removal of the Seli 1 shipwreck from the Bloubergstrand beach in Cape Town. A total of R450m has to be allocated for refurbishing Mthatha Airport in the Eastern Cape, and R375m for environmental job creation projects in the Expanded Public Works Programme. Arms manufacturer Denel is allocated R118m for the seventh indemnity claim, under an indemnity agreement with the government, for the A400M aircraft contracts. Under self-financing, the transport department lists R297m it has collected from vehicle registration transaction fees, which it will use to maintain and upgrade the electronic National Transport Information System. A contingency reserve of R5.780bn was set aside in the February budget, as well as an unallocated amount of R30m. Savings of R3.021bn has been declared, a repayment of R500m is to be made into the National Revenue Fund, and a decrease in state debt costs is projected to be R593.6m. Over and above this, budget spending projections also indicate a possible R3.5bn in underspending. If this projection is fully realised, the revised total level of spending for 2012/13 will be R967.463bn, representing a decrease of R1.902bn in aggregate from the budget spending estimate of R969.365bn.
Follow Fin24 on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest. | 2,027 | 1,107 | 0.000905 |
warc | 201704 | The DTC is direct tax code, it is said to replace the existing Income Tax Act, 1961. The Government had announced its intention to introduce a revised and simplified Income tax Bill. If approved, the DTC shall come into force from April 1, 2012, and shall be applicable for the financial year 2012-13. The new tax code would be a vast improvement over I-T Act 1961. To moderate tax rate and simplify tax laws, all direct taxes including FBT and income tax would be brought under one code. The new code is aimed at eliminating the scope of litigation as far as possible.
Purpose Of DTC Integrate all direct tax laws with a single legislation Simplify the language Provide stability in direct tax rates Strengthen taxation provisions for international deals Minimize exemptions to result in a higher tax-GDP ratio Highlights of the Direct Tax Code Income tax exemption limit proposed at Rs. 2 lakh per annum, up from Rs. 1.6 lakh 10 per cent tax on annual income between Rs. 2-5 lakh, 20 per cent on between Rs. 5-10 lakh, 30 per cent for above Rs. 10 lakh Tax burden at highest level will come down by Rs. 41,040 annually Proposal to raise tax exemption for senior citizens to Rs. 2.5 lakh from Rs. 2.4 lakh currently Corporate tax to remain at 30 per cent but without surcharge and cess. The Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate has been increased from 18 to 20 per cent. Dividend distribution tax, tax on distributed profits of a domestic co will be 15 per cent Exemption for investment in approved funds and insurance schemes proposed at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually, against Rs.1.2 lakh currently. DTC removes most of the categories of exempted income. Equity Mutual Funds (ELSS), Term deposits, NSC (National Savings certificates), Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs), Long term infrastructures bonds, house loan principal repayment, stamp duty and registration fees on purchase of house property will loose tax benefits. Only half of Short-term capital gains will be taxed For incomes arising of House Property: Deductions for Rent and Maintenance would be reduced from 30% to 20% of the Gross Rent. Also all interest paid on house loan for a rented house is deductible from rent. Tax exemption on Education loan to continue. Tax exemption on LTA (leave travel allowance) is abolished. Taxation of Capital gains from property sale : For sale within one year, gain is to be added to taxable salary. Tax on dividends: Dividends will attract 5% tax. Medical reimbursement : Max limit for medical reimbursements has been increased to 50,000 per year from current 15,000 limit. New Tax Slab Proposed
Present Tax Slab Proposed Tax slab Rs. 0 to Rs. 1,60,000 : No tax Rs. 0 to Rs. 2,00,000 : No tax, Rs. 1,60,000 to Rs 5,00,000 : 10% Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs 5,00,000 : 10% Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 8,00,000 : 20% Rs. 5,00,000 to Rs. 10,00,000 : 20% Rs. 8,00,000 and above : 30% Rs. 10,00,000 and above : 30% Visit : http://www.finmin.nic.in/ | 2,922 | 1,446 | 0.000693 |
warc | 201704 | FLUORIDE ACTION NETWORK PESTICIDE PROJECT
Return to FAN's Pesticide Homepage
Return to PFOA Class Action Suit
Return to Newspaper articles and Documents related to this Class Action
C8 or C-8: PFOA is perfluorooctanoic acid and is sometimes called C8. It is a man-made chemical and does not occur naturally in the environment. The "PFOA" acronym is used to indicate not only perfluorooctanoic acid itself, but also its principal salts.
The DuPont site where APFO is used as a reaction aid is the Washington Works (Route 892, Washington, West Virginia 26181) located along the Ohio River approximately seven miles southwest of Parkersburg, West Virginia.
The Little Hocking Water Association well field is located in Ohio on the north side of the Ohio River immediately across from the Washington Works facility. Consumers of this drinking water have brought a Class Action suit against the Association and DuPont for the contamination of their drinking water with DuPont's APFO, which residents and media refer to as C8.
PFOA is used as a processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers to produce hundreds of items such as non-stick surfaces on cookware (TEFLON), protective finishes on carpets (SCOTCHGUARD, STAINMASTER), clothing (GORE-TEX), and the weather-resistant barrier sheeting used on homes under the exterior siding (TYVEK).
April 5 , 2003
The Columbus Dispatch
(Ohio)
DUPONT CHEMICAL SHOWING UP IN BLOOD OF CHILDREN, ADULTS EPA wants to regulate the compound found in many household items By Michael Hawthorne Blood in children and adults across the country contains a byproduct of chemicals used to keep dozens of household products and clothing clean and dry. Results of the blood tests are buried in an archive of industry studies at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is increasingly concerned about a family of chemicals used to manufacture some of the nation's most popular and widely used products.
The products are marketed as marvels of modern chemistry that repel stains on carpets and furniture, make water bead on raincoats and blue jeans and keep food from sticking to pots and packaging.
But after more than a half century of use without government regulation, manufacturers are trying to figure out how chemicals used to make them have built up in the blood of people as young as 2 and as old as 96. Federal regulators want answers after concluding last month that one of the chemicals, used by DuPont to make Teflon, might cause developmental and reproductive problems in girls and women of childbearing age. EPA scientists also are concerned about studies that link the DuPont chemical to a variety of other health problems, including cancer and liver damage in animals. "The fact that DuPont can't tell us where it's coming from means we should be suspect of every potential source, including Teflon,'' said Kristina Thayer, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research organization that is urging the government to ban the chemicals. DuPont says the chemicals are safe and are not dangerous to humans. At issue is a family of perfluorochemicals that break down in the body or the environment to a chemical called ammonium perfluorooctanoate, also known as C8 or PFOA. C8 doesn't break down and accumulates in human blood, according to industry studies. DuPont has used C8 since the early 1950s to manufacture Teflon. Chemical cousins of C8 are used in a variety of other coatings, known as fluoropolymers and fluorotelomers, that are designed to resist water, grease and stains. The EPA says more study is needed, but the agency is moving ahead with a process that could lead to the first government regulations of C8 and its chemical cousins. In a November briefing for the EPA, DuPont scientists told the agency that people might be exposed to the chemicals by ingesting them or absorbing them through the skin. Potential sources include clothing, carpets, cleaning products, food-wrap paper, medical fabric and paints, according to a company presentation. Details presented by DuPont during the briefing were removed from the EPA's public files after the company said the documents would reveal confidential business information. More studies are being conducted, but in a summary, the company said one of its concerns was that the products might break down as they age and suffer wear and tear. DuPont says nearly all of the C8 used to make Teflon is removed during the manufacturing process. About 3 percent remains in unnamed products made with Teflon by other companies, according to a June 2000 letter to the EPA from Gerald Kennedy, DuPont's chief toxicologist. Company officials stress that cookware sold under the Teflon brand does not contain C8. Three Canadian scientists came to a different conclusion in a study published in July 2001 in the scientific journal Nature. The study identified C8 as one of the chemicals released when fluoropolymers, such as Teflon, decompose as they are repeatedly heated. The study is among several documents that the Environmental Working Group has posted on a Web site (www.ewg.org/reports/pfcworld) that advises people to avoid products containing perfluorochemicals. DuPont says the group's concerns are unfounded. Though C8 builds up in blood, the company says its research shows the chemical is not dangerous to humans. DuPont has created its own Web site (www.c8inform.com) that says the chemical is safe. "PFOA (C8) has been wrongfully represented as a health risk when, in fact, it has been used safely for more than 50 years with no known adverse effects to human health,'' said Richard J. Angiullo, vice president and general manager of DuPont's fluoroproducts division. Company documents show that DuPont officials have been concerned for years about animal tests that link C8 to health problems. In a 1997 summary of test results, DuPont said company scientists still didn't understand how C8 caused cancer in animals, "and therefore relevance to humans cannot be completely ruled out.'' C8 and related chemicals were widely used for decades without drawing attention from federal regulators. That changed in the late 1990s after 3M, once the leading manufacturer of the chemicals, informed the EPA that its own tests had detected them in blood samples collected from around the country, and in foods such as apples, bread, green beans and ground beef. Regulators initially were concerned about a compound that 3M used in its line of Scotchgard stain repellants. The EPA shifted its focus to C8 after 3M announced in May 2000 that it would stop making all perfluorochemicals, citing their persistence in the environment. DuPont once relied upon 3M for nearly all of the C8 used to manufacture Teflon and related coatings at its Washington Works plant west of Parkersburg, W.Va. DuPont now makes the chemical in Fayetteville, N.C. The Dispatch reported in February that DuPont has known since the early 1980s that C8 has contaminated public drinking water in communities near the Washington Works plant. Ohioans didn't know until last year that they were being exposed to the chemical through water and air. EPA scientists are concerned about three studies conducted by 3M last year that found both the Scotchgard compound and the Teflon compound in human blood across the nation. 3M's studies relied upon blood drawn from children ages 2 to 12 in 23 states, including Ohio; and the District of Columbia; adult blood donors in Boston, Charlotte, Hagerstown, Md., Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Portland, Ore.; and senior citizens in Seattle. Average levels of C8 detected in all three studies were between 4 parts per billion and 5 parts per billion. The highest levels of C8 (56.1 parts per billion) were found in children, leading 3M researchers to speculate that children are exposed more frequently because they play on carpets treated with stain repellants. "We're still not sure how it's getting into people's blood,'' said Rick Renner, a 3M spokesman. None of the industry studies filed with the EPA identifies specific products made with the chemicals. However, a manual for researchers hired by 3M instructs them to prevent contamination of field samples by avoiding use of products -- including some packaging -- that contain perfluorochemicals. Examples in the manual include new clothing, water-resistant clothing, microwave popcorn, fast food, chicken sandwiches, french fries, pizza, bakery items, beverages, candy, cookies and candy bars. mhawthorne@dispatch.com | 8,542 | 3,950 | 0.000254 |
warc | 201704 | In May, the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) held its annual meeting in Ottawa and discussed a variety of topics ranging from the production of organic foods and quantitative ingredient declarations to advertising and the labeling of genetically modified (GM) foods.
The CCFL is one of approximately 20 committees of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, charged with developing international standards to promote fair trade in food products and consumer protection.
As with other Codex committees, the committee on labeling often finds itself wrestling with difficult issues on which member countries disagree. This year's meeting was no different, with members sharply disagreeing on the labeling of genetically modified foods, country of origin labeling and whether Codex should define the term "advertising."
The reason behind these sharp disagreements is clear. Codex standards play a role in the resolution of trade disputes. The World Trade Organization's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures references the standards developed by Codex. Many believe WTO member countries can effectively defend any trade-restrictive food regulations on grounds they are consistent with the Codex standards.
This situation has significantly raised the stakes at Codex meetings. One can imagine meetings 20 years ago featured genteel discussions among food scientists about the composition of jam. Today, the meetings are attended by trade policy experts and lawyers as well as food regulators.
Many countries try to lay groundwork at Codex that may be useful in defending any future challenges to trade barriers. Thus, it is difficult to reach consensus on certain issues simply because the national delegations have staked out their positions with an eye toward the resolution of trade disputes. This has oddly transformed some discussions at Codex committee meetings into something that resembles pre-litigation posturing.
In the case of GM labeling, many countries insist Codex continue discussing the issue even though no consensus seems possible. This is true even though no member country is truly looking to Codex for guidance on the issue. All or virtually all member countries have already established their own national laws and policies in this area.
Against this backdrop, it's worth asking whether the conventional wisdom is correct. Do Codex standards truly operate as a safe harbor in trade disputes? Most seem to believe the answer is yes. It is worth noting, however, the fundamental obligation imposed on WTO member countries under the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures is that their regulatory requirements be based on scientific principles.
Codex food standards should be relevant to the extent they are, in fact, grounded in science and reflect an international consensus. However, whenever Codex makes policy decisions that are not based on science, these decisions should carry less weight at the WTO.
Many of the issues Codex addresses are not purely scientific in nature. For example, the contentious issue of labeling GM foods includes consideration of (1) the precise meaning of "genetically modified" for this purpose; (2) whether GM foods are materially different from other foods; and (3) whether, in any event, the consumer has a "right to know" about the presence of GM-derived ingredients in a food.
Only the first two are scientific considerations. The third is purely a policy question, and one on which Codex member countries sharply disagree. In this third category, the WTO can and should scrutinize any aspects of Codex standards that may have been planted there to provide cover for a questionable trade barrier.
At present, the U.S. and other Codex member countries correctly treat the Codex standards-setting process as very important. No one seems to have yet adopted my view that Codex pronouncements that are not scientific in nature should receive more scrutiny at the WTO.
This means Codex member countries must be extremely vigilant. No member country can afford to miss a Codex committee meeting or decline to participate in a working group trying to resolve a contentious issue. In the case of GM labeling, this means the U.S. and many other countries will send a delegation to Norway in January 2007, to attend yet another working group meeting with very little chance that a longstanding, entrenched disagreement will change.
About the Author www.khlaw.com. David Joy is a partner at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Keller and Heckman LLP. He specializes in food and drug law with emphasis on the domestic and international regulation of food, food additives, food labeling, antimicrobial pesticides, and medical devices. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry. For more information about Keller and Heckman, visit the firm's web site at | 4,883 | 2,241 | 0.000448 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.